Bad news for me, but good news for you guys, new chapter! Man, this is talking a long time though! I gotta get doing with this story. Anyways, bad for me is that I didn't make it to Post Secondary for next year. Bad, bad, bad... Oh well, I brought it on myself though cause I didn't pay attention in class or do my homework. It sucks though, cause two of my friends are probably gonna make it and they're like the only two who make it interesting for me at school. I might as well take OJT.
I can't stand it at school any longer. Oh yeah, btw, I go to Roseville Area High School. (It's in Minnesota btw for those of you outta state or not familiar with the school location.) That school sucks. I gotta do something cause I feel so unmotivated these days. Someone motivate me!!! Someone inspire me so that I can do and will do good in school!!!
(Gackt did inspire me for a while, for a few days at the most so that I would one day go to Japan with a good education, maybe teach English there, but I soon lost it..)
Okay, forget my ramblings, I have to go talk to a counselor. Well, now to the story.
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz and company.
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Chapter 13
The three Crimsons were now gathered. Now we would all be a force to be reckoned with.
"That's right, we were lucky enough to stumble across you two and not end up dying by your hands," said my uncle.
They gave him a confused look. We were no longer in the throne room, but were in his majesty's study room with us three Crimsons, the royal family, my uncle and several others of importance.
InuTaisho chuckled, "Your fame are known far and wide. This land may not be near where you had lived or are the same, but your name rings fear into every human and demon alike. Children fear you from the nighttime stories that their parents tell them."
"Really..." one of them with the violet eyes sighed as if exhausted.
"I must tell you that the both of us have lived a life away from the wars and battles so taking up our former names and everything that comes with it are... quite alien to us," spoke Crimson Moon, the light brown eyed one.
"My battle skills may have tarnished a bit so I may be out of it for a while... but, I have things-questions that must be answered that may have begun when this war started," said Crimson Blade.
Crimson Moon added in, "As do I. I know not how long this war has gone on, but it has happened and I have things to find answers to. Since you are all in it, I might as well join and hopefully, I can find my answers at the source."
"I know you girls have your own agendas to take care of," said my uncle in a very serious tone, "but keep in mind that you are also on our side so please keep track of where your loyalties lie, at least for the time being."
They both nodded.
"Uncle-er uh... Master, I'm pretty sure that they have been through much so we can't just dump the pressure of their status on them," I told him.
Crimson Moon shook her head, "No, I must bear this responsibility right away. It is my duty as Crimson Moon to not bring about failure when I am assigned to a task, particularly one like this."
Crimson Blade agreed with her, "Your concern for us is generously appreciated Crimson Dream, but we are Crimsons and we have been out of action for a while. We must bring back the intense danger of our names into the hearts and minds of our enemies. Only then, can we defeat them at their moment of weakness and bring about peace afterwards. This is our job, to do the dirty work of our employers..."
I was silent. They were right. I did do the dirty work, my people did the dirty work, but it was only for Shatura, our home country. Our love for her continued to burn in our hearts and it was strong enough to make us strong to kill for her. It was sad enough as it was that we had to be her bloody hands that killed because we loved our motherland. No, she did not ask us of this nor did she force us to kill for her, we protected her through our own will.
Would she gladly accept us back even after we had slain so many with their blood forever staining our hands? Or would she throw us back out, in the cold, defending our homeland until we died? Who knows, all I knew was that I had slain many, innocent and evil...
We three Crimsons were soon kicked out of the room for the lords and important people to talk about war. We stood outside the room until they needed us. We remained silent until a man in his mid-thirties arrived. He stared at us and we at him. His eyebrows scrunched up as if he were in pain and he took a in a huge gulp of air, as if he was preparing for the worst to happen.
"You three, Crimson Moon, Blade and Dream. You do know how you received your names do you not?" asked the man who I recognized was Shongi, Inutaisho's human general.
We all looked at each other and nodded.
He almost murmured, "Yes. Crimson is also the color red and when blood is spilled, it coats everything near the dead. You three have slain many and much blood has been spilled on account of your blades, even the blood of my best friends and loved ones..."
We were silent. Was he judging us?
"But... I cannot do them justice for I have sworn loyalty to Inutaisho and his sons. Their word is the law and I cannot disobey. If I could, I would avenge my friends right here, right now... But I cannot. Be as it will, your names were derived from the many you have killed in cold blood and from the jobs you had taken. Many fear and hate you and still do. Do you know how many assassins were hired to take you three out?" asked Shongi.
Crimson Moon and I bowed our heads in sadness and were greatly ashamed of our past.
Crimson Blade turned her head away in shame, "...Many...Very many, but they were not all assassins... Some were normal, everyday people who had children or jobs to do, but lusted for revenge for lost loved ones whose lives I took away from them and in the process, every life that came to take my life... I took theirs..."
"Shongi-" I began, but he snapped at me.
"DO NOT...call me so informally Assassin of a Thousand Faces! My name is not for yours to take as well because you have taken away the most important people to me... My family!" he choked back on some tears that would not come.
"...I'm sorry, but I do not remember..." I replied in a quiet voice.
"Of course you wouldn't, but I did! I remember everything! My family and I were with a caravan going up north carrying a young soon-to-be-bride of my wife's cousin. My wife was carrying my second child and I remember that she sat in the center of the carriage with her cousin's soon-to-be-wife and my five-year old son who waved to me out the window as I patrolled on top of my horse," he paused and smiled suddenly, but his face became grim and foreboding.
His voice began to crack, "Suddenly, a swarm of arrows flew through the air and struck all the people in front. Many died from descending barrage of arrows, but some lived. I escaped due to my shield although I received a wound to the leg due to an arrow, but my steed fell to the rainfall of death. I grabbed my wife, my son and the bride. We started to run like hungry, mad dogs after a piece of sausage. We were so desperate to get away that I totally forgot all the others who had survived the arrows."
He held his breath for a minute and closed his eyes, then he continued, trembling from the memories of the past, "They were all slaughtered by one person... One who wore red and black that were blood and death... She had long dark green hair and a black eye patch over one eye all of which I later found out, was her favorite ceremonial wear when she was to massacre many by the dozens and there were many that died..."
We all remained silent and I could not bear to look up at him, but he looked at me and I just had to look up to see what he thought of me... Bad choice... His face was flushed with an angry red and was shaped into that of a man who was on the edge of breaking apart and of a mad killer who had serious psychological problems.
He resumed, "After you slaughtered them all, my comrades in arms, my friends and several of them whom I greatly respected... You came after us four. My wife was slowing us down because of the baby and my son was slowing us down as well because his small feet couldn't extend far enough to keep up with us. The bride had trouble because of her dress. I had problems because of my wounded leg that was becoming swollen and bled like crazy.
I forced the others on and defended them the best I could, but you were too much for me and you struck me down. I remember all the wounds you gave me and also the excruciating pain I had to go through... Then, you just walked up to my wife, son and the bride, quiet but deadly," he gulped down another chunk of air."
My eyes closed, the memories were returning, "Yes... I remember... I was thinking that... that it was sad to kill someone as young as her, but my mission had to be successful or the failure would have dramatic results upon my people. I went up to them and your wife stood in the way and threw her arms wide apart. She tried to make a deal with me, her life for theirs, the bride and your son... Sadly, I could not comply. I had to kill all those in my way and she was in the way as was your son, who snuck from behind her to protect his own mother. The fear in their eyes and the courage to protect one another is still clear to me as if it were yesterday... I remember..."
My head started to hurt... So much happened in such a little time...
He looked straight at me, but his eyes were looking past me, to the past, "I saw everything. You assumed that I had died or was dying, but I was not. I saw your sword swipe down quickly against them and they all fell, blood spattering everywhere as a pool of blood formed beneath them. There, my wife and the bride died instantly and you left, assuming them all dead. After an hour or so and when I was sure you left, I got up with the remainder of my strength and found my son to be barely alive.
I took him and cared for him for two straight days, from dawn to dusk, ignoring my own health. He lost a lot of blood and he wasn't healing. By the third morning, he was dead. I built graves for the three of them and prayed. I mourned for almost a whole week before Lord InuTaisho came and saw the carnage, well, what remained of it. Demons had come and eaten much of the flesh of the dead. For some reason, they did not come to claim my life even though I had wished for death.
InuTaisho and his men had dispatched of the remainder of the demons who still roamed around there. I was grateful that he got rid of them so they wouldn't disturb the grave of my wife, son and the bride. My lord brought me here and brought me back to health. For that I cannot repay him for what he has done for me and so I must serve him with the utmost loyalty.
It was later that I found out that my wife's cousin was hit with demons also before InuTaisho and his people could kill them. They were killed before the demons got to them. They were all slain by you, you again! The demons loved the smell of flesh and so ate their rotting flesh. Sad news... I do not think I can see another Crimson appear because the world is now sad and angry with you three!" he cried.
He sniffed a couple of times and turned around to leave, but paused and finally spoke, "That's why I shall always hate you Crimsons, and I will never stop hating you. When this is all over, I will come after you all..."
With that said, he left and his footsteps faded away back into silence. The long silence prevented us from speaking to one another. We were all deeply struck with what he had told us. It was the job of an assassin that I regretted, not my loyalty to Shatura.
"...I'm sorry..." was all I could summon up to say to the darkness.
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I'm tired and sleepy and groggy and hungry. I need to get another job. I'm losing touch with all my friends and relatives, I need to be forced to do things. Okies, R & R.
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Hi again. I know it's been forever since I updated so sue me. No wait, don't, I only get seven bucks an hour and I work four times a week, I don't earn much!!! Don't sue me!!!!! Anyway, I finally decided to update so be happy at least. This story seems to be getting nowhere...
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz and company.
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Chapter 14
As the days rolled on and on, I saw even less of Inuyasha as I normally would have. Where was my Inu-chan?...
Tears ran down my cheeks... then, her image came to my mind. The fool had the audacity to appear in my weakest moment!?
Why? Why did they always come when I thought of... her? The weakling... It was because of her weakness that she died... The fool... It was also because of her that I was weak...
"Kagome!" came a shout.
I was in the library of the castle, tucked away in a book with no intentions of making myself known or wanting to. Where was Inuyasha when I needed him the most? One thought of the stupid woman and tears sprang forth. When we first became a couple, I always ran to him because that was when I started to think of her more. Why?.. Where was he?..
"Kagome!" the shouter was obviously annoyed that I would not show myself, I couldn't.
I hid myself well into the bookcases with darkness by my side. The speaker shouted for me several more times and left after coming to the conclusion that I was not in the room. I couldn't see anyone right now, not when I was this vulnerable.
"Man, sucks a lot when you get a boyfriend, you start to depend on him more..." I mumbled to myself.
It was true. I had started to depend on Inuyasha even more; I couldn't even stand the fact that we could be separated... No, that wasn't it... I just needed him when I needed him... Was that why I was attracted to him in the first place? Was he only my pillow when I needed one? Inuyasha... I didn't truly love him like a woman loves a man. I loved him as...
I slapped myself on the forehead; I had to stop myself from becoming anymore weaker. That was how she died... She was weak... I couldn't lower myself to her level.
The tears came out even more now. Why? The Assassin of a Thousand Faces now had on a face, the true one? I don't know, I've forgotten which was the real one and which was the fake. Pitiful, I've forgotten who I really am. These last sixteen years have really gotten to me...
The book fell as my hands went to my face. The tears would not stop. I couldn't hold them back. Where was Inuyasha? Since the day when the demons attacked the capital (about two weeks ago), he was disappearing a lot and sometimes, he was caught red-handed coming through the back door of the kitchen the next morning. His answers were always grunts or counters.
Stupid.... Baka... Baka.... Baka. Baka-baka-baka-baka-baka-BAKA!!!!
"Kagome, you're such a baka...." I told myself.
Even my new friends, the other two Crimsons who became like sisters after the few weeks, were of no help to me. Pain enveloped my heart and spirit. Who would set them free?
Inuyasha!!!
I then noticed that my hand had unconsciously gone to my sword, which was lying at my side. How or when it got there was a mystery to me, but I knew what was going to happen. Never before had I ever attempted to do this.
So... It all comes down to this huh... If it's the only way, so be it... at least I won't die of weakness. I'll die before I do...
My thumb pushed against the hilt and the sword popped out of its sheath.
Weakness... Wasn't this weak?
Who cares... At least it'll all be over with in one final stroke...
But will it end your pain?
Pain, I feel no pain!
Ah! But you do... Pain has driven you to this solution. Well, if that's what you call it, a solution...
Man, forget you! As long as this feeling of being pathetic is gone, then I'll be happy!
Yeah right.
Shut up!
I grabbed the handle of the sword with my other hand and pulled it out. A flash of light met my eyes. I quickly shut them tight, gulped down my spit and prepared for what was coming...
Well, I at least thought I was prepared for what was coming, but I really wasn't. A hand grabbed onto my sword, actually the blade, and pulled it out from my hand with a grunt of pain. There was a loud clank and I opened my eyes as two arms and a body wrapped around me. Most possibly, it was to stop me from continuing to try to kill myself. The person pressed my body hard against theirs. Yep, total precaution for them so that I wouldn't do anything dumb.
I saw white and... a lot of white. White hair-Inuyasha?-no... He was gone this morning, and probably wouldn't return till the next morning as he had been doing the past few weeks. That would only mean... The only person who I knew that had white hair and wore a white kimono was-
"You fool! What do you think you're doing!?" Sesshoumaru growled into my ear.
I inhaled deeply to explain, but nothing came out. I didn't know what to say or do. What would I say or do? I don't know... I choked on a cry and then sobbed like a maniac into his shoulder.
"I-" I started but stopped.
What was I trying to say?
"It's because of him isn't it? That stupid brother of mine..." he said.
Was he trying to comfort me? Well, it didn't really work, but the tears now came less.
"His eyes don't see the woman who is important before him. He sees only the things that used to be meaningful to him," said the great white one.
Used to be? You mean... He had another before me?
"That damned fool..." said Sesshoumaru.
One of his hands slid up into my hair and pulled my head in deeper. I started to cry like a baby again. I couldn't help it... I was second best. All these years of trying to be the best... I came in second-no-I came in last again. The girl who was nothing to anyone... Like the past...
I gripped onto his shoulders and released my rain of sorrow on his shoulder and he pulled me in closer. My tears gradually became less and he pulled me out.
"I... am such... a weak fool..." I choked.
"Weak? All ningens are weak, there is no mistake about that," he snarled.
So much for comfort...
"But," he continued with a gentler voice, "Ningens are great people despite their lack of strength. What they lack in physical strength, they make up for their emotional power..."
Is this comfort? I guess so. Anything that comes from Fluffy-sama that isn't about you being short and/or pathetic is probably one of the first of decent things that he's ever said to me.
"...Thank you," I hiccupped.
He grunted a "your welcome."
I then noticed there was blood on the floor, his blood coming from his hand behind me that had pried my sword by the blade out of my hands.
"Sesshoumaru! Your- your hand! It's-"
"Do not worry about it. It is only a minor flesh wound. It will heal quickly," he assured me.
I was skeptical, but he surprised me with a slight smile, "I will be fine."
I believed his every word. (AN: Oh come on!!! The guy's hot!!!! Wouldn't you do the same thing too? ;P)
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"My lord!"
"Yes? What is it Shongi?" replied the youkai lord.
He was in his study room, tending to his paperwork. Shongi stood before him, panting heavily because he had ran the whole way to the king. For what reason? He would find out...
"Naraku has finally declared to the public that he is declaring war on us!" answered Shongi.
The youkai lord suddenly looked up from his paperwork, "What!?"
"My lord, he is also speaking for the two kingdoms of Celuruse and Delaruse!" spoke the general with great fear and panic in his voice.
"Celuruse and Delaruse?... Wait... Weren't the two kingdoms going to be untied by?... Didn't Celuruse and Delaruse have a diplomat who was quite popular with both of the kingdoms?"
Shongi thought about it for a bit, "I think so my lord. He was on his way to unite the two kingdoms with peace talks and I was informed that both did intend to become one, but he was mysteriously assassinated by a bar maid one night."
"Assassinated huh? He enjoyed the company of women a little too much from what I heard..."
"Too bad it's what killed him," scoffed the human general.
"And now-" began the king.
"And now," broke in another speaker who was Kagome's uncle, "because I sent my niece on that mission, both of those two countries need to find someone to blame... Unfortunately..."
The youkai lord and Shongi gave him a worried look of what was to come from his lips.
"The blame falls on you my lord because they have found out that we had done it, we had assassinated the great man of diplomacy. They know my lord, that currently, we are now helping you," finished he.
Shongi spoke up, "Word has leaked out somehow my lord. Our people and many others now know of the Lost Clan aiding us. Unfortunately, our people still have not forgiven our royal ancestor prince of the dark who used the dark powers to help the kingdom of light. They demand for the removal of our assassins my lord."
"...And you Shongi? What are your feelings towards them?" asked the king.
"... My lord, they are great allies and fighters, but... there are only three of them whom I have a personal vendetta against. Other than that, I have no hard feelings towards the rest. I am sorry my lord..." he answered.
The Inuyoukai sighed, "I understand how you feel Shongi so there is no need to apologize."
"My lord? What is your say in this?" asked the Lost Souls Clan's leader.
The youkai lord inhaled deeply. Moments drifted by as a million thoughts ran through his head.
"...Shongi," he finally spoke, "Prepare the people for war..."
Shongi nodded and bowed. He then left. The youkai lord then turned to the other person in the room.
"And you? What will you do now that the people know of your presence and whom you have with you? They fear your people and your niece even more."
"My lord," replied he, "Throughout history, we have been helping Shatura in the dark and yet we cannot show her who her rescuers are. Our duty is to serve you because you are Shatura's leader. Shatura comes first and foremost, even before our own lives. We must protect and defend the country that we love. So whatever happens, we will be by your side and fight your enemies to the death..."
"...Very well... Prepare your people, we must be ready for the safety of our people and for our land," said the lord.
"As you wish..."
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Well, Inuyasha has ditched Kagome. Sorries to you Inu/Kag fans but it ain't gonna happen between the two of them. You'll find out later. She's gonna end up with someone else so please don't kill me! (I'll try to make it up to those of you who are Inu/Kag fans! Somehow...) Okies, I remembered that I didn't state that there was a war going on but there is. It's actually a secret war, but Naraku has just made it public so that's bad. (You know, I just noticed that Kagome's uncle has no name... Hmm... Well, it doesn't matter, his name isn't that important anyways.) Okies, that's it for now, laters! (^_^)
I can't stand it at school any longer. Oh yeah, btw, I go to Roseville Area High School. (It's in Minnesota btw for those of you outta state or not familiar with the school location.) That school sucks. I gotta do something cause I feel so unmotivated these days. Someone motivate me!!! Someone inspire me so that I can do and will do good in school!!!
(Gackt did inspire me for a while, for a few days at the most so that I would one day go to Japan with a good education, maybe teach English there, but I soon lost it..)
Okay, forget my ramblings, I have to go talk to a counselor. Well, now to the story.
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz and company.
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Chapter 13
The three Crimsons were now gathered. Now we would all be a force to be reckoned with.
"That's right, we were lucky enough to stumble across you two and not end up dying by your hands," said my uncle.
They gave him a confused look. We were no longer in the throne room, but were in his majesty's study room with us three Crimsons, the royal family, my uncle and several others of importance.
InuTaisho chuckled, "Your fame are known far and wide. This land may not be near where you had lived or are the same, but your name rings fear into every human and demon alike. Children fear you from the nighttime stories that their parents tell them."
"Really..." one of them with the violet eyes sighed as if exhausted.
"I must tell you that the both of us have lived a life away from the wars and battles so taking up our former names and everything that comes with it are... quite alien to us," spoke Crimson Moon, the light brown eyed one.
"My battle skills may have tarnished a bit so I may be out of it for a while... but, I have things-questions that must be answered that may have begun when this war started," said Crimson Blade.
Crimson Moon added in, "As do I. I know not how long this war has gone on, but it has happened and I have things to find answers to. Since you are all in it, I might as well join and hopefully, I can find my answers at the source."
"I know you girls have your own agendas to take care of," said my uncle in a very serious tone, "but keep in mind that you are also on our side so please keep track of where your loyalties lie, at least for the time being."
They both nodded.
"Uncle-er uh... Master, I'm pretty sure that they have been through much so we can't just dump the pressure of their status on them," I told him.
Crimson Moon shook her head, "No, I must bear this responsibility right away. It is my duty as Crimson Moon to not bring about failure when I am assigned to a task, particularly one like this."
Crimson Blade agreed with her, "Your concern for us is generously appreciated Crimson Dream, but we are Crimsons and we have been out of action for a while. We must bring back the intense danger of our names into the hearts and minds of our enemies. Only then, can we defeat them at their moment of weakness and bring about peace afterwards. This is our job, to do the dirty work of our employers..."
I was silent. They were right. I did do the dirty work, my people did the dirty work, but it was only for Shatura, our home country. Our love for her continued to burn in our hearts and it was strong enough to make us strong to kill for her. It was sad enough as it was that we had to be her bloody hands that killed because we loved our motherland. No, she did not ask us of this nor did she force us to kill for her, we protected her through our own will.
Would she gladly accept us back even after we had slain so many with their blood forever staining our hands? Or would she throw us back out, in the cold, defending our homeland until we died? Who knows, all I knew was that I had slain many, innocent and evil...
We three Crimsons were soon kicked out of the room for the lords and important people to talk about war. We stood outside the room until they needed us. We remained silent until a man in his mid-thirties arrived. He stared at us and we at him. His eyebrows scrunched up as if he were in pain and he took a in a huge gulp of air, as if he was preparing for the worst to happen.
"You three, Crimson Moon, Blade and Dream. You do know how you received your names do you not?" asked the man who I recognized was Shongi, Inutaisho's human general.
We all looked at each other and nodded.
He almost murmured, "Yes. Crimson is also the color red and when blood is spilled, it coats everything near the dead. You three have slain many and much blood has been spilled on account of your blades, even the blood of my best friends and loved ones..."
We were silent. Was he judging us?
"But... I cannot do them justice for I have sworn loyalty to Inutaisho and his sons. Their word is the law and I cannot disobey. If I could, I would avenge my friends right here, right now... But I cannot. Be as it will, your names were derived from the many you have killed in cold blood and from the jobs you had taken. Many fear and hate you and still do. Do you know how many assassins were hired to take you three out?" asked Shongi.
Crimson Moon and I bowed our heads in sadness and were greatly ashamed of our past.
Crimson Blade turned her head away in shame, "...Many...Very many, but they were not all assassins... Some were normal, everyday people who had children or jobs to do, but lusted for revenge for lost loved ones whose lives I took away from them and in the process, every life that came to take my life... I took theirs..."
"Shongi-" I began, but he snapped at me.
"DO NOT...call me so informally Assassin of a Thousand Faces! My name is not for yours to take as well because you have taken away the most important people to me... My family!" he choked back on some tears that would not come.
"...I'm sorry, but I do not remember..." I replied in a quiet voice.
"Of course you wouldn't, but I did! I remember everything! My family and I were with a caravan going up north carrying a young soon-to-be-bride of my wife's cousin. My wife was carrying my second child and I remember that she sat in the center of the carriage with her cousin's soon-to-be-wife and my five-year old son who waved to me out the window as I patrolled on top of my horse," he paused and smiled suddenly, but his face became grim and foreboding.
His voice began to crack, "Suddenly, a swarm of arrows flew through the air and struck all the people in front. Many died from descending barrage of arrows, but some lived. I escaped due to my shield although I received a wound to the leg due to an arrow, but my steed fell to the rainfall of death. I grabbed my wife, my son and the bride. We started to run like hungry, mad dogs after a piece of sausage. We were so desperate to get away that I totally forgot all the others who had survived the arrows."
He held his breath for a minute and closed his eyes, then he continued, trembling from the memories of the past, "They were all slaughtered by one person... One who wore red and black that were blood and death... She had long dark green hair and a black eye patch over one eye all of which I later found out, was her favorite ceremonial wear when she was to massacre many by the dozens and there were many that died..."
We all remained silent and I could not bear to look up at him, but he looked at me and I just had to look up to see what he thought of me... Bad choice... His face was flushed with an angry red and was shaped into that of a man who was on the edge of breaking apart and of a mad killer who had serious psychological problems.
He resumed, "After you slaughtered them all, my comrades in arms, my friends and several of them whom I greatly respected... You came after us four. My wife was slowing us down because of the baby and my son was slowing us down as well because his small feet couldn't extend far enough to keep up with us. The bride had trouble because of her dress. I had problems because of my wounded leg that was becoming swollen and bled like crazy.
I forced the others on and defended them the best I could, but you were too much for me and you struck me down. I remember all the wounds you gave me and also the excruciating pain I had to go through... Then, you just walked up to my wife, son and the bride, quiet but deadly," he gulped down another chunk of air."
My eyes closed, the memories were returning, "Yes... I remember... I was thinking that... that it was sad to kill someone as young as her, but my mission had to be successful or the failure would have dramatic results upon my people. I went up to them and your wife stood in the way and threw her arms wide apart. She tried to make a deal with me, her life for theirs, the bride and your son... Sadly, I could not comply. I had to kill all those in my way and she was in the way as was your son, who snuck from behind her to protect his own mother. The fear in their eyes and the courage to protect one another is still clear to me as if it were yesterday... I remember..."
My head started to hurt... So much happened in such a little time...
He looked straight at me, but his eyes were looking past me, to the past, "I saw everything. You assumed that I had died or was dying, but I was not. I saw your sword swipe down quickly against them and they all fell, blood spattering everywhere as a pool of blood formed beneath them. There, my wife and the bride died instantly and you left, assuming them all dead. After an hour or so and when I was sure you left, I got up with the remainder of my strength and found my son to be barely alive.
I took him and cared for him for two straight days, from dawn to dusk, ignoring my own health. He lost a lot of blood and he wasn't healing. By the third morning, he was dead. I built graves for the three of them and prayed. I mourned for almost a whole week before Lord InuTaisho came and saw the carnage, well, what remained of it. Demons had come and eaten much of the flesh of the dead. For some reason, they did not come to claim my life even though I had wished for death.
InuTaisho and his men had dispatched of the remainder of the demons who still roamed around there. I was grateful that he got rid of them so they wouldn't disturb the grave of my wife, son and the bride. My lord brought me here and brought me back to health. For that I cannot repay him for what he has done for me and so I must serve him with the utmost loyalty.
It was later that I found out that my wife's cousin was hit with demons also before InuTaisho and his people could kill them. They were killed before the demons got to them. They were all slain by you, you again! The demons loved the smell of flesh and so ate their rotting flesh. Sad news... I do not think I can see another Crimson appear because the world is now sad and angry with you three!" he cried.
He sniffed a couple of times and turned around to leave, but paused and finally spoke, "That's why I shall always hate you Crimsons, and I will never stop hating you. When this is all over, I will come after you all..."
With that said, he left and his footsteps faded away back into silence. The long silence prevented us from speaking to one another. We were all deeply struck with what he had told us. It was the job of an assassin that I regretted, not my loyalty to Shatura.
"...I'm sorry..." was all I could summon up to say to the darkness.
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I'm tired and sleepy and groggy and hungry. I need to get another job. I'm losing touch with all my friends and relatives, I need to be forced to do things. Okies, R & R.
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Hi again. I know it's been forever since I updated so sue me. No wait, don't, I only get seven bucks an hour and I work four times a week, I don't earn much!!! Don't sue me!!!!! Anyway, I finally decided to update so be happy at least. This story seems to be getting nowhere...
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, Viz and company.
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Chapter 14
As the days rolled on and on, I saw even less of Inuyasha as I normally would have. Where was my Inu-chan?...
Tears ran down my cheeks... then, her image came to my mind. The fool had the audacity to appear in my weakest moment!?
Why? Why did they always come when I thought of... her? The weakling... It was because of her weakness that she died... The fool... It was also because of her that I was weak...
"Kagome!" came a shout.
I was in the library of the castle, tucked away in a book with no intentions of making myself known or wanting to. Where was Inuyasha when I needed him the most? One thought of the stupid woman and tears sprang forth. When we first became a couple, I always ran to him because that was when I started to think of her more. Why?.. Where was he?..
"Kagome!" the shouter was obviously annoyed that I would not show myself, I couldn't.
I hid myself well into the bookcases with darkness by my side. The speaker shouted for me several more times and left after coming to the conclusion that I was not in the room. I couldn't see anyone right now, not when I was this vulnerable.
"Man, sucks a lot when you get a boyfriend, you start to depend on him more..." I mumbled to myself.
It was true. I had started to depend on Inuyasha even more; I couldn't even stand the fact that we could be separated... No, that wasn't it... I just needed him when I needed him... Was that why I was attracted to him in the first place? Was he only my pillow when I needed one? Inuyasha... I didn't truly love him like a woman loves a man. I loved him as...
I slapped myself on the forehead; I had to stop myself from becoming anymore weaker. That was how she died... She was weak... I couldn't lower myself to her level.
The tears came out even more now. Why? The Assassin of a Thousand Faces now had on a face, the true one? I don't know, I've forgotten which was the real one and which was the fake. Pitiful, I've forgotten who I really am. These last sixteen years have really gotten to me...
The book fell as my hands went to my face. The tears would not stop. I couldn't hold them back. Where was Inuyasha? Since the day when the demons attacked the capital (about two weeks ago), he was disappearing a lot and sometimes, he was caught red-handed coming through the back door of the kitchen the next morning. His answers were always grunts or counters.
Stupid.... Baka... Baka.... Baka. Baka-baka-baka-baka-baka-BAKA!!!!
"Kagome, you're such a baka...." I told myself.
Even my new friends, the other two Crimsons who became like sisters after the few weeks, were of no help to me. Pain enveloped my heart and spirit. Who would set them free?
Inuyasha!!!
I then noticed that my hand had unconsciously gone to my sword, which was lying at my side. How or when it got there was a mystery to me, but I knew what was going to happen. Never before had I ever attempted to do this.
So... It all comes down to this huh... If it's the only way, so be it... at least I won't die of weakness. I'll die before I do...
My thumb pushed against the hilt and the sword popped out of its sheath.
Weakness... Wasn't this weak?
Who cares... At least it'll all be over with in one final stroke...
But will it end your pain?
Pain, I feel no pain!
Ah! But you do... Pain has driven you to this solution. Well, if that's what you call it, a solution...
Man, forget you! As long as this feeling of being pathetic is gone, then I'll be happy!
Yeah right.
Shut up!
I grabbed the handle of the sword with my other hand and pulled it out. A flash of light met my eyes. I quickly shut them tight, gulped down my spit and prepared for what was coming...
Well, I at least thought I was prepared for what was coming, but I really wasn't. A hand grabbed onto my sword, actually the blade, and pulled it out from my hand with a grunt of pain. There was a loud clank and I opened my eyes as two arms and a body wrapped around me. Most possibly, it was to stop me from continuing to try to kill myself. The person pressed my body hard against theirs. Yep, total precaution for them so that I wouldn't do anything dumb.
I saw white and... a lot of white. White hair-Inuyasha?-no... He was gone this morning, and probably wouldn't return till the next morning as he had been doing the past few weeks. That would only mean... The only person who I knew that had white hair and wore a white kimono was-
"You fool! What do you think you're doing!?" Sesshoumaru growled into my ear.
I inhaled deeply to explain, but nothing came out. I didn't know what to say or do. What would I say or do? I don't know... I choked on a cry and then sobbed like a maniac into his shoulder.
"I-" I started but stopped.
What was I trying to say?
"It's because of him isn't it? That stupid brother of mine..." he said.
Was he trying to comfort me? Well, it didn't really work, but the tears now came less.
"His eyes don't see the woman who is important before him. He sees only the things that used to be meaningful to him," said the great white one.
Used to be? You mean... He had another before me?
"That damned fool..." said Sesshoumaru.
One of his hands slid up into my hair and pulled my head in deeper. I started to cry like a baby again. I couldn't help it... I was second best. All these years of trying to be the best... I came in second-no-I came in last again. The girl who was nothing to anyone... Like the past...
I gripped onto his shoulders and released my rain of sorrow on his shoulder and he pulled me in closer. My tears gradually became less and he pulled me out.
"I... am such... a weak fool..." I choked.
"Weak? All ningens are weak, there is no mistake about that," he snarled.
So much for comfort...
"But," he continued with a gentler voice, "Ningens are great people despite their lack of strength. What they lack in physical strength, they make up for their emotional power..."
Is this comfort? I guess so. Anything that comes from Fluffy-sama that isn't about you being short and/or pathetic is probably one of the first of decent things that he's ever said to me.
"...Thank you," I hiccupped.
He grunted a "your welcome."
I then noticed there was blood on the floor, his blood coming from his hand behind me that had pried my sword by the blade out of my hands.
"Sesshoumaru! Your- your hand! It's-"
"Do not worry about it. It is only a minor flesh wound. It will heal quickly," he assured me.
I was skeptical, but he surprised me with a slight smile, "I will be fine."
I believed his every word. (AN: Oh come on!!! The guy's hot!!!! Wouldn't you do the same thing too? ;P)
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"My lord!"
"Yes? What is it Shongi?" replied the youkai lord.
He was in his study room, tending to his paperwork. Shongi stood before him, panting heavily because he had ran the whole way to the king. For what reason? He would find out...
"Naraku has finally declared to the public that he is declaring war on us!" answered Shongi.
The youkai lord suddenly looked up from his paperwork, "What!?"
"My lord, he is also speaking for the two kingdoms of Celuruse and Delaruse!" spoke the general with great fear and panic in his voice.
"Celuruse and Delaruse?... Wait... Weren't the two kingdoms going to be untied by?... Didn't Celuruse and Delaruse have a diplomat who was quite popular with both of the kingdoms?"
Shongi thought about it for a bit, "I think so my lord. He was on his way to unite the two kingdoms with peace talks and I was informed that both did intend to become one, but he was mysteriously assassinated by a bar maid one night."
"Assassinated huh? He enjoyed the company of women a little too much from what I heard..."
"Too bad it's what killed him," scoffed the human general.
"And now-" began the king.
"And now," broke in another speaker who was Kagome's uncle, "because I sent my niece on that mission, both of those two countries need to find someone to blame... Unfortunately..."
The youkai lord and Shongi gave him a worried look of what was to come from his lips.
"The blame falls on you my lord because they have found out that we had done it, we had assassinated the great man of diplomacy. They know my lord, that currently, we are now helping you," finished he.
Shongi spoke up, "Word has leaked out somehow my lord. Our people and many others now know of the Lost Clan aiding us. Unfortunately, our people still have not forgiven our royal ancestor prince of the dark who used the dark powers to help the kingdom of light. They demand for the removal of our assassins my lord."
"...And you Shongi? What are your feelings towards them?" asked the king.
"... My lord, they are great allies and fighters, but... there are only three of them whom I have a personal vendetta against. Other than that, I have no hard feelings towards the rest. I am sorry my lord..." he answered.
The Inuyoukai sighed, "I understand how you feel Shongi so there is no need to apologize."
"My lord? What is your say in this?" asked the Lost Souls Clan's leader.
The youkai lord inhaled deeply. Moments drifted by as a million thoughts ran through his head.
"...Shongi," he finally spoke, "Prepare the people for war..."
Shongi nodded and bowed. He then left. The youkai lord then turned to the other person in the room.
"And you? What will you do now that the people know of your presence and whom you have with you? They fear your people and your niece even more."
"My lord," replied he, "Throughout history, we have been helping Shatura in the dark and yet we cannot show her who her rescuers are. Our duty is to serve you because you are Shatura's leader. Shatura comes first and foremost, even before our own lives. We must protect and defend the country that we love. So whatever happens, we will be by your side and fight your enemies to the death..."
"...Very well... Prepare your people, we must be ready for the safety of our people and for our land," said the lord.
"As you wish..."
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Well, Inuyasha has ditched Kagome. Sorries to you Inu/Kag fans but it ain't gonna happen between the two of them. You'll find out later. She's gonna end up with someone else so please don't kill me! (I'll try to make it up to those of you who are Inu/Kag fans! Somehow...) Okies, I remembered that I didn't state that there was a war going on but there is. It's actually a secret war, but Naraku has just made it public so that's bad. (You know, I just noticed that Kagome's uncle has no name... Hmm... Well, it doesn't matter, his name isn't that important anyways.) Okies, that's it for now, laters! (^_^)