InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Protector of Her Heart ❯ Changed ( Chapter 11 )

Chapter 11: Changed

 

In the long weeks which Kagome had remained confined in her bedchamber, unable to go out for fear of her catching sick once more, it seemed that everything had changed. The spring that she had known before changed into summer, the days getting much warmer, along with many of the residents of the palace spending their time outside. Now she and Inuyasha were friends, free to speak to each other as they chose instead of behind the mask of formality.

 

And she herself had changed. During her illness, she hadn't known anything of what was going on, but she did know that someone, Inuyasha, had risked nearly everything to make sure that she would live. It was something that should be expected of him because of his position to protect her, but not something she had expected of the gruff knight she had met after the tournament those weeks ago. She knew now that no matter what she had thought of before, she could trust him with her secrets, and her life.

 

Those weeks when she had not been allowed to leave the bed had been hard for her, especially when the weather turned out to be beautiful and she longed to walk outside in the gardens, to smell the fresh air, only for a moment. But every day, Inuyasha would come to visit her, and though he worried constantly, it was in a sweet way. He wasn't just handsome, Kagome had decided, Inuyasha could also be very sweet when he wanted to be.

 

Even now, as he fretted over her being outside for the first time in weeks, it was in a sweet way that made Kagome secretly smile to herself. Today, she finally felt the soft breeze against her face, blowing her black hair once more, the smell of fresh grass in her nose. Since it was summer, she wore a lighter gown of silk, though it was one of popular fashion as opposed to the gowns of old she desired to wear.

 

“Are you sure you're feeling up to this?” her gallant knight asked, the question getting on her nerves.

 

“Yes, for the hundredth time Inuyasha, I feel fine!” snapped Kagome, sighing and settling herself down on the grass, the hanyou joining her with a plop. “You don't have to worry about me. Thanks to you, I'm completely cured.”

 

Sighing, he explained, “Can you blame me, Kagome? You nearly died on me…I'm just worried that it might happen again.”

 

There came the undeniable sweetness again that caused the princess to smile slightly. “I'm not trying to worry you, Inuyasha, I just want to be outside for a bit. This is my first time out of the castle in weeks, and I want to enjoy it.”

 

He said nothing in reply, but looked out where Kagome was watching, to see many women in fancy gowns walking along the palace green, with handsome men at their side. Seeing some women she knew, laughing with their husbands, caused Kagome to speak up, “You know, there was a marriage proposal made for me yesterday, Lord Bankotsu came to speak with me about it.”

 

“There was?” Why, oh why did he desperately wish there was something he could crush at that moment?

 

“But I don't have to worry,” she continued, “The man isn't as high a lord as could have been hoped, and he's much older than me, so it probably won't go through anyway.”

 

While Inuyasha was debating the matter of why something so little as this bothered him so much, he taunted, “Keh, remember how you said you needed to accept the first offer of marriage made before? It doesn't seem to work out for you now, does it?”

 

Giving a small chuckle, Kagome remembered exactly when she had said that. Not so long ago, but it did feel an awful lot like it had been years…So many things had happened. “Yes…I suppose you're right.”

 

“About time you noticed.”

 

“Inuyasha!” she playfully elbowed him, while the hanyou continued to grin, before silence came upon them once more. There was something that had been nagging at the back of Kagome's mind, something that she had debated with for a while on whether or not to tell him… But, making her final decision, she sighed, and began, “Inuyasha, there's…there's something I need to tell you…”

 

“Hmm?” he asked, noticing now how unsteady she looked. He was on alert instantly; whatever it was she had to tell him must be big.

 

Turning away slightly, so she didn't meet his eye, Kagome continued, “It's a secret, something that as my protector, you need to know…something that I couldn't tell you before because I wasn't sure that I could fully trust you but…” she glanced back at him, her brown eyes fully decided. “Now I know I can.”

 

Inuyasha's amber eyes looked a bit surprised. “You could have told me this before.”

 

“I know that now,” said Kagome quickly, “But before…I can only tell a few people, people whom I can completely trust, and now that we're friends, there's no reason why I cannot trust you, right?”

 

All the thoughts of the things he hadn't told her about himself, and his original motive for joining the tournament rushed to his head as he said uneasily, “Right…”

 

Standing up, Kagome gestured to him, “Come on,”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I can't say out here Inuyasha…it's too dangerous. Besides, there's something else, something that I have to show you.”

 

Her last sentence also put him off guard. Something she has to show me…But he didn't let her see that. “Okay,” he stood up as well and followed her.

 

Kagome seemed to be a bit nervous as she led him into the palace, leading him up to her rooms. Inuyasha glanced around, and noticed that all the courtiers seemed to have their eyes on them. The rumor had gotten around that he had been the one to save the princess, and he didn't know if that would warrant him any more respect, but it did seem to make him very interesting by these human standards. After all, knight or no, why would a demon risk it all to save a human princess?

 

Her sickness had indeed changed everything between him and Kagome, and in himself as well. He had decided that from now on, he would fully uphold his promise to protect her, no matter what the cost. Inuyasha knew that he couldn't lose Kagome, not her. Something about her made him want to stay by her side, to listen to what she had to say. There was just something…something that warmed his heart whenever he was near. And whatever it was, he had no clue. But he praised it all the same.

 

Kagome glanced back at Inuyasha as she opened her rooms, to sigh in relief. “Good, neither Hannah nor Shippou is here.”

 

“She doesn't know about it?” the hanyou asked as he joined her in her sitting room, the room where he had spent some of the most nerve wracking hours of his life a few weeks ago.

 

“No, it's too important,” Kagome shut the door quickly. “We have to make sure that we can't be overheard.”

 

They were not overheard, but they were indeed watched by a cloaked man glancing into a mirror, a smirk on his face.

 

The princess turned, and focused her attention on a portrait, one of her family from years ago. Her father, the king, appeared grand and regal, standing behind his smiling wife as she held the baby, Prince Souta, in her lap. And there was Kagome, ten years younger, at her father's side, looking happier than ever. Happy times…not like these, she thought absent-mindedly, before turning back and gesturing to Inuyasha to come closer.

 

He did as she asked, looking back up at the portrait. So that was Kagome as a child…she looked young, innocent from this world, and happy, not like now. There was no sign of stress at all in her eyes, just happiness. When the king had died, she had been thrust into an uncaring world where she was confronted with marriage proposals and problems of betrothals day and night. Her youthful innocence and happiness had seemed to have died with her father…In a moment he forgot their positions, and what they were…and decided he would do anything to see her like that now…

 

But he was brought back to reality as Kagome did something unexpected; gently, she reached up and ran her finger across the gold picture frame, a small click being heard. The hanyou's eyes widened as the canvas promptly swung open, to reveal a small hole in the wall behind. And in that hole was a small wooden box. Inuyasha suddenly thought he had an idea of what it was she wanted to show him…

 

“It's magic,” Kagome explained, reaching up and taking the small box. “I don't exactly know how it was set up, or where it came from, but it's tied to the one who is rightfully ruler of the Human Lands…me.”

 

The box seemed had no tricks to opening it, but Inuyasha could feel the power coming from the wooden box all the same. He figured it wouldn't open for anyone except the ruler (or in Kagome's case, the rightful ruler) of the country. Lifting the lid of the plain wooden box, another box rested inside, this one smaller, and far more ornate. It was carved out of one piece of black wood, with silver and gold inlay.

 

Inuyasha's heart thumped in his chest. He knew what was coming, everything here was leading up to one conclusion, and that conclusion was…

 

Kagome lifted the lid, setting it down upon the table. Inside the box lay a bright pink jewel on a cushion, the jewel itself strung on a beaded chain. Glancing back at Inuyasha's wide and surprised eyes, the princess explained, “It's called the Shikon no Tama, and it's what gives the kings of this country the power to be a grand ruler.”

 

The hanyou didn't hear her, his eyes were only on the pink jewel in her hand, the jewel that he had wanted; that he had come all this way for…The power to change himself into a full demon, and not have to live with the pain of being a hanyou anymore…

 

“It was given to the humans many years ago, from the Demon Lands as a sign of peace,” Kagome explained. “It can be used to do almost anything, but the rule is that kings must only use it for pure wishes for the good of the kingdom…This is the reason why they will not let me rule until I am older and married…they do not think I am wise enough to wield this on my own, even though queens married to kings also receive the power to use it.” Not noticing Inuyasha's uneasiness, Kagome came closer, “Although, in my case, my husband will receive the power through me, and will be the only one allowed to use it when the time comes.”

 

Even though Inuyasha wished she wouldn't, Kagome gently set the jewel in his hand. “This is why they want me to marry as soon as possible, and why they're so worried about Demon Attacks in our land, Inuyasha. This one jewel, even lying dormant for years, is causing so much trouble for everyone.”

 

Inuyasha hadn't listened at all to what she said, and continued to say, he just stared at the small, pink ball in his palm. This is it, what he had searched for, what he had wanted so bad…and here it was, in his grasp, given to him by the princess himself. But…what to do now?

 

He could not have known that miles away, one watched his struggle with a grin on his face. “Yes, Inuyasha, what will you do?” the cloaked man chuckled.

 

Feeling the power radiate from the jewel, Inuyasha knew it could grant his wish without a doubt. He wanted that power, he wanted to be free of this persecuted life as a hanyou, he wanted to forget about all the pain from his mother's death, his years living with a father who was fighting against rebellions too much to love his bastard son, having a brother who clearly wished him dead, being forced to work in a country that hated him, and then, with Kikyou…he wanted that pain to end, to be free from it, but…

 

Now he knew what it was like to have a true friend. To have someone to protect. To want to see someone smile…Kagome. What about Kagome? He couldn't take this from her and expect her to remain friendly…and as a full demon, he would have no regard for her at all and might end up hurting her.

 

No, he could control his heart as a full demon, couldn't he? He could choose who he wanted to kill and who he wanted to save?

 

But Kagome…she would hate him…But he wouldn't care then, would he? He would be free of all pain!

 

Heart pounding in his ears, Inuyasha glanced towards the window close by. It would be easier than anything to jump out that window right now with the jewel, and never be seen again. No one would know what happened to him, and he would live life as a full demon, without needing anyone.

 

But he would be alone…and Kagome…she would also be alone…and she would hate him, and probably cry…

 

He could have what he wanted for so long, but…

 

Amber eyes found themselves back to Kagome. The beautiful woman that had that gentle, welcoming scent…who fought with him when she was angry, who confided in him, who was different than others, who treated him like an equal. Who trusted him…

 

Kagome watched as Inuyasha battled with himself, not knowing what was going on. Stepping closer to him, she asked with a confused look on her face, “Inuyasha?”

 

The hanyou blinked as she called him name softly, and made his decision. Without a second thought, he handed the jewel back to her, though it may have been a bit too fast for her not to suspect anything. Giving one last puzzled look, Kagome gently placed the jewel back within the ornate box and packed it up, putting it back in its place behind the canvas. Once the portrait had swung shut and sealed the powerful jewel away from him, Inuyasha was surprised that he felt no sense of loss at all.

 

“This is one reason why they are very careful of whom they choose as my husband,” Kagome sighed, glancing back at her knight. “The jewel's power should only be used for good, and not for greed. They want to make sure that the man who is to be my husband will only use it in that way, and that is why some of the betrothals have been broken over the years. Lord Bankotsu understands that my husband must not use its powers for evil.”

 

Inuyasha kept his eyes to the floor, feeling like he had betrayed her. Here she spoke of greedy men who wanted the jewel for its power, when he, her knight, was no better than the rest of them! How could he just stand there, under her gaze, when he had secretly wanted the jewel for its immense power as well?

 

He raised his eyes, when the princess turned back to him. “I suppose you understand why I told you of this, Inuyasha. Not many people know of it, but I am sure there are some who have heard rumors and are after the jewel for themselves, and will stop at nothing to get it.”

 

“You're right about that,” he muttered, thinking of that witch, Kagura. The woman who had paid him to go after it, and made him decide to enter the tournament for this very goal…

 

“Huh?” Kagome asked. She hadn't quite heard what he said.

 

Shaking his head, Inuyasha quickly said, “Oh, it's nothing…But you don't have to worry, I won't speak of this to anyone.”

 

She did the unexpected when she smiled softly back at him. “I know,” she replied, leading the way back out of her sitting room.

 

Inuyasha hesitated, glancing back at the portrait, before sighing and following her out, choosing Kagome over the jewel, and its amazing power.

 

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

“I knew it was pointless,” Kagura said, as her master turned away from the mirror. “That half breed is attached to her like a puppy; he won't go after the Shikon no Tama now.”

 

Sighing, the cloaked man admitted, “I knew it would be this way ever since Inuyasha saved her from her illness, he couldn't let himself betray her once he is in love with her…he is much too soft.”

 

“So are we to give up?” asked Kagura angrily. “Admit defeat and just watch her live her happy little life with that dog at her side?”

 

“Kagura, do you have such little faith in my abilities?” her master asked grinning. “I think it may be time to take our first move in the next plan.”

 

Glancing back at him slowly, her red eyes widened. “You mean…”

 

“It is time for me to reveal myself, and express my intentions clearly,” he grinned. “But you know what that will cost me, which is why the next phase of the plan must be pulled off perfectly.”

 

“The little princess will have to be out of the way for this to work,” she pointed out. “But I've already told you my doubts. If Inuyasha gets any more influence on her—”

 

“Don't fret, Kagura, I have already taken care of that. All you have to worry about is making sure Kagome is out of the way for the time being so I may sneak into the picture.”

 

Red eyes narrowed back at the master she loathed, yet had no power to oppose. “I see. I suppose you want me to kidnap her?”

 

With that, the cloaked man threw back his head and laughed. “You kidnap her? Do you think I am a fool, Kagura? How could I possibly allow such a job to be left to you, when you are always looking for a chance to betray me?” He didn't see her grit her teeth and tighten the grip on her deadly fan.

 

“No, Kagura, I shall leave this job to one I trust, one whom I know will do his job well…Ryuukossei.”

 

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

To celebrate the arrival of summer, there was feasting and dancing in the palace that night. It was also a time of great joy for all, to finally see that their princess had recovered from her illness and was well again, and assurance of the survival of the country. Her smiles and laughter brought brightness to all, giving them hope that when her marriage finally came, the country would endure for many years to come.

 

One person in particular was warmed by her smiles. And that same person danced with her as the music began to play. Inuyasha used to loathe dancing above all things, but when he danced with Kagome…something extraordinary happened. When their eyes met, his breath stopped. When he held her close in his arms, his body felt on fire whenever he felt her curves against his form. As he twirled her around, her dress swishing in the movement, he found himself staring at her, while she laughed and smiled, oblivious to this sweet torture she was inflicting on him.

 

But she too, felt something happen as they danced. Before, their first dance was one of mystery, but now that they knew each other, it felt as if this dance were drawing them closer together. Kagome felt his strong arms around her body, and wished they could be there, to hold her safe at other times as well. He didn't miss one step of the dance, yet she saw his eyes were always on her, as hers were on his. The silence between them as they danced only made her heart race faster…and only allowed her to know how absolutely handsome he was in this moment…

 

Thankfully, Inuyasha tried to start some conversation. “Why is it that no one's objecting this time, like the last?”

 

Tearing her eyes away from him for only a moment, Kagome glanced at the crowd. It was true, only a few were watching them, while the rest continued their own business. “Well, you did save my life,” she replied, her breath hitching slightly as she felt his strong arm tighten to pull her closer as they continued the dance. “I suppose a few accepted this as proof of your loyalty to the country.”

 

Kagome felt Inuyasha hesitate as they danced, before glancing back with serious eyes. “I'm not loyal to the country…I'm loyal to you.”

 

Those little words made her heart race like never before, her eyes widening for a moment before she turned away, blushing like a maid in springtime. “Oh…”

 

Whether it was the sensuous moves of the dance, or the beautiful music in their ears they didn't know, but something changed the mood right then, making it impossible for both Kagome or Inuyasha to look anywhere but each other's eyes. “I promised I would protect you, Kagome…and that's what I plan to do, forever…”

 

Never before had Kagome heard such words from a man spoken to her. Her heart continued to race, her mind completely off track. “Inuyasha…” She felt him squeeze her hand slightly as they joined them and continued to twirl around the dance floor, but they were both lost to reality, only seeing each other.

 

He was being reckless, but for once, Inuyasha didn't care. He didn't know why, but he went ahead and said it anyway, “I'll always stay by your side…”

 

But at that moment, the song ended, and both Inuyasha and Kagome were left staring at each other, while others cleared the dance floor. But not wanting to be seen like this, they both let go of each other's hands like they were holding fire, though fire laced through both of them at that moment. “Inu…yasha…” Kagome glanced back up at him, her blush equaling his. “I…want to leave now…can we?”

 

Glancing back at the people who were starting to stare, Inuyasha said, “Of course,” and followed her as Kagome (rather quickly) took the way back to her room. All the while her heart was pounding remembering the confession from the handsome knight. The whole dance it was like…oh, it like…she could scarcely explain it. It was as if something had taken them over and didn't care that some were watching them. She remembered the feeling in his arms, and wishing he would never let go…but now that the dance was over, she saw how foolish of a wish that was!

 

And Inuyasha couldn't stop wondering why he had said what he did. He had never dreamed of saying something like that to her! Why had he spoken up like that when he had never even dared to think it? And holding her in his arms, was just…it was almost too much as it was!

 

Something was different. Something had definitely changed since she had gotten ill. And they both asked the question of dire importance: What had changed? And what was happening?

 

Whatever it was, it gave both of them a foreboding feeling.

 

When they reached Kagome's room, she turned and caught her breath as she looked back at him, this handsome man who had said he would always be with her only minutes ago. But swallowing the heart-racing feeling, Kagome spoke, “Well, goodnight…Inuyasha.”

 

“Goodnight, Kagome…” he murmured softly, and in a warming gesture, he took her hand and kissed it, causing her whole body to tingle from the feeling of his soft lips on her skin. When he released her, her eyes betrayed her hesitation for only a moment before she turned away and shut the door, leaning against it and sighing.

 

What is happening to me? she wondered, her heart racing once more. Why is it that sometimes, like tonight, my heart flutters around him like this? Why is it whenever he does something sweet like that I can barely stand it? Why is it that…

 

As her mind wandered, Kagome made up her mind without contemplating the problem any further. Well, he is handsome…she thought, walking away from the door and into her bedroom. He is handsome, and attractive…and sweet, I suppose…There is nothing wrong with my heart fluttering because he is more handsome than all the men in the room, right?

 

Glancing out her window towards the night, Kagome agreed, That has to be it, that must be it. There can be no other explanation. He is handsome and that's all there is to it.

 

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

While she made up her mind quickly, her handsome knight was having other problems. Damn it! Why did I go and say that? Why did I do that? he asked himself over and over as he paced the hallway outside of her door. And why the Hell do I keep thinking that…

 

He stopped himself before he even finished. There's got to be something wrong with me…She's a princess, I'm a knight. She's a human, I'm a hanyou…I'm not going to let this…no, it can't happen like this, not again…

 

Inuyasha glanced back at her door, determined. I won't let this happen. I won't fall into the same situation I fell into with Kikyou with Kagome…I won't!

 

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

Guards walked along the wall of the castle in the cold night air, crisp wind blowing through the breeze. Noise was slowly being extinguished as courtiers went to bed, the feast ending and lights being put out. Without the noise and the light, the grounds and the castle seemed eerily too quiet.

 

But not quiet enough for one large shape moving swiftly towards the palace not to be noticed. A guardsman on one of the towers spotted it first, looking like a wisp of cloud, but moving much too fast. The man turned to another, pointing out the shape, but they were soon silenced by sharp, fast claws without so much as a scream.

 

Nearby, the princess sat in her room, now dressed in her nightgown and silk robe, sat at the window, braiding her long, flowing hair. Though it was summer, the night outside looked cold, and her breath upon the windowpane caused a small mist to form. Her thoughts were elsewhere, towards the handsome knight and what he had said to her that evening.

 

“I'll always stay by your side…” Did he really mean it? Would Inuyasha be with her forever…no matter what?

 

Her heart began fluttering again, and Kagome turned away from the window sharply. “Oh, I'm thinking too much of it!” she protested out loud, looking away from the view outside.

 

But as she turned away, she felt something, a chill, like someone was watching her. Goosebumps formed on her and her breathing became heavier, as she was sure someone, or something had its eyes on her at this very moment. Slowly, she turned back towards the window, her own eyes wider than ever before as she screamed, “Inuyasha!” at the top of her lungs.

 

 

* * * * * * * *

 

 

Inuyasha, who had been passing her room quite a few times that night—by accident of course—had been walking by just as he heard her terrified scream, “Inuyasha!”

 

He didn't hesitate when he threw open her door, and ran through the sitting room, to crash through and rip off her bedroom door. “Kagome!” he cried, just as he halted for a moment to see what had happened.

 

Her window had been broken through, and through it, he could see a giant, blue and white dragon flying away, with Kagome in its claws. Seeing him, she cried his name again, getting smaller and smaller in the distance.

 

Pulling out the Tessaiga as it transformed, Inuyasha roared in his anger, “Damn it, just when I leave her alone—!” as he leaped through the window and soared several stories down, to land on the grass and take off sprinting after the dragon, but he wasn't nearly fast enough to keep up with it. Now they were but specks in the distance.

 

The hanyou stopped for a moment to think before he continued chasing after it. Why would any dragon bother to kidnap the princess of the Human Lands and then, as far as he could tell, take it back to the Demon Lands? Dragons usually only hunted for food, so an obvious kidnapping…that meant it was working for someone else? Did that mean that he had a chance to get Kagome back?

 

“Inuyasha!” the hanyou turned, to see Miroku, Kouga, and Shippou running to him. “What…What happened?” the monk asked, surveying the scene.

 

As Inuyasha glanced back, several people were streaming out of the castle, no doubt awakened by the noise. “A dragon just came and kidnapped Kagome,” the hanyou growled, his grip tightening on the sword that so desperately wanted to rip that dragon up.

 

“What?” Kouga roared, clenching a fist and stepping closer towards Inuyasha. “You let her get hurt again? What the Hell is wrong with you—”

 

Shoving the sword that Kouga just noticed was now lethal in his face, Inuyasha finished, “Would you rather I stayed with her in her bedroom, wolf? Dragons are probably the fastest demons out there, there was nothing I could do…But don't think that doesn't mean I won't go get her.” His amber eyes were burning in rage, and it was clear to everyone that he was just barely hanging on to keeping his cool after what happened.

 

“Since you're no use, I'm coming—”

 

“No!” Inuyasha cut Kouga off. “If something else comes, someone needs to protect the queen and the prince. You do that, wolf. But my duty is to Kagome, and Kagome alone.”

 

With that, he took off running, his rage turned into energy to keep him going on what would no doubt take him days. Kagome, I will get you back…and whoever is doing this, I will kill him!