Title: A Feudal Era Fairytale
Author: C-Chan2 aka Neptunesdemon
Archive: For this, none yet.
Category: Adventure, romance, drama, mention of Mpreg
Pairings: Sesshomaru/Miroku, Kouga/Inuyasha
Spoilers: None at all
Warnings: OOC, yaoi, AU, child-abuse, non-consensual, hints of necrophilia
Author's Note: I want to sincerely thank EVERYONE who has been reading this from the start. I highly appreciate it and hope you enjoy this chapter.
xoxoxox
Miroku watched quietly at his captors who sat across from him in the ox-drawn cart, his eyes mostly focused on the cross-dressed man whose amused squeals of delight were the only sounds from any of them. Shippo had long gone quiet, after his pleas to sit with Miroku had been ignored. His broken tail, thanks to his demon heritage, was already healing, and Miroku was happy to see it would not be bent at an awkward angle.
"Jakotsu. Be quiet."
Violet eyes glanced over at the leader of the two, and Miroku had to look away just as fast. Those harsh blue eyes were watching him still. They had never stopped watching him since he had been taken hostage. The demon scared him; scared him in a way more than he had ever felt before.
"But he's so cute, brother." Jakotsu squealed, snuggling Shippo closer to him. "I want to eat him up alive!"
Shippo whimpered at that and Miroku new because it was quite a literal statement. He wished he could physically comfort the boy, but he had already been threatened that any quick movements would have a negative outcome for the Demon Fox.
Bankotsu merely snorted, but his gaze never wavered and Miroku kept staring everywhere else but back at him. It was difficult to do, in the intimate space of the canopied cart, but he managed. The ox outside grunted out a low bellow and finally he felt those eyes stop looking at him. He chanced looking himself, peering out of the front to see what had distracted the braided demon and his eyes widened at the sight.
The large palace looming ahead of him was distinguishably royal. The grand structure was breathtaking and yet, such a wrongness was felt just by looking at it. Something had settled here that did not belong. It made Miroku nearly sick to his stomach.
"Do you think Naraku will greet us at the gate?" Jakotsu was asking and Bankotsu merely sucked his teeth.
"And miss the chance to set it up like a king receiving an audience?" Bankotsu asked, before he was looking back at Miroku, who froze as those eyes looked on his. "No, we have to bring this gift directly to him."
"Humph, we should have done like you first planned and used him to bait Inuyasha." Jakotsu huffed and Bankotsu ignored him.
Miroku did his best to control his trembling but he couldn't help the jump as Bankotsu shifted. He had expected something to happen but all the demon did was grin as he shifted in his seat, so he was more comfortable with his leg up, ankle resting on his knee, while he sat back with arms crossed.
"Jumpy." He commented, Jakotsu giggling.
Miroku's jaw clenched and his hands balled into fists. He didn't want to be here. He wished he knew how to escape. He even wished at this moment that he had never stepped foot outside of the enchanted lands he called home. But, then he would have known that Inuyasha was alive. Then again, he would have never have met this creature in front of him, who seemed to be only the beginning of a nightmare. He had more monsters to face and the cart was drawing closer to the one that Bankotsu answered to.
"Oh, look!" Jakotsu was suddenly crying out, his hand pointing ahead to the palace gates, which were so large that Miroku actually felt insignificant. "A welcome band."
There was indeed a band of demons standing at the gate, ready and waiting for them. At the head was a stone-faced woman, the sight of her having Miroku stare with widened-eyes. It couldn't be.
It took several minutes more before the ox finally came to a stop and Bankotsu jumped out first. He stretched his limbs exaggeratedly, before he was walking over to the stoic demon woman.
"Where is the human man?" She questioned and Bankotsu merely waved the question off.
"Where's Naraku?" He countered and Kagura merely tiled her head a bit, her face as placid as ever.
"I will only take you to him once I have confirmed that it is truly who you claim it is."
Bankotsu made a growl of annoyance before he was walking back to the cart and snatching open the curtains hanging over the cart's front. It revealed Miroku to the waiting demons and a few gasped and the rest murmured quietly amongst themselves. The woman who had entered his home so long ago and had stolen something dear to him, who had nearly taken his life, who had destroyed his world; all she did was stare back at him. And Miroku wanted to hate her, and for now he did and had he the will and the way, he would have tried to kill her for what she had done.
As it were, he was a helpless victim and all he could do was stay seated and be gawked at.
"He's aged." Was all she said, her tone flat and Miroku bristled.
Fukurokuju's spell was still wearing off. He now had traces of grey in his dark hair and his worry lines at the sides of his eyes were permanently etched into his face. He needed to find his son and return back to their home before the new moon, but now with this unexpected change in direction, he wasn't so sure that he would make it back in time.
"So it is him?" Bankotsu was questioning, his smile broad as he looked at Miroku. "Naraku must have been super pissed to find out he was alive."
Miroku saw when Kagura's mask faltered, and her body reacted as if physically remembering something painful. It was only for a split second and then she was herself again.
"Bring him in. Naraku wants to see him."
Then she was gone, flying off on a feather toward the palace. Bankotsu only tsked, before he was looking to Jakotsu who seemed more interested in petting Shippo like he was a lap dog than the small event that had just happened.
"You heard the lady." Bankotsu was saying, the older brother looking back at him with a pout. "You'll get to play with your pet later. Time to go before his royal highness."
"Fine!" Jakotsu huffed, lifting from his seat and jumping out of the cart.
Shippo reached back for Miroku the human man reaching out for him as well, but a hand grabbed his wrist and he was pulled out of the cart none too gently. He stumbled out and was caught by the other arm belonging to the demon that pulled him out, and Miroku turned frightened eyes to look at Bankotsu, whose grin was not a comforting one.
"Your kit comes with us, and you still play nice. Got it?"
He nodded quickly and frantically, and Bankotsu grinned wider, before he was straightening Miroku to stand and resting a threatening grip onto his shoulder, so that the human man didn't get any ideas of running.
"We're going to the throne room." He announced as he began pushing Miroku to walk forward. "Naraku has been dying to finally meet you."
xoxoxox
Naraku was impatient as he sat waiting. At the right of him, and somewhat behind him, Izanami sat as well. She was far more patient and even held an odd little smile. She seemed pleased with the situation, whereas Naraku grew more irritated the longer it took for Bankotsu to bring the human man to him.
"Patience, dear." Izanami calmly said and Naraku growled.
He would have given a nasty retort but the doors finally swung open and he was distracted. Only Kagura came through, before the doors were closing again behind her. She made her way to them, before going to her knees and bowing low.
"My lord, Naraku." She greeted and said lord merely growled in annoyance.
"I thought I told you to bring him to me. It should have been a far easier task than killing him, but did you manage to not do this correctly as well?"
"No, my lord, he approaches the throne room as we speak. I have confirmed it is truly him." She remained bowed and Naraku only scoffed.
"You've also confirmed that you have indeed failed in following orders, Kagura." He was satisfied to watch her stiffen at the words. "I am not pleased with your slight. Do you understand the consequence of your actions?"
"I do, my lord."
"Very well." He drew this to an end, because he felt the new auras outside of the doors and he wanted to get on with it. "Send them in."
Kagura stood and bowed her head, before she was standing aside and signaling to the two guards at the large doors. They began to slowly pull the doors open and inch by inch, Naraku was given a view of what lay beyond it. His eyes slowly widened as the doors stood fully open and he felt the unmistakable aura of jealousy behind him as the human man was revealed.
"Step forward."
It was as if it all happened in slow motion. Naraku watched as he was approached, red eyes glued to terrified violet. The man was escorted, flanked on either side by Bankotsu and Jakotsu, the latter holding a demon child in his arms.
As the man came closer, Naraku stood and was stuck staring at the human creature that had mothered his precious Inuyasha. He was older than he had expected him to be, but the resemblance was striking. The full moons at the cusp of spring, when Inuyasha was human due to his Half Demon status; it brought this to mind as he moved forward.
Soon enough he was in front of him and Naraku was staring back at the birthing father of his most prized possession. There was no doubt that this was Inuyasha's "mother" at all. The violet eyes were the same as Inuyasha's when the boy was human. The dark tresses, the pale skin, the remarkable, astounding beauty; it was hard to deny.
"So this is he."
He climbed down the stairs that brought him closer to this enchanting person, and he suddenly realized how it was that Sesshomaru had been smitten. The lucky bastard had caught himself such an exquisite thing. Had he not had his sights set so vehemently on Inuyasha, this tantalizing human man would be made his.
"Do you know who I am?" He questioned, aware that the man was trembling. He was terrified, which meant he was not stupid.
The human man nodded and Naraku smiled. There was no way he had truly known, but it was an educated guess, as he was certain he had been told of Naraku on the journey here. He only now had a face to put the name to.
"And I know who you are." Narau informed him. "You are quite the thing of lore amongst Demonkind. The enchanted human man, who stole a Demon Lord's heart and then bore his only son. Surely you know of your infamous status."
Another nod and Naraku gave a quiet snort, before he was clasping his hands behind his back. He turned to head back to his throne, but was stopped suddenly by the soft, pleading voice.
"My lord."
Red eyes peered over his shoulder and Naraku raised a brow as the man went to the floor, before bowing deeply in a sign of capitulation.
"You invaded my home and took something very dear to me." He began, Naraku turning to face him again. "I beg of you. Please return Inuyasha to me. Please release my pup."
He was gasping as cold fingered grip lifted his face, so that he was only kneeling and Naraku studied him with straight face.
"You do realize that I will never grant you that request."
The tears that welled up in gem-colored eyes were almost a pleasing sight. It meant that if made desperate enough, the human man would do anything.
"Why?" The man was asking him, and Naraku's head tilted at the question. "What have we ever done to deserve this? We lived a peaceful life. My mate was a just and peaceful ruler. My son is innocent! Are you so cruel to do this out of whim?"
Izanami "oohed" in delight at the sharp sound of a smack, and Jakotsu joined her in giggling. Bankotsu's face held a frown and Naraku's a look of contempt was one that made the human man cower away.
"You have the gall to question my methods?" He was asking, crouching low and grabbing Miroku by the hair and forcefully making him look up at him. "Your dear mate stole what was mine some two-hundred years ago. I was merely returning the favor. I wanted Inuyasha from the first time I laid eyes on him. Your precious pup, on a ride about the manor grounds with his doting father. I made every effort to take him from the Demon Lord. But I hadn't seen you, not without the mirror. No, you could never leave the barrier of the spell, could you? That was the rumor and yet, here you are. Magic again I assume?"
He pulled on his hair to drag Miroku with him and the monk stood, crying out in pain. He merely smirked and finally let him go, pushing him away so that he stumbled. He was caught, but it was by arms belonging to someone he was as equally afraid of.
"Perhaps, had you been here, Inuyasha would have been more willing to be obedient. None the less, the past is in the past." He studied Miroku some more before he was turning back to Izanami, who seemed displeased with the last words he had spoken. "My lady, I believe you were also eager to meet the human mate of Lord Sesshomaru."
"Oh, aye. Very eager, indeed."
Miroku's blood had run cold, knowing he had felt an ethereal presence but having been too distracted as it were to pay much attention. What on earth could have possibly happened that Izanami was here now? And why is it that she wanted to personally meet him, a mere mortal?
"When Lord Sesshomaru was in my clutches, he could do nothing but refuse my requests. For you see, he would not say much and when he did, he would softly and sweetly chant, Miroku." His heart clenched at the words and he was nearly afraid to know anything further. "It was such an odd prayer and how brazen that he would pray to another when in my realm. And then I realized, you were no god, but merely who he solely worshipped as one. His mate, bearer of his child; you are his heart, his soul, his purpose for living. You were his motivation and the constant reason for his defiance. But I broke him, finally. And he gave in so pleasantly, and I would have had him always if the bitch Kichijoten had not interrupted."
She sighed, fixing the imaginary wrinkles of her kimono, before her eyes centered on the frozen mortal in her presence. Miroku wanted to turn away, but the mixture of awe and fear kept his eyes locked to her.
"Because of her, he escaped me." Her words had Miroku's eyes opening wide in shock and she glared back at him. "I will find him and take his soul, for he is rightfully mine. And you my dear human, you will lead him right to us."
"As well as Inuyasha." Naraku jumped in and Miroku felt his stomach sink at the tone of voice. "He will not escape me again."
"My lord, Naraku, I implore you. Let my family be. Keep the Western Lands as your own, it is no loss to me if it means having my family again. Tell me what I must do to gain your mercy."
Naraku merely smiled and Miroku shuddered, before he was looking down, suddenly bashful.
"I have already shown you mercy." The dark-haired demon told him, suddenly in front of him again and leaning in so close is was uncomfortably intimate. "You see, you still live and there are limits to my kindness. So, you will stay here. You will be my prisoner and your mate will come, and your son will follow. And when I have them in my clutches, I kill one and keep the other as my mate."
That had Miroku's attention and a sudden anger rose in him, one that had violet eyes shining with a fury that made Naraku's eyes narrow in earnest interest. It was exciting to see this new fire and he was so reminded of Inuyasha's rage, the few times when his timid obedience was overpowered by it.
"You wouldn't dare take my child as your mate." The monk's voice was threatening, and Naraku was sure that he had forgotten his place.
The backhand put him right back in it and there was a small scream of objection from the Fox Child still held in Jakotsu's arms. Naraku was then crouching next to the stunned monk, whose senses seemed to be knocked back into him from the blow.
"You will never dare tell me what I can and cannot do." Naraku murmured, his hand reaching out stroke the ebony locks, tsking at the sight of gray hairs. It wouldn't do to have this be what the Demon Lord of old be met by. "Izanami, lend your dear husband to be your talents. Surely you can restore him to the age he was when Sesshomaru saw him last."
"Very well." She huffed, the air rippling and Miroku cringed at the twisted magic that surrounded him.
He gasped suddenly as he felt his body change and he stared down disbelievingly at the young hands that were now holding him up from the floor. Naraku took hold of his face and turned it to look at him.
"I see." Naraku was saying with a manic grin. "Sesshomaru was no fool. He was so eager to lock you away for a reason. And had he saw how Inuyasha resembles you on his human nights, now that he has matured so nicely, he would have kept his son hidden as well."
A throat cleared and Naraku was looking up, face falling into a mask of annoyance and he met Bankotsu's bored glare.
"Not that I'm not enjoying watching you plan devious plots and tease the Dog Demon's mate, but don't we have better things to be doing?"
Naraku snorted and stood, looking down at Miroku once more and reaching out to run his fingers through the now jet-black hair.
"Lock him in Inuyasha's old rooms." He said, before crouching down and tilting Miroku's chin so that the monk was looking at him again. "Tell me, do you dance?"
xoxoxox
Inuyasha didn't know what to make of this. He couldn't understand what it meant. He and Kouga had finally found a human village willing to give them entrance to a temple. Once they had climbed the stone stairs and made their way to Kichijoten's shrine, what they had found had them speechless.
The statue of Kichijoten was heavily cracked. Its smooth stone was heavily mossed colored, and reminiscent of old, decaying flesh. Something wasn't right at all. Inuyasha, now feeling hopeless, looked to Kouga, but the wolf could only offer him a confused shrug. With the statute and shrine showing obvious, ominous signs, what were they to do?
"Maybe, this shrine is just unkempt." Kouga offered but Inuyasha merely shook his head.
"Something's wrong." He muttered, his voice low and riddled with disbelief. "This isn't right."
"Well, what now?"
Inuyasha could only shrug at that because he was at a loss about what to do. He had been hoping that Kichijoten would be able to help him find his way home and seeing this, he had no idea what the next step should be.
"We can find another shrine." Kouga said, trying to offer the Half Breed some hope. "Or, another deity could help. There are more than one, you know."
"But only Kichijoten was involved with my parent's lives." Inuyasha stated, Kouga merely sighing and crossing his arms. "Her and . . . Fukurokuju . . ."
"Who?"
"Fukurokuju." Inuyasha repeated, suddenly brightening up again. "The god of longevity. Our manor was on his enchanted lands, so that my birthing father could live as long as my sire did."
Kouga had little time to respond before Inuyasha was sprinting off, searching the rest of the grounds. All he could do was follow behind him and then watch as Inuyasha's hope deflated again as not a single shrine to the old deity was found.
"There are no shrines here." He stated and Kouga shrugged.
"Well, all the deities worshipped here have the power of blessing for fertility." Kouga stated, Inuyasha huffing a defeated sigh. "Fukurokuju would be at a different temple entirely."
Inuyasha looked back to the broken idol of Kichijoten, and could not help but feel defeated. His hands were hidden in his sleeves and he sadly looked away, only to find Kouga staring back at him, his face fitted with an apologetic look. The young half-breed only shrugged before he was turning away and walking back to the long temple stairs they had climbed to reach here.
"What will you do now?" Kouga was questioning him, and Inuyasha stopped to look back, his face fitted with a mask of woe.
"I'm not sure." He answered, Kouga deciding to fall in step beside him as Inuyasha began to descend. "Maybe Naraku really did kill my parents. If that's the case, I have nowhere to go to. My home is probably gone and I have no one to return to."
Kouga felt his heart clench at the heavy voice, the sound strained as if holding back tears. Inuyasha was on the verge of a break down and he was doing his damnedest to hold it back. Kouga let them walk in silence for some time. It lasted until they had finally reached the bottom of the stairs, with Inuyasha looking down at the ground, his face hidden by his tresses as he hung his head.
He knew it wasn't his place, and he knew damn well that he had no right to, especially now, but the saddened look on Inuyasha's face was killing him slowly. He had to do something.
"Come with me." He blurted out suddenly and Inuyasha slowly looked up at him.
"What?"
"I said come with me." He repeated with a smile and Inuyasha frowned, not exactly convinced. "You say you have nowhere to go, but you can't just wander around Japan on your own. You can stay with me."
"But, you're on your Year of Solitude." Inuyasha's confusion was evident on his face. "I shouldn't even be with you now."
"Never mind that!" Kouga began, before he was sighing and starting over. "You can stay with my pack. You won't have to worry about being aloe there. My parents will be more than happy to help one of my friends. I can take you there and you can stay until I return next year."
"Wait, your parents wouldn't want some random half-breed living with them."
"What? They would when their son asks them to." Kouga insisted, oddly enthusiastic. "I can't travel with you for much longer and I don't want to leave you alone. Besides, if you're waiting for me with my clan when I get back, I know that I'll never lose you."
That had Inuyasha's eyes widening and Kouga's cheeks reddening. He gave a nervous chuckle, scratching behind his neck and trying his best not to embarrass himself further.
"I like you. . .as a friend. . . Inuyasha." Kouga stumbled with his words a bit, but he managed to say them. "I'd like it if you stayed with my family. . .if you'd stay with me."
He almost held his breath as he watched Inuyasha silently contemplate his proposal. It was no longer an odd thought to him. He wanted, needed, the half-breed to be there with him. He had found the one person he had always been looking for since he had heard him as a pup. How could he let him go now? Why would he let him go back to the place that had caused Kouga to hear him crying?
Those thoughts alone had brought his hopes up, but they were dashed as Inuyasha looked away, hiding his face so that it was easier to deliver the next sentence.
"I can't stay with you, Kouga." He muttered, hands clenching in to fists. "I can't put you and your family at risk. Naraku will find me, and when he does, there will be no one spared. He'll show no mercy and it won't be fair to those around me."
Inuyasha turned back to him, eyes misty and obviously wanting to let the tears brimming in his eyes to spill over. His head he slowly shook, as if knowing Kouga was just about to verbally object.
"I can't. We should go our separate ways soon." The dog-eared demon said, his arms hiding away in his sleeves. "I could never forgive myself if I were the cause of something terrible happening to you."
"Inuyasha. . ."
He was shushed as the silver-haired demon held up a hand to silence him.
"Thank you, for everything, but I have to continue on my own."
He didn't understand why, but Kouga submitted to his request with a solemn nod. Inuyasha gave him a small smile and Kouga instantly wanted to retract his agreement.
"Let this be the last day." Kouga insisted and Inuyasha merely nodded.
Then silence reigned as they left the shrine stairs behind, heading down the well-traveled path that led back to the village they had walked through to get there. Kouga would make sure to purchase enough to last Inuyasha on his travels for a while. Then he'd give him a final lesson before they turned in and parted ways in the morning.
Blue eyes turned to study the solemn face and Kouga had to quickly look away, lest his resolve be broken. Perhaps Inuyasha was right. This had to be for the best. And he hoped damn well that he wasn't making a huge mistake.
xoxoxox
"You'll dine with Lord Naraku in the evening."
Miroku glared up at the monotone woman who had stood watch over him ever since he had stumbled into the room, having been roughly thrown in by a laughing Bankotsu.
At the moment he was being dressed by a servant, who had been mildly shocked when he first saw Miroku. It would seem that his appearance was so much of a shock to cause disbelieving stares. Did his son really resemble him so much on his human nights? He clearly remembered Inuyasha's human nights, cuddling up to his son who would so adamantly question him about being human.
He gasped as the obi of the woman's kimono he was forced to wear, upon pain of whatever cruel punishment Naraku could come up with if he didn't, was pulled a bit too tightly and then finished off.
"Until your mate is found, you are our lord's prisoner and newest servant. You will do as he commands."
"I will do no such thing." He snapped, his eyes glaring harshly at the stoic face.
He heard a snort and chanced a glance at the corner. Bankotsu had never left, in fact, he sat comfortably drinking fruit wine and watching as Miroku was treated like a child's doll, dressed and coiffed to appease the Lord of the Western land.
He scoffed quietly at the thought. Naraku was no lord. He was a tyrant who had manipulated his way into power. He was alive, which meant Sesshomaru was alive as well, and that meant he was still Lord of the West. He just needed to come back and claim his throne. Why hadn't he come back yet?
"You're just like him." Bankotsu stated, throwing back a cup of wine before refilling it. "Except you're far less obedient."
"And I assume you're talking about Inuyasha."
Bankotsu only grinned, before gulping down the wine again and then standing from his seat and carelessly discarding the cup he had been drinking from. Miroku stiffened as he came closer, the servant that had been dressing him easily backing away and bowing respectfully and in submission. Bankotsu's aura bled that he was a force to be reckoned with, and if Miroku had no resolve, he would have been just as submissive as those around him.
Hell, he should have been, since the fear that swallowed him whole was suffocating. He flinched as a hand lifted and turned away when cold fingers touched his cheek. Bankotsu only chuckled again, before he was grabbing Miroku's jaw and forcing him into a kiss.
Miroku's muffled squeak of objection was given voice by Kagura, who made a sound of objection at the sight. He wrestled free, pushing Bankotsu away, but not very far as the damned demon man was solid. His embarrassment had him slapping the smug face as he stood panting and glaring daggers.
Then he was on the floor, room spinning and face throbbing. Kagura was yelling and Bankotsu was brushing her off as he crouched over the fallen monk. Miroku groaned in pain as his face was roughly grabbed and made to look up, his eyes barely focusing on the now serious face and cold blue eyes.
"Good, he likes when they're feisty." Bankotsu said before roughly pushing Miroku away. He stood and snapped at the still bowing servant, pushing Kagura out of the way as he left the room. "Cover the welts and tidy him up. And for fucks sake, teach him a step or two. You know how Naraku loves his dancing. And find me girl; I prefer that she already be cold when she gets to me."
Miroku was trembling from so many emotions and the horrific statement that Bankotsu had exited on. This was madness. All he had wanted was his son and mate. He had only wanted to find his family and go home. And now he was here, dealing with a gaggle of insane demons. He couldn't help it then, the lump that gathered in his throat as he was lifted from the ground.
Inuyasha. His poor Inuyasha. He had endured this for over a century. Had he been forced to do unspeakable things? Forced to entertain a lunatic and his madman lackeys? How was this able to happen to him? Happen to them? Why had the gods who had blessed them so heavily allowed such tragedy to befall them?
He quietly observed the servant in front of him, who was trying in vain to carefully instruct the human monk on a simple dance, but he wasn't paying attention. He wasn't trying to learn anything. He merely wanted to let time pass. And it did.
He had been shuffled off to dinner, where he sat silently, refusing to participate in dinner time banter. Then he had been pulled in front of an audience consisting of Naraku and a few demon nobles. Music played and he did nothing but stand there, staring back into red eyes that did nothing but stare back as well.
He had soon been pushed aside so that some young slave girls took the focus and danced a short, slow dance. Then he had been forced to eat and then dragged back to his given suite. As the doors locked, he finally sagged in relief, tears running down his face.
This was hell. He had died and gone to Yomi, and there he was given this personal hell. He slowly walked to the bed and sat down on it, looking back at the mountain of pillows. He eased onto his side, his head sinking into the feathered pillows, one of which he hugged tightly to his head. He stiffened as his fingers brushed something and he pulled it out, heart stopping as he looked down at the small doll.
It was a crudely made doll, with dark hair and dressed in purple robes. It enticed Miroku to go looking and he hastily moved the pillows aside, stopping only when he found them. Two other dolls sat carefully, both with white yarn for hair, one with distinct ears atop its head. As he looked down at them, his tears silently streaked down his cheeks and he lifted the other two dolls, placing the three side by side.
Inuyasha hadn't forgotten them. He had so obviously done nothing but think about his parents, probably always wishing that Sesshomaru would come for him. He knew Miroku was stuck on their property and unable to leave. With the dolls held tightly to his chest, Miroku laid down again, letting himself silently cry for his family. The small reprieve from his sorrow was that Inuyasha had escaped and Naraku's goon had yet to catch him. It was a small relief but a relief none the less. Inuyasha was safer out in the big open world as opposed to locked behind these walls.
And Sesshomaru was out there, too. Something had to be wrong that he had not reached here yet, had not slain Naraku. But knowing now that Izanami was involved, it made sense that no action had been taken yet. Hopefully, by chance, father and son would cross paths and be reunited. If they were brought here, Naraku would destroy them all.
It was settled then. While he was here, he had to do as much as he could to make sure Naraku failed to draw his family back here. Buddha help him, but he would make any sacrifice.
The sound of the door unlocking and opening had him lifting up in the bed and looking to find Kagura and Naraku. The women bowed as Naraku passed her and walked in and then she was looking to Miroku.
"You will stand and greet your lord when he enters your room."
He had wanted to refuse, but he clenched his jaw and stood, hiding the dolls under the pillow again.
"My lord." He barely murmured out as he bowed his head.
Kagura was shooed away and the door was closed and locked behind her. His heart started thundering as Naraku walked closer and it took all his strength not to back away as he stopped in front of him, those pale, long-fingered hands reaching up and loosening his hair from its tie.
He wanted to object, he wanted to fight but he stood there fighting his instincts to strike out has the obi was removed, and then the kimono was easily pushed off of his shoulders.
His sacrifice would be for his son and mate. He had to keep chanting it as Naraku stepped back to observe his exposed flesh and then he was closing his eyes as the fundoshi he had been allowed was slowly removed. He would endure anything to be certain Inuyasha would not return to this monster.
His muscles tensed further as cold fingers touched his naked skin and tears leaked past closed lids. Then he was retreating into his mind, where he sat happily in his mate's arms and on his lap he held their pup. He remembered whispering to his napping son that he would do anything for him to be happy.
And now he was fulfilling that promise. He would do it, but he truly wished that it was anything but this.
xoxoxox
Sesshomaru's roiling stomach was a mystery to him. The sudden apprehension that over took him, the sweat that broke over his skin from his unexpected nausea. His entire being was telling him that something was wrong. Something was happening that shouldn't be happening.
His stomach lurched again and he couldn't stop it. He lost the small diner that he had eaten, that Rin had been so proud of making him, over the forest floor. In the dark of the late evening, he heaved and vomited until there was nothing left, but the feeling remained.
His youki was pining, his instincts wanted to find what was wrong and right it, but he had no idea what to do and how to find it. He groaned as his stomach lurched again, leaning heavily on a tree and trying to fight the impulse to throw up again.
"Did you know I feel you when you are away?"
His eyes snapped open when he heard the voice from his past and he looked around as if he would finally see the ghost that had been haunting him. The human man he knew was his mate, his second half, the birthing parent of the child he had been searching for since he regained those memories.
But he wasn't there; it had been his mind remembering such a distinct sentence. He closed his eyes and tried to remember, finding himself standing in the doorway of a bedroom. His bedroom. . . .their bedroom.
There on a day bench, sat his mate, his back faced to him. His hands were busy with embroidering some linen, a new past time for him as being stuck inside the manor borders, there was very little activities for him to do.
He walked closer, wincing as it jarred his injury that he had received in battle. He stilled as he saw the man wince, his hand grabbing at his left side as if he had received an injury, too.
He rushed forward then, his hand resting atop his Miroku's on his side and his nose burying into the hair atop the man's head.
"I was careless, and you suffer from it." He muttered, turning his head so that his cheek rested on his mate's head. "This condition of our mating, it is nothing more than a curse for you. It is not fair that you should suffer my pain."
He heard a soft chuckle and he was confused at the sound, but his hand on his mate's side was taken in a gentle hold, a physical way of letting him know that he did not feel the same way.
"I am glad to have it. It lets me know when you're hurt and when you need me. Can you feel me, my love?"
And he did. The fear had turned to relief and happiness. He felt content in the presence of his lover; he could feel him through their bond. He would know whenever he was in trouble, if ever he was in danger and he hoped to never feel such a thing.
"I feel you as well, my mate. And through this, I will know when you need me."
The angered howl echoed throughout the night sky. Sleeping birds stirred and flew off in a flurry of hasty wings and scared twitters. Sleeping brush animals ran off and Rin, sleeping close to the campfire jumped awake with a shriek.
Jaken was squawking in panic as well, tumbling around as he got tangled in the bedroll and blankets. As Sesshomaru's rage infused cry echoed again, Rin was flinching with a scream as a fist splintered a fully, matured tree leaving nothing but splinters and a stump of a root. It was the only proof that a tree had once been standing after the unprovoked attack.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin was shrieking, standing from her bedroll and rushing for the raging demon. She ducked as debris flew as the surrounding forest fell victim to Sesshomaru's unbridled wrath. What had happened to make her lord so mad? "Please don't be angry! Lord Sesshomaru!"
"My lord, be reasonable!" Jaken was pleading; a blubbering mass crouched against a tree that wasn't in Sesshomaru's line of destruction. "What has caused your anger! How can your servants rectify that which is wrong!"
"Mate. . ."
Rin stumbled to a stop, her brown eyes widening in a mixture of fear and disbelief as Lord Sesshomaru seemed to begin transforming, his marks on his face become rougher and deeper in color, his amber eyes glowing red as he fangs elongated and his claws grew sharper.
The deep growl that rumbled out from the transformed demon made the very air vibrate and Rin whimpered at the sound. It was the first time since meeting him that she had ever been afraid of the demon lord and she wasn't sure what she could do. What had happened and why did it happen? She wanted to fix it but had no idea how.
"Miroku. . . ." The demon was growling out, eyes focused to the West, body trembling and chest panting. "My mate!"
It was barely anything she could do and Rin cried out helplessly as her lord and master sprinted off at superhuman speed. She ran after him in vain, calling out for him, but soon he was barely seen in the distance and the human child was left alone with the imp, who was also calling to Sesshomaru with no success.
"We have to find him, Jaken!" Rin was insisting, running back to the camp. Jaken waddled after her and watched her hastily and messily try to pack up their belongings. "He could get hurt! He could hurt someone, too! Hurry!"
Jaken pouted momentarily as he was ordered around by a human child, but he knew she was right. If Lord Sesshomaru's demon ki had somehow bled through his cool control, something horrible had to have happened. After the two packed up the contents of their camp, they were running after Lord Sesshomaru's trail. They couldn't see him anymore, but he left a trail of broken trees and disturbed soil, so he would be easy to track. They only hoped they caught up to him in enough time.
xoxoxox
Kagome tried not to squirm atop her horse. It wasn't every day that she got to ride one, but when she did, she hated it. It always left her sore and fatigued, and it was also quite boring. They had come to the decision that they had to return West. If indeed Naraku's marriage was not a hoax, then it needed to be stopped. Through Kaede's demon eye, they had confirmed that Izanami had taken up residence with the evil demon lord. If the wedding was a sham, they still needed to be there.
Naraku had to be stopped and though they did not think it would be an easy task, Izanami had to be subdued as well. As mikos, there was a slim chance, even with their combined talents. It would be very difficult and the fatality rate was high. Kikyo wanted to avoided losing either of her sisters, and Kagome already new the eldest of them was already lining herself up to be the martyr.
The sudden change in the air had Kagome's back stiffening, and her right hand instantly clutched at the hidden Shikon no Tama tucked away in the folds of her haori. Her horse came to a halt with a nervous whinny and she looked to her sisters, Kikyo already on alert and Kaede scanning the area with her demon eye.
The horses were snorting and nervously fidgeting, Kagome trying her best to soothe her mount as well as focus on the thickening tension in the air. Kikyo was slowly pulling out her bow and notching an arrow, Kaede following suit. Kagome would have done the same, but her horse was suddenly rearing up on its hind legs and she was gripping the reins to stay mounted.
"Kagome!" It was Kaede's concerned shout, but it was soon overtaken by the loud roar that came crashing through the trees.
All horses were screaming in fright as wood, branches and debris burst forward in a blinding cloud. Kagome was screaming as she was thrown from her horse, grunting in pain as she landed on the ground. She rolled out of the way of trampling hooves and laid face down in the dirt, head covered by her arms until things somewhat settled.
Kikyo was calling out to her and she lifted her head only to have her eyes widen at the large, red eyes glaring down the length of a large muzzle at her. She froze then, not sure what to do, her eyes wide as she stared back at the full demon mere inches away from here. Teeth were bared in a snarl, drool dripping down to the ground and she shrieked as a large paw slammed down beside her, the hiss of poison eating away at the ground.
"Kagome!"
The distinct sound of an arrow being shot had Kagome hiding her face again and she heard the pained yelp before it turned into an angry growl. The booming bark vibrated deep in her bones and she was unable to move, only whimper as an obvious battle began between the rouge demon and her sisters.
Kaede and Kikyo were far more experienced than her, but this demon's aura was strong and pure, it was a far cry from the minor demon they banished from towns and fought on an almost daily basis.
She heard Kikyo cry out in pain, and she was lifting her head, wide eyes taking in the sight of her eldest sister nursing a wounded shoulder. She had been scratched and luckily her enchanted miko clothing had taken the brunt of it.
Kaede was rapidly releasing arrows, which the large dog demon was expertly dodging, before leaping with fangs bared toward the middle sister. Kagome was screaming out in fright as she rushed to her feet, running without even thinking of what she could possibly do to help.
"No!" That was Kikyo's voice.
Her scream had alerted the demon and it had turned back to face her, large paw swiping with venom glowing a bright green. Her sister was then bodily moving her out of the way, arrow ready and loosing before she was rolling out of the way as the paw came crashing down. The beast whined in pain as the arrow lodged in its forelimb, making it lame in that leg as long as the arrow would stay lodged.
Kagome was standing and moving faster than even she expected, her hands pulling out the sutras she had stashed away, and flinging them with decent aim. She yelped triumphantly as it landed on the flank of the dog demon, but her joy withered away as the papers merely crumbled away with a flare of ki from the dog demon.
Her stomach sank and she looked to Kikyo, whose face was in utter disbelief as her arrow had been snatched out by the dog's snout and snapped to pieces between glistening teeth.
"Demon lord!" Kaede was shouting out, the other two having already concluded that.
This was a Demon Lord. A Demon Lord in its true form.
Kikyo was snarling, determination etched into her face and Kaede was running to her sister's aide, hands busy with pulling out a small bottle of ink and a brush. Kagome set into motion as well, reaching into her haori and pulling out the spellbound scroll that would be needed.
As she met Kaede where Kikyo stood, shielding them from any attack the demon lord had planned, with a well set barrier, the demon-eyed miko quickly took to writing out the complicated spell on the paper Kagome unfurled for her. They were jostled a bit as the barrier was bodily slammed against, but Kikyo merely strengthen her resolved and held it, teeth gritting in effort.
"Now!" Kaede was shouting as she finished and Kagome threw the paper up into the air toward Kikyo.
The eldest miko was easily and quickly pulling back an arrow, and as the paper sailed into her line of sight, she dropped the barrier and let the arrow fly. It pierced the paper and took it sailing, three sisters watching on bated breath as it flew towards the charging demon.
It hit and three triumphant cries were overshadowed by the raged filled howl that broke free of the demon, who tumbled to the ground, the earth trembling as he came skidding to a stop.
"Kagome, now!"
"Got it!"
The youngest centered herself and pulled out the Shikon no Tama, holding it out in an open palm and muttering the chant that put the final part of the spell into action. Light pink light shot out from the gem and the demon was soon thrashing, trying to free the arrow lodge in its forehead. The sutra attached to it was soon lengthening though, and winding about the demon until it was bound and unable to move.
The words on the binding scroll glowed bright and the demon howled, its aura receding and its form slowly changing. The howl melted into a raw and angered scream, as the humanoid form of the demon was revealed. Silver hair splayed messily everywhere as the demon, though bound by the sutra tried in vain to break free. He thrashed about as the three women moved in closer, Kaede's bow and arrow ready and Kikyo holding subjugating beads in her hand. Kagome pouted as she was pushed behind her older sister in an act of protection, and she huffed knowing Kikyo would not let her get closer.
As the two older priestesses stopped on opposite sides of the growling demon, it finally stilled, panting heavily and red eyes glared back and forth between them. Kagome tried to peek around Kikyo, but her sister held out an arm and looked back at her with a warning look. The youngest sister rolled her eyes and took several steps back, waiting for Kikyo to tell her otherwise. Satisfied that Kagome was compliant, Kikyo looked back to the still snarling demon, wondering how on earth he had come to this state. His rage was apparent, which made his vengeful path blind to innocent bystanders. None the less, he had to be dealt with. Too often she had heard horror tales of mikos becoming trusting and them losing their life for the effort. And yet, if the demon was willing, she would like to know who he was and what was the reason behind his rampage.
"Yield, demon." She began, the dog demon merely growling louder and beginning to thrash again.
Kaede took the chance to circle around and aim the tip of her arrow at the demon's face, which was already sporting the arrow holding the sutra in place.
"Ye will yield, demon lord." She warned, pulling back on the arrow so that all she had to do was release it if need be. "If not, ye shall suffer a painful end."
That worked and the demon was still again, panting and growling low as he glared back at the human women I front of him.
"Why did you attack us?" Kikyo was asking and the demon huffed, red eyes merely glowing up at them. She looked to Kaede who merely shrugged and then she looked back to the silver-haired demon. "You do realize that we have the ability to make you submit. You will answer freely or forever be bound by miko magic."
"Do what you will, woman!" The demon snapped, a deep rumbling growl following the outburst. He thrashed again for a short while before he stilled, the miko magic steadily having drained his strength. "Bound or not, you will not deter me from my task!"
"And what task is it that has ye so reckless and violent?" Kaede questioned, her eyes narrowed. The demon eye was gauging his demon ki, which was fluctuating just below the surface of the binding magic. If he so wanted, a good surge of resilience could break the bind and he would be free, but he was willingly allowing himself to be bound. It piqued her curiosity even more.
"What would a miko care of a demon's plight?" He questioned and Kaede frowned while Kikyo glared. "Are we not all monsters to be purified to you? If I were to share my tale with you, would it still your hand? Would it spare me the consequence of subjugation?"
He was bargaining, Kaede realized and she looked to Kikyo wearily whose obvious suspicion was written on her face. Kaede merely shrugged again and Kikyo snarled before turning to Kagome, who meeped at her sister's irritated look.
"Kagome, you will see if he is trustworthy."
Kagome nodded and hurried forward, pulling out the Shikon no Tama and kneeling in front of the prostrate demon lord. Kagome allowed herself a moment to study the demon in front of her. His very aura shouted demon royalty and she shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he had truly been in a blind rage and at his inner demon's command. The Shikon no Tama was held out in front of him and it darkened to the purple that usually happened when it was near a demon. Kagome allowed her ki to merge with it then and her eyes glowed a soft pink as the jewel mirrored the color and she was able to see the demon's true form bound in front of her. Her eyes widened at the sheer size of him and she realized that he had not even been at his true size when he had confronted them.
She took in the intricate demon markings and the pure white fur, amazed at the beauty of the creature. Then she was looking into glowing eyes and she froze. No demon that she had done this to had ever been so open that she was able to stare so deeply into his soul. She saw the hurt, she saw the confusion and she saw the rage that had brought him across their path. He had not been set on hurting them, they had just happened to be in his path and upon noticing they were mikos, he thought it best to make sure they would be no trouble.
She focused again on the motions fluctuating in the demon's soul and she saw the pain that was fueling the fire of his rage. She reached out to touch it and the demon whined in pain, causing her to retreat. Something bad had happened to someone he cared deeply for. It was more than a friend, it was family. . .his mate. She pulled back from his soul and saw flashes of images from his mind and she gasped as golden eyes looked back at her, white ears peaking from silver hair.
He knew Inuyasha. . .
Kagome fell back onto her butt as she retreated quickly from the connection and wide, brown ayes studied the bound demon further. Red eyes were now golden colored and they were so familiar that she was speechless. This man knew Inuyasha. . . was connected to Inuyasha. . .
"You. . ."
"What is it?" Kikyo demanded and Kagome looked up at her sister who was waiting expectantly.
Kagome stood, tucking the jewel away and turned to Kaede and lowered the arrows she had pointed at the Demon Lord.
"He didn't mean to harm us." She said, turning to Kikyo who scoffed. She looked to her sister's scratched shoulder, knowing it was nothing more than that. It would heal without a scar. "He would have only hindered our ability to follow him. He was going after his mate who he knew was hurt. You know that Dog demons share empathetic bonds with their mates; he could feel his mate in pain and was trying to find him. His frantic rage was because his mate is lost to him. If we set him free, he will not harm us and I am sure if we ask for his word to not harm any others, he would be bound by his honor."
"His honor?" Kikyo questioned, her younger sister frowning at her condescending tone. "You and I have seen many demons that have broken oaths to us made in the name of their honor."
"And those demons were not trustworthy to begin with." Kaede said with a sigh, putting her bow away. "My demon eye can sense his aura. He is more trustworthy than most from what I can tell. The Shikon no Tama has allowed Kagome to see within his soul. He had to be willing to let her see if she was able to come to a conclusion so quickly, therefore, he has nothing to hide."
Kikyo's annoyed grimace was then directed to Kaede and the miko huffed in defeat before turning away from her sisters.
"Very well. I will find the horses." She handed Kagome the beads of subjugation before walking away. "Use this before removing the sutra. You will only remove it once he has bound himself to his word in blood."
Kagome nodded and watched Kikyo disappear before moving back to the bound demon.
"This is only temporary." She explained as she slipped it over his head. It glowed briefly as it settled around his neck and when his muscles went lax, Kagome took to removing the arrow that held the sutra to him. He grunted as it was pulled free and sighed in relief as the winding scroll disappeared in a flash of miko fire.
He stood, dusting himself off and Kagome had to gasp in amazement at how tall he was. She blinked as a hand was held out to her and she carefully took it, gasping as she was pulled to her feet in one move. She stepped back as he let her hand go, settling in beside Kaede who had protectively moved forward.
"Thank you, mikos." He said, his hand lifting and touching the beads around his neck. "Forgive me for my actions. I will swear my oath in blood and be bound to it by my honor."
Kaede nodded and pulled out a leather-bound book, opening it past pages filled with blood oaths and finding an empty one. She then held it out for the demon lord, who bit his thumb and then pushed it to the page. The book glowed red and the beads then snapped and tumbled to the ground. The Demon Lord stepped back, now freed and Kaede put the book away.
"Tell me, my lord." Kaede said, extending him the honor he rightfully deserved. "Would ye disclose where ye were headed?"
"Forgive me, miko. I do not know the answer. I had only been trying to follow the pain I felt through my mate's connection. But, it is lost once again."
"I see." She said, replacing her eye patch and then bowing in parting to the Demon Lord. "May ye find your mate. Come Kagome."
Then Kaede was turning away and Kagome would have followed, but she was too curious to leave without finding something out.
"My lord." She meekly called and Sesshomaru looked to her. "Might I ask you a question?"
He nodded and Kagome took a deep breath, suddenly nervous to know the answer to her question.
"Did my lord have a human mate?"
His eyes narrowed suspiciously, but he slowly nodded, watching the nervous miko wringing her hands and struggling internally as if she did not wish the wrong reaction from him.
"And did my lord have a half breed child with this human mate?"
"Miko, you will tell me the reasoning behind such questions." He gently ordered and Kagome froze for a moment before she was nodding.
"I have met a demon half breed, an escaped slave of a vicious master." She was revealing, Sesshomaru frowning at the words. "His name was Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru froze then in disbelief. Inuyasha? She had seen Inuyasha, and he had been a slave? His rage had to be tamed as it flared within him again. Who had dared to enslave his child? Who would dishonor a pup. . .his pup!
"Is he-"
"My son." He interrupted, Kagome looking up at the glaring demon with wide eyes. "Where is it that you saw him? Where is he now?"
"Nearly a week ago, I helped him to a demon village to the South. He was in the company of Wolf Demon."
"His captor." Came the accusation and Kagome had to hold up her hands in objection.
"Nay, my lord, a friend." She explained, the demon lord calming some. "He and Inuyasha were traveling to escape from Lord Naraku."
His eyes widened at the name and the wicked laughter from his memory echoed in his mind.
"Naraku. . ."
Kagome watched as golden eyes were glowing red again and a deep growl came rumbling free of the demon's throat. Perhaps she had been better off just keeping her mouth shut.
"Please, my lord!" She was pleading, risking the step forward. "You swore an oath to me and my sisters, bound in blood on your honor. You must remain calm."
It worked and his red eyes faded to gold again, but his snarl did not recede.
"You will tell me where this Lord Naraku is."
"I don't think I should." Was all she said and Sesshomaru growled and turned away. Kagome made a noise of objection and hurried after him, and he had started to leave in long strides. "I would advise that you instead follow Inuyasha's trail! Naraku has surely sent out trackers to hunt him down!"
She let out a "oomph" as she slammed into the demon who had suddenly came to a halt, and she hurriedly stepped backwards with a bow in apology. She looked up to him with pleading brown eyes and Sesshomaru was suddenly reminded of Rin. He had left her and Jaken behind. He had nearly forgotten about his wards in his new found rage.
"Which way?" He questioned, and Kagome blinked up at him.
"My lord?"
"To Inuyasha." He said to clarify and Kagome seemed relieved. "Where will I find him?"
"He and the Wolf Prince were in a demon village a day South of here. Where they travelled to next is lost to me. But, I am certain they would continue that way. There travel may be slow. The prince was wounded when I last left."
Sesshomaru nodded and then lifted a hand to rest it on her shoulder. Kagome could only stare back in shock.
"Thank you, miko. Your guidance is much appreciated."
Then he was turning back the way he had originally come from Kagome watching him leave. She couldn't help the smile as she watched him leave, happy to know that Inuyasha would be united soon with his family. If the Demon Lord had not been convinced to change directions, she was sure that he would have walked into Naraku's hands and be trapped before exacting his revenge.
"Kagome!"
There was Kikyo, sounding worried, which was a rare change from the usual annoyed tone.
"Coming!" She called out, before running off into the direction she had heard her sister calling.
Behind her, Sesshomaru turned to look as the miko disappeared. It was odd that the young girl was so insistent that he not head West. What did she know that he should avoid there? Now he knew Naraku was there. A wretched creature from the past, the one responsible for his misery he was sure. He needed to find the demon and tear his head from his shoulders, lay his rotting body before witnesses and reclaim the honor that was tarnished.
But, the miko was right. His son, who he had learned had been a prisoner of his enemy all this time, had escaped and was now vulnerable out in the world. She had told him that he was accompanied by a Wolf Demon, but the demon was a stranger to him and the news held no comfort to him.
"Lord Sesshomaru!"
He turned to see Rin in the distance, the little girl running with all her might, Jaken huffing behind her and trying to keep up. He headed toward them, knowing that he owed them both an apology and good hearty meal that he would hunt for them.
Tomorrow, after they had rested, he would head out in search of Inuyasha. And when his son was safe, he would go in search of his revenge.
T.B.C.
I feel I can faint away. The amount of stress and bad luck that has piled up on my shoulders is a huge factor in this chapter's delay. I hope you enjoyed it and please, review and let me know what you think. I appreciate everyone sticking with me through this and I hope to be posting the next chapter soon.