InuYasha Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Solitude ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Summary: “You know, Naruto,” Sasuke spoke, the kunai imbedded into the rock face above his former friend’s head. “Sometimes, things are not meant to be understood….” [Sas/Kag] [Inu/Nar Xover] Darkfic…

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the InuYasha or Naruto characters. They belong to their respective creators solely. :D

Author’s Note: Sorry for the long wait between updates, but I did warn you that this story didn’t have a fully fleshed out plotline. Updates are more than likely going to be sporadic, and infrequent. Thank you so much for your patience! I’ll try to get them out in a sensible semi-frequent timeline.

WARNINGS: Character Death (a lot of it), Lemons/limes, gore, heavy violence, and foul language (not too much). This will be dark, though it may have a happy ending. (I’m a sucker for happy endings, so not too much bribing needed for it.)

Chapter 2:

Naruto’s eyebrows shot into his hairline just as fast as his eyes popped out of his head from this unexpected turn of events. He had thought the mission was to protect the princess from some half-assed threat she had been posed. It was supposed to be a simple mission, a vacation of sorts in the lap of luxury.

Akastuki’s appearance complicated things, a lot.

“Hime, how informed are you about this organization?” Kakashi interjected through the stillness of everyone’s thoughts.

Kikyo shifted her attention to the jounin and twisted her fingers in her lap. “Only what little news our small nation can obtain. I’m afraid my fears are based mostly on rumors than facts.”

“With this group, rumors and facts blur together easily. Tell me what you do know.”

“I’ll begin with what is confirmed knowledge.” She settled her gaze at the opposite wall and spoke. “The group is relatively small, but comprised of highly skilled shinobi of different nations. They are all rogues, and wanted for multiple heinous crimes. Their goal is uncertain, but their power is frightening and their influence of even greater concern.”

“You’re rather well informed for a small island.” Sakura reassured her. Naruto however didn’t think so. Most of that was common knowledge and easily obtained through carefully sifted rumors and tavern gossip. Kikyo-hime was correct to worry over them, but her fears were still underdeveloped. Her information had yet to scratch the surface of Akatsuki.

Kikyo shook her head. “No, the size of this country should not excuse the lack of crucial information such as this. Even as a non-shinobi island without a hidden village, I am still responsible for the safety of my people, despite the odds of such attacks being a one in billion or less possibility.”

“Wise words from such a young ruler,” Kakashi smiled behind his mask. Had she not been royalty, Kikyo would have made an excellent kunoichi.

“Wise is not the words, but the actions taken from their declaration.” Kikyo replied. “I intend to correct this oversight of our peaceful nation.

“Even if their presence here is only to pass through, it is unsettling. A farmer would not let a fox skulk past his chicken coop to reach his neighbor’s farm, and neither will I allow these murderers closer to my people, or those of my sister country.”

Kakashi nodded, impressed with her determination to keep her nation, and those around her, safe from a common threat they all shared. “And, the rumors you have heard?”

“Oh, yes of course.” Kikyo frowned. “The rumors paint them in a darker color than what little facts I have unearthed.

“I have heard incredibly powerful was an understatement, as the group was comprised of only S-class ranked criminals. Their power far greater with an Uchiha in their midst, the sole survivor of the clan’s massacre, as I have heard.

“I have also heard that the man they follow is not whom truly leads them, but a man hidden in the shadows with a goal far more grandeur than what they had been up to thus far.”

“Your information is impeccable. There are several flaws, but otherwise dead on. You cut yourself short I’m afraid.” Sakura spoke again.

“Please, if there is something I have said that is false, enlighten me.” Kikyo’s focus solely on Sakura.

“Well,” Naruto cut Sakura off quickly.

“You’re wrong about the Uchiha clan.” He growled. “There was one survivor, true, but there was also one murderer. The man in Akastuki is Uchiha Itachi, murderer of the clan and elder brother to Uchiha Sasuke.”

“There are two?” Kikyo’s eyes widened. Another rogue Uchiha would be very bad. “What of Uchiha Sasuke? Is he loyal to the Leaf?”

All eyes were on him now. He could see Kagome’s sapphire stare question him. It was almost too much, the sorrow and guilt radiating from Sakura and Kakashi-sensei. It was suffocating to know that he could do nothing to alleviate it, especially since he couldn’t save himself from his own suffering. How did he ever think he could save Sasuke?

“I won’t go back to Konoha.”

“N-no. I mean, he’s not part of the leaf.”

“But is he loyal. It’s a simple question.” InuYasha spoke for the first time since Kikyo told him off.

“With Sasuke, it’s not.” Kakashi answered for him. “Sasuke, is a tough person to understand.”

“Right now, Sasuke-kun is in a dark place, unable to escape from his hatred and thirst for revenge.” Sakura added softly.

“Oh, and you don’t have to worry about Itachi.”

“And why’s that?” InuYasha snorted. “He get weaker with old age?”

“He’s dead.” Naruto answered solemnly. “Sasuke got his revenge.”

“So there’s only one Uchiha to worry about?” Kikyo summarized to herself. “I wonder if this should change my fears?”

“It shouldn’t.” Kakashi said. “Akastuki, even without a prominent member like Itachi, is still a formidable force.”

“What exactly is our mission here then?” Sai spoke. Kikyo jumped, startled by the new voice to their conversation. “We’re not equipped or well manned for a battle against them.”

“Sai’s right My Lady.” Sakura glanced at Kikyo then to Kagome who was lightly worrying her bottom lip. “Skilled as we are, we can’t fight against several Akatsuki members at once. It’s unrealistic.”

“I see.” Kikyo mumbled. “We will discuss the matter further tomorrow morning. For now, rest. You’ve had a terribly long journey, and I fear I’ve kept you for far too long. I will have Kagome fetch you for dinner. Please enjoy your evening.”

Kikyo stood gracefully, and everyone bowed to her as she exited back into the main chamber of her living space behind the silk screen doors.

When the shoji door sealed behind Kikyo, Kagome stood and stretched, arching her back to pop several sore spots. Straightening she bowed lightly to InuYasha who smirked and nodded.

“If you would please follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.” She smiled and opened the opposite doors for the group to exit.

XxxxxxX

“This is where you will be staying.” Kagome twirled, motioning to the entire room. “This is the main room, and also the men’s sleeping area.”

They had first entered through a sitting room, much like the one within Kikyo’s chambers. Once sliding back the next set of doors, the group was awed by the space provided to them. It was sectioned by different screen doors elegantly painted in a waterscape.

The room had very little furniture in it. A low table and several cushions rested in the middle. A large amour and chest rested on the left wall.

Kagome lead them to the right side of the room and opened the door for them to enter. “This is where you will be sleeping, Sakura-san.”

Sakura blushed at the lavish décor. A low table for study, several cushions, a thick futon folded neatly in the corner, and an amour were all inside.

“Um, if the boy’s are sleeping out there,” Sakura glanced around the room, wondering if there was some sort of escape route she could use later on. “What if they’re still sleeping by the time I’m up?”

Kagome smiled and crossed the room, opening another sliding door to a small courtyard. “You may use this exit. This is a private courtyard. None of the servants are allowed to enter this area without strict permission.

“If you walk down the hall and to the right, you’ll find the main hallway to the center of the castle.” She continued pointing in the direction she explained.

“If you walk to your left, there is a sectioned hot spring for your bathing needs.” Kagome then glared fiercely at the male ninja. “Boys, I will only warn you once. The hot springs are designated by times separating the genders. This is a strict policy we enforce. Anyone caught peeping is subject to our laws. And yes, that even includes you shinobi. And if you happen upon the princess bathing, the penalty is death.”

Kagome smiled brightly at them, catching them off guard. “The time slots are written for you and located in the receiving room.”

“Uh,” Naruto blinked. “Where’s the toilet?”

“When you enter the main room, the doors to the left are an entrance into a private full bath, toilet included. You may use this if you prefer not to bathe in the hot springs. Though I warn you, the water is cold, and only cold.”

The group nodded. None of them planned on taking a cold shower.

“If that is all, I’ll leave you to settle in and rest.” Kagome bowed politely.

“Well, if you’re not busy, it’d be a good idea to get a feel for the security around the palace.” Kakashi said placing down his backpack in the main room. “Tighten what needs to be done before Akatsuki, or anyone else shows up unexpectedly.”

“I’m free if that is what you wish to do.” Kagome bowed again.

“It is,” Kakashi nodded. “Thank you for taking the trouble to escort us.”

“I’ll do you one better,” Kagome smiled. “If you wait a moment, I’ll fetch our head of security, and from there you can do what you like. I can show the other’s around the perimeter and the courtyards, while you focus on the security within the building.”

“That’s amazing!” Naruto grinned. “I so can’t wait to see the rest of this place.”

“Calm down, Naruto. Remember this is a mission, not a vacation.” Kakashi scolded him half-heartedly.

“Oh, let him have his fun. He can still work on his mission while taking a tour.” Kagome nodded then excused herself to find the head of security.

XxxxxxX

Kagome returned with a  tall thin woman with long brown hair. The group stared at her, unable to think that the young woman was truly Head of Security for the castle.

The woman bowed politely and introduced herself. “Hello, I’m Yamanaka Sango, Head of Castle Security.” She smiled at their stunned faces. “Welcome to the Higurashi Estate.”

“Hi.” Kakashi said in his familiar smooth drawl. “We are the Ninja squad assigned to Lady Kikyo’s request.”

Kakashi pushed a hand forward, nodding his head to her. “I’m Hatake Kakashi, and this is my team.”

Sakura took the opening to introduce herself. “Hi there, my name’s Haruno Sakura.”

“Uzumaki Naruto.” Naruto said plainly, wishing to avoid Sakura’s anger for loud and flamboyant introductions.

“And you may call me Sai.”

Sango bowed to each Shinobi in turn, then directed her gaze back to Kakashi. “Kagome told me you wanted to discuss my security system.”

Kakashi nodded in reply. “We wanted to cooperate as best as possible, and foresee any holes in the current system.”

“Of course,” Sango smiled. “Anything to help her majesty.”

“Why don’t you discuss the current system with Kakashi-san, and I’ll give these three a tour around the gardens.” Kagome suggested, stepping forward.

“Perfect,” Sango grinned. “The gardens, especially Lady Kikyo’s private area, are the most lax in security.”

“I see,” Kakashi hummed. He turned to his former students and said, “You three follow Kagome-chan while I get the details from Sango-san. Survey the perimeter and gardens for any problems and security holes.”

“Right.” Sakura and Naruto saluted simultaneously while Sai nodded his agreement.

The three left Kakashi behind with Sango as they followed Kagome down several long corridors.

“Man, that sounds stupid.” Naruto grumbled when they left the room. “Why’s the security around these gardens so limited. Don’t they want to protect their princess?”

“Well you see, royals need some privacy, even at the cost of their well being.” Kagome explained, her eyes cast down to the floor as they walked.

“Castle life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There’ a lot of politics involved, even when you’re alone in your private chambers. There are always eyes on you.

“Servants closest to Lady Kikyo and her late father, needed to be well compensated for their discretion. Many times, these servants witness many things that can sully a royal’s character.” Kagome smiled weakly, tears spotting the corners of her eyes.

“Lady Kikyo isn’t a God. She has her faults like any other human does. But those under the heavy burden of ruling over the people’s wellbeing must play up to the image of a God in order to rule peacefully and unchallenged for the good of their lands.

“Lady Kikyo views privacy with a sacred respect. She won’t allow anyone to guard her while she’s in her private gardens. It’s her one place where she can remove the mask of ‘God’ and become a normal woman again.”

“So,” Sakura spoke softly. “Why are you showing us these gardens if she won‘t allow us to guard them?”

Kagome looked up at them, a hard glint in her eyes. “Even if this may violate my Lady’s wishes, I want her safety more than anything. These gardens are the easiest way for someone to harm her without sounding any alarms. I’d like for you, at the very least, to find any way to secure the area without giving up most of Lady Kikyo’s privacy.”

“As a shinobi, I’m sure you understand the need for privacy.” She added softly.

Naruto smiled weakly. “We understand.”

Feeling the need to break the silence and gloom that stayed after the request, Naruto crept up to Kagome and whispered, “So, she’s really head of security?”

Kagome laughed at his confused face. “Yes, Sango’s a noble warrior from a long and prestigious line of Demon Slayers.”

Naruto recoiled immediately. “Demon Slayers!”

“Yup,” Kagome grinned. “Don’t worry, so long as the demon doesn’t attack, he’s safe. Everyone’s equal in this Nation, demon or otherwise. We haven’t had much trouble with demons.”

“That’s amazing, they’re truly equal?” Sakura smiled as Naruto’s face lit up. This was probably the one place where he could belong without anyone holding a grudge.

“Of course.” The corridor opened up to a garden beautifully organized with flowers, herbs and flowering trees of all sorts. Kagome turned to them, gesturing to the entire garden. “Welcome to Lady Kikyo’s personal Sanctuary.”

The garden was beautiful, and Kagome showed them around the vast space, maneuvering around skillfully manicured hedges and trees, pointing towards a small patch of dirt where she told them medical herbs were soon to be planted.

“Lady Kikyo likes to indulge my unique love of medicinal plants and has just ordered that small garden to be planted for me.” Kagome smiled as she spoke. “I wanted to refuse, but I guess my own selfish desire to learn more about these rare plants won over my thoughts to politely refuse.”

“Would you mind, when you have a stable garden, if you could send me some of samples?” A hopeful gleam widened Sakura’s eye as she begged her favor of Kagome.

“You study abstract medicine?” At Sakura’s nod, Kagome squealed and hugged the older girl. “I can’t believe I have a friend who shares my same curiosity!”

“Yea, yea, medical stuff. That’s great, but we’re supposed to be searching for problems with this garden remember.” Naruto sulked, annoyed quickly by what had promised to be a long and boring conversation on a subject he had very little knowledge or experience with.

“There are several easily accessible points on the far wall, and if I may add, an alcove completely hidden by willows a bit closer to the compound.” Sai spoke. “If you had been paying attention, Naruto, you wouldn’t need to scold.”

“Wha—” Naruto yelled, clearly embarrassed by his lack of concentration and complete lack of foresight on the points to which Sai was referring to.

Kagome turned her head to look at the willow alcove that Sai had mentioned, when she heard Sakura gasp beside her.

“Kagome, what a lovely comb!”

Kagome brushed her fingertips against the jade comb, the twisted silver knotting and coiling around a carefully sculpted butterfly of jade and mother of pearl inlay. She smiled as she traced the design. “Yes, it is. It belonged to my mother.”

“Oh,” Sakura smiled. “It’s a beautiful heirloom.”

“I treasure it most dearly,” Kagome added softly, pulling the comb from her hair to look at it. “My mother gave it to me before her death. It has been passed down from mother to daughter in my family, and I plan to do the same in the future.”

“How wonderful,” Sakura sighed. Naruto and Sai agreed.

“Well, we’d best investigate that space behind the willows, dinner should be ready soon.” Kagome said, and the three ninja’s followed her as the sun began to set behind them, unknowing that a pair of eyes watched from yet another spot not covered by security.

XxxxxxX

Kikyo’s private garden at night was lit by slow burning torches. The flames flickered softly in the cool breeze, beckoning her to relax beneath their warmth. Kagome, however, did move to sit beneath them but rather searched the short patio, looking under the artisan wicker furniture and silk throw pillows for her mother’s jade comb. Unable to find the knotted silver comb, Kagome pulled a short candle and holder from a small storage unit and struck a match to light it.

With the tiny flame in hand, Kagome moved down off the stone patio and towards the gardens. Cold dew that clung to each blade of grass reflected the burnt orange glow of her meager search light as she parted them. After an unlucky half hour with no flicker of silver or jade, Kagome was about ready to give up her search when she remembered the small knoll hidden by tall and closely woven willows she had shown Naruto and the others on their way back to the palace. She remembered her hair getting caught upon the twisted branches, where Sakura had to work nimbly to free her trapped curls. It was the only logical place where she could have lost the comb.

Velvet curtains of deep green leaves slid across her hands and hair. She placed her only source of light on the wet grass, the brass plate settling at a slight tilt, and lifted her arms. Thin fingers traced strong branches above her head, feeling along grooves, knots and divides for the cold touch of metal. As she shifted one arm to slide along a different section of rough bark, a strong, calloused hand covered her mouth tightly. She struggled briefly as a man’s warm and wide chest pressed up against her back.

Without much effort, the man captured her wrists together in one large hand, effectively stopping her swinging elbows from catching him in the side. His heated breath puffed softly against her exposed left ear as he whispered to her; “Don’t be afraid, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Though he could have easily done so, the man that had caged her with his body, only did so with enough force to stop her movements but cause her no pain. His touch was oddly soft for a man with sinister thoughts.

Kagome, however, was unconvinced by such gentle touches. Men often had two sides, and she did not want to figure out how dangerous his angered side could become.

She tossed her head to the other side, away from his warm breath, searching for a guard that would be passing by on his rounds. However, the willows effectively hid them both from prying eyes with a thick glossy divide of draping leaves and interlocking weave of branches from different trees. She could barely see the flickering lights of the patio torches.

“I need you to listen to me,” he said, lowering her locked arms to a more comfortable position, lessening the strain on her shoulders. “Your princess worries needlessly, Akatsuki is not going to attack this ninja-less land.”

Kagome stilled in both body and mind. From what she had heard of this hideous organization, they thrived upon the search and seizure of various forms of power. Kikyo-hime had been correct to suspect the group of ill-intent against their small country. Though the people were civilians by shinobi standards, many of the family’s that resided here were displaced from other shinobi-ruled lands during times of war. Certain clans had extended family here, and many of these outer ring children were born with Kekeigenkai abilities.

“There is a group of rogue shinobi about two days travel from here.” He continued, softening his hold on her mouth as he realized she wouldn’t scream until she heard him out. “They are, from my last count, twenty strong and relatively skilled. Their goal is to kidnap your princess and arrest power from her over this small island nation.”

“Twenty.” Kagome mouthed more than spoke into the man’s hand. Moist, warm heat from her breath fogged the small space he had given her to breathe comfortably. He removed his hand completely, allowing her to voice her concerns to him. “How can we possibly defend against that many shinobi?”

“You have two full days to prepare a suitable ambush and counter attack.” He answered simply.

“And how can I trust your information is accurate, and not a false lead against Akatsuki’s true purpose?” Kagome tried to turn around to face her kidnapper, but he captured her jaw quickly and forced her to remain facing the palace. “Especially when I am not able to see your face properly.” She added angrily.

“It is best if you do not see me.” He stroked her jaw with his thumb absentmindedly, Kagome thought it to be a twitch rather than a tender caress.

“Why,” Kagome smiled. “Are you unsightly or something?”

He snorted and smiled against her neck. “Or something.”

Kagome didn’t comment any more than she already had. It was good that he had a sense of humor to catch her rather rude joke, a small payback for being his unwilling captive for so long.

“Say I do believe you, how will I convince My Lady of this?” Kagome scanned the small garden again for a guard. Even as she searched for them, Kagome couldn’t decided if she wanted him for a rescue or to immediately warn them of an impending attack with her source still within questioning reach. “And the Ninja we’ve hired, what of them?”

A deep chuckle resonated from within his chest. “You’ll have a harder time convincing her than that team.”

“And why’s that?” Kagome blinked, thoroughly confused.

“Naruto.” He sighed.

“Naruto, what?”

“That’s it. If you tell the truth from the bottom of your heart, he’ll hear you and believe it unconditionally.”

“Do you know him?”

“We’ve crossed paths.” He did not elaborate.

“And if they ask me how I came by this information, what do I tell them?” Kagome snapped sharply. He might trust in this group, but she hardly knew them, and neither did her mistress. “I can’t exactly tell them the mystery man that kidnapped me while I was in Kikyo-hime’s private garden generously divulged all this to me.”

“No, tell them Hawk told you.”

“Hawk?” She raised an eyebrow even thought she knew he would not see it. “That’s a code name.”

“Yes. Now, don’t move.” He spoke, and ever so slowly released her arms.

Finally free, Kagome had opportunity to both defend herself and call for the coincidentally missing guards. She did not however. It seemed a poor way to repay the man for the information he passed to her, even if it was in a rather distrustful sort of way.

Kagome was not prepared to feel his hands on her again. She flinched as he parted her hair and raked something through it, locking the strands in place. The weight was heavy and warm, like metal that sat against skin for a long time.

“I believe this belonged to you,” He whispered to her. “Thank you for not screaming.”

He released her, and Kagome recognized the feint sigh of wet grass underfoot as he turned to leave her. She whipped around, afraid that if something went array, she would have no way of contacting him. Kagome didn’t know why she had done it, but the moment she turned and called for him, she closed her eyes, allowing him his privacy.

“Wait, Hawk!” She swayed unbalanced. A hand at her elbow stopped her from falling completely. “How do I, I mean, what if something goes wrong? How do I get in contact with you?”

“I won’t be far. I’ll come to you if more information comes up.” He released her again, though a stray caress of his thumb showed her his appreciation for her forethought to close her eyes.

“Hawk,” Kagome opened her eyes but kept them trained on his sandal clad feet. A black pair similar to the ones the shinobi wore. She brushed her fingertips against the comb he placed in her hair, realizing the shape to be her mother’s. “Thank you, for everything.”

“You’re welcome,” he said and vanished.

Thank you so much for sticking with this story.

Review Replies:

DangerOokami: Thank you so much for your review. :D

Converting /tmp/phpZRGu7D to /dev/stdout