Welcome to Beauty and The Half Breed
Once a beautiful life, turned upside down. Tarru began to travel to prove herself. One day, she adopted a small companion that would lead her to trouble with the Great Lord of the West. Will two innocent children become matchmakers?
Foreclosure: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters. However, the ones that I have created are my precious jewels and would like to keep them as my own:
Note: Please send your words of love or of any statements that you think I should know! I love hearing from you good or bad!
Recap:
"I present to you the lost princess of the East! Princess Takara!"
The name instantly went through the crowd in hushed whispers. Sesshomaru stood, surprising himself as his inner demon went to pounce over the table and onto the rat. It was very angry at the thought of his fingers touching her. He felt a sudden urge to keep her hidden from the crowd. Her usual bright, blue eyes were glued to the ground, glazed over with unseen emotion. She looked like a lost animal, trapped in a cage. His inner demon stamped its feet, wanting to push him forward. But he stayed behind his table, watching the crowd part again. Two males stepped forward. Sesshomaru recognized them as the Lord and Prince of the East.
All set of blue eyes laid on each other. Everyone seemed frozen. Having no idea what could happen next. Was it true? Was this bloody demoness the missing princess, the one they had been searching for for 200 years? Was she really here in the flesh, now a grown woman in the middle of Sesshomaru's castle?
Finally, someone shifted. Every eye in the room was upon the bloody mess of a creature perched in the center. Kenta had done well to make sure no one would miss this moment. The Prince of the Eastern lands stepped from the crowd, his mate left, like everyone else, with her jaw hanging. Takeshi fell to his knees, a sharp demand came from his royal mouth at Kenta to release the chains. He touched the woman's tears. The stained skin underneath the dirt could be seen when he wiped them away. He brushed back her tattered hair, then seemed to conclude that she was really there in front of him, and crushed her to his chest. Takahiro joined his children, consuming them in his arms. Sesshomaru could smell their tears as they flowed freely. The silver hair lord turned to his mother. Who bore a proud smirk that left his inner demon gagging on the fire in its throat.
"This is not a time to flaunt your pride."
"And why not?" Her golden eyes watched the touching scene between the family of the East. "The lost daughter has been found! All is well in the higher courts."
"Only your pride has been fixed."
He knew that it bothered her just as much as he about the half demon's scent. Neither enjoyed how it stumped them. The fact that he had known her since their youth made him feel incredibly stupid. Never had Sesshomaru been left with this feeling of foolishness. Not even Naraku could trick him like she had. Inukimi must have planned all along to reveal Tarru's identity. She was truly ruthless and he knew she was enjoying every minute of this.
"Lord Takahiro! The Gods have looked blessingly upon you tonight!" Lady Inukimi bellowed to the room, just loud enough to pull Sesshomaru from his thoughts. "May we celebrate tonight, instead, in your honor?"
The surrounding claps filled the room and talk hit the air. Everyone could breath, now full of energy of the nights events. They would be gossiping about this for a century. The demons, who had been close enough to see her face, could not be more surprised to see such a creature with royal blood. They knew the Lord of the East and North had mated, he a dog and she a wolf, but this creature looked crazed. The shackles left her pale skin nearly purple. Her black hair as if it had never seen a comb. Her blue eyes glazed over, emotionless. How could someone in that sort of mess be blessed with royal blood?
The Lord of the West could not take his eyes off of her. Never had he seen her so vulnerable, or so raw. He could tell that Kenta had swallowed Tarru whole and spat her out a crude mess. The beast in his chest fought against his ribs, its cage, wanting to rush to her. To throw his own mokomoko over her and shield her from their eyes. Even though she was a half-breed, she had proven herself to him many times. He would never truly admit it, but no being could ever compare to her. Her strength and smarts, or heart made her a magnificent beast. The fact that the others around him did not share the same image oddly angered him.
He signaled for a servant and instructed the male snake demon to escort the family from his hall. He felt a tug on his sleeve and his attention returned to the onyx eyes of Chiyo. She seemed unmoved that her step sister had just been brought back from the dead. Or, that peace would be among the east for the first time in 200 years. She seemed most upset that Sesshomaru seemed distracted. He snorted mockingly at a creature that needed so much attention. She was more annoying than Inuyasha and his minions. He didn't need to give her a second glance as he stood away from the table. He ignored all the attempts of conversations, or offered glasses of Demon Sake. He was heading towards the door and nothing would halt his need for redemption.
"Have you really been here all this time, Takara?"
It took her a moment to realise that they were talking to her. That that was her real name. Her true identity was revealed tonight. She no longer needed to hold the cloak over her face. The name given to her at birth was being spoken to her by familiar faces. Ones she had not seen for over 200 years. She did not reply to it, the wound still fresh. She sat on her bed, having no idea how she came to sit upon it. The world around her moved in a blur as she brought her knees to her chest. Her brother couldn't sit still. Her father stood before her, staring as if she was a spirit. She wish it true. She dug her claws into her kimono, causing her knuckles to drain of color. If only she was transparent to walk through the wall and away from this situation. She wouldn't look back. Just continue to walk until the woods were around her. Truthfully, she was afraid. If she looked up into her Father's eyes, could she handle to face the dishonor that she had done to her family?
It had been 200 years since she last saw both pair of eyes. All three of them were blessed with a beautiful color of blue, the only feature the twins had received from their father. Many nights were spent remembering every inch of their faces; but much had changed through the years. Takeshi, her brother, had grown. He was not the little protector she had when they both were young. He had kept his black hair short, like their father had done in his youth. Despite how much of an adult he looked, his blue eyes still shimmered when he was in deep thought as he planned adventures when they were together. Takahiro had aged, his silver hair had grown almost as long as Sesshomaru's. It was proof that she had been gone for a very long time.
Words did not come to her, neither did actions. Her body was stiff. She was certain one could prick her and she wouldn't even feel it. She had never meant to hurt the ones before her, the only living kin she had left. She had made a decision and out of lust for freedom ran. Everything was left behind; her nightmares, the bad memories, even her dear, twin brother. Abandoned to fend for himself through the hell they both shared. That had been her fuel to keep running all these years. To avoid knowing the hurt she had caused him, and her dear father, who had already lost his beloved mate. She could never stay afloat as they drowned her in their looks of discontent.
Fortunately, she didn't have too. The door slid open and revealed Sesshomaru. Without asking for permission he stepped over the threshold into the thick tension of the room. She couldn't help but stare at the entity, even though the situation called for the complete opposite. She hadn't only lied to her family, but to the most notorious Lord of the West. A demon that, even though no one would ever believe it, trusted her with his most precious treasure. No other demon, besides Jakken could ever share the same blessing. Let alone a half demon.
She didn't know which situation she wanted to deal with less.
She hadn't heard him approached, probably a result of her shocked nerves. When he entered, it was like a light in the dark. She drew to it like a moth to a flame. His normally white kimono replaced for black with golden embroidery, and obi that kept his swords at his side. His hair was tied back and his golden-amber eyes blazed as he found her stationed on the bed. He truly was the essence of a Lord, especially one as prestigious of the West. He resembled so much of his Father in the pictures that lined the castle walls. Simply, she was in awe of such a creature. Even the beast in her chest knew this was not the time to dawdle.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I know I am a guest in your lands but, I have much to discuss with my daughter." Takahiro, her father, spoke up as he bowed shortly. Clearly he wasn't expecting the Lord to take such interest in his own personal affairs, but now was not the time for flattery.
Sesshomaru spoke, his golden glare promised salvation from this situation, but also a threat of why he got his notorious title. It left her squirming in her seat as her emotions tilted with regards to the Lord, and possible fear.
"She is the one I am here to speak with."
It sent a chill through the room.
Takeshi stepped forward, his spin prickling with growing anger. "Lord Sesshomaru, we have thought my sister dead for two centuries. Can we not share this time with her alone?"
"I wish to discuss with the demon who I have trusted and has betrayed me. The time she's been absent from your life is a fact I care nothing for."
A line of electricity shot through the room. The tension between the family deflated. The two bystanding demons to watch helplessly as Sesshomaru and Takeshi began a stare off. She felt the need to jump from the bed and position herself between Sesshomaru and her brother. But the fact of facing Sesshomaru, her hands up made her feel even more ridiculous than what she already did. She knew the next time she was in his line of sight he would surely take revenge of the trick she had pulled on him. No one ever survived trying to outsmart him… so what would happen to the one that did?
Takahiro seemed the only one that caught what Lord Sesshomaru had said. Had THE Lord of the West, who was notorious for killing anything that stepped in his way and could strike fear into hundreds with a mere glance of his flaming amber eyes just refer to his daughter, a half demon, as someone he trusted? His blue eyes glanced to his kin, who seemed to have perked up when the demon lord entered the room. She clearly did not catch on to the deep honor that any demon would kill for. She was glaring at the powerful demon. He knew that she was no longer the little demoness that would hide behind knees from the smallest shadow. If she would dare turn that glare on to Lord Sesshomaru and live to tell about it, she must have gain much bravery over the years… or maybe she had grown very stupid.
The feeling in her limbs started to return. They still buzzed as if filled with angry Saimyōshō. In her weakened state the control of her power had gone and she could literally feel every thought between the three males slap her in the face. They filled her with fear of what her brother would attempt with Sesshomaru. Even though he was powerful, she hated to admit that the Lord of the West was even more. She knew what would happen if Sesshomaru were to unleash his frustration on her brother. The East would actually be short of an heir if he did.
She stepped away from her perch and stumbled between the two males. Her hands held up in surrender, inches away from the Lord's chest. The glaring match continued and their aura's started to grow hot with anger. Each readying for a fight. She brushed her mind with Sesshomaru, knowing she needed to get his attention to save her brother. It startled her that it was easier than any time before. His golden eyes snapped to her and his voice hissed in her head.
This will not go unpunished.
Anger stirred in her chest. For a moment, she forgot of her kin, who were staring between her and Sesshomaru. The demon was awakening, climbing out of the hole in her heart. His words promised a fight, and they sent a slight chill of fear down her spine. They made her want to turn for the woods and run or tear his face apart. She swirled with these emotions, having no idea which had more control over her. He had a right to be angry, but not towards her brother.
This issue rest between you and me. Leave Takeshi out of it.
Only she noticed that the Lord moved just a millimeter back. His glare never lessened. She sighed with relief. How many times could she get away with that?
Takahiro sighed realising this was a losing battle. His inner demon, one that been hibernating for many years, was stirring. He could tell his son was livid. The beast in his chest must have thrashed while spewing fire from its throat. Those blue eyes told everything, despite how calm his face seemed. His son knew enough, but still had much to learn.
"We are sorry for being rude, Lord Sesshomaru. Please understand the situation." His claws were on Takeshi's shoulder. Digging into the skin to remind his son to keep calm. Unplanned, heated words always ended in war when dealing with Lords in their lands. "We will return to our mates in the dining hall. But, please do return her to us briefly. We have much to discuss."
He gave her a look that made her want to cry. It was only the look you give after having your hopes broken. Like one would have after thinking your child dead for 200 years and finding her. Then she slips through your claws the same night. She could feel her insides freezing and she had to looked away as Takahiro lead Takeshi out of the room.
When they were in the hallway, the door disappearing as they turned a corner, did Takeshi rip his shoulder from his father's grasp. His blue eyes swirled with pure rage. If his father did not react quickly, he would start seeing red.
"Why would you do that, Father? Have we not just spent 200 years searching for her and you dare leave her alone with Sesshomaru?"
Clearly, everyone knew of how ruthless the Lord of the West could be. And the fact that his sister was a half demon did nothing but upset him even more. She needed to be protected and letting the rabbit a lone with the snake was the last thing she needed.
"Calm your tongue, Takeshi. If you dare let it slip like that again, war will be upon us. Lord Sesshomaru is not one you wish to deal with. You know that." But still, his son was blistering with the urge to fight. He sighed, "Twins you may be, but the wolf runs in her blood, where the dog is with you."
"And what does that have to do with her running off again? Or survive being alone with Sesshomaru! Why must we stay? Can we not just gather her and Hina and return to our Lands?"
Takahiro didn't miss the fact that his son did not name Aya and Chiyo, but he chose to ignore it. It was time to teach a lesson, not to scold.
"I know you have missed her; but, you can never cage a wolf. It will only force it to insanity." His own blue eyes turn to his son, "she's alive, Takeshi. She had every chance to return home. Do you think she'll come prancing back like she was when she was a child? It has been many years, much has changed with you and especially her. She has been through a lot this evening. Let us give her time and then we shall talk with her."
Takeshi dropped his clenched fist, knowing her father's words filled with nothing but truth. He glanced out the window just in time see a flash of silver dart into the woods.
He turned his glare to her, and at that moment, she felt more hopeless than being tied down with blessed chains as her identity was revealed to the demon court. Her weapons were with the children down the hall, while two were strapped to his hip. She had to put extra effort into swallowing the glob of saliva that collected in her mouth. Her body was going numb again.
His stare was charged with anger. She had deceived him. Totally outsmarted the Great and Powerful Lord Sesshomaru. Nothing any demon had ever came close to doing. Yes, she could feel his anger radiating from him. It crashed into her like a huge wave and made her think of retreating into a corner to shield herself. But that was not what she truly feared. In fact, the idea of giving Sesshomaru a fight seemed to return her back to normal. Her buzzing limbs no longer filled with Saimyōshō but boiling blood. No, she could face his temper any day, like she had done countless times before. It was the explaining he wanted her to do that would be agonizing. It was the one thing she had avoided every day for 200 years.
Finally, he spoke. "What ever gave you the gall to lie to This Sesshomaru?"
"I didn't."
Then he moved, just a step. Proving to her that he was done playing this game. He did not realise how wound up she was. She jumped. Her inner demon howling as the walls suddenly became tight around her. She couldn't breathe the air hot as those golden-amber eyes bore into her. It felt like she had landed in mud and had inhaled the thick muck. It coated her senses and left her feeling cornered. The woods were calling, and she just had to get to them or she might explode.
Before he could put his heel down, she was already at the balcony and in the night sky. When the ground touched her feet, she fled as fast as her skills could take her. He landed before her. His dark kimono blended into the night sky. His eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. She turned, letting her inner demon guide her to avoid a collision. He was right behind her. Following so close she could feel his glare on the back of her neck. They both traveled with such great speed. Sesshomaru had transformed into a ball of silver light the chased a dark flash.
Yes, all he wanted was answers, and, possibly to punish her for the deceivement. She could never deal with the pain of giving him what he wanted. But, the more she ran the angrier he got. She found the wall, but her wolf side had taken over. She leapt over the stone with no thought and smirked as the lining of the forest met her eye. Only when the vegetation surrounded her did she start to regain feeling through her limbs. She dug her heels into the dirt when the silver flash halted before her, but she still had too much momentum. Nothing could stop her from running into him. They both went flying through the air.
He dug his claws into her arms then flung her away from him. The tree hitting her back was the only thing to stop her. The bark so sturdy it didn't even budge. In fact, it fought back and forced all the air from her lungs. She felt a shake go up its core and startled the birds sleeping in its branches. Small twigs and leaves rained upon her. She was stunned. Sesshomaru was there before she could even refill her lungs. By the gleam in his glare, she knew he was thirsty for blood.
He reached down and grasped a fist full of her kimono and slammed her into the tree. She was eye level with him as his glare caught her on fire.
"Do explain how you did not lie." His voice came out as a hiss. Each words laced with poison.
Being this close, she felt his breath on her lips. Could see the red beginning to form where gold met white. The beast in her chest did not appreciate his lack of compassion. Her claws slashed at his knuckles as a growl ripped through her. He rolled his eyes, slamming her back into the tree causing more shrubbery to rain upon them. She started kicking and he placed himself between both her legs to cage her against the bark. He was so close. His scent engulfed her and her inner demon instantly settled. Her stomach felt like it was filled with dancers. The soles of their shoes fluttering in circles. She should have felt damned ashamed for letting herself get trapped between a tree and Sesshomaru. The days before Haru, she would have not mingled with the likes of him. In the deepest part of her soul, she was enjoying it. His skin against hers. Her inner demon was practically purring. Maybe years ago, she would have dreamed to have been in a situation like this.
But she had spent 200 years to avoid this problem. Here she was, facing it. The last thing she needed to do was actually enjoy it. But why, of all damn demons that walked this Earth did it have to be Sesshomaru that would be the first to know the truth. What curse did she have upon her so this would happen?
"I did not lie." She felt again how close he was to her when she tried to free her kimono from his grasp.
His free hand grasped around her neck. A hiss slipped through her lips as green acid soaked into the shackle wounds on her throat. His glare got hotter. She knew there was no way out this without having her story being told.
"Takara was the name given to me by birth. I left it behind after leaving home. Tarru has been my alias ever since."
Sesshomaru's grip on her throat lessened, just enough for her to take a breath in. She wouldn't reveal to him that her lungs were starting to beg. Even if her face turned blue. She would not give him more pleasure of torturing her tonight.
"So," he said steadily, like he always did. "The brat of the East ran away from home." His eyes rolled.
She had to swallow the saliva that aimed for his handsome face. The bastard dared to patronize her! She let a growl rip through her as she fought against her binds. She owed him nothing if he continued like this. He had known her since birth, hell even before that! Inu no Taishō and Takahiro had made a treaty if a girl was conceived from the East, the two lands would be one after their children mated. Fate had not looked upon them the day those scrolls were signed. Even at a young age, he had always ranked himself higher than the other children of court. He never paid attention to the torment that she, and her brother, had gone through all those years. Even if it was his mate to be.
Anger was boiling over in her stomach. She felt red with it. When Sesshomaru's grip did not budge, she threw her legs around his waist and brought him, if possible, even closer. Their noses were touching as she glared into the pools of gold. She caught the scent of sake on his breath, but not enough for her to be worried.
"Don't mock a story you could never understand, you fool."
His face grew into a mocking smile. She knew him, could see directly into his soul and knew he was just waiting for her to start blabbing. She bit her lip, releasing her legs, knowing this would be difficult. She went to speak, but the words caught in the knot of her throat. She glanced up at Sesshomaru through her lashes and drowned in the golden pools. She sucked in a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Closing her eyes, she attempted to brush her thoughts with his. When he rejected, a soft whine came from her throat. As if her inner demon was saddened that he would not allow such a thing happen. When she tried again, after chastising herself for making the sound, she used a soft touch. It felt like a feather had brushed against his thoughts, instead of the usual intrusion.
A small smile tugged at her lips as the stone wall fell around her. Revealing every thought that crossed Sesshomaru. It had been many moons since she broke through last. New memories had been made since then. They were two bodies with one mind now. If Sesshomaru knew how to guide himself, he would have full access to her thoughts as well. Instead of digging, she paused his train of thought. He no longer searched for scents around the clearing, or even cared to make sure they were alone. He didn't even wonder what she was doing to him. He was a relaxed piece of clay in her hand.
The forest around him started to fade. He was no longer in the middle of the trees, but staring at the scene as if it was a portrait. Rain was washing away all the colors. Darkness replaced the trees. The only thing he was aware of was the smooth skin of hers under his.