InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ It's My Time to Fly ( Chapter 3 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Three: It's My Time to Fly

 

He did not come the next night. Kagome sat up waiting for him but when the moon was high she gave up and turned in, though sleep was still difficult.

 

Adrenalin rushed through her for the entirety of the next day. A Shinto priest had arrived, though she doubted his credentials. With him came the lords of the land. Tonight would be the night. If she did not leave she would be married the next day and be shackled to her father for the rest of her life, her soul slowly devoured by the darkness in him. She could not and would not let that happen.

 

She went through the motions of the final day before her wedding, making prayers at the shrine alter and purifying herself for her future husband. She did not see Naraku and preferred it that way. She feared he would see her nervous excitement and know it was not for the wedding.

 

Finally night came. She had made her final preparations for the night and lay in bed, waiting for her father. She knew he would come, she knew the mantle would be completed and given to her. She knew he would demand another reward from her. She shuddered at the thought and turned over on to her side. As soon as he left, she would fly from this place, disappear into the forest and try and make her own way in the world. Kagura's words came back to her from their conversation the night before last.

 

“When you leave your chambers, take all you can with you.” She had handed her a yellow bag, a strange colour for someone who did not want to be seen. “This bag can hold anything you wish to take with you and will not get heavy or any bigger. Take all you can with you. I recommend you take the kimonos. If you ever want to prove your identity, they will be useful. As for currency, take as much jewellery as you can, they will be tradable for food once you are safely outside of Naraku-sama's kingdom.”

 

“Where should I go, Kagura? Where will I be safe from him?” Kagome had asked, her voice fragile though she tried to stay strong, “He'll come looking for me. I know he will.”

 

Kagura had looked off into nothing at that moment, and Kagome felt the winds pick up a bit in her room. When they died back down, Kagura turned to her.

 

“Head into the western lands, we have both been drawn there since as long as I can remember. It should be safe for you; Sesshomaru-sama has no love for Naraku-sama and should protect you if you ask for it.”

 

She had taken the bag and advice, storing the first beneath her futon, the second held close to her, a ray of hope in the darkness that had become her life. She would be safe. She just had to reach the western lands.

 

The sliding of the shoji door brought Kagome tumbling back to the present. She stiffened for a moment before forcefully relaxing herself, faking deep sleep. She would not have been able to tell who it was or where in the room they were if not for the cloud of miasma that entered with the intruder. There was silence for a time until the rustle of fabric made her aware of exactly where he was. She hoped he would just leave the gift and go, but deep down knew he would not.

 

A hand pulled her hair back, revealing the side of her face and neck. She sensed him leaning over her and kept her eyes closed and breathing even. When something wet slid against the shell of her ear she had to bight her tongue to keep from screeching. Instead, she murmured and shifted fitfully, rolling over onto her stomach. There. Now there was nothing he could touch.

 

A dry chuckle sounded behind her and his hand came to rest on her back, the darkness surrounding her at the touch.

 

“Wake, my treasure, I have your final gift and am eager for your gratitude.” He shook her gently when she did not respond.

 

Kagome groaned, but didn't open her eyes. She still hoped he would leave the fur and go. She didn't think she could handle another of his demanding advances, and the evil that seeped from his pores was to strong for her now. She was still recovering from last time.

 

The sudden movement of his hand on her back had her instant attention. It had moved beneath the blanket and was now making its way downwards. She bit her lip, trying to ignore the warmth of him through her thin sleeping yukata. She had to appear as though asleep, no matter what.

 

She could not, however, ignore him when his hand slid over her behind, fingers pressing between her legs to the one place she never wanted him. A gasp flew from her lips, her eyes fluttering open before she pulled away, rolling from his touch and hauling her blanket up to cover her. It was dark; she could just make him out, her eyes aided by the moonlight through the screen. His head was tilted to the side as he watched her reaction, his eyes sly slits.

 

“Otou-sama?!”

 

The crack of flesh connecting with flesh rang in Kagomes ears, her head shooting to the side, hair whipping around her. Her cheek burned. He had hit her. Her father had hit her. She turned, looking up at him with wide, liquid eyes, trying to hold back the despair and hide the hurt even as her heart broke. He sat with hands fisted on his knees, his dark hair tumbling loose around tense shoulders. Flashing red, his eyes narrowed in an angry glare. The man before her was no longer her father.

 

“What did I tell you about calling me that?” he said, his voice a deadly whisper, his lips white with suppressed emotion.

 

She lowered her eyes. “I am sorry, Naraku-sama. It was truly an accident. It will never happen again.”

 

The breath escaped her when something light connected with her stomach. She looked down to find a package lying before her, wrapped in white silk.

 

“No, you won't. From tomorrow onward you will call me Shujin-sama. Now open my gift.” His voice held no forgiveness.

 

Hands shaking, she reached for the package, the silk falling to her lap as she revealed her final request. It was magnificent. There were patches of furs of every colour and softness, interwoven skilfully as if the skin of one animal. Her hands drifted over it, her eyes unable to hide her wonder at the masterwork. She lifted it to her face, brushing it over her cheek, eyes closing in contentment.

 

“Well?” His voice had softened, he almost sounded like her father again.

 

She glanced up at him form beneath her lashes. “It is beautiful, Naraku-sama. Thank you.”

 

He nodded in acceptance and then held out his hand. She looked at him quizzically, then handed him the fur. He stood and draped it over the kimonos, before standing back to admire them. The furs draped down to touch the ground, the sleeves long, a hood in the back. The whole of her wedding outfit was an amazing display of wealth and power.

 

“I look forward to seeing you in my gifts. Your beauty will out do the goddess and all the kingdoms will be jealous that I hold you.” He turned to look back at her. “Not that your beauty is any less without such decoration.”

 

He watched her for a moment, seemingly contemplating her appearance as she sat covered in blankets, watching him with wide eyes. Her cheek was still red from where he hit her.

 

“Stand up, Kagome. I wish for you to give me my reward now.” His voice was quiet, lacking a commanding tone; he did not have to command.

 

Steeling herself, Kagome stood and began to take a step toward him.

 

“No.” He held up a staying hand. “Stay where you are. In return for the gift, I wish only to see you.”

 

Kagome was confused. She could feel the darkness of his intent, but his words were none threatening and demanded nothing of her but to stand where she was. It did not line up.

 

“Remove your yukata.”

 

She blinked at him, not sure she heard right. “Pardon?”

 

“Remove your yukata, so that I may look on you unadorned.” His gaze was steady as he watched her, not even considering she may deny him.

 

Not that she would… not that she could.

 

With shaking hands she reached for the tie at her side, her eyes focused on what she was doing so that she did not have to look at him. She didn't want to see the look of hunger she had glimpsed last time.

 

When the knot was undone she dropped her arms to her sides, allowing the material to slide across her skin and off her shoulders. Her mind disengaged when it hit the floor. She felt detached from herself, like she was no longer a part of the scene unfolding, that perhaps this was just a very bad dream she would have to endure until she woke. Kami, why couldn't she wake up!

 

“Look at me.” His voice was unyielding.

 

She forced her chin up, an angry blush spreading over her cheeks and down, her hands clenching at her sides. He had moved closer, standing just in front of her now. His gaze was heavy as he took in her form, admiring her shape.

 

“Perfect,” he said on a breath, a hand reaching out as if to touch her, “Just as I imagined, just like Kikyou. You look so much like her.”

 

She flinched back at the words and the approach of his touch, her stomach heaving though she forced it down and lectured herself to be strong. Her eyes locked with his as she stepped back, wrapping her arms around herself.

 

“You dare to deny me?” The miasma throbbed with his fury.

 

“You asked only to see me, Naraku-sama.” Her voice shook, but she kept her eyes on him. “Leave something for the wedding night.” She knew it was a risk even as she said it, but she hopped it would amuse him instead of anger him.

 

His eyes flashed and he looked as though he would hit her again, but Kagome stood her ground, her eyes locked with his. Finally his shoulders relaxed and a tight smile pulled at his lips.

 

“Very well, my treasure. I have waited this long, I can wait another day to claim what is mine.” He bent down and lifted her yukata, quickly draping it over her shoulders before she could move away, his knuckles sliding along her shoulders.

 

“Sleep well my Kagome,” he said with a smirk, “tomorrow will be long, and the night will hold no rest for you. That I promise.”

 

Kagome slipped her arms back into the sleeves and deftly tied it closed as her eyes followed Naraku from the room. She tried to ignore his words, push them to the back of her mind. True, tomorrow would be a long day and she was sure not to sleep in the night, but they would be for different reasons.

 

Once she was sure he was gone, she hurried to her futon, pulling out the bag and a rolled up parchment. She hurried about her room, stuffing what she was taking with her into the bag along with a gold ring, a silver necklace and a jewelled hair pin. She turned to the gifts and pulled the fur on overtop of her sleeping yukata, fastening it to hide the white of the material. The fur would act as camouflage. She then packed the kimonos and clasped the bag closed. She needed but one more thing.

 

Unrolling the parchment she revealed powdered charcoal. Her pale skin would give her away in the moonlight; she began to cover her skin in the black substance, to prevent that. Her heart raced as every creak and groan of the castle made her jump with fright. Finally she was completely covered and she knew it would be hard for anyone to recognise her in such a state. She knew she must look like a wild thing, perhaps even a demon with her skin blackened and her body covered in fur.

 

Finished packing she was amazed to find Kagura was right about the bag. It had not got any bigger and still weighed as light as it would if it were empty. Fastening it under the fur she looked about her room one last time before moving to Kagura's sliding door. Closing it behind her she quickly moving past the sleeping demon and to the hidden panel she had been told about the night before. It was meant to be used for an emergency only, like if the castle was ever breached, allowing for a safe escape for the princess and her ladies. She opened it and glanced back at her guardian for what she hopped wouldn't be the last time.

 

They had agreed that a sleeping draught would help with Kagura's innocence. It would look as though Kagome had drugged her during their evening tea. It would also mean that if Kagome ran into any trouble she would be on her own. It was worth it for Kagura's safety though.

 

Without another thought, Kagome hurried through the narrow passage, the hidden panel sliding shut once she had passed.

 

It was dark and she had to feel her way along and remain silent at the same time. The walls were not thick and if she were to make any noise, she was sure to alert any who were on the other side. This was the easy part, she knew, since once she was outside the castle she would have to make her way through the winding road that lead to the gate, sticking to the shadows to avoid notice. For now she concentrated on following the passage down until she finally came to the end of it. She felt around the seeming dead end, her heart pounding as her fingers searched for and found the latch to trigger the opening.

 

Stepping out, the door slid soundlessly closed behind her, leaving her with no way to turn back and very aware of the enormity of what she was doing. But she had no choice. He had given her no choice. She became instantly aware of her surroundings; the night was dark with just a sliver of moon remaining. All was quiet, not even the night birds sang.

 

Taking a deep, calming breath she set off, sticking to the shadows as she made her way down the winding castle road. As she made her way, she kept her ears and eyes sharp, the fear of anyone possibly seeing her making even the crunching of gravel beneath her feet loud. Her heart pounded in her chest so loudly she could hear it. The rush of adrenalin and blood caused her tongue to tingle, her breath panting out between her lips. She was frightened the whole castle could hear her with how loud it all seemed to her.

 

Finally the gates came into view, the night watchman leaning against the wall to one side of his tower, staring out over Naraku's lands. She took a quick glance around and then darted forward to the doorway; she rested her hand on the latch to open the human sized opening. She had only to wait for the changing of the guard now.

 

It didn't take long. The hour came and she heard footsteps approach down the road before turning off it and up the ramp to the tower. The other man shifted above her and then started down the ramp to meet the new guard to exchange information. Taking a breath of courage she lifted the latch and opened the door enough to pass through, praising the gods when it moved soundlessly. Once through the doorway, the latch closing silently behind her, her mind was like that of an animal, one thought, and one instinct screaming through her. Run.

 

She took off through the dirt streets of the small village surrounding the castle, heading for the forest just beyond where the trees would cover her escape. Once the canopy of leaves hid her from sight, she could let herself feel relief, but first she had to be sure she was not caught. Rounding the last house corner, she did not look back, but took off into the bushes, heedless of making noise in her desperation to distance herself from her one-time father.

 

Darkness engulfed her and she stumbled to a blind stop, allowing her eyes a moment to adjust and get her bearings before choosing her direction and beginning again. Her pace was light lope, she did not want to tire herself needlessly, and would need strength in case her escape was noticed before dawn. She needed this night to get a head start. They would come for her and unlike her, they would have horses.

 

Throughout the night she kept moving, bating her exhaustion back with thoughts of pursuit and being forced to return and be dishonoured. She did her best to not leave a trail, and when she came to a river she didn't hesitate to step into the chilly waters and follow it into the west.

 

Day came, the sun rising over the tops of the eastern mountains behind her. Her fear at being discovered intensified once again. She left the river to disappear into the underbrush at an increased pace, ignoring the pain and acing of her feet as she traveled. Whenever she heard a sound that resembled that of a human to closely, she would avoid it. It would not do to be seen by anyone, she was sure of that.

 

It was very late into the second night when she felt she could go no farther without a rest. She had traveled none stop, not even stopping to eat, but snacking on what little food she had been able to bring while still moving. She did not know how far she had traveled in the time that had passed, but she knew she would be useless by daybreak, the most dangerous time, if she did not rest. Not wanting to stay out in the open, she looked for and found a tree she could easily climb. She was pleasantly surprised when she got up a significant height and found a hollow place she could fit in. She curled up inside, tucking her hands under her armpits and pulling her knees to her chest. It was a tight squeeze, but it was safe.

 

She fell into a fitful slumber after that.

 

***

 

The sun rose and shone through the foliage of the forest while birds sang their morning songs and hunted for their breakfast. No outside sound disturbed the setting until late, toward noon. Two young men came through riding mounts, hunting equipment at their sides, dogs sniffing the forest floor around them. One of the young men wore his black hair tied back in a short ponytail, his ears pierced and his robs that of a Buddhist monk. The other wore his white hair down in long, unkempt display, his dog ears swivelling on his head, his red clothing adorned with decorations displaying his rank as a lord.

 

“Well, that was a poor, unproductive hunt, wasn't it?” said the monk, “You think we've killed all the boars?”

 

“Keh. They're around, just not in this part of the forest. I can smell their old scent,” said the white haired, dog eared man, “The way you've been acting this morning, Miroku, you'd think you didn't want to be out here with me.”

 

The monk named Miroku cast his companion a relaxed smile. “Well, if I had a choice, you know I'd prefer to be back at the castle in the company of the court ladies.”

 

The hanyou gave a huff and rolled his eyes. His friend had always been more interested in the pursuit of the ladies at court than his priestly vocation. It was one of the reasons they got along so well. Neither took their positions all that seriously.

 

He was just about to call it a morning and head back when the dogs began baying and headed off in a hunting formation. He considered calling them back. They were near the border of his forest, and he did not wish to agitate relations with Naraku. His pain in the ass brother would not be happy about that. He'd opened his mouth to bark the command when his nose twitched and he caught a whiff of something enticing and yet strangely muddled.

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

The man name Inuyasha ignored the monk as he urged his horse to follow the dogs. They lead him to a very large and old tree where they circled about, barking and jumping in excitement. He looked up into the branches and saw one shift.

 

“Strange. It smells like an animal and yet it doesn't.” He glanced at his friend who had caught up. “Climb up and see what it is, Miroku.”

 

The monk blanched and looked wide eyed at his friend. “Why don't you go? You can get up in one leap, and it could be a vicious animal.”

 

Inuyasha smirked. “You were complaining of being bored, so I'll let you see what it could be.”

 

With a glare, Miroku swung off his horse and pushed the dogs aside. He took hold of the lowest branch and pulled himself up. Inuyasha watched his friend climb, a small grin curving his lips. Soon the foliage hid most of him, and the hanyou strained his ears to hear what was going on.

 

There was a sound of surprise and admiration from the man, then a startled gasp followed quickly by what sounded unmistakably like a slap. Inuyasha watched with raised eyebrows as the monk fell from the tree with a surprised yelp. He leapt from his horse to catch the man before he hit the ground and did himself serious damage. He could do nothing about the branches he met on his way down, however.

 

“What was it, monk?” he asked once the now disgruntled man sat with his back against the tree, the dogs circling and licking at their injured comrade.

 

Miroku rubbed his cheek, frowning as he thought. “In a hollow there lies a most wondrous creature. Its skin is mottled, and looks to be that of all animal kind, but its shape is like that of a woman's.”

 

“Keh, the last explains the red cheek then,” he said, ignoring his friends' glare.

Inuyasha looked up the tree, now equally bemused. It sounded like a demon, but he had never heard of such a kind. On top of that, he could not sense any youki coming from it. With a glance and a wink he leapt into the tree.

 

“Why didn't he do that in the first place,” Miroku said quietly, frowning as he rubbed the sore spot on his back.

 

With ease born of his demon heritage, Inuyasha landed on the branch Miroku had fallen from. Light filtered through the early autumn foliage, speckling places with greater light and hiding some in shade. He had no difficulty finding the hollow Miroku had spoken of, nor in seeing the outline of the creature inside. Moving forward, he crouched down in front of the opening only for the unmistakable scent of fear to hit his nose. His eyes widened and his original harsh command flew from his mind.

 

“Come out,” he said, trying to make his voice gentle.

 

The creature shifted and he could see one wide eye look at him. “Please, don't take me back. I don't want to go back!”

 

Inuyasha was taken back by the sudden plea. Take her back where? “I said come out, I won't hurt you. I have no reason to.”

 

When she turned away and curled further in on herself, he lost his patience and hauled her out forcefully. She cried out in fear as he threw her over his shoulder and then jumped down from the tree, landing in front of a now standing, though still pained, Miroku.

 

Annoyed by her struggles, Inuyasha dropped her to the ground, letting her land hard on her bottom. She glared up at him and he smirked even as he took in her strange appearance. Her skin was darkened, his nose telling him it was charcoal and dirt, while the furs she wore clung to her body like her own skin, further covering up and melding with her own scent. Again, it was familiar and yet not.

 

“Who are you?” he said, still glowering.

 

She had been looking back and forth between the two men in uncertainty and trepidation when his enquiry brought her attention back solely to him. She appeared surprised and relieved by the question before she turned her head away, a fist to her breast. She seemed to be composing herself.

 

“Please, I'm just a poor child with neither father nor mother. I have lived on my own all these years. I beg, take pity on me….” She paused for a moment. “Take me with you.”

 

Inuyasha cocked an eyebrow. “And why would I take you with me?”

 

The strange girl glared up at him suddenly. “Because I need help, because I have no where to live, because….” She seemed to run out of steam, looking defeated. “Very well, leave me here. I'll make it through the winter again somehow….”

 

The monk took that opportunity to step forward. “Inuyasha-sama, why not bring the girl back to the castle. Kaede has been complaining about needing help in the kitchens for some time now.”

 

The girl had looked up in shock at the mention of his name, though she tried to hide her reaction. Inuyasha was aware of her sudden struggle and found it interesting and confusing at the same time. Had she really not known who he was? Did she recognise his name? He considered Miroku's suggestion as he watched the girl on the ground. She squirmed under his gaze for a moment before stiffening her back and meeting his eyes in silent challenge. She had guts.

 

With a shrug Inuyasha turned his back on her and swung back up onto his horse, causing the animal to stomp it's feet in protest of the sudden impact. Only his masterful hold had the animal staying in place.

 

He looked at the monk who had followed suit and moved toward his mount. “Fine, Inu-kegawa there can ride with you, Miroku.”

 

Miroku gave small smile and a nod. “A fine name for her, it does suit.” He turned and held out a hand to the girl. “Lady?”

 

She had gone wide eyed at the name, but her fear scent spiked as the monk addressed her. She shuffled away on the ground before jumping up to put a tree between her and the monk, her head shaking. “No! H-he touched me… I won't…can't…go with him!”

 

Inuyasha snarled in disgust. “Where did you touch her, you damn hentai?” he asked, not hesitating to grab the monk by his robes and lift him aloft.

 

The monk looked truly bemused and innocent. “Just in the normal place, I swear Inuyasha-sama.”

 

The monk was dropped roughly to the ground. While the perverts' attraction to the rounded behind of the fairer sex tended to get violent reactions out of the women of the castle, they had never included fear. He considered the girl cowering behind the tree with a concerned frown. Something had happened to her to make her fear the touch of a man.

 

“If you ever touch her again, monk, I'll fucking kill you, got that?” he said, his words spoken in an undertone meant only for Miroku.

 

With a quick command of his heals, his mount moved to the girl before she could react. She turned to him with a start, pressing up against the tree as she stammered, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I-I just-”

 

“You'll ride with me.”

 

He didn't wait for an answer, but grabbed her by the arm to pull her away from the tree before bending and wrapping an arm around her waist. The fur covering her curved body was soft under his claws as his fingers splayed over her hip. She was weightless as he lifted her, her fear scent heightening before disappearing altogether once she was seated sideways before him. She curled into him then, her hand fisting his shirt as she squeezed her eyes shut, likely trying to hold back the tears he could smell.

 

He motioned his mount to start back to the castle, Miroku following right behind. Sometime after they had been traveling, he dropped his chin so he spoke into the top of her head. “You have nothing to fear now, Inu-kegawa. You're safe with me. I'll protect you. You just have to let me.”

 

***

O_O Hello all! I likes reviews, so keep them coming! I encourage critical reviews, I always like to improve my writing skills, and so if you see anything amiss, let me know!

 

Shujin- there are two words that I know of for husband, I chose this one `cause it also implies master or owner. It worked for Naraku.

 

Kegawa - means animal pelt. Chose this cause the title of the story I'm using means pelt, but uses skin. And yes, she is given a name, you never learn the princesses real name.