All Inuyasha characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi and all objects related to the manga/anime. Any original characters, should they appear, are property of OMG Lord Zed.
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Inuyasha stood atop the hill that over looked his father's kingdom of Illyria. The sky was a brilliant sapphire blue today, the sun rained down on the kingdom gently, and the cold winter breeze brushed against him. His hair flowed behind him in elegant waves of silver and his ears twitched atop his head against the wind. His golden eyes sparkled against the sunlight as he took in the beauty of the view. Even after centuries of seeing this everyday, Inuyasha never grew tired of it, but there was something he longed for. He wanted to see the rest of the world. He had heard the most wonderful stories about the surrounding kingdoms, but had never been to them. He had only left the kingdom one time in his life and that was to the small town of Rourkestead just fifteen kilometers outside the kingdom.
Today was going to be different. A few days prior, Inuyasha had informed his father, Inutaisho, that he would be venturing outside the kingdom for several weeks. Inutaisho had argued against his youngest son, but eventually gave in. Inuyasha smiled to himself as the door that led to the tower's roof, opened and closed. "Hello, Sango." He turned to look at the human girl he considered his best friend. He met her at Rourkestead, begging in the streets for coin or a meal. He had never once seen such a beautiful girl reduced to such a state. The second he saw her, his heartached and he quickly told her who he was and offered her to come with him.
Inuyasha knelt before the girl dressed in rags, cowering beneath his stare. She had asked him for some coin, not realizing who he was. Her voice was soft, but broken. "What's your name?" He asked, trying to get a better look at her face. Her hair was dirty and tangled, her face was smeared with dirt, yet she was still beautiful. Her lovely brown eyes averted his to the best of her ability. His voice grew soft, "Tell me your name." He gave her a boyish smile.
"S-Sango of Rourkestead, sir." She shivered against the harsh winter gusts. Something in Inuyasha told him to take her with him. He quickly slipped of his coat and draped it over her shoulders. She stared at him with wide eyes, her brown eyes filled with surprise.
"I'm Inuyasha of Illyria." He told her, waiting to see if she would recognize his name, but she didn't seem to. "I'd like you to come with me. I can give you a home, food, clothing and most of all-" He grinned at her slightly, "A hot bath." Inuyasha stood and held out his hand. Sango stared at his hand, her face was contorted into a confused look. "It's okay, Sango. I won't hurt you." Slowly, Sango took the hand of the prince and he helped her to her feet. As she became eye-level with Inuyasha, she noticed the dog ears atop his head and gasped.
"You're a demon?" She quickly dropped to one knee and bowed. "I-I-I'm sorry, sir. I had no idea. Please forgive me for my rudeness.
Inuyasha chuckled at the girl bowing at his feet, "Please stand, Sango. There's no need to bow." Inuyasha rubbed the back of his neck, "I guess now would be a bad time to mention that, I'm also the Prince of Illyria." Inuyasha looked at her when he told her he was a prince and he swore he saw her die of embarrassment.
Inuyasha smiled to himself at the memories, "How are you today, Sango?"
Sango bowed at him, "I'm doing well. Thank you for asking Your Highness." Her dipped forward as she held the bow.
"Sango, cut the crap. I already told you about that. You don't need to treat me like a prince. I'm just Inuyasha to you. Nothing more." Inuyasha walked over to her as she rose from her bow. "Are things all set for today?"
"Yes, si-" Sango cut herself off, "Yes, Inuyasha. Everything has been prepared. Are you sure you want to take this journey on foot? I could quickly prepare a horse for you."
"I prefer to walk." Inuyasha rubbed the back of his neck. He was nervous about asking, and he had no clue why. "Hey, Sango. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." Sango gave him her famous smile. That smile always made him feel better, no matter how he felt.
"We've been friends for nearly three years now right?" He blushed to himself, cursing himself for being a nervous wreck. You're not asking her to marry you! You're just asking her to accompany you!
Shut up! I know what I'm doing! Inuyasha inner voices battled with each other as the conversation went on, "I was just wondering if you'd like to-" Ask her damnit! "Accompany me on my journey?" Inuyasha flinched a bit as the question fell from his lips.
Sango smiled at him and nodded. "I would be honored." She let out a soft giggle, that caught Inuyasha off guard. In three years, he had never heard just giggle. A small chuckle maybe, but not this cute giggle.
It took a moment for Sango's response to register in Inuyasha's mind, "Really?"
"Yes." Sango turned away from him, "I guess I should go pack my things as well." Before Inuyasha could say anything, she was gone.
Well, that went smoothly. Inuyasha told himself, turning back to the city.
Except you nearly died of embarrassment. What a wimp. Inuyasha growled at the demon inside of him. Inuyasha turned back around and headed for the tower door. He needed to speak with his father and brother before he left. Hopefully, Inutaisho hadn't changed his mind and wouldn't fight him on leaving. Inuyasha took a deep breath and went to find his father.
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Kagome Leingod, Captain of the HelixFire Starship, stood in the bridge, gazing over her crew with watchful eyes. They had been traveling through the stars for months looking for the leader of the Rebellion Empire, Naraku. Commander Kouga of the Intergalactic Federation, ordered the HelixFire Starship search nearby galaxies for the man. As the weeks flew by and they were no closer to finding Naraku then they were when they started the search. Soon after, Commander Kouga ordered Captain Kagome to expand their search. Months escaped by them and still they had no leads on the rebellion leader. The war continue to ravage through the universe, consuming whole planets, even certain galaxies were no longer safe for civillians.
Kagome had no idea how long her and her crew would have to travel the universe, but she knew she was getting tired of it, and she was sure her crew was, as well. Most of them had families, which was why they were assigned to her ship. Usually Kagome's ship was never gone for more than a couple of weeks at a time. They've been gone nearly a year, and video calls to family just aren't cutting it anymore. Kagome didn't really have family back home, but even she missed being home.
"Captain." It was Miroku, her second-in-command, he was dressed in his white Intergalactic Fleet uniform. He always wore the uniform, even if Kagome didn't require it. Kagome had to admit, it made him extremely handsome. His violet eyes glistened against the gentle light of the bridge.
"Yes, Miroku?" She smiled at the man. They had basically become brother and sister over the years of working the ship together.
"We're coming up on the LX-15 galaxy. You and I both know that everyone could use sometime on solid ground and the LX-15 galaxy is probably the safest for another hundred light years. I think we should stop at the planet Siris for a few days. It'll do everyone some good." Miroku kept his eyes forward as he spoke.
Kagome nodded, "Of course. Make the arrangements, and notify the crew. We should be there within the next few hours. Tell them to dress casually. There's no need to go parading around in our uniforms. Naraku may have spies on this planet. I don't want to take risks."
Miroku grinned, "What's life without a little risk?" He chuckled softly, then turned away to go notify the crew about their stop.
Kagome turned back to her crew and watched as the universe flew by in a blur of bright colors. That was the only reason she join the Intergalactic Fleet, so she could travel around space and see things people could only dream of. She loved every second she spent just traveling through the galaxies without the stress of the war. "Set a course for the planet Siris of the LX-15 galaxy. We're going to setting down there so everyone prepare for landfall." Kagome smiled to herself as the crew erupted into cheers. I wouldn't want to spend time traveling the universe with anybody but this crew. They're my family. She turned and exited the bridge, so she could return to her cabin. Her cabin was near the rear of the ship along with Miroku's. The door to her cabin slid open as she stood in front of it, she stepped inside and quickly walked to her bed and fell face first into it.
"Why am I so exhausted lately?" Kagome muttered softly then turned over in her bed to look at the ceiling. She sighed and began to shut her eyes when the holographic monitor on her desk began to beep. She groaned and pushed herself from her bed. "Answer." She spoke as she took a seat at her desk. The monitor came to life and on the screen a video feedback of Commander Kouga appeared. His long black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, with a few strands falling in front of his pale blue eyes. A wide grin was plastered across his face.
"Captain Leingod."
"Commander." Kagome replied, not caring for pleasantries or anything for that matter, except sleep.
"We have news that Naraku has been spotted in the Cyran galaxy on the planet Lylayy. Your orders are to proceed straight to Lylatt and apprehend him." The wolf demon shot her a smile through the monitor
"Yes sir." Kagome nodded then shut the monitor off before Kouga had a chance to hit on her. "That man annoys the living hell out of me." She stood from her desk and stumbled back over to her bed. It wasn't until she was nearly asleep that Kouga's words echoed in her mind. "Lylatt!? It'll take me nearly two months to get there even with warpspeed." She groaned, "Damn. We'll head that way after a few days on Siris. Everyone needs a break." Especially me. Kagome shut her eyes once again and quickly drifted off to sleep for a few hours before they docked at Siris.
Miroku sat in the cafeteria alone, jotting down random events from his day. He always made sure that he wrote something about everyday at the end of each day. He was his stress reliever, but for the past week each day had been exactly the same. He woke, did his job, went back to bed. So today, he decided to write down some of his memories before he joined the crew of the HelixFire.
Miroku standing in visitor bay of the Intergalactic Spacestation. He was waiting for the newest ship, the HelixFire, and her captain to bring it into dock for her crew to come aboard. He was a tad bit nervous about joining a crew fresh out of the academy. Most applicants wait at least six months before selected to join a crew, but Miroku was selected to join the crew of the HelixFire before he even graduated. The Captain Leingod, had selected him personally to be his second-in-command. Before today, he had never seen the ship nor her captain, which made Miroku even more nervous.
"All crew members of the HelixFire report to Docking Bay 7." The voice was automated and it echoed throughout the large space station.
Miroku took a deep breath, "Well, it's time." He clutched his bag tightly, and began his walk to the Docking Bay. As he walked, he saw many Fleet soldiers saying goodbye to their families and loved ones. The sight made Miroku happy and sad all at the same time. Miroku didn't have anyone to bid him farewell, nor would he have anyone to return home to. His face hardened as he drew near Docking Bay 7. He spotted a beautiful young woman, maybe two years older than he standing in front of Bay 7's gates. Miroku assumed it was the captain's assistant. The woman eyed him closely as he stepped forward away from the crowd.
"Miroku Maxwell, reporting for HelixFire." Miroku saluted the woman, then remained still, his eyes fixed forward.
The woman smiled at him, then returned his salute. "I'm Kagome Leingod. Captain of the HelixFire Starship." She extended her hand. "It's a pleasure, Miroku Maxwell."
Miroku shook her had dumbly. "You're the captain?"
Kagome giggled softly, "Surprising, isn't it?"
Miroku shrugged nervously, "A bit. If I may be so bold to ask, why did you select me for your crew?"
Kagome smiled, "I have my reasons, Miroku." She motioned through the gates back to the ship, "Please come aboard and make yourself at home. Your room is labeled and I am to assume you have your keycard?"
Miroku nodded, "Yes, ma'am. I do."
Kagome waved her in front of her, "No need to call me ma'am. Kagome will be fine."
Miroku grinned at her. Suddenly, all the nervousness that had enveloped his body vanished and he was calm. "Okay, Kagome." He saluted her once more then walked through the gates and offically became a member of the Starship, HelixFire.
.xx.
Inuyasha exited the castle with Sango following close behind him. They each carried a large pack of supplies and smaller sack for their coin. Inuyasha took a deep breath and turned back to Sango. She positively radiant. It was almost as if her face was glowing, and instantly, Inuyasha became lost in the view of his best friend. Sango immediately noticed his staring and blushed heavily. "Stop it, Inuyasha." She muttered softly.
Inuyasha shook his head, "Ready?"
Sango nodded, "What's the first stop?" Sango adjusted her pack to fit tighter, as she spoke.
"Rourkestead. We should get there by nightfall. We'll stay one night then head for the Kingdom of Hyda." Inuyasha replied as they began their journey through the streets of Illyria. Most of the people in the streets recognized Inuyasha instantly, bowing slightly as he passed. Some times being royalty was a pain in the ass, but it did have its perks, although Inuyasha ever took advantage of them. Inutaisho may be a king, but he wasn't a tyrant. He taught Inuyasha that even though he was a prince, the citizens of their kingdom were his equals. Demons and humans alike. Which was why Inutaisho had no problem when Inuyasha brought Sango home from Rourkestead. "Are there any additional items you wish to purchase before we leave the city, Sango?"
Sango thought for a split second then replied, "I think some medicinal herbs with us, just in case." Inuyasha nodded in agreement, then began leading her to the botanist. The botanist name was Angela and she was the best at what she does. Although, she spoke a bunch of gibberish everytime Inuyasha visited her. Angela's shop was near the edge of the kingdom, but it was a good location. It was very noticeable from the main road and caught everyone's attention. As they neared the shop, the lovely scent of exotic plants assaulted Sango's nose, but to Inuyasha's sensitive nose, the smell was overwhelming. They entered the dimly lit shop and quickly walked over to Angela, who sat behind a wooden counter.
"Greetings, Prince Inuyasha. How can I be of service?" Angela asked as she bowed.
"We need some medicinal herbs. Nothing in particular, just a wide variety." Inuyasha answered, pulling some coin from his pack and placing ten gold pieces and two silver pieces on the counter. Angela slid the coin into her hand and quickly walked off to gather the herbs. The wait was short and before Sango even realized she was gone, Angela had already returned with a variety of herbs.
"I think I gathered some of the best herbs for basic ailments, and several for different kinds of poisons. They're all labeled for what they're for, so you shouldn't get confused." Angela bowed and Inuyasha returned the gesture and exited the shop with Sango. Quickly the reached the edge of the city and crossed the bridge that offically put them outside the city limits. Inuyasha turned back to look at Sango with a smile. They were really going to do this. For the next several weeks, they were going to be on their own. It was exactly the adventure Inuyasha had been waiting for, and it was obvious he was excited.
The first six kilometers to Rourkestead was a canyon road overlooking most of the land, the remaining nine kilometers gave a view of beautiful meadows full of all kinds of different plants that didn't overwhelm Inuyasha's senses. Now that they were alone, Inuyasha and Sango walked hand-in-hand. It was something they did the first months after they met simply because it made Sango comfortable and they just never stopped. They walked silently for nearly twenty minutes before Inuyasha grew so uncomfortable, he just had to say something.
"You look beautiful, Sango." Inuyasha shot out quickly, then regretted it instantly.
Sango giggled a bit then said, "Thank you. What do you think Hyda will look like?"
Inuyasha shrugged, "I don't know. I've heard it's beautiful though. Water surrounds and runs through the city. Water so clear that you can see all the way down to the bottom. The palace itself will take your breath away. I'm sure you'll love it." Sango gave his hand a squeeze and he sent her a smile. They continued to talk as they continued their walk to Rourkestead. The sun moved over head and warmed their bodies against the cold winter breeze. As they neared the edge of the canyon road, the fields of flowers came into view and without warning, Sango broke away from Inuyasha and began running towards the meadows. She laughed as she ran, feeling free as she did so. Inuyasha watched his friend with a smile on his face. The next couple of months are going to be wonderful. Inuyasha thought to himself before running down the road to catch Sango, who was now running and jumping through the fields.
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Hey everyone! I know what you're all thinking. "Really? Another story? Finish the other ones!" But, I promise things are going to change! I just need a break from my other stories because I'm kind of stuck on where to go with them. So, as soon as I get going on those, I'll let you know. I've been going through some rough patches in my life lately, but I mean who doesn't? Right? I hope my funky mood is done and over with. I have a bunch of ideas for new stories, but I don't want to bring those out until I get farther with my current ones. Let me know what you think about this one so far!
Side Note: This is a Inu/Kag story, it'll just take time to evolve into it. If the story is confusing to you so far, please feel free to ask questions. I will gladly clarify any questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read this! It means a lot! I'm sure you get tired of me saying that, but it's true.
Sincerely,
Lord Zed