InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Project Hope ❯ The Escape ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. ~glare~

I reread the first few chapters and nearly choked. My writing style has changed- for the better I hope- a lot in the course of the story. All I can say is I've made a COMPLETELY new chapter, although I've kept the story the same.

Chapter One

Out with a Bang

No light to bring hope

~*~

Through the years of bloodshed

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No light to bring hope

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A reprieve from the dead

-Chiruken

One might say that the world was in chaos. Another might argue that the world was fine, in balance- sour words, even in the ears of the one that spoke them.

~*~

Ever since the first demon and human, they'd lived together, but not in harmony. Greedy and quick to soak whatever power they could, the human race had repeatedly conjured up methods of bringing the "horrid demons" to their knees. It seemed to them that it was justice. How could they allow these dangerous monsters to live? Lost in their hunger to be more, most couldn't see who the real monsters were.

~*~

Somewhere along the bloody timeline, humans let go of any and all mercy, they swords raised against even the young and females. Their shackles and chains were used on any and every demon that had committed the sin of being what they were. They were even used on beings of their own race, should they chose to stand against the slaughter.

~*~

What good could these vile beings be good for other then being slaves? Apparently, not much, other than things to be poked at and played with.

~*~

H.E.P- Hanyou Experiment Projects. Laboratories where demons and humans alike were used to breed new types of demons that would be more sufficient in whatever field they were needed in. The proud race of demons had been reduced to mere lab toys, science freaks.

~*~

Hanyous.

~*~

That two syllable words stirred anger and disgust in both homo-sapiens and demons. But, there were the few that had managed to sustain their humanity. Gathering as many demons as they could, these humans formed small villages and in their own little bubbles, lived lives as comfortably as possible. No experiments, no slaves and although it may be cliché, it was where demons and humans lived together peacefully. It was a retreat from what lay outside of their walls. These few, and rare places received the nickname, Hope.

~*~

~*~*~*~*~

11:43 p.m.

H.E.P

~*~

Clouds stretched over the inky sky, a think curtain over the moon. The large building stood out of place, its perimeter boxed with double walls, barbed wire placed on top of those. Guns slung over their shoulders, a few guards patrolled the area, walking back and forth. In was what they did everyday. As if something was actually going to happen.

~*~

A flash of silver caught the eye of a guard. The scrawny man squinted at the bushes lining the inside of the outer wall. Except for the sound of waves crashing against the liffs and the slight breeze, it was rather calm. Satisfied that nothing was out of place, he turned, continuing with his rounds.

~*~

Crouching behind the bushes, two figures pressed themselves out of sight. The slightly smaller figure wrinkled his nose in distaste. His dark gold eyes flashed in anticipation as he flexed his sharp claws. Atop his head rested two triangular dog ears, twitching madly among a sea of silver hair. He was in the mood to kill.

~*~

His companion was expressionless, his cold aureate eyes sharp. His smooth angular face displaced no feelings, only two purple marks on each cheek and a crescent moon of the same hue on his forehead. Just like the other, long silver hair hung down his back, mingling with his long silver tail that was thrown over his shoulder. Acutely aware of the sounds of shuffling feet, his pointed ears finished his almost feminine look.

~*~

"Let's go," the words were an impatient hiss, coming from the one with dog ears.

~*~

Staring dead ahead the other stated blandly, "Inuyasha, your impatience will one day get your ego shot. Be quiet."

~*~

Inuyasha bit his tongue to keep from letting out a march of curses at Sesshomaru. He couldn't risk being heard. Suddenly, the loud cry of a siren cut through the air, startling the guards into raising their guns.

~*~

"Damn, " Inuyasha tensed, muscles ready to spring.

~*~

Their quiet exit obviously wasn't a choice now…

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Annoyed, but unaffected, Sesshomaru raised himself slightly.

~*~

"Move."

~*~

As if fire had been set on their backsides, the two raced along the stone wall, toward the looming gate. Salty wind whistled past them, their silver hair streaming behind them. Unfortunately, in this dark of night, the banner of hair was a death wish waving its arms.

~*~

"There they are!"

~*~

"Don't let them get away!"

~*~

The guards lined up in front of the gate, guns pointed, eager to draw blood. Their rush bringing them toward the wall of bullets, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were just as eager to kill.

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A deafening bang filled the air, followed by a hideous chorus of gunfire. Stabs of pain hit them hard, the cold bullets embedding themselves into the flesh that they hungered for.

~*~

It didn't even slow them. As much as those bullets ached for blood-no…even more- Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru hungered to escape these walls. A few bullet wounds weren't going to be enough tonight.

~*~

Legs and arms a blur, it was a mere seconds before they were just a few yards from the gate and the huddle of humans. Gripping his gun, a guard's eyes widened, surprised that they were still coming and coldly smug, knowing that with a movement of his finger could kill one of them.

~*~

The same expression was plastered on his face when his head flew through the air, severed cleaning from the body. Landing with a thump, the head rolled over, eyes wide. Sesshomaru tonelessly flicked the blood that stained his fingers and claws off. He didn't even notice his own blood soaking his slate shirt, what all of the demons wore.

More shots rang, all missing their target as the two leapt easily into the air, coming down hard. Swinging his arm in a horizontally sweep, Inuyasha's attack cut half of the guards in half.

"Hellhole bastards!"

He'd thought of so many foul names to call these humans but at the moment, it was that came to mind.

Their blood flew in spurts of red, staining the ground and Inuyasha. His claws continued to hack at the guards, most had dropped their guns and started backing off while others had turn and were running for their lives. Fools.

In the time that it took one to blink, every guard was dead. Fire burned in Inuyasha's eyes. He wished that he had killed them slower, but they didn't have that time. Like ants, more humans were running toward them, shouting angrily, guns waving in the air. Jumping lightly as a cat, Sesshomaru leapt into the air, landing on the stone wall, beside a young man, hardly more than a boy. His eyes widened in terror, still clutching at the wheel in his hands that opened and closed the gate.

The blood draining from his face, the boy croaked, his voice broken with fear, "S-stay away!"

Without the slightest falter, Sesshomaru raised his arm and with a flick of his wrist, the boy fell to the ground. Gripping the wheel in his pale hands he strain sis shoulders and with a groan, the wheel turned, the chains attached to it rising, bringing the gate with them.

Jumping back down gracefully, Sesshomaru glanced expectantly at his half-brother. Snarling at the men still shooting at them, Inuyasha kicked at the rocks, then swiftly turning, they ran again, toward the cliffs.

The walls were behind them. For the first time in his life, Inuyasha set foot outside of the H.E.P. His freedom was short lived, for the shrill sound buzzed past his ears as a bullet flew by his face, barely missing his face. The bluffs were just ahead, jagged and dangerous. Sharp rocks protruded out of the crashing waves. One slip and that was it.

A small, round object flew over Inuyasha's head, rolling a few times before resting on the rocks.

The sound of someone yelling, "No!" was all he could remember before the grenade exploded, sending Inuyasha and Sesshomaru over the cliffs, into the waters below.

Panting from their run, the men jogged up to the hill and peered over the side. Foaming, the waves smashed at the sides with no sign of the two demons.

Smacking his comrade on head, one of them barked, "Tomasu, you idiot! How the hell are you going to explain this to Boss?"

~*~*~*~

The winding staircase darkened into shadows as Tomasu deliberately took each step slowly, delaying what the end of the stairs would hold. Every step he took rang loudly around him, the heavy, dark sound bouncing off the walls. Then, the door was before him and he had no where else to go.

Raising a trembling fist, Tomasu knocked hesitantly.

"Sir…it's Tomasu."

There was a damp silence, then a voice hissed, "Well, do you think I'm going to open the door for you?"

Scrambling with the handle, Tomasu pushed the door open and stepped in, hardly surprised that the room was even darker than the stairway leading to it. A large fireplace was tucked into a corner, a small fire burning, sending shadows dancing along the floor and walls. The walls and floor themselves were polished, dark travertine, the ceiling made from the same stone.

Leather couches the color of dried red sat near a small table. There were few decorations, and even with all the other fine furnishings, the room seemed dark and unwelcoming. Doors dotted the walls here and there, behind them the bathrooms and bedroom.

In front of the fireplace, was a large wooden desk and behind that, a tall chair, turned away from him so the person sitting in it couldn't be seen.

Tomasu stood, uncertainly waiting for his boss to say something. The thick silence stretched and clearing his throat, Tomasu began in a tone he hoped wasn't afraid, but not cocky.

"Sir, we…we had some trouble. Two of our specimens…" he faltered, then continued, "were knocked off the cliffs when we tried to retrieve them from their escape attempt."

The fires leapt for a moment and fell again. Slowly, the chair squeaked and rotated until Tomasu was looking furious and cold blue eyes

"Fool."

A scream erupted and echoed through the H.E.P. Casting their eyes, the men and women pretended not to hear it. They would be short one…

~*~*~

An island miles away from the H.E.P…

Gentle hands pulled the bandage firmly around the patient's huge and scarred arm. Medical scissors cleanly cut the white material and leaning back with look of satisfaction, the she smiled.

"There you are Jinenji," the young woman announced, her voice cheerful.

Eyes cast down shyly, the large demon mumbled, "Thank you, Lady."

Patting his shoulder, she smiled encouragingly, "Call me Kagome."

Still bashful, Jinenji took one look at Kagome's soft gray-blue eyes and lost all of his confidence. He mumbled another thanks, a light blush coming over him. Leaning back, Kagome tossed her midnight mane over her shoulder and with a parting instruction to stay in bed, left Jinenji.

The white tiles and walls were signature marks of a hospital- and this was a hospital. A hospital in one of the worlds largest Hopes.

People stopped and bowed respectfully to Kagome as she passed them and she in return, greeted them happily.

In the hallways of patients clad in the light blue attire, Kagome was easily picked out, in her deep red and white priestess- or miko- clothing. Serving her in the same way, Kagome spotted her friends and fellow priestesses.

"Sango, Rin!"

The two young women looked over their shoulder and waved. The nurses that they'd been talking to bowed deeply when Kagome stopped beside Sango and Rin.

Both were dressed in the same clothing as Kagome, save that the red pants were different shades. Sango's emerald eyes stood serious and kind on her soft, pale skin as she greeted her.

Blowing her black bangs of her eyes she quickly ties the ends of her thick black hair before saying,

"Hey."

From her other side, Rin rested her arm on Kagome's shoulder and laughed. It was pure Rin, laughing for no reason. Sniffing, Kagome smiled knowingly when she saw a small flower tucked behind her ear, the stem lost in the waves of tousled dark brown hair. She laughed again. Another trademark Rin, her smiles always reached her eyes, deep chocolate orbs.

Childlike Rin, serious, yet fun Sango and the cheerful and dependable Kagome. The trio was the most reputable and most respected mikos in the Hope for more reasons than one.

They were powerful.

They used their magic to create barrier that kept their Hope hidden.

If they shot an arrow, it would hit its target no exceptions.

They were the ones -guided by their teacher and foster mother, Kaede- that had created this place from the dirt roads up.

All three of them were orphans, save for Kagome whose father was somewhere out there. Found by the priestess Kaede, she had trained and raised them. The three were second, only to her.

Spying the baskets that her friends were holding, Kagome inquired, "Are we going somewhere?"

Sango nodded. Her voice eager, she said, "We're going to the beach. It's the right time in the lunar cycle and the herbs we need should be ready to pick."

Rin clapped Sango lightly on the shoulder. "Don't sound so business-like!"

Winking at Kagome she giggled.

Rubbing the back of her neck, Kagome rolled her shoulders, trying to remove the stiffness.

"A walk on the beach doesn't sound bad at all."

Sango pulled a basket from the bottom of the stack and tossed it to Kagome. Deftly catching the woven object, Kagome wrapped the rope attached to it around her shoulder so the basket hung loosely at her waist.

As they walked out of the hospital and down the roads, the sight of their Hope and the smell of the market registered. It was so familiar.

When the war between the humans and demons had broken out, the ongoing change of culture and life-style had been put abruptly to a halt. Unable to settle down for long, all the people had to adjust and change to suit their residency. That had eventually led to the mingling of Western and Eastern life. The two seemed to dominate although in many countries, they held fast to whatever was left of their dwindling society.

Here in their Hope both Western and Eastern life went on and mingled. Being priestesses and coming from Japan, the three were well aware of their heritage and tended to lean more that way. However, here on the streets it was all too pleasant to forget.

Lining the roads were small shops and stands. Pottery, shoes, kimonos, western style dresses, books, calligraphy brushes, and so much more. Everything was candy to their eyes. Small means of transportation zipped along, but cars were rare and there was no real need for them.

The salty small of the ocean grew more and more distinguishable among the jumble of smells. Then, the markets dissolved and tan sandy beaches took their place. Shining in the setting sun, the waters rose and fell. Kagome fell silent as she looked to the north. The sky was smeared with the faintest of red that always hung over that area.

She shivered, the mood suddenly gone.

Blood had been shed over there, she was sure of it.

Rin pulled Sango and Kagome toward the waters and twirled about in the sand. Putting on her smile, Kagome laughed with her.

"Oh, it's been too long!" Rin exclaimed kicking her heels up.

Treading in the coarse sand, Kagome let out her breath.

Stretching her arms high above her head Kagome breathed in deeply, the smell of the water. Cracking her eyes open, she relaxed her muscles again.

"Well, the suns setting. We'd better get those herbs."

Nodding in agreement, Sango and Rin hurried off toward the small bushes growing on the sides and bottoms of the sand dunes, expertly picking the right leaves and flowers.

She didn't join them right away…breathing out again, she stared at the waves, her eyes trying to trace their path, but of course that was impossible. It was always changing, swelling, and then shrinking.

Following their movement toward the beach she absent-mindedly followed them, settling on a pair of logs rolling dejectedly as the water pushed and retreated.

Silver?

Blinking a few times, Kagome squinted, her vision focusing on the strange figures. There was silver…silver hair. Arms, legs…

A hand flew to her mouth in surprise as she forced down a loud gasp. Those weren't logs…they were bodies.

You should seriously see the first version of this…I swear if it were paper, I'd burn it and throw the ashes into the wind. I kind of rushed this revision so I could get to new chapters, so it might not be the best I could do with it. I might go back and change more later on.

I'll try to update soon.

-Ty

I don't know why, but the site keeps changing the formatting of my chapter…it puts two paragraphs together or separates them…or something so it just looks weird. I apologize.