InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hanyou no kokoro no naka de; Within the Heart of the Half-Demon ❯ Into the Castle ( Chapter 15 )

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

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is © Rumiko Takahashi. Not me. Though I wish it was

A/N: Yay! This is a fun chapter. Probably one of the most light-hearted chapters thus far. Okay, yeah, it is by far. Enjoy!!!

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Hanyou no kokoro no naka de; Within the Heart of the Half-Demon

Chapter 15

Into the Castle

The sun had set. There was still a hint of light left in the sky, but the darkness was beginning to stretch out over the sky and engulf all of the land with it. A single flock of birds flew over the forest and landed in a nearby field, bathing in the standing water. The first of the stars twinkled through the deep blue of the night sky.

Kagome looked up at the darkening sky. Have we really been gone a whole day? She stepped up the three stairs and reached for the door handle. “You coming, Inuyasha?”

The hanyou poked his head out from behind a neatly trimmed shrubbery that lined the stone pathway. “Are you sure we won't get caught??” he asked warily. His ears were perked up to ultimate-alertness and he looked around him suspiciously.

Kagome pulled the small door open and smiled. “Don't worry! I can cover!”

He leaped silently out of the bush and ran to her side. “Remind me why we're doing this again…”

Kagome dropped her hand from the door and sighed. “I've told you three times since we left! I need some things out of the castle! Besides, if I can run into my parents it might help with our `we're not missing' story.” She paused and thought for a moment. “And I have something I'd like to ask my father…”

Inuyasha gave her a strange look before taking a first step through the door Kagome was holding open with her foot.

“Oh wait!” she exclaimed suddenly. Inuyasha paused and looked at her. She dug quickly through her bag she was still carrying and pulled out a large handkerchief. “Here! Put this on your head.”

Inuyasha grabbed the handkerchief. “What for!?!”

“So no one will see your ears…” she said, trying not to laugh.

He pursed his lips to the side and threw the cloth over his head while trying to tie it so that it would stay. He fiddled with the cloth for a few minutes, getting quite frustrated, before he finally finished the knot. He dropped his arms, crossing them immediately, and giving Kagome an irritated look.

She smiled. “Cute.”

“Keh!” he huffed.

She pulled the door back further and stepped inside, Inuyasha following her. From the dull looks of the hallway, it was obvious to be a back hall through the castle. The floor was a shiny wood finish, not marble, and the decorations that hung from the walls were few.

“Nice place. You live here?” Inuyasha asked sardonically.

Kagome ignored him, but began getting a bit tense when two servants rounded the corner and walked their way.

“Oi! Kagome-hime!”

They bowed.

She smiled nervously. “Ano…hi!”

They rose from their bow and continued on their way.

Kagome exhaled. “Okay…we won't get caught.”

“It's real reassuring when you gotta remind yourself like that.”

The princess didn't reply. They reached a cross way. Kagome looked down both halls before deciding which way to go.

“I think my room is this way…”

“You think?”

“I haven't been back here in a long time.”

“We sure as hell better not get lost.”

“We won't get lost. I know where we are.”

“Right. And we won't get caught.”

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The hallway was clear. Kagome peered around the corner. She could see her bedroom door.

“Okay…” she whispered, grabbing Inuyasha's arm and dragging him quickly toward the door.

“Hey!” he exclaimed.

“SHH!” she snapped back as they reached her door.

On the marble floor, Kagome could hear someone approaching. She yanked the door open and shoved the hanyou inside, following him and slamming the door behind her. She leaned back against the door and exhaled heavily, wiping her hand across her forehead.

“You sure lost a lot of confidence after you ran into those guards,” Inuyasha said, looking around her room.

“I just didn't wanna get caught.”

“M hm…” he mumbled absently, picking up some things off her dresser and looking at them curiously.

“Put that down!” she demanded, stomping over to him and taking the item, placing it back on the counter.

“So sorry—”

Kagome walked over to her bed and dumped the contents of her bag onto it, sorting through it and moving aside the things she didn't need.

“Why did I even pack these?” she mumbled, pushing something aside.

Inuyasha watched her mumble to herself and sort through her things. “You need any help??”

She sighed. “No. I'll find everything.”

Suddenly, there was a loud knock at her door. Kagome's heart froze for a second.

“Oh no! Inuyasha! Get behind the bed!”

“What!!”

“Hurry! No one can see you in here!” she pushed him behind her bed and he fell to the floor.

“What do you want me to do whilst I lay here??” he whispered loudly back, very aggravated.

“Just be quiet until who ever this is is gone!”

He rolled his eyes as she ran quickly toward the door. There was another knock.

“Kagome!” came the voice from the outside. “It's your mother! Are you in there!?!”

Mom!! The princess screamed at herself. She tucked her loose hair behind her ears and brushed herself off, trying to look at least half decent. She pulled her door open to find her mother already walking in, a mixed look of relief and frustration on her face. “Hi, mom!!” Kagome piped innocently.

“Where have you been! I've been looking for you all day!!”

“I'm sorry mom!” she replied, fumbling through her brain for an excuse. And while I'm at it, I'll save Sango's butt too. “Sango went out to practice this morning and she wanted me to accompany her. I'm sorry, we must have lost track of time.”

“You just got back!?!”

“Well, I got back earlier but I've been busy tending to other matters. I'm sorry to have worried you,” she added again.

Her mother exhaled heavily, giving the impression that it was the first time all day she had breathed. “Well, next time you plan on being gone from the castle, I'd appreciate it if you'd let someone know before just sneaking out like that!”

Kagome gave a slight bow. “Yes, ma'am. Gomen ne.”

Her mother smiled, patting her daughter on the shoulder. “It's alright, sweetie. But…I was wondering if you could do something for me…”

“Oh Mama, not tonight!”

“How come?”

“I'm so exhausted from helping Sango all day…I really just want to sleep. It's already dark outside.” She pulled off a nice fake yawn. “I'm so tired!”

“Oh, alright,” her mother said. “You go ahead and get some sleep.”

“Thanks mom!”

Spoiled little… Inuyasha thought, still hiding behind the bed.

Kagome yawned, this time for real, and stretched as she walked to her closet.

“Sleep good, angel!” the queen called as she exited the room.

Kagome listened until the sound of the footsteps was gone. She turned toward her bed. “Okay, Inuyasha, the coast is clear.”

He leaped up from behind the bed and landed on her pillows, bouncing back up into the air as he did so. The springiness of the bed seemed to amaze him. He pushed the mattress down with his hands and bounced again.

“Do you sleep here?”

“Yeah…” Kagome replied, entering her bathroom.

“Every night?”

“Yes!” she called back.

“Wow…” he said silently in amazement.

Kagome went through her closet, grabbing an extra pair of clothes and some toiletry items. She was not sure how long they would be gone until the Shikon Jewel was found. She looked around the room, making sure she had everything, before walking back into her bed room. She was surprised to find Inuyasha holding a pillow up to his head and stroking it with his eyes closed.

“Inuyasha!! What are you doing?!?”

His eyes shot open and he looked at her, his eyes full of innocence. He yanked the pillow from his head. “What is this?? It's really soft.”

“It's a—freakin' pillow. Do you really not have one??”

He shot her an offended look. “I sleep in a tree.”

“Ah-” she said with a nod.

He fluffed the pillow before setting it back down on the bed.

Kagome smiled. “I have to go to Sango's room really quick. She needs something for her Hiraikotsu…I'll be back in a bit. Don't - do - anything.” She ordered, pausing between each word for a dramatic, threatening effect.

“Yeah, yeah,” Inuyasha said, picking up another pillow and looking it over.

She set down the things she had just got next to her bag, which now lay on the floor, then walked hastily toward Sango's room next door.

X-X-X

The king turned a corner, taking his last step up from the stairs. He was surprised to be greeted by his wife's face heading the other direction.

“Oi! Where are you off to, my queen?” he inquired in surprise.

“Just came from Kagome's room.”

“Is she there?”

“Hai, she is. She seemed so tuckered out, poor thing. She was on her way into bed. You may not be able to talk to her tonight.”

He took a few more steps past the queen. “I'll go on and see.”

“Don't you wake the poor girl if she is already asleep.”

Already on his way to her room, he waved back, “yeah, yeah…” indifferently.

X-X-X

Kagome dug harshly through Sango's drawers. She was searching for some kind of cloth for the Hiraikotsu, but she had no clue where to begin searching.

“Dang it, Sango! Where do you keep that stupid thing!”

She slammed a drawer shut and hurried through the next.

X-X-X

Inuyasha laid in complete comfort on Kagome's bed. He couldn't remember ever being on something so soft and squishy in his whole life. He held one of the pillows against his stomach, his hands folded on top of it, and he was staring blankly at the ceiling.

What am I doing here?? He thought suddenly. Oh yeah…that stupid jewel. Stupid Naraku---or whatever his name is. Stupid…Grah!!! Hurry up, Kagome! I want to get out there and whip this guys butt before we all die. What's taking her so long?? He sat up in the bed, looking over at the door she had left from a few minutes ago. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Kagome? It's your father!” a voice called from outside.

Inuyasha's heart stopped.

CRAP!!!!! He yelled at himself, looking frantically around the room.

“Are you in there, Kagome?” the king called again.

Inuyasha looked at Kagome's bed and did the only things his frazzled mind could come up with. He yanked the sheets back and climbed in.

“Kagome??” her father called again. “Are you already asleep?”

Inuyasha heard the door handle move. He, with demonic speed, pulled the covers up over his head and curled up in a ball, trying his best to hide his silver hair and look like a sleeping girl. The door slowly creaked open, and Inuyasha shut his eyes and tight as he could, praying to God that he wouldn't get caught. He could hear his heart thumping a million miles an hour under his haori, and he tried to subdue his breathing so that it couldn't be heard.

The footsteps walked closer to the bed. Inuyasha gulped. He felt the bed move-someone had sat on it. If I didn't know better…I'd start crying right about now… he thought.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. “Kagome??” the man said with a nudge. The king sighed, dropping his hand to the bed beside Inuyasha when he didn't respond. “I'm sorry for not being around all day. I hope you and Sango had fun…but I still can't help but worry about you being out all day like that.” He paused. Inuyasha's heart rate slowed a bit as he listened to the king talk. It was beginning to get extremely hot under the sheets.

“You see, Kagome—The Shikon Jewel was stolen today. You know about the jewel, right?”

You have no idea…

“Well, we don't know who stole it or why, but until it is recovered I think it would be best of you - and Sango - stayed inside the castle. It's really dangerous with such a power in God-knows-who's hands.”

Inuyasha's ear twitched. He had the sudden need to scratch it. He twitched it again. Damn itch…

“The gravity of the situation may be a little much for even you to understand…”

Inuyasha flicked his ear, trying to look up at it. He tried not to move thus giving himself away to the king. But my ear!! It itches so bad!!!

“…Heck, I hardly understand it myself. But Naraku-san has advised that we keep you inside so that no harm comes to you. Do you understand??”

Okay…that's it! Inuyasha tried to slowly inch his arm up to his face without moving the sheets. I HAVE to scratch it!! His ear twitched again. Stop that!!

He felt a hand on his shoulder again. "Kagome...are you awake??"

Inuyasha stopped his arm and held his breath, too afraid of being caught.

X-X-X

"Ah! There it is!" Kagome exclaimed, pulling Sango's cloth out of a drawer. She shut it and walked quickly back toward her room.

X-X-X

I'm going to die!! Inuyasha thought as he felt the king begin to get suspicious. His head was totally blank on ideas. There was no way they were going to get out of this one. Not unless a miracle transpires.

Suddenly, Kagome's bedroom door flung open and a flustered girl rushed inside.

“Kagome!!” her father exclaimed in surprise, standing from the bed.

The princess froze in her tracks. “Father???”

The king looked around in befuddlement for a moment.

Death is closing in. Inuyasha thought.

“What's going on!” the king exclaimed again. “I thought you were…” he pointed to the bed in utter confusion.

“Oh, kami…” Kagome whispered, covering her mouth.

Her father ripped back the bed covers, exposing the frightened hanyou.

“Now, Father…” Kagome began.

“Holy cheesecakes, Kagome!!!” he screamed, backing slowly away from the bed.

“Let me explain…”

Ah-finally! Inuyasha thought, scratching his ear, relieving himself of the annoyance.

“What is a—”

“Your majesty!!” a strange voice shouted. Every one threw their attention at the bedroom door.

“Naraku!” Kagome almost screamed.

Inuyasha shot a glance at Kagome. Naraku!?!?!

The king looked again at Inuyasha, then his daughter, then back at his advisor. “Yes…Naraku-san??”

Naraku hesitated for a moment, seeing the princess and Inuyasha in the castle. He seemed almost more confused than the king did. He shook his head and looked back at Kagome's father. “It's an emergency, your Majesty. You need to come immediately.”

By this time, several maidservants had found their way into the princess's quarters and were watching the drama unfold.

“But there's—”

“No time, your Highness. Please come right now.”

The king looked at Kagome. He was too flustered to seem angry just yet. “Don't you go anywhere. I'll be back to deal with you later.”

He pointed a figure at her like she was child and then followed his advisor out the door. Naraku held the door open as the king passed through. He looked back at Kagome and Inuyasha in a strange, odious look before walking after the king and closing the door behind him. The maidservants eyes shifted from the door to the princess as she ran to Inuyasha.

“What'll we do! You've been found!!”

“Was that Naraku??”

Kagome nodded.

“What's he still doing here!? I thought he stole the Jewel!!”

“He did! He must have! Him being here is just part of his plot. He can't seem too obvious, you know! Don't worry. I know him. He'll be after us in no time flat now that he knows we're here.”

“Can we run?”

“Not without being seen. Besides, no one will let us out of the castle at this hour. Word of us as probably gotten all around by now. You'll be captured in no time. And I'm in a world of trouble.”

Inuyasha hopped off the bed and grabbed Kagome by the arm, looking her in the eyes. “You want to break this curse??”

She returned his look. “Of course..”

“Then hop on. We're getting out of here!”

“What!?!?!”

Inuyasha turned and leaned forward, giving Kagome the clear to hop on his back. “Come on! We'll never escape the castle otherwise!”

“How exactly do you plan on getting out??” she inquired, still looking at him like he was insane.

“Just get on!!”

Kagome reached over from beside her bed and grabbed the bag that held all her things and slung it over her back. Without a second thought, she jumped up on Inuyasha's back. The maidservants gasped in the excitement of the moment. Inuyasha ran toward the window, pulling back the curtains and running our on the balcony, looking over the edge.

“How far is it?” he asked back to the princess.

“About five stories!” she replied.

“Keh! That's nothin'!!”

“What!?!?” Kagome yelled, too late for her case, though, as Inuyasha leaped from the balcony, free-falling to the gardens below. The maid servants ran after them, looking over the railing.

“Go, Kagome-sama!!” one yelled after them. The girl next to her hit her in the arm.

“Baka, the princess has escaped!! The king must be warned!!”

The gardeners looked up at the sound of Inuyasha's feet hitting the pathway.

“Kagome-hime?” the nearest one said.

“Sayonara, minna-san!!” she called to them all as she waved. “Sayonara!!”

They watched the hanyou she was riding run off into the trees.

“The princess has been kidnapped!!” One of them shouted.

“The guards must be warned!!”

Some of the gardeners ran from their flower pots and gardening shovels to the castle with the intention of getting the horrible news of the princess's kidnapping to the king. She did, after all, seem so incredibly distressed.

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A/N: That chapter was insanely fun to write. I hope you guys enjoyed this one as much as I did. Anyway, till next time!!