Helloooooooooooooooooooooooo Everyone and Anyone reading A HANYOU'S STORY!
I really want to thank the people who reviewed my prologue. Sorry it was so short, but the other chapters will be much longer:)
Disclaimer: I own nutting.
######################################
Chapter 1: Friends?
The next day, villagers from far and wide came to the edge of the Great Forest, leading all manner of weak demons, half- breeds, and freakish looking humans to be sold for the price of a few coins. The humans showed the head guard their 'item' and receiving their reward. The long line grew shorter as the cages that ran along the border of the forest became more filled.
Binding sutras covered the cages promising no escape.
One man in particular was very nervous. He was dressed as a Buddhist monk and looked as normal as any man; unfortunately it was all a lie. He tried to conceal some of his more demonic features under his long robes and by the magic of a concealing sutra.
The monk was nervous though, if anyone saw how he really looked, he would be caged like all the others. The man who brought him to be sold had still not noticed that he had changed to try and pass for a human, being so intent to get his reward. When they got to the front of the line, the head guard looked at the pair of them before asking.
"And what do have to show us?" The man pushed the monk in front him, still holding on to the rope around his neck.
"I have a cat demon, your honor" the greasy man replied looking proud of himself. The monk tired to look innocent.
The head guard raised an eyebrow.
"Really? You think a monk; a holy man is really a cat demon? Please. Next!" The guard waved them away, but the greasy man refused to move.
"This is a cat demon. He must be hiding it using some sort of spell"
"Men please escort this man away"
"He's no human monk! He's a con artist, a fraud!" the man was desperate. Grabbing a pail of water, he threw it all over the disguised cat demon.
The water washed the ink of the sutra, destroying the illusion. His small round ears became a pair of sharp pointy ears, his nails grew longer as well as his canines. The white of his eyes became a dark green and his pupils slitted, but stayed violet. A long, furry tail also appeared. He grinned nervously and ran.
"Guards seize him" Shouted the head guard. The monk sped off into the trees running as fast as he could, but he still couldn't lose them. He was not very fast for a demon, in fact he only ran as fast as a human. He legs were burning and he looked back to see where the guards were. He was so busy looking for them that he failed to look in front of him. He bashed headfirst into what seemed a red tree. Shaking his head, he looked up to see a man, who looked a little younger than him standing over him, with a scowl on his face.
He looked up in awe, but ran behind him when the soldiers came into view.
"Move aside half breed. We're taking you and the cat into custody" the head guard demanded.
"Really and how are you gonna do that?" the dog demon asked, arching an eyebrow, arms still crossed.
"Guards, get them" shouted the leader, pointing at them. Smirking, the half-demon, whipped out a small, rusty beat up sword. The guards stared at it and laughed. Even the cat demon looked close to laughing at him.
Suddenly the old, rusty sword transformed into a giant fang. It looked heavy and sharp enough to cut a rock neatly in half. As if to prove it could, the blade cut through a group of thick tree trucks like they were butter. The guards immediately turned and ran. The half demon smirked and walked in the opposite direction, putting the sword back into its sheath. The monk looked back in the direction the guards had fled and back at the half demon amazed. He quickly ran after the dog demon.
"Wait up, please just wait up" the monk called after, the half demon. The Hanyou turned to face the slightly out of breath cat demon.
"What do you want?" the dog demon growled.
"T...that was a..amazing" he breathed impressed.
"Umm...thanks" the hanyou said confused.
"How did you do that? Your sword didn't look like it could slice wet paper" the monk pointed out much to the hanyou's irritation.
"Go cough up a hairball or something and leave me alone" the silver haired male snarled, walking away.
"What's your problem?" the slightly older man asked curiously, moving to match the pace of the ornery Hanyou.
"Leave me alone. I really hate cats. They're annoying, loud and stupid" exclaimed the annoyed dog demon. He began walking faster.
"Good thing I'm not really a cat, then" said the monk softly in a sadden tone. The dog demon whipped around.
"What did you say?" he asked scowling.
"I'm not really a cat demon" repeated the monk.
"Really?" said the half demon sarcastically. He began to wonder about the cat's mental state. He sniffed the air, easily picking up his own, as well as small animals, and the stench of the human soldiers, but surprisingly couldn't pick up the cat's scent.
"What the hell are you? You sure look like a feline demon, but don't stink like one. Tell me who the hell you are before I use my Tetsagia on your furry ass" the Hanyou demanded suspiciously. This guy may be weak, but anyone trespassing on his territory was consisted a threat to his home.
"My name is Miroku and I am a humble, wondering monk of Buddha. A few months ago, when I was still human, I came upon a beautiful young woman who had sprained her ankle on the side of the road. Being the thoughtful and considerate man that I was I offered her my services. I attempted to carry her to the nearest village, but she mistakenly took my gentle and comforting caresses as something else. She turned out to be a miko and cursed me to take the appearance of a cat demon, without the abilities, until I can learn how to treat a woman properly" Miroku explained
"Wait. What did she think you were doing that made her curse you?" the unnamed Hanyou questioned, eyebrows drawn together in confusion.
"She seemed to believe that I was merely groping her" coughed Miroku. The dog demon could only offer the confusing feline an unbelieving stare, one brow raised.
"Were you?"
"Of course not" the monk denied, pretending to act surprised. The Hanyou looked at the man for another moment before scoffing and turning to leave. Miroku wasted no time in catching up, but walked a step or two behind him.
"Soooo..." the monk trailed off, after a moment of silence.
"Soooo what cat?" the dog demon growled, rolling his amber eyes.
"Well I introduced myself. Can you possibly return the favor?"
The half demon suddenly halted mid step and spun around to face the black haired man, eyes narrowed in deep suspicion.
"What's it to you, monk?" he growled deeply. Why would this stranger care what his name was? No one had ever asked him what it was. Sometimes he even wondered why he would bother actually having it.
Miroku looked taken aback, but did not stand down. He was just being polite and friendly. For some weird reason, Miroku wanted to befriend this apparently temperamental dog demon. There was something about the way he acted that reminded the monk of a defensive child who had been bullied and left friendless.
Well it was that and the fact that the Hanyou had saved him from living a tortured life in a cage, to be sold for a few silver pieces.
"Friends need to know each other's names, otherwise, it's hard to learn anything about them" he answered truthfully, giving the silver haired man an innocent and assuring half smile.
The Inu Hanyou stood there completely dumbfounded. One of the white dog ears on top of his head stood straight up, while the other lay flat, giving off the perfect impression of a baffled canine. He opened his mouth to reply before he knew it, having been taken in unaware.
"Inuyasha" he shrugged.
"Inuyasha? Wait your name literally means Dog Demon?" Miroku inquired unsure.
Now both of Inuyasha's ears lay flat as he bared his sharp fangs, amber orbs flashing dangerously.
"You asked Baka. It doesn't matter what you think anyway. I gave you my name, now just leave me alone"
"Hold on, look. I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I just wanted to thank you for helping me out" admitted the monk, realizing that his comment was probably not the most wanted and flattering.
Inuyasha looked once again completely at a loss, tense muscles relaxed slightly.
"Really?"
"Really, Really" smiled the black haired man charmingly.
"Oh, ahhhh no problem" Inuyasha shrugged, no knowing how to respond to the appreciation.
Miroku chuckled pleasantly at the younger half demon's awkwardness. Ever since he had been changed into a minor demon, there had been very few individuals who had interacted with him so naturally. He could tell that Inuyasha was not very social, only a complete fool would believe so, and his way of expressing himself was both unique and refreshing.
"Well, my friend, I have to admit that you are one of a kind"
"Jeeze, what gave you that impression?" Inuyasha asked sarcastically, once again attempting to continue on his way.
"You know, Inuyasha, we aren't so different and I believe we can say we are fast friends. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to be free of that cheap, greasy slime ball that tried to sell me" he said happily.
"Whoop de do. Now maybe you can go back home to bug your actual friends" Inuyasha hinted his undertone blunt and rude.
Miroku looked saddened for only a brief moment and Inuyasha felt only the barest twinge of concern for the abnormal monk, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
"I am a traveling monk. I haven't had a home in years since the death of my father and mother. Most of my friends and acquaintances aren't willing to board a demon look alike" Miroku explained.
"Are you sure it's because of that or do you think it's just you" Inuyasha wondered aloud, eyebrow raised.
Suddenly the feline Youkai's damp mood brightened.
"I can always stay with you, Inuyasha" he exclaimed.
"Wait, what? Who said anything about you staying me?" the Inu Hanyou demanded. Who gave this feline wanna be the right to state such outlandish suggestions?
Miroku's green eyes narrowed in amusement. It was fun to rally up the half demon's temper. For a moment he imagined how they must have looked to a bystander. The two of them must really resemble a smug cat and furious guard dog.
"Think about your eternal soul, Inuyasha. Would it really be a good idea to turn away a holy man of the Kamis?" Miroku inquired, attempting to appear serious.
"Why should I care about the Kamis? It's not like they've ever done anything for me" Inuyasha shrugged, walking away from the supposed monk, his arms folded behind his head to show his lack of concern for the kamis.
Even though Miroku knew he should be shocked and offended by the hanyou's statement, he couldn't help but feel empathy for the socially impaired hanyou. Everyone had doubts about the existence of the kamis at one point or another. Heck even Miroku had them!
Miroku followed Inuyasha, though this time in silence. He was curious about this man, er, demon, um half demon. Being cursed as he was, Miroku knew a thing or two about deceiving appearances.
Inuyasha could sense the man walking behind him, but said nothing. Maybe if he ignored him long enough the monk would leave him alone. However, this was not the case. Miroku followed him till he reached the small hut.
"Look, monk. Do I look like the kind of person who enjoys sharing his personal space with other people, human or otherwise?"
"Actually no, you don't" Miroku answered simply, not taking the not so subtle hint. Inuyasha smacked his palm to his forehead at the obviousness of the feline. No wonder the man was cursed by some Miko, he did not understand the meaning of space between people.
"Then maybe it would be a good idea if you stayed outside" Inuyasha suggested, none too lightly.
"But then I would catch cold and how would that play on your conscious?"
"Easy. It wouldn't" answered the half demon curtly, barring the doorway so that the monk couldn't get in.
"Attention demons!" Commanded a strong masculine voice.
Both Inuyasha and Miroku diverted their focus to the small band of humans who stood just on the bounties of the clearing. There were eight in total; seven men, although a certain one seemed debatable, and one woman. The leader appeared to be the youngest with amethyst eyes, a purple tattoo on his forehead and a tightly braided ponytail, a giant halberd resting on his shoulder.
Inuyasha inwardly cursed, he had been so busy arguing with the feline humanoid that he had not sensed the approaching humans.
"What'd ya want?" he asked, clawed hand nearing his sword's sheath.
"My companions and I are the Band of Seven and we have been employed by the Lord of this land to track down any and all youkai, hanyou and humans with unique abilities to place them under control" the man stated with an air of authority.
"What makes you think that I'll listen to anything you have to say, hmmm? No lord will control me while I'm breathing" Inuyasha scoffed.
The Leader pointed the halberd at Inuyasha, smiling darkly.
"Your choice, hanyou" he said, "The easy way or the hard way"
The rusty sword enlarged into a fanged blade when the metal left the scabbard, plainly indicating the choice Inuyasha wanted.
"So the dog has fangs to bare after all. Alright challenge accepted" the mortal man chuckled, swinging his blade down with a earth shattering blow. Inuyasha nimbly dodged the blast from the ground and countered it with a thrust of his own energy blast.
"You seem a formidable enemy hanyou. However, I am Bankotsu of the Band of Seven and I am undefeatable!" he declared, rushing in for a physical attack. The men that had accompanied him cheered for their 'big' brother, but made no move to attack. This was their leader's battle and they would be in trouble if they interfered.
"We'll see about that" scoffed the half demon, blocking the path of the halberd to his chest. Metal clashed on metal, each stroke of the two blades was reincorporated with a other. The sounds bouncing around the clearing.
Miroku watched from the side lines like the others, but instead of simply cheering and trying to stay out of the fight, Miroku was looking for an opening to aid his new found comrade.
The two fighters circled, watching the other and waiting for a movement that would betray the other. Amber eyes and amethyst orbs burned with the thrill of battling. Inuyasha almost had to admit it was good to be sparring with someone of equal strength and balance.
"Not bad Hanyou" Bankotsu roughly complimented, "But not good enough"
Inuyasha was so busy paying attention to the human's weapon that he was not prepared for the leg that knocked him over. When the sword left the grasp of his clawed hands, the giant fang became a rustic piece of metal. Inuyasha looked up to see along the point of the halberd to the smirking human standing above him.
"Dirty trick" he growled.
"Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Now, half breed will you cooperate with us?" Bankotsu inquired.
"Never" Inuyasha spat. He would rather be cut down than willingly bow to a human's wishes.
"Wind Tunnel!"
As if a small hurricane had emerged from nowhere, the wind that was once so calm howled and pulled on everything it touched. Everything that was dislodged and freely moving was being sucked into one specific point. Miroku stood with his right hand held out and braced with the other, the origins of the strange winds coming from his palm.
"What in the seven hells?" he murmured confused. This feline monk was one surprise after another. Noticing that he was being dragged toward the source of the wind, Inuyasha drug his claws into the soil and reached for Tetsagia before it could be snatched up.
The band of seven looked a tad concerned, but wisely stayed away from the clearing. Bankotsu stuck Banryu into the ground and crouched so that he would not be sucked in.
"NOW PRIESTESS!" he shouted as loud as he could to be heard over the wind.
Inuyasha's sensitive dog ears caught the sound of far off chanting and he looked for the human priestess Bankotsu had brought with him. She stood against the unnatural wind, one of her hands held straight up as if in prayer. Her waist length obsidian locks swirled around her body and her ivory skin glowed with an inner power that was known as holy magic. Her grey blue eyes snapped open as she finished her incoherent spell, small sparks of purple and white flying from her other clasped hand.
"Halt!"
The wind died as quickly as it had come and Inuyasha turned his eyes to see Miroku cover his hand obediently and stared off into the sky as if he has dazed.
Inuyasha felt a small weight on his chest had made a jangling noise when he sat up. Casting his eyes downward Inuyasha saw a necklace made of demon teeth and purple beads. He clutched at them and tried to pull them off single handedly. They couldn't reach over his head. He tried again with both hands, but failed again.
"There's no use struggling" came the stoic voice of the female as she stepped more openly into the midst of the clearing, "By order of the lord of this land all demons, half demons and humans of demonic ability will be bound by the Beads of Subjection and tracked by their demonic signatures. Only the priestess who placed the beads can remove them"
"If you don't take these beads off this minute then I'll slice you in half" Inuyasha growled. How dare this human female chain him because off his heritage! With the relaxes granted to him by his dog demon father, Inuyasha sprang from the ground, his sword once again transformed into a giant fang.
"No Inuyasha don-" Miroku tried to warn.
"Heel, hanyou!" the priestess commanded, which was unwillingly complied by the half demon as his body froze up off his own accord. His body skidded on the grass as he fell to his side ungracefully.
The humans laughed at the half demon, amused by the display greatly. Bankotsu scoffed and hefted Banryu on his shoulder, walking from the clearing to his men.
"This is the extent of the Lord's lands and we have completed our mission. Come"
Inuyasha glared daggers as the eight humans disappeared into the underbrush of the forest. He felt cheated. If it weren't for that wretch and the beads he would have ripped them all to shreds easily.
"I would never have guessed that the lord would have done this. It seems extremely wrong that he would make such an order, since he would technically endure the same fate" Miroku remarked as he strolled up to Inuyasha.
"What're ya rambling about, cat?"
"The lord himself is a demon so it seems stupid for him to consider this proclamation of binding those with demonic energy" Miroku clarified folding his arms inside his sleeve.
Inuyasha's face scrunched up as he took in this new information. If what the monk was saying was true than why would the lord do it? It didn't seem to make sense. It wasn't fair.
"That damn bastard" Inuyasha cursed with a snarl, "I'll teach him a lesson he won't soon forget"
Inuyasha stomped over to his hut and thrust the bamboo flap away. One of Miroku's eyes arched in puzzlement and he became curious to what the half demon would do. Even after just a few hours Miroku already knew enough about the hanyou to guess that he wouldn't take the Beads of Subjection easily and without a fight.
Inuyasha grabbed some dried meat and wrapped it for the trip he was going to make. His journey would allow no breaks for nourishment, seeing as how he wanted to get there as fast as demonly possible. He also grabbed the sea shell his mother had given him as a parting gift. It was important to him since it was a piece of his late mother when he was a child. It was irreplaceable and he didn't trust leaving it in a hut that could be seized by humans when he came back.
The small bag was tried to his waist on the other side by his stealth, so it would not hinder his weapon drawing time. His amber eyes quickly scanned the hut for anything else of value to take with him. He didn't have much so it was a fast search.
Exiting the small hut, Inuyasha stared up into the open sky. It was already darkening and the last purple hues of sunset were hardly seen. However, his demonic eyes laminated in the remaining light so he could see without any problem.
"May I inquire what your plan is?" asked Miroku causally.
"I'll going to pay this lord a little visit and knock him off of the pedestal he's built for himself" answered the determined hanyou.
"Then I shall join you" the cursed monk nodded falling behind Inuyasha, using his staff like a walking stick. Inuyasha's eyebrow perked at the assumptions of the annoying cat.
"What makes you think that you can come with me?"
"Because unlike you I happen to know where the Lord is" Miroku replied bluntly, catching Inuyasha by surprise. The hanyou frowned and glared at the monk, his irritation rising. He was not used to dealing with people; demons or humans alike, and he didn't know how to handle it.
"Something tells me that you do not travel very much, my friend. I, on the other hand, am a traveling monk and I know my way around" Miroku trudged on ahead of the hanyou and called back over his shoulder, "Besides you are not the only one who needs to rid himself of the Subjectation Beads"
Inuyasha kehed and shrugged his shoulders, accepting the response. Maybe he would get their faster if he didn't have to track down the residence of the realm's lord. As soon as he got the beads off, he would race home and hopefully leave the race-confused monk alone.
The sooner they reached their destination the better; Inuyasha could return and live peacefully in his isolation.
Too bad he didn't realize then how much his life would change.
#################################################
Please R&R:)