"Inuyasha: Heartbeat Requiem"

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Boy With Black Wings

Late one evening, hoping to find a nice place to rest for the night, Inuyasha and his friends strolled into a small mountain village known as Kuromatsu. Reaching the village square, they came accross what appeared to be some kind of major village meeting...and apparently not at all a pleasant one, judging from the fact that several folks were holding weapons or farm tools. Feeling rather nervous being around such a rowdy and violent bunch of people like that, Inuyasha and the others decided they'd go hide and listen to hear what the people were so angrily discussing. The village elder stood on some little platform in front of the mob, and was trying his best to get control of them all.

Village Elder: "Quiet down, all of you! I understand that these recent bizarre murders have yet to be solved, and that you're all on edge about when and where the killer might strike next. But for all of you to jump to the conclusion that it's the young man under my care who's to blame - shame upon you! He's done no wrong at all I tell you, and he's never ever left my sight. And after all of the good things that he's done for this village ever since he came to live here several months ago, how can you all accuse him of this? I understand that many of you fear Karasu because he's half-demon, but I assure you...he's innocent. You hear me? INNOCENT! Now please, return to your homes and allow the authorities to continue to deal with this grievous matter. And if it'll make you feel any better, I'll have someone guard Karasu to ensure his safety as well as make certain of his innocence. Good evening to you all and good night..."

The villagers, though not quite satisfied with what the elder had said, all began shuffling off toward their homes - muttering and whispering to each other as they went. The elder, very flustered and bothered by having to make that heated speech, promptly retreated into his home (located behind where he'd been standing). Soon as everyone had fully vacated the village square, Miroku quietly suggested to Inuyasha that maybe they should go and speak with the elder about what's going on, as well as have a visit with the young half-demon that he spoke of. Seeing this was somewhat of a mystery worth investigating, and that it'd be nice to have a break from their quest, Inuyasha had his friends follow him over to the elder's home. Miroku then cautiously knocked on his door, slightly fearing what sort of reception they'd receive from the old man. Opening it a small crack out of fear of there being a rude villager come to harass him, the elder nervously peeked out. Miroku immediately bowed respectfully and greeted him with a pleasing smile.

"Good evening, wise elder. We are travelers on a great quest who came seeking shelter here in this village, and couldn't help but to overhear the discussion you were having just now with the villagers. If it's not too much for me to ask, might we be of any assistance in dealing with the solving of these murders you spoke of? Perhaps it is the work of a true demon, and my companion here, who's half-demon himself..."

Inuyasha (under his breath): "Why'd you have to mention that? Baka..."

Miroku: "...is quite capable of recognizing the handiwork of other demons. As are the rest of this group quite able to. You could perhaps consider us to be elite demon hunters, in a way...heh heh. As for payment for our services, all we ask of you is for some shelter and food while dealing with this matter, and perhaps a chance to speak with the young man that you mentioned earlier. So, noble sir, what do you say - shall we help you find and bring this murderer to justice?"

Shippo (whispering to Kagome): "I'm so glad that he mentioned food. If all we'd done when we arrived was pay to stay in an inn, we wouldn't have any money left for food...and I'm starving..." ((whimpers a bit))

For a few odd moments, looking down at his old woven straw doormat, the village elder silently considered Miroku's request. A few times he glanced curiously at Inuyasha (making him a bit nervous from the old man staring at him like that). He also looked over the rest of the group (smirking at the sight of two women among them), and was amazed to see that Miroku held a priest's staff. Finally, he let out a sigh, opened the door, and stepped out. Bowing a little stiffly, he replied:

"Divine priest, it would be a blessing if you and your group could assist us in dealing with this mess. But I must warn you, especially those attractive young ladies with you, that these are some pretty gory murders that we've been dealing with - and all of them are young women. As for speaking with Karasu, I think you'll have to wait until morning. The poor boy was so frightened of the villagers trying to hurt him, that he actually cried himself to sleep. Follow me, and I'll bring you to the only inn we have here and get you all settled for the night. And noble priest, I find it highly intriguing that one as holy as yourself would be traveling with a half-demon like your friend. Or that little kitsune who's with you, either. But don't worry, I won't chastise you any for it. After having dear Karasu come into my life, I've grown to be more forgiving and tolerant of their kind."

Miroku was greatly relieved that the elder didn't continue discussing why was he friends with Inuyasha and Shippo, and quickly hurried after the others as the elder led them off to the inn. Along the way there, they noticed that nearly all of the villagers had had their doors and windows all locked up. It'd certainly be some trick for a murderer to get through all that without anyone finding out. But when it comes to dealing with demons, mere locks won't be enough to save your life. After they'd all been given rooms, all the guys in one and the girls in another, and Shippo had gotten a snack to appease his hunger, silence soon began to fill the village as slumber took its hold upon everyone. Everyone except Inuyasha, that it is. He lay awake in bed staring up at the ceiling...wondering just what kind of fiend would kill young women, and exactly what the elder had meant by the murders being "bizarre". But soon he too fell asleep, and all was quiet until the next morning. While they were eating breakfast, a scream was heard from somewhere in the village. Rushing out of the inn to see what was going on, Miroku and Inuyasha came to see a horrid sight. Crying in anguish on a doorstep was a young man cradling his dead wife in his arms. But what was so horrible was that her chest was wide open (so neatly done, it looked like the work of a surgeon) and her heart had been removed. Miroku was so sickened by the sight that he fainted...Inuyasha having to move quickly to catch him. So this was what the elder had meant by "bizarre". Now Inuyasha was very eager to find out what demon could be behind such an atrocity, and bring that vile creature to justice.

An hour later, after Miroku had awakened from his swoon, they all were assembled in the elder's house to discuss what'd happened and to have the opportunity to question Karasu about it. Waiting in the main room, they watched as the elder brought the young half-demon in to see them. The boy seemed to be 13 years old, but was very handsome and appeared to be a bit more muscular than a child his age ought to be. He had piercing blue catlike eyes, and very long dark green hair (which he'd strung a few gold and red beads throughout). He wore only a pair of simple zori sandals, 6 gold bangles on his wrists, dark blue pants, and a deep red sash around his waist, which was criss-crossed over his chest and tied behind his neck. And what was most surprising about him, aside from the fact that he had a small catseye-shaped red jewel on his forehead and long, furry wolflike ears, was that he also had large black bird's wings. Nervous and rather timid, the boy was seated down in the room and the elder sat beside him - probably as a comfort to him as well as to be part of the questioning. Standing up from his seat, Miroku cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Karasu, please don't be afraid of us. We just want to help. Now, before I ask you anything about these murders that've been going on, I'd certainly like to know as to what kind of demon you are part. Your appearance is...quite unique. So, was it your father or mother who was a demon? Come on - it's okay for you to discuss this with us. I mean, look at Inuyasha. He's a half-demon. You can trust us..."

Fluttering his wings a little out of nervousness, the boy answered him.

"My mother...she was a demon. As for what kind, well, I've heard they are known as the 'Shinzohzoku'. They eat the hearts of humans. It isn't the only kind they eat, though; they can have animals' hearts. That's what I eat. But I think they go after the hearts of humans because it gives them power or something. And that's why everyone in the village is scared of me...they think I'm a killer. But believe me, I'm not doing it. Honest! And I'm only half - I can't really do most of the things real Shinzohzoku can do. They have greenish-white clawlike nails that can be made to be two inches long and can inject a serum that can either paralyze or rapidly heal wounds. I don't have that ability. Also, real Shinzohzoku have eerie black veinlike tattoos on their bodies...I don't have any. They also have 4 black birdlike wings, with each one bearing a single dragonic claw. I only have two, and no claws. All that I can do besides fly with these wings of mine, is the power to hear someone's heartbeat no matter where they are and to see someone's heart beating inside of their chest..."

Inuyasha (in his mind): "Eeew...that's creepy. Can he see mine?"

Kagome & Sango (in their minds): "What disturbing abilities..."

Shippo: ((gulps nervously, looking bug-eyed, and hugs Kilala))

Miroku (thinking): "Imagine what good that can be used for..."

Karasu: "...and the jewel on my forehead can become a little red horn whenever I'm very scared or angry. True Shinzohzoku have a much larger jewel and horn, by the way. And as for how they cut open their victims, that is done by a magic blade called a 'Shinzoh Knife'. Its jagged-edge has been made to cut through bone like soft butter and any wound that it makes will not bleed or cause any pain. I have one which belonged to my mother, but the elder keeps it safely locked away until I need it. Shinzohzoku also have illusionary powers which enable them to appear human when traveling, as well as the power to ghost their hands inside of anything, and ghost any object they hold through another. In other words, if they don't feel like cutting open a victim, they can stick their hand inside their chest and squeeze and/or rip out their heart. ((shudders)) Like I said before, I can't do that kind of horrid thing. I can't even hide my appearance from people. I wish I could though, with how afraid people are of me all the time."

Miroku: "Thank you for that information, Karasu. And from what you say about your mother's kind, I'd say that we might be dealing with a full Shinzohzoku. We won't have to ask you anything more at all, I suppose. No wonder why the villagers think that it's been you. But don't worry, we'll find out who's really behind this and we'll clear your name, kid. Now sir..." ((turns to the elder)) "...do you think that whoever is doing this might be staying close by? Maybe we should go search the area surrounding the village for some clues to his or her whereabouts."

Village Elder: "Sounds like a good idea to me. I suggest that you all go right now and investigate. As for myself, I need to go settle some legal matters concerning this most recent death. Oh, I know! Could you please take Karasu along with you? He might be really helpful to you in your search, and it'd keep him safe from anyone who wishes to hurt him. What do you say...can he join you?"

Miroku didn't quite know what to say, and looked around at the others for any kind of support. Inuyasha just cocked an eyebrow at him, Kagome shrugged her shoulders, Sango rolled her eyes and sighed (apparently annoyed), and Shippo and Kilala were busy amusing themselves watching a big beetle crawl accross the floor. Some help they were. Then he looked at Karasu. He was gazing miserably down at the tatami mat on the floor and kind of looking like he was wishing he could just hide in a hole. Feeling pity on the boy, Miroku then made his decision: Karasu could come with them. After thanking the elder for some Ginseng tea he'd given to them and Karasu was given his mother's Shinzoh Knife, they all left for the outskirts of the village...Inuyasha being sure to have Karasu walk beside him in order to keep an eye on him at all times. The boy seemed quite pleased to be coming with them, and Inuyasha guessed that it was because he was glad to be away from all the hatred and unwelcomeness he'd been getting in the village. Even if he was a bit creepy considering what type of demon had been his mother and what abilities he possessed, Inuyasha was beginning to like this kid. And as they traveled through the woodsy and rock-strewn area surrounding the village, he was starting to feel a kind of closeness to the boy...that he was a kindred spirit of sorts. Now if only they could just find the monster who was responsible for these murders and set poor Karasu free of all the blame...