InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bandit of the Woods ❯ Plan ( Chapter 3 )

I'd like to give a big thank you to my wonderful, incredible, unbelievably talented beta reader Onimusha. She keeps me from making a fool of myself with my terrible spelling. She is also an amazing writer, so check out her work.

FF.net

Anjiburu Iszuzu: I know if they get caught or not, but I'm not telling. ^___^ But don't worry, you'll find out soon enough.

StrawBerySwirrl: *Blush* Thanks.

Bluefuzzyelf: *Big Huge Smile* Awww…. Thanks, that makes me feel loved.

Squeakyinuears: A favorite moment from 'Men in Tights'… hummm. Well, I like the song and dance (We're men, Men in tights, tight tights), I think Blinken is hilarious, The fact that Prince John's mole keeps moving, and when Maid Marian's lady in waiting jumps off the balcony and the horse moves. As far as Sesshoumaru goes, he's going to act as King Richard would. Yeah, a lot goes on in the last chapter. Basically it was giving you a look at each of the many characters and what they are like. Naraku is supposed to creep you out, that's his purpose. How did Inu and Kag meet? Now that would be telling. I go into that a bit later, so you'll have to wait. Now to the questions: 1) Yes, it would be noticed if they did that all the time. But this is Inuyasha and he just loves to piss Naraku and Kikyou off. In fact most of the time the moving of money, goods, whatever is done by Miroku and *mutters name no one can understand*, but that is getting a head of the story. 2) Back to Inu and Kag… ok, I'll give you this, Sango is used to it. She knows Inu means her no harm and Kag likes the attention, so she doesn't bother them. What if had been Naraku? *Grins evilly* That is another point of read and find out. The length of your reviews doesn't bother me. I like long reviews, questions, and even flames. It lets me know that people really are enjoying the story itself and not just scanning through it. Thanks for the well wishes, but I have two jobs and have 16 hours in college. Not-too-stressful is not an option. That's also why I write the full story, or at least mostly, before I post. Other wise it'd be months between updates.

BurondoHimegimi: Thanks! I like the idea of Hojo being Inu's servant too. He just has the right 'I'll do anything for you' attitude.

Jesse the Wolf Demon: Hee hee, Yeah I figured it was. But I'm glad the story makes you happy.

Sugarhighs:P: Thanks, I'm glad you like my work. Ah yes, the question I knew would come up eventually: when will 'The Agency 2' be out. The answer is I don't know. 'The Agency' took me three to five months to write. But even though I was in school then, I didn't have job and the last two chapters were written in the summer (I think). I also took breaks when my cat died and my new kitten came. Now with 'The Agency 2' things are a little different. I have school and two jobs. My kitten is old enough to no longer need constant attention, but she still needs to be watched. I've also hit a small snag in the story that I need to work out. This 'work out' time accidentally got taken up writing 'Bandit of the Woods'. Again I can't really say for sure, but I am in the third chapter now. As far as 'That Rude, Arrogant, Violent, Jerk' goes, I want to extend it, but I'm just not sure how at the moment.

MM.org

Precious: Yes, Squeakyinuears from ff.net mentioned Sango's lack of presence as well. But as I said, to go into that would be telling. No, Naraku doesn't like it one bit, but life sucks for him. Yeah, the new recruits suck, but they've been farms and town folk up until now, so you can't expect them to just become warriors over night.

RavenShadow: When the Inu-gang is involved there is always trouble brewing.

To all my other wonderful reviews: I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

Bandit of the Woods

Chapter 3

Plan

"This is your brilliant plan to capture Inuyasha?" Queen Kikyo asked in disbelief. Naraku had just finished outlining his plan to draw out the bandit with an archery tournament. The two were in the throne room of the castle. Kikyo sat elegantly on the throne with an annoyed look on her fine-featured face, while Naraku stood before her.

"Yes my lady. Inuyasha is one of the best shots in the land, he will not pass up a chance to prove as much." Naraku replied.

"Inuyasha is not an idiot, if he were we would have caught him long ago. What makes you think he will just walk into such an obvious set up."

"Simple my lady. First, his pride would demand no less, he loves making the fool of my men and I. Second, love makes fools of us all. Offering a kiss from Lady Kagome as first prize should be more then enough to bring him from hiding."

"What are you talking about?" Kikyo asked as she rubbed her temples in frustration.

"Last night one of my guards saw Inuyasha leaving Lady Kagome's room via the balcony only a short time after he… left me and my men." Naraku frowned deepened at the reminder of their latest defeat.

"Then why don't you put a knife to her throat, walk into Sherwood Forest, and demand his surrender or her life?' Kikyo snapped in annoyance.

"Sherwood Forest is Inuyasha's home ground. He knows those woods better then peasants know the filth they live in. No matter how many men I take, none of us will leave alive. I believe our only chance is to draw him out, onto our turf, alone. Only then will we be able to beat him."

"And I'm sure the fact that you would like nothing better then to bed Kagome has nothing to do with it." Kikyo drawled. Naraku made no reply. "Alright then, let's give your 'plan' a try. But if it doesn't work, we will try my way." She paused, "I assume you will be competing as well."

"I would like to be close to the action my Lady."

"Right."

***************************************************** ***

"What news Miroku?" Inuyasha asked as the monk entered the treetop meeting room. A side from the tree growing through the center of the room, the only feature was the table, a few windows, and four chairs. Kouga was leaning against part of the circular wall looking out a window, Shippou was leaning forward with one elbow on the table and his head in his hand, and Inuyasha was leaning back in his chair with his feet on the table. Miroku took one of the two remaining chairs and sat in a dignified manner.

"I do indeed have news." The monk answered calmly, "Though not the sort you would expect."

"Surprise us." Kouga said without interest.

"Kikyo and Naraku are holding an archery contest to find the finest archer in the land."

"Who told those ass holes my title was up for grabs?" Inuyasha asked lightly.

"It's a trap I'm sure." Shippou added crossing his arms and a nodding his head.

"Naturally." Kouga shrugged, "The question is: do we go for such an obvious ploy or pass?"

"They seem to expect us to pass." Miroku continued as if he had not been interrupted, "Because they have baited it with something… very tempting."

"What?" Inuyasha asked, "Gold?"

"Silver?" Kouga ventured.

"Jewels?" Shippou guessed.

"Better." Miroku answered. They all looked at him expectantly, "A kiss from none other then Lady Kagome." There was a loud thump as Inuyasha fell out of his chair.

"Smooth move, lover boy." Kouga cooed.

"Oh shut up!" Inuyasha snorted as he picked himself up off the floor.

"I assume it would be a waste of air to say that entering this tournament is foolhardy, dangerous, and stupid, correct?" Miroku asked dryly.

"Of course it would," Shippou answered, "Inuyasha would do anything for Lady Kagome. The love sick puppy."

"Shippou!" Inuyasha growled dangerously.

"Oh look at the sun. I got to go get you a disguise ready. Bye!" The young fox said in one breath before disappearing from the room in a puff of smoke.

*****************************************************

Inuyasha looked at Shippou like the boy had lost his mind. The young fox's disguise was a simple rosary, provided by Miroku, that when put on changed Inuyasha's appearance. The once white-haired, dog-eared, golden-eyed hanyou now had long black hair, human ears, and violet eyes. His loose, infamous, red outfit had been taken in return for a pair of green tights, a matching tunic, brown knee height leather boots and belt, and a green triangle shaped hat with a single long red feather in it. A bow and a quiver of arrows were slung across his back and a sword was at his hip. Inuyasha's eyebrow twitched as Kouga and Shippou stifled snickers.

"I look like a fucking idiot."

"No… you… don't." Kouga said between snickers.

"It's a… good… disguise." Shippou choked around his hand, "Your… own… mother…won't recognizes… you."

"That would be because she would be laughing too hard." Inuyasha growled.

"You better… hurry… or you'll be… late." Kouga said.

"I'm going to beat you both into the ground when I get back. You both better be in position."

"Are we ever not?" Shippou asked coolly. Inuyasha shook his head and swung easily onto his horse. With a click of his tongue he urged the steed forward, soon coming to the edge of the woods. He did a quick check to see if anyone was looking before slipping onto the road. No one noticed his addition because of all the people already there. Some people also carried bows while others carried banners or noisemakers to help root on their favorite competitor.

As they arrived at the tournament ground Inuyasha hitched his horse with others on the edge of the grounds. The tournament ground was an open field with several targets set in a line. A shooting line was made of ribbon some 20 yards from the targets. Flags and banners, hung between poles, decorated the area in bright colors. Stands were set up and quickly filling with people. The royal stand was facing set parallel to the shooting range. A stripped blue and red canvas covered the seating area. Kikyo's throne was seated a head above everyone else and the queen herself looked bored. On her right sat Kagome and Sango chatting lightly. On her left were Naraku, who looked pensive, and Miroku, who look impassive.

The blast of trumpets called the competitors to line up before the royal stand. Kagome scanned the competitors with her eyes, sizing up the ones she wouldn't mind kissing. There was light haired man that looked promising. A man with long black hair did as well, if only he wasn't wearing such strange clothing. There was one she knew she didn't want to kiss, and that was Naraku, who was also competing.

Miroku scanned the man before him in an attempt to locate, discreetly, Inuyasha. His eyes landed on a young man dressed mostly in green that had chosen a place near him in the line. The violet-eyed man looked at each of those seated in the booth, letting his eyes linger on Lady Kagome and himself. There was no doubt in his mind, that man was Inuyasha. But who dressed him? Shippou was one dead fox.

The young monk looked away from the line to let his eyes roam the figure of Lady Kagome's lady in waiting. Sango was a lovely woman in her own right, comparable to the Lady herself. Yet, the amazing Amazon had always thwarted his advances. Still he had a mind to try.

Naraku gave each of his rivals a calculating glance, judging them on their possible worth as a challenge and their possibility of being Inuyasha. None had white hair, but it could have been dyed. None had dog-ears, but those could be under a hat. Some were dressed in red, but not his trademark outfit. His conclusion, he would have to see how was the best shot.

Kikyo glanced at the group in disinterest. Naraku's plan was stupid, enough said. She stood up and delicately cleared her throat.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the Tournament of the Golden Arrow. On this great day we have come together to find who is the best shot in the land. To begin the proceedings, our honorable Sheriff of Nottingham, Naraku, will shoot the first arrow." Naraku rose at her side a bowed deeply.

"Thank you your majesty." He walked gracefully out of the stands, careful to walk past each and every competitor, listening for a tale-tell growl. Nothing. He stepped to the ribbon line, pulled an arrow from his quiver, drew it, and fired. The arrow flashed through the air and hit the target with a thud. Perfect bull's eye. Naraku cracked his neck, smirked at the competitors, and returned to his seat.

"There are ten targets," Kikyo continued, "You will go ten at a time. Those who hit the center will advance, those who do not will be eliminated. After each round the target will be moved back by 20 yards. This will continue until there is only one person left. That person will then compete for the title with Naraku. Good luck to all. Now our local monk, Lord Miroku will bless the proceedings." Miroku rose gracefully to his feet and raised his staff. Everyone bowed their head.

"May god smile on us this day, bless these proceedings, and steady the hand of all those who praise him. Amen."

"Amen." Everyone repeated before raising his or her head. The first group advanced to the line and notched an arrow. The air filled with twangs of strings and the whoosh of cutting air, followed by the thud of the targets. A hand full of the ten hit the target, but only two touched the center. The two walked off to the side while the others spread off into the crowd to watch. The next group was a bit more successful, with five people passing. Inuyasha was amongst the third group, being one of six that hit the center. The fourth group only had only three hit the mark. While the last group, made of only four people, passed all members. This brought the total from 45 to 20.

The targets were moved back. The first remaining ten went, with five hitting the mark. Inuyasha was with the second group, and among only three to pass the round. And so eight remained. This time they all stepped to the line together. They drew back and took aim at the targets now sixty yards away. The air once again filled with flying arrows with four hitting their mark, Inuyasha among those.

Naraku glanced at the remaining four. One of these was his quarry, but which? One was a man with short blond hair and brown eyes. He seemed confident, but didn't have Inuyasha's brashness. Next was a stout boy with a nervous tick under his eye and, despite his great aim, shaking hands. This was not Inuyasha either. That left the other two. Both had long dark hair, but one had eyes of azure, the other of violet. Neither of these men exuded Inuyasha's trademark of over confidence, but neither could be ruled out either. If Inuyasha was here, he hide it well, and only time would show his true colors.

The targets were again moved back and the remaining competitors took their shots. To Naraku's disgust both of his prime suspects hit their mark, while one of the two he had counted out, the stout boy, did not. The targets were moved back to 100 yards, only the very best archers could hit at this range. The three notched their arrows and took aim. The arrows cut the air as one, only two making contact.

Naraku looked on as the light haired men left the field. This left only two. One that must be Inuyasha. But which? The question still hung in the air like morning mist. Only under the relieving light of his scrutiny, like the sun, would show which.

"For the final round," Kikyo's voice rung through the air, "Each competitor will take his shot separately. The man in brown may go first." Inuyasha stepped back from the line as his only challenger notched an arrow. He released the shaft with a twang. It hit the mark perfectly. Naraku leaned forward in his seat. Inuyasha ignored him as he stepped to the line. He notched his arrow and aimed down the slim piece of wood as the feathers kissed his cheek. He released and the arrow took flight. There was a crack. Inuyasha's arrow had split the others in two.

The crowd was on their feet in an instant murmuring in amazement. Even the people in the royal box were on their feet.

"Very well done." Naraku drawled as he drew himself up, "Inuyasha." The crowd gasped and murmured in shock. Inuyasha turned to look at him with a smile. "Seize him!" Naraku yelled at the guards as he himself made for the field. His course was thrown, however, when a quick movement from Miroku caused him to trip on the monk's staff.

"Oh my! My Lord Sheriff forgive my clumsiness!" Miroku exclaimed as he tried to help Naraku to his feet. This only succeeded in causing the Sheriff to fall twice more, with Miroku apologizing more profusely with each attempt. Finally the Sheriff threw the monk off and rose to his feet on his own. He looked out to see his guards descend on the black haired man. Fists and feet flew and despite his great fighting skills, Inuyasha was outnumbered, badly. When the pile of guards rose, they revealed the man had his hands tied behind his back and a rope around his neck. Naraku looked down the side of the royal box with a grin. Sango and Kagome looked shocked, Kikyo looked skeptical, and Miroku looked on without expression. Naraku sauntered down from the box with a cool smile on his face.

"Well, well, well," He drawled as he walked to stand before the captive. "It seems your arrogance was indeed you're down fall." Naraku reached out a fingered the rosary. Then he gave the necklace a sharp tug. The string broke and beads scattered across the ground. "And stealing from the clergy now too, I see." Naraku cooed as Inuyasha's hair turned white, his eyes went gold, and his ears moved to the top of his head. A murmur ran through the crowd. "Such a… becoming disguise." The Sheriff cooed.

"What's wrong, jackass? Upset to see that I really am the bigger man." Naraku growled and backhanded the hanyou. Inuyasha's head snapped around, but he continued to chuckle.

"Off with his head." Naraku ordered. Kagome gave a whimper and buried her face in Sango's shoulder. The older girl bit her lip and looked away. Kikyo was now sitting at rapt attention. Miroku had a slightly strained look that only his closest friends would notice.

Several guards advanced on the now growling and struggling Inuyasha. One placed a thick block of wood before him. Another kicked the back of his knees, causing them to buckle. He fell forward and cracking his chin on the block, issuing a string of very dark curses. Another guard pulled the rope around his neck taunt so he couldn't rise.

Inuyasha raised his eyes as the executioner approached. Naraku had thought of everything, the axe was even sharpened just for him. The shadow fell as Inuyasha looked up at the black clad man. His eyes drifted over to Kagome as she did her best to look and hide her eyes at the same time. It seemed she didn't want to see him die, but feared looking away just as much. The drum roll came to a climax and Inuyasha willed Shippou and Kouga to do whatever it was they were going to do, and do it now!

"Wait!" Miroku's voice rang clear over the grounds, drawing curious looks from all. The monk was on his feet looking calm and composed.

"Why?" Naraku snapped. Miroku seemed unfazed by the irate Sheriff as he took his time descending to the ground. The monk strode over to look Naraku in the eye.

"Even one such as Inuyasha deserves a last confession." He said calmly, and then stepped past the Sheriff to kneel next to the tied hanyou. The monk placed a hand on Inuyasha's head and made a symbol on his forehead with his thumb. The hanyou made no objections. "So my son, is there anything you wish to confess before you cross into the next life?"

"Yes, there is. I'd like to confess that not one thing I've done since Kikyo usurped the throne will I regret. Given the chance, I'd do it all again. And if that's a sin, then may I rot in hell for all eternity."

"That you will." Naraku growled. Miroku rolled his eyes.

"Is there anything else you'd like to confess?" Inuyasha quirked an eyebrow at Miroku, trying to see what the monk's plan was. The only thing he saw was the same expression looking back at him. Great. Where were Kouga and Shippou? He was going to skin those two alive.

"That's enough." Naraku interrupted the staring match, half-lifting half-pushing the monk away from Inuyasha. "Kill him."

The executioner stepped up next to the block and raised his ax. Kagome whimpered and hid her eyes as the drum roll once again came to a climax. The ax flashed in the sunlight as it made it's deadly arch. There was a thump of metal against wood and Kagome yelped.

Inuyasha opened his eyes to see his reflection in the ax only centimeters from his nose, his breath fogging the blade. The rope that had been holding him in place had been severed. There was a flash of blue flame and a shout of 'Fox Fire'. Inuyasha felt a dagger cut the ropes around his wrist and leapt to his feet. The executioner had changed into the young fox with a pop and puff of smoke. Next to him stood Kouga, dagger in one hand and sword in the other.

"This was your plan!?" Inuyasha shouted as he drew his sword.

"We like cutting it close." Shippou answered with a chuckle as he blasted a few more guards with blue flames.

"Yeah, live life on the knife's edge." Kouga added as he pulled his sword from another guard chest, pushing him away with his foot.

"I don't know what's worse; this stupid disguise, the stupid plan, or those damn jokes!" Inuyasha shouted back as he kicked a guard in the head, the same one who caused him to go chin first into the chopping block. All around them Inuyasha's men were joining the fight. Weapons flashed in the light of the afternoon sun. By standers hurried from the field as the battle turned bloody. Men on both sides fell, splashing the grass red as they hit the ground. The Royal box was surrounded on all sides, cutting off escape for the three ladies trapped there. Sango had a dagger out, protecting Kagome, even though neither side was attacking them. Kikyo looked on in almost impassive interest, not even bothering to rise from her throne. Kagome looked on worriedly trying to spot Inuyasha in the melee.

She was surprise by a strong arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her back. She spun around in the grasp to come face to face with the very man she had been searching for.

"I believe you owe me a kiss." He smirked and pressed his lips to hers before she could protest. He gently licked her lips and she opened to him automatically. His tongue slipped into her mouth and danced across her teeth. Their tongues met and twisted softly into one. Inuyasha dipped to avoid a sword aimed for his head. After a moment he pulled away and smiled at her. Kagome found herself breathless. Inuyasha said nothing, instead placed his fingers in his mouth and whistled. The horses his men used came charging onto the field. Men easily swung up into the saddle, kicking off their attackers. With another whistle from their leader, Inuyasha and his men took off into the woods, scattering in all direction. Naraku and his guards were left in the dust.

"Brilliant." Kikyo sighed dryly, "Absolutely brilliant."