InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Consequences And Redemption ❯ Chapter 1
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Strawberry Grasshopper 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.12.2015 | Pages: 10 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 590 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.12.2015 | Pages: 10 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 590 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the
characters from the Inuyasha universe. Everything else is mine.
Summary: "My dear, na•ve little child," he whispered from behind, his hot breath fanning over her ear and sending a shiver of fear up her spine. "You're in my world now, and here, you're the monster. Not me." One year. She has one year to kill him, or she marries him. She should have known better - everything has consequences. No one can save her...them...now. No one but herself.
OF CONSEQUENCES AND REDEMPTION
Tequila Blackbird’s Song for Thought: An inspirational song chosen for you to listen to while reading this chapter by my beta, Tequila Blackbird.
This chapter: "Pompeii" by Bastille
"....and the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love....great clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above...but if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? How am I gonna be an optimist about this?"
Chapter One
Summary: "My dear, na•ve little child," he whispered from behind, his hot breath fanning over her ear and sending a shiver of fear up her spine. "You're in my world now, and here, you're the monster. Not me." One year. She has one year to kill him, or she marries him. She should have known better - everything has consequences. No one can save her...them...now. No one but herself.
OF CONSEQUENCES AND REDEMPTION
Tequila Blackbird’s Song for Thought: An inspirational song chosen for you to listen to while reading this chapter by my beta, Tequila Blackbird.
This chapter: "Pompeii" by Bastille
"....and the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love....great clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above...but if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? How am I gonna be an optimist about this?"
Chapter One
France:
1820
"He should be home by now. "
"Would you stop pacing? You’re making me dizzy."
"And you are making me sick. He is our father! How are the two of you not more concerned?"
"Just because we aren’t wearing holes in the floorboards doesn’t mean we aren’t worried, Kagome. Would you please just sit down and stop worrying? I’m sure Papa is fine."
Kagome glared at her two twin sisters and finally sat down in front of the crackling fireplace – the house cat, Bouyo, lazily crawled into her lap now that she had finally stopped pacing.
All three girls looked completely different from each other. Kagome’s fraternal twin sisters, Ayame and Kaede, looked far more like their late mother, though their coloring was different. Ayame was a exact replica of their mother, with burning red hair and eyes like a thousand green meadows. Kagome, while looking more like their father, shared his midnight black hair and deep blue eyes with Kaede.
Their mother had passed away a year ago after getting caught in the middle of a storm. She had become lost on her way to their new home, and when she finally found their new cottage, she was soaked to the bone and developed the cold that later claimed her life.
Over the past year, the family had endured quite a few hardships.
Their father, Eamonn Beaumont, was a merchant, and business had been rather poor for them. All of the ships he owned had either been lost at sea due to storms or captured by pirates, and Eamonn had done his best to keep his family afloat for as long as possible. He took out loans from the bank as well as from family friends, and eventually, they started to sell many of their different possessions – from the piano in the foyer to the several horses they owned. It wasn’t enough, however, and they were eventually forced to sell their home and move to the country. They had only been living there for a few months when their mother had lost her way and become sick, adding to the numerous misfortunes of the past year.
To make it worse, both Ayame and Kaede were no longer of any interest to their old suitors. With the family misfortune came a highly reduced dowry and a change in family status. With a highly reduced dowry came the lack of interest of the many eligible bachelors of France, and the girls were forced to remain unwed and fear the potential of becoming old maids.
Men were only after a few things when it came to marriage – money, status, and a beautiful woman to wear on their arm like an accessory. With the first two now gone, the third was all that the sisters had left to their advantage, and unfortunately, very few married for love. Most only married for the money or the status or out of pure necessity.
No one married for love anymore – much to Kagome’s chagrin.
She had a male suitor that came for her more often than she would like – Koga. He was a kind man, of good standing, and made a decent living for himself. Her sisters had called her foolish and selfish when she had refused the many marriage proposals he had offered her over the last few months. He had claimed that they were out of love for her, but he hardly knew her. He only knew that he enjoyed looking at her pretty face, and that he wanted to be known as the man who helped to save the Beaumont family from certain disaster. Kagome could still feel the eyes of onlookers burning into her flesh as they watched the once mighty Beaumonts descend from their once proud home to their new life in the little cottage. She couldn’t – no, wouldn’t – bear the whispers of how they had been saved from utter despair by this kind man who only wanted what was best for the once powerful family.
Kagome would have nothing of it.
She loathed the idea of marrying anyone for any reason less than she loved them with all her heart, and she refused to do anything but just that.
Her sisters were both more than welcome to marry Koga if they wanted to save the family name so much – she was going to be selfish and wait for what truly mattered to her. After all, she wasn’t even the eldest daughter in the family. Ayame was, and as such, she should – by rights – be married off to someone first. Not her, the youngest daughter.
Yet, that was why her father’s recent trip into town was so important.
The family had just given up hope of ever being able to gain any semblance of normalcy when word reached them of the last ship Eamonn owned finding its way back on course. It had been lost at sea – thrown off course by horrendous storms – but it had found its way, against all odds. Their father had taken the last horse they owned, Cossette, and made the two day journey into town. He had sent word back to his daughters with Koga, who made rather frequent trips to visit the Beaumonts, that he would return in three days time.
It was now ten days past when he was due back, and Kagome was worried beyond repair.
"I’m sure he is fine, Kagome. The ship is probably just late coming back in. You remember how these things are - and the ship was lost for a very long time. I imagine that the estimated time for its arrival was very inaccurate. Who knows, maybe the ship is just now reaching port."
ÒIt’s been ten days. Ten. He has been gone for far too long to have not sent word to us again. How can this not worry either of you?Ó
ÒIt does, Kagome. Really and truly. But short of walking to town, what can we do? Papa has our only horse. By the time you get there, he could very well have already made it back here. Just try to read a book and calm your nerves like us.Ó
Kagome shooed Bouyo off her lap and walked to a window in their humble cottage, gazing out into the night. There was a low fog starting to roll in, covering the surrounding forest with a dark and eerie air.
ÒI am too worked up to read a book.Ó
ÒWell, you certainly aren’t going for a walk,Ó Ayame crisply informed her. ÒIt’s too dark, and I will not allow it. Don’t forget who Papa put in charge when he left.Ó
ÒHe only put you in charge because you’re the eldest. And I’m not going to go for a walk. Don’t worry.Ó Kagome soothed, her gaze dancing from tree to tree, searching for something she had thought she had seen in the distance. She wasn’t sure what it was, or what she thought she had seen, but she could have sworn she saw something. Her gut immediately started to twist and her scalp began to tingle. ÒIt’s too foggy ouÉÓ her words trailed off as she thought she saw a flicker of movement by one of the birch trees.
Something was out there. She was sure of it.
ÒKaede, grab Papa’s bow and quiver,Ó Kagome commanded, her eyes focused in the same spot off to the side of the birch.
ÒWhyÉ What’s wrong Kagome?Ó
ÒDon’t question me, Kaede. Please. Just do it,Ó she demanded, her steely tone brokering no room for arguments or questions. Only actions.
She strained her eyes trying to make out what she had seen. They were in the middle of a forest. It was most likely a deer. Honestly, it could have been anything. Yet, she was sure that it was much larger than a deer. Her instinct was telling her as much - just like the danger curdling in the pit of her stomach and making the hairs stand up on the back of her neck in fear. Her fingers felt cold, and her palms felt clammy as she continued to search the darkness.
ÒKagome,Ó whispered Ayame, tiptoeing to stand behind her youngest sister. ÒWhat is it? What do you see?Ó
ÒI’m not sure,Ó she admitted quietly, biting her lip in concentration as her eyes began to sting from the strain of staring out into a black abyss. ÒSomething doesn’t feel right.Ó She hesitated for a moment before adding, ÒI think I should go out there.Ó
ÒWhat? Are you mad?Ó Ayame harshly admonished, urgently grabbing her shoulder as Kaede handed her sister their father’s weapons. ÒWhy on earth would you go out there when we are perfectly safe in here?Ó
ÒTo get a better look around. Maybe I am just letting my imagination get the best of me. Or maybe there is something out there,Ó she reasoned, slinging her father’s quiver over her shoulder as her stomach began to twist and knot. ÒEither way, we won’t know until I go out there.Ó
ÒYes, and what happens if you do and there is something out there? What is your plan? To shoot it? When you can hardly see?Ó Ayame interjected, squeezing her sister’s shoulder. ÒPlease. Be reasonable. Stay here, and let whatever it is you see out there, stay out there.Ó
It was there again. The unknown movement in the unknown location created by the unknown creature.
ÒPapa may have put you in charge, Ayame,Ó Kagome concluded, deftly grabbing an arrow from the quiver on her back, Òbut he taught me how to protect you both.Ó
With that, she pushed out the door past her sisters’ outstretched and grasping arms, ignoring their pleas for her to come back inside where it was safe.
The fog was thick, and it blanketed the ground like fresh cream sloshing down the sides of an overly full farmer’s bucket. The night air was crisp and a light breeze bit lightly at her cheeks and nose. Kagome crept forward away from the safety of her home, arrow notched and poised to be released with a sharp twang should she find something of danger.
Her gaze stayed close to the ground by the bushes near the birch trees where she had thought she had seen the supposed threat. Slowly, she inched her way forward, her senses on alert. She could feel her heart beating in her throat and pounding in her ears as she stood mere feet away from the trees. She couldn’t even hear her sisters calling for her.
She was standing directly in front of the bushes, eyes rapidly flitting back and forth, scanning the darkness.
There was nothing.
Perhaps she was losing her mind. Simply on edge and overly alert because their father was missing.
She slowly lowered the bow and arrow, having decided that this must have been the cause – nothing more.
ÒKagome!Ó Her name cut through the air like an icicle crashing down from a rooftop, shattering into a thousand jagged, tiny ice chips that had sunk their way into her heart, chilling her to the bone. She turned around and saw the terrified faces of her sisters, who had stupidly followed her out of the cottage, staring at the large robust form of a wolf. It was, by far, the largest wolf she had ever seen. She had no idea that they could grow to that size - it had to have been about four feet tall.
Its eyes roamed over her sisters, eyeing them hungrily – stalking them.
ÒAyameÉ Kaede É slowly back away and go back inside,Ó Kagome commanded, her voice a low and quiet tremble.
ÒKagome,Ó Ayame called, ÒIt’sÉit’s foaming at the mouth.Ó
Kagome’s already pale skin became almost translucent at those words. The beast was rabid. That made it even more unpredictable and deadly.
They might not even make it back into the house. Kagome licked her lips as the low growl the wolf had been emitting grew in strength and volume. She could feel it vibrating through her whole body, creating a symphony of terror. Her heart was but a violin, and the wolf a mere bow caressing its strings to create the deadliest of music as it dipped its head closer to the ground. Kagome watched its lithe body tense, and knew she had but a few seconds to aim and shoot before it would lunge at her sisters.
Kagome was still new to the feeling of having a bow in her hands. Her father had begun training her in how to use one a few weeks ago, at her insistence. Now that they lived in the woods, it made sense to try and hunt for some of their own meat. That, and learn to protect herself and her sisters should she need to. Eamonn had been reluctant to give her lessons, but she kept pushing her father, demanding that he teach her. He had eventually given in.
Now, Kagome was glad she had been so insistent upon the training.
She took aim and let the arrow loose just as the wolf sprang into the air. It caught the beast in the hind leg, but did not kill him. It did cause him to miss his target. Her sisters took the opportunity to quickly run back into the house, closing the door tightly behind and racing to the windows. Kaede closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, her lips moving in what Kagome assumed was a silent prayer while Ayame’s hands grasped the window frame – her knuckles turned a ghostly white.
The wolf turned his attention to Kagome, and she felt herself freeze in fear at the look of pure unadulterated hunger and malice in his eyes. If Kagome wanted to live, she would have to act fast. She would either need to run, or shoot him again.
What was it going to be?
Stay and fight, or run?
An arrow whipped through the air and lodged itself securely in the animal’s neck. Kagome never had the chance to make a decision.
She saw her sisters bolt to the front door, flinging it open, and running in the direction the arrow had come in.
It was their father.
Kagome took off after them and joined her sisters in embracing their father, sobbing their relief into his chest.
They were safe, and he was home and alive and well.
ÒOh PapaÉÓ Ayame sobbed into his chest. ÒWe were so worried about you!Ó
ÒWhere were you?Ó Kaede asked, clinging to Eamonn’s arm.
ÒCome inside and I’ll tell you,Ó he soothed, rubbing his daughter’s heads. ÒKagome, would you ready a pot of tea? I would like to change out of these travel clothes before I begin. It has been a long journey.Ó
Kagome nodded, examining her fathers face in the moonlight and swirling fog.
Everyone quickly hurried inside, and Kagome started to boil some water and gather some blankets as her sisters tied up Cosette.
Kagome inhaled deeply, a feeling of calm and security washing over her body for the first time in nearly two weeks. It felt good to have her father home. Comforting. The inner turmoil she and her sisters had faced these last few days had been crushing. Having their father back now finally put her at ease.
The door opened and Kagome watched her sisters come in, a dark and worried look marring their faces. Hushed whispers seeped from their lips, and their eyes darted back and forth from each other to Kagome.
Something was wrong.
ÒWhat is it?Ó Kagome called to them. ÒWhat’s wrong?Ó
They both shared a look before sitting on the floor and beckoning for Kagome to do the same.
ÒIt’s most likely nothing,Ó Ayame started, pausing for a moment before continuing. ÒThe horse that Papa came back on wasn’t Cossette. I don’t know who this horse belongs to.Ó
ÒWhat? Are you sure?Ó Kagome whispered, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Kaede nodded. ÒI’m sure. Cossette is female. This one is male.Ó
The teapot’s bubbling interrupted the girls, ending the conversation and Kagome went to remove it from the heat as their father appeared in the doorway.
ÒCossette should arrive in a few days,Ó their father assured them, subtly informing his daughters that they had not been as quiet as they had intended. He languidly took his seat in the chair by the fire, rubbing his face and massaging his beard. ÒKagome, dear, is the tea done?
ÒYes! It’s steeping now,Ó she offered him the mug in outstretched arms. ÒIt should be as you like it in just a few minutes.Ó
ÒThank you, dear,Ó he murmured, taking the mug from her. He stared into its bottom and his daughters silently watched him, waiting for his story to begin.
Kagome observed his face. His cheeks were sunken in and deep, dark circles lingered under his eyes. His once solid black hair was wild and unruly instead of neatly combed as he always kept it, and it was starting to grey along his temples. Whatever had happened on this trip, it had taken years out of her father.
ÒI am so sorry,Ó he finally began, unable to look up from his drink. ÒI am so very, very sorry.Ó
ÒWhat happened?Ó Kaede whispered. ÒWhat’s wrong?Ó
Eamonn looked at his worried daughters' faces and began his sorrowful tale.
ÒI was coming home four nights ago when I lost my wayÉ it was too dark out, and it was hard for me to see the path. Not long after starting my journey, I became lost in the dark depths of an unknown forest. All was silent and calm, but thenÉthat’s when I stumbled upon it.Ó
ÒIt?Ó asked Kaede.
Eamonn nodded and replied in a frightened whisper, ÒHis castleÉÓ
Eamonn stood in front of a large, dark, stone-gray castle with a short, winding staircase leading to a balcony and the front door. The entire castle was maybe seventy feet high and eight hundred feet wide with many towers. The towers all varied in shape and size. Some of the towers were round with a cone-like roof - others simply had a round roof. All of them came to a long, pointed tip with matching ornaments on the top. Some towers sported areas that were cut out to give the effect that they were windows, when in reality they bore no glass. Other towers were rectangular with a pointed, triangular roof. The exterior of the whole castle sported an even blend of traditional French medieval architecture and classical Italian structures. There was plenty of ivy growing on the stone walls, both alive and dead. As Eamonn started to climb the steps, he saw marble figures of wolves adorning the stone banister. There was something in their fierce expressions that was incredibly unnervingÉ but not as unnerving as the doors swinging open of their own accord. He pressed forward.
The inside was just as dark and ominous as the outside. There was almost no light to guide one's pathÉ The corridor was almost completely pitch-black, save for the single candelabra that illuminated the halls. Upon closer examination, it had a golden, intricate shaft adorned with what almost appeared to be a dog paw holding onto it. When the light from the candles were no longer visible – for it became lit as one walked by – another one would light again. They were placed in equal intervals all the way down the long corridor.
When Eamonn finally came to the end of the hall, he found a table filled with food and drink awaiting him.
ÒHello? Is anyone there?Ó Eamonn called again as he slowly approached the table. He found that there was a note placed there. Inscribed on it was a very short message - it simply said:
Eat.
Drink.
Nothing more, nothing
less. Eamonn had endured a hard journey and was not about to turn
down this most generous offer. Sitting down, he raised his glass of
wine and loudly proclaimed, ÒI drink to you, wherever
you may be. Your hospitality is most
appreciated.Ó
He ate and drank to his heart's content until he could eat no more. He then left to find his host, but to no avail. Every door he took led him straight back to the corridor from which he had entered. Deciding that it was just not his fate to meet his host, Eamonn prepared to leave through the same dark corridor when it brought him to a different room–a bed chamber. Thinking his host most gracious once more, Eamonn lay down for the night in the soft bed presented to him. However, he was still determined to thank his host come dawn.
The next day when he awakened and had dressed, he opened the door to find himself greeted with the delightful smells and sights of the morning meal. He then sat down to gorge himself on food once again, but only after calling out his thanks to his unknown host once more.
He tried to find his mysterious friend, but much like the night before, he was delivered to the front door with every new corridor that he took. Finally, he heeded his host’s wishes and left.
Upon returning to the outside world, he laid his eyes upon the most glorious rosebush that ever was. The heavenly flowers were all white and perfectly unmarred.
Before he had left for town, he had asked his daughters what they would like as gifts should the ship successfully make it back to port. His eldest daughters had asked for gowns or jewelry, while his youngest had simply asked him to bring her back a rose.
When his ship had – once again – not made it to port, he had given up hope of being able to give his eldest children the presents they had asked for. And as for Kagome, he had yet to see a single rose on his travels.
The single gift that he had thought to be the simplest had proven to be the most elusive, and yet now, it was right before his eyes, begging to be picked and taken to his daughter. Walking up to the rosebush to heed the flowers’ demand, he selected and picked one of the roses that seemed to match Kagome’s personality perfectly. This was the moment in which he sealed their fate forever and finally met his host.
ÒYou!Ó a voice snarled from above. Whirling around to face the balcony he had been standing on just moments ago, Eamonn saw him. He had snow white, waist-length hair. His eyes glowed a ferocious yellow, reminding Eamonn of the flames of hell. His teeth could clearly be seen in the snarl adorning his terrifying face. Fangs from each corner of the creature's mouth gleamed menacingly. Atop his head were things that Eamonn could only describe as monstrous. Two white triangles rested thereÉ looking eerily similar to the ears that rested on the far smaller crown of his family's beloved pet, Bouyo.
ÒYou!Ó the strange man, if he was indeed a man, repeated as he lept from the balcony and approached with a predatory grace. ÒI gave you food, and you ate. I gave you drink, and you drank! I gave you a shelter, and you accepted it. I have shown you hospitality like no other would have, yet, how do you repay me for such deeds? With thievery and destruction!Ó
By now he was standing only a foot away, and Eamonn had no doubt in his mind that if the monster saw it fit, the beast could reach out right now and end his life.
ÒThat,Ó the beast whispered with a tone so icy, venomous, and filled with hatred that it could make one’s blood run cold, Òis a crime worthy of death.Ó The monster’s arms sprung out and grabbed Eamonn’s shoulders, spinning him around and forcing him to bare his neck. A long fang caressed his delicate pulse, tracing an invisible vein, circling it. Eamonn was trembling, unable to breath. Unable to move. ÒYour death,Ó the monster purred in a whisper. ÒA very fitting punishment since you ended the life of my beloved rose. An eye for an eye, wouldn’t you agree?Ó
At that, Eamonn found his voice and began to plead for mercy.
ÒI beg of you, my lordÉÓ
ÒInu. I am no lord.Ó
ÒIÉ I beg of youÉ Inu. Spare my life. This rose was for my youngest daughter. I am nothing but a merchant, and when I went to town, my other daughters asked for fine gowns in the hopes of upholding the faade that we still have a high standing in society. My youngest thoughÉ She only asked for a single rose. She never asks for muchÉ I was only trying to give my daughter a present that she would adore with all her heart. I beg of you, Inu. Spare my life.Ó
Eamonn could cringe at the squeaking sounds his voice was making. This was not his voice. This was not him. This was the sound of a man who was begging for his life. Eamonn never begged. Even when they had lost everything, he had not once begged. But this was a truly different situation, wasn’t it? He had never been in danger quite like this. He had never had a monster languidly scraping their fangs against his neck.
This was a true life or death situation.
With every second the monsterÉ InuÉ remained silent. He could feel his life slipping further and further away from him. What would happen to his daughters? Would they ever know what had happened to him? Would they be able to take care of themselves? Find husbands and have families? Would they–
ÒI will let you go...Ó the monster finally spoke.
ÒOh thank you! Thank y–Ó
ÒBut!Ó he sharply interrupted, fear once again washing over the man. ÒYou have one week to return. When you do, your life is mine, and I will keep you as my prisoner until your death. If you do not return, then I can easily find youÉ And make no mistake, your death will follow immediately. HoweverÉ if your daughter agrees to become my prisonerÉ I shall let you live and take her in your place.Ó
ÒMy daughter!Ó
ÒThe one who is so fond of my roses. Or one of the others if they are truly so inclined.Ó
ÒButÉ but I am lost! I will never find my way back!Ó
ÒYou will take my horse, Darcio. He will know the way to and fro. Just whisper in his ear `Take me to my daughters,' and he will take you there. Come the end of the week when you or your daughter are to return to me, whisper `Take me to Inu.' Have no fear – your horse will follow you in time. I will also graciously allow you to return to the room that I provided for you. There, you will find a chest. I want you to fill this chest with anything you see fit, so that your daughters will not go poor in your absence – or so that you may support them with ease once more. You have three days to fill it and replenish your strength for your trip home. You will give me your word that you will return in a week, or I will kill you here and now.Ó
ÒYou–You have my word.Ó
ÒVery good,Ó the beast purred, deftly drawing a thin line of blood from Eamonn’s neck to demonstrate just how merciful he was being before backing away from the trembling man. ÒYou have one week once you leave. Use it wisely.Ó
ÒAnd with that, he was gone,Ó finished Eamonn. ÒI went back in and filled and filled the trunk, but it wouldn’t fill. He said that the trunk and Cossette will come to us tomorrow. I am so sorry, my dearest daughters, but I have already made the decision. I have one more week with you.Ó
ÒBut Papa!Ó Kaede cried. ÒYou cannot go!Ó
ÒWe will not let him kill you!Ó yelled Ayame, her voice trembling from holding back her tears. ÒWe can go to town and tell them all of the monster living in the forest. We can then go there and ki–Ó
ÒNo. The raw power that I felt when the monster had me in his armsÉ I have never experienced anything quite like it before. An entire country would not be enough to kill this creature, I am afraid. I will leave once the week is over. It is the only option.Ó
Kagome, who had been twirling the white rose her father had given her during the story, looked up whispered, ÒI shall go.Ó
ÒWhat?Ó three voices cried at once, all heads turning to look at her.
ÒIt is my fault, is it not? If it had not been for me, we would not be in such a predicament. I shall go in Papa's place. I don’t fear this beast who calls itself Inu.Ó
ÒNo. I will not allow it,Ó Eamonn said sternly. ÒI am the one the who picked the rose. Therefore, I am the one who will return to him.Ó
ÒI am the one who asked for a rose. It will be me who goes.Ó She countered, her voice rising to match that of her father’s. ÒI will die from the grief of never seeing you again while you die by that monster’s hand, and from knowing that I am responsible,Ó Kagome argued.
ÒYou shall go nowhere near such a beast! I forbid it. This discussion is over. It is late, and we are all tired. We will start our last week together tomorrow when we are all rested. I am going to bed, as should you. Good night, my darlings.Ó And with that, it was agreed. Eamonn would be the one to return to Inu in one week's time.
Or so he thoughtÉ
Author’s Note:
Whoot whoot!!! First chapter - complete!! I hope everyone liked it!! I know that there are a lot of authors out there that like to put author’s notes at the beginning, but I prefer them at the end. It’s just a preference, and, ya know, since it’s my story and allÉ
Aaaaaaanyways, quick things you should know about in regards to this story.
First: I will post a new chapter, Mondays, once every two weeks, at approx 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Meeeeaning, the next post will be January 19th! I already have chapters 2 and 3 completed as a buffer, so this promise should be relatively easy to complete! SoooÉ Why Mondays? Mondays suck. So, if you like this story, then this will be a little pick me up to start the week off right! (Also, you should tell me if you like the story.)
Second: I’ve always liked it when authors are interactive with readers, so for every review I get, I’ll respond. If you have an account, I’ll try to email you through the website. If you don’t, I’ll just post it at the end of each chapter under the Author’s Note. If you took the time to read the story and say something about it, then I feel like you should be acknowledged and thanked. It’s common courtesy, you know? (SooooÉ. Review? Yes? Please? Thanks :D).
Third: Shout out to my wonderful beta Tequila Blackbird!! Thanks for keeping me in check and telling me when I’m being too weird and being realistic and honest with me :). Much love babe! Virtual ice cream party tonight?!? Yes? I’ll bring the Nutellaaaaaa!! (Also, I lied. I bought fro-yo at the store today. Not ice cream. It was cheaper. I still have Nutella though. And twelve packages of ramen. IT WAS ON SALE!!!! 6 FOR $.99!!!!! YUUUUUUUHS!!!!!!!)
Fourth: If any of you were inspired by ÒPompeiiÓ and/or thought of another song while reading our baby, feel free to comment and share! We'd LOVE to hear (pun intended - hehe)! Maybe your song will make it into one of our next chapters.....*cough*hint*cough*
AND finally: Thank you all for reading the first chapter in this (hopefully) new and interesting twist on an old fairy tale. Review and tell me what you thought of it so far!! Also, see if you can guess the fairytale this is based on! (Fake internet cookies to all those that get it right!)
Thanks again for reading, ya’ll!
Till next time (January 19th at approx 7 p.m. EST),
Cheers!
~Strawberry Grasshopper (SG)
He ate and drank to his heart's content until he could eat no more. He then left to find his host, but to no avail. Every door he took led him straight back to the corridor from which he had entered. Deciding that it was just not his fate to meet his host, Eamonn prepared to leave through the same dark corridor when it brought him to a different room–a bed chamber. Thinking his host most gracious once more, Eamonn lay down for the night in the soft bed presented to him. However, he was still determined to thank his host come dawn.
The next day when he awakened and had dressed, he opened the door to find himself greeted with the delightful smells and sights of the morning meal. He then sat down to gorge himself on food once again, but only after calling out his thanks to his unknown host once more.
He tried to find his mysterious friend, but much like the night before, he was delivered to the front door with every new corridor that he took. Finally, he heeded his host’s wishes and left.
Upon returning to the outside world, he laid his eyes upon the most glorious rosebush that ever was. The heavenly flowers were all white and perfectly unmarred.
Before he had left for town, he had asked his daughters what they would like as gifts should the ship successfully make it back to port. His eldest daughters had asked for gowns or jewelry, while his youngest had simply asked him to bring her back a rose.
When his ship had – once again – not made it to port, he had given up hope of being able to give his eldest children the presents they had asked for. And as for Kagome, he had yet to see a single rose on his travels.
The single gift that he had thought to be the simplest had proven to be the most elusive, and yet now, it was right before his eyes, begging to be picked and taken to his daughter. Walking up to the rosebush to heed the flowers’ demand, he selected and picked one of the roses that seemed to match Kagome’s personality perfectly. This was the moment in which he sealed their fate forever and finally met his host.
ÒYou!Ó a voice snarled from above. Whirling around to face the balcony he had been standing on just moments ago, Eamonn saw him. He had snow white, waist-length hair. His eyes glowed a ferocious yellow, reminding Eamonn of the flames of hell. His teeth could clearly be seen in the snarl adorning his terrifying face. Fangs from each corner of the creature's mouth gleamed menacingly. Atop his head were things that Eamonn could only describe as monstrous. Two white triangles rested thereÉ looking eerily similar to the ears that rested on the far smaller crown of his family's beloved pet, Bouyo.
ÒYou!Ó the strange man, if he was indeed a man, repeated as he lept from the balcony and approached with a predatory grace. ÒI gave you food, and you ate. I gave you drink, and you drank! I gave you a shelter, and you accepted it. I have shown you hospitality like no other would have, yet, how do you repay me for such deeds? With thievery and destruction!Ó
By now he was standing only a foot away, and Eamonn had no doubt in his mind that if the monster saw it fit, the beast could reach out right now and end his life.
ÒThat,Ó the beast whispered with a tone so icy, venomous, and filled with hatred that it could make one’s blood run cold, Òis a crime worthy of death.Ó The monster’s arms sprung out and grabbed Eamonn’s shoulders, spinning him around and forcing him to bare his neck. A long fang caressed his delicate pulse, tracing an invisible vein, circling it. Eamonn was trembling, unable to breath. Unable to move. ÒYour death,Ó the monster purred in a whisper. ÒA very fitting punishment since you ended the life of my beloved rose. An eye for an eye, wouldn’t you agree?Ó
At that, Eamonn found his voice and began to plead for mercy.
ÒI beg of you, my lordÉÓ
ÒInu. I am no lord.Ó
ÒIÉ I beg of youÉ Inu. Spare my life. This rose was for my youngest daughter. I am nothing but a merchant, and when I went to town, my other daughters asked for fine gowns in the hopes of upholding the faade that we still have a high standing in society. My youngest thoughÉ She only asked for a single rose. She never asks for muchÉ I was only trying to give my daughter a present that she would adore with all her heart. I beg of you, Inu. Spare my life.Ó
Eamonn could cringe at the squeaking sounds his voice was making. This was not his voice. This was not him. This was the sound of a man who was begging for his life. Eamonn never begged. Even when they had lost everything, he had not once begged. But this was a truly different situation, wasn’t it? He had never been in danger quite like this. He had never had a monster languidly scraping their fangs against his neck.
This was a true life or death situation.
With every second the monsterÉ InuÉ remained silent. He could feel his life slipping further and further away from him. What would happen to his daughters? Would they ever know what had happened to him? Would they be able to take care of themselves? Find husbands and have families? Would they–
ÒI will let you go...Ó the monster finally spoke.
ÒOh thank you! Thank y–Ó
ÒBut!Ó he sharply interrupted, fear once again washing over the man. ÒYou have one week to return. When you do, your life is mine, and I will keep you as my prisoner until your death. If you do not return, then I can easily find youÉ And make no mistake, your death will follow immediately. HoweverÉ if your daughter agrees to become my prisonerÉ I shall let you live and take her in your place.Ó
ÒMy daughter!Ó
ÒThe one who is so fond of my roses. Or one of the others if they are truly so inclined.Ó
ÒButÉ but I am lost! I will never find my way back!Ó
ÒYou will take my horse, Darcio. He will know the way to and fro. Just whisper in his ear `Take me to my daughters,' and he will take you there. Come the end of the week when you or your daughter are to return to me, whisper `Take me to Inu.' Have no fear – your horse will follow you in time. I will also graciously allow you to return to the room that I provided for you. There, you will find a chest. I want you to fill this chest with anything you see fit, so that your daughters will not go poor in your absence – or so that you may support them with ease once more. You have three days to fill it and replenish your strength for your trip home. You will give me your word that you will return in a week, or I will kill you here and now.Ó
ÒYou–You have my word.Ó
ÒVery good,Ó the beast purred, deftly drawing a thin line of blood from Eamonn’s neck to demonstrate just how merciful he was being before backing away from the trembling man. ÒYou have one week once you leave. Use it wisely.Ó
ÒAnd with that, he was gone,Ó finished Eamonn. ÒI went back in and filled and filled the trunk, but it wouldn’t fill. He said that the trunk and Cossette will come to us tomorrow. I am so sorry, my dearest daughters, but I have already made the decision. I have one more week with you.Ó
ÒBut Papa!Ó Kaede cried. ÒYou cannot go!Ó
ÒWe will not let him kill you!Ó yelled Ayame, her voice trembling from holding back her tears. ÒWe can go to town and tell them all of the monster living in the forest. We can then go there and ki–Ó
ÒNo. The raw power that I felt when the monster had me in his armsÉ I have never experienced anything quite like it before. An entire country would not be enough to kill this creature, I am afraid. I will leave once the week is over. It is the only option.Ó
Kagome, who had been twirling the white rose her father had given her during the story, looked up whispered, ÒI shall go.Ó
ÒWhat?Ó three voices cried at once, all heads turning to look at her.
ÒIt is my fault, is it not? If it had not been for me, we would not be in such a predicament. I shall go in Papa's place. I don’t fear this beast who calls itself Inu.Ó
ÒNo. I will not allow it,Ó Eamonn said sternly. ÒI am the one the who picked the rose. Therefore, I am the one who will return to him.Ó
ÒI am the one who asked for a rose. It will be me who goes.Ó She countered, her voice rising to match that of her father’s. ÒI will die from the grief of never seeing you again while you die by that monster’s hand, and from knowing that I am responsible,Ó Kagome argued.
ÒYou shall go nowhere near such a beast! I forbid it. This discussion is over. It is late, and we are all tired. We will start our last week together tomorrow when we are all rested. I am going to bed, as should you. Good night, my darlings.Ó And with that, it was agreed. Eamonn would be the one to return to Inu in one week's time.
Or so he thoughtÉ
Author’s Note:
Whoot whoot!!! First chapter - complete!! I hope everyone liked it!! I know that there are a lot of authors out there that like to put author’s notes at the beginning, but I prefer them at the end. It’s just a preference, and, ya know, since it’s my story and allÉ
Aaaaaaanyways, quick things you should know about in regards to this story.
First: I will post a new chapter, Mondays, once every two weeks, at approx 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Meeeeaning, the next post will be January 19th! I already have chapters 2 and 3 completed as a buffer, so this promise should be relatively easy to complete! SoooÉ Why Mondays? Mondays suck. So, if you like this story, then this will be a little pick me up to start the week off right! (Also, you should tell me if you like the story.)
Second: I’ve always liked it when authors are interactive with readers, so for every review I get, I’ll respond. If you have an account, I’ll try to email you through the website. If you don’t, I’ll just post it at the end of each chapter under the Author’s Note. If you took the time to read the story and say something about it, then I feel like you should be acknowledged and thanked. It’s common courtesy, you know? (SooooÉ. Review? Yes? Please? Thanks :D).
Third: Shout out to my wonderful beta Tequila Blackbird!! Thanks for keeping me in check and telling me when I’m being too weird and being realistic and honest with me :). Much love babe! Virtual ice cream party tonight?!? Yes? I’ll bring the Nutellaaaaaa!! (Also, I lied. I bought fro-yo at the store today. Not ice cream. It was cheaper. I still have Nutella though. And twelve packages of ramen. IT WAS ON SALE!!!! 6 FOR $.99!!!!! YUUUUUUUHS!!!!!!!)
Fourth: If any of you were inspired by ÒPompeiiÓ and/or thought of another song while reading our baby, feel free to comment and share! We'd LOVE to hear (pun intended - hehe)! Maybe your song will make it into one of our next chapters.....*cough*hint*cough*
AND finally: Thank you all for reading the first chapter in this (hopefully) new and interesting twist on an old fairy tale. Review and tell me what you thought of it so far!! Also, see if you can guess the fairytale this is based on! (Fake internet cookies to all those that get it right!)
Thanks again for reading, ya’ll!
Till next time (January 19th at approx 7 p.m. EST),
Cheers!
~Strawberry Grasshopper (SG)