InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The ill-Fated Lovers ❯ The Princess and the Half Demon ( Chapter 11 )

 

 

 

 

Every night she stood outside the village gates hoping he would return and every morning she woke up with heartache. Setsuyo had waited five years and still no sign of her beloved Inuyasha. She had grown to be a gorgeous woman at the age of twenty three but her love never changed. The villagers had praised her the same way they had praised Kikyo. Setsuyo was happy that she was keeping her promise to Kikyo. Kaede was now fourteen and taking up archery much like her sister. The days in the village were easy until one day while Kaede was out practicing, she saw a young man coming riding into town. He was a handsome man with long black hair and handsome blue eyes. “I seek the village where princess Setsuyo resides.” He asked. Kaede blushed and pointed ahead. “I am Priestess Kaede and I live with Setsuyo. I can take you to her.”

 

“You are very kind priestess.”

 

The prince dismounted his horse and helped Kaede up, then mounted again and kicked the horse into moving forward. As they rode towards the village, Kaede told the story of how her sister was killed. The prince gave his condolences to the small priestess and introduced himself. “My name is Prince Haru. I traveled a great distance to meet princess Setsuyo. Is she spoken for already?” Haru asked.

 

“No my lord. Princess Setsuyo has no mate.”

 

Haru smiled to himself. He would win the princess' heart and marry her. His heart beat with anxiety as he neared the village. When they had finally arrived, Haru dismounted the horse and helped Kaede dismount as well. “Kaede, who is that you've brought into our village?” Setsuyo stood before Haru and Kaede with curious eyes. Haru's face flushed when he saw the princess' beauty. She was even more charming from what he had heard. He approached Setsuyo and bowed his head to her. “My lady, my name is Prince Haru. I've traveled a great distance to meet you.” Haru said. He took Setsuyo's hand and kissed it gently. Setsuyo smiled to Haru and offered him some tea.

 

“I've heard the story of the death of your father and loss of your friend Kikyo. You have my sympathy.”

 

“It's all right Haru. My father left me his love and I am fulfilling Kikyo's last wish. I miss them more and more each day but nothing I do will bring them back. All I can do is be what they expect me to be.”

 

Haru reached for Setsuyo's hand and held tightly onto it. Setsuyo looked up at Haru, seeing the deep affection in his eyes. “Setsuyo, you don't have to bare this burden anymore. What if I told you I can rebuild your home here in this village, make it better than it already was.” Haru offered.

 

“Haru, would you really do that? I'd like that very much but you can't. The people of this village built this place on blood, sweat and tears. I can't just remodel it.” Setsuyo declined. Haru held Setsuyo's hand tighter and gently caressed her face. “Setsuyo, I can see that you're still aching from the loss of your friends and family. Please, allow me to heal those wounds in your heart. I traveled such a long way to ask your hand in marriage.”

 

Setsuyo looked away from Haru and outside. She could see the forbidden forest from where she was. Even after all those years she still loved Inuyasha. Kaede was the only one who knew why she never loved another man because her heart was taken from her. “Haru…”

 

“I know Setsuyo. I understand that you are in pain. I'll give you three days to come up with a decision.”

 

Haru placed a sweet kiss on Setsuyo's cheek and exited the house. Setsuyo jumped to her feet and watched as Haru mounted his horse. He waved goodbye before riding off into the distances. Some of the village women and men crowded around Setsuyo, wishing to know what Haru wanted. “He wants to rebuild my kingdom on this land and marry me.” She told them. One of the women took Setsuyo's hand and grasped it. “If he rebuilds it then we will become stronger.”

 

“Yes I know that but you all built this beautiful village. It would be unfair if a stranger came and built his home on it. Everyone I must retire for the day.”

 

Everyone said goodbye to princess Setsuyo and returned to their houses. As Setsuyo walked away from the people she thought of her own wants. For the past five years she had done what Kikyo and Inuyasha had wanted. Why did she lie to herself? She wasn't happy. She only put on a smile to cover up the pain in her heart. Each day the pain would go stronger and a fake smile would not veil her heartache. She entered her house and walked to her room. “What about me? What about what I want Kikyo? I've watched over your people like you've asked me to, I've led them in the same grace and dignity that you had. Why can't I be happy with the one that I love?” Setsuyo's eyes looked to the blue skies above her. She felt like screaming but what good would it do? Kikyo was gone and couldn't hear her. Sighing to herself, Setsuyo lowered herself to her bed and went to sleep.

 

Setsuyo had slept until early morning. The sun had not risen and the people were asleep. Sitting up, she looked down at Kaede and brushed aside her black tresses away from her face. The girl stirred in her sleep and opened her eyes. “Setsuyo?”

 

“Come with me Kaede.”

 

The two girls got up and ran to the shrine of the Sacred Jewel quietly. When they arrived, they went inside and set their eyes on the jewel's beauty. “Kaede, I want you to lead the village in my place. I can't do it anymore.” Setsuyo said without looking at Kikyo's sister. Kaede looked up at Setsuyo with confused eyes. “Why? Where are you going?”

 

“I have to find Inuyasha Kaede. You're the only one that I've told. I'm in love with him and I don't want to be with anyone else. Even though it's been five lonely years I can't stop loving him.” Setsuyo explained. Kaede hugged Setsuyo tightly, not wanting her to leave her side. “I don't want you to go but I know that you haven't been happy. If you go Setsuyo then you and Inuyasha will never be accepted. You're human and Inuyasha is a half breed.” Kaede reminded. Setsuyo picked up the Sacred Jewel and held it against his chest. “I know Kaede, that's why I'm using its power to transform myself into a half breed as well. Inuyasha and I can share the burden together. I promise Kaede I will return to visit you.”

 

Kaede wrapped her arms around Setsuyo and stepped away from her. “I'll miss Setsuyo. I love you like a sister.”

 

“I feel the same way Setsuyo.”

 

Setsuyo hugged the jewel and whispered her wish. The jewel responded by glowing a bright pink and wrapping Setsuyo in its power. Setsuyo could feel a new power surging through her. A pair of cat eats appeared on the top of her ears and her nails extended into claws. The light subdued and Setsuyo smiled at her newfound power. “Farewell princess.”

 

“Farewell small priestess.”

 

Setsuyo ran from the shrine, leaving Kaede to watch from the doors. She smiled a teary small as she watched her friend run further from her. With the Sacred Jewel in hand, Kaede vowed to take Setsuyo's place and watch over the village.

 

When Setsuyo reached the forbidden forest she ran inside, searching for Inuyasha. Perhaps he would still be in the castle. Remembering her way, Setsuyo found the path that was illuminated by the blue candles. Walking down the path, Setsuyo's heart beat anxiously. She couldn't wait to se her beloved Inuyasha. After waiting five years, the two were going to be together at last. Smiling at the castle, she ran to the doors and called for Inuyasha. “Inuyasha!!! Inuyasha!!!! It's me! Setsuyo!!”

 

All was silent after Setsuyo had called for Inuyasha. She waited patiently but no one had come. Could it be that Inuyasha had left? No! He couldn't just leave. Why would he?

 

“Setsuyo…”

 

“That voice. Kojuro!!”

 

Setsuyo looked above her at the flying dragon. She waved to him and he looked down at her. Kojuro landed before Setsuyo and wrapped his tail around her, bringing her closely to him. “You look beautiful princess. My eyes have opened in this past few years. I can see you perfectly. You look exactly like your mother.” He said. Setsuyo smiled to Kojuro. “I'm thrilled that you can see again my friend. I wanted to ask you, where has Inuyasha gone? What happened to him?” She asked.

 

“Inuyasha never returned to this castle after he left you that night. He said the memories were too much for him and he fled. I know not where he has gone. Why are you not in Kikyo's village? Inuyasha told you to stay there and fulfill Kikyo's last wish.” Kojuro reminded. Setsuyo shook her head and answered to him. “I left because I still love Inuyasha. I want to be with him.”

 

Kojuro lowered Setsuyo to the ground and released her. “Princess-”

 

“Say no more Kojuro.”

 

Setsuyo ran away from Kojuro and deeper into the forest. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. When she was tired, she fell to her knees in despair. “Inuyasha!!! I'm tired of doing what you and Kikyo want me to do!! I through with waiting! Its what I want now and I want you!!! You love me and I love you!!! Why are you running away from it?!?! Why?!?!?! You coward!!! You're a coward!!!”

 

Setsuyo back and pulled her knees to her chest. She sat there, crying for the loss of her beloved Inuyasha. The choices she made for him meant nothing now. He was gone and now she was alone. Setsuyo felt life had no meaning now. “I have nothing to live for.”

 

“That's not true Setsuyo.”

 

Setsuyo looked up at a teenaged girl. She grasped her shoulders and took her into her arms. “Rin. I'm so glad to see you're all right.” Setsuyo whispered. Rin wrapped her arms around Setsuyo and smiled. “Your lord is waiting for you Setsuyo. Inuyasha is waiting.” She whispered. Setsuyo picked herself up from the ground and Rin took her hand. They walked further into the forest until they reached a sparkling lake. “If you look up that is where the waterfall is. I discovered this place two years ago. The fall from here isn't fatal at all. I saw lord Inuyasha here one night, looking up at the cliff. My guess is that he will return here some day.” Rin said to Setsuyo. Setsuyo walked into the water and knelt down to scoop some water up. A cool drink would moisten her dry throat. “Inuyasha… where are you?”

 

“Setsuyo!!!”

 

Setsuyo's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her lover's voice. She stood up to her feet and looked around. “I'm here Inuyasha!! I'm right here!!! Inuyasha!!!”

 

From above, Setsuyo saw her beloved Inuyasha plunging toward the water below. When he hit the water, Setsuyo swam into the water and submerged. She pulled him up to the surface by the hand and inhaled the air. “Inuyasha you fool. You could have hurt yourself jumping like that.”

 

“I didn't jump I slipped.”

 

Setsuyo laughed at her clumsy half breed lover. “Setsuyo… this is how we first met. Only this time you can swim.” He whispered. Setsuyo nodded and kissed Inuyasha deeply. Tears came to Inuyasha and Setsuyo's eyes. The lovers were happy to be reunited and were reluctant to lose each other again. When they came to dry land, Inuyasha held Setsuyo in his arms. “Setsuyo, I've missed you so much. Why did you do this to yourself?”

 

“I did it because I love you and I want to be with you. I don't care what people say about us. We love each other and we're going to be this way.”

 

Inuyasha tilted Setsuyo's face up and caressed it gently. “I love you the way you are Setsuyo. I'm grateful for the changes you've made for me though.” He said. Inuyasha took Setsuyo's hand, leading her away from the lake. “Lets go home.”

 

 

Forty Five Years Later...

 

 

“So you see children, Setsuyo and Inuyasha found each other and lived their lives together as half breeds. To this day they live in the Forbidden forest.”

 

“That was a wonderful story lady Kaede! Did you ever see Setsuyo again after that?”

 

“No but I believe that she will return some day.”

 

The children thanked Kaede and ran off to play down by the river. All except one that was. Little Hanyo stayed behind with Kaede, watching the other children go out to play. “Hanyo? Why aren't you playing with your friends?” Kaede asked. Hanyo looked up to Kaede with her brown eyes. She hugged her tightly and whispered to her. “She's coming.”

 

“Who?”

 

Hanyo took Kaede by the hand and led her outside the village. Once outside, Kaede's eye widened with shock. “It can't be.”

 

“Kaede, it has been a long time. I've missed you so much.”

 

Kaede was speechless to see Setsuyo and Inuyasha standing together side by side. Hanyo ran to them, calling out for Inuyasha to pick her up. “So this is where you and Inuyasha have been all these years.” Kaede said. Setsuyo smiled to Kaede. “We haven't aged at all. Hanyo is our daughter. She's full human. Did you like the story of how mommy and daddy met?” Setsuyo asked her daughter. Hanyo nodded to her mother. “I liked it very much mommy. Kaede is a good story teller. I'll come back tomorrow and listen to some more stories. Is that ok mommy?” Hanyo asked. Inuyasha kissed his daughter's cheek softly. “We'd better get going before Hanyo gets fussy.”

 

“All right. Kaede, I'm very proud of the way you've handled things here. Kikyo is proud of you as well.”

 

Kaede hugged Setsuyo and she returned the hug. “All my dreams have come true Kaede. Inuyasha and I are together and we have a child. The castle in the Forbidden Forest is where we live now. We couldn't be happier.” The princess explained.

 

“Indeed. I hope to see you more often princess. Hanyo, will I see you tomorrow?”

 

Inuyasha tickled his daughter and she giggled. “I'll be back tomorrow Lady Kaede.” She said between laughs. Kaede smiled to Hanyo then looked back at Setsuyo. “Well, we have to be going Kaede. It has been good to see you.” Setsuyo said.

 

“Yes it has. Take care of yourself Setsuyo.”

 

“Same to you Kaede.”

 

Setsuyo took her daughter into her arms and walked towards the Forbidden Forest. When they arrived at home, Hanyo ran ahead towards the castle. She had left her parents standing together, hand in hand. “This is everything I could ever want.” Setsuyo whispered to Inuyasha. He took her into his arms and kissed her lips gently. “Mommy daddy come on!!” Inuyasha and Setsuyo grinned at their daughter and ran to catch up with her. ::: A life with the man that I love and a daughter I can care for. This is true happiness. :::

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lil Lovely Angel: Another Lovely fic complete!!!! Special thanks to Evilloner. Keep an eye out for my new fanfics.