Over the Hills and Far Away
He had just gotten home and was rather tired from the nights events. His shoes had been kicked off and he'd just crawled into bed when that infernal banging began. Sesshomaru growled in frustration as he rose from his downy bed and went to answer the door. But before he could even make it to the door, it had been busted in.
"Sesshomaru Taisho. You are under arrest." The chief of police said in a gruff voice that said it was far too early for this shite.
"On what charges?" He cried in outrage as two men came to restrain and cuff him.
"There's been a robbery and evidence shows that you were there."
"I've been home all night." Sesshomaru said, his heart beating fast. "You've roused me from my bed when you broke down my bloody door!"
"Then perhaps you can tell me where your pistol is." The chief said.
"Of course. It's in my bedside dresser drawer. Have your man go and look for himself."
"No need." The chief said. "I've got it here." He held up an old beat up pistol with a tag marking it as evidence. Suddenly Sesshomaru's worst fears came to the fore front of his mind. "Take him away, lads." Sesshomaru didn't resist as they lead to him to the wagon that would take him to a place he'd never wanted to go.
xXxXx
Kagome's heart still fluttered. She felt a little guilty but she couldn't stop. Sesshomaru was just everything she'd ever wanted in a man and he'd made his affections for her known only six months ago. Unfortunantly it had been nearly a year to late, for she was married to his best friend Naraku. Kagome wasn't sure why she'd married Naraku. He was gruff, rude, and treated her more like property rather than a woman. He boardered on cruel.
But Sesshomaru. Oh, he said things to her she never dreamed of hearing. Touched her in ways she never thought possible. Made her feel things that took her to new heigths. Her body quivered at just the thought of being with him. She smiled a little and fingered the trinket he'd given her. She kept it tucked away in between her breasts so her husband would not see it and ask questions. She knew she'd never be able to explain.
"Kagome." Naraku spoke from the other room. Kagome quickely tucked away the locket and put on her best smile.
"Yes, husband." She said.
"Get dressed. We go into town today."
"Of course." She said, as she turned to do as he said. But then, curiousity got the best of her. "What are we doing?"
"Sesshomaru has been accused of burglary and is being tried today. We are going to watch." Kagome's heart dropped in her stomach. She nearly became sick to her stomach when she saw the cruel smile on his face. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out about you and your lover?" He snarled. "I knew months ago. I was simply biding my time to exact my revenge."
"What have you done?" Kagome wept.
"Exactly what needed to be done. Now, he will go away for years and you will never see him again." His laughed maliciously at her as she knelt where she stood, her hands covering her face. "Oh, and the things I have planned for you." Kagome's heart shattered. Sesshomaru had promised to take her away and now, they'd never get the chance. And Naraku would never divorce her. For he knew that the moment Sesshomaru was a free man, Kagome would run straight to him. "Get up. Get dressed. Now." Naraku said as he grabbed her hair and forced her to stand.
xXxXx
Sesshomaru stood in his cell, his wrists and ankles bound in chains. He cursed himself for being so foolish. If only he'd never fallen in love with that woman he wouldn't be in this situation! His stomach lurched as if rejecting the thought and his heart dropped. No. He'd never regret falling on love with Kagome. He'd never regret a single moment he spent with her. Tears of rage stung his eyes as he realized that Naraku was the one who had set him up.
"Come on, lad." A policeman said. "Time for you trial." He unlocked the cell and lead Sesshomaru to the tiny little court room. Placed upon the stand, he looked around the room and his heart sunk as his eyes landed on her. Kagome. His love. Why was she here. Then he saw Naraku standing next to her, his hand wrapped around her arm in a grip like a vice. He squeezed once and Kagome's flinched in pain. Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to jump over the rails of the stand and rip off that bastards head.
"Sesshomaru Taisho, you stand accused of robbery." The bailliff said. He held up Sesshomarus old pistol. "Here is the evidence. How do you plead?"
Sesshomaru stared into Kagome's cerulian blue eyes. Eyes that cried for him. Eyes that begged him to tell the truth. To tell them his alibi. He knew with out it, he'd be doomed to what ever punishment they deemed fit. But he refused to sully her name. He would not be the one to tell the world she'd been unfaithful. No. She was a good woman and he would leave it that way. He looked the bailliff in the eyes.
"Guilty." He heard Kagome sob but he couldn't look at her. He didn't want to give away that he'd spent his final night of freedom in the arms of his best friends wife. Ex best friend. He mentally corrected.
"Then I sentence you to ten years in prison. You will be transported tomorrow."
He sighed. Ten years. He'd count the days.
xXxXx
The next day, Naraku took Kagome down to the docks to watch him be shipped off to the prison across the bay.
"Say good bye to your lover." He said, his voice cruel and dripping with malice. "If I had it my way, he'd never see the light of day again." His grip on Kagome's arm yesterday had bruised and he had a hold of that same tender spot. She wanted to rip out of his grasp and go to Sesshomaru. Beg him to tell the truth. Beg him to tell them where he was. She'd vouge for him. But Naraku wouldn't let go and she had no real power over this evil man.
"Naraku, please..." She begged. "He doesn't deserve this."
"He does!" Naraku snarled quietly. "And you... You deserve this! Lying, cheating, bitch that you are. You deserve this and more."
"Please." She begged again. "I love him."
"Don't you dare!" Naraku tightened his grip on her. She winced in pain. "You betray me and then expect mercy?" Naraku leaned in to where his nose was buried in her hair and his breath was hot in her ear. "Never." He hissed. "You will both pay."
xXxXx
Sesshomaru watched out the tiny porthold window. Naraku had brought her in to town again to watch him be taken away. The pain that was evident in her eyes nearly killed him. He swore that when he got out she'd be in arms again. Even if he had to take her in the night like a thief. They would be together just as he had promised her.
xXxXx
Tossed into his new cell only two months ago he recieved his first piece of mail. He nearly dropped it when he saw who it was from.
"My Dearest Love,
I know that you will not be able to reply but please, know that I love you and I pray you will be delivered safely to me. Naraku does not know that I write to you. Or maybe he does. I do not know. I just hope that he allows me this small reprieve from the daily torment he puts me through. It was him. It was he that framed you for this burglary. But I suppose you know this already.
Oh, gods, Sesshomaru. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I pray for you every day. I will write again as soon as I can. I can only hope that your love for me as not subsided and that my letters will keep you strong.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
Sesshomaru must have re-read the letter several hundred times in the next few months before he finally got another one.
"My Dearest Love,
I hope this letter finds you well. I think of you night and day. I yearn for your touch. I wish to feel your lips against mine once more. To hear you tell me you love me. To feel you inside me."
Sesshomaru groaned. Oh, this woman would be the death of him.
"Thing have not improved here since I last wrote you. Naraku is still punishing me. And he reminds me daily of his 'great triumph.' Sesshomaru, I miss you. And I pray for you. I'm sorry my letters are so short. I do not have much time.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
Sesshomaru couldn't help himself. He tucked himself away in the furthest corner of his cell and stroked his hard member. She had said so little about their times together but it was enough for him to paint a vivd picture of her naked and writhing beneath him. Mewling out his name and cries for more. He grunted his release all ove ther wall and tucked himself away. Gods, when he got out of here... The woman wouldn't be able to walk. He'd steal her away from that bastard, take her someplace safe, and then, he'd make love to her for days.
Four months in this goddam cell. He sighed. 9 years and 8 months to go.
xXxXx
Two months later he recieved another letter. He felt like a kid a christmas.
"My Dearest Love,
There was something I should have told you in my previous letter. I was afraid in case Naraku had discovered it, though now, I can no longer hide it. I am pregnant. And I am sure it is yours. Our child will soon be in my arms."
Sesshomaru couldn't believe what he was reading. Pregnant.. He was to be a father. Gods, he was going to go mad in here.
"I am running. I am going to get away from him. I must bide my time. He is still ever watchful of my doings. But when he leaves to sell his wares, I am free to do as I like. Soon, my love. Soon I will be free and I will tell you where I am so you can come to me when you are released.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
Sesshomaru had to admit, he was proud of her courage but also worried for her safety. If Naraku ever caught her, he just knew he would kill her. Her and their unborn child. He was honestly surpised that Naraku hadn't threatened to rip the fetus out of her. He stared out the barred windows at the moon light.
'Let her be safe.' He prayed to any god that might me listening.
xXxXx
Two years. Two years in this goddam prison with out so much as a word from her. Had Naraku found out about her letters and put a stop to it? Had she attempted her escape plan? Did Naraku find out about it and stop her? Was she alive or dead? All these questions were driving him made.
Another six months and finally a letter arrived. He nearly lunged for the man who went to slip it through the bars. He tore open the envelope and read the elegant had writing that belonged to his one and only love.
"My Dearest Love,
I am so sorry. I could not write to you sooner. I was on the run from Naraku. I spent much of my time and small fortune my mother left me hiding my tracks. I can not tell you where I am just yet, as I have not setteled. I am still moving around. I gave birth. It is a boy. And there is no doubt that he is yours. His hair is as silver as yours, though he has my eyes. I have named him Toga. After your father. I hope that you approve. He is growing fast and is so much like you.
I must go for now, my love.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
The relief he felt was nothing short of immeasureable. She was live. She was safe. And a son. He had a son. He thanked every god he could think of for their safety.
xXxXx
Five years. Five long bloody years. And she still wrote to him. Never giving up hope that he'd come back to her when he was out. He was grateful his sentence was half over. He would return to her. He swore it on his life, he would return to his love. And they would finally be a family.
"My Dearest Love,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I miss you terribly. I tell our son of you so often. He is such a smart lad, I fear I will have nothing left to teach him by the time he is ten years old. This month will be his fifth birthday and though I know you cannot be here to celebrate with us in person, you will be thinking of our little Toga.
My love, I wait patiently for you. Soon, so soon will we be in each other's embrace once more. I pray for you each night. And little Toga has even said a few prayers in your name. We have finally settled down. I will tell you where closer to that fateful day that will give you your freedom. I still fear Naraku is hunting us but so far, we are safe. Oh, how I wish you could reply. Still, I hope that my letters continue to reach you and give you hope.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
Her letters did give him hope. And the more frequently he recieved them, the more hope it gave him. Her letters kept him going. And he kept every one she'd ever written to him. He smelled the more recent one. Her perfume lingered on it and he sighed. He couldn't wait to bury his nose in her hair again.
xXxXx
Seven years passsed by. He was so close to is freedom he could almost taste it. Another letter had come for him that day but it was not what he'd expected. It was a rather pleasent suprise.
"Dear daddy,
I know you don't know me"
Sesshomaru smiled at the childish script. No doubt Kagome had helped the boy write this.
"but I am your son, Toga. I wanted to write to you to let you know I am turning seven soon and I hope I get to meet you soon. Mummy talks about you an awful lot. She says I look a lot like you. Mummy said I should tell you about me. My favorite color is blue. My favorite food is fish fingers and custard. I don't like apples. I like bugs and mummy is teaching me how to read and write. She is helping me with this letter and says I am doing good. I hope you get to come home soon. Mummy says she loves you and I do too.
Your son,
Toga."
Sesshomaru's eyes weld up with tears. His son was growing fast and was much like him as Kagome had said many letters ago. He was never fond of apples either. His heart broke a little though that his son knew where he was. But he resolved himself to once again hope. His sentence was nearly over and soon, he'd have the woman he loved so dearly in his arms again and his son. Soon. So soon.
xXxXx
Nine years, ten months. Sesshomaru was giddy, like a child at christmas. He knew in just two months, the sun would be shining on his skin, the wind would be blowing through his hair. These goddamned chains would be off of him. He would be free. He looked out the barred window. A free man. Free to breath the clean air of the outside world. Free to have the woman of his dreams. Free to see his own flesh and blood grow.
He took a folded piece of paper and read over it's contents again.
"My Dearest Love,
We are over the hills and far away.
I love you.
Yours truly,
Kagome."
He smiled. She had remembered. He had once told her of his childhood home. He had promised to take her away so they could live in peace in the quiet and secluded hut his own father had built with his bare hands. O're the hills, he'd said. And far away. Far away from the cruelty of Naraku. Far away from the bustling city that had claimed their lives. Far away from any who would wish them harm. He smiled up at the sky again.
"Soon, my Kagome. Soon, I will have you and my son in my arms."
xXxXx
Ten years to the day. Sesshomaru squinted as he emerged from the prison that had been his home for ten long years. And as promised, he'd counted everyday. He'd carved a tally in to the stone wall of his cell each night as the sun went down. Finally, on the 3,650th tally, he heard the jingles of the baillifs keys.
"Sesshomaru Taisho. You're a free man. Congratulations." Sesshomaru wanted to dash out of the cell and dance a merry little jig right there on the spot, but he found that he was grounded to the spot. His heart pounded in his chest as if he were nervouse. Was he nervouse about leaving? Was he worried that even though she wrote him for all those years, Kagome wouldn't want him anymore? "Well, come on, son. I got other people to tend to, ya know." Sesshomaru was snapped out of his daze and took a tetive step forward. "There's a lad. Now, go straight down this hall and take a left. Man at the door has your belongings and a sack of food for your journey home." Sesshomaru nodded once, not bothering to look at the man. He wasn't going to waste one more second in this place. He had a family he had to get to. A woman he loved. A son he needed to know.
"I'm coming, Kagome. Toga." He promised. "I'm on my way home."
xXxXx
Kagome knew that he last message would tell him exactly where they were. It had taken her almost four years to find the hut that he'd grown up in. When she did it was run down and falling apart around her ears. But, Kagome was determined to make this place their home and learned quickley how to make repairs. Soon the house was habitable and she and Toga moved in. The little hut was nearly six miles outside of town and that suited her just fine. She'd bought a bow and quiver of arrows on one her rare trips into town and practiced until her hands bled and then practiced some more. Soon, she got to where she could catch their dinner and didn't have to buy meats from town.
She'd learned to survive. And Toga soon learned how to do that same. His mother had gotten a book from library that told them what plants could be used and for what and which plants were poisonous. She'd bought seeds and planted her own garden and learned how to store food during the winter so they didn't starve. Kagome was rather proud that she'd made a life for her and her son here in the childhood home of her lover.
She looked at the small beaten path that lead to their home. She hoped he'd be here soon. She was so anxious to see him.
"Mummy." Toga said. The boy was nearly ten and he'd never really strayed from calling her mummy. But Kagome was ok with that. She wanted her baby to stay as child like for as long as he could.
"Yes, baby?"
"Will father be here soon?"
"I hope so, honey." She said as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I really hope so."
"Let's make him a big dinner, to celebrate!" Toga cheered. "How about deer stew?! Can we, mummy? Please?" Kagome laughed.
"Alright. You gather the vegitables and I will get the meat." She said. "I'll be back before sundown." She said. She kissed his cheek, grabbed her bow and arrows, and began her hunt.
Several hours later Kagome walked out of the woods, dragging a small doe behind her. It wasn't easy but she did it. She looked over at the setting sun and sighed. He wasn't here yet. She left the deer at the edge of the woods and went to the cottage only to find Toga staring out the window.
"He'll be here soon, mummy. Don't worry." He said, hopefully.
"I'm sure he will, dear." Kagome said. She couldn't crush the boys hopes. She wouldn't tell him there was a chance his father might be dead or decided not to come. It had been ten years after all. How could she possibly expect him to return to her after ten years. "I'll be out back."
"Ok." Toga answered, never turning away from the window. Kagome's heart clenched. She hoped with all her heart that her son wouldn't be disappointed.
xXxXx
Sesshomaru walked along the familiar road. He'd never forgotten the way home. With the little village coming into sight, he hurried along with new found determination. Soon, they would be together as they were always meant to be.
What was only a few hours felt like days to him. He had to get home to his love. To his son. Just as he felt as though he'd never reach the cottage soon enough, the familiar thatched roof came into the view. Relief swept through him as he sprinted forward. His heart pounded in his chest. Would his son like him? As if to answer his question, a small boy ran from the cottage yelling at the top of his lungs.
"FATHER! FATHER!" Sesshomaru froze where he was, unsure of how to react. True, he'd wanted to hold his son in his arms ever since he received the letter from Kagome telling him he'd been born. The little boy, Toga, sprinted forwards and crashed right into Sesshomaru's chest. "Father! I knew you'd come!" Sesshomaru was stunned. He wasn't prepared for this, no matter how much he wanted to tell himself he was. But his paternal intincts must have taken over because, slowly, so slowly he wasn't sure he was doing it, his arms wrapped around the boys small frame. He looked down at Toga as he smiled up at him. It was true, what Kagome had said. He had his snow white hair and Kagome's ocean blue eyes. And Sesshomaru wouldn't have it any other way.
"Toga." He said.
"Yes, father. It's me!" The boys grin grew impossibly wider. "I'm so glad you're home. Mummy will be so happy too."
"Kagome." Sesshomaru said as he looked up, there she stood. She looked as if she'd seen a ghost but everything about her radiated happiness. Toga stood back to let his father passed. Even for one so young, he seemed to understand that his father needed his mother right then.
"Sesshomaru..." Kagome ran forward and into his arms, tears streaming down her face. "Oh gods, I was so worried about you!"
"Kagome." He said softly as he stroked her hair. "I am here. I am home." Sesshomaru squeezed her tightly for a moment and then, held out one arm to his son. As they all embraced, they knew that it was their time. Their chance at forever. At a happy ending. A happy life, over the hills and far away.
A/N: This is just a oneshot I wrote up one night at work. I do not own Inuyasha or it's characters and I do not own the song "Over the Hills and Far Away" by Nightwish. (An excellent band. I highly reccomend them. :) )