CONTEST UPDATE: I would like to thank all the people who have spent their time making something for my contest. If anyone would like to see the entries, they're on my profile. Go check em out and tell me which one you think is the best! I love you guys:hugs all:
For those of you submitting writing, it would be VERY HELPFUL if you submitted it as a posting on Um, so if you writ something please post it instead of submitting it in a review! Thanks!
Also another note- Alright people, I have been reading Inu Yasha for two years and I own episodes 1-140 on DVD, so you would THINK that I know that Shippou is a fox demon in the real story. I KNOW! Alright, if I didn't then I probably wouldnt be writing this story. So please DONT tell me that he's a fox in the anime because I already know. This is AU and OOC. That means some things will be different. (Like the fact Inu Yasha doesn't live in the feudal era and has an abusive father.) Thank you.
All's Fair in Love and War
Chapter Twenty Three
Patience
Inu Yasha, along with Kagome, her mother, and Shippou, sat at the small kitchen table drinking tea, with the exception of Shippou who had a saucer of milk. I'm so glad you could come Inu Yasha. It's good to see that my daughter is making some good loyal friends for once, not like- Kagome sent a icy glare at her mother (Inu Yasha gasped. Kagome could glare? He never knew.) and she shut her mouth. So, excited for the festival? she asked instead.
Kagome and Inu Yasha nodded, Her mother smiled, Good, I'm glad. I really wish I could go, but I have a yoga lesson to teach tonight, so sadly I am missing it. I heard the shows tonight are going to be spectacular though. I mean, since it's Halloween and all. She grinned. I remember the last time I went there. It was ten years ago, when the carnival first started.It started ten years ago? Inu Yasha asked.
Ten years ago.
Children laughing. Tires screeching.
Something happened ten years ago.
Someone yelling. Get in the car!'
Something...
Driving faster. Sirens screaming.
Something important.
Dizzy headed. She's not coming back.'
His eyes narrowed in concentration. Small flashes and pictures ran through his memory. Little bits and pieces of information. He remembered them. Though looking back on it, that day really made no sense at all.
But who would expect it to? He was just a child, a five year old child.
:---:
The teacher's chocolate eyes sparkled as she helped the small children with their costumes. See, Sarah, now put your head through this hole. No wait! That's the wrong one honey Inu Yasha snickered from his desk as he watched Sarah get her head stuck in the arm hole of her princess dress. Luckily, he didn't have to wear a costume for Halloween, he would always just go as he was, and be a demon for Halloween.
Strangely enough, he always anticipated this day. Everyone was nice to him today. If he passed them in a hall, people would smile at him. If he fell, people would help him up. If he dropped something, people would pick it up for him. Everyone was just so nice. But only today. This was like a vacation, or a holiday, or a break from reality. He wondered why everyone was always kind on this day.
Of course, he didn't take for granted this one day of kindness, but how come people had to be so mean the other three hundred and sixty five days of the year? If it wasn't such a hassle, a smile from somebody would be nice once in a while. He picked his head up from his desk, the teacher was bringing out cookies.
They looked so good. They were green and had orange frosting, and he couldn't help but wonder what made them that weird green color. The children half way knocked the teacher over in order to get a cookie and Inu Yasha waited patiently outside of the ring of rowdy children. 'Impatient brats.' he thought sourly. Why couldn't they just wait to get one like he was doing? They would get one eventually. What's the point in stampeding the teacher?
She set the tray down on a counter and the kids dog piled each other, grubby stout fingers reaching for the sugary treat. Remember! Only one! Sighing, she walked away, and the look on her face was that of one who glad just to be alive. Little kids can be dangerous. He tapped his foot and took a glance at his Spider Man his mom had bought him at Target or some other store. Thirty seconds. Thirty one, thirty two, thirty three. The crowd was starting to clear up and he took a few steps closer. Finally, the last kid walked away and he reached out to the plate to find that it was empty. He looked around and his ears drooped.
Why didn't they just wait to get one like he did? Oh yeah. He didn't get one.
He padded gently over to the teacher. He tugged on the woman's skirt. Um, I didn't get one. he said shyly, sniffling.
Oh, Inu Yasha. I got enough for the whole class though. she said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. She tilted her head as she looked at a boy in the class. Yoku-kun! How many did you take? She walked over to him. He blushed and hid his hands behind his back.
one. he said, quickly gobbling the rest of the cookie in his hand.
What's behind your back then? she asked.
he said, holding out one of his hands.
The teacher raised an eyebrow. Both hands. she said softly. Hesitantly, he held out the other one to reveal another cookie. Yoku kun, why did you lie to me?I dunno. he said and looked down.
Can you give that cookie to Inu Yasha? He didn't get one because you took too many. she said, sweetly. He looked up at Inu Yasha who was smiling shyly. Maybe he would get a cookie out of this anyways? Yoku looked back and forth between the boy and the cookie.
Inu Yasha felt a hint of a grin. The boy took a step forward then raised the cookie to his own face and licked the back, right before shoving it in Inu Yasha's hand. he said quickly and ran away.
the teacher shot angrily and ran to follow him. Inu Yasha dropped the cookie in his hand, damp now from saliva. That was the LAST cookie he would ever eat.
He bit at his lip. How come on the ONE day that people were supposed to be decent to him, this kid is STILL mean? This wasn't supposed to happen! He bit harder and could taste a tiny drop of his blood.
Note to self: Don't let people step on you.
His brows furrowed and he walked up to the boy named Yoku. He turned a light pink and managed to get out. S-say you're s-sorry. His voice trembled. This kid looked like a third grader. Maybe he got held back? He was at least a good half a foot taller.
Why the heck should I? he spat back at the shaking half breed.
B-because. You took two, so so now I don't get one. he managed. His old sneakers rubbed smudges at the floor he was looking at.
Oh yeah, well you should be saying sorry demon boy! the other boy barked. Inu Yasha cocked his head to the side. Because no one likes you, the teacher feels bad and is always nicer to you than to all of us. And your kind are evil. My mommy told me so! She said that you kill people and steal and uh do other bad stuff! he stuttered out. Inu Yasha's eyes widened.
Kill?
Steal?
Do bad ... stuff? He didn't do anything like what the boy said.
but I-So demon boy, where are your horns huh? the boy interrupted.
another girl joined in. Where are they? Hidden underneath those fuzzy cat ears of yours?Th-th-they They're not cat-Yeah Poo poo Yasha, what are you gonna do now? Huh? he taunted, in a six year old manner of course. Fuzzy little kitty Yasha! Bet you think your long hair makes you cool, but it doesn't! It makes you look like a girl!
Looking back on it, Inu Yasha couldn't help but wonder how this was relevant to the topic of conversation. Of course, were he older and more mature, he would have come up with a much more intelligent counter to the insult, but at the time, the only response he could think of was, I'm not a girl! He shrieked.
The larger boy just laughed along with the girl who giggled. You're not fit to be a demon, you're just a sissy little girly girl! he said, still laughing.
"Yeah, you're not even smart enough to be a real demon! Your only half!" the girl shot. Shut up! I'm not a dumb butt! he shrieked, and in a fit of rage, he shoved his flat palm into the other boys stomach, sending him flying back, and landing on his own butt. Yoku looked up watery eyed. His lips began to tremble. He burst out in tears.
he shrieked. A woman came running. Her round body jiggled with her step and her breasts swayed from side to side in a rather intriguing manner. (It was really kind of disturbing.)
she said, like a worried mother would. Who would-? The boy pointed to Inu Yasha, standing doe eyed in front of the boy. The woman turned to the small and twitching Inu Yasha. His white hair shook in ripples as he starting shaking in fear of punishment for his actions. His ear swiveled backwards as he caught the sounds of shuffling in the front of the class.
The woman's lip curled in disgust. You little filth! She yelled at Inu Yasha. How DARE you hurt my son? she said, as if her son was some priceless porcelain artifact that Inu Yasha had just taken in his hands and smashed into a million little pieces. You little little, HALF BREED! she yelled. The teacher came running towards the havoc.
Inu Yasha blinked back tears. His chubby and pale fingers wiped his wet eyes, matting his eye lashes and smearing the wetness across his face. Why was she being so mean? He was only tring to defend himself right? A droplette of copper tasting blood ran down his slightly parted lower lip. The woman screamed and fanned herself with her hand.
Ms Shimura, please, calm down! the teacher said. Listen, it was probably an accident so let's-No, you listen to me! That that THING right there just injured my son! Are you just going to LET that happen? For gods sake, punish him! She looked over at Inu Yasha, dog ears drooping, eyes puffy with tears. Her eyes darkened. You pitiable sh-MS SHIMURA! The teacher shrieked. PLEASE! Watch your language in front of the children! Now if you'll just calm down- The woman picked up her crying son and walked out of the door, cooing to him. Before she left, she cast a dark glare at the teacher.
You should be ashamed, letting monsters run free... she muttered. The teacher's eyes widened in shock at the insult. How could that woman just openly insult such a defenseless child? She grew up with a demon nanny who was as kind and gentle as any human, so she knew that not all demons were bad, but some people ...
The teacher cast a sad gaze down at Inu Yasha. She kneeled by him. Inu Yasha? she hummed.
I I'm sorry he said, stifling sobs. I - I didn't mean it. He sniffled. I am sorry, I shouldn't have. I-I-I he broke down into small sobs. The teacher rubbed his back.
It's okay, Inu Yasha. she cooed. That boy was just being mean because he was angry. He sniffed and looked at her, his molten brass eyes filled with tears. He sniffled again and wiped his face with his sleeve. Besides, he doesn't know what he's saying. You're a good boy Inu Yasha. Hear me? A good boy. She pat him on his head and his ears perked up a little.
He growned and stomped his feet. But ... it's not fair! he said, his voice rising ever so slightly above room volume. The teacher urged him to continue. It's just ... every one does this! How come? Why can't they be nice to me too? Why is it always me they hate! They can't just be nice for once! Why do they hate me? Two tears dripped down his cheek. What did I do wrong? he looked up at the teacher pathetically. His huge brazen eyes glimmering dully and covered with a thick wet layer or salty fluid.
Inu Yasha ... She was about to give this kid a big talk, and she knew it. Look honey, you're, you're ... different. And thats not bad! she cleared up quickly. But see, not everyone has silver hair, pretty gold eyes, and cute fuzzy ears like you do. And some of them are scared by that.Because I'm frigtening? he asked.
No! Not that, it's just, some people feel threatened when they dont understand something. So that doesn't make you bad, you're a very good boy Inu Yasha. Understand? The boy nodded. I know that not all demons are bad. I had a demon nanny when I was a little girl and she was very wonderful. But some people ... some people just can't help but hate what they can't understand. he said softly and looked down.
Now, maybe if you stop crying I can open the extra box of cookies I bought and sneak you one. he smiled a tiny smile. But it's a secret, kay? You can't tell anyone. he said and beamed, brazen eyes turning to gold once again.
she said, extending her pinky finger.
he shook her pinky with his own and she grabbed his small hand, leading him to the secret' box of sweets.
Rock forward, rock back, rock forward, rock back.
He tipped between his heels and the ball of his foot, ever threatening to fall, if it weren't for his heightened sense of balance. He hummed and looked around calmly, wandering when his mother would get here. It would be a definite relief to see her now, after the trauma at school.
He leaned forward and looked around the curve as he felt a hand on his back push him forward. He fell forwards and skidded on the rough road in front of him. Then he heard laughing. It was HIM again, that Yoku boy. He could tell that cruel laugh from any other in the world. That rude hysteric vengeful laugh. He cringed. He sat up just in time to catch a glimpse of the boy's mother, smiling and patting his head. His eyes narrowed darkly, and his vision blurred with forming tears. He once again wiped his eyes on his sleeve.
Why do people have to be so mean?' he wondered and looked at his knees, the blood now seeping through his skin. He watched it trickle through the tiny cracks in his skin. He leant down and lapped it up with his tongue, once again tasting the coppery bitter taste of his blood. Somehow it tasted sweet. He wondered if humans or demons had sweet tasting blood too. Maybe it was just half breeds like himself.
He stared at the cut in his knee, waiting till the blood covered the wound and then lapping it up. His mom once told him that his mouth had healing properties, because he had demon blood in him like her. She said to lick himself if he bled, and it would get better. He asked her if it was like a dog and she smiled and said Yes.'
He stopped and his ears perked up. With his acute hearing he picked up a strange sound. It sounded very far away, hardly audible to him, but he heard it. It was a high wailing sound, like a crying bird or a wailing child. Sirens.
They were so loud. He wondered what someone had done. Murder? Suicide? Drugs? Prostitution? What had another human done to further destroy their own race? He often wondered why people were so destructive. They talk about wanting peace and happiness, but all they do is hurt each other, and others. And himself. Yes, humans love pain, he thought.
He sighed and licked his bloody knee again. His ears picked up another sound. This one was much closer. It was tires, gas, engine noises. He looked over to the entrance of the school parking lot and saw the familiar Honda pull into it, screeching to a halt beside the sitting boy. he shrieked happily. The passenger seat car door opened and there was not his mother. Daddy? Why are you here? I thought mommy was picking me up today. We were going to go-Shut up! Get the fuck in here Inu Yasha! That was the last time he remembered his dad calling him by his name.
But Dad-I said, get in the car! Now! He yelled angrily. The boy scurried up and ran to gather his book bag. JUST leave it! the man yelled from the car.
LEAVE IT! He half screamed, the familiar sound sending shivers down Inu Yasha's small spine. The boy turned heel and ran into the passenger seat, immediately buckling himself up. As soon as the car door slammed shut, his father shoved his foot against the gas pedal, the mere force sending Inu Yasha slamming into the backrest of the car.
He looked up at his fathers frustrated face. he whimpered. Are you mad at me? No answer. Did I do something? Still, this earned no response. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you ma-Just SHUT UP! he roared, sending the boy in the passenger's seat into submissive silence. There was only silence for a while. Inu Yasha looked out of the window and poked his fingers at the glass, watching the swirly fingerprint shapes appear on the glass. They just entered his neighborhood, he'd be home soon.
Daddy, you passed our house! he shrieked.
I know. the man finally responded.
A pause. Silence. His thoughts ran rapid. But they all stopped at one thought. His voice was so shaky.
Where is Mommy?
The man's face scrunched together. It was a weird look that Inu Yasha had never in his memory seen before on the man. He turned all red and blotchy and his eyes looked really shiny. He knew the man was trying to hide it but he looked sad. Very very sad. Not just upset, or just saddened, but the look in his scrunched features pushed more towards heartbroken. And this look unnerved Inu Yasha. He knew that his father was a man not quick to tears. Something bad happened. Something very very terrible happened. And this worried him.
She's not coming back.
:---:
That night, as he sat up in his bed, sobbing his own childish tears, he heard the most agonizing and heartbreakingly painful sounds coming from the man's bedroom. It was the sounds of a broken man. He sobbed in compliance with them. The ring of agonizing despair and pain that came from his howling father broke his heart. He resented the man, the cold and unhappy man, with all his heart, but when someone, even your worst enemy, is as seemingly desperate and miserable as his father was that night, hatred no longer matters. He grew to hate his father, but that night he felt something for the suffering creature in the room next to his.
Pity.
Later his father had told him that she died and went where all demons go when they die. Hell. What a lovely thought for a child, right? He asked why and the man just told him that she was killed. He asked who. He said that her demon clan did it, when they found out about them being mommy and daddy together. For a while, he wondered ig the demon clanwould come back for him and his father but his fears were assuaged when time passed and nothing happened. He ended up moving far away from his other home and moved into the house he was living in at the present. He started elementary school in his new location and a changed life began anew.
His head started to pulse. He shook his head and clenched his eyes shut. Now was no time for a migraine! Kagome raised an eyebrow. Noticing her gaze he replied, Oh, it's nothing, it's just, my mom died ten years ago today. he smiled weakly, only to assure Kagome that he was okay.
He would never really forget the day she died. However he only remembered because it was Halloween, and all the children were dressed up in their costumes. He remembered them running around looking like angels or devils, or demons or animals. He couldn't help but wonder why people were so nice to each other, even when they looked like he did, but they still couldnt be nice to him.
Kagome gasped and put her hands over her mouth. Inu Yasha, I'm so sorry, did you visit her grave?I-I don't know where it is. he said quietly. That was right, he never even found out that his mother was actually dead until a week or two after she died when he had finally mustered up the courage to ask his father.
You don't know where your own mother's grave is? Kagome's mother asked with a slight ring of worry in her voice. Inu Yasha looked down and shook his head. I'll say a prayer for her here then, while you and Kagome are at the carnival.
He looked up at her and smiled. Thank you Miss Higurashi. She smiled warmly. She looked down at her watch. It's getting late, we should start heading down there now. said Ms. Higurashi. They nodded and headed to the door, Shippou perched upon Inu Yasha's shoulder.
Author's Notes
Wow! This chapter's loong!
Hehe, today I went to a range and shot guns ... :giggle: It was so fun and scary. Apperently I'm a sharpshooter or something because I got a whole bunch of the bullets on the black part in the middle and it was my first time. My dad says I have talent.
Note to self: Add more abuse. This story is getting way too fluffy.
Well, it may seem happy, but believe me, plot twists are coming up that will make your eyeballs pop out of your head. I'm not telling what though! But I have FINALLY decided on the way Inu Yasha's childhood is, the way its gonna end, the way the plot is gonna work out, and everything. Yay! This story is looking at being around thirty five chapters. (Probably more.) Ooh! That's so long! I'm so happy. Well, please review!
Well, this chapter is basically just a really long flashback, but thats okay. I lika da flashbacks. Next chapter, they ACTUALLY go to the carnival thing. (Finally, right?)
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REVIEW RESPONSES
Emberluver: Thanks! Hehe, and yeah, I know LeilaTourniquet. (Or at least I remember her reviewing me.) Tell her I thank her for recommending my story:feeling teh specialness:
Silver Dog Demon: More abuse? Yes, it could certaintly use more of that. But I have to make room for plot you see?
Sleepwalking Chicken and HAP: I loooove you:glomp: I cant believe your review got cut off. Grr. I shall go and kick someone who is a staff and force them to give it back. But I love fambling! Feel free to ramble:hug hug: And thanks for da contest entry!
Ami Kuroneko- You dont have to draw to enter. If you want to enter, you can write a poem or a short ficlet or one shot. You get the point.
Suaru- I love you, too! And Sara and Bro even though I don't know them as much! Cant wait until you submit your super entry you have been working on. A picture and a poem hm? Yay:glee:
xXDarkSlayerXx: I dont know if I answered you or not but it can be picture of anything as long as it relates to the story and a theme of your choice. (To see the themes, look on chapter 23's author notes.)
Next Chapter: Wonderland