I do not own Inuyasha.
"Get out of here Hanyou!" the man screamed, throwing rocks. "Yeah! We don't want you here flee bag!" Another man shouted. One rock struck Inuyasha just above the eyebrow. Blood trickled down the side of his face, mixed with salty tears. "INUYASHA! INUYASHA!" Inuyasha's mother screamed. "Mommy!" he called back. Inuyasha watched helplessly as his mother was dragged away, kicking and screaming. The mob of figures surrounded Inuyasha, kicking and hitting him. Inuyasha curled up, whimpering, in the cold sand as he took his beating. He could vaguely hear the other mob members laughing and yelling as his mother cried out in pain...
Inuyasha sat up quickly, his claws ready to defend himself. He glanced around and sighed in relief. "Another nightmare..." he muttered. He stood up and stretched, cracking his nuckles. Inuyasha pushed aside the torn cloth that covered the "window", or giant hole in the wall. The sun was barley visable behind the tall palace that was there before him. Busy merchants scurried about the market place, preparing for the day. Inuyasha sighed and released the cloth. A small whimpering was heard from the corner acrossed the room. Shippo was tossing in his sleep and mumbling something. Inuyasha listened closer. "Father! Mother!.. No no no!" Shippo whimpered some more, his expression pained. Inuyasha sighed and walked over to him. He bent down so that he was at ear level with Shippo. "WAKE UP!" he shouted. Shippo yipped and jumped up startled. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT YOU MEANY!" he whinned. "You were having a nightmare." Inuyasha shurgged. Shippo glared menacingly. "You're already shouting this early in the morning Inuyasha?" Miroku yawned. Inuyasha snorted. "This early in the morning? Miroku, if we dont get up now, we won't be able to get food." Inuyasha muttered. Miroku shrugged. "I suppose your right... what's the plan?" he asked smiling mischiviously.
"Morning time my lady!" Sango chirped, opening the silk curtains. Kagome groaned and covered her face with her pillow. "Get up! The Sulton requests your presence for breakfast! The sutor is here-" Kagome shot bolt up right glaring. "Thats exactly why I don't want to get up." Venom seeped from Kagome's words, making Sango jump back. "It can't be all that bad my lady... You know your father is only doing this for your own good-" Kagome interrupted her again. "I'm sixteen Sango! I want to see the world! Not be locked up in this palace! And I told you! Address me as Kagome. You are my friend, no matter what the Sultan says." Kagome sighed. Sango nodded and smiled. "Yes miss." She bowed slightly in repsect and left the room. Kagome sighed and fell backwards onto her bed. A large mass jumped onto her, knocking the air from her lungs. "BUYOU YOU FAT CAT! GET OFF!" she giggled. Her pet tiger, Buyou, purred and licked the sides of her face. "Yuck! OK Im up! Im up!" Kagome laughed and pushed Buyou off of her. She sat up and looked around her room. On her dresser, Sango had picked out an outfit for her to wear: A yellow midriff top with golden gems and beads hanging from the bottom, matching yellow pantaloons with a shimmering gold waistband, and yellow sparkling slippers. Kagome sighed miserably and sarted getting dressed.
'Damn lecher...' Inuyasha and Shippo thought at the same time. They had stopped three time already because Miroku had spotted beautiful women. "Ah! You have a bright feature ahead of you! You will have many children." Miroku said happily. The woman smiled excitedly. "Perhaps you would do me the honor of baring a few of my children as well?" Miroku asked smoothly. The woman giggled and blushed. "Oh stop it!" she laughed. Miroku laughed and smiled as well. "You are one of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." he added winking. "MIROKU! LETS GO!" Inuyasha growled. Miroku sighed. "Alas... I am on a quest, and must depart with you. Farewell my love!" he said sadly, releasing the womans hand. Without looking back, Miroku sprinted up to Inuyasha and Shippo. "Come on lecher! Breakfast is getting cold." Inuyasha smirked, jabbing his thumb in the direction of the market.
Sango brushed through Kagome's thick, dark hair. She hummed a merry tune while situating it perfectly. "Sango?" Kagome whispered. "Yes my lady- I mean Kagome?" Sango recovered herself. "What would you do... If I ran away? Would you come with me?" she whispered. Sango stopped humming and brushing, stunned. "You aren't seriously thinking about that are you!" Sango gasped. Kagome shook her head. "No... It was just a thought." Kagome's voice was sad, and distant. "I would follow you to the ends of the earth my lady." Sango smiled, trying to brighten Kagome's mood. Kagome smiled and hugged her. "You truly are my best friend..." she whispered. Sango relaxed and embraced Kagome back. "I will always be your friend Kagome... You are the only thing I have." Sango whispered back. Kagome felt guilt wash through here. 'Who am I to complain about sutors to Sango when she doesn't even have a family?' Kagome sat back down and dazed off into space, remembering when Sango first arrived at the palace.
~Ten Years Ago~
The tall palace doors swung open, blasting hot air and sand into Kagome's face. Her eyes began to water, and she let out a quiet sneeze. The palace guards were dragging a small, frail child by her arms towards Kagome and her father. "What is this?" the Sulton asked concerned. "This girl was caught stealing at the market. We will have her executed immedietly." the girl struggled violently in the guards grasp. The guards tightened their grips and the girl glared viciously. One guard bent down to eye level with the girl. She spat in his face. The guard raised his hand to strike her. "DAMN STREET RAT!" he growled. "Wait!" Kagome shrieked. She ran over and hovered defensively in front of the girl. The guards immedietly released her. "Daddy... Please don't let them hurt her." Kagome pleaded. The Sulton chuckled slightly. "I suppose you need some one around your age to play with." Kagome smiled brightly and ran over to embrace him. "Thank you so much!" she laughed. "Yes, yes. Why don't you go get to know our new guest?" he proded. Kagome nodded and skipped back over to the girl. "Thank you..." the girl whispered hoarsely. "Don't mention it silly! What's your name?" Kagome asked. The other girl smiled. "Its Sango." Kagome smiled and grabbed Sango's hand. "Im Kagome! I can already tell we're going to be great friends! Lets go get you something to eat!" she chirped while dragging Sango towards the large palace.
After getting Sango food and water, Kagome started asking questions. "So where's your parents?" she smiled. Sango frowned and shook her head, staring at her lap. Kagome frowned. "Do you have any other family?" she asked hopefuly. Sango hesitated. "I... I have a brother but..." Her fists clentched. "Whats wrong?" Kagome asked concerned and rubbed Sango's back. "We were attacked... My family and I... Attacked by demons... After my parents were slain, my brother and I fled... but we got seperated and I never saw him agan. " Sango said in barley a whisper. Kagome frowned and embraced her. "I'm so sorry... " she said and hugged her for a long time. "I'll be your family Sango! You're already considered family to me!" she laughed. Sango laughed too and nodded.
~End of Flash Back~
Kagome snapped out of her daze. Sango was readjusting the veil that covered Kagome's face. When she finished she took a step back and smiled. "You look beautiful!" she smiled. Kagome looked in the mirror and smiled sadly. "Thank you Sango." Sango smiled. "It was a pleasure my lady." Just then there was a knock on the door. "Come in." Kagome shouted. The Sulton's adviser, Naraku, stepped through the door way. "The Sulton requests your presence." he said smiling. Kagome nodded. "I am on my way." she said as she stood up. Naraku bowed as Kagome walked past. "You look lovely today princess." he added. Kagome nodded politely and continued to walk down the long corridor.
Inuyasha's bare chest was barley clothed with a tattered, worn out red vest. His red billowing pants were covered in several patches from rips and tears. Inuyasha's silver hair reached to about mid-shoulder length, and was flowing in the warm, humid hair. Miroku's raven black hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and he wore a similar outfit. His vest was a plum color, and his pants where white. Shippo's auburn hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, and tied off with a small piece of rope. He was wearing blue pants, with a tan colored vest. His cream-colored, fluffy tail was clearly visable when contrasted against his blue pants. Inuyasha turned to face his comrads, fierce determination in his golden eyes. "Lets get some food." he smirked cracking his nuckles. Miroku's dark blue eyes matched Inuyasha's with determination. He nodded and smiled down at Shippo, his green eyes filled with concern. "We almost got caught last time... What happens if we acually get caught this time?" Shippo stuttered. "Inuyasha wouldn't let that happen. He's a big strong hanyou and such..." Miroku trailed off. Inuyasha's white dog ears perked up. "Aw, shut it Miroku... It's every man for himself..." Miroku snorted. "You're a bad liar Inuyasha." Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Keh... Whatever."
Kagome took a deep breath before entering the small chamber in which her father and the sutor were waiting. The Sulton looked up and smiled. "Why Kagome, you look lovely, come take a seat." Kagome smiled and reluctantly sat down acrossed from her sutor. The boy had short brown hair, and dark brown eyes. 'He's not all that bad looking...' Kagome thought taking in his appearence. He was wearing a white robe with a blue and white striped tunic, black belt, and matching white headpiece. "My dear, this is Prince Hojo." Kagome's father said smiling. Kagome nodded respectfuly. "Princess Kagome, it is an honor to meet you." Hojo commented and kissed her hand. "The pleasure is all mine." Kagome smiled. Hojo stood up. "Mind taking a walk around the palace with me?" Hojo suggested. Kagome looked at her father with a Do I have to? look which he returned with a Do it now look. Kagome sighed and glued on a fake smile. "Of course." Kagome stood up and followed Hojo out the door.
Miroku nodded at Shippo, giving him the signal. Shippo sighed and grabbed out his toy snake from his pocket. "Transform!" With a little POOF the snake turned into what looked to be a king cobra. It slid around by the unlucky merchants feet. He looked down and let out a squeal. "SNAKE!" he screamed and stood frozen in shock. "I'll save you!" Miroku shouted. He ran towards the man with a large stick in hand. "DIE!" he shouted and hit the cobra on the head. With a defiant hiss the "snake" died. "T-thank you so much! You saved my life! How can I ever repay you?" the merchant asked shakily. "All I ask for is food to help feed me and my friends." Miroku said calmly and smiling. "Why of course! Let me get you a pouch." the merchant turned around and started filling a pouch with bread, apples, and patries. Miroku noticed Shippo waving his hands wildly about. He pointed at the snake laying "dead" by the merchants feet. It had stransformed back into just a toy. Miroku felt sweat trickle down his neck. "And here you are!" the merchant smiled handing him the bag. "Thank you- Now please excuse me, I must be going." Miroku said, hastily grabbing up the bag. The merchant looked confused. "O-OK... Thanks again..." Miroku nodded and pivoted on his heels. He started to quick walk away and meet up with Shippo when he heard angry shouting behind him. "SWINDLERS! THEIFS! GUARDS! GET THEM!" the merchant screamed. 'Shit! He figured it out!' Miroku thought panicked. "RUN SHIPPO RUN!" Miroku yelled and started sprinting. Shippo nodded and started sprinting as well.
Miroku and Shippo ran all through the market with the guards hot on their tails. "YOU WONT GET AWAY THIS TIME!" they laughed. Shippo gasped and fell to the ground. Without stopping, Miroku easily grabbed up the little fox demon and kept running. "Im sorry Miroku... My chest is about to cave it..." Shippo said through gasps. Miroku nodded. He was too out of breath to say anything else. He turned a sharp right and ended up at a dead end. "Shit..." Miroku gasped and turned around. The guards smiled triumphedly. "Finally... We've cornered the thieves... We've been after you for a looooong time." the guards all laughed. Shippo and Miroku backed up to the wall. "So this is how we're going to die?" Shippo sniffled, his voice cracking. "Not on my watch!" Inuyasha shouted from above. Everyones heads shot up to see Inuyasha jumping down from a high building. He landed right in front of Shippo and Miroku and smirked. "Don't get so cocky hanyou!" one of the guards growled. Inuyasha cracked his nuckles. "I could take you all with one hand tied behind my back..." Inuyasha smirked. "I've grown tired of your arrogence hanyou!" one of the guards shouted and charged him. "This just got interesting..." Inuyasha smiled, readying his claws. "Go easy on them Inuyasha... They're just doing their job." Miroku muttered from behind him. Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Pff... I know, but they won't soon forgot this face." he said smiling menacingly.
Hojo lead Kagome out to the Commons of the palace. He lead her over to a large fountain three tier fountain and stared into the water. Kagome sighed and stood next to him. "I'd like you to be my newest wife Kagome... You'd get along with my other wives very nicely, I'm sure." Hojo said smiling. Kagome stared to panic. 'How do I get rid of this guy?' she pondered. "Thats so... Thoughtful of you Hojo." Kagome said awkwardly. Hojo smiled. "So you're saying yes?" Hojo asked. "Well... Lets not rush into this you know..." Kagome mumbled. Hojo nodded. "True... I will give you until the full moon for your answer." Hojo said simply. Kagome sighed in relief. "Thank you Hojo..." she laughed slightly. Hojo nodded. "Come, I'm sure breakfast is waiting." Kagome nodded and followed him back inside.
Inuyasha's fist looked like it was steaming while he was brushing them off. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood." he muttered while rolling his shoulders. The guards were in a pile, unconcious. "Now, lets get outta here before reinforcments get here." Inuyasha muttered. He grabbed Miroku and Shippo and leaped into the air. They landed soundlessly on one of the near-by roof tops and began walking back to their home.
Their home was an abandon building that was mostly in ruins. The walls were cracked, and had several holes in them. Some of the walls had collapsed long ago, giving them a clear view of the city, and all the busy people in it. Shippo's stomach growled, making Miroku laugh. "Here! Today we scored big!" he said passing out the food. Inuyasha snorted and leaned against one of the walls. "Catch!" Shippo said. He threw an apple as hard as he could at Inuyasha. Without even trying, Inuyasha caught it in his hand and took a bite. "I thought I was going to hit you for sure this time!" Shippo fumed. Inuyasha walked over to Shippo and hit him on the head. Shippo cried out in pain and glared behind tears. "Damn, for a demon you're really weak Shippo." he snorted. Shippo growled and ran up to him. Inuyasha easily put his hand out, and held him back with one finger on Shippo's forehead. Miroku sighed and shook his head. "You two give me such head aches..." he muttered.