InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ The Trial Concludes ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter Seventeen:

The Trial Concludes

 

Kagome held on to InuYasha's neck as he bounded through the forest at lightning speed. The wind felt good in her hair. She closed her eyes and let the world rush by her. It felt good to be out, to be free, even for a moment. She sighed and held on tighter to his neck, almost like an embrace. She just suddenly needed that small comfort.

Of having someone that didn't want to do her any harm, it was a welcomed change to the males she had had to deal with in the past week.

InuYasha was a bit rude, his vocabulary severely lacking, but he was kind in a gruff, `I'm a tough guy' sort of way. And very easy to read; which was surprising because she would have thought that, being Sesshomaru's brother, he'd be as unpredictable as the Western lord himself.

The differences between the two males were significant. They were polar opposites.

InuYasha did not carry around that polished, royal demeanor. He just…was.

Nor did he radiate a dangerous aura. No carefully controlled beast lay behind amber eyes, nor did he seem condescending to her. He treated her like a regular a person. It was…..refreshing. She felt comfortable with him in way she had not felt with anyone else.

Not even Miroku.

Even Miroku had to treat her with honor and respect, formal on many occasions. It saddened her at times that she could not be herself, that her title would forever block who she really was to a lot of people.

InuYasha was different, and not just in comparison with his elder brother.

He didn't care about her title, or that she was a woman, something she had never come across in a male. Kagome smiled, he would be her new friend.

 

Cheeks stained as red as his clothing, InuYasha focused his mind on running, instead of the soft body curved around his back, soft thighs resting on his hips, he could feel the heat of her pussy through his robes, feel the weight of her breast against his back.

It was enough to make his mouth water.

Kami, what the hell had he gotten himself into?

This woman.

There was more to her, she drew males to her. The need to mate was stronger than it had ever been inside of him. He didn't understand what magic she weaved around him. And surprisingly to him, he didn't care. She could weave to her heart's content.

No skin off his nose.

But still, he needed some space from her before she realized the effect her body was having on him.

Seeing a river below, InuYasha leapt once more, seemingly suspended in air, before slowly drifting down to the ground, landing neatly on the forest floor. The area was beautiful. Green grass made up most of the small area, soft and healthy, trees towered around, providing shade, and big leaves that ruffled softly with each slight breeze. It was quiet and peaceful.

He had to resist the urge to shiver when she slid down his back. He felt every curve in her body, every dip and crevice and it turned him on.

He cleared his throat.

"This um, I thought uh, that we could, ya know, rest here for a while? I have some food if you're hungry that is."

She turned to him, big brown eyes twinkling, dark hair gleaming, smile turned up bright, bringing one word to his mind.

Beautiful…..

He blushed.

Her smile turned curious. Probably wondering what the fuck he was blushing for.

"Sure InuYasha, we can rest here."

Nodding, he sat down at the river's edge, watching from his peripherals as she knelt down a few feet away and cupped her hands in the water, running her wet hands over face and neck. InuYasha gulped as a trail of water trickled down into the opening of her kimono. He could almost imagine those beads of water, blazing a trial in between those plump tits.

Fuck.

Adjusting the front of his hakama he concentrated on the river. Watching it run downstream.

"So tell me, why did you save me?"

Looking up at the sound of her voice, he said," Fluffy and I don't exactly get along."

His heart sped up at her soft giggle at the nickname he used for Sesshomaru and found himself smiling at the lovely sound. He was grateful when she nodded instead of prying. He wasn't sure he wanted to bring up the ugly past. As much as he didn't want it to, it bothered him more than he could say that his brother hated him for just having been born. That was something he could never imagine himself admitting.

To anyone.

"Aren't you afraid of the consequences of rescuing me?"

Snorting indignantly, he leaned back against the base of a nearby tree, arms behind his head.

"Fuck no. Like I could give a shit,"

Kagome looked unconvinced but said nothing.

"So what about you? How'd you end up in this situation?"

She sighed tiredly and moved into a sitting position. She lifted her kimono, dipping her legs into the water, she leaned back on her arms and closed her eyes. Amber eyes roamed her body, stopping at the out thrust breasts, naughty thoughts running top speed through his head.

That damn blush returned.

"I was born a woman," she said.

InuYasha had to scramble to remember what he had asked.

Switching gears inside his head from perverted to intent listener, he asked, "What the hell you mean 'I was born a woman.' The hell is that supposed to mean?"

She opened her eyes and turned to him.

"This time in which we live in looks down on women. We are seen as inferior, less intelligent than males, not fit to be in a position of power,” she explained softly, “I kept my identity a secret because I know the way of the world. The unfair treatment of women, I knew that if it was known that I was in charge the Northern lands that they'd find a way to take them away from me. Though I have not broken any laws, I have broken the most important one. The unspoken one; females are beneath males and should never be in a place of power."

She looked up at the sky, a sad expression on her beautiful face.

"The burden of being a woman, it is unbearable at times,"

The expression, the sad words, they tugged at his heart. He had no idea what it was like to be a woman. To carry such a burden as the one she carried; nor would he ever know.

But he could relate.

Though he was the brother of the great Lord Sesshomaru, and the son of the even greater InuTaisho, he still bore the condemnation of both humans and youkai, unable to belong fully to either side. He knew the pain and anguish of being rejected for no reason other than ones birth.

They both had that in common.

Being born in a world illogical, snobs with too much time, too much money and not enough common sense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her breathing was ragged, her chest painfully heaving as she struggled to pull air into her lungs. Legs shaking, she stumbled through the forest.

She felt like shit!

Head spinning, body aching worse than it ever had in her entire life, Kagura dazedly stumbled forward, heading towards what she thought was the extended hut Naraku waited in. The forest looked different though. She remembered not, tall trees and peaceful breezes, none of it was familiar. The small house she stayed in with Naraku had no such things as she was seeing.

Every living thing around the little house seemed to die. The surrounding woods were decaying and gray. Naked trees, not a leaf to be had, the grass was crisp and dry, even the air seemed suffocating.

This could not be the way home.

She was so confused; couldn't tell which way she should go, or if she was even going the right way. All she knew was that she had to go. Had to get back to Naraku or face a fate worse than death.

Naraku had many ways of torturing her, and she didn't think she could take it.

It was just too much for one person to endure. She wanted to die, to leave this world of pain she lived in. And yet, she wanted to be strong, didn't want to break. Didn't want to let Naraku and Vishious break her. She wouldn't die until she had seen at least one of them dead in the most horrible way possible.

Blurring….her vision was blurring.

Fading in and out.

She couldn't make out the area around her. Trees morphed into tall shadows, and the edges of her vision began to darken.

Her head felt as though it would explode.

Wanting to sit down, to rest, but knowing she could not, Kagura forced her body to continue on.

She could hear voices.

A giggle from a soft angelic voice. A woman. Then a masculine voice entered her ears. A short response from the masculine voice sent the feminine voice into another round giggles. Then the angelic voice again. Kagura moved towards that voice, finding strength to keep moving.

Unfortunately for her, her worn out body could no longer hold her upright.

Hearing a surprised gasp, Kagura fell to the floor, her body relaxing as the ground welcomed her tired body. The grass was soft and fresh, a gentle breeze ruffled her dark hair. This was nice, being able to relax and not have to worry, if only for a short time.

Her eyes closed.

Someone was speaking, saying something she couldn't make out.

A cool hand touched her forehead, and her eyes opened. Blazing brown eyes and black hair filled her vision. She was beautiful, this woman, an angel. She looked like an angel. She could feel the pain receding and a warm healing sensation flooded her body.

It was nothing she'd ever felt before, soft, and warm and wonderful.

She felt at peace, safe even.

`Who is this angel of mercy?' She wondered dazedly as she drifted into unconsciousness.

"She'll be okay. Her wounds are healed, she's just exhausted. A few days of rest will do her some good." Kagome commented as she finished healing the fallen woman.

Kagome had not seen such horrible wounds on a woman before. A woman being tortured was not unheard of, certainly, but to this extent, rare at least in Kagome's experience. Things like this were rare in the Northern lands.

Who would do this to a woman?

What kind of monster would hurt a female in such a way?

InuYasha looked equally confused and angry about the situation.

"Who would do this to her?" Kagome asked, voicing the question that ran, not only through her mind but also, she was sure, through his.

"I don't know, but when I find out who that bastard is, he's dead!” InuYasha declared, smashing fist against palm for emphasis, “What the hell kinda guy would do some sick crap like this? He ain't no man, fucking pussy, I'll kill him!"

While Kagome agreed that such a male should be punished, she didn't know if killing him was the right way to go. Besides, they didn't know if it was a male and where he or she was.

They'd have to wait and question the woman when she awoke.

"We'd better get her back to the castle."

"Indeed,"

Her blood ran cold at the masculine voice that uttered that word, for it had not come from InuYasha's lips. Cool, controlled rage blasted her from behind. She knew the male it came from and she nearly fainted. For the first time in a long time, she felt fear.

Pure unadulterated fear her.

She turned, coming quickly to her feet.

Sesshomaru stood a few feet away from them, while his face was completely composed his eyes blazed with fury. It crashed over her, making her feel scared and guilty. Why she should feel guilty, she had no idea. She certainly had nothing to feel guilty about.

Suddenly InuYasha was in front of her, taking up a defensive stance.

"Back off Fluffy!"

At that statement, Kagome closed her eyes.

`Wrong thing to say InuYasha,' she thought to herself.

She'd scarcely gotten the thought out before Sesshomaru moved, a mere blur of white silk and silver hair. Kagome winced as the sound of bone crashing against bone as Sesshomaru drove his fist into InuYasha's jaw, breaking it, the momentum sending him flying into a strong oak tree, snapping the tree in two like a stick.

Kagome was shocked.

She'd never witnessed such violence before, sure the soldiers rough housed with each other from time to time, and of course there was a bit of violence when they trained , but never had it been so explosive and excessive!

"InuYasha! Are you alright?"

Shocked, she hurried to the fallen youth.

A hand grabbed her by the hair, stopping her in her tracks. The grip tight and painful, bringing tears to her eyes as her head was jerked back. She looked up in angry confusion, and locked with furious amber eyes.

A cruel smile touched his lips as he asked, "Where do you think to go, female?"

Kagome was too afraid to answer the softly uttered question.

He was furious.

Never had he felt such rage.

He, Lord Yamiko, Lord Sarinji and the elder's had waited to continue the trial while General Haku had gone to retrieve the prisoner, only to have the flushed demon return, empty handed. Sesshomaru had excused himself to question the General. The information he had been given had almost set free his inner beast.

His woman had escaped from her temporary prison.

But she had not done so alone. InuYasha's scent had lingered all over her empty cell, and so far, the hanyou's whereabouts had yet to be accounted for.

His General had been embarrassed as Sesshomaru questioned him merciless, squirming under his Lord's displeasure. Composed, but radiating a dangerous energy, Sesshomaru had gone back inside, and, standing before the royal court, explained the situation as well as added the additional charge of escape to Kagome's growing list of offenses.

As well as postponed the trial until the morrow.

Same time.

He waited for anyone to voice an objection, but none dare do so. After waiting no more than a few moments, he'd stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him. Picking up the scent of the half-breed immediately; Sesshomaru tracked the scent from the dungeon up to the main castle, through the winding halls and stairs, and out the door to the forest behind the castle.

A few minutes of traveling, he caught her scent, mingled with the hanyou's scent, and his eyes had flashed crimson a moment.

'She would dare be alone with another male?'

Sesshomaru could not censor his outrage, nor did he try.

'She will be punished, as will the half-breed.'

Jagged magenta stripes stood in stark relief beneath blazing amber eyes, the surrounding white fading to crimson.

As he came upon them, he saw that the two were kneeling around a woman he did not know, she looked to be healing from some serious injuries. He cared not who she was, or why she was there, his eyes locked on to his dark-haired woman, furious agitation prominent in each step that brought his closer to the trio.

"We'd better get her back to the castle," she'd said.

"Indeed," he'd answered.

Now, he stared down at her, his fist full of her thick, curly black hair. Pleasure coursing through him at the violent outburst that had taken down his half brother, cracking the half-breed's jaw had reduced some of his fury.

"Where do you think to go?" he asked softly.

His eyes narrowed, nose scrunching in distaste.

'She reeks of the half-breed,'

Small pale hands went to his, trying to pry his hand from her hair. Miko energy crackled, burning his skin.

He ignored it.

"Let me go!" she cried in outrage.

"Nay, I think not,” he hissed between clenched fangs, “Clearly, you cannot be trusted, female. I shall see to it that you are not given the opportunity attempt escape again,"

He dragged her along the forest, hand still clenched in her hair.

"Let me go! Stop it! STOP!" she cried in outraged fury.

Resisting, she planted her feet firmly onto the floor, stopping him from continuing, least he pull her head off.

He jerked her towards him, bringing her face to face with him.

"Do no test me woman!" he roared

The heat in which he bellowed stopped her struggles instantly. The scent of her fear pleasing to his senses.

Once more, he made his way back to the castle, Kagome in tow. Satisfaction rushed through him as she blushed in embarrassment as he entered the castle, walking past gawking bystanders. When he tried to drag her down into the dungeon, she began to struggle in earnest, and he stopped, slamming the dungeon door closed behind them and letting go of her hair in favor of grabbing hold of her upper arm.

She struck out at him with her other hand, her fist connecting with his jaw in absolute fury, trying to hurt him as much as he was hurting her.

The glancing blow receiving little notice.

He calmly grabbed her wrists and pushed her against the wall. She yelled at him, calling him names she had heard the soldiers call each other, kicking at his legs and shins

He leaned down and captured her lips in a heated kiss.

Angry, she bit him hard, pulling at his silver locks.

He snarled against her lips, thrusting his tongue between her clenched teeth. Kagome melted; anger turned to lust in an instant as she returned his kiss with fervor.

Sesshomaru kissed her breathless.

Eyes closed, cheeks stained red, panting softly, she painted a sensual picture.

Releasing her lips, he leaned down to her ear and nuzzled her neck, licking slowly up her neck to nip at her ear.

"When this trial is over, you and your lands will belong to me,”he whispered heatedly against her ear.

She shivered but looked up at him, eyes blazing.

"Never," she hissed, angry at him and angry at her self for the kiss.

He smirked, an arrogant, self-assured up turn of his lips.

"You will submit to me, woman. There is no other choice for you."

He cupped her breast, and she gasped. She clenched her teeth against the pleasure coursing through her, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing the desire that clenched her gut.

"You're body aches for me, female. This you cannot deny," he informed, pinching her nipples through the thin fabric.

Kagome swallowed a groan, turning her head away. The shock of his warm lips against her throat played havoc with her resolve. A groan made it past her tightly pressed lips as he twisted her nipples, his deadly fangs nipping softly, almost playfully, against her skin.

The effect was intoxicating

Sesshomaru growled against the soft skin.

Gods he wanted this woman.

This trial could not be over soon enough. When it was, she would be his. His to command, his to dominate. Releasing her nipples, he cupped her ass hard, pulling her against his hard length, growling in satisfaction as the heat of her pussy blazed through his hakama.

She wanted him, her resistance not withstanding

When she moaned and rubbed herself against him, he snapped. Gripping her defiant chin he, devoured her lips, bending her backwards with the force of his desire.

Again he pressed his tongue through her lips to sweep her mouth.

Kagome bit down hard on his tongue.

The warm taste of blood filled her mouth and she felt a stab of triumph when he released her lips with a growl of pain and anger. She gulped in a breath, chest heaving, her brown eyes a bit glazed over.

He glared at her, amber eyes blazing as blood dripped down the corner of his mouth.

“Serves you right,” she harrumphed.

He took a step forward and Kagome forced herself not to take one back. Instead she straightened herself in blatant challenge. She remained quiet as he once more caught her upper arm and lead her down to the dungeon on shaky limbs.

Besides the bite, he had easily worked her body into a frenzy with his kisses, for that alone, he would not hold this little injury against her. His ego had never felt so big in all his long years of living. He could not keep the smirk from his lips as she stumbled along down the stone steps with him.

He led her into a new holding cell and into the manacle on the wall. As the cold iron locked around her it seemed to snap her out of her daze.

Dark brows drew down and a frown graced her swollen lips.

"What the hell are you doing? Release me!"

Silver brow arched, Sesshomaru crossed his arms and stared her down.

"You have attempted to escape from your trial, you cannot be allowed to do so again, this you know. You will remain cuffed until this trial is complete,"

Anger apparent on her face, she remained quiet, knowing he spoke the truth. The procedure was much the same in the Northern lands.

"Do not worry, Kagome, you shall be warming my bed soon enough. There is no need to rush,"

Outraged Kagome smacked him hard across the face, heavy chain diminishing much of the impact.

Amber eyes narrowed at the heaving beauty that trembled with rage.

"When we are mated, you will be punished for that action,"

She raised her hand and swung it hard again, intending to slap the shit out of him again. He caught her wrist in a bruising grip and pushed her against the wall with enough force to knock the wind out of her.

His face was fierce with anger, eyes blazing at her.

When he spoke his voice was guttural, and deep, rumbling with displeasure.

"Strike this Sesshomaru once more, female, and you will suffer your punishment now. You have tested the limit of my patience far beyond anyone has had ever had the gall to and I will not tolerate a minute more of your antics. You will show respect to your Alpha and learn your station. I will not warn you of this again, woman. Is this Sesshomaru understood?"

Kagome would have been scared if she had not been so damn angry.

"I understand nothing. I am not your woman, nor will I ever be. Do not think to garner submission from me, for you will never get it."

For a moment, she feared he meant to slap her. He looked as though he would, and she braced herself for it. She would take any violence he wished to dish out, but she would not back down.

She refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cower from him. To her surprise, he merely smirked, and nuzzled her ear, placing a light kiss on her ear.

"This Sesshomaru shall gain your submission woman; it is but a matter of time."

That said, he turned and walked away, sliding the iron bars closed with an ominous clang, leaving Kagome to listen to his retreating footsteps as she struggled to once more, reign in her temper.

OoOoOoOoO

She was warm. And to her surprise, she felt…..safe.

This was not something Kagura was used to feeling.

Ever.

It took a moment for her to open her eyes, she was so tired, and the simple task of opening her eye lids took much out of her. Lying there quietly, eyes still closed, she gathered energy before opening them. Sunlight greeted her. This room, it was not the dower bedroom she was used to. No torture instruments lined the walls, it did not smell of her blood, and most of all Naraku did not sleep next to her, she did not feel threatened or scared.

She felt…..at peace.

Safe.

It was a strange feeling to say the least.

The room was beautiful, color coordinated, and tastefully decorated. Not to mention extremely expensive items were showcased to perfection, bring out the beauty of the room even more. Her bed was a deep blue and she was smothered in pillows and soft furs. The walls were painted the same deep blue color as the bed and the floor was, to her surprise, furry.

She had heard of this thing called 'car-pet' but she had never seen it before. When she recovered more energy, she wanted to put her feet in it, see if it was as soft as it looked.

She looked over at the fireplace that housed a roaring fire, warming her and bring a cozy air to the room. A wooden wardrobe sat across the room from her, and the large window off to her right had a comfy looking window seat. Like her bed, it was lined with fur and soft pillows. It was truly amazing this place.

But she knew she couldn't stay.

Naraku was probably already shitting with rage because she had not made it back as of yet.

'You need not worry about him, Kagura.'

Her whole body went still, panic set in as she recognized the voice inside her head.

Vishious.

He never really contacted her anymore. There was no need when he could just contact Naraku directly. She had been glad for the reprieve, not to have to feel that tainted evil inside her mind. She could feel his amusement at her thought.

'What do you need Master Vishious. You have not contacted me in a while.'

'Indeed I have not, as there was no need to do so when I can contact Naraku. But, you have found yourself in an interesting situation, Kagura, how can I not contact you, dear?'

A feeling of dread sat heavy in the pit of her stomach.

'You are in the same vicinity of my woman.'

His woman?

She had not known he had a female. What the fuck kind of female could she be that she was involved with someone such as him.

The feeling of his amusement deepened.

'She knows not who she belongs to, but she will soon. Make no mistake about that.'

Kagura held back her shock, and a thought that almost passed through her head, one she knew, if Vishious caught wind of, would result in punishment. Instead she said mentally,

'What would you have me do Master?'

'Nothing more than watch Kagura. And interfere when commanded. The dog is trying to steal my woman from me while I am in this prison. This I cannot allow and neither can you. Keep them apart by any means necessary, is that understood?'

'Yes Master'

'You will gain her confidence, become close to her, learn her about her, and report anything important, directly to me. If you fail me in this, Kagura, you will be punished. Have I made myself clear?'

'Yes Master Vishious.'

OoOoOoOoO

Kagome stood once again before the royal courts. The elders, and Territory Lords sat in the judge's booth and the weird stenographer was once again staring at her. Cuffs graced her wrists once more, and General Haku stood next to her. He had scolded her for her escape the night before. Kind of like an older brother. She had been amused to say the least by the tirade. At this moment in time, she was nowhere close to amused, the additional prison escape had been added to her list of charges, and for once, she realized, her charges did not look good.

Now they had legitimate charge.

As she stood there, accusing eyes of these judgmental males boring into her, she had never felt so alone in her life or so scared. She wanted Miroku with her; she needed her big brother to help see her through this. Hell, even InuYasha would have been comforting. But after questioning Haku she had learned that after he had brought the woman back to the castle with him, he had been confined to his rooms to await disciplinary action from his older brother once the trial was over.

She felt bad that he was in trouble because of her, and hoped he'd be okay. But she would worry about that later; right now she had bigger things to worry about.

"Kagome of the North, the elders have come to verdict. If you have anything to say, now is that time, “said Elder Kiji.

This was her chance to plead her case.

"Your honors, I have not broken any laws. Despite what is being said here, I broke no actual laws. By keeping my identity a secret I was merely trying to protect myself from something such as this from occurring. I did not do so to play the courts for a fool, nor did I do so with malevolent intent. I beg you; do not punish me for something I did not do, for crimes I did not commit."

"We are aware of the laws, Kagome of the North. We know that we cannot seek punishment for the actions of withholding your identity. The courts have found you innocent of those crimes." InuTaisho stated calmly.

The court was deadly silent, surprise clear on the face of all. Even Sesshomaru looked as though he'd fall over in his seat. Kagome thought she would cry from the relief that crashed through her body. She wasn't going to lose her lands; she was still the Lady of the Northern lands!

"However, you have been found guilty of the charge added this day. Escaping from prison while on trial is a serious offense, and that cannot be over looked." Torao said.

Dread overtook the feeling of relief, leaving her trembling. Gods, she had forgotten about that!

"We have found you guilty on this charge. This alone is punishable by death, and stripping said prisoner of all possessions. We have deliberated and have come to an agreeable punishment for said crime."

He paused and Kagome felt like the earth had stopped, she couldn't seem to get enough air.

"Kagome of the North, it has been decided that you will lose your lands to your mate. A competition for you and your lands shall begin in three day time. It is so ordered by the Royal Courts." InuTaisho said as he pounded his gavel once and the trial came to a close.

Kagome stood there, staring at him, not comprehending what had just happened. Not believing, not wanting to believe. Amber eyes stared back at her, gleaming with….mischief? Elder InuTaisho was up to something, she was sure of it.

What the fuck kind of game was he playing?

OoOoOoOoO

InuTaisho sat staring back at the shocked red head. Stewing in satisfaction that his plan had succeeded, he let that satisfaction creep into his eyes. He had InuYasha to thank for this. Had it not been for his interference, they would not have been able to convict Kagome of anything. But it had turned out well and he was satisfied.

Looking over to get a glimpse of his nephew, he could see the young demon was pleased as well. Good. This woman, he wanted her, and InuTaisho had made it possible for him to have her. He wanted his nephew to mate and produce a few dozen pups. He was long overdue. InuTaisho himself wanted a few pups to bounce around on his knee. He doubted InuYasha was anywhere near that phase of his life.

Sure the young hanyou had relationships here and there, but he was just as bad as his elder brother. A quick tumble here and there and he moved on to the next female. At that rate, neither male had produce a pup as of yet and if both of them died the West would be left with no heir to speak of. And in these dangerous times, it was important to have an heir in case some tragedy was to befall one or both of the brothers. Though he did not like the thought, he knew he had to be realistic.

They were both powerful demons but not invincible. He wanted the Inu Youkai lineage to continue on. There was so few of them now days. And by them, he meant those in his immediate family. But that would change soon, judging from the predatory gleam shining in the eyes of his nephew as he locked eyes with the red haired beauty.

OoOoOoOoO

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

 

Laters!

 

~Sessakag