(Disclaimer: I don’t own the title of InuYasha in any sort of way and
This is just fan work done as a dedication to the creator and anyone officially involved with the story. I do however own the character Teri/Misuteri for use of him simply ask that’s all and
I hope that you will enjoy reading this story and like my dedication.)
Authors Note: Marked By Sorrow is a 7 chapter story including the prologue about the best and the worst of the InuYasha gang and the one character I threw in as my own. Enjoy!
Fighting all…A deadly brawl
A he nor she, but one of all
Survived on fear, a fear of fears
United to one, one of all
Brought on peace and relinquished hate
“Pa…Papa what does that mean?” A small youth tugged on his father’s robe after hearing the passage he had read. He was curious indeed, but he wasn’t to blame. All people ever wanted in their childhood was to understand and to be understood. The father smiled and picked up his proudly born son no older than 7 years and proceeded to explain the words to him.
“You see these are feudal times, my son” he began. “And it’s hard living with so many threats in the world. Soon there will be one that will risk life and limb and will eventually end all human suffering and we’ll be able to live in a tranquil society.” The boy immediately got excited figuring that all this would happen tomorrow or even over night but truly it was a long time coming. He yipped and laughed bouncing in his father’s arms at the great news.
“I hope that it happens soon!” The young child exclaimed
“Patience my son, it will all come together eventually.” With that the father and son headed outside from their straw made house, a brisk cool nights wind greeted them. The area was small, their land consisting of no more than maybe a couple hundred acres; the rest surrounded by forest. The night was starry and particularly ominous than most, the moon was full that would promise more of a safe night. As the father was absorbed in thought his young offspring slowly and calmly dozed off into a serene state, his head resting on his father’s shoulder. The man cast his gaze upon his son and smiled, kissing the top of his head lightly before looking back up to the full moon shaded by clouds. “Hopefully…” He paused. “Find and appreciate your destiny young one, make your journey a safe one, and answer my prayers. Show those of malevolence your strength.” The farmer then turned to the call of his wife beckoning him to come inside, that it was unhealthy for their son to be out in the cold. The door shut behind the exultant family soon after her calling.
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“So, you’re back again I see. Hopefully you can stay out of the hospital long enough to catch up on all of your work, miss. Higurashi.” Kagome’s history teacher welcomed her back to class, if it could be called that.
Kagome bowed silently and proceeded to take her seat; she sulked at first sitting in a seat to herself but quickly perked up seeing who had entered the room shortly after she had taken her seat. It had been her closest guy friend Teri who always arrived just after the bell rang. She noticed the teacher saying something about being late and what his plans for life were after high school, but Teri only ignored him casually going to sit in the empty seat beside Kagome. Before he sat, Kagome found herself admiring him for she too wished she could act like she didn’t give damn about anyone but herself in certain situations.
Teri was tall at least another foot taller than InuYasha, thin yet muscular, fair caramel skin color, black cat like eyes, and wild, ear length, dark brown hair. An all around fair-faced appearance. His figure was the most unique around the town or city for that matter. He never wore the school’s attire because reportedly his guardian couldn’t afford to buy the suit so the school allowed him to wear a large plain white shirt, baggy khaki pants, and black high-top shoes. He also had a green cap turned forward on his head but that was something he decided to wear. Although he couldn’t wear it under the school’s roof.
Teri was a migrant from the states, he had moved over just as Kagome began entering the feudal world so it was news to her when she came back one day and heard that everyone who attended the school either loved or hated him within a matter of a week when he came and handled the school’s gang single-handedly. Few of the guys got along with him, most were jealous because half the girls who attended looked up to him and in some situations couldn’t stop talking about him.
Few actually took the chance to get to know him because of the fear factor involved but those that did couldn’t have been happier when they were with him. He was definitely a rebel although and didn’t take kindly to being told what to do and was often suspended for something he was accused of but had nothing to do with or something that was against school rules. Teri was the one who got Kagome to stay for at least a week before she headed back to the feudal world as she always did after a break from being around InuYasha which was a record of sorts.
Kagome looked up to Teri and was surprised to see him smiling, something he rarely did when he was stuck in school. “It’s good to see you’ve recovered from your latest illness, friend. I can't not tell you that I was worried.” He stated in a calm soothing tone. Just the tone of voice Kagome needed to hear for once and she greeted it gratefully. He removed the forest green cap from his head, placing it down on the corner of his desk, and sweeping his right hand through his shiny mussed hair.
Kagome smiled and nodded to her tall friend appreciative of his good nature around her as usual. “There’s no need to worry about me.” She giggled lightly feeling a bit flattered although, it was usually difficult to get InuYasha to admit his feelings openly. “I am just now figuring out that I’m allergic to more things than I first thought.” She nodded again not only to him but to herself for thinking that allergies would be the perfect excuse to keep her secret undercover. Kagome found herself catching wind of smoke…cigarette smoke and began coughing lightly covering her mouth with one hand and waving her other hand before her in attempt to make the smell go away. She eyed Teri who was now looking out the window into the sky, he must’ve been day dreaming again cause it took Kagome to say his name three times before he actually paid any attention to her. When Teri finally did look to her, Kagome was frowning at him. “Did you start smoking again since I was gone.” It was more of a demand to know rather than a question.
Teri managed to keep a straight face and shook his head in response to her question. “I got a ride…from a few friends, they smoke?” He said hesitantly. As much as uncongenially stated it was, it was the truth.
“Fine, I believe you but if you’re lying you know I'll find out.” She threatened in one of her more serious tones. Teri could only nod and make a mental note not to let anyone smoke around him ever again. She smiled at him and took his hand, “so what has been going on lately?” She smiled.
For the next hour in class Teri and Kagome caught up about what had been going on at school and new thoughts that he felt like he needed to share with someone closer than anyone else he really knew.
Time seemed to fly by and before they knew it the bell for the end of class had started, the two had to split for another two class periods before they’d see each other at lunch. They made plans to meet on the roof and they separated for the time being.
Before the next class started Kagome ran into a few of her girlfriends just down the hall from where she’d been. Before they met up with Kagome it was agreed among her friends that they wouldn’t talk about any of her illnesses or anything involving boyfriends, a new approach to conversation for once.
“Hey Kagome!” each of her friends exclaimed at once and each of them welcomed her back to school before they walked down the hall in a typical crowd formation as usual. “So, Kagome…” Youka began getting Kagome’s attention. “How are things with you and Teri?” She questioned curious as to what they might have been talking about.
Kagome smiled and shrugged. “We were just talking about what had been happening in school lately, you know things that I’ve missed while I was hospitalized.”
The girls stood in front of her at dismay. “You mean you don’t care?!” Amy exclaimed.
“Care about what? Did he smoke when I was gone cause if he did…” Her third friend cut her off.
“No you made him quit remember? Anyway I was talking about him and Hojo nearly duking it out!” She explained.
Kagome was shocked, Teri had skipped out on revealing that information to her. “No, he didn’t tell me but what happened?” Kagome was anxious to know.
“It happened recently, two days ago exactly and it was in the cafeteria.” Another one of her girl pals began to explain and set the mental setting. “Anyway Hojo was talking to a few of his friends about Teri. His friends were talking shit about him, so to say and Hojo was defending him saying he was a good guy and so on. A few minutes after the conversation about Teri began, it just so happened that he walked by when one of Hojo’s friends insulted him and Teri misunderstood and thought that Hojo had been talking badly about him and that’s when Teri and Hojo nearly got into it.
“Don’t stop, what happened next?” Kagome’s attention obviously had been gained.
“Hojo tried to explain but Teri only hit him in the jaw and sent him sliding across the cafeteria floor, before anything else could happen one of the security guards broke it up. As a matter of fact today is Teri’s first day back from the week’s suspension. It was rough but I heard that Teri and Hojo worked it out, they’re too good of friends to be acting bitterly to each other.” She finished.
“Well I’m glad they worked it out, but I know I would have rather heard from him than you guys. I guess he’s lost some trust in me to have not mentioned it.” Kagome switched her books to another hand as she glanced up to a nearby clock noticing she had exactly one minute to get to class on time. The girls departed and agreed to do some catching up after school.
Her study period seemed to be the slowest part of the day; no one she really knew or cared for was in the library so actually studying was her only option. Not that cramming for tests was so bad, she had stayed little over a month in the feudal era and surely she’d need the upcoming test grades to keep up with her school merits.
While everything was faring well in Kagome’s world, the same couldn’t quite be said for InuYasha and company.
In feudal Japan one of many brawls involving power struggle pursued. The day was unforgiving all together with a furious thunderstorm beating down on the combatants in an open field of grass and moss in the middle of nowhere, the harsh weather made it difficult for steady warfare. The antagonist, a beauty of evil held her ground dexterously; she eyed her weakened opponent through a pure bloodshot red gaze that held the coldness of a snake which could send a chill down even the most toughest of an opponents spine. Her smirk showed just how menacing she could be and actually was for that fact, as she held her ground; not an inch had been taken since the battle began. The woman confident of her skill prepared for a final blow as her right arm crossed her chest while sturdily holding an obviously dangerous weapon. “Dance of the Dragon Blades!” She proclaimed sweeping her fan through the air before sending several half crescent shaped blasts toward the unarmed adversary.
A desperate yet all but defeated InuYasha crawled sluggishly to his sword, Tetsusaiga. Once in the hanyou’s control the blade instantly grew larger, much larger than its master; InuYasha using its size to his advantage placed the sword before his frayed form and used his mighty Tetsusaiga as a makeshift shield. The demonic Kagura wasn’t pleased with the outcome of her attack and sent a fury of wind after InuYasha sending the half demon soaring through the air like a rag doll.
By the time gravity allowed InuYasha to land not so gracefully but pungently back to the crushed ground, Kagura had launched another fury of half crescent shaped blasts towards the trodden hanyou. The debris that littered the air seemed to take forever to clear as a patient Kagura awaited her opponent’s next move. The battle seemed all too effortlessly fought; was it necessarily Kagome and the others that gave InuYasha that push that he needed to succeed? Did he really need those people that much? Many questions about InuYasha’s success and perseverance ran through the half demon’s mind.
“Damnit! This would have been a lot easier with Kagome.” InuYasha admitted struggling to his feet one arm holding onto the other as he attempted to ignore the pain that quaked within his body. He looked around noticing that the Tetsusaiga landed a few miles away from his current location. He was now caught in a battle with his physical perseverance as he used a nearby tree for leverage to help him up barely able to hold ground. He took a quick glance around, Sango…Miroku…Kirara…Shippo…had all been unconscious since not too long after the melee had pursued and estimated each of them were near death. InuYasha sighed at the circumstance; how much this looked like the end…again.
The demon child, Kagura could only release a mimicking laugh as she watched the frustrated InuYasha attempt to figure a way out of this deadly situation. “My how the might have fallen!” She snickered. “Are you afraid of dying and leaving your beloved Kikyo or your so called Kagome behind?” She teased.
With that said something sparked within InuYasha. It wasn’t the demon blood of his father taking effect but rather how much he truly cared for both Kikyo and Kagome that was suddenly giving him an uprising potential. A bright demon glow outlined InuYasha’s body and suddenly he felt no pain. Thoughts of the two girls flooded his mind. How much Kikyo was willing to sacrifice for him, how far he’d come along thanks to Kagome’s help. InuYasha’s restored faith in his ability showed within his confident smirk that now grazed his face.
The smirk gave Kagura a sudden feeling of unease…She narrowed her eyes, “What are you smiling about!” She demanded.
“Heh…Your death.” The glow that had been surrounding InuYasha’s body now encased his right hand.
Kagura continued to hold her ground, convinced he’d lost his mind and would attack rowdily. However as Kagura continued to stare him down she noticed a strange difference in his behavior pattern. InuYasha instead of charging and attacking blindly, he simply approached her one little step at a time the very smirk from before still caressing his face.
Kagura wasn’t enjoying InuYasha’s second wind and quickly announced another attack but before she knew it InuYasha had appeared striking distance before her and quickly challenged his attack with her own.
InuYasha drew his right hand up ready to strike just as Kagura prepared her fans.
“Iron…”
“Dance of…”
“Reaver…”
“The Dragon…”
“Soul Stealer!!”
“Blades!!”
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Back in Kagome’s time period her and Teri were enjoying lunch on the school’s roof still catching up and even reminiscing. For once she was having a good time not having to worry about upsetting a certain someone or even being attacked by several others. She wasn’t necessarily one to ruin a goodtime but she couldn’t help but finding herself asking what had gone on between him and Hojo. Kagome eyed Teri as he proceeded to lift up a handful of chips and fill his mouth with them doing his best to chew with his mouth shut then swallowing hard to digest them, rapidly pounding his chest in hopes they’d go down smoother. Kagome allowed herself a small giggle watching Teri.
“Oh, you think that’s funny do you?” Teri smirked reaching back into the bag and throwing a few chips Kagome’s way hitting her softly. The two shared a good laugh before settling down against the wall of the roof again.
“Teri?” Kagome called out hesitantly in a soft voice to gain her friend’s attention
“Yeah?” Teri stopped eating long enough to let Kagome know she had earned his attention.
“Why didn’t…?” She paused for a moment. This wasn’t that big a deal but it made her question their trust. “Why didn’t you tell me you and Hojo fought?” She inquired him.
Teri sighed. He knew she’d find out sooner or later whether he told her or not. “No excuses I'll just tell her exactly why.” He thought
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to, it’s not something I’m very proud of. I got my new start here in Japan and I guess I sort of ruined it; it’s just something I want to lock up and put behind me. I am a new person here, but back in the states a lot of people wouldn’t have been able to make it down the road I took.” He sighed wondering if he had even really answered her question.
A conversation of their trust and how this reflected on their relationship as friends pursued. Time seemed to hold as the two talked on the subject till the faithful school bell rang loud and proud for the school day’s last classes.
From a distance the two only appeared as a masculine and feminine silhouette but it was clear to tell that the two had stepped extremely close to one another. After another second the female silhouette dashed out of site from on the roof, leaving only the male to fend for himself, obviously in question of what had just happened.
After school Kagome met up with her friends at a local diner. The girls mainly talked of guys from school and rumors that were going around, it was usually the same rumors over and over except worded differently; well all except Kagome who had been daydreaming ever since they’d sat down in the restaurant. She was staring out of the window they sat next to seemingly watching the world pass her by as she unknowingly smiled to herself. After awhile her friends noticed how subtle she was acting.
“Kagome, why are you smiling like that?!” Youka pointed out. This immediately snapped Kagome out of her current gaze and her cohorts put all their attention on her. Needless to say it really put her on the spot.
Kagome swallowed hard trying to avoid her friends’ grand inquisition like interrogation. She put on her best expression, “I’m simply glad for how well the past few days have been.” She winced knowing that wasn’t a very good explanation and would only bring about more inquiring.
“I bet I know why she really is happy.” Stated confidently by another girlfriend of Kagome’s.
“Maybe it’s because she was thinking of…” Amy began but was cut off by Kagome’s quick protest.
“No it isn’t Hojo.” Kagome marked knowingly.
“No not Hojo…But Teri!” Her friend finished.
“What the hell?!” Kagome shouted but naively blushing. To be honest she had been thinking of what the others were doing in the feudal era and if she should bring anything back with her when she left again later that day. The thought of Teri although wasn’t helping either. “Like, as if. I’d think of InuYasha before any other guy.” Kagome thoughtfully admitted to herself, but that only made her turn a brighter shade of red.
“See look at how her cheeks glow, I knew there was something about to how much the two hang out together all the time.” She continued. There was no use protesting any further she’d allow them to believe whatever they wanted at this point.
“Just don’t go around making a big deal of it, please. I’ll handle things on my own.” Kagome secretly scoffed as she said this.
“Sure!” Her friends lied.
That night was very chilly, the year just beginning the fall season. Leaves were turning beautiful autumn colors throughout Japan. Blossom tree’s petals were dropping leaving its stems completely naked ready to bloom for the coming spring. Kagome had taken a cake her and her mother baked for her to take back to the feudal era. She bid her parents farewell and a few minutes later she slipped her way down through the well. Just as she disappeared down the well Teri could be seen walking up the steps to her house. Hesitantly he stepped up the houses stairs and confidently knocked at the door. A few seconds later Kagome’s mother opened the door.
Teri was secretly hoping that Kagome would answer the door so he wouldn’t have to be so formal, smiling although he used the best manners he could at that time. “Good eve, Mrs. Higurashi how are you tonight?” On the inside Teri was screaming but on the outside he had the smile and generosity of a kiss ass.
“I’m fine, it’s a bit late in the day and Kagome hasn’t told me about going out with anyone so what can I do for you?” Kagome’s mother questioned her arms folded neatly across her torso, just under her breasts.
Teri shook his head lightly. “No…There were no plans but I was wondering if Kagome was home I wanted to have a few words with her is all.” The young man explained.
“I see, well I’m sorry but Kagome has returned to the hospital but if there is anything you want me tell her then I will.” Mrs. Higurashi smiled politely.
Teri sighed and shook his head solemnly. “Just tell her I said to get well soon.” With that Teri turned to go on his way and Mrs. Higurashi to hers.
Just before Teri reached the descending steps he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.
“Teri! Wait…Wait a minute.” Teri turned around stopped in his tracks and noticed a young Sota running up to his presence. “Where are you headed?” The small boy questioned.
“Eh, I was going to go back home. Your mom said that Kagome had gone back to the hospital so I was leaving…why?” A somewhat disappointed Teri crossed his arms over his chest allowing the light breeze to carry his hair to and fro.
Sota took a deep breath and took a seat on the top step. “There is something I want to talk to you about.” Sota looked up to Teri who was even taller due to Sota’s sitting position. Sota had his ordinary expression of importance so Teri figured he’d help the kid out and listen to what he had to say.
“So, uh what did you want to tell me?” Teri inquired raising his right brow up in question. His arms rested on his knees as he gave Kagome’s younger sibling his full attention.
“Well, rather than tell to begin with I wanted to ask what was your relationship with Kagome?” Teri raised an eyebrow at that question as simple as it was no one had really asked him that before and if they did they probably didn’t care.
“Ah, well…” Teri was hesitant to answer he looked up in thought and just gave Sota the answer that came to him first. “We’re friends, close friends and I’ve probably never cared more for anyone else…ever. She is like the sibling I was never able to have.” Teri shrugged a typical male move as if trying to play off his feelings. He began again, “that’s probably why I came here, and I wanted to return something to her that really wasn’t necessary to give me.” Afterwards Teri reached into his pocket and pulled out something that had a pink shine to it and placed it into Sota’s hand. It was a shard of the Shikon No Tama.
Sota’s eyes widened he was speechless. He looked at Teri then back to the jewel shard. He wanted to tell Teri where Kagome truly was and he was sure the secret would be safe with him but knew that Teri would want to go to the feudal era. Sota contemplated on it, he knew of Kagome’s and InuYasha’s troubles with battles at times and maybe Teri could be of some help but if he died in the feudal era he didn’t want to be responsible for that kind of fate. He suddenly came up with an idea.
Sota smiled widely and gave light laugh. “What are you smiling about?” Teri raised his eyebrow curiously.
“You say you don’t want to keep it, well then…” he handed Teri the shard back and told him to go to the wishing well. Before Teri could ask any questions Sota ran off and disappeared back into the house. Teri only shook his head and sighed wondering if this day could get any worse or stranger for that fact.
It took Teri ten minutes to actually think and decide on the matter before he found himself pushing his body up to his feet and jogging to the temple that held the well closed inside it. “What am I supposed to do just throw it in or something?” questioned his actions in thought. “That must be it.” He whispered to himself holding his hand over the well to drop the shard inside but before Teri could release it. The shard and the bottom of the well glowed together in sync and Teri was sucked in just as Kagome on her first trip through. Only shouting could be heard as the small housing lit up for the split moment and ceased along with the very scream.
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