InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Infinite And One Night ❯ Plain Forgiveness ( Chapter 1 )

- BIG NOTE: - This ( and the next chapters up to Chapter IV ) are no longer the original version of IAON. After quite a few very constructive ( ^.~ ) reviews I came to the conclusion that rewriting the first chapters would be more than necessary. People said IAON was quite tough to read and even though it might be enjoyable, you need to get to the readable parts first ( ^.~ ).

I edited small bits and pieces of it, without changing the actual, original flow of the story. I just clarified certain things in dialogues and descriptions. I seriously hope the rewritten version is a lot easier to understand now.

Enjoy, and tell me what you think of it. If you still think it's a whole bunch of nonsense, don't be afraid to say so ^.~.

( The following Author's Note is original. )

A/N: This story is based on Inu Yasha and the basic idea of 1001 Arabian Nights. I very much enjoy stories, legends, fairy tales, mythology etc. from all over the world, so it shouldn't be surprising that I find oriental tales more than just quite interesting ^^

Even though I'm busy right now ( and should be hugging my mattress -.- ) I thought to get this story posted before anybody else might have this idea ( yeah ……… as if there were people as crazy as me ^.~ ).

Rating: I was a little uncertain, concerning the rating. Sometimes my choice of language and topic tends to be a little unsuitable for certain age groups o.O I'll just have to see ^^

Disclaimer: By the way ……… yes, I do own Inu Yasha and everything that comes along with it. I really don't know why everybody just uses the characters without my permission. And ……… yes, Rumiko Takahashi is my uncle's sister's niece who owns a very similar guinea pig to me. I hope this makes my claim valuable ^.~

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( Can I be sued for sarcasm ^?^ )

Anyway, thanks for you interest and I hope you enjoy it and will let me know what you think *hint hint hint*

And I wish you a late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ^^ ( I hope you will not get as bored as I will -.- )

Chapter I

Plain Forgiveness

No.

He very much needed to correct himself, gladly knowing that barely happened. Never ……… to be exact.

He was actually enjoying this.

"Your Highness ………?"

A surprisingly high pitched, male voice, which he found to be quite annoying and distracting, tore him out of his daily, rational dreams. Not that he cared. His dreams and reality very much resembled one another. It was comforting to know.

He turned around and stared, causing the man, clothed in general servant attire, to falter and to start sweating heavily out of nervousness. He could smell it. And he didn't like it.

"Yes?" was his answer, determinedly trying to rid himself of the presence of this being.

"It's about time, Your Highness. They are awaiting you. She is awaiting you ………"

"Very well. Tell them I'll be there ……… soon. They can still spare some time." He considered this conversation to be over and turned his gaze away from the crouching man, hoping he'd understand the signs.

He didn't.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but since this is my third time approaching you and probably will be my third time being sent away with these words, I need you to understand that their patience is - "

"You need me to understand?" He still didn't turn his gaze, but his tone of voice changed ever so slightly, making it now impossible for him to block out the smell of increasingly immense dread, which was being radiated by the servant. His lips tore a smug smirk, before his hands waved barely noticeably in order to get the guards' attention.

"I didn't mean to question you - by no means - never - I - " The man became progressively more desperate and rushed his now unchained, meaningless ramblings.

"Very well," he repeated once again, "I'll follow your orders."

"Your Highness, I'd never dare to - "

"Take him away."

The approaching guards grabbed the now absolutely petrified man, who started to convulse out of fear under their iron grip. However, they didn't even flinch, making their way in order to confront him with a fate, which wasn't so unknown to him ………

His smirk disappeared and he tugged some long, invincible strand behind his shoulder, so that it could melt together with the white, thick mass, which some people would sell their soul for only to be allowed to call this their hair.

Now, let's get through with this.

~~*~*~~

"Hey, Kagome! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"What the hell do you think this looks like I'm doing?"

Even though Kagome answered in the same way as Souta did, she didn't sound as impolite and disrespectful. She had long started to realise that her little brother was the victim of the effects a certain age had on people, making it difficult for their environment to cope with them.

"Making out in the backyard with that one guy?"

Very difficult in fact ……… However, she also realised she needed to be understanding and kind.

"By the way, he thinks you're too fat and I know he doesn't like your butt. And neither your face."

Oh, cut that!

"Come here you little brat and I swear I will make you regret that day when mum and dad decided to enjoy each other's company!!"

Souta laughed full-heartedly, when she heard him jump off the willow tree and disappear in the nearby shed. She quickened her pace and caught up with him before he was able to slam the door shut, so that she couldn't get in without tearing it to the ground in the process.

"So ……… what did you want to say again?" she hissed angrily before twisting his arm in a rather painful manner.

"Your butt is fleshy and nicely coloured and ……… OW - get away from me!"

"Not before I hear you say you're sorry!"

"I'm sorry ……… for having such a twit as a - OWW! That hurt!"

"Good. Was supposed to."

Kagome had let loose only to get a hold of his arm again, when she heard him finish his sentence ( in a hushed whisper, but still - her hearing was excellent ).

"Kagome, there is no time for this. We gotta go. You promised to help me."

The girl growled as she remembered the promise she'd given the shouting female voice earlier. Slowly she let Souta's arm drop into a more comfortable position, but still held a steady grip on his wrist.

"Can't Souta do it?"

"No, you promised. And dad needs him to help him in the shrine."

It figures.

"Yeah ……… coming."

"And I hope you won't make any more trouble," she said seriously as she let Souta go, only to receive a wide grin, causing her heart to melt.

"Sure, big sis'!" He waved to her as he ran in order to get to the main house.

"Don't forget to drink gramps' tea. Or the wrinkles will return."

Little pip-squeak.

Another loud shout made Kagome decide against pursuing her brother and ripping his tongue out ……… yet. She still got time, once they got back.

Yes, she smirked, she'd enjoy that one.

~~*~*~~

He felt seriously bored. The different guests and their outrageously coloured garments had only managed to keep him entertained for about ten minutes. In addition to this, he realised the decoration and the ugly, wrinkled nose of the priest didn't really deserve his attention. The occasional interested, attentive mutters, which would presumably soon turn into irritating rumours that were hard to root out, reached his highly sensitive hearing. In the past he'd gotten insecure, when hearing the mention of his name ……… the stolen whisper of "Inu Yasha did this and most likely thought that". During his teen-age years he'd just gotten annoyed and maybe sometimes lost it. His temper was well-known ……… and 'well-feared' to say the least. But time and certain events had gotten to him, changed him some might say. 'Might'. But since barely anybody got close enough to know more of him, changes went by completely unnoticed. A sad truth. Or simply something that marked life. There is lots people don't know. Don't want to know. So, why should he be an exception? Despite or maybe even because of his title he stayed an unknown mystery to all.

He knew what his wandering interest meant. He would need to turn to the person standing next to him, if he didn't want to die of boredom. This was the toughest part to endure. The rest would be a simple enjoyment.

Once he fixed his gaze on the young woman, he had to admit that she actually was quite good-looking and probably charming. Her black hair, which would have normally fallen down her shoulders in a silky cascade, had been put up nicely and was held by a high number of sharp, silver pins, which seemed to perfectly match her beautifully ornamented kimono. However, they also made him wonder why she hadn't started to be seized with agony.

Note to self: The pins looked quite dangerous. He needed to be careful ……… of that one at least.

Her eyes ( he just couldn't remember their colour, maybe because he had never really bothered looking ) continued to fiercely analyse her feet or anything that would prevent her from looking up. He managed to get a good glimpse of her face. High cheek bones made her look delicate ……… alabaster coloured skin ……… small, but full lips which he liked calling "a moon mouth" ……… yes, she was an excellent choice and an adorable trophy for any man ………

He scowled, but immediately continued to put on his stoic expression, once she stirred uncomfortably in response.

This was one like all the others. There was nothing different or special about her: She was pretty, she was obedient, she was quiet. And she was treacherous.

He scowled again, this time not caring about any movements she made.

She was just like any other ………

~~*~*~~

"I'm glad you decided to come."

"Yeah ……… as if I'd been given a choice."

Kagome didn't need to turn around in order to know her mother was smiling.

"So ……… what's this thing, that makes you so happy and bearable today?"

Her mother chuckled quietly.

"Your company?"

"Nice try. Go for another."

"No, actually ………" she tore an even wider smile, increasing the number of slowly but steadily emerging wrinkles around her lips, "I've seen Koja today." She started winking as she saw that she now fully owned her daughter's interest, "He would like to come over this evening."

Kagome's eyes lit up, as she couldn't prevent a small squeal from leaving her lips.

"You sure?"

Her mother laughed openly at her daughter's shyness, which only seemed to appear, whenever Koja came up in a conversation.

"Yes, most certainly so. I invited him over and he was very excited. I thought you'd be interested in having a nice dinner. We might just find the perfect ingredients, once we get to the market."

Kagome smiled happily, barely managing to contain her anticipation and eagerness. She couldn't think of a place, where she preferred to be.

If she had known what was still come - she would have even preferred to share a body with Souta for the rest of her life.

~~*~*~~

Inu Yasha started to stir subconsciously, since he knew he'd just fall asleep if he didn't.

"So now I bestow any blessing ………"

It was about bloody time that they finally reached that part of the ceremony! Any longer and he would have finished it himself!

"Lord Inu Yasha ………? Your turn, Your Highness."

He took a deep breath and wanted to order his lips to move, when his mind suddenly went blank.

Damn, what was her name again ………?

~~*~*~~

She loved to breathe, considering this an evidence for being alive and a part of this vigorous world. However, she couldn't think of anything more joyous to do than to take in a deep breath, while passing by the many different stands, of which the market consisted.

Kagome enjoyed listening to the many lively stories her grandfather told her. And whenever a market was mentioned he seemed to be able to depict the true essence of its real counterpart and therefore life itself.

Maybe she was exaggerating a bit today, since she had a specific reason for being here. But she liked her grandfather's stories anyway. Every second she spent in his company, when he tore her out of the usually tiresome reality in order to take her with him on a journey of unimaginable adventures, ensured her that he was a true storyteller, making their ancestors proud and continuing their heritage.

I can assure you, dear reader that you might not be the only one who may react puzzled to this. Kagome had no idea of its meaning either.

It was something her grandfather kept telling her without much of an explanation really.

"True myth and true adventure may only arise, when told properly and truly. The single person, being capable of this, is a true storyteller."

To her there really was no difference between a most gifted storyteller, who enlightened pedestrians at the market, or her grandfather ( even though she'd never tell him that - he might disown her! - Not that she'd inherit a lot anyway, but still! ).

However, she swore to come behind its meaning at some point in her life, since her ancestors were very well known among the serious and devoted storytellers of their time ……… and there must be a reason. There better should be.

"Get outta my way!!"

A loud and piercing shout caused her to wince painfully out of a sudden and to fiercely grab her skull in order to prevent it from exploding. The small, but skinny boy, who was its source, just continued to run along the slender path, which was created by the many different stands facing each other. Furthermore, he didn't even care, when he knocked her over, causing her to forcefully come into closer contact with the muddy ground.

Kagome could already feel an uncomfortable bruise forming on her thigh, while she was instinctively licking her hurt hand like a lost kitten.

"Hey! Get back here, you ……… err ……… small bully!!" She screamed in response, despite the fact that she already knew it was in vain before it had even left her lips.

"Kids nowadays ……… screw them."

She got up before checking upon her leg and winced, when she realised how much pain her own touch could inflict.

You'd better have a good reason for this. She thought angrily, while continuing to follow the alleyway, wishing she had not given in to her own curiosity and had stayed with her mum.

~~*~*~~

"......… I promise to value your life and desires and to protect you with anything I can spare ………" Well, he wasn't exactly lying, now was he ……… 'to protect her with anything he can spare ………' "……… and I will treasure your dreams and secrets and will turn them into my own - " treasure. Yes, he'd done a good job on that vow-thingy. He didn't like lying. He always thought it felt dirty. However, there was nothing wrong with a little ……… half-truth ………

"Milady ……… Anaphora ………"

Inu Yasha narrowed his eyes, while pretending to not having heard the last part, which the priest had decided to emphasise strangely. Probably in order to make sure he, Inu Yasha, would not forget about it another time.

"Please, do continue."

A most delicate hand slipped out of the enormous sleeve of the silky kimono and made it almost look as if she wore a light nightgown and not some heavy and tiring garment. She'd been trained well. He thought.

She turned to face him, even though she persisted on not taking her eyes off the ground. He was able to see her moon mouth starting to move, as she spoke in a quiet and ……… slow voice.

"My dear lord, I thank you for your kindness and appreciation, for your generosity and courage, for your love and care ………"

Inu Yasha rolled his eyes again. Kami, who was she trying to impress ……… ? There certainly was enough cheese in the house already ………

"……… for your strength and determination, for your willpower and ………"

What did she intend to praise next? His smashing appearance and sex appeal?

"……… for your ………" Anaphora surprisingly found time to blush slightly before daring to raise her voice again. "……… manly attire and radiating charm."

Well, sort of ……… Inu Yasha's half closed eyes suddenly snapped open. For his what?!

"……… for your intelligence and ………"

Nerve-racking hell!! Was she trying to buy time?! Did she already know what was coming?!

He looked at her intently, receiving an innocent smile that would have caused any virgin to break down laughing.

No. Obviously not. Inu Yasha rolled his eyes, before deciding to close them again, so that he could continue his meditation training.

~~*~*~~

"Gude. Gude. Fine ware. Gude price."

"No, thanks. Not interested ……… . Nice, one. Gee ……… what a surprise - I forgot to bring my money along."

Kagome panted heavily as she was able to leave behind the foreign traders, who occupied the ……… more affordable parts of the market. Not that she was biased or anything. She loved being here, considering the many nice offers ……… which you needed to sort out from tons of trash first. Still, it was enjoyable ………

"Hey, you filthy rat! Put it back this very moment!"

Kagome turned her head in order to get to know from which direction the yelling came. However, she was pulled back vehemently as a small, rough structured hand got hold of her obi.

"Please ………"

The girl couldn't have been more surprised if it had been the shogun in person, still ……… it was someone completely different.

"You?!"

The deep brown, apologetic and now highly distressed eyes belonged to the small, skinny figure of a young, maybe 8-year-old, bully - excuse me: boy ………

"I'm sorry - I - "

"Get back this very instant or I will cut your throat!"

Kagome flinched slightly as she realised the guy was talking to her! He was clothed in a fully woollen cloak, which covered almost every part of his body. Its colour challenged one's imagination: The cloak could have once been beige ……… maybe even white. His voice had a soothing nature to it and Kagome would have gladly let herself fall in the cushion of words, if he hadn't advanced upon her dangerously closely with the support of a shining blade ………

"Hey, would it be too much to ask of you to put this down?! I tend to get a little nervous around these things!"

"Pay or I will make you pay!"

Kagome could instantly feel the boy's bony fingers tighten around her waist. She didn't need to look down to know he was petrified. She could easily hear his heart racing as the beat pulsated through his fingertips ……… or was it her own?

"How much does he owe you?"

The man made a corresponding sign, nearly causing Kagome to fall over.

"Nani?! You can't be serious."

"I don't indulge in games."

Yeah ……… that could have been expected.

"Okay, fine. Here, take this and get lost."

She was afraid he might act upon the insult, since it had left her lips before she could prevent it from doing so. But he didn't even seem to have heard her. He was far too occupied with counting the heap of differently coloured coins that were now in his greedy hands.

Kagome sighed before she noticed the many ( half (?) ) angry stares the lot of traders shot her.

"Err ……… now I seriously don't have anything anymore." She raised her hands in embarrassed defeat, before rolling her eyes. "Well, I hope it was worth it. What did you take from him by the - "

She would have expected anything, save for the fact that her little, bullying troublemaker from earlier had disappeared already.

"Little scumbag! Maybe I should have let him lose his dusty throat and even more ………"

Kagome turned on her heels and decided to go back to her mother. She'd experienced enough for the time being. At least her mother wouldn't rob her ……… well, maybe rob her of her dignity, but then again: chances that she hadn't lost it by now, when growing up in a family as hers, weren't very high anyway.

~~*~*~~

"………for your fierceness and passion ………"

Kami, you created human minds, witless and free of passion. I ask you for comprehension and liberality ………

"……… for your consideration and ………"

Correction. I BEG you for comprehension and liberality. And now that we're at it: patience, too, please ……… and mercy, perhaps ……..?

"Thank you for your ……… err, deeply moving vow, milady. Any man could do nothing but love you."

She ……… she finished? ……… Kami ……… I've finally found the proof for the existence of god ……… God, I'm a genius ………

"Your Highness ……… I completely understand your momentary cheerfulness, but would you please share the blessed sake and your signs of affection?"

Inu Yasha immediately rid himself of his smile and continued to look at the girl. She already held the enormous, adorned goblet in her fair hands, thus making them look even more delicate and vulnerable. Her excited gaze made it obvious what she expected him to do: He quickly seized his cup and enabled her to take a sip from it, as she did the same with him.

Her now shaking hands reminded Inu Yasha of what many girls where so afraid of, but still eager to do. After having done this for countless times, he had no problem with getting this over and done with quickly and uneventfully.

He took a fierce hold of her shoulder and moved his head downwards, tilting it in the process before slightly brushing her lips with his own. The shiver, which covered every inch of Anaphora's skin, now seemed to control her whole body and Inu Yasha felt that she was reluctant and disappointed, when he drew back.

He, on the other hand, hadn't felt a single thing. He didn't even know, if he whished to anymore. Any remembrance, considering this an enjoyable and exciting event, had been wiped out by the fierceness and ruthlessness of reality and time.

Anaphora's lips were soft and smelled nicely. Inu Yasha could say that at least. Nonetheless, he'd just long abandoned the desire to find any pleasure in this.

The girl's eyes sparkled in anticipation, gratitude and pure bliss, as she now managed to look him straight into his face, thus making it easy for him to finally determine her eye colour: a glowing emerald. He quickly turned away.

"Now let's part in happiness and appreciation, not forgetting to wish the couple to guard values such as immeasurable love, never-ending care, shared faithfulness and beautiful forgiveness."

Inu Yasha now took notice of the guests once again, having completely forgotten he wasn't alone.

The whole room vibrated as everybody joined in wishing them all the best and to guard the Four Virtues. He nodded meekly, being glad that the ceremony was finally over. Now all he still needed to endure was the banquet, which wouldn't take up too much of his patience, since he was hungry anyway.

A quiet growl from below served as an intense confirmation.

Let's get the sushi ………

~~*~*~~

"Mum? Where are you? You here?"

Kagome wandered helplessly along the many stands, desperately looking for her mother and fiercely telling herself that she hadn't gone lost. Well, she had. Or had her mother changed their location? She could have at least told her in that case. The girl snarled angrily, still hoping she might just appear out of nowhere. However, she remained invisible to her.

When she'd finally passed the stand of the bold, stout man, who had tried to sell an elderly woman 'demon ridding armrests' for the past two hours, for the tenth time, she gave up, throwing her arms over her head in defeat.

"Mum, if you don't appear right now, I'm going home."

As if on cue, she could see her mother running towards her, nearly knocking over a few pedestrians in the process.

"Hey, what's - "

"No time, to explain ………" she panted heavily, as she wiped the sweat of her forehead and massaged her temples in agony. "I wasn't able to find you, but ………"

"Mum, what's going on?" Kagome now asked fearfully.

"They took away our licence." The girl's eyes widened in shock and utter doubt.

"They ……… who?! I don't understand ………"

"I don't understand either. Now, hurry, before they confiscate every tiny bit of our belongings, which doesn't appear to be too badly flea-bitten to them."

Kagome caught up with her mother, now running along the many different alleyways, thus reaching the centre of the market, which lay close to the centre of the city, in no time. She was just able to witness a group of about three intimidating palace guards, heaving every bit of personal belongings off their horse wagon.

"Hey, you guys there! Get your filthy hands away from my stuff! What do you think you're doing?!"

Surprisingly, they all turned their heads away in order to face them, however, their stern glares implying that the worst was still to come. Kagome decided to strike first.

"May I get to know what we've done wrongly? Selling your own goods is totally legal!"

"That's right, girl." One of them, the smallest and most unpleasant ( Kagome thought he'd something of a mole ……… ) inflicted. "But it's only legal, if you have a valid license."

"This ……… this is crazy! Mum, show it to them!"

At first a short snort was the only reply Kagome got, before her mother continued to speak:

"What do you think I've done?"

"Well ……… it's valid, isn't it? I mean you bought it not-so-long ago, didn't you ………"

"How am I supposed to know? They still got it!" Her voice turned dangerously low, causing her daughter to get slightly scared. Not because of her mother, but because she realised how grave the situation really was. She was used to her being a very controlled and diplomatic woman. The girl turned back to face the three bullies.

"Well?"

"Well what?" The second inquired, glad to be able to show off his smug smirk, which looked quite untrained and would have made her laugh out of pity and amusement, if the state of affairs hadn't been so serious. Kagome didn't know if she wanted to dislike him even more than the previous one. But before she was able to formulate an answer, the mole raised his voice.

"We tore it. Orders." Kagome hissed sharply in response.

"How may we know for sure that you didn't lie to us? You could have easily taken it away and claimed it to be invalid. Now we may never be certain. And you have no proof either."

She didn't turn her glare away from the men, thus completely missing the steady blanching of her mother's face.

"Please, Kagome, be quiet ………" She grabbed her daughter's wrist in order to emphasise her plea, but, unfortunately, the girl didn't seem to be listening.

"I'd advise you buy us a new one, so that we can get over and done with this. We are normal, peaceful civilians, who have never done anything, but work hard."

She stopped as she realised they were barely listening anymore. The mole had gotten hold of a long parchment and horribly exaggerated his movements as he was checking upon something, before finally clearing his throat with a loud noise.

" 'As having been decided by the one and only local daimyou on the bla bla etc. date of something ………' " Kagome narrowed her eyes, " '……… anybody being accused of treachery, which means either having encouraged, tolerated or consciously ignored treacherous activity and/ or treacherous statements, will be arrested immediately and ……… eventually put to death.' "

Kagome couldn't catch her mother fast enough in order to prevent her from hitting the ground in a loud thud as she fainted.

~~*~*~~

He carefully observed the doing of his hands before admitting that he'd once again managed to create a masterpiece. His claws slowly roamed over the curved, porcelain-coloured body, barely touching it with his fingertips. It seemed so naked ……… so vulnerable. He realised how very much that continued to intrigue him ……… Yes, he admitted he was being quite strange, finding pleasure in this ………

"Inu Yasha-sama - "

::CRASH::

"Yes ………" he sighed wearily in response, earning a peeved glance from the intruder, who was being identified as his closest servant.

"Milord, you're not supposed to do this ………"

"Yeah, I know. I just couldn't help it. Don't let Kuri find out. He's probably not going to survive another heart attack."

"But he's got a point. I mean these are your mother's treasured possessions: the ancient vases. If she knew - "

"That's right! If she knew. But she doesn't. So just leave it be."

"Anyway," he sighed in defeat, while sitting down, cross-legged, without the daimyou's permission, "I'm here because I found another one."

"Again? Listen, I'm not even done yet. How can we talk about such things right now?" Inu Yasha shifted uncomfortably, exactly knowing where this was heading.

"I know. It's kind of ……… awkward, but it's a pressing matter, which demands an immediate solution."

"She failed?" He enquired, already anticipating the answer.

"Big time."

Inu Yasha 'hmphed' quietly in response. "Should have known. They always do. Still ………" He got up slowly, before neatly ridding himself of the dust and dirt, causing the person sitting opposite him to roll his eyes, "I gotta go. I'm awaited."

The servant was about to follow his master's actions, when he was interrupted.

"And ……… Nuimo-san."

"Yes, Inu Yasha-sama?"

"What has been prepared this time?"

Nuimo tore a humourless smile. "Dancing."

By that time the assembly of the smashed Chinese Vases on the ground wasn't the only thing he needed to take care of. The freshly shattered wall and the half-ripped paper door strongly demanded his attention, as well. He was grateful that despite how visual verbal attacks were meant to be, they always stayed what they were ……… verbal.

~~*~*~~

Kagome's defiance gradually started to wear off. The assaults from earlier on had only caused her strength to drain. She was sure she'd need it in the future, so she decided to be obedient for once.

A movement to her left tore her out of her fantasy world.

"Mum? You okay?" Her voice was still a little hoarse and every word caused her throat to vibrate in pain. She didn't want to be reminded of all the screaming. It would only upset her mother if she found out. Well, if she did. But she probably wouldn't anyway.

"Am I home?"

Kagome found herself smiling slightly, despite the situation. "No." She paused, before adding a mouthed 'I'm sorry', not caring, if her mother had actually heard her. She felt relieved, nonetheless.

"Don't be. I mean it wasn't your fault."

Kagome smiled, holding the middle-aged woman a little closer and carefully embedding her mother's head in her lap. She was determined to make her feel less uncomfortable ( she had never realised how very sore her buttocks could feel from constantly sitting in a horse wagon ).

"Anybody could have fallen in the hands of robbers. At least let me rest a little. The forest soil is a little firmer than I remembered it to be. Maybe I'm just getting old."

Kagome didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She quickly turned away, not remembering which she ended up doing. Probably both.

~~*~*~~

The ……… festivities had finally managed to reach their peak.

According to Inu Yasha, the peak had been his constant company: the food.

But that may have only been because he'd been eating for the last two hours straight.

"Your Highness ……… ?" A feeble voice fought for his attention and struggled against its own weakness and the loud noises, which were being made by the blessed 'followers' of the sake.

Yes, bless them.

"Milord ……… Lord ……… Inu Yasha ……… ?" He nearly mouthed his name, as if he was afraid to get it wrong. Inu Yasha knew better.

"Yes, Kuri?" Grateful to finally having acquired his master's attention, Kuri continued.

"Your Highness ……… quite a few of the Chinese Vases have gone missing again. I do not want to accuse anyone, but - "

"I reckon it was that one guy from the kitchen. You know ……… the one with ……… with ……… "

"Yes?"

Inu Yasha started to frantically pull his face and hair about, while trying to encourage his imagination to come up with a possible, imaginary suspect, earning an almost punishing glare from Nuimo from the other the side of the room.

Damn, how does he do it? How does his advisor always seem to know what he's being up to?

"Well ……… the one with the ……… "

Kuri continued to follow his master's grimaces intensely, before placing a random and equally miserable guess.

"……… the hair?"

Inu Yasha quickly clapped his hands, before grinning widely. "Yeah, that's him."

Kuri continued to stare at him blankly, as if awaiting a second cue. Inu Yasha frowned.

"How many with this certain trait are there this time?"

"Sixty-seven, Your Highness."

Still, better than last time. Anyway, he needed to be somewhat specific ………

"Okay, let's surround him."

~~*~*~~

Kagome sighed wearily, pretending to not having heard 'she's still a kid', 'Buddha will reward you for your kindness' and 'I will castrate you painfully, once I get out' for the what was now the one hundred thousand and seventy-second time.

"Mum."

" ……… She's just acted unintentionally. She's got a quick temper and can't control it at times ………"

"Mum!"

" ……… Buddha will reward you, if you show mercy. She's still a kid anyway ……… "

Oh, we we're there again? That means the 'eunuch-thing' 's going to come up next. Not knowing if the three guards could take another round of sexual assaults again, for which she was too young anyway, she decided to force her legal guardian to engage in a mother-daughter discussion.

"MUM!"

"Yes, Kagome?"

"Please stop it. It makes my head spin."

Her mother's reaction made Kagome realise that this was definitely the wrong way to address her.

"Listen young girl, I'm trying to get you out of this!! You can at least show some sort of appreciation!"

"Mum, it's not going to work," Kagome replied, suddenly feeling very ill and numb.

"Listen to your daughter. She's at least being realistic." The mole had turned to face the two with an ugly smirk, doing so for the first time in a long, long while, causing Kagome to challenge her opportunities: she spit in his face.

The reaction was immediate. The big bully clenched his teeth and wanted to get up, despite the speed at which the carriage was moving, and would have succeeded, if it hadn't been for the mole-guy.

"Leave her be. We're nearly there anyway. We do not want to open the cage just now, thus giving them a chance to flee. But there will come a time ……… " He addressed the two directly, while nearly hissing the last part of his war declaration.

Kagome on the other hand had turned her gaze to look at the trees, or at least to look at where she had supposed the trees to be. However, she was greeted with an inexplicable sight. She'd never even seen anything similar to this. Not even in her grandfather's tales.

Was this a ……… house?

"Welcome to His Highness's castle."

Was it now Kagome's turn to faint?

~~*~*~~

"Milord, you wouldn't mind me taking your hand?"

"Take it." And enjoy it, while you still can.

"I don't know, what I've done to deserve this. Really, I don't."

Despite her soothing and happy tone of voice, her sayings made him tremble greatly. He'd heard that one far too often. He was glad she'd tranquillised herself with all the sake already.

He shook his head. Damnit, he was supposed to be enjoying all this!

He sighed heavily and shook his head once again, causing Anaphora to misinterpret it completely.

"Don't worry ……… everything's going to be alright." She leaned towards him and her lips nearly touched his furry ears in the process, making them twitch, as she whispered huskily, "It's going to be a lot of fun ……… and I'm going to make it last ……… " She kissed the fur carefully, feeling the rising of his goose bumps.

Inu Yasha sighed and felt it again. Guilt.

Screw this damn f ……… He needed to get a hold of himself.

He graced his beautiful face with a weary smile. Despite the amount of alcohol she'd consumed, she still was a more than gorgeous woman. It didn't matter how glassy and unfocused her eyes and how husky her voice were, she was heartbreakingly cute, thus making it even more difficult for him. The latter being a reason for his greatest distress.

How many times had he done this?

It wasn't as if this was still the first.

How many times did he still need to do this in order to leave behind the guilt?

He just didn't want to feel weak anymore.

Now, let's get over and done with this.

The majority of the official guests had already left. It was just down to a few servants and the guards of course.

The ones which he waved at right now.

They only seemed to have been waiting for his sign ( actually they'd been doing exactly that ) and approached slowly, before carefully lifting Anaphora off the ground.

"Milady Anaphora, with greatest distress and disbelief I needed to acknowledge your unworthiness of your title and rank. Your behaviour didn't correspond with the acquired standards. Your excessive devotion to sake and your unsuitable phraseology disqualify you. Therefore I am forced to deprive you of your worldly ties and consequently of your position as my wife. You're banned."

Inu Yasha felt ill and numb. He desperately desired to vomit and didn't want to do so in front of Anaphora. He believed he owed her that little bit of dignity.

As if she needed that where she went anyway ………

He didn't think he could have dealt with her reaction. Oh, "beautiful forgiveness"! This day was just screwed.

A voice, stained with tears, caused him to face reality again.

"What have I done to deserve this?"

Inu Yasha couldn't prevent the nauseating and sickeningly coloured mass from leaving his mouth and gracing the cherry tree-wooden floor.

~~*~*~~

Kagome had long abandoned the quest of counting the many differently sized chambers and corridors. She understood it didn't matter if she was able to flee. She wouldn't find her mother and the way out anyhow. Even if they were so benevolent as to give her all her lifetime to find out. And the girl, not only having acquired this sense of reality from the look the three guys gave her, but also from their 'special treatment', knew, that 'benevolent' was an idiom, which still asked for introduction and explanation.

"Oi, you asleep?"

As if.

"Yes."

She earned her tenth backhanded slap from that.

"Stop being so impertinent, once you get to see His Highness."

"Is this some kind of special treatment for filthy criminals?"

::SLAP::

Correction. She was up to a total of eleven, right now.

"This does not mean you cannot stop being so impertinent right now."

Kagome didn't answer. It proved to be easier to bare the shame of having given in to their brutality, than to challenge her tiredness and to command her anyway fading strength.

~~*~*~~

"Inu Yasha-sama ……… ?"

Nuimo got a horribly sounding, sick snort in response.

"Inu Yasha-sama, I greatly respect your current state, but - "

Ugh, that sounded to have been a big chunk of - let's not talk about it!

"Inu Yasha-sama, she's here."

"Go, screw her. Fuck, I don't care. Do whatever you like!"

Nuimo reluctantly acknowledged the change in his personality. Damn, this was not good ………

"Inu Yasha-sama, stop talking like a turd. You - "

Before Nuimo could have had a chance to react, the door was thrown out of its hinges and he felt the sensation of numbness slowly crawling into his mind. Why was he lying on the floor anyway ……… ?

"Do never EVER even think about calling me that. I value your life. I wouldn't like to be held responsible for having discarded it so without reason."

Inu Yasha stank off things Nuimo didn't want to name; didn't want to name out of fear for his life. But he couldn't have done so anyway. The young daimyou had left before he had even realised it.

This was not supposed to happen. He was not supposed to fall into old patterns. Maybe he should be left alone ……… for a while at least.

~~*~*~~

"We're nearly there."

Kagome hadn't asked, but she was grateful, nonetheless. She wasn't daring enough right now ( and her right cheek wasn't in the position to take anything anymore ). She nodded dully in response, not caring that the three guards more seemed to drag her along the corridors, than to actually guide her.

The sensation of a gradually growing vibration of the floor and the steady approach of a strange smell filled her with life once again. She raised her head only to be faced with a most bizarre-looking guy at the very end of the hallway. Her sight started to get fuzzy, but she could still distinguish his outlines ……… and the horror-struck look that she received from him.

~~*~*~~

He didn't know where he was heading. All he wanted was to get away from here.

From the place.

From the people.

From the memories.

From himself ………

And it was as if that one humble wish caused his whole world to crumble and to shatter into uncountable pieces.

But before he could at least see his life fall apart gracefully, he saw it re-playing over and over again until he remembered every tiny bit and each sensation of pain again.

He didn't know how plain he considered this girl to be, but even she could not be as plain as forgiveness.

It couldn't get any worse.

He felt his stomach turn inside out.

He very much needed to correct himself.

It could get a lot worse.

Yes ………