InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ After Midnight ( Chapter 6 )
[ 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: 09.15.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 341 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 09.15.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 341 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
After Midnight
______________________________________________________________ __________
“What the hell are you doing here, Sesshoumaru?”
Kagome immediately stood and moved to Inuyasha’s side refusing to be pushed behind him. He and Sesshoumaru still fought nearly every time they met, but somehow she had the feeling that neither of them truly desired to kill the other… not anymore at least. She was beginning to suspect that the brothers had developed a sort of grudging respect for one another. But, because of their dominant personalities neither of them would ever be back down from a challenge posed by the other so it was nearly impossible for them to get along.
Though the quarrels between them tended to be less bloody these days, Inuyasha remained wary of his older brother. It was probably for the best as Sesshoumaru was an extremely unpredictable character. While she didn’t think he would kill the hanyou, he never displayed any qualms about inflicting bodily injury.
Sesshoumaru took in the sight of his sibling and the human female who could often be found by his side. Though his expression had hardly changed from its usual stoic mask, a faint wrinkle of his nose indicated an air of distaste.
“What do you know of Naraku’s whereabouts?” he asked suddenly.
“What?!”
The demon lord narrowed his eyes at the whelp‘s tone. “Do not try my patience Inuyasha. I will not repeat my question as I am certain you heard me the first time.”
Having detected traces of miasma, Sesshoumaru had traveled south to locate Naraku’s latest castle. When he arrived however, the place had already been destroyed. The scents together with the deep scars that marred the earth told him that the hanyou and his comrades had made it there first.
Kagome placed a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder, silently requesting that he remain calm. The hanyou released a low huff before he began to speak. “We don’t know were he is. We just got back from a wild goose chase! We found his castle, but the bastard wasn’t there.”
Kagome shrugged lightly. “It wasn’t a total waste Inuyasha, at least we killed off a bunch of his demons. Besides, I think it was quite break through! It’s the first real sign we’ve seen of him in months.”
“Keh!”
“Hn.” Having rediscovered the uselessness of his half-breed brother, Sesshoumaru turned to leave. Before he had taken two steps back toward the edge of the clearing, a petite figure rapidly emerged from the trees.
“Lord Sesshoumaru! Master Jaken is being mean to me again!”
“Get back here you insolent child!” the imp’s shrill voice cried from behind her. The dragon demon Ah-Un was the last to emerge.
The bright-eyed eleven year-old immediately forgot her previous complaint when her eyes landed on the young miko. “Lady Kagome!” she cried gleefully as she ran the remaining distance to the other female.
“Rin!” Kagome barely managed to maintain her balance as the girl barreled into her. Her small arms wrapped around the miko’s waste drawing her into a tight hug. Kagome returned her embrace and smiled down on her. “It’s so good to see you again Rin!”
Though they did not get to spend much time together, both females had taken an instant liking of one another. It began the very day they met. “How have you been?” Kagome asked quietly, a gentle smile softening her already feminine features.
“I’ve been really good!” the girl responded exuberantly. “Look!” the girl opened her mouth wide to display a small tooth that was apparently just growing in. “I lost my last baby tooth, but it’s finally growing back!
“Wow!” Kagome exclaimed excitedly. “That’s great! I can’t believe how much you’re growing up!”
Having tired of the syrupy display, Sesshoumaru decided to break his silence. “Rin, we’re going.”
Before he could turn away from them he caught an uneasy look in the girl’s eyes. She pivoted on her heel to face him fully. He could tell she was a little nervous but remembering the lessons he had taught her, she held her head high and successfully repressed the urge to fidget with her fingers. “Lord Sesshoumaru, would it be okay if I stayed with Lady Kagome for a little while?”
The entire group fell silent, surprised at the girl’s sudden request. Kagome snuck a glance at Sesshoumaru, noticing a slight narrowing of his eyes. It made her feel slightly nervous though she couldn’t figure out exactly why. Then, to her surprise the demon lord’s gaze shifted to focus on her. Though his expression held all the emotion of a brick wall, she was left with the distinct impression that he was asking her if it was okay.
“I’d love that.” Kagome announced to no one in particular before everyone’s attention went back to Sesshoumaru.
A moment of silence passed between them before he turned his attention back to the girl.
“You will remain in the village for two days. I will return for you after that time.”
“No wa--!” Inuyasha’s protest was cut shor by a surprisingly strong pair of hands covering his mouth. Kagome held the hanyou tightly as she gave the demon lord a placating smile.
Sesshoumaru turned an unreadable expression upon her causing a bead of sweat to form on her brow. His attention eventually turned back to his ward.
“Ah-Un will remain as well.” he intoned evenly. He held no particular distrust for the miko, but the dragon’s reliability was proven. On more than one occasion the creature had shown itself willing to guard the girl with its life.
Deciding to take his leave, the inu lord spun away from the them intending to head back from whence he came. Before he took his first step however, a thought occurred and he glanced at the priestess over his shoulder.
“She is well and uninjured at this time. I expect to find her in the same condition upon my return.”
Not missing the thinly veiled warning, Kagome could not suppress the faint jolt of nerves that shook her petite frame. “Yes… of course!” she assured, a big phony smile on her lips.
With that, the demon lord was off, disappearing into the tree line from which he came. The diminutive imp glanced back at the girl before quickly shuffling after his lord.
Inuyasha finally shrugged away from the miko and turned a thunderous scowl on her. “Why’d you agree to keep the brat?! We don’t have time to be babysitting! We need to find Naraku!”
Kagome’s face flushed with anger, her hands instantly fisting at her sides. “Don’t be so rude and don’t call her a brat! Besides, it’s just a lousy couple of days and it’s not like we have any new leads on where Naraku might be!”
The hanyou folded his hands into his sleeves and turned away from her. “That doesn’t mean we should stop looking!”
Kagome rolled her eyes. “Oh, get over it Inuyasha. It’s just two days. Besides, if we miraculously come across some new information on Naraku, we can always let Kaede watch her until we get back.”
“Keh!”
Kagome ignored him this time and turned her attention back to Rin. “Shippou’s going to be really excited to see you!”
‘So it has finally begun.’ Sesshoumaru thought as he made his departure. It was only to be expected that Rin would eventually wish to be among her own kind. She was growing older now. In just a few short years she would be a woman. Though the notion of separating from the child was not a pleasant one, he decided it was for the best. This was probably a good time to begin the process of reintroducing her to human society.
_________________________________________________________ _______________
“I am so sorry you have endured such heartache, I wish there was something I could do.” Izanami told him quietly.
A moment of silence passed between them before Naraku responded, “Perhaps…perhaps there is.”
Really?” she sounded hopeful. “Like what?”
Barely suppressing the urge to smirk, Naraku met her eyes. “Some time ago I learned of a legendary red dragon and an amulet which can be used to control it.”
Izanami’s heart skipped a beat but she willed herself not to react visibly. Did he know her family was entrusted to guard the amulet? Would he ask her for the amulet?
“For the past year I have sought information on both the dragon and the amulet. So far I have yet to find anything of significance. As it is, I do not stand a chance against Inuyasha and his comrades. I had hoped to employ the dragon in order to defend myself.” His gleaming red eyes bored into her as he asked, “Do you know of the amulet of Makka Doragon?”
The miko’s eyes widened slightly before she averted her gaze. “Yes… I have heard of it.” she began hesitantly.
His eyes brightened dangerously. “Do you know anything of its current location?”
Indecision coursed through her veins as the miko considered his question. From her childhood she had been told not to reveal information regarding either the dragon or the amulet to any outsiders. Over and over again, she had been told the story of Kanagawa Youichi, the leopard demon who had originally possessed the amulet. It had been ingrained into her memory that he was the merciless emperor who, because of his complete control of the dragon had gone mad with power. She well knew that revealing her family’s connection to the amulet was immensely dangerous. But Naraku was not a dangerous person… was he? She did not know him well, but he didn’t seem to be prone to megalomaniacal tendencies or raging insanity.
The hanyou watched her with gleaming red eyes and patiently awaited her response. He did not miss how she nervously chewed her lower lip, an act he found oddly enticing.
“No.” she finally said. “I do not know of the amulet’s location.”
Her statement was not entirely untrue. She had a rough idea where the relic was housed, but she had never actually seen it. For as many times as she had been told the tale, she was given little information regarding either the location of the amulet or the dragon itself.
“How unfortunate.” his voice came as in a heavy sigh.
Seeing his crestfallen expression, Izanami dared to venture, “But, I may be able to obtain some information for you.” She was still extremely conflicted as to what she should do. She knew that she should not reveal any of the information with which her family had been entrusted, yet she truly wished to help him. Suddenly, she was jolted out of her troubling thoughts by the feminine voice of Akira.
“Forgive the intrusion Lady Iza, but we must be leaving soon.”
The miko inclined her head absently. “I will join you momentarily.”
The female nodded her understanding before turning to leave. Glancing back over her shoulder she stole a quick glance at the one called Naraku, an unpleasant shutter rolling down her spine at the tiny smirk he wore. Something about him simply rubbed her the wrong way. She truly did not trust him. Reluctantly she departed to rejoin the cat demon Mai. Hopefully, they would depart from this place soon.
A moment of silence passed between the remaining pair before Izanami spoke again. “I-I must be going Naraku-San.” She took on a melancholy expression before she continued, “Your wounds will no longer require treatment soon. A few more days at most. I trust you will be here tomorrow?” When he inclined his head in reply she said, “I-I will see what information I can locate in regards to the amulet. If I am able to find anything of use, I will inform you as soon as possible.”
He gave another curt nod before rising to his feet. He extended a hand offering to help her up. Finally stirring from her troubled thoughts the miko slowly reached forward and took his hand. In spite of his injuries he easily pulled her to her feet. Color flooded to the woman’s cheeks as she looked up to meet his gaze. “Th-thank you Naraku-San.”
“Please, there is no need for such formality. You may simply call me Naraku.” His voice was a silken caress that she stirred the fine hairs on her skin making it impossible for her to ignore their close proximity. Feeling strangely warm, Izanami gently tried to withdraw her hand from his. He made no move to release her.
“N-Naraku?”
Her eyes widened in surprise, as his free arm went around her waist. He drew her into a gentle embrace and gazed deeply into her eyes. Izanami’s breath caught in her throat, as she took in the unusually warm look of his crimson orbs.
“Izanami, you have been far too kind to me during this difficult time. I am immensely grateful for everything you have done.” A small smile formed on his lips before he continued, “I am almost disappointed that my wounds are healing so well. I must confess that I have rather enjoyed your company.” A light sigh passed through his lips. “It is rather unfortunate, really. Once I leave here, I am uncertain as to when or if I will see you again.”
Her eyes widened with alarm as the unspoken implication settled into her mind. “Naraku, you must not say such things!”
A melancholic smile curved his lips. “Do not worry yourself over this Naraku. I have long ago accepted the possibility of my own demise at Inuyasha’s hand. I merely wish to keep the jewel out of his reach. With the completed Shikon jewel, he would become a full demon and wreak havoc across these lands.”
He slowly released her from his embrace while also letting go of her small hand. Izanami’s mind was in turmoil, her thought conflicting and tumultuous causing a slow ache to bloom at her temples. She had no idea what to say to him. She hated the idea that he might be killed. She wanted to help him but…
“I shall see you tomorrow then?” he asked quietly, his smooth voice drawing her attention from her inner confusion.
“Oh… yes. Of course… tomorrow.”
With that, she slowly walked away leaving him alone near the mouth of the cave.
Shimmering crimson eyes watched as she shrank into the backdrop, a tiny malevolent smirk tilting the edge of his lips.
____________________________________________________________ ___________
That night, Izanami had been overwhelmed with emotional turmoil. What should she do? If she handed over the amulet, she would be betraying her family and possibly exposing all of Japan to danger. But if she didn’t, she would be turning her back to Naraku and leaving him to the mercy of his enemies.
Though she had not known him for very long, she had actually developed a rather deep attachment to the handsome male. She did not wish to see him come to harm.
For the better part of the night the miko lay awake in her bed, the sleep she needed to sooth her addled mind evading her.
The next day she went to see Naraku again. As usual, she tended his injuries and brought him food. To her surprise, the male mentioned nothing of the amulet or the dragon. So, neither did she. Instead, they had engaged in mostly mundane conversation, much of which pertained to her.
He had asked her about her exotic features. She appeared entirely human, but most of the people of the region tended to have dark hair and brown eyes. Her hair was fairly light and her eyes were green.
It was a that time that she revealed to him that she was actually one quarter panther youkai. Her mother was a human priestess and her father hanyou. She explained that her mixed blood allowed her to live a much longer life than a someone who was fully human, but it did not allow her the immense spiritual powers of her mother and grand mother.
She did not lament her mixed parentage, she told him. It was a trade off in a way. Weakened spiritual powers in exchange for a longer life. She found it to be a fair trade.
Izanami nervously looked out of her window. It was late. Really, really late. Her parents would likely retire to their bedchamber soon. A sense of nervous anticipation washed over her. Should she really go?
Today had marked the end of Naraku’s treatment. She had removed the last bandages and found that his wounds were healed enough that they no longer needed to be bound. It was a bitter sweet moment really. She was of course happy to see him well, but she was also saddened by the fact that she might not ever see him again. Might never touch his silken, but masculine skin or feel his strong arms wrap around her. He had embraced her again today before she left.
They had spent a good portion of the day simply enjoying one another’s company. He surprised however, by again not speaking of the amulet. She had wondered what he must have been thinking. Had he resigned himself to an early death by the hands of the inu hanyou? He had told her that he needed to be on his way soon, but he requested that she meet him back at the cave one lat time… after midnight.
He asked her to come alone…
Izanami’s face grew beet red at the memory. The look in his eyes at that moment had given her an odd feeling, a little frightening, though not unpleasant. Quite the contrary actually. She wrung her hands nervously as she listened to the sound of her parent’s shoji screen open and close. They had retired for the night. Her heart began to race. Should she really go? Should she sneak out alone and meet with Naraku one last time? What could he want? He hadn’t asked her to bring the amulet or said anything that sounded suspicious.
As she sat up on her futon, the image of his handsome face solid in her mind. A quiet sigh escaped her. Really, she shouldn’t have to sneak out. She was an adult now. If not for her father’s over protectiveness, she would be treated as the woman she truly was!
A look of determination hardened her features as she came to a decision. Her miko powers were not extremely potent, but she could sense auras well enough to know that no one was nearby. Looking out her window, she confirmed what she had already determined to be true. Satisfied, the priestess leapt out of the window. Landing quietly, she scanned her surroundings again before she bounded forward and stole away into the night.
________________________________________________________________ ________
Okay, another chapter edited. Just FYI for the people who were already been reading this story, chapter 42 is now available on Dokuga.
For the new readers, (if there are any) don’t be shy about reviewing!
After Midnight
______________________________________________________________ __________
“What the hell are you doing here, Sesshoumaru?”
Kagome immediately stood and moved to Inuyasha’s side refusing to be pushed behind him. He and Sesshoumaru still fought nearly every time they met, but somehow she had the feeling that neither of them truly desired to kill the other… not anymore at least. She was beginning to suspect that the brothers had developed a sort of grudging respect for one another. But, because of their dominant personalities neither of them would ever be back down from a challenge posed by the other so it was nearly impossible for them to get along.
Though the quarrels between them tended to be less bloody these days, Inuyasha remained wary of his older brother. It was probably for the best as Sesshoumaru was an extremely unpredictable character. While she didn’t think he would kill the hanyou, he never displayed any qualms about inflicting bodily injury.
Sesshoumaru took in the sight of his sibling and the human female who could often be found by his side. Though his expression had hardly changed from its usual stoic mask, a faint wrinkle of his nose indicated an air of distaste.
“What do you know of Naraku’s whereabouts?” he asked suddenly.
“What?!”
The demon lord narrowed his eyes at the whelp‘s tone. “Do not try my patience Inuyasha. I will not repeat my question as I am certain you heard me the first time.”
Having detected traces of miasma, Sesshoumaru had traveled south to locate Naraku’s latest castle. When he arrived however, the place had already been destroyed. The scents together with the deep scars that marred the earth told him that the hanyou and his comrades had made it there first.
Kagome placed a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder, silently requesting that he remain calm. The hanyou released a low huff before he began to speak. “We don’t know were he is. We just got back from a wild goose chase! We found his castle, but the bastard wasn’t there.”
Kagome shrugged lightly. “It wasn’t a total waste Inuyasha, at least we killed off a bunch of his demons. Besides, I think it was quite break through! It’s the first real sign we’ve seen of him in months.”
“Keh!”
“Hn.” Having rediscovered the uselessness of his half-breed brother, Sesshoumaru turned to leave. Before he had taken two steps back toward the edge of the clearing, a petite figure rapidly emerged from the trees.
“Lord Sesshoumaru! Master Jaken is being mean to me again!”
“Get back here you insolent child!” the imp’s shrill voice cried from behind her. The dragon demon Ah-Un was the last to emerge.
The bright-eyed eleven year-old immediately forgot her previous complaint when her eyes landed on the young miko. “Lady Kagome!” she cried gleefully as she ran the remaining distance to the other female.
“Rin!” Kagome barely managed to maintain her balance as the girl barreled into her. Her small arms wrapped around the miko’s waste drawing her into a tight hug. Kagome returned her embrace and smiled down on her. “It’s so good to see you again Rin!”
Though they did not get to spend much time together, both females had taken an instant liking of one another. It began the very day they met. “How have you been?” Kagome asked quietly, a gentle smile softening her already feminine features.
“I’ve been really good!” the girl responded exuberantly. “Look!” the girl opened her mouth wide to display a small tooth that was apparently just growing in. “I lost my last baby tooth, but it’s finally growing back!
“Wow!” Kagome exclaimed excitedly. “That’s great! I can’t believe how much you’re growing up!”
Having tired of the syrupy display, Sesshoumaru decided to break his silence. “Rin, we’re going.”
Before he could turn away from them he caught an uneasy look in the girl’s eyes. She pivoted on her heel to face him fully. He could tell she was a little nervous but remembering the lessons he had taught her, she held her head high and successfully repressed the urge to fidget with her fingers. “Lord Sesshoumaru, would it be okay if I stayed with Lady Kagome for a little while?”
The entire group fell silent, surprised at the girl’s sudden request. Kagome snuck a glance at Sesshoumaru, noticing a slight narrowing of his eyes. It made her feel slightly nervous though she couldn’t figure out exactly why. Then, to her surprise the demon lord’s gaze shifted to focus on her. Though his expression held all the emotion of a brick wall, she was left with the distinct impression that he was asking her if it was okay.
“I’d love that.” Kagome announced to no one in particular before everyone’s attention went back to Sesshoumaru.
A moment of silence passed between them before he turned his attention back to the girl.
“You will remain in the village for two days. I will return for you after that time.”
“No wa--!” Inuyasha’s protest was cut shor by a surprisingly strong pair of hands covering his mouth. Kagome held the hanyou tightly as she gave the demon lord a placating smile.
Sesshoumaru turned an unreadable expression upon her causing a bead of sweat to form on her brow. His attention eventually turned back to his ward.
“Ah-Un will remain as well.” he intoned evenly. He held no particular distrust for the miko, but the dragon’s reliability was proven. On more than one occasion the creature had shown itself willing to guard the girl with its life.
Deciding to take his leave, the inu lord spun away from the them intending to head back from whence he came. Before he took his first step however, a thought occurred and he glanced at the priestess over his shoulder.
“She is well and uninjured at this time. I expect to find her in the same condition upon my return.”
Not missing the thinly veiled warning, Kagome could not suppress the faint jolt of nerves that shook her petite frame. “Yes… of course!” she assured, a big phony smile on her lips.
With that, the demon lord was off, disappearing into the tree line from which he came. The diminutive imp glanced back at the girl before quickly shuffling after his lord.
Inuyasha finally shrugged away from the miko and turned a thunderous scowl on her. “Why’d you agree to keep the brat?! We don’t have time to be babysitting! We need to find Naraku!”
Kagome’s face flushed with anger, her hands instantly fisting at her sides. “Don’t be so rude and don’t call her a brat! Besides, it’s just a lousy couple of days and it’s not like we have any new leads on where Naraku might be!”
The hanyou folded his hands into his sleeves and turned away from her. “That doesn’t mean we should stop looking!”
Kagome rolled her eyes. “Oh, get over it Inuyasha. It’s just two days. Besides, if we miraculously come across some new information on Naraku, we can always let Kaede watch her until we get back.”
“Keh!”
Kagome ignored him this time and turned her attention back to Rin. “Shippou’s going to be really excited to see you!”
‘So it has finally begun.’ Sesshoumaru thought as he made his departure. It was only to be expected that Rin would eventually wish to be among her own kind. She was growing older now. In just a few short years she would be a woman. Though the notion of separating from the child was not a pleasant one, he decided it was for the best. This was probably a good time to begin the process of reintroducing her to human society.
_________________________________________________________ _______________
“I am so sorry you have endured such heartache, I wish there was something I could do.” Izanami told him quietly.
A moment of silence passed between them before Naraku responded, “Perhaps…perhaps there is.”
Really?” she sounded hopeful. “Like what?”
Barely suppressing the urge to smirk, Naraku met her eyes. “Some time ago I learned of a legendary red dragon and an amulet which can be used to control it.”
Izanami’s heart skipped a beat but she willed herself not to react visibly. Did he know her family was entrusted to guard the amulet? Would he ask her for the amulet?
“For the past year I have sought information on both the dragon and the amulet. So far I have yet to find anything of significance. As it is, I do not stand a chance against Inuyasha and his comrades. I had hoped to employ the dragon in order to defend myself.” His gleaming red eyes bored into her as he asked, “Do you know of the amulet of Makka Doragon?”
The miko’s eyes widened slightly before she averted her gaze. “Yes… I have heard of it.” she began hesitantly.
His eyes brightened dangerously. “Do you know anything of its current location?”
Indecision coursed through her veins as the miko considered his question. From her childhood she had been told not to reveal information regarding either the dragon or the amulet to any outsiders. Over and over again, she had been told the story of Kanagawa Youichi, the leopard demon who had originally possessed the amulet. It had been ingrained into her memory that he was the merciless emperor who, because of his complete control of the dragon had gone mad with power. She well knew that revealing her family’s connection to the amulet was immensely dangerous. But Naraku was not a dangerous person… was he? She did not know him well, but he didn’t seem to be prone to megalomaniacal tendencies or raging insanity.
The hanyou watched her with gleaming red eyes and patiently awaited her response. He did not miss how she nervously chewed her lower lip, an act he found oddly enticing.
“No.” she finally said. “I do not know of the amulet’s location.”
Her statement was not entirely untrue. She had a rough idea where the relic was housed, but she had never actually seen it. For as many times as she had been told the tale, she was given little information regarding either the location of the amulet or the dragon itself.
“How unfortunate.” his voice came as in a heavy sigh.
Seeing his crestfallen expression, Izanami dared to venture, “But, I may be able to obtain some information for you.” She was still extremely conflicted as to what she should do. She knew that she should not reveal any of the information with which her family had been entrusted, yet she truly wished to help him. Suddenly, she was jolted out of her troubling thoughts by the feminine voice of Akira.
“Forgive the intrusion Lady Iza, but we must be leaving soon.”
The miko inclined her head absently. “I will join you momentarily.”
The female nodded her understanding before turning to leave. Glancing back over her shoulder she stole a quick glance at the one called Naraku, an unpleasant shutter rolling down her spine at the tiny smirk he wore. Something about him simply rubbed her the wrong way. She truly did not trust him. Reluctantly she departed to rejoin the cat demon Mai. Hopefully, they would depart from this place soon.
A moment of silence passed between the remaining pair before Izanami spoke again. “I-I must be going Naraku-San.” She took on a melancholy expression before she continued, “Your wounds will no longer require treatment soon. A few more days at most. I trust you will be here tomorrow?” When he inclined his head in reply she said, “I-I will see what information I can locate in regards to the amulet. If I am able to find anything of use, I will inform you as soon as possible.”
He gave another curt nod before rising to his feet. He extended a hand offering to help her up. Finally stirring from her troubled thoughts the miko slowly reached forward and took his hand. In spite of his injuries he easily pulled her to her feet. Color flooded to the woman’s cheeks as she looked up to meet his gaze. “Th-thank you Naraku-San.”
“Please, there is no need for such formality. You may simply call me Naraku.” His voice was a silken caress that she stirred the fine hairs on her skin making it impossible for her to ignore their close proximity. Feeling strangely warm, Izanami gently tried to withdraw her hand from his. He made no move to release her.
“N-Naraku?”
Her eyes widened in surprise, as his free arm went around her waist. He drew her into a gentle embrace and gazed deeply into her eyes. Izanami’s breath caught in her throat, as she took in the unusually warm look of his crimson orbs.
“Izanami, you have been far too kind to me during this difficult time. I am immensely grateful for everything you have done.” A small smile formed on his lips before he continued, “I am almost disappointed that my wounds are healing so well. I must confess that I have rather enjoyed your company.” A light sigh passed through his lips. “It is rather unfortunate, really. Once I leave here, I am uncertain as to when or if I will see you again.”
Her eyes widened with alarm as the unspoken implication settled into her mind. “Naraku, you must not say such things!”
A melancholic smile curved his lips. “Do not worry yourself over this Naraku. I have long ago accepted the possibility of my own demise at Inuyasha’s hand. I merely wish to keep the jewel out of his reach. With the completed Shikon jewel, he would become a full demon and wreak havoc across these lands.”
He slowly released her from his embrace while also letting go of her small hand. Izanami’s mind was in turmoil, her thought conflicting and tumultuous causing a slow ache to bloom at her temples. She had no idea what to say to him. She hated the idea that he might be killed. She wanted to help him but…
“I shall see you tomorrow then?” he asked quietly, his smooth voice drawing her attention from her inner confusion.
“Oh… yes. Of course… tomorrow.”
With that, she slowly walked away leaving him alone near the mouth of the cave.
Shimmering crimson eyes watched as she shrank into the backdrop, a tiny malevolent smirk tilting the edge of his lips.
____________________________________________________________ ___________
That night, Izanami had been overwhelmed with emotional turmoil. What should she do? If she handed over the amulet, she would be betraying her family and possibly exposing all of Japan to danger. But if she didn’t, she would be turning her back to Naraku and leaving him to the mercy of his enemies.
Though she had not known him for very long, she had actually developed a rather deep attachment to the handsome male. She did not wish to see him come to harm.
For the better part of the night the miko lay awake in her bed, the sleep she needed to sooth her addled mind evading her.
The next day she went to see Naraku again. As usual, she tended his injuries and brought him food. To her surprise, the male mentioned nothing of the amulet or the dragon. So, neither did she. Instead, they had engaged in mostly mundane conversation, much of which pertained to her.
He had asked her about her exotic features. She appeared entirely human, but most of the people of the region tended to have dark hair and brown eyes. Her hair was fairly light and her eyes were green.
It was a that time that she revealed to him that she was actually one quarter panther youkai. Her mother was a human priestess and her father hanyou. She explained that her mixed blood allowed her to live a much longer life than a someone who was fully human, but it did not allow her the immense spiritual powers of her mother and grand mother.
She did not lament her mixed parentage, she told him. It was a trade off in a way. Weakened spiritual powers in exchange for a longer life. She found it to be a fair trade.
Izanami nervously looked out of her window. It was late. Really, really late. Her parents would likely retire to their bedchamber soon. A sense of nervous anticipation washed over her. Should she really go?
Today had marked the end of Naraku’s treatment. She had removed the last bandages and found that his wounds were healed enough that they no longer needed to be bound. It was a bitter sweet moment really. She was of course happy to see him well, but she was also saddened by the fact that she might not ever see him again. Might never touch his silken, but masculine skin or feel his strong arms wrap around her. He had embraced her again today before she left.
They had spent a good portion of the day simply enjoying one another’s company. He surprised however, by again not speaking of the amulet. She had wondered what he must have been thinking. Had he resigned himself to an early death by the hands of the inu hanyou? He had told her that he needed to be on his way soon, but he requested that she meet him back at the cave one lat time… after midnight.
He asked her to come alone…
Izanami’s face grew beet red at the memory. The look in his eyes at that moment had given her an odd feeling, a little frightening, though not unpleasant. Quite the contrary actually. She wrung her hands nervously as she listened to the sound of her parent’s shoji screen open and close. They had retired for the night. Her heart began to race. Should she really go? Should she sneak out alone and meet with Naraku one last time? What could he want? He hadn’t asked her to bring the amulet or said anything that sounded suspicious.
As she sat up on her futon, the image of his handsome face solid in her mind. A quiet sigh escaped her. Really, she shouldn’t have to sneak out. She was an adult now. If not for her father’s over protectiveness, she would be treated as the woman she truly was!
A look of determination hardened her features as she came to a decision. Her miko powers were not extremely potent, but she could sense auras well enough to know that no one was nearby. Looking out her window, she confirmed what she had already determined to be true. Satisfied, the priestess leapt out of the window. Landing quietly, she scanned her surroundings again before she bounded forward and stole away into the night.
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Okay, another chapter edited. Just FYI for the people who were already been reading this story, chapter 42 is now available on Dokuga.
For the new readers, (if there are any) don’t be shy about reviewing!