....Summary....

(AU) Kagome works for a traveling carnival along with Sango and Miroku; one day a new attraction arrives at the carnival: "See the Amazing Dog Eared Boy!" He is a violent, arrogant, vicious hanyou who hates all humans. A story of confinement, torture, mystery, and hope. (InuKag)

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Now is Forever

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Chapter 1

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"Ladies and Gentleman! Boys and Girls of all ages! I Welcome You All to the Greatest Show on Earth!"

Fireworks exploded from beneath the stage. Audience members gasp as the stage is filled with dozens of people, all wearing sparkling costumes and feathers.

Lights bring the stage alive. And open up a world of color and brightness.

Acrobats and clowns dart in all directions, jumping and twirling about. Waving sparklers and handing balloon animals to nearby children.

Music is blasted from speakers set all around the tent.

A roar is heard as the audience turns their attention to a group of people with whips controlling a pair of huge lions.

The lions are accompanied by striped tigers and a hoop of fire. The cats run a course and jump through the enflamed hoop.

The audience cheers as more animals join the stage.

Pure white ponies and bucking half-wild horses prance along the rim of the stage floor. Woman dressed in leotards and glitter ride zebras and wave to the audience members.

Colored birds are released into the air and they fly up and through the great tent.

A giant sound is heard as the largest animals on Earth, the elephants, enter the stage. They are ridden by grinning acrobats who stand on their heads.

A large cannon is wheeled out onto stage, as a man is shot from one end of the tent to the other. Landing atop a podium no bigger than a stool.

More loud music accompanies the next act. Shouts ring out as the strong man lifts iron barbells over his head.

Clowns juggle balls and toys. The bearded lady appears and belts out a loud opera note.

A thin man pole vaults over a high wall, and lands in a pile of hay.

In the air, the trapeze artists swing and jump from swings and ropes. They flip and dive through the air, landing in a safety net.

A flexible pair of individuals bends over backwards and twists themselves into knots. Followed by a parade of dancers who gracefully walk on their toes and kick up their long legs.

The ringmaster, adorned with shinning black boots and a top hat, stretches his arms out as he percents his show.

Cheers and shouts ring out throughout the audience. Children stare wide eyed at the animals and amazing people.

Confetti, streamers, and glitter fall from the ceiling and onto the audience. People jump to their feet and clap as the excitement falls and the entertainment fades away.

The audience members file out of the big top. The sun shines in their eyes as they enter the outdoors.

They are greeted by a giant series of rides and sideshows.

To the right, jutting into the sky, was the Ferris wheel-in its pristine white paint. Along with smaller rides, such as a primitive attraction called Spin-O-Rama.

To the left, the fastest rides: the Flying Falcon, the Splashdown, Freddy's Free Fall, the Ghoster Coaster.

Further on were the kiddy rides such as a chute ride called The Dipsy Doodle.

The colors of the attractions were firehouse reds and creamy whites. Attractions meant to steal the money of the player.

Lights and colored flags hung between the sideshow tents. Each tent held a sign stated what the tent held within it.

Some signs reading: "See Your Feature in the Swami's Crystal Ball!"

"Try Your Luck, Hit the Duck and Win a Prize!"

"The World's Most Curious Citizens." The freak house.

The Animal Tent, largest next to the big top.

Small stands that sold food and souvenirs to the public were everywhere. Popcorn, drinks, cotton candy, peanuts, caramel apples, soft pretzels, etc.

Each shop operated by a smiling carnival employee, who secretly hated their jobs.

Children ran in all direction, holding balloons and licking lollypops. Flustered parents ran after them, carrying won toys and streams of tickets.

Teenagers stood in groups, laughing at the employees and making a mess.

Underneath the excitement, beneath all the shouts of laughter and fun, the hard working crew struggled to keep everything going smooth.

Maintenance crews barely got a rest. Animal keepers ran in all directions, cleaning cages and feeding creatures. It was a blessing to them when closing time finally came around. Then, the music would die down, the screams would stop and the people would leave.

Among the hardworking crew, was a young girl named Kagome. She specialized in all fields of work; she was the eyes, ears, and brain of the underground operation. After every big top show, she took charge of all costumes, animals, and individuals. The carnival world was her life, she knew no other. She was daughter to the ringmaster, the owner of the carnival.

Kagome hated the crowds and large groups of crazy tourists. She kept herself far away from the noise and excitement. She enjoyed the off season, where the carnival would close down for two months for remodeling and to give the employees a long deserved rest.

She never used to be so shy around people; in fact, she used to do shows in the big top along with the other entertainers. But, ever since the accident and death of her brother, Sota, Kagome feared ever returning to the entertainment field.

She spent most of her time inside the animal tent. Caring for the lions, tigers, elephants, and horses that were used in the big top show. The animals all knew Kagome, and they trusted her. Kagome felt sorry for all of them, especially the big cats; who were forced to do silly tricks that degraded them.

Today had been the final show, the off season would now begin. Kagome felt relieved. She watched from behind the flap of the tent, as the employee's left for their two month vacation.

As the last car rolled away and down the tired dirt road, Kagome smiled to herself. She came out from under her hiding spot and began to walk down the row of sideshow attractions, picking up left over items.

Maintenance men waved to her, as they shut down the rides for the off season. Kagome waved back.

Kagome picked up empty popcorn boxes and tossed them into the trash cans, which were already overflowing.

Kagome strolled down the main side street, until she came to a small deep blue colored tent. Kagome pulled back the flap and entered.

"Sango?" she called. "Sango you here?"

Sango was Kagome's best friend. Sango ran a small sideshow where she used her incredible strength to swing a huge boomerang that would cut through thick wooden posts.

The show was impressive and attracted allot of watchers. Probably because Sango was really pretty and her strength was remarkable.

She used to be a demon exterminator before she joined the carnival. She worked so that she could send money to her brother, Kohaku, who was a full time student in a boarding school. Her parents had been murdered and Kohaku was the only family she had left. She used to live in the boarding school too, before she was old enough and able to join the carnival.

Now that it was off season, Sango would be one of the few entertainers that would stay at the carnival.

"I'm out back!" Kagome heard a voice call to her. Kagome exited the tent and walked around the back. She found Sango sitting on a piece of log, fixing the strap on her boomerang.

"Hey Kagome." Sango said.

"Hey." Kagome answered. "Everyone has left." Kagome told her.

"Didn't waist any time did they?" Sango asked, standing up and fitting her boomerang across her back.

Suddenly, Sango's pet cat-youkai rubbed against Kagome's leg. Kagome bent down and petted the small youkai.

"I like it when they leave." Kagome told her friend, as she picked up Kirara and held her in her arms.

"You would." Sango teased. Kagome blushed and ducked her head in shame.

Sango laughed, "I tell you, I'm really looking forward to this break. I'm thinking about adding something new to my show, and I'll need the two months to practice."

"You don't need to practice, Sango." Kagome told her.

"Heh, don't I wish. But some practice will do me some good." Sango said. Kagome didn't answer. Sango turned to her, "Come on Kagome, the mess hall is open, let's go see what the chef has for us tonight."

Kagome nodded and placed Kirara on the ground. She walked with Sango towards the dining room, or the mess hall, as they called it.

The girls weaved in and out of the small tents, stepping over cords and ropes. Then, tents opened up and they came to a series to trailers, where some of the "wealthier" entertainers lived, including the ringmaster.

The mess hall was on the other side of the trailers. It was a simple wooden house with a leaky roof, and the walls were made out of screening. Kagome and Sango entered through the swinging door.

A few other people sat at the long picnic benches, adorned with the red and white checkered tablecloths. They shouted greetings to Sango and Kagome as they entered. Kagome recognized them as a few of the acrobats and lighting crew.

The girls grabbed some food and a can of soda and chose a place to sit.

Few at a time, other people entered the mess hall for dinner. All in all, about twenty people would stay for the off season.

Kagome looked up when the door opened, and a young man with dark hair entered. Kagome leaned forward and whispered to Sango, "Miroku warning!"

Sango looked up slightly, and then when she spotted Miroku, she tried to sink down and hide. But she was too slow and Miroku saw her, he got his food, and walked over, sitting directly next to Sango.

"Greetings Lady Sango, Lady Kagome." He said.

"Hey Miroku." Kagome answered. Sango said nothing.

"I see you both are staying for the off season...?" he said.

Kagome nodded. Sango still said nothing.

Miroku leaned closer to Sango. "Why so quiet tonight Lady Sango?" he asked.

"Grope me and die." Sango hissed to him. Miroku's eyes widened and he slid a few inches away.

Kagome laughed at her friends.

Miroku was the carnival swami. Although he wasn't really a swami, he was actually a monk, and a rather perverted monk at that. He was always groping all the girl employees, especially Sango. Yet, Sango did hold back when Miroku groped her, she either gave him a sharp cuff to the face or whacked him unconscious with her boomerang.

Suddenly, the swinging door to the mess hall opened with a loud squeak and slammed shut. All inside the mess hall looked up to see the ringmaster standing in the doorway.

"Evening everybody." He called, as he got his food.

A few answered, "Evening Naraku..." The rest returned to eating and chatting.

Naraku placed his food on a table and ate alone. He occasionally spoke to the people around him, but most of the time, he was usually pretty dark.

Kagome watched her father for a few seconds, but then ignored his presence.

After all where fed, and the kitchen closed. People still lingered before heading off, for they were told that Naraku had an announcement for them all to hear.

Naraku stood up and climbed on top of one of the picnic benches. A hush fell over the room, as he began to speak. "Well, this had been one busy season. I think we will all enjoy the off season break. However, for those of you staying for the two months, I need you to help out all you can, with getting things fixed and patched up for when we open after vacation.

The animals still need care. And the rides maintained and oiled. This will require work that many of you are not used to doing. But there is no reason why you cannot learn."

He paused to let his words sink in among the others.

"On another note, I have a special announcement to make." They all pressed closer to him. "I have made arrangements for a new addition to the carnival's 'The World's Most Curious Citizens' attraction. This new creature will arrive within the week. I tell you this new creature will certainly attract more visitors to the carnival..."

"Is it a Siamese twin?" Miroku asked hopefully.

The group laughed and Sango hit him in the head.

"No, Miroku, I'm sorry it is not. But impressive all the same." Naraku continued.

Kagome wondered what kind of a beast her father had commissioned to be placed in the freak show.

"He is a half-breed. A cross between a human and a demon. A hanyou." Naraku finished.

The groups gasped and began to murmur amongst themselves.

A man spoke out, "A half demon! How can we control something like that?"

Naraku smiled, "I have arranged for an electric cage to be delivered. Ten thousand bolts should be enough to subdue the creature."

"Naraku, if this half-breed was to escape, he would massacre us all." Another spoke up.

"Do we not take the same chance with the lions and tigers?" Naraku answered. "I assure you, once the hanyou is trained up a bit, he will prove to be a promising addition to the carnival."

The groups continued to murmur and whisper.

"I do not like this idea." Sango whispered to Kagome. Kagome nodded. What could her father be thinking? Demons lived in another land, far away from here. They were vicious creatures that had strange powers and lived by destroying each other. Full blooded demons were almost extinct, only a few lived in the far away demon lands. And half-breeds were just as vicious and scary, although not as powerful.

"Beginning tomorrow," Naraku continued, "I need a large space cleared in the animal tent for the hanyou's cage. I want everything ready when he arrives."

He paused and gazed over the worried looks of the individuals. "That's all, have a good night." He stepped down off of the picnic table and headed out the door.

Sango stood up suddenly, and followed Naraku out. Kagome followed her and Miroku behind her.

The three of them left the bright mess hall and into the night time darkness. They all looked wildly from side to side, looking for Naraku.

Miroku spotted him heading for his trailer, and pointed. They all ran after him.

"Father!" Kagome shouted as she ran up to him.

"Naraku!" Sango yelled too.

Naraku stopped and turned just as the three-some approached him. "Kagome, Sango, Miroku...what can I do for you?" he asked.

"Naraku," Sango said sternly, "You know I used to be a demon exterminator before I came here."

"Yes I am aware." Naraku answered.

"May I be the first to tell you that having a hanyou here is not a good idea. Demons are violent creatures, and I've never heard of one that could be 'trained,' as you say. Even if he is only a hanyou, he is still extremely powerful." Sango told him.

"I see..." Naraku said.

"If I may add," Miroku spoke up, "This carnival is a place for children and their families to come and have fun. Having a violent creature as an attraction would certainly not prove to be very beneficial, for parents would not want their young children exposed to that kind of aggression."

"True..." Naraku said. "Kagome, do you have something to say?"

Kagome froze. She knew what she wanted to say, but she just couldn't bring herself to confront her father. "Kagome?" he asked again.

Kagome stared at the ground. "I just agree with Sango and Miroku." She said.

"Ahh, I see." Naraku said to the group, "Well, I hear what you are saying. But I can assure you that this decision is one that has been long though out. I believe I have taken ever precaution and I am absolutely confident that the hanyou will not pose a problem, only a benefit to this carnival."

"But sir..." Sango spoke again.

"Listen to me," Naraku interrupted her, "this is my carnival. You all work for me. Your decision doesn't really matter in the situation. But, as employees I do value your opinion and your skills. There for, I have created another plan, for the hanyou.

Sango, you have the skills and power of a demon exterminator. So, I can trust that you would be able to kill the hanyou if anything was to go wrong?"

Sango glared at him with angry eyes, but she nodded.

"And Miroku, your skills as a monk will be greatly needed here as well. Can I count on you to create some seals and restraints to help keep the hanyou under control?" Naraku added.

Miroku nodded and said, "Yes Naraku."

"Good. Now I think that we are secure with the hanyou if anything was to go wrong. Do you see how absurd it was to think that anything could go wrong? With talented individuals, such as yourselves, as part of my staff, I could never doubt anything." Naraku said.

He turned and walked the few steps up to his trailer, "Oh, and Kagome, darling, I trust that you will see to it that the hanyou is comfortable and fed well?"

"Yes Father." Kagome said.

"Very Good. Then, I bid you three a goodnight. And Kagome don't stay up too late." And he opened the door to his trailer and entered, shutting the door behind him.

The three stood in silence for a few seconds. But then Miroku broke the quiet, "Well, I suppose there is nothing we can do about this. The hanyou will be a part of the show."

"I'm just not at all comfortable with the situation." Sango said.

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Kagome awoke before the sun. She always did. The day was too short for her not to be up early.

The faint sound of snoring echoed throughout the trailer, it came from her father.

Kagome threw off the covers and stretched her stiff limbs. She climbed off of her cot and stood up.

She walked towards the small sink and let the water run. She splashed her with the water and then, taking a small cloth, she striped and took a sponge bath. She washed her hair in the sink and dried it with a towel.

Kagome toweled herself dry and dressed. She pulled on a pair of work jeans and an old flannel T-Shirt. The shirt hung below her knees, so Kagome gathered up the ends and pulled them to the side. She tied the extra cloth in a knot, which lay to the side.

Kagome took a quick glance at her face in the small mirror. Her features didn't matter to her. She was not like the acrobatic woman who fussed over their hair and faces every second. And besides, those women were ten times prettier than Kagome could ever be.

Kagome sighed and pulled her slightly damp hair up into a high pony tail. She tied it with a piece of rope. The piece of rope had a symbolic meaning to Kagome. It used to part of a guard rope, used to protect the high wire acrobats, in case they missed their mark and fell. The rope had not served its purpose when her brother had needed it most.

Kagome shook the bad memory out of her head. She opened the door of the trailer and left her father still asleep; she shut the door silently behind her.

Outside the door, she sat on the steps and put on her black work boots. She had to keep them outside because they were covered with animal poop, and smelled horrible.

Kagome walked towards the mess hall, breakfast was always served early. And Kagome was usually the first one to be there.

She ate quickly, just as others began to awaken and enter the mess hall. When she finished, Kagome headed towards the animal tent, they needed their breakfast too.

These mornings, alone with the animals, were greatest part of Kagome's day. She would usually talk to the animals or hum to herself.

The animals all knew Kagome; they trusted her because she was quiet and kind.

The big cats paced in their cages as Kagome cut up their meat. She wrapped the meat chunks in a thin edible wrap.

She fed each of the cats individually. Each cat had its own way of eating. The lions always consumed the food quickly and harshly. The tigers took the time to chew each bite, and lick the last essence of food off the straw.

Kagome fed the horses and ponies and petted them lovingly. Then, she moved on to the elephants, at the back of the tent.

Feeding them was the most fun, because she could hand them things, and they would take them from her using their long trunks.

The elephants flapped their large ears and paced in their pens.

Kagome always thought it unfair to keep such large animals in such small confinement.

Kagome's next job was to begin to clean the cages. She took the hose and began to wash away all the muck and old straw.

By this time, more people had entered the animal tent and were helping her. Kagome didn't really speak to them. Even though she knew them all, she just couldn't find it in herself to say anything to them.

Kagome was busy all morning, until high noon; when she took a small break. She lay in the clean, new straw and rested. She stared up at the top of the tent. Letting her mind wander.

She had only rested for a few minutes, when she heard shouts outside. Then she heard the beeping sound of a truck backing up.

Kagome scrambled out of the hay and ran outside. It was indeed a truck, a delivery truck. The back was open, and a group of people stood waiting around.

Two of them being Miroku and Sango.

Kagome ran over to them and said, "Hey guys! What's this?"

"The hanyou's electric cage." Sango said.

"Thank goodness it got delivered before the hanyou." Miroku added.

Once the docking ramp was lowered, everyone began to scurry about and help unload the cage.

Kagome went with a group to help clear a space for it in the animal tent. Fresh straw was laid down along the cages bottom.

Huge extension cords were carried in and plugged into a power source. Once the cage was brought in and connected, Naraku entered the tent to survey the work.

The cage was a huge 30' x 10' x 10'. Its iron bars had copper inlay that would hold the electric charge.

To get to the cage you had to go through a series of gates, which were made of solid iron. A temporary wall was built to conceal the wires and electrical equipment. Then, the extra generators where attached and hooked up.

When, it was finally set up, only one long side of the cage was visible. This side would face the public, and the creature inside would only be visible from there.

"Good work, everyone!" Naraku shouted to the set up group, "Now to test it! Everyone back away! Do not touch anything metal! Ten thousand bolts of electricity will be running through the cage!"

Everyone backed away. Kagome watched as her father flicked a series of switches. A low hum began to emit from the cage, a few sparks flew, but the hum continued.

The workers all clapped and cheered that the cage was a success.

Kagome watched as her father's smile grew bigger. She turned her eyes and looked up at Sango, whose face was stern.

"What do you think Sango?" Kagome asked.

"Well, that cage can hold anything. I've never seen anything like it before. I just hope modern technology is as advanced as it says it is." Sango answered.

Kagome had to agree with her. Although the cage was a success and it could hold the hanyou, she couldn't help feel horribly guilty for the poor creature.

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In the days to come, Kagome, as well as a few others, learned how the cage worked. She learned how to increase the voltage, if necessary, and how to activate the generators. There was also the emergency kill switch, which was hidden behind a box of glass, so that no one pressed it accidentally.

The power was temporarily turned off so that they could set the cage with suitable living conditions. Kagome helped rake in straw and coat the floor with insulin.

Every morning, when Kagome entered the animal tent to feed the animals, she stared at the cage. She couldn't imagine the power of the creature to need a cage like this.

The hanyou was set to be delivered by the end of the week.

Kagome, at one point, asked Sango how they were to get the hanyou to the carnival.

"They will probably sedate him." Sango answered. "I just hope he doesn't wake up."

Kagome hoped so too.

As the week drew to a close, Kagome was very busy and hardly noticed when the time came.

She was helping take down lights and loudspeakers, when a truck drove up the dirt road at a fast speed.

Kagome dropped what she was working on, and ran for the animal tent. She met up with Sango, who carried her boomerang, and had a worried look on her face.

The girls arrived just in time to see a rough looking man unhook a large metal box from the back of his truck.

The box slid down a ramp and landing heavily on the ground. The thing within it rolled around inside the metal box, as it fell.

The box was made of solid iron and only a few small air holes were along the sides.

The man reached inside his truck and pulled out a set of keys, he threw them on the ground and climbed back into his truck and shouted to the gathering group, "Here you go Mac, And good rithens!!" With that, he slammed on the gas, and drove away quickly.

Kagome and Sango slowly approached the metal box, as did the others around them. There was a giant padlock on the one side, along with many other bolt locks.

A circle formed around the box, whispers spread around. No one dared to go closer.

Suddenly, Naraku appeared and shouted to the group, "Don't worry, the creature is sedated." But still no one dared to go any closer. He picked up the set of keys off the ground.

Naraku moved closer, he was the only one. Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Naraku turned and looked up at Sango, "Stand ready Sango!" he called.

Sango nodded and took a step closer.

Naraku reached the box and placed a hand on it. With is other hand he grasped the padlock and pushed a key inside. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his hands shook, but he turned the key within the padlock.

The padlock opened and fell off the box and onto the ground.

No sound came from within the iron container.

Naraku signaled and a few people stepped forward. They crowded around the box, a few touched it.

Naraku then, gently slipped the bolt locks away, the metal door popped open slightly.

The group drew back in fear. And a gasp fell over the crowd.

Very slowly, Naraku opened the door a crack, just enough for him to peer inside. The group pressed closer to him, wanting to peek inside as well.

Naraku gave a sigh and opened the door fully, "He's out cold." He told everyone.

Kagome could barely see what was inside the box. She only saw a flash of silver as more people moved forward and blocked her view.

"Bring the shackles." Naraku ordered.

Kagome could only hear what was going on. She could no longer see her father, the box, or the creature inside.

She could hear the metallic noise as the shackles clasped together.

Kagome looked up into Sango's face. "I guess everything is under control." Sango said quietly.

Kagome almost secretly wished the hanyou would wake up, so that he could run away. But she knew that if he did wake up, he would kill them all, including herself. So she pushed the thought out of her mind.

The group around the hanyou began to move. Kagome heard the sounds of chains rattling. The people gradually moved away, and Kagome could see the hanyou lying on his side on the ground.

Kagome gasped as she looked at the gorgeous head of hair the hanyou possessed. It looked like spun silver, and it fairly glistened in the sunlight.

Gently resting on the top of his head, were a pair of ears. They looked soft and stuck up just like puppy ears. Kagome wiggled with delight.

The silver tresses covered his face, so Kagome couldn't see it. But she could see that he wore red shirt and pants; and he was barefooted.

The group pulled on the chains attached to the shackles and dragged the hanyou across the ground toward the animal tent.

The surrounding group followed them into the tent, Kagome peered around their bodies to try and get a better look at the hanyou.

Naraku and others dragged him to the entrance of his cage and through the first gate. The electricity was shut off so that they could work without worry.

Naraku paused to open the second gate and to switch of the electricity off the passageway. The pulling group rested for a moment. They were all sweating and shaking. They had no idea for how long the hanyou would be out. And they dare not press their luck.

Kagome noticed that the others animals of the tent were as quiet as a mouse when an owl is around. The horses pawed the ground nervously, but that was the only movement.

Kagome redirected her eyes to the hanyou on the ground. She could now see his hands and fingers. His long fingers ended in sharp claws that looked to be able to slice through solid bone. Kagome's eyes stared at the fingers, she gazed at the curve of them, and how they lay dead-like on the ground.

Suddenly, one of the fingers began to twitch. Kagome blinked a few times, thinking perhaps she imagined it. She stared again, and realized that is was true. The fingers were moving!

"He just moved his hand!" Kagome shouted to her father. Naraku's eyes turned from the control panel and stared at the creature, whose fingers were twitching slightly.

"He's waking up!" Naraku roared. "Quick get him in the cage."

The men were scared, but they obeyed. They pulled the hanyou through the second gate and up to the great cage.

Naraku thrusted the doors open with fear.

"Just pick him up and throw him in, we don't have time!" Naraku roared.

He reached down and grabbed an arm and pulled upward. The men followed him.

Kagome noticed that the hanyou was coming out of the sedation very quickly. His twitching hand had now balled up into a clawed fist.

As her father and the others struggled under his weight, a noise emitted from the hanyou's throat. It sounded like a deep, low growl. The noise rattled in Kagome's eardrums.

A few of the men dropped the limb they were holding out of fear. "You fools! Pick him up! Pick him up!!" Naraku roared.

He had managed to get the hanyou's head and upper body inside the cage. The growl still continued to emit from the creature.

The group heaved his body through the doorway. His waist was in, then his knees, then his feet...

Underneath his hair, the hanyou's eyes opened. He could feel hands on his body; he snapped his head up and twisted around.

The door to the cage was still open...with a roar the hanyou attacked at the open door and the men standing around it.

Naraku slammed the door shut, just as the hanyou struck the bars. "Turn on the electricity!!" Naraku roared.

Luckily the person closest to the panel knew how to turn it on. He flicked the switches to the 'on' position.

Kagome heard the electric hum spread over the cage.

The hanyou's attack caused him to touch the bars, just as the electricity turned on.

The sound of the electricity hitting him sounded like a gun shot. The snap of voltage flung the hanyou away from the bars. He flew backward and slammed into the front electrical bars.

Kagome stared in horror as the hanyou was struck again by the ten thousand volts. A scream emitted from her lips, as a cry of pain came out of the hanyou's mouth.

His body twitched violently as the electricity flowed through him. He fell; face down onto the cage floor. Sparks of electricity emitted from his clothing as he lay there. For a long time, the hanyou didn't move.

Then, very slowly, the hanyou pulled himself up on shaky limbs. He glared wildly from side to side and then turned around to see a group of humans staring at him.

He growled violently through the bars and glared at each human with sheer hatred. His silver hair hung around his head and face. Only one eye was visible.

She stared in awe as his eye came to rest on her. He had deep golden eyes. The color of the yellow sun only brighter and full of life.

The group pressed closer to the cage to stare at the hanyou. Naraku came from the gates and walked directly up to the bars, staring at the hanyou with his hands on his hips.

The hanyou glared at him with a deadly eye. He growled and balled his hands into fists.

Naraku turned around to the group, "See? Isn't he wonderful? I dare say that this creature will prove to be a remarkable addition to our beloved carnival. Now, let's let him get accustomed to his new surroundings and tomorrow we will see if he is at all trainable."

Naraku turned and left the animal tent with a huff.

One by one, individuals stole another look at the hanyou before departing and returning to work.

Sango's hand came to rest on Kagome's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze before she turned and walked out of the tent.

Kagome didn't move. Her feet were rooted to the spot. Her eyes transfixed with the being in the cage.

Kagome was now alone with the hanyou. All others had wanted to get away. She moved closer to the cage. The electric hum grew louder in her ears as she got closer.

The hanyou's gaze followed her as she moved closer. Kagome just stared and stared at his face and features. He looked so much like a normal human, minus the claws, ears, and silver hair.

The hanyou's lips curled up into a sneer and he roared at Kagome, showing his fangs. But Kagome didn't move. Was she scared of this creature? Yes, but he wasn't like the giant cats or the elephants. Perhaps it was the fact that he was half human that made him seem more or less...passive.

After the hanyou realized that the girl wasn't going to stop staring, he rolled his eyes and began to pace within his cage. Kagome still watched him. He had a wonderful walk, it was powerful, yet graceful.

In between the bars of the cage, the hanyou forgot about the annoying, staring girl and looked around the tent. He eyed the other animals in the tent. They too, were all behind bars.

He could sense the smell of fresh hay and manure all around him. His ears picked up the shouts and noises of workers outside the tent.

His gaze fell back on the starring girl. Who still hadn't moved from her spot. He strolled back over and sat down in front of her.

Kagome watched as the hanyou sat down and leaned forward, staring at her. Was he trying to mimic her?

Kagome blinked a few times and moved her face closer to the electric bars. If the bars didn't separate them, then she was less than a foot away from the hanyou.

The hanyou stared back at her, their face's eye level.

Kagome gazed into his golden eyes, the other one she could slightly see beneath his silver hair. Her eyes scanned his pointed face, and starred longingly at his adorable ears.

She longed to touch one of those velvet ears.

Without thinking twice about the danger, Kagome raised her hand up and out toward the bars of the cage.

The hanyou watched her hand come at him. He cocked his head slightly at her movement.

Kagome could feel the warmth of the electric pulse that emitted from the bars. Her hand slightly shook, as she pressed forward towards the creature.

Her fingers entered the cage and moved toward the hanyou's head. He froze, wondering what the girl was attempting to do.

Kagome was centimeters away from the ears, her fingers felt weak and not attached to her body. Finally, she lunged forward and using her thumb and pointer finger grabbed a hold of the hanyou's left ear.

She had only touched the softness for a second when the hanyou let out a violent roar, which scared her beyond means. She quickly withdrew her hand and pulled it out of the cage.

The hanyou's clawed hand struck out to grab hers, but she was quicker and his fist stuck the electric bars. Kagome heard the electric zap again and the hanyou pulled his hand away from the bars and let out a small yelp.

Kagome fell backwards and landed on her back. She sat up quickly, her heart pounding.

The hanyou shook his hand slightly, as if to get rid of the pain, and then turned his gaze back to her. He growled ferociously at her, for causing him pain. Kagome could see both his golden eyes and the flashed at her with rage.

Kagome pulled herself up and dusted herself off. She felt such sorrow for the creature, he was so wild, yet he was forced to live in confinement.

Kagome took a deep breath and spoke brave words,

"I pity you." She squeaked out to the hanyou. The hanyou's eyes widened as she said this. Then, he snarled again and began to growl more viciously and loudly.

Kagome took a few steps backwards and then turned and ran. As she reached the tent flap, she could have sworn she heard a noise that sounded like a, "Feh."

But she didn't dare look back. That hanyou could have cut off her hand just then. Kagome just continued to run out and went to find Sango.

Back inside the tent, the hanyou watched the young girl run away. He reached up and touched the ear she had just grabbed. Then, he glared at the hand that had just gotten electrocuted when he tried to make her let go. His ears lay back on his head and he curled his fingers into a fist. 'Damn fucking humans.' He thought.

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I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Yes, this is only chapter one...and it's really long (I write long chapters) This is one of my newest stories...and I plan to continue it.

If you like what you are reading then please review. Thanks!! No flames please, but constructive criticism is allowed. Please review!! Reviews are my inspiration to write more and quickly...so if you want chapter 2 up soon... I better get some reviews!!