InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ This is How it Goes ( Chapter 16 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Sixteen: This is How it Goes

 

Hiten had spent much of the past few days escaping the weather by hiding in mountainside caves. The storm had come completely unexpectedly, forcing the thunder demon to find shelter. Normally such storms did not trouble him, but the violent nature of the winds made it almost impossible for him to use his fire wheels to search from the air and the rain made the slopes too slippery to travel on.

 

During the few breaks in the weather that occurred he had taken to the air to search for any sign of the runaway princess. Unfortunately, by the time the storm had ended late into the night of his last day, Hiten was all but positive that any trail that may have existed had been washed away in the torrential rains. He was not looking forward to his report to Naraku.

 

He had made his way back to the Tai-youkai's castle, taking an alternate route to continue searching just in case. He saw much damage to rural areas, and took note of the work going into the cleanup, but again, no sign of the girl.

 

It was on his approach to the castle late in the afternoon that he became aware of his lords presence in the Western Lands. A long train of soldiers and servants was winding its way down the main highway from Naraku's territory. His heart clenched in apprehension as he followed the line, speeding along high above them. He could see that they were none the worse for wear from the travel, though many were soaked through. He could not comprehend the reason for so many attendants, it looked almost like an invasion force really and he wondered what Naraku could have planned.

 

Putting those thoughts aside Hiten lifted high into the sky, his speed increasing with his intent on returning to the castle before his lord's arrival. He wished for a change of cloths and an update on events from Kagura, but feared he may not have time for all of that. He also hoped to find a servant girl to take his frustrations out on; the tension in his body was almost unbearable. He needed to relax before he had to face Naraku.

 

Upon reaching the split room he shared with Kagura, he found it empty and realised that Kagura would still be in the talks. A servant had followed him to the room on his arrival and knelt in the doorway awaiting orders. He turned to her now with a sigh.

 

“Bring me some ocha and food and have someone inform Kagura-sama that I have returned.”

 

The girl was gone as soon as he turned away, the shoji closing behind her. Hiten quickly stripped from his armour and clothing, grabbing a plain kimono and obi to replace them. A quick bath after eating would be necessary after such a trip.

 

When the girl returned, she placed the tray before him with a bow before turning to leave. He caught her hand before she could get far and instantly recognised the jump in her adrenalin. He wondered if word of his preferences had already spread. No matter, that wouldn't stop him.

 

“You will remain here. Close the shoji and sit at my side. I am in need of companionship,” he said, releasing her to turn to his food, expecting her to follow his command.

 

“I am sorry, but I have been ordered to return to help with preparations. Your lord, Naraku-sama, has been sighted approaching the castle and all servants are required to report to their superiors for orders.”

 

Hiten turned and glared at the girl. “I am your superior. You will do as I order you.”

 

She bowed her head, even as she backed out of the room, shoulders tense. “I have my orders, Hiten-sama. I apologise for any inconvenience.” The girl knelt outside the shoji, sliding it closed with out meeting his enraged gaze.

 

Hiten growled viciously at being denied. No servant would deny a lord's orders unless instructions had come directly from the top.

 

***

 

When the announcement was made of Naraku's imminent arrival, Kagura momentarily forgot to breathe. Her gaze soon after darted to Sesshoumaru, curious at what his reaction may be. The stoic Tai-youkai merely nodded to the servant before suggesting they adjourn to greet the lord in the courtyard. There was a murmur of agreement and the talks were ended for the day as they all stood and followed Sesshoumaru out.

 

Kagura stood by the door, waiting until all others had left before following. She was in no hurry to greet Naraku. While she waited she openly watched the hanyou prince's indecision. He'd remained seated after his brother had exited and seemed unsure about how he felt about the news. All knew he hated sitting in on the talks, but all knew that he also hated Naraku. Finally he seemed to resign himself and with a soft “Keh,” he stomped out past her, a glower clearly aimed at her as he passed. She had thought he would continue out but he stopped just outside the door and looked back at her over his shoulder.

 

“Aren't you going to run and greet your master, wind witch?” he asked, his tone surly.

 

Kagura let her lids drop into a lazy and disinterested gaze. “I am not his lap-dog. I do not run to his hand to be patted. My duty is to one thing only, and that is the only reason I am here now.”

 

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed and he turned to face her, hands disappearing into the billowing arms of his haori. “And just why are you here?”

 

A small smile pulled at Kagura's lips. “You know why I'm here,” she said and at his frown, continued, “Something… precious… was lost, and Naraku wishes it retrieved. It was my duty to protect it and so my duty to retrieve it.”

 

Inuyasha's head cocked to the side and she knew she'd said enough. Whether he had caught the whole meaning of her comment, or only knew she was up to something, she did not know, but at least she knew he was thinking. With a knowing smile she brushed out past the hanyou prince and sauntered down the hallway.

 

“We had best hurry. Sesshoumaru-sama will likely not be happy that you are not present, and I know that Naraku-sama will not be pleased if I do not greet him upon his arrival.”

 

There was a pause before she heard him fall into step behind her.

 

***

 

Kagome and Sango knelt across from one another, the slayer gazing at the servant with a relatively dazed expression.

 

“Sango?” said Kagome, a hand running nervously over the fur on her thigh.

 

Taking a deep breath, Sango's eyes snapped back into focus, narrowing slightly on Kagome's nervous expression. “You're telling me you've been dressing up and mixing with the entertainment at the feasts?”

 

Kagome nodded, bighting her lip.

 

“And you've been dropping jewellery into Inuyasha-sama's soup afterwards?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“But you've denied having any part in it when he's asked you about it?”

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

“And you need to go to the feast tonight no matter what, even though Inuyasha-sama has forbid you doing so?”

 

Kagome nodded once more, looking away as her eyes filled once more. Perhaps it had been wrong to tell Sango that last part, but she'd felt that the girl who had been such a good friend to her deserved to know everything.

 

Sango was quiet for a few moments, a thoughtful look in her eyes before a look of confusion overcame her. “But… why? And how? I'm sorry, Inu-kegawa, but you're just a poor servant. The objects you speak of are fit for royalty only.”

 

Kagome had been expecting this, she knew her actions were confusing and even with all the information she wasn't sure they would make complete sense to Sango. She was worried how the older girl would react.

 

“I've been trying to figure out how to explain this to you all day. It isn't simple, though,” she said, her hands twisting in her lap as she stared at the floor, “I… I'm sure you know there's more to me then I've said. You've been so kind, but I know you've always wondered where I come from, and why I was in the forest that day. I've wanted to tell you, I swear since I first met you I did, but, I just….” She trailed off, her heart pounding and voice failing her.

 

Concerned, Sango leaned forward, taking the girls hand. “It's okay, Inu-kegawa, you can tell me.”

 

Kagome squeezed Sango's hand, taking a deep breath as she composed herself. “I come from the kingdom to the east of here. Naraku-sama is lord there and I… ran away… when…because.” She couldn't speak, her breath was coming too quickly and she could hear her blood pumping in her ears. Frustration coursed through her even while a hand clutched at her chest as she leaned forward and tried to push back the panic.

 

“Inu-kegawa! Inu-kegawa!” Sango's voice came to her like through a fog. A rim of a cup was pressed to her lips and she drank the tea that filled her mouth.

 

“Are you alright?” Sango asked once Kagome had calmed down, her arm around the girls shoulders as she held her, “Your eyes looked so panicked. Inu-kegawa, please just tell me, what happened to you? What are you so afraid of?”

 

Silence reigned.

 

“Inu-kegawa?”

 

“My name isn't `Inu-kegawa',” Kagome finally said, her head lifting so her eyes, filled with such pain, met Sango's. “I am Kagome, daughter of Kikyou-sama and Naraku-sama.”

 

Sango stared at her, wide-eyed and mouth parted on a gasp. Kagome turned from her and reached for the teapot and a cloth on a tray. She began to clean the cream from her hands and face, the need to distract herself from what she was saying strong.

 

“It began around a month ago,” she said, her voice flat and gaze distant as she remembered, “He came to me one night and told me we were to be married.”

 

Sango's mouth was dry. “Who, Inu- I mean, Kagome. Who were you to marry?”

 

“My Otou-san,” she said, “Or, as he ordered me to call him from that moment on, Naraku-sama.”

 

Sango's horrified gasp had her squeezing her eyes shut, half expecting her to pull away in disgust. When she did not but instead tightened her hold, relief and thankfulness swamped through her.

 

“Kagome… oh Kami,” Sango said, her voice a strained, horrified whisper. “Kagome, he didn't…he couldn't... I'm so sorry… your own otou.”

 

Relief rushed through her at those words, the worry and understanding inherent in them removing all fears of rejection. She basked in Sango's compassionate words and embrace a few moments longer before pulling away to finish removing the black cream. As she did so, she told Sango of how Naraku had made Kagura her guardian before he was corrupted and how Kagura had helped her delay the wedding as they planned her escape.

 

When she was finished taking off the cream, she reached into the furs to pull out the yellow bag. With careful reverence for the kimono's spun by masters who were likely dead now because of her, Kagome removed them to display for Sango.

 

“These were your wedding gifts?” Sango said, touching the sparkling material in awe. They would make a handsome dowry for any man; it was smart of her to take them with her.

 

Kagome nodded and then stood, slowly unbuttoning the furs to remove them. Sango stood quickly and grabbed the girl's hands to stop her, a confused look on her face.

 

“What are you doing?” she asked, looking into the other girls eyes.

 

“I must prepare, the feast will begin soon. Naraku-sama will have brought his entertainment and that is my only way into the feast,” she said, frowning at the hands that blocked her.

 

“But you don't have to! You're safe here as long as he doesn't know where you are.” Sango was clearly confused as to why she would want to reveal herself.

 

“You don't understand, Sango. If Kagura knows then he will soon know too. There is no way of keeping it from him and I would never ask her to put herself in such danger. She'll do what she must to protect me, but I will also do what I must to protect her!”

 

“Then tell Inuyasha-sama!” Sango said, hands on both her shoulders as she pleaded with her, “I can bring him here before the feast starts and you can tell him everything. He'll protect you.”

 

Kagome was silent, her hands still on the buttons as she stared into Sango's pleading eyes.

 

“I'll go get him.” Sango released her and turned to go.

 

“No, wait!” The desperation in Kagome's tone forced Sango to turn back. “He'll want to hide me! I can't hide, not anymore. Naraku will come for me, no matter where I am or where I go.” Kagome licked her lips, frantic now. As much as she didn't want to see him again, she knew she had to do it. “Besides, by all appearances he has legal rights over me. There is nothing Inuyasha-sama or Sesshoumaru-sama can do at this moment without possibly causing a war. I have to face him now when I can expose him in front of the other lords.”

 

Sango seemed sceptical, her gaze searching Kagome's while she considered the argument before shaking her head with a wry grin. “Why did you tell me all of this? You could have just continued with the half truths to convince me you needed to be at the feast.” Her stance relaxed as she placed a hand on Kagome's shoulder

 

Kagome shook her head. “I couldn't do that, couldn't ask you to help me and not tell you the real reason why. I'm not stupid. I know what kind of danger I'm putting myself in, but I have to take this risk if I'm ever going to truly be free from that man.”

 

Sango sighed. “You're really set on this, aren't you?”

 

Kagome nodded, keeping her determined gaze locked with Sango's. “I have to do this.”

 

A hand on her hip, Sango rubbed the bridge of her nose in thought. “Alright, I'll help you.” She looked up and met Kagome's hopeful eyes, a sardonic smile touching her lips. “I can tell there's no stopping you, and you'll need someone to back you up if things take a turn for the worse.”

 

Relief flooded through Kagome and she didn't even try to hold back as she threw herself on Sango, hugging the girl fiercely. “Thank you, Sango! Thank you so much!”

 

***

 

Inuyasha sat at his brother's side once again, glaring at the lord who had appeared along with his entourage only a short time ago.

 

Naraku had been greeted in the courtyard, the size of his entourage causing the smallest of alarming growls to escape his brother. He wasn't sure what about it exactly Sesshoumaru didn't like, but Inuyasha agreed that there were far too many for them to easily house. A tent city would likely have to be set up outside the walls once all spaces had been taken up in the castle. Even the corner under the stairs would have to be given up to someone. His thoughts then drifting to Inu-kegawa, highly pleased with his foresight in moving her into his room. He briefly wondered what she and Sango were doing now.

 

Soon after his arrival Naraku had excused himself and with Kagura and Hiten trailing behind, retired to his room to freshen up before the feast. It was likely that during that time he would also have them update him on the talks and their search for whatever it was he'd lost.

 

An hour later the lords had reconvened in the banquette hall. Naraku had taken the place his underlings had occupied during his absence, seated at the other side of Sesshoumaru in honour of his arrival and for the entertainment he had brought for them this evening. While the two kings had exchanged pleasantries, Inuyasha had not spoken a word to him. They'd only shared a look of recognition, Inuyasha nodding in welcome.

 

It had been twenty years since the last time Inuyasha had seen Naraku. After Kikyou had chosen him, Inuyasha had not wanted to see him with her and witness their love or have him gloat over his win. Because of this, Inuyasha had lost contact with Kikyou as well. Information on their kingdom was pretty sparse to begin with, but after the queen had died it became even more so. As the years had passed the borders had been closed and Naraku had not once left his palace to pay respects to his neighbours. Any who entered the kingdom were treated as hostiles and either captured, killed or forced back across.

 

After all this time, Inuyasha could instantly see the change in the once human. He stank of demons and blood, his once brown eyes a cold red. He had obviously not handled the death of his wife well, his pain, despair and anger proving to be the perfect breeding ground for dark spirits. He wondered what horrors his people had been suffering under all this time.

 

Sesshoumaru now raised his hand, calling attention and silence from the lords in the room. “This Sesshoumaru is pleased to welcome Naraku-sama to the treaty talks,” he said, turning to look at Naraku, “We look forward to the entertainment you have brought for the meal.”

 

A smile curled across Naraku's lips. “I thank you for your welcome, Sesshoumaru-sama, and I hope you enjoy the talents my kingdom has to offer.”

 

With that, the doors slid open on both the stage and out into the hallway. Servants entered carrying trays for each lord while focus went to the drums set up on the stage. A row of men came out dressed in happi and full apron, a band of cloth tied around their heads with the symbol of Naraku's house on their forehead. Two were set to each drum, one on either side, while one man stood behind them all. Once the last of the servants had retreated, the man let out a shout and then began to chant, the drummers following the beat he had created.

 

“Drumming, Naraku-sama?” Sesshoumaru said, a brow rising ever so slightly at the idea.

 

Naraku smiled ever so slightly in response, a sly glint in his eye. “Not to your taste, Sesshoumaru-sama? Do not worry; this is only the introduction to the main event. I'm sure you will appreciate that far more.”

 

Inuyasha frowned, his eyes shifting to where Miroku sat closest to the stage, a sullen Kouga seated beside him in disgrace. Drums were only ever used in war, he had never heard of them being used for entertainment. Miroku met his gaze with a thoughtful expression before shrugging and returning his attention to the display.

 

The man in the back let out a call and the rest of the men echoed it, one at each drum doing a jump and a twirl before returning to drumming. The chant became faster, and the drummers followed suit, their arms blurring with the speed at which they beat the drums. More calls and acrobatics were interspersed into the play until they came to a thundering crescendo, the power and synchronicity with which they landed their final blows felt deep in the chest of every man present.

 

A murmur of appreciation soon filled the sudden silence. The drums were quickly removed, one man taking the drum and the other the stand. The man who had shouted from the back took a smaller drum and placed it on the floor off to the side. A woman with a koto set herself beside him. When the lords had settled once again, she began plucking at the instrument, an eerie tune building itself around them, a steady beat from the drummer supporting it.

 

When the singing began, Inuyasha could have sworn Naraku's eyes widened as if his own entertainment surprised him. He could admit that the voice was hauntingly beautiful, and the song an interesting choice. It was a story of devotion and betrayal among the gods. But still Naraku should be familiar with it if the woman singing was part of his court.

 

Ear twitching at a collective gasp, he returned his attention to the stage in time to see the singer make her entrance, his mouth going dry at the sight. She slipped across the stage in a sparkling kimono that imitated the stars in the heavens. A familiar red obi hugged her waist, though a thinner one now joined it, twisting about the larger to reveal his houses symbol. Her hair was held up with no adornment, though a thick silver necklace could be seen swinging about her neck. It moved as she moved, dancing and singing, her voice strong and clear though a fan hid her lower face.

 

But even with the fan, Inuyasha would recognise that girl anywhere. Her scent filled the room, exposed in all its intoxicating properties as the purity that was her essence drew man and demon to her. Her expressive eyes gazed out at her silent audience, drawing them further into the spell her voice and body wove.

 

Though his instincts screamed for him to go to her and remove her from the view of the other males, he found he did not want this moment to end. So he sat and watched, silently fuming that she had gone back on her word.

 

As he watched he realised her gaze was fixed unwaveringly on a single point. Taking a moment to look away from her, he followed her eye line and found it focused on a very intense Naraku. Inuyasha's hackles rose in alarm. The lord did not seem to blink as he leaned forward, his fingers digging into the tatami mat he knelt upon. This countenance made no sense.

 

Inuyasha's gaze quickly flew to the wind witch and thunder demon to gauge their reactions. Kagura wore a frown on her brow, clearly displeased with something, the fan in her hand tapping on her thigh in restless motion. The male, Hiten, seemed both surprised and eager at once, a disturbing smile gracing his lips.

 

Inuyasha had heard of the thunder lord's treatment of a servant girl. While the taking of a girl by lords was not unheard of, the manner in which Hiten had done so was considered improper and exceedingly looked down upon when one was a guest in another lord's home. Inuyasha did not like the demon's look and swore he would make him regret coveting what was his.

 

The music was slowing now, the song ending on a held note as the girl knelt before her audience. Her eyes remained locked on Naraku even as she bowed forward, her hands coming to rest before her, the fan resting on the floor. Silence filled the room, all eyes locked on the singer lying prostrate on the stage.

 

The girl rose to her feet once more, her movements seemingly effortless in her grace. She tilted her chin up in defiance, her gaze hard and challenging as she looked to the back of her audience. All eyes now swivelled to where she looked, the rest of the lords finally catching onto the drama unfolding before them.

 

Naraku stood, staggering forward a few feet, but pausing when the girl on stage flinched back. His gaze swept over the assembly, taking in his position. When his eyes came back to rest on the singer they were narrowed, his chin lifting in understanding.

 

“So. You've been here this whole time.” His quiet words carried easily in the hushed hall.

 

She did not respond, only watched him warily, defiance still etched in her stance.

 

Inuyasha was confused, his mind scrambling to explain this exchange. Naraku's words suggested they knew each other, but was that possible? Inu-kegawa was a peasant he had found in his forest. She had been poor, dirty and fearful of men. He'd assumed the mantle she wore was all she owned since she had not asked to gather anything from the hollow in the tree she'd slept in. Once it was clear she and the mystery girl were one in the same, he'd figured that the kimono's had been taken from the wash. Though, now that he thought about it, he had never seen any on the ladies of the palace wearing such intricate cloth. There were many mysteries about her origin, true, but his mind still insisted she was nothing more than a forest child… from a forest bordering on Naraku's kingdom.

 

Naraku focused on his underlings for a moment, his displeasure obvious in the twist of his lips.

 

“I am impressed that you have managed to hide your presence from both Hiten and Kagura. At the very least I would have thought the temptation to contact your former guardian would be too great,” he said, his eyes once more on the girl.

 

Her defiance seemed to slip for a moment, her eyes sliding to the wind witch who watched her with a frown. She quickly refocused on Naraku though, regaining some of her boldness.

 

“No one takes much notice of a kitchen servant, Naraku-sama.” Her voice was soft, but clear and strong.

 

“Then why reveal yourself now?” His lips curled in an amused smile. “Did you miss me, my treasure?”

 

She glared at him. “We both know it was only a matter of time before you detected my presence. I thought only to save you the trouble of tearing Sesshoumaru-sama's castle to pieces in search of me, Naraku-sama.” She lowered her head in the slightest of mocking bows.

 

A brow rose in scepticism. “Then you will come home with me willingly?”

 

She paled, a weak laugh forced from between tight lips. “I will never do anything with you willingly, and you can not command me to do as you say. Not any longer.” Her hand moved to her waist, the fingers caressing Inuyasha's obi.

 

Naraku fixed his glare on the hanyou lord now, his red eyes flashing with suppressed rage. “How dare you touch what is mine, you filthy hanyou.” A sick smile twisted his mouth. “Is this revenge? You could not have Kikyou and so you think to take my most precious treasure from me? You have no right to her! None but I have the right to decide her fate.”

 

A growl erupted from Inuyasha, and only a warning look from his brother kept him from leaping at Naraku's throat. Yes, he was confused about what exactly the connection between Inu-kegawa and this bastard was, but he knew a threat to his territory and people stood before him, and all his instincts screamed for him to attack and defend.

 

“Naraku-sama,” said Sesshoumaru, his countenance unruffled by the drama before him, “who is this woman to you that you feel such rights over her?”

 

He made a sound of disgust, his eyes once more moving to the girl across the room. “Can you not see the resemblance? She looks so much like her I have often wondered if I even had any part in her creation.” His lips thinned in displeasure. “But no, she is mine and only mine. Before you all stands the O-hime of my kingdom, Kagome-sama. She is the product mine and Kikyou's union some fifteen years ago.”

 

Inuyasha felt as though the air had been knocked from his lungs. “She's… your musume?” Kagome. Her name was Kagome and she was Kikyou's daughter. How could he not have known? She looked like her, yes, but her scent, it was also similar to his former loves in a way only one related could be.

 

Slowly his wide eyed gaze shifted back to the girl. Her eyes had finally locked on him, tears streaming down her cheeks as she silently pleaded with him to do something. But he could do nothing but watch as Naraku made his way through the dumbfounded audience, intent on retrieving his runaway daughter. He had sworn to protect her and felt his gut wrench and twist as her once defiant stance gave way to her fear, tremors running through her with such violence it was a wonder she was still standing.

 

Feeling eyes on him, he quickly turned to find Kagura's ruby gaze glaring at him, disgust for him evident. His guilt increased and he turned to Sesshoumaru, frustration mounting at the cool gaze he returned him.

 

“Isn't there anything we can do for her?” he whispered fiercely, “She obviously fears him greatly.”

 

“There is nothing this Sesshoumaru can do… otouto….” he said, holding his brother's gaze steady for a moment longer then necessary.

 

Inuyasha growled in frustration. What the fuck was that supposed to mean?

 

“Don't come near me!”

 

The frightened cry had Inuyasha up on his feet before his bother could stop him, a threatening growl rumbling forth. She had crumpled to the floor during his inattention, her arms wrapped around her and her body bent double as though she may be sick at any moment. Naraku stood before the slight rise of the stage, his form radiating now noticeable levels of youki, the oppressive nature of which had his ears back in aversion.

 

Miroku and Kouga had also stood at the girls distress, their bodies tensing as Naraku stepped onto the stage, putting his daughter in his shadow.

 

“Come, daughter, your Otou misses you.”

 

“You are not my Otou-sama!” she said, looking up at him in despair. Their eyes clashed before he smiled sinisterly and reached for her.

 

She flinched back with a whimper, but could not evade his grasp. He took hold of her arm and hauled her to her feet once more, but she did not stop resisting. Her body continued to twist as she tried to pull away from him, her eyes once again defiant though the tears still fell.

 

“You are not my Otou-sama!” She was yelling now, practically screaming as she tried to pull away from him. “My Otou-sama is dead! He died the moment he decided to take me to his bed as his Jo'ou-sama. You ceased to have any bond to me when you renounced me as your musume to do so.”

 

A collective gasp rose from the assembly. Many of the lords rose to their feet in outrage at the allegation. The rest followed when with his free hand, Naraku slapped the helpless girl across the face with enough force to send her head whipping to the side. She slumped in his hold for only a moment before regaining her feet and turning to face him once more. Her cheek was still white from the impact, the colour slow to return and a thin trail of blood from a cut inside her mouth was almost Inuyasha's undoing. If Sesshoumaru had not clamped a hand on the ruff of his neck, Naraku's face would have been planted through the floor boards.

 

“What're you doing? She needs me!” he said in a quiet growl.

 

“Wait,” Sesshoumaru said shortly, his eyes focused ahead.

 

“You think I care what others think, my treasure?” His face was a mask of pure fury. “I will take what and who I want with no interference. You will be my mate by this nights end, and I will take much pleasure in having you over and over again. You have no choice in this.”

 

She licked the blood from her lip and flexed her jaw. The place of impact was turning an angry red. “You are nothing but a collection of demons who took advantage of his weakness. You no longer have power over me.”

 

It was then that Inuyasha felt the electricity of purification energy in the air. Many of the other demon lords seemed to sense it as well, stepping back from the confrontation in weariness while their human counterparts remained unaware. Kouga seemed unsure of what to do, looking back at the others with indecision, even going so far as to take a step back before Miroku caught his eye and nodded at him in assurance. The butt of his staff hit the floor with a jingle of the rings and the air around them blurred in indication of a barrier being formed.

 

A moment of surprise filled Naraku's eyes before amusement replaced it. “You think that untrained as you are that you can purify me? For even thinking such a thing you will be punished.”

 

She did not respond when he began to drag her from the stage, but Inuyasha could feel the hairs on his body stand on end just before power was released. It was a concentrated release from her body to his with enough power to scorch Naraku, forcing him to let go of her and move back several feet. Even so, enough of the purification energy had leaked out for Inuyasha and the other demons to be left momentarily sapped. Inuyasha, however, recovered quickly, his human half increasing his resilience. He wasted no time in taking stock of the situation and taking action now that Sesshoumaru was too weak to stop him.

 

He noted Kagome had fallen to her knees at the expenditure of her energy, breathing heavily as her eyes remained fixed on Naraku. He was crouched low, the arm that had held her now tucked close to his chest as he hid the damage, sweat trickling down his face as he grimaced in pain.

 

“You!” Naraku said with clenched teeth, “how dare you!” He lunged at her, but his movement was easily halted by Inuyasha. He grabbed hold of him, jerking him back before grasping his kimono front and lifting him.

 

Naraku glared at him, his lip curled in a snarl. “Stay out of this, hanyou. It is none of your concern.” He was still weak and could not get away through force.

 

“Shut the fuck up!” Inuyasha said, holding him high above.

 

A feminine gasp perked his ears off to the side. “Inuyasha-sama….”

 

Cloth rustled and he turned his head ever so minutely to see Kagome struggle to stand and stumble toward him. He stopped her in her tracks with a dangerous growl, his eyes narrowing in warning. She stepped back uncertainly, a hand fisted at her chest as her eyes shifting between him and the one he held. He did not want her to come any closer to the sick bastard he held, he had done enough to her as it was.

 

“Leave,” he said, turning his attention back to Naraku, “Now.”

 

“But… Inuyasha-sama, I'm-”

 

“Now!” He cut her off without a thought, turning to snarl viciously.

 

She stumbled back with a hurt expression. Clearly shaken, she glanced to where Miroku and Kouga stood. The barrier was still in place and they remained unaffected by her earlier purification. Her cheeks flushed red and she glanced back at him momentarily, her eyes sliding to the floor before she gave a slight bow and rushed from the room. His barely suppressed rage had got the better or him, he could admit that, but her safety came first and she had broken a promise to him. There would be consequences for that later.

 

“Follow her Miroku. Make sure she stays in my room till I come for her.” He sensed the barrier drop at his words and heard the monk pad quickly from the room.

 

Kouga came up to stand by Inuyasha, his gaze weary as he looked at the hurting demon. Naraku was still weak from getting the brunt of the attack, but many of the demon lords had begun to recover from the slight purification. Sesshoumaru had recovered the quickest, but remained watching in the background.

 

“So, your former rival is her otou,” Kouga said, his voice gravely with disgust.

 

“He is not her otou. You heard her. He's dead.” Inuyasha slowly lowered Naraku to the ground, forcing him down to kneel before him.

 

Naraku glared up at him darkly. “You have no right to intervene in this. You will release me and allow me to collect what is mine. Kagura! Go and retrieve Kagome.”

 

The wind witch had only just recovered herself, her fan held tight in a white fist. “I'm afraid I can not do that, Naraku-sama.”

 

“Do not disobey me, Kagura. I may be weak at the moment, but that does not affect the bond.” He tried to turn and focus his glare on her. The sudden flinch and paling of her skin indicated he had followed through with his threat, but he did not seem pleased with the reaction.

 

Sesshoumaru now stepped forward, drawing all eyes to his imposing presence. “I take affront at your attempt to control what is mine, Naraku-sama. I warn you not to do so again.”

 

Naraku's face twisted in anger. “What do you speak of Tai-youkai? I have a blood pact with the wind witch.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed dangerously. “Your bond has been superseded, Naraku-sama. The bond created between mates overrides all others while my strength protects her from you.”

 

There was a shocked silence as all eyes turned to the wind witch. She looked a little startled at the attention, but raised her chin in challenge. “What? I am the wind. You think I don't know how to suppress my scent?”

 

Naraku growled in frustration. “Hiten! Remember your brother!”

 

“Yes, Naraku-sama.” The thunder demon disappeared out of the room before anyone could stop him.

 

“Don't worry, dog-breath, I'll make sure he doesn't touch her!” Kouga said, disappearing in a blur out the door before Inuyasha's swipe at him could follow through.

 

“Keh! Damn impudent wolf.” Inuyasha wanted to follow after the wolf and thunder demon, but he knew Miroku and Sango could protect Kagome just fine till he got there. First, he had to take care of the threat that was Naraku.

 

“You gave up all rights to Kagome when you betrayed her trust in you, Naraku.” He thrust the king from him so that he landed at Sesshoumaru's feet, the other lords closing rank around him.

 

Naraku hissed in pain, holding his still damaged arm close to his body. “I have declared mate claim on her, hanyou. Do not think you can just take her from me without a fight. I will pursue her until she is mine or dead.”

 

Inuyasha's eyes flashed to his brother, who looked back at him with a raised brow. It was as though he was daring the hanyou. His hackles rose in irritation as he realised his brother was not going to intervene. He was leaving the next move to him.

 

With a disgusted sigh, Inuyasha moved into the circle, glowering down at Naraku. “Then I counter claim. I have already followed through with the initial claiming; my scent lingers on her at all times. I put forth a challenge for the female.”

 

Naraku at one moment seemed enraged and at another interested. “If I accept, I can not fight as I am now. That puts you at a great advantage.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “You'll be kept under guard in the shrine. When the sun is free of the mountains, we will have our duel.”

 

A small smile tugged at Naraku's lips, but it vanished when Inuyasha frowned at such a response. He could see the calculation in Naraku's eyes and that the king believed he was the stronger. Inuyasha preferred it that way, if he underestimated him it was only his advantage.

 

“Very well, Inuyasha-sama. I accept your challenge.”

 

***

 

A/N: O-O Hello once again. Thank you for continuing reading my fanfic and leaving such wonderful reviews! I appreciate the time you take to tell me what you think and offer any corrections you've noticed. There were some words some of you may not be familiar with in this chapter so I'll quickly go over them

 

Koto - a 13 string Japanese instrument that lies on the floor.

Happi - a short jacket often worn by men and sometimes women at festivals.

Musume - daughter.

Otouto - younger brother.

And since it's been asked for a few times; Kegawa - the skin or pelt of an animal. The title of the story is basically her name.

 

A reader mentioned an author, RosieB, who is writing a story based on the same/similar fairytale as the one I'm using. I didn't think I'd have to address this here since she has in her A/N, but I guess I'll just repeat her. I thank you for your concern, and plagiarism is something to watch out for, but there is no need to worry. We spoke when it was first brought to her attention after her first chapter. I've looked at it and see no plagiaristic qualities in her work, so it's fine by me since I in no way own the rights to this plot. If you like comparing author's interpretations like I do, then I recommend reading it. While there are unavoidable similarities, the approach and world she has created is very different then mine, I think.

Thanks again!