InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Law and The Oath ❯ Trapped or Destiny? ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

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Chapter Two: Trapped or Destiny?

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Ten minutes from the capitol city gates, Miroku instructed the driver to pull the carriage over. He swung up inside to sit opposite the girl. He grinned at her, and settled back against the cushions. With half-closed eyes, he watched the girl as she gazed out the window.

'She's such a pretty thing. She doesn't seem the type, but she was in his bed, that much is clear.' He grinned to himself. 'She sure made Lady Kikyou mad. For that reason alone I love this girl. Ugh! I hate that bitch.' He cleared his throat. 'Going to have to watch that. Lord Inuyasha's going to marry THAT bitch. You can't risk making her mad.' The girl shifted and he smiled appreciatively as the bodice of her dress drew tight. 'Oh little girl, what are you doing to me?' Thinking she needed more of his company, he sat up, drawing her attention to him.

Putting on his best smile, he asked, "So, my lady, how long have you known Lord Inuyasha?"

The girl blanched and cast her eyes down. "I met him just this morning."

His smile faltered a little, but he plugged on bravely. "Oh... how did you met him? At one of the parties?"

Her lower lip began to tremble, and when she did answer, her voice was low and hesitant. "No, nothing like that." She interlocked her fingers, squeezing her hands together tightly to suppress her desire to cry.

Blinking, not sure what was going wrong, he asked, "Well, then, what brings you to the palace?"

She averted her face as the tears began to well in her eyes. "I came seeking a job."

Miroku noticed his questions were having the complete opposite effect on the girl, and decided a change in conversation was needed. "The flowers are beautiful this time of year."

Almost as if she couldn't believe she heard him right, the girl raised her head and looked at him incredulously. Her tears had dried, and she gave him a funny look. "They usually are, Sir Miroku."

Grinning, he plunged away trying to win her heart, or at least a kiss. "Not so beautiful as you, my lady." Kagome blushed and looked away, but she smiled all the same at his flattery. "If I may be so bold as to ask, what flower does a beautiful lady such as yourself enjoy the most? So that every time I see one, I will remember your face upon its petals." His words came smooth and silkily.

Not sure how to reply to such a question, she simply stated, "But I like them all. They are so lovely I couldn't choose one."

He gave a mock sigh. "Then I am destined to see your face everywhere, my lady." At her amused laugh, he leapt to her side and took her hand in his. "Oh lady, if I could have but a kiss, I would happily die knowing I've reached heaven."

Unnerved, the girl answered, "I ... I don't think so, Sir Miroku."

He placed a kiss upon the palm of her hand, and rested his hand upon her thigh, caressing it softly. "Oh but I do, my beautiful lady." His kisses began to trail up her arm as he slid his hand up her thigh.

With a shocked cry, Kagome jerked her hand from his grasp and flung herself to the other seat. "You shouldn't be doing those things! Please stop this now!"

Suavely, he leaned forward, ready to capture her hand again. "Your mouth says no, but your lips tell me yes... Please my lady, let me give you pleasure." He reached for her hand again.

She smacked him, her handprint showing clearly on his cheek. "Sir Miroku! What kind of girl do you think I am?!"

Startled and a little hurt, he said, "I thought you were like the others ... I mean, you DID sleep with him ... you were in his bed!"

Her mouth dropped and her body slumped. She dropped her face into her hands and began to sob.

Miroku was dismayed. This is not what he had planned at all. All of the girls Lord Inuyasha had him escort home with a small bag of coin for their troubles were that type of girl. Not that there had been many, but he knew his lord well enough to know he'd never take an innocent. He thought about the girl and her vague answers to his questions. It was then he remembered a vital piece of information he had been given... Lord Inuyasha was planning to join them in a week's time. None of the girls he took home were ever visited again. This girl was more than just a skirt to be dallied with.

Handing her his handkerchief, he asked ruefully, "Uh ... Lady Kagome, just how did you meet Lord Inuyasha?"

Drying her tears, and wiping her face, the girl snuffled. She couldn't meet his eyes, but instead twisted the handkerchief in her lap. "I don't know."

Puzzled he asked, "You don't know?"

She swallowed. "Lord Inuyasha believes it to have been a trick on the both of us."

Frowning, he asked, "A trick? What do you mean?"

She hesitated before answering. "He believes we were both drugged and placed in such a way that ... that ... we would lay together." Her voice died on the last word.

"Ah .. so this has you upset. I see, and I apologize for my behavior." He gave her a wide smile. "And he's coming to see you to make sure that you are fine?"

Shaking her head, she bit her lip. "No ... he said we .... That it has something to do with the law and some oath... I don't want ... it's not what I've been training for."

Enlightenment dawned on him along with the realization he had made a big mistake. Asking softly, he attempted to keep panic from his voice. "Uh ... Lady Kagome ... you weren't by chance a ... virgin ... were you?"

At her blush and move to hide her face, he had his answer. He closed his eyes and banged the back of his head against the carriage wall. 'I am so dead! I'm sooo fucking dead! How could this have happened?! Don't panic Miroku... you've gotten out of scrapes worse than this... ' Shaking his head he thought, 'No you haven't. That youkai bastard's going to kill you! This girl's going to be his wife!!'

Opening his eyes, he leaned forward, his expression pleading, "Lady Kagome, please forgive me. If I had known I never would have ... he'll kill me if he finds out." His eyes looked beseechingly at her.

She noticed his genuine apprehension and allowed her gentle nature to take over. "Sir Miroku, I will forgive you, and I will not say anything only if you promise me something."

"Anything!" he vowed.

"First, you have to promise you will not touch me without permission." At his nod, she added, "And you won't try that with any more girls, no matter what kind of girl you think they are."

His jaw dropped. "But, but ... Lady Kagome ... that's not fair!" She raised an eyebrow. He sighed. "All right, I promise."

She smiled brightly. "Good, because I would hate to think of anything happening to you." He chuckled with her. Becoming serious, she asked, "Sir Miroku, do you know what Lord Inuyasha was talking about? The whole law and oath thing, I mean."

He nodded and smiled. "I'll have you know, I once was a scholar of high renown. I was actually working on my doctrine when I ... uh... had to suddenly change professions." He couldn't quite meet her eyes.

Brows knitting, she merely said, "I won't comment on why you had the sudden change. But I would like to know why Lord Inuyasha would insist that I have to marry him ... even if we were tricked, and it wasn't his fault."

Placing his fingertips together, Miroku leaned his head back to stare at the coach ceiling. "About 500 years ago, the Great Lord Talyoukai created the Demon Proclamations. He was Lord Inuyasha and King Sesshoumaru's father, you know. There are several very interesting points in the document, but the one you are most interested in at this moment is in the Great Law One: Treatment of Humans, Section Five: Right to Family: Part of this section states: 'A demon lord must take to wife the human woman he shed first blood.' Demon lords take these laws very seriously and learn the laws front to back. During the rite of manhood, about the age of 15, they are made to swear an oath, an oath so binding to break it would cause any combination of punishments; stricture, forfeiture of lands, monies, and property, even his life." He looked at her suddenly, "If Lord Inuyasha took your first blood, he'll have to marry you."

She looked sad, and turned to stare out the window, reflecting on his words.

*

Inuyasha read the note again. He restrained himself from crumpling the paper and cramming it down the messenger's throat. Without looking up, he stated flatly, "Tell Lady Kikyou I'll be there."

Bowing sharply, the servant stated, "Yes my lord." and left the room.

Tossing the paper away, he sat back and sighed. He didn't have time for this, and he didn't want to see her again. Not after the disastrous events from that morning. 'It could have been worse,' he grinned remembering. 'That girl ... she showed composure for one so young ... and to show up Kikyou.' He frowned at the sudden warm feeling he felt. 'Still, I'll have to keep an eye on her. She doesn't know the ways of the palace.' Thinking of the girl brought another groan to his lips. He still had to make wedding arrangements. "I shouldn't have sent Miroku!"

A knock came from the door and opened at his command. A young woman entered dressed in form fitting black, a sword buckled to her side. "You wish to speak with me Lord Inuyasha?" While her tone was polite, she held his gaze steadily and not in a subservient manner.

Inuyasha smirked. She was the only woman he had in his employ as a warrior. He found out first-hand just how much of a warrior she was. Her band of warriors came up out of Sundalov chasing a pack of wild youkai. Inuyasha had been on one of his many trips through the kingdom, riding on his own, as was his wont. Battle cries and the sounds of fighting caught his attention, and he deviated from his path. Karatama was at peace, but on occasion, rebellious factions broke out. Minor lords at times had been hard-pressed to overcome the rebels, and much turmoil resulted.

~

He had thought one such battle was in progress, and rode to give aid. He arrived to see the small handful of fighters giving killing blows to those youkai who still lived, and preparing their own dead for burial. Standing to the side, overseeing the cleanup operation, was the woman. She spotted him and stood at the ready, her weapon still sheathed. He moved his horse forward through the bloody grounds, glancing at the youkai as he went. He knew them for the same pack he'd received reports on, running wild, killing all who crossed their paths. When he brought his attention back to the woman, he noticed one of the youkai, seemingly dead, leapt to his feet. It was about to bring his weapon down on her head. The woman spun, pulling her sword as she turned. The youkai's head separated from his body and he went down, blood splashing the ground. The woman watched making sure there was no other movement before bending down to wipe her sword clean on the youkai's shirt.

"It seems I owe you a measure of thanks," Inuyasha said, reaching her. "This pack has plagued the region for some time, and is one of the reasons I'm down here." She stood to face him, not saying a word. "And whom should I offer my thanks? Who's the leader of your group?"

Her eyes narrowed as she said brusquely, "You're looking at her."

Taken aback somewhat, he offered, "Well, you look like a good fighter and you're a leader as well?" She nodded curtly. He grinned. "Where are you from wench? I know you're not from around here or I would have heard of you."

She took him in with a look. Snorting slightly, she turned, ignoring his question and called out to one of her band in a language he recognized as Lovian. She sheathed her sword and began to walk away, leaving him staring after her.

"Hey!" He called out swinging down from his horse. He stormed after her, grabbing her shoulder in the attempt to turn her to face him. "I'm talking to.." Her fist met his cheek and he stumbled back, surprised.

She glared at him. "Keep your fucking hands off me, youkai!"

Hand on his sword, he approached her menacingly. "What the hell was that for?"

Unafraid, she faced him. "No one touches me without my permission. Especially not a dirty youkai bastard."

Glowering, he growled, "I asked you a question and I expect an answer, youkai bastard or not." he took another step and pulled Tetsusaiga from it's sheath. "Now, do you want to fight or do you want to talk? Personally, I don't give a fuck any more!"

Her eyes lit on his sword, and her anger seemed to melt. She straightened up and stood stiffly. "I apologize Lord Inuyasha. I had not realized it was you."

He drew back, confused about the sudden change. "Then how did you ...?"

She smiled with smug amusement. "Your sword. It's legendary you know. Tetsusaiga is its name, but it's also called 'Peace Bringer' in our tongue." Her eyes shone staring at the fine sword - now transformed and pulsing gently. "Your father's sword saved humankind and they say his son, the current wielder of his sword, works to carry out his mission."

Inuyasha looked from his sword to the woman. "Tetsusaiga was my father's sword. Although I wouldn't call it a peace bringer." He grinned at her, back in good humor. "So, will you speak with me now?"

The woman frowned and looked around. "We really must finish here quickly and return to the village. We've left it under protected for far too long." She barked an order to a strong looking older man and turning, she gestured to a small clear patch. "I can give you a few minutes."

As they settled on the grass, he asked again. "Will you tell me your name now? From your language, I can tell you're from Sundalov."

"My name is Sango. I am Captain of the first squad, Taiyaclan village, Donlovan district."

"Why did you follow these youkai all the way up here? That's quite a ways for this scum."

Her tone flat, her eyes blank, she said expressionlessly, "They killed my brother."

Inuyasha's expression softened. "I am sorry for your loss. I should have taken this group out weeks ago." He frowned at a sudden thought. "Sango, have you noticed a recent increase in wild youkai attacks?"

Thinking for a moment, she nodded. "Now that you say that, yes, we've heard of more and more youkai attacks along the borders. There have been a few raids into the interior." She gestured to the youkai behind them. "Like the ones here." Looking thoughtful, she added, "It seemed as though they were looking for something." She glanced at him. "Do you have any ideas?"

He shook his head. "No I don't. I too had the idea the packs are looking for something. But have had too many other matters to deal with lately." Another thought crossed his mind, but he filed it away for later. "Sango, do you have to return to your village with the others?"

She narrowed her eyes again. "I am their captain."

Shaking his head, he rushed to reassure her. "I would like to discuss these recent events with you. I think there's more to these attacks than what they would seem. I'd like your help in discovering their true meaning."

She thought about it but shook her head. "My duties, my responsibilities belong with my clan. I cannot abandon them."

He nodded. "I understand one's duties." He stood and held out his hand. "I hope to meet up with you again one day, Sango." She shook his hand solemnly. "Tell you what, return to your village, settle what you have to there, and with your lord's leave, come see me at the palace." He fished out a token from an inner pocket and handed it to her. "This should get you through all palace checks. If you come, I have a job for you I think you'll enjoy." He grinned at her again.

~

Bringing his thoughts back to the present with a jerk, he noticed Sango quirking an eyebrow at him. "Well?" She drawled.

He chuckled. "You always seem to catch me off-guard, Sango." He sat up and indicated a seat next to his desk. "Have a seat. I have another assignment for you." She sat and waited for him to continue with some interest. Within two months after they had parted, she had made her way to the palace and had been working for him for nearly two years. For the most part, she enjoyed the jobs he gave her.

Inuyasha furrowed his brows. He trusted Sango more than he did most, and knew her to be very discreet. "I need you to find out who was behind the plot to break my alliance with Adamand, and why. Specifically, I need you to find out all you can about a girl named Kagome Higurashi. How she came about being employed at the palace, what her duties were, and who she served all of yesterday and last night." He watched as her face displayed no sign of the unusual assignment. "I also need you to find out what my movements were after dinner." He grimaced at her start. "I need not remind you, discretion is a must. I do not want a repeat of last night ever again in any fashion."

She nodded slowly, filing the information away, already making plans on the best ways to gather what he was requiring without rousing suspicions. "This girl, what has she done?"

His lips twisted. "I don't believe she's done anything on purpose. But I do require as much information as possible on the woman I intend to marry."

Sango gasped and her eyes widened. "Marry?"

Inuyasha gave a wry smile. "It would seem so." He thought again of the girl's tears and despair. She was too young to have been thrown into such a plot. The need to avenge and protect her flared hot in him. "I need to know who brought about this plot." His knuckles crackled as he clenched his hand into a fist. "I will take care of them personally."

Smoothing her face into an expressionless mask, she stated, "I'll have the first report on your desk in the morning." She rose. "Good day, my lord." She left without the formality most gave in the palace.

This lack of formality was not lost on Inuyasha. His lips twitched thinking of it. Not once in their association had she shown any servitude. Always respectful, she offered her skills in intelligence, security, and weaponry. He liked that about her. Somehow her sense of self as an equal led him to trust her without question, and with her straightforward manner, he knew any advice she offered would have been weighed before it had been given.

*

"Really, Sir Miroku! I don't think I need all this!" Kagome said again. She was getting exasperated, bored, and wanted to stop all this fussing.

Miroku sighed and looked to the older woman holding yet another bolt of cloth. "Eldinane, if you could excuse us again, I will try to explain to Lady Kagome why this is necessary." The woman smiled and left the room.

Crossing her arms on her chest, looking like a petulant child, Kagome pouted crossly. "I already have two dresses, and while I can understand needing something nice, more dressy, I do not need all this!" She waved her hand at the fabric spread about, covering every available space in the room.

Miroku gaped at her and then turned his back quickly. With her movement, her robe had come open, exposing her flesh from her neck to navel, her breasts covered only by the wrapped bindings. Letting out a startled "Eeep!" the girl blushed scarlet and turned away.

Swallowing, Miroku reminded himself the girl was not to be touched, and to forget what he had seen. "Lady Kagome, I know you are not use to these types of things, but please believe me when I tell you that if you do not have all this clothing, you will regret it once you come to live at the palace. It's expected." He sounded resigned.

Sighing tiredly, Kagome stated, "You have already ordered six day dresses, four evening gowns, two formal gowns, two traveling outfits, AND told her to make up numerous unmentionables ... I think that's enough! I'm tired Miroku, and I haven't finished my work yet. If you think I really need more, then you stand here and have her pinch and turn you every which way. I'm getting dressed and going to the temple!" She picked up her dress and left the room.

Miroku sighed. "Eldinane," he called. When the dressmaker appeared, he told her, "Make up what I've ordered as quickly as you can. Have at least one evening dress, and two day dresses ready within two days. Send the rest on to Hanabatke." He drew out the pouch of coins and handed her several. "Understand?" She nodded and began to collect her fabrics.

*

Sango waited in the outer office, her second report just as scant as her first held in her hand. She had spent several hours over the past two days interviewing the palace servants. Most knew nothing of the girl, and those who did knew next to nothing. The chatelaine offered little, saying the girl had come from a temple with references from the Priest Superior and thought the girl would work well as a lady's maid. As for uncovering the plot, the servants had little to offer. None had seen the girl after dinner, and none recalled where Lord Inuyasha went or what his actions were.

Inuyasha entered the room and sat opposite Sango. He read the report silently and tossed it on the desk with a sigh. "I thought as much. Whoever did this must have used their own people." Lost in thought, he drummed his fingers on the desk. Rousing himself slightly he asked, "Did your questions arouse any suspicions?"

She gave a small cough. "Not really. The type of inquiries I made are similar to those made of servant girls all the time." He looked at her questioningly and even more so when she blushed slightly. "It's a frequent occurrence for a lord's servant to ask after maids in the palace. ... because of the law. Most of the time, the girl who catches a lord's eye is offered to his manservant first, just in case." She kept her eyes on his chest, refusing to meet his gaze.

He grunted. He had heard as much, but hadn't used the practice himself. The girls he chose were mostly higher-class professionals, and he didn't have to worry about laws or oaths. "Keep looking, Sango. Find out what guests were at the palace that night. In particular, find out if there was any 'pretty' lady important enough to be given a guest apartment. Work from there. If we know who she is, we can find those who worked with her, and who possibly sponsored this plot."

Rising, she gave a small nod. "I will continue to look." She turned to leave but paused at the door. "The girl. Do you want me to follow up on her?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't believe so. I think she is everything she said she is, and I believe her to be. There shouldn't be anything about her to cause worry." Sango nodded and exited the room.

A feeling of unease settled upon him. They still didn't have an idea of who was behind this, and although he suspected Naraku, no one had seen him or any of his known associates. His unease centered around the girl, and where she fit in. Since the morning two days before when he had seen how small and delicate she appeared, he felt the need to protect the girl. As the day lengthened, and after his meeting with Kikyou, his need to protect her grew. He knew she was safer in her own home than the palace, but his need to protect was becoming unbearable.

Kikyou. He growled thinking of her. Though there had been no love between them, he held fond feelings for her, and felt genuinely sorry things didn't work out. A striking woman, she offered a lot to the man she married. She was poised, most of the time, cosmopolitan, and intelligent not to mention the heir of a country with copious amounts of wealth. A wife any man would give his soul for.

He arrived at her apartment as she asked. She had ordered a dinner for the both of them, and kept the conversation light and airy, as though the morning's actions hadn't taken place. After dinner, she dismissed the servants and lay upon the lounge seductively. He sat across from her waiting for the discussion he knew was coming.

Smiling, she said in a sultry voice, "Inuyasha... come sit by me. After all, we are still good friends." She shifted her legs slightly and patted the cushion.

He shook his head and said sadly, "I don't think that would be a good idea, Kikyou."

She dropped her smile somewhat and played with the wineglass she held. "Really Inuyasha, are you sure you want to go through with this ... this ... marrying that girl?"

"We've already discussed that point Kikyou. I only came this evening because your note said you had an alternative in keeping the alliance." He tried to keep his tone even.

She gave him a smug look. "I know a way to keep you from marrying that girl, and you wouldn't be breaking the law or your oath."

Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "And what way is that?"

Casting him an alluring smile, she rose and went to his chair. She perched on the arm, draping her legs across his, and drew her hand down his cheek. Leaning close, her lips a breath away from his, she whispered, "As peaceful as your country is, there are still youkai attacks, rebellions, and assassinations... anything can happen to a young girl between the palace and her home."

Inuyasha felt the growl roar from his chest as he threw the woman from his lap. He jumped to his feet and as he towered above her he shouted, "Don't you ever threaten Kagome again! She will be my wife!"

She rushed to his side and knelt at his feet. "I can't let you go, Inuyasha. I ... I care for you a great deal. I cannot let you marry that girl."

His nostrils flared in his anger. He fought the primal urge to remove the threat to what was his, and tried to cool his blood. "For breaking our pact, I owe you the opportunity to discuss matters in a civilized manner. I have paid that debt. For daring to threaten the life of my future wife, for taking from me what is mine, consider yourself banished from the kingdom. You will be gone from the palace in the morning." He turned his back on her as she cried out his name and collapsed to the floor. She had shattered any respect he held for her and he wasn't turning back.

Inuyasha picked up the report again. Shikon temple. He didn't want to wait around any longer, and thought of leaving that afternoon. Even if he pushed it, he wouldn't arrive at the temple before the next afternoon. He grinned. He hadn't ridden in quite some time, and a wild run was what he felt he needed. Nodding in satisfaction, he rose to prepare for his immediate departure.

*

Kagome smiled happily as they walked along the path. It had been a long day, but was worth it. Miroku had agreed to accompany her into the village and lend assistance. She had gone at the request of the temple priest to deliver needed medicines and herbs. The village hadn't been a long walk, but nursing several sick villagers had worn both of them out. The local healer told her that he and his assistants could handle the sick now that they had the medicines and had been allowed to rest with Kagome and Miroku's help.

She glanced at the young man walking next to her. He seemed down in spirits, and very unlike himself. Picking up his hand, she gave it a light squeeze. "Sir Miroku … why so sad? You should be happy you did something worthwhile today."

He roused himself enough to smile down at the girl. Removing his hand from hers, he said jokingly, "You shouldn't hold my hand, Lady Kagome. People will get the wrong idea and gossip."

She grinned and looked around. "I guess you could be right … if the birds and squirrels gossip with humans that is."

He liked the way her eyes crinkled when she grinned, and told himself he would spend his moments in her company trying to make her smile.

"So, why so down?"

Shaking his head, he didn't answer. "Come on. We should hurry. It'll be dark before we get back to your home." Looking ruefully down at his dusty shoes, he said, "We should have taken the carriage."

"Oh!" Kagome gasped. He looked up hurriedly, hand going to the dagger he had hidden. Seeing a woman with a couple of small children sitting beside the road, he relaxed and looked with annoyance at the girl next to him.

"What's with the cry? You made me think we were being attacked."

She ignored him and ran to the woman. Miroku sighed and followed. He could already tell his lord's soon-to-be wife was always going to be impulsive and quick to offer his assistance.

Kagome knelt by the woman, and asked "Is there anything I can do for you mother?"

The woman looked up with haunted eyes. She held a baby to her breast, rocking it slowly to calm it into sleep. A young girl of toddler age sat by her side, her hand fisted in her mother's skirt, face dirty. A boy of about five stood behind his mother and glared at them. He held a small bundle in his hands tightly. His clothes were torn and dirty, and Kagome could see barely healed bruises on his cheeks and arms.

"We are on our way to the temple, lady." The woman finally said, her voice hollow.

"What luck. We're headed that way ourselves." Smiling gently, she added, "Let us help you get there, and set up for the night. Will that be all right with you?"

The boy shifted. "No! We don't need your help."

Miroku stepped forward and pulled a packet of way crackers from his pouch. "At least let me offer you these." He handed the crackers to the boy. "As the man in your family, you need to make sure they are fed, right?"

The boy took the crackers but refused to speak. The little girl looked hopefully at her brother. Opening the package, he handed her a cracker. His mother shook her head at his offering to her. Grudgingly, the boy looked at Miroku. "Thank you," he muttered.

Clapping her hands together smartly, Kagome said, "Come, let's get to walking. It will be past dinner when we get there as it is." She smiled brightly at the boy, and looked to her companion. "Sir Miroku, if you would be so kind as to carry the girl, I'll help the mother along."

Nodding his head, the young man picked the girl up and settled her on his back. Kagome helped the mother rise to her feet, and felt bad when she saw the condition the woman's bare feet were in. 'That can't be helped right now, but we'll fix that when we get to the temple.' Chatting softly, she asked the woman about her baby, and why they sought the temple.

Miroku walked behind, smiling gently when he felt the girl slump against his back in sleep. The boy tagged along beside him, staggering tiredly on his small legs.

It was well past dark when they finally arrived at Kagome's home. The trek to the temple had been uneventful, and the priest welcomed the family in. Kagome had to make sure they were fed, and told the priest of the woman's feet. He assured her he'd have the healers look at them in the morning. Miroku bid a hasty good-night. With the promise of being back in the morning, he continued walking to town. He had taken lodgings at the inn, more for comfort's sake than propriety. While normally he would eat with Kagome and her family, he left wanting the time to think.

Seeing the decimated village and the young boy with his bruised face invoked what he had thought were long lost memories of his own childhood. When the sickness had come to his village, his family had all perished, leaving him orphaned and alone. For the first couple of years, he lived as little better than a slave with the village wine merchant. After receiving a beating he thought he didn't deserve, he ran away. After that, he had gone for days hungry, drinking from mud puddles, begging for food. He was always cold, always hungry, always tired and often afraid.

When he had been on his own for over a year, the snows came down heavily, blanketing the city with its pure whiteness. He had stumbled from place to place, seeking shelter and some warmth. Shivering bodies had already claimed every known comfort spot in the city. He had to move on or risk a beating. At last, weary beyond endurance, he collapsed, and welcomed the relief of death.

He awoke feeling warm and clean with the smell of fresh bread in the air. As hungry as he was, his stomach rolled at the thought of food. He looked around the room and discovered an old man sitting in a chair, snoring lightly next to his bed. As he sat up, the old man opened his eyes with a snort. Seeing the boy awake, he smiled and clapped his hands.

"Good, good! You lived after all." He turned towards the door and hollered out, "I told you, brother, the boy has a strong life force, did I not?"

"It was my taking care of him that brought him back to life, brother." A faint voice came from beyond the open door. Another old man appeared in the doorway. "Well, how do you feel boy?" he asked gruffly.

Looking between the two, Miroku said, "Uh … ok, I guess?"

The old man at the door snorted. "He's an idiot. We saved an idiot brother."

The other old man patted Miroku's hand. "You lay back down. I'll bring you something to drink. We'll have to take it slow … you're near starved to death." He rose as the boy slid back down on the bed. It was warm, he was tired, and for once in many years, he felt safe.

So began his life with the two brothers. They were scholarly men, interested in everything. They were as opposite from each other as night from day. One was gentle and kind in spirit, the other a grouchy, crotchety old man. Both, in their own waysc took the young Miroku in their hearts and taught him their knowledge and love of learning. While not rich, they used their influence and some money to send him to the university. He was thankful they both had passed on before he had been kicked out.

Laying in bed that night, he thought over his life. As much as he'd lived through, as much as he'd been given, he found his life lacking. His ways were hedonistic and the only redeeming value he could say he had was his loyalty to Inuyasha. For all his mocking, he would do most anything for his lord; he was a youkai Miroku could consider a friend if not for the difference in their stations. Sighing, he turned over and willed himself to sleep, dreaming of shining blue eyes and a laughing smile and the younger sister he wished he had.

*

The afternoon waned when Inuyasha rode up to the little house at the base of the shrine hill. He had gone to the temple first, and had been told that Kagome actually lived at the shrine on the other side of the temple grounds.

Inuyasha looked around but didn't see the girl. A woman came to the door and looked him over. She was short with long black hair and eyes just like her daughter's. Dismounting, Inuyasha ground-hitched his horse and made his way to the woman. He bowed slightly and demanded, "Mother, I've ridden all the way from Palace City to find Kagome Higurashi. Do you know where to find her?"

The woman curtsied as she said, "Please my lord, join me inside for a moment." She held the door open, allowing him to pass by.

Frowning, he entered the house and looked around. The girl wasn't there either. He tried to picture the girl living here, and could see her clearly. The place was small, but clean and warm. The wood table simple and well polished. Fresh flowers were arranged in an earthen vase, baked bread sat to cool, and a small pile of snap beans all lay on the table.

He turned to the woman. "Kagome?"

Bowing, the woman indicated a chair at the table. "In a moment, my lord. Please have a seat. Indulge a mother's wish to speak with you." Her tone was respectful, but firm. Fighting his impatience to see the girl and make sure she was safe, he sat, thinking the woman wouldn't tell him what he wanted to know before she had her say.

She sat across from him and took up the job she had been doing before his arrival, snapping beans. Composing herself, she said, "My daughter has told me of what transpired at the palace." He scowled and made as if to reply but the woman held up a hand. "Please listen to me before you speak. I will try to be brief but there are many things I have to tell you." She smiled warmly at him. "You look a lot like your mother, you know."

He started but didn't say anything. How the conversation jumped from Kagome to his mother …

As if she had heard what he thought, she said, "I met her some years ago, when I was a girl studying at this temple. Well, that's part of what I have to tell you, but that will come later." Wiping her hands on her apron, she touched his hand softly. "Lord Inuyasha, Kagome is a special girl. I do not say this as her mother, but because it is true. There are many legends and prophecies that make up our religion, and strengthen our beliefs. From the night she was born, it has been the belief she is the one foretold in the prophecy. We had believed she would eventually take over the temple and become the priestess mentioned… the one who puts an end to an evil so old, it outdates the youkai wars." She patted his hand and gave him a quick smile. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I have to tell you, so you know."

Frowning, he asked, "Are you telling me you do not want me to marry your daughter because you want her to fulfill a prophecy?"

"Oh no. That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm telling you this so you understand how important your job will be." Intrigued, he nodded for her to continue. "You carry a sword on your belt. This would be your father's sword, Tetsusaiga?" Again he nodded. "Do you know where your sword comes from? How it came into being?"

"Tetsusaiga was forged from my father's fang, out of his true youkai form."

She nodded. "Yes, that's what it was made from, but not where it was made or why." She dropped his hand and went back to snapping beans. "A good ways to the north lies a dormant volcano. It hadn't always been so. About six hundred years ago, a young youkai lord went to see the famed swordsmith who lived at the volcano's base." She gave him a smile. "That is part of the legend also, you know. The swordsmith was human, and a priest. He forged Tetsusaiga using ancient spells of binding, protection, fortitude, health, and healing. The day Tetsusaiga was finished, the volcano erupted for the last time." She gave him a serious look. "Your sword was made to protect humankind, and as long as you carry it, you cannot go against its enchantments."

Inuyasha gave her a long look and then glanced at the sword strapped to his belt. He knew a part of the legend of his father's sword, and found it a little hard to believe he had never heard this story as well. "Mother, I believe you believe in these stories, but if this sword is as you say it is, then how come I've never heard of it before now?"

"Because it is a human legend and part of a prophecy so old most have forgotten it ever existed." She paused in her work and gave him another intense stare. "Your father believed in the prophecy, you know."

"How do you know that?" Inuyasha had never heard of this temple or these people and yet the girl's mother seemed to know all about his family.

He noticed her eyes crinkled like her daughter's when she grinned. "It is written in our histories." He shifted uncomfortably at what she spoke of next. "During the dark years, many humans were persecuted for their beliefs. All of the written prophecies and legends were hidden away; many remain lost. To keep the knowledge alive, the priests and priestesses would travel from village to village reciting what they knew, teaching others to commit the stories, legends and prophecies to memory. All knew there would come a time, a time when a great lord would come with his flaming sword and bring peace to the land." He gave her a slight smile. This sounded similar to the stories his mother had told him about his father. Bedtime stories to tell young children, not legends and prophecies.

"As part of this prophecy, it was said the great lord's progeny would carry the sword and protect the priestess who would rid the world of the great evil." Again she paused in her work to give him a serious look. "So now you know your job, your destiny." He gave a low grumble, but didn't speak. She nodded. "I know you're skeptical now, but you will see. There are too many signs for it not to be true."

He made an impatient gesture. "Like?"

"When Kagome first came home and told me of what happened, I had thought maybe we had all been wrong these years. The prophecy I speak of was lost, and could have been respoken incorrectly. Kagome isn't a priestess, although she is close. The manner in which you met, and will be bound together when otherwise you might not have. And, we are related after a fashion."

"What?" His eyebrows met his hairline in surprise.

The woman blushed. "My mother's aunt was married to your mother's uncle." She smiled as if that made it clear. "My family came from the district near Hanabatke, and some distant relatives live still there. You do in fact plan to keep my daughter safe and protect her?" He scowled and nodded. "The last sign came after speaking with the priest. He told me the story of why your mother came to this temple all those years ago. She placed in his keeping an article of great importance with the instructions to give to you at the proper time. She seemed to think he would know when that time was. He gave it to me to give to you." She wiped her hands and pulled a small wrapped bundle from her pocket. "I've been carrying it with me since. Kagome does not know I have it." She gave him a soft smile. "It's from your mother."

Inuyasha started and touched the bundle hesitantly. His mother had died over twenty-five years ago, before he had taken the Oath. He couldn't keep his hands from shaking as he opened the cloth and exposed a small box and a piece of parchment. He looked at Kagome's mother before he opened the box. Inside laid a thin golden band. A ring he remembered his mother wearing those many years before.

He picked the ring up with his clawed hand, and nearly dropped it when Tetsusaiga pulsed strongly. He looked at the sword and back at the ring. The ring now shone with a soft white glow. Blinking in wonder, he carefully replaced the ring in its box. In a low voice, he asked, "Mother, what just happened?"

Shaking her head, wonder in her own eyes, the woman could only say, "I don't know. My best guess would be that they recognized one another."

Inuyasha didn't respond but instead picked up the parchment. He blinked away the sudden sting of tears as he saw his mother's writing. The woman rose from her seat and patting his hand, she left him alone. He could hear her shuffling around the kitchen area of the room. Blocking out all noise, he broke the seal on the letter addressed to him.

Inuyasha, my dearest son,

By now you should or will shortly be married to a priestess. I had hoped I would be there to see this happen, but now know my days are few. My son, you are part of a destiny so great and wonderful, it can be compared to your father's.

Take this ring and give it to your wife. This ring has special properties woven into it, and is bound to your father's sword. Tetsusaiga will always answer the ring's call. The ring has the ability to protect your mate from physical attacks, and will shield her until you can protect her. Your mate has a special duty to fulfill, and your part will be to keep her safe, and keep her from harm. Together, you both will bring the lasting peace your father dreamed of.

Take care my son, and know I will always love you.

Your loving mother,

Inuyasha sat for some time rereading the words. He looked from the ring to the letter, not wanting to believe what he was seeing. He started to feel trapped, as if this whole thing was a set up, but he could not deny the letter was written in his mother's hand, and even after all this time, still carried her scent. He could not deny the ring was hers as well, nor could he say he hadn't felt Tetsusaiga pulse and the ring glow.

"She's up in the shrine courtyard with Sir Miroku." Kagome's mother said. He raised his gaze to her. "Kagome is young, my lord. And is still innocent of the ways of men and women regardless of what happened." He nodded without speaking, a faint blush settled on his cheeks. "I know you'll treat her kindly, and you'll be good to her. Please be gentle with her as well."

"Have no worries where she is concerned. I will treat her with the utmost respect." He rose and pocketed the box. He folded the letter absentmindedly, and tucked it into his shirt pocket.

As he approached the door, she called out, "She has a kind and gentle spirit, you know. Please don't break it." He stopped and looked at her frowning. "Respect is good, but try to love her, if just a little."

He snorted and walked out the door saying softly, "There is little love in the world. How am I going to find it to love someone?" He shook his head.

The steps to the shrine courtyard seemed to go straight upward. Inuyasha took them five and ten at a time, landing on the top step none the worse for his exertions. He scanned the courtyard quickly, and turned eagerly at the sound of her laughter. He spotted her sitting on the grass under a wide tree. Her hair was pulled back in a ribbon, the sun's rays dancing in and out of the tree leaves, shining on her. He stood entranced by her beauty and the radiance she shone.

His ears twitched as he caught her voice. "Sir Miroku, you really are too much. You mustn't tell me such things." His lips twitched at what Miroku could have told her. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to send that lecher with his intended wife.

Miroku lay on his back, his hands under his head, staring up at the tree. He began to sing a little pub ditty he knew was sure to make the girl laugh.

"Oh I have a girl named Tilly,

Let me tell you, she's a dilly.

With wide green eyes and long red hair,

Boy o'boy, does she have a pair.

Cherry red lips

'n a woman's hips,

Won't be long 'til we are wed,

Then we won't leave our bed …

Oh I have a girl named Tilly,

Around her I act so silly …"

Kagome blushed hotly, and began her protest. "I must ask you to stop singing me those songs! You're making me blush."

Miroku rolled to his side, and peered up at her. "But you look so pretty when you blush, my lady." He grinned.

The girl laughed and threw a potato at him. "You're supposed to be peeling potatoes not feeding me lies, you scamp!"

"Ah my lady but you wound me!" The young man lay back clutching the potato in his hand. He rolled to a sitting position, smiling laughingly at the girl when suddenly his gaze fell on the man watching them. He jumped to his feet, all laughter forgotten. "Welcome Lord Inuyasha. We weren't expecting you this soon."

Kagome turned to look, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a funny happy feeling seeing him standing there, and was confused. She barely knew him, so why did it feel like he was a long expected friend?

Inuyasha strolled forward, taking in the scene before him. Miroku stood nervously, knowing he had crossed the bounds of propriety. Inuyasha gave him a look, speaking volumes without words. When he turned his gaze to the girl, a warm sensation spread through his body. She was smiling, rising to her feet, and holding her hands out in welcome … for him. He smiled softly at the girl, and took her hand.

"Kagome, I trust you are well?"

"Yes, my lord, it's been wonderful to be back home. To see mama and Souta again… Thank you for letting me come here." She looked up at him, and blushed.

He grinned. "Miroku is right… you are pretty when you blush," he whispered to her. Her eyes met his and she looked away, suddenly flustered. He let go of her hand and turned to Miroku. "Did you complete the tasks I asked of you?"

The young man nodded. "Mostly, my lord." He gave a slight cough. "I had some difficulty in one of them."

Inuyasha frowned. The tasks he had asked him were not hard. How could one have proven difficult? He looked at the girl and noticed she was wearing the same gown she had on when she left the palace. He turned back to Miroku. He waved his hand in irritation at the dress she wore, he glared at Miroku. "I thought I told you to take care of this."

Again Miroku gave a slight cough. "Therein lies the difficulty."

Kagome made an annoyed sound and shushed Miroku. "Really, Sir Miroku. I will address it with him. You need not say a thing." She turned to Inuyasha and looked slightly abashed. "I would say that I was Miroku's difficulty in completing your tasks."

Looking at the girl, he noted the flush staining her cheeks and decided to ask later. "Miroku, I would like to speak with Lady Kagome privately."

The girl turned to Miroku. "Would you please take the potatoes down to mama? I'm sure she's ready for them now."

Miroku grinned at both of them, and picking up the container of their peeled potatoes, he set off for the steps, and the small house at the bottom.

Kagome nervously gestured to a nearby bench. "Would you like to sit my lord?" He nodded and they walked to the bench. Her heart thumped so loudly in her chest she thought he must have surely heard it. "And you … my lord, you are doing well?"

His lips twitched. He could tell he was making her nervous, and wished he could make her laugh and be at ease like Miroku did. Not realizing how arrogant he sounded, he stated, "I never get sick."

She gave him a startled smile. "Oh!" Desperately she sought some topic of discussion. "The flowers are beautiful this time of year." She wanted to smack herself. What an idiotic thing to say.

He blinked and cast her a look. "Kagome, do I scare you?" She shook her head. "Do you believe I'll ever hurt you?"

"No, my lord. I don't think you would." She answered truthfully.

Taking her hand in his, he looked her in the eye. "We are going to be together for a long time, so I think we need to become friends. Don't you?"

Giving him a hesitant smile, she nodded. "I would like to my lord."

"You can start by calling me by my name and not being so jumpy around me, okay?"

She blushed and looked away. In a small voice she told him, "It's hard to look at you, and not think …think of that what happened that night."

Understanding dawned on him. "Kagome look at me." She reluctantly looked at him. "You are still a young girl, and I promise you, I will not touch you in the way I did that night, until you are ready. Do you understand?" She nodded slowly. He grinned at her. "Good. So now tell me why you are being difficult for Miroku? Not that he doesn't deserve it, mind you."

She grinned back at him and then gave him a stern look. "It's so extravagant! I mean, really. Who needs all those clothes!? I can understand a nice dress or two, but eight? my lord, that's too much!"

"Kagome, you'll be my wife, and as such, you'll be expected to make an impression, to maintain a certain image. Part of that image will be the clothes you wear." He plucked at the sleeve of the gown she had on. "This is not acceptable for the wife of a Great Lord."

She shook her head. "But I disagree. A Great Lord is just a title unless that lord has earned it. The wife of a Great Lord is just an empty position." She blushed realizing she bordered on being rude. "Inu … Inuyasha, do you know where your money comes from?"

He sat thoughtful for a moment before saying, "The kingdom treasuries, and taxes from my lands."

Nodding, she continued, "And where do those monies come from?"

Speaking as if to a child, he replied, "From the people living on the lands."

She looked earnestly up at him, willing him to understand. "Exactly. It is those people I would want to impress with the image I maintain. And dressing in so much finery, where one dress could feed a family for a month, would not impress them much." Taking in his thunderstruck look, she added softly, "I do not care for such finery, or jewels. I understand the need for … presentation, and I will do so when it's warranted, but for my day to day work, these dresses," She touched her skirt, "these unfit dresses, will do just fine."

"Kagome …" He wasn't sure what to say. On the surface, what she said made perfect sense, and he applauded it. "But Kagome, it just isn't done. The wife of a Great Lord does not do work. I cannot let you walk around looking as if you were a servant or a... a beggar. And I certainly cannot let you continue to … to peel potatoes."

She raised an eyebrow. "Peel potatoes?"

He shrugged. "Or whatever it is you've been doing with yourself these days."

She looked at him sadly for a moment. "If I were to change myself and who I am to fit some image someone I don't know has of me, then I lose who I am."

They stared at each other at an impasse. Neither willing to give in, both knowing their point was valid; both feeling a little silly arguing over dresses.

Inuyasha gave her hand a squeeze. "How about if we compromise?"

She gave him a smile. "It would depend on the compromise."

He gave her hand another squeeze and grinned at her. "I'll allow you to do some work …depending on the work, and you wear dresses more fitting for your …uh …empty position."

She gave a small laugh. "Only if I can pick out the dresses! Honestly, that Miroku has some sense of taste … and I can tell you it's not mine!"

He nodded. "It's a deal then." A comfortable silence fell upon them before he remembered what he wanted to say. "I've made the arrangements for the wedding ceremony." She looked away, blushing. He gave her hand a squeeze. "It will be all right, Kagome. You'll do just fine."

She sighed and took in a deep breath. "What type of arrangements have you made my lord?"

He frowned and squeezed her hand again. "Inuyasha." She flashed him a smile. "In Relford there's a governance clerk. We can hold a quiet ceremony there. The announcement will be made after we're both ready for the kingdom to know. My brother will see to that."

Kagome nodded slowly. "Can I make a request?" He nodded. "Would you be opposed to …to the temple priest marrying us?"

"That's not how youkai marriages are done," he said softly. She sighed, and tried to keep the disappointment from her eyes. "But I think I can make an exception … if the priest is legally recognized by the state."

Impulsively she gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. "Thank you!" Her smile was bright and Inuyasha feeling that warming sensation spread through his body again, hugged her back. She blushed, but didn't pull away.

Inuyasha released the girl, still holding her hand. He found he liked this girl and her impulsive ways. He liked how honest her smile was and the sound of her funny little laugh. As if she knew what he was thinking, she blushed again and dropped her gaze. And he decided he liked how pretty she looked when she blushed.

Jumping to her feet, she tugged on his hand. "I think we should head down. Mama should be close to finishing dinner by now!" He rose and as they walked side by side across the courtyard, she added, "You're lucky mama's cooking. I'm a lousy cook."

Grinning down at her, he joked, "So cooking is on the list of work the wife of a Great Lord will not do." As she giggled up at him, he felt the warming sensation again.

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