InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love For a Demon ❯ Part 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer Still Applies.

A/N:  I just wanted everyone to know that this is a memory chapter of Inu Yasha's and Kagome's past and how it was they first met.  Maybe after this chapter you'll understand why she's so heartless and cruel to demon.  Especially Inu Yasha's family, after all, she's under the impression that Toga (Lord Takashi) had ordered for her family's demise.

Thoughts: '……'
Speech: "……"
Time/Setting Shift: ~*~

~ * ~ Love For a Demon ~ * ~
by huntress © 2004

Part 11

The young pup held on tightly to his father's hand as his other reached up to cover his sensitive nose, the sweet stench of death and blood making the little pup feel uneasy and unsure of where they were going.

He didn't say anything to his father, knowing that it wasn't the time or the place for such acts of weakness.  He had to learn to be strong, to be just like his father and brother.  No matter how difficult it would be to equal them, he had to at least try.

It was his first time out in the field.  His father had promised to show him the routes that would some day need his patrol and watch, introduce him to the other demons that would likely still serve under the families name and even show him how to track down traitors and/or enemies.

So you couldn't even imagine the excitement that race through his little body when a C-Red 167 was called in, demanding for the immediate attention of his father.  Mainly because of the fact that 'c-red' was code for scene 'bloody with gore'.  No doubt there would be bodies lying around, their wounds still fresh and slick from blood.

They arrived at what looked like an ordinary shrine remodelled into a structure of a house.  It looked as if it was once a beautifully built building, if it was not for the broken down door, several smashed windows and the odour of decaying flesh.

"Inu Yasha," The pup tilted his head up at the sound of his father's voice, his one hand still holding his nose and trying to keep out the awful smelling air.  "It is important that you do not touch anything.  You are here only to watch and observe, it that understood?"

Inu Yasha nodded.  "Yes, father.  I understand."

With the promise made, they continued towards the house.  Several demons wearing red and white tunics stood with swords drawn and held closely to what seemed like prisoners.  They were demons as well, their markings and traditional robes making it easy to identify their ranks and their clan.

He was curious why they were being held prisoner like that.  Kneeling like some common thieves before those far more superior than they.  What was even more interesting was the color of their tunics, being the traditional coloring of the Hihiyoukai clan.  His father's most trusted allies.

What could have happened that would cause his father to take his allies into captivity?

~ * ~

It was dark… the shadows in the small enclosed room hiding her tiny form from view.  Only a small crack of light from between the closet's sliding doors cutting into the thick darkness that she took refuge and comfort in.

Her mother had told her to hind and wait until she came to get her.  She wasn't sure what was going on, but she did as her mother told her to, running to the nearest closet to hide in and half covering herself with her father's old winter jacket.

She had thought that they were playing a game of 'Hide and Go Seek', something her mother always did with her on the nights before the weekend.  She had giggled and hid deeper into the warm material when she heard her mother's voice.  Thinking she was talking out loud like she normally did before finding her.

That was until she heard a man's voice.  She could tell that it wasn't her father's, the tone and pitch being deeper, darker, and sending a sudden pitch of chills to run down her spine.  She had crawled over to the tiny crack to see what was going on, to see who it was her mother was talking to.

She could see her mother standing at the far end of the room, a look of terror and fear covering her soft, loving face.  She noticed how her mother was shaking slightly, her arms clenching tightly to her upper arms to keep herself from trembling completely.  She couldn't see the face of the man in the room, only his right side.  His long, dark hair flowing down his back to stop just above the lower part of his back, the part of his body that she could see covered in black and dark purple robe like clothing.

She was about to open the door and go to her mother, to hold her and tell her she had nothing to be afraid of.  That she was there and would protect her.  But before she was even able to move the man was standing in front of her mother, his hand wrapped around her throat as he picked her up off the ground with ease.

She covered her mouth with her tiny hand to hold back the scream inside of her throat.  She watched as her father appeared out of nowhere, some kind of red juice covering his shirt and pants.  She silently cheered as he attacked the evil man from behind, succeeding in having her mother released from his grip.

However, the smile in her eyes and on her face fade as the man turned, his eyes glowing a deep red.  She could hear the deep growl that escaped his throat, the noise sounding as if it came from a wild animal.  In horror she watched helplessly as the mysterious man slash at her father, more of the red juice flying from the impact.  Splattering across the closet's sliding doors, some droplets finding their way through the crack in the doors and onto her face.

She could do nothing but stare as her father's lifeless body fell to the ground, his eyes wide open and gazing off into space.  She felt tears well up in her eyes, but fought them down to keep quiet.  Her mother's scream brought her attention back to the man, her eyes just catching the final part of his attack and her mother's body falling to the ground just like her fathers.

This time she couldn't hold back the tears, the wet droplets falling down her face like a never ending waterfall.  Slowly she crawled back to the corner where she was originally hiding; curling her kneels up to hug tightly to her chest.

She wasn't sure how long she stayed like that.  It felt almost like a life time for her, huddled as closely as she could to the wall.  Trying to give herself as much distance as possible from that monster she had watched kill her parents.

No more than a few moments passed before she heard more footsteps.  She heard more voices coming from all around her, their sounds terrifying her with the thought of more monsters showing up.  And the possibility of them finding her and killing her just as that one did with her parents.

"Arrest him!" She heard, the two words bring a small flicker of hope to her heart.  Had the police come to save her from the monster?

She shuffled her way back to the tiny opening, peeking through the small space in hopes of seeing policemen handcuffing the evil man.  But it was nothing like that.  What she saw were more men dressed in similar clothing, only difference being in color.  Where his had been dark colors of black and purple, theirs were that of white and bright red.

"Release me at once!  I have done nothing but serve his Lordship."

The monstrous man in dark was kneeling in the middle of the room, two men dressed in red and white holding him down in that position by his shoulders.  His hands were bond and tied behind his back, making it impossible for him to move.

She was a little confused.  Who were these men?  Were they here to help her and take that bad man away?  Was she safe now?  And what did he mean 'serve his Lordship'?  Was he ordered to do this by someone?

"Be silent."

Her eyes widen a little at the person who spoke.  He was tall, and toned.  With wide shoulders and a lean looking form.  His hair a silvery white color, pulled back into a high ponytail on the top of his head, straight cut bangs fanned over his head stopping just above his golden color eyes.  He had two dark blue slashes on his face, one on each cheek, and some kind of marking on his forehead that she couldn't quite see.  His robes were of white and red, just like the others, but with a few added swirls of blue and gold.  A black and golden armour breast plate covered his chest and tied into place by a yellow obi; a white fur cape falling down his back from his shoulders, the bottom separated into two different ends.

"Lord Takahashi!"

He taller man seemed to ignore him, instead addressing one of the other men holding him in place.  "Remove Takemaru from my sight.  I shall deal with him in time."

"Yes, milord."

Her curiosity was back now, her small blue eyes watching as the two men pick the evil man up and remove him from the room, and most likely the house.

"Abi."

The woman that appeared out of thin air surprised her somewhat, her eye rounding in amazement that someone could hold such a unique technique.  The woman was beautiful looking, long black hair and red eyes.  But it was the small dinosaur/bird like creature on her shoulder that was most interesting to look at.

'Maybe this is just a dream I'm having…' She thought hopefully.  'Dinosaurs don't exist, so it must be a dream.'

"Yes, milord?" The dark haired woman asked, bowing slightly.

"Casualties Report."

"Two, milord."  The woman Abi straightened, the green bird on her shoulder stretching out its wings.  "This man here and a small infant child inside of its crib upstairs.  The only one that seems to still be alive is this woman here."

Shocked, she looked down at her mother's body.  Happiness filling her heart as she watch her mother's chest move slowly up and down, her brown eyes fixed on the closet where she was hiding.  Almost as if she knew her daughter was there watching everything that was happening.

"… kehgimai…"  Tears fell from her mother's eyes, her arm stretched out in the closets direction.  As if she was trying to reach out to her daughter for what she knew would be her last time.  ".. kagimai…"

"My lord?  What do you wish we do with her?"

'Safe her!' Her little mind screamed at them, her own voice lost.  'Please!  Save my mommy!'

"We have no choice in the matter.  We must keep our identities a secret…"  She watched helplessly as Lord Takashi turned to the woman, his words fixing into her memory for all eternity.  "Make it painless as possible for her; she had suffered enough for one night."

Abi bowed.  "As you wish, my lord."  She kneeled down beside the dying woman, placing her hands around her neck.  "I'm sorry…" She whispered quiet enough for only the other woman to hear.

'Mommy!'

The sound of breaking bones echoed the sound of her breaking heart.  She knew right then that this was no dream.  Everything she had seen tonight was real; she had witnessed her family's death.  Had watched as they were murdered right in front of her.

A painful sob escaped her, her hands coming up to try and prevent anymore from coming out.  But one was enough.

A second later, the sliding door open, light pouring into the dark closet and bathing her in plan sight for all to see.  Her eyes snapped shut at the sudden burst of light, keeping them closed at the fear of seeing that man standing above her and watching as his own hand swipe down to end her short little life.

"Hi there."

A child's voice penetrated her mind, her one eye cracking open slightly to peep up at who it was standing in front of her.  Both of her eyes opening when she saw a little boy with big gold eyes, long, white hair and what appeared to be little dog ears on top of his head, holding out his hand to her.

"Don't be scared.  I won't hurt you."

Hesitantly she took the offered hand, allowing the assistance that he offered in helping her stand up.  Still frightened and not wanting to see her parent's dead bodies anymore, she encircled her arms around his waist and buried her head in his chest.  The tears that spilled from her eyes being absorbed into his robes as he hugged her back and offered her some kind of comfort.

He didn't like her crying - it brought a sad and horrible feeling to his heart.  Something he hadn't felt after his mother had died and something that he longed to never feel again.  But he could understand her pain and sorrow, knowing full well that the two people lying on the ground dead were most likely her parents.  And if his suspicions were correct, she had witnessed their deaths.

"What's your name?"

She sniffed a little, rubbing her face against his shoulder to get rid of the wetness on her cheeks.  "Kagome…"

"Come on," He said soothingly, lightly patting her on the back.  "Let's get out of here."

"O - *sniff*- ta."

He press her tightly to his side, making sure that she couldn't see the remains of her parents as they passed by them.  He paused in the hallway a moment, trying to figure out the best way to get out of the house without being seen.

He knew it was against the rules, that he should take her to his father and have him deal with her for the sack of the clan.  But he just couldn't.  There was something about this girl… something he just couldn't put his finger one.  She was special, a one of a kind that he found himself wanting to keep safe and protect with all of his abilities.

"This way," he said, pulling her to a dark corner and pushing her down in a sitting position.  "Stay here and be quiet.  They can't smell you because of all the blood in the air, but you have to be quiet or they'll hear you."

"Wait!"  She hissed quietly, clinging onto his arm.  "Where are you going?"

"To find away out of here."

Again he tried to move away but she still held onto his arm.  "No!  I know a way; we use it for fire escapes.  We can use that."

Kagome quickly jumped to her feet and ran over to the stairwell, ushering for him to follow her.  "I need your help.  I can't move it on my own."

He wasn't sure about it for a moment, but he could hear someone heading their way.  If they caught them, there would be no way to help her escape.  Not to mention he would have some serious explaining to do to his father.  Explaining that he really wasn't looking forward in giving, knowing full well that the consequences of his actions would land him some severe punishment.

"Okay."  He agreed, moving quickly to her side and helping her push against the wooden wall under the stairs.  "Are you sure it's here?"

"Yes!"  She said knowingly, "You just have'ta push!"

"I am pushing."

"No your not."

"Am too."

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Not!"

A small creaking sound came from the wall, the wooden panel they were pushing on sliding open too quickly for them to react and they both fell forward.  The board sliding back in place just seconds after they fell into the small hidden room.

"I told you I was pushing."  He mumbled gruffly.

"Ok, ok… you were pushing."  She sat up from her spot on the ground, shifting slightly over to give him room to do the same.  "Come on, there's an opening just down this way."

They moved slowly, the narrow escape tunnel just wide enough for them the crawl side by side.  It wasn't too long before they saw light up ahead, working together as they reached the opening to push another panel of wood out of the way.

As soon as they were outside, he was on his feet again, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her towards the bushes.  He pushed her into a kneeling position again, making sure that she was well hidden in the shadows of the shrubs.

"There, you should be safe now."

"Wait!"  Her tiny hands clenched onto his right wrist as he began to turn and walk away back towards the house.  "Please don't leave me!"

"I have to."

"No…"  More tears began to fill up in her eyes, falling down her already redden cheeks.

"Please, Kagome…" He begged, kneeling down in front of her, lightly brushing away a tear.  "Don't cry.  I'll be back."

Kagome hiccupped.  "D-do… -*sniff sniff*- you p-promise?"

He nodded.  "Promise.  Nothing could keep me away.  I'll protect."

"Inu."

He chanced a glance behind him, his eyes landing on the figure of his father standing in front of the house watching him.  Sadly he turned back to Kagome's teary blue eyes.  "I have to go.  But I promise; I will find you."

Nodding quietly as she didn't trust her voice, Kagome let him go.  Watching from the shadows of the bushes as he ran back to the house, stopping in front of the tall man with the long hair.

Inu Yasha rushed over to his father, bowing his head.  "Yes father?"

"What were you doing just now?"

"Just scouting the perimeter, just like you tot me."  He lift his head up, concern and worry reflecting in his eyes.  "Was that wrong of me?"

Lord Takashi patted his son on the head, allowing a small smile to reach his lips.  "Not at all, son."

"My Lord Takashi?"

"Yes, Abi?"

The woman and her bird reappeared, her body bowing as her body came into sight.  "What do you wish of us to do with the human's remains and the house?"

Lord Takashi sighed, looking down at his son.  It was times like these that he wished that he wasn't the one in charge.  The possibility of his actions ruining the lives of others bothering him and making him feel guilty.  But mostly, he worried about his sons and whether or not they would accept this kind of inheritance.  Whether or not they wouldn't approve and hate him for doing what he felt he had to.  But there was nothing he could do about it right now.  He had to think about the clan's best interest and had to protect his sons.  Someday, if they choose to, they might understand that everything he did was done only because it was his duty and not his desire.

"We mustn't let anyone know of our existence or allow the miko's find any trace of us."  Straightening his shoulders, he turned to face his demon minion.  "Burn it down."

"As you wish my lord."

Inu Yasha watch her disappear again and his father turn to walk away.  Seconds later, flames light the sky as the fire over took the house.  Burning everything and anything inside.  The very sight of it making the guilt in his heart return ten fold.

He turned to cast a last glance over his shoulder to the bushes were he told her to stay and hide.  He couldn't see her, even with all the light that was now lighting the night's darkness, but he knew she was there.  Watching with sad, fearful eyes filled with tears once more.

He felt horrible.  In one night she was exposed to their world, her life ruined and her family taken away from her.  Though, he knew he could never let his father know that she had witnessed it all and had helped her escaped.  Allowing her to go free with the possibility of telling everyone who would listen about their existence.

But it was a chance he took.  Trusting in what his heart was telling him was the right thing to do.  If she told then it wouldn't be long until his actions destroyed the same thing she had lost tonight.  If she didn't, then they would go on living and fighting as they have always done.  It didn't matter to him what she did.

Either way, he would keep his promise.  He would find her and protect her, what ever it took.

"Come, Inu Yasha.  We must get back; Sesshomaru will be waiting for us."

Sighing to himself, Inu Yasha obeyed.  "Coming father."

He walked away that night, the feeling of sad blue eyes burning into his back.  Fighting with every step he took not to run back to her and take her in his arms - tell her how much he was sorry that this had happened to her and how much he wanted to make the pain go away and make it all right again.

But he couldn't.  He was a Takashi, a demon.  Showing weakness and emotion wasn't an option.  He had made an oath, a pack to his clan that he would stay true and obey until his training was complete and he was in command.  Until he was no longer under his father's rule but ruling side by side with his brother.

That's when he would find her again.  All he had to do was wait…

Wait and remember…

~ * ~

There's the eleventh chapter.  Sorry it took so long for updates to come up.  Haven't really been getting a lot of free time these days and I'm trying my best to get as many chapters typed as I can.  I'm also sorry about not being able to send off previews like I normally do.  I'll have to make it up to you all some how.  Anyways, how you liked the chapter, sorry it was so sad with the family death and stuff.  Thanks for reading and rating.  Your choice to review (naturally).

'Til Next Time Dudes and Dudets!!!

=^.^=