InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Reaching for the Moon ❯ Prequel ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

It was the middle of the night when the cries of a young mother giving birth echoed through the night.  The stars and moon gave little night as creatures, demons and animals alike, could hear the painful shrieks of agony.  Where the young mother was giving birth, the mansion stood eerily still as servants kept away.  The mansion was lit up, but no human servant attended their mistress in fear of what she would give birth to.  Feudal Japan had prejudices against humans who mated with demons and this night was no exception.  The mother, a young woman, gripped the sheets of her bed as the pains of birth send a wave of agony through her.  Next to her was the only servant willing to aide her mistress, a young Moon Demon who was sworn by the master of the shrine to care for the woman.  She changed the womans cloth on her forehead to keep the fever down, a clean white sheet between her legs as blood began to spill, and a dagger at her side, just in case someone tried anything rash.

“I..I think i'm dying..” the woman whispered quickly, tears rolling down her eyes as she gazed at her servant, “I don't want him growing up alone..”

“You will live, Mistress,” the Moon Demon servant smiled weakly, “I will give my life to you, but you will live and we will both see your child born.”

Hours passed, and there was still no sign of a baby.  The mistress then gripped her servant's hand tightly before screaming out in dire pain.  It was time.  The servant was quick to act and sat between her mistress' legs and could see the crown of the newborn's head.  Her amber eyes watched as she carefully grabbed the baby and guided it out of his mother's womb.  Covered in blood, he had his father's dog ears, but his mother's kind eyes.  He wailed as the mother's placenta was then birthed.  The servant was over-joyed that the baby came out healthy, but now it was time to heal the mother.  She held the baby to her breast as he learned to suckle while she used her healing hands to keep the mother stable and blood loss at a minimum.  After a time, the mother was able to sit up with ease as her servant cut the umbilical cord and cleaned the newborn for his mother to see.  

“Lady Izayoi, you have given birth to a son.  I bless him with a lifetime of happiness and I bless you with a life of pride,” the servant-woman clasped her hands together and lightly bowed to her mistress.

“Kasami,” Izayoi graciously took her soon in her arms to feed on her breast for milk, “I will not forget your kindness towards my son and I.  When my husband returns, I will surely ask him for your freedom and hope you will remain as a dear friend to my son and I.”

Inu no Taisho never returned to see his son.  Throughout years of waiting, watching other human servants run away, and being shunned by most of society, Kasami watched her mistress' heart break for her son and herself.  To Kasami, that was her own heartbreak as well.  She watched Inuyasha grow from a toddler to a child where he became more active and physical.  It wasn't until he started playing that his elder half-brother, Sesshomaru, made an appearance.  

Inuyasha was sent to play while Izayoi welcomed the demon into her home, with Kasami by her side.  He stood and looked around in apparent disgust.  Kasami had heard he was quite upset with her father's actions with taking Izayoi as a mate.  Then again, he must've been pleased to know that his father hadn't returned to her side.  

“Have you planned on him outliving you by centuries?” he asked as his question was directed towards Izayoi.

“I have,” she answered confidently, but in a respectful manner, “He will be stronger than anyone in my village.  I'm sure he will-”

“He'll destroy your village before he'll eventually kill you as well,” Sesshomaru commented, then added, “It surprises me that he did not kill you when forming within your body.”

“Lady Izayoi is a capable woman,” Kasami then took a step forward, “She is strong enough to carry a demon within her and is strong enough to raise him into a good man.”

“Kasami,” Izayoi gently touched her shoulder, “I thank you for your kind words, but I do not want you being rude to our respected guest.”

Sesshomaru gave a cold stare towards Kasami as she took a step back.  Izayoi bowed her head in respect, “You are the son of my love and husband, and I am honored that you are in my home.  If it pleases you, I hope my son will someday be as strong as you are.”

The main room seemed to be even more quiet as the words wafted in the air.  In truth, Izayoi was nervous of Sesshomaru meeting her son.  As a full-demon, he was more than strong enough to wipe out her, her son, and her village.  In order to keep her son safe, she would have to remember that having Sesshomaru far away as possible without giving him reason to return.  This must've worked because Sesshomaru started to turn away, “When he becomes stronger, I will come for him.”

With that, he finally left her home and Izayoi let out a deep, relieved breath.  Kasami glanced out the window to see Inuyasha chasing a few birds around before leaping high into the tree tops with ease.  Her heart went out to him, knowing each day he was becoming more stronger than the next.  She only hoped that Sesshomaru would hone his abilities and not destroy the good-natured child.

Years had passed and Izayoi's human life span was dwindling.  Kasami, as a Moon Demon, saw each year as just another day.  Her long, charcoal black hair remained untouched by time, her creamy-milk skin had no blemishes, and her amber eyes were always full of life.  She wore a white robe the day that Izayoi remained in bed as her breathing started to slow.  Inuyasha, still only a child, wept in agony at the loss of his only parent.  Kasami watched as Izayoi's breathing slowed until she took one last, long breath, and then...nothing.  It broke her heart to know that her mistress' time had passed, but now she must serve and protect the heir that Izayoi left behind.  She glanced over at the child who on her lap, soaking the white cloth that signified her purity.  Her hand softly caressed his thick, silver hair as the other remained still, “Weep only for the loss, but smile for the memories she gave you.  She loved you more than anyone, Lord Inuyasha.”

“Don't call me that!” he snapped angrily as his little claws dug into her, then stood up, “I wish you were the one that was dead and not my mom!”

Though her heart stung at his words, she knew he didn't mean it.  Neither did he.  Soon he embraced her neck and cried on her shoulder as he murmured, “I'm sorry...i'm sorry..”

Kasami softly wrapped her arms around his tiny frame.  She would never let anyone harm this poor child, nor would she let him harm anyone else.

After that event, Kasami and Inuyasha left Izayoi's village and traveled to find a new home.  It took them years before finding a quiet village to live in.  Inuyasha was a grown man at that point in his life and didn't want to travel with a young woman he didn't have feelings for.  Kasami understood his concern and made a point to live in the village while he remained in the outside world, killing his food and making frequented stops in her home to see how she was doing.  Everytime he visited her, she knew he was still the same little boy who still enjoyed her stories, food, and company.  Then, his visits became shorter and farther in between.  Kasami started to notice Inuyasha speaking to the priestess of the village, Kikyo.   Her heart soared at the thought of the couple becoming husband and wife one day.  Kikyo, as a priestess, could not, but she could still bear him a child and remain a faithful woman like Izayoi had done.

Kasami swooned with pride each time she noticed Inuyasha and Kikyo walk somewhere together.  She wanted to tell the other villagers that was the man she raised with pride.  Then, it all ended.  Shouts and cries of fear as well as a building being destroyed sent Kasami out of her home to see what was wrong.  Her hands glowed a bright white light before she noticed Inuyasha leaving the village with something in his hands.  Kasami quickly ran after him before briefly snatching his wrist before he got away, “What have you done!?”

“Get off me!  This doesn't concern you!” Inuyasha shoved her away, “I want to be a full-demon and you can't stop me!”

“I won't stop you,” Kasami snatched his clothing again and forced him to stand still, “But I won't let you hurt others because of your decision.”

“Inuyasha!”

Both Kasami and Inuyasha turned to see Kikyo, dripping in blood, point an arrow towards Inuyasha.  In a split second, Kasami kept her promise and blocked the path of the arrow.  To her worst fear, it went right through her and into Inuyasha.  It left her with a gaping hole and Inuyasha stabbed to the tree.  Kasami glanced down at her wound and noticed her violet blood dripping from the hole.  Was this her death?  Did her people die like this?  She turned around as her vision began to fade and gaze into Inuyasha's eyes, those same eyes Izayoi had.  Her hand, now growing numb, reached out and took the artifact he had taken, the Shikon no Tama.  Kasami gently, slowly, went to her knees in front of Inuyasha and formed the pose that a servant was ready and willing to serve their master.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Darkness was ready to consume Kasami, but her soul wasn't ready to give up.  As a Moon Demon, she could only be killed by her master alone.  Now, with her master dead, she was a free demon.  As a free demon, she could walk the world until she asked to be someone's servant.  

Kasami woke with darkness around her.  She looked up to see Inuyasha still pinned to the tree.  Now, stars were in the sky, and the people cried for the death of their priestess.  Kasami shed tears for Kikyo, but her tears were aimed for Inuyasha and the loss of someone who was close to a son to her.  She cried for the lost future she had hoped for Kikyo and Inuyasha.  She also cried for Inuyasha dying so young and so full of life, and crying because of the delusion he was under that being a full demon would fulfill his life.  It was hard to leave his side.  Kasami wiped her tears as she forced herself to stand up.  She brought out a dagger and carved into a tree a blessing that would protect Inuyasha, 'Blessed is the one who remains here.  Until he wakes, no one can touch him.'  

She sheathed her dagger and prayed again for Inuyasha's soul.  Kasami finished her prayer briefly before returning to her home, only to find it ransacked and barely left standing.  The villagers knew her affiliation with Inuyasha and blamed the death of Kikyo on her.  She said nothing and did nothing.  Their anger was rash, but rational.  Kasami cleaned her home and made an altar for Inuyasha so his spirit could eat her food still and seek her company when he is ready.  

Years had passed and Kasami left the village.  She had no master and no home to go to.  Why should she?  Now that she was free to roam the world without fear or someone to care for, it was time that she built a name and wealth for herself now.  Kasami tore off the servants' robes she wore before and donned a short, flowing white dress, the outfit for free Moon Demons.  She kept the memory of Izayoi and Inuyasha close to her heart with their characters written on her chest to show that she will always remain loyal to their names.

There came a time when Kasami could feel an ominous presence.  She was staying in a cave behind a waterfall after looting a rather wealthy man.  With some money to her name, she was going to invest in a growing business the next day.  Kasami stood her ground as she saw a large shadow in front of the waterfall.  She had hoped her scent would've been hidden by the water, but in this case it was useless.  In, first, walked in a little green imp with a staff.  He grinned sheepishly before calling out behind him, “She's here, m'lord!  The wench is here!”

“You watch your tongue!” Kasami hissed as she withdrew a jewelled sword she had stolen.

“You've changed throughout the years.”

Kasami's heart nearly stopped as she recognized that voice.  Sesshomaru walked through the waterfall without getting a drop of water on him.  He still looked the same, after nearly a century passing without a meeting between them.  Why would he seek her out?  She was worthless, for now, to him and had no value to give him.  Sesshomaru eyed the sword she weilded and gave a light grunt, “You might as well put that away, it's useless.”

“Come any closer and you'll see that you're wrong,” Kasami retorted before taking a step back, “What do you want?  Inuyasha and his respected mother have passed.”

“You were a servant for my father who gave you to that human female before being passed down to Inuyasha like clothing,” Sesshomaru commented dryly, “During your servitude to my father, you were praised for your work and skill.  Now it seems you're apart of the inheritance.”

“Inheritance?” she murmured to herself, she traced her memory back to her time as Inu no Taisho's servant, but couldn't recall being apart of any inheritance.

“My father has passed away many years ago, and i'm claiming what has been passed down to me,” Sesshomaru threw over a scroll to Kasami's feet, “By law of your people, you are now my servant that will obey my command.”

Kasami quickly scanned the letter and felt her heart drop.  She was no longer a free woman.  In fact, she was never a free woman and belonged to Sesshomaru that day Inuyasha died.  Kasami then understood where she was incorrect.  Though Inuyasha and Sesshomaru did not share the same mother, they shared the same father and Kasami had to rightfully return to Sesshomaru willingly.  

“You are correct,” Kasami sighed as she tucked the scroll into a sack she had made out of animal fur, “What can I do for you?”

“My father would boast about your skill on gaining information.  I was also inherited a sword that could kill one hundred demons in one swing.  Find out where it is,” Sesshomaru answered before turning, “I don't care how long it takes you, but be sure to figure out a way to tell me if you die.”

With that, he left her alone in the waterfall.  Kasami remained confused as she thought of his task.  What sword was he talking about?  Where would she get this information?  When she was in servitude with his father, he would only ask her to make tea or clean his home.  Kasami angrily sat back down as she thought of a way to get information on that sword.  She then thought of Sesshomaru's words.  He didn't care how long it would take, so she could find out in as long as she pleased.  

“I'll do what I can,” Kasami sighed to herself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sesshomaru was farther away from that woman than he wanted to be.  He had asked her to do a task that he had already finished to test her.  Jaken, who seemed pleased to have finally get a glimpse of that woman, was besides himself.  It didn't matter.  Sesshomaru had finally found her after all these years of waiting.  His father had profited greatly from that Moon Demon and became revered to have one in his grasp.  To gain support of his allies and feared by his enemies, Sesshomaru was determined to have her full alliance now that she rightfully belonged to him and no one else.

“M'lord, what if she takes too long and we don't see her again?” Jaken asked with a worried tone.

“Then she will take that time,” Sesshomaru answered honestly, “This test will prove her loyalty.  If she finishes and reports back to me with the same answer, then she keeps her life.”

It was simple:  Kasami obeys the order, she keeps her life.  If she comes back to him with the incorrect answer, she will have no use and will be killed for it.  Sesshomaru knew, in the back of his head, that Kasami would take her time to figure out the answer, but she would be right.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kasami felt uncomfortable playing the role of a diplomat.  Her hair was in a tight braid and wore enough layers of a kimono that made in unbearable in the heat of summer Japan was in.  She had to play this role, however, to get into the museum that once was the home of Inu no Taisho.  Kasami was in awe that her old bedroom was cleaned and glazed over with some type of polish that made everything seem genuine.  Inu no Taisho's home was the sight to see for many of the upper class families that wanted to see the relics of a demon lord's household.  Old servants didn't identify Kasami, though she outlived many of them and the few remaining had been grandchildren in her time-frame.  Kasami 'oo-ed and aw-ed' like other naïve humans around her, but her task led her elsewhere.  It took her a few months to gain access to this house and wouldn't pass up her only chance for Inu no Taisho's journal and Deed.  She made her way to his office and quickly scanned the area.  His journal would not be in here, but surely some type of inheritance plan was.  She went through many drawers before coming across a small book of bills and debts to repay.  Her memory was quick as she recalled certain debts he definitely did pay, only one named stood out.  It was an old man who frequented his visits with her old master plenty of times.  He was a sword-forger...  Perhaps he would know of this inheritance problem.  Kasami kept the book with her and tucked it inside her kimono before heading up the stairwell to the old bedroom of her master.  This one would be tricky because she wasn't too certain that her old master had a journal.  He was never one to keep secrets and always available to give an open opinion.  Kasami checked the usual places; near his pillow, beneath his bed, in a drawer, but found none.  She stood still for a moment to think like her master.  The only place she could think of was in a trunk full of his old clothes.  Kasami located the dusty trunk and silently opened it up to see it filled with old servant's clothes, a few shoes, and a fan for some reason.  She dug to the bottom to see a fading, leather cover.  Was this it?  Kasami brought it out as she sat on her knees, opening it up carefully and read the first few lines:

'It pains me to see my eldest lash out with his cold gaze.  I fear that he will not understand what I now understand at my old age.  Perhaps he, too, will see the fault of his ways the same way I did mine.  As demons, we are not above humans nor are we inferior to their weakness.  We are equals with different proweress and have weaknesses of the flesh.  I am, however, humble to my own faults still.  My second child has been brought into this world by a human and will not know the suffering demons must go through.  He shall be protected by my Shining Moon and the woman that bore him.  I only pray that he begins and ends his life with honor and just.'

That was her master.  Kasami felt her heart swell as she remembered his kindness towards her.  As much as she wanted to cherish the memories from that journal, she had to act fast.  Tucking this journal in her sleeve, Kasami quickly made her way out of the house, feining sickness, and made her grand escape.  She had to make a quick visit to a man named Totosai.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ah, yes, I remember you.  You're that girl that my old friend kept,” the old man eyed her, a sheepish grin on his face, then snuffed, “You've let yourself go..”

“I'm not here to impress you, dammit,” Kasami groaned as placed her hands on her hips, “I want answers.  Are you going to tell me where this sword is?”

“Only if you-”

“I'm not your servant, i'm Sesshomaru's servant and you're going to tell me what I need to know or we're going to have some difficult conversations,” Kasami angrily.

Totosai returned her glare for a few moments before scratching his head, “What are we talking about?”

Kasami felt her face flush with a heated anger as she balled her fists.  This was the fourth time now going in a  round-about conversation with this old man who claimed to know where the sword is, then supposedly forget the second!  She then sat down on her knees and slumped over somewhat as she forced herself to look calm, “I really, really need your help.  Please, Master Totosai, will you please help me?”

She could feel hope as she noticed his eyes linger from her breasts down to the slight opening of her thighs.  Then, he then asked in a seedy voice, “What do you need help with?”

“Are you kidding me!?  Tell me where that damn sword is!” fire formed around her hands as she glared even more angrily at Totosai, “I know you know where the Tetsusaiga is and I need to know where it's at!”

“I will only tell you on one condition,” the old man finally stated as he pointed a bony finger at her, “Sit on my lap.”

At this point, Kasami would have bore him a child, but was more than happy to just sit on his lap.  She then stood up and, as expected, sat on his lap for a few moments.  Kasami waited before turning to see the red-faced old man and start to feel ill from disgust.  She then asked, “So where is the Tetsusaiga?”

The Black Pearl, inside Inuyasha's eye.  Kasami remained unphased until she began the long walk back to Sesshomaru to tell him.  This had to be a mistake.  Inuyasha was dead and had remained dead for some time now.  Kasami was in a turmoil to know that the sword Sesshomaru seeked was inside Inuyasha, something just didn't seem to add up.  When she finally returned, after a month of traveling, she found Sesshomaru in a field.  The sun was rising as Jaken slept, Sesshomaru remained awake as he waited for the day to commense.  When he noticed Kasami's presence, he glanced over at her as she sat on her knees in front of him.  

“What news do you bring?” he asked in a low voice.

“Tetsusaiga is in Inuyasha's pupil, in your father's tomb,” Kasami answered as she held out his father's journal, debt book, and a piece of paper explaining this by Totosai.

She watched as he examined her information before dropping them to the ground.  Kasami's eyes widened at the blatant disrespect for his father's goods.  Her gaze traveled to his before he lightly shrugged at her months of hard work and research, “You've passed.  I will remember your work and call upon you further when your assistance is needed.  For now, go about your business, I have no further use for you.”

Her temporary freedom came at a price.  She could feel herself going back to her ways and swearing her life to a master who would not cherish her.  Inu no Taisho was a good man, and Kasami truly loved her service for Izayoi, but her heart remained for her master.  Kasami swore to herself, to her heritage and the blood in her veins, she would not commit herself to Sesshomaru.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Years Later
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Fame and fortune smiled upon Kasami through her time of leave.  She had her own household with her own servants.  When she traveled, she saw the wonders of her country-side and could return as she pleased.  She finally could live a life of luxury instead of only working for one.  Her fields were heavy with crops, her pastures were fat with cows, and the servants kept her home clean like she did for her masters before her.  

It was then she felt it.  Like a power surging through her that made her knees weak with envy.  She craved this power.  Her servants then came flying into her study where she sat and begged her to save them.  Kasami went straight to action as she ran out of the room and came face-to-face with a new face.  She had never seen this man before, but he wreaked of evil.  Taking a step back and a sword in her hands, Kasami then stated, “State your purpose here!  I have no business with you.”

“I'm a man of simple means,” he murmured in a deep, silky voice, “I simply am making a request you can't refuse.  Rumors have spread of your work and your capabilities of information.  I simply want to enhance this ability, for a price that you do me one favor.”

This man, known as Naraku, wanted to know where Sesshomaru was.  Kasami knew her gut feeling was to lie and quickly tell Sesshomaru.  She took a quick gulp of air before answering, “The Norther Lands.  He is looking for a sword he was inherited by his father.  Anything beyond that is unaware to me.”

She guessed he was analyzing her words if she spoke the truth or not.  After a few minutes, a smirk formed on his face as he held out a shard of a pink jewel.  Kasami didn't have to ask what it was.  It was the same jewel of the Shikon no Tama Inuyasha tried to still many years ago.  How it was broken was beyond her, she hadn't asked nor did she want to know.  Kasami, against her better instinct, took the shard and examined it.  She was about to ask Naraku what she was supposed to do with it, but he was already gone.  Examining it one more time, she then embedded it into her right palm.  What used to be a slight fire in the form of a ball above her palm turned more into a surging ember sphere.  

The days that passed, Kasami was heading out of her village.  She sold her home, sent her servants away, and decided to live her life on the road.  Fighting was becoming a hobby anymore.  It then donned on her, she still had to find Sesshomaru and tell him Naraku was searching for him.  Kasami took off into a run as she searched for his presence.  That evening, she grew tired and found a village to rest in.  The inn was much too crowded, so she went to the wealthiest man in the village to see if he would spare a room.  Something seemed quiet odd though.  As she neared the mansion, she could hear arguing between a male and a female.  Kasami snuck around the side of the mansion and climbed onto the roof, but her eyes had to have decieved her...  That man...that's couldn't be...  Inuyasha?
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