InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Tragedy ( Chapter 50 )

Lady Inoue knocked softly on the door to General Inutaisho's study and waited for a reply. A scroll came from the House of the North, and she decided to go straight to Sesshoumaru with it, rather than call a meeting of the entire group of Advisors. He wasn't at the training grounds, and Gina told her that he had already been to visit his father that morning, so Lady Inoue found herself in the quarters of the Lord of the West—rooms that felt empty and lifeless, despite the fact that Sesshoumaru had moved his residence there. The General had the type of commanding presence that his absence seemed to suck most of the vitality out of the manor. Hearing an indistinct response, she slid the door open. Sesshoumaru was with Lord Sato, both staring at a map of the West that lay spread out on a low table.

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” she said, “I've just received a letter from Lady Nekoko. She writes that a number of dead boar Youkai and Ningen were found on their land, on the narrow strip that runs in between the neutral territory and the West.”

Sesshoumaru looked up sharply. “Did she provide any details?”

“There were eight Ningen, all men, and eleven Youkai. It appears they encountered each other and fought; there were no wounded survivors among the dead.”

“Who were the Ningen? Soldiers?”

“Probably. Nekoko wrote that they were armed with swords and attired in similar clothes. However they had no insignia indicating under whose command they were acting.”

Sesshoumaru was silent, a slight nod of his head showing his wish for Lady Inoue to continue.

“There was damage to the area, shattered rocks and scarred ground, that could possibly have been done by a miko. And several of both Youkai and Ningen were killed with arrows, but there was no bow recovered at the scene.”

“We have been expecting a report of Kagome's arrival in Youkai territory for days,” Sesshoumaru said thoughtfully. “However I cannot account for why she would be accompanied by Ningen soldiers. Nothing in the letter from the Council mentioned that she had acquired assistance.”

“I hesitate to theorize,” Lord Sato said, “but perhaps Kagome hired a band of Ningen mercenaries to escort her into Youkai territory. The group of them stumbled into the boar Youkai, who are known for blindly attacking anyone they cross, and Kagome escaped.”

“We of course have no evidence of this and no way to know if there were other survivors.” Lady Inoue shook her head in confusion. “I just don't know. If some of the Ningen men were killed with arrows…I'm not sure what that means. Boar Youkai don't use bows. If she did hire mercenaries, is she ruthless enough to kill her bodyguards once they had successfully reached Youkai territory?” Lord Sato's look of incredulity made her instantly regret her words.

“I think she has proven herself as more than ruthless already,” Sato muttered, an image of his mortally wounded son flashing before his eyes.

“Did the message say when this happened?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“They were found yesterday, and Nekoko said the bodies had been there two days at the most. Three days ago there was significant snowfall. The dead only had on them a light dusting.”

“That area…it is a two day journey from here.”

“Roughly,” Lady Inoue agreed.

Sesshoumaru had been roused from sleep that night by an intense constricting in his chest. He thought at first it was a particularly vivid dream. For the past weeks at night, asleep, he forgot the present and escaped into a dreamscape, one where Kagome didn't have blood on her hands and he had never stopped trusting her. It was part refuge and part torture, because cruel morning would return and he would wake to reality, a dying father and a stack of letters that read like her guilty verdict. When he realized it was not a dream, the truth of the source became apparent—she was close. All morning the sensation of his shared Youki returning became stronger. He buried his desire to go and search for her and stayed focused on his duties, protecting the stronghold and his father. “I think it is safe to assume that Kagome was involved in whatever transpired between the boar Youkai and the Ningen men. The most logical route between the Shrine of the Miko Sisterhood and Western lands goes right through that area. The incident took place two or three days ago, and it is two-day walk away. She is in Western land now, very close. I can feel her. She will come today. I've already talked to Kouga and told him to be prepared.”

He had told Kouga to ready the troops for her arrival, but they were to let her pass and under no circumstances were any of them to engage her in battle. He wanted her to reach him alive. This was his revenge to take.

Lady Inoue took her leave and went to find Seiobo. It seemed this day, for good or ill, would see the final resolution of the tragedy that began on the day of the hunt.

XXXXX

Kagome had known since the second day after the attack that her best hope of staying alive was to part from Taka and send her to Gina.

The first day had been blessedly uneventful. They were able to hunt with ease and replenish their food; they saw no other Youkai; the snow that began to fall proved to be only flurries; apart from a horribly bruised and tender area on her lower rib cage, Kagome's wounds did not keep her from being able to walk at a brisk pace and join in hunting. The second day was a lesson in how events can sour and what is bright can quickly dull. The bruising that made breathing difficult was now the least of Kagome's worries. The lowest wound, the one with that hateful ball of metal embedded under skin and out of reach, had turned red and angry and swollen during the night. She examined it at midday and was alarmed at how the swelling made the flesh Taka had sealed appear to be barely holding together. As the day wore on, she began to feel hot and sweaty, then so cold she shivered uncontrollably. In direct opposition to the desire to rest was her need to get to the manor's infirmary to clean out the wound and remove the last piece of metal. As soon as possible. Taka tried to draw the pain away with her miko powers, and it helped, but both knew it was a temporary fix.

The morning of the third day, Kagome felt the pull of Sesshoumaru's Youki like a physical presence grabbing her, insistent and comforting. Instead of the shadow connection she had clung to while she was gone, this held her soul with warm, solid fingers and gave her hope. Surely he must feel it too, she thought—the sense of belonging to each other, of needing completion. She wondered if it tempered his anger…or if it increased and inflamed his resentment. After a couple hours of walking, the hill on which the stronghold stood appeared visible through the snow-covered pines. Her heart rose with a sudden pang of missing her home, then deflated when she remembered the inhabitants inside believed her capable of treason and murder.

Taka could tell her friend's agitation was eating her. All that morning, they sensed Youkai everywhere, but no one came close or tried to prevent them from traveling. She felt like they were walking into a trap. “Kagome, are you okay? Do you want me to try to heal you again?”

Kagome smiled and shook her head. She purposely did not tell Taka about her plan until the hill was in sight. There was no way she, well aware that the wound was becoming infected, would consent to splitting up, and Kagome did not want her to have extra time to try to talk her out of it. “Taka, there's a cave up ahead about a quarter mile. In it is a tunnel, a hidden entrance into the stronghold. I want us to separate and you to go through it.”

Taka's shock lasted only a moment. “Kagome—”

“Taka,” she interrupted, “the guards are on their way; of that I have no doubt. Sesshoumaru must know I'm close, and based on what the boar Youkai said, though I have no idea how, they've probably been expecting us this entire time. We can stand against a small group, but I have fought with the troops here. They are well trained, and I am afraid we cannot win if they engage us. You only have two arrows left after hunting, and a knife won't do much pitted against a sword. I…I'm compromised at best.”

“Exactly.” Taka couldn't believe she was serious. “Kagome, this is nonsense. I am not going to leave you alone to face soldiers who think you are responsible for the death of their comrades.”

“If they see two of us, they will most certainly be tempted to fight. If I'm alone, I'll be seen as less of a threat. My best chance at reaching Sesshoumaru is if I am by myself. I can handle the Youkai guards. Sesshoumaru…I don't know what to expect. If I can talk to him, he will know that I'm telling the truth. In case I don't make it, you can still take General Miyamoto's letters and show them that Ningen don't want War. You can expose Okuri, give them kayaku, and make sure the peace will continue.”

Taka searched Kagome's face. For as long as they'd known each other, Taka recognized in Kagome an instinct for self-preservation that was at odds with her desire to take on the burden of responsibility for other's safety. When she learned of her history, it made perfect sense. “You are not your father,” she said gently. “You don't need to become a sacrifice. I am not going to abandon you to die here while I deliver papers.”

“I don't plan on dying. We both know that this wound is getting more dangerous for me by the hour. My best chance is for you to sneak in and find Gina. She will listen to reason. You can trust her. Tell her I've been injured and I need help.” Kagome pulled her map of the manor and stronghold from her belted pack. She pointed on the worn, creased paper the path to get to the infirmary. “The tunnel comes out here, in a storeroom. It used to be heavily guarded, but they decreased the guard to a check once a day. I don't think that would have changed. Fortunately the way to the infirmary is fairly straightforward…the manor tends to sprawl.” She pressed the map into Taka's hand. “Stash kayaku in the cave and light your tinder. There are sticks inside; make sure you grab several. The climb is about a half mile, difficult in spots. You should be able to reach the outlet in twenty minutes.”

“Clearly you've thought this through.”

“I have. And you don't have a choice.”

“Come with me.”

“I can't. I need to walk through the gates and show them I have nothing to hide.” She smiled ruefully. “And I don't think I can manage the climb through the tunnel. It's steep. Far steeper than the hill in front of us and I already dread marching up it with my side feeling like it's about to split open.”

Taka hugged her tightly. “How did you talk me into this?”

“You know I'm right,” Kagome said, returning the embrace. “Go. Find Gina. She's tall and beautiful and usually wears her white hair in a single plait. She should be in the infirmary and if she's not, her quarters are nearby.”

“Kagome.” She sighed, full of misgivings. “Are you sure he'll not kill you on sight?”

“I am not sure of anything. But if I can speak with him, he will be able to tell I'm not lying. This is our best chance. I promise.”

“I trust you.”

“I trust you. And Taka, try not to kill anyone.”

XXXXX

After they parted, Kagome felt completely isolated and alone. The forest was eerily quiet, no sound but for her ragged breathing and the crunch of snow under her feet. She stopped to catch her breath and realized she was standing directly in front of the spot of the massacre. Snow had fallen, many times, but nothing could hide the blackened trees and the small, upright stone markers, monuments to the fallen. Nothing could mask the face of death and destruction. There were two halves to the whole that brought this evil. One was a monstrous ambition to annihilate an entire race; the other was a petty obsession with family politics. Kagome could almost see General Inutaisho, lying hurt on the side of the road, and she wanted to feel anger. Anger to give her strength and resolve…but as the memories of the ambush assaulted her, her helplessness as those she had befriended were killed, all she felt was sadness. She prayed Taka would find Gina easily and they could spread the word of her innocence.

A short distance later, her path was blocked by a group of guards, swords drawn. Kouga led them.

“On Lord Sesshoumaru's orders,” he called out, “we are to let you pass.”

Kagome cringed at the coldness in Kouga's voice. She could do nothing but nod and walk, upright and proud, ignoring the throbbing pain radiating from her hip.

XXXXX

Taka paused at the top of the tunnel and extinguished her torch, hoping no one heard her heaving breaths. Between the steep incline and the acrid smoke, she felt like her lungs were on fire. Fortunately the barricade was simple, thin planks of wood. She shouldered her way through and briefly closed her eyes to thank the gods that the storeroom in which she found herself was deserted. She looked at Kagome's map, grinning at the meticulous labeling. Kagome had always done well in cartography class. It appeared the path from where she was to where she wanted to be took her through an area of residences and gardens. She was glad that she would not have to cross large, open spaces and would be able to hide behind buildings, but the likelihood of reaching the manor and the infirmary without being seen was nonexistent.

Taka tentatively opened the door and took a step out. She went down the corridor to the exit outside and, once her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, scanned the surrounding area. There were Youkai milling about, busy with the tasks of daily life. No one noticed her yet, and she was seized by a wish to be attired in dull-colored clothing or at least something other than the red and white that miko traditionally wore. She took a deep breath and sprinted to the nearest house. She crouched down in the shadows and waited. There was no shout of alarm, no sign she had been seen. She ran to the next building. Still no sounds other than chatter of conversation.

She darted out again, her sights on the next building, a bit farther away, but almost immediately knocked into a Youkai servant carrying a load of laundry. The Youkai began to apologize then stopped and gaped. Taka turned and ran as fast as she could. There was no longer any point in stealth; speed was most important. She heard the servant begin to yell, and suddenly all attention was on her.

It didn't take long for a pair of Youkai guards to come to investigate the commotion. She didn't give them a chance to figure out the cause. Before they could talk to anyone, she hit the nearest one in the chest with a pink-glowing hand. Not enough to kill, the blast of miko energy nonetheless made him collapse like a heap of rags. She swept the legs of the other guard before the first hit the ground, then kicked him hard in the temple. Everywhere screams erupted. Taka briefly considered grabbing a sword but didn't. Knowing more guards were imminent, the few seconds it would take were too precious to spend. She hurried toward the back of the huge manor house, where the map showed the infirmary location.

She slowed as she approached; the place was well guarded. The soldiers didn't seem to be aware of her presence, and she decided to attack before anyone alerted them. Right now surprise was her main advantage, one she was not about to let go to waste. She charged at the first pair, again using her powers to incapacitate them. Their fellow soldiers were far more prepared, and within seconds they all had drawn their weapons and were rushing toward her. Taka smiled—she excelled at combat in close quarters and, since she had been put in charge of training the youngest miko in sparring, hadn't been able to fight with the intent of rendering an opponent unconscious in quite some time. The first Youkai to attack was armed with a spear and seemed confident that she wouldn't get near enough to use her powers. She crept away, drawing him in, until she felt a wall against her back. As he lunged, she spun away, then grabbed the spear and pulled, using his forward motion to force his head into the wall. He sank to the ground. Taka, holding the spear facing the wrong way so she didn't cause any permanent injury, was ready for the next soldier. She made him drop his sword with a shattering blow to his forearm, then slammed the blunt end of the spear into his ribcage. The other soldiers were dealt with in a similar fashion until they were lying silent or groaning and she was able to gain entrance to the infirmary.

Once inside, she saw more guards, though fewer in number than the group outside. The fight was brief and brutal. Just as she brought the last to his knees, a door slid open and a tall female Youkai appeared, looking angry and annoyed.

“You do realize this is not the arena—” Gina saw unconscious Youkai littering the floor and a Ningen woman standing over them, sword in hand, and froze. General Inutaisho's private room was to her left, and at the moment she was the only thing that kept him safe. She slowly backed up, hoping the miko would follow her into the main part of the infirmary where she had knives and pots of boiling water and other things that she could use to fight and buy time until more guards came.

Taka bent down and placed the pilfered sword on the floor. “Gina?”

Gina let the shock wash over her, then shook her head to clear it. “Did you just say my name?”

Taka straightened and nodded with as much vigor as her exhausted state would allow. “I've come with Kagome. She's innocent. She said you would listen to me.”

“Holy hell. Quickly, come in before more guards arrive.”

XXXXX

Kagome passed through the stronghold gates. Everywhere Youkai whom she knew and she trained with were staring at her with hatred in their eyes. She expected this—Okuri was masterful in the orchestration of his plan—but it still hurt her deeply to witness the contempt. She kept walking, head held high, past buildings and through the inner wall, until she entered the main courtyard. On the far side stood Sesshoumaru, regal and deadly. She had longed for their reunion for more than a month; a longing that nurtured and sustained her hope for escape. And now he wanted to kill her.

Sesshoumaru fought his instincts to run to her side. Instead he stayed still and observed her. She looked different—her hair was short and there were dark hollows carved in her cheeks and under her eyes. What alarmed him was her smell. Beneath the odor of dried blood and sweat, her essence had changed. She was a different person than the one he knew. The hilt of his father's sword however, he recognized immediately. She did take it. His anger flared. “Come to kill him with his own sword?”

Kagome lifted her chin and steeled herself, willing her voice to sound confident. “I have come to clear my name,” she announced to the assembled throng. “And I act as an emissary from the Council of Great Families. I have papers to prove that Ningen want peace.”

“I have the bodies of Youkai you murdered rotting in the ground,” Sesshoumaru said. “We received word from the Council days ago that you were coming to take care of your…unfinished work. Any papers you have are worth nothing.”

Kagome swayed where she stood, beset by confusion. The Council? Had Miyamoto betrayed her? She shook her head in protest. “I didn't do this. I was set up from the start. You know me. You know I would never—”

“Liar. You don't even smell the same.”

Kagome's world began to shrink; she felt sick and trapped. She had been certain that because he could sense deception he would know she was speaking the truth. She thought if she could make it this far, she would be safe. Sesshoumaru began to advance toward her, and she understood the reason he was so feared by everyone. His Youki, now completely revealed, surged with fury and uncontained power. Clearly she was anything but safe.

XXXXX

Gina ushered Taka into the storage area of the infirmary. “Where is Kagome now? I was told this morning that she was close by.”

Taka was relieved that Kagome was correct about Gina, that she would be an ally. “She's on her way. But I'm terrified that they won't listen to her. She's innocent. We need to go and make sure they don't kill her before she can tell them what really happened.”

“Why aren't you with her?” Gina noticed that the miko had blood flowing from a gash in her arm. “You're hurt. Let me see.”

Taka shrugged her off. Gina did not understand the urgency of the situation. “I'm fine,” she said, her voice becoming frantic. “Kagome showed me a secret tunnel. She thought if we were together, the guards would attack us. So we separated. She may even be here by now. And she's hurt. We encountered Kurono and Akagawa's soldiers a few days ago, and they used kayaku. She was hit.”

“Kayaku,” Gina echoed as the color drained from her face.

“Yes.” Finally they were getting somewhere. “One of her wounds is infected. She needs help. Badly. We know that everyone here thinks she tried to assassinate her father-in-law. I'm afraid they won't believe her. She's not in any condition to fight and needs to have her wound tended immediately. And…she's pregnant.” It was not her news to share, but Taka thought it was important for Gina to know how dire the situation was.

“Oh good gods,” Gina said, grabbing the miko's hand and pulling her toward the door. “We need to get Seiobo. She can stop this.”

As they began to hurry toward the Lady of the West's quarters, an alarm bell sounded. Neither knew if it was because of Taka's presence or because Kagome was spotted, but it hardly mattered. They were racing against time just the same.

XXXXX

“Surrender now,” Sesshoumaru said as he neared, “and, with respect to your rank and position, I can promise a quick death. A death you did not allow your victims.”

Panic edged Kagome's voice. “No. No. I didn't. I wouldn't.” She looked around; there were no sympathetic faces, only hardness and hatred. “I can prove it if you give me a chance to speak.” He stopped, and she sighed with shaky breaths. “There was a plot—”

“Lord Sesshoumaru!” Everyone turned to the guard who had run into the yard. “My Lord! A miko has been spotted in the manor. She came in through the tunnel. She killed several already and was seen going in the direction of the manor.”

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as he faced her again. “You actually presented yourself as a decoy while your accomplice murders an injured, unarmed Youkai?” He drew his sword. “I knew your were treacherous, Higurashi. But I thought you still had a shred of honor as your father's daughter.” He continued his advance.

“No! If anyone died, it was an accident! Sesshoumaru, I don't want to fight you!”

“But you will.”

Kagome unsheathed the sword at her belt. She had no choice but to fight to defend herself.

XXXXX

Lady Seiobo and Lady Inoue were watching the unfolding scene in the courtyard through a window. Seiobo turned away when swords were drawn, unable to look. The idea of a Youkai male killing his mate, regardless what she had done, was so contradictory to their instincts and family bonds as to be an abomination. She hated that her son was forced to act as executioner and loathed herself for arranging the match in the first place.

Lady Inoue took her hands. “It will be over soon.”

“Seiobo!” Gina's shout interrupted them as she burst into the room. “Masako. Aunt. We have to stop them.”

Lady Seiobo thought at first that Gina, stubbornly refusing to relent on her belief in Kagome's innocence, was merely insistent on interfering with Sesshoumaru's justice. Then she saw the Ningen woman dressed in miko clothing with her. “What is going on?”

“It's a mistake. Kagome didn't do anything wrong.” Gina looked at Taka. “Tell her what you told me on the way here.”

Taka saw over the Taiyoukais' shoulders the fight about to take place in the courtyard. “Oh, gods no!” she cried. “She was kidnapped and framed. She didn't kill anyone.” Her breaths came in ragged gasps. “It was Okuri. He planned it all with the help of Kurono and Akagawa. We can prove it. But we can't let her die!”

Seiobo was not the type of Youkai to believe something or someone automatically. Evidence was necessary, as was careful consideration. But she believed the miko as soon as the name Okuri was uttered. “No,” she said, more a prayer than a protestation. She had to stop them. If she screamed out the window, no one would hear; they were too far away and the noise in the yard too great. She lifted her skirts and ran from the room. She had to save Kagome, her daughter whom she had wronged by believing falsehoods, no matter how damning. She had to stop her son from killing his innocent mate, a deed that would forever taint and shame him. She had to save Kagome.

XXXXX

Kagome barely had enough time to raise her sword to deflect the blow that descended on her. She jumped back and called on all her reserves of her powers to give her strength. The irony of the situation cruelly tickled. She had wanted so badly to test herself against him; these circumstances exposed the sick humor of fate. Sesshoumaru struck again, this time with much less success—the sword in her hand now glowed pink with the added energy.

“You think you can stand against me?” he asked, taunting.

“Sesshoumaru, please let me talk.” She retreated to a far corner of the yard, careful not to get too close to Youkai who would try to sabotage her.

“Talk.” He followed her like a predator, slow and sure. “Did you let any of the Youkai you butchered beg for mercy?” He moved fast, and she countered, then landed a foot to his rib cage, forcing him back a half-step.

Kagome forgot Taka; she forgot about hope to convince them without bloodshed. The only thing on her mind was survival. She was ready for his next attack. He came at her and she met his sword, the loud metal clang reverberating, showing that she was not going to die without a fight.

He scowled at her defiance. His instincts to protect her warred with his duty to carry out justice. His Youki called on him to shelter her from danger, but that base need was eclipsed by thoughts of his father lying in the infirmary, wasting away more each day, by thoughts of his mother crying at her mate's bedside, imploring him to wake, whispering her desire to die with him. “Let's end this now.”

Kagome had enough time to put up a barrier before the blinding whip of light that flowed from his hand crashed down upon her. The force threw her against a large gingko, shattering the barrier. Kagome felt the wound at her side erupt in blinding pain as she slid down the trunk to the ground. The packed snow beneath her face was cold and hard, but it calmed the blood pounding in her ears and she was tempted to lie still and give up. Move, she told herself. She opened her eyes. The General's sword was two feet away. She could at least use it for defense until Taka came. She crawled, awkward and broken, until her fingers brushed the hilt. Just as she touched it, a booted foot stopped her hand and pressed down. Kagome felt the bones in her hand snap, but the pain barely registered. She looked up. Sesshoumaru towered over her, his silhouette black against the bright sky. He raised his sword, poised to strike. “Wait. I'm…” Kagome lowered her head and let the blissful darkness claim her.

XXXXX

Seiobo ran into the courtyard in time to see Sesshoumaru raise his sword to deliver the death blow. “Sesshoumaru!” She threw her body on Kagome's to shield her. “For the love of all things sacred, stop!”

Sesshoumaru pulled up at the last second. “Mother, what are you doing?”

Before he had his answer, Gina and Taka arrived.

“Thank the gods,” Gina muttered as she and Taka gently turned Kagome on her back.

Taka laid her head against Kagome's chest. “She lives,” she said. “Unconscious but alive.”

Gina's smile faded. Kagome's belly and upper legs were dark with blood. “Oh no. She's miscarrying.”

“I don't know. She may be,” Taka said, lifting Kagome's shirt. Her heart sank to see all the blood. She placed her hands over the wound and concentrated to stop the bleeding. She barely had any powers left. “Her wound has reopened. I've staunched the flow for now, but we need to get her to the infirmary.”

“She's pregnant?” Seiobo said. She couldn't begin to fathom the magnitude of the tragedy they faced. Pregnant. If her son had killed his mate carrying their child, he would never, ever forgive himself. She rose to her feet and looked at Sesshoumaru, who was numb with shock. “You heard the miko. Kagome needs to be brought to the infirmary.” Taking charge was second nature for the Lady of the West. She scanned the crowd and settled on Kouga. “Find dear Lord Okuri and detain him. He's responsible for all of this.” She then turned to Lord Sato. “Call the Advisors together. Apparently we have not only a murderous snake in our midst, but a treasonous one as well. Okuri is in league with the Ningen generals. I'll bring the miko to tell us what she knows as soon as Kagome has been stabilized.” Seiobo watched as Sesshoumaru carefully picked Kagome up; she prayed that more misfortune was not about to befall the House of the West.