A Class Apart
By: Merayna
Disclaimer: -- That's what this thing is, a _disclaimer_. Yeah.
A/N: Heh, I'm supposed to be working on my Spirited Away fic. But I had to write this!! I mean, after watching Gangs of New York and sad Korean Soap Operas, I had to write something!! (hint hint, SAD) Well, go easy on me, this is my first chapter fic on InuYasha. ^_^ I hate that excuse, by the way, but I'm kind of scared of the types of reviews I'm going to get. So review please!! And if you think I need to work on anything, tell me. Can you tell that I have no self-confidence at all? ^_~ Well, enjoy!
"Flying is fun, but you begin to regret liking it after the first few broken bones." ________________________________________
The sun beat down ruthlessly on the crowd of people in constant movement and sound. Everywhere was noise and the jostling of people on the streets. Beggars thrust their chipped cups in passive faces, women beat husbands, and the shrill cry of babes filled the air. The clip clop of horses rang on the cobblestones and the rank smell of rotten vegetables rose from piles of garbage thrown carelessly on the street. It was just another day in Downtown, Surrey.
InuYasha sighed as he leaned on the brick wall of another shabbily built building of downtown He tipped his rumpled black hat lower, trying in vain to protect his face from the glaring sun. Shrugging in his patched gray jacket, he reached a hand in and pulled out a ratty, scratched up pocket watch with broken glass. Kouga was late again. He growled in annoyance, late AGAIN! Trickles of sweat poured down his head and he wiped them off impatiently, amber eyes searching the crowd of jostling people. Furious cries reached his ears and he was greeted with an amusing sight, at least, amusing to himself.
Two men flew fists at each other, snarls plastered on their faces. Bright blue eyes glared piercingly at deep brown and guttural yells erupted from their throats. InuYasha looked on, smirking in amusement. 'No wonder Kouga was late," he thought. He rolled his eyes in exasperation; the amount of fights Kouga got into was too many to count. While somewhat annoying, at least it provided enough distraction for a little business to go on.
Whistling, he saw quite a few potential subjects. Grinning, he smoothed his face into an innocent look and "accidentally" pushed against one. Mumbling an apology, he grinned as he counted his collectings. A small, silver ring and a steel chain winked in the sunlight as he pocketed them in his hat. Casually slipping by a few more victims and slipping in his hand, rewarded him with quite a few earnings; a gold ring with a glass ruby, a broken locket, a shinier pocket watch and a few more chains, not to mention the one gold coin and a few coppers.Smirking, InuYasha thought, 'Not bad for a day's work.' Looking at the other people in the crowd, it wasn't likely that there would be anything of value he could take. Besides, it wasn't everyday that you got this quality entertainment, and if Kouga needed his ass saved, then so be it, it would be saved, but Kouga wasn't _that_ bad. Eyeing his opponent, he smirked. Hiten Raigekejin, that new kid, fresh from the islands. Now, this was going to be interesting.
Kouga punched hard into Hiten's face, throwing his face back. Smirking, he didn't expect the hard punch in the stomach. He winced in pain, faltering for but a moment, but was awarded with a sharp kick in the face. Growling, he punched in a blur at Hiten's stomach, face, then side.
Both sporting blossoming bruises, they hissed in anger at each other, fists raised. In a burst of inhuman speed, Kouga dashed forward and crouched at the last moment, swinging his leg in an arc kick. Hiten, not expecting such an attack, toppled onto the ground. Kouga began to punch furiously at his head, grabbing his neck in a stranglehold. Flipping upwards, Hiten, in a display of amazing strength and agility, flung Kouga to the ground in a crushing body slam. A stream of blood coughed from his throat as he hit the ground.
In a desperate attempt, Kouga grabbed Hiten's legs and threw him to the ground, where they began to wrestle furiously. After moments of struggle, where neither was winning, Kouga grabbed Hiten's neck and slowly began to strangle him, crushing his windpipe. Eyes rolling, Hiten's mouth moved soundlessly.
"I-I sur-surrender," he choked out.
Kouga's arms released from his neck and he smiled victoriously.
"You got that right," he said.
Hiten collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily as the crowd began to bunch around them.
"Kouga, look out!" someone cried as a dagger whistled through the air straight toward his face.
Kouga turned around, eyes wide in shock before, at the last instant, a hand suddenly appeared in front of his face, clutching the dagger a millimeter away from the tip of his nose. Kouga opened his eyes and looked to see a very pissed InuYasha staring at him with the dagger in his hand.
"You stupid ass! You NEVER turn your back on your opponent! You only do that unless you know that one, he won't get back up, and two, that he's dead!" he yelled. Sighing disgustedly, he asked, "What am I going to do with someone so fucking stupid?"
Kouga just rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Frowning, he burst out, "I coulda handled that, Yash! Ya didn' hafta butt in like that!"
InuYasha just rolled his eyes and dragged him away, ignoring the outraged yells coming from Kouga and the strange looks people were giving him.
"We're meetin up with that Miroku guy, all right? He's got sumthin to talk about regarding ya know what," InuYasha murmured gruffly.
Kouga nodded stiffly, mouth still in a stubborn pout.
Unnoticed by the crowd, Hiten's limp form was dragged away, black braid trailing on the ground, by a dark, lumbering form.
Meanwhile.
Kagome pasted an interested smile on her face, mentally yawning in boredom. This Lord Houjo guy was the dullest guy her mom had trotted past her yet, though he did have quite a bit of money...
He had reddish brown hair and bright, but slightly empty hazel eyes. Light voice talking animatedly about his mother and things that Kagome didn't really hear went through one ear and out the other. She nodded when it seemed appropriate and stifled a few more yawns. It was getting harder not to fall asleep.
Suddenly, loud sirens shrieked throughout the city and Kagome jerked her head to the window interestedly. Two fire engines streaked past in the street, sirens still wailing. A slight glow was seen in the distance; the obvious reason for the fire trucks. Kagome sighed, the only thing remotely interesting that happened around Surrey were the fires, and even then, they happened everyday.
Houjo had stopped talking momentarily, dull eyes somewhat troubled.
"Another fire, Lady Kagome?" he asked hesitantly in his soft voice.
Nodding absently, Kagome turned stormy, blue gray eyes to him once more.
Instead of launching immediately into another long and boring talk about drapes and shoes, he became quiet, eyes clouded in thought.
Cocking her head in surprise, Kagome watched him. Whatever he was thinking about, it didn't seem pleasant. Strange, she didn't think that he could actually think. His voice rang through her thoughts, slightly sad.
"My family died in a fire. I was the only one who survived."
Eyebrows arching in surprise and pity, she replied, "That's horrible Houjo. But if your family isn't here anymore, who do you live with?"
There was a pause before he replied. "I live with my uncle, Lord Naraku. We're related to the King, you know. I inherited a lot of money. I-I miss them so much. Sometimes, I just don't want to think about them, so I don't really think about anything else, a-and please, don't pity me. I don't need it and I can really do without it."
Kagome couldn't think of anything to say, the words that rose to her lips didn't seem to fit the situation. The air between them filled with an awkward silence.
Blushing slightly, Houjo pushed himself out of his seat and stammered, "I-I best be going now, I suppose." Leaving Kagome in an ashamed quiet. The door shut quietly as she put her head in her arms.
Back in Downtown.
Kouga grumbled as he followed InuYasha through the mazes of alleyways. It was cold and dark, and it gave him the creeps. Stepping into a puddle, he grimaced as ice-cold water seeped through his boots. The chitter chatter of rats echoed in the sewers and they scampered around, bright eyes watching. Kouga shuddered again, this place really did give him the creeps.
InuYasha finally stopped and grunted softly when Kouga ran into him. Knocking on the rotting wooden door, a muffled baritone asked politely, "Who goes there?"
Rolling his eyes in annoyance, InuYasha muttered in a dull tone, "The two brothers of the blade...Kami-sama, Miroku, that name is so stupid. Can't you fucking change it or something?"
An amused voice drawled out, "That's InuYasha all right, " before clacking sounds were heard.
The door opened and a middle sized man greeted them with a big grin, violet eyes flashing in amusement. His dark, black hair glinted in the firelight and onto the wisp of a ponytail at the back of his head. The soft murmurs of conversations and loud yelling of arguments greeted them. Ushering them in, he glanced at their dirty appearance and wrinkled his nose in distaste.
InuYasha's silvery white hair was matted and tangled with smudges of dirt in it and his face was covered in soot. Amber eyes gleaming, he scowled in irritation and huffed his way past Miroku.
Kouga looked slightly better, but a bit rumpled. Long black ponytail swinging, he dug his hands in his pockets and grinned. Uncharacteristic bright, blue eyes shone in a tanned face and he chuckled slightly before making his way towards the crowd of people gathered around the fire.
Clapping his hands, Miroku motioned for everyone to be quiet. The firelight flickered on his face as he looked at the small crowd of people gathered around him. InuYasha's golden eyes stared challengingly at him while Kouga's blue looked mildly interested. Brown, black and green all stared up at him, the crackling of the fire all that was heard.
Clearing his voice, Miroku stated, "As you know, we have come together to discuss one thing: Rebellion."
Nodding and murmured agreements rose from the crowd.
Continuing in a loud voice, Miroku said, "Now is the time to act against the King and his tyranny. He has taxed us and taken from us and stolen our rights, it is time to give what is due. It is the King's turn to _pay the taxes_, the taxes of his people."
More nodding and agreements ensued.
"So, in retaliation, we will begin to arouse the masses, and hopefully move on to fires and riots in a few weeks, before waging full out war."
Looking at a slutty looking woman in the eye, Miroku said, "Yura, you start at the pleasure house." She smiled mischeviously and nodded, eyes gleaming. Short black hair shook as she nodded and her bright red bow shook with it. Her skimpy dress showed too much cleavage and she giggled.
Turning to a small, imp-ish looking girl, he addressed her, "Rin, you work with the kids at the orphanage." Rin beamed and nodded enthusiastically, little ponytail bobbing and hands clapping in glee. She only looked twelve, even though she was actually fifteen.
Sighing, he turned to InuYasha, "Yash, you work with the pickpockets and the streetfolk, you know them best."
Frowning slightly, InuYasha nodded slowly, fiddling with his pocketwatch.
"It won't be easy," was all he said.
Miroku continued on until each person was assigned a job. Clapping his hands again, he announced, "This meeting is over and we will not meet again until three months from now."
The people milled out the door and stepped into the dark and inky night.
InuYasha stepped out the door, scowl plastered on his face. A hand reached his shoulder and he irritably turned around. Surprise colored his features as he saw whom it was.
"Kikyou," he breathed.
She stood there, looking at him fondly, ebony tresses blending with the darkness. She looked as beautiful as ever and smiled gently, reaching over and pulling lightly on his hair.
"InuYasha."
He looked at her sadly, eyes glowing. Taking her hand off his hair, he said softly, "You know I don't feel that way for you, Kikyou. A relationship would never work."
"I know, but could I at least still be your best friend?"
Smiling softly, he turned away and said quietly, "Yeah."
Kikyou looked at him sadly. InuYasha had been her best friend until she started to feel something more than friendship for him. Unfortunately, he had continued to only treat her as his friend, never knowing her feelings until she confessed to him one year ago. He had been taken away by shock and she remembered clearly what he had said.
~Flashback~
"You WHAT?"
"InuYasha, I-I love you."
"But, Kikyou, I."
She had interrupted him with a passionate kiss, ignoring his muffled protests. Pulling away roughly, he had looked at her with sad eyes.
"Kikyou, I don't feel that way for you. You're my best friend and you'll always be."
His words had hung in the air and seemed to repeat itself to her.
He had left her standing there, heart shattering into a million pieces.
Tear slipping down her cheek, she whispered, "If you won't be with me, then, please, don't ever be with another. Please, don't. If you do, I don't think that my heart could take it. Promise me."
InuYasha had stepped forward and had murmured, "I can't promise you that, Kik-chan."
Opening sorrow-filled eyes, she had grated out painfully, "Then I'll make it so." With that, she had run away, sobbing uncontrollably, leaving a saddened InuYasha, knowing he wouldn't come to comfort her and feeling the heavy weight of her vow.
"Then I'll make it so."
She was jolted out of her thoughts by a loud and brash voice yelling to InuYasha and breaking their uncomfortable silence.
"Oi, Yash, over here!" Kouga yelled, waving to them. A pretty looking girl followed, bright red hair swaying behind her in a long braid. She looked defiantly at InuYasha with blazing green eyes.
Noting Kikyou, Kouga grinned and pushed the girl forward. "Meet Ayame, my girlfriend," he said proudly to Kikyou. Ayame then proceeded to smile and pat her hand. She seemed to be nice enough and she could tell the two were smitten with each other. She smiled slightly and sighed inwardly. If only a certain someone would return her feelings.
Saying good-bye, she walked away, her small form disappearing into the shadows.
Meanwhile..again...
Kagome rested her head in her arms in guilt. Poor Houjo. She had so quickly passed judgement. She then made a decision that would heavily affect the outcomes of her future. 'I'll never take anything at face value.' It rang throughout her mind for a moment before settling down comfortably in the recesses of her mind.
The door creaked open and Kaede peeked in, eyes bright and curious. Her small six-year old form belied the strange wisdom she possessed. Skipping towards her older sister, she chirped, "What's wrong Nee-chan?"
Kagome heaved a long sigh. "I just feel really bad, Kaede-chan, that's all." Kaede cocked her head, studying Kagome for a few moments.
"You feel bad about Lord Houjo, don't you Nee-chan?"
Kagome nodded sadly. Kaede smiled her bright perky smile and hugged her sister tightly.
"It's okay, he's probably never told anyone and only acts dull so he won't have to think of the pain he went through and possibly not get hurt again by anyone since they find him dull. It's probably a problem to him that he's handsome and rich, otherwise nobody would pay him any attention. He was attracted to you enough to tell you that thing about him."
Kagome blinked at her little sister's insight. It all made sense and clicked with what Houjo had said earlier. Wait, he was attracted to her? Well, she sure as hell wasn't attracted to him, for all his looks and money.
Kaede smiled and rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet. She was a cute little girl, but wouldn't grow up to be anything special. Her bright brown eyes sparkled and her long hair bounced. She was still adorable, though.
She loved her beautiful sister very much, even though she wished that someday she could have Kagome's looks, glossy blue-ish black glossy hair, and pale, creamy skin. But she knew that Kagome loved her for the way she was, and that made it fine for her. She had little cares, except her great, sisterly love and adoration for her older sister.
Kagome looked out the window at the darkening sky. The reddish hues of sunset lingered before fading into a darker blue. She watched as they sky completely darkened and the streetlights began to flicker on. The stars twinkled overhead and she turned her eyes upward.
She had never wanted the confining life of a lady, filled with rules and constrictions. She wanted to be one of those peasants, free and able to gossip and giggle and act how they wanted. She had always wished to do something and make an impact. But she was the daughter of a minor lord. Her duty was to get a rich husband and help the family that way. Casting one last glance at the outside streets, she snapped shut the curtains in a finalized way. As she closed the curtains, it was as if she was finally closing her hopes of becoming free of her life.
She was very wrong.
She was very wrong indeed.
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
The stars winked in the dark sky, looking sadly onto the world they hung above; a world of such conflict and sorrow.
It was another night.
It was another day in Surrey.
And tomorrow would be just another day. Or would it?
A/N: I like how I ended this. Yowzas! It's EIGHT pages long!! W00t! I've never written any chapter that long!! Go me!! ::proceeds to dance victory dance:: Well, if you thought it was good or bad or whatever you think, if you can think anything else besides okay, then tell me. ^_^ Just press that little button that says submit review. You know what I'm talking about, unless you can't read or something, but then how would you be able to read this if you couldn't read anyway? O.o Okay, never mind, just forget that I ever said that.
Ciao!
~Merayna
By: Merayna
Disclaimer: -- That's what this thing is, a _disclaimer_. Yeah.
A/N: Heh, I'm supposed to be working on my Spirited Away fic. But I had to write this!! I mean, after watching Gangs of New York and sad Korean Soap Operas, I had to write something!! (hint hint, SAD) Well, go easy on me, this is my first chapter fic on InuYasha. ^_^ I hate that excuse, by the way, but I'm kind of scared of the types of reviews I'm going to get. So review please!! And if you think I need to work on anything, tell me. Can you tell that I have no self-confidence at all? ^_~ Well, enjoy!
"Flying is fun, but you begin to regret liking it after the first few broken bones." ________________________________________
The sun beat down ruthlessly on the crowd of people in constant movement and sound. Everywhere was noise and the jostling of people on the streets. Beggars thrust their chipped cups in passive faces, women beat husbands, and the shrill cry of babes filled the air. The clip clop of horses rang on the cobblestones and the rank smell of rotten vegetables rose from piles of garbage thrown carelessly on the street. It was just another day in Downtown, Surrey.
InuYasha sighed as he leaned on the brick wall of another shabbily built building of downtown He tipped his rumpled black hat lower, trying in vain to protect his face from the glaring sun. Shrugging in his patched gray jacket, he reached a hand in and pulled out a ratty, scratched up pocket watch with broken glass. Kouga was late again. He growled in annoyance, late AGAIN! Trickles of sweat poured down his head and he wiped them off impatiently, amber eyes searching the crowd of jostling people. Furious cries reached his ears and he was greeted with an amusing sight, at least, amusing to himself.
Two men flew fists at each other, snarls plastered on their faces. Bright blue eyes glared piercingly at deep brown and guttural yells erupted from their throats. InuYasha looked on, smirking in amusement. 'No wonder Kouga was late," he thought. He rolled his eyes in exasperation; the amount of fights Kouga got into was too many to count. While somewhat annoying, at least it provided enough distraction for a little business to go on.
Whistling, he saw quite a few potential subjects. Grinning, he smoothed his face into an innocent look and "accidentally" pushed against one. Mumbling an apology, he grinned as he counted his collectings. A small, silver ring and a steel chain winked in the sunlight as he pocketed them in his hat. Casually slipping by a few more victims and slipping in his hand, rewarded him with quite a few earnings; a gold ring with a glass ruby, a broken locket, a shinier pocket watch and a few more chains, not to mention the one gold coin and a few coppers.Smirking, InuYasha thought, 'Not bad for a day's work.' Looking at the other people in the crowd, it wasn't likely that there would be anything of value he could take. Besides, it wasn't everyday that you got this quality entertainment, and if Kouga needed his ass saved, then so be it, it would be saved, but Kouga wasn't _that_ bad. Eyeing his opponent, he smirked. Hiten Raigekejin, that new kid, fresh from the islands. Now, this was going to be interesting.
Kouga punched hard into Hiten's face, throwing his face back. Smirking, he didn't expect the hard punch in the stomach. He winced in pain, faltering for but a moment, but was awarded with a sharp kick in the face. Growling, he punched in a blur at Hiten's stomach, face, then side.
Both sporting blossoming bruises, they hissed in anger at each other, fists raised. In a burst of inhuman speed, Kouga dashed forward and crouched at the last moment, swinging his leg in an arc kick. Hiten, not expecting such an attack, toppled onto the ground. Kouga began to punch furiously at his head, grabbing his neck in a stranglehold. Flipping upwards, Hiten, in a display of amazing strength and agility, flung Kouga to the ground in a crushing body slam. A stream of blood coughed from his throat as he hit the ground.
In a desperate attempt, Kouga grabbed Hiten's legs and threw him to the ground, where they began to wrestle furiously. After moments of struggle, where neither was winning, Kouga grabbed Hiten's neck and slowly began to strangle him, crushing his windpipe. Eyes rolling, Hiten's mouth moved soundlessly.
"I-I sur-surrender," he choked out.
Kouga's arms released from his neck and he smiled victoriously.
"You got that right," he said.
Hiten collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily as the crowd began to bunch around them.
"Kouga, look out!" someone cried as a dagger whistled through the air straight toward his face.
Kouga turned around, eyes wide in shock before, at the last instant, a hand suddenly appeared in front of his face, clutching the dagger a millimeter away from the tip of his nose. Kouga opened his eyes and looked to see a very pissed InuYasha staring at him with the dagger in his hand.
"You stupid ass! You NEVER turn your back on your opponent! You only do that unless you know that one, he won't get back up, and two, that he's dead!" he yelled. Sighing disgustedly, he asked, "What am I going to do with someone so fucking stupid?"
Kouga just rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Frowning, he burst out, "I coulda handled that, Yash! Ya didn' hafta butt in like that!"
InuYasha just rolled his eyes and dragged him away, ignoring the outraged yells coming from Kouga and the strange looks people were giving him.
"We're meetin up with that Miroku guy, all right? He's got sumthin to talk about regarding ya know what," InuYasha murmured gruffly.
Kouga nodded stiffly, mouth still in a stubborn pout.
Unnoticed by the crowd, Hiten's limp form was dragged away, black braid trailing on the ground, by a dark, lumbering form.
Meanwhile.
Kagome pasted an interested smile on her face, mentally yawning in boredom. This Lord Houjo guy was the dullest guy her mom had trotted past her yet, though he did have quite a bit of money...
He had reddish brown hair and bright, but slightly empty hazel eyes. Light voice talking animatedly about his mother and things that Kagome didn't really hear went through one ear and out the other. She nodded when it seemed appropriate and stifled a few more yawns. It was getting harder not to fall asleep.
Suddenly, loud sirens shrieked throughout the city and Kagome jerked her head to the window interestedly. Two fire engines streaked past in the street, sirens still wailing. A slight glow was seen in the distance; the obvious reason for the fire trucks. Kagome sighed, the only thing remotely interesting that happened around Surrey were the fires, and even then, they happened everyday.
Houjo had stopped talking momentarily, dull eyes somewhat troubled.
"Another fire, Lady Kagome?" he asked hesitantly in his soft voice.
Nodding absently, Kagome turned stormy, blue gray eyes to him once more.
Instead of launching immediately into another long and boring talk about drapes and shoes, he became quiet, eyes clouded in thought.
Cocking her head in surprise, Kagome watched him. Whatever he was thinking about, it didn't seem pleasant. Strange, she didn't think that he could actually think. His voice rang through her thoughts, slightly sad.
"My family died in a fire. I was the only one who survived."
Eyebrows arching in surprise and pity, she replied, "That's horrible Houjo. But if your family isn't here anymore, who do you live with?"
There was a pause before he replied. "I live with my uncle, Lord Naraku. We're related to the King, you know. I inherited a lot of money. I-I miss them so much. Sometimes, I just don't want to think about them, so I don't really think about anything else, a-and please, don't pity me. I don't need it and I can really do without it."
Kagome couldn't think of anything to say, the words that rose to her lips didn't seem to fit the situation. The air between them filled with an awkward silence.
Blushing slightly, Houjo pushed himself out of his seat and stammered, "I-I best be going now, I suppose." Leaving Kagome in an ashamed quiet. The door shut quietly as she put her head in her arms.
Back in Downtown.
Kouga grumbled as he followed InuYasha through the mazes of alleyways. It was cold and dark, and it gave him the creeps. Stepping into a puddle, he grimaced as ice-cold water seeped through his boots. The chitter chatter of rats echoed in the sewers and they scampered around, bright eyes watching. Kouga shuddered again, this place really did give him the creeps.
InuYasha finally stopped and grunted softly when Kouga ran into him. Knocking on the rotting wooden door, a muffled baritone asked politely, "Who goes there?"
Rolling his eyes in annoyance, InuYasha muttered in a dull tone, "The two brothers of the blade...Kami-sama, Miroku, that name is so stupid. Can't you fucking change it or something?"
An amused voice drawled out, "That's InuYasha all right, " before clacking sounds were heard.
The door opened and a middle sized man greeted them with a big grin, violet eyes flashing in amusement. His dark, black hair glinted in the firelight and onto the wisp of a ponytail at the back of his head. The soft murmurs of conversations and loud yelling of arguments greeted them. Ushering them in, he glanced at their dirty appearance and wrinkled his nose in distaste.
InuYasha's silvery white hair was matted and tangled with smudges of dirt in it and his face was covered in soot. Amber eyes gleaming, he scowled in irritation and huffed his way past Miroku.
Kouga looked slightly better, but a bit rumpled. Long black ponytail swinging, he dug his hands in his pockets and grinned. Uncharacteristic bright, blue eyes shone in a tanned face and he chuckled slightly before making his way towards the crowd of people gathered around the fire.
Clapping his hands, Miroku motioned for everyone to be quiet. The firelight flickered on his face as he looked at the small crowd of people gathered around him. InuYasha's golden eyes stared challengingly at him while Kouga's blue looked mildly interested. Brown, black and green all stared up at him, the crackling of the fire all that was heard.
Clearing his voice, Miroku stated, "As you know, we have come together to discuss one thing: Rebellion."
Nodding and murmured agreements rose from the crowd.
Continuing in a loud voice, Miroku said, "Now is the time to act against the King and his tyranny. He has taxed us and taken from us and stolen our rights, it is time to give what is due. It is the King's turn to _pay the taxes_, the taxes of his people."
More nodding and agreements ensued.
"So, in retaliation, we will begin to arouse the masses, and hopefully move on to fires and riots in a few weeks, before waging full out war."
Looking at a slutty looking woman in the eye, Miroku said, "Yura, you start at the pleasure house." She smiled mischeviously and nodded, eyes gleaming. Short black hair shook as she nodded and her bright red bow shook with it. Her skimpy dress showed too much cleavage and she giggled.
Turning to a small, imp-ish looking girl, he addressed her, "Rin, you work with the kids at the orphanage." Rin beamed and nodded enthusiastically, little ponytail bobbing and hands clapping in glee. She only looked twelve, even though she was actually fifteen.
Sighing, he turned to InuYasha, "Yash, you work with the pickpockets and the streetfolk, you know them best."
Frowning slightly, InuYasha nodded slowly, fiddling with his pocketwatch.
"It won't be easy," was all he said.
Miroku continued on until each person was assigned a job. Clapping his hands again, he announced, "This meeting is over and we will not meet again until three months from now."
The people milled out the door and stepped into the dark and inky night.
InuYasha stepped out the door, scowl plastered on his face. A hand reached his shoulder and he irritably turned around. Surprise colored his features as he saw whom it was.
"Kikyou," he breathed.
She stood there, looking at him fondly, ebony tresses blending with the darkness. She looked as beautiful as ever and smiled gently, reaching over and pulling lightly on his hair.
"InuYasha."
He looked at her sadly, eyes glowing. Taking her hand off his hair, he said softly, "You know I don't feel that way for you, Kikyou. A relationship would never work."
"I know, but could I at least still be your best friend?"
Smiling softly, he turned away and said quietly, "Yeah."
Kikyou looked at him sadly. InuYasha had been her best friend until she started to feel something more than friendship for him. Unfortunately, he had continued to only treat her as his friend, never knowing her feelings until she confessed to him one year ago. He had been taken away by shock and she remembered clearly what he had said.
~Flashback~
"You WHAT?"
"InuYasha, I-I love you."
"But, Kikyou, I."
She had interrupted him with a passionate kiss, ignoring his muffled protests. Pulling away roughly, he had looked at her with sad eyes.
"Kikyou, I don't feel that way for you. You're my best friend and you'll always be."
His words had hung in the air and seemed to repeat itself to her.
He had left her standing there, heart shattering into a million pieces.
Tear slipping down her cheek, she whispered, "If you won't be with me, then, please, don't ever be with another. Please, don't. If you do, I don't think that my heart could take it. Promise me."
InuYasha had stepped forward and had murmured, "I can't promise you that, Kik-chan."
Opening sorrow-filled eyes, she had grated out painfully, "Then I'll make it so." With that, she had run away, sobbing uncontrollably, leaving a saddened InuYasha, knowing he wouldn't come to comfort her and feeling the heavy weight of her vow.
"Then I'll make it so."
She was jolted out of her thoughts by a loud and brash voice yelling to InuYasha and breaking their uncomfortable silence.
"Oi, Yash, over here!" Kouga yelled, waving to them. A pretty looking girl followed, bright red hair swaying behind her in a long braid. She looked defiantly at InuYasha with blazing green eyes.
Noting Kikyou, Kouga grinned and pushed the girl forward. "Meet Ayame, my girlfriend," he said proudly to Kikyou. Ayame then proceeded to smile and pat her hand. She seemed to be nice enough and she could tell the two were smitten with each other. She smiled slightly and sighed inwardly. If only a certain someone would return her feelings.
Saying good-bye, she walked away, her small form disappearing into the shadows.
Meanwhile..again...
Kagome rested her head in her arms in guilt. Poor Houjo. She had so quickly passed judgement. She then made a decision that would heavily affect the outcomes of her future. 'I'll never take anything at face value.' It rang throughout her mind for a moment before settling down comfortably in the recesses of her mind.
The door creaked open and Kaede peeked in, eyes bright and curious. Her small six-year old form belied the strange wisdom she possessed. Skipping towards her older sister, she chirped, "What's wrong Nee-chan?"
Kagome heaved a long sigh. "I just feel really bad, Kaede-chan, that's all." Kaede cocked her head, studying Kagome for a few moments.
"You feel bad about Lord Houjo, don't you Nee-chan?"
Kagome nodded sadly. Kaede smiled her bright perky smile and hugged her sister tightly.
"It's okay, he's probably never told anyone and only acts dull so he won't have to think of the pain he went through and possibly not get hurt again by anyone since they find him dull. It's probably a problem to him that he's handsome and rich, otherwise nobody would pay him any attention. He was attracted to you enough to tell you that thing about him."
Kagome blinked at her little sister's insight. It all made sense and clicked with what Houjo had said earlier. Wait, he was attracted to her? Well, she sure as hell wasn't attracted to him, for all his looks and money.
Kaede smiled and rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet. She was a cute little girl, but wouldn't grow up to be anything special. Her bright brown eyes sparkled and her long hair bounced. She was still adorable, though.
She loved her beautiful sister very much, even though she wished that someday she could have Kagome's looks, glossy blue-ish black glossy hair, and pale, creamy skin. But she knew that Kagome loved her for the way she was, and that made it fine for her. She had little cares, except her great, sisterly love and adoration for her older sister.
Kagome looked out the window at the darkening sky. The reddish hues of sunset lingered before fading into a darker blue. She watched as they sky completely darkened and the streetlights began to flicker on. The stars twinkled overhead and she turned her eyes upward.
She had never wanted the confining life of a lady, filled with rules and constrictions. She wanted to be one of those peasants, free and able to gossip and giggle and act how they wanted. She had always wished to do something and make an impact. But she was the daughter of a minor lord. Her duty was to get a rich husband and help the family that way. Casting one last glance at the outside streets, she snapped shut the curtains in a finalized way. As she closed the curtains, it was as if she was finally closing her hopes of becoming free of her life.
She was very wrong.
She was very wrong indeed.
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
The stars winked in the dark sky, looking sadly onto the world they hung above; a world of such conflict and sorrow.
It was another night.
It was another day in Surrey.
And tomorrow would be just another day. Or would it?
A/N: I like how I ended this. Yowzas! It's EIGHT pages long!! W00t! I've never written any chapter that long!! Go me!! ::proceeds to dance victory dance:: Well, if you thought it was good or bad or whatever you think, if you can think anything else besides okay, then tell me. ^_^ Just press that little button that says submit review. You know what I'm talking about, unless you can't read or something, but then how would you be able to read this if you couldn't read anyway? O.o Okay, never mind, just forget that I ever said that.
Ciao!
~Merayna