InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ Uncertainty ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 09.06.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 311 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 09.06.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 311 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
Uncertainty
___________________________________________ ____________________________
The small group of friends watched Inuyasha’s retreating form as he disappeared into the nearby woods. A heavy silence filled the air, no one daring to speak. Finally a slight grunt drew Kagome’s attention and she turned to locate its source. “Miroku!”
The priestess immediately ran to the monk’s side, and was quickly accompanied by the rest of her friends.
“Miroku, are you okay?” a concerned Sango asked as she kneeled to the ground on his other side.
Attempting to put on a brave front, the monk nodded slightly. “I-I just need to rest for a moment… I’m fine… I-I’ll be fine.”
“It’s the miasma.” Kagome said quietly. “You took in too much of the miasma.” Placing her hand behind his head she told him, “Lie back, I’m gonna try and purify it.”
A curt nod signaled his agreement and he allowed her to help him recline. The monk felt his heart racing in his chest as beads of sweat rolled across his face. The poison was spreading quickly causing light tremors to wrack his body. He was feeling increasingly dizzy and uncomfortably nauseous.
“Is he going to be okay?” Shippou asked worriedly.
“He’ll be fine.” Kagome assured. “I just have to destroy the poison.”
Kneeling beside him, Kagome inched a bit closer and began concentrating on her powers. Soon she felt the familiar tingle of her miko energy as it gathered to the palms of her hands. Placing her brightly glowing palms over his chest she instructed, “Just try and take deep breaths okay?”
He nodded again and attempted to remain calm. Kagome returned his nod with one of her own and then took a deep breath. She allowed her powers to flow from her palms and a pale pink mist began to flow and wrap around Miroku’s body. From the top of his head to the tips of his toes, Kagome’s powers enveloped him completely.
The jolting of his muscles which had been growing more violent by the minute gradually began to calm. Following her instructions the monk breathed deeply inhaling some of the soft pink vapors as he did. Soon, his nausea began to recede and the tremors stopped altogether. His vertigo ebbed away into nothing and his strength returned to normal.
The priestess slowed the flow of her powers and eventually tapered it off. The pink glow faded from her hands and she opened her eyes. “Did it work? How do you feel?”
The monk sat up slowly. “I-I think I’m okay. I feel much a lot better now. Thank you Kagome.”
“You did it!” Shippou cried ecstatically.
Kagome smiled weakly before falling back onto her bottom. She managed to catch herself on a shaky arm before she could topple over completely.
“Kagome!” her friends cried in unison.
Holding up a hand she assured “I’m okay, I’m okay.” she took a deep breath before adding, “At least I didn’t pass out this time. I think I’m getting better at this.”
Seeking to comfort her in spite of her words, Shippou dived into her lap and wrapped his short arms around her. Kagome absently began rubbing his shaggy red hair as she slowly regained her breath. The skill of using her powers to heal was one that was only recently learned and it was by no means perfected.
Fiery spirit aside, Kagome had never been much of a fighter, not in the physical sense anyway. Her friends had always protected her but she finally decided that it was time to learn how to protect herself. It was this desire that prompted her to embrace her heritage and learn to control her powers. For the last two years she had been squeezing in time whenever she could to take lessons from Kaede. She had been surprised with how much there was to learn.
The elder miko had taught her that the most powerful miko were typically able to utilize four different types of power. Purification, sealing, barriers and healing. Purification was the easiest to learn as it was the power she employed when using her sacred arrows. She soon learned that she was able to blast purification powers from the palms of her hands, and even channel the power into her bow. This ability had since come in handy for enemies that came too close. Unfortunately, she didn’t get much practice in using it because Inuyasha rarely left her side during battles. It was for that reason that she would sometimes forget that she could do it at all. Having him protect her all the time was becoming more of a hindrance than a help. She had hoped that the increase in her skills would cause the hanyou to hold a higher level of respect for her, but for the most part all he did was complain about the time she was taking away from shard collecting or chasing Naraku.
In spite of his protests however, she continued her training. She learned barriers next and then sealing. The creation of a barrier had been somewhat difficult to master as it was significantly different than what she had been used to. It required a great deal more concentration and control. Sealing was much the same, but, required more concentration still. Healing was relatively simple, but as she had not had years to perfect it, it tended to sap her strength. Her first few attempts had ended in her blacking out. Overly protective as always, Inuyasha had demanded that she stop, but Kaede had assured that it would become easier on her with repeated use. Already she could see the truth in the elder miko’s words as she yet remained conscious.
“Are you certain you are alright Kagome?” the monk’s quiet words cut into her thoughts.
“Yeah, I just need to rest for a few minutes.”
Miroku shot a surreptitious glance in the direction Inuyasha had gone before turning back to her. “Well, there’s no reason we need to leave now. Inuyasha should be back soon enough. We can just wait here for him to return.”
At the mention of the hanyou’s name Kagome’s lips twisted wryly. “Yeah.” she said quietly as she pulled Shippou a bit closer.
Seeing the crestfallen look on her friend’s face Sango added, “Maybe Kikyou has information on Naraku’s whereabouts.”
Kagome didn’t respond and lowered her head to rest her chin in Shippou’s hair. Drawing her attention Miroku gestured for the for the demon slayer to sit at his side. Sango gave him a wary look but took a place beside him anyway. Shrinking to her normal size, Kirara mewed quietly before leaping into the slayer’s lap. Quiet tension filled the air again and each of the miko’s took turns steeling covert glances at her dispirited countenance.
It was always like this when Inuyasha went after Kikyou. Everyone knew how Inuyasha felt about Kikyou, and everyone knew how Kagome felt about Inuyasha. It seemed that only the hanyou himself remained blind to it. Was he truly so oblivious, or did he simply not care?
‘You’d think I’d be used to this by now.’ Kagome scolded herself mentally. ‘It’s been four years for Kami sakes!’
Four years of traveling feudal Japan with her friends. Four years of hunting and searching for Shikon fragments. Four years of fighting demons and narrowly escaping certain death. And four years of unrequited love. ‘What’s going to happen? How is this all going to end? Eventually… eventually, Inuyasha is going to have to make a choice. He’ll have to! Who will he choose? What if… What will I do if he chooses her?’ A slight whimper was building in Kagome’s throat, but she squashed it ruthlessly. ‘No more tears!’ she told herself adamantly. ‘No more tears!! I have spent entirely too much time crying over him!’ She sighed quietly. ‘But… what can I do? I love him. Doesn’t he know how much this is hurting me?’
Chestnut eyes sparkled with unshed tears as Kagome looked to the sky. ‘Even if he does choose me… how will I feel? Will I truly be happy?’
Though she was certain of her love for Inuyasha, the young priestess was really beginning to question whether or not a future was possible with him. If she was honest with herself, the fact of the matter was that she simply could not trust him. Sure he was reliable when she was in trouble and he’d never actually lied to her, but... could he ever truly pledge his heart to her, her and her alone? Based on what she had seen the answer, if there was one, didn’t seem very promising.
A light rustle of sun parched grass drew the collective attention of his friends as Inuyasha slowly entered the clearing. Keeping his eyes carefully averted from those around him he announced, “She umm, didn’t know where he was.”
“Hmm, I guess that’s why you were gone so long.” Kagome muttered bitterly.
Even from the distance between them he heard her quiet accusation. “And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Just forget it Inuyasha.” she said quietly.
Brows drawing together in anger, the kitsune was eager to speak on her behalf. “Inuyasha! You’re such a jerk! You know how Kagome feels about…”
“No Shippou.” Kagome told him as she rose to her feet.
“But…”
The miko captured his eyes and soundlessly petitioned his silence with a beseeching look.
His shoulders slumping, the kitsune relented, but not before fixing Inuyasha with a thunderous scowl.
“Keh! Let’s just go.” said the hanyou as he kneeled slightly to offer Kagome his back. His eyes widened slightly when he felt the rough material of Kagome’s blue pants brush past him.
“I’ll walk.” he heard her say.
“Hey Kagome! What the hell’s your problem…?”
“JUST DROP IT!!” she shrieked, her voice cracking with emotion. She spun away from him and began a purposeful march heading back the way they had come.
Shrinking back momentarily, the hanyou recovered quickly a snide remark springing to his lips. Before it could be voiced however, a masculine hand came to rest upon his shoulder. “It is probably best if you leave her be for now.”
“Humph, whatever!” he said as he snatched away from the monk. He hadn’t done anything wrong! Why was everyone turning against him all of a sudden? He’d just wanted to know if Kikyou had information about Naraku.
“Fine! We’re leaving anyway!” He announced snappily as he stomped away from his friends. Making his way to the front of the front of the group, his fire rat haori brushed Kagome’s arm as he passed her by. Miroku and Sango exchanged a look before they fell into step behind the miko and hanyou.
With a heavy sigh Kagome’s anger deflated leaving only guilt in its place. She hated losing her temper with Inuyasha. It was just so hard dealing with his relationship with Kikyou. She wasn’t stupid; she knew he still had feelings for Kikyou but she also knew he had feeling for her. The extent of his feelings, however, was another matter entirely. She hated feeling so insecure about the nature of their relationship, the future of their relationship, yet she dared not ask. Sure she could be direct and just ask him how he felt about her. But for all of her fool hearted bravery, Kagome feared what his answer might be. What if he really didn’t feel for her what she felt for him? It would devastate her to hear such words.
So for the time being, she would continue to hold her silence. Ignorance was a fallacious security she knew, but for now it was the only true source of stability in her life.
_________________________________________________________________ ______
Appreciative green eyes drank in the sight offered by the dark haired male. Seated with his legs crossed in front of him, the male’s long wavy hair cascaded in dark tendrils across his masculine shoulders and down his back. The beautifully toned muscles of his torso, covered only by the bandages she herself had the privilege of applying was a sight to behold even to the innocent eyes of a young priestess.
“You seem to be doing much better Naraku-San. Soon your wounds will no longer need to be wrapped.” Izanami told him as she tucked the last strip of cloth into place. Sighing contently, she sat back on her heels to inspect her handy work.
Several yards away, Mai and Akira quietly kept watch over the proceedings while allowing the pair a measure of privacy.
“I do not trust that Naraku.” Akira murmured bitterly, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“Nor do I,” Mai agreed, “But what do you suppose he could be up to? He has yet to show any malevolent intent toward either us or Lady Iza.”
The hanyou examined her claws which glinted in the morning sun. “I do not know but the first time he tries something, I will gladly rip his throat out.”
The cat demon’s agreement was marked with a curt nod. “As long as we keep an eye on them all will be well. Lady Iza has informed me that his wounds are healing quickly and that in a few days time he will no longer require her treatment. Soon enough he will take his leave and we will no longer have to worry over him.”
“Hn.” Akira nodded as she turned her attention back to the pair. She could only hope that Mai was right.
Though their session was finished for the day, Izanami was finding that she was not ready to leave him just yet. Normally Naraku would strike up a conversation with her and she would remain for some time after his treatment had been completed. Much of their conversations had revolved around herself, her family, her friends and her upbringing as a miko. It was never anything too heavy and he always seemed to hang on her every word.
The priestess had instinctively avoided mentioning anything of her family’s legacy, the burden of the amulet they had been entrusted to keep all those centuries ago. One such as Naraku likely would not have been interested in such things anyway.
All in all, the young miko was finding that the more time she spent in his presence, the more time she wanted to spend with him. The fact that he was pleasant to look at was only one of his admirable features. Aside from that, he had been nothing but kind, gentle and attentive toward her. Returning the last of her supplies to her bag, she turned to him. He had not been as talkative today as he had been during their previous sessions.
“Naraku-San,” she began suddenly, surprising even herself, “I have told you so much about myself; perhaps it is time I learned a bit about you.” A light blush and a gentle smile softened her already girlish features as large eyes, bright with youthful innocence looked up at him in earnest anticipation.
Her words seemed to elicit a mild reaction in him, an unusual flash of eyes that came and went so quickly she was left wondering if she had imagined it. Something at the back of her mind suggested, very quietly that he had been waiting for her to ask that exact question. His expression changed in a matter of seconds and he looked at her, a disingenuous smile tilting his lips.
“My life…” he began, the forced smile dying a swift death, “My life has been fraught with many difficulties.” his voice was solemn and quiet. “You have been so kind to me, I do not wish to burden you with my problems.”
Izanami’s brows furrowed in concern. “Naraku-San, I wish to know more about you. If there is anything I can do to help I would be more than willing to aid you.” Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder she plead, “Please, Naraku-San, tell me of your troubles.”
A look of despair weighed his features as he turned away from her with a deep sigh.
“Naraku-San?” she urged quietly.
After a brief pause the hanyou began to speak. “Of the many difficulties I have faced, there is a certain individual who has been the bane of my existence. Even as we speak my life is in danger as he will stop at nothing to see me dead…” he trailed off as his eyes drew back to hers.
“Why?” she asked, trepidation and incredulity wavering her voice. “Tell me.” she prompted when he continued to remain silent.
With another deep sigh he finally continued, “Though I have done nothing to deserve it… he hates me… and he seeks to end my life. In addition, he has many powerful allies to aid him in this endeavor, while I have no one to stand in my defense. Many times I have been forced to flee from him and his comrades in order to remain alive.”
“Who? Who is this terrible person?” she asked, her voice growing increasingly anxious.
“He is an inu hanyou. His name… is Inuyasha.”
______________________________________________________ _________________
I’m surprised and glad to see that people are still a few people reading this story. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far! I really appreciate the support!
Uncertainty
___________________________________________ ____________________________
The small group of friends watched Inuyasha’s retreating form as he disappeared into the nearby woods. A heavy silence filled the air, no one daring to speak. Finally a slight grunt drew Kagome’s attention and she turned to locate its source. “Miroku!”
The priestess immediately ran to the monk’s side, and was quickly accompanied by the rest of her friends.
“Miroku, are you okay?” a concerned Sango asked as she kneeled to the ground on his other side.
Attempting to put on a brave front, the monk nodded slightly. “I-I just need to rest for a moment… I’m fine… I-I’ll be fine.”
“It’s the miasma.” Kagome said quietly. “You took in too much of the miasma.” Placing her hand behind his head she told him, “Lie back, I’m gonna try and purify it.”
A curt nod signaled his agreement and he allowed her to help him recline. The monk felt his heart racing in his chest as beads of sweat rolled across his face. The poison was spreading quickly causing light tremors to wrack his body. He was feeling increasingly dizzy and uncomfortably nauseous.
“Is he going to be okay?” Shippou asked worriedly.
“He’ll be fine.” Kagome assured. “I just have to destroy the poison.”
Kneeling beside him, Kagome inched a bit closer and began concentrating on her powers. Soon she felt the familiar tingle of her miko energy as it gathered to the palms of her hands. Placing her brightly glowing palms over his chest she instructed, “Just try and take deep breaths okay?”
He nodded again and attempted to remain calm. Kagome returned his nod with one of her own and then took a deep breath. She allowed her powers to flow from her palms and a pale pink mist began to flow and wrap around Miroku’s body. From the top of his head to the tips of his toes, Kagome’s powers enveloped him completely.
The jolting of his muscles which had been growing more violent by the minute gradually began to calm. Following her instructions the monk breathed deeply inhaling some of the soft pink vapors as he did. Soon, his nausea began to recede and the tremors stopped altogether. His vertigo ebbed away into nothing and his strength returned to normal.
The priestess slowed the flow of her powers and eventually tapered it off. The pink glow faded from her hands and she opened her eyes. “Did it work? How do you feel?”
The monk sat up slowly. “I-I think I’m okay. I feel much a lot better now. Thank you Kagome.”
“You did it!” Shippou cried ecstatically.
Kagome smiled weakly before falling back onto her bottom. She managed to catch herself on a shaky arm before she could topple over completely.
“Kagome!” her friends cried in unison.
Holding up a hand she assured “I’m okay, I’m okay.” she took a deep breath before adding, “At least I didn’t pass out this time. I think I’m getting better at this.”
Seeking to comfort her in spite of her words, Shippou dived into her lap and wrapped his short arms around her. Kagome absently began rubbing his shaggy red hair as she slowly regained her breath. The skill of using her powers to heal was one that was only recently learned and it was by no means perfected.
Fiery spirit aside, Kagome had never been much of a fighter, not in the physical sense anyway. Her friends had always protected her but she finally decided that it was time to learn how to protect herself. It was this desire that prompted her to embrace her heritage and learn to control her powers. For the last two years she had been squeezing in time whenever she could to take lessons from Kaede. She had been surprised with how much there was to learn.
The elder miko had taught her that the most powerful miko were typically able to utilize four different types of power. Purification, sealing, barriers and healing. Purification was the easiest to learn as it was the power she employed when using her sacred arrows. She soon learned that she was able to blast purification powers from the palms of her hands, and even channel the power into her bow. This ability had since come in handy for enemies that came too close. Unfortunately, she didn’t get much practice in using it because Inuyasha rarely left her side during battles. It was for that reason that she would sometimes forget that she could do it at all. Having him protect her all the time was becoming more of a hindrance than a help. She had hoped that the increase in her skills would cause the hanyou to hold a higher level of respect for her, but for the most part all he did was complain about the time she was taking away from shard collecting or chasing Naraku.
In spite of his protests however, she continued her training. She learned barriers next and then sealing. The creation of a barrier had been somewhat difficult to master as it was significantly different than what she had been used to. It required a great deal more concentration and control. Sealing was much the same, but, required more concentration still. Healing was relatively simple, but as she had not had years to perfect it, it tended to sap her strength. Her first few attempts had ended in her blacking out. Overly protective as always, Inuyasha had demanded that she stop, but Kaede had assured that it would become easier on her with repeated use. Already she could see the truth in the elder miko’s words as she yet remained conscious.
“Are you certain you are alright Kagome?” the monk’s quiet words cut into her thoughts.
“Yeah, I just need to rest for a few minutes.”
Miroku shot a surreptitious glance in the direction Inuyasha had gone before turning back to her. “Well, there’s no reason we need to leave now. Inuyasha should be back soon enough. We can just wait here for him to return.”
At the mention of the hanyou’s name Kagome’s lips twisted wryly. “Yeah.” she said quietly as she pulled Shippou a bit closer.
Seeing the crestfallen look on her friend’s face Sango added, “Maybe Kikyou has information on Naraku’s whereabouts.”
Kagome didn’t respond and lowered her head to rest her chin in Shippou’s hair. Drawing her attention Miroku gestured for the for the demon slayer to sit at his side. Sango gave him a wary look but took a place beside him anyway. Shrinking to her normal size, Kirara mewed quietly before leaping into the slayer’s lap. Quiet tension filled the air again and each of the miko’s took turns steeling covert glances at her dispirited countenance.
It was always like this when Inuyasha went after Kikyou. Everyone knew how Inuyasha felt about Kikyou, and everyone knew how Kagome felt about Inuyasha. It seemed that only the hanyou himself remained blind to it. Was he truly so oblivious, or did he simply not care?
‘You’d think I’d be used to this by now.’ Kagome scolded herself mentally. ‘It’s been four years for Kami sakes!’
Four years of traveling feudal Japan with her friends. Four years of hunting and searching for Shikon fragments. Four years of fighting demons and narrowly escaping certain death. And four years of unrequited love. ‘What’s going to happen? How is this all going to end? Eventually… eventually, Inuyasha is going to have to make a choice. He’ll have to! Who will he choose? What if… What will I do if he chooses her?’ A slight whimper was building in Kagome’s throat, but she squashed it ruthlessly. ‘No more tears!’ she told herself adamantly. ‘No more tears!! I have spent entirely too much time crying over him!’ She sighed quietly. ‘But… what can I do? I love him. Doesn’t he know how much this is hurting me?’
Chestnut eyes sparkled with unshed tears as Kagome looked to the sky. ‘Even if he does choose me… how will I feel? Will I truly be happy?’
Though she was certain of her love for Inuyasha, the young priestess was really beginning to question whether or not a future was possible with him. If she was honest with herself, the fact of the matter was that she simply could not trust him. Sure he was reliable when she was in trouble and he’d never actually lied to her, but... could he ever truly pledge his heart to her, her and her alone? Based on what she had seen the answer, if there was one, didn’t seem very promising.
A light rustle of sun parched grass drew the collective attention of his friends as Inuyasha slowly entered the clearing. Keeping his eyes carefully averted from those around him he announced, “She umm, didn’t know where he was.”
“Hmm, I guess that’s why you were gone so long.” Kagome muttered bitterly.
Even from the distance between them he heard her quiet accusation. “And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Just forget it Inuyasha.” she said quietly.
Brows drawing together in anger, the kitsune was eager to speak on her behalf. “Inuyasha! You’re such a jerk! You know how Kagome feels about…”
“No Shippou.” Kagome told him as she rose to her feet.
“But…”
The miko captured his eyes and soundlessly petitioned his silence with a beseeching look.
His shoulders slumping, the kitsune relented, but not before fixing Inuyasha with a thunderous scowl.
“Keh! Let’s just go.” said the hanyou as he kneeled slightly to offer Kagome his back. His eyes widened slightly when he felt the rough material of Kagome’s blue pants brush past him.
“I’ll walk.” he heard her say.
“Hey Kagome! What the hell’s your problem…?”
“JUST DROP IT!!” she shrieked, her voice cracking with emotion. She spun away from him and began a purposeful march heading back the way they had come.
Shrinking back momentarily, the hanyou recovered quickly a snide remark springing to his lips. Before it could be voiced however, a masculine hand came to rest upon his shoulder. “It is probably best if you leave her be for now.”
“Humph, whatever!” he said as he snatched away from the monk. He hadn’t done anything wrong! Why was everyone turning against him all of a sudden? He’d just wanted to know if Kikyou had information about Naraku.
“Fine! We’re leaving anyway!” He announced snappily as he stomped away from his friends. Making his way to the front of the front of the group, his fire rat haori brushed Kagome’s arm as he passed her by. Miroku and Sango exchanged a look before they fell into step behind the miko and hanyou.
With a heavy sigh Kagome’s anger deflated leaving only guilt in its place. She hated losing her temper with Inuyasha. It was just so hard dealing with his relationship with Kikyou. She wasn’t stupid; she knew he still had feelings for Kikyou but she also knew he had feeling for her. The extent of his feelings, however, was another matter entirely. She hated feeling so insecure about the nature of their relationship, the future of their relationship, yet she dared not ask. Sure she could be direct and just ask him how he felt about her. But for all of her fool hearted bravery, Kagome feared what his answer might be. What if he really didn’t feel for her what she felt for him? It would devastate her to hear such words.
So for the time being, she would continue to hold her silence. Ignorance was a fallacious security she knew, but for now it was the only true source of stability in her life.
_________________________________________________________________ ______
Appreciative green eyes drank in the sight offered by the dark haired male. Seated with his legs crossed in front of him, the male’s long wavy hair cascaded in dark tendrils across his masculine shoulders and down his back. The beautifully toned muscles of his torso, covered only by the bandages she herself had the privilege of applying was a sight to behold even to the innocent eyes of a young priestess.
“You seem to be doing much better Naraku-San. Soon your wounds will no longer need to be wrapped.” Izanami told him as she tucked the last strip of cloth into place. Sighing contently, she sat back on her heels to inspect her handy work.
Several yards away, Mai and Akira quietly kept watch over the proceedings while allowing the pair a measure of privacy.
“I do not trust that Naraku.” Akira murmured bitterly, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“Nor do I,” Mai agreed, “But what do you suppose he could be up to? He has yet to show any malevolent intent toward either us or Lady Iza.”
The hanyou examined her claws which glinted in the morning sun. “I do not know but the first time he tries something, I will gladly rip his throat out.”
The cat demon’s agreement was marked with a curt nod. “As long as we keep an eye on them all will be well. Lady Iza has informed me that his wounds are healing quickly and that in a few days time he will no longer require her treatment. Soon enough he will take his leave and we will no longer have to worry over him.”
“Hn.” Akira nodded as she turned her attention back to the pair. She could only hope that Mai was right.
Though their session was finished for the day, Izanami was finding that she was not ready to leave him just yet. Normally Naraku would strike up a conversation with her and she would remain for some time after his treatment had been completed. Much of their conversations had revolved around herself, her family, her friends and her upbringing as a miko. It was never anything too heavy and he always seemed to hang on her every word.
The priestess had instinctively avoided mentioning anything of her family’s legacy, the burden of the amulet they had been entrusted to keep all those centuries ago. One such as Naraku likely would not have been interested in such things anyway.
All in all, the young miko was finding that the more time she spent in his presence, the more time she wanted to spend with him. The fact that he was pleasant to look at was only one of his admirable features. Aside from that, he had been nothing but kind, gentle and attentive toward her. Returning the last of her supplies to her bag, she turned to him. He had not been as talkative today as he had been during their previous sessions.
“Naraku-San,” she began suddenly, surprising even herself, “I have told you so much about myself; perhaps it is time I learned a bit about you.” A light blush and a gentle smile softened her already girlish features as large eyes, bright with youthful innocence looked up at him in earnest anticipation.
Her words seemed to elicit a mild reaction in him, an unusual flash of eyes that came and went so quickly she was left wondering if she had imagined it. Something at the back of her mind suggested, very quietly that he had been waiting for her to ask that exact question. His expression changed in a matter of seconds and he looked at her, a disingenuous smile tilting his lips.
“My life…” he began, the forced smile dying a swift death, “My life has been fraught with many difficulties.” his voice was solemn and quiet. “You have been so kind to me, I do not wish to burden you with my problems.”
Izanami’s brows furrowed in concern. “Naraku-San, I wish to know more about you. If there is anything I can do to help I would be more than willing to aid you.” Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder she plead, “Please, Naraku-San, tell me of your troubles.”
A look of despair weighed his features as he turned away from her with a deep sigh.
“Naraku-San?” she urged quietly.
After a brief pause the hanyou began to speak. “Of the many difficulties I have faced, there is a certain individual who has been the bane of my existence. Even as we speak my life is in danger as he will stop at nothing to see me dead…” he trailed off as his eyes drew back to hers.
“Why?” she asked, trepidation and incredulity wavering her voice. “Tell me.” she prompted when he continued to remain silent.
With another deep sigh he finally continued, “Though I have done nothing to deserve it… he hates me… and he seeks to end my life. In addition, he has many powerful allies to aid him in this endeavor, while I have no one to stand in my defense. Many times I have been forced to flee from him and his comrades in order to remain alive.”
“Who? Who is this terrible person?” she asked, her voice growing increasingly anxious.
“He is an inu hanyou. His name… is Inuyasha.”
______________________________________________________ _________________
I’m surprised and glad to see that people are still a few people reading this story. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far! I really appreciate the support!