InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Battle of Heart and Land ❯ Inbreeding ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: Hope everyone likes it so far :) Read and review! Please! :) You can even tell me if you hate it. Anything! -MissKatt

The Battle of Heart and Land

By MissKatt

Chapter Two: Inbreeding

“Y-you're leaving already?” Shippo cried, little arms tightening around Kagome's neck. She felt his warm tears drip down her shoulder. She sighed softly and held the fluffy fox tight to her. She hated to leave him when she had only be back for an hour, but the Lady of the Western lands, not to mention Sesshoumaru's mother, wasn't someone to be ignored.

“Shippo-chan, calm down. We will be back soon! Besides, Sango and Miroku need a strong demon around to protect the babies.” She said, smoothing his red hair out when he pulled away to look at her, green eyes shining with tears.

“That is the only reason why I am staying! Otherwise I'd be going with you!” He sniffled, rubbing his eyes with his miniature hands. She pressed her lips to his forehead before she set him down on the ground. She noticed Sango beckoning her and walked over to the other side of the hut.

“Kagome-chan,” Sango spoke low, baby cradled in her arms. “Will you be ok?” She knew her best friend was asking about being alone with Inuyasha, rather than the actual risk factor of going to Sesshoumaru's kingdom. Kagome avoided her friend's eyes, knowing they were clouded with concern.

“I don't know, Sango-chan,” She whispered back, not being able to lie to the woman she felt the closest to. She wondered if her voice was wavering as much as her emotions were. “Things are weird now. I don't know what to do.” She began to fiddle with the ring on her middle finger.

It used to be her grandmother's ring and her mother had given it to her on her sixteenth birthday. The silver had been worn when she received it, but Totosai had used some of his sword polish and it now shone with perfection. The dark purple alexandrite stone gleamed whenever there was light around, bringing immediate unwanted attention to her scarred hands. It had such sentimental value to her. Not only did it belong to her deceased grandma, but her mother had given it to her because she was not a little girl anymore and because she was so proud of Kagome. She wondered if her mother still thought so.

“Perhaps a trip together will be exactly what you two need to figure everything out.” The Taijiya suggested, gently bouncing the baby in her arms to sooth him as he began to cry. Kagome tried to not focus on how Sango carefully avoided the topic on what may happen. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear the possibilities. Not after they had been through so much together.

“Maybe,” She sighed and lifted her blue eyes from her ring to the demon slayer's warm eyes. She then let her lips curve into a small smile before she gently gave the girl a hug, minding the sleeping baby in her arms. “Hopefully we will be back soon, Sango-chan.”

“Have a safe trip.” Sango beamed back at her friend and watched her as she left the hut. Kagome looked up at still bright sky and hoisted her bag onto her back. She had emptied out a lot of it at Sango's hut. She left most of the medicine, clothing, and food because she had brought it mostly for them. She worried about the three children, and Shippo, and wanted to help any way she could.

“Priestess,” She turned to look at the inuyoukai, Tekkan his name was, when he spoke low to her. “Are we ready to depart? The Lady was very urgent that you arrived quickly.” She nodded at him and then glanced at Inuyasha as he approached them.

“Let's just get this over with. Anything that has to do with Sesshoumaru or his mother can't be good.” He said and folded his hands into his sleeves and leapt towards the path. She peered after him, watching him become smaller and smaller as he sped off. He didn't even offer her a ride on his back like they used to.

Used to.

Maybe that's what she should be focusing on. The past tense.

“Kagome-sama?” Tekkan asked and offered his hand to her from the horse's saddle. She smiled weakly up at him and let him pull her up onto the horse. She put her hands on his shoulders as he kicked the horse into gear. The white horse kicked up into impossible high speed for a horse, making the world flash by in a blur of green hues. Her hair whipped viciously behind her from the force of the wind. She ducked her head down behind his back, keeping her face hidden from the sharp winds. She then noticed the white fur and mane of the animal had black patterns throughout it. The demon horse kind of looked like a zebra.

Did they even know what a zebra was?

“How long will it take to get there?” She asked him, staring at the back of his head. His hair was cut short and was the same silvery white as Sesshoumaru's. The reference made her think about the inuyoukai. How long had it been since she had seen the terrible man? It had to be a month or so after they had defeated Naraku and she had been eighteen at the time. Now, she was twenty-one. Three years had passed since she had seen him or Rin.

`Rin-chan must be so big by now! She would be fourteen by now. It's hard to imagine her all grown up!' She thought happily, but then frowned at her next thought. `Did Sesshoumaru still have her around? Did he snap one day and finally kill her off? I wouldn't put it past him! He's more frightening than Naraku was! Oh, I hope she's ok…'

Tekkan watched her face twist and turn as she thought. What exactly was she thinking? Was she unhappy that they would be there by nightfall? He had said as much, but when she didn't respond he turned to look at her and was met by her troubled face.

“Kagome-sama?” He asked. She snapped her head up when he spoke. “Are you troubled by the time? My apologies, but the animal can only go so fast. Nightfall is the soonest.”

“Huh?” She asked and blinked, realizing that she had been lost in her head again. “Oh, no! I'm fine Tekkan-san, I was just thinking about someone.” She wondered if she should ask about the little girl. “And we'll get there by night? That's pretty soon!” She laughed nervously when he gave her an odd look. She felt her face burn with embarrassment. No, she definitely wouldn't ask him now.

As promised, they arrived by nightfall. Kagome was jostled awake when she felt the horse youkai come to a halt. She groaned and lifted her head off of Tekkan's shoulder. She blinked and then began to rub the sleep out of her eyes with the palm of her hands. She looked at Tekkan when he cleared his throat and raised her eyebrow at him in question at the look he was giving her. She glanced at his back and was mortified to see that she had drooled a little on his kimono. She suspected that if she wasn't of some importance, that he would be juggling her head right now.

“Come, they are waiting.” He said stiffly and elegantly dismounted the youkai. She failed in comparison. She slid sloppily off and nearly crashed to the ground from her sore thighs.

“Keh! You're impossible woman!” Inuyasha laughed at her pain. She shot daggers at him with her eyes.

“This wouldn't have happened if you had carried me like you usually do!” She snapped, trying to get feeling back into her muscles. He blinked and pointed a finger at her accusingly.

“What?! You could have asked, you know!”

“You ran away before I could say anything!” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides, since when do I have to ask?” he merely `keh'ed and walked towards the double doors after Tekkan. She couldn't help but have a small smile on her lips. Was this a step closer to being back to the way they were? Even though it didn't last long, it released butterflies of hope in her chest. She shifted her backpack and skipped along after them, but quickly stopped at she looked at the sight in front of her.

Four guards were stationed in front of twenty foot high iron clad doors. She gazed up at the palace and let her jaw drop open in awe. The design of the building was of traditional Japanese castle; the stories layered smaller and smaller the higher you went, the roof top corners curved up towards the sky. The building itself was made of dark stone material and she was curious of how they could have shaped the stone so smoothly. The front of the castle contained no windows, but she assumed (hoped) there were some on the other sides. It had a kind of impending doom feel to it. She was reminded of a fortress that contained an evil antagonist in a fairy tale. But then again, that wasn't too off now was it?

“Oi! Kagome!” Inuyasha barked. She lowered her head and looked at the two who was staring at her from several feet ahead.

“Coming!” She called and ran after them. Once she reached them, Tekkan nodded to the guards to open the doors and they continued on inside. The hair on Kagome's neck prickled as they walked through the narrow hallway. Two more guards were stationed in front of two wooden doors, blocking the path. Upon seeing their ally, they slid open the doors and waited for the group to pass through before closing them again.

Kagome was relieved to see that the next room wasn't so mysterious and dark as she imagined. They were in a spacious room that was full of light and color. The walls were clad in wide, silk tapestries of purple, red, and white hues; some contained pictures, others did not. The ground appeared to be made of, as she thought, marble. It was white with black, vein-like lines throughout it.

At the very back of the room was a lady perched on a golden throne. Most of her hair was split down the middle and tied up on either side on the back of her head, the other sections rested over each shoulder. The middle part of her bangs was pulled back away from her forehead, a purple crescent moon clearly visible. She had the same piercing gold eyes as Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, red markings on her eye lids. Each of her cheekbones had a single red jagged line on them and her lips were painted the same purple color as her kimono. Wrapped around her shoulders was a massive, fluffy pelt that matched Sesshoumaru's.

“Ah, Inuyasha and Kagome,” She spoke lightly and gestured for them to come closer. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. And Tekkan, thank you for bringing them here. You may go.” Tekkan bowed to his Lady and walked down through a different set of doors to their left.

Kagome lowered herself into a deep bow to the Lady of the West when she rose from her throne. She opened her eyes and glanced to her right to see Inuyasha remaining upright.

“What do you want?” He spoke very rudely and began to examine his claws.

“Inuyasha!” She hissed quietly and bawled her hands into fists, resisting the urge to swing at him. The Lady just laughed, apparently unfazed by her step son's lack of manners.

“It seems you have yet to change, hanyou,” a deep voice filled the room. Kagome straightened herself up and looked to the right. Oh, it was apparent that he had definitely not changed. He stood at his towering height; she would guess six feet six at least. His amber eyes focused on his half-brother in front of him. He was dressed in the attire she so clearly remembered. The white hakama, yellow and blue obi, black and silver armor, and cream colored pelt over one shoulder. The only difference that should see was that his kimono top was a deep blue instead of red. His face still held the perfect mask of blankness which is what made her the most nervous about him. He was impossible to read and it frightened her. She shivered and goose bumps arouse on her flesh when she remembered the harshness of his nature.

“Sesshoumaru,” His mother chided. “I told you to be kind to Inuyasha. He is a guest and family at the same time.” She walked over to her step son and held out her hand to him, giving him a smile. "I apologize, Inuyasha, for not being a more active role in your life. After all, I am the only mother you have now. I hope we can start a healthy relationship! One better than the one I have with your brother!” she said with a smile. Inuyasha just stared down at her hand, confused. Kagome slapped her forehead with her palm. Even she knew that he was supposed to kiss the back of her hand in acknowledgement.

“Keh, we'll see! I don't need a mother and definitely,” He paused and looked at Sesshoumaru. “Do not need a brother!”

“I was unaware that you had one.” The inuyoukai said, raising his brow at the hanyou. His half-breed half-brother had definitely ceased to change at all. He was still unkempt, and annoying. And smelt horrible. His hair was an ashy white color compare to his own silvery white hair.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome snapped, blood rushing to her face in anger. Sesshoumaru glanced at the female human. The first thing he noticed was that she had grown. She was taller and more slender. He noted that her hair as grown as well.

Would Rin soon grow as much as well? Part of him hoped not.

“You are so rude! Can't you ever behave yourself? You have to embarrass me wherever we go!” The second thing he observed was that she was still as emotional and loud as before.

“I didn't do anything! He started it!” Inuyasha retorted, pointing a finger at his brother. Sesshoumaru internally let out a sigh. He hoped his mother knew what he was doing by adding these obnoxious people into their kingdom.

“Enough,” Inukimi's voice seemed to bounce off the walls and the two fell silent. “Allow me to get straight to the point. You may want to sit.” She clapped her hands and two youkai servants hurried over with two large, black, plush mats. They placed them on the ground in front of the pair and proceeded to go back to their spot along the wall. It was then that Kagome noticed the other servants posted against the walls, waiting to fulfill their duty. She glanced behind Inukimi and saw two guards standing a couple feet on either side of her. Though with Sesshoumaru around, she doubted she needed anyone else.

“Please, sit,” The Lady repeated. Inuyasha plopped down onto the mat in an `Indian style' sit while the miko knelt down on the other. “Now, the reason why I requested your presence is because we are going to war and we need your help.” She spoke with an everyday tone. As if it weren't such a big deal.

`Well, that was to the point. No interlude, no prologue.' Kagome thought and glanced at her `love' next to her as he spoke.

“Who are you going to war against that you would need our help?” He already seemed bored of this visit.

“The Eastern lan-” The queen began, but Inuyasha abruptly cut her off, causing Kagome to begin wishing she was dead because surely the great female inu would kill them. Or maybe Sesshoumaru would for disrespecting his mother.

“Ha! The greeeaaaat Sesshoumaru needs this lowly half breed's help defeating some little felines?!” Inuyasha laughed as he turned towards his brother. Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed dangerously, eyes narrowing slightly. He was now standing a few feet behind the pair.

“Finally, you have acknowledged my greatness.” He spoke smoothly. “And, little brother, I need no such help. My mother does. I will not be anywhere near you during the war. Perhaps after to, at last, eliminate our father's abomination.” Kagome closed her eyes and shook her head. Even after three years, they pick up right where they left off. Before Inuyasha could retort, Inukimi continued on.

“Inuyasha, obviously we, the inuyoukai, are the most powerful,” She boasted proudly, her lips curved up into a wicked smile. “I have no doubt that an ordinary inuyoukai could take out five nekoyoukai. However,” her face fell again. “in order to raise their chances against us, they have been disgracing their own bloodlines.” Kagome could sense her uneasiness.

“What do you mean `disgracing'?” She asked. Inukimi locked her golden eyes with her sapphire blue ones.

“They are inbreeding,” Her tone was almost sad. Kagome felt Inuyasha tense. “I can't believe they would go these lengths. Defiling their own species; it is unforgivable. They will be forever scarred.”

Kagome looked down at the hands in her lap.

`They are inbreeding' she replayed it in her head a couple times. She wondered what was so important about the West and its lands that they would have to resort to such a horrendous thing.

“So what? They can mate however they want. And so we have a couple extra cats to kill, what the big deal?” Inuyasha asked, cracking his knuckles. She could tell he was putting a front. He was just as disgusted as she. She turned her head to look at Sesshoumaru and wondered how he felt about it. His face was still displayed with a stoic, nonchalant expression. His eyes caught hers and she `eep'ed before quickly turning away before he decided to gouge her eyes out. After all, she still wasn't sure if Rin was still around.

“The `big deal', Inuyasha, is that we do not know what they are all capable of. It would be easier to show you.” She said and then nodded to her guards. They disappeared before reappearing with a chained...thing. Kagome had to cover her mouth to prevent herself from vomiting. Even Sesshoumaru looked away from the monstrosity.

The creature was horrendous. Its skin was saggy, not seeming to connect to any bones or muscles, and blotched with random small patches of fur. Its mouth hung open unintelligently, revealing rows of uneven teeth of all sizes, drool dripping from both corners of the mouth. The tongue was black with slits in it, worm like projections coming out from each opening. Its nose was crooked and abnormally wide, stretching from cheek to cheek. One eye was barely open on his forehead; the other eye had a lazy eyeball that always looked to the far right. Where the bridge of his nose should have been, was a third eye, but the inuyoukai had covered it with a blindfold. The skin on its heavily misshaped face was covered in boils and gaping holes filled with pus. It had one triangle ear, like Inuyasha's, on his riveted scalp, and a pointed ear, like Sesshoumaru's, in the normal spot. The creature was greatly hunched over, hands almost brushing against the floor due to his short legs. One hand contained a thumb and three fingers, the other a thumb with two fingers. The fingers twitched uncontrollably, almost as if they had a mind of their own.

“So they're ugly. Make's them easier to kill!” The hanyou smugly said and stood up. Kagome rose to her feet as well, but more so to move back from the smell of the creature. If it was strong enough for her to smell, she couldn't imagine how it was for the youkai in the room.

“Inuyasha, perhaps you need to see what it is capable of before you go around speaking of what you do not know.” Inukimi said and nodded once again to the guards. They glanced at each other and then hesitantly removed the blindfold from the deformed creature. They quickly jumped back to their Lady, standing in front of her, hands on the hilts of their swords.

The room fell still as the eye on the bridge of his nose opened slowly. The eye was a murky grey color, a smallest of pupils barely visible. Slowly, almost as in slow motion the creature straightened its spine; sickly cracking noises filled the room. The creature's head moved from left to right, the foggy eyes taking in its surroundings. It took in a shaky breath, the drool ceasing its down pour.

“I…In…Inu…u,” It stuttered. Kagome was very surprised that it managed to say anything at all. Still, she clenched her hands with nervous anticipation. It released its breath, body once again curling down.

She heard it take another intake of a deep breath. Then he threw his arms back, chest protruding forward, head snapped back and a blood chilling screech escape its throat.

Wind.

Black wind.

Sharp, powerful, black wind.

Screaming.

Flying.

Pain.