InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Secrets of the Shinju (Part II): Tortured Soul ❯ Sudden Change ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter Four

Sudden Change

Kagome woke in the middle of the night. She felt refreshed and realized she had not had any dreams. Suddenly a movement in the room caught her attention. Naraku was standing near the door watching her. She shuddered as he walked towards her. She pulled Kilala closer, prepared to put up a barrier if necessary. He had a soft look in his eyes which frightened her more than his threatening looks. He stood over her, staring at her intently and then reached out and stroked her hair.

"When you sleep, you look just like Kikyo. Now I know why InuYasha has kept you around." Fear caught in her, because she knew that Onigumo had desired Kikyo and Naraku was borne of Onigumo. He continued to stroke her hair and then his hand moved to her face. He touched her cheeks and then moved his fingers over her lips. He touched the cut on her lip, that she had received one of the times he had slapped her. Then he again moved his fingers over her cheeks that were bruised.

"Stand up." He told her, though not in a gruff voice as before. Her desire to be defiant was gone. His new attitude was frightening her and she did not wish to cross him now. She sat Kilala on the ground gently and got to her feet. He stood there looking her up and down. He then reached down and lifted her dress, again making her stomach visible.

"Why have you not healed yourself?" He stared into her eyes waiting for an answer. She thought quickly, not wanting to tell him she was saving her energy to reach out to her friends at night. "I have not mastered all of my powers yet." He looked as though he didn't believe her and then smiled. "I will have to make sure you are well nourished so that you may heal. Sleeping on this floor isn't doing you any good either. If you do as I have told you, you can have a comfortable place to sleep." He then gave her a look full of lust and continued. "Perhaps you will share my bed." Kagome began to panic. Abuse she could handle, this she couldn't. He continued to look at her and then stepped towards the door. "Tomorrow you will spend the day with me."

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Sesshoumaru readied himself early in the morning. He had to retrieve his Tokijin, before some other demon attempted to claim it. He instructed Jaken to take care of Rin while he was away, and then told Rin to remain on her best behavior while he was gone. It took him nearly two hours to get to his sword by air. It still lay on the ground where it had been hurdled. The sacred arrow still lay there as well.

He picked up his sword and then stared down at the arrow. He was still angry that the priestess had dared knock his sword away from him, though he knew the sword wanted to take him over. He then looked at his arm. It had been shortly after the incident with the winged demon that the girl had given him back his arm. He gave thought to her powers. They were indeed strong. One day she would be a powerful priestess if given the right training. As of now she was unable to do most spells she attempted. A slight smile crossed his face as he recalled her standing in front of him with bright red hair.

The fact that he was allowing himself to think of her again, annoyed him and he quickly checked his emotions. He sheathed his Tokijin and again took to the air. He couldn't help but recall that just days ago he couldn't fly, and it had been the young priestess that had tried to help him learn.

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Kagome woke that morning to the sound of Naraku's voice. He was standing in her door looking at her. The scene from the night before flashed through her mind and she shivered. He told her that his servant would be there soon to see to her. He then walked out the door. Moments later the young demoness came in and ushered Kagome to the bath. Today she was given a beautiful yellow kimono to wear and the servant spent much time brushing Kagome's hair. When she was finished she escorted Kagome to a dining room, where Naraku was waiting for her. He looked her over and then walked to her. "Please, sit down."

She didn't like the sudden change in him. She looked at him and then sat. She was brought her breakfast and he watched her closely as she ate it. She very carefully smelled each bite before she took it and then made sure to let it linger in her mouth, trying to see if she could detect any poisons. Finally she finished her meal and he informed her that he would be taking her outside. He stood and walked over to her putting his hand on her arm. She stood, not liking the idea of being alone with him at all. He led her outside and into the forest not far away. She was very happy she had gotten a chance to rest the night before. If it was necessary she would be able to put up a barrier between herself and him.

"You are foolish to remain with InuYasha. He doesn't care for you. He would die for the shell of a woman he has always been infatuated with." Kagome could hear delight in Naraku's voice as he said this. He had tried to hurt her physically, and was now apparently trying to get to her emotionally. She tried to ignore the words he said, though they held truth in them. "Even if he ever did claim you as his mate, he would only see her. You look like her, smell like her." Kagome could tell that he was no longer only speaking of InuYasha. She grew tense as Naraku's face darkened.

"You will help me get the shinju, priestess, and I will keep you here with me. Then you will help me gather the remainder of the Shikon Jewel." He looked at her with warning in his eyes. She suddenly realized he hadn't changed at all. She looked around, knowing that she wouldn't be able to get away from him. He had a tight grasp on her arm and was standing very close to her. "What makes you believe that Sesshoumaru would even listen to me?" His eyes darkened and she continued "Sesshoumaru does not like humans, least of all me. He doesn't care if you what you do to me, he told you that himself. He would let you kill me before he would allow you to blackmail him."

Naraku looked at Kagome intently and then fell into his own thoughts. A malevolent smile crossed his face. "The great demon lord has a small child. You convince him to give me the shinju or I will see that she is killed." Kagome gasped, Naraku would do what he said. Kagome made up her mind that she would contact Sesshoumaru but she would only remain long enough to warn him. She turned to Naraku and told him that she would contact the demon. He smiled at her and then put his arm around her. "I knew you would see it my way eventually, priestess."

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Kagome went to sleep that night with Sesshoumaru on her mind. She didn't know what he would do to her in his dreams. She had to be prepared to wake in great pain again. She took a deep breath and reached out to him.

She found herself outside of a castle. She was about to enter when she heard the child playing in the gardens out back. She went around and saw her playing with a two headed dragon like creature. Sesshoumaru's imp was there watching over her. He looked annoyed and even bored. Kagome walked towards the little girl and then felt her self being grabbed by the shoulder and whipped around. She stared into the golden eyes of the demon lord. He looked as though he wanted to kill her. Suddenly both heard the little girl scream as Naraku approached her. Kagome threw up a spirit barrier around the child and turned to Sesshoumaru. "Naraku intends to harm your child if you don't give him the shinju. Protect her and no matter what don't give it to him!"

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Kagome awoke from her dream and looked around the room. She didn't know what had just happened. Was Naraku really there? No, it was most likely Hitomi's doing. Kagome sat up and hugged her knees tightly. Suddenly her door was opened and Naraku walked in. In his hand he again carried the dagger. She winced, knowing what was about to happen.