InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Intuition ( Chapter 6 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Six: Intuition

 

Kagome did not stop when she reached the kitchen. She sped through the busy room and past a startled Kaede who could do no more than call her name before she disappeared. She hurried past her room and swung herself round and up the stairs, taking them two at a time. She took no notice of anyone or anything, wanting nothing more than to get away from Inuyasha, away from Inu-kegawa.

 

She burst through a side door into the night air and rushed across the courtyard for the main gate. She didn't know where she was going, but followed the main road, intent on seeing where it would lead her. Hopefully it would be somewhere safer with no prying eyes to dread. Maybe even a place where she could take a bath without fear of someone seeing her. A place where she could be herself and know that no man would ever try what the wolf demon had.

 

Her steps slowed as she realised her feet had taken her outside of the towns perimeter and up a well worn path into the mountains. She came to a stop when she saw the torii before the approach to the shrine. Long stairs led up the mountain side, torii spaced out along the way, spreading over the stairs, leading the worshippers to the shrine.

 

She hesitated a moment, thinking she shouldn't be here. She was a servant now; she had no right to go to the shrine. She almost did leave when a thought occurred to her that the kami wouldn't mind. They knew who she really was and the kami inhabiting the shrine was sure to welcome her. She'd just need to be sure no one else saw her.

 

Walking up the steps she kept her ears and eyes alert, not wanting to get caught. The kami may forgive her, but the priest probably wouldn't. As she climbed she thought back on the events of the evening. The hanyou lord had come to her rescue only for her to slap him. Why had she done that? Would he still protect her even after she'd hit him?

 

She'd lost control, acted as a lady might at an insult from one below her, not as a servant. And the very fact she'd hit him was so unlike her. It scared her. Had those few times surrounded by her fathers miasma corrupted her, changed her in some way?

 

When she reached the top she was a little short of breath. It was a long climb and the run before had worn her out. She looked about the large courtyard lit by torches, taking in the priests' house and the shrine on the other side. Trees stood doted around the space, allowed to grow where they would, charms' and prayers hung about their trunks. Assured that no one was about, Kagome smiled and moved to the shrine. She rang the bell as quietly as possible, then clapped her hands and said a quick prayer before moving on.

 

She felt calm. All of the problems that had nipped at her heels in her flight from the castle seemed unimportant here. Things would work out; she had to believe they would. She had to believe Inuyasha meant what he said, that he would protect her, though she didn't understand why he had made the promise in the first place. Had she given herself away somehow when they had first met? Had she behaved that pathetically that he knew she needed his help?

 

She thought back to that day and remembered the caress of the monks hand on her behind waking her. She clenched her fist at the memory, and then remembered how she'd reacted when he'd approached her later to take her with them. Inuyasha had seemed angry about it at first, but had relaxed some when the monk said he'd only done the usual. Whatever that meant it had calmed the hanyou lord considerable.

 

So deep in her thoughts was she, that Kagome didn't hear the steps of someone climbing the temple stairs. The crunch of gravel beneath food was the first thing to alert her to her danger, her instincts kicking in and causing her to jump behind one of the temple buildings without a thought.

 

Her heart raced as she prayed she had not been seen by whoever had entered the shrine grounds. She crouched down, her hands fisted against her chest as she tried to control her breathing. She needed to get away. She shouldn't have come up here. Oh why did she take such a stupid risk? When she could no longer hear any footsteps and wondered if they had left. Taking a chance, she glanced around the corner of the building, thankful for the cover of darkness that helped hide her own camouflaged appearance.

 

She had a clear view of the shrine. A young woman stood before it, her back to Kagome. Her long hair was pulled into a low ponytail and she wore a green apron over her pink kimono. A large curved weapon rested against the shrine wall beside her. At her feet, a cream coloured youkai cat with two tails sat patiently. It was so cute, Kagome had to stifle a squeal and hold back the urge to run over and snuggle it.

 

The barest amount of noise coming from the priests' home had Kagome looking over to see Miroku coming out. She frowned at his presence. What was a Buddhist monk doing living at a Shinto shrine? The woman seemed not to have heard his exit or his movements towards her. Kagome watched curiously as Miroku made his way over silently, her eyebrows quirking at the intensity of his gaze. He came to a halt behind her. The demon cat glanced up at him as he leaned forward over her shoulder, his hand caressing over the older girls rounded behind.

 

“I missed you, Sango, my love.” His voice was deep and soothing, suggestive almost.

 

Kagome would have blushed in embarrassment for being present for a romantic interlude if the girl had not immediately swung around and struck the poor priest hard enough to send him to the ground.

 

“Hentai!” she said angrily as she stood over him. Her little youkai stood with its head cocked, a wibble of a mew coming from its mouth.

 

Kagome had to stuff her fist into her mouth to keep from laughing at the sight. Served the dirty monk right.

 

He seemed nonplused as he stood up, rubbing his cheek with one hand while the other wiped off his robes. He advanced on the girl who skittered back with a decidedly frightened look on her face. She tried to ward him off with arms before her, palms up in supplication.

 

“Miroku… please…” she said, her voice pleading as he took hold of her arms to move them out of the way.

 

He leaned forward, his face that of determination. “No, Sango. I said I missed you, and I mean that. I will not let you forget what we started before you decided to run away.”

 

“I didn't run away!” the young woman said, indignant colour rising in her cheeks.

 

The monk lifted a brow. “Oh? Then what do you call taking Sesshoumaru-sama's offer and leaving me for two months?” She made to say something, but he anticipated her comment and continued. “The rogue youkai weren't that dangerous. The border patrol didn't really need your help and you know it. Inuyasha said as much when he came back from his check of that border.”

 

Sango looked away with an angry scowl. “I'm going to kill that dog-eared jerk….”

 

The monk smiled for a moment before becoming serious again. He took hold of her shoulders, focusing her attention on him with a gentle shake.

 

“Did you miss me, Sango, even just a little bit?” he asked the blushing girl.

 

She was quiet; her lips pursed as she cast a hesitant look to the youkai at her feet before looking back at Miroku. She looked like she would give anything to be able to just run away. Her eyes became glassy with unshed tears, and Kagome felt for the girl.

 

“Yes…” she said her voice a soft hush that almost didn't make it to Kagome.

 

He pulled her into his arms, crushing her to him, her head pressed to the curve of his shoulder. Sango was startled at first, her wet eyes wide with surprise before she relaxed and then closed them. They stood like that for a time, neither moving nor saying anything.

 

“Why did you leave then?” Miroku finally murmured his tone curious.

 

She was silent a moment longer, her eyes cracking open and looking to the side, a faint blush covering her cheeks. “I…I saw you…with Koharu. She's had the hugest crush on you for the longest time, and you weren't doing anything to alleviate that. You were doing what you always do, sweet talking her and all. But the thing that got me…the thing that hurt me… you did it… again!”

 

She pushed away from him then, glaring up at the bemused monk.

 

“How could you! After you promised me you wouldn't anymore too!” She turned away, her arms folded angrily over her chest. “I was so angry! Hitting you for it just wasn't enough anymore. I wanted you to hurt, I wanted you to question… so when Sesshoumaru-sama asked for volunteers, I jumped at the chance.”

 

Miroku stood silent, staring at Sango's back. “Did you get the satisfaction you were looking for?”

 

Her shoulders slumped, her arms dropping to hang lifelessly at her sides. “For maybe the first day, then I couldn't stop thinking about you, missing you.”

 

A gentle smile spread across his face. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug, drawing her back to his front, his one hand sliding down her side to run over her behind suggestively.

 

“Forgive me my transgressions, Sango.”

 

Kagome held her breath, expecting the monk to get another wallop over the head. She was shocked when instead the older girl moaned softly, letting her head drop forward, her hair falling over her shoulder. Miroku's lips latch to the back of her neck, kissing her heatedly.

 

“Why didn't you come back right away?” he said in a murmur across her skin.

 

A sigh parted her lips. “Pride… of course.”

 

“Of course,” he said with a smile against her skin. “What made you come back now though?”

 

“Naraku-sama… his strange request of Sesshoumaru-sama,” she said her eyes closed as she enjoyed the monks' attentions to her neck and behind.

 

The mention of Naraku had Kagomes' heart pounding in her chest. What was the request? Was he still looking for her? Was he coming here? Would he find her? She stamped the panic down before it overtook her. He would never find her, she wouldn't let him.

 

“Yes, it is strange, isn't it? You were quick to come back, the message only came in this afternoon.” Miroku said, clearly not caring about the conversation as his attentions to Sango intensified.

 

Kagome pulled back from the scene, a blush of embarrassment heating her cheeks. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. What had happened to the girls' anger? From the sounds of it, Miroku had been unfaithful to her in some way. Damn pervert didn't deserve forgiveness if that was the case.

 

A strangled cry and moan pulled Kagome from her distracting thoughts. She frowned, not sure what the sound meant.

 

“Miroku, please!” the girl said in a beseeching tone, “…don't…” there was a silence, then a strangled sounding cry, “…stop….”

 

Another cry had Kagomes' heart racing, her mouth dry. Had Sango asked Miroku to stop? The thought that he was doing something Sango didn't want had Kagomes' mouth dry with memories of events she had never had the choice to say no to, along with those earlier this evening when her refusals had been ignored. Anger directed at her Father, Kouga, Miroku and men in general filled Kagome. She grasped a large stone sitting near her and without thinking jumped out of her hiding place.

 

“Let her go, you letch!” Kagome yelled as she threw the rock.

 

As soon as the rock had left her fingers, Kagome regretted the hasty action. She didn't really understand the scene before her, but it didn't look like the older girl minded the hand in her kimono top, or the mouth covering hers.

 

Just the same, the rock hit its target with surprising accuracy, braining Miroku on the side of the head. There was a cry of pain and he stumbled away and to the ground.

 

“Miroku!” Sango said, turning to see the fallen monk. He was sprawled on the ground, one hand clutching his head as he stared dazedly up into the sky. “Are you alright” she asked leaning over him.

 

“What did I do to deserve that?” he asked.

 

Kagome bit her lip when Sango looked toward her, eyes narrowed. She wanted to run away, but her legs wouldn't move.

 

“Who are you?” said Sango warily, “I can barely see you. Why'd you do that?”

 

Kagome realised her furs and dark appearance hid her from view for the most part. She would be a dark silhouette to them. Stealing her courage, Kagome stepped forward, moving into the light of one of the closer torches.

 

Miroku glanced over at her from where he laid prone, his eyebrows rising in surprise. “Inu-kegawa? What did I ever do to you?”

 

Kagome bristled. “How about grabbing my ass when we first me, and while I was still asleep at that!”

 

Miroku looked thoughtful. “Oh, right…”

 

“What!?” said Sango, her voice echoing about the shrine with force. Miroku quickly found himself with another lump on his already battered head.

 

Sango ignored Miroku's now unmoving figure as she grabbed up her weapon and stormed over to Kagome, her face dark and intense. Kagome swallowed in trepidation, expecting to get hit herself. Instead, Sango just grabbed her arm and dragged her along behind as she headed away from the shrine.

 

“Come on, that monk doesn't deserve my sympathy or yours right now,” she said, grumbling about wandering hands and men's inability to commit.

 

Kagome bit her lip, nervous at being with this strange and violent girl. A mew caught her attention and she looked down to see the little cat demon trotting along beside them, staring at her with red eyes. Well, if she had such a cute youkai following her around, then she couldn't be that bad a person. Kagome smiled and opened her free arm in invitation. The cat mewled again and leapt into her embrace.

 

“Well aren't you the cutest thing! What's your name?” she murmured.

 

“Her names Kirara,” said Sango, “So, you're Inu-kegawa are you?”

 

Kagomes' brows rose. Did this girl already know of her somehow? “Yes, I am. Why do you ask?”

 

“My brother Kohaku briefed me on all the new occupants of the castle. You seemed to interest him the most,” she replied, glancing back with an assessing look. She seemed to make a decision then and with a brief nod she turned back to pay attention to where she was going. “I'm Sango, by the way.”

 

They had been walking along a narrow path in the forest surrounding the shrine when Sango took a quick turn off it, pulling Kagome with her. They entered an open space near a cliff where a patch of night sky could be seen above them, the slowly filling moon high above. Steam rose into the air beyond some boulders and near the cliff face. Sango lead her closer to there before putting down her weapon, her hands going to her clothing ties.

 

Kagome stood watching her for a moment, her stomach dropping. “Wha… what are we doing here?”

 

Sango smiled at her and it transformed her face completely. “We're going to take a bath. You must be dying to get that dirt off.”

 

To tell the truth, her skin was getting itchy, the charcoal having dried it out. Her scalp wasn't fairing much better, her hair matted and oily from being kept hidden under the hood. She'd only taken the fur off to sleep and it really needed to be aired out.

 

But she was scared. Could she trust this girl? She'd only just met her after all. She looked over at the steam rising from beyond the boulders, the temptation high. Kirara jumped from her arms as her hands unconsciously went to her own clothing ties. Before she knew what she was doing she had stripped the fur from her body. She paused for only a moment before then going for the white yukata beneath. Sango had already finished, standing naked and unconcerned as she collected some bathing materials. She'd been planning to take a bath anyway it would seem. With a smile she said she'd see her in the hot spring.

 

Now alone, Kagome removed the yukata and stared at her own body, fascinated by the change of black on her forearms to the pale white of her skin. Bighting her lip she hoped she wasn't making a mistake.

 

Kagome slipped into the onsen with a happy sigh, the heat encasing her body, awakening the skin to tingling life. She leaned back and let herself relax for a few moments. The water was already doing its work, cleansing the skin of all blackness. She tried to ignore the feeling of being exposed, but it was difficult. She was so self conscious about her appearance now, especially after having almost been exposed earlier this evening.

 

She glanced over at Sango who was too busy working on her hair to notice her. Picking some water up in her cupped hands, she splashed it over her face, trying to get all of the charcoal off. It was difficult to know if it was working, she had no way to check her face and could only scrub at it and hope she'd got it all off.

 

So intent on her cleaning was she, that she didn't notice the approach of Sango until she felt a cloth on her cheek, her chin being pinched between finger and thumb to direct it for easier access. Kagome blinked in surprise, going still as the older girl concentrated on getting the dirt off for her like a mother would clean up her child.

 

When Sango was done she blinked before she sat back and stared at her hard for a few moments, seemingly studying her.

 

“I can see why you cover yourself. You have a face men would fight for… perhaps even kill for.” She seemed to consider for a moment. “If you insist on continuing to do it, let me offer you something that will be better for both your skin and health. I'm a demon slayer, and sometimes I need to be hidden to do my job. I have a cream that you can put on; it's easier to get off and won't dry your skin so much.”

 

She didn't say anything, just gave a slight nod. Sango smiled a little before she turned and grabbed a jar from a boulder she'd placed it on before moving behind her.

 

“Lean back so I can wet your hair.”

 

A tension took hold even as she leaned back at the girls' request. She had just met this girl and yet she had relaxed her guard with her in a way she had only ever done with Kagura, a friend and confidant she missed dearly. Was that why she was so docile? Did she miss having friends? Someone to talk to and to lean on? Or was it that she was unsure how to act with her. She did not know the girls rank, but was sure it was above her. Still, she seemed unconcerned with inappropriate relationships with a servant.

 

When the older girls' fingers began massaging the paste into her hair and against her scalp, it was too much for Kagome. She had been deprived of gentle, caring human contact for so long that such caresses brought to surface every childish emotion and fear she'd had to endure alone since the nightmare began. Her eyes filled and the tears began to fall. First silently, but they grew louder as her nose clogged, forcing her to sniffle uncontrollably.

 

Sango's hands stilled at the sounds and she quickly moved to face Kagome, a concerned look on her face.

 

“Are you okay? Did I do something? Pull to hard on your hair or something?” Sango asked.

 

Kagome shook her head, trying to get under control. She took a deep breath, but it only caused her to get the hiccups, the childish act making her feel further powerless and so cry harder.

 

Sango was becoming further agitated and worried by the girls seemingly unexplainable distress. “What is it?” she asked, placing a hand on her shoulder hesitantly, “Why are you crying then?”

 

Kagome forced herself to answer the girl, not wanting to make her worry. “You didn't do anything wrong, really. I've just been so scared, so frightened for so very long and I've been alone, and… I'm sorry, but you're the first person to really be kind to me, besides….” She sniffled again, glancing up at the girl, suddenly very self conscious of her rambling. “It means more to me then you can know.”

 

Sango frowned. Scared? Alone? What could she be scared of? Why would such a nice girl feel so alone here? Had something happened to her in the castle, or maybe before she was found in the forest? A tremor ran through the young girls' body, and she knew it was not from the cold as the tears came harder and she stuffed a knuckle in her mouth to hold back the sobs.

 

“Shhh, it's okay. Nothing's going to happen to you, alright? I promise you, you're safe here.” Sango said as she soothed the girls back, cradling her like she had her brother when they were young and he had a nightmare. “Did something happen? Do you want to talk about it?”

 

She shook her head where it lay on Sangos' shoulder. “You've done so much already… it's nothing I can't handle, really.”

 

Sango was not convinced by her reassuring words, but did not press her, vowing she would keep an eye on the servant girl from now on. There was something about her that stood out, begged for attention. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

 

Kagome continued to sob a little longer before she had herself somewhat under control. But still she stayed cradled in Sango's arms, seeking comfort and security for just a little longer.

 

Sango shifted, her head coming to rest on Kagomes'. “Who are you really, Inu-kegawa?”

 

She wanted to tell her. When she opened her mouth to answer, she was almost certain she was going to tell her. She was surprised when that was not the case.

 

“I'm just a poor child with neither father nor mother who has lived alone all these years….”

 

***

 

Inuyasha returned to the dinning hall to find it empty but for his brother and the wolf prince. They were deep in conversation, and though Kouga's intoxication was still fairly obvious, the subject appeared to have sobered him considerably. Inuyasha glowered at the prince as he moved to sit on his brothers other side, growling slightly to further indicate his displeasure with the wolf's earlier behaviour.

 

Sesshoumaru ignored his bothers antics, continuing with his conversation as if no one had joined, even though Kouga had focused on Inuyasha to return the growl. “Is it not interesting though that Naraku would choose now to answer my invitation, and only on one condition?” Sesshoumaru looked at his brother with an even gaze. “I can not deny him it since it means he will attend the talks over the next few weeks. Perhaps this will be a chance to find out what has happened in the castle since the death of its queen.”

 

Inuyasha growled lowly, even the smallest mention of Kikyou had bad memories surfacing. She had caused war and mayhem with her indecision, her beauty and spiritual powers enticing many men to try for her hand, including himself.

 

He could not remain completely angry at her though, for she had also caused Inuyasha to search out his brother and attempt to heal the rift between them.

 

He had wanted to be worthy of her hand, and for that, he'd needed status and family. Though technically he had both, without his brothers' acceptance and backing, it meant nothing. It had been a painful process, in more ways than one. In the end, however, it had been pointless. She had not chosen him, though she had professed her love to him. She had gone with Naraku, a man, not a hanyou, and one with a kingdom with which to provide her comfort and security. He hadn't been able to compete with that.

“From what I've heard, he's a monster,” said Kouga, disgust colouring his voice as he looked off to the side, “He keeps his men at the boarders, constantly harassing anyone who tries to set foot in his lands. The wolves I've sent in on reconnaissance have all come back with reports of run down villages and the smell of death.”

 

“Keh, well, takes one to know one I guess.” Inuyasha muttered, not surprised to hear the kingdom had gone downhill. Perfection never lasted, after all.

 

Kouga caught his muttered words and turned with a snarl, instantly crouched on the balls of his feet, hands held up ready for attack.

 

“What's that supposed to mean, runt?” he growled.

 

Inuyasha's lip curled in derision, but he made no move to answer Kouga's challenge. He knew his brothers rules too well. “Exactly how it sounds, you stupid wolf.”

 

“I am not a monster!” Kouga yelled, the earlier drink getting the best of him as he took a step forward, ignoring the warning look from Sesshoumaru.

 

Inuyasha's brows rose in momentary amusement. “Oh ho! Then what do you call practically forcing yourself on that girl earlier?” Inuyasha asked a slow frown covering his face as a dangerous glint entered his eyes.

 

A rakish grin spread across Kouga's lips. “She wouldn't have been unwilling for much longer, dog face. In a few more minutes she would have been begging me to be inside her.”

 

“Enough!”

 

It was not a loud or particularly forceful command, but it was enough to put a leash on both Kouga and Inuyasha, keeping the latter from going for the wolf's throat. Kouga stood completely upright then, staggering down from the dais.

 

“I don't have to put up with this shit right now. I'm gonna go find my bed.” He turned to go before seeming to remember himself. He turned back to Sesshoumaru and gave a bow. “I thank you on behalf of mine for the generous reception. Please send for me when the other lords begin to arrive tomorrow.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded in dismissal, watching as the wolf prince left the hall. Inuyasha watched him go as well, confused by his strong reaction when it came to the girl, but still willing to follow through with his thoughts of skinning the wolf. Once gone, Inuyasha waited semi patiently for his final orders for the night before he could leave. He would not sleep tonight, but go into the forest and blow off some steam.

 

Sesshoumaru stood and Inuyasha followed suit, following him out of the hall in silence. When they turned for Sesshoumaru's bed chambers, Inuyasha stopped and waited.

 

“See that Jaken has finalised plans for tomorrow nights festivities and then do as you wish. Remember though that I expect you to make an appearance tomorrow night. As a prince of these lands, that is your duty.” He glanced over his shoulder to see his brother nod before adding. “And Inuyasha, the next time you even hint at losing your temper in front of me you will find yourself with another hole through your gut, and you know how long the last took to heal.” With that, he continued down the hall.

 

“Feh….” Inuyasha muttered, and turned to find the annoying imp.

 

***

 

Miroku was in heaven.

 

He had awoken to find both women missing and had gone in search for them. He had missed Sango far too much to leave her alone so quickly. It didn't take long for him to find them; the Buddha must have been guiding his steps. And now he stood hidden by a tree, watching two naked women bathe. He didn't have a clear view of their faces as at the moment, Sango was holding the other, who must be Inu-kegawa. He was fascinated, silently begging them to turn around. He'd been curious of what she looked like since they met.

 

Finally the two parted, Sango murmuring for the girl to turn and bend back so she could rinse out her hair. That was when Miroku saw, when his heart stopped and his mouth went dry. She was beautiful, she was perfect, she was…Kikyou?

 

***

O_O: Hello all!!! I missed you, did you miss me?

ya…*scratches head* was a bit longer getting out then I'd planned, but this little thing called life got in the way… like I got one, you know? @o@ been going out almost every night after work, be it for 100 yen (about $1 American) beers or karaoke, or perhaps some Ramen, I've done it. Almost went bowling, but I really needed to get some sleep. Anyway I'm here, it's written, and the plot thickens. I think it's at pea soup consistency at the moment.

I will now sing my little song: Please review, me likes reviews, they make be happy, when plots are grey, you never know dear, reviewer, how much I love them comments that you make!!!