InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bandit of the Woods ❯ Castle ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: I guess I'll start by apologizing for how the cast list turned out. I tried to fix it but for whatever reason I can't. *Shrugs* I'll try again later I guess. Anyway reviews.

Disclaimer: Hey guess what! I don't own Inuyasha or Robin Hood. I know you are all amazed.

Reviews from FF.net

Cadey: I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. I really like that line about keeping people on their toes. Originally it was to kind of merge the rather lighthearted opening with a more 'Inuyasha-like' character. But it worked really well I think. ^^;

Jesse the Wolf Demon: Hee hee! That's sweet. ^_^ It makes me happy to be loved. I don't see how you can say you have no talent though. I'm sure you can write wonderful stories. Don't worry about me stopping here, as with most my stories I write the entire thing first, then post. And I don't think I need a slave…

Squeakyinuears: Wow, what a long review! I'm glad to know you love my work so much and I understand that some times people just can't think of the right thing to sat in reviews and choose not to review at all. I do that a lot myself. I was a little disappointed myself when I found that my story had been removed, but what can I do? Basically post some were else. Unfortunately, with these new rule I'm having to consider taking down a few of my other stories before I get in trouble for them. But no worries, they are already posted at MM.org. I agree it is pretty funny the Miroku is Friar Tuck, but it was that or Little John. And quiet frankly Miroku was the best choice of the religious figure for obvious reasons. Anywho, I hope to see more of your reviews.

MingLay: This story really just follows the general idea of Robin Hood. While I love all the versions of the movie (never read the book) it was the Disney version that got the idea in my head. I guess it probably follows most closely with the Kevin Costner movie though. I spent a lot of time listening to the sound track from that while I was writing, but I also watched 'Men in Tights' a lot too. I love that movie, it's so funny! I guess the way I was inspired is part of why I put such a big warning on this fic. But now I'm getting into my twisted psychi so I'll stop before I hurt myself.

Gz Dzo: *Blush* Thanks -^_^-

Reviews from MM.org

Crimson Demon Keiri: Thanks! ^_^, Personally I've never seen a story like this either and thought it would be good, so I wrote it. To answer your question: Kagome and Sango are in this chapter, Sesshoumaru is off at war (He's King Richard), and Jaken is not in the story at all. Sorry.

Precious: Yeah I love the story too, but I don't own the tape…Well, I do have 'Men in Tights'. I love that movie too. ^_^

To all my other wonderful reviews: I thank you whole heartedly for your wonderful words and kind praise. I'm sure I don't deserve it, but I'm glad you are all so pleased with me. ^_^

Bandit of the Woods

Chapter 2

Castle

Kagome sighed as she gazed out over the great hall. It was a party fit for a king, or in this case, a queen. Kikyo had spared no expense in her planning of this event. The food was delicious, the entertainment amusing, and the company tolerable. Kagome herself was a beautiful young maid of 15, born into a wealthy family and had the best of everything life could offer. She wore a beautiful gown of green and gold. Her raven hair hung freely about her shoulders and down her back.

Next to her on the left sat her lady in waiting, Sango. She had grown up with the girl and she was one of the few people Kagome actually trusted. Sango had long dark brown, almost black, hair that she usually kept in a high ponytail. She had dark mocha eyes that always held a smile for her lady. Sango was dressed in warrior garb of black and pink. Many said it was unladylike, but it was traditional in Sango's home village. As women go, she was tall but finely built. Sango's only job was to keep Kagome safe. The young girl was tough as nails and many times more deadly, especially when she used her favorite weapon, an enormous boomerang.

On Kagome's right was Queen Kikyo. It was said that the two girls looked very much alike. Though this wasn't all that surprising, both came from wealthy families and all nobility now a day's was related to some extent. Queen Kikyo had long pitch hair but her eyes were a cold chocolate. She was dressed in a royal blue gown with a delicate tiara a top her head, and a fur lined red cape draped down her back. To call her Queen was really out of fear then an actual title of her position. The true King, Sesshoumaru, was off at war, and his once loyal adviser had usurped his power in his absence.

On Kikyo's far side sat her most devoted servant, Naraku the Sheriff of Nottingham. By looking at the man you wouldn't know the slimy soul that he harbored. His thick black hair had a greasy sort of wave to it and was unkempt, falling longer then Kagome's. He had shroud blue eyes that always gave one the impression he was peering into your very soul. Naraku dressed in black from head to toe, always.

Kagome looked around at the party. It was wonderful, but she knew where the money had come from to pay the expenses. She had watched over the last year as the people had gotten poorer and poorer as the taxes got higher and higher. She did what she could, giving to those who needed it when no one was looking. But she knew if she was caught, Kikyo would have her locked away in some tower on the grounds of keeping her away from 'the filth' that was on the streets.

That, however, was the least of her worries. Her real fear was of the Sheriff. The man had been courting her for some time now. So far she had managed to keep him at bay with excuses and Sango's help. If he were to catch her doing anything among the commoners the blackmail would be overwhelming.

A soft smile caressed her face as she thought of the man who had won her heart. He was wild and free in ways she had only dreamed. Some called him the ghost of Sherwood. Inuyasha of Locksley: the king of thieves was the one thing that could ruffle both the Sheriff and Queen with a single whisper of his name. Kagome had been taken with him on their first meeting. He had given her a single rose and a smile before racing off with out a word. She had seen him many times since then and he always left her a gift.

Kagome's thoughts were cut off when the doors were flung open. In walked the man all this was for: The Duke of Branshire. He was flaming red with anger and embarrassment, as he should be, being that his was naked. Kagome squeaked and covered her eyes. Sango looked away, but kept her eyes open from signs of danger to her Lady. Naraku and Kikyo both had identical looks of annoyance. The Duke was doing his best to cover himself with a hat he had gotten from somewhere.

"Let me guess." Kikyo began as she rubbed her temples in irritation, "You went through Sherwood Forest didn't you?"

"This is an outrage! I want that man caught, flogged, and hung until his flesh rots from his bones!" The Duke screamed.

"My dear sir," Naraku stated in a strained tone, "Trust me when I say I would like nothing better then to disembowel that pathetic excuse for a hanyou. But catching Inuyasha of Locksley is not a matter of just waltzing into the forest and shooting him like a deer."

"I don't care!" The Duke yelled as he slammed his fist down on the table. "I will be returning to Branshire first thing in the morning. I have no desire to do trade with one who can not even keep a bunch of brigands in check!" With that the Duke stormed back out of the Hall. Kagome slowly lowered her hands from her face, as the large wooden doors slammed shut behind the guest of honor. Sango was desperately trying not to laugh; she liked the Sheriff and Queen about as much as cats liked water.

"That Locksley will pay dearly for this!" Kikyo roared. "Out of my sight! All of you!" The hall cleared quickly, most of the guests leaving their dignity behind in favor of keeping their heads. Sango and Kagome rose and hurried from the room with the rest of the group. They turned right and ascended the stairs. The two girls followed long memorized corridors to a nice oak door on the third floor on the far side of castle.

Inside was Kagome's chamber. She had a large four-poster bed draped in sheer privacy curtains. A lounge couch sat on one side of the room next to a small table. On the other side of the room was a large wardrobe filled with fine dresses. A small door on the opposite wall led to her bathroom. Stained glass doors near the couch led to a balcony overlooking the far wall. Another door led to Sango's chamber. King Sesshoumaru had brought her to live at the castle after her family died as a favor to her father. Kikyo had yet to kick her out.

"That was brilliant!" Sango jeered as she flopped back on the bed.

"He was… naked." Kagome replied as she sat elegantly on her lounge, a blush flaming on her face.

"Yeah, I wonder what he said to deserve that?" Sango flipped on to her stomach and rested her chin on her folded hands.

"Who knows, maybe Inuyasha was just feeling particularly mean this morning." Kagome replied.

"I can't believe you would say a foul word about him." Sango teased lightly. Kagome blushed and looked away.

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Naraku kept his seat as everyone else hurried from the room. His eyes lingered on the lilt form of the young maiden Kagome. The way her hips moved made him think thoughts that a man of his statues should never think. His tongue snaked out to wet his lips. Oh he would have her, one way or another she would be his. His queen made a dignified snort that drew his attention.

"We need the trade with Branshire to get silk." Kikyo voice was strained with anger, "But no. That damned Inuyasha had to ruin it." She turned her eyes, which had been glued to the doors since the Duke's departure, slowly on the Sheriff. The dark chocolate color was burning with a cold fire fueled by past offences. "I want him caught. I don't care how, or by what method. I just want him caught as soon as possible!"

"I will do what I can My Queen." Naraku replied as he rose from his seat. Kikyo glared. "I'll start by increasing the bounty. Maybe those pathetic peasants are desperate enough to turn him in. Guards will be posted around the clock."

"You'd better caught him soon, Naraku, or you will sorely regret it." Naraku bowed deeply to her majesty before exiting the room. He made his way through the corridors of the castle towards the dungeons. Here was his domain and he was king. The peasants who could not pay their taxes were his to command, control, or kill, as was his pleasure. Naraku stepped from the last stone stair into a dark corridor, arched way openings lined the wall, intermittently with lit torches, and each covered in a row of iron bars. Behind the bars were vermin… and rats too. The pathetic, dirty, filth off the streets of Nottingham. Each reached for him, begging for mercy, or cowered in the corner, fearing his wrath.

He brushed past, taking no notice of their pleas as he made his way to the main chamber. Here was the castle of his kingdom. The walls were lined with whips, chains, and other devices loosening the tongue. A far wall, with chains and manacles hanging from the ceiling just above, was covered in a thick coat of blood. Near it sat a rack of whips and swords also long coated in blood. He crossed the room to sit in his large throne like chair.

Many an hour he had sat here and imagined what it would be like to have Inuyasha hanging there. To let the whip fall across his back, chest, arms, legs, everywhere, day and night, night and day as he, Naraku, took the personal pleasure of holding the lash. And when he got tired he would find another to do the work while he watched. Perhaps one of the peasants with families. Threaten the health and lives of their precious ones to do as they were told. The look on their face as they slowly bled their hero to death. The look of pure hatred on that waste of a hanyou as those who he had helped turned on him. Bliss. And before he died, Inuyasha would beg, pleaded, grovel, for his own life; Naraku could taste the words already.

But there in lay the problem. Inuyasha, as disgusting as it was, was a hero to the people. No matter how much he raised the bounty, they would never turn him in. Going into the forest was fruitless. It was like walk into a wolf's den smeared in fresh blood. Sherwood was Inuyasha's home ground; the one guard that had made it out alive had died only hours later, but told that they never saw the half-demon until he and others were cutting their throats. He would have to find another way.

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& quot;Master Inuyasha?" Hojo asked the sleepy half-demon as he made his way towards the training grounds. Inuyasha addressed his servant with a nod. "Master Miroku came by with a message."

"While I was sleeping?"

"No sir, while you were out on the raid." Inuyasha stopped and turned to look at Hojo critically.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me when I got in then?" The demon snapped.

"Because, Master, it was not a matter of immediate importance, and you looked tired." Hojo answered honestly. Had anyone else said that Inuyasha probably would have decked them on the spot, but Hojo had always looked out for him, even when he didn't need it. With a sigh he motioned for his servant to continue. "Master Miroku said that the areas of greatest need are the Orphanage, the south end, and as always the poor houses." Inuyasha nodded. Hojo had been right it wasn't a matter of immediate importance. He dismissed the boy with a wave of his hand before turning back to his destination.

Inuyasha reached the small clearing behind the forest sanctuary. It was little more then an area that had been cleared of trees. The wood had been used to make the equipment. Lazing around in front of his was a handful of men. They had all been brought to the camp for verity of reasons. Some were smiths, others were farmers, and still others from a number of other trades. But they all had one thing in common - they hated the Queen and the Sheriff. Most had been taxed into starvation. So they came to fight, willing to die so their children might live better then they.

The men had been blindfolded when brought to the forest haven, so none knew exactly where they were. Only when Inuyasha himself had deemed them worthy would they be able to leave for raids or village runs. Those that didn't make the cut, would be give a special brew of Miroku's that would make all they had learned seem like a dream before being blindfolded again and returned to their homes.

Inuyasha glanced around. He had better inform Miroku his brew would be needed. Soon. The men before him looked hopeless. Most were old and out of shape. The chances of any of them welding a sword or shooting an arrow was about as good as Miroku swearing off women. Oh well, maybe there was a diamond in all this coal.

"Get the fuck up." Inuyasha snapped. The men jumped to their feet and looked for all the world like a group of army misfits. "You have been brought here to help us fight, if you can not make the cut you will be sent home. I don't leave men behind, but I don't need a bunch of weaklings slowing me down." He paced in front of them with his arms crossed over his chest. "This is your first day so let's keep it simple." He reached a tree where a bow and arrow set was leaning. Inuyasha picked it up, notched the arrow, and easily shot a target on the other side of the clearing. "Today we will start with the bow and arrows; tomorrow we will move on to swords, then staffs, and so on. Everyone cannot be good at everything. Some of you will find your niche with the bow, others the staff, others the sword. Some of you may have skill in more then one; others may just suck in general. That is what we are here to find out. Everyone take up a bow and arrow. The targets are that way, please don't shoot each other, and don't make me put you in single file like small children."

Each of the men took up a bow and lined up facing the targets. Inuyasha leaned against a tree and watched as they drew the arrow back. Most didn't pull back far enough; others drew back too far. He frowned as they released their arrows. Some of the shafts hit the ground, others flew past the target, but not one made even glancing contact. Kouga walked up and leaned against the tree near his leader. He watched in silence at the second volley of badly aimed arrows.

"Having fun?" The wolf asked casually.

"Fuck you."

"That good, huh?" He watched another volley, "We really need the archers too."

"Maybe if they threw them by hand…" Shippou suggested coolly as he appeared on Inuyasha's other side.

"Oh, you two are just a fucking laugh and a half." Inuyasha snorted, "I don't suppose you two are ready to for the run?"

"Horses are saddled." Shippou replied.

"Charity's ready." Kouga added.

"Food's in baskets."

"Blankets and clothes poised to be thrown into waiting arms."

"Special care package for the orphanage waiting for delivery."

"Anything we missed oh great and wise leader?"

"Oh captain our captain."

"Yeah," Inuyasha groaned as he rolled his eyes, "Your sense of humor."

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The sun was low in the sky over Nottingham. A gentle breeze kissed the streets, rolling a piece of stray parchment along a disserted ally way. The paper caught on a lamppost, revealing its message to the world. On it was a sketch of a man with long hair and dog-ears a top his head. He was scowling darkly out of the page. Under the picture was the word 'Wanted dead or alive. Reward: 1,000,000 gold pieces'. The wind changed and the parchment was swept away.

It tumbled past the legs of a several white horses. A stride the horses were Inuyasha, Shippou, and Kouga. Behind each of them was a large pack filled with gold, silver, food, and other goods.

Inuyasha threw back his head and howled to the heavens. All three spurred their horses forward and raced down the cobbled streets in the roar of thundering hooves. Residents threw open their widows and doors as the three demons race past. In the distance trumpets sounded the alarm. Inuyasha howled again, the other two joining in this time as he reached behind him and tossed out a hand full of coins. The streets flooded with peasants, each scrambling for the scattered money. The three raced from street to street, tossing food, coins, and goods as they went, peasants filling the streets in their wake.

They rounded the last corner only to come face to face with the Sheriff and his guards. Naraku smirked as the three pulled their horses to a skidding halt. They whipped around to see guards behind them as well. The three exchanged glances; one worried, one cool, one nervous.

"Well, well, well." Naraku cooed darkly, "Look what I've got here. Three trouble makers ripe for the hanging."

"Feh! I'd like to see you try." Inuyasha spat.

"Oh you will." Naraku scoffed, "Get them!" The guards lunged. Some grabbed the horses' reins, preventing them from running. Other grabbed at the three bandits. The three demons fought back with all their might; fists, feet, claws, teeth, and flashes of color filled the street. Naraku smirked darkly as he watched them three dragged from their horses to the ground, disappearing below the sea of guards.

Suddenly there was a loud 'pop' and puff of smoke. Guards scattered back in surprise. A stiff and sudden wind blew the smoke away and cleared the view. Where Inuyasha, Kouga, and Shippou should have been, there was only cobblestone and three innocent looking leaves.

"Hey, I think you lost something!" A voice called from the rooftops. Naraku and his guards looked up. Inuyasha, Kouga, and Shippou beamed down at them and waved like old friends.

"Son of a Bitch!" Naraku growled. The three gave him a parting smirk before disappearing from view.

"Should we go after them Sir?" One guard asked.

"No." Naraku growled, "They are already gone."

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"You two go on." Inuyasha said as they jumped easily from one roof to another, "I have something I need to do." Kouga groaned and Shippou rolled his eyes, but neither made any attempt to stop their leader. Inuyasha leapt lightly from rooftop to rooftop, not even disturbing the dust that lay at his feet. Night had fallen over the land but the lamplighters had only started at the far side of the town, it would be another hour before their task was complete. The darkness cloaked him from view as he crossed another street by way of the air.

He was heading for the castle. Some would say that this was foolhardy; going to the one place you are despised most, but it did not concern the young hanyou. Naraku and the guards were out for one, for another he was heading for the far side of the castle. Here few people lived. It wasn't that this side was any worse then any other part, it was simply very far away from the main area of activity.

He landed without a sound on a particular balcony and looked around carefully. When he was sure there was no one near by he pushed open the double doors. A cool night breeze slipped past him as he moved into the large chamber, rustling the curtains, both around the door and bed. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, taking in the scant amount of light and turning the room bright as day. The young rogue's eyes landed on the object of his trip and he silently crossed to it.

As Inuyasha reached the bed his sharp eyes easily made out the form of the young woman beyond. Gently he pushed the hangings aside and took a seat on the side of the bed. The girl next to him was nothing less then a goddess fallen to earth. Her raven hair fell freely about her pillow in a halo effect. Her rose pink lips were parted in sleep but the perfect blue orbs of her eyes were hidden from view. The soft satin covers the color of a perfect red rose covered her body.

Silently Inuyasha withdrew a single rose from his shirt. It's petals were the color of blood and velvet soft. He smiled lightly at it before lowering it over the girl. He gently laid it against her temple and drew it softly down her face. The delicate pedals traced a path down her cheek and across her lips. He lifted the rose to his own mouth and lay his lips against the place her's had just been. Without a word he placed the rose down next to her and stood.

With all the stealth of a predator he slipped from the room as if he had never been there, his only mark was the rose. Inuyasha leapt lightly from the balcony and disappeared into the night. Unbeknownst to him, however, a single guard, one of the few that had been left on duty, saw the flash of red and white as it arced from Lady Kagome's balcony and off into the night.