InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Tainted Trust ❯ War of a Broken Heart ( Chapter 4 )

Family Portrait

'Chapter Four - War of a Broken Heart'

The angry glare of the sun woke the small half-demon child. His golden optics slowly crept open to meet the scarlet splashed morning sky. He glanced down, realizing he had slept through the night in his favored God Tree. About to climb down when he spotted his brother walking to the hilltop. He growled softly, deciding to stay perched until he was out of view. 'Where's he going?' He thought dryly but didn't decide to follow. He mainly would have, but another face met his eyes. The one that made his heart skip, even through all this torment it endured. "Kikyo." He said curtly, walking to her as he had hopped easily from his sitting spot.

"Inu-Yasha!" She smiled, walking over to him. Pale pink and gold flowers grasped in her arms. "I've been picking flowers most of the day. You may have one."

"Thank you, Kikyo." He said, a hand reaching out to grab a golden one. The two set down in the tall grass where they once stood. "Where'd Sesshomaru go off to?"

"I'm not sure, he simply said he had something to take care of and I to stay around here until he returned." She said, picking a few more form the blades of emerald.

"Oh…" Inu-Yasha replied dully. Glancing nervously over to the miko. He slowly set his flower behind her right ear, careful not to snag his claws of her obsidian locks.

"Inu-Yasha?" She mumbled.

"I want you to have it, I have no need for flowers." He grumbled, trying to hide the affectionate meaning to his small return in gift.

"Thank you…" She mumbled, her head resting upon his shoulder. He didn't mind her contact, her gentle scent. Sesshomaru could wait, he was just glad to be here, with her…

~

The full demon walked the small path to the awaiting hills. The forests were lush with life and he was determined to finish his small task. A swift glance was taken as he eyed his brother half down the tree. A short grunt and he kept a similar pace to his last. However, he stopped again at the top of the hill to see the two in a soft embrace. This merely made him grin; he had plans for the two yet. But, right now he had to focus on his small errand. He set off in the hills leaving the children to tend to themselves. Everything would be solved once he talked to the great demon lord, Naraku. He traveled for hours through the thick vegetation that was the forest. He came to a familiar area, a smirk crossing his pale lips. "Naraku, show yourself, our deal is at hand."

"Ah, Sesshomaru, how good it is to see you again." He said silkily.

"We have a deal, do we not? Now, will your army of demons being arriving at sunset as promised?" He asked, more firm now.

"Yes, of course. However, is the shard here?" He asked, his features unreadable as that pelt kept him hidden form sight.

"Here." He mumbled, tossing the small sack to him.

The beast looked inside, the shimmering glints of pale pink shards met his cold eyes of passion. "…Good…" He nodded his approval. "We do have such a deal, they will arrive…"

"No need to tell me my own reason. Unwanted listeners may hear of such an event. Just make them come at sunset. Be sure not to harm the small girl or my brother as of yet." He said, voice wavering from growl to chuckle.

"Of course, just our main target…I will inform them." He said simply, and without warning the demon known as Naraku had left from all sight and senses.

He sighed gently to himself, walking from the forest back to the familiar hilltop. "I am sorry it has to be this way, father. I love you dearly, you are my blood, a full demon as I. But, I can't let you pass the throne to Inu-Yasha." He said sentimentally.

~

"Kikyo?" He asked timidly, as the sun was getting high, issuing it was noontime by now. "Kikyo…"

Her amber eyes flickered open; she looked up at the one she had been using for a pillow for some time. A soft hint of pink littered her cheeks. "Gomen, Inu-Yasha."

"It's fine. I was just getting hungry, want to come with me?" He asked again, getting up now that she removed her head form his shoulder.

"If you allow me." Was a simple response as she followed him. The flowers still in her grasp.

"What's the flowers for?" He asked gently, a question that's been in his mind for some time now.

"I was going to set them upon the dining table. Lord wished me to…" Kikyo stated, not wanting to go in depth on the situation. Lord had asked her to, because his late wife always put flowers up every morning to replace the old.

Inu-Yasha knew the reason but didn't dwell on it either. "Oh…So, what do you want to eat?" He asked, getting off subject as the two entered the vast home.

"I do not mind." She slowly set upon the table, glancing around, as if waiting for permission to sit.

"Well, I want rabbit, so…well, you can fix what you like." He mumbled, not too sure on what humans like. He knew his mother liked an assortment but he never knew what half of it was.

"I'll take what you eat too." She said obediently. Inu-Yasha briefly nodded and she relaxed in her seat, however her eyes still shot to the door, ready if Sesshomaru was to walk in.

A few moments and the half-demon arrived back in the eating chamber. Two rabbits upon plates. His still resembled a rabbit, for he ate raw. But, knowing some of humans he asked for hers to be cooked and look like chopped meat rather than the true form. "Here." He snorted, her plate sliding to her upon the glossy oak. He sat across form her, already digging into his fresh meat.

"Thank you." She said softly, picking up her chopsticks as she began to pick the small cubes of meat for herself. She smiled softly as she looked across at the eating half-demon. He was too entranced by eating to notice her fond gaze. Brushing aside a lock as set her gaze to her plate once more beginning to finish as he.

~

The youkai walked to the crest of the faded hill. His golden eyes wandered to the scarlet splashed sky. Yes, blood would spill this night. He grinned maliciously as the sun was begging to fade. It had to be near one now. A few hours from now he would rid of all obstacles. However he couldn't help but feel the tinge of sorrow in his heart. He didn't want his father to die, but there was little choice. What he could do now was see his father in these final days. Remember him the way he wanted. This would also give him a chance to look innocent. "Father…" He breathed as he headed towards the large palace. A clawed hand pushing open the thick doors as he stepped inside. The clap of bare feet setting through the silent air. He walked through the halls and corridors. Searching for one in particular but eyeing something new. As he past the dining chamber he saw his brother and his slave. A toothy grin flashed, but he was able to creep by unnoticed.

Or so he thought. He didn't want his visit with one of his only true friends to be wasted. He eyed his brother with disgust as he passed. He glanced up form his finished plate to the girl across form him. "Kikyo?"

"Yes, Inu-Yasha?" She asked quickly, looking up form her equally finished platter.

"Let's go outside, kay? We can visit your younger sister if you want…" He said softly, just wanting to get out of the palace before Sesshomaru took Kikyo away again.

"I should go ask-" She trailed as she was cut short.

"Forget about him, I'll take care of it, C'mon." He smirked, jumping from his chair and over to her.

"But shouldn't I clean up?" She asked timidly, looking at the table and the plates.

"There's others to do such a thing. C'mon!" He grasped her small hand in his clawed one and both ran out the door. Kikyo also took a run; it would be a year since she last saw her young sister. She would be four as of now.

The two ran through the vast village. Ignoring she gentle gasps of elders as the white haired boy ran through the dusted streets. The angered whispers of, 'A demon claiming another human, how awful…' or '…That poor girl, being a slave up there…' He didn't care, he just liked getting away and making Kikyo happy. "This is your house, is it not?" He grumbled, as they both came to a quick halt in front of a shack-like home.

The same Japanese writing was upon the door. Stating her family name, tears welled up in her eyes. It's been so long, she thought she would never see her family again. "M-Mother, father?" She called softly, tapping upon the door.

"It's your home, go in." He grunted from behind her, giving her back a soft nudge.

"Your right…" She said softly, sliding the thin door away. She cautiously walked inside, eyes taking in all she saw. The same floor mats near the low table. The same old tables and candles light. Nothing changed, and she was grateful. She walked over to the left room, sliding it open see the inhabitants of the home. The woman looked over, her pale gray eyes in shock at the child that walked through. The man looking over in equal surprise. But, the youngest girl didn't stop to look; she ran and hugged her sister's knees. "Kaede!" She smiled brightly, falling down to hug her small sister.

"Kiki!" She giggled, hugging around her neck joyfully, as if it was only yesterday she had seen her. The girl's eyes grew large as from the shadows the boy emerged. His face blank of expression towards them but he stood protectively behind Kikyo. Her mother got up to greet her as well but stopped as she saw the prince of these lands before her. The man kept his position at the small table, onyx eyes wandering to him. "A…Demon?" She breathed cautiously, hiding her head in Kikyo raven locks.

"Are you here to claim us all, Prince Inu-Yasha?" The mother spoke sorrowfully, eyes wandering to the ground.

"No." He spat. "I don't keep slaves."

She looked up in shock, but was happy to hear such a thing. "This is Inu-Yasha. He allowed me to see you…I missed you all so much."

"We missed you, Kikyo." Was the soft response from all. Kaede wouldn't let go of her elder sister, in fear she would leave again.

"You will stay now, right Kikyo?" She asked timidly, hopeful eyes looking in the matching deep pools of amber.

"I wish I could, but I am bound by duty to, Master Sesshomaru." She said, a hint of sadness clouding her speech.

"I don't like, Se-Sess…Sesshy." She mumbled, having trouble with his long name.

Kikyo gasped, obviously hoping Inu-Yasha didn't hear. But, of course he had, his sensitive ears wouldn't allow it to go unnoticed. "No, Kaede, he's a fine person it's just-"

"He's a jerk, I hate 'em too." Inu-Yasha snorted darkly, chuckling to himself.

Kaede nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

"I-Inu-Yasha?" She stuttered, obviously not expecting such a response. Her family laughed quietly.

"Kikyo, go catch up with your sister, I need to tend to the house cleaning." Her mother said gently.

"As you wish, Mother." She smiled, taking the hand of her baby sister. "Come Kaede."

She nodded in response as the trio headed outside. "Where we going, Kiki?" She asked softly, bright eyes looking up through her messy charcoal bangs.

Kikyo glanced to Inu-Yasha apparently wanting an idea. "Just a ways ahead, kid." He said gently. As they walked on through the village witch seemed to be empty. The sun had gotten quite low but still had enough light for a human to see properly in.

"Okie…" She smiled brightly, hopping to keep stride with the two elder children.

"Here." He snorted, as they approached the flowered meadow he and Kikyo had been earlier. He climbed the old tree with great ease, setting on the bare branch to watch over his small group.

"Look at all the pwetty flower, Kiki!" She giggled with delight as she ran through the thick trails of gold and pink.

"Yes, I see, Kaede." She smiled, sitting down at the base of Inu-Yasha's tree. His golden eyes looked down to her content form. She didn't notice, she was busy with watching her sister he knew. But he didn't mind he would always be her silent protector and observer.

"Look at this one!" She smiled, running over to show her the largest and deepest color golden flower in the patch.

"Such a pretty flower." She said softly, thin fingers brushing across the soft silk-like petal.

"It looks like, Inu-Chan's eyes." She said innocently.

"Feh, how can my eyes look like a flower?" He spat, crossing his arms.

"I agree, Inu-Yasha, this flower is as deep as your eyes." She giggled.

"How would you know?" He mumbled, causing the girl to blush noticeably.

"Hehe, Kiki went pin-" The girl gasped, as she saw the hordes of demon upon the horizon. Her sister protectively set her behind her legs, an arrow drawn.

"Inu-Yasha…" She said gently, apparently looking for back up.

"We cant take them Kikyo…I never seen so many…" He said in silent awe. He by now had jumped in front of the girls. The demon upon the hill top approaching at great speed.

"Father, do you hear that?" He spoke silkily. His father looking upwards as he had heard the rumble of earth. The screeching and snarls of many demons.

As swift as wind he had gotten his sword, Tetsaiga, and was out the many corridors. "Sesshomaru, get your brother out of here."

"As you wish, Father." He spoke coldly, his eyes glinting as he saw the assortment approaching.

Golden orbs were cast his way in distaste. "Damn…" He growled, knowing his brother would be coming for him. Knowing deep down he was frightened of the demons but he wouldn't show it to him. Nor of the ones he wished o protect.

"Come, Brother." The demons were upon the trio now. Inu-Yasha wouldn't leave them, willingly.

"I will stay." He growled deeply, a demon behind Sesshomaru launching high to attack.

"You cant, you will be killed." He said coldly, hoisting him up in time. But, leaving Kikyo as a target.

"KIKYO!" Inu-Yasha yelped, as he watched on sadly form over his brother's shoulder.

She didn't get hurt, not of yet. She launched her arrow straight at his heart sending him into oblivion. "Kaede, run home, tell the others." The girl ran terrified to do as asked. A sad glance was cast to Inu-Yasha as he disappeared into the darkness of the forest. His gaze was clouded in trees now; he had no knowing if she would be all right…He was in darkness.

His brother tossed him into a rock effortlessly. In his current state of mind he didn't retaliate. He was knocked out as soon as he hit the large boulder. The crimson trickling down his skull to stain his ivory locks. "Sleep, Inu-Yasha." He snorted, continuing away from him and back to the battlefield.

"Sesshomaru…?" Was the silent plea of the miko. Long had she fallen to the once beautiful earth. The flowers were drenched in demon and human blood by now. Leaving their once beautiful state of color. She too had drenched such beauty. Her form had been pierced at the shoulder, for a child it was a very deadly wound.

He paid no attention to the bleeding girl. Barely casting her a side-glance as he swiftly approached his father. He was busy with fighting the demons that came. He barely acknowledged his son. "Is your brother safe?"

"Yes, father. He is fine." He spat angrily.

"Sesshomaru, you should leave this field." He said rushed, as his blade came in contact with another demons skull.

"I cannot father." He said again, letting the elder take on a confused expression.

The golden eyes of the older male turned wide. The demons were avoiding Sesshomaru. He had noticed when the ducked and weaved away to only fight him. They even turned from that human girl. Their target was him. "Do you know why these demons attack me?" He asked blankly, not noticing the demon behind, about to tackle him.

"Yes I do, Father. I sent for them to kill you." He said coldly, his gaze piercing like thousands of daggers.

"You-Wha-" He was cut off. The demon latched itself upon his back. His sword tossed away as a second bit down upon his outstretched arm. "S-Sesshomaru…" He gasped for breath as darkness was coming slowly, for he being demon.

He was about to easily toss the demons away when his son's hands slashed deeply across his spine. He poisoned him as he did his mother. An accident it would seem by morning. He would make sure of it. He would be too poisoned to fight properly; the demons could finish him off by daybreak. This would blow over as quickly as it came. A grin set upon his lips. "Goodbye, Father." He turned, ignoring the pleas from his parent, or from his slave. Treading carefully ver the corpses that littered the field and headed back to the forest to tend to his brother. No, he would kill him now; there was no need. And he had a better thought on how, when he was older, when it wouldn't be pinned to him.

~

The soft light trickled through the trees, waking the small hanyou. The fight was nearly forgotten until the throbbing pain in his head brought him back to reality. "…Kikyo!" Was all he thought of. He remembered her frightened and sad look as his brother carried him. What had happened? He had to find this out. He ran a deep growl emitting form his throat. He didn't see the knowing look from his brother as he ran at an inhuman pace towards that meadow of flowers. Sesshomaru slowly coming form the safety of the forest, to the crest of the hill to look down upon the rotted plains. "Kikyo!" He yelped, falling to his knees and lifting the fallen girl in his protective embrace. "Wake up…Please…" He begged, he didn't want to lose anyone else. When her soft gaze didn't look to his he panicked only to be awakened once more.

"Inu-Yasha…" The weak plea came forth to his pointed ears. He lifted the small girl in his arms, her bow falling from a pale hand as he set pace towards the elder demon.

"F-Father?!" He whimpered his knees barely able to hold his shuddering form. He could smell death upon him now. He would die in this death land. The flowers all gone now, the rotten flesh of demons had wasted them away. Even the God Tree's once lush cherry blossoms now were all gone; simply the last pale petals circled the area in serenity.

"I-Inu…Yasha…My son, I give you my sword…P-Protect any humans where I…have failed…S…S…" His final breath was taken into his lungs and emitted back through.

"F…Father…" He gasped, falling forward on his knees. A clawed hand reached for his sword he was now entrusted with.

Pale eyes opened to slits to see her holder, "…Inu-Yasha?" She breathed meekly.

"K-Kikyo, stay silent…Keep strength, it'll be fine soon." He soothed, tears welling in his golden optics. A matching clawed hand resided on his shoulder.

"Come Inu-Yasha, the throne I must take in Father's place…We will replenish this place, together." He knew it was a lie. He knew Sesshomaru would take over, but he didn't care. He couldn't help but wish his father and mother were still here. No, they left in the space of death. Beyond the sight of living. The only one he could trust, he could love, he could protect, was Kikyo. All he had left, was a broken meadow, lost dreams, and one simple girl…

A/N:

All right! Next Chapter I get into the actual timeline I said in the summery! He's the elder Yasha we all know and then the reign of Sesshomaru begins! And no, this isn't a Kikyo X Inu-Yasha fic…It starts out that way -because the story did- but Kagome and such comes in in a few more chapters. Don't worry and please keep reading. Reviews are always welcomed and may make me update quicker ^.~