Yo! Inukochan ish back!
I just got done with a family get together…what fun…-.-;;
Anyway, I didn't feel like writing and still don't, but if I neglect it now chances are I won't get around to it for another month. So, I'll write anyway, knowing me I'll start to get into it half way through. n.n
We're taking a small break on Kouga-kun being the center of attention, only because I can't think of a way to introduce this new character with Kouga-kun remaining the lead. Well get straight back to Kouga-kun after the introduction is complete.
By the way, until the humans in the IY group find out that Kyou's a girl, she'll be referred to as "the 'boy'", "he", and "him" instead, or as Kyou when they learn her name.
Get ready for Chapter 4!
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Healer's Punishment Part One
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Kouga and the Inu-gang followed the young 'boy' into the Inn. The room they were led into wasn't to high fashion, but looked moderately high class. The floors were spotless and clean, a table was set off to the right and had a large vase sitting on it, the vase held different assortments of flowers colored mostly red and purple matching the flowers were colorful paintings that lined the wall, two on each of the walls. The room was fairly large and there was a spot where visitors were supposed to remove their shoes. The shoji door leading into the next room was set to the far left of the large room.
"Wow, this looks nice." Kagome looked at one of the paintings, it was a painting of a samurai, he was in a field; it looked like a grave scene but where the graves would be stood a pile of different types of flowers instead, each 'grave' was a separate type of flower. "Who made this?" Kagome searched for a name on the painting, however, it didn't seem to be signed.
The 'boy' looked to Kagome and walked over to glance at the picture with her, "Yes, it is a fine piece of work isn't it? I know the man who made it, would you like to meet him, miss…?"
"My name's Kagome, Higurashi Kagome. And you are?"
"Ah, Higurashi-san, what a beautiful name! You may call me Kyou." Kyou smiled at Kagome as he bowed respectfully as he introduced 'himself'.
"Thank you, and um, I would like to met the one who painted this. It's stunning, but I guess I don't quite understand the concept of the flowers and the way it looks…" Kagome gave the painting a once over, trying to find a pattern that may indicate what the artist was trying to say.
"Well, I have no doubt that you'll meet him sooner or later, but now why don't we get you into your rooms, you must be tired!"
Sango looked slightly worried at the mention of the rooms, "About the rooms, we really don't have a lot of money."
"Ah! No, I don't think it's safe to stay here, either way. I can sense a demonic aura lurking about this inn!" Miroku braced himself and got out sutras, "I can rid this inn of the demonic force for you."
Kyou looked at the monk as though he were crazy, "Monk you are horribly mistaken. I can sense auras as well and there has not been a demonic one here until just now when your demon friends entered. There is no other demonic activity. If you are worried about price then I can make you a deal."
"A deal? What kind of deal?" The Taijiya looked dubious and wasn't sure they could trust this stranger, especially seeing the way the other villagers acted towards them.
"I will give you a free room, what ever room the kitsune stays in I'll rent to you for free. How's that for a deal?" Kyou smirked and patiently waited for an answer.
"Ne, Kyou-kun, even with that offer, I still don't think we'll have enough…" Kagome looked to Shippou and thought over how much money they had to spend. "Maybe we could just all share one big room."
"That could work. I guess we'll take you're largest room." Sango thought over how big the room may be and if they may all even fit in the biggest room.
Inuyasha and Kouga continued to watch the conversation, neither of them seeing any reason to but in.
"Very well then! I will have someone show you to your room." Smiling Kyou made to call for someone, but stopped as the door they came in from opened.
"Kyou-kun, you'll never believed what I just heard! Demons are…" The man who just walked in stopped and starred at the two demons, Inuyasha and Kouga, seeming not to notice anything but the ears and furs. "Demons are….what the hell?" The man dropped what he was carrying and looked as though he was literally going to jump out of his skin and rush out the door. Luckily, Kyou grabbed him before that could happen.
"Re-chan! You're back! How nice, please could you show our guest to their room?" Kyou smiled at the man who looked absolutely petrified.
Kouga looked at the man…I've seen him. He's the guy who came to get that Kyou girl before…
"Hell no!" 'Re-chan' as Kyou called him snatched away his arm and glared at the 'boy'.
Kyou sighed, seeming not to be surprised by the response, "Fine, I'll do it, but I want you to clean up this mess you've made." He pointed to the things 'Re' had dropped. "Alright, follow me, I'll take you to your room." Kyou gave Kagome and the others a small smile before walking out the shoji door to the left.
Kagome pursued mutely as did the others, a few moments later they entered a room nearly the same size as the one they were just in. It looked similar; there were paintings and a small table, as well as a larger table on the opposite side of the room. There was a closet with kimono's, Hakama, Hoari, yukata, and other clothing on the far right wall, in the back right corner was one neatly made futon.
"This is our most prevalent room, you will stay here for the night. Please wait while I have someone bring in more futons for you." Kyou sauntered out of the room and down the hall, leaving the gang to explore around the outsized room.
"These paintings are pretty too." Kagome looked intently at the paintings around the area, while the others sat silently, groped or slapped the offending groper.
A soft knock was heard and Sango answered for whomever it was to come in. A tall woman entered, she wore a dark pink kimono with rose petals decorating it. Her hair was hip length and curly, it had a soft light brown color to it, as her large green eyes searched the room.
"Where is Kyou-kun?" The girl timidly asked as she looked at the group, seeming not to blink.
"He went to get us some futons, and whom may you be lovely miss?" Miroku wasted no time on getting to the beauty as he cupped one of her hands in his.
"Why would he do that? This is Kyou-kun's room!" The girls pale skin flushed slightly as she looked away from the salient looking monk.
"Well…" before Miroku could answer he was interrupted.
"Koto-chan! What are you doing?" Kyou walked back into the room with two futons lightly pushing the girl out of the way as he did so.
"Kyou-kun!" The girl called Koto latched onto Kyou as he set the futons down. "Kyou-kun why are these people using your room?" she asked, sounding perplexed.
"They wanted our largest room, mine just happens to be the largest. It's no major concern. Koto, we still need more futons, could you get some please? Higurashi-san, how many will you and your companions be needing, I forgot to ask?"
"Oh, only five. Shippou sleeps with me." Kagome hugged the kitsune close to her chest as though she were expressing their closeness.
Kyou nodded and instructed the girl, Koto, to get two more futons for the room. "Higurashi-san, is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Um, no I don't think so. How much will this cost?"
"This room is free."
Kagome went wide-eyed, how could a room like this be free? "Free! How! Why? I mean, I'm not complaining but…"
"I told you I would give you whatever room the kitsune stays in for free, did I not?"
"Well yeah, but…I didn't think since we're only getting one room…" the miko looked to her feet, feeling a little guilty. How was this 'boy' going to make a profit if he gave out his own room for free? And were would he sleep? "Kyou-kun, if this is your room, where will you sleep?" Kagome looked from her feet to the innkeeper.
"I will stay in another guest room." Kyou shrugged as though it were nothing. And gave directions to Koto as she came back into the room and placed the futons down. "Koto, please start a fire and tell Re-chan to get the vegetables and some meat out. I want to make some stew."
"Right away Kyou-kun." Koto bowed before leaving to do her tasks.
"Is she a worker here?" Sango asked Kyou as she sat on the futon she would use for the night.
Kyou turned his head in Sango's direction, "Yes, that is Koto Chinya, he has been working here for around a year, Re-chan has worked here the longest though."
Miroku blinked and looked to Kyou with wide eyes, "Excuse me, but did you say "he"? Please tell me I heard wrong!"
"Afraide not. Koto is all male. He just feels more comfortable in women's clothing. He is naturally a apprehensive person and does not feel that such a persona fits a male." Kyou shook his head and ambled towards the door, "I will return shortly with a meal for you."
Some time had passed since the innkeeper called Kyou had left and the group had all found interesting things to do. Sango and Miroku were fighting…or rather Sango was smacking Miroku repeatedly due to his 'cursed hand', Inuyasha and Kouga were deeply engaged in a glaring contest, and Kagome and Shippou were playing a game that the kitsune made up.
"Excuse me? Sorry to interrupt, but Kyou wanted you to know that food will be ready soon." A boy with jet black hair and crimson red eyes stepped into the room and looked around the group, "Re-chan said demons were here, by the way he was acting, I thought you would be eating one of our employees!" the boy laughed and made his way over a corner in the room leaning his back against the wall. He wore black hakama, but his chest was bare, tan skin shone with sweat as though he had been working out or involved some martial art.
Kagome gave the boy a friendly smile, " Hello, I'm Higurashi Kagome. You must be a worker here as well!"
"Yes, I am Noikushi Daisuke, but people around here call me Da or Dai! What ever you feel more comfortable with is fine by me!" He beamed at the miko, he looked innocent, aside from his red eyes, that didn't even look human, but Kagome disregarded the eyes, it wasn't important.
"So, Dai-kun, how long have you worked here?" Miroku asked, hoping perhaps Sango would forget about his hand and stop hitting him.
"Hm, I'm not sure…I started around the same time as Chinya-chan and Kyou-kun though!"
"Interesting, I thought since Kyou-kun owned the place he'd have been here longer." Sango couldn't help but wonder how a man who clearly owned the inn could only be working here for a year; maybe Dai meant it's been a year since Kyou took over the family business or something?
Daisuke blinked and laughed softly, "Kyou-kun doesn't own it, he just runs it! Re-chan is the owner, but Re-chan hates this business, he likes art more."
"So, he's the one that made these paintings?" Kagome was amazed that she already met the man that could make such beautiful art…well sorta. She didn't really meet him, but close enough right?
"Yep, that's him!" Daisuke looked to the door as it opened and immediately helped Kyou with the trays of food he was carrying.
Kyou and Daisuke set the trays on the smaller table and spread out the food and dishware on the larger one. When they finished Kyou gave Daisuke orders to clean the kitchen area and sat away from the table.
The group ate the food they were given. Kouga was eating surprisingly well, considering he lived with a pack of wolves, literally.
Kagome looked up from her meal and to Kyou who was still in the room, and watching her. She shifted uncomfortably wondering what he could want, "Kyou-kun, how much is this going to cost?" she spoke breaking the silence as well as the intense stare Kyou had been giving her.
"You may have it for free." Was Kyou's only answer.
"Now wait a minute, what's the catch? You don't just give out free rooms, and free service and free food when you run a business!" Inuyasha glared at Kyou not buying the nice act one bit.
"I need a favor." The 'boy' looked back at Inuyasha, waiting for a response.
"What type of favor?" The hanyou's eye twitched in slight irritation as his comrades watched and listened.
Kyou took out a small cloth that had been folded and walked over next to Kagome, sitting next to her at the end of the table, Inuyasha was sitting in front of Kagome and now to Kyou's left.
"Higurashi-san, I noticed the jewels around your neck." He pointed to the small jar that hung by a necklace, holding with in it the shikon no kakera.
"You can't have them!" Inuyasha glared even more at the 'boy' who dared imply that they give their shards to him.
"I do not want them. I wish for Kagome to purify something for me." He set the cloth on the table in front of Kagome. "I've heard that the jewels become tainted much of the time and I sensed power in Higurashi-san, you are a miko, yes?" Kyou watched as Kagome nodded in retort and continued, "Well, this cloth covers an important heirloom that my mother gave to me. I don't know how, but something or someone has tainted it, and I am afraid to even touch it. I have heard of what happens when one comes in contact with something tainted in such a way."
Kagome blinked, taking the cloth into her hands and unfolding it. The cloth held in side its folds a golden necklace, the chain was gold and there was a stone that shone dark purple lining the stone's edges was gold that attached to the chain. Kagome concentrated her power to the stone and the party watched as it glowed and went from a tainted dark purple to a divine light blue.
Kyou smiled widely and embraced Kagome, "Thank you, Higurashi-san! I though I never would be able to hold my families heirloom again. You have no idea what this means to me!" Kyou clasped the necklace in his hands and continued to smile brightly.
Kagome smiled back to Kyou as he got up and took the dishes, she listened as Kyou thanked her once more and wished them a good night.
Morning seemed to come quickly as Kouga rose to his feet, looking to Kagome as she to got up. He smirked at her as she looked over to him to say good morning.
Kagome followed Inuyasha to the main room where they first entered. It was time they left to continue on their journey. Sango and Miroku had already went to the main room and waited for Kagome and the rival demon's to come with Shippou and Kirara. As Kagome entered the room she noticed that something was wrong. The boy with red eyes and a aura of innocence was standing off to the side sobbing silently as tears rolled down his flushed cheeks. It looked as though Sango and Miroku were trying to find out what was wrong.
"What happened?" Kagome joined her two human companions leaving her demon companions side.
Sango looked to her sister figure, the miko Kagome, "We don't know, he won't answer any of our questions."
Kagome looked to the boy again, trying to remember his name, "Dai-kun?" She saw the boy look to her with his tear filled eyes and guessed she remembered correctly, "What happened? Is something wrong?" Something was obviously wrong here, but it only felt natural to ask.
He sniffled slightly and looked away, as though he were ashamed to be seen in such a state of disarray.
Kagome looked around, suddenly realizing someone was missing, "Dai-kun, where's Kyou-kun?" she watched as the red eyed boy closed his eyes tightly.
"I am here." Kyou walked into the room, he wore cloths that Kagome recognized. They were similar to those that a warrior would wear when being sentenced, or when possibly committing seppuku. His hair was up the same as before, only rather than going down below his shoulders he had it done up tighter with more hair in the bun so the hair left hanging only went down to his ear lobes. He also held a sword in one hand, she watched as he stalked over the lament boy in front of her and held the sword out to him.
"Da-chan, I want you to be the one to carry out the sentence if they chose to have me beheaded."
"Geh?" Kagome's eyes widened, "What? Beheaded! Why are you going to be beheaded!" She couldn't deem what she hearing!
Kyou turned to her, his brown eyes looked strenuous and cold, "The head of the village has returned, it is no surprise that he has found out about my allowing you and your demon companions to stay in this inn. As I'm sure you have noticed, this village does not exactly accept those whom are different, those who are demons. The head of this village is choosing my decree as we speak. I am important to this village; I am a healer as well as a warrior. I doubt he'll have the valor to kill me." Kyou smirked as he said this, confident he would live to see tomorrow. "But, if I am wrong and they do want to kill me, I want my best friend to do the honors. It is my last wish."
Kagome looked to Daisuke who had calmed down and looked as serious as what Kyou did. "The village head man wanted you and your comrades to be there for the sentencing, I will not let them harm you, so you have no need to fret." Kyou walked out the door and into the village square. Daisuke ushered the gang out as well.
Kagome was, dumbfounded to say the least. She never thought that staying at an inn might cost someone their life! There she was, Inuyasha to her right and Kouga to her left, Shippou in her arms and Kirara in Sango's. Sango and Miroku stood feet behind Kagome and the healer, warrior, and innkeeper known only as Kyou was being sentenced for endangering the village and going against the laws in regard to demons. She could only stand and listen to what the head of the village said as the red-eyed innocent boy, Daisuke stood by his side, holding the sword given to him by Kyou.
"Kyou, you have endangered our village and disgraced your fellow warriors. We know you have a soft spot for all who are in need and respect your want to help, but as soon as you allowed those demons to enter the village you went to far!" The head of the village looked at Kyou who was standing only five feet away from him as the other villagers watched from the sidelines. "You have done much for our village but you cannot be allowed to endanger us again."
Kagome's head was abuzz; she couldn't just let them kill Kyou-kun! He had done nothing wrong! She had to do something! "W-wait!" she just had to stop this.
The head of the village looked to Kagome, "What is it child! It is rude to interrupt!"
"I-I know, but, Kyou-kun didn't do anything wrong! You can't punish him for something like this!" Kagome yelled at the headman, ignoring the gossiping villagers that chattered about her out burst.
The headman sighed, "You are young, you know nothing of demons and what they have done. One day you will understand the seriousness of this matter!"
Kagome defiantly was fuming now. How could he judge someone he didn't even know? This man didn't even know her, but he was saying that she knew nothing! "No! You're wrong! Demons are just like humans, some are bad and some are good! You're just afraid because they're different!" Her eyes glowed with not so silent rage. How could this man say such things and judge demons as a whole when like humans they have separate personalities, they're not all bad!
The gossip increased and the headman was certainly not amused at Kagome and her opinions, "You impudent little whelp! I…" Kyou cut him off before he could finish.
"I take full responsibility!" Kyou looked at the headman, no emotion evident in his eyes. "What ever you would sentence on this girl and her companions, I want you to add to my own sentence! I take full responsibility!"
"You can't do that!" Kagome couldn't believe this! Because of her, Kyou-kun's sentence would be worse! It's all my fault…what am I going to do now?
"Very well." The headman seemed to calm down as he spoke to Kyou, "I was going to seal you within the village so you can bring no more outsiders in, but because of your request, it seems I must go further. Kneel." The headman motioned for Daisuke to come forth as Kyou kneeled on one knee, bowing his head.
Daisuke stalked over and stood in front of Kyou, unsheathing the sword and looking to the headman. The Headman made a type of signal; he took one hand made a downwards-swooping motion vertical to his face, between the eyes. Kagome had no idea what the motion meant, but expected only the worst as Daisuke looked shocked then saddened and raised the sword above his head.
No, this is all my fault! If I hadn't spoken out… She could only utter one word as guilty tears rolled down her face, "NO!" Her scream did nothing to aid and she watched helplessly as the sword came down.
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That's all for this chapter! n.n
Sorry the introduction to Kyou has taken so long, it's just sort of the way it turned out. n.n;
A bit of a cliffhanger, and this one was longer than the rest. O.o Soooo, much longer…my head hurts…that was pointless to mention…-.-
Ne, well, I hope you like it so far! Please review! n.n
Ja ne!