InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden ❯ Day of Destruction ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is not mine. If he was, I wouldn't be here, writing this disclaimer. Actually, I wouldn't be here, period.

AN: Well, here's chapter 1! Usually, I'm on a roll for the first 3 or 4 chapters, then I usually loose steam. But we'll worry about that when the time comes. Enjoy this one.

Forbidden

Chapter 1

Day of Destruction

"Your beloved is leaving soon, aren't you going to go bade him farewell?" Emperor Higurashi frowned at his daughter, who was busy picking wildflowers in the courtyard garden. "Are you listening to me?" He said, growing impatient.

"Yes father." Kagome sighed, standing up with her flowers. It was a beautiful bunch, mostly white carnations with a few sky blue Forget-Me-Nots. She raised them to her face delicately, sniffing. They smelled even better.

"Kagome." His tense tone of voice was a warning for her to get going.

"I know I know." Kagome rolled her eyes. "I was just on my way with these flowers...For him." She added the last part hastly.

Her answer seemed to satisfy her father, for he relaxed, placing a hand gently on her shoulder and walking away with her towards the gates. "Now I know Kouga is very strong and able, but this is a dangerous mission, and the chances of him returning aren't set in concrete. I know that it would make him very happy if you went to go see him."

Kagome nodded silently, coming to a stop before Kouga's bedroom door. She raised a hand, hesitating slightly before knocking on the door.

"Come in."

"I'll leave you two alone." Lord Higurashi said, giving Kagome a light kiss on the forehead before continuing on his way.

Kagome sighed, steeling her nerves before carefully opening the door.

"Sir Kouga." Kagome said, entering the room and closing the door behind her.

"Princess Kagome." Kouga said, bowing his head. "And how are you today?"

"Fine, you?" She replied stiffly, shuffling the flowers in her hand.

"Also fine, if not for the fact that I am leaving you here all alone." He smirked, making his way towards her.

Kagome rolled her eyes, not caring if he saw or not. "Here are the flowers I've picked for you." She held them out, waiting for him to take them. He did graciously.

"For me? You are too kind." He said, placing them carelessly on his bed.

"Not at all."

Kouga picked up his sword, sticking it in front of Kagome's face abruptly. She swallowed. "Look at this." He said, eyes glinting. "I've covered it with poison taken from a Dart Tailed Frog. Whoever touches this will not be a happy fellow."

"Nothing that some thyme leaves and sea salt can't cure." Kagome said simply.

Kouga's jaw clenched, angered by her calm comment. "Good thing nobody but you knows that."

Kagome shrugged.

"Come here, won't you?" He said after a moment's pause. Kagome didn't reply, but stepped closer to him.

"Closer."

Step.

"Closer."

...Step.

Kouga growled in frustration, reaching out with his arm to grab her arm and pull her closer. She gasped in surprise as he pulled her against him. "I know you'll miss me, but please don't be saddened, I will return. " He smirked down at her. "And when I do, we can finalize this marriage, and I will finally be able to have my way with you."

It took all her will power not to spit in his face. She tried pulling away from him, but his iron grip kept her firmly pushed against him. She just settled for glaring up at him. "If only my father didn't want this marriage...Oh, the things I would do to you..."

"Let's not get kinky now." He smirked.

"It'll be my dream come true if you never return." She seethed.

"Another reason wenches like you should stop dreaming and just be the obedient little pretty thing you are and do what you're told."

"In your dreams."

"You have no idea." He laughed wickedly. "Now, while I'm gone, don't forget that you're my woman-"

"I am NOT your woman."

"-and take care not to do anything naughty with any other guys out there." His face loomed closer as he smirked at her, fangs showing. "We'd make lovely babies don't you think?"

"Who's making babies?" She spat.

"We will be once I return." He swooped down, placing his mouth fiercly on hers. Her eyes widened, and she placed her hands on his broad chest, pushing with all her might. But she gave up soon, failing to break his grip on her. He finally pulled back. "Now be good, and don't forget..." He pulled back, grabbing his sword and pulling open the door of his bedroom. "You're MY woman!" He cackled as he sped away down the hall and out the castle gates towards the ship waiting in the dock.

Kagome wiped her mouth, trying to rid herself of the vile taste he left in her mouth. "Stupid wolf. Stupid marriage. Stupid stupid stupid." She ground out, stomping out of the room herself. She loved her father dearly, but marrying her off to this lame excuse of a wolf demon was not one of his smartest choices. Ever since her mother had died mysteriously ten years ago, her father had withdrawn, no longer the hearty, outgoing man he once was. She sighed, knowing that he was simply trying to make her happy. He thought that if he arranged a marriage for her, she would never have to worry about being lonely. Like he was. But he just didn't see that Kagome wanted to find love on her own, not be forced into it. And he definitely did not see that Kagome despised Kouga.

&&&

"I really hate it when you go out to battle." Lord Akira sighed dramatically as he watched Inuyasha get ready. "I keep telling you that you don't have to go fight, we have a strong and large enough army for you to stay home."

"And get fat and lazy? I think not." Inuyasha replied, grabbing some arm guards and strapping them on. "I need the exercise."

"And here I am, stressing out with worry. What if you get killed?" Akira bit his lip.

"Then I get killed." Inuyasha shrugged. "Don't worry about it, there's nothing you can do to change it. I'm going to fight whether you like it or not." He finished getting ready and turned to face Akira. The truth was, he couldn't die, because he vowed not to leave Akira.

Akira sighed again, standing up from where he was sitting on Inuyasha's bed. "If you must." He said, following Inuyasha as he exited his bedroom. As soon as they stepped out into the hall, a swarm of soldiers rushed past them, almost knocking them over. They were all heading towards the ports where the ships docked.

"Time for me to go." Inuyasha grabbed Tetsusaiga, slipping it into his scabbard. "I'll be back before you know it alright?"

Akira nodded. "Alright." He embraced Inuyasha for a short moment before watching the hanyou as he turned and joined the rest of the soldiers in the crowd. Lord Akira kept his eyes on that white bob of hair all the way until it exited the castle gates and took a right turn, where they marched out of view. He sighed, turning and making his way to his bedroom to catch a few winks before dinner.

It had been thirteen years since the day they met in front of Inutessai's study. He was already twenty-eight, and Inuyasha was nineteen. After they buried Inutessai and his wife, Akira was made leader of the unified North. Before moving to the capital, he had requested that Inuyasha join him as his second. Over the years, they had grown very close, with a relationship somewhere between brothers, and father and son. But the point was, Akira cared for Inuyasha deeply, and had come to love him as if he were a son.

He believed in Inuyasha's skill as a remarkable fighter, but that didn't stop him from worrying. Inuyasha was the only person he had. What would he do if he was killed in battle one day?

&&&

Inuyasha whistled a light tune as he climbed aboard the ship. It was a beautiful day, perfect for venting some anger and killing some idiotic Southerns. Whatever it took for the North to overrule the enemy, Inuyasha would be glad to do. If Lord Akira wanted it, he would do it. He didn't think Akira knew just how far Inuyasha was willing to go for him.

He seated himself comfortably on the side of the ship. From his left, he spotted Miroku coming his way. "Morning Inuyasha!" Miroku chirped, taking a seat beside his friend. Inuyasha grunted in reply.

"Did you get the usual lecture from Akira?" The monk asked.

"Yep."

"Has it affected you at all yet?"

"Um...nope."

"Don't you think Lord Akira has a point?" Miroku started. "What if you do get killed? What then?"

"I'll think about that when the time comes."

"You can't think when you're dead."

Inuyasha sighed. "Meaning that I won't have to think about it all, because I won't be dying."

Miroku sighed. "But what if you're wrong?"

"It's too early in the morning for questioning, Miroku." Inuyasha replied bluntly.

"It's almost four o'clock in the afternoon."

"My point exactly."

Miroku shook his head and got up. "But think about it. What if this time's different?" He turned and walked away, leaving his friend in thought.

"Keh." Inuyasha said at Miroku's retreating back. "It won't be."

&&&

"Kagome!" A voice called out behind her, and Kagome whirled around. "Oh, Sango, it's you." She calmed down slightly as her best friend approached her.

"What's wrong?" Her friend's eyebrows drew together, noticing at once that something was off about Kagome.

Kagome crossed her arms, huffing. "Nothing. Just problems with the fiance." She spat the last word out as if it had a disgusting taste.

Sango rolled her eyes. "What else is new?"

Kagome sighed, frustrated. "Why can't my father see that we aren't meant to be? I can't even stand being near Kouga for five minutes, how am I supposed to live the rest of my life with that jerkfaced bastard?"

Sango responded by leaning forward and placing a light kiss on Kagome's cheek. "Well, we can always hope that he doesn't return this time."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "I guess. But we all know that he's one of the most skilled warriors in the land. If he dies, it'll be a sheer, thank-the-heavens-for-dumb-luck fluke."

Sango laughed, taking her best friend's arm and leading her down the hall. "Let's not worry about it for now. Come on, let's go down to the beach."

Kagome smiled, letting Sango lead the way. They had been best friends for as long as they could remember. Sango's father was the captain of the country's entire army force, and he and Kagome's father were quite close. But Sango's father died in battle when she was only six, and since her mother had died giving birth to her, she was now an orphan. Kagome's mother always loved Sango, and so they adopted Sango as their daughter, sort of. The adoption was never finalized, but it didn't matter, for Sango was just happy to be part of a family again.

But only two years later, when Kagome was seven, her mother died. It hurt Kagome more than she could have imagined. Her mother was the one person she loved more than anyone else in the world. But she was thankful to still have Sango and her father by her side, despite his crazy love decisions.

"Sango..." Kagome began silently as they made their way through the hall towards the castle gates.

"Hm?" The older girl replied.

"Do you believe in love?"

"I guess." Sango said in a whispy voice. She had yet to experience it, but she did believe it was out there.

"Do you think I'll ever have it?"

Sango turned to look at Kagome. She looked so small, staring down at her feet while biting her lip. Sango was the only person who knew how much Kagome let Kouga get to her. She knew how much of a romantic Kagome was deep down, and because of Kouga, she was kept away from the one thing she's wanted the most - true love.

"Yes." Sango replied simply. "Remember, think nasty thoughts and perhaps Kouga will get run through with a spear or something. Be optimistic!" She said, hoping to cheer her best friend up.

It worked. Kagome laughed a tinkling laugh and turned to give Sango a hug. "Thanks." She said.

Sango smiled and returned the hug. "You're welcome. Now let's go to the kitchens and nick some food to take down to the beach."

&&&

Inuyasha panted, looking around him at the piles and piles of bodies that lay around them. It had been a long, bloody, brutal battle, but it was finally coming to an end. Only one enemy left.

He tightened his hold on the bloody Tetsusaiga and turned to face the demon standing before him. He had long black hair tied in a high ponytail. He reeked of wolf.

"Aww, little doggy, how cute."

"Shut up."

"Just surrender now why don't you?" The wolf smirked. "Your friends have." He nodded in the direction where Miroku and Hojo lay, barely alive. Inuyasha clenched his jaw. All the more reason to kill this bastard.

"Why don't you shut your trap and get on with it?" Inuyasha bit out.

He laughed. "As you wish puppy."

Inuyasha held up Tetsusaiga, charging towards the wolf demon. Seconds before his sword struck flesh, his opponent jumped out of the way, aiming a well-placed kick to the back of Inuyasha's head. The kick, along with his momentum, sent him tumbling head first into the ground. He got up, wiping his mouth. Before he could even recover, the wolf charged in his direction again, swinging his sword towards Inuyasha's head. He ducked just in time, and lashed out with a hard punch to Kouga's stomach, knocking the breath out of him. Taking advantage of the moment in which the wolf tried to catch his breath, Inuyasha sped towards him again, kicking him in the face. He continued his assault on him, using mainly his fists. He would tire him out, then finish him off with Tetsusaiga.

Obviously having had enough, the wolf spurned into action and jumped high over Inuyasha's head with his powerful legs. As he came down towards the hanyou, he pointed his sword downwards, right at Inuyasha. But Inuyasha jumped, kicking his opponent out of the air and into the nearest tree with a ground-jolting thump. The wolf slid down the tree and onto the ground with a grunt, lying still. Inuyasha, panting with exertion, made his way painfully towards the wolf. Just as he was about to declare him dead, he shot up with his sword, catching Inuyasha off guard.

His opponent's sword swept towards Inuyasha in a violent swing, ripping through his armor and cutting into the flesh of his chest. Inuyasha yelped in pain as he slid backwards from the hard hit. He looked up in anger at the wolf, ignoring the pain. With one last burst of energy, he shot forward with Tetsusaiga, grimacing slightly as his sword stuck with a thump into the wolf's chest. His opponent's eyes widened, and he coughed, blood spilling over his lips. Inuyasha withdrew his sword with a squishing sound, watching with a steely gaze as his opponent slid lifelessly to the ground. One last whisper escaped his lips before his eyes dimmed with death. "Kagome..."

Inuyasha, not knowing what that meant, ignored him. He slid Tetsusaiga into it's scabbard and stumbled his way towards where Miroku and Hojo lay. They had recovered somewhat while he was fighting, and they looked up at him in concern.

"Are you okay?" Miroku asked hurriedly, trying to get up but failing. He had broken one ankle and twisted the other.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Inuyasha attempted a smirk, making a gesture that told Miroku to remain seated.

"How bad are you hurt?" Hojo asked from a few feet to the left of Miroku. Hojo lay with a broken arm and broken leg.

Inuyasha looked himself up and down. "Not too bad, actually." He was pretture sure he had a few broken ribs, but that would heal in no time. Other than that and a few scratches and bruises here and there, he was perfectly fine.

Except for the gash in his chest. It was deep and bled profusely, probably his most serious injury. But it was still a flesh wound, and it would heal, although a scar might remain. Nothing he couldn't handle. "Come on, we should get going." He said to Miroku and Hojo, reaching out a hand to help them up. "Before any other Southern soldier appear and decide to--" He stopped, suddenly feeling dizzy. He collapsed painfully to the ground, laying on his back.

"Inuyasha? Inuyasha! What's wrong?" Miroku yelled, leaning over him.

"Nothing, I'm fine." Inuyasha groaned, bringing a hand to his head. He was, however, not fine. The dizziness had turned into a full-blown headache, and spots danced and flashed before his eyes. A roaring sound filled his ears, making it hard for him to hear what Hojo and Miroku were yelling at him. He then tasted something metallic in the back of his throat, and he coughed, trying to get it to go away. Instead, a rush of blood came up into his mouth, and he spit it out. His lungs felt punctured, although he knew they were not, and Inuyasha was finding it difficult to breathe. Each breath came harder and harder until he was panting heavily. He felt like his throat was closing up, and he clawed desperately at his neck.

"Inuyasha!!"

His name, yelled by both Miroku and Hojo, was the last thing he heard before the darkness engulfed his senses.

AN: Whew, that was tough. Writing fight scenes is harder than you think. Next chapter, Time and Sea. (I'm sure you guys have figured out what's going to happen by now.)

Oh, and just to clear things up. Kagome is two years younger than Inuyasha and one year younger than Sango. So Kagome's 17, Sango's 18, and Inuyash'a 19. Miroku's also 19. Akira, who was fifteen in the prologue, is now 28.

Till next time!