InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Kings and Betrayal ❯ I Don't Take Lives ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: Nope.. still nothing. Damn….

 

 

Ch. 4 I Don't Take Lives

 

“So… what happened to him?” Souta quizzically raised a dark brow as he strummed his fingers on the small kitchen table. After Kagome had finished nourishing the hanyou as best she could, the two siblings found themselves sitting around the old, wooden table, an outlandish atmosphere filtering through the small, cabin-like house.

 

He had never expected his sister to come back home with an extra individual, beaten and unconscious no less. He hadn't bothered to ask Kagome about the stranger at first. Instead, he had opted for helping her with removing the shackles and cleaning the deep, crimson abrasions.

 

The hanyou had been a sight for the eyes if nothing else. Two fuzzy appendages graced the top of his head, cut and bruised, long hair that rivaled the moonlight, matted and stained crimson. Large talons took the places of fingernails, and two small fangs protruded from under his upper lip. His form was clad in red…

 

That was Kagome for you… always helping strangers in need of care. That's what had gotten her into their current mess, wasn't it? Her generosity and blinded kindness. Any sinner could repent in her eyes, no matter what the crime, what they were… their sins went into her and she purified them as best as she could… because of course, everyone deserved a second chance.

 

“Well…” her eyes saddened, “ they tried to hang him.”

 

The air around them became stiff.

 

“Oh…. Why?” Souta inquired softly, his dark eyes falling over to the rusted shackles that lay on the floor next to Kagome's seated form.

 

“I'm not sure, but I know he didn't do it, whatever it was.” Her voice was stern, sincere. She didn't even know his crime and she had already labeled him as innocent. Always innocent…. Until proven guilty….

 

“Sis, … are you sure ab-”

 

“Yes,” she started as she stood from her place at the table, “ just trust me, Souta.”

 

“Yeah.” The young boy nodded his head, his gaze never wandering from the shackles. `If you say so…'

 

-*-*-*-

 

He leaned against the stone railing of the balcony as icy eyes surveyed the quiet land of Tama. The land rolled softly away over into the horizon, the sun nearing it's resting period, a dark sky slowly devouring the once blue one. A gentle breeze ran its fingers through his dark hair as a small smile played on his lips.

 

The demon sighed and turned his attention to the towering castle around him. It was a thing of beauty, both inside and out. Seated at the top of a summit, the large towers reigned majestically over the green, woodsy area that surrounded it. Made of red stone on the outside and flawless, polished marble on the inside, anyone who inhabited the castle was well off. Very well off. Rich tapestries and paintings adorned the many rooms and hallways, and all the sheets and curtains were made of the finest silks. Outside, a large stable was stocked with peerless steeds. Yes… everything about the humble abode screamed rich but the halls and rooms were empty. Only the gentle footsteps of servants and cooks echoed throughout the castle. He was empty as well….

 

He turned his attention back to the land, icy eyes falling on a forest just off to the west. The Forest of Inuyasha, named for the demon that was said to live there… and near it lay the village of Shikon. Two pieces of land that Tama could do without, they produced no great amount of food, wealth or goods. However, they did hold one treasure far greater than money could ever buy….

 

“Kagome….” He quietly sighed.

 

Just the sound of her name made the castle feel more like home. The place, though practically empty, still contained a presence long gone and forgotten… The aura of its former owner still filtering through the rich ambiance, but slowly… slowly being replaced. There was a new Lord now, a new ruler for the land.

 

Kouga, Lord of Tama, former prince of the ookami youkai tribe. Acquiring his power solely through Demon Law, he had taken the throne.

 

“Miroku!” he called for his monk.

 

Hearing the door open behind him, he knew his servant had arrived. Dark hair pulled back at the nape of his neck, piercing violet eyes, two golden hoops hanging from his left ear and dark robes hanging from his form, the man named Miroku walked into his Lord's room, gold staff in hand.

 

“My Lord?” the monk asked with a slight bow.

 

“You and Sango make ready my coach. I wish to pay Lady Kagome a visit tonight.”

 

“Of course, my Lord.” Miroku tightly smiled before leaving the room through two, large double doors.

 

-*-*-*-

* Miroku's P.O.V. *

 

I closed the door behind me carefully and sighed before making my way down a dark hall.

 

`Til this day it seems very unfit to address that demon as `My Lord'. Hah! What nonsense. Almost two years and I suppose I haven't quite recovered from the entire incident…. Why, I wonder?

 

These things happen, all far from my control… far be it from me to go accusing others for my disdain. Especially the new…Lord…

 

That man… still pining for that young girl… that Kagome. Why must he continue pestering her with his `casual' visits? Yes, she does pose a certain beauty, a certain something that attracts many at first sight but she has already turned him down many, many times. She had never been impressed by his lavish gifts, but instead took them with an air of gratitude… I suppose that would be due to her poor state?

 

She hadn't even found comfort in his arms when she lost her parents…

 

`Lost her parents.' It still didn't sound right, but then again it really wasn't. A more accurate and correct term would be to say that her parents were ripped mercilessly away from her and her younger brother. Thanks are in order due to the careful planning on …my Lord's part. He had been so foolish, so hell bent on winning her over… it didn't really matter what the cost was. Cruel man…

 

He had relied on her running to his side for comfort, accepting his marriage proposal with no second thought. She hadn't. In fact, she became more distant, cold, claiming, with good reason that she needed to stay and care for her brother. He was still young after all.

 

That young boy had saved his sister from a great deal…a great deal, indeed.

 

Perhaps if Lord Kouga had saved their parents, things would've turned more in his favor. At least the poor siblings wouldn't have suffered so much.

 

I suddenly halted as a dark haired beauty came into view before me.

 

“Oi, Sango!” I called to her, quickly making way towards her.

 

She looked up at me with narrowed eyes, “ What do you want, Miroku?”

 

I held up my hands in defense.“There are many things I want from you my lady, “ her eyes narrowed even further, “ but I came to tell you that Lord Kouga wishes his coach prepared. He plans to visit Lady Kagome…. Again.”

 

Her expression softened a bit, “ Again? Hasn't he done enough to that poor girl?”

 

Yes… we both knew that what he did was both horrible and unforgivable, no matter what his motives… but we were servants. He was our Lord now. We had to do as we were told, and I told Sango this much.

 

“No choice, I suppose,” Sango stated flatly, leading the way towards the stables.

 

 

A/N: I hope you're all enjoying the story thus far, the `new' plot will unravel itself fairly soon. I really despise rushing, so it'll take time. Anyway, Please Read and Review!! It's greatly appreciated. :]

-Samsara