The Spell That Binds Us

Thank you again, for the reviews. Yes Inuyasha is going to be turned into a wolf, and yes I do plan on this story to have lots of action and angst. So if it seems dull now just wait until I get deeper into the plot.

I back to using Word, yeah, less headaches.

I will certainly try to keep the chapters coming, but I also have to work on Stranded. So we'll see.

Enjoy!


Chapter 4
Farewell my Friend


InuYasha snuck into the palace. He was surprised, that his parents and his older brother were not there waiting on him, when he returned. He was sure that he had been caught, by on of the Royal Guards. In addition, he would have to explain, why he was out at all hours of the night.

His parents were very strict; he knew it was only to insure that he was protected. Even though he was fifty, they still treated him like a pup. He mused; it must be my boyish features.

He needed bodyguards around him at all times, even though he was able to fend for himself--and also knew how to wield a sword. He growled. InuYasha especially hated when he was served dinner, that someone was always around to taste his food, even though he could clearly smell if it was tainted. However, his father always would say: "Just because you don't smell it, doesn't mean its not there." Of course the king would always suspect that the food was tainted with a malice poison.

InuYasha wasn’t the one in line to be crowned though, his elder brother Sesshomaru was. He sighed, why he couldn’t just be a knight in some jousting match, instead of being the next to rule the Western Kingdom. Although, that constant reminder of someone sabotaging his brother’s chances would mean he would be crowned. He growled softly, he really didn't want the responsibilities just yet.
Yet, his parents always reminded him that they loved him and were only looking out for his well-being?

He looked down at the sleeping female in his arms. Shifting her slightly, he then headed up the stone stair casing that led to his room.


Opening the double doors, he closed them softly behind them. He latched the locks, so that any servant wouldn’t dare just barge in on him. He would have to tell his father that Kaede was murdered last night. However, he would take his punishment in stride. As far as the young girl, well humans were tolerated in his kingdom, even though his brother truly distrusted them. He knew that once his brother became King, humans would no longer be welcome--with the exception of his step-mother's side of the family. What a hypocrite, InuYasha thought

That didn’t settle with him at all, and the more he stood there the angrier he became. Deciding not to wait any longer, he glanced over at Kagome--who was still fast asleep on his bed. He was going back, and burry Kaede. He would do what no one in his family would do. InuYasha was going to bear responsibilities to the commoners--treat them as an equal.

Before he left the Palace, He went down to the serving chambers, and knocked on the door. Now, being the Prince, he didn't have to knock and could just barge in anytime. However, he always knew that was unmoral and cruel. His father King InuTashio hated it, and many times reprimanded him in the proper educate of Royalty.

"Kikyo, are you awake?" he asked, as he tapped on her door once again.

She thought she heard someone at her door. The raven hair young woman stirred stretching her long arms over her head, waking. Grabbing a sheer robe, she yawned. Kikyo fixed her white nightgown, and then covered herself with the robe. Stepping on the cold stone floor she hurriedly ran to the door. She was grateful to have a small room, (since it was to dark to see in front of her).

"Your Highness," she said sensually, as she opened the door and bowed. "What brings you to my chambers this hour of the night?" Kikyo could only hope that he was there for her. Looking down the hall, she could see no one else around. "Would you care to come in?" she asked, playing with her braided hair.

InuYasha didn't have time to fornicate with the help especially tonight, and knew that was her sole intention. He barked, "I need you to take care of a young girl upstairs in my room."

"What!" she said, feeling suddenly insulted. "How could you ask me something like that? Why would I help one of your tramps?" Kikyo yelled. She covered her mouth quickly realizing her mistake, as she instantly dropped to the ground, "I'm sorry, your highness, I shouldn't of said that." She could only hope that he would forgive her.

InuYasha growled, "I want you up there now! That is an order! If you disobey me, this time or any other time, I will personally see that you receive a proper punishment!" His eyes narrowed as he sensed her fear. "Kikyo... next time I might not be so generous."

"Yes, your highness...please forgive me!" Although, she hated the fact that she had to help this wench, she complied with the grace and dignity of a noble woman. Even being a mere chamber maid, she held her composer of anyone with as much class and dignity during that time. She tried not to let her jealousy run her amuck, but she wanted him.

Grabbing her sandals, she bowed, "your grace." Then proceeded down the torch lit hall

InuYasha huffed; he should have never gotten involved with her. At one time he did have feelings for her, but it seemed that she was only interested in him for his crown. He shook his head; he didn't have time to stand around remembering the past.


Continuing down the hall InuYasha found one of the many secret passages, that where well hidden inside the castle walls. Moving a large burgundy tapestry he pushed the wall inward as it gave way. The room was dark, but he could see just fine. Pushing the wall back, he ran through the damp dark tunnel ways, until he came out into a field. He used this passage many times to sneak out after hours.


With great speed he ran through the dense forest of England, and towards Kaede's house. Kagome was right she did deserve a proper burial. He was angered and someone had to pay.


Kagome stirred, feeling the softness from the goose down mattress. She felt back at Kaede's. Was it a dream...was I dreaming? Rubbing her eyes, she could feel the grime, on her hands. No it wasn't a dream. Turning her head, she could see the moonlit rays shining through the glass window. This must be InuYasha's room, she thought.

"InuYasha?" she called out, hoping to see at least a silhouette of the young prince.

Nothing, but total silence answered her. Now what? She thought. Do I leave? Should I stay? Where would I go if I decided to leave? Before she could contemplate her next decision, the doors opened.


Sitting up Kagome could only hope it was the prince returning. However she didn't expect to see a young woman.

Kikyo walked in, she lit the other torches, which were lined together in a row. Placing her torch on one of the empty wall hangers, she looked over at girl. Jealous rage ensued when she saw her on the prince's bed. She badly wanted to say something, but held her tongue--sure that InuYasha would have her head if she didn’t.

Kagome kept vigil on the servant. "Who are you?" she couldn't help but ask.

Kikyo looked at her with hatred in her eyes. "I'm just a mere servant, sent by the Prince to see to your needs. You can call me Kikyo."

Kagome smiled, as she looked at the young woman before her. Standing up she walked over to Kikyo. "Hello, it is very nice to meet you. My name is Kagome."

Kikyo looked at the girl over, "where do you come from? Why are you here?" she couldn't contain her curiosity. She had never seen such odd attire before.

Kagome grew sad, thinking of the prior night. Was it safe to answer her? She steeled herself. Forcing the tears back, that so badly wanted to escape her exhausting eyes. Looking down at herself, she noticed blood, and dirt stains on her clothing. She sighed, while looking at the young woman before her.

"I would like to take a bath," Kagome said. "And, if possible a new change of clothing."

"As you wish." Kikyo knew that she could bring water up to a basin for the girl to wash. Yet, she would remain, in the palace. Another idea was to take her to the local bathing pond, then leave her. If she would leave her; there would be no entrance back into the castle. The guards wouldn't let a measly commoner to enter. She smiled, and then she would have InuYasha all to herself again.

Kikyo knew the risks, with leaving her responsibility, and needed to come up with a likely excuse. She would probably be thrown out of the castle, if the Prince found out her vicious plan. She would take the risk.

"Follow me," Kikyo said, as she grabbed a torch.

InuYasha could still smell the lingering of death and smoke. He also smelt two other people nearby. He slowed his pace recognizing the two. He sighed, was Miroku and Sango here to burry the dead?

Miroku rose first seeing the prince approach him. Standing up, he motioned for Sango to do the same. "Prince InuYasha, if you don't mind my asking me’ Lord? Shouldn't you be at the Castle?" Miroku asked, bowing to the prince.

InuYasha growled, he noticed that they indeed dug a nice size hole for Kaede. "That Miroku is none of your concern. What I do care about is who killed her? Did you two notice anything unusual on your nightly scouting?"

Sango spoke up, "your highness, we did run into Naraku!"

"What!" InuYasha growled, "Where is he now?"

"As much as we wanted to contain him, there was no concrete evidence to sustain him...we had no choice but to let him go." Sango said desperately not to upset the young prince.

"You two finish scouting the area, then report back to me at the palace. I will finish burring Kaede."

Miroku and Sango bowed, and then approached their horses. Re-mounting they galloped off in the distance.

InuYasha could see the sun trying to peak over the ravine, if he wanted to burry Kaede he needed to hurry. He still didn't want to be caught, by his father.

Kagome followed Kikyo through the dark passageway; she had no idea where she was going, but anxious to cleanse herself. The castle walls were damp and dreary; she wished it was daylight so the palace didn't look so eerie.

Kikyo looked at Kagome, "stay here."

Kagome watched a Kikyo turned the corner. She didn't like being by herself. The light in the hall was dim, and not to mention, Very intimidating. She felt a sigh of relief when Kikyo returned.

"Follow me," Kikyo instructed. Passing the two guards, they walked down the bridge and on to the local highway. "It's not far now."

Kagome smiled as she raced up to the servant girl, "I just want to say thank you. I've had a really hard night."

Kikyo gave a fake grin, "I am sure a calming bath will help sooth your ailments."

Kagome smiled warmly. "If there is anything I can do to help you out...in the future. I mean, please don't hesitate to ask."

Kikyo chuckled, "I'm a mere servant in the Palace. I have shelter and I’m fed. I don't have to tend the fields for measly pence. I have a home here, and I don't think that there is anything you can do for me. I am just following my orders, to see you are well taken care of."

Kagome frowned, "But, don't you want to marry?"

"I love only one, and he loves me." Kikyo responded snidely. "I was lucky; most women don't get to choose who they wish to be with. What town did you say you where from? Do you get to choose?"

"Of course I get to choose." Kagome said, not realizing the rules to this era. Kaede never mentioned anything about arranged marriages. Nor, did she ever pressure me to find a suitable man.

“You are very lucky indeed, Miss Kagome. Unfortunately, we don’t have rights. Women just listen to the husbands with no questions asked.”

“What! How awful. Where I come from we are treated as equals.”

“Someday I would very much like to visit your village.”

Kagome looked at the servant curiously, “well you see, my village is very far from here, and I don’t know if I can ever return.”

“I see,” Kikyo responded. Approaching a small nook, she looked over at Kagome. “We’re here. Take the torch and go behind those bushes and change. Let me know when you have finished and I will wash your clothing.”

Kagome nods. Throwing the clothes over the bushes, she can’t help but feel somewhat vulnerable.

InuYasha wipes his brow, never in his life has he ever buried somebody before. His well manicured claws have nothing but caked on dirt, and they became chipped. He frowned. Saying his goodbyes to his friend, he needed to wash up first, before he headed home.