InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Harem ❯ Chapter 8

DISCLIAMER: Inuyasha belong to Rumiko Takahashi and not to me. The AU world this story is set in, the plot and any additional characters do belong to me though, and so please don't try to take them without my permission. I make no profit of this story, and am doing it only for my own enjoyment (and hopefully yours too).

 

CHAPTER 8

 

Six weeks had gone by since Kagome had come to be a Prince Inuyasha's concubine, and since that time life in the harem as a whole had seen some changes.

 

Kagome and Sango had quickly become good friends, making theirs the first real friendship held by two concubines in the harem's history. They made it a point to eat lunch together whenever they could, and could be seen spending many an afternoon together joking and laughing about something, much to the displeasure of most of the maids who seemed to hold the ideal that concubines should be seen and not heard. Inuyasha on the other hand was more than happy to see the two girls get along so well. He cared about them both, and so was pleased to see how well they were getting along together. He'd always felt guilty that being his concubine had always seemed to rob Sango of the ability to make female friends, and would have hated to see Kagome meet a simular fate. Now though, he could watch with joy and relief as the two formed what he was sure would be a lifelong friendship, secure in the knowledge that as long as the two had each other they would always have someone to confine in and support them. He would always be there for them if they needed him, of course, but he was no fool and knew that sometimes women just needed other women.

 

Three weeks ago the harem had seen another change, when one of the harem's most senior maids - Nasira - retired (and about time according to Sango, who had found the snotty old hag to be a real pain in the butt, even more than most of the other staff). In her place, Inuyasha had surprised everyone by bringing in Shiori, a half Inu half northern barbarian girl who until recently had worked in the royal kitchens. Barely fourteen, Shiori was without a doubt the youngest member of the harem staff, and vastly under qualified when compared to the others. Not surprisingly many of the older staff were put off by her sudden arrival but seeing as Inuyasha made it a point from the beginning that he would not tolerate any of his staff or even concubines harassing Shiori for any reason save she made a serious mistake of some kind in her work, they couldn't really do anything about their dislike of her besides try to ignore her presence most of the time. While most of the staff did this, and Dalal and Muna looked down their noses at this new maid who they felt was beneath their notice as highborn concubines of the prince, Kagome and Sango were a different matter. They took a shine to the shy young girl immediately, as she was by far the nicest of the harem staff either had yet met. Incredibly shy and slow to open up to people, the two girls took Shiori under their wing as a sort of adopted little sister and were slowly bringing her out of her shell. Shiori for her part was rather happy with her new position, or at least far happier than she had been in the kitchens. It was a nice change of pace the open friendliness Kagome, Sango and even the Prince were showing her when compared to the scorn and harassment she received from many of the kitchen staff while most of the others turned their back. Shiori had been somewhat uncomfortable by Kagome and Sango's positions as concubines at first, but over time she stoped seeing them like that and simply started to see them for the kind-hearted women they were. Lately, Shiori had been volunteering to do more work for Kagome and Sango so as to get more opportunities to talk to them about various things. The other maids had no objects as they didn't care who did what work as long as it got done, so as time went by more and more of Shiori's chores ended up being based around Kagome and Sango.

 

None of that however, came close to shaking the harem up as much as Inuyasha's quickly growing favour of Kagome. Neither Dalal, Muna or any of the old maids could understand how it was that Kagome could just walk in and almost instantly become Inuyasha's favourite concubine. Dalal and Muna in particular were in disbelief over this development. How could this common born brat who (in their opinion anyway) wasn't even all that attractive just waltz in and take the position that should by rights be theirs? There could be no denying that it had happened though. It was plainly obvious even to the two concubines who had made an art of only seeing what they wanted to see. Since arriving at the harem, Kagome had been sleeping in Inuyasha's room far more often than her own, and if people couldn't already guess what they were doing in there the loud cries of pleasure that rather frequently could be heard from within made the answer very clear. More than just the frequency that Inuyasha took Kagome though, the fact that she had become the Prince's favourite was shown in his consistency in choosing Kagome to grace his bed. Aside from that second night after Kagome arrived when he summoned Sango to his room (and even then, although no one besides Inuyasha and Sango knew this, he in fact hadn't taken her but instead just talked and shared a drink before going to sleep), Inuyasha had not called on the services of any other concubine since. If he wasn't with Kagome, the prince was sleeping alone. Back when Sango was his favourite Dalal and Muna would still usually spend one or two nights each with the prince a month, even though Sango was his preferred bed mate. Now, they were lucky to be graced with a `hello' if they passed him in the harem's halls. It was like Inuyasha had forgotten that he even had three more concubines, much to Dalal and Muna's disgust.

 

Actually, that wasn't true, Inuyasha still remembered about Sango. While Inuyasha hadn't had sex with Sango since Kagome's arrival it was true, he still spent time with her like he did before. He would often join both girls for lunch when he had the time, and had taken to taking both girls with him on day trips so that all three of them could get out and have some fun. Sango was his friend after all, even if their relationship was kind of weird with the whole concubine-master thing thrown in, and if Inuyasha had his way they would remain friends for many more years to come. Their most common day trip would be to go riding for the day. Often Miroku would come along as well, which would usually result in Inuyasha and Kagome racing each other across the sand dunes while Miroku and Sango would follow at a more sedate pace enjoying companionable conversation.

 

Inuyasha had bee rather worried about Sango at first actually, about how she would take being replaced as his favourite concubine. Kagome too had worried about that when she first became aware that she had somehow gained Inuyasha's favour. Kagome hadn't wanted to give up Inuyasha's attentions, having truly come to adore spending time with Inuyasha, in the bedroom or otherwise, but she also hated to think that she might alienate her first and truest friend in the harem. They needn't have worried. Sango was surprisingly calm about the whole thing. In fact, she seemed almost happy about it, much to Inuyasha and Kagome's shock. Inuyasha had been confused enough by Sango's reaction that he'd eventually worked up the courage to cautiously ask Sango about it, but Sango had only smiled and said that she was just happy that her friends were happy. Although Inuyasha had been rather bemused by how calm Sango was taking it, neither he nor Kagome wanted to question their good luck about getting what they wanted without ruining their friendship with Sango so they didn't try to push the issue.

 

***

 

It was a beautiful sunny day, warm but not to hot and with a gentle breeze to take any edge off. Kagome and Sango were making the most of the good weather to eat their lunch outside in the garden. They were alone today, it being Shiori's day off and Inuyasha being busy with meetings and lessons all day. He'd told them earlier that he'd try to get some time off around lunchtime to come and eat with them, but he couldn't guarantee that he'd be able to manage it. When noon came and went and still the prince didn't appear the girls had decided he must have not been able to get away after all and decided to start eating without him.

 

The two women had been having a very nice lunch; that is until Dalal and Muna decided to enter the garden, talking darkly to each other. There was no question in either Sango or Kagome's mind as to what. When those two managed to talk together without arguing and insulting each other, it was always about one thing; bad mouthing their fellow concubines. Apparently, this time the two had gotten themselves really fired up and when they realised that Kagome and Sango were there, they couldn't stop themselves from marching over to confront them.

 

“So, there you are, commoner.” Dalal said with a sneer, her eyes firmly locked on Kagome. “What, no prince today, did he get tried of you already?”

 

“He's busy with meetings this morning, then he's meeting with General Asad for one of his lessons this afternoon.” Kagome said while staring directly into the detested girl's eyes, refusing to back down. “I'm sure I'll see him tonight, I'll give him your regards if you want.” Six weeks ago, Kagome wouldn't have been able to muster the courage to say such a thing, even hearing it would send her into uncontrollable blushing. Now, she was able to say it without a single shutter or hesitantion in her voice, and with only a slight blush which hopefully Dalal would take as anger to give away her embaressment. It was kind of scary how quickly she was adjusting to this life, but there was no way she was going to give Dalal even the smallest taste of victory by backing down. Besides, the look of indignant outrage on the redheaded concubine's face was enough to make up for any embarrassment Kagome might have otherwise felt.

 

“Why you…” Dalal growled. “He'll tire of you soon enough.”

 

“Oh, you mean like he's already tired of you?” Kagome asked with a smirk, though the blush was still present. “I couldn't help but notice he hasn't taken either of you the whole time I've been here. I wonder why that is?” Sango snicked, proud of how well Kagome was handling the Dalal. She'd certainly come a long way in the last six weeks.

 

“Laugh while you can, Bitch.” It was Muna who spoke this time. “You're days here are numbered, you mark my words. You're kind can't be trusted, you never could be. After all, Kikyo was a commoner too, and look how that turned out. It's just a matter of time before you too turn on the hand that feeds you, and while the prince might be blind by lust right now once he's had his fill of you he'll remember that too and toss you in the garbage heap where you belong.” Tossing her curly hair over her shoulder in what Kagome suspected was meant to be a dramatic fashion, Muna then turned and walked away. After one long last glare at Kagome Dalal also stomped off, but in another direction. Kagome guessed they were out of patience with each other for the day.

 

Kagome wasn't bothered by Dalal and Muna's insults; she'd gotten used to them by now and knew that they were based solely on jealousy. Besides you'd think by now tghey would be able to come up with something to insult her with besides the fact that she was a commoner, that one was really getting boring. Still, there was one thing Muna had said that left Kagome rather confused.

 

“Sango?” Kagome asked once she was sure the other two concubines were gone. “Who's Kikyo?”

 

Sango sighed, looking in the direction Muna had taken off in in disgust. She just had to bring up what she knew damn well to be a sensitive subject with the Prince, didn't she? No one dared mention Kikyo now days, hence why Kagome had no idea who she was. For the first couple of weeks after the incident people had gossiped about her constantly, but Inuyasha would unleash his anger on anyone he heard dare mention her name, and now they didn't try. Sango and Miroku, and Sango suspected maybe his parents, were the only ones who were allowed to bring her up but even they knew that doing so was a risky business.

 

Still, she'd been mentioned now and Sango knew Kagome well enough by now to know she wouldn't be satisfied with a non-answer. Sango was probably lucky that Kagome had asked her and not the prince, and least Sango could warn the younger girl against bringing the topic up.

 

Still, Sango couldn't help but glance around to insure that Inuyasha hadn't suddenly turned up before beginning the tale. Somehow it wouldn't surprise her in the least if he did, it would be just her luck.

 

“Kagome, Kikyo's a pretty sensitive topic around here, especially with Inuyasha.” Sango started to explain. “I guess after what Muna just said I should tell you, but please don't bring her up again. Trust me, if you do it'll be bad.”

 

Kagome nodded. “Okay, I promise Sango.” She didn't know why she would have to keep quirt about whatever Sango was about to tell her, but she would if it would make Sango and even more Inuyasha happy.

 

“Well, you see it started a little over a year ago, I guess about fifteen months ago now.” Sango said, pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts. “There was this merchant family, have you heard of them, the `Mako's? I guess it doesn't make that big a difference. Anyway, they were big in the southern silk trade and were in the middle of negotiations for preferred trading with the Royal family and many of the nobles. And I guess they felt that they needed more leverage to make the deal stick, so knowing that Inuyasha's birthday was coming up they offered him a gift for his birthday, the head of the family's youngest daughter, Kikyo, to be his concubine.

 

“Well, Kikyo was like you or me for that matter when we first arrived, she wasn't happy about being made a concubine. I don't think her family gave her much or any choice in the matter, though. But it was more than that; it was like something within her was broken. She was so withdrawn, it was like she was trying to hide from the world. She blocked everything out, and would spend all day hiding in her room. When she did come out, you could see this great sadness in her eyes, like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and it was crushing her. I tried to be nice to her, and show her that being made a concubine wasn't the end of the world. Yes it's a life that most people wouldn't choose, but the truth is it's not so bad once you get used to it. In fact there are some things about being a concubine that can be downright pleasant, especially when you have a master as nice as Inuyasha. Inuyasha tried to make her feel welcome too, but nothing we tried seemed to work. In fact, I think we just made it worse and as time went by Kikyo just got more and more withdrawn.

 

“She'd barely been here two months when it happened. Inuyasha was in the garden, when Kikyo came up to him and stabbed him with a knife she'd concealed in her sleave. If it wasn't for the incredibly dumb luck that I needed to get some fresh air after Dalal and Muna got into one of their `who's the most beautiful' arguments and stumbled across them, I don't know what would have happened. Inuyasha was already on the ground bleeding and Kikyo was about to stab him again, so I tackled Kikyo and screamed for the guards as loud as I could. I couldn't hold Kikyo for long, but it was just long enough for backup to arrive. Once Kikyo realised she was outnumbered, she took the knife to her own throat, probably because she figured it would be a less painful way to die than the punishments they diss out to one who makes an attempt on the life of a member of the Royal Family. Anyway, the guards managed to stop the bleeding long enough to get a healer, so Inuyasha survived. To this day no one knows why Kikyo did it, but Inuyasha hates to have her mentioned around him.”

 

Now that was something Kagome hadn't expected to hear. She'd seen the scar on Inuyasha's abdomen before, of course, but he'd never told her how he got and she'd just assumed it was in one of his training sessions with General Asad or one of the other fighters who'd Inuyasha had been with working for years. She never would have guessed it had been from a failed assassination attempt, let alone one by one of his concubines. Kagome didn't understand it, why would someone want to kill Inuyasha? Sure she hadn't been trilled at being made a concubine at first, but after meeting Inuyasha and discovering what a kind and wonderful person he was she could never have imagined hurting him. Besides, what on Earth did Kikyo hope to gain by killing Inuyasha? Did she think that by doing so she'd be able to go home or something? In all probability Inuyasha's death would have resulted in an all out investigation for his killer, and if the search failed to produce results the execution of everyone in the harem in retaliation.

 

Kagome could see why Inuyasha didn't like to have Kikyo mentioned around him. No doubt he was furious that his attempts to forge a friendship with her had ended in her betraying and trying to kill him, and that mentioning her was most likely like pouring salt in his wounds. Kagome promised herself that for Inuyasha's sake she would never bring her up or let on that she knew.

 

***

 

Inuyasha left the garden as quietly as he had arrived, the two women still none the wiser to his presence there. He didn't feel like eating anymore and needed some time by himself to think, now that his memories had been drudged up by hearing Sango's retelling on Kikyo's short time in the harem.

 

Inuyasha did hate to have Kikyo mentioned in his presence, but not for the reasons people thought. He knew that most people thought he felt a sense of anger at her betrayal, but that wasn't the case. What Inuyasha felt was a deep sense of sadness and regret that he hadn't been able to help Kikyo the way she needed, and even more so that she had felt for whatever reason that she'd had to do what she did. He'd never told anyone save his mother this and he was confident she had never mentioned it to anyone else, but he was sure he'd heard Kikyo whisper `I'm sorry' in a broken voice just before she'd stabbed him, and he could clearly remember the look of pain and desperation in her eyes as she stood over him. He had no doubt that she hadn't wanted to kill him but for some reason felt that she had too. He just wished he knew what that reason was.

 

Inuyasha knew he would always regret not taking more time to find out what had hurt Kikyo so much while he had the chance, for he'd known from the very beginning that hurt she had been. He'd assumed it was the way her family had pawned her off to better their trade agreement, but now he wasn't so sure. He'd only slept with her a couple of times, but each time was permanently engraved in his memory. Not because it had been great sex, or even bad sex. It had been nice every time, and her body had responded favourably to his ministrations. But each and every time, as soon as they were finished Kikyo would break down crying like her heart had been broken. Inuyasha would hold her and try to give her whatever comfort he could, but she always refused to tell him why. After three time when this happened, Inuyasha had promised himself that he would leave her alone sexually until he got to the bottom of whatever was upsetting her so and try to make it better. He'd done everything he could think of to get her to open up to him, but evidently it wasn't enough.

 

The day Kikyo had stabbed him, she'd asked him to meet him in the garden to talk about something important. Hoping that she was finally ready to talk to him about whatever had left such deep scars on her heart, Inuyasha had gone. He'd been surprised yet pleased when Kikyo had hugged him, thinking that he'd been right in his guess. That is until he'd felt the pain of the dagger suddenly piercing his flesh.

 

Make no mistake, Inuyasha was happy he'd survived that day, but he hated that Kikyo had to die in his place. Something had driven her to act as she did, Inuyasha was sure. And one day, he swore, he would find out what.