InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Save Me ( Chapter 2 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Two: Save Me

 

She couldn't eat. Food had not passed her lips for days, save the few grains of rice she was able to force down early in the morning. She had no time and no stomach for food as her wedding day approached and her time to find a cure grew shorter.

 

The days were spent in a blur of preparation. Food had to be decided on and prepared for the guests, special kimono's needed to be made for her ladies and the castle was cleaned from top to bottom. Kagome spent those hours going through the motions of excited bride, hiding her true feelings of fear and anxiety surprisingly well. As soon as she was free in the evenings, she headed for the great library or the shrine in search of a cure for her father. She found some small spells that may help in her own protection but still, she found nothing she could use as a cure. All required far more training than she had at the moment. It would be dangerous for her to try them since they could cause her or her father's demise.

 

She had not seen Naraku since his proposal. He had other matters concerning the state of the kingdom to occupy him and she preferred it that way. She feared his presence now. Whenever there was a chance they may cross paths, she would hurry from him, pretending to be occupied with wedding plans.

 

It had been a week since the night he had first visited her when he finally returned to her sleeping chambers. She was just turning in, her maid preparing to turn down the lights, when there was a tap at her screen. Not thinking, Kagome nodded to the maid who shuffled over to kneel and open the screen. She heard a gasp and then the maid bowed and moved aside, allowing Naraku into her rooms.

 

Kagome sat up on her futon, pulling the comforter close as she watched Naraku enter. He stood in the doorway, still dressed in his day kimono, his dark hair falling loose, as he studied her. He held a bundle in his arms, and she worried her lip between her teeth as she wondered what he had brought her.

 

“You may leave us,” he said to the maid who still simpered by the door.

 

Once alone, the screen door closed, Naraku moved forward, kneeling by her bedding. He placed the bundle beside her, silently indicating for her to take it. Her eyes narrowed into his quizzically, but she took it into her lap and tore away the paper that protected it. A gasp escaped from between her lips when her eyes took in the sight of the silk in her hands. It was as if the weaver had captured the sunlight and weaved strands into the garment. She held it up to the candlelight, watching it shine, imagining what it would look like in full day light.

 

“You like it?”

 

Naraku's voice brought her back to reality, reminding her of why he had brought it to her. Still, she could see no reason why she would need to lie.

 

“Yes, it is beautiful, Naraku-sama. Like the sun.” Her voice was soft as she draped the material over her arm. “It was done so quickly, how did the weavers manage it?”

 

His hand lifted to caress her hair, his fingers pulling through the silky blackness that hung down her back. “They had the proper motivation.”

 

She understood the implication of those words and her heart cried at the thought of the man her father had become. She kept her eyes focused on the material, lest her emotions be transparent in her eyes.

 

“I deserve a reward, do I not, Kagome?” He continued to run his fingers through her hair in a calming and coxing manner. “Give me a thank-you kiss.”

 

Heart thudding in her chest, Kagome turned to Naraku. Making her eyes as wide and innocent as she could manage, she leaned forward and gave him a peck on the cheek. She could feel his displeasure radiate off of him, but continued to play the innocent.

 

“Thank you Naraku-sama. This gift honours me.”

 

His eyes narrowed at her while she smiled adoringly at him. She saw the flash of red before he moved in on her, shoving her down into the futon before crouching over her, his face dangerously close to her own. His fingers bit into her shoulders painfully.

 

“Next time I ask for a kiss, you will give me a proper one. Is that understood?” he said, his voice a low growl.

 

“Y-yes, Naraku-sama,” she said with a whimpered, cringing away from him, readying any protective spells she may need.

 

Suddenly he pulled back, his eyes wide as if in shock as he looked down at her. With a shake of his head he stood and turned to leave.

 

“Sleep now. I will come with the next kimono tomorrow night.”

 

She watched him leave, confused at what had just happened, but relieved. She didn't want to know what may have happened next if he hadn't regained his senses. A shudder passed through her before she stood, taking the kimono to hang. She would redouble her efforts to save him and forgo sleep for study tonight. She still had hope, but in the back of her mind, she feared she would be leaving her home after all.

 

***

 

The next night, she had just returned from the library when he arrived. He held another package but did not give it to her right away. He watched her, his eyes hard and unreadable as she stood blinking at him. She had just begun undressing for the night, a maid aiding her in removing the materials and putting them away, when he walked in. It had shocked the maid enough to make her scream, while Kagome turned beat red. She was only in the thin material of the inner kimono, her hair still piled high on her head.

 

“Naraku-sama!” The maid fell to her knees with a bow. “It is not proper for you to be here!”

 

“Do not tell me what is proper where the O-hime is concerned, girl,” he growled, his eyes never leaving Kagome, “Leave. You will be called for when the O-hime needs you again.”

 

Kagome watched the frightened maid rush from the room, worried for her. The girl was new; she did not know to keep her mouth shut and probably wouldn't last long if she didn't learn quickly.

 

“I have another gift for you, my treasure,” Naraku said, bringing her attention back to the danger before her.

 

He stepped closer, holding out the package for her. With a cocked eyebrow she took the offering. She stared at it for a moment, fearing what she would find beneath, before removing the protective layer.

 

It unfolded in her hands, the shimmering material rivalling the silver comb in her hair in beauty, the pattern of greys and whites woven like the moon itself. She gasped in awe, holding it up for a better look in the candle light. It was a masterwork, a tribute to the skills of the kingdoms best weavers. She felt tears prick her eyes as she thought of the conditions they must be working under to get such finery done so quickly.

 

“You like it?”

 

She nodded, moving to hang it with the first, whipping the tears from her eyes as well as she could without drawing attention to herself. He saw of course, he saw everything she did, every move she made.

 

He came up behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders, startling her enough to make her jump, her back stiffening reflexively before she could catch herself. His fingers flexed, drawing her back against him forcefully. Instinctively she bowed her head in an attempt to hide her fear, trying to remain calm as she sensed the darkness in him build and radiate from him.

 

“You are well, koi?” he said, his voice curious, though lacking concern.

 

She nodded. “Yes, Naraku-sama, why wouldn't I be?”

 

He turned her to face him, his hands gripping her upper arms. “That is good to hear.” The small smile curling his lips frightened her. “Do I not deserve a thank-you kiss, my treasure? I have brought to you a great gift after all.”

 

Her stomach dropped even as she nodded, forcing herself to slowly go on tip toe to reach her father. She remembered his threat the last time she had displeased him and steeled herself to please him this time. His hands clenched around her arms in a spasm before he pulled her roughly up to him, his lips landing on hers forcefully, bruising her as she tried to keep it as chaste as possible.

 

She could still sense the darkness roiling beneath the surface, it seemed excited, agitated. She chocked on a cry of pain when he suddenly pushed her up against the wall, clenching her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut to keep back the tears. The darkness had enveloped them both now, its strength making her nauseous and weak as Naraku's mouth continued to attack her own. She fought it, trying to keep it at bay while she prayed to the ancestors, the Kami, anyone to help her, to save her from this hell.

 

There was a tap at the shoji screen leading to Kagura's rooms. Naraku pulled away from her with a snarl, allowing her to slump against the wall in relief as the darkness withdrew into him once again.

 

“What do you want!” he snapped at the youkai kneeling just outside the room.

 

She gazed back at him unflinching. “The O-hime asked that I stop by her rooms before turning in tonight; she whished to discuss an aspect of the wedding.”

 

Naraku continued to glare at the wind witch for a moment longer before turning to Kagome who was still slumped against the wall, her gaze focused on the floor. “Is this true?” he asked, his voice becoming less threatening.

 

She shifted her gaze to meet his before nodding.

 

He stood silently for a time, holding her gaze while he contemplated the situation. Finally he moved to the shoji he had entered through. “Very well then, I will bid you goodnight.” He turned back to glance at Kagome. “Be well until tomorrow night, my treasure, when I bring the last kimono.”

 

Once the screen door had closed behind him, Kagome allowed herself to slide down the wall, unaware of the concerned gaze of her guardian. Tears filled her unseeing eyes as she brought her fingers to her throbbing lips. He had kissed her. Kissed her like a husband would his wife, not how a father would his daughter. A sob shook her frame, tears making tracks along her cheeks. She wanted nothing more than to fly away from this hell, to follow the sun and escape the darkness. What had she done to deserve such a fate?

 

It took only the touch of a hand on her shoulder for her strength to completely dissolve. She crumpled, her head resting in the lap of her startled guardian as the tears overcame her. For a moment Kagura sat tense and uneasy, before placing her hand on her head in what she hoped was a comforting manner.

 

“What am I to do, Kagura?” she whispered once the sobs had ceased, her head still resting in the youkai lap.

 

“You will continue to search for a cure. If by the night the mantle is presented to you, you have not found one then you will take the escape route I have prepared for you.” Kagura said, her words only reaffirming that there was nothing more she could do.

 

***

 

It was late. Her skirts fluttered out behind her as she ran toward her chambers, her feet falling silently on the floor, her sandals in her hand. She had lost track of time in the library and if not for a servant passing by, would have missed her normal bed hour. She could not afford to tip her father off with any unusual behaviour. When she arrived before her rooms she came to a stop, her breathing laboured as she tried to regain her composure.

 

She did not hesitate to draw back the screen and enter her chambers, calling to the maid to help her undress even as she slipped in and closed it behind her. The voice that responded to her sent a cold chill up her spine, a yelp of fright escaping her as she swung towards it.

 

“I've sent your maid away.”

 

Naraku sat by her futon with his back against the wall. His dark hair spilled about his shoulders, the candle light reflecting in his crimson eyes as he watched her from the corners of them.

 

Kagome frowned. “Why? I need her to help me undress.” She thought for a moment, knowing he would likely have another package for her. “Are you in need of something, Naraku-sama?”

 

His eyes never left hers as he shifted and stood a package now visible in one hand. “I was told you have spent the last few days in the library. Why would you do that when there are preparations for our wedding to be taken care of?” His voice was hard and unreadable.

 

Kagome thought quickly before glancing up at him from beneath her lashes. “I had a question about the ceremony, Naraku-sama, and since the priest has yet to arrive for me to question, I took it upon myself to figure it out.”

 

He watched her critically for a moment, adding to the tight ball of dread in her stomach. When he finally spoke, she felt relief flood her limbs leaving her somewhat light-headed.

 

He took a step toward her. “I apologise for the lack of guidance in your preparations for the wedding. I'm afraid finding a Shinto priest to perform the ceremony is becoming a little more difficult than I expected. None are willing to perform it and now there is a shortage of priests in the kingdom.”

 

She stilled at his final statement, fear over their possible meaning urging her to step back and look closely at her father to be sure.

 

“Wha-what do you mean shortage? Why is there a shortage?” Her voice trembled.

 

He reached for her, fingers brushing her fringe from her liquid gaze, his eyes focusing on his hand. “When they refuse, I have them killed.”

 

She couldn't hide her shock, couldn't hide her disgust or fear this time. She struggled to, she really did, but her voice revealed all of her thoughts. “Why? Why would you do such a terrible thing?”

 

His hand dropped from her, his gaze flat as he met hers. “I'm afraid, my treasure, that it is because they insulted the kokuo-o and his intended. They had to be made examples.”

 

“That doesn't mean they had to die!” Her voice held her anguish.

 

His eyes flashed, but he made no move on her sudden outburst. “I made my judgement; it is my right to do so. I will have none insulting you, is that understood?” When she did not answer, he lifted the package and forced her to take it. “We will not speak of it any longer. Open my gift to you.”

 

She already knew what it was of course, but her hands moved of their own accord and she could not deny that she was curious to see how the weavers had met her final challenge. As the paper fell to the floor and the material unravelled a gasp was ripped from her. It sparkled. Truly sparkled like the stars in the heavens.

 

“How….” She had no words but her amazement and appreciation of the gift was obvious in her face and eyes.

 

Naraku smirked at her wonder before taking it from her and draping it over the other two and admiring the complete set. “It is a secret of the masters which will surely die with them.”

 

Kagome frowned. “What? What do you mean by that?”

 

Naraku moved back to her, a small smile curling his lips as he reached for her combs and began taking down her hair for her. “I'm afraid a few of the weavers collapsed from exhaustion. The healers are unsure if they will survive the night.”

 

Kagome froze her eyes wide and unseeing as her hair tumbled down around her shoulders. “That's terrible!”

 

Fingers brushed through her hair until it fell naturally and loose. “Yes, a pity, but there will always be more weavers.”

 

Outrage coursed through her and she pulled back from him only to be grabbed by her arm and pulled back, a hand clamping into her hair to hold her in place, head tilted up to him. “That's not what I meant,” she said, her voice quiet and filled with sadness.

 

He nodded as he looked down at her. “I know that. You are a soft heart, my treasure. It is time you learn how the world is. People die. If it is in the service of their king, then it is all the better.” His hand now at the small of her back urged her closer, the one in her hair tilting her head further back. “Now, since you appreciated my gift so, I believe I deserve a thank-you.”

 

She only had a moments notice before the darkness hidden in him leapt at her in an unexpected attack. It had lain dormant this whole time, lulling her into a strange sense of complacence. She went slack as she tried to fight it off, the weakness increasing as her walls crumbled even before she could build them up. When his mouth touched hers she was too distracted to exert any kind of control.

 

He took advantage of her then, his teeth nipping at her lip painfully enough for her to gasp, opening herself to him. His tongue slid into the breach, invading her and instigating a battle with her own tongue. She couldn't handle the double attack. She was drowning, unable to breath without becoming weaker, the nausea building. Tears pricked her eyes and then he left her, his teeth nipping at her lip a final time before he lifted his head, looking down at her with heavy lids, his breathing as laboured as her own.

 

“The mantle has been a little more difficult to complete, but I will be sure it is ready for you within the next few days, even if I must hunt down the remaining animals myself.” His hands tightened on her, drawing her tightly against him to reveal his unmistakable arousal. “I do not wish to wait much longer to take you as wife.”

 

With that, he released her, allowing her to slump to the floor when the she was unable to hold herself upright. He left without a backwards glance, closing the shoji behind him. Once gone, Kagome forced herself to her feet and stumbled to her balcony, struggling with the screen a moment before it opened.

 

The darkness had not retreat back inside of him. It was too strong now, she knew that. She could not save him and inwardly laughed at herself for ever believing she could.

 

She took a deep breath before leaning over the railing and emptying the contents of her stomach. She could still feel the darkness inside of her, could feel him inside of her, probing her, forcing her to retreat and allow him entry. She continued to retch even when there was nothing left, thankful for the hands that had taken hold of her hair to pull it back.

 

When she was finally done, a cup of water and cloth were offered to her. She rinsed her mouth and cleaned her face, silently thanking Kagura with a nod. They returned to her chamber, closing the screen door behind them.

 

“I will leave after he gives me the mantle. The furs should be useful with winters approach,” Kagome said as the demon began helping her to undress for the night, “I'm no match for him as I am now. You must give me the directions of the escape route you've prepared.”

 

Kagura nodded. She had seen it all, had had to fight the call to protect her charge from the man who had charged her. She wanted the child safe. Once she was safe, she would be free.

 

***

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