InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows of an Innocent Heart ❯ Kismet ( Chapter 1 )

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Shadows of an Innocent Heart

Chapter One: Kismet

"Damnit Sesshoumaru! What the hell!"

Inuyasha yelled as he stood from his seat slamming his fist upon the iron wrought table he once sat in front of. This table was made especially for counsel meetings, or moreover, for Inuyasha's unnatural temper. After having so many of his extremely expensive cedar tables broken in half or cracked and splintered Sesshoumaru decided to have the castle blacksmith, Toutou-sai, forge such a table that could not be crippled by his half-brother's temper. He sighed in aggravation, sadly yet, it seemed as if even iron could not hold against Inuyasha's anger and was glad when the table did nothing more then groan and shudder in protest.

"Inuyasha pacify your temper and hold your tongue." Sesshoumaru ordered, his tone passive as he glared down his younger brother meeting the challenge in his eyes head on. "Now take your seat and let me finish."

Inuyasha was literally seething with anger, how dare his brother order him to do such a thing. No it wasn't the orders just mentioned, but the one to take a mate. What right did his brother have to order such? He knew, Sesshoumaru knew, that he did not trust the fairer sex as far as he could throw them. Not after... his anger was fake, his words holding no meaning, that was before Sesshoumaru brought about this proclamation that he, Inuyasha, would be looking for a mate.

"No I will not!" He roared. "You know perfectly well how I feel about this subject and yet you insist that I do something that you could very well do on your own!" Inuyasha clenched his clawed hands into fists, not even flinching when his nails drew blood. Sesshoumaru did, even though it went unnoticed, he had not meant to bring back unwelcome memories for his brother, but this was necessary. "You find a bloody mate yourself, Sesshoumaru, and bed her! Or did you forget that you also hold father's blood and are just as capable as I to produce an heir." Again he slammed upon the iron table, but this time with is open palms causing his blood to smear into the iron surface.

The room was deathly silent, not one in the room wanting to attract either brother's attention to themselves. This fight wasn't like the normal banter between the two, there was something different in the anger toward the other and it had the occupants uneasy. Jaken noticed, and wanted to laugh at their idiocy. When they normally fought it was all for show and would only allow so much of their youki to be seen. This time around was not staged, this time around they were truly angry with the other, and this time around they partially let down the walls that carefully hid their true power from their coworkers.

Unlike the other occupants the room, Jaken held no perseverance skills, and therefore it was really no shocker when opened his big yap. "Half-bread how dare you talk in such a way to the great Sesshoumaru-sama." He shrieked waving his staff about in the air, and opened his mouth once more but was waved into silence by his lord.

"Jaken that is enough, you will not speak to Inuyasha in such away again, he is above you in tittles and therefore gains your respect when addressing him. You will do well to remember that." A small amount of Inuyasha's anger died down with the comment from his brother, it wasn't often that Sesshoumaru deafened him in front of the counsel members like this and he truly appreciated it. "Now brother the matter is not up for discussion at the moment, maybe for latter in private." The taiyoukai suggested.

With an inaudible sigh, Inuyasha slumped back into his seat, silent for the rest of the meeting, paying attention with only half of his mind while the other half remained in the past.

A great deal of many things were discussed, the majority of which, Sesshoumaru found to be unimportant as they were things like farmers filling for more land or what should be done with thieves and other minor criminals that had been caught recently. More then half were only sentenced to a few months in the dungeons, while only a few farmers were granted their wishes for more farming land. Sesshoumaru only listened with half an ear to the written reports of the prosperities of the lands, taxes and the number of deaths and births for the month.

Sesshoumaru sighed in his seat discreetly, maybe he should have spoken to his brother on the matter first before sending word to every available lady to be present at this months counsel meeting. The women, not really surprising considering his brother's title as prince and lord of the west, didn't really seemed to be deterred by Inuyasha's show of temper when he announced he must chose one of them as his mate in three months time. He really would have liked his brother to have been mated with an heir on the way in a lot less time, but knowing his brother it would be impossible. Sesshoumaru mentally shredded his father to bits with his bare claws, the baka should have thought about the throne when he made the right of challenge a law.

"Ah, your majesty," the lord of the north addressed, "might I have your permission to stay at the castle for a few months?" He asked, his dark red eyes boring into his own amber ones. Sesshoumaru never liked Naraku there was something about the youkai that got to him, set him on edge. Maybe it was the way he won over the title of lord of the north. Naraku should never have been able to defeat the old lord, yet he was able too. It made absolutely no sense and he still stuck to his original idea that there was foul play involved.

Sesshoumaru regarded him coolly, letting Naraku see nothing of his true thoughts upon his face; he remained impassive. "Tell me, lord Naraku, why I should grant this?" He questioned patiently.

"You do recall that my ward, lord Higurashi's daughter, -god rest his soul- has family in the castle?" At his nod Naraku continued, smiling inwardly. Lord Higurashi and Sesshoumaru had been good friends and thus the reason his wife and son live under the castle's roof. The only reason his daughter lives with him, well to the outside world, is that he saved her life and therefore has right to court her or at lest have his heirs court her. His eyes twinkled at the thought, as he for the past year has been secretly courting, even if she didn't know it. "It's been nearly a year since she last saw her family and wishes visit with them a while to make up for lost time."

Sesshoumaru sighed, closing his eyes slightly, before speaking. He knew what Naraku was getting at, he was using Higurashi's daughter as an excuse to stay in the castle. What Sesshoumaru wanted to know is why? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, he smiled as he remembered the words his father use to say. Yes, he would abide by those now as he could very easily force Naraku in to staying at an inn while his ward stayed with him. "I will grant you this then." He replied. Higurashi was the only decent human Sesshoumaru has ever had the pleasures of meeting, the man even gave his life for him on a few occasions, and he would do anything for the man. That was one of the main reasons he let his family stay in the castle, the other being that his family was just as good as him, as well as that he admired his wife's strength for being able to handle herself so well after her husbands death. He was still sure that Naraku had something to do with that death.

Naraku glanced to his side to see her expression at the news and his eyes narrowed slightly. She was not there and neither was Kagura. She will have to be punished for this, I told the girl not to move. He thought angrily, but did not let it show upon his face. With a sigh he went on to give his thanks as well as some information. "You have my thanks, majesty, and I thought that you would like to hear my son has stop perusing her." He chuckled a bit. "It would seem she wishes not to enter into a courtship with anyone... ever as she puts it. Though I thought it wouldn't last I have my doubts now, the child is a free spirit and refuses to be bound to anything or one." He stated matter of fact, sounding for all the world like a gloating father. Sesshoumaru saw through it, and narrowed his eyes.

He knew that the words were directed to him as well as his brother, Naraku was trying to sell his ward on them. What he wanted to know is, why? Sesshoumaru has only meet Higurashi's daughter couple of times, Inuyasha never, and the girl seemed somewhat like her father... though he didn't know how much he could relay on those visits. Two of them being while she was ill... he had never seen such a sickness before. In a matter of days the girl was so ill that she could barely do anything, that she was near death. Pushing those thoughts aside, Sesshoumaru concentrated more on why Naraku wants their interest in her. Does the Northern lord think that he may receive more power by having his ward named lady of the west and princess of Japan whom will bare the future heir of the throne to this land. He forced himself not to narrow his eyes more as well as dispersed any emotion left within his amber orbs just in case the shown with an unwanted emotion. He did not want his suspicions known.

"That is good to hear Naraku." Sesshoumaru stated coolly, then turned his attention to those around him. "This meeting is over, all of you leave at once. Inuyasha remain, we have a few things to discuss." With that said, Sesshoumaru shoved all papers from every lord detailing their lands within his bag, warding it, he gave the bag to Jaken with strict orders to have it at his study within the hour. He knew that there were those foolish enough to stop the toad along the way demanding to see what was in the bag, Sesshoumaru shook his head, they were always in the infirmary for a couple of days out cold for touching it.

After things were hastily gathered, the other demon and human lords began to exit but not with out their own comments on the last issued order.

"To bad we don't get to see him beat the half-bread." Laughter was fallowed by this comment, Inuyasha clenched his fist. If it weren't for them being lords and striking up a war he would have beaten them all soundly.

"Know what you mean, stupid bastard, don't know why he keeps the hanyou around. Should just kill 'im and take the western lands as his own. Heck his father ran both quit well, sure he can do the same."

"I heard the reason be that he promised his father not too long after he nearly rid us of the monstrosity. Too bad Sesshoumaru be a man of his word, else wise I'm sure he would've."

Inuyasha tuned the words from his mind as he stood from his own seat and started towards his brother. He was long use to such comments and they no longer bothered him; much. He still, if listened long enough, got the urge to fight them all, to prove that he is not worthless just because of his blood. It was a useless fight. Only a hand full of people view him differently, and the others either don't care to tell him what they think or suck up to him only because of his title as he hears their whispered words about the halls of his domain. He pushed all thoughts to the back of his mind before he destroyed half or all of the counsel chambers like he had a few years back, took Sesshoumaru a few months to rebuild it all. They had to hold the meetings in the library, something his Taiyoukai brother hated with a passion. He liked none of the other lords in any part of his castle when not necessary.

Head bowed low, Inuyasha walked towards his brother to find what he wanted only bringing his eyes up to meet his brothers when they came across his booted feet. Sesshoumaru glared at him, throwing a yellow powder into the air chanting words quietly to himself; he remained silent. Inuyasha to remained silent, waiting for the yellow to disperse into the air as only then was it safe to converse normally. The stuff Sesshoumaru tossed into the air and the chant he spoke is a spell that drowned their voices from all but the two of them. If anyone were to walk in all the would see and hear would be Inuyasha and his half-brother yelling at one another locked in a heated glare as such was the added power of the spell.

It wasn't long before it was safe to speak, Inuyasha was about to open his mouth only to be shocking cut off by his brother. That was a first, usually Sesshoumaru stared at him saying nothing until he began the argument. "Bother I am sorry to do this to you, but I need an heir for the throne as you need one for the western lands. If father would have thought before making up the Right of Challenge we would not be in such a mess." He sighed, rubbing the temples of his head. "The challenge isn't what it use to be, the youkai are spineless now and are not above foul play. Do you understand?"

Inuyasha crossed his arms. "Feh," he mumbled turning his head from his brother. "I still don't want to do this." He said just as low, and Sesshoumaru could barely make out what he had said.

Sighing he opened his mouth to strike a deal with his brother, one that he was sure to regret. Damn that stupid wench for shattering his brothers heart! If she had not of done that they wouldn't be in this mess and he wouldn't have to make this deal. "Alright Inuyasha, if you cannot find a mate in three months time then I myself will look, but only if you actually put some effort into it. If not then I, Sesshoumaru, will pick one of them for you. Is this understood?"

Inuyasha took in a breath, is the mighty Sesshoumaru striking a deal with him? He would have been gaping now if he had not shut his mouth immediately, it was obvious his brother's words rang true. Despite his brother's carefully constructed mask of indifference, Sesshoumaru could never lie to his face; looking him straight in the eyes. It was something the full dog-demon could not master. In fact neither could he, himself. Inuyasha took it as a positive sign towards his character, Sesshoumaru took it as a weakness he chose to ignore as if it did not exist. The half-demon hung his shoulders in defeat. This was as good as he was going to get from her his older brother, and he would take it. "Yeah, whatever." He replied.

Sesshoumaru nodded once, his hands grasped behind his back as he gave his brother leave. "Good, then it is settled. Be sure you do not kill any of the lords, especially the young ones, I have enough to deal with as it is and I don't need any more Inuyasha." He requested tiredly, moving to stand so that he could peer out one of the many large windows that ran along the walls of the room. He could see the courtyard from there, but he could not quite make out the two figures that occupied it.

"Feh." Was the only reply he got, and the taiyoukai did not need to remove his eyes from where they rested to know that his brother had left his presence in a sullen rush. The corners of his mouth twitch up slightly, as well as he knew his brother Sesshoumaru could bet that the young hanyou was off brooding somewhere, most likely heading out to courtyard for his favorite tree.

~*~

Spreading her arms out as the wind blew past her, playing with the strands of her wavy raven locks the young woman smiled with the bliss of it all. If felt wonderful to be outside instead of within the castle walls listening to lords argue of pointless topics. She flashed her companion a blinding smile, before it faltered slightly. "You don't think that father will be mad that I left before meeting that lord, do you Kagura?" As usually the tall youkai woman said nothing, only blinking her ruby eyes a couple of times before turning her head from view, holding the fan close to her chest. "Yeah, he probably will be, but don't worry I'll tell him that it was all my idea so that you won't get in any trouble." Kagura still said nothing, and Kagome just smiled. This how it usually went between them, she would talk and the wind youkai would listen.

The young woman strode forward, lifting her kimono slightly so that she would not trip over the edges of the material as she walked. Naraku had insisted that she wore the ridiculous thing in order to impress the lord he wished for her to meet, Kagome snorted at that. She wanted to be free, not have some lord as a husband dictating her every movement. The kimono was pink, a dreadful color, with an even darker pink obi that was decorated in purple flowers. Sleeves so long that swallowed her hands, forcing her to roll them up a bit. She paused a moment to tie up the bottom of her kimono showing quite a bit of her leg, most would deem the look inappropriate and most would be scandalized to see her in such a way. Kagura found her rebellious ways entertaining, as well as admirable. The wind youkai only wished that she had the guts to rebel and take as much freedom as Kagome managed for herself.

Reaching up for a sturdy branch, she turned toward Kagura. "You won't say anything about this to father will you?" She pleaded and the wind youkai smiled lightly, she shook her head. With the permission she had just received from her sister/ body guard, Kagome pulled herself up into the tree, climbing until she could see over the walls of the castle. Her breath caught at the sight as well as the realization of how high up she was, but wasn't afraid. Kagura would catch her if she fell, the wind youkai always saved her when her life was in danger. Confident in this thought, Kagome dove forward and latched her small hands to the stone walls edge causing Kagura to grab at her heart in shear panic. The wind sorceress sighed in relief when the young woman managed to pull herself up, seating her bottom upon the stone wall as her eyes swept across the land. "I'm fine." She called down her assurance. "You really should come up here and see this Kagura, its breath taking." Kagome commented, but knew that she would not. Her sister was deathly afraid of heights and would not be joining her upon the stone wall ledge.

The land seemed to go on forever in a mass of grassy land and hills, beyond that Kagome thought that she could sight the edge of the forest. The villages were busy, with men working selling their ware or out framing their land and tending to the animals, while the women tended their households. At least that is what she imagined they were doing. All she could see were tiny specks moving about in the distance, but from the many books she had read in her life time, she could imagine. She wished more then anything for herself to be allowed among them. She crossed her arms and pouted slightly. Naraku was too over protective, never allowing her to leave their own castle in the northern lands, and this was the first time in a long while that she was able to see the outside world.

Kagome's gray-blue eyes fallowed the birds as they flew freely, without restrictions, through the cloudless skies. She sighed heavily. "I wish that I could be free, that I could see what it is really like out there. I want to know it all, but you know father will not allow me too. He is afraid that I will get hurt." She spoke softly to her sister, knowing that the youkai's ears would pick it up despite the distance between them. "I wish that I could fly like the birds and go where ever the wind carries me, to go on adventures like ones described the books I read and you could come with me." She sighed sadly. "Father would never allow it." Kagome smiled softly when she felt the wind wrap itself around her in the semblance of an embrace, brushing the soft raven hair from her face. It was Kagura's way of comforting her even though there was a large amount of height between them. "Thank you."

"Do you always talk to yourself." A rough voice inquired, thick with amusement. "You look as if your insane, people are going to wonder."

Kagome nearly lost her balance upon the stone wall, but was steadied by the man that caused this loss. She blinked a couple of times and found herself looking into the face of amber eyes and silver hair, how had he gotten up there without her notice? She wondered briefly. "I'm not talking to myself, I was talking with my sister." She pointed downward only to start when she could not spot Kagura. Kagome narrowed her eyes in confusion. "Where did she go?"

"It would seem that she has left you." He commented, perching himself beside her staring out upon his brother's lands; lands that were his in secret, just as the west was Sesshoumaru's. "I was going to ask if you work with the castle, but your too well dressed for that now that I've had a closer look." He was curious about the girl, never had he seen one climb a tree just to find her way to the battlement wall. If any ever had a purpose to go there they would just take the stairway, though most would send a servant. He had seen the woman down beside her, he only question such to see her reply. He had expected her to demand he leave her presence just as any lady would once they realized what he was, but then maybe she just did not know it yet.

"Most would inquire towards my uncouth behavior rather then my status," she gave him a sideways look taking his demonic features eyes lingering upon his dog like ears, "but then it would seem you are not like most." He ignored the comment, not wanting to divulge into it. He like her scent, it had an innocent and pure quality to it that was lacking in most women; not only that but there was a warmth to her aura that gave him a sort of comfort to be in the presence of. He was intrigued, but more importantly his mind -that most mistook as incredible slow- was already concocting ways that he could win her over -or at lest attempt to- so that he could win his brother's agreement. Then a sudden though occurred to him.

"Are you one of the mistresses to the lords that are staying here?" He questioned in all seriousness, causing the young raven haired woman to gap at him stupidly.

Slowly her gapping face contoured into rage. She clenched her fists as she stood upon the wall skillfully from her sitting position without wavering once, growing up her whole life behind ways and climbing them had given her that perfect balance. Inuyasha was impressed to say the lest. "How dare you think so lowly of me!" She raged. "You don't even know me and yet you throw this question at me? I can't believe you." She turned on a heel and began stalking down the wall and jumped from it causing Inuyasha to rush forward in order to catch the fool, but he needn't have to worry as her jump did not lead to her death. The hanyou watched in awe as the girl floated harmlessly to the grassy ground, marching angrily to the castle entrance.

~*~

Naraku's eyes bore into the wall ahead of him as Kagura stood perfectly still in his presence. They had been like this for several hours, neither saying a word. Finally the spider demon spoke. "You disappoint me Kagura." He said dispassionately. "Because of your allowing the girl to have her way I was made to look bad in front of the lords. While my daughter is disobedient theirs were able to fallow orders any stay put." He paused a moment to take in Kagura's figure, her hair pulled up into a bun ruby eyes staring ahead sightlessly while her body clothed in a blue and white kimono stood rim rod straight. She clutched her fan tightly to her chest. "She will have to be punished for this atrocity to my name." He smirked. "But then I suppose you would want to take his punishment upon yourself as well, would you not Kagura?" He questioned.

He did not have to wait long for her answer, it came quickly without hesitation. "Yes."

"Why Kagura? Why do you always insist to have all of her punishments place upon your own body?" Naraku knew that answer, but he asked it anyways. They had this same conversation many time before, it may not have held the same words but it always held the same basis.

"You know that Naraku. If you were to beat the girl she would run away and the bruises upon her creamy skin would draw too much attention. There would be questions that you would not want to answer, and Sesshoumaru would take action against you since the girl's father was his friend." She answered in a monotone. She is my friend and I wish not to see her hurt, Kagura though fiercely, she called me her sister and she saved my life. No one has ever done anything so kind for me, no one has ever been so kind to me as Kagome. A few years ago Naraku was going to kill her for disobeying some orders, and Kagome heard the men talking of it. She had always been so cruel to the girl, even if she may not have realized it, and so Kagura was completely floored when she begged Naraku for her life. He had given it and since then the wind youkai had been her protector and sister. "It would be better for you take the aggressions out upon me."

Naraku laughed. "Do not play the dutiful servant with me Kagura." He replied, same as always. "I know that you have other reasons for wanting to take the beatings for her, but do not play me for a fool." He demanded with sneer of his lips; eyes narrowing considerably. "Go and find the girl, tell her that she will be staying with the her family for a few weeks. I shall return for then."

Kagura nodded and left Naraku in his room alone.