InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Through The Eyes Of An Innocent ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Through The Eyes Of An Innocent: Chapter Eight

Everything she held dear was on the line.

She was risking everything, and everybody, but it wouldn't matter in the end. In the end nothing mattered. Her heart yearned and starved for revenge - for something - in return for what she had so unwillingly lost years ago. Even though she was naught but a child, the effects were still traumatizing. This obsession, her obsession to watch his blood drip from her hands had grown so much over the years…

Despite how calm and emotionless she attempted to make herself look, deep down she screaming, her eyes glazing over with an almost maniacal look. She would take lives without thinking, allowing homicidal incoherent thoughts to run through her mind. It had happened once; the same slow painful torture edging it's way into her brain, clouding her senses until she snapped.

That was why Kagura was mute.

She had allowed herself to go too far.

She had allowed her own painful childhood memories to get the best of her - the pain of loss, sorrow, and hate. Kagura's eyes were so painstakingly similar to those haunting blood red eyes that she had witnessed killing her parents. And even now, she could still hear their pleas of mercy…

But no matter how many times she attempted to block out the images, the urge to kill continued to grow larger and more infectious as it spread through her body, cutting off any common sense that she had left. And each time she went crazy, someone got hurt. There were times when she would think that she was simply planning this rebellion in hopes of being killed, of being free of the curse that she had lived with through so many years. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that it was completely and utterly false.

It was something she had grown to do - to lose control - something that she should have been used to. But now, she had to make absolute certainty that she wouldn't lose control this time. Not with someone skilled enough to lead them through the rebellion in hopes of keeping their lives at the same time. Somehow she simply knew - knew that if she could destroy the man who caused her vicious recurring nightmares, the pain would go away.

But no one else believed her, and she didn't expect them to. They all believed that her mental state was beyond repair that she would be forever stuck reliving those horrid events, but she knew. She knew with absolute certainty that her nightmares would go away. It was all she wanted, all that she craved.

She wouldn't lose control.

Not again, not after what happened.

She didn't want to be called crazy, to be shunned by everyone because she possessed many painful memories. She couldn't stand their cold calculating stares, the way they whispered when she passed by, and the way that no one sought her company. Even the companions that she had acquired before this obsession weaseled its way into her avoided her until they were comfortable to be in her presence once more. The pain that she felt when she was alone, it simply bombarded her, causing a whirl of emotion to pass through her that was so strong, she would simply start to shake and tears would roll down her face non-stop.

Simply being alone was over-whelming.

The sound of wooden bowls sliding across the table broke her out of her somber state, and she turned her brown eyes towards the newcomer, surprised to see that it was Sango sitting down across from her, sliding her a small bowl of water.

"It's fresh," she said pleasantly, motioning towards the open window, "in my country, it is natural to drink from the rain. They say that is a gift from the heavens and it should be cherished."

"Southern tradition? I've heard of it. Northerner's think that it is barbaric. Humans use wells for a reason." The brown-eyed woman said simply. Sango smiled kindly, ignoring the bitterness rising in her comrade's voice.

"That is true. But you should also know that the rulers of the Southern Lands are of demon ancestry. So naturally, they would be barbaric." Sango replied looking back towards the window, ignoring the withering look that Kikyou sent her way.

"I still find it appalling. Regardless of whether or not they are of demonic ancestry, drinking from the rain - it isn't as pure as you people think it is."

Sango raised an eyebrow confused at what Kikyou had meant before shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly and turning to look out the window. She sipped her bowl of water slowly, smiling as the cool refreshing liquid slid down her throat, before turning back towards Kikyou and setting her bowl down.

"When should I start training the others?"

"Do not train Kanna. I would say that you could train Kagura, and Yura. Do not train my younger brother. Then you can train me. We have one month. During that month Inuyasha will hopefully be memorizing the layout of the castle and Rin will be notifying us of when a good night to attack is. You do not have to attend if you don't want to-"

"I do. I have to get into the castle for my own personal reasons anyways," Sango stated, cutting Kikyou off and receiving a glare from the elder woman. However Sango ignored it in place of gazing out the window and taking a fresh drink from her water bowl. She noticed that Kikyou had yet to touch hers.

"Lady Kikyou?" Sango asked, addressing the elder woman politely for the first time since she had arrived in the Northern Lands. A brief swelling sensation rose in the older woman's chest, and she had to try hard as to not smirk in a cocky sort of satisfaction before she nodded, acknowledging that she had heard the younger woman.

"I don't mean to intrude on any of your personal business-"

"Speak." It was a soft command, nothing more than a mere whisper as it passed Kikyou's lips, and Sango had to lean forward just a bit to hear the elder woman.

"When Inuyasha was rooming with Kanna, I heard her say some perverse things."

"I'm aware. Kanna doesn't agree with my philosophies. She sees what we are doing as an easy way to death. And if she wishes to throw her life away so haphazardly then so be it. I will not pity her decision, I will openly accept it." Kikyou's voice had grown cold, calculating as she spoke, her russet eyes glistening with an unexpected hatred. It surprised Sango immensely, to see the extreme dislike spread across her features for Kikyou was normally so emotionless and stoic. The hatred that she had felt for one of her own comrades was most unexpected.

"Do not worry yourself over my petty feelings for the child. She had always held an extreme dislike for me after what happened with Kagura, it is to be expected."

"Kagura is her sister right?"

"Her younger sibling," Kikyou confirmed impassively.

"What happened to her?"

"I believe," Kikyou started, noticing for the first time that she had said too much, "that this business is my own. What happened is between Kagura, Kanna, and I, and it shall remain that way."

Kikyou could feel it. That unwanted anger festering within her, churning so quickly that it was ready to explode. She had not expected the simple memory to bring forth such unwanted emotions, ones that would soon take their toll on her and make her lose control, but it could not be helped. She hadn't noticed how deep she was beginning to delve within her personal life - those haunting experiences - because her comrade had been so casual about everything. She would not let it happen again. But the hatred had already risen again, and Kikyou felt it slowly spilling over, drowning her in its presence.

Those crimson eyes continued to haunt her.

"Leave," she breathed, doing her best to ignore the sympathetic look that Sango sent her way. At first Sango made to protest, but Kikyou gave her a smoldering glare, and Sango left immediately.

And Kikyou tried to keep her anger in check. She would not allow the floodgates of anger to open within her, she would not harm her friends with the look of maniacal glee upon her face; she just wouldn't. She had too much at risk and if she did allow it to happen then she would lose everything that she had strived so hard to attain. And as Kikyou took deep calming breaths, she knew that if things kept up like they were, then she would not be able to control her anger much longer.

But she was determined, and she would not lose another ally again.

She just couldn't.

_______________________________________

There was no sun.

Nothing except the thick gray rain clouds consumed the naturally blue sky, rain ominously pelting the ground with thick large water drops. At first she thought that it was most unnatural, seeing no sun, but then she knew why. Winter was approaching quickly, and soon a chilling cold would make its way to the Northern Lands, and she would be even more confined then she already was. A thick layer of frost would cover the luscious green gardens, giving it a surreal mystical, and enchanting look.

It was something that Kagome looked forward to during all the different seasons. The snow, somehow, always managed to reflect her feelings. There were times when it would appear beautiful, intangible, and frigid, but those were all feelings that Kagome would feel at one time or another.

And as some trees turned from green to red, Kagome could not help but feel frigid, empty. The events from the other day continued to play over and over in her head, causing the pit of her being to completely deflate. The way her husband had so unmercifully punished her - she could still feel that same aching pain rocketing through her side as she made to turn over.

She blinked in mild surprise, recognizing the long elegant hair of her husband as he gazed listlessly out the window, fully clothed in dark blue robes with his newly acquired sword attached to his hip. The bitterness that rose within her at seeing him standing in her room - her own personal sanctuary - upset her greatly. She could still remember the piercing gaze that he had given her as he changed into his sleeping robes and climbed into the space next to her, intent on keeping his eyes on her at all times. She inwardly wondered if he had slept at all.

And then, as if sensing the bitterness that she continually housed within her being, he turned and faced her, his crimson eyes sharp and unforgiving. And Kagome knew what was bothering him. He was upset with her. But she found that it didn't matter anymore; he was always mad or distraught with her, and it would be something that she would simply have to get used to as time progressed.

"Are you aware of the hour?" He asked, his voice cold, distant, and harsh.

"I am afraid I am not," she replied steadily, not wanting a repeat of what happened the other day.

"Get dressed, we are already late for the meeting with the royal council and our advisors. I will send your chambermaid to fetch you in ten minutes," Naraku replied slowly, as though she were too ignorant to comprehend what he had stated. Kagome however, ignored it in place of throwing her sheets off of her and traveling towards her wardrobe.

"I wasn't aware of the fact that we had a council meeting today. No one told me."

"People should not have to tell you," Naraku started, stopping at the door to turn back towards his wife, "as Empress you should already be aware of the fact that you have meetings. But then again," Kagome froze, hearing the disgusted sneer in his voice, "if you weren't too busy flirting and actually acting as Empress it wouldn't be a problem."

"How many times-"

"Be silent," Naraku said dismissively, before walking out of the room and shutting the door behind him.

Kagome fumed.

She threw her sleeping robes off of her roughly, before snatching another garment from out of her wardrobe and quickly throwing it on. She then walked over to the bureau next to her bed and messily placed her tiara atop her head, not bothering to put her hair up in a sophisticated bun - she was simply too angry.

She had the distinct feeling that her husband wanted her to be angry, to be an emotional wreck, but at the moment she simply didn't care. She had barely been married to him for a fortnight, and already he was being crude. But Kagome knew she shouldn't have expected any less of him, ever since he found out that they were to be wed he had acted as though she were nothing more than scum. She knew that she should have been used to getting the cold shoulder…

Kagome froze halfway across the room and blinked at the door, almost as though she could see Naraku standing on the other side, waiting for her impatiently. She hadn't noticed it before, mainly because she hadn't been paying much attention, but now that she had noticed it - she was completely and utterly stunned. At first she had thought he was behaving the way that he had the other day because he was simply being cynical. But after thinking deeply about it, she realized that he wasn't being cynical, but suspicious.

He was jealous.

She had in fact been spending more time with her friends than she had been spending with him, and she was his wife…

Kagome nearly jumped out of her skin when the door banged open, and a young girl trotted into the room. She bowed lowly, keeping her eyes trained on the floor, but when Kagome finally acknowledged her and told her to stand she did so obediently, smiling brightly.

"Oh hello Rin! How are you doing today?" Kagome asked, mildly surprised. She had nearly forgotten about the child.

"Rin is doing wonderfully Lady Yokoshima, how are you?"

Kagome snorted indignantly, waving a hand dismissively, and Rin giggled loudly.

"Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that your husband slept with you last night? Was he not up to par?"

Kagome choked loudly, her face flushing furiously.

"Rin!" She exclaimed, burying her head into her hands. Rin stifled a giggle, bowing in mock sincerity at her master's distress. Had she known that the Empress was uncomfortable with the topic she would not have brought it up but - it was still quite humorous to see her mistress embarrassed by the fact of having a passionate night with her husband.

"Aren't you a little young to be speaking of such things?" Kagome asked incredulously as soon as she got over her embarrassment. Rin shrugged nonchalantly, before scampering around her mistress and tidying up her clothing and hair.

"Rin knows that she is going to have to come to that crossroad once in her life. It is something that all women should prepare for at one time in their lives. I am only 12 spring times old. I will soon be 13, and that is when I shall be married."

"You have a fiancée?" Kagome asked as Rin placed her hair into a messy yet elegant bun.

"Of course. I have been betrothed since a child. Even servants follow that tradition," She explained excitedly.

"I see. What's he like?"

Rin hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. She didn't exactly know what her 'fiancée' was like. She had only accompanied him to the castle and to Governess Toshikasa quarters and within that time they had only exchanged a few pleasantries. But perhaps - they were working for the same cause and - Rin felt a guilty knot form in the pit of her stomach as she thought about Kikyou's plans to destroy Kagome. It was devastating and almost sickening to know that she could be idly chatting away with her even though she was assisting with her death. She knew that the guilt would remain with her forever.

"Rin?" Kagome asked gently, noticing that Rin had fallen deathly quiet. She turned, attempting to catch a glance of the girl who was tightening her belt, but Rin was staring at the ground solemnly, as though someone had taken something so dear away from her.

"You are finished. I am sure that your husband is waiting for you outside the room, have a pleasant day." Rin stated impassively, trying her best to keep the guilt out of her voice. Kagome nodded slowly, perplexed at the drastic change in Rin's mood, but then felt extreme pity for her. She could not help but think that Rin was also in an unwanted relationship. Perhaps her fiancée was just as rude an unappreciative as her own husband but -

Rin was quickly ushering her out of the room, ignoring the protests that Kagome made.

"Go, I do not wish to be in trouble, lest of all by your husband." And with that Rin pushed her gently out the door, closing it roughly behind her.

____________________________

Kagome rubbed her temples furiously attempting to banish an oncoming headache. It had only made itself known moments ago when one of the royal council members continued to drone on about tariffs, which was something Kagome knew nothing about, and then proceeded to think of what would be for luncheon.

Naraku had told Kagome that halfway through the meeting a servant would enter and serve them each some salted meat and cheeses, accompanied by some water, just to hold them over until dinner time and then they would proceed onto the more important aspects of the congregation. He had also told her to remain completely silent and if asked to give her opinion that she was to consult him first, but the council had yet to ask her anything. For that Kagome was relieved, but then when the signs of complete and utter boredom began to nestle within her mind she couldn't help but want to be asked something. But she knew that the males wouldn't ask her a single thing, so she made to amuse herself.

She would take to doodling on parchment, sending silent messages to her friend, Miroku, who was also attending the meeting, and she would even fold and crinkle paper loudly, smiling sheepishly when she felt everyone's eyes on her. But she didn't exactly care. The council meeting was absolutely mind numbing.

Naraku had pinched her skin from underneath the table once or twice, giving her a disapproving glare, but Kagome ignored it, and continually found things to amuse herself with. She even drew a picture of her husband wearing a crown of daisies (which he had seen and glared at her ominously, alerting her of the fact that they would talk afterwards) and then she had allowed her mind to wander.

She thought of everything that had happened over the past week, the talks with her father, with Miroku, with her husband, and with Inuyasha. She had thought about the fact that her husband had struck her numerous times in the ribs because he assumed that she was flirting with other men. She even thought about how jealous he had acted when he came to retrieve her the other day. She knew that it was something she would have to ask him about. But then, a thought struck her that she hadn't taken notice to for quite some time.

The prophecy.

She felt an unwanted knot begin to twist in her stomach as she thought about the words she had written, the visions she had seen - the terrible things that were to come. But what would happen if the royal council made to address the Emperor and Empress about the prophecy - to see if they had any clue what it meant?

Kagome could already remember how her throat had suddenly constricted when she had attempted to tell Miroku about it, would that happen again? Would she even be able to answer the questions they would inquire if she did say that she knew what it meant? Would she even be able to know what it meant?

But... she did know what it meant. She knew every concept, every sound and - for some strange reason it hurt. It hurt her so deeply inside that, the feeling of sorrow had suddenly grown so large - so immense - that she felt the unwanted tears pricking at the back of her eyes, teasing and taunting her to release them. But she wouldn't. No one saw her cry - she wouldn't let them. Not after the death of her father.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she gazed down into her lap, wondering and wishing that things didn't have to turn out like they did but - they simply had to. It was written and spelled out just like the Djinn had prophesized - just like she had prophesized - and there would be nothing she could do to change it.

She somehow felt inferior.

And she shouldn't have. As long as the sparkling silver tiara rested upon her head, she was never inferior and she was always on top. She was always Empress. But along with being the Empress came that same stress of everyday life, of making decisions and weighing choices - it was something that Kagome wasn't experienced in. And that was probably why her husband didn't want her to say anything, because she wasn't able to make choices because -

She truly was inferior.

A dark chuckle threatened to spill from her throat as those thoughts ran through her mind, bombarding her senses with unwanted emotions. She couldn't allow herself to feel that way - it would be like poison to her mind. Her father wouldn't have wanted her to be like that either - inferior - because although he had made her feel like a lesser being, he had always been reminding her how strong she was - how holy. She had to hold onto his words.

She would cherish them forever.

She could still feel those same tears pricking behind her eyes.

"Ka-go-me, pay attention," a cool voice whispered in her ear as his warm flesh hovered over her knee, ready to pinch her once more.

Kagome turned, looking at him curiously, a strained smile upon her lips. "Yes?"

"You have no been listening to the nobles, nor did you eat your food. General Kaigaishii's son was worried, as was I."

Kagome suppressed the urge to snort.

"My sincerest apologies, its just, I have a lot on my mind with the death of my father, and then all of our own problems on top of it. It's a bit overwhelming."

"Indeed. Needless to say one of the nobles is headed towards the Spiritual Room of the Djinn. He is bringing back the prophecy for us to analyze once again. You will not say anything but merely listen - am I clear?" Naraku asked in a hushed whisper, ignoring the curious looks that the rest of the nobles sent his way as they gazed over different maps of the lands.

"Crystal, but -"

"No buts Kagome. You wouldn't want a replay of yesterday would you? After all, it would be no loss to me to have your beautiful blood dripping from my hands."

Kagome's body froze at that statement, and she looked at her husband with wide, mistrusting eyes. When did he begin to hate her so completely? When did he start to believe that she needed to die and was no longer necessary within this world? Earlier, she simply would have thought that it was his way of coping - his way of dealing with a marriage that he didn't want, but now - now she wasn't so sure. She had never seen anyone act as violently as he did and - it frightened her. She was sure of whether or not she had been as frightened in her life, but she knew that soon, she wouldn't be able to take his anger any longer.

A tight knot formed in her chest, and Naraku pinched her skin roughly once more.

She was already afraid.

And, by simply looking at her husband, he could tell that he was already annoyed, and that she would be facing some sort of punishment given the chance. Her body chilled at that simple thought.

Just the thought of his fist pounding into her already bruised ribs - kicking, hitting, punching - with that same sadistic smile on his face was enough to send her into a panic. She didn't want that - she never did.

"Empress Yokoshima?"

Kagome blinked, suddenly jarred from her horrendous thoughts as a noble addressed her, holding out a thin piece of parchment.

"Yes?"

"Well," the young man hesitated, and Kagome smiled warmly at him before nodding, " well you see, it is customary for a holy person to read the prophecies."

"Well why don't you ask my husband to read it, he is holy as well, after all," Kagome replied kindly, tilting her head to the side.

"P-p-please understand Empress, he is holy, that I do not disagree but - not as holy as you. You have blue eyes, which is something that no one in this country has. And because you have a direct trait of the Djinn you are considered more holy than the Emperor himself," he paused for a moment, noticing the pointed glare that Naraku gave him, " and I mean no disrespect, forgive me."

"You are forgiven," Kagome said simply, extracting the parchment from the noble's hands and staring down at the beautifully written calligraphy.

It was strange, staring at words that she knew the meaning of - that she had written not to long ago. It was strange, knowing that she could be of no help to her nation in finding out what the words meant - it was just - odd. There was truly no other word that she could find for it as the words flooded back to her - the visions, their meanings, and the outcome. It was strange, knowing that she was the only one who truly knew what was going to happen in the future.

The most definite future, and that there would be no way to change was going to happen.

Her body was burning, and yet it felt like ice.

Kagome read the fated words aloud.

"Enter the sacred union, where dark and purity collide. Then that which is tainted by a crimson sunset shall be cleansed by that which has lost no purity within a soul, bringing forth a treasure where purity over powers the dirty filth inside. But when darkness seeks destruction of the two dark orbs of blue, the scarlet skies will waver, and the purity shall create a dam, cleansing the darkness of its tainted soul, and the orbs of the innocent shall exist no more"

Her body felt like ice, and the warmth dissipated.