InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Through The Eyes Of An Innocent ❯ Chapter Nine ( Chapter 9 )

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Through The Eyes Of An Innocent: Chapter Nine

Miroku closed the kitchen door behind him, smiling in contentment as he bit into an apple.

It had taken him much cajoling and sweet talking in order to get the kitchen maid to allow him the single apple, that was, in fact supposed to go to the Emperor's main quarters, and he was feeling rather pleased with himself. The kitchen maid herself was not that attractive, and it had almost pained him to have to succumb to flirting with older woman just get a bite to eat, but after his grueling lessons with his father, he felt as though he was entitled. He had realized that he was spending more and more time training to become a better soldier - more time involved in his studies - rather than roaming around the castle and being a nuisance with his friends. Although he knew that it was expected of him, he couldn't help but notice that the thought bothered him.

He was officially becoming a man, growing into his title as a nobleman - perhaps a soldier, a General if his skills preceded him - but he simply could not help but hate the fact that he was missing out on the recreational aspects of being a young man. He had little time to himself, was forced to train and go to his studies for the majority of the day and - castle life was becoming more hectic and unbearable. He couldn't help but smirk ruefully, knowing the exact reason for the unwanted transformations.

Everyone knew the reason.

It was sad now that he thought about it; everyone of a wealthy status was being watched extremely carefully, allowed little time to them self.

Miroku hated it.

He wanted to be able to blame him for the changes within the castle - to run to his grave and tarnish it but… he knew it would be completely useless. He was already dead, he had passed away at a rather difficult time and -

Murdered, Miroku amended while picking at the skin of his apple, he was murdered.

And for once, he didn't understand why. He knew of no one currently residing within the citadel that possessed malicious feelings towards the late Higurashi - the nobleman had done nothing out of the ordinary - he had continued his duties, serving faithfully under the Emperor, and had even allowed the former Emperor's son to marry his daughter - whom was considered holy by all costs. Whoever had killed Lord Higurashi must have been harboring some malevolent feelings towards him for a while, especially since his death had been so brutal. Six different stab wounds…. Miroku shivered involuntarily.

He was worried. Worried about his friend - the Empress. He had remembered seeing the look in her eyes after his death - the way they seemed so dull and lifeless - a bland gray instead of the beautiful crystal blue that he had always remembered them. It had pained him greatly to see her so disheartened, almost as though she had lost the will to live. She had cried once - only once - and then she had continued as though nothing had taken place. But he knew the pain she was feeling, the hurt and the sorrow, and it only served to make his heart ache for her.

He knew that it was how life worked; people live and they die, there is no other way around it. But to see someone look so completely defeated as though their entire world had caved in on them - that was something that he had never experienced before. He knew why people would want her father dead - why peasants would want to see his blood staining their hands, but as far as he knew no one within the castle would want to bring pain into his life - into Kagome's life. The simple thought that anyone could have done that was beyond him.

Squeezing his apple tightly in his hand, he frowned at one of the servants, completely ignoring the slight blush that spread across her cheeks at seeing the handsome nobleman. Normally he would have taken the time to give a comment to the young servant, she did in fact possess a certain beauty and her eyes were a gorgeous green, however he was distracted and his thoughts rather jumbled.

Lord Higurashi was dead.

And it was tradition for the people of the Northern Lands to acknowledge the death of the wealthy, regardless of whether they were noble or not. Those who were wealthy were of more value to the Emperor - to the people. Miroku's brows furrowed and he stopped walking, his thoughts no longer a jumbled mess.

They hadn't honored him.

It hadn't been announced to the people - to those who dwelled within the Western Territory of the Northern Lands where Lord Higurashi governed. His death had been completely dismissed, as though it didn't matter. And although it had been a fortnight since the death of Lord Higurashi, Miroku still found it odd that his death had not been honored - that his memory had not been honored. Miroku knew that Lord Higurashi was a good man; he knew that he had made some mistakes within his lifetime - he hadn't made his atonement for past sins, for past deaths - that sometimes his priorities were somewhat jumbled, but that still did not make the late Higurashi any less of a man.

And every man had the right to be honored.

Inwardly, Miroku wondered whether or not Kagome had requested to make an official announcement of his death. He was well aware of the fact that those within the castle knew about his untimely death, but anyone who worked within the castle were put through a vow of secrecy lest they wished to die. And due to this simple fact, Miroku knew for certain that Lord Higurashi's death had not been announced. For, if that had been the case, then the entire Western Territory of the Northern Lands would have been in a state of panic.

Licking his lips, Miroku fingered his half-eaten apple, staring down the empty hall.

He knew that if he asked Kagome to make a public announcement, then it would seem as though she were completely banishing her father's memory but - it was the right thing to do. Lord Higurashi had been a valiant man - had fought in many battles to defend his home, and was of noble lineage. He had done nothing but serve his country with the utmost prestige and had done nothing that would bring shame upon his country without thoroughly thinking things through. He deserved it - his memory deserved to be honored.

Steeling his resolve, Miroku glanced out the window, taking note of the sun's position before darting off down the hall, the apple in his hand falling to the floor with a thud.

---

Kagome inclined her head in acknowledgement; ignoring the sharp look that Kaede gave her for being so informal.

But Kagome couldn't care less.

She was tired, her body ached, and her mind was nothing but a jumble of thoughts - each one more preposterous than the last. The duties of being an Empress had only begun to catch up to her, drowning her in unwanted work - forcing her into making decisions on subjects that she knew nothing about. Her time for education was slowly dwindling into nothing, and she was beginning to find herself becoming more and more involved with her advisors, listening in on political meetings - things she could have done without.

She couldn't even remember the last time she had enjoyed the peace and solitude of her own private chambers and -

Kagome immediately clamped down on that thought, a line forming between her brows as a frown marred her usual delicate features. Her husband had become more persistent too - sharing the same bed with her - watching over her in every single instant - the only true time she was allowed away from him was either when she was bathing, changing, or when it came time for her daily lessons. And despite the fact that she wasn't truly alone, Kagome couldn't help but enjoy the tiny bit of privacy she received whenever she was busy with her sums or literature. She didn't have to feel his eyes on her, watching her every move - as though he were trying to look into her very soul.

It was true - the more she was around him, the less angry he was with her - the less suspicious he was of her and yet it bothered her. He had become so much more possessive over her since the death of her father - since the time he had found her immersed in conversation with Inuyasha. And she didn't understand - she didn't understand why he felt so much animosity towards her, so much anger for talking to a simple servant.

She was well aware of the fact that a relationship between a servant and a noble was forbidden, unless of course, the Emperor himself approved the coupling. But there was simply no reason for Kagome to go wandering around the castle, flirting with random servants, regardless of how handsome they were. She had made a promise that she would care for her husband, and her husband only, and there was no reason for her to go back on that promise despite her feelings of resentment towards the harsh man.

Sighing loudly, Kagome rounded a corner, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

And there was also the prophecy that she had to think about. She was still unsure of how to talk to people about it - for whenever asked her throat would constrict, disabling her ability to speak. She didn't fully understand why that had happened; all she knew was that she did.

Perhaps, Kagome thought a little pensively, it has something to do with the fact that I prophesized it as well?

Kagome stood still, pondering this simple fact, unsure of whether or not it was true. It did make sense - she had to at least admit that to herself - for whenever the Djinn prophesized something; they weren't even able to open their mouths. They just merely stared at the servants - the nobles - their strange blue eyes glimmering softly, their longs blonde hair cascading over their shoulders. And then, they would smile that strange disturbing smile, before to bowing the people and returning to their deep mediation.

"But I'm not a Djinni," Kagome murmured aloud, bowing her head towards a servant whom was carrying fresh linen through the halls. The servant smiled timidly, giving the young Empress a curt bow, before continuing her trip down the large halls, an odd flush upon her face.

Sighing loudly, Kagome continued her trek down the halls and towards the throne room, the thoughts of the Djinn still healthy in her mind.

She knew that there had to be some reason for her inability to talk - people didn't simply lose the ability to speak over something so trivial.

No, Kagome thought, giving her self a mental reprimand, not trivial.

She knew that the visions she had while writing out the prophecy were connected, there was no other reason for them not to be. Each vision was heavily laden with death, destruction, and yet life and repair at the same time. Stressing her lower lip between her teeth, Kagome paused, allowing two soldiers to pass her, inclining her head slightly before continuing down the hall still completely confused and frustrated.

The prophecy was being played out and at first, she thought that it had everything to do with her but - the more she thought about it, the more she realized that it didn't. The death - it had started with her father, and she didn't know where it would end. People were going to die, to lose their lives, and all because she couldn't bring herself to speak - to find a way to prevent their deaths.

Kagome had never felt so completely and utterly useless in her life.

"If you keep making that face, it's going to stay stuck like that," a mocking voice replied from behind her.

Kagome started, slightly flustered, before whirling around to glare at the speaker. Miroku merely grinned, taking the moment to bow in respect.

Kagome took the second to scrutinize her friend, taking note of the flush of his cheeks, the way his chest rose and fell rapidly as though out of breath. His hair was slightly tousled, as though the wind had been blowing through it rapidly, tiny strands of loose hair poking out of the binding at the nape of his neck. Kagome smiled kindly, curtsying to her long time friend, before holding out her arm, gesturing for him to take it.

"So," Kagome began conversationally as the two walked down the hall, "whose daughter did you molest this time?"

"I am not even going to dignify that with a response," Miroku said somewhat indignantly, causing the Empress to flash him a blinding smile.

"Actually," Miroku started after a small moment of companionable silence, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

To Kagome, it was blatantly obvious he wasn't in the mood for jokes.

"Thanks, but I'm already married Miroku," Kagome started, unsure of whether or not she wanted to hear what he had to say. Miroku merely frowned at her, causing Kagome to fiddle with the belt loop of her dress uncomfortably.

"As much fun as an affair would be," Miroku said amiably, despite the seriousness of the entire issue, "I was wondering about the Western Territory."

"What about it?" Kagome asked, her fingers digging into his arm as her shoulders tensed.

Oh please God no, don't bring this up, not now. I don't want to deal with this now, Kagome thought frantically, pain swelling within her chest. Miroku flashed her a saddened look, his thumb stroking over her knuckles gently, and Kagome knew that it was nothing short of a comforting gesture.

"They haven't been told yet, have they?"

Kagome whimpered slightly as her throat constricted, and tears threatened to spring up into her eyes.

No, please no, not now, not when I have finally begun to forget.

"They have to be told you know, especially when it's so close to the time for tariffs to be collected," Miroku continued on, taking her silence as a confirmation.

And he knew - he knew how much the subject was hurting her, how much it caused her heart to ache so much. But there was nothing he could do about it, her father deserved to be honored - to have his memory honored and he was going to stick by his decision despite how much pain Kagome might be feeling. There was simply no other choice, and the people - the people deserved to know as well.

"Who cares about the tariffs?" Kagome choked out, "They shouldn't matter, he's… dead, Miroku. And he's not -"

"I know," Miroku sighed, stopping Kagome in the middle of the hall, "but the people need to know that one of their leaders are dead Kagome. It's the only way to honor his memory."

"But people do know Miroku," Kagome retorted, blinking back the unshed tears that threatened to spill down her face, " we already had his funeral and everything I don't -"

"People in the castle know he's dead Kagome," Miroku replied, dropping any and all formality. Kagome gasped, her eyes wide as she stared at the man in front of her completely surprised at his sudden boldness to drop any and all formality and - inadvertently - break the law. "But he's not just dead," Miroku continued, ignoring her surprise, " he was murdered. Don't you think his province has the right to know that their leader is dead? It's not just about honoring his death as well," Miroku paused, lifting a hand to wipe the small trail of tears away from her cheeks, " tariffs are supposed to be collected within a fortnight. If the tariffs from the Western Territory aren't collected it could cause an imbalance within the economy," Miroku explained, his hands tightening around her smaller ones.

"This just isn't about the fact that he was murdered, the Western Territories need another leader to watch over them. Normally, since you are his only living relative, that job would be given to you, but since you are the Empress and you have to look over the nation as a whole you can't do that," Miroku trailed off, taking note of Kagome's blank features, the way her eyes turned a dark dull gray before continuing, "and it's obvious you haven't healed yet."

Kagome suddenly jerked away from Miroku, her eyes blazing, glittering a dark and dangerous blue as she clenched her fists at her side.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she ground out, trying her best to keep her anger in check. Miroku smiled, bowing at the waste, before taking her arm in his, patting her knuckles gently.

"I know enough," he said amiably, "you seem to forget Empress, your father was close to me as well."

"I know," Kagome moaned, massaging her one of her temples, "but that still doesn't mean that you have any right -"

"You're in my damn way."

Kagome paused, turning her gaze to the right, her eyes widening in slight shock as she took in the arrogant servant standing a couple feet away from them, a large cauldron filled with water balanced precariously in his hands.

"Inuyasha?"

The servant grunted, flicking his hair over his shoulder with a flick of his head, before glaring at the couple in the middle of the hall.

"As much as I would like to stay and chat, this ain't exactly light," he replied, ignoring the dark look that Miroku shot his way.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't realize…" Kagome mumbled uncertainly, tugging Miroku out of Inuyasha's way.

"Keh, whatever," Inuyasha started before trotting down the hall. He paused halfway, turning to look at Kagome, his amber eyes shimmering somewhat oddly as he addressed her once again, "Better not let your husband find out your flirting with other men, Empress." He bit out sarcastically, before continuing down the hall.

Miroku blinked after him, a frown apparent on his features before he turned towards Kagome, taking note of the way her hands were twisted within the fabrics of her dress.

"You shouldn't let a servant walk all over you like that," Miroku said cautiously, his fingers gripping her wrist.

"It's not like anyone else doesn't treat me like crap," Kagome shot back, her eyes flashing dangerously. Miroku merely sighed, glancing back down the hall, just in time to see Inuyasha curse another servant as she bumped into him.

"Well, he certainly doesn't act like a servant," Miroku commented, tugging Kagome in the opposite direction.

"No," Kagome agreed, her arm linking with Miroku's once more, "but he's a foreigner. I met him on the same day that Naraku showed me my father's…" Kagome frowned suddenly, turning to look at Miroku. "Economic imbalance you say?"

Miroku grinned.

---

Onigumo glared at his son, his arms crossing over his chest as Naraku glared back; his stare piercing through the older mans body like ice.

The two men had been arguing for the good half of the morning, and Onigumo began to hate himself more and more for allowing his son to take over the Northern Lands at such a naïve age. Despite the fact that he had been trained for seven entire years, it still didn't dismiss the fact that he was indeed naïve when it came to how to rule the country, and it was apparent that he was allowing his power to go to his head. But despite Onigumo's efforts to sway his son's decision, Naraku was still being completely and utterly stubborn.

Onigumo watched his son, taking note of the way he folded and unfolded the papers in his hands - the way his eyes flashed angrily whenever he looked at the words upon them once more, before uttering a single curse, only to repeat the process. He thought that convincing his son to speak to his wife about the matter might have helped alleviate the anger rising within him, but it did nothing of the sort. At the simple mention of his wife, Naraku would only become angrier, a disgusted look appearing on his face. But despite that fact, he knew that he had to convince his son to calm down before it came time to meet with his advisors otherwise - otherwise his temper would be completely unbearable.

"Naraku," Onigumo started slowly, almost cautiously, "it really would be in your best interest to -"

But Naraku merely dismissed him with a wave of his hand, unfolding the papers in front of him once more. "I refuse to speak to that child about matters such as this," he said while smoothing the papers out, his eyes reading the words written on them once again. Naraku's lip curled in disgust before he pushed the papers away from him, only to snatch them back and fold them once more.

"Naraku," Onigumo said quietly, sitting down across from his son, "you sleep in the same bed as her, surely it won't hurt you to speak to her. After all, she is your wife."

"Most unfortunate," Naraku said calmly, flipping through the papers in front of him until he came to the bottom of the stack, "her mother was the daughter of a whore. Surely you knew of this before you decided to - marry us off," he said somewhat vindictively, his eyes taking in the beautiful cursive upon the page.

"I did," Onigumo replied, folding his hands neatly in front of him, "but I still believe that you should allow her to see those documents."

Naraku paused in his reading, his eyes flicking to his fathers still form, before chuckling in disgust, his eyes scanning the papers in front of him once more.

"Technically that makes her a whore as well," Naraku started conversationally, knowing that it would make his father shake with unrepressed anger, "was it your intent to marry me off to a whore father? Or were you just hoping that perhaps as soon as I've had my fill of her, she would come running to you as well?"

The comment had its desired affect as Onigumo's fist connected with the table, his body shaking with rage as his eyes flashed dangerously. One hand clenched the end of the table as Onigumo glared, his knuckles turning white as he regarded his son angrily, know full well that he had been baited, but not caring in the least. His son had absolutely no right - none whatsoever - to insult his wife, let alone his own father, regardless of the situation.

"Father," Naraku started slowly, absently bending the corner of one of the papers in front of him, "there is a reason why you allowed me to become Emperor at such a young age," Naraku shifted his cool gaze to his father, noting the anger that continued to flash behind his eyes, "it is because you are far too emotional over trivial things. Now, I suggest you leave me in peace lest you wish to be escorted," Naraku said calmly, motioning to the two guards near the entrance of his office. Onigumo merely glared, however, shifting away from his son to adjust his robes.

"And you are too naïve to know that in order to run a country, you need to have emotions, not just that disgusting cold callousness. Tell me Naraku, have you slept with her yet?" Onigumo stood tall, forcing himself not to grin at the sour expression that suddenly flitted across his son's face.

"What we do in our own chambers is none of your concern," Naraku said angrily, standing up in one fluid motion. Onigumo smiled wickedly, taking note of the way his son's hands immediately moved to grip the hilt of his sword.

"But it is because of the fact that you are so callous that she won't allow you to sleep with her. You may think that you have control over the relationship, but truly it is she controlling you. Why else would you get so angry over the simple fact that she is in the company of other men?" Onigumo replied smoothly as he walked to the door of Naraku's office, feeling his son's angry eyes following his every movement, "but then again, whores are good at doing that." And without another word, Onigumo left Naraku's presence, a satisfied smirk on his face.

Naraku's lips curled back in disgust, his eyes narrowing as he watched his father leave, unsure of what to do.

His father had just pulled his legs right out from under him, leaving him completely and utterly vulnerable, for he knew what his father was insinuating. Kagome was bound to find out one way or another, and unless he wanted to take control of the relationship he would have to do his best to keep her from it - to be able to manipulate her to bend to his will. Keeping her in his sight at all times - that only made the woman more frustrated, and there were times when he would see that deadly glimmer in her eyes, almost as though she were ready to kill him. But allowing her freedom was simply out of the question, because then - then he would be bending to her will - she wanted nothing more than to stay away from him.

"Bastard," Naraku cursed both his father and Kagome, his fingers dancing along the hilt of his sword. There was simply no way to win - whatever he did, Kagome would always remain in control of him somehow - whether it be his anger or his kindness - she was able to sway it regardless of what she did. And now, Naraku just wished that he could have done nothing more than kill her along with her father, to be able to have seen their blood mix in a beautiful pool of red. It would have been so completely and utterly beautiful.

"Naraku?" A quiet yet strong voice spoke out, and Naraku immediately stopped his mental rant to take in the bowing form of his wife. He repressed the urge to growl, instead adjusting himself in his seat, smoothing his robes out over his skin.

"You may speak," he said, unable to keep the sudden bitterness out of his voice. Kagome nodded, curtsying once again, before taking a seat in front of his desk, her hands immediately clenching the fabric of her dress tightly.

"I request permission to make a public announcement," Kagome replied calmly, locking her eyes to his.

"For what reason?"

"The Western Territory -"

"Is of none of your concern," Naraku replied coolly, folding the documents neatly in front of him before slipping them into the pockets of his robes.

"I'm afraid I disagree with you," Kagome said calmly, running over everything Miroku told her in her mind once more, "you see, the Western Territories were under the govern of my father, and he passed away. You, as Emperor, must know very well that as soon as the leader of a certain Province within the Northern Lands passes away, the title of governor of that province is immediately inherited by someone who is related of blood," Kagome paused, letting out a breath that she didn't know she was holding before continuing, "as my father's only living relative, I feel that it is my duty to make a public announcement that my father has indeed passed away, and that a new leader is being selected to rule over the Western Territory."

Naraku regarded her calmly, already knowing that he would deny her the privilege of going to the Western Territories as a Higurashi and not under her married name. Even if she did go as Empress, he would deny her the privilege of doing so, he reminded himself.

"Permission denied," Naraku said calmly, surprised when she didn't deflate at his refusal.

"Naturally, as Emperor, you are aware of the fact that it is almost time for tariffs to be collected," Kagome started innocently, trying her best not to grin smugly at the angry expression that marred her husbands usually handsome features, "and as Emperor, you are also aware of the fact that governor of the Western Territory is the person to go and collect the tariffs. And as Emperor, I am positive that you are also aware of the fact that if the tariffs are not collected that it could create an economic imbalance within the Northern Lands," Kagome replied, her voice raising slightly throughout her monologue.

"I wonder," Kagome started again as a sudden thought occurred to her, ignoring the way her husband glared at her, "if the person that murdered my father had that in mind." Kagome paused, locking eyes with her husband before smiling gently, tossing some hair over her shoulder. "I suppose not, but don't worry, I won't say anything that will make this country bad."

And Kagome left the room, knowing full well that there was absolutely no way Naraku would stop her from making her speech - otherwise, he wouldn't be fulfilling his duties as Emperor.

And Naraku knew it as well - but his sudden bout of cursing wasn't from the fact that his duties as Emperor were tying him down, but because of the fact that he realized his wife had more control over their relationship than he originally anticipated.

---

Sango paused in the middle of her lesson, wiping sweat from her brow before walking towards the edge of the clearing, her throat tight and parched. Kikyou watched her oddly, ignoring the sweat that dripped from the ends of her long ebony hair, the way her muscles ached from the intense workout, or the sudden pounding behind her eyes. She had never seen Sango stop in the middle of a fight in order to get something to drink, so she knew that the female soldier must have been somewhat bothered by the moist humid air, and the unwanted heat despite it being so close to Winter.

Kagura sent Kikyou a questioning glance, her red eyes glimmering oddly, before she too, followed Sango over to the edge of the clearing where their belongings were carelessly scattered across the ground.

"I think we should take a short break, probably have some fruit before we start training again," Sango replied after taking a small drink of water, handing the canteen to Kagura who accepted it immediately. Kanna, and Kikyou's younger brother Hojo both sat near their belongings, both of them alternating between talking quietly, and watching as the four adults fought one another. Yura merely sat down in the middle of the clearing, before taking her comb from the folds of her black slacks and began brushing her hair slowly.

"Yura," Sango started, grinning as the adult jumped slightly, before turning to face the other woman, "you have the tendency to leave your right side vulnerable for attack; you must learn to shield every part of your body while being able to attack your opponents as well - keep that in mind," Sango said as she tossed a nectarine to the girl, " Kagura, you are almost flawless, although you have no style when it comes to your attack, it seems as though you just search for the most vulnerable spot on a person, and attack, but doing so can make you vulnerable in return," Sango said to the mute girl, who frowned at her critique. Kikyou waited silently, hoping to know her faults, and yet fearing them at the same time.

Sango seemed to be mulling over her words slightly, and for that, Kikyou was grateful. Nestling next to her brother, she smiled gently as he passed her some fruit, ignoring the strange look that Kanna had sent her way. Kikyou bit into her apple, her head resting against the shoulder of her younger brother as he began to converse with Kanna quietly, only being able to gather bits and pieces of their conversation. Truthfully, Kikyou didn't care - she just wanted to know Sango's analysis of her performance - she wanted to know that she would be able to protect her family - to get revenge on the ones who had taken her parents life without a second thought.

Feeling his older sister suddenly tense up next to him, Hojo curled his fingers around her hand, smiling when she immediately relaxed at the familiar contact.

"Are you feeling all right, Kikyou?" He asked, running his thumb over her knuckles gently.

"I'm fine," Kikyou replied curtly, her eyes meeting Sango's.

Sango bit into her nectarine nonchalantly, before taking another drink of water, folding her legs underneath her. She was aware of the fact that Kikyou was anxious - wanting to be able to hear her analysis of the older woman's battle skills, but she also knew that patience is what every soldier needed to possess. She just hoped that Kikyou was able to understand that, was able to know the reason why she was taking so long to give her analysis. The fact that Kikyou merely took another bite of her apple confirmed the fact that, yes, Kikyou was a patient being.

"Kikyou," Sango started slowly as she set down her water bottle, taking note of the way Kanna straightened at the older woman's voice, " your sword strokes are beautiful but," Sango paused for a moment, her eyes locking with Kikyou's, "you are extremely aggressive. It's almost as though you are going into a battle unprotected - you're allowing your aggressive nature to show, and any soldier would be able to take advantage of that. Whenever you go into battle you must never allow your feelings to show on your face, otherwise you have already lost," Sango paused once more, taking a small sip of water, before continuing, "when you are so aggressive with your fighting, you have the tendency to open yourself up to attack. You fight with no style, no skill. It's almost like swinging a sword blindly, and it's extremely easy for your opponent to predict your next move. It's almost as though you are allowing your rage to take control of your mind, and not letting your mind take control of your body."

"So how long do you think it will be before Kikyou is fully ready to infiltrate the castle?" Kanna asked, shooting Kikyou a condescending glance. Kagura glared at her sister, before exchanging a knowing glance with Yura, who immediately stood up and began to stalk towards the group.

"It depends on how long it takes for her to take control," Sango said with a shrug, unaware of the oncoming argument that was about to erupt between the two women.

"Control?" Kanna said somewhat bitterly, "Kikyou's been lacking control since she was a child."

Kikyou's eyes narrowed, and instinctively, she rose to her feet, ready to berate the normally quiet teen when Yura and Hojo stepped in front of her, both of them wearing pensive looks on their faces.

"Enough," Yura and Hojo said at the same time.

"I think," Hojo said, bowing to Sango politely, "that it would be best to end training for the day. Plus it's almost midday, and that is the time when Rin will be coming to the cottage to visit us." Hojo replied calmly, smiling nicely when a line formed between Sango's brows.

"Very well," Sango said with a shrug of her shoulders, as everyone started to pack their things - with the exception of Kikyou - who merely glared at Kanna.

And Sango couldn't help but notice that she inadvertently missed something. What had been said that had gotten them so riled up?

---

'Your running out of time…'

There were twenty-six rooms total.

'Kikyou wants it memorized within a month…'

Five separate exits.

'Start with the first floor and work your way up…'

Thirteen halls that intersected with one main hall.

'Then learn when each guard circles each floor…'

Four different guards protected the throne room; the entrance of which was located at the back of the castle for safety precautions.

'Make sure not to be too obvious…'

Two staircases that lead to two watch towers - one at the North section of the castle, one at the Southern Section of the castle.

'But don't forget that you are a servant as well…'

One staircase that led to the second floor sleeping chambers, and one stair case that led underground to the servants sleeping quarters.

'Don't get caught…'

Inuyasha froze at the foot of the staircase, taking a look around the deserted hallway. He had already learned the majority of the first floor; not having been allowed to enter the throne room - and he felt as though he could move up to the second floor. But he knew for a fact, that the second floor were the sleeping quarters of the nobles, and if he were in fact allowed to travel up there, he would have to have either been summoned or actually working.

He was doing neither.

Instead, he was running around the first floor, marveling at the lack of security and noble persons, before completely ignoring it. He had been running around for the better part of the afternoon, having been dismissed from working for Kaede somewhat early, and had decided to take Rin's advice. After all, he had promised that he would help them get into the castle, although, he had no idea why they simply wouldn't allow Rin to learn the layout of the castle. After all, she had been working within the palace longer than he had. Frowning, Inuyasha scratched one furry ear, all the while staring up the long staircase.

Did he really have to take the time to memorize the castle? He did after all, have an entire month, which meant that if he were simply there for a couple more weeks, he would be able to learn the layout of the castle without having to sneak away at any free moment with the risk of getting caught. Besides, he would be able to relax, and he did have his own reasons for being at the Northern Lands in the first place.

Turning away from the stairs, Inuyasha chewed on his lower lip, his thoughts immediately straying back to the last conversation he had with Kagome. She had mentioned something strange - something about a prophecy - and no matter how much he had asked around about it, no one seemed to want to explain to him. They merely gave him a startled look, bowing profusely before scampering away from him, only to whisper to someone on the other side of the room about the questions he asked.

Everyone within the Northern Lands were simply so tight-lipped, and Inuyasha didn't know how to go about loosening them up. Briefly, he entertained the thought of holding his sword to their necks before they confessed everything, but he immediately threw that idea away. There was simply no way he would allow himself to get caught, especially since he had gotten this far, and infiltrated the castle without suspicions. Inuyasha couldn't help but grin, his brother must be extremely proud.

Almost instinctively, Inuyasha's hands plunged into the folds of his slacks, gripping the enveloped piece of paper tightly, knowing full well that he would have to get the letter delivered to Sango, who in turn, would get it delivered to the Southern Lands. He did, in fact, have to let his brother know that the castle infiltration was successful and they weren't dying somewhere in the middle of the sand domes.

"For someone who is supposed to be a servant, you don't act like one," a voice commented from behind him, effectively jarring Inuyasha out of his thoughts.

Inuyasha whirled around, frowning when he spotted an ebony-haired young man, accompanied by an older - yet still handsome - man with a sword attached to his hip. Inuyasha frowned, watching as the two of them eyed him expectantly, before he fell into a bow, cursing mentally.

Cause I'm not a damned servant, Inuyasha thought bitterly - waiting until they gaze him permission to rise, I'm a soldier, and if I had my sword I'd decapitate you for making a damned fool out of me…

"You may rise," the older man stated calmly, his fingers massaging his armored wrist gently.

"Care to explain why you are not in the servant's quarters and wandering around the castle?" The boy asked, and Inuyasha suddenly recognized him.

"Keh."

"I'm afraid there is no other choice," the older man commented amiably, his fingers encircling the hilt of his sword, as though attempting to threaten him. Inuyasha merely shrugged his shoulders, ignoring the sharp glare that the armored man gave him.

"No one's summoned me, why the hell do I have to stay in the servants quarters?"

"Because," the ebony-haired boy explained, "it's the rules of the castle."

"What the fuck ever," Inuyasha grumbled, holding back a malicious growl when the armored man pushed passed him, effectively stabbing him in the side with the hilt of his sword. The ebony-haired male watched in mild amusement, his arms folding neatly across his chest, as he watched his father walk down the hallway tall and proud, and - he reminded himself, somewhat angered.

Pausing a moment, Inuyasha watched the armored man walk away, before turning towards the boy, an eyebrow raised in question.

"You don't," the boy stated conversationally a small smile of amusement apparent on his face.

"I'm not," Inuyasha replied, fully understanding the statement.

The ebony-haired boy smiled, inclining his head in acknowledgement, before taking a step towards Inuyasha, his eyes glittering in amusement.

"I'm Miroku," he said simply, unfolding his arms to smooth the front of his robes.

Inuyasha scowled, nodding stiffly in agreement, before turning and walking down the hall, Miroku keeping pace with him.

Great, just what I fucking needed, Inuyasha cursed mentally sending Miroku a suspicious look, a fucking master.

---

Kagome paused, her eyes scanning the crowd almost nervously as she clutched the curtain that shielded her body from the outside.

The incident from her wedding was still very much present in her mind, and she was a tad bit reluctant to have to face them again - to have to deal with their taunts and jeers. But she knew that the first step to being an Empress was to overcome the fear of the crowd - to show that she was the one whom was truly in power, and not the other way around. She knew that she was a strong person - she had been able to face her husband without construing her hurt over her fathers death, without letting him know how much she truly feared him - how much she truly feared his refusal.

Miroku had been right, she hadn't healed yet, and it was only when she thought back on the day her father died when she realized it. But Miroku wasn't simply helping her overcome a past hurt - he was helping her to lead, nudging her to take that first step in becoming Empress, and it was more than welcome. But now - now that she was being forced to face the crowd, to have to deal with their hate, she was somewhat regretting her decision to make the announcement despite how much she knew it was necessary. She already knew that her husband was working to find a new governor for the Western Territory, one that she might approve of as much as he, for the simple fact that the Western Territory did fall under her rule, and she couldn't help but wonder just how long it would take him.

Certainly he would find a suitable noble before it came time to collect tariffs, otherwise -

Otherwise it would create an economic imbalance, Kagome reminded herself, clenching the skirts of her dress tightly.

Behind her, she could hear her advisors whispering rapidly, each of them surprised at the last minute public announcement that was to take place. And Kagome had to admit, it was rather brash of her, but there was no other choice. Inwardly, she wished that she could be taking care of her studies, in which she knew she was slipping due to her new title, rather than make an elaborate speech to the public but - she was an Empress, and she simply had to remember that. Making this speech would bring honor, not only to herself, but to her husband as well - people would know that she hadn't allowed one indecent public incident to get the best of her, that she wouldn't be ousted by mere 'peasants' as her husband so eloquently called them.

But that really did hurt, Kagome thought distantly, rubbing her previously offended cheek gently.

Her advisors stopped talking, each of them turning to look at Kagome, before whispering rapidly again, and Kagome could have sworn that she heard the words servant and flirting within the same sentences.

Shooting her wards an offended look, Kagome chose to ignore them, knowing full well that they were merely gossiping - they had no idea what was truly going on.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome steeled herself, attempting to hide away any and all emotions that would leave her vulnerable - to be detached yet jovial - fixing a false smile upon herself. The guard next to her offered her a sympathetic smile, and Kagome could only nod, her blue eyes glimmering brightly before dulling to a listless gray. The guard could only gape in shock, his flat brown eyes boring into hers before he turned away slightly flustered. Kagome rose an eyebrow in question, smoothing out the skirts of her dress, before turning to her advisors and motioning them to stand.

The crowd outside was thickening immensely, people from all over the Northern Lands flocking to the main city as day slowly melted into night, just to hear the urgent speech that the Empress was supposed to give.

"News sure does travel fast," Kagome said to Erri, whom was currently fussing with her hair.

"You're important," Yuka replied with a shrug of her shoulders as she pinned the hem of Kagome's dress so that she would refrain from tripping over it as she walked out on the balcony.

"And don't worry," Ayumi said as she applied a thin layer of powder to Kagome's tanned skin in order to make her look pale, "the guards are making sure that no one can hurt you again."

"What was the deal with those people anyways? Being rude like that," Erri retorted, tightening the binding around Kagome's bun, "they're lucky that they weren't found and executed."

"Exactly," Yuka said, forgetting that Kagome was currently standing between the two of them, "I mean really, what are they going to achieve by pegging the Empress in the side of the face? Honestly, people these days are so idiotic."

At that point, Kagome decided to tune the conversation out, smiling at Ayumi who wiping Kagome's hands with a wet cloth.

A knock sounded at the door a few minutes later, and Kagome took a deep breath, shooting the guard next to her an uneasy look as he flanked her, almost as though expecting another attack.

Kagome waited a few minutes, her hand clutching the red fabric of the curtains, as though attempting to slow her breathing - to lessen the beating of her heart. And after a brief moment of reluctance, Kagome tucked away most of her emotions, that same false smile on her face as she slipped through the curtains, the guard at her side, as she readied to give her speech.

---

Inuyasha leaned back against the wall, a scowl on his face as Miroku chatted away with his father, completely ignoring the indignant servant.

And, quite frankly, Inuyasha was tired of waiting. They had been standing in the sun, watching from their protected places in the Gardens, waiting for the Empress to step out on the balcony that overlooked the village, to make her speech. And as far as Inuyasha was concerned, it was taking too long. He could hear the villager's voices being carried through the air; each of them wondering just what exactly was going on - why exactly they had been requested to attend this announcement.

Inuyasha couldn't help but think that it was completely and utterly worthless, making a speech about someone who was already dead, but for some reason, when Miroku explained the entire situation to him, he couldn't help but agree. For some reason, he wished that customs within the Southern Lands were somewhat identical to that of the Northern Lands, but then again, that would mean that he would have to know what a Djinni was, and he didn't feel like worshipping a being that shouldn't even exist.

Tapping a clawed finger against his forearms in annoyance, Inuyasha scowled up at the balcony, wishing very much that the Empress would just -

Inuyasha's irritated thoughts faded into nothing as she walked out on the balcony, her once blue eyes a dull and listless gray.

Just like that time in the Gardens, he thought as his ears folded down to mold against the frame of his skull. He took in her tense shoulders, the way her eyes darted back and forth across the crowd in a hurried frenzy, almost as though she were afraid of being attacked once again, only to stop at the railing and grip it tightly with both hands.

"Doesn't take a fucking God to realize she's nervous as hell," Inuyasha said to Miroku, who had stopped conversing with his father as soon as she stepped out onto the stage. Miroku raised an amused eyebrow, his lips quirking upwards at his servant's bold comment.

"Stupid wench," Inuyasha continued to mutter, his arms crossing over his chest as Kagome began to speak, her voice soft calming and gentle. "I told her that he ain't coming back, she's just wastin' her damned time."

At that comment, Miroku cuffed Inuyasha's ears, a line forming between his brows at the rude comment. Inuyasha let out a low growl, his ears flattening against his skull once more, before leaning against a naked tree, his arms crossed over his chest defiantly. Miroku merely resisted the urge to chuckle at Inuyasha's constant mood swings, before turning back towards the balcony to listen to Kagome's speech.

"I must also sincerely apologize for being the only person who was able to inform you all of this remorseful news," Inuyasha watched as Kagome paused, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment as tears got caught on her lashes, "my father, Lord Daisuke Higurashi, governor of the Western Territory of the Northern Lands pass - passed away," Kagome said, her voice cracking as she looked out at the crowd. And then suddenly, a laugh tore from her throat. The sound was cold and bitter, almost as though she had found something extremely ironic. Her hands gripped the railing of the balcony tightly, and Inuyasha could see how tense her muscles were - the unshed tears that were glimmering in her eyes.

She was laughing because her only other choice was to cry.

"Damn," Inuyasha heard Miroku mumble as Kagome calmed down, smiling sadly down at the crowd.

"Murdered," she started out slowly, tensing as she spotted something out of the corner of her eye, "my father was murdered. He was found in the Eastern Section of the palace, with six different stab wounds in his chest and his ribs. Needless to say, as the current governor of the Western Territory due to my blood relation, I am going to be finding someone else to hand the title down to, due to the fact that I am Empress and I won't be able to take the time to deal with governing the Western Territory. Tariffs will be collected on schedule, and you will only be permitted to visit the gravesite of Lord Higurashi with permission. Have a nice day," and with that Kagome disappeared from the balcony, tears streaming down her face rapidly.

"Well," Miroku began after an odd moment of silence, "that certainly wasn't expected."

"Keh," Inuyasha grunted, silently marveling at the way her eyes changed back to a dark blue when she started to cry.

"You haven't used up your daily quota of vocabulary for the day, have you?" Miroku asked in slight amusement, cocking his head to the side.

"Fuck you," Inuyasha mumbled, before turning to Miroku with a sudden smirk on his face, "so, Master, think you can tell me what the hell a Djinn is?"

Miroku merely chuckled in amusement.

---

Kikyou stood frozen, her heart ramming against her ribcage as she heard those four words play over and over again in her mind.

'My father was murdered…'

Kikyou knew that she didn't want to believe it - that she wanted to act like the entire situation was nothing more than a hoax - but the Higurashi child - she simply had no reason to lie, and now - she could slowly feel her revenge slipping from her grasp, sliding further and further away from her as it became almost nonexistent. Her hopes, hopes of destroying the ones who had betrayed her - who had made her doubt her trust in everything that was meant to be good, they no longer existed. There was no way for her to spill the blood of the one she truly hated, no way for her heart to feel at ease once more. Everything simply disappeared, along with the life of the man she hated more than anything.

Kikyou felt empty, and her throat constricted with unrepressed pain.

Kanna glanced towards the older woman, her hazel eyes glimmering with slight emotion, before she flicked her white tresses over shoulder, motioning for the rest group to leave.

"There's still Higurashi's daughter Kikyou," Kanna replied, trying - but not succeeding - to quell the urge to comfort the older woman. Kanna touched her arm gently, taking note of the way the woman tensed, her brown eyes flashing with something akin to anger before she turned to stalk off, a thin line between her brows and a frown on her face.

Kanna couldn't help but get angry at the sudden dismissal.

"You know, it's very ironic," Kanna said quietly, her voice filled deadly venom, "if we killed Higurashi, it would be exactly like killing you."

And before Kikyou even had the chance to retort Kanna joined the rest of the group, reassuring a worried Hojo that everything was all right.

And within that moment, Kikyou had never felt so completely hated in her life - so completely empty.

She had never felt like crying more in her entire life.