The Spell That Binds Us

A/n: Thank you so much for your reviews. I’ve truly enjoyed each and every one of them. In addition, I want to say that all my characters are and will be out of character—if you haven’t already noticed…lol. I forgot to add that small bit of information.


Kirara: Thank you, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my stories. I will continue writing—even through college, that is if I have the time.
I absolutely love writing and being on this site has been truly enjoyable. It also has defiantly been a learning experience. I know I still have a ways to go with my grammar and only pray that it has improved.

Enjoy!


Chapter 9
Exiled

Inuyasha made his way back to the thrown room, where his mother and brother where last seen. Now the room was empty. He could still hear his father arguing with Miroku and Sango in the dining hall.
Inuyasha growled; he knew that telling his father was utterly pointless.

Anger filled his already heated eyes, as he placed Kagome down, not so gently. Grabbing her arm, he forced her to follow him. It was time for Kikyo to suffer the consequences of her actions, and he would make sure Kagome witnessed it. Then he would take Kagome to Kaede’s gravesite, as promised.


The only sound was the soft pitter-patter of her feet, as he continuously dragged her behind him, down the torch lit hall. His ear twitched, when he heard a slamming of a door. With a confused expression, he sniffed the air and snorted. Inuyasha wasn’t in the mood to deal with Miroku right now; he was on a mission.


Miroku emerged from the dinning area, and headed towards Inuyasha, not aware that he would soon run into an angered prince. He rubbed his somnolent eyes from the excessive arguing with the King. He was sure that he would have been able to convince him of Naraku’s vile act, as he reflected on the families, which passed in the early morning hours. They still needed a proper burial, not to mention retribution for their sudden deaths.


Inuyasha snorted, as he picked up his speed. He wanted to get this ordeal over and done with.

“Hey slow down,” Kagome pleaded heatedly. She was upset that the young prince was fondling her so roughly.

Inuyasha ignored her and only answered her with a stern growl. Nothing was going to get in his way. He didn’t want to face the facts that his friend/lover betrayed him. He prayed that Kagome was wrong—but in his heart, he knew that she spoke the truth.

Lying to the royal family usually meant death, or hours of cruel torture down in the dungeons…sometimes even exile. Inuyasha certainly didn’t want Kikyo’s death. Regrettably, he would never be able to trust her again, but he couldn’t let her be severally punished.

He wasn’t into women being maimed in anyway. However, that didn’t mean that their weren’t other ways to handle her betrayal.

He passed Miroku, not glancing back, with Kagome in tow. Politics would have to wait.

“Sire,” Miroku called. He had hope; maybe the prince would be able to substantiate his actions. More importantly, justify the souls of the victims.

Inuyasha stopped walking, and he could tell Kagome was grateful. “Miroku, I do not have time to discuss this matter now!” He turned away, “I’ll discuss this issue…later this afternoon, before dinner. Take some men and give those people a proper burial. I will also try to talk to my father.”

Miroku sighed, however complied, “Yes sire.” He was pleased that one of the Royals had a sense of compassion, for the slain. The king was a great leader and he loved serving him and his kingdom. The queen, she was just as honorific, as her youngest son was. Unfortunately, she wasn’t aware of the extent of damage done to the land. In addition, she didn’t have power to stop it…but she could persuade the king. The thought receded. He didn’t need to get involved, when in the end will only result in punishment. He had no right suggesting anything to the queen she already had subjects.

Miroku shrugged his shoulders, just thinking about the task and the complications from politics. He turned his head, watching the prince dragging off a very angry Kagome. He raised an eyebrow in contemplation. If he wasn’t mistaken the prince was heading towards Kikyo’s room. He would hopefully see his friend soon and get all the raunchy details.

Miroku glanced over his shoulder one last time. This time he was hoping for his lovely woman, but there was no sign of Sango. Deeply disappointed, he retreated out the doors. Outside, he managed to get two other men. Making up with Sango will have to wait, he thought as he retreated towards the stables.


Inuyasha was in front of Kikyo’s room. “Please Inuyasha, just let me go!” Kagome tried pleading with him. Much to her dismay, he didn’t even utter a word. Barging inside the servants chambers, he hauled her with him with such vigor that she stumbled inelegantly.

Kagome caught her balance and finally freed her hand from his tight grasp. She’d never felt so humiliated as she did this day. What was he thinking? She cringed, when she saw the damage done to Kikyo’s face. I did that…

She didn’t really care about the servant and all she could think about was visiting Kaede. Unfortunately, the stubborn prince kept silent, which fueled her temper further.

She was still saddened deeply at the loss of her friend. Unluckily for her– Time did not stand still. There where so many different distractions, she could not truly focus on her grief.

“Kikyo…” Inuyasha yelled loudly, “Wake up!” He could see her stirring, as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Your Highness?” she said, softly, as she reached her hand towards him. Then she noticed Kagome behind him and her warm look turned into anger and jealously. “What is she doing here?”

Kagome shook her head, and began to walk out of the room. However, a strong arm grabbed her retreating form. “I didn’t dismiss you!” Inuyasha snarled, pulling her back into the bedroom. He returned his angered looked at Kikyo.

“You have one chance, to tell me the truth!” He could see the confused look from her swollen eyes.

Kagome had a bad feeling, in the pit of her stomach. Questions were unraveling like a ribbon, in her mind. She wasn’t stupid…the look in Kikyo’s eyes, when Inuyasha first stepped in the room was apparent. Kagome’s eyes narrowed, as she felt the harmful tug of envy tap into her mind. Hell the servant lit up like a damn Fourth of July fireworks display. Anyone with two eyes could see that she was in love. Unfortunately, that love was none other than the bastard who refused to let her out of his sight.

Kagome’s eyes widened in realization; that is why she said all those things to me…she was jealous, and I was apparently in the way. She laughed loudly, almost like hearing someone crazed. Maybe she was. Stuck in a time where she surly didn’t belong…when she just longed to go home, away from the rude and uncanny prince. A sudden growl silenced her amusement, and she closed her eyes, not wanting to look into his heated gaze. Yet, that didn’t stop of assumptions that planted unvoiced thoughts—where these two lovers?

It wasn’t like she wanted the prince, sure he was down right gorgeous, and a great kisser. Unfortunately, his bad boy image wasn’t her style. Neither was the situation she was in right now. This was between them. “Inuyasha…I’m leaving!”

“How dare you address the prince with such informality?” Kikyo hissed. Oh, how she wanted to mutilate Kagome right now. She was utterly embarrassed to how she must have sounded—as if she were talking through her nose.

“Me…” Kagome interjected. “I’m not the one who’s conflicted with emotion!” She smiled seeing the shocked face on the servant; she didn’t even glance at the prince.

Inuyasha’s ears flattened with annoyance, he snarled needing to regain control, “SILENCE!” he roared with irrational fervor. He stormed over to Kagome, and grabbed her arm dragging her towards a sturdy chair in the corner of the room. “You will sit here! And so help you if you even flinch!”

Kagome looked up at him with stunned eyes. She closed her mouth, suddenly when his finger silenced her.

Inuyasha snorted, finally regaining control. The strong sent of discomfort filled the already stale room. His voice held confidence, and zoomed with authority. “Now Kikyo, answer my question.”

Kikyo held her head in shame; she didn’t know how to answer him. She never thought that she’d would be caught. With the presence of Kagome in her room unnerved her further. Why did she have to be in this room? Would he believe me? She would have to throw on the charm if she were to keep Inuyasha.

Inuyasha growled with impatience.

“What do you want me to say, sire. I have no idea what you’re talking about!” Kikyo addressed him with pleading eyes.

“Well let’s start, at the beginning! You where taking Kagome for a bath…am I right.”

“Yes,” Kikyo said solemnly. She knew that this was the end. She wouldn’t be able to lie out of this situation. In addition, she realized why Kagome was also in the room. He believes Kagome over me. She took in a deep breath, as the tears began to leak freely down her face. She might as well face up to her deceit, instead of lying again, and causing more damage. She usually wasn’t a vindictive person, but for some reason, seeing Kagome in the prince’s bed sent her into a covetous rage.

Kagome sat their in awe, as Kikyo confessed. She did rather feel bad for her. Is just was too bad that Kikyo felt so insecure with the relationship between herself and the prince that she went out of her way to make her miserable.

However, the silent question remained, what were the prince’s motives. If he didn’t love her, why was he even sleeping with her. Inuyasha didn’t seem to be the type to just use and then discard whomever he was seeing. Kagome knew she had no right to pry, and since the prince was now cradling Kikyo in his arms, she felt like she had no more reason to stay.

Maybe in time the prince will forgive her. After all, it is only a woman’s natural reactions if another woman is threatening her relationship too simply act upon it. Even as cruel as what Kikyo did, but Kagome knew all too well how evil other women could be; Kikyo was tame compared to them.

She watched them uncomfortably. She knew they were just saying goodbye. Inuyasha had made it clear that their relationship was over and he would need time to heal before he could consider her as a friend. Kagome rolled her eyes at the dramatics. Slowly she stood up, and headed for the door, she didn’t want to listen to Kikyo’s whimpering any longer.


“Sit down! I still didn’t dismiss you.” Inuyasha barked, while he still held Kikyo tightly in his arms.

Kagome folded her arms across her chest, as she sat back down. “It looked like you two could use some privacy.” She said softly with a harsh undertone. She eased in the chair uncomfortably, but there was still a nagging feeling at the back of her mind.

Kikyo looked up at Kagome as she pushed away from the prince with hurtful eyes. Getting out of bed, she slowly approached Kagome. She knew it would take some time for Inuyasha to heal knowing that she caused their sudden break-up. Kikyo would deal with the constant reminder of what she could’ve had—but now it would be a regular reminder of what she’d lost, and that person to remind her was none other than Kagome.

Staring at Kagome she wasn’t sure how she was feeling. Part of her blamed the girl for even showing up in the castle. Another part of her, wanted to congratulate her on her victory. Yet, her broken heart wouldn’t give the satisfaction of an apology to the girl before her, and loathed her even more. “Please leave my presence. I wish to be alone!” Her words were cruel, her eyes cold and calculating.

Kikyo had no more to lose. She knew that Inuyasha wouldn’t exile her or send her to the dungeons. She huffed when nobody moved; she turned her attention to the prince. “Sire, I know I have no right to ask this of you. However, I wish to lie down and rest. I’m truly sorry for any pain I’ve caused you.” She said softly, bowing to him respectfully.


Kagome rolled her eyes, “Fine by me.” Kikyo’s faux veneer didn’t fool her, and couldn’t stand being part of the charade any longer.

Inuyasha stood fiercely he wasn’t a fool either and listening to Kikyo horrible excuse for an apology. Not to mention she held no remorse for what harm that could have bestowed Kagome. “You’re right Kikyo, I’m the Prince, and you’re just the Commoner!” He knew his words were hurtful, and he didn’t care. “You ask for my forgiveness, but the only other person I should see you ask for forgiveness too is Kagome!”

Kagome gasped, she couldn’t believe he just stood up for her. While Kikyo remained expressionless.

Inuyasha snarled, “Kikyo? You say, you would do anything to remain my friend, but you do nothing to show that to be true!” He shook his head, deceived twice by the same woman all in one day. “Let’s go Kagome, I promised you a ride.” He turned to the window, “besides it looks splendid outside, and I hate to waste it spending here in this room.”

Kikyo huffed, and then turned angrily to Kagome, “How dare you!” she yelled, slapping Kagome across the face. “You come here and you ruin everything!” She went to strike her face again. However, Kagome grabbed her arm roughly. The look in the strange woman’s face scared her.

“You Bitch!” Kagome hissed, feeling her hand clench tightly forming it into a perfectly good fighting fist. Oh, how she just wanted to punch her in the same spot, but restrained herself. She smiled, giving off a perfectly good shit-eating grin as she approached the frightened servant. She glanced over at the prince who looked like he was going to interfere, however gave a silent glance said Kikyo was all hers.

No, Kagome wasn’t going to repeat her actions the way she did with her previous friends from her freshman year in high school—by beating them all up. She would use a different technique. She would let Kikyo look like the fool, and since this is medieval times—every castle needed its jester. “Remember this and remember this well! You lost him—face it! However, if you ever touch me again, I will not hold back!” Kagome huffed; she was nose to nose with the servant. “Hopefully, now I will never have to see your face again!” She let go of Kikyo’s arm, and headed towards the door. “Oh, and Kikyo,” she smiled, “have a nice day!”

Kikyo scowled, but stood silent, she could see the amused expression on Inuyasha’s face. It bothered her that he wasn’t paying attention to her.

Inuyasha stood their stunned, and amused. He smiled as he began to follow her out the door, when his arm was grabbed suddenly.

“Please Inuyasha…don’t leave me…not like this…not over her!”

Inuyasha smiled coolly at Kikyo as he grabbed her arm removing it from his presence. He looked over at Kagome who still hadn’t managed to get the door open and looked confused on how to even open a door. Interesting he mused, doesn’t she know all she has to do is lift the latch. Inuyasha didn’t say anything else to Kikyo right now he needed to show this woman how to open a damn door.


“Do you not have doors from your kingdom?” he asked, while moving her aside, listening to her sigh in disappointment. He smiled at her smugly, and lifted the wooden latch. Opening the door, he surly didn’t expect to see his father standing there.

Kagome gasped, then clumsily dropped to the ground with her held down. She was utterly self-conscious and wondered if the two noticed. First, it was that damn door, and felt her face flush with embarrassment. Why hadn’t she tried the latch? Now she was face down in Kikyo’s cold floor and nobody said she could get up yet. Why me?


“Father,” Inuyasha said with a slight undertone of laughter seeing Kagome bowing to his father—where did she come from with such strange customs. His father didn’t seem amused.

“Son, I was on my way back to my chambers, and I’m not pleased with what I’ve heard.” He glanced over to Kikyo, his golden orbs gazing at her with pure hatred. “Kikyo, as the King, I see that my son has granted you full pardon. However, I disagree with his poor choice of punishment and I exile you from my kingdom, effective immediately.”

“As you wish, Sire,” Kikyo said disheartened. She arose, with her head held down and began gathering what little clothing she could carry.

Inuyasha stood their stunned, although he didn’t feel like he should interfere, his father still held authority.

InuTashio, looked down at Kagome with amusement, but didn’t say anything, “Son, have a nice ride. Kikyo this way, I will escort you to a guardsman and we’ll have it arranged that you’re to be dropped off at the border of my lands.”

“Yes sire, thank you sire.” Kikyo never looked back, but defiantly promised retribution—Kagome would pay.


Kagome felt Kikyo brush by her, then heard the door shut, but she didn’t move. She was still terrified of the King. She was only remembering what Miroku had said, but Kikyo just got up…oh, was she ever confused and didn’t want to dwell. She wanted so bad to look, she could have sworn the king was gone. Moreover, what about Inuyasha did he leave as well?

“Maybe I should’ve listened to Kikyo.” Inuyasha chuckled, “If I’d known that you would respond this way, I would have made you use those formalities with you sooner.”

Afraid not, her mind concluded; she arose, meeting his amused glare with stern hazel eyes. “How long have you been there?” she hissed. Kagome was now standing facing him, as she dusted herself off.

“I’ve been enjoying the view for a while now.” Changing the subject, he smiled at her, “now that I think of it…I want to hear you say it?”

He wants what! Her face flushed red, “Say what?” she quirked her eyebrow, what was he up too?

“Say my name…” he crossed his arms tightly around his broad chest. Almost in a challenging stance, he wanted to hear it.

“Inuyasha,” she smirked.

He chuckled as well he expected that. “No, I want you to say my formal name. I want to hear the way it rolls of your tongue.”

“What? Have you lost you mind, your highness…” she couldn’t contain her laughter. She was winning the game he created. She knew all to well what he was referring to. “Now, sire…you did say we would go and visit Kaede and I really do not feel that we should still be lingering in this room.” She wanted to change the subject. She refused to get close, and gave a quick curtsey before heading towards the door.


He laughed but complied, she was right. Why didn’t it bother him that his father banished Kikyo? All he could do was hope that she would survive on her own. He reminded himself that she wasn’t at all what he knew her to be. The thought saddened him, but being next to, Kagome made his sorrows disappear.

Chasing his thoughts of Kikyo away, he quickly grabbed Kagome’s arm. “A lady should always have an escort. Besides, I will eventually hear my proper name from your heavenly lips soon enough.”

“Oh--?”She giggled, “I could’ve sworn that I did…Inuyasha.”


“I’m tired of seeing you in these clothes Kagome.” He said. Truthfully, he didn’t want to be reminded of Kikyo while she was wearing that dress. “I think we need to go and see my dear mother and find you some proper attire for the ride.”

“Huh? Your mom…I can’t see her… I mean with everything that just transpired.”

“Nonsense…you’ll be fine.” Inuyasha said reassuringly.

Making it up the spiral-stoned stairwell, Kagome followed behind, but she couldn’t understand how Inuyasha could seem perfectly fine after the woman he so claimed, as a special friend, was forced out of the kingdom?

She never meant to cause so much trouble, as Kikyo had said. She wasn’t sure how she felt about Kikyo’s abrupt departure. The king must have not wanted to take a chance with her, and it was his way of protecting his son. She couldn’t blame him for his decision. Kikyo did become rather irrational, and could only imagine her type to seek revenge. Kagome closed her eyes briefly she didn’t want to think that, and hoped that she was indeed wrong.

Inuyasha stopped; he was already walking down the brightly lit hallway. His parent’s room was close by. He paused then waited for Kagome to catch up. “You will address me as, sire or highness in front of my mom. She hates formality as well, but milady will suffice, until she says otherwise.”

Kagome chuckled, “Inuyasha, I’ve already met your mom, unfortunately I was rudely interrupted.”


“Come, I want to watch you drop to the floor again.” He laughed, ignoring her last comment he led her towards his parent’s room.

Shippo looked out his window. It was high noon and it was becoming quit muggy in his room. Standing up he stretched, he was finally done with the list. Tomorrow was the day; he had to deliver the fatal blow to the families that owed the lord of the lands. He hated it. Many times, he had tried to find a way to escape, but none of his attempts prevailed.

Raised as best he could, being an orphan. He learned to survive off the land, and taught himself to fight. Death was not common to see at his young age, and it soon became an everyday occurrence. Eat or be eaten.

He found out later in life that he was good with numbers, and was an expert swordsman. He robbed, murdered and totally lost hope that something good would come to his life. He heard rumors of the previous lord’s strange death, and it intrigued him. Curiosity caught up with the teenage kit and set off towards the land. He could only hope that it was something better, than the way he was living right now.

He was pleased that they were in need of work. However, as they years went by he regretted his decision taking the job, and should have kept walking. Now he was Naraku’s personal stepping-stone.

Walking outside, the estate, he ignored the two sentries. He really didn’t want to deal with Bankotsu and Hiten, right at the moment. Shippo was pleased they didn’t pester him. They probably already knew Naraku’s plans. He held the smile back, uncertain what the guard’s motives actually were.

He smirked, hearing the clanging of their armor. So’, they’re going to follow me. He thought. He would just simply lose them as he always did. He waved, and then sped off into the massive crowd.

Around the mass of bodies, he resumed his steady walk, and sighed when he didn’t lose them just yet. He glanced around for anything that would give him leeway for a quick escape. He noticed a murder of crows, eating the remains of a corpse.

He covered his nose at the rancid stench of death. He didn’t have time to ponder, and ran after the crows. With the distraction sent, he concentrated, and soon he was flying after the panicked birds.

The two guards stopped confused. Shippo was nowhere to be found.

“Shit,” Hiten swore, he knew very well Shippo transformed into one of those crows.

“Come on Hiten, nothing we can do now, we’ll just have to wait until his return.”

Hiten nodded, “damn foxes…Naraku should put a damn spell on him.”


Shippo landed on a thick maple branch along with the other crows. He looked over the land, expanding his wings; he hopped into the air and flew over to Rin’s house. His first priority was to see her escape successful. He landed gracefully, behind her hut.

Suddenly he felt his body materializing into his fox form again. Dusting off, he slowly looked around. He detected only the townspeople. The two guards weren’t even in the perimeter of his scents.

He approached her tattered home, and knocked on the make shift door; he could see movement inside, through pieces of rotted wood. He felt bad for Rin and her family that she had to live in such poverty. Soon Rin, you’re life is about to change.

Shippo knew the risks in sending her to the West. Prince Sesshomaru was there, and he had taken a liking to Rin. Yet, Naraku changed their lives; he was ever so cunning and promised Rin’s family and Koga’s family a better life. They had no choice but to follow their kin.

He growled recalling her memories, and the fondness she felt for the prince. He shook his head; his main goal was her safety. He smiled when she opened the door. He bowed, “Rin, always a pleasure, regrettably, I do not come for a pleasured visit.” He frowned watching her bright smile turn into a solemn frown. “May I come in?”

Rin nodded her head; her bright eyes where filled with dread. “Of course, please.” She opened the door further and stepped aside. She tried to tidy herself. Her hands were dirty as she rubbed them on her white dress, which was tattered and torn. “Please excuse the mess; I was trying to plant some seed—?”

“Rin, there’s no time. You must leave!” He looked around frantically, “Where’s your father?”

“He’s sick. He’s in the bedroom asleep.” She could feel tears start to fill the brim of her eyes. “Shippo you’re scaring me…what’s going on?”

Shippo closed his eyes, “Naraku, wants me to kill a family member who couldn’t pay taxes. You and Koga are on the list.” He sighed, “Is your father well enough to travel?”


The tears fell hard, when she thought about her father’s condition. She shook her head, “No.” Her hands came up to her face, as she burrowed her head into them. She didn’t want to leave! Especially if her father couldn’t come.

Shippo could see the conflict off her thin rounded face. “I’m sorry Rin, but there is no time. Hiten and Bankotsu are already looking for me…and I don’t know when to expect Naraku.”

He approached her and embraced her, “Please, take this time, and say goodbye to you’re father. See if he is able to make the trek.”


Rin nodded, “Thank you Shippo.”

Shippo gave a half grin, “I’ll be back soon, I have to go and worn Koga! Make sure you stay inside. I promise to come back for you.”

Rin watched Shippo retreat from her home. She shook her head as she went into the back room towards her ill father.