InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgiven ❯ Caged ( Chapter 1 )

DISCLAIMER: I am not the creator of the Inuyasha series. All credit is due to Rumiko Takahashi.

A/N: Alrighty I see a bit of explanation is due for the prologue! Here's some basics to keep in mind:

This is not a Japanese society…it's an alternate universe..and this is a kind of undefined, medieval society. There are still demons and priestesses though.

Kagome and Inuyasha/ Miroku and Sango will not know that the other two exist for a while. They will meet somewhere near the middle of the story. This fic will have 17 parts, including prologue and epilogue.

I'm going to try to make it humorous in any way I can, but it may be hard because of the subject matter, so bear with me. Jaken and Miroku will be most of the comic relief ; )

This chapter will see Kagome's introduction, and Miroku and Sango moving on their way to the top of the social ladder!

R&R please!

Note: This chapter takes place three weeks after the prologue.

"Unforgiven"

Chapter 1: Caged

His ears twitched slightly, as he heard the sharp noise ringing from down the hall. What time was it? Out of pure habit, Inuyasha flicked his golden eyes to glance at the shaft of light that pooled in a mocking puddle on the ground. It was very thin. It might have been a full moon tonight. It might have been dusk. He gave up trying to guess, and closed his eyes again, praying for a dreamless sleep.

The sounds were growing louder. Why was the guard moving so loudly, and why was he coming near when he had just fed Inuyasha an hour before? Who was he talking to in that cocky voice of his? Had Naraku come, to taunt him, to kill him? A spectator…a new prisoner?

The thought intrigued him, and he opened his eyes fully, straining them in the hazy light, hoping to catch a glimpse of something. The flame of a candle flickered. The guard was coming closer, the click of his boots ringing out in the silence. He waited, didn't even realize that he was holding his breath for the unknown.

The light wavered, splayed across the silt-covered walls, making eerie shadows play on the surfaces. The guard was leading someone- a smaller figure who was walking shakily. Inuyasha looked harder, his heart beating faster. He hadn't seen outsiders for so long…months now. Would this visitor decide his fate? His mouth went dry. If it was time, he would kill Naraku. His spirits began to rise.

And, then, when he saw what the figure was, he almost gasped. It was a woman. A slight, frightened-looking woman with a familiar semblance. The guard was gripping her elbow, marching her with trained steps down the narrow hallway, and coming closer by the second. Why was a woman here, in such a place?

They had reached the cell door, the sets of thick, double-set, iron bars. They had been impossible for him to break, and no matter what time of day he awoke, they were always the first reminder of his desolate home. Inuyasha noticed that the guard was drawing his ring of keys from his belt. He was going to open the door. Inuyasha had a chance. He could at least attempt to push by through force. It was always worth a try.

Inuyasha bowed his head again, feigning sleep. But, while his eyes were closed, his ears were focused on the sound of the turning lock. In two seconds he would have his chance. The lock finally made a resounding click, and Inuyasha had sprung to his feet, aiming his body directly at the opening door. But, the guard had already anticipated his move, and a sword blade was directly under his chin.

"Don't try anything. You have no chance." The blue-green eyes of the guard flickered dangerously, almost smugly at Inuyasha, and Inuyasha found he couldn't move under the pressure of the sword tip. A growl formed under his throat, as he wrenched the blade away with his bare hand, lunged at the bars. In the few moments when Inuyasha had been stunned by the sword, though, the guard had found the time to shove the girl into the cell and slam it shut.

Inuyasha threw himself forcefully against the bars, almost roaring as he watched the guard, who retreated after one last glance at the girl. His chance had been lost. After a moment, he edged back to his wall, slumped down again. The girl was silent, and hadn't moved yet. She fixed him with a confused and half-fearful stare.

But, then, how would you react if you were suddenly thrown into a dungeon with an ill-tempered half demon?

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Sango glanced over at Miroku, astonished at the change that had come over him. One second they had been alone, outside the castle. He was being light and perverted as always, trying in his subtle way to keep her in high spirits, and to keep both of their hopes up. As soon as they had stepped inside for the first time, his back was rigid, his face was cut like stone, and his arms were straight like rods at his sides. The epitome of an obedient soldier. It was almost frightening how well he could shift back and forth. From a friend to something untouchable.

She breathed in sharply, remembering that she, too, had to watch her actions. He had been instructing her on how to carry herself. The structured grace in walking was easy enough for her, but to keep her face placid and free of emotion, and to establish her position in the court with her countenance had been trouble for her. They would be able to see right through her, right? She had feared that as soon as she walked through the doors of the palace, she would be recognized not as a woman of importance, but as a young country girl.

So far her ruse had passed. No one had dragged her out kicking and screaming. In fact, no one yet had paid her much more than a glance that would have been directed at any young woman entering the castle. Appraising, but still harmless.

No one had approached Miroku and Sango yet. The front room of the castle was bustling- servants, guards, noblemen. It was a time of war, and everyone was always on their toes. It was becoming easier for her to blend in.

"Calm down, Sango." Miroku was whispering to her, had placed his lips so close to her temple that she began to feel fidgety again. It was only proper that he act this way in public, anyway. To keep their game up. She supposed she had been showing her nervousness too much. She wrung her fingers together, and her eyes darted around, as if expecting an attacker at any moment. "I am a soldier. None of my motives will change that."

She began to relax. Miroku was a soldier, not an impostor. Nobody knew their motives.

Within seconds, a woman was approaching them. Her movements were practiced and almost lazy in their formality. She had exotic eyes that were a deep shade of maroon, sensual lips, and black hair that was pulled into a sleek bun at the back of her head. "You are the new Commissioner of the Guard, I take it?" Her voice was low and silky, but she didn't sound at all enthused. She whipped out a fan from underneath her elbow, and began to wave cool air into her face.

Miroku saluted her with professional ease, his eyes set hard. "Yes ma'am. I am here with my wife, Sango. I was told that today I would begin my duties as Commissioner."

The woman swept her eyes quickly over Sango, who tried to return her gaze with the same nonchalance. Inside, her stomach was tumbling. The woman then nodded, bored, and turned away. "Follow me." Without even motioning to them, she began walking quickly to the wide flight of stairs in the center of the large foyer. "I'll show you to your quarters."

Miroku glanced back at Sango, a small encouraging smile lighting in his eyes. She was suddenly glad that he was there with her. Without his help these past few weeks, she would probably still be stuck in that same tavern, plotting hopeless revenge on an unreachable man, and hoping she wouldn't be killed before she got the chance to meet Naraku face-to-face.

He then, almost as if it was second nature to him, offered his elbow to her. Lifting the hem of the voluminous dress she wore, Sango took his arm, and walked with him up the many steps. The woman lead them through many corridors, until they found that they were on the fourth floor- overlooking the courtyard where the ranks of the castle guard slept. Below them, uniformed men were milling around in preparation for their duties.

They were both scanning their eyes at the doors beside their room, at the towers and windows around them. They even had their own flight of steps leading outside in case of emergency.

"What else is on this floor?" Miroku asked.

She raised an eyebrow, but made no other move of surprise. "Naraku is on the other wing of the fourth floor."

A thrill of anticipation ran up Sango's spine. They were so close. Naraku was now within arms' reach. Though, just as Miroku had told her what seemed like ages ago, you couldn't just walk up and kill Naraku. In order to outwit someone as shrewd-minded as him, their plan had to be clever…and flawless.

"Anything else?" The pretty woman asked, her voice not trying to hide the fact that she was ready to leave them alone.

Miroku shook his head and inclined his head to her. "Thank you for your assistance, Lady…"

"Kagura." She swept towards the door, the silk of her skirt rustling. She pulled out her fan once more, as she stopped at the door. "Naraku has requested a meeting with you tomorrow night at the setting of the sun to discuss your duties."

He nodded in understanding, and she left without a word.

Sango breathed out when she closed the door. Miroku also lost some of his rigidness. He removed his cap from his forehead, and his bangs fell delicately over his forehead.

"That Kagura….who is she?"

"She's Naraku's mistress…"

Sango looked incredulous. "But she's a demon! Why is she the mistress of a human?"

Miroku sighed, moving to the bureau drawers beside the large, canopied bed. "I don't know, nor do I understand how it could be possible. But, he's one of the most powerful men I have ever known of, and that could be a factor. Perhaps she truly loves him, or he has promised her power. Either way, we have a long time to sort it out."

Sango sighed quietly to herself. "You are sure this plan will work? What if we are discovered?"

Miroku looked regretful, as he saw the fear that played over her features. "You still do not trust my judgement?"

She bowed her head until her bangs shadowed her eyes. "I still do not know what I trust."

He looked saddened. He often forgot that, while he had had many years to overcome the loss of her father, hers had been killed just months before. The grief was still fresh.

Miroku took a step closer to where she sat on the bed, his hat in hand. He gently reached out to touch her shoulder. She flinched even as his fingertips made contact.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"I understand. But, we have to learn to rely on each other if this is going to work."

Sango nodded, dubiously, and said nothing more.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

It had been virtually silent for days. Kagome had her eyes fixed on the man across the cell from her. He hadn't said a word to her for three days. A grunt, a look, a growl. That was all she had gotten from him so far. He was now slumped against the opposite wall, his golden eyes shadowed by his bangs, looking as sulky as ever.

Didn't he wonder at all why she was here? First and foremost, she was curious as to why they had been placed together in this cell- why they two out of every other convicted criminal in the vicinity were sent to live alone in this foul dungeon. She pursed her lips, wrinkling her nose. The smell was becoming more bearable as she became used to it…but the slimy texture of the wall, the putrescence of the entire atmosphere, and the lack of light were driving her crazy.

She thanked the heavens that it was autumn. To be trapped here in winter would be hell. Will I be here in winter….? Can I find a way out before I die here?

Most of all, Kagome wanted to speak to her cellmate. They couldn't be silent forever. She would have to know who he was and what crime he had committed. What if he's an assassin, or a deranged murderer? She noted how vicious he often looked, and Kagome shivered slightly.

The man lifted his head a little higher, sniffing the air. Kagome still stared at him, so many questions clouding her face. He finally met her eyes, then he glanced away quickly, as if she wasn't even there. She breathed out in frustration.

"Food." He growled out.

She raised an eyebrow. "Wha…"

"You know, the stuff you eat?" He spat out irritably.

She huffed out, his words triggering her mouth into action. "I know what food is! But, why-?"

He rolled his eyes. "The guard is bringing us dinner. I can smell it from here. Humans are such weaklings…" he silenced again, and Kagome sighed loudly.

He had been right. Within the next thirty seconds, the guard had brought them food- a piece of stale bread each, a little water, and salty cured ham that made Kagome want to gag, it tasted so old. She looked down at her bowl of food with disgust, willing herself to not think about the taste.

"Oy," she heard an impatient grunt.

Kagome snapped her head up. He was going to speak to her again? His face was blank except for a constant frown, and his bright eyes stood out even in the shadows. She bit her lip nervously.

He pointed to the food with a clawed finger. "Do something about this!"

Her jaw almost dropped open. "Do….something….?"

He exhaled noisily through his nostrils. "Godammit- you're a priestess, aren't you? Fucking….change it….you have powers…"

"You obviously know nothing about spiritual powers…I can't do anything like that…it's physically impossible."

"Keh…." He wrinkled his nose at her. "Then what's the use of having you here?"

Her cheeks flamed in anger. They had only just met, and would be forced to live in tight quarters, and ALREADY he was driving her insane. "Why don't you ask Naraku? Ask him why I'm here! Then maybe we both could get some answers!" She met his maddening gaze with one of her own.

He looked slightly taken aback at her fiery reaction, but just grunted again.

They were again silent for a long period, as they both worked to force the food down their parched throats with the small cup of water, trying to ignore the taste.

After a while, Kagome looked up again, placed her bowl to the side. She had to be able to get through to this man. She just wouldn't be able to stand living with someone who hated her so much. So, it was she who would be forced to make another move.

"So…" she began, somewhat meekly. "What's your name?"

"Inuyasha."

"Inuyasha…..I'm Kagome." She tried to form a friendly smile. He didn't even look at her or move to respond, as if he could care less what her name was.

She fumbled with words in her head. The silence was becoming unbearable. His silence was completely confounding her. There were so many questions she wished to ask him, but was afraid that none of them could be answered. She wanted to trust him, and ask of their fate….but she didn't know how.

She was struck with another question- the one that had been tearing at her the most. "I….wonder why I'm here. I don't know why I'm locked up..because, frankly….I'm not a criminal. One day, this man just shows up…says I have committed treason against Naraku…and takes me away. I'm here now…and….I don't know…" She trailed off, realizing she was beginning to babble.

She watched his face expectantly. There were new emotions playing across his handsome face. Regret, anger, annoyance…she didn't know what to make of her companion. What was he thinking now?

As Kagome rattled on about herself, new thoughts were springing into Inuyasha's head. He, too, had puzzled over the same dilemma. If she was a normal priestess, as she had claimed to be….why had they been locked up together? He a true criminal in the eyes of the law, and she just a girl.

And then he knew why.

She looked so much like Kikyo- almost exactly the same, though younger. He had noticed it the first time he had laid eyes on her, and had been trying not to look her in the eyes. The eerie resemblance frightened him- made him want to yell to her, and ask why she had to have such a face.

Naraku's puzzle was now complete. He was going to make Inuyasha suffer this way- stuck to waste away next to a constant reminder of his past transgressions.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

A/N: Hope you like it so far. I know it's a little bit of a downer at the moment, but as the story progresses, I hope that so will the romantic part of it. There's going to be plenty of turns in this plot too….and an equal share of all the characters! (Sesshomaru included!) It was interesting for me, when writing this, to realize that the primary couple in this story is actually Miroku and Sango, since they're not in a dungeon. Kagome and Inuyasha will have romantic developments too, but they just move slower. I think there'll be something for everyone in this story, and I hope you'll all stick around to read more!

Let me know what you think in a review! ::unsubtle hint::