Broken

Author’s Notes: Hi everyone! Sorry this has taken so long but I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to be one. Don’t worry the next chapter will be up soon. I hope this will tide you over. Next chapter I’m going to thank some people who were very kind to me. Trust me I haven’t forgotten about this fic or the others!

“Broken”
By: Beloved Shadow

The first thing Heikou was aware of warmth that she couldn’t remember having ever felt before. She took the time to ‘see’ just where she was. The scent of the forest was still all around but a kind of musky scent was close by. She heard a very soft humming; a child’s voice she knew for it was too soft to belong to an adult. She was still unsure who she was with but she knew it was not the lord’s son who had tried to rape her. She sat up very slowly, her body protesting but she found herself sitting up. The humming stopped and very soft footsteps came closer.
“You’re awake!” came a child’s voice full of happiness.
Heikou smiled and nodded, opening her eyes. “Yes, I am,” she said softly.
Rin looked at the woman’s eyes and couldn’t help but stare. “You have such pretty eyes!” she exclaimed then blushed, realizing her straight forwardness.
She laughed and nodded to her. “Why thank you. What is your name?”
“My name is Rin.”
“Nice to meet you Rin. My name is Heikou.” She tried to pull herself to stand but her body refused to move. Sighing in defeat she leaned back but blinked when the warmth she was leaning against shifted. She slowly reached out and encountered smooth scales. “And who is this?” she asked.
“That’s Ah-Un,” Rin said simple. One of the dragon’s heads came around, brushing his snout along the woman’s cheek in a gentle manner. “He’s saying hello.”
Heikou smiled and slowly reached up, gently and carefully gliding her fingers over his face. She blinked when she felt another snout brushed against her arm, as if fighting for attention so she reached up with her other hand. Stretching out her spiritual senses she found that this creature bore two heads in one body. “Nice to meet you, too, Ah-Un.”
The dragon rumbled but enjoyed the caresses he was receiving. Their heads lifted and he rumbled deeply in his chest when they heard a noise. An ugly little demon wearing what looked like a vassal’s clothing stumbled through the bushes and trees, carrying a tall wooden staff with two heads--a woman with long hair wrapped around the handle and an old man with a long beard--at the top. He blinked large yellow eyes at their newest ‘guest’.
“So you finally woke up,” he said haughtily. The dragon seemed to growl but Heikou nodded.
“I thank you for your help.” She smoothed her hands over her kimono and frowned. She fingered the cloth and knew that it was ruined. The gift was destroyed and as much as she didn’t want to return, she knew she had to. “Please, could you show me the way to the Ayeka Village? I must return to my friends.”
The little demon snorted and glared at her hatefully. “You have eyes, find it yourself!” he snapped.
“… Though I may have eyes I have no sight,” she said simply. “I cannot see anything, not even what you look like.
“…”
Rin moved closer and looked at the young woman’s silver-blue eyes. They were truly so beautiful but they didn’t notice her. She wanted to ask but stopped herself and instead, knelt before the young woman. “I don’t know where the village is, but Lord Sesshomaru might know!”
“Lord Sesshomaru?” she asked softly
“Yes! He can help!”
“I would like that.” She sighed and slowly sat back, letting her wings drop around her arms. She could feel the young girl’s curiosity with a small smile she extended her wing. She felt the small hand stroke the feathers before pulling away. She heard a hushed ‘thank you’ before drifting back into the darkness.
It was going into dusk when the great Lord of the West returned to the small camp. Jaken had fallen asleep, sitting against one of the trees with the staff in his arms. Ah-Un looked up at its master with pale yellow eyes but laid both heads down to watch over everyone silently. Rin had fallen asleep as well but she lay curled next to the young woman, her head resting in her lap as a hand gently stroked her hair. The woman seemed to be sleeping as well, her tail feathers spread out to her side but one wing was stretched out and over his young ward.
‘Why? Why is she willing to protect those around her? Even those that wish to harm her?’ he asked. He was mildly surprised when she spoke up.
“I am glad you made it back safely, Lord Sesshomaru.” She didn’t look up at him and her eyes remained close.
“How did you know it was me?” he asked, mentally asking himself why he was asking such a foolish question.
She slowly lifted her head, eyes slowly opening. “Though is my sight is gone my spiritual abilities have strengthen my other senses. And your aura… you are a powerful dog demon but you bear scars that are very slowly healing.” She closed her eyes and smiled, opening them once more. “Your heart is no longer cold and unfeeling.”
“Do not speak as if you know me,” he said coolly and made to leave but was stopped once more.
“Forgive me for prying. But I do wish to thank you for saving me from those men. Once I am rested enough I will leave and return to my friends, then you may go on with your journey.” The demi-goddess leaned her head back and let her eyes drift close. The two-headed dragon soon closed his eyes, their breathing slowly becoming even as they drifted into slumber. The demon lord watched them before turning and leaving the camp.
--
By the time the people were going home the group were beginning to get worried. Their friend hadn’t returned. The lord had returned earlier, scowling at the people and actually kicked a old man out of his way as he stormed to the manor but Kirara arched her back, hissing angrily when he stormed by. Sango tried to soothe the neko but she refused to be coddled.
“Kohana-san, do you know where the grave is located?” Miroku asked the weaver.
She sadly shook her head. “No. When they first left the village they told no one where they were going, not even myself,” she explained. “All anyone knows if they went into the woods.”
“I think we had better look for her. You all saw the lord’s son when he came back earlier,” Sango told them as she changed out of the kimono and into her slayer’s uniform. “I think he was trying to rape her.”
“I agree but did you see the way he was clutching at his throat, and the front of his robes were burnt. If Heikou did do that, why hasn’t she returned?”
“Do you think, something got to her instead?” Cho asked a bit fearfully.
“Let’s pray that is not the case. We’ll return as soon as we can.” The monk and warrior ran out of the hut. Kirara was waiting outside in her full form and once they were on her back she raced into the secluded trees, the fire from her paws giving them light.
The fire gave them light and thanks to the neko’s powerful sense of smelling she easily picked up Heikou’s scent. She ran through the trees, her large form moving gracefully and her fire-lit paws barely making a sound. It wasn’t long before they saw a small mound of dirt where a beautiful bouquet of flowers lay. This was the place when Heikou’s father had been buried.
Miroku slid off the fire-cat first, stepping before the grave he held his hands in a prayer and closed his eyes. “May you continue to rest in peace,” he said softly.
Sango looked around but there was no sign of their friend. Her sharp gaze looked everywhere, vainly searching for some sort of clue but there was nothing within the trees or shrubs. It wasn’t until she finally looked at the ground did she notice many footprints, all different sizes. Sliding off the cat’s back she knelt on the ground, being careful not to disturb their latest find.
“Miroku, look at this,” she called to the monk. The young man came and carefully, knelt next to her. “Heikou was here and I believe there was a struggle. I don’t think the lord’s son was alone.”
“Yes I can see that as well.” His equally sharp gaze picked up the signs and followed them into the surrounding forest. “They head in that direction.”
“Let’s hurry. Kirara, go ahead of us and continue to follow the scent. We’ll be right behind you.” The cat growled but did as she as told. The monk and slayer ran after her, moving quite easily in the thick brush. It wasn’t long before they came across two bodies lying in the dirt. The monk made another prayer but Sango moved closer. Kirara growled, the fur along her back standing straight up. The demon exterminator quickly took a few steps back, covering her mouth and nose.
“There’s poison!” she remarked and quickly placed the metal face guard so she could breathe easily.
“What?” Miroku asked, looking but didn’t dare step closer.
“There men were killed by poison.” To prove her point she moved closer and gestured to the man lying on his back. His entire neck was gone, leaving a bloody clump but the underside of his jaw and top of his shoulders were still burning. The heavy stench of burnt flesh filled the air around them.
“No wonder the animals haven’t come to eat the remains. The stench is enough to drive even the scavengers away.” Holding his sleeve in from of his face Miroku stepped forward and knelt next to the other man. “Their clothing is of a nice material. Chances are these are the same men that were with the lord’s son.”
The neko gave a menacing growl even as her partner rested her hand on her furry shoulder. “Kirara is picking up Heikou’s scent but that’s not what worries me. There’s one demon I can think of that uses poison to destroy his enemies.” Neither had a chance to say anything as the neko gave a warning growl but it was too late. They whirled and looked at the stunningly handsome demon that stood there, looking at them with cold gold-colored eyes.
“Sesshomaru!!”
The lord looked at them but said nothing. He ignored the growl but said nothing. A cool breeze flew in, stirring their clothing and hair but he never blinked. No one blinked and no one dared to breathe. After what seemed an eternity he turned away from them and began walking.
“If you wish to see your friend, then follow me,” he called out to them yet continued walking. He didn’t bother to see if they were following but the trio did, leaving the dead bodies on the ground to continue decomposing.
The trio walked behind him several feet, not trusting him but he didn’t trust them nor like them either. Finally, it was Miroku who spoke up. “Were you the one who killed those men?” he asked.
“…”
“It was you then.”
“If you know the answer then why ask such a foolish question?” he asked.
“Why did you do it?” Sango asked.
“They trespassed on my land.”
“They didn’t have a chance to defend themselves.”
“Neither did Heikou.”
Sango’s head snapped up. “She’s safe?”
The demon lord paused but didn’t turn to look at them. “I saved her from being violated; she, in turn, took a wound meant for me.”
“What?! Why didn’t you bring her to the village?!” the slayer demanded angrily. “For all we know she could be dead!”
“Calm yourself, woman. She is alive.” He continued walking calmly.
“Wait a minute-”
“Sango wait!” Miroku quickly grabbed her arm, halting her from going after the lord. “I know you’re worried and so am I but we have no choice but to trust him for right now.”
“But he could be lying. What if Heikou is dying or dead?”
“If she was we surely would have seen something or Kirara would have smelled it but there’s nothing. He might be telling the truth. Let’s follow him and find out.”
As much as she hated to follow the Demon Lord the monk had brought up a very good point. Reluctantly she hung the large weapon over her shoulder. They followed him to the camp as the fire cat followed silently.
--
Inuyasha sighed as he rolled over onto his side. He hadn’t been feeling so well lately but it wasn’t a physical pain. He thought he was ready, he thought that if he let Kouga take him it would make the nightmares stop. He had hoped the pain would stop haunting him.
He was so wrong.
After that night he kept having reoccurring nightmares where the Wolf Prince raped him repeatedly, calling him names but it didn’t stop there. His friends called him worthless, that he was nothing. He yelled at them but then he saw two babies wrapped in blankets and furs. He wasn’t sure how he knew but he knew it deep in his heart, that they were his babies. He tried to reach for them but Naraku appeared and sole them. He screamed and trying running, tried to grab them but it was no use. He could hear them crying. Then Kouga appeared.
“Naraku stole them! He stole our children!” he cried to him but all he received was a hard slap in the face.
“It’s your fault! You should have been taking care of them, you should have protected them!” Koga snarled angrily. His fist came and smashed into his jaw, causing it to crack. “You’re not worthy to even live… but you at least deserve one last fuck.” The rape came and it was more painful than ever before…
Golden eyes snapped open, darting round the room but sighed and leaned back. He was just dreaming but thankfully he was alone. He knew Kouga was worried about something but he refused to talk about it. He also refused to talk with Lotus. It was each passing moment he was drifting away from the clan and no one knew what to do but right now, he didn’t care. His hands came down and gently caressed the bulge in his stomach.
‘I don’t know if it’s just a nightmare or a glimpse of the future… but I swear I won’t let anyone hurt you,’ he promised to the unborn babes. He felt a kick and smiled. ‘You’re worried too. Don’t worry, I’m going to protect you with everything I have.’ The kicking settled but he continued caressing his stomach. He looked out the mouth of the cave and stared into the star-lit skies.
“I promise no matter what, I will protect you all with my very soul. Now, and forever.”
--
“Damnit you’re the healer so heal him already!”
“I heal wounds of the body not the mind and especially not the spirit!”
“Then get Heikou back here so she can heal him!”
“You stupid mongrel! He won’t heal properly if you try to force it on him! Do you want the pups to die?! Why in the name of the moon couldn’t you keep your tail down?!”
The shouting could easily be heard in all the caves in the entire clan and the demons tried to ignore them but there were one or two pair of ears listened closely to the argument between their prince and healer.
Kouga growled but it quickly died in his throat when Lotus bared her fangs at him. Despite her age and his status she could seriously hurt him. “I’m worried about him,” he admitted.
“Worried?! Kouga-” the old demoness sighed and rubbed her hands over her face tiredly. “You must understand that rape, is one of the hardest pains to get over. It can break even the strongest person. I don’t care if Inuyasha said he was ready--hell maybe he was but that’s not the point. The pups will be due shortly so that boy must be ready.”
“I know it’s just--I thought--maybe-” he tried to say what he meant but the words refused to come out correctly.
“You were trying to replace the bad memories with good ones.” He nodded. She moved over and silently gathered him in her arms, hugging him tightly even as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “My poor little princeling… you try too hard at times.”
“I know,” came his muffled reply. “I never cared about anyone like this before. Not even with Kagome.”
“I can see it in your eyes.” She closed her eyes and stroked his hair, feeling him slowly begin to relax. “Until Heikou and I say he is ready, don’t rut. I don’t care if he begs for it. It may be his boy but it doesn’t mean he’s fully ready. Sometimes, we don’t know what’s best for ourselves.”
“I’m sorry Lotus.”
“I know Kouga.”
“Should, I apologize to him?”
“No. Chances are he’ll take it the wrong way despite it being his idea in the first place. But the good side is you didn’t mark him.”
He closed his eyes but said noting. ‘Yet.’
--
Heikou was the first to notice the demon lord was coming back, with guests. Ah-Un lifted his heads shortly after she noticed but didn’t move. Rin was still sleeping and so was Jaken. She would have continued sleeping herself but the closer the guests were coming the more comfortable she felt. Her friends were coming. Ah-Un, unfamiliar with the new scents growled, his body tensing.
“It’s alright, they’re my friends,” she said softly, reaching up to gently rub the dargon’s neck closest to her, feeling it vibrate as he growled/purred. The other head didn’t move as it stared into the darkness. Very soft footsteps could be heard and soon, the silent and almost ghostly form of the Demon Lord of the West came into view. He said nothing as he walked up to the demigoddess.
“Your friends are here to take you back,” he said coolly.
She nodded her head without looking up at him. “Yes I know.”
He studied her, looking around the camp he noticed his ward and vassal were still sleeping. “Why did you not leave?”
“It would be wrong to leave without telling your host.” She carefully shifted Rin so the young girl was leaning against the dargon’s side, and folded her wings against her body. Slowly she stood, clinging to the scraps of her kimono. Ah-Un gently nuzzled her hands and face, a deep resounding purr escaping their throats. Heikou just smiled, gliding her fingers along their scales she was unprepared when she felt something wrap around her shoulders. She held onto the silky fabric tightly and turned to face the lord.
Sesshomaru looked at the young woman. Never had he come across someone this beautiful, someone who did not judge him or the company he kept. What were these feelings that stirred deep in his chest? His hard golden gaze stared deeply into her sightless silver-blue eyes but he visibly jumped when she reached with her to hand to trail along his left shoulder, feeling where his arm had been cut off in battle a long time ago. The touch made him shiver but in unusual pleasure. Slowly, the hand moved up, across his chest, up his throat to gently trace the markings along the sides of his face. Her touch was so gently and curious-
He caught her hand and gently lowered it. “Your friends are waiting. You should go.”
She nodded but she held his hand in her own and pressed something into his palm. “This… was a gift but I am trusting you with its safe keeping.” She silently stepped around him, slowly pulling her arms through the haroi’s sleeves. “Until we meet again, my lord…”
Sesshomaru looked down at dark blue stone set in gold with a thick chain. The longer he stared at it the lighter the stone seemed to glow. He silently slipped the necklace around his neck, pulling his hair free. ‘Strange, the stone is warm…’ He walked over to Jaken and spoke in a strong, clear tone.
“Jaken.”
As if preparing for his name to be called the little toad awoke with a start, holding his staff tightly he looked up at his bare chested lord. “Um mi lord, what happened to your clothes?” he asked in confusion.
“None of your business,” he said tensely.
“Eep! I-I’m sorry my lord!”
“Let’s go Jaken.”
“Um go? Where are we going sire?”
“Home.”
The toad blinked in confusion. ‘Home? What does he mean?’ he asked himself. Sesshomaru said nothing as he lifted Rin to lay on the dargon’s back and began walking. Ah-Un followed on silent feet. “M-My lord, wait for me!!” the toad whined, racing to catch up or be left behind.
--
Kirara lifted her head and mewed as Heikou came into view. Sango breathed a sigh of relief and went to the girl, a smile on her face. “Heikou! Are you alright?” she asked.
“Yes I’m fine though I’m sorry I worried everyone,” she said almost sheepishly.
“As long as you’re alright.”
“Is it true that Sesshomaru saved you?” Miroku asked, noting the haori she wore belonged to that of the demon lord.
“Yes… he did. But I pleaded with him not to kill the lord’s son.”
“He said you took a wound meant for him.” She nodded and parted the haori just enough to show the still healing sword wound in the side.
“That boy was a coward, hoping to kill his opponent from behind, rather than face him and take his defeat like a true man.” She closed the robe tightly. “I hold no remorse for those with no honor.” Miroku was silent as Sango wrapped her arms around her shoulder, leading her back to the village
(Author’s Notes: Sorry I just wanted to add this little tid bit in. Don’t worry this chapter isn’t over just yet. I don’t know if anyone noticed but the names Touga and Nanami are from ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’. But I’m not gonna add anymore about the village until maybe later as a side note or flashback. Mostly the reason is if I do I’ll get off the track of the original plot. Now I’ll return you to the story. Oh yeah, at this point 5 months have passed more or less.)
--
Time seemed to move swiftly for everyone. In Kagome’s world the end of the school year was drawing to a close and so she told her friends she wouldn’t be able to come back for a few weeks so she could dedicate her time and effort into her studies. The school had refused to let her take the final exams at home. The group was torn since apparently she was the only one to see the shards and with such a lapse in time Naraku would get more shards. But Kikyou offered to help them find the shards. She could also see them but unlike Kagome she couldn’t purify them. Promising to meet back at Kaede’s village a month from now they left messages for Kagome and Inuyasha, and went their separate ways.
Heikou returned back to the caves, easing back in her duties as a healer but that didn’t stop the eligible wolves for wanting her for their own. Even under Kouga’s law they tried to claim her but she refused and in doing so cast a barrier around herself, preventing any to touch her. The elders were highly displeased but the wolf prince refused to back down.
Inuyasha seemed to remain the same but slightly more withdrawn from Kouga. No one seemed to notice this but before anyone could catch on the moment of truth arrived. Nearly the end of the labor Inuyasha went into full labor. The caves were a state of panic as Kouga had gone with Lotus and several wolves to search for a rare herb, leaving Heikou to fill the role of midwife. It was not an easy task.
The half-demon cried out in pain, his head matted to his skin from the sweat. His claws were threatening to tear the animal skins apart and his teeth were clenched so tightly together he thought they were going to shatter from the pressure. A keening sound escaped his throat as he felt a damn cloth dabbing at his brow.
“I know it hurts but you can’t push just yet,” Heikou told him, wishing for the hundredth time that Lotus was here. She asked those that were the fastest to search for their leader and healer, to bring them back. But when they seemed to take too long so she asked other messengers to seek the aid of the old miko Kaede, ignoring the elders. “How much longer?” she asked the old woman.
“Be a few more moments,” she said calmly, “Inuyasha, ye must calm your breathing.”
“I’m trying!!” he huffed, his breathing erratic. “Someone kill me!!”
The demigoddess moved so she was kneeling behind the hanyou and wrapped her arms around his chest as tight as she could. He gripped her arms tight enough to have the claws dig into her skin but she didn’t care as she tried her best to calm him down.
The old woman could see something wrong and frowned. Turning to the mouth of the cave she called for assistance. A pretty demoness with dark brown hair entered the cave, worry filling her eyes.
“Yes?” she asked, a deep sympathy etched in her eyes as the pain the hanyou was going through.
“Something is wrong with Inuyasha. I need ye to keep him calm no matter what.”
“Yes of course!” She moved and switched places with Heikou, being stronger than her and kept the inu from trying to get away from them and thrashing too much. Heikou crawled to where hanyou had his legs opened and concentrated. Using her spiritual sight she could see the problem.
“The baby… it hasn’t turned. It’s blocking the birth canal,” she said horrified.
“Aye I need you to reach in and guide the child out.”
Nodding Heikou quickly washed her hands and nodding for the other demon to hold on, slowly pushed her hand into the birth canal. Inuyasha screamed, his back arching but the wolf demoness held on only tighter. Kaede struggled to keep the demon from moving but before she could be thrown off a pair of strong arms helped her. “Who-?”
“My mate, Takeda,” the wolf demoness explained. The one-eyed miko nodded and dabbed at the hanyou’s brow once more.
Time moved slowly for them, doing the best they could for their friend. Heikou pushed her arm in deeper, praying to her mother, father, to all the gods for help. Her eyes widen as her fingers touched the unborn babe. Struggled she pushed it back, got it to turn in the correct position and with her hand gently cradling it’s neck, let the baby slide out and into her lap. Blood and fluids gushed out but she didn’t care as the baby opened it’s mouth and wailed as loud as it could. She moved quickly, taking a knife that had been cleaned and cut the cord, tying it off but she quickly gave the child to Kaede to clean and pushed her arm back in.
“Child what are ye doing?” the old woman asked as she cleaned the first born.
“There’s another child in here!” she said, struggling to reach. She could hear the heart beat so slowly. No no she would not this life die! She pushed her other hand in, tearing a scream from her friend, and reached! After what seemed like hours she found the other babe and pulled. Unlike the first it did not cry but she wouldn’t give up. Wiping the blood and fluids off it’s off she began to breathe life into it’s tiny body. After the fourth breathe it coughed up some clear liquid and began to wail. Inuyasha shuddered, his body going limp. The female demon sighed but didn’t release her friend.
“It’s over Inuyasha, your babies are fine,” she told him with a small smile.
“I… I’m… still… gonna… maim… Kouga…” he panted heavily, ears drooped against his skull.
Takeda chuckled under his breathe as he carefully wrapped a blanket around one of the babies. “Ninu told me the same thing after our cubs were born. Hell, she threaten to tear off my manhood if I so much as came near her!” Everyone had a small laugh about that.
“My babies… are they alright?” Inuyasha asked, slowly sitting up with Ninu’s help.
Takeda checked and carefully wrapped a blanket around the firstborn before handing him over to the new mother, smiling happily. “Congratulations Inuyasha, it’s a boy and by the look of things, he’s a full demon.” The baby was adorable with his dark skin and full head of black hair but his big eyes were a rich gold.
“Oh he looks just like Kouga!” Ninu said with a squeal, hugging the half-demon before going to her mate’s side.
“Make it twin sons,” Heikou said softly, carefully handing him the second boy. This one was also a full demon but he had pale skin with a full head of silver white hair and bore Kouga’s luminous blue eyes. Everyone smiled as the new mother held his sons tightly, glad to have them safe and sound.
“I can’t believe it… two boys…” he whispered.
Kaede stood, sighing softly. “I think we should let the others know.”
Outside a commotion was heard and in stumbled Kouga and Lotus, both breathing heavily. They tried to say something but looking at the newborn pups made them stop. The wolf prince slowly, almost hesitantly, knelt before the hanyou and tentively reached out to gently caress the soft hair of his sons. HIS twin sons. He looked up at Inuyasha and smiled weakly.
“I swear from this moment on I’ll never leave your side,” he vowed. The silver haired demon just nodded.
Lotus beckoned for everyone to follow her out and explain everything to her while she caught her breathe. When the wolves had reached them and told them the news Kouga grabbed her, hauling her onto his back and took off like a shot. It was most certainly not the most pleasant ride in the world but they got here in one piece.
The group told her everything and the birth of the twin boys. Lotus was so happy she would have wept for joy had she not been gasping for air still. Kouga soon came out of the caves with Inuyasha, each holding one of their sons in their arms. The group stepped back as Kouga announced that his mate had given birth to two full demon boys. The entire pack howled with delight but the two boys voiced their discomfort at the sudden sounds; the group just laughed.
“Kouga,” the wolf prince looked at the elders and frowned; “we need to talk.”