"A Feudal Fairytale :: Retold"
Chapter One :: The Taijiya, The Miko, and The Hanyou
Author's Note: This idea has been playing around in my mind for some time now, so I finally just wrote it. I know there are many loose ends, but all will be explained as the story progresses. So please in your reviews don't ask me about Kilala or Naraku or even the Shikon no Tama. I have this all worked out in my mind (hopefully) and although this isn't my main focus right now, I do intend to finish it.
Warnings: Major changes to the original story line. So if you don't like those types of stories, then don't read. Slight yuri, mostly just another girl blushing at the other and such. No, I don't intend this to be a Yuri /yuri, so don't let that stop you from reading the story. Yes, Sango has a major part in this fic and if you don't like her then this isn't for you. Sorry, I can't please everyone. Also mild violence and cursing, about the same for any average Inuyasha fan fic. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I do own this plot and any original characters that appear in it, so please don't copy or steal. Thanks.
Onward!
Kaede struggled to stand, using her bow as a crutch. As much as she hated to admit it, time had caught up with her. And with it, old-age as well. She stood as proudly as she could, though, making sure that signs of weariness were not present on her face as her granddaughter entered the small village home that she called her own.
"Obassan," came her grandchild's sugar-sweet voice. Kaede smiled, unable to stop the small lift at the corners of her lips.
"Yes, child? I am awake. What does ye need?" Kaede asked, sitting cross-legged on the floor as the girl sat down before her.
She bowed her pretty head before speaking, "Obaasan, the taijiya that you sent for has arrived. The village officers thought I should inform you that the taijiya... is a woman." Her voice trailed off and she glanced at Kaede.
The old miko merely smiled, nodding her head, "They should not be so quick to underestimate a woman. Ye come and help an old woman to her feet..."
Her granddaughter quickly complied, helping her to her feet in no time. Kaede walked ahead towards the center of her village, where a small group of men surrounded a woman dressed in strange, foreign clothing. Considering the large weapon strapped over her shoulder, she could be none other than the Taijiya.
"Welcome, taijiya. We are very grateful that ye has come so quickly." Kaede bowed as much as her aching back would comply. She straightened her body and waited for the other woman to speak.
The taijiya nodded, her face hidden behind some sort of mask, "My pleasure, miko. What sort of youkai are you dealing with?"
"A centipede," Kaede said, "She's been terrorizing the village in search of the Shikon no Tama."
"Shikon no Tama?" Taijiya echoed, more to herself than to Kaede. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "The Jewel of Four Souls was locked away by a priestess over fifty years ago, wasn't it?"
"Yes, by my sister Kikyo. Where are ye's comrades? I was hoping to speak with your village leader about the jewel's origins, so that I might understand it more fully."
"Slain. All of them." The Taijiya answered curtly. Kaede detected traces of remorse and hidden anger in the girl's eyes, but both emotions were gone in an instant. Kaede nodded.
"Unfortunate." She said simply. Dealing with loss of life was something she was accustomed too. Though it never failed to make her feel saddened, she would not allow it to show. A sign of weakness was something she was not allowed to have.
The Taijiya did not respond.
"What's ye's name?" Kaede asked.
"Sango. Where was this youkai last seen? It would only be beneficial for us all if I did this as quickly as possible."
"Indeed. The centipede was last seen in Inuyasha's Forest. I will have my grandchild escort you to the outer edges of the wilderness. Kagome!"
A meek yes was followed by a pretty girl stepping up behind Kaede. She bowed to Sango, clearly intimidated by the strong, strange young woman. "Yes Obassan?"
"Escort Sango the Taijiya to the outer edges of Inuyasha's Forest. Go quickly and arm yourself incase the youkai appears sooner." Kaede ordered. When Kagome did not move, Kaede said, "What are ye waiting for? Go child!"
Kagome quickly hurried towards her home and returned minutes later, with a bow and arrows strapped across her back. She gave Kaede a frightened smile, but she tried her best to appear brave to the taijiya. Sango took no noticed of the girl as she began to walk forward, following her instincts. Kagome quickly moved after her, silently as she could.
After walking for a few minutes in silence, Kagome cleared her throat. "So... Taijiya-sama... you've been doing this for a while, haven't you?"
Sango continued to walk in silence. Kagome barely noticed the sharp nod of her head. Kagome caught her breath. Walking this close to the strange woman, she couldn't help but to realize how... beautiful she was. The Taijiya's long hair and brilliant eyes made Kagome glance self-consciously at the ground.
"How long?" Kagome asked, "I mean, how long have you been slaying youkais?"
"Six years." The Taijiya said irritably. She obviously disliked 'small talk'. She suddenly stopped walking, and glanced around with an uneasy gaze. "Step back, girl."
Kagome did as she was told. She worriedly glanced around, unable to detect anything with her limited miko powers. The taijiya narrowed her eyes and continued to walk again.
"What happened? What did you hear?" Kagome asked in a whisper. She was beginning to feel very nervous.
"It's stalking us," Sango glanced to her left. "Don't panic. It would be unsafe for you to return to the village alone. Just stick close to me and you'll be alright."
"Yes," Kagome said gripping her bow tighter.
The Taijiya turned and glanced at Kagome. Her eyes softened, "It's alright, I'll protect you."
Kagome blushed and nodded. She looked at the ground, unable to keep the Taijiya's gaze.
The Taijiya removed her mask, "What's your name?" The Taijiya asked suddenly, after several minutes of silence.
"Kagome. I'm Kaede's granddaughter." Kagome explained.
"Ah. Sango is my name."
"Sango is a beautiful name..." Kagome said, a sweet smile crossing her face. For an equally beautiful woman...
"Thank you," Sango smiled slightly. "My mother named me." Sango stopped walking again and her legs spread as she got into a fighting position. "Stay close, Kagome. The youkai will strike any minute now."
And it did. Faster than either woman had anticipated. Sango gritted her teeth as she shoved Kagome out of harms way, ducking her head as the tail of the centipede swished over her head. She glared at the demon and slung hiraikotsu towards it.
"Kagome, get out of here! Run back to the village!" Sango shouted, dodging the centipede and catching hiraikotsu. The centipede had been able to dodge her first attack, but Sango would not allow her to dodge the second.
Kagome shook her head, gripping her bow before her. She quickly drew an arrow and aimed at the centipede. She narrowed her eyes, trying to stop her hands from shaking so violently. She wouldn't leave Sango to fight alone. Not when she knew she could help... if only she could aim straight!
"Please, please... let me do this right..." Kagome prayed silently. She shut her eyes tightly before releasing the bow. Her eyes shot open as she gasped in horror. Her arrow had not hit its intended mark. Sango stood, grasping her right shoulder in pain. Kagome fell to her knees. "Sango-sama..."
"It's alright Kagome! RUN!" Sango growled out, tearing the arrow from her shoulder. She winced slightly, before hefting hiraikotsu back into the air.
The centipede howled in irritation, and lunged forward, catching Sango around the waist with some of her many arms. Sango dropped hiraikotsu, struggling as she felt her bones begin to crack under the strain. She coughed, racking her rib-cage. She glanced through blurred vision as Kagome came running, and as Kagome drove an arrow head into the centipede's side.
"Sango-sama!" Kagome shouted, catching the other woman. Both tumbled to the ground. Kagome stared down at the taijiya, who she had ungracefully landed on top of as the two had rolled down the hill. "I'm sorry, so sorry about what happened... I..."
"I'm fine," Sango snapped. Kagome looked even more hurt, so Sango sighed and said softer, "I'm fine, don't worry about it. Come on. We need to make a plan... but first we have to lose her so we can have a moment to think..."
"Right. Where can we go?" Kagome asked frantically.
"Well... first..." Sango said slowly, glancing around, "You have to get off of me."
Kagome blushed bright pink, "Oh sorry!" She quickly scrambled off of the taijiya and helped the other woman to her feet.
"Quite alright." Sango mumbled. She glanced towards the hill, where she knew the youkai would be showing her ugly face in a matter of seconds. "Come on, we need to run,"
"Where?!" Kagome asked her eyes wide.
Sango rolled her own lovely eyes, "I don't know, Kagome, but we have to outrun her and then face her when we are more prepared. I believe I under estimated her. Besides I must take care of the wound in my shoulder."
Kagome stared down at her feet, "I'm really sorry Sango-sama..."
Sango grabbed Kagome's hand, making the younger girl blush again. "Come on, we need to hurry!"
Kagome and Sango ran for what seemed like hours. Kagome was having a hard time keeping up with Sango's speed; the taijiya was obviously very swift. Kagome noticed by Sango's steady breathing that she was no where near her limits. Kagome sighed. If only she were a bit more in shape. Then Sango wouldn't have to go so slow...
Suddenly Sango slid to a halt. Her eyes were wide as she stared ahead of her. One word escaped from her lips: "Inuyasha..."
Kagome's eyes widened and she twisted around to see. She had never been this close to him before. "He looks human..." Kagome whispered.
Sango stared. "He's... beautiful..." She breathed out, her eyes wide. She stepped up to the tree, and stared at him, as if in a trance. She reached out and touched his face. "Warm... it's like... he's sleeping..." The taijiya cleared her throat, "Come on Kagome... we need to... make a plan..."
"Right." Kagome nodded. The two turned to walk away when a voice called out to them.
"Taijiya."
Sango turned on her heel. She narrowed her eyes as she glanced from right to left, "Who's there?"
"Up here..."
Sango's eyes widened as she looked up, "Inu... Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha cocked his head to the right, "Yeah." He watched her carefully for a moment, before saying, "I wouldn't turn my back on a youkai like that."
Sango blinked, before ducking as the centipede's tail swung, almost knocking her in the head. Sango managed to help Kagome avoid the attack as well. Inuyasha smirked from where he was bound, "That was a close one."
"Be quiet." Sango sneered, jumping to her feet. She slung hiraikotsu, detaching a couple of the centipeede's many arms. Inuyasha nodded his head.
"Not bad. But I could finish her off in no time. She'd be child's play."
"Heh." Sango growled, ducking once again, "Such large words for someone bound to a tree."
Inuyasha laughed, "Free me and I'll kill her for you."
Sango grabbed Kagome and shoved her out of the way, just as the centipeede's tail came around and caught Sango right in the chest. The taijiya was knocked several feet back, and she slammed into the tree that held Inuyasha.
"Hurry up and do it before you get yourself killed, stupid human!" Inuyasha growled out. Sango coughed once, before frantically analyzing her situation. She was lying on the ground beneath the tree, and Hiraikotsu was too far away, her swords wouldn't do her much good against the centipeede, and she had to consider Kagome's life as well. Narrowing her eyes and coming to a decision, she jumped to her feet and reached for the arrow in Inuyasha's chest.
"That's it! Free me!" Inuyasha howled. Sango narrowed her eyes and hesitated for a moment. If she were to free him... then what would she do from there? Would she really be able to keep him under control? Sango hesitated a second too long, as the centipede wrapped her body around the taijiya, pressing the girl against Inuyasha's chest.
"What happened? Why'd you stall?" Inuyasha growled, his nose pressing against her cheek.
"I... I wasn't sure..." Sango coughed, the pressure beginning to take affect.
"Damn it. Stupid human. You're all just alike. You think just because I'm a hanyou that I'm going to automatically kill you. Feh. Foolish." Inuyasha sneered. Sango narrowed her eyes, pulling her face away to stare him dead in the eye. For one moment she held his gaze, before yanking the arrow from his chest. Both yelled in surprise as it vanished in a bright flash of white light.
Kagome lay trembling on the ground, her hands covering her head. She was too frozen with fear to look up, and the bright light had helped to greaten that fear. She bit her lip and remained where she was. Sango-sama....
Meanwhile, Sango and Inuyasha both blinked at the same moment. Sango stared, a knot in her stomach beginning to form. Just how was she going to deal with Inuyasha if she couldn't kill the centipeede? What had she gotten herself into?
"You surprise me, taijiya." Inuyasha snorted. Sango eye's widened as she realized that she was laying on top of Inuyasha. He smirked slightly.
"Humph," Sango rolled her eyes and jumped to her feet quickly. She unsheathed her sword and held out in front of her. "I suppose if we both take her on we should be able to defeat her."
"So now you want to fight side by side with a hanyou?" Inuyasha asked from the ground behind her.
"It's not like I have any other choice." Sango shot back at him. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, got to his feet, and pounced at the oncoming centipeede. "What are you insane?" Sango shouted, her heart quickening for some reason she wasn't quite sure about. Was... she worried for him? Or just anxious?
"Hah, you underestimate me, human." Inuyasha laughed as he made quick work of the centipeede. When he was finished, Sango's eyes were wide.
"I... didn't know..."
"Figures. Humans are so ignorant." Inuyasha sniffed. He popped his knuckles and grinned, "Thanks for setting me free. I'm not sure how you did it, but you did and that's good enough for me. Since you've done this, I suppose I won't kill you... yet anyway. So tell me, taijiya, where is the Shikon no Tama?"
Sango blinked, "The Shikon no Tama?"
"Yes, I didn't stutter." Inuyasha grinned.
"I don't know," Sango crossed her arms, "Why do you want to know?"
"That's my business." Inuyasha snorted. He grinned devilishly, "You're lying."
"Lying? About what??" Sango growled.
"About the Shikon no Tama. You know where its at. I can smell it." Inuyasha continued to stare Sango in the eyes. The taijiya took a step back and narrowed her eyes.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ah yes, but you do." Inuyasha's grin dissipated from his face, "So stop with the bullshit bitch and tell me where its at. I've waited too long for this."
Sango shook her head, "Even if I did know, Inuyasha, I would never give it to a monster like you. I must return to the village and announce the news of the centipede's defeat. I have too many wounds and not enough time to listen to this. Am I too presumptuous to assume that since I freed you, you will not attack me or the village I protect?"
"Hah. Yes, you are too presumptuous indeed." Inuyasha cracked a grin.
"Then I must defeat you now." Sango bowed her head and unsheathed her sword. She narrowed her eyes when she saw Inuyasha begin to smirk, and then start to chuckle.
"Do you really think you can defeat me when you couldn't even finish off such a weak amateur like that centipede?" Inuyasha spoke after he'd finished laughing.
"I could have finished that centipede," Sango said with complete confidence. "I've defeated many youkai much more powerful."
"Yes, but I suppose today was just a bad day for you, right?" Inuyasha shook his head, waving his hand towards Sango, "You're not worth my time. So just tell me where the jewel is so I can go collect what is mine."
"That jewel is no ones." Sango snapped, "But the successor of Midoriko."
"And who might that be?" Inuyasha asked, crossing his arms. This had caught his interest. He'd heard the legends of the powerful priestess with the ability to completely purify youkai's souls with her touch alone.
"He or She has yet to be revealed. And as far as I'm concerned they never will be, because with their coming, endless wars and famine will follow. Just as it was when Midoriko lived. That is why the Shikon no Tama must remain dormant." Sango stated. "And that is also why no one knows where its at, save for whoever hid it away."
"And you know who hid it, yes?" Inuyasha asked. He stepped closer to Sango. The taijiya did not let her sword down, and her muscles did not relax. Inuyasha grinned to himself, she really thought he was about to kill her.
"All I know is that the woman who hid it is dead." Sango growled out.
Inuyasha blinked. "That's all you know?"
"Yes. Now... fight me or let me go in peace. I must return to the village to inform them of the centipeede's defeat and of your releasing." Sango said glancing towards Kagome who had sat up.
"No Sango-sama! The village council will punish you for releasing Inuyasha!" Kagome's eyes were wide. She did not want anything to happen to Sango... she couldn't bare that thought.
Sango bowed her head, "I will accept any punishment for what I've done."
"The punishment for releasing Inuyasha is death!" Kagome cried out, tears filling her eyes.
Sango stared at the ground, lowering her sword. Her eyes did not reveal her emotions, but Inuyasha could smell a slight sense of.... embracement? Did this woman embrace the idea of death?
"That's just like you humans. Going down so easily without a fight. Come on taijiya, they can't really do anything to you! Why not just tell them you defeated the centipeede, collect your pay and leave! If what you say is true then I have no use for this village or this forest." Inuyasha snorted after a moment of silence. He looked directly at Kagome for the first time. His eyes widened dramatically, "Kikyo?"
Sango and Kagome both looked at him in surprise. "Kikyo?" Kagome blinked, "She was my grandmother's sister. Why do you speak of her? Did you know her, Inuyasha-sama?"
"Feh. She was an annoying woman." Inuyasha snorted. Then he grinned, "Kikyo must have some idea where the jewel might be. She was its caretaker... Forget my earlier statement, that village still holds some value. Take me to Kikyo, girl."
Kagome's eyes widened, "Me? But she's dead..."
"Dead?" Inuyasha's voice caught, but he covered it up quickly, "Serves the bitch right."
"You killed her, don't you remember?" Kagome accused, her eyes beginning to water. Her great aunt HAD NOT deserved to die. How dare that monster say that about her!
Inuyasha stepped back, "Is that what you've been told? That bitch tried to kill me, I didn't even touch her!" Inuyasha growled.
"Liar!" Kagome shouted, taking a step forward. Her earlier cowardliness was forgotten. Sango placed her arm to hold Kagome in place.
"Stop this. Both of you. We must return, Inuyasha. Please let us go... If Kikyo did seal the jewel away then no one but she would know of its whereabouts, and you heard for yourself that Kikyo has passed on. The jewel is lost, so forget it and live your life thankful that you are no longer bound to a tree." Sango turned to Kagome, her eyes softening, "Ignore his words, Kagome-chan. Come, I must face my punishment."
"NO!" Kagome grabbed Sango's arm as the older girl had began to walk back towards the village. The force of Kagome's jerk sent Sango falling back towards her. Kagome steadied them, surprised at her own strength, but she did not think on it for more than a moment, "Sango-sama, please listen to me! I will return and collect your pay and no word of Inuyasha's release will be spoken... then you can leave and everything will be alright."
"But Kagome, when the village council discovers Inuyasha is free, they'll question you..."
"And probably punish me instead, but I don't care!" Kagome spoke quickly. Sango shook her head.
"No. I will not have you suffer for my bad judgment."
"Sango-sama, please..."
"Humans. I'll tell you what, you help me find the Shikon no Tama, and I'll return with you to the village, force them to pay you, and we'll be on our way."
Sango blinked at Inuyasha's offer. "You want to travel with me?"
"Not really, but I suppose I'd rather have you alive and being an asset than dead hanging from a tree or burning alive on some post." Inuyasha grinned, "So what about it, taijiya? Will you take my offer?"
"And help you gain control of the Shikon no Tama? No." Sango shook her head, "Who knows what evils you'll bring upon this world."
"Your loss." Inuyasha shrugged. He crossed his arms and plopped onto the ground.
"What are you doing?" Sango asked suspiciously.
"Sitting down, if that's too much to ask, it doesn't seem you two are going to be coming to any decisions anytime soon, so I'm going to rest." Inuyasha smirked.
Kagome turned to Inuyasha, "I might be able to help you find the Shikon no Tama."
Sango's jaw dropped, "Ka... Kagome! What..?"
Inuyasha hopped to his feet, "You don't say? How so?"
"Well, my grandmother told me long ago that she thought I was Kikyo's reincarnation, and she told me how to find the Shikon no Tama."
"You're Kikyo's reincarnation?" Inuyasha asked. "I noticed the resemblance…" He crossed his arms and looked thoughtful, "You must have been the one I sensed who had knowledge of the jewel's whereabouts… not the Taijiya… I guess all my powers have yet to fully return to me since I've been bound to that damn tree…"
"Yes…" Kagome nodded.
"So, how do you find it?" Inuyasha asked. Sango was about to protest when Kagome spoke.
Kagome sounded excited. "I'll only help you, if you protect Sango-sama and not allow my villagers to hurt her. No, protect her always... even after you have gained the power of the Shikon no Tama... or I swear I'll use my miko powers to bind you right back to that tree!"
Sango started to protest once again, but Inuyasha cut her off, "Deal."
"Wait just a minute!" Sango growled, "I can't believe you Kagome, would you actually give up the jewel to a monster like Inuyasha for my sake? That's irresponsible and completely irrational!"
"Doesn't matter, I've already agreed to it." Inuyasha grinned. Kagome nodded.
"Forgive me Sango-sama, but I could not bear to see you punished because you are a good person and you saved my life. I owe you this." Kagome's eyes were shining with tears.
"No you do not!"
"Shut up Taijiya." Inuyasha snorted. He grinned at Kagome, "Come on, let's go."
The two began to walk towards the village. Sango stood staring after them. She watched as Inuyasha tossed hiraikotsu over his shoulder. "And you too, taijiya. You're my burden now."
-My second story! I'm so proud! Tell me what ya think, please!-