InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ In the Western Lands ❯ Escaping to the West ( Chapter 1 )

Kagome sat in the corner in silence as she watched the men gather around the main chamber room of the entertainment court. Her hands settled in her lap, as she sat upright, her legs curled beneath her. Her lips pressed together in tight, thin line as she watched them drink until their hearts content. The brightly lit hall lavished with light as women donned in dancing attire ran among serving others. The palace was celebrating the day of victory against the village, her village. She had previously resided in the village in a poor, but humble family. That was until she had been set up.

She had to hold in all her feelings she was after all not in the place to be the one to say what she wanted. She had to remain quiet as if she were a doll that was part of the deal; she was to be obedient. She was to look the part as the perfect golden statue to all his friends and family. She would watch them as they congratulate him on his fine `catch' and tell him how lucky he was to find her. In reality it she who was unlucky; she was the one who had been put up in a bet, by her own father. She cringed at the mere thought of betrayal that he pushed upon her. He was so confident in his skills, he wagered his own child out to this man - if he could consider as such. He was a possessive, arrogant pig whom she could harbor only feelings of hate. Yes, she could say it; she truly hated him for who he was. Everyone thought together, she and he made the perfect lovable couple, but they could not actually consider themselves as that. No, this was captivity. She was only sixteen and he would not ridicule himself in front of others by telling everyone that he won her out a gamble. He was of royalty no one had yet to figure out his betting habit.

No one knew what happened after the pleasant greetings she gave out. The fake smiles she plastered on just to satisfy him and the passing visitors were never enough. He knew they were forged feelings she managed to show everyone else and she knew he could tell. She did it anyway, she would rebel against him in anyway she could manage without fully breaching the terms of the deal. He could not reprimand her for doing as he told her to act cheerful around his friends and family and that is what exactly what she did act. Her smiles never truly reached her eyes; they remained dull and lifeless as she felt. After all, she was to be a doll and that is how she would be.

The loud slap of hands on the wooden throne jolted her from her thoughts. “Did you not hear me Kagome?”

Truthfully, she did not even acknowledge what he had said she never really did. “I'm sorry Koga, I could not hear you over the noise, and what is it that you wanted?” She asked in her quiet meek voice as she strode over to the rounded table.

Koga pulled her in to his lap, planted a kiss on behind her ear, and teased it lightly with a small bite. She shuddered, with what he assumed was delight, but in truth it was disgust. She wanted to run away from him to hide. He had yet to explore her body fully, but she knew it would not be long until he took the chance to do so. By then she would have to leave and find a place to hide from him, but where could she run. With his power and wealth, he could easily track her down. That and the fact people within the vicinity and neighboring villages would recognize her. She had no choice, but to remain as she was and hope that something, someone could allure him from her. She could only hope though. Surely, no one would save her from her predicament; they would be crazy to try, but she could only hope for someone to relieve her from this hell called reality.

Kagome nearly lurched from the throne as she felt his clawed hands caress over her skin. She had momentarily forgotten he was a demon. She had to control the dark chuckle that threatened to escape her throat. How could she forget that he was a demon, ever? If it were not for his physical traits, his personality would make him a demon. Sure he kept her fed, dressed and lavished her in anything, but that was about as far as their relationship went. There was no love, no tenderness in this supposed connection. She was not a woman easily swayed by wealth and money for her to be in love; no, she needed more than that. She could do without the gaudy jewelry, flashy clothing and luscious palace; all she needed was a caring partner who cherished her.

Koga growled in content as he placed his lips along her neck. “In a few minutes you are to come to my chambers. I will send the others over so that you are adorned in the proper attire.”

Kagome could feel her heart jolt within her chest. It was too soon, she was not ready. She had not thoroughly processed a plan to escape such a situation. Perhaps she had hoped to soon. She cursed her karma and silently pleaded with the gods to allow her more time to be free of his hold for at least another day. She begged them to have mercy on her and asked what wrong had she done to be like this. As far as she was concerned she had done nothing to deserve this deal of torture, but whatever she did had upset them greatly.

Kagome stood and descended the steps of the throne slowly. She would have to move as slow as she could mange in order to give herself some time to think and to prolong her purity. As she walked along the main halls, Koga's attendants surrounded her and pushed her along, their faces crossed with jealousy, especially the fiery red haired demon named Ayame. Apparently, she was of some stature to Koga. In truth, Kagome would gladly switch positions with her or any of them for that matter if they wished it so badly. Their gazes of hatred made Kagome feel like an obscenity, so belittled.

As she walked along the long halls, she caught sight of purple robes. The familiar jingle of the staff caught her ear. Kagome turned to see Miroku, the head monk of the palace approach her. He held out his hand toward her in a simple greeting. “Come Kagome I am here to prepare you.” He smiled lightly and watched as she tentatively grabbed his hand. He had been glad when she had learned to trust him, he found her company very pleasant and found that she made an interesting friend. He remembered when she had first came into the castle such a pleasant and timid girl she was. He made friends with her quickly and she even helped him with placing scrolls and other documents in certain areas of the castle library. Of course, she had to do that in secret. Koga was strict with being around other men. Personally, Miroku saw Kagome more as a kid sister than a woman and never played his lecherous antics with her, he valued her company too much. She accepted his manner as well.

He had been recent told that Kagome was to be prepared for a purification bath. He had not been notified of the true reason as of yet. He pulled Kagome into the bathing chamber, away from the jealous harlots, and handed her the white robe for purification.

“So Kagome, I have been asked to set up preparations for a cleansing ceremony.” He said oblivious to the intentions behind said ceremony.

Kagome dropped the robe onto the floor and sank to her knees. Her hands fisted together as she tried her best not to cry. The tears sat at the edges threatened and swiftly spilled over little by little until they released over to stream down her cheek. Her shoulders began to shake and her breath came out in short sobs. Miroku began to panic and crouched to her level. He did not know how to deal with crying women it was not his experience. When she looked at him, he could see her eyes pleading with him. For him to do what, he was not sure.

Kagome gripped his robes, rested her head against his chest, and sobbed loudly. “Miroku I don't want to bed his majesty. I'm not ready for such a thing.” She mumbled through tears.

“Kagome what are you talking about, this is a purification ceremony-”

“To prepare me for his majesty's bed.” She spit out violently. “Miroku I don't want to, not like this.”

Miroku felt his anger rise within him as the small girl gripped his clothing in her tiny fist. How could Koga do this? Especially since, she was recently brought here from the neighboring lands. He would do anything he could do to help, even at the risk of being aught. Kagome did not deserve such treatment even if it was from royalty, but what could he do, moreover where could he take her without her being seen. This was a puzzling feat indeed.

“Don't worry Kagome I will protect you.”

Kagome gasped in realization. She could not let Miroku help her. He could be thrown in jail or worst…She could not even let that thought cross her mind. “No Miroku, you'll become an accomplice, I won't let you do no such thing.”

How she managed to think of others when her life was in danger was beyond him. He would not let Koga defile her with his essence. He made it his duty to protect her from harm. He had a limited amount of time to help her. An idea came to him quickly as he looked towards the large shelf. He grabbed hold of a powder and handed it to Kagome.

“Use this, it helps clear you natural scent for a short amount of time.” He stated as he grabbed a sack filled with strong scented incense. If he could smell them clearly, surely a demon nose would be affected by the scent.

Kagome covered herself quickly in the powder. Perhaps the gods were looking upon her.

He lit the incense and settled it by the door fanning the smoke towards the women who guarded the entrance. He waited until he could hear the loud complaints of the women and the sounds of their feet dissipate. He creaked open the door and pulled Kagome along the shadows of the halls. What to do next became the main question as he tried to figure a way to get her out without alerting anyone of his or her presence. He walked into the nearby room, brought back a large sheet, and wrapped her in it.

“Forgive me for this Kagome.” He stated as he covered her head fully in the blanket and hoisted her over his shoulder. “I need you to remain still and not say a word.”

As quick as he could manage he made his way towards the stables where the horses waited. Every sound had Kagome jumping with fear of being caught. Miroku placed himself on the horse and made sure she was situated before he took off into the village outside the palace.

“Where are we going to go now Miroku?” She asked as she pulled the sheet from her head.

Miroku's eyes held a slight twinkle of delight as he redirected the horse. He knew where they could go to be free from this land. “We're going to the lands of the West.”

The Land of the West? Kagome thought as she wrapped the sheet tighter around her body. She had heard many stories of the prosperous land, but had never truly. Moreover, the things she heard were just stories. “What's in the Land of the West?”

“Well for starters their allies and I have a friend who can help us.” Miroku said in a matter-of-fact tone.

~*~

InuYasha surveyed the area of the forest once again as he stood at the borderline between the four lands. His nose twitched as he scented the air. Nothing was amiss in the direction of the small village near the palace. He sighed as he leaned back against the tree and crossed his arms over his chest. Being a royal guard was fun, but at times boring when there was nothing present. Then again, he would rather be the royal guard than the Lord of the Western lands like his brother Sesshomaru. Now that he had fully succeeded the throne for their father InuYasha became the next in line, but it would take thousands of year's maybe more before Sesshomaru would relieve the seat of the throne. He was thankful, for that. He preferred to go out and do battle and wield his sword and actually protect his land instead of sitting in boring offices and attending meetings between the lands.

He sighed once again and headed off to the brothel for some sake. He was swarmed when he stepped foot into the village, many people holding out offerings as thanks for his protection. He declined with a bright smile on his face. This was what made his position as a royal guard worthwhile, to see the many people and know that they were under his protection and away from harm. He managed his way through large crowd and noticed a small child clutching her hands together as she peered up to him. He crouched down to her level and gave her a small smile.

Her small rounded cheeks turned pink as she thrust her hands out towards him, her eyes lowered to the ground. She wore a small violet dress stained with dirt and her feet bare and surrounded with cuts. “For you Lord InuYasha.” She presented as her tiny hands quivered.

InuYasha glanced at the gift. It was a small, red flower. It was such a rare colored flower for the Land of the West. He reached over to take the small flower and tucked into his armor. “Thank you, how did you know that red was my favorite color?” He stated patting her head as she giggled.

The little girl scrambled off to her mother and InuYasha nodded his head towards her as she bowed. He continued off to the brothel entrance. He pushed aside the wooden door and entered the large bar. The tenants of the bar greeted him openly as he gave a large wave. He moved to sit along the counter.

The bartender waltzed over to greet him. “Hey InuYasha, you want the usual?” She asked placing the small saucer in front of him.

InuYasha sipped the sake and set the saucer along the counter. “You make the best sake, as always Sango.”

She smiled and leaned against the counter. “Flattery will get you nowhere InuYasha. What brings you here today?”

“Relaxing after guard duty and wanted to visit the people.” He said pulling out the tiny flower from his armor. He took a delicate sniff and smiled at the pleasant aroma.

Sango nodded her head, as long as she known him, he was the best protector of the village. He had stuck close to his duty to protect the village and never once complained about it. “The people really appreciate what you do for them InuYasha.” She stated refilling his cup. She noticed the flower he twirled between his fingers. “Oh InuYasha who'd you get that from?”

InuYasha tucked the flower in his armor. “From one of the village children.”

“That's so sweet InuYasha, you know the children really adore you InuYasha.”

InuYasha sipped his sake as he felt the blush rise to his cheeks. In truth, he adored the children too. There was nothing like watching them play so carefree without a worry in the world. That was the real reason he stuck to his duties, to protect the small children so they could have a future to look forward to.

“So Sango, have you given any thought to my proposition.”

“I knew that flattery was just for show. You know better than I do InuYasha, there is no way I am going to join the guard. I have not done battle in such a while I am all out of commission.” She laughed as she stretched her back.

“We provide training for that, I'm sure it won't take you long until you're in the front lines. Wait, don't tell me you're waiting for a man to come along and sweep you off your feet and you don't want him to know you're not as delicate as you may seem?”

Sango fidgeted a bit. If only he knew how closely he hit the mark. What man would be crazy to want her if she was like that? That was why she retreated behind the counters of the bar for people to see her as a woman and not a warrior. “Yeah right InuYasha as if something like that would bother me.”

InuYasha's nose twitched as the scent of lies assaulted his nose. So, he was right about her after all, but he remained silent. He could not blame her for acting that way. Women with strength such as hers were not that socially accepted by men because they feared women with independence. He knew Sango too long to know that was not the true reason; she could careless about others opinion of her. No, it was because of one in particular that she became this way. InuYasha could feel his jaw clench in irritation because he knew exactly what-moreover who, made her this way. The large question was why him of all the people she wanted to appeal to. He could strangle that man just at the thought, but what could he do?

InuYasha placed his sake cup on the counter and left the money on the table with a tip before he left to back to the castle. The door to the brothel opened up and InuYasha nose caught a familiar scent he had not smelled in years. He could recognize that scent anywhere. He turned around towards the door to confirm his accusations. Sure enough, the monk was there with his familiar purple robes and his staff placed beside him. He watched as he called pulled in a hooded figure. He peered closer, but could not catch a glimpse of the face.

“We have a visitor Sango.” InuYasha mentioned as he motioned towards the monk glancing around the room.

Sango felt her breath hitch in her throat as her eyes met with his. It had been too long since they had seen one another. He smiled at her openly and approached the counter the figure following behind him. She gained her composer and glared at the monk as he greeted her. “Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes Miroku. Last I heard you were serving as head monk in the palace of the east. What brings you all the way out here, surely your job would keep you super busy.”

“It's so nice to see you again Sango.” He stated giving her his best smile before he turned to greet InuYasha. “Same goes for you InuYasha my friend.”

“Yeah, yeah, so what brings you all the way here?”

Miroku's face turned serious as he glanced around the room. He could not be too careless around other people. “Is there any place we can talk in private? The information I carry is very delicate.”

Sango and InuYasha both looked in at one another and nodded in agreement. Sango lifted the counter and ushered the three of them behind the large room that rested behind it.

They all settled onto the cushion and Miroku cleared his throat. “I have a large favor to ask of you two.” He motioned to Kagome who stood in the corner. “It's ok Kagome you can trust them, their friends, come sit.”

Kagome tensed as the two unfamiliar people glanced in her direction. Could she really trust them as Miroku had said? They seemed nice, but looks could be deceiving. She learned that from staying with Koga when he first took her in. She shivered at the memories that resurfaced. She was afraid to trust people, but she would have to trust Miroku's judgment, he had not steered her wrong yet. She trotted over to a lone cushion and sat next to Miroku. She kept her face lowered to the ground.

“This is a friend of mine her name is Kagome.” Miroku leaned forward and bowed to both Sango and InuYasha. “I ask that you take care of her. I have saved her from becoming a concubine to Koga and brought her here knowing that I could trust you two to help. I beg you to help her she's a dear friend to me.”

Sango gasped at the thought and glanced at the girl. She could be no older than seventeen based off how small she looked. Her heart twitched with sympathy for her. “Of course we'll help her you didn't even need to ask. She can stay with me.”

InuYasha growled in annoyance. He could not believe that his family was alliance to a pig such as Koga. InuYasha did not already like the arrogance of the wolf, but this pushed him beyond limits. Only men who had no dignity and honor would force a woman to bed them. He could tell that he had yet to take her fully, but his scent did linger on her. He would sever that damn wolf's head if had the chance to, but that would only serve to start a war between the lands, it would be worth it.

.

InuYasha watched as Kagome pulled the sheet back to reveal the face. He nearly gasped at the sight of the woman. Her pale skin reflected in the light. Her lips we beautiful pink color and had a tinge of gloss that made them shine. He saw no other make-up features, but she did not need it she looked better without it.

Miroku gripped Sango's hand and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. “Thank you so much Sango, you're a life saver.”

Sango blushed and pushed Miroku away. “Don't get to comfortable with that monk.”

Sango turned her head to the side as she heard a quiet sound. Kagome placed a hand over her mouth to stifle the laughter that began to spill from her mouth. Sango smiled lightly. The girl had a captivating smile; she would defiantly help the girl.

Kagome looked between Miroku and the older woman. She had a feeling that she could trust them fully. She glanced over to the young demon sitting in silence. He frightened her a bit. She had heard him growl when Miroku had mentioned she was about to become a concubine. Perhaps he found her disgusting; she did not blame him even she thought she was tainted. She could still feel his vile touch against her skin. The way his lips felt when he pushed them forcibly against hers.

InuYasha watched conflicting emotions run across her eyes. He could smell the scent of unshed tears on her. She was a tough girl to run away and going into ally territory. Now that she was here in the Western Lands, he would protect her as if she were one of the people in the village.