Kaleidoscope by miwa03

First Sight

KALEIDOSCOPE

Twists the Kaleidoscope and the colors will change. Just like my life. In a twist, my life has changed.

Disclaimer: Yup, I don’t own Inuyasha!

Beta-ed by our one and only, Ceferadel!

Prompt: Pride

Chapter 1 – First Sight

A white haired child watched the fighting in fear from his hiding place. He was cowering behind piles of crates at one dark corner of the abandoned storage house. He saw his far older comrades being beaten up by a group of youngsters. What more humiliating was that there were only six of them, including one girl; and by now they had knocked down twenty of his far older friends.

Hakudoshi tried to calm his racing heart; thinking that he was lucky for being small. He managed to run and hide when the fight started to erupt. He flinched when he saw another one of his friend being rendered unconscious by the black pony-tailed youngster. He tried to shrink his body more. He truly was too young to deal with this kind of chaos.

Hakudoshi was only an insignificant little boy who was born in the slum of the town. For as long as he remembered he already had to fight hard to stay alive. Stealing, robbing, blackmailing, dealing with alcohols and drugs, and fighting and being beaten up by men twice his size, were normal occurrences in his everyday life. But things had started to go well in this past year. Half a year ago, he caught the eye of Musou Onigumo, leader of the most powerful and ruthless yakuza family, ruler of the city’s underworld. And over the months, with his intelligence and slyness, that insignificant little boy had become Onigumo’s favorite courier boy.

This evening, Hakudoshi and some of his senior friends had been given a task to further expand their influence in a part of another city; and what easier way to do it then by doing drugs-dealing. They were going to provide their growing members here with a supply of drugs. Everything had gone smoothly. The meeting had been done in an abandoned storage house, away from the law officer’s nosy interferences. Not that the officer could do much actually. Onigumo had been known to have a mysterious supporter who had power and influence in the upper class society.

But what they did not expect, was another gang to break on their secret party. At first they sneered on the death-seeking youngsters. And then a fight ensued, and in matter of minutes it was clear who held the upper hand. When Hakudoshi realized the odds, he shoved away his pride and scrambled to hide. Pride would not save his life in a situation like this!

Hakudoshi almost jumped when the crate beside him was crashed by his senior flying body. He quickly controlled himself. He must continue hiding. He must observe and report all this to Onigumo-sama; and came back for revenge. He could not believe that they lost against a group of youngsters! Who are these insanely powerful people??

He observed them closely. He saw one of his senior who was armed with a pocket knife carefully approached a shoulder-length white haired boy. The boy was using a red jacket with a bokken on his hand. On his senior’s attack he smirked and in the next second he did a head bash effectively on his senior; rendering him unconscious. He then grinned and hauled his bokken on one of his shoulders.

“Feh, this people don’t have style in fighting!”

Hakudoshi turned his eyes to the left when he heard a man scream. A short black haired male was doing a joint lock, one of Judo’s deadly techniques, on his senior’s elbow; breaking the locked joint. The male stood up; dusting his purple vest while smiling.

“What do you expect Inuyasha? I doubt these thugs had proper training besides street fighting.”

Hakudoshi shuddered when he heard his senior who was still screaming in agony.

On another corner, a black jet pony tailed girl had kneed his friend hard in his most sensitive organ, making him fall to his knees in pure agony; while a brown haired boy, with sparkling green eyes, was sitting on top of one of his unconscious friend and laughing hard at the scene.

“You truly got him there, Sango!” Hakudoshi heard him speak between his laugh.

“Pervert! He tried to group me when we were fighting, Shippou!”

“Ne, Sango. He didn’t do that. You’ve becoming too sensitive because you spent too much time around Miroku.” A black pony tailed male commented after he successfully punched his senior’s jaw with his hard uppercut. Hakudoshi was certain that he lost some teeth by that blow.

“Kouga, I’m hurt. How could you accuse such an innocent soul like me?”

Sango snorted in disbelieve.

Hakudoshi realized that all of his friends were already being wiped out. They were either unconscious or moaning in agony on the floor. He tried to shrink himself smaller; hoping that the youngsters would soon leave without realizing his presence.

“Are we done here now, Sesshoumaru?” The one called Inuyasha asked.

Hakudoshi was wondering to which person that question was directed when a smooth baritone voice answered from right behind him.

“Not quite.”

Hakudoshi jumped and quickly turned around; and in terror stared up at a male’s expressionless face with piercing golden eyes. He squeaked and rapidly crawled away from him only to be stopped by Kouga who held the scruff of his shirt.

“Let me go! Let me go!” He tried to break free.

“Who’s this kid?”

“I’m not a kid!” Hakudoshi was insulted by the way Kouga handled and called him. He was a member of the proud Onigumo family!

“You’re with them.” The baritone voice stated. Hakudoshi stilled and looked up at the silver haired male. He trembled in fear. The calm male exceeded a powerful aura that demanded total submission. His piercing golden eyes seemed to able to rip his soul apart.

“What are we going to do with him Sesshoumaru?”

The eerie silence almost chocked Hakudoshi up. It was like waiting for a verdict for a death sentence. He almost either passed out or screamed in horror when Sesshoumaru finally spoke.

“Let him go.”

What? He’s gonna let me go?

Hakudoshi winced when Kouga grabbed his hair and tilted his head up so he was facing Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru stared down at him with a stare reeked of arrogance. “Little boy, run back to your spider boss and tell him that this area belongs to us. He may try to claim this territory but be prepared to face us.” Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and Hakudoshi felt suffocated by his icy stare. “And I’m sure you had seen and understood that it’s unwise to underestimate us.”

Hakudoshi nodded frantically despite Kouga’s strong hold.

“And one more thing, little boy.” Sesshoumaru leaned his face closer to him. “Be sure to remember that we don’t. Do. Drugs.”

“Ouch!” Hakudoshi cursed inwardly when Kouga threw him on the floor. He still had some pride to glare at the arrogant group. How dare they treat me like this! But what really made Hakudoshi fumed was the way Sesshoumaru told him to leave; with a flick of his head like he was nothing more than a bug.

“Tsk.” Sesshoumaru flicked his head as a sign for him to go.

“Scram kiddo!”

Hakudoshi stood up shakily and then ran out from the storage house; hatred was burning inside his heart. As he ran, laughter was heard from inside. He fumed. How dare they treat him; a member of the proud Onigumo family this way! He promised himself that he would be back and he would make these arrogant youngsters pay.

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Smoke and the smell of alcohol filled up the place. Heavy music reverberated and enchanted the drunken visitors to move their body on the dance floor.

Miroku and Sango were already on the dance floor; dancing their trouble away and enjoying this little peaceful time that they had in their chaotic world. Kouga was laughing while drinking; two women were clinging on his side. Shippou scrunched his nose at Kouga’s behavior but shrugged it off and resume his billiard game.

Sesshoumaru drank his booze quietly; watching Inuyasha from the corner of his eyes. The said boy was sitting on the dark corner of the seating; staring down longingly at an object in his hand. Sesshoumaru knew exactly what he was looking at and what was on his mind right then. Kikyou.

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and leaned back. Remembering what all of them had and must sacrifice to be here; right at this point of life. It had been too much. But this was the life that they had chosen and there was no turning back.

Sesshoumaru drank his glass empty and then stood up to walk out from the pub. The quiet and chilly night wind would calm his frazzled nerves.

He scratched the back of his head when he stepped out; thinking about where to go. But then he heard a commotion from one dark alley. It sounded like a girl’s muffled scream and men’s laughter. Things like that were common events in this neighborhood. Well, as long as they did not bother him he had no problem. But he could not help that the alley was his favorite shortcut to the dock. And he decided that the dock was exactly where he was going.

While walking, he stared at the silhouette of some men dragging a struggling girl. She was viciously fighting back; punching one man’s temple in the process. He then heard the man shouting at her and backhanded her hard, while the other twisted her loose arm back and made her scream painfully.

Sesshoumaru blinked. Well, he never considered himself as a hero type person; but three men against one little girl, that was too much.

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Kagome tried to scream for help. But at this time of night, in this dark unknown part of the city, the chance to be rescued by a knight in shining armor was so slim. But that did not stop her from struggling viciously against her captors; three disgusting society scum. Two of them were restraining her struggling hands. She managed to let loose one of her hands and punched one of her captors’ temple.

The next thing she felt was a hard slap on her cheek. And she screamed when her arm being twisted back painfully.

Kagome spit out the blood. Her cheek was stinging and her eyes were burning with unspent tears. But no, she would not cry. She would not let these lowly monsters defeated her and had the satisfaction of seeing her tears.

One of them grabbed her jaw and forced her to look at him.

“Bitch, stop you’re futile struggling. You’re ours for this evening.” He smiled perversely making Kagome wanted to puke right at his face. She settled on spiting on his face.

 “You bitch!”

He raised his arm again and Kagome braced herself for another hard slap.

… Which never came.

Kagome blinked her eyes and stared up. And she gasped when she saw a pair of glinting golden eyes.

“Augh! Hey, what the-!” The thug struggled. “Augh!” He screamed in pain when the silver haired man applied more pressure to his locked arms.

“Hey, what are you doing man?? Don’t both-.” The man on her left stopped in mid sentence. “You’re Sess-Sesshoumaru.” He stuttered.

“Sesshoumaru?” The immobilized man gulped. “Hey, we’re sorry if we offend you man, but we did nothing to bother you. We found her hiding behind the trash and decided to have a little fun. We didn’t hurt anyone and we didn’t fuss with other’s business.”

Kagome fumed at his words. They didn’t hurt anyone? Then what do they consider her as?? “Have a little fun with me??? You society scum!!! Who do you think I am???”

Sesshoumaru raised one of his eyebrows by her bravado and defiance.

“Shut up, bitch!”

“Release her.” Sesshoumaru’s calm voice reverberated; silencing the other’s loud ones.

“What?? Hey, no way! We won’t let this hot little piece go! She’s ours! We found her first!”

Kagome’s eyes bulged. “I’m not a thing, and especially not yours! Let me go!” She struggled anew.

Kagome felt the piercing golden eyes stared appraisingly at her. She glared back at him. She was not a thing to be checked out! The man’s expression turned into an amused one; irritating her more.

“Just mind your own business Sesshoumaru. We’re not letting her go.” The immobilized man said with finality.

“Are you sure?” Sesshoumaru’s eyes narrowed and he twisted his hold on the man.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow!!! You son of-“

Sesshoumaru applied more painful pressure to his hand’s nerve. Making the man jerked in pain.

“Uwwah!!! Okay, okay! She’s yours! Just let me go!”

Sesshoumaru complied. The man quickly moved away from his loose grasp. But the second Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Kagome; the man shamelessly attacked him from behind.

Kagome’s eyes widened and she shouted to warn him; which later she realized was not necessary.

When the man’s fist was just barely an inch from Sesshoumaru’s back, Sesshoumaru quickly rotated his body clockwise; shoving the man’s body slightly and making him lost his balance. Sesshoumaru quickly captured the man’s left wrist with his right hand and then facing the thug, Sesshoumaru flipped him to the street using the man’s wrist as the center of rotation. A loud thump was heard when the man collided with the paving block street and a softer crack was heard from his wrist, followed with a loud scream.

“Uaagh!!! Bastard!” The man rolled on the floor while holding his broken wrist.

“Ken!!”

The man on Kagome’s right let go of his hold and charged his fist at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru stared at the running man with an expression akin to bored. He waited until the man came close to his body and then quickly stepped a little to his side and grabbed the man’s attacking wrist. And only in a second he managed to position his shoulder on the man’s mid section and stood to back flipped him.

“Gyaaah!” He fell hard on the street.

Kagome blinked in fascination when Sesshoumaru turned his head and narrowed his eyes at the stuttering bald man who was still holding her. He immediately let go as if his hand was on fire and ran to his friend.

“Gaaah! Let’s go, let’s go!” The men moved quickly; limping away from them.

Kagome spit up the excess of blood in her mouth. After taking a few deep breaths she stared up at her savior. She felt a spark of fear when that intimidating golden eyes bore into hers; but she stubbornly refused to show her weakness. Such was her nature as the first daughter of the wealthy Higurashi family.

Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.

Kagome stood up shakily. She wavered a bit but forced herself to stand still. She looked up to see her regal looking savior. He truly looked like a knight from the fairy tale with his silver hair and beautiful golden eyes. Even his stature reminded her of a king. But she shook her head. There were no such things as knights and protectors and sincere love in the worlds nowadays. Everything must come with a price. She knew it the most.

So before she could regret her decision, Kagome uttered a soft ‘thank you’ and walked away from him shakily.

“I may not be there if another decides to ‘have fun’ with you.” His deep voice suddenly was heard.

Kagome quickly turned back at him. “I don’t need your help.”

He stared coldly at her, and then snorted lightly. “Pride.” Kagome furrowed her brows and he continued. “I’ve seen many men fell to their knees because of it.”

Kagome was taken aback by his surprisingly wise words. He’s not a mere street boy. But when Kagome opened her mouth to retort back, he cut her with his words.

“This dark underworld is a different world from yours.”

Kagome’s breath stalled. Does he know who I am?

“I saw it in the way you acted, girl. I know what kind of world a princess like you is being brought up. A prideful world; where no men have ever looked down at you. But in here, your pride alone won’t save you. What can you be proud of?” He asked mockingly. “You obviously have no power here, no money, no ability to defend yourself, no family to protect you.” Kagome flinched when he mentioned the word family. Sesshoumaru checked her out once more. “You’re quite a looker. But here, it’s not something a defenseless girl should be proud of. It is your curse.”

“Stop it!” Kagome yelled. “I don’t need to hear you preach! How dare you remind me of what I lost; what I don’t have anymore! How dare you tell me to let go of my pride! You don’t know what I’ve been through! Pride, is the only thing I have left! So just shut up!!!” She screamed out her frustration.

They stared at each other in silent. The only sound Kagome heard was her huffing breath and the soft howling wind. Kagome did not know what had made her so stupid to offend this scary powerful male. Maybe it was because she was too frustrated with her life; maybe she was finally at her limit; or maybe she just wanted to be rendered unconscious to escape all of this horrible reality.

But Kagome startled when the man turned around and started to walk away. She gasped. That’s it? He’s really going to leave without another word???

Kagome stared at his slowly fading back. Her heart urged her to follow him. He was as close as a protector she could ask for in this place. He had helped her and so far he had showed no ill interest on her.

But she held herself. She would not lower herself to beg to be protected by him; while he obviously offered none.

So Kagome resumed her step alone; shakily walking towards the light from a pub.

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“Hi there, lovely.”

Kagome’s heart jumped when a man’s voice was heard from behind her. She tried to ignore it and walked away faster. But not fast enough for the man managed to capture her wrist and turned her facing him.

She saw a pony tailed black haired man who whistled. “Wow, what a beauty. So glad I went out and left those two girls.” He grinned and leaned closer to her. “What ’cha doing out here alone, lovely?”

Kagome gritted her teeth. Must she endure this kind of thing again? Thankfully he was alone.

“Release me.” Kagome demanded sternly, and oppressed the feeling of fear.

“Fiuh, a lovely girl with an attitude. I like it.” Kagome shuddered in disgust when Kouga flicked his tongue sensually. “Stay with me, lovely. I’m sure whoever waiting for you won’t mind.”

Kagome struggled to break free. “You don’t know him!”

“Who’s he then? Let me face him.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry lovely. When he hears my name he will be sure to retreat without a fight.”

“Let me go!” She jerked her hand to no avail. “He’s.. he’s...” A silver haired protector flashed in her mind. “Sesshoumaru!”

The man tightened his grip. He stared at her with disbelieve. “Sesshoumaru?”

The men who captured me before knew Sesshoumaru and feared him. There’s a chance that this man does too. “Yes. Yes, I’m his girl. You know how strong he is, don’t you? Now let me go before you regret it.”

“You’re Sesshoumaru’s girl?” His smile turned amused. “Strange. I don’t remember that MY BEST BUDDY has a girl.”

Kagome snapped her head up; staring at him in horror. His best friend? Uh-oh.

The man grinned widely. “Now what must we do to a lovely liar like you?” He pressed his body closer to hers; backing her to the wall.

“No! Let me go!”

He chuckled and leaned his lips closer to hers. “Now, now. Since you’re not truly with Sesshoumaru, why don’t you be mine instead? I’m sure I can be whatever you dream of Sesshoumaru.” Kagome shut her eyes disgustedly and turned her head to avoid his lips.

“Kouga.”

Kagome opened her eyes. That deep and mesmerizing voice; it was him.

“Sesshoumaru.” Kouga turned his head back to acknowledge him. “Look at what I found.”

“Let her go.”

Kouga turned his body while still keeping her in his hold. “What? You know her?”

Kagome saw his golden eyes on her; assessing her and calculating his decision. She silently prayed that he would let the hijacking of his name pass.

“Yes.”

“You do?” Kouga asked in surprise. “How come I didn’t know? Who’s she?”

Sesshoumaru moved his eyes back at her; and Kagome’s breath hitched by the intensity of his gaze.

“Like she said.” He spoke calmly. “She’s mine.” Kagome’s eyes widened in disbelieve at his evil smirk. “She’s my woman.”

Kagome felt like fainting.

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AN: After almost a month struggling with hectic work, Miwa is so fueled up with energy to write an action/adventure genre; and of course with some of dark romance in it. And Miwa has always wanted to do The Deadly Sins challenge from our favorite Priestess Skye. So here it is. It will be a short multi-chaptered story; seven chapters for each deadly sin prompt and one epilogue.

Our little Hakudoshi will play a more essential part in later chapter. ;)

And trivia quiz! Each of the character here has their own specialty in martial arts. Can you guess them? ^_^

Please be kind and share your opinion on this first attempt on action/adventure genre. Thank you so much friends!

… Umm Ultimate Sacrifice… is still being edited by Ceferadel. So help me to stalk her so she could work faster! :D Peace, Cef!

©miwa03 – 2010