InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forbidden Fruit ❯ Fleeing into Uncertainty ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Valeve 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.04.2014 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 374 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.04.2014 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 374 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 3: Fleeing into
Uncertainty
"You littletramp!" Kagome found her throat pressed to the door, staring petrified into the face of her uncle. "I set you up with one of the wealthiest men in the region, and this is how you repay me?" He released her neck in favor of her hair, dragging her into the living area.
She struggled to keep up with him, to release the pressure on her head. "Let me go!"
With a bellow, he threw her to the floor in front of the fireplace. "I will not wait for you to be defiled by that… that bastard! You will wed Koga tomorrow morning!"
Standing up, she tried to ease her trembling, "I will do no such thing. The hell with your conniving! I refuse to marry that monster!"
"You will not dishonor me! You willnotdisobey me!" Naraku sneered, "I will take delight in knowing that you will lie cowering beneath that youkai as he takes you, night after night. While I live comfortable with the fortune Koga has offered me, you will feel his claws and teeth against your skin." Malice wove the lines of his aging face, "Tell me, will you suffer with the memory of your father's death as he invades your body? Will you wish for death?"
Tears threatened to fall, but she refused to let him see it. "I will not suffer for you, or your greed. I will not be your token for swindling."
Naraku's laugh reverberated off the walls. "You have no choice. I own you, and by noon tomorrow, Koga will receive you, willing or not."
With all the strength she could muster, she shoved him out of her way and ran to the door.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" He took little time in gaining his stance and chasing after her.
Slamming the door behind her, she ran full speed to the stables. Throwing open the barn door, she rushed into the grazing field, whistling shrilly for her horse. Aska answered, her ears perked forward in question. Not even bothering with a saddle, as there was no time, Kagome took hold of her mane and mounted.
"Bitch!" Her uncle had finally made it into the field. "If you think for one second that you can escape, you're mistaken."
Kagome straightened, glaring at him with all her might. "I am no longer yours to control. I will not return."
His chuckle was sinister. "No matter where you go, no matter who intercepts you, they will know where you belong."
Not bothering to retort, she clicked her heels and set Aska at a full gallop, in order to jump the fence. In his confidence, Naraku did not attempt to follow her, at least not then.
=====
Night had fallen, and Kagome found herself wondering if she truly had any place to go. While she hadn't wandered far, she was in the depths of a forest near the village. The idea of getting a room in town was quickly disregarded, as she knew that there were many that would be looking to return her to Naraku.
Thankful for her father's joy in the outdoors, she managed to build herself a small fire. Digging about the surrounding wood, she found roots and berries to supplement her for the evening. With a sigh, she laid back against Aska, who lay on the ground resting.
"What have I gotten myself into, Aska? Where am I supposed to go from here? Then again, even death would be better than where he wants to send me."
"Come now, I'm sure there's a better solution to your problem."
Kagome let loose a startled yelp, jumping up from her position on the ground. Her guard lessened slightly as Kane stepped out from the shadows of the trees. "Good grief! Are you trying to give my heart a start?"
"My apologies for frightening you. I honestly didn't know who was camping out here, and therefore stealth was within my better judgment. Unless you've suddenly acquired a taste for human blood within the last few hours, I can see I have no reason to be on guard. That determined, it is my duty to question why you're sitting out here alone. These woods don't offer much in the way of safety."
Kagome couldn't help but smirk, "Perhaps you shouldn't be so assured that I am not the danger that lurks within these shadows."
"I think I'd be willing to take that chance." Kane grinned.
She sighed dramatically and then frowned. "Right now, any place is safer than in the home of my uncle."
"Ah, I see. Care to elaborate, or will you leave me to guess?"
Kagome laughed sardonically. "My uncle was witness to yourcharmingshow of affection, and decided that the wedding was to be moved to the morrow."
Kane's face set disapprovingly. "He didn't harm you did he?" If he wouldn't have bounded off so quickly, perhaps he could have stopped the interaction.
"Not really, but it doesn't matter. I'm not returning. I refuse to marry a youkai, or anyone else he chooses for that matter."
Kane inwardly sighed, giving thought to the effort he'd have to put forth to alleviate her fear. It seemed it would prove to be a barrier he could grow irritated with. "As I overheard, you have no destination as of yet. What are you going to do about that?"
She huffed, sitting herself back on the ground. "I'm sure I'll figure something out."
"You could always throw yourself at the lord's doorstep, the one whose land you're residing in currently."
"Ha, that would be the day. My intentions are not to run from one demon, and then to throw myself at another."
"From what I gather, he is only half. If I were him, I wouldn't turn away such a beauty. He also doesn't seem the type to force one into his bedchamber as well."
"You speak as if you know him."
"I'm familiar, yes." He offered her a smile. "However, I may be reluctant in letting you follow that path."
"Oh and why is that?"
Setting himself beside her, he replied confidently. "After tasting your lips, I'm not sure I could permit any other to have them." She blushed prettily, but he didn't allow her a retort before he settled his lips upon her own. Settling his hand behind her neck, and wrapping the other arm around her torso, he pressed her close.
Kagome lost all thought for a moment, as she found herself leaning into him. His mouth urged her to return the gesture, and she could almost yield to them. Coming back to her senses, she pushed against his chest, for he held her head immobile. He pulled back briefly, his eyes burning into her own. Never had any man looked at her the way he was now. All she'd known was lust, but there was something sweeter behind his gaze. As she opened her mouth to demand he stop, she was silenced again with his lips. This time, however, he took advantage and plunged his tongue inside. The feeling was alien to her, but nonetheless, took her breath away. The hand on her back began making small circles, and the caress had a calming effect. In this position, she had no choice but to respond.
Shyly, she entangled her tongue with his own, and he could have cried out in triumph. She tasted so sweet, and he was sure he wouldn't be able to get enough. He couldn't remember a time when kissing a woman was so enthralling. Moving her away from the horse, he laid her gently on the grass. He allowed his hands to wander gently, exploring the curves that made this little vixen so appealing.
Why she was allowing him to take her over, she couldn't comprehend. She had given in to his ministrations, melting into his touch. One of his hands slipped beneath her top, stroking her stomach and sides. The butterfly caress left her skin tingling. His mouth left hers to travel light kisses down her cheeks and chin before his kiss deepened at the tender skin of her neck. She mewled softly, her hands tracing patterns on the back of his shirt.
Getting a little braver, he suckled her collarbone, leaving a trail of hot kisses down to the valley between her breasts. Apparently, it was a little too forward, as her head shot up and she pushed both hands against him.
"Stop, please, stop!"
"Kagome? I'm sorry." He put his weight on his arms as he took in her flushed face. She looked heavenly basked in the light of the campfire. "I couldn't help myself." Tracing her jaw line with his fingers, he smiled. "You are so beautiful. You deserve so much more than life has offered you."
Kagome smiled, despite her distress at permitting him to surpass her boundaries. "While I appreciate that sentiment, yousir, have taken this too far."
Kane sat up, allowing her to follow suit. "My intentions were not dishonorable."
"No?" Kagome gave herself a couple feet of distance. "How far would you have gone if I had not stopped you?"
He didn't answer right away. How far would he have gone? He had already surrendered to the longing he felt for her. Why this particular girl, he may never understand. Until he'd run into her, he had been convinced he would spend his lifetime alone. There was no need in his mind to settle down. His freedom was something he enjoyed. But it only took meeting her to change all that. She stirred desires in him, made him want her without even trying. While the realization scared him, as he feared opening his heart to anyone, he found himself seeking her.
These few nights had been hell, as he battled with himself over it. Miroku and Sango had been no help in the matter, not that he would have listened to their advice anyway. Both were now very interested in meeting the woman who had entrapped him. Kaede pushed for him to 'follow his heart,' in her excitement to see her lord married. Kane was under the distinct impression that she had some grandmother disease, as he'd heard one too many times that she wanted the pitter patter of little feet echoing through the manor.
While children were the last thought on his mind, he knew that he had to have Kagome. Her being promised to Koga was of no mind to him. However, her fear of youkai was certainly a problem. There was his answer to her question. He wouldn't have pushed it that far. He couldn't take her as he was now. In a way, he felt he was deceiving her in not showing her his true form. But on the other hand, it was the very thing that could push her away from him. Perhaps so far, that he would have no chance in recovering her. It pained him that she did not recognize him as the hanyou boy who'd befriended her so many years ago. What cut him deeper was the memory of the raw terror in her eyes at the sight of him.
Giving her his attention again, he said, "I would not disrespect you in that manner. I have morals, and I know you do as well. If you were to consent to me, it would be under the promise of marriage."
"Is that some sort of proposal?"
Kagome had watched the expressions on his face as he seemed deep in thought. Was it that hard of a question to answer? Did she really want the answer? Did she want to know if he had only wanted to quench his lust and move on? Could she handle it if he were to, instead, declare his love for her? When he spoke of marriage, her retort was sarcastic, and she had spoken without thinking.
"I don't believe you would have me, Kagome."
What kind of answer was that?
"If you think my interest is the same as Naraku's, you are mistaken. Money is no object to me."
Kane chuckled, "I have wealth that exceeds even that of Ookami's, I assure you."
Kagome quirked an eyebrow. If he has such a fortune, why wouldn't her uncle allow him to court her instead?
"If that is the case, then why did my uncle demand you never return to our home?"
Kane grinned, telling her of when he first met Naraku.
=== Flashback ===
Kane entered the bar, pushing past a hoard of drunken fools. Scantily clad woman hovered over the ones with money in their pockets. One dame strode up to him confidently, eyeing him hungrily.
"Hey there, handsome, care to buy a lady a drink?"
"Forgive me, but I don't see any ladies in this shithole."
She pouted, wrapping her fingers around his arm, "Oh, honey, I assure you, I'm every bit the lady. A girl's gotta make a living, you know."
"If you had any respect for yourself, you would have found a decent man instead of sleeping with the degrading jackasses in this town."
"I'll have you know that no man has touched me in that manner." He could smell her lie, as the scents of three men permeated her skin. "However, I would make an exception for you."
"I'm sure you would." He pushed past her, wanting to get his business over with and get the hell out of there. At the bar, he asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of the man he was looking for. He was then pointed in the direction of one of the back corners, where a gang of men were talking uproariously around a table. Seated at the back, with a twit in his lap was his target.
Striding up to the table, he glowered down at the black haired man. "Naraku Onigumo?"
"What business do you have with me?" Was his immediate retort.
"I come bearing a message from Lord Inuyasha."
He sputtered, setting his brew down and sliding the woman from his legs before standing. "We'll take this outside."
Once they exited the noisy bar, Kane got right to the point. "The lord knows of your deceit with his lands and finances. He demands that you gather the necessary documents and immediately respond to his residence. It would do you well to do so quickly."
"I believe your lord is mistaken."
"I assure you, he's not."
"I don't owe that bastard half-breed anything! He can go to hell as surely as I'll send him there!"
Kane had responded instantly with a slug to the face, knocking the arrogant fool to the ground. After kicking him in the stomach, he served his warning that his life would be forfeit if he didn't come up with the sums owed.
=== End Flashback ===
"He's always getting into brawls. I wouldn't have given a black eye a second thought."
"Well, he took an immediate dislike to me. Needless to say, that put me out of the running to court you."
"Then you work for Lord Inuyasha?"
"Something like that."
Kagome yawned, her body tiring after the events of the day. "It's late. Will you be leaving for home?"
He wasn't sure that showing her the truth this soon would be a good idea. However, he couldn't leave her there alone.
"Would you return with me?"
She shook her head with a frown. "I want to stay as far away from town as possible."
He laughed, "You can't live in the forest forever, my dear."
"Well, I can at least for tonight. Tomorrow I can travel to another city and find my way there."
"Would you permit me to stay with you until the sun rises then?"
Kagome contemplated it, not so sure he'd behave himself. She really didn't want to spend the night alone out here, either.
Seeing her unease he offered, "You go curl up next to your horse, and I will stand watch. How does that sound?"
She shook her head, "You have to sleep sometime. I don't want to inconvenience you."
"Your safety is more important than sleep, I assure you."
After a moment, as he could see her fighting to keep her eyes open, she finally nodded. Lying back against her slumbering horse, she drifted almost instantly asleep.
For the next few hours he watched her as she dozed peacefully. When she shivered slightly, he removed his coat and draped it over her form. Sitting back against a tree, he closed his eyes, but kept alert to any sounds that would announce the arrival of any unwelcome guests.
=====
Naraku downed another tankard, motioning for the waitress to give him another. He glared at Koga's indifferent expression from across the table. "She is to be your bride, and yet you sit there like it is no matter?"
Koga shook his head, "Shewasto be my bride."
"You can't go back on the deal!"
This time, the youkai sneered, "I did not agree to taking in someone else's filth!"
The serving wench placed another ale on the table, eyeing the drunken fool. Naraku paid her no attention, immediately sipping the brew. "Psht, she may have run to that neanderthal, but if I know that bitch-"
"You said you witnessed her kiss him!"
"What difference does it make? I was under the impression that she was to be no more than your toy."
Koga narrowed his eyes, "I wanted her for her youth, her beauty, and her innocence. I was to be the only one to take away any of those.Thatwas part of the deal."
"So you won't go after her?"
"She's your problem."
"Oh, yes. And she's going to regret the day she crossed me." Naraku narrowed his eyes, a smirk forming on his lips. "I do believe all those miscreants will get what they've been drooling over."
Koga raised an eyebrow.
"She will be sold on the block."
"You're a pig."
Naraku chuckled, "The worst."
=====
"Thank you for staying with me." Kagome stood on her toes and kissed his cheek lightly.
"Please, heed my request, and do not travel a long distance alone." Kane held her shoulders, concern written upon his face.
She averted her eyes, her voice soft, "I appreciate your consideration, really I do. But I-"
"The church is only a mile west of here. The monk there, Miroku, will see to your wellbeing until I can assist you elsewhere. Just tell him who you are, and that I sent you."
Kagome sighed, meeting his eyes again when he squeezed her shoulders. "Miroku?"
Kane smiled broadly, "Yes. You will be safe, I assure you." He assisted her onto Aska's back. "I worry about you riding with no saddle. Ride slowly, enjoy the countryside."
"I know how to handle my horse, thank you." She smirked, leading the animal into a walk.
He watched her until she disappeared into the trees. Discontent with allowing her to be alone, but satisfied that she at least agreed to stay within his lands for now, he headed back towards town. There was the matter of Naraku that he had to address. Furious with the man's disrespect towards Kagome, Inuyasha had decided it was time for him to pay his debt. There was nothing he could do about her situation, considering the laws. Naraku did, in a sense, own rights to her. It was a pity that women didn't necessarily have a choice in such a matter. However, he would dedicate his time in making sure that she was found safe and hopefully happy. Removing his ring, he placed it securely in his shirt before bounding to the tree tops.
=====
"My lady! Surely the gods have blessed me with your beauty to behold this day!"
Kagome held her tongue, hesitantly walking forward to where the man stood. He was handsome in his own right, with dark short brown hair and deep blue eyes. Taking in his robes, she asked quietly, "Are you Miroku, the houshi-sama?"
"You littletramp!" Kagome found her throat pressed to the door, staring petrified into the face of her uncle. "I set you up with one of the wealthiest men in the region, and this is how you repay me?" He released her neck in favor of her hair, dragging her into the living area.
She struggled to keep up with him, to release the pressure on her head. "Let me go!"
With a bellow, he threw her to the floor in front of the fireplace. "I will not wait for you to be defiled by that… that bastard! You will wed Koga tomorrow morning!"
Standing up, she tried to ease her trembling, "I will do no such thing. The hell with your conniving! I refuse to marry that monster!"
"You will not dishonor me! You willnotdisobey me!" Naraku sneered, "I will take delight in knowing that you will lie cowering beneath that youkai as he takes you, night after night. While I live comfortable with the fortune Koga has offered me, you will feel his claws and teeth against your skin." Malice wove the lines of his aging face, "Tell me, will you suffer with the memory of your father's death as he invades your body? Will you wish for death?"
Tears threatened to fall, but she refused to let him see it. "I will not suffer for you, or your greed. I will not be your token for swindling."
Naraku's laugh reverberated off the walls. "You have no choice. I own you, and by noon tomorrow, Koga will receive you, willing or not."
With all the strength she could muster, she shoved him out of her way and ran to the door.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" He took little time in gaining his stance and chasing after her.
Slamming the door behind her, she ran full speed to the stables. Throwing open the barn door, she rushed into the grazing field, whistling shrilly for her horse. Aska answered, her ears perked forward in question. Not even bothering with a saddle, as there was no time, Kagome took hold of her mane and mounted.
"Bitch!" Her uncle had finally made it into the field. "If you think for one second that you can escape, you're mistaken."
Kagome straightened, glaring at him with all her might. "I am no longer yours to control. I will not return."
His chuckle was sinister. "No matter where you go, no matter who intercepts you, they will know where you belong."
Not bothering to retort, she clicked her heels and set Aska at a full gallop, in order to jump the fence. In his confidence, Naraku did not attempt to follow her, at least not then.
=====
Night had fallen, and Kagome found herself wondering if she truly had any place to go. While she hadn't wandered far, she was in the depths of a forest near the village. The idea of getting a room in town was quickly disregarded, as she knew that there were many that would be looking to return her to Naraku.
Thankful for her father's joy in the outdoors, she managed to build herself a small fire. Digging about the surrounding wood, she found roots and berries to supplement her for the evening. With a sigh, she laid back against Aska, who lay on the ground resting.
"What have I gotten myself into, Aska? Where am I supposed to go from here? Then again, even death would be better than where he wants to send me."
"Come now, I'm sure there's a better solution to your problem."
Kagome let loose a startled yelp, jumping up from her position on the ground. Her guard lessened slightly as Kane stepped out from the shadows of the trees. "Good grief! Are you trying to give my heart a start?"
"My apologies for frightening you. I honestly didn't know who was camping out here, and therefore stealth was within my better judgment. Unless you've suddenly acquired a taste for human blood within the last few hours, I can see I have no reason to be on guard. That determined, it is my duty to question why you're sitting out here alone. These woods don't offer much in the way of safety."
Kagome couldn't help but smirk, "Perhaps you shouldn't be so assured that I am not the danger that lurks within these shadows."
"I think I'd be willing to take that chance." Kane grinned.
She sighed dramatically and then frowned. "Right now, any place is safer than in the home of my uncle."
"Ah, I see. Care to elaborate, or will you leave me to guess?"
Kagome laughed sardonically. "My uncle was witness to yourcharmingshow of affection, and decided that the wedding was to be moved to the morrow."
Kane's face set disapprovingly. "He didn't harm you did he?" If he wouldn't have bounded off so quickly, perhaps he could have stopped the interaction.
"Not really, but it doesn't matter. I'm not returning. I refuse to marry a youkai, or anyone else he chooses for that matter."
Kane inwardly sighed, giving thought to the effort he'd have to put forth to alleviate her fear. It seemed it would prove to be a barrier he could grow irritated with. "As I overheard, you have no destination as of yet. What are you going to do about that?"
She huffed, sitting herself back on the ground. "I'm sure I'll figure something out."
"You could always throw yourself at the lord's doorstep, the one whose land you're residing in currently."
"Ha, that would be the day. My intentions are not to run from one demon, and then to throw myself at another."
"From what I gather, he is only half. If I were him, I wouldn't turn away such a beauty. He also doesn't seem the type to force one into his bedchamber as well."
"You speak as if you know him."
"I'm familiar, yes." He offered her a smile. "However, I may be reluctant in letting you follow that path."
"Oh and why is that?"
Setting himself beside her, he replied confidently. "After tasting your lips, I'm not sure I could permit any other to have them." She blushed prettily, but he didn't allow her a retort before he settled his lips upon her own. Settling his hand behind her neck, and wrapping the other arm around her torso, he pressed her close.
Kagome lost all thought for a moment, as she found herself leaning into him. His mouth urged her to return the gesture, and she could almost yield to them. Coming back to her senses, she pushed against his chest, for he held her head immobile. He pulled back briefly, his eyes burning into her own. Never had any man looked at her the way he was now. All she'd known was lust, but there was something sweeter behind his gaze. As she opened her mouth to demand he stop, she was silenced again with his lips. This time, however, he took advantage and plunged his tongue inside. The feeling was alien to her, but nonetheless, took her breath away. The hand on her back began making small circles, and the caress had a calming effect. In this position, she had no choice but to respond.
Shyly, she entangled her tongue with his own, and he could have cried out in triumph. She tasted so sweet, and he was sure he wouldn't be able to get enough. He couldn't remember a time when kissing a woman was so enthralling. Moving her away from the horse, he laid her gently on the grass. He allowed his hands to wander gently, exploring the curves that made this little vixen so appealing.
Why she was allowing him to take her over, she couldn't comprehend. She had given in to his ministrations, melting into his touch. One of his hands slipped beneath her top, stroking her stomach and sides. The butterfly caress left her skin tingling. His mouth left hers to travel light kisses down her cheeks and chin before his kiss deepened at the tender skin of her neck. She mewled softly, her hands tracing patterns on the back of his shirt.
Getting a little braver, he suckled her collarbone, leaving a trail of hot kisses down to the valley between her breasts. Apparently, it was a little too forward, as her head shot up and she pushed both hands against him.
"Stop, please, stop!"
"Kagome? I'm sorry." He put his weight on his arms as he took in her flushed face. She looked heavenly basked in the light of the campfire. "I couldn't help myself." Tracing her jaw line with his fingers, he smiled. "You are so beautiful. You deserve so much more than life has offered you."
Kagome smiled, despite her distress at permitting him to surpass her boundaries. "While I appreciate that sentiment, yousir, have taken this too far."
Kane sat up, allowing her to follow suit. "My intentions were not dishonorable."
"No?" Kagome gave herself a couple feet of distance. "How far would you have gone if I had not stopped you?"
He didn't answer right away. How far would he have gone? He had already surrendered to the longing he felt for her. Why this particular girl, he may never understand. Until he'd run into her, he had been convinced he would spend his lifetime alone. There was no need in his mind to settle down. His freedom was something he enjoyed. But it only took meeting her to change all that. She stirred desires in him, made him want her without even trying. While the realization scared him, as he feared opening his heart to anyone, he found himself seeking her.
These few nights had been hell, as he battled with himself over it. Miroku and Sango had been no help in the matter, not that he would have listened to their advice anyway. Both were now very interested in meeting the woman who had entrapped him. Kaede pushed for him to 'follow his heart,' in her excitement to see her lord married. Kane was under the distinct impression that she had some grandmother disease, as he'd heard one too many times that she wanted the pitter patter of little feet echoing through the manor.
While children were the last thought on his mind, he knew that he had to have Kagome. Her being promised to Koga was of no mind to him. However, her fear of youkai was certainly a problem. There was his answer to her question. He wouldn't have pushed it that far. He couldn't take her as he was now. In a way, he felt he was deceiving her in not showing her his true form. But on the other hand, it was the very thing that could push her away from him. Perhaps so far, that he would have no chance in recovering her. It pained him that she did not recognize him as the hanyou boy who'd befriended her so many years ago. What cut him deeper was the memory of the raw terror in her eyes at the sight of him.
Giving her his attention again, he said, "I would not disrespect you in that manner. I have morals, and I know you do as well. If you were to consent to me, it would be under the promise of marriage."
"Is that some sort of proposal?"
Kagome had watched the expressions on his face as he seemed deep in thought. Was it that hard of a question to answer? Did she really want the answer? Did she want to know if he had only wanted to quench his lust and move on? Could she handle it if he were to, instead, declare his love for her? When he spoke of marriage, her retort was sarcastic, and she had spoken without thinking.
"I don't believe you would have me, Kagome."
What kind of answer was that?
"If you think my interest is the same as Naraku's, you are mistaken. Money is no object to me."
Kane chuckled, "I have wealth that exceeds even that of Ookami's, I assure you."
Kagome quirked an eyebrow. If he has such a fortune, why wouldn't her uncle allow him to court her instead?
"If that is the case, then why did my uncle demand you never return to our home?"
Kane grinned, telling her of when he first met Naraku.
=== Flashback ===
Kane entered the bar, pushing past a hoard of drunken fools. Scantily clad woman hovered over the ones with money in their pockets. One dame strode up to him confidently, eyeing him hungrily.
"Hey there, handsome, care to buy a lady a drink?"
"Forgive me, but I don't see any ladies in this shithole."
She pouted, wrapping her fingers around his arm, "Oh, honey, I assure you, I'm every bit the lady. A girl's gotta make a living, you know."
"If you had any respect for yourself, you would have found a decent man instead of sleeping with the degrading jackasses in this town."
"I'll have you know that no man has touched me in that manner." He could smell her lie, as the scents of three men permeated her skin. "However, I would make an exception for you."
"I'm sure you would." He pushed past her, wanting to get his business over with and get the hell out of there. At the bar, he asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of the man he was looking for. He was then pointed in the direction of one of the back corners, where a gang of men were talking uproariously around a table. Seated at the back, with a twit in his lap was his target.
Striding up to the table, he glowered down at the black haired man. "Naraku Onigumo?"
"What business do you have with me?" Was his immediate retort.
"I come bearing a message from Lord Inuyasha."
He sputtered, setting his brew down and sliding the woman from his legs before standing. "We'll take this outside."
Once they exited the noisy bar, Kane got right to the point. "The lord knows of your deceit with his lands and finances. He demands that you gather the necessary documents and immediately respond to his residence. It would do you well to do so quickly."
"I believe your lord is mistaken."
"I assure you, he's not."
"I don't owe that bastard half-breed anything! He can go to hell as surely as I'll send him there!"
Kane had responded instantly with a slug to the face, knocking the arrogant fool to the ground. After kicking him in the stomach, he served his warning that his life would be forfeit if he didn't come up with the sums owed.
=== End Flashback ===
"He's always getting into brawls. I wouldn't have given a black eye a second thought."
"Well, he took an immediate dislike to me. Needless to say, that put me out of the running to court you."
"Then you work for Lord Inuyasha?"
"Something like that."
Kagome yawned, her body tiring after the events of the day. "It's late. Will you be leaving for home?"
He wasn't sure that showing her the truth this soon would be a good idea. However, he couldn't leave her there alone.
"Would you return with me?"
She shook her head with a frown. "I want to stay as far away from town as possible."
He laughed, "You can't live in the forest forever, my dear."
"Well, I can at least for tonight. Tomorrow I can travel to another city and find my way there."
"Would you permit me to stay with you until the sun rises then?"
Kagome contemplated it, not so sure he'd behave himself. She really didn't want to spend the night alone out here, either.
Seeing her unease he offered, "You go curl up next to your horse, and I will stand watch. How does that sound?"
She shook her head, "You have to sleep sometime. I don't want to inconvenience you."
"Your safety is more important than sleep, I assure you."
After a moment, as he could see her fighting to keep her eyes open, she finally nodded. Lying back against her slumbering horse, she drifted almost instantly asleep.
For the next few hours he watched her as she dozed peacefully. When she shivered slightly, he removed his coat and draped it over her form. Sitting back against a tree, he closed his eyes, but kept alert to any sounds that would announce the arrival of any unwelcome guests.
=====
Naraku downed another tankard, motioning for the waitress to give him another. He glared at Koga's indifferent expression from across the table. "She is to be your bride, and yet you sit there like it is no matter?"
Koga shook his head, "Shewasto be my bride."
"You can't go back on the deal!"
This time, the youkai sneered, "I did not agree to taking in someone else's filth!"
The serving wench placed another ale on the table, eyeing the drunken fool. Naraku paid her no attention, immediately sipping the brew. "Psht, she may have run to that neanderthal, but if I know that bitch-"
"You said you witnessed her kiss him!"
"What difference does it make? I was under the impression that she was to be no more than your toy."
Koga narrowed his eyes, "I wanted her for her youth, her beauty, and her innocence. I was to be the only one to take away any of those.Thatwas part of the deal."
"So you won't go after her?"
"She's your problem."
"Oh, yes. And she's going to regret the day she crossed me." Naraku narrowed his eyes, a smirk forming on his lips. "I do believe all those miscreants will get what they've been drooling over."
Koga raised an eyebrow.
"She will be sold on the block."
"You're a pig."
Naraku chuckled, "The worst."
=====
"Thank you for staying with me." Kagome stood on her toes and kissed his cheek lightly.
"Please, heed my request, and do not travel a long distance alone." Kane held her shoulders, concern written upon his face.
She averted her eyes, her voice soft, "I appreciate your consideration, really I do. But I-"
"The church is only a mile west of here. The monk there, Miroku, will see to your wellbeing until I can assist you elsewhere. Just tell him who you are, and that I sent you."
Kagome sighed, meeting his eyes again when he squeezed her shoulders. "Miroku?"
Kane smiled broadly, "Yes. You will be safe, I assure you." He assisted her onto Aska's back. "I worry about you riding with no saddle. Ride slowly, enjoy the countryside."
"I know how to handle my horse, thank you." She smirked, leading the animal into a walk.
He watched her until she disappeared into the trees. Discontent with allowing her to be alone, but satisfied that she at least agreed to stay within his lands for now, he headed back towards town. There was the matter of Naraku that he had to address. Furious with the man's disrespect towards Kagome, Inuyasha had decided it was time for him to pay his debt. There was nothing he could do about her situation, considering the laws. Naraku did, in a sense, own rights to her. It was a pity that women didn't necessarily have a choice in such a matter. However, he would dedicate his time in making sure that she was found safe and hopefully happy. Removing his ring, he placed it securely in his shirt before bounding to the tree tops.
=====
"My lady! Surely the gods have blessed me with your beauty to behold this day!"
Kagome held her tongue, hesitantly walking forward to where the man stood. He was handsome in his own right, with dark short brown hair and deep blue eyes. Taking in his robes, she asked quietly, "Are you Miroku, the houshi-sama?"