II: The proposal
The whispers began as they came out of the thick forest and onto one of the main village's roads. Although it had been going on for barely a day, Kagome ignored them as if she was already used to it. She could not help but drop her gaze, however, as she noticed the ears of the demon beside her perk up, twitching as if they were trying to understand better what they were hearing. Kagome imagined he could grasp everything much more clearly, and her cheeks flushed with shame.
It didn't matter in what circumstances they had met or who his brother was; if he was her soulmate, she would never want him to hear everything they had begun to say about her. As distant as their voices were and came to her like a whisper, Kagome heard them clearly in her head; they growled and caused pain in her chest every time a new one joined the others.
"Move over, don't even touch her by accident," a mother whispered to her son. "I don't want her bad luck to graze you."
"And to think that only a week ago I had her bless Akito's birth," a man railed, spitting at her feet. "I had to call Kikyo-sama immediately to counter whatever curse she had left on my son."
"Those poor parents are devastated," an old woman cried, "and to think Hojo was so happy at the thought of marrying her; he was so proud of her. But how could he have known it would lead to his death?"
"How could we ever consider her the heir of Hitomiko-sama? She has concealed her true nature to this day, but it is clear that she has always been a black priestess," continued her friend next to her.
"That Onigumo is the only one who could ever marry her now," added a third old woman. "She will get what she deserves when she ends up like his first wife."
As Kagome lowered her head in embarrassment, hiding the tears that had inevitably rolled down her cheeks from the others but not from the keen sense of smell of a demon, Inuyasha listened, shocked, trying to control the anger that so much hatred aroused in him. He restrained himself from telling that trio of old hags that they wouldn't recognise a black priestess even if she cursed their entire lineage. Instead, he glared at them, worrying about the girl. He clenched his fists, thrusting his claws into his palms, and continued walking, growling under his breath. He understood her resentment even better now, especially given the implications Sesshomaru's actions had brought.
He was struck by the viciousness of those humans, which at that moment far exceeded the one reserved for him at home. He mused that he would rather be ignored than hear certain rumours about him. Still, those touched him deep down; he could not ignore them, especially not when he had to listen to old hags wishing his soulmate dead at the hands of a man who had already killed his first wife.
If just before he had had doubts and uncertainty had taken hold of him as he thought about how he could resolve the situation, he now felt invigorated by a new determination. He only had to hear some of the things people were gossiping about to get the picture. He had strengthened his resolve and understood what he had to do. His father had told him that he could make repairs the way he saw fit, after all, and he finally understood which.
After what seemed like an eternity to both of them, they finally arrived at the headman's dwelling, the most conspicuous and wealthy. When the hanyou saw the priestesses he had met earlier coming out of it, he also realised he had lost track of time with Kagome. If the two were already there, their confrontation had lasted longer than he had thought.
The two women did not dignify him with a glance, but the mischievous sneers they reserved for the girl next to him did not escape him; the envy and satisfaction that came in waves from them burned his nostrils, causing him to sneeze to get rid of the stench.
"You have some courage to show your face around, especially in these clothes," said the one not named Kikyo, taking care not to be overheard by others. "It's a disgrace for those of us who are true miko."
Inuyasha watched them walk past her victorious and arrogant as if their superiority should be obvious to all and be greeted with joy by the same people who had talked down Kagome. A second later, from the same entrance, a third priestess emerged. Her bearing, more mature features and the greater confidence her aura exuded revealed to Inuyasha that she was the one at the head of them all. Next to her stood the man Inuyasha had sought so much.
She looked indifferently at Kagome, then lingered over the robes the latter was still wearing. "Tsubasa is right," she murmured impassive, "wash them and return them by this evening; you have no more right to wear them." With that said, she joined her two pupils in trying to comfort the inhabitants destabilised by Kagome's passing, reassuring them of any ill omen she might have called upon them.
Inuyasha growled again, ready to give up on his manners and have two words with that mass of fools. Yet, he knew he would be no better than Sesshomaru if he gave in to his rage and didn't want to disappoint his father, who had sent him there trusting him. Toga was the only one who firmly believed in Inuyasha and knew the truth about his usually gruff and surly character. But what really stopped him was not the thought of his father nor the idea of displeasing his mother, rather the soft sobbing coming from Kagome, who still kept her face downcast.
The half-demon gritted his teeth and decided to end the matter as quickly as possible. The sooner he would leave the square crowded with ignorant people the better off everyone would be.
He looked up at the headman, who was watching him from the doorway of his house, waiting; evidently, those two harpies had already warned him with their own version of the last events. Inuyasha would have taken care to add the missing details, even making use of his father's name undoubtedly necessary to scare off all those suckers.
"Go home," he finally ordered Kagome, though he had no right to do so. His tone was more abrupt and cutting than he would have liked, but at that moment, he found it impossible to control his fury. "I will know how to find your hut even without you."
Kagome took the path home keeping her face low and ignoring the tears that streaked her face, falling under the weight of all those events. Inside, she was hurt even more by the tone the demon had used towards her after hearing what was being said about her. She did not know him, it was true, she had met him only minutes before, yet she felt betrayed. If what she had felt when meeting him was the truth, why had he treated her that way?
She reached home without even paying attention to where she put her feet and once inside, she didn't announce herself. Instead, she immediately hid behind the screen they used at night, lying down on the futon she had not even moved since that morning. She brought her legs to her chest and bent over herself, stifling her sobs between her knees. She had concluded that whatever she had seen in those golden eyes, she must surely have dreamt. The whole thing was probably a trick of her mind seeking an escape from such a cruel fate.
Anything else would have been better than marrying Onigumo and driven by her grief, she must have even associated the first stranger she saw as her saviour and soulmate. She was delirious. In that state, she had remembered her grandfather's tale and had allowed herself to be influenced by vain hopes. That was the truth.
Her family could only hear her despair, sense it as it joined the funereal aura that had hovered over their hut since the previous day. Neither her grandfather nor her mother would have wanted her to marry that slimy man, but what would have been the alternative? The headman had made it clear that it wasn't wise to refuse and that, indeed, whatever answer they would give the choice was not really theirs.
In particular, Grampa blamed himself because he was literally sacrificing Kagome to at least save his other family members. What kind of person could he call himself if he let her marry that being, even knowing what fate awaited her as his wife? Had he arrived at that age, surviving his wife and son, to see that horrendous spectacle? Had the gods decreed that life for him, condemned him to watch that decline and also the death of the granddaughter so dear to him? For even if Kagome survived Onigumo, Ichiro was sure she would soon die in spirit; even now he could see the signs of it.
His mood did not improve over the next hour, and how could it, but those gloomy thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a soft knock and a male voice announcing itself.
The elderly man raised his face in surprise from the now cold tea as his daughter-in-law went to greet whoever was at the door. Shortly afterwards, a tall, robust young man entered; he had thick, long silver hair in the middle of which stood out two snow-white dog ears, a serious expression and two golden, determined eyes; he wore a fire-red robe and carried a rather battered-looking katana on his hip.
The hut's occupants looked at him for a moment open-mouthed, not believing their eyes, but recovered as soon as they heard another person clear his throat. Only then did they notice the headman next to him.
"I introduce you to the hanyou son of Inu-no-Taisho. By order of his father, he has come to speak to you about what happened yesterday." No one missed the contempt with which he trotted out the word hanyou or how he searched with his eyes for the missing fourth person still hiding behind the screen. "I guess that's it; I'll leave the discussions to you," he finally added, before turning and leaving the hut without even the hint of a goodbye, probably out of fear that lingering even a second longer might have brought him bad luck.
Ichiro shook his head, desolate. And to say that in the past he would have called him a good friend. "Please disregard our headman's ill-mannered ways," he spoke. "I can assure you that it was not always so; there was a time when politeness was considered a fundamental value." With that said, he stood up and bowed to the half-demon, motioning to his grandson and daughter-in-law to do the same.
Inuyasha immediately reciprocated, then took a seat where the woman pointed to him. He did not even look for Kagome with his eyes: he had heard her sobs as he approached the house and her heartbeats had become erratic upon hearing him arrive.
"Kagome, come and greet our guest," the elderly man, the head of the household, ordered again. And only then did Inuyasha learn his soulmate's name. He realised with dismay that, until then, they had not even introduced themselves.
A little later, face still lowered, the girl appeared from behind the screen. She merely offered him a bow in greeting and immediately after ran to help her mother prepare something, leaving her grandfather and brother with Inuyasha.
"Well, boy," Ichiro began again. "What would you like to talk to us about?" The headman had referred to what had happened the day before, but he had no idea what the ruler of the western lands might have wanted from them. He did not know of his connection with Hojo's killer; he, like all the rest of the villagers, had not had a chance to see him and that had also contributed to the rumours of Kagome's guilt. Some said there had been no demon. Could the two things be connected?
"If you don't mind, I'd like to wait until your daughter and granddaughter can also join the conversation since it affects the whole family," Inuyasha replied politely, trying to make a good impression but nervous about what he was about to do.
Ichiro observed him with a critical eye, noting his posture and manner, appreciating that he did not boast of his superior position as the son of a commander of that calibre and also remembering that he had not let the headman's offensive words faze him.
Silence fell above them after the man had nodded, broken only by the noises coming from the two women and the tension inevitably increased. Finally, when Kagome and her mother joined the three, Inuyasha could not help but notice the way she avoided his gaze and pretended she had never seen him before. It bothered him immensely and made him wonder what he had done to deserve such behaviour. It was true their first meeting had not gone well, but he thought at least she understood that he had nothing to do with what had happened. In any case, that attitude could not have continued forever, not if he wanted his plans to come to fruition.
"I assume your granddaughter has already told you about our meeting earlier and why I have come to your village," he proclaimed, anticipating the choked sound that came from Kagome a moment later. She raised her face for a second, surprised and red-beet, but lowered it again as soon as she met Inuyasha's determined gaze.
The other three family members turned to look at her equally surprised. "What's this all about, Kagome?" her grandfather wanted to know.
"I met the Inu-no-Taisho's son while I was out gathering herbs. He told me that his father wants to offer reparations for what happened," she explained weakly, not adding, however, that she had avoided mentioning it because she did not believe she would ever see him again. In fact, she had been convinced that after hearing the rumours, he wouldn't show up at their hut.
"And why would the Inu-no-Taisho want to offer reparations to our family for Hojo's death? Why would he know about what is happening here?"
"You see," Inuyasha began, turning towards the man from whom, fortunately, he felt emanating a still calm and quiet aura, totally opposite to that of the headman and the other villagers. He also wondered if his father was aware of that kind of attitude in a settlement so close to the border. Or, perhaps, Toga was well aware of it and had sent him on purpose to prevent the situation from escalating. "We only discovered this morning what my elder brother has done and we regret to learn of what his thoughtless actions have caused. My brother Sesshomaru," he added, making an effort not to use the word 'half-brother' or lace it with venom to keep up appearances, "is the demon responsible for young Hojo's death. His granddaughter recognised our connection immediately due to the identical colours."
A gasp came from the girl's mother, the young boy looked at him with an open mouth and the old man with narrowed eyes.
"So, what does your father want to do?" continued Ichiro, not at all impressed by the words of circumstance or the revelation. "Prove to this village of fool that a bloodthirsty demon really did shamelessly kill that poor boy and that my Kagome had absolutely nothing to do with it? How will he repay the shame that has descended on her or the loss of that family?" His words were harsh, but he wanted to clarify that no amount of gold or prepared speech could repay them for the wrongs they had suffered. Not if Kagome was now forced to marry Onigumo on the same day she should have become Hojo's wife.
Inuyasha was struck by such harshness but recovered immediately after nodding his head. "I understand, sir, which is why-"
Ichiro interrupted him. "You understand? What exactly do you understand? Do you know what will become of her in a couple of days for what your brother did probably for mere amusement? Are your ears only for decoration, or have you had a chance to hear what they are saying about her? For years she has trained herself to make her spiritual power available to every member of this community without showing the slightest selfishness and sacrificing every second of her time. And what did she receive in return? In her time of need, everyone turned against her, perhaps out of envy and jealousy, or influenced by the malice of some of them; I don't know. The fact is that when she needed them, they condemned her, and I was forced to give her in marriage to a man who had already killed his first wife to at least save my daughter-in-law and grandson. Do you think whatever offer your father had in mind when he sent you here will lessen the burden I carry on my chest or make Kagome's future happier now that all her hopes are shattered?" His voice was laden with scepticism and his eyes had shrunk to two slits throughout the speech. "Please understand me and do not mind the animosity in my words because it is only due to the latest and unexpected developments that have soured my soul and not due to any rudeness on my part. However, I must ask you to leave this hut and not return if the only thing you have to offer is some gold to ease your soiled consciences." With that said, he lowered his gaze to the cup of tea in front of him and took a long sip.
Rather than being put off by such a speech, Inuyasha looked at the elderly man in amazement, feeling in his tone, even in his aura, the pain those circumstances had brought him, but most of all, so much guilt for Kagome's fate. The other family members did not breathe a word, but they had their eyes brimming with tears; Inuyasha was sure that even the elder was making an immense effort not to break down in front of him.
"To tell you the truth, Sir, I do believe I am able to offer something that will lighten the burden you carry on your chest and offer your granddaughter a better prospect of life than she has now. I cannot give her back what she has lost, but something better for sure," he spoke confidently and not at all intimidated.
Kagome raised her weeping eyes to his, really looking at him for the first time since he had arrived. That demon left her speechless; as she met his gaze, she felt again the connection she had sensed only a few hours before as if to tell her that he was not a delusion, that he really was her soulmate. However, the terror that she could delude herself and not really escape her cruel fate had made her turn her face away, ignoring him the whole time. But now, after those words, a sliver of hope returned to her. What on earth did he mean?
"Explain yourself, young man."
"It's simple, really. I ask for your granddaughter's hand and permission to take her with me to the West. I have had the opportunity to observe this village and the people who live here, and I do not know what life was like here before a few days ago, but I do not think it is the right place for her. If you allow me, I will offer her a more worthy life and I will also look for the best spiritual figure who can help her complete her priestess training since, as I understand, it was interrupted." As he spoke, on the outside Inuyasha appeared completely confident, but inwardly, uncertainty was eating at him. He was aware that Kagome might not want to marry him or be disgusted by him because of his nature, but it was the best chance she had to escape this village and a man who would make her life hell.
In fact, Inuyasha intended to leave her free to decide, to allow her to choose the path she would prefer. The possibility pained him because, even though he barely knew her, the mere fact that she was his soulmate had inevitably bound him to her. He wished he had the time to get to know her and deepen their bond, as his parents had done and as he had never imagined doing before. However, he didn't know her thoughts; he didn't understand if she felt the same strength that drove him towards her or if she just accepted him as her predestined. And as much as the option did not make him happy, he was willing to do anything to get her away from that guy he had heard about. He had not found her just to lose her like that.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kagome continue to watch him, stunned, her eyes still filled with tears that he didn't know how to interpret – did the idea of marrying him really disgust her? Would she prefer to stay with that cruel man because he was human? – but she kept her gaze focused on her grandfather who would have the last word.
"Do you want my granddaughter in marriage because you believe that otherwise, no one could accept you for who you are?" the elder asked him, more direct than ever and without dropping his hard mask.
"I would never allow myself to be so mean. I can understand that being partly related to the demon who caused you so much trouble puts me at a disadvantage, but I can promise you that I wish the best for Kagome despite having only met her today." He turned a half smile to the girl, attempting to reassure her as he said this. "I'm stunned by the rumours and I know that this is the best solution. It's true that our castle is inhabited mainly by demons and that some may not accept your presence, just as they have never accepted mine or my mother's, who is also human. But you can be certain that her safety will always be guaranteed, something I cannot say if she remains here. Correct me if I am wrong. Besides, I'm sure there's no need to add anything about the opinion my father might have about our union."
"Of course not, young man, or you wouldn't even be here with us," agreed Ichiro. Inuyasha nodded.
"Dear," Kagome's mother spoke for the first time. The hanyou turned to her and observed her: she was still a fairly young and beautiful woman, sharing many traits with her daughter, but the thing that struck him most was the sincere smile she reserved for him, one he had only seen on his mother's lips. Her cheeks were also flushed and her eyes still welled up; nevertheless, she met his gaze with as much pride as she could muster. "Yours is an honourable proposal and it moves me to know that you would be willing to save her, but you must have heard that we have already promised Kagome's hand to Onigumo."
"That's enough, Kaori," Ichiro interrupted her dryly, "you also know why we agreed."
"Yes, Father, but we can't break our word, can we?" she asked, concerned.
In response, Ichiro continued to look seriously at Inuyasha, scrutinising and trying to understand him. He sensed something coming from him that he could not put a name to, something that connected him to Kagome... and who was he to break that link, whatever it was? He couldn't know for sure if his suspicions were well-founded – his spiritual powers had always been minimal and only allowed him to barely sense certain things, not see them fully – but he wasn't going to throw away this chance for Kagome's happiness or her escape route.
"Here's the thing, boy," he turned to Inuyasha. "I will accept that you take Kagome in marriage on two conditions. You must repay this man of whatever he has provided for the marriage, as believe you have already done with Hojo's family, and most importantly, you must take Kagome away this very night."
At that last request, everyone looked at him open-mouthed.
"Are you sure?" asked Inuyasha. "You want to entrust her to me even though we're not even married and even though you know what I am?"
"I can read people and so far I've had few disappointments. I knew Hojo would be a good match for my granddaughter because he was a good person, as I know that Onigumo only brings trouble. But I won't stand here and explain the dynamics of a village and why I was forced to give him Kagome. However, I feel something even more positive coming from you; I know I am making the right choice. It is up to you now to treat her most appropriately and I know you will not take advantage of that, but you will get her to safety as soon as possible." Inuyasha nodded. "As for the second thing, don't put me on the same level as some people. As much as I've had mixed ideas in the past, living on the border of your father's lands, learning about some of his exploits and history, has opened my eyes. If I were frightened of what a half-demon is capable of doing or the rumours of their supposed instability, I would never have agreed and wouldn't have even let you into this hut."
"Of course, I understand that," Inuyasha nodded again. "And I accept both conditions."
"But, Grandfather!" blurted Kagome, speaking for the first time. "How can you ask me such a thing?" she said with new tears streaking her face. And at that moment, if only for a second, Inuyasha had confirmation that she found the mere thought of marrying him disgusting. However, her next words contradicted him completely. "How can you ask me to leave you all here, alone, at the mercy of those people?" she exclaimed, pointing her finger outwards. "You're in this situation because of me, and we don't know what Onigumo might do to you as soon as he learns that I have escaped; the whole village would turn against you. He's a violent man, Grandfather," she continued, clinging to his robe and looking at him with pleading eyes. "I could never abandon you knowing that something terrible might happen to you."
Ichiro lovingly caressed her cheek with his wrinkled hand, simultaneously wiping away her tears. "Sweetheart, have faith in me. I'll defend my family, but give me the chance to protect you too and make up for the cowardice I showed yesterday by accepting that vile's proposal. Precisely because I know he is violent, I could never survive the thought of you in his clutches." Saying that he held her tightly against him, letting her vent her pain on his chest.
Inuyasha looked away, feeling like he was witnessing something too personal. His ears did not, however, prevent him from hearing the next murmured words. "I promise we will be safe; they will all think you escaped. But I will not take away your choice again this time. If you do not wish to leave with Inuyasha, I will refuse his offer, even if the alternative is to give you to Onigumo."
The half-demon's heart lost a couple of beats as he waited for what else she had to say.
He heard Kagome sniffle and then the muffled sound of her reply. "No, Grandfather, no, thank you for asking, but I accept your decision. I will leave with Inuyasha. But promise me... promise me that I will see you again, that you will save yourselves."
At that point, partly heartened by her firm reply, Inuyasha interjected. "If I may, I would like to add my own on this matter." The elder motioned for him to continue. "I, too, believe that this is no longer the place for you, and I know it will probably be difficult to leave the place you all grew up in, but I would like to come back for you once Kagome is safe with my parents."
Kagome's mother gasped, "You don't mean..."
"Yes, ma'am, absolutely. When I left, my father asked me to do everything I thought possible to repay the wrong I had done and, I admit, I never imagined I would find this..." let alone his soulmate. "Therefore, I'm sure he would agree with my decision. You all are in danger as well, especially once it becomes known that Kagome is missing. You must think of the child too," he added, pointing at Sota.
Ichiro was impressed by that offer; he had not considered that eventuality and had been sincere when he had said he would have protected his family anyway. However, the proposal was tempting. With Inuyasha's help, they could easily find a more suitable place to live, one where they could also offer Sota a better prospect.
"So be it, boy; if you assure us that it will not be too much trouble for you, we will gladly accept. I would be a fool to refuse," he said, as his daughter-in-law, beside him, nodded in agreement. "Tonight, when the sun has long since set and no one is around, you will return to us. In the meantime, I would like you to pretend you have left the village for good, taking care to be seen by more than one person."
"Sure, I would have done that anyway. It is the wisest move. If no one saw me leave, they could then link Kagome's absence to me. It will be already very suspicious; this seems the least. I will return later tonight and take Kagome with me. With my senses and my speed, I take no chances. By dawn, you can be sure we will be at the castle. And within a couple of days, I will be back to pick you up," he assured again.
The old man stretched out his hands and unceremoniously grasped Inuyasha's clawed one. He clasped it between his own and then glanced at him, full of hope but more serious than ever, making him understand the importance of the moment. "I know it's no coincidence your arrival in this village this very day; I'm willing to bet fate had a hand in it. But please know that what I am entrusting to you is worth more than my life itself. My grandchildren are most important to me, and after my son's death, I could not overcome another such loss. I beg you to forgive my act of cowardice and help me right my wrongs. I entrust Kagome to you, knowing that in your hands she will be safe." Kagome, who had not moved away in the meantime, squeezed his arm upon hearing those words.
"You have my word, sir, that I will treasure what you are entrusting me with and I will thank the fate that brought me on this path." Inuyasha would still give Kagome the chance to choose her way and he still had a thousand doubts about the way she had agreed to leave with him. In the meantime, however, he would take her away from the village and not let her fall into the wrong hands.
A/N: Here's finally the new chapter of the story. I won't bore you with excuses about why I didn't update earlier, but from now on I should be able to post every other week.
That said, I don't know if you expected this development but I'm dying to read your thoughts about it. That said, there's still a long way ahead of them.
Best wishes to you all, until next time!
