Chapter 14- The Prince
Prince Korrare sipped his tea delicately. Gin, even though she'd been scared of what he had done at first, had insisted that he get dry and have something to eat and drink first. He had gratefully accepted, saying that no-one had showed him such kindness in a long time. He now sat next to the fire in Inuyasha's haori, waiting patiently for his thick kimono to dry. He finished his tea, and set the cup aside with a heavy sigh. "Well, I believe it's time I told you my tale," he began, running a hand through his thick mane of evergreen-tainted hair. "I know that you might think me human at a first glance, but I'm really a youkai. My father was the Lord of the Northern Lands."
"But the northern lands are… many days journey from here…" Miroku commented to him in confusion. Korrare sighed heavily again.
"I have been running from my younger sister, I'm ashamed to say. At my father's death, several months back, she convinced everyone that I had poisoned him so that I could have the throne, but she poisoned him, not I. She called together all the men of the kingdom, saying that she would not be safe until I was dead, and they believed her. I now run for my life, unable to return home and unable to stop and rest." His downcast expression was heart-wrenching. Gin couldn't help but feel sorry for his situation. Run from his own home by one of those closest to him… she knew it had to be hard. He rubbed his forehead softly in a pain-filled gesture, and she could stand it no longer. She stood up and made her way to him softly, kneeling at his side and placing a soft hand on his shoulder, looking up at her daughter. Their eyes met, and after a moment, she nodded.
"We'll help you," the haninu began softly. Her mate seemed unalarmed, and she took that as agreement. "Show us the way. We'll fight her- or talk to her- whichever comes first. Trust me when I say we'll do everything in our power for you. Even if we can't get the kingdom back for you, we'll at least get her to leave you be, alright?" He looked up at them, hope in his deep magenta eyes. Was it that easy? Was it really that simple to ask for the help of total strangers? They were such a small band… how could they possibly hope to best such a host as his sister commanded? They were few and young, the eldest perhaps being the ningen woman at his side. A miko, two Slayers, a monk, a kitsune, a twin-tailed cat and three hanyou? The youngest of the hanyou was obviously unfit for battle, as was the fox-child. What about the neko? It was small, but appearances could be deceiving. The woman taijiya? And though her brother was only a child, he seemed to have dark secrets shining in his depths. What of the monk? He was only a low-level traveler, true, but what other power could he have to make him fit for battle? Even the miko he had doubts about. She seemed untrained, pampered and soft for a simple priestess. It looked like the group's only true assets were the two eldest hanyou. He had long since noted the sword at Inuyasha's side and its powerful aura. Kagome looked like she had some fair endurance, as well. The aforementioned miko saw the stunned and slightly unsure look on his face and gave an indignant snort.
"Sango and Kohaku were two of the best in their village. Miroku has been fighting all of his life and would lay it down for his comrades. My younger brother hasn't had much training, but for the most part, he can keep himself out of trouble. Same with Shippou. Kirara transforms to the size of a horse, and my mother has some impressive power as an markswoman, as do I. Inuyasha has his Tetsusaiga, and that should be enough to strike fear into even the heartiest of opponents," she told him impatiently. "Do not underestimate our group; we are small, but deadly." Prince Korrare nodded to her words. They were strong. He could even teach them to be stronger. They were loyal and would stand by his side. He would by loyal and stand by theirs.
"Inuyasha, when do we begin?" Gin asked softly from his side.
"Dawn. Let's treat this as a second Naraku though, shall we? We don't want any mistakes."
There is no room for error, young Inuyasha, Korrare thought darkly. When handling Kaira, making a mistake means losing your life.
AN: Here it be~ Along with my reposting of my other Inuyasha story "Son of a Miko," I hope you're enjoying these fics. ^^ Be sure and look at my profile, and visit the Map Writers' home page! R&R~!