InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Beautiful Blood ( Chapter 45 )

Chapter Forty-Five:

Beautiful Blood

Ehvil sat with his feet in the river, the naked body of a long dead male slung over his legs. Bending down, he took another bite from the cooling body. He chewed slowly, blood staining his lips. His thoughts traveled back to Kagome. He wondered where she was now.

Was she being cared for properly?

Licking the blood from his lips he tossed the nibbled on body away. The corpse rolled into the river, staining the water crimson.

He watched the color, mesmerized. The sight of blood had always captured his attention. He had always loved the beautiful color. The snow had been stained the same color that day.

It had been just as beautiful…..

Ehvil walked along the main road. Snow slowly drifted down from the sky around him. In his thick wool coat and straw hat, he barely felt the cold. Even if he hadn't had those items, he would not have been cold. But with the threat of discovery, he would do well to blend in. Though it had been almost a century since his brothers had been captured and sentenced, Ehvil could not afford to take any chances of being caught.

Vishious had contacted him earlier that week from his prison with specific instruction.

Obtain the Emerald Moon and free him from his prison.

According to Vishious, the Emerald Moon was located in they eyes of a dark haired, honey eyed little girl. Killing off little girls was not exactly his forte, that was more for Tourcher or Ahgony, however, if the little girl's death was needed in order for him to be reunited with his brothers, so be it.

He arrived at his destination an hour later. From a distance, he observed the castle. The security was tight, as expected. The gates surrounding the giant structure were double reinforced and guarded by soldiers. Turning back, he searched out a place to wait for an opportunity to find his target.

Judging from the security, it would be a while.

He was right.

Taking shelter in a nearby forest, it was a long, cold week before an opportunity arose. Ehvil was patient however, the wait had not bothered him a bit. His chance came early one morning. The snow had slowed, the sun had begun to shine through, and winter was seemingly coming to an end.

The day was simply beautiful.

The Lord and Lady of the castle were out, unguarded with their daughter, on a walk through the gardens. Ehvil moved along the side of the castle, masking his aura, scent and energy as he stealthy stalked the trio.

The voice of a male and female floated to his ears, along with the loud laughter of a child. They walked for no more than a half hour before settling down to look at the rose garden the Lady of the castle had created.

"Mommy, will you teach me to make blue roses?" the little girl asked.

"Of course Kagome," the woman responded to the child.

Ehvil silently climbed the large gate, and hopped down over to the other side, the sound of his feet hitting the ground muted by the thick snow. He approached on silent footsteps. He saw them, a few feet away, their backs turned to him. Reaching in his waistband he pulled his jagged edge dagger, his steps never slowing. The male was looking over at his wife and child, only the side of his face visible, a smile on his handsome face.

He was tall and proud, long brown hair, twinkling brown eyes. He looked like a kind, generous male.

Warm and loving.

His wife was kneeling in the snow, pointing to the blue roses. He could only see her silken black hair dragging in the snow. His eyes moved over to the child looking at the blue roses in awe.

As he closed in on the small family, the man turned, as if sensing him. Seeing the blade in his hand the man reached for his sword sheathed at his hip. He was too late. In a flash he was on him before he could even pull the blade. Burying his dagger deep into the man's heart, he twisted the blade. The man cried out in pain, blood spewing from his mouth.

A woman's scream pierced his ears.

Pushing the male away, he turned to the woman and child as the man's body collapsed to the ground, his blood staining the pale white snow.

The woman stood in front of the child, her brown eyes flashing at him in anger. He stood there, staring at the beautiful woman. He was surprised to see that she did not fear him, but was more angry than anything else.

"You've come for the Emerald Moon, haven't you?" she asked in fierce voice.

"Aye, I am. Die silently woman. I will make your death merciful," he responded.

"I won't let you hurt my child! Do you hear me?" she screamed, her energy raging out of control.

Purification energy pricked at his skin.

"A miko?" he wondered aloud.

The woman held out her hands, palms out. The little girl grabbed onto the cloth of her mother's kimono, her brown eyes wide with fear.

"That is correct demon. Leave this land now or die at my hand," she said.

Ehvil said nothing. Shifting onto his toes, he sped towards the lone woman, dodging balls of holy energy. His dagger found the woman's heart as easily as it had found her husband's. The woman gasped, blood dribbling down her lips. As she gasped for breath, her hands reached out for his shirt. Grabbing two fistfuls of clothing she looked up at him with nearly glazed over brown eyes. He looked down at her dispassionately.

"If you….kill…..her….the jewel…will…go with…..her….." she said softly, "Even in…..death…..I won't let you…..hurt….her….."

More blood gushed from her chest. Her eyes glazed over. Ehvil viciously pulled the blade from her chest and watched as she too fell over into the snow, her blood coating the snow crimson. He watched as the blood began to pool. He was captivated, mesmerized. It was simply beautiful. The little girl stood there, looking at the dead bodies of her parents, not understanding.

'We cannot kill her now,' Ehvil said telepathically

'I know. You will have to stay here with her until we figure out a way to extract the Emerald Moon from her eyes,'

'Understood,'

Ehvil turned to the little girl whose light eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She said nothing as stared at her parent's bodies. She was in shock. Scooping the little girl up in his arms, he ran, leaping up and over the stone wall and away from the castle. The sound of running guards filled his ears as he disappeared into the forest.

He cleaned himself up at a nearby river.

The little girl did not speak. Merely sat underneath the tree, staring out at the distance, her little brown eyes glazed over.

Once he was cleaned, he left.

Upon his return the little girl was still where he had left her, staring out at nothingness. He walked over to her, dragging the dead body of a demon fox. Still the girl said nothing, nor did she even look his way. It mattered not; it only made things easier for him. Picking up the little girl, he went back to the castle and set his plan into motion.

He walked up to the castle, the child nestled in his arms.

"Who goes there?" a guard shouted down to him from the look out above him.

"I am Rykotsu! I have the Lord and Lady of the Northern land's daughter!"

"Open the gates! Hurry!" the guard yelled.

His plan was going perfectly according to his plan. The gates opened and guards poured out, rushing towards him. He allowed them to pull the child from him, and hurried him into the castle. He watched as they rushed her upstairs into the awaiting arms of a teenage male.

"Come sir, there's a room waiting fer ye," one of the soldier said to him.

Ehvil did not protest as the guards lead him to a luxurious bedroom, a fresh pair of clothing on the bed, a roaring fire blazing in the fire place. It was the nicest room he had had in years. A large futon took up most of the room, the stone walls colored a deep green. The large, floor length windows were covered with light blue window covers, the floors polished to perfection and gleaming. Upon opening the doors in his room he discovered a private bathing facility, a small study and an empty wardrobe. He wasted no time in washing up, dressing and lying down on the soft bed.

He lay there no more than an hour when there was a knock on his door.

"Enter," he said sitting up.

The teen from before entered the room, a solemn look on his young face.

"I am Miroku, a close friend of Lady Kagome. If you would be so kind as to show the soldiers where the body of the kidnapper can be located,"

"Aye," he said standing from the bed.

He led them back to the dead body of the fox demon. Upon their return to the castle, he was given a large reward, but as they were about to send him on his way, he protested.

"I need no reward," Rykotsu said to the teen and soldiers.

"But sir, surely there is something we can do to thank you for saving Lady Kagome," said one of the soldiers.

"There is something that I do want," he said.

They waited for him to speak.

"I wish to remain here, to see to the care of Lady Kagome. I would feel bad to leave her here. I know what she has been through. The shock, the pain, I wish to remain here as her personal guard."

There was silence for a moment. The soldiers looking to the teen for answers. Even though he was young, Ehvil cold see that he was very intelligent, and seemed to be somewhat of an adviser. The teen understood.

"I would not begrudge you such a request. You may stay as Lady Kagome's personal guard."

Ehvil could feel Vishious laughing in his mind. Such naivete on the part of these people, it was sad really. He inwardly shrugged. It was not his fault if they had no common sense.

In the weeks following that day, funeral plans were made, and the Northern lands went into mourning. In all the confusion and grief over the death of the Lord and Lady, none asked questions as he slowly made his way to the position of General.

Over time, the silent little girl had come out of her shock. The horrifying memory of her parent's demise erased from her memory. She had latched on to him, and against his will, he had latched onto her. The two had become as close as father and daughter.

It was strange, foreign to him, that her little smiles, her little laughter, her mischievous little ways started to affect him so drastically. Over the years, he grew to love that little girl. Vishious retreated from his mind in favor of saving his energy. Without Vishious' constant supervision and influence, his heart grew soft, his lust for blood and death no longer raging through his mind. Before he had known what was happening Kagome changed him.

Ehvil became Rykotsu in every way. He became someone else completely. Though he knew it was wrong, that he should not have gotten so close to her, but he was helpless to the magic that was Kagome…..

He hadn't understood it back then, how she had wormed her way into his all but dead heart. He still didn't understand it, but after so many years, it no longer mattered how or why.

It just…was.

Those days spent with her had been the best he had ever spent in his entire life. Even better than the time he had spent with his brethren. He would be lying if he said he didn't miss them. He did, just not enough to feel sadness, or anguish. Their absence did not leave a gap in his heart as Kagome's absence did. To him, she was his beloved daughter. Always had been and would always be. Nothing would change that. Not his last remaining brethren, not even himself.

He had tried many a time to pull her from his heart. To break her vice like grip she had around his very soul. To no avail. She was there now and forever. He knew now that he could never remove her even if he wanted to, and he decided a long time ago that that would never happen. She was his daughter. Maybe she was not his by blood, and he had killed her parents, but she was his none the less, and she always would be, no matter what. She was his, his beloved daughter.

His Kagome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Deep beneath the earth a being stirred in his prison, the iron manacles digging into his wrists. Wrapped thoroughly in chains, his weak body hanging suspended in the air, he flexed his muscles, agony shooting through his limbs.

Sleep had kept him from feeling for centuries, until now.

Something had awoken him.

Consciousness flooded his entire body, bring it with it blinding pain and unbearable stiffness. The chains binding him had dug into his flesh, lacerating his once smooth skin. The blood from his cuts had dried on his skin. The cuts throbbed, having been reopened when he moved. His muscles felt stiff and achy.

His eyes opened a fraction, and revealing naught but darkness. As his night vision kicked in his head felt dizzy. How long had he been sleeping? He wondered to himself.

And where the hell was he?

He looked around. Nothing looked familiar. Summoning what bit of strength he had, he broke free from the chains. The rusted metal snapped into pieces and fell to the floor. He grunted as his sore body made contact with the stone floor. His stomach felt so damn empty. The lack of food and water was crippling.

He lay on the ground, trying to summon the strength to move.

Minutes passed, hours before he could move. The scrapping of little tiny feet reached his ears. He concentrated, crawling over to the sound. A rat scurried from a hole in the stone wall. He crawled a few feet before reaching the shuffling animal. The large rat scurried over to him, its little nose wiggling, sniffing him. Quick as a flash he reached out, snagging the rat around the neck. The rat squealed in fright, its big body wiggling, trying escape. He squeezed, a soft pop and the rat lay still.

Ravenous he brought the large rat to his mouth. Turning it over in his hand he bit into the soft belly. Blood exploded into his mouth, to his starving body it was heaven. He devoured the rat in a matter of minutes, bones, tail and fur. Listening for more shuffling, he waited for another rat to emerge. Over the course of an hour, he gorged himself on rats.

Somewhat rejuvenated, he finally stood, stretching his limbs. It felt good to be able to move. He looked around.

He was in a cave.

How in the hell had he gotten here?

The last thing he remembered was fighting Vishious and the Evil Six. He had been losing, had been sure he was dead and then…..nothing. His brows lowered over his eyes in agitation. How long had he been here? Judging from the rotting of his clothing, his extreme hunger, it had been years. Deciding to explore his surroundings he walked deeper into the cave.

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

A pup….Kagome was expecting….a pup. His heart constricted and anger washed over him. He could not stomach it. It sickened him to know, he wished it were not so but it was. It was true. She was pregnant with Lord Sesshomaru's child. He paced the length of his room and sighed, pushing his hair back away from his face. He had heard the news from gossiping servants walking by his room.

This could not be happening. He had not foreseen such a thing. He knew it was bound to happen soon, judging from the Kagome's screams late at night but he had not thought it would be so goddamn soon! , He paced angrily back and forth, trying to think.

Nothing came to mind.

Sarinji growled low, and stormed from his room and out the castle doors, into the rain. He barely felt it soak through his clothing. His emotions were out of control, even he realized that.

But he couldn't seem to stop them, didn't want to stop them. Gods he didn't want to stop. She was what he needed! He needed her in his life. But now, this, this….child…..this…..spawn of the devil was growing inside her.

He knew more than enough about women to know that a child would only bring them together, forming a bond between the two. He couldn't let that happen. He had to get her alone, to speak to her one on one before that new brat was born. He continued to walk, letting the cold rain wash away his anger and troubled thoughts.

He would speak to her, damn the consequences. Sesshomaru could not keep her away from him forever.

He was aware of Sesshomaru's attempts to keep him away. He was in no way stupid. Lord Sesshomaru was not stupid either. He knew at this point in time, Sarinji had not yet given up his pursuit, and while Sesshomaru was out visiting the villages, that Sarinji may have sought out Lady Kagome. Which he might have done had there not been guards posted outside her door.

That bastard left nothing undone, left no ends loosed, even in his own absence. It was frustrating, irritating and just another reason to hate that moronic, egotistical, pup even more than he already did, even though he hated to admit that had he been in Sesshomaru's place, he would have undoubtedly done the same himself.

Still, he could find no comfort in that.

Until he spoke to her privately before that pup was born, he would not cease his pursuit. He could not. He didn't want to.

She was something different. Something special, something he had never encountered. He could not let this end this way.

He would speak to her, and soon.

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

The next day started out bright and busy. Sesshomaru left to visit the villages a little before dawn. Kagome had a nice breakfast in her bedroom and slept till late afternoon right after. Seemed like all she was doing was sleeping and eating now days. When she awoke, she ate again and headed down stairs. A little after her the midday meal gifts started to arrive.

"Another one?" Kagome asked in surprise as the soldiers brought in a large chest of fine silks.

"Aye, my Lady," one of the soldiers said as they sat the chest down.

Kagome looked around at the stuffed room. Various gifts from the people of the Northern lands lined the walls. The room was completely congested with gifts in celebration of the new baby on the way. A social function was being planned and Kagome was sure that more gifts would arrive at and after the celebration.

Sango and Kagura entered the room, just as shocked as she was at all the gifts.

"What is all this stuff?" Sango asked.

Kagome sat down on a nearby chest. She sighed.

"Gifts from the villagers, seems like they've discovered my pregnancy," Kagome explained.

"That was quick. You've only known for a few days, how did everyone find out so soon?" Kagura asked.

"Sesshomaru no doubt," Kagome said.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Sango asked opening a chest to examine the silks.

She nodded.

"He's been out visiting the villages' everyday,"

"That explains the heavy guards," she said.

Kagome sighed again.

"It was worst yesterday. I was able to talk him into loosening the guard a bit so that I could actually breathe and walk without tripping over one of the soldier posted on my butt,"

Kagura laughed at that. Kagome turned to Kagura.

"How are things with you and General Ensei Kagura?"

An instant blush rose to her cheeks as always when ever she was asked about General Ensei. It was adorable.

"It's going so well lately," she said shyly.

"He's been behaving then?" Kagome asked shaking her fist.

Kagura laughed, her embarrassment dissipating at her expression.

"Yes, he has been the perfect gentlemen,"

Kagome was glad to hear that. When she had taken Kagura back to the castle with her, she had been so sad, so hurt, her eyes haunted. Now, a warm, contentment replaced that haunted look in her eyes. Slowly but surely, she was being healed by General Ensei and Kagome was very grateful that he was in her life. Speaking of General Ensei, she had to speak with him soon. She had been meaning to for a while and had not gotten the chance to do so and with the soldiers guarding her every move there was really no way to have a private conversation.

She looked around. They weren't here now so…

"Sango, Kagura, do you mind directing the soldiers as they bring in the gifts? I have to tinkle," Kagome said.

"Of course," Sango said.

With a grateful smile, she turned and left the room, ducking across the hall and out the door leading to the stairs before being seen. After making sure no one was on to her, she snuck outside and made her way to the training grounds. Usually around this time, all the soldiers were either out on patrol or inside having their midday meal, so she wasn't too worried about being stopped by a solider.

She sighed.

It seemed like every since she had gotten pregnant, everyone seemed to treat her like a fragile piece of glass.

Their attitude was Sesshomaru's doing no doubt.

She cleared the field without incident and just as she suspected, General Ensei was out in the training grounds, striped to the waist, meditating. His eyes opened as she approached. He smiled in welcome.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said with an apologetic smile.

"No need to be sorry, my Lady. I always have time for a beautiful woman," he said charmingly.

Kagome giggled and sat down next to him.

"So, what brings you here, my Lady?" he asked as put his kimono back on.

"Kagura,"

"Ah,"

"What are your intentions with her?"

Ensei sat back on his hands, laughter bubbling up from his mouth. Kagome smiled.

"I sound like a concerned parent, ne?"

"Aye, indeed you do."

"It can't be helped. Kagura is very special to me. I don't want to see her hurt."

"Neither do I. She has been hurt before. I can see it in her eyes. Not only that, I sense there is something that looms over her. A dark cloud of some sort,"

"I sense it as well. She keeps so many things inside of her. Though we are close she still has secrets that I am not aware of. She may tell me some day, but then she may never tell me. She fears something, I know she does,"

Ensei nodded.

"I've sensed the same. I just wish she would confide in me. How can I protect her from whatever it is she fears if she will not tell me?"

"I understand how you feel, but for now, there is nothing we can do but stand by her, and protect her when the time comes."

"Aye, there is naught else we can do,"

Kagome smiled.

"You've avoided my original question," she said.

Ensei sighed in defeat.

"To be honest, I do not know at this point in time. I know only that I wish to be by her side, but I would never hurt her, nor do I wish to see her hurt."

"Fair enough," Kagome said.

"So I'm off the hook?"

Kagome giggled.

"For now," she said.

Ensei laughed as he stood.

"I thank you for your concern, my Lady. Now, if you would excuse me, I must wash up before dinner. However, have you seen-"

"She inside with Sango seeing to the gifts the soldiers are bringing in from the villagers."

"Gifts?"

"The villagers have found out about me being pregnant. Various gifts have started to arrive since early this afternoon. Soon there won't be any room left. I'm pretty sure that more will come at the celebration in a few days."

"Ah, see. I do not think I had the chance to congratulate you on your pregnancy,"

Kagome smiled up at him.

"Thank you, my Lord," she said.

Ensei bowed and turned, heading back into the castle. Kagome sat there long after he left, her thoughts going back to Kagura. She was more than a little bit worried about Kagura. There was something more going on here, something she was missing. She kept getting this nagging feeling that Kagura was involved in something dangerous. She went day to day as though the next day could possibly be the last.

She sighed.

As she and Ensei had agreed, there was nothing she could do for now.

"Evening my Lady," said a voice.

Kagome turned to see Sarinji standing behind her. Oh geez, this really wasn't what she needed at the moment. Knowing how the male felt, how Sesshomaru felt, this really would not end well. She had promised to stay away from him and that's what she would do.

"G-Good evening Lord Sarinji," she said standing up.

"It is a nice day today, ne?"

"Yes, it's very nice out," she said brushing off her kimono, "If you'll excuse me-"

"You need not rush back, my Lady. Stay a while," he said walking towards her.

"No thank you, my Lord. I really must be going," she said side stepping him.

He blocked her.

"I really must insist,"

Kagome's brows lowered in irritation.

"Listen, Lord Sarinji, I need to get back inside. You know very well that my mate does not want me in contact with you. It would be best for everyone if you respected his wishes."

His eyes narrowed.

"I care not for his wishes,"

"Well I do, so please, step aside,"

"Not until I've spoken to you of what I feel for you,"

"It doesn't make a difference, don't you understand that? I don't want you to die! If you keep this up Sesshomaru will kill you and I may not be able to stop him!"

"You need not worry about me, Lady Kagome. That pup cannot kill me,"

Kagome closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. He was as stubborn and arrogant as any other male. She had just about enough of male pride for one life time.

"Well I for one do not want to test that theory. Please, just let things be as they are,"

"I cannot! You do not understand the feelings that grip me. The feelings that drive me," he said grabbing onto her arms tightly.

"What feelings? What feelings can you possibly have that is causing you to act so crazy?" she challenged pulling her arms away, "You're a smart man, please help me to understand why,"

Sarinji stared at her a while, his eyes watching her fiercely, his eyes over running with emotion.

"You make me feel as I did in youth. Carefree, reckless, things I've never been able to feel and indulge in since I took over the position as Territory Lord. I came to the position early. My father died when I was young and I got only a taste of being young and free before I was burdened down with the weight of responsibility. For centuries, I've restrained myself from things I want, things I desired and before I knew it my life became dull and meaningless. But you," he said stepping closer to her, "You've changed that. No longer does my life seem monotonous."

"But it doesn't matter Lord Sarinji, I'm a mated woman. A pregnant mated woman. Nothing can come from those feelings," she said stepping away from him, "You have to understand that and move on,"

He grabbed her arms again.

"I cannot, do you not understand that woman!"

The sound of a sword being pulled from its sheath filled their ears. They turned to see Sesshomaru unsheathing his sword, his eyes blood red.

"You were warned," he said in a guttural voice.

Sarinji pushed Kagome away as Sesshomaru attacked.

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Until the next chapter ^_^

Thank you all to those that reviewed!

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Laters

~Sessakag