InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Possession ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter Twelve: Possession

 

The sun had only just begun to rise as Naraku climbed into the litter that would carry him into the Western Lands.

 

Vivid shades of reds and pinks shot along the sky's horizon, hailing a day of bad weather not unusual for this time of year. The mountains were bathed in blood, much like that which had covered him the day his mate had left him.

 

He could sense the storm coming, the strong winds beginning to build worrying his people, but he would not put off departure. With the entourage he had prepared to accompany him, it would take all of the three days to get to their destination. He had already sent word warning of his day of projected arrival and he would not risk arriving late. It would undoubtedly provide a perception of weakness to the other lords. Nor would he consider bringing fewer people to cut down on time.

 

What it really came down to though was that he had waited long enough. He knew his future mate was in the west, waiting for him to find her. He smiled viciously, steadying himself as servants lifted the tram into the air, resting it on their shoulders. Anticipation ran along his nerves, and sang in his blood. He would find her, this he knew.

 

“Move,” he said, his soft voice reaching the guard who sat on a horse at his side.

 

The man called out the order to begin the journey. The line shuffled forward and soon fell into a steady pace. As it moved, the line stretched out from the castle, soldiers and vassals following their lord, a physical expression of his power and wealth. It would be an impressive show, no doubt.

 

***

 

Kagome could tell something was wrong with where she had fallen asleep even before she opened her eyes. First, there was no uncomfortable cold seeping from the stone floor and into her futon. Second, the intensity of the morning light drifting through her eyelids was not normal. There was never sunlight in her small corner.

 

She cracked her eyes open. Inuyasha lay slumped against the wall beside her, his eyes closed and face relaxed in sleep. A small smile pulled at her lips as she watched him. He looked so young and gentle, especially with his ears drooping in complete repose. She wondered if he had slept like that the whole night.

 

The whole night.

 

Kagome shot into a sitting position, her hood falling back at the sudden movement. Her eyes were wide as those same words repeated in her mind, her skin tingling with trepidation.

 

That sensation had her realising she still wore the black cream. She worried at not having had the chance to take it off. Sango had warned that she should remove it every night. Even as she thought of this her skin began to pinch and feel irritated. The furs still covering her became unbearably hot and she pushed the blankets off to remove some discomfort.

 

“Oi, wench, what's wrong?”

 

Startled, Kagome froze before turning back to look at Inuyasha. He still sat as he had been; relaxed and slumped against the wall, but now his eyes were open to golden slits, watching her closely.

 

She didn't even think before she spoke, her shock and fear causing the words to just pop out of her mouth. “I can't believe you kept me here all night! How could you do that?”

 

He didn't seem to be bothered as he shrugged and then stretched his arms into the air, a large yawn cracking his jaw. He hadn't intended to fall asleep. The plan had been to watch the girl, but he had found himself relaxed in her presence, even though his thoughts had been well stimulated. “You fell asleep. I saw no reason to wake you to send you down. Besides, there was no way I was letting you sleep down there with that wolf lurking about.”

 

She could see his logic, but that didn't change the fact that she didn't like it. Shifting, Kagome prepared to leave. She needed to get out of the room before anyone became aware of her presence and so had proof of her staying the night.

 

“Did I give you permission to go?” he said, shifting so he looked directly at her.

 

Her irritation was rising. She needed to be on her way. Biting her tongue, she bowed her head. “I must go. I must do my chores if I am to meet Sango for a bath.”

 

He shifted again, sitting up straight now, his gaze intent as he studied her. “You will not be going for a bath today.”

 

She looked up at him, her eyes flashing. “You have no say in that. My free time is to do with as I please.”

 

Leaning forward slightly, he looked her directly in the eyes, daring her to hold his gaze. “I won't let you go where that mangy wolf might find you. Your free time belongs to me now.”

 

Her control snapped and she grabbed hold of one of his hair tufts, jerking his head to the side. “How dare you! You keep me here overnight without a thought of how it could affect me and now you claim my free time? I will be perfectly safe with Sango, you know that!”

 

With a growl, Inuyasha grabbed hold of her wrist, squeezing till she let go of his hair with a small whimper. Snarling, he pulled her close, the fire in her eyes heating his blood. “Don't-do-that.”

 

Heart pounding, Kagome held his gaze, glaring back at him. “You can't keep me here,” she said softly, “I won't stay. You have to leave sooner or later; you know you do.”

 

A vein popped in frustration. He knew what she said was true. There was no way he could keep her where she didn't want to be. Unless, of course, he tied her down. It was a rather tantalising idea, and he found that he was sorely tempted. The way she was glaring back at him, challenging his position, had him straining to hold in check the desire to bend her, put her in her place; below and underneath him.

 

He shook his head, mentally kicking himself at such a base weakness. These were unwelcome thoughts at such a time, though they were not surprising. He had been intrigued by the strange girl since he first met her. But there would be time for such analysis of thoughts later. At this moment he needed to deal with the glaring bitch in front of him.

 

“Why won't you let me protect you!” he said, releasing her arm and folding his own.

 

Kagome rubbed her wrist absently, looking up at Inuyasha from under the cover of her lashes. His lips were held in a thin line, his posture tense as he looked away from her. It was almost as if he were distancing himself from her and she suddenly found she wanted him to look at her, silently pleading for those amber-gold eyes to focus on her.

 

Her voice was soft. “I-I want you to…” She licked her lower lip and screwed up her courage. “…to protect me.”

 

His breath caught in surprise and he glanced down at her bowed head. Did she mean that?

 

“If that's true…. Then you got to trust that I know what's best for you,” he said, his voice gruff.

 

She looked up at him, her face lighting up momentarily as her eyes locked with his. She looked uncertain then, as if internally warring with herself. She shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she gazed at her hands, her fingers curling into claws and then fisting.

 

“I want to trust you!” Her frustration was apparent. “I want to believe you'll protect me, but I need you to trust that I won't go looking for trouble.”

 

Inuyasha huffed. “It's the mangy wolf I don't trust, wench.”

 

“Then don't punish me for his actions!” she snapped, suddenly tired of the argument. Her skin was really beginning to itch, and she knew she had to get to the hot springs as soon as possible.

 

Eyebrow twitching, Inuyasha watched as the servant girl swiftly stood and moved to the other side of the room. He was unsure of her motive until she knelt again, lifting the forgotten tray from last night. Her duality confused him; one moment she would be talking to him as if she were his equal, or worse, above him, then the next she would be performing the menial tasks of her position.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

She opened the screen door and stood once again. “I'm going. I have jobs to do.” She sensed his youki rise and knew he would try to stop her again. “Don't even try it. I'm leaving this room, before, or after you, it doesn't matter.”

 

Inuyasha was finding the tying down option more and more appealing as he came to a stop moments before grabbing her and pulling her away from the exit. His instincts screamed that he keep her here where he could watch her. He knew, however, that it would solve nothing. She was right; she did not deserve to have her privileges taken away for the demon wolf's bad behaviour.

 

And yet, what else was there he could do? What could he do to ensure her security while he was trapped in boring meetings all day? There had to be something, something that could act as a warning if the wolf decided to take liberties again, something-

 

No! He couldn't, it was wrong, it was unfair, it was… it was the only choice.

 

With a frustrated growl, Inuyasha took hold of the girl's shoulder and turned her to face him. She was perplexed as she watched him struggle with his obi. It was a scarlet red with the white kanji for dog embroidered on it. He had worn it often since she met him and she'd quickly realised it must be his favourite. She wondered at the strange actions and what he could be up to now.

 

“Here.” He held it out to her, his cheeks slightly red as he looked off to the side.

 

Frowning, Kagome took the proffered obi. She looked from it to him quizzically. She had the smallest inkling of what this gesture could mean, her stomach flipping at the thought. But she refused to believe he would do such a thing to her. He wanted to protect her, after all.

 

“Put it on,” he said, still not looking at her.

 

She bit her lip. “It doesn't really go with my outfit.”

 

Nerves on edge and uncomfortable enough with the situation, Inuyasha wasn't surprised when he lost his temper. “Just put the fucking thing on!”

 

Her temper wasn't that far behind his. “Why!” she yelled, clenching the obi in a fist, trying to hide the trembling.

 

Running a clawed hand through his hair, Inuyasha finally glared down at the girl who was returning a glare of her own.

 

“By wearing this, it will protect you. It will declare to all that you are under my protection. Do you understand? To touch you would be an insult to my honour and it would be within my right to exact revenge,” he explained, his tone even.

 

As he spoke, Kagome felt her stomach dropping out from her body, onto the floor and disappearing completely. Her eyes latched onto the strip of material clutched in her hand. It was a token, a declaration of ownership. To wear this was to state to all who saw her that she was Inuyasha's personal servant. The implications that went along with that did not escape her and she turned wide eyes to the hanyou.

 

“You intend to bed me?” she asked, her voice dull with shock.

 

His face went bright red and he exploded. “Kami! No, you stupid bitch! You just have to wear the damn thing!”

 

Kagome bit her lip, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she considered what this would mean. “You may as well bed me, then. I'm sure it's public by now where I've been all night, meaning I have no reputation now. With this on me, what honour will I have? What man will want me?”

 

His teeth clenched as he bit back a growl. The thought of another man with her did not sit well with him. He couldn't say why, but it bothered him just as much as Kouga's interest in her did. “You'll have the honour that comes with my name being attached to yours.”

 

“Yes, as your personal whore!” she said, her tone biting and just a little bitter.

 

Inuyasha was silent for a moment. He could see that the girl was upset by the situation, even a little uncomfortable, but there was no other way that he could think of. Besides, the more he thought of it, the more the idea of her wearing his symbol pleased him. It was odd, but he wasn't about to question it at this moment. It was what was best for her, though it looked like she was about to refuse.

 

“It's either you wear it, or I tie you down and keep you in this room,” he said, meaning every word of the threat.

 

Her eyes widened and he waited for her to make her decision. If she continued to refuse the obi, he would have no choice but to tie her up. Not that he would mind, a voice in the back of his head pointed out.

 

With narrowed eyes not leaving his, she stuffed the obi into her sleeve. “Fine, I'll keep it on me, but I don't see why I have to wear it for everyone to see. I'll use it only if I have to.”

 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, though her wish to hide her connection to him stung just a little bit. “Fine, whatever.” He reached out and pulled her hood back up. She jumped at his movement but stood still as he tucked her hair into it, enjoying the silky texture. “You better get going now. You've got a lot of work to catch up on.”

 

She wasted no time in leaving, unaware of the contemplating gaze that followed her exit. Inuyasha continued to stare at the space she had inhabited for some time afterwards. He needed to speak with Miroku.

 

***

 

“She spent the night with the hanyou prince.”

 

The whisper carried across the kitchen where the four servant girls worked to clean and begin preparations for the morning meal, Kagome being one of them.

 

“And knowing how he's never had a girl up there,” said an answering whisper, “you can't doubt he's taken her.”

 

Giggles followed the exchange, and Kagome's cheeks only grew hotter. She lifted the full bucket up onto the table, ignoring the other workers as she wrung out the cloth and began scrubbing down the preparation table. It was none of their business, and as long as she ignored them, she wouldn't be making their target any easier to hit.

 

“Oh, look, she thinks she's too good for us now. But then she's always felt that way, haven't you, Inu-kegawa?” said the third girl, who had been quiet up till this point.

 

Kagome only rolled her eyes and continued to scrub. It really didn't matter what she said, it wouldn't change anything.

 

“I bet she thinks she's all special, seeing as Inuyasha-sama doesn't take many girls to his bed,” the girl continued, receiving knowing giggles from the others, “But we all know it was just a one time thing. There's no way he'd want a creature like that to permanently grace his bed.”

 

Kagome began counting to ten, taking deep, even breaths. She was almost certain she'd taken the varnish off the table with how hard she was scrubbing.

 

“And you know, it really shouldn't be so surprising to see him taking a freak to his bed,” the girl continued, sauntering closer as she tried to get a rise out of Kagome. “After all, it's only natural that he'd be attracted to a freak, seeing as he's the biggest outsider in all the land. Filthy hanyou that he is.”

 

There were gasps of shock from the other serving girls as silence filled the room. Kagome stilled in her movements, her anger suddenly near explosion. How dare that twit insult a lord! And one as kind as Inuyasha, too!

 

“What?” said the servant girl, ignoring the other servant's reactions as she continued to taunt Kagome. “Need to say something? Careful, you have no friends here, you know. You don't wanna be making worse enemies.”

 

Kagome whirled to face the grinning servant, her rag left forgotten on the table as she narrowed her eyes. Catching and holding the girls' eyes, Kagome reached into her sleeve. She would never forget their expressions as long as she lived. The widening of the eyes, the blood draining from their faces as they beheld the token was just as beautiful as she'd imagined it would be.

 

“No, this can't be, he wouldn't…” one of the girls said in a murmur.

 

“You want to take the chance?” Kagome asked, a small smirk twitching the corners of her mouth. “I'll be sure to tell him what you really think of him, and if you even think of ganging up on me and making my life any worse than it is, I'll be sure he knows it's your fault as well.”

 

Of course Kagome had no intention of repeating anything said here to Inuyasha. He didn't need to hear what these girls thought of him or of herself. She stuffed the obi back into her sleeve, still steaming as she turned from the gap-mouthed girls to try and finish her chores. Her skin was really becoming irritated and she wanted to get to the springs as soon as possible.

 

“No,” one of the girls said, “she must have stolen it. There's no way he'd give that to her. Why would he give it to her when he has so many beautiful women he could give it to instead?

 

Kagome sighed and began scrubbing again. “I suppose I could be lying, but do you want to take the chance?”

 

Finished scrubbing, Kagome lifted the bucket and waddled out the door leading out to the garden. There she upended it, spilling the dirty water over the ground before hurrying back into the kitchen. She didn't really feel safe in the garden. She hadn't since her first encounter with Kouga.

 

When she came back in, the other girls had gone back to their own chores, each giving her dark looks as she passed by. She tried to ignore them, but already she felt stupid for what she had just done. She'd let her anger get the best of her and said more than she'd ever planned to. Soon all the castle would know that she belonged to Inuyasha. What would she do about her reputation once she revealed herself? She knew that she would have to someday, and then what? There was nowhere for her to go, not as long as her father hunted for her, intent on making her his wife.

 

Shuddering, she pushed those thoughts from her mind and hurried to her corner, grabbing her supplies. Chores now done, she could freely go to the springs and wash up. She needed to see Sango.

 

***

 

“So, what did you call me in here for, Inuyasha?” Miroku asked as he watched Inuyasha prepare for the day's talks.

 

Breakfast had been brought in along with tea, but both were left forgotten at the moment. Miroku was curious at his friend's seeming distraction. Something had happened between when he'd left last and his arrival this morning. He just needed to figure out what.

 

The hanyou prince was silent for a time, adjusting the folds of his clothing so they fell properly. He was distracted, trying to buy time. Miroku sighed, knowing better than to press his friend. He would talk when he was ready.

 

“Tea?” he asked, even as he poured the drink.

 

Inuyasha shook his head but suddenly sat down, his distracted fidgeting ending.

 

“What do you know of Inu-kegawa?” he said, his gaze steady as he watched the monk.

 

Miroku frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

Inuyasha looked a little uncomfortable, his ears twitching in agitation. “Have you ever sensed anything from her? You know, anything unusual, like spiritual abilities?”

 

The monk frowned. “Where is this coming from? Why are you asking me this now?”

 

“Something…” He looked down at his clawed hands. “…strange happened last night.”

 

“Oh?” Miroku was interested, leaning forward to silently encourage his friend to continue.

 

“Yeah. She- her hand glowed.” He shook his head fiercely. “At least, I think it did. It was disappearing when I looked at it.”

 

Miroku was thoughtful for a moment. “Well, I'm not sure, really. I've never thought to look for it. I will check the next time if I see her, if that is what you'd like.”

 

Inuyasha nodded, and reached for the tea. “You can do another thing for me, if that would be all right.”

 

“Sure, anything.” Miroku took a sip of his tea.

 

“Could you talk to Sango? I know she bathes with the girl and I'd like to know if she has noticed anything unusual about her.”

 

Miroku tried to ignore the sweat that began to bead on his brow at this request. He had to force the tea down. “Er, sure, Inuyasha, I can ask her that.”

 

Inuyasha noticed the monk's discomfort and frowned. “If you think she'll kill ya, you don't have to do it.”

 

Laughing nervously, he shook his head. “Oh, no, it's not that....”

 

His eyes narrowed at his friend's strange behaviour and leaned forward. A slight growl punctuated the silence. “Have you been watching them bathe, bouzu?”

 

Miroku's hands were up and before him in defence almost immediately, a nervous smile stretching across his face. “No, no, whatever would give you that idea? It's just that Sango's really protective of Inu-kegawa.” He let his hands come down, a thoughtful expression taking over his face. “I don't know that she'll appreciate my butting in. The girl is sensitive; if she were to find out that Sango had spoken to me….”

 

“Keh, you mean she may kill you?” He didn't doubt Inu-kegawa had it in her.

 

Miroku looked straight at him, his dark eyes intent and serious. “No. I think she'd run.”

 

Inuyasha's brows rose in surprise. “What makes you say that?”

 

“Come on, Inuyasha,” Miroku rolled his eyes, exasperated. “You've known as long as me, perhaps even longer, that there's something not right with that girl. She's hiding something that hurt her.”

 

Inuyasha didn't say anything. He was surprised at the monk's perception. He'd thought he was the only one who'd noticed the girl's moments of fear and panic. But then again, Miroku was often more observant than he gave him credit for. After all, he was right in this instance. If the girl felt cornered or threatened, she would be sure to run. That's why he never pressured her for information.

 

“Look, I'll talk to Sango. Perhaps it will clear some things up like you hope,” Miroku said, standing to go. “Now, if you'll excuse me Inuyasha-sama, I have to prepare the hall for the meeting.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “Thanks, and don't call me that.”

 

***

 

“He did what?!”

 

The outraged scream echoed through the forest surrounding the hot spring. Birds flew from the trees and wolves lifted their heads in interest.

 

“Shhh,” Kagome said, pleading with her friend to calm down. “It's not that big a deal, really. It's just a token of ownership to-“

 

“I'll kill him.” Sango cracked her knuckles, moving toward the rocky shore, a vein throbbing in her temple.

 

Okay, ownership might not have been the best word there. “He's trying to protect me from Kouga-sama, Sango, that's all.”

 

“He's ruining you!” she said.

 

Kagome laughed forcefully. “He isn't going to touch me. Besides, he wouldn't be interested in a creature like me.” A disgusting creature that attracted her own father to her, she continued in her head.

 

This had Sango stopping and turning back around, a horrified look in her eyes. “Don't you dare let those idiots' words get to you!” she said, referring to the servant girls.

 

Kagome looked away, shame faced. She bit her lip, hugging herself tightly. She had completed her washing; Sango and she helped each other wash their hair as they did every day. She'd been so relieved to get the cream off, the scrubbing of the cloth bringing instant relief. She didn't look forward to putting the stuff back on, but at the same time, felt anxious without it. Her eyes fell on the container with the slayer cream where she had placed it. She should be heading back now. There would be lunch to begin preparing for and dishes to be washed from breakfast.

 

“At any rate, Sango, I don't intend to wear the obi outside my clothing; I'll wear it under my furs,” she said as she moved toward the rock, trying to divert the conversation.

 

When a hand clamped strongly on to her arm, Kagome nearly jumped out of her skin in fright. “Kami! Inu-kegawa, look at me!”

 

Kagome looked back at Sango, blinking in surprised confusion. “What?”

 

Sango was worried. “You need to stop wearing that stuff. You're becoming dependent on it to protect you from everything, when all it's really doing is drawing even more attention to you.”

 

Kagome pulled away from Sango's hold, a smile touching her mouth at her friend's concern. “I'm sorry Sango, but you really don't understand anything.”

 

“Then explain it to me!”

 

Kagome moved to a rock and pulled herself up on to it, drying off with a towel lying near by. She was buying time, trying to think of the best way to explain it without having to explain everything. Things were already too new with Sango, and she didn't want the girl to suddenly change how she acted toward her once she knew the truth.

 

“It has nothing to do with attention. I know why people stare at me, with or without the cream.” She began to spread the cream across her arms, smiling ruefully. “I'm an oddity in so many ways.”

 

Sango shook her head, trying to understand the strange words. “I know you're afraid, Inu-kegawa, but try to see that you have no reason to be, that you're safe here?”

 

Finished with her arms, Kagome began to work on her face. Sango watched in fascination as pure white skin slowly gave way to black as if day were becoming night or evil devouring good. She shuddered, looking away as the last bit of skin was covered.

 

“I'm not safe anywhere.” She stood and pulled on her yukata and Inuyasha's obi. “But soon that will change,” she said quietly, more to herself than for Sango's benefit. “One way or another, I won't need to hide anymore.”

 

Kagome remained quiet for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before she shook herself from it, a bright smile lighting up her face.

 

“Oh, would you listen to me! Forget what I said. It's not important, okay?” She then glanced at the sun through leaves. “Ah! Look at the time! I need to get back to the kitchens!”

 

Grabbing her furs, she pulled them on as she hurried from the onsen. “I'll see you here tomorrow, Sango!”

 

The slayer watched the servant girl disappear, leaving her naked in the onsen, confused and unsatisfied.

 

***

A/N: O-O So, I have brought you yet another chapter. Not much happens, I agree, but then again, a lot did happen. Okay, really, I have nothing to report.

 

Please read and review! I love your reviews! Criticism is welcome too, as long as it's constructive, meaning useful!!