~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello Everyone!! Ok.. I think I made a mistake in the last few chapters... I must have typed Kagura instead of Kouga... I meant to say Kouga, the wolf guy... not Kagura the wind youkai... my mistake... so sorry... anywho... I'm glad everyone is enjoying this story... I love all my reviews... oh and for those of you that are interested I have created the sequel to my other Inuyasha story: "Tenderness to You" the sequel is called "Treasure the Time We Have" and it opens fiver years later... check it out ; ) *Wink Wink*
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Chapter 7
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After the sun has long left the sky, Inuyasha carried me back to the village. The afternoon seemed like a blur to my senses; everything seemed light and airy. Yet, I was plagued by unanswered questions and mixed feelings.
When we entered the village I felt a cense of awkwardness in the air. Inuyasha brought me to the first line of tipis and let me on my feet. We exchanged loving smiles and he turned to leave.
"Inuyasha..." I whispered in the gathering darkness.
"I'm here..." he answered.
"What happens now?" I asked.
Inuyasha opened his mouth to answer but, suddenly, the sound of hoof beats filled the air and Naraku rode up, along with five warriors one of which being Kouga, and surrounded Inuyasha.
The claws of darkness spread around Inuyasha and me. Inuyasha put himself between Naraku and me.
When my brother spoke his voice was harsh, "Kagome, where have you been? I have had my warriors searching all afternoon for you," he glared at Inuyasha, "were you with him?!" He pointed a strong finger at Inuyasha.
Before I could answer Naraku drew his knife and held it to Inuyasha's throat.
"You may have saved my sister's life but that does not make you part of this village! I know your kind; you are one of our enemies. Your people have destroyed many villages out of trickery and deception. You are a half breed and you will always be a half breed!"
Inuyasha's eyes flashed as Naraku repeated the phrase 'half breed;' I knew that word pained Inuyasha stronger than any wound.
Naraku continued, "Humans and demons are no longer friends. And since the full bloods have no use for half breeds- all half breeds caught on human lands will become slaves, which is now the law."
"No!" I cried, "Naraku, don't please! Inuyasha is good and kind; he would never harm the village or any humans."
"Except, of course, you." Inuyasha muttered to Naraku.
Naraku's gaze lowered, and then he turned his hateful eyes onto me. "Hush sister! You trust too much this half breed, who is just using you."
He turned his eyes back to Inuyasha. "He does not love you! He is here to seek out our weaknesses. And then destroy us. He cannot be trusted. But, he is anyway, pathetic excuse of a half breed." His eyes blazed at Inuyasha who looked him back straight in the eye showing no fear.
Naraku could tell that Inuyasha was not afraid of him, this angered him more. "I have been to kind to you, hanyou. But you must go under a trial with the elders just like any other who comes into our village. Your judgment will be issued tomorrow at dawn. Those are my words."
My brother stared long and hard at Inuyasha. Inuyasha looked back at him bravely, he looked like a warrior, but I wondered if he wanted to run. When Inuyasha made no attempt to acknowledge Naraku's statement, Naraku assaulted him again,
"You have a choice now half breed; you can stay and except your faults or flee like a coward. I give you that much for saving my sister's life. But know this, if you flee and I catch you again on our land, I will not be so generous. Until tomorrow you will be treated as a captive prisoner."
Inuyasha turned and gave a small glance at me, and then he took a step forward and challenged Naraku's space. He spoke with a deep, venomous voice,
"I will not flee from you. I except that I entered your land as a half breed and I fully will take responsibility for my actions against the humans. Any judgments passed on me I will accept full heartedly," Inuyasha said in a low voice, "all I ask is that you tell Kagome the truth about her past."
My breath was caught in my throat, I felt tears come into my eyes, I heart was singing, but my happiness quickly turned to fear when I looked up at my brother's face. It was hot with anger, even in the gathering darkness I could tell what he was thinking by the expression on his face. His mouth formed a strait line and he stood up strait, towering over Inuyasha and looking very unhappy. I was frozen in fear; I feared for Inuyasha.
In one quick movement that was blurred by my tearing eyes he motioned for the warriors to cease Inuyasha. Inuyasha was pulled upwards and his hands were pushed behind his back, one of the warriors drew his knife and held it to Inuyasha's throat, daring him to move. The warrior, I realized, was Kouga. His eyes resembled those of the deathly wolves. He mouthed words of terror into Inuyasha's ears. He looked like he would slit Stallion's throat at any minute. I reacted; I reached out and grabbed a hold of Kouga's arm.
"Please Kouga, please spare him. Please Kouga! Naraku... I beg you...Please... Kouga...do it for me. As... as... a wedding gift!" the words escaped my mouth and my heart shattered.
Inuyasha's eyes grew wide, he jumped to get away but the warriors held him tight. "No! Kagome No! Don't please. Take it back! You must stay strong..."
Kouga balled up his fist and struck Inuyasha in the face. Inuyasha fell backwards, but was held up by the warriors. Blood dripped from his mouth, his eyes were half shut.
"Stop, stop please," I grabbed again onto Kouga's arm; he turned and grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me close to his face. His face turned into a snarl. I could smell the heat of his body. Suddenly, Naraku came between us. "Enough! Kouga, settle down; there will be plenty more time to release your anger, I assure you." His face twisted into an awful smile.
The warriors began to pull Inuyasha away. Kouga flashed me a look of violent desire, and walked away. I found myself frozen in my place. Inuyasha was being dragged away from me and I could not stop it. I felt so useless. I saw a smile come over my brother's face as Inuyasha was dragged away. I clenched my fists together, and before I knew what I was doing I was facing my brother.
"I am ashamed to call you my sister," he said turning away from me.
"You are not my brother. You never were." I answered him.
Shocked by my reply, he kept talking, "you have made me look like a fool in front of my warriors, especially Kouga. Has your mind been asleep in your head? Have you not remembered his wedding proposal? He offers you so much more than that pathetic half breed."
I opened my mouth to oppose but, again, he turned his back- meaning he would speak no more on the topic. "Why must you act so much like a child? I have handed you happiness and safety, and you turn to away and search for ... and search for... CHILDISH DREAMS!" he turned to me and gave me a shove that sent me falling backwards. I landed on the ground and looked up at him. I felt like a lamb before a slaughter.
Naraku's fist was in the air, about to strike me where I lay, helpless.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of a roar, a very deep roar, looking around my brother's body, and I saw Inuyasha running towards him at a great speed. He had broken free of the warrior's hold!
I knew it was Inuyasha's last act to save me. He sent himself to kill Thunder Storm. As the two forces me, their arms locked in battle and they circled each other. Soon more warriors jumped into the fight, with weapons drawn.
Inuyasha's body was lost in the heavy fighting, but I could hear his battle roars echo from beneath the bodies that attacked him.
Suddenly, his voice rang out from among the brawl, "Run my love! You must be strong, I cannot protect you now. Flee into the forest, you will be safe there. Do not look back. Run now!"
I jumped up onto my feet and turned and ran for my life. I heard shouts behind me, I did not stop. Pounding of fists...I ran faster. I heard the sound of arrows being sent into the air, I slowed. I heard a cry of pain; I heard a heavy fall. I stopped. I put my hands on my knees to catch my breath. My mind screamed at me to look over my shoulder. Inuyasha was hurt. I could feel it in my heart.
His words reechoed in my soul. "You must be strong." I lifted my head. "I will be strong," I said out loud, "I will be as strong as you, Inuyasha, as strong as Dusty." I cried out into the sky, "Grant me the power to save the one I love. Show me my destiny!"
I shut my eyes. I lifted up my head and stared, again, at the sky. Warmth spread over me. I heard my heart singing a song of change. My emotions came together and with a surge of power my soul opened and out came my spirit, into the air swirling me into a screen of mist and dreams. I felt a surge come over my body. My face felt tight and strong. I lowered my head and felt my hair around my neck and back. My senses suddenly were numb, and then they began to come back in a new way. I felt weak and unable to stand, I fell forward. Yet, I was still standing. I felt strong. I felt fast. I felt free. I heard shouts behind me. Yet I continued to look at the forest in front of me. I began to run with new speed. The trees passed me at an alarming speed. I felt as though I was flying. I was flying. Flying on a silver carpet... Flying on a rainbow. I cried as I ran. I cried for Dusty, I cried for Inuyasha, I cried for my mother, I cried for my enemies. The tears made my eyes blurry, but I did not need my eyes to run; I used my heart.
The forest opened into the meadow. The sun had set over the flowing grasses, and now a full moon appeared in the starry sky. A storm followed behind me. I could smell it.
I followed the same path that Inuyasha took me on. I reached the beginnings of the youkai lands. Once I crossed their boarder, I felt lost again.
I felt drained and feeble, but I knew of no one to call upon for guidance.
...
Then I remembered someone...it was a long shot... but it was the only name I knew...he would have to help me.
But first... I needed sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Who is Kagome going to call upon to help her save Inuyasha? Or is Inuyasha already dead?... eek! Don't think that!! Inuyasha can't die... I didn't want him to die in this story...but... wouldn't that make things interesting...??
Vote if Inuyasha should be dead or not... also... who do you think Kagome will ask to help her? Or better yet... who will find her sleeping body... I know who it is... but do you??
R&R
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello Everyone!! Ok.. I think I made a mistake in the last few chapters... I must have typed Kagura instead of Kouga... I meant to say Kouga, the wolf guy... not Kagura the wind youkai... my mistake... so sorry... anywho... I'm glad everyone is enjoying this story... I love all my reviews... oh and for those of you that are interested I have created the sequel to my other Inuyasha story: "Tenderness to You" the sequel is called "Treasure the Time We Have" and it opens fiver years later... check it out ; ) *Wink Wink*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 7
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After the sun has long left the sky, Inuyasha carried me back to the village. The afternoon seemed like a blur to my senses; everything seemed light and airy. Yet, I was plagued by unanswered questions and mixed feelings.
When we entered the village I felt a cense of awkwardness in the air. Inuyasha brought me to the first line of tipis and let me on my feet. We exchanged loving smiles and he turned to leave.
"Inuyasha..." I whispered in the gathering darkness.
"I'm here..." he answered.
"What happens now?" I asked.
Inuyasha opened his mouth to answer but, suddenly, the sound of hoof beats filled the air and Naraku rode up, along with five warriors one of which being Kouga, and surrounded Inuyasha.
The claws of darkness spread around Inuyasha and me. Inuyasha put himself between Naraku and me.
When my brother spoke his voice was harsh, "Kagome, where have you been? I have had my warriors searching all afternoon for you," he glared at Inuyasha, "were you with him?!" He pointed a strong finger at Inuyasha.
Before I could answer Naraku drew his knife and held it to Inuyasha's throat.
"You may have saved my sister's life but that does not make you part of this village! I know your kind; you are one of our enemies. Your people have destroyed many villages out of trickery and deception. You are a half breed and you will always be a half breed!"
Inuyasha's eyes flashed as Naraku repeated the phrase 'half breed;' I knew that word pained Inuyasha stronger than any wound.
Naraku continued, "Humans and demons are no longer friends. And since the full bloods have no use for half breeds- all half breeds caught on human lands will become slaves, which is now the law."
"No!" I cried, "Naraku, don't please! Inuyasha is good and kind; he would never harm the village or any humans."
"Except, of course, you." Inuyasha muttered to Naraku.
Naraku's gaze lowered, and then he turned his hateful eyes onto me. "Hush sister! You trust too much this half breed, who is just using you."
He turned his eyes back to Inuyasha. "He does not love you! He is here to seek out our weaknesses. And then destroy us. He cannot be trusted. But, he is anyway, pathetic excuse of a half breed." His eyes blazed at Inuyasha who looked him back straight in the eye showing no fear.
Naraku could tell that Inuyasha was not afraid of him, this angered him more. "I have been to kind to you, hanyou. But you must go under a trial with the elders just like any other who comes into our village. Your judgment will be issued tomorrow at dawn. Those are my words."
My brother stared long and hard at Inuyasha. Inuyasha looked back at him bravely, he looked like a warrior, but I wondered if he wanted to run. When Inuyasha made no attempt to acknowledge Naraku's statement, Naraku assaulted him again,
"You have a choice now half breed; you can stay and except your faults or flee like a coward. I give you that much for saving my sister's life. But know this, if you flee and I catch you again on our land, I will not be so generous. Until tomorrow you will be treated as a captive prisoner."
Inuyasha turned and gave a small glance at me, and then he took a step forward and challenged Naraku's space. He spoke with a deep, venomous voice,
"I will not flee from you. I except that I entered your land as a half breed and I fully will take responsibility for my actions against the humans. Any judgments passed on me I will accept full heartedly," Inuyasha said in a low voice, "all I ask is that you tell Kagome the truth about her past."
My breath was caught in my throat, I felt tears come into my eyes, I heart was singing, but my happiness quickly turned to fear when I looked up at my brother's face. It was hot with anger, even in the gathering darkness I could tell what he was thinking by the expression on his face. His mouth formed a strait line and he stood up strait, towering over Inuyasha and looking very unhappy. I was frozen in fear; I feared for Inuyasha.
In one quick movement that was blurred by my tearing eyes he motioned for the warriors to cease Inuyasha. Inuyasha was pulled upwards and his hands were pushed behind his back, one of the warriors drew his knife and held it to Inuyasha's throat, daring him to move. The warrior, I realized, was Kouga. His eyes resembled those of the deathly wolves. He mouthed words of terror into Inuyasha's ears. He looked like he would slit Stallion's throat at any minute. I reacted; I reached out and grabbed a hold of Kouga's arm.
"Please Kouga, please spare him. Please Kouga! Naraku... I beg you...Please... Kouga...do it for me. As... as... a wedding gift!" the words escaped my mouth and my heart shattered.
Inuyasha's eyes grew wide, he jumped to get away but the warriors held him tight. "No! Kagome No! Don't please. Take it back! You must stay strong..."
Kouga balled up his fist and struck Inuyasha in the face. Inuyasha fell backwards, but was held up by the warriors. Blood dripped from his mouth, his eyes were half shut.
"Stop, stop please," I grabbed again onto Kouga's arm; he turned and grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me close to his face. His face turned into a snarl. I could smell the heat of his body. Suddenly, Naraku came between us. "Enough! Kouga, settle down; there will be plenty more time to release your anger, I assure you." His face twisted into an awful smile.
The warriors began to pull Inuyasha away. Kouga flashed me a look of violent desire, and walked away. I found myself frozen in my place. Inuyasha was being dragged away from me and I could not stop it. I felt so useless. I saw a smile come over my brother's face as Inuyasha was dragged away. I clenched my fists together, and before I knew what I was doing I was facing my brother.
"I am ashamed to call you my sister," he said turning away from me.
"You are not my brother. You never were." I answered him.
Shocked by my reply, he kept talking, "you have made me look like a fool in front of my warriors, especially Kouga. Has your mind been asleep in your head? Have you not remembered his wedding proposal? He offers you so much more than that pathetic half breed."
I opened my mouth to oppose but, again, he turned his back- meaning he would speak no more on the topic. "Why must you act so much like a child? I have handed you happiness and safety, and you turn to away and search for ... and search for... CHILDISH DREAMS!" he turned to me and gave me a shove that sent me falling backwards. I landed on the ground and looked up at him. I felt like a lamb before a slaughter.
Naraku's fist was in the air, about to strike me where I lay, helpless.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of a roar, a very deep roar, looking around my brother's body, and I saw Inuyasha running towards him at a great speed. He had broken free of the warrior's hold!
I knew it was Inuyasha's last act to save me. He sent himself to kill Thunder Storm. As the two forces me, their arms locked in battle and they circled each other. Soon more warriors jumped into the fight, with weapons drawn.
Inuyasha's body was lost in the heavy fighting, but I could hear his battle roars echo from beneath the bodies that attacked him.
Suddenly, his voice rang out from among the brawl, "Run my love! You must be strong, I cannot protect you now. Flee into the forest, you will be safe there. Do not look back. Run now!"
I jumped up onto my feet and turned and ran for my life. I heard shouts behind me, I did not stop. Pounding of fists...I ran faster. I heard the sound of arrows being sent into the air, I slowed. I heard a cry of pain; I heard a heavy fall. I stopped. I put my hands on my knees to catch my breath. My mind screamed at me to look over my shoulder. Inuyasha was hurt. I could feel it in my heart.
His words reechoed in my soul. "You must be strong." I lifted my head. "I will be strong," I said out loud, "I will be as strong as you, Inuyasha, as strong as Dusty." I cried out into the sky, "Grant me the power to save the one I love. Show me my destiny!"
I shut my eyes. I lifted up my head and stared, again, at the sky. Warmth spread over me. I heard my heart singing a song of change. My emotions came together and with a surge of power my soul opened and out came my spirit, into the air swirling me into a screen of mist and dreams. I felt a surge come over my body. My face felt tight and strong. I lowered my head and felt my hair around my neck and back. My senses suddenly were numb, and then they began to come back in a new way. I felt weak and unable to stand, I fell forward. Yet, I was still standing. I felt strong. I felt fast. I felt free. I heard shouts behind me. Yet I continued to look at the forest in front of me. I began to run with new speed. The trees passed me at an alarming speed. I felt as though I was flying. I was flying. Flying on a silver carpet... Flying on a rainbow. I cried as I ran. I cried for Dusty, I cried for Inuyasha, I cried for my mother, I cried for my enemies. The tears made my eyes blurry, but I did not need my eyes to run; I used my heart.
The forest opened into the meadow. The sun had set over the flowing grasses, and now a full moon appeared in the starry sky. A storm followed behind me. I could smell it.
I followed the same path that Inuyasha took me on. I reached the beginnings of the youkai lands. Once I crossed their boarder, I felt lost again.
I felt drained and feeble, but I knew of no one to call upon for guidance.
...
Then I remembered someone...it was a long shot... but it was the only name I knew...he would have to help me.
But first... I needed sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Who is Kagome going to call upon to help her save Inuyasha? Or is Inuyasha already dead?... eek! Don't think that!! Inuyasha can't die... I didn't want him to die in this story...but... wouldn't that make things interesting...??
Vote if Inuyasha should be dead or not... also... who do you think Kagome will ask to help her? Or better yet... who will find her sleeping body... I know who it is... but do you??
R&R
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~