InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Red Riding Haori ❯ Part 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters; they are the property or Rumiko Takahashi

 

Red Riding Haori

Part 1

 

Kagome awoke shortly after dawn, her ink black hair sleep matted and her eyes watering as she let off a large yawn. Though she would like nothing better then to remain in her warm bed, she knew she had chores to do, and if she didn't start now, she wouldn't be in time to draw the water from the well. She sat staring dreamily at the tatami mat floor for a moment. Ah, the well, the highlight of her day….

 

With a shake of her head, Kagome slipped from her futon and rolled it up to put to the side. Her bother had chosen to sleep in front of the closet door, so she decided to leave it for him to put away, and dress after she had eaten. With a stretch and a happy smile, Kagome exited the room to begin the preparation of breakfast.

 

When she entered the living area where food was prepared and served, she found her mother already awake and busy at work. Kagome was surprised by the amount of food her mother had already made. It was far more than was necessary for their small family.

 

“Okaa-san? What are you doing?” Kagome asked as she approached her mother.

 

Kagome's mother continued to roll rice balls. “Obaa-san Kaede hasn't been feeling well lately. I'm making a basket of food that should last her a few days and will be taking it over to her this afternoon. You'll have to look after Sota while I'm out.”

 

Kagome smiled. “Sure Okaa-san. I'll get started on breakfast.”

 

Kagome had just finished placing the last bowl of rice on the low table when both her father and little brother came staggering into view. Both wore identical sleepy expressions, which caused Kagome to giggle and her mother to smile indulgently.

 

Kagome caught Sota's glare as he sat at down beside her.

 

“Oh don't give me that, Sota, I've been up and working since sunrise while you got to stay in your bed.”

 

Sota only rolled his eyes in response.

 

“Sota,” their father warned, “your sister deserves respect for what she does for the family.”

 

Sota looked down at his rice bowl in chagrin. “Yes Otou-san.”

 

Otou-san turned to Okaa-san and enquired about her plans for the day. Kagome took the opportunity to covertly stick her tongue out at her brother. He returned the gesture and one-upped her with a finger to his nose.

 

Before Kagome could respond to her brother, her parents' conversation caught her interest and she turned her full attention to them.

 

“I don't feel comfortable with you traveling through Inuyasha Forest, koi. There has been a strange air about it lately. The wood cutters often return with stories of sudden silences and eerie atmospheres surrounding them. Nothing has happened as of yet, but they fear any day now they may be attacked.”

 

Okaa-san looked slightly concerned. “Attacked by what exactly?”

 

Otou-san looked thoughtful as he lifted rice to his mouth. “They are not sure. They're greatest fear is that evil spirits have moved back into the forest.”

 

Okaa-san laughed a little at this and Kagome couldn't help but join her with a smile.

 

“The hanyou would never allow malevolent spirits to remain in his forest,” said her mother, “But if it would make you feel better, I promise to stay on the road between our village and the next instead of taking the shortcut through the forest.”

 

Though her father still seemed upset, he gave in at this promise. “Very well koi. Give Kaede my best wishes when you see her.”

 

After the family had eaten their meal, Otou-san bid his family a good day and headed out to work in the fields. Kagome hurried to her room to dress for the day. She chose a green kimono with red obi and sakura petals, reflecting the spring season. She ran a brush through her hair before putting on her tabi socks.

 

“Okaa-san, I am going to the well to draw today's water. I finished off the rest of yesterdays to make breakfast,” she called as she headed for the door.

 

Kagome's mother looked up from where she was packing her basket, a knowing smile on her face. “Alright Kagome, but don't take long. We still have work to do and I need to leave before noon so that I can make it back in time for dinner.”

 

Kagome nodded and with a smile stepped out into the early morning light. She felt an excitement start to fill her, but forced herself to calm down and not get giddy. Heading to the side of her families hut, Kagome grabbed the buckets and swung the rope over her shoulders.

 

With a spring in her step and an excited smile on her lips, she started down the path that would take her to the community well. Morning sunlight slanted through the overhanging tree branches that closed in the path while a cooling wind caused the trees to whisper to her. This time was always magical for Kagome, offering a reprieve from the tedium of her daily life.

 

Not that she complained about her life. She loved her family and friends and wouldn't give up the love and support she received from them for anything. But lately, starting about a month ago, she had come to realize that she was not prepared to follow through with what was expected of her as the dutiful daughter. Her father had hinted that it was nearing her time to choose a husband, but she had used the excuse that she was still too young. He had no wish to see his daughter leave home any time soon, and so he let it rest with only a mention now and then to be sure she was at least thinking of it. To some extent, she had, though mostly in the form of daydreams.

 

Kagome blushed as her thoughts strayed.

 

It had been a couple months ago that he had first revealed himself to her. She had a feeling he had been watching her draw water from the well for awhile before that moment. Often, before then, she had felt a strange twinge between her shoulder blades, as if someone were watching her. But when she had looked around, there had been no one there. Now she figured that was because he was in the trees during those periods.

 

She smiled ruefully. For a dog demon, he sure loved trees.

 

She still remembered the fright that had gone through her when he first revealed himself. She had been turning from the well after pulling the buckets up. He'd dropped right in front of her, causing a small shriek to escape her lips before she lost her balance. She would have toppled into the well if not for his staying hand.

 

“Careful, bitch,” he had growled out as his clawed hand took hold of her arm and he swung her away from the well.

 

Indignant colour had stained her cheeks then, but before she could utter a reprimand; her eyes had finally taken in his visage, causing any words to die on her lips.

 

Silver grey hair rippled in the slight wind while pointed white dog ears twitched in agitation, begging to be scratched. Molten gold eyes glared down at her, a smirk slowly appearing across his lips at her continued silence, revealing the tip of a fang. He'd crossed his arms over his chest then, an amused “Feh,” escaping from his lips, jolting her from her awed stupor.

 

“You're…you're Inuyasha.”

 

She'd heard of the half dog-demon who guarded the woods named after him. He had been seen by a few of the villagers, but mostly kept to himself. It was said that he was an outsider in both human and demon society. The villagers didn't bother him and he didn't bother them.

 

“Feh,” He had turned his head then, though he continued to watch her from the corner of his eye.

 

“What…what do you want?” she'd asked, a little disconcerted at his behaviour.

 

“Who said I wanted anything, bitch?” He'd snarled, his lips pulling back to show both fangs.

 

Kagome stepped back in shock followed quickly by anger at his tone and insult. Common sense seemed to leave her as she lashed out at him in turn, grabbing hold of a hair tuft and jerking his head around.

 

“The names Kagome, you jerk. Ka-go-me! And if you didn't want anything, then you shouldn't have scared me like that!”

 

He had seemed a bit taken aback by her sudden anger, but quickly recovered, a scowl creeping back on his face.

 

“Not my fault you didn't sense my presence!”

 

It may have been her imagination, but his tone had seemed to have a hint of sulkiness to it when he said that.

 

She'd rolled her eyes then and moved for her water buckets, intent on leaving the arrogant hanyou and return to her home. Before she could reach them, he had swept them up one handed and started past her and down the path that lead to the village. She'd stared after him, dumbfounded until he'd stopped and looked back at her over his shoulder.

 

“You coming, or are you planning on staying here all day?” he'd asked, his tone gruff but none threatening.

 

She'd been confused, but recognised it for what it was; a peace offering and an overture to friendship. Every morning since that morning she had met him while filling her buckets. Sometimes they would talk, other times he would just watch her in silence and then leave when she headed back for the village. He never offered to carry her buckets, and she wouldn't have let him if he had. It was her duty, and she was content doing it.

 

It had got to the point where Kagome counted down the hours to their meeting, praying for the day to go by as quick as possible so that the morning would come and she would see him again. Her mother had guessed at her meetings with a boy, but she did not know it was the hanyou. Kagome didn't know how her family would feel if they knew she spent time with Inuyasha. She feared their reaction, that her father would forbid her from seeing him. She didn't know if she could deal with that.

 

Pushing these thoughts aside, Kagome's pace quickened as she approached the clearing that held the well. Her heart did a flutter and then a flip as she broke into the open, her eyes scanning for the young man she hoped to meet there. When she did not see the familiar red and silver, she felt her heart drop. Usually he was waiting for her.

 

With a sigh, Kagome headed over to the well and lowered the buckets down. It was as she was pulling them up that she felt a strange twinge between her shoulder blades. Someone was watching her. Heart inflating, she turned expecting to see Inuyasha only to find no one there. A frown creased her brow.

 

“Inuyasha?” she called.

 

When no one responded, she sighed and turned back to the well. Hefting the buckets over the edge, she placed them on the ground. The strange feeling of being watched still unnerved her though and Kagome turned to where she thought it was coming from and took a step forward.

 

“Is someone there?” she called. She wrung her hands when a bush shuffled, her anxiety spiking. “If someone's there show yourself! It's dishonourable to sneak around.”

 

It was then that Kagome noticed the eerie silence of the forest around her. Her fathers words came back to her and a shiver ran down her spine as a sudden awareness of a potential threat took hold. Still, a curious part of her wondered what it could be that had taken up residence in Inuyasha Forest. She began to take a step forward.

 

“Kagome?”

 

A sudden rush of relief filled Kagome as she turned toward the familiar voice. Inuyasha stood by the well, a concerned expression on his face, a hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Sound came back to the forest, birds chirping and squirrels scurrying.

 

“Are you all right? I could smell your fear from the other side of the village.”

 

Kagome felt a bit woozy as the tension left her body. With little thought to her actions, she stumbled to him and wrapped her arms around his waist for support, resting her head on his chest. Inuyasha looked down at her in surprise, a slight blush staining his cheeks at the contact.

 

“I'm so glad you came! Something was watching me. At first I thought it was you, but when I called your name and you didn't show yourself….” She trailed off here as Inuyasha took hold of her shoulders and moved her back so he could see her face.

 

“Where was it coming from?” he asked with a concerned frown.

 

Kagome pointed to the bush that had shifted at her approach. He stepped away from her and moved to it, crouching close to the ground to sniff around the spot. Kagome gasped as a low growl erupted from the hanyou, his claws digging into the dirt, creating rents as he pushed himself up right.

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

He continued to stare down at the spot he had sniffed, his hands fisted as a snarl curved his lip.

 

“A powerful demon recently moved into my forest. I've tried to track it, but every time I get close, it disappears. Its scent has been slowly covering mine, stealing territory from me.” He ran a clawed hand through his hair in frustration. “Damn it!”

 

The sudden outburst had Kagome moving to Inuyasha in concern. She had grown used to his language, and knew he was never directing it at her, that it was just an expression of frustration.

 

“Inuyasha….” She rested a hand on his red clad arm.

 

He turned and looked down at her, concern clouding his normally defiant gold eyes. “Kagome, I plan to go into the forest with the wood cutters today. They've been talking of a presence stalking them. I'm hoping I'll be able to catch it there and remove the threat, but…”

 

“Yes, Inuyasha?” Kagome encouraged, a smile curving her lips.

 

With a quick movement, Inuyasha removed his haori and draped it over her shoulders, his clawed hands fisting the edges as he drew it closed. Kagome's stomach fluttered as she was enveloped in Inuyasha's scent. It was his distinctive musk as well as the smells of the trees he spent so much time in. She looked up into his serious face, sure that her own showed all she was feeling as her cheeks burned with a slight blush.

 

“I want you to wear my haori at all times.” His voice was gruff and thick with emotion. “It's made from fire rat fur and should protect you from most dangers. I'm sure nothing will happen to you, but the demons seeming interest in you….” He trailed off, his eyes becoming intense as he stared down at her.

 

Kagome felt something tighten in her belly. Was he going to kiss her?

 

His sudden movement away from her caught her off guard. The loss of eye contact and the frustrated growl he emitted confused her even more.

 

“Just be careful, okay Kagome? I don't want you wandering from the village, and if you have to, take Shippo with you. His kitsune senses should give you warning of approaching trouble.”

 

Kagome bit her lip and proceeded to slip her arms into the sleeves of the haori, pulling it closer around her. “All right, if it'll make you feel better.”

 

Inuyasha watched her for a moment longer, an indiscernible expression on his face, before he nodded and began to turn away.

 

“Inuyasha!”

 

He stopped and looked back at her questioningly.

 

“I- Be careful, alright?”

 

An arrogant smile spread across his face. “Keh. I'll see you tomorrow, Kagome.”

 

She watched him until he disappeared into the thick underbrush. She was disturbed by his warning. She didn't understand why a demon would take an interest in her, and even doubted if Inuyasha's observation of the situation was correct. But mostly she was worried for his safety. She still remembered the day he'd brought the kitsune kit, Shippo, to her.

 

He had arrived that day a bloody mess; his clothing scorched, a kit cowering in his clawed hand. He'd told her that the peaceful family had been attacked by a demon pair and that he had been too late to save his parents. She'd agreed to watch over Shippo, and after checking him over for injuries, she had turned on Inuyasha. It had taken a lot of arguing and even some physical force on her part to get the hanyou to let her take care of him. He'd told her he was alright, that his body was stronger then hers, but she'd still insisted and finally he'd relented with a blush staining his cheeks.

 

Kagome giggled at the memory and then proceeded to heft the water buckets and head back down the path. Her mother would be waiting for her to get to work on the day's wash so that she could leave for Kaede's.

 

***

 

“Kagome!”

 

Kagome looked up from where she had been sewing under a tree in time to see an orange blur hurtling towards her. She and her mother had finished the wash and she was just biding time till she had to see her off. She had recognised the voice and did nothing to stop the creature from landing on her shoulder. Little hands curled around her neck and squeezed tightly as a little face nuzzled up against her ear.

 

“Shippo!” Kagome said happily, a giggle on her lips as his breath tickled her ear, “How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?”

 

Shippo pulled back from her then, a small frown on his face. “Ya, though I missed you, Kagome.”

 

Kagome smiled and tried to comfort the little kitsune. “I'm sorry Shippo; I wish you could stay with me all the time. But you know we can't let the villagers find you.”

 

He nodded with a sniffle and dropped into her lap. It was then he noticed something different about her. Her scent was covered by another's, a familiar one, and she was wearing a familiar red jacket.

 

“Kagome?”

 

“Mmm?” Kagome had continued on with her sewing.

 

“Why are you wearing Inuyasha's haori?”

 

The kitsune was sure the girl didn't know how important scent was in the demon world. It was used to mark territory, to declare position and possession. He knew that Inuyasha was a hanyou and so perhaps did not fully understand his heritage and the rules inherent in it. They had talked the few times Inuyasha had secretly checked on him to see if he was being taken care of. The hanyou didn't seem to know much nor did he seem to care, saying his father had died when he was too young, and his half brother hadn't wanted him around.

 

Kagome looked down at the kit in her lap, a faint blush on her cheeks. “He asked me to wear it.”

 

Shippo's brows rose. Had Inuyasha knowingly made the first step to claiming his mate?

 

“Why'd he do that?” he asked.

 

Kagome put down her sewing and looked at the curious kit. She couldn't figure why it mattered so much to him.

 

“He's concerned for my safety. A demon has moved into the forest and he's afraid it might have shown interest in me since it was near the well this morning.”

 

“Oh no!” wailed Shippo, and he clung to her with a whimper.

 

Kagome laughed at his concern and patted his head. “Don't worry so! I'm sure nothing will happen to me, it's just a precaution.”

 

The kit would have continued cowering in her arms if not for the sudden fall of running footsteps that reached his sensitive ears. His sudden tension caught Kagome's attention and she frowned down at him.

 

“Shippo, what's wrong?”

 

He looked off into the trees. “Someone's coming.”

 

Kagome shifted beneath him and soon he found himself hidden behind her back as she stood. They were silent for a few moments as the running steps came closer. Finally the suspense was ended as Sota broke through, panting heavily and looking a little scared.

 

“Kagome! Okaa-san needs you now. Something happened to Otou-san in the fields!”

 

Concern filled her immediately as she placed Shippo on the ground. Sota was the only person she'd told about Shippo and Inuyasha, though only because he'd followed her one day when she was bringing Shippo food. Moving over to Sota, she could see how upset he was. She couldn't figure what could have happened in the field that would require her presence.

 

“Alright Sota, just calm down. Why don't you stay and play with Shippo for awhile, I'll come back after I see Okaa-san.”

 

Sota nodded and moved over to where Shippo stood in confusion.

 

“Kagome?” Shippo said.

 

“Don't worry Shippo, I'm sure it's nothing.”

 

She walked out of the clearing and the few steps through the trail that led back to the village. Her steps were quick; betraying her calm demeanour, the furrow between her borrows only deepening as she drew closer her family's hut.

 

Upon entering she found her father laid out in the front room, her mother kneeling by him in the process of ringing out a cloth and placing it over his forehead.

 

“He just collapsed, they said. No reason, he just collapsed,” her mother said, indicating she was aware Kagome had returned. “The village healer says it is just exhaustion. I'm not sure what to believe, he seemed fine this morning… but I know I can't leave his side.”

 

Kagome knelt across from her mother, reaching over her father's still form to take her hand. Her mother finally looked up at her, her eyes flickering over the red hoari once again, like they had when Kagome had returned from the well. She hadn't questioned her then, and she didn't now, though a small smile did touch her lips.

 

“Anything I can do to help, Okaa-san, just tell me what to do.”

 

Her mother gave a full smile then, pleased she had raised such a thoughtful and caring child.

 

“Since I cannot leave your Otou-san, someone else will have to take Kaede her basket of food. You'll need to go in my place I'm afraid.”

 

Kagome frowned as Inuyasha's words of warning echoed in her mind. She wasn't supposed to go into the forest; he wanted her to stay near the village.

 

“Okaa-san, I-“

 

“I know its short notice sweetie, but could you do this for me?”

 

Still uncomfortable with the request, Kagome knew it was her duty, and so nodded her agreement.

 

“You would need to stick to the main road though, what with the dark presence that has entered the forest. And no dawdling, Kagome! Just straight to your Obaa-sanand then come back. If she invites you to stay overnight then do so, but you must come home immediately the next morning to catch up on your chores.”

 

Okaa-san stood then and moved to retrieve the basket and hand it to Kagome.

 

“Thank you Kagome, you're turning into a very responsible young woman.”

 

Kagome's cheeks coloured with discomfort. Yes, a responsible young woman who hid a youkai kit and her friendship with the hanyou from her parents. She felt guilty, very guilty all of a sudden.

 

Remembering her promise to Inuyasha, Kagome returned to where she had left the two boys. They were currently playing tag, Sota chasing the quick kitsune. When Shippo spotted her, he zagged in her direction, landing once again on her shoulder.

 

“Kagome! Is your Otou-san alright? What are you doing with that basket? Are you going somewhere?”

 

She smiled at the curious kitsune. “It looks like Otou-san will be fine, but Okaa-san has to stay with him. She's asked me to take Obaa-san Kaede her basket of food, though.”

 

Both Shippo and Sota frowned at this.

 

“I don't like this, Kagome.” Sota said, “It's not safe right now.”

 

Kagome smiled at her younger brothers concern. “Don't worry Sota! Shippo will be with me and I'll be staying on the road. Obaa-san's hut isn't far off the road either, so it'll all be fine.” She ruffled his hair as he continued to frown. “I have to get going now, you be good and helpful for Okaa-san!”

 

With Shippo on her shoulder, Kagome made her way to the main road between her village and the next. Grandmother Kaede didn't live in either village; she was a well known healer, and so preferred living between them so she could be of help to both in times of need. Kagome was sure if her father didn't recover and the village healer could do nothing to diagnose it, Kaede would be called on to see if some evil spirit was the cause.

 

“Kagome?”

 

“Yes Shippo?”

 

“Not that I mind, but, why am I coming with you?”

 

“Inuyasha had me promise I'd take you with me if I left the village. It's for the same reason he lent me his haori.” Kagome said absently.

 

She was currently watching the birds flittering among the waving branches. The forest sounds were comforting, and she knew that as long as they were there, she had nothing to fear. Even with Inuyasha's warning, she doubted the new demon had any special interest in her. She was an ordinary human girl after all. Most likely it had just come upon her while she was at the well. It still posed the same threat as any demon, since many did feed off of humans, but she felt safe as long as she was not alone and wore the haori.

 

***

A/N: O_O I likes reviews…please review.