The Half-Breed's Lady
A/N: I don't own Inuyasha. I enjoy writing fanfictions that take place in the feudal era and like, Crossing The Line, this is a alternate universe of the anime in the feudal era. So technically like the above story, I start off fresh. I thought CLT took off too soon with the relationship.
Summary: Kagome had willingly given up her innocence to Inuyasha but their relationship was forbidden. He was sent away with bitterness in his heart. Years later he's returned to seek revenge on the woman who shattered his dreams. Now he must decide between vengeance and love.
Pairings: Inuyasha x Kagome, Sango x Miroku and Kikyo x Suikotsu
Chapter One: The Memoirs of You and Me
BOOK I: YOUNG LOVE
It was close to midnight as the half-demon sped through the dark forest. He ran for what seemed like miles before he arrived at the village. His black hair hung loosely upon his back and brown eyes flickered to the softly lit huts at the center of the village.
Inuyasha snuck around the hut and peered inside the nearest opening. Lady Kikyo was busy speaking with Doctor Suikotsu about the great sickness that had infected his village. The seventeen year old was reserved and soft spoken, taking the teachings of a lady very seriously but when she was alone with those she cared for, she was rather witty and animated despite the fact that she seemed rather dull and boring when she was on duty.
To the right, her grandmother Kaede nodded once in a while as she continued making some late night stew. She was a kind woman and she cared for her grandchildren whenever her daughter and her son-in-law were traveling to help those in need in other surrounding villages.
Lady Kikyo, the only child born of Lord Kazuma's first marriage to the now decease Lady Namiko, was indeed beautiful in an elegant manner. She had the pale complexion that was considered lovely in these days and had a slim but attractive build. her eyes seemed to be her best feature for now those dark brown orbs seemed to sparkle whenever the young doctor appeared.
Doctor Suikotsu, a good-looking and kind man of twenty, talked animatedly to the young woman about the boy he had brought into his home after discovering he was a loner. He said that until he was to find that special woman, these orphans would be his family. And even afterwards, they'd still remain so.
When he had said this, Kikyo had blushed almost visibly throughout her entire face. Something Inuyasha had never seen before. It was rumored that the two were courting shortly after meeting in battle, fighting against a wicked demon by the name of Naraku.
Kikyo, despite her hate for demons—who were said to have murdered her mother, hadn't let that hate extend to him. Inuyasha felt it was probably because of his friendship with young Kagome and Souta, otherwise she wouldn't allow him so close to the village.
None of them seem to have registered his presence in the short time he stood there. Realizing this would be the perfect time to visit Kagome, he slipped away to the next hut that stood by Kaede's. It was the one shared by both Kikyo and Kagome, Kikyo's younger half-sister.
From where he stood, he could see Kagome's back as she pulled a brush through her waist-length black hair. Sometimes she'd brush a hundred times if she got really bored or just a few if she was in a rush.
Kagome had a slim built with a generous amount of curves and round breasts. Her skin had a creamy-tone and her eyes were a nice shade of brown. Her kimono was loosely fitting but even so, her nice figure showed.
This sight alone filled the half-demon with a rush of pleasure, something he shouldn't be feeling for a woman who was becoming a priestess! But there was little he could do. After all he was a male. One that was deeply infatuated with the young woman
Lady Kagome, the second child of Lord Kazuma and Lady Uma, was warm, high-spirited, and beautiful in all the ways that counted. Having being allowed much freedom by her adoring parents, Kagome spent most of her short life roaming about the lavish lands owned and watched over by her family.
Since the day Inuyasha had been found unconscious and bloody in the middle of the forest by Kaede at age five, he and Kagome had been constant companions for ten years. Well, after getting past some very big milestones.
"Who are you?" Inuyasha had looked up at Kagome then, struggling not to let the human girl see what he was doing.
"My name is Kagome. Why are you crying?"
"I ain't crying. I'm a boy, not some silly little girl."
"Humph." At first it looked like Kagome would walk away and leave Kaede to finish attending to his now minor wounds. But she was a stubborn little vixen and she wanted to help him.
"Why are you still here?"
"My mother says crying is good. She says you're done crying things look a little better. My father cried before and he's no girl. He's really strong and power. He cried because he thought mommy died in an acci-dent. So what's wrong?"
"Are you stupid or something? I said go away!" The half-demon had shouted. He then turned from her, refusing to look at Kagome.
"I won't go away until you tell me!" Kagome had tugged at the long silver hair that hung in front of him, which made the boy look at her with tears.
"My mother's gone. She's dead and it's all fault. Now I'm all alone! Are you happy now?"
Kagome had stared openly at Inuyasha and watched him cry right in front of her. Then she recalled what her mother had done for Souta when he had cried. She hugged him.
Inuyasha's eyes had widened. No one had ever hugged him other than his mother. Yet this mere slip of a girl was.
"You're not alone. I'll be your friend."
"You will?" Inuyasha had felt her nod. Then he pulled away, feeling his cheeks becoming unbearably hot. "Stop hugging me."
"Gosh. You're a mean boy." Kagome pouted then she smiled at him. "But I like your ears."
The five year old had stroked the boy's ears before Kaede, who had just returned, could tell her 'nay.' Suddenly Kagome had pulled back with a gasp when the ear began to twitch. But it wasn't long before she was giggling in delight about how cute they were.
"We'll be very good friend. You wait and see. Now go to sleep and get better. I'll be right here with my dolly." Kagome had said, cradling her little rag doll her older sister had made her.
Kaede had then watched the young girl looming protectively over the newcomer before smiling somewhat. She saw the beginning of an interesting friendship.
At first their relationship was mostly filled with silly arguments and distrust on Inuyasha's part. He refused to let his guard down for a second around anyone, especially Kagome's family because of what they were.
Even though she had little training, Kagome easily picked up on Inuyasha's demonic aura while she was spreading out a blanket with some food. "Why are you following me?"
"Humph. I was bored, ok?" Inuyasha had replied. He wasn't exactly sure why he had followed her. Maybe it was her comforting scent or because he liked this girl. He was unsure.
"Liar. You really do like me, don't you?" Kagome had teased, peering at the boy who'd come out from hiding in the nearby bushes.
Inuyasha had immediately come to a stop when he heard this. He blushed violently as he shoved his arms into his large sleeves and scoffed. "No way! Who gave you that stupid idea?"
Kagome had blinked at him before she laughed at his pathetic attempt to lie. She then walked up towards the ten year old, who froze. He wasn't exactly sure what she was about.
Kagome had took one of his hands, which shocked the hell out of him before asking him if he wanted to get something to eat together. At first he openly stared at her before grunting in response.
"Keh."
But Kagome hadn't fooled nor did she miss the small smile that tugged on his lips from the corner of her eye. It was then Inuyasha began to trust her just a little.
Soon after this it wasn't unusual to find them climbing trees, exploring the forest, swimming in the river or running about barefoot. And eventually a strong bond began to form between the two. A bond that intensified with each trial and would soon be feared by many.
Thirteen year old Inuyasha punched the two seventeen year olds so hard that they collided and broke a nearby tree in half by the sheer force of his restrained attack.
"What is he?" The shortest one asked, shuddering in fear when he saw Inuyasha approach them.
"I-I don't know. A demon…I-I guess." The other responded. He too feared for his life and remained frozen in a sitting up position.
"If you touch her again—I'll kill you." Inuyasha had sworn.
For a split second the two older village boys had seen the flash of red that formed in his golden eyes and the faint purple stripes that lingered upon his face. Annoyed by their squirming, Inuyasha had growled at them since they hadn't left yet.
But that growl had given them the extra push they needed to get their brains in gear and do as their instincts told them to. Without another word, the two boys ran off as quickly as their legs could carry them. From the looks on their faces they wouldn't dare to try this again to anyone, in fear of a demon would jump in to play hero.
Kagome stared at where the boys disappeared off to and then at Inuyasha. They had attacked her because she had been vulnerable and her looks of maturity were setting in. She should've blasted them with some of her spiritual energy but she was fearful she'd end up killing them since she had yet to master how to control it. She feared harming people, even those who deserved a little 'roughing up'.
"You should've attacked then instead of being so…merciful." Inuyasha's voice was a bit harsh now but Kagome could detect his worry.
"Inuyasha…" Kagome wasn't sure what else to say. She was frightened by his threat. But it wasn't nearly as frightening as what could've happened had he not been there.
Slowly the young woman hugged him tightly and she relaxed when he returned the gesture. Inuyasha was grateful he had seen the flash of spiritual energy illuminating the forest from where he had been. He was even more grateful he had come in time.
"If I hadn't shown up when I did…If I hadn't seen your sign…"
Kagome shook her head. "I don't want to think about it. Just hold me…please?"
Their odd friendship had been overlooked because they were children. But eventually things had begun to change between them. It began with their relationship which would soon become dangerous, if it had not already. Especially for Kagome, who would be targeted by both humans and demons for befriended a demon. Her scent was almost all over him and visa versa. So many lower-class demons would assume they were much more than friends.
Another big thing was because of the awareness between them; their feelings of affections towards each other would begin to change. They began to feel things they never felt before for the other. They began to developer more romantic and mature feelings, feelings men and women felt for another. Because no healthy young man could fail to be attracted by Kagome nor could no healthy young woman feel the same attraction towards Inuyasha, despite his demonic blood.
Kagome smiled in the small mirror she was looking in, messing around with the small amount of rogue her older sister had leant her to try on. Although it was rumored to enhance a woman's looks, Inuyasha preferred Kagome's natural looks over the make-up version. He felt that the make-up version wasn't nearly as ethereal, was more unreal and unattainable.
As the half-demon watched Kagome, he reflected that the time was quickly approaching when they could have nothing more to do with each other. And that sadden him. Even though they would one day part, he'd never forget her or the days they had spent as friends.
Collecting himself, Inuyasha tapped at the side of the hut. Kagome turned toward the sound and saw him without apparent surprise while Inuyasha rose to his feet, watching her intently. They both knew tonight was the new moon, which meant Inuyasha would be all mortal from head to toe.
But it didn't seem to be his transformation but his appearance that wasn't surprising since sometimes he'd come when Kikyo was asleep to bring Kagome out to run with him through the forest during the night or before that they'd just talk underneath the stars.
When Inuyasha had first suggested the idea, Kagome had called him a 'naughty little boy out to seduces a maiden underneath the stars.' They had both laughed despite Inuyasha's nearly visible blushing. It was around that time he had developed feelings towards Kagome that made what she said embarrassing.
Kagome hadn't paid the blush much attention and together they snuck out of the village to run through the dark forest to explore. They discovered that underneath the stars, they confided in each other more. It seemed when the lights went out, they were able to be themselves all the more. After all, it was harder to see blushes when it was so dark, demon or not.
"I like it…being here with you." Kagome had said and she leaned against him, feeling slightly chilly.
"D-Don't get use to it." Inuyasha had replied. "It's not like this is going to be a nightly thing."
"Ok." But of course they both knew he was lying and Inuyasha was glad Kagome hadn't pushed the subject further because of it.
I like it too. Inuyasha had thought. Both the place and the friend he was sharing it with.
But judging from Kagome's glare, it seemed tonight though it didn't look like they would do either. Folding her arms across her chest, Kagome regarded him with a scowl that clearly said, 'Go away'.
Inuyasha was both amused and consternate as he wondered what the hell he had done now. To his knowledge had hadn't been involved in any pranks on the village elder who happened to be Kagome's grandfather, and he hadn't picked any arguments with her. And as reward, he had been left waiting alone by the river for two hours this afternoon.
Kagome silently waited until Inuyasha entered the hut and said not a word prior to it. They both knew if they became too loud with excitement or anger, they could alert the entire village. Even though everyone knew they were companions, at their age and being alone, would only have everyone wagging their tongues that he had soiled her. After that Kagome's reputation would be shredded and neither wanted this.
"Hey, did you forget we were to meet at the river today?" Inuyasha asked, trying not to sound too annoyed. After all, there could've been a reasonable explanation for it and he didn't want to look like a fool when she told him or anger her in any way until she told him.
"No, I didn't forget." Her voice, usually so light and sweet, was edged with surliness.
"Then where were you?"
"Does it really matter?"
Inuyasha tilted his head as he briefly wondered why girls liked to put a guy through a guessing game when he was already in trouble. Arriving at no reasonable answer, he said, "I asked you to meet me at the river because I wanted to see you."
Kagome only grunted and it seemed for a moment they had switched roles. Normally it would be Kagome who'd probe Inuyasha for answers and he'd be stubborn and refuse to answer.
"I assumed that you had changed your plans—since you seem to prefer someone else's company to mine." Kagome said stiffly and she began to again comb her hair but this time a bit too hard.
Inuyasha stared openly at her and Kagome would've thought it was cute had she not been so angry. As she continued to read the confusion in her expression, her mouth twisted impatiently.
"I saw you in the village this morning, when Kaede and I went to buy some kimonos for my mother's upcoming birthday."
Inuyasha responded with a cautious nod, recalling he had been in the village near that spot. But he wondered how that had offended Kagome so.
"Oh don't play coy with me, you jerk!" Kagome exclaimed. "I saw you with Kikyo and you…you kissed her!"
Inuyasha's eyebrows rose very high at this accusation. So that was it.
"Idiot. I didn't kiss her. At least not the way you're thinking. I don't know where you were standing but I know I did no such thing. You can ask Suikotsu about that."
Kagome looked confused by this and thought back to the scene. She did remember seeing Suikotsu there with Kikyo and she knew how smitten the two were. If anything Kikyo thought of Inuyasha like a little brother, a demon version of Souta if you will. Had he been kissing her on the cheek, in the way Souta did in greeting the older girl, from where she stood it could've looked like more.
Inuyasha could see the emotions running across Kagome's face. And it was then he realized something remarkable. The source of Kagome's irritation had been jealousy. He could understand why because the wench didn't seem to think she could measure up with her old sibling in anything she tried. It seemed they both spent several times scolding each other about their insecurities. Like his being a half-demon and her being envious of her sister.
"Humph. Not like I care. It's none of my business who you kiss as it's none of yours who I kiss." Kagome replied and her slight pout showed she was clearly lying.
Inuyasha opened his mouth then closed it several times before retorting, "You and I are friends and that's not going to change. Besides we would never…I mean you're not the kind whose…Damn it. There's no reason for me to explain the obvious!"
Kagome looked at him in a way she had never before. Her brown eyes were filled with an intensity that causes the small hairs on the back of his neck to rise.
"What if I were just a village girl…would you do the same to me?" Kagome whispered. "Would you…kiss me?"
It was a first of many times that Inuyasha became tongue-tied whenever Kagome said or did something that affected him so much so that his heart would flutter or his stomach did a belly flop. When it came to the few people he had spoke to, he was able to say something that would appeal to them but for Kagome's question there was a definite danger in saying yes or no.
"I don't think of you that way." Inuyasha said, forcing back a blush to look her straight in the eyes. He hoped she wasn't able to see the lie in his eyes or the twitching of his nose.
"Other boys do." Kagome said evenly and at his blank look, she continued, "That wolf demon that came blowing into our village cornered me by the river and tried to kiss me."
"That arrogant bastard. Why didn't you tell me?" Inuyasha sneered at the thought of that jerk who didn't try to hide his fascination with Kagome. To think he left Kagome alone that day, thinking she'd be ok. He swore he'd tear him from limp to limp if he ever saw him again.
"No harm, no foul. I told him not to do it again. And he didn't. Besides he's not the only one. Not too long ago a boy named Hojo tried to kiss me too. But he was less aggressive than Koga."
Inuyasha seized her and said roughly, "Damn them. Why didn't you…"
The half-demon trailed off and for a moment his anger had been forgotten. It had been a mistake to touch her, to feel her arm so soft and warm beneath his fingers. It made his insides tighten into knots and his cheeks turn hot. He wanted to touch her more, to bring her close to him to take in her comforting scent. Every instinct clamored for him to do so, to set his lips upon the smooth curve where her neck met her shoulder.
Instead he forced himself to release her, especially when he saw her looking at him with that intense expression. Even after releasing her, his hand remained suspended in midair. Since he began to feel this attraction for her, became unable to see her as just a friend, it became difficult to be around her without being able to think clearly or to feel his body respond to her nearness.
"I haven't let anyone kiss me…I want it to be you to kiss me." Kagome whispered, glancing down at her bare feet. She felt silly for voicing out her feelings but it was too late now.
"Kagome…" Inuyasha stared openly at her and felt the thumping of his heart. He tried his best to conceal how he felt for her, for both of their sakes.
A rueful note entered her voice, "But at this rate, I'll be in my nineties before you ever try."
"Yeah well, you might have to because it would change everything and I don't want that."
"Oh…I see." Kagome whispered then she seemed to shrug it off with a smile that she tried to pass off as one of her 'I understand' ones.
But Inuyasha wasn't convinced. He knew Kagome way too long to be fooled by it. He knew that smile all too well and it was a clear warning sign that things were diffidently not ok. As if sensing he didn't buy it, Kagome smiled even wider as if to try to persuade even herself as well.
Inuyasha paled when he saw that look and hurried to explain. "Wait. I don't think…"
The half-demon paused when he saw Kagome reach forward. At first he had expected perhaps a slap or for her to pull the front locks of hair that rested on his shoulders. He hadn't expected her to be carefully reaching up to touch his cheek with the tip of her fingers. Her hand was almost more familiar to Inuyasha then his. From what seemed like the very start, Kagome always liked touching him as if marveled by him. Although her touches were just friendly ones, usually hugs or the holding of hands, they still both warmed and soothed him.
In their childhood her hands were usually grimy from all the playing they would do but now they kept far from mud puddles and her fingers were smooth and her nails neatly cut. From the way she was stroking her hand across his jaw, he almost assumed she was out to seduce him but he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, it was usually the male that did the seducing and this was Kagome. Sure she could a jerk at times but who wasn't? She couldn't be out to…
Flush was rising in the young woman's face as she spoke rather softly to him. "We've been friends for so long that I know your thoughts, just as you know mine. So can't I have just a moment of…of…illusion?"
"No." Inuyasha said gruffly.
"Why not?" Kagome asked stubbornly.
"Because soon the illusion would end, and we'd both be worse off than before. That's why."
"Would we?" Kagome whispered. She bit her lip and looked away, her fists clenching as if she could physically knock away the unpleasant truth that hung so insistently between them.
Inuyasha clenched his fists tightly. He felt it was a way to prevent giving into temptation. "I would die before I'd ever…you know that. And if I let myself kiss you…then there would be another and another and then soon…soon there would be no stopping place."
I don't want to stop! But that sounded way too wanton even for her. "You don't know—"
"Yes, I do!"
They stared at each other in a wordless challenge. Except for the occasional twitching of his left eyebrow, Inuyasha kept his face blank. He knew Kagome well enough to be certain that if she detected any vulnerability in his facade, she would pounce without hesitation.
Eventually Kagome let out a sigh of defeat. "All right then," she whispered, as if to herself. Her spine seemed to straighten, and her tone flattened with resignation.
Inuyasha looked at her but said nothing. Inwardly he was both relieved and disappointed. Relieved that he wouldn't have to reveal his feelings for her, ones that could not be allowed to be returned and disappointed because she didn't press the subject.
"Shall we meet at the river tomorrow at sunset? We'll throw stones, and talk, and even fish a little, as always. Is that what you want?"
It was a long time before Inuyasha could speak.
"Yes," he said warily. It was all he could have of her—and he knew it was better than nothing.
A wry but affectionate smile tugged at Kagome's lips as she stared at him once more. She even giggled when she looked at him, with her hands upon her hips.
"You had better go then, before you're caught up here. But first, bend down and let me fix your hair. It's sticking up at the top. Honestly Inuyasha, I'll have to get you a brush one of the days."
Had he not been so distracted, Inuyasha would have pointed out that there was no need for her to neaten his appearance. He was going to sleep after he left and he didn't care what his hair looked like going into bed or coming out of it. But he bent down automatically, indulging Kagome's slightest wish from sheer force of habit. Instead of smoothing his unruly black locks, Kagome stood on her toes, slid a hand behind the back of his neck, and brought her mouth to his.
Next Time: The Confessions Of A Priestess
Things are becoming rather serious between the half-demon and priestess. In the arms of passion, will their love remain an eternal flame? Or will it be blown out by jealousy and envy?
November 24, 2006 Marks The First Revision Of Chapter One
May 5, 2007 Marks The Second Revision Of Chapter One