A/N:
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for some of the original characters in this story and this plot.
Warning: Implied rape towards end of chapter.
The Longest Road
Chapter 3 – Before the Dawn
The soft sound of droplets echoed its way into her consciousness, each drip forming a ripple through the silence of the darkness. The haze was gradually lifting as a numbing ache settled within her head. She was having a dreamless slumber and now the waking world is calling out to her… she doesn't want to wake, not just yet. As the haziness receded it left in its place a cold shudder that was hard to ignore. The girl finally willed her eyes open.
The first thing she noticed was her position on the ground. Cold walls traced her back as she lay on her side against the moss-covered cobblestone. The second thing that caught her attention, as she tried pushing herself into a sitting position, was the sharp bite of the splintered ropes binding her wrists together.
'This can't be good…' The feeling of impending trouble ate at her consciousness as she finally got up to a seated position. Her eyes roamed along the walls making out the silhouettes of a small, dank cell that kept her. '…this is definitely not good…'
Disgusted at the thought of being kept in a dungeon of some sort, she hastily took note of the entire area, analyzing her shadowy surroundings as best as her eyes can make out. She was locked in one of a few iron-clad cells facing a dark corridor while the others were empty. A lone wooden door seemed to be the only exit. Thick air brought to her senses the stale smell of mildew. The walls were covered with shadows of darker stains, making her shudder to think of what it may have once been. The only comfort came from the soft eerie glow of moonlight filtering through the small barred window on the wall above her, providing at least a little bit of illumination to see her surroundings.
The sound of dripping continued to echo throughout the hall like a soft pleading from ghosts still trapped within its walls. A strange cold surrounded her. The ache that had manifested within her head faded to a dulling throb.
Why would someone take her? Who would take her? Reeling her mind, Kagome tried calling forth any memory of enemies that may have had some vendetta against her. Sifting through flashes of battles and unsavoury encounters, nothing apparent came to mind. It did not bode well to not know thy enemy.
Had the girl paid closer attention to her surroundings she would have noticed the creek of the wooden door as it slowly swayed open. Perhaps the dulling ache in her head also blunted her cognitive senses.
Her thoughts came to a halting stop as she nervously peered up from her position on the floor, noticing the flicker of a shadow. Looming before the cell's locked gate was a tall, dark figure cloaked in rusted armour.
"Well, well, well, looks like sleeping beauty is finally awake." The man's low voice dripped with malice as he turned his black beady eyes to lock on hers.
'He's human…' her thoughts trailed. Not one to be intimidated easily, Kagome stared back at him with defiance. "Who are you and why did you take me here?" Her valiant voice did not betray her nervousness.
"Tsk tsk, little girls don't make demands here," he grinned, "Around here, I make the demands."
"Then you must be the one who brought me here… you can release me. I'm not of any value to you" Kami, that sounded desperate. It was hard trying to keep a poker face when staring danger in the eyes. In most cases she knew it was next to useless trying to bargain her way out, but she had to at least try. On the bright side; he was human, meaning he's not a youkai that wanted to eat her. On the down side; she can't try to purify him if he got near. Double-edged sword.
"Oh, but you are of value to him, which is the reason I am down here. Our Lord would like to see his new healer." The man chuckled, never has he seen such a young woman try to act so brave, especially behind a prison cell.
His fingers traced along the smooth edge of the small metal object before pulling it out from within his armour. He saw her eyes flash with hope as she caught sight of the key in his hand. Should he make her beg? It would be entertaining. 'Perhaps another time,' he thought with a frown as he was reminded of his Lord's orders.
Quickly he unlocked the gate. Taking a step inside he grabbed the girl roughly by her upper arm and proceeded to drag her out the cell. A whimper escaped her lips as she struggled in his grasp.
He had mentioned she was a healer, perhaps that's all they needed her for; to tend to a wounded soldier. Trying to play her cards right, Kagome kept her pace as he continued to pull her along. It'd be in her best interest to cooperate and maybe they'd release her once she did her healing.
"You mentioned your Lord. Who is he…? Is he human?"
"Aren't you a talkative one?" He peered at the girl, turning his lips up in a grin to reveal the yellows of his teeth. "Lord Tokugawa is human. He's not a filthy youkai."
'Lord Tokugawa… why does that sound so familiar' Kagome thought wordlessly. The leering look of his features sent shivers down her back. All of a sudden she stopped in her tracks, halting her captor along the way.
"Y-you mean, Tokugawa the warlord? The one that's responsible for all the destruction in the south?" Kagome barely hid her astonishment. She did not know the state of affairs but throughout her travels the name has given rise to angry survivors from the battles and conquests left in his army's trail.
The man snickered at her revelation. "I see his reputation precedes him. Good, then you won't need an introduction." Jerking her arm he continued to pull her along the dark corridors lined by wall sconces housing dim candles.
Kagome followed along grudgingly as his tight grip forced her to match his pace. She was beginning to think that, perhaps, they actually won't just let her go…
Finally arriving to a set of doors, the man pushed one aside with his free hand while the other pulled forward the girl, roughly shoving her inside.
Nearly stumbling, Kagome glanced around to see that she was now in a grand bed chamber coated in dark green drapery reminiscent of a forest at night. The man gripped her sore arm once again, pulling her towards the large raised futon. Within the lush silks and soft cottons sat a daunting individual leaning against a mountain of pillows. Two silent guards stood on both sides, still as statues.
Once near the bed's edge she found herself suddenly shoved to the floor, her tied wrists digging into the floorboards to keep her head from hitting the ground as her knees braced her fall.
"Lord Tokugawa, I have brought you the healer" her captor spoke as he bowed in respect.
Kagome fumed as she straightened in her seated position from being so violently shunted. She glared her eyes towards the man on the bed. So this was the infamous human warlord that's been leaving trails of death. Dressed in only a plain sleeping yukata the man did not appear to be the ruthless warrior commander of a deadly militia. Aside from the unnerving ambiance set by the dimly lit room and the shadows cast across his face by the flickering candles, his appearance did not live up to his reputation.
The corners of his lips then lifted in a devious smile that chilled her to the core, revealing that looks, indeed, could be deceiving.
"Perfect. You, miko, will heal my leg." The man had spoken in a deep, raspy voice as his arm elegantly gestured towards his appendage. The bandages were soaked deep red, winding around the swollen limb resting atop the bed sheets. Blotches of sickly reddened skin could be seen poking out the edges. It was infected, she could tell. After all, she has seen enough people with similar fates throughout her years of service as a traveling miko. Disgusted at the thought of healing a murderous villain she defiantly shook her head.
"I will never help heal a monster that's done nothing but slaughter villages!" It was against her morals, her code of honour. She would not turn her back against those she swore to help. She grimaced, thinking back to all those poor villages she had passed through that were claimed by his army, under his orders.
The Lord's weathered face drew together in a deep scowl. "You will heal my leg. I will not let amputation be the death of me."
She may not look the most dignified from her kneeled position on the floor; nonetheless, Kagome straightened her back as she eyed the man. "Why? So you can continue killing innocent people senselessly? No way in hell will I enable you to do that!"
Lord Tokugawa scowled angrily. No one talks to him like that, especially not a woman. He was a powerful lord and demanded respect and her blatant refusal were causing his anger to rise. Maybe it's time for this young miko to learn to respect her superior. He shot a glare at his soldier as he slammed his clenched fist on the wooden frame of the futon.
"Ten lashes! And then we'll see if this wretched healer will change her tune." His gaze fell back towards the girl in question. He could have sworn he heard her breath catch in her throat. "If she refuses after that… kill her."
Her expression suddenly became one of fear as the words left his mouth, eyes agape as the soldier jerked her up and began pulling her back towards the entrance of the room. Her heart quickened, she needed to come up with an exit plan and fast. There was no escaping while in this room; there were three soldiers versus one of her, not to mention how useless her arms became when bounded together. No one was coming to save her this time… but still, she wasn't going to give in to the maniacal man's wishes.
"…And should she not cooperate, you will fetch me another healer" Lord Tokugawa added as the soldier reached the doorway.
Turning towards his Lord, the soldier bowed slightly while still holding on to the suspiciously quiet girl. She was not struggling and she was not letting up a word. "Yes, my Lord."
The soldier dragged her back down the corridor from which they came. Desperately her eyes searched along the ground and walls for some form of weapon, something she can use to try and escape. Her captor was by far stronger than her in strength, this she could tell by the moments of rough treatment from him during this whole ordeal. What could she use? There was nothing she could see being useful lying around.
"Don't think you can escape, girl. Try and you'll die by my hands" her captor said dryly, as if he had somehow read her thoughts.
A low growl emanated from her at the thought of him slicing her throat, or stabbing her in the stomach. Perhaps he'll kill her by chopping up her limbs, imitating the inevitable amputation of his Lord's leg. '…I fucking hope not…. Think Kagome, think! Escape… escape…'
Moments later they were back at the dungeon entrance. The soldier yanked her arm forward and she decisively restrained against him. Bad idea, as not a moment later the sound of a slap across her face echoed in the quiet halls.
His low chuckle came in a warning. "Try that again, and you'll be dead quicker than your body hits the ground."
He pulled her the rest of the way towards the end of the dungeon where she noticed, for the first time, a wooden structure mounted against the stone wall. She knew what it was and she dreadfully braced herself for what's to come. She still needed to think of an exit plan and at this point, it was as difficult as trying to breathe underwater.
"Please, just let me go. You don't have to listen to him, he's an evil man!" Kagome pleaded, but it seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as he pushed her forward to face the wooden structure. With a sudden pull her bounded wrists were lifted upwards for the rope to catch on the suspended hook. Her whole body elevated off the floor, only the tips her feet supporting her entire weight. She struggled against the structure but it was no use, she was practically dangling by her arms.
No matter how hard she mentally prepared herself, the chill of the cold dungeon air still made her skin crawl as she felt the back of her top rip away with the cut of a knife.
"Don't worry, little miko, just count to ten with me…" His whispered words brushed over her left ear sending yet another shiver down her spine. The sound of rustling armour as he reached for something off the nearby wall only added to the chill.
'No…don't feel the pain, you've been through worse…' Her mind pleaded for her to stay strong. Being at an enormous disadvantage there was nothing she could do physically to get out of this situation. She then heard him back away, taking one step, then two, then…
Thwakkk!
The sting of the whip slicing through the delicate skin of her back brought tears to the edge of her eyes as she released a hiss of pain, trying hard to hold back the urge to cry out loud.
"One!" The man snickered. Seeing her quiet, the man pulled back his lips in a snarl. "I said COUNT!" he shouted before the second hit landed, enticing a gasp from her lips. Kagome held her ground and did not make another sound; she did not want to give him the satisfaction.
"Two!" Time seemed to have slowed as each moment brought a stinging pain. The echo of the whip only seemed to intensify the sensation. The man showed no mercy.
By the tenth whip, rivulets of blood had started cascading down her body, leaving pools of red on the ground near her feet. Tears of pain lined her eyes as she refused to let them fall, refused to show her weakness.
It had stilled, the eeriness of the atmosphere seeping through and masking the air in suffocating silence. Sounds of the man stepping back gave Kagome a reprieve to release the breath she had been holding. Her back stung with each movement of her muscles, her arms tired from still being held captive by the mounted hook above her head and preventing her escape.
The man gazed upon the work he made of the little miko. She had been defiant, silently taking breaths and releasing with the landing of each hit. 'High pain tolerance, I see…' He was irritated by the fact that he held no enjoyment from the lashings, she was too quiet and it stripped him of his satisfaction. Screaming and begging, pleading and bargaining was only half the fun, as was expected from all the other times he divvied up this punishment to previous captives.
Making a sound of disgruntled annoyance, the man grabbed his knife and quickly sliced through the miko's remaining clothing, stripping her bare before his eyes. Her sudden gasp brought a smirk to his face as the cloth tore away from her body, the edge of the blade leaving yet another cut on her ivory skin. Her breaths quickened as panic came over her senses. No... he wasn't!
"Still think you're strong?" she heard him snarl behind her. "Let's see how long it will take to break you…" The man chuckled, sounds of his armour tumbling to the ground made louder by the emptiness of the prison. "…don't you worry, I've got lots of time to see just how long it will take."
"No! Please don't! You don't have to do this! Please!" She was in full panic mode now, this can't be happening! Her thoughts fought between being hazy from the pain and jolted from the impending predicament, Kagome frantically searched for things to say that can appease him from doing what he was about to do to her.
He relished at the terror in her voice, the way her body trembled finally giving him the reaction he had wanted. 'Perfect… just the way I like it, bloody and begging'
"Don't count to ten this time, oh no…" The man practically laughed. "This will take much, much longer."
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The eerie light of the moon shone quietly into the cell, bringing with it the illusion of peace from the outside world into these icy walls. Misshapen metal cuffs shackled the lithe girl, circling both her wrists as the attached chains lay their way to anchor on the wall. Her body was motionless as empty eyes stared blankly into nothingness. How many days has it been? Surely they wouldn't keep her in there forever if they needed her. They had kept her alive at least, bringing scraps of food once a day. She had avoided it at first but soon after the third day, hunger took over and she could no longer hold up her strength.
She could imagine that the only reason she was kept alive was that she would be well enough to then heal the lord. As it turns out, the lord was very displeased after finding out that the lashings hindered her enough as to not be able to heal his leg.
The chill of the night air draped over her like an invisible blanket, yet she no longer felt the cold. Two weeks, she was sure, that it had been two weeks since she was first forced into this hellhole. Two weeks since she was lashed to the near bones, leaving open welts that have yet to heal. It was only the trickle of strength that she held within keeping her alive and staving off the infection that was sure to come. If she were just a normal human and not a miko, she might have perished days ago. Yet, how much longer will she last?
Two weeks since the despicable man had violated her.
Her hollow glance flickered slightly then when light thudding can be heard in the distance. It was faint and muffled by the thickness of the stone walls, but she was certain she heard it. 'Is… someone coming?' In the time she had spent in the cell, no other sounds were ever herd outside of what was within the dark prison.
The sounds of hooves grew louder, sounding closer and drawing nearer. Kagome rose slowly from the ground, wincing slightly as each movement threatened to crack the thick scabs forming over the welts on her back. Steadily she came to a sitting position while trying weakly to clutch whatever remained of her clothing close to her.
'It… sounds like a cavalry…' Kagome listened closely as war cries can be heard over the stampede of what she assumed to be a small militia. She has heard hoards of marching army men throughout her travels, and this, in comparison, seemed only to be a small troop. It wasn't long before silence met her ears again.
Kagome stilled her movements as the moments passed, holding her breath in anticipation for what might come. Had she been hallucinating? Had she already been driven mad within these walls? She listened still, yet there was nothing.
Silence.
Silence.
Yelling?
Then, a sudden crash echoed through as stone pieces blasted into the empty cavern. Shielding her eyes with her forearm, Kagome barely had enough time to react before another crash came through to tumble the walls of the prison. Yelling, screaming and screeching can be heard in the distance as deadly cries bled through the vacant air. Bright moonlight illuminated the prison that held her captive as she uncovered her eyes, wincing as they adjusted to the added brightness. Breathless as the dust settled, she realized this was her chance to make her escape.
The miko followed her gaze towards the gaping hole that promised her exit, then towards the chains that bound her wrists to the large stone pieces. There was no way she could run while still attached like ball and chain. Her eyes swept the area, focusing on a stone brick large enough to hold some weight, yet not too large that she couldn't lift. Inching closer she reached for the prize with outstretched arms. 'This better work…'
The rock felt hefty enough to get the job done, at least she hoped. Releasing it from her grasp to place on the ground to her side, she then took hold of the long chains and lined them side by side. Picking up the stone piece again, she inhaled a deep breath before lifting it above her head.
'Get me out of here!' The words tumbled out her dry lips as she brought down the rock in one full sweep. Her ears were delighted with the sound of rock against metal, muted slightly by the ongoing fight in the background. Removing the stone to see her handiwork, she almost let out a scowl to see that the chain merely dented, but didn't break.
Breathing deep once again, the girl made another attempt. And then another. Her heartbeat was quickening with anticipation as each time the stone was brought down against the chain. Finally, after another few rounds, her eyes were rewarded with the sight of scattering metal links to indicate success at freedom. However, celebration must be withheld as she was not out of danger just yet.
Her palms dug into the frigid ground before heaving herself into a standing position. Kagome almost immediately regretted that decision as a sudden dizziness threatened to knock her over. Bracing herself against the remaining wall, she steadied her stance before following the edge towards the opening. As she stepped heavily over the rubble, her eyes peeked around to ensure no one was around to halt her escape.
Smoke clouded from the adjoining building as the sound of battle raged on. A short distance painted the sight of a small troop advancing closer like a steady predator. They must have attacked with long-range weaponry. If she didn't move now, it would be too late as she was sure they would witness her attempt at escape. Scanning the area once more, the girl settled on a path of least resistance leading away from the oncoming march. Without a second thought, she moved soundlessly into the night, staying low to keep hidden by the surrounding greenery as she disappeared deeper into the forest.
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Irritation pricked at him incessantly as if to truly test his patience. More reports of disturbance near his borders had been creeping up steadily with pleas for attention. Another parchment evaporated in the demon's grasp leaving in its place the whispers of the poison that caused its destruction.
Emerald orbs that had been focusing on the disappearing parchment flickered back to the silent creature before him. Opting to stay soundless, he awaited for him to speak.
Amber eyes meet emerald in an icy glare. "How close?" he demanded.
Letting out a baited breath, the general ran his claws through his hair before speaking. "Close enough to draw attention from our troops. They have been gaining grounds increasingly close to our borders, my Lord. It is becoming a distraction."
"And the humans?"
"We have yet to confirm how they are involved," The fox demon inhaled steadily before continuing as traces of his lord's poison still hung in the air. "But we do know for certain that the human warlord is working with the southern general. In what capacity, we do not know"
His general was correct in his previous suspicions. As it turns out, more and more human villages had been destroyed along the south, leaving behind a trail of burnt ashes closer and closer to the Western borders. This was a stench he did not find appealing. The increasing reports of calamity amongst humans would normally be dismissed; however it was an oddity that youkais were involved. This had certainly spiked his interest.
The lord's stoic expression held no further hints as to what had been contemplated in his mind. He would need to investigate. If this becomes a threat, then he shall end it before it begins. "Keep your ears attuned. I expect immediate report of further occurrences."
Knowing the command was also his dismissal, Yakamoto bowed before standing to make his leave. "I will do my best, Lord Sesshomaru."
Alone in his study, Sesshomaru then made his way towards the window overlooking the gardens. It was an eerily silent night. Layers of stormy clouds roamed the sky while stifling the stars above. The clouds teased of impending rainfall. A scowl crossed his features as he concluded that, if he were to investigate the most recent incident, he would have to depart now before the rain dilutes the scent of any clues.
"Jaken." The familiar command immediately summoned the inferior youkai.
A few tumbling steps later and the imp appeared before him. "Y-yes Lord Sesshomaru?"
The lord spoke in a low tone that demanded attention. "Keep watch."
"Yes Lord Sesshomaru! As you wish, my Lord!"
Without another word, youki swirled around to gently tug at the edges of his haori sleeves before he leapt through the open window, intent on following the scent of destruction.
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Irritated. He was irritated. It did not take long before he came upon the site described in the reports that had crossed his desk earlier in the evening. From what he could gather, the human warlord's stronghold had been attacked in what appeared to have been an ambush. Those unsuspecting fools.
Sesshomaru continued to survey the ruins in the short distance before taking a single leap to land amongst the simmering destruction. The stench of burnt flesh and fresh blood accosted his nose while a bitter taste lingered in his mouth. He grimaced. However, no matter how overpowering the scent, his nose was still keen enough to make out the stench of the southern youkais that initiated the attack. 'Interesting…'
Unhurried footsteps brought him around to see all the damage. Almost nothing remained standing. Burnt corpses lay scattered with missing limbs, the stench of human death sickening with each breath he took. Sesshomaru continued his survey until his eyes widened slightly as the wind carried to him a familiar scent. 'What was she doing here…'
Following, he traced the scent to what looks to be a crumbled prison. Expecting to see a familiar dead body amongst the wreckage he was almost surprised that the owner of the aroma was nowhere in sight. Intrigued, his eyes followed the path of the scent that led into the forest overgrowth.
It wasn't before long that he finally came upon a body in the deep of the wooded area. The girl's unique scent was mixed with stench of the same men that now lay dead in the ruins. She was lying face down, most likely had collapsed from exhaustion. Many would have been fooled and assumed her to be dead; however, Sesshomaru was not one to be easily fooled.
Bending down to one knee, he listened closely as his ears picked up the faint sound of shallow breathing. Blood stained the whites of her haori while dirt and grass stains blemished the scarlet hakama. Her clothing lay tattered just barely covering her decency, revealing the dark welts of raised skin on her bare back that continued to trickle with red. It was a stark contrast to the pale nature of her skin that even under this light, seemed snow white. Taking in the full extent of her injuries he was mildly impressed that she had made it this far and had still survived… for now.
The unevenness in her breathing hinted to just how much she had suffered. 'Death approaches this miko.'
A low pulse brought his attention to his side. The sword that cannot kill hummed quietly as the pallbearers of the dead silently appeared, lurking behind the trees in anticipation of the girl's crossing into the spirit world. He regarded the blade questioningly. 'Tenseiga, do you wish to save this miko?'
Sesshomaru slanted his gaze at the caretakers of the afterlife as he slowly placed his hand on the worn hilt, feeling the pulse becoming more prevalent as the creatures drew closer to the dying girl. Tenseiga's pulse droned evermore loudly in his delicate ears. As it seems, the blade always reacted on its own accord.
Watching as the creatures brought out their chains in preparation to drag the miko's spirit away, Sesshomaru was unsheathing Tenseiga until a sudden surge of spiritual energy halted his actions. Surprised, he observed as reiki was steadily flowing from the girl, deflecting the shadowy creatures in a burning light and chasing them away from the unmoving body. 'So it seems she's not ready to leave this world yet.'
The light finally settled while remains of the reiki tickled the edges of the demon's senses, causing his youki flare in reaction. The pallbearers were gone. The sword was re-sheathed as his hand fell away to his side once more. Amber orbs focused on the girl before him in contemplation. Fascinating… It would seem that even upon death's doorsteps, the miko would dare to refuse surrender. Conscious or not, her will to live was commendable.
Moments passed as the reiki finally conceded and a stifling silence befell the surrounding area once more. The demon lord regarded the girl as glimpses of their past encounters flashed briefly in his head. Perhaps it was his sense of honour that swayed him to slowly pick up the unconscious girl. Or perhaps it was a sense of duty that influenced him subconsciously to decide on taking her with him, as she had, after all, helped rid the world of Naraku.
Sesshomaru stood to his full height as the miko's limp body draped loosely in his arms. He stole a glance down at her bruised face before making his way back towards the West. He would offer her solace in his palace for her to regain her strength, for that would be the honourable thing to do.
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Shorter chapter, guess I'm back after a 1.5 year hiatus?
Originally Posted: June 17, 2017
