Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and all that good stuff… you get the point.
AN:
--listens to "I Can't Explain" by K-otic--
=) Writing spree! XD Hehe… I'm excited to write this… I wanna get to the good stuff in the story… lol. --giggles stupidly specially the ending--… -.-;; But then I'll be sad cause the story is over… and I won't get to write it anymore =( But… A sequel might be possible… Haven't really decided… the ending is going to be sort of "angst-y" or however you want to call it.. So I don't know if I should write a sequel, and work things out in that one… or just let you guys, the readers sort of work out what happens in your own mind… Comments on this would be helpful =/ Cause I'm not sure what to do.. Course, maybe I should just let you guys see the ending first.. - Oh, and you can email me now cause I put my email address up on my author's profile... I meant to do that a while ago when some of you asked… but… I forgot……--blinks-- eh-heh…
…………………..
--clears throat BUTLER!!!--
butler appears with silver platter
Thank you, butler…
--takes silver platter and lifts top--
--presents you with chapter 8--
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Fate Gave Three
By Areine
Chapter 8: Home Sweet Home - Or Not
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In the feudal time of Japan, Inuronin's time, there was a mountain carefully concealed away from all people and youkai. The dark energy radiating from the castle nestled into the geography was enough to keep anyone with common sense away, but there was also the fact that it was obvious nothing lived there. Vegetation was scarce, and what plant life you could find was already withered. The only sign of animals one would be able to find would be a broken skeleton… And it was known among the people that any person to step foot into the dark aura would not come back out. The castle was home of Naraku, the youkai Lord, and no one crossed his path unless there was an order, from him, to do so.
Inside of that castle, was the that very man, Naraku, his foul mood enough to keep his servants away for the time being. It was whispered among the youkai who served him that to approach him when he was in such a manner was certain death.
One youkai in particular, however, had known Naraku too long to be intimidated still by him.
Kagura walked through the dark hallways of the castle, her destination to find Naraku, her dark captor. So many years had passed and still he controlled her, he still held her heart in his hands. Never letting her die, never giving her what she wanted, never giving her more power than what she already had. She hated the man from the bottom of her soul, everyone knew it, and yet he still kept her…
She paused in front of a large door, glaring at it angrily before lifting her fan that she held in her right hand. Her powerful red eyes narrowed before she sliced her hand through the air, aiming the fan at the door as she watched in small satisfaction for it to be ripped apart.
"Kagura… I do believe there will be no more doors left if you insist to open them that way."
The woman folded her fan tartly, entering the room that Naraku sat in. The vile Lord was sitting next to a window, elbow resting on one propped up knee has he surveyed outside.
"Your plan failed. Sesshoumaru knew you were behind his son's appearance, and now Meiji is dead," she told him coldly.
A small, hapless smile raised the lips on the youkai, owner of the Shikon no Tama. "That, Kagura, only makes things more interesting."
"What are you planning?" She questioned, red lips pursed together.
He turned to her, smirking with authority, "Ah, but you know I can't tell you that. Your loyalty to me Kagura continues to waver, such a pity."
On that last word Kagura let out a sharp gasp, her left hand rising to clutch at the cloth of her kimono that was around her heart. Perspiration built on her forehead as the pain in her chest increased. Breathing began to trouble her and she collapsed to her knees, rasping for breath, eyes wide with surprise and hate.
"Bastard..!!" She hissed, before the pain vanished.
"Get out of my sight," Naraku commanded coolly, looking away from her once more.
The wind youkai clenched her teeth together, turning and quickly leaving the room. Around her wind swirled with such force that the boards of wood splintered and tore. She would have her day… She swore to that. Naraku would not control her forever. She was Kagura, she was as free as the wind, and no one could hold onto that forever.
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"Kaiya, I don't want you going back to that well - ever," the girl's mother told her from across the table, eyes filled with concern for her daughter.
Kaiya looked down at the table, what was she supposed to say now? After telling Taro and her mother the whole story of the well, they hadn't said too much about it. Taro didn't seem to believe her, but her mother seemed in earnest to get her to promise to never go near the well again.
"Are you sure you didn't just hit your head or something?" Her elder brother asked her skeptically, watching her with a raised eyebrow.
Kaiya sighed, rubbing a thumb on the back of her left hand, "No… I'm sure… How else would I have gotten this necklace? And the clothing? And," She paused, not sure if she should add it in, "these - cuts?"
She pulled one of her arm's sleeves back, exposing the injuries from her trip through the well.
Her mother instantly stood up to get some gauze and medicine, while Taro's face just darkened. He looked into her face, light anger spread across it.
"Who knows, Yukio might have had something to do with those…"
His sister frowned. She knew he didn't approve of Yukio as her boyfriend, but he didn't always need to talk about him like that…
Her mother began to treat the cuts as she talked to Kaiya, "Oh, that reminds me. Yukio called, I think yesterday it was… Wanted you to call him back when you could."
"Ah, thank you Mama…" she said, her face heating up… 'At least he's able to talk… maybe things didn't go as badly as I thought…' She looked up to catch Taro's eyes, their gaze disapproving.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiya checked the paper again, making sure she was heading the right way. When she had called Yukio back last night he hadn't talked very much, but she could sense the silent anger in his voice. He had given her directions to his apartment and basically ordered her to come over. She couldn't say no to him.
She was prepared to be yelled at, she understood where he was coming from (or, least she thought she did). It was her fault she hadn't met up with him those few nights ago to give him the money…
She paused when she saw a small apartment building, and checked to make sure it was the right one. She had actually never been to where Yukio lived, which some people might have found odd since he was her boyfriend, but she really didn't mind all too much. They met where they could, and that was good enough for her.
As she entered the building she winced at how trashy the place was, a putrid scent making her choke on air. Looking down at her feet she saw a half empty milk bottle, its contents obviously gone rancid some time ago. Covering her nose and mouth with a cupped hand she continued on down the hallway, climbing only one set of staircase until she knew she was on his floor.
The closer she knew she got to him however, the more her hands shook around the paper. She could feel tears building up behind her eyes as well. 'I got him into trouble… I know it… he's never told me where he lived before…'
She stopped in front of a door with the number eleven scratched into the wood. She lifted her hand hesitantly before knocking. This was Yukio's room.
"It's open," a voice called from inside. That was Yukio. His voice sounded kind, almost gentle as he spoke. Kaiya blinked, wondering if maybe nothing had gone wrong. She probably just worried too much.
Much reassured, she turned the door knob and stepped in, blinking in confusion as to why there was no lights on in the room. She opened her mouth to question it aloud, but instead cried out in pain when something hard connected with her face, right over her right eye. She slid to her knees, covering her face with her hands as she felt her ears ringing and head throbbing.
"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?!" He raged, the door slamming behind her.
"I - I'm sorry Yukio!" She sobbed out, not knowing what she could say to him. She couldn't tell him about the well… That just wouldn't work out…
"I never got the money to pay those guys! You wanna know what happened, Kaiya?!" He barked.
She couldn't respond, she couldn't find her voice. Her hands covered her tear covered eyes as she shook her head to herself, wondering how she had ever allowed this to happen…
Around her the room was suddenly illuminated as Yukio turned the lights on.
"Look at me! LOOK! Stop sobbing like a baby and look what you did to me!"
She removed her hands and slowly lifted her head from begin cradled above her lap. Yukio was glaring down at her, but across him were gashes and bruises. His lip was bloodied, one eye covered in black bruises (the over covered with a patch), with a green color tinting around his nose. His arms were bruised, and deep cuts were strewn on his hands… And that was only what wasn't covered up with bandages. Kaiya gasped back a sob as she stood to her feet shakily, reaching forward with a hand to touch his cheek tenderly, "I'm so sorry…"
Her hand was slapped away. "Damn Kaiya, you fucking moron! Don't expect me to just forgive you!" He shouted.
"I'm just so sorry… Please understand…"
"God damn! I don't even remember why the hell I called you out here!"
The girl blinked sadly up at him, wincing as she felt all too much the bruise beginning to form around her right eye from his punch.
"Get out, I don't even want to look at you."
"Yukio…"
"GET OUT!" He grabbed a half empty beer can and threw it at her. From such a close range it struck her cheek, the rest of the liquid streaming out to splash on her, leaving its bitter smell behind.
She hurried to the door, flying out just as another object was thrown at her. Slamming it behind her she ran to the steps, brushing away tears from her eyes. 'How could I have let that happen?' She sobbed to herself as she ran away from the building, mechanically sprinting back to her home.
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Kaiya touched the sharp cut under her right eye tenderly, flinching at the pain it caused. Her eye was beginning to become set in a dark circle, with a red crescent near the top of her cheek from where he threw the can. She had sneaked back into her home, taken another shower to get the smell of beer off her, and was presently examining her new injuries in the mirror. She sighed as more tears slipped from her eyes. She wouldn't be able to cover these up completely, but makeup would make them less noticeable at least.
As she entered her bedroom she stepped out of her clothes, not even noticing the protest her muscles gave her now. She was actually becoming used to it. Dressing into her cotton pajamas she brushed through her hair one last time before slipping under the covers of her bed.
For a while sleep could not take her. Her thoughts continued to pound through her head, and silent tears would not stop falling. Her pillow was in a death grip as she thought over the past days… Inuronin obviously hated her. Yukio didn't even want to look at her and had been hurt because of her. Taro was going off to war just like Papa, and she had lost her ring…
Her head ached, and for another hour she wouldn't sleep until finally her body was too exhausted to keep itself awake even under all the stress.
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Kaiya opened her eyes groggily in the morning, gasping in pain as her right eye gave protest. Resisting the urge to rub it she sat up and stretched the best she could.
Having taken yet another shower she floated mindlessly down the stairs and into the kitchen where she could hear her mother bustling about. She had needed to cake almost all of her makeup onto her face before the bruising wasn't nearly so visible, and she was actually rather proud of her handiwork as she slid into a chair at the table and just watched her mother.
"Good morning Kaiya… well, actually, good afternoon," she smiled at her daughter, "Sleep well?"
"Not really…" She mumbled in response.
Her mother sighed and sat down opposite from her at the table.
"Kaiya, honey, you're not keep something from us are you? Maybe about you and Yukio..?"
"You've been talking to Taro, haven't you?" She responded, almost bitterly.
"Yes, well… Not that I don't trust you… But your story is a bit, farfetched, sweetie…" Her mother reached out a hand and drew her fingers across Kaiya's forehead lightly, "You just have a habit of making me worry about you."
The girl relaxed at her mother's touch, "Yeah… Why would anyone believe a story like that…?" She mumbled to herself, burying her face into her arms. Even though she had slept in so late, it just felt so hard to keep her eyes open…
"Honey, before you fall asleep again, why don't you go someplace a bit more comfortable?"
Kaiya nodded her head in response, forcing herself to stand and walk into the living room before collapsing onto the couch.
Her mother laughed softly to herself, though worry still filled her eyes.
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Kaiya woke to feeling her mother shaking her.
"Kaiya dear, there's someone here to see you…"
Yawning she rolled herself off the couch, biting her lip when she accidentally hit the sore area around her eye. Brushing her black hair behind her ears she worked her way over to the front door, slightly surprised to see Tori there with a wide smile plastered on her face.
"Hey Kaiya!" She squealed brightly before taking in her clothes, "Why are you still in your pajamas? Well… anyway… I was wondering if you wanted to come over for a bit?" She chirped, obviously unraveled by Kaiya's lack of proper dressings.
"Uh… sure?"
"GREAT!" Tori squeaked, "Um, why don't you get dressed? Then we can head over?" She suggested, mouth wide in a heart breaking smile as she tilted her head slightly to the side, ponytail flipping over her shoulder.
"Heh… yeah, just wait one moment, okay?" Kaiya said, scratching the back of her head.
"Sure thing!"
She winced at the volume of the girl's voice before heading to her room to change…
Some hours and about five cups of tea later, Kaiya continued to stare out the window in Tori's house. She had changed into a black skirt with a pale yellow t-shirt and navy jacket, having not really cared what she threw on. Honestly though, how long could this girl blabber on for? They were seated at a small table fixed on the wall in the girl's house which faced Kaiya's own home. As much as Tori was friendly, she could get awfully annoying with all this talking… She had tuned her out some time ago, when the girl had decided to start talking about some singer she had never heard of before in her life… Sighing she stirred her spoon in her tea cup, enjoying the aroma rising out of it. Her head was rested on her fisted left hand as she tried her best to appear interested in whatever this girl was going on about.
Dropping the spoon her right hand rose to finger the Shikon shard around her neck thoughtlessly. Realizing what she was doing she stared down at it, while pretending to nod at something Tori said.
"You did? I wonder what it was…"
Kaiya glanced up to see the girl suddenly peering out the window to Kaiya's own home.
Wondering what she was looking at she glanced out the window, only to see nothing.
"I'm sure I heard something…" There was a loud clatter suddenly erupting from Kaiya's house as Tori gasped, "You heard that too, didn't you?"
Kaiya nodded dumbly, standing herself to look out the window, the Shikon shard falling back under her shirt, forgotten.
She saw a flash of silver, and her heart picked up its beat. Heat flooded her cheeks before she tried to calm down. 'You're just going paranoid… there's no way he got here..!' She saw it again however, this time seeing a glimpse of Inuronin running along the side of her house.
"Oh gosh…" She whispered fervently to herself.
"Kaiya? Did you see that boy? You know him?"
"Uh - yeah, I do… You think we could do this another time?"
Without waiting for a response Kaiya rushed out of Tori's house, hoping to God Inuronin hadn't let himself be seen for what he was.
Reaching her front lawn area she looked around, wondering where he had gone, before she looked to her front door and saw it was open. Running up to it she jogged down the main hallway before turning the corner left into the living room, only to bump into something warm and solid.
"Ouch…" She whined softly, her right eye closing in pain for a moment before opening again in realization of what she had run into.
Inuronin was standing in the middle of the entryway into the living room, while Kaiya's mother stood in the room staring at him with a stunned expression on her face. Kaiya herself, of course, had run face first into his back.
The hanyou whipped around, looking down into her face as he sneered.
"Were you ever planning on going back? What was going on that was so important you decide to spend three days here?"
"Hey… It was only, like, two days!" She sputtered in her defense.
"Kaiya… honey?" Her mother called softly from inside the room.
"And… how did you get through the well? I thought… I thought you needed a Shikon shard?" She questioned him, thoroughly confused.
He gave her a cocky grin, "Yeah, well, turns out I don't."
"Kaiya?" Her mother called, again.
"But… you're not expecting me to go back now are you?"
"No, I'm not."
The girl sighed in relief.
"I'm telling you to, there's a difference."
"Oh really?" Kaiya fumed, "And what would that be?"
"If I expected you to, that would make it sound like I was giving you a choice."
Kaiya's retort was cut off when her mother suddenly stepped in front of her.
"Excuse me, but don't you have any manners? You can't just go barging into people's homes like this!"
Inuronin stared down at her, blinking while, apparently, he didn't take her seriously.
"Are you the young man from that well?"
When Inuronin didn't say anything Kaiya chose to respond, "Yes, Mama, this is Inuronin."
"Well, Inuronin, you can go on back home because Kaiya will not be going with you! I wouldn't be a good mother if I let her go back into such danger just like that!" The woman argued.
The hanyou sneered again, baring a fang when he pushed past her, grabbing Kaiya's arm tightly as he began to drag her to the front door behind him.
"Inuronin! You could show some respect to my mother!" She hissed at him, trying fruitlessly to dig her feet into the wooden floorboards, her thick-heeled shoes not helping her much in that area.
He had almost gotten her to the front door when Taro suddenly stood in front of the hanyou, Kaiya's mother approaching from behind and taking Kaiya's free hand. Seeing the boy who stood about his height Inuronin snarled, pulling Kaiya close to his side, at the same time making her lose her mother's grip.
"Let go of Kaiya." Her brother ordered, eyes commanding as he stared into the golden ones of the hanyou's.
"And who are you to tell me what to do with her?" The white-haired boy snapped back, fangs bared.
Without waiting for a response Inuronin pushed past him, his grip on Kaiya's arm tightening as he, in one fluid motion, swept an arm behind her knees and lifted her off the ground. Protests were shouted by Taro and Kaiya's mother, but fell on deaf ears as Inuronin jumped higher than any human could ever do and was soon bounding out of sight.
Kaiya squirmed in his grasp, prying at his fingers that held her to his chest - his grip only tightened though.
"Inuronin! I can't believe you just did that!"
"And why not?"
She chose not to respond, because, honestly, she didn't know how to. She continued to try and get him to relinquish his grasp on her for another minute or so, until finally she realized it just wasn't happening.
"Now my mother is never going to trust you! She'll probably never trust me either!"
And suddenly they were dropping back down through the well.
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The familiar darkness had swept around the both of them, until it was obvious they had reached Inuronin's side of it. In one leap he was over its rim and setting Kaiya down, brushing himself off as if her home had contaminated him.
"Keh! Your family's terrible!" He barked out, as if giving reason to what he just did, "This is where you belong now anyway…" He looked up to see Kaiya standing in front of him, her eyes were wild with emotion and she seemed to be fighting with herself, her bottom lip being chewed on in thought.
"What?" He asked her, ears swiveling to focus on her.
The girl drew back her hand in an instant and swung it, palm open, into the hardest slap she had ever given in her life. Every bit of anger she felt towards him she threw into that hit, and it felt good.
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Chapter End
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There ya go - chapter 8. Was a bit different than how I had it plotted out on paper… but feh, I liked it better this way. Wow.. I sure do make Kaiya go through some hard stuff.. Oo;; And it's only going to get worse… XD I feel evil… Oh well… that's the way life is ;;
Hrm.. See? You didn't have to wait long for another update this time … I'm not that evil of an author 24/7 Xx I felt really bad bout making you guys wait so long for chapter 7, so I worked my hiney off to go ahead and finish chapter 8 for everyone hoped you enjoy =D And if you did you can always leave a review lol.
Expect chapter 9 sometime not too far away =)
Also.. Sorry bout any poor editing… eh-heh… blushes ::.::