InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Siren Sisters ❯ Senses ( Chapter 7 )

CHAPTER 7: SENSES

 

Well, the time passed quickly. They never expected to open so fast. Or for the place to look so good. Outside, the bottom stones of the tavern, I mean, pub were re-grouted, a clay substitute giving it a lighter appearance. The walls were improved, cleaned and sealed with tar, thanks to a local miner who gave them a good price for gathering from the tar pits north of there. They redid the roof, so no leaks or creaking was heard. Out back, the girls had by hand made a small barn, with five stalls and a small paddock, for the horses for travelers seeking lodging. And to complete it, their grandfather made them the sign that now hung over the door, his old carving skills coming out one last time. It was oval, with a crescent moon near the top. And it read in Japanese, `The Siren Sisters'. That had made them cry. The inside was just as good. Fresh floors, new tables, the low kind, and cushions, a new shiny oak bar with shelves. The kitchen had been fixed to rin's liking, so she could move around. Upstairs was fixed, three rent rooms, and one for Kagome's healing. The cold cellar was clean and empty. Now all they needed was the food.

 

It had been three weeks since Kagome had ordered her purchase, and McKenna had promised that date. So she packed up the gold pieces and peppermint oil for the captain, and hooked up the old nag to the cart. She left early, so as to be at the ports on time. But she smiled on her way there. He had been so kind to her, cutting the price and all. Not to mention her little favor. Well, maybe it's not little. She sighed, giddy. She'd never thought she'd see him again. And oh by the mother she missed him. She snorted. What was she saying, it sounded like she pinned for a man. There was no chance of that. First of all, she was careful with her choosing. She didn't just swoon for any old croon, no she would choose wisely. Second, no man showed interest.

 

Kagome's shoulders sagged, and her hold on the reins loosened. That is, no man did, but a half breed did. Inuyasha. To the goddess he was a mystery to her! First he's insulting her, then chatting with her, then trying to seduce her! Would he make up his mind! There was only room for so much. But the memory of that night, by the pond, still haunted her. She pursed her lips. What was it about him that got to her? And what had his request for her to sing about? It was like the moment she told him she could sing he had been all fluttery. Nervous. And it unnerved her. Why would it have affected him so? That look on his face, it was like he had been enlightened or something. But she had to admit, he had gotten to her, badly. That one close call had her tossing and turning in her sleep with dreams not appropriate for a virgin. She blushed just thinking about it.

 

She shook her head clear. Get your mind from the gutter woman, you don't have time for this! It was by this time, that she noticed the nag had stopped completely. But that wasn't what frightened her. It was the fact she could see the whites of his eyes, foam formed at his mouth, and he trembling slightly. She tensed instantly, and her eyes darted. How could she have not noticed he was nervous, frantic? Scared stock still? Her hands started shaking on the reins, so tight her knuckles were white. She heard all go still. No birds, no bugs, no wind. Not good.

 

And that's when it hit her. It was like a huge gale out of nowhere, with only one goal. Kagome. It punched right into her, knocking the wind from her, and bent her back. The horse neighed and reared, but was caught stuck in the harness. And Kagome stared to the heavens.

 

She had never felt this way. So light, so out of body. It was dark, so dark. And raining, heavily. She whirled around, looking for anything. She spun a few times, and finally saw a light. It beamed from the dark, highlighting rain drops and a fallen form on the ground, soaked to the bone. But it head was jerked back tightly, and it only hung limply. She gasped. It had white hair.

 

“Inuyasha!” she cried and dashed to him, but skidded to a stop when his head snapped up. And she felt her heart freeze. His eyes, they were so red, blood red. And his fangs, so sharp and long. And it looked like purple scratches on his face, gracing his cheeks. He growled deeply, and snarled drooling blood. His hands reached out to her, and she saw his claws covered in blood. Tears fell from her eyes and she backed desperately. But his snarling stopped when he was suddenly jerked back, like on a leash, and he clawed at it. She noticed it was a whip, thick and strong, and it was wrapped tightly around his neck. She went to help him, even though she might be ripped to shreds, but was frozen still when she heard laughing. A cold, blood freezing, curdling laugh, something you would here of the god of Hades. Shaking, she risked to look up, and saw glowing red eyes peering at her amused. The whip was jerked again, and she heard a sickening crack before Inuyasha fell to the ground. And she screamed.

 

Only to wake up, spread uncomfortably on the ground she had fallen to. She groaned, holding her pounding head. Her stomach wasn't much better. She stood up and wobbled a bit, and saw the horse was going crazy. With out thinking, Kagome went up and quickly grabbed his halter, slamming him down and put a comforting hand to his head, whispering soothing words to him. He calmed some, but still rolled his eyes when thunder clapped. Kagome looked to the east, and saw a storm brewing. But it wasn't normal. What storm would have purple lightening? She stared at it, panting. She knew what just happened.

 

“The winds of change…”

 

&------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------&

 

“Really mother, must I go with you every time you want to go to the ports?” Inuyasha grumbled, relaxing in the carriage as his mother stopped them again to look at vendors. She scowled at him.

 

“I only came here for one thing Inuyasha stop complaining. I'm only looking for the new import of silk from China; I heard they make the best. I plan to make the wedding kimono soon.”

 

He groaned. Not this again. “Okaa-san! I told you, I'll marry when I see fit.”

 

She continued looking through the crowds, “and by then, your father and I will be buried. He's getting impatient, as am I Inuyasha. If you don't look, we'll look for you.”

 

He crossed his arms and mumbled, his mother ignoring him for the time being. He found someone, they just didn't know it yet. Neither did she. He sighed unhappily. Kagome. What he would give to see her right now. He hadn't the courage to call on her, and she didn't come back to the pond. But what would his mother think if he called on a peasant girl? He snorted. What should he care? He wanted Kagome as his wife, mate, lover, whatever! All he knew was that she was the one. He wanted her, and no one else. And if his parents disapproved, then too bad. He'd give up his title if need be, as long as he was with Kagome. But first thing was first, he needed to actually talk to her, explain what had happened. He couldn't count the numerous times he had scolded himself and his stupidity. He just had to drive her away.

 

“Oh look Inuyasha! There it is! And I see the most beautiful white silk just waiting for us!” lady Nailah squealed, and headed that way, forcing her son to get up and out of the carriage. Gods only what people would dare rob his mother.

 

A neigh like a scream pierced the air.

 

Many other people screamed, making it hard for him to pinpoint where his mother was. But when he heard her scream, he knew where. He pushed people out of the way, and found her frozen stiff in fear. Another neigh was heard, and Inuyasha turned wide eyes to it.

 

At least five men were struggling with the beast, all ropes around its neck. But it stilled bucked and neighed, rearing to strike at any who dare near it. The whites of its dark eyes showed and rolled, and it snapped at the nearest arm with its yellow teeth. He was a large one, at least seventeen hands high, his muscular build proving a challenge. It reared again, and threw it head, black mane whipping out. If it wasn't for the red shine of it coat, people thought it was black. Its hooves thundered on the dock, and the stallion screamed another neigh. Muscles bunching, it gave one good kick and buck, and the men were thrown from their ropes. Its nostrils flared, and it had a deadly look to its eye. And it charged. Right at Lady Nailah and Inuyasha. Inuyasha gasped, ready to jump in surprise at its speed. It was fast, faster than any he had seen. He grabbed his mother and crouched.

 

A low whistle was heard over the crowd, and its ears perked forward. It suddenly bore down and slide t a stop right in front of the startled family. The stood frozen in shock, but the horse's ears lowered a bit, and its eyes softened. Nailah eeped as it suddenly took its nose and nuzzled her hand apologetically. She puttered, but raised her hand and the horse pushed its forehead into her hand, asking for forgiveness. She smiled a little and ran her delicate hand through it long black bangs. Inuyasha watched her dubiously. The horse sighed contently as his mother scratched between its eyes. But it jerked its head up as hooves were heard, and he looked behind him to see and another horse come from the boat, a cute palomino mare, and she neighed worriedly.

 

Another whistle came, this time shrill and short. The stallion whipped its head around, and it trotted in that direction, the crowd parting to make way. Mother and son watched it go curiously, and Inuyasha felt his breath catch. The horse stopped right in front of Kagome.

 

Kagome crossed her arms and scowled at the horse, and it instantly hung its head, glancing at her shamefully. She sighed.

 

“And what is this about? What is this mess you're causing? Did I raise you to cause ruckuses? Don't give me that look,” Kagome warned, and the horse cowered a little. It raised its nose to her crossed arms, trying to charm his way to her good graces. She raised a brow, and it hung it's head again. But she smiled, and gave up. He was always the same. Mumbling, she held out her arms, and the horse cheered immensely before stepping to her and hanging its head over her shoulder, letting Kagome give him a huge hug. “How's my baby boy? My big strong handsome boy.”

 

He snorted softly, and pulled away. “Um, excuse me miss? Is this your horse?”

 

Kagome looked to find a lady of fine clothing standing shyly in front of her, her rich robes flowing about her gracefully, her black hair to her ankles, and her silver eyes holding an innocent curiosity. She smiled brightly and patted the horse, and he snorted affectionately.

 

“That he is, and his name is Midnight. Sorry for the scare, I didn't know he would act up on the boat. But don't worry, he's quiet fond of the ladies.”

 

“Oh that's okay, I'm sure my son would have helped me in time,” the woman suddenly gave her considering look, and smiled slyly. Kagome didn't like it. “Have you met my son?”

 

Kagome frowned and shook her head, flinging an arm over her horse, “can't say I have. I don't usually social with lords and ladies.”

 

The lady gave a rich laugh ad started petting the horses nose. “I suppose not. I am the Lady Nailah, and my son is here somewhere.” She looked around and spotted him. “Oh there he is. Inuyasha! Come here and meet the young woman!”

 

Kagome froze, and blinked at her. Midnight nudged her, but it didn't work. “I-Inuyasha?”

 

Nailah smiled proudly and waited for him. “Yes, that's his name. A strapping lad, really quite nice once you get close to him. He has a talent with horses too. Though, I'm sure he has others as well.”

 

Kagome nodded numbly, oh she was sure too. Like womanizing. That's when a nervous Inuyasha came to them, avoiding her suddenly cold gaze. Nailah looked from one to the other. She wasn't so sure now that they didn't know each other. If she wasn't mistaken, Inuyasha was actually getting quite scared from the girl's glare.

 

“Um…Inuyasha, I'm going to buy some of that wonderful silk. I'll be back.”

 

Great, now his mother left him defenseless against the wrath of Kagome. Some parent she was. He risked looking up and internally cringed. She was not happy. She quickly looked away and patted her horse calm, for it was picking up on her cold anger. “I'm sorry about putting your mother in danger, I had no idea he'd react that way to the boat. Now if you'll excuse me.”

 

“Kagome wait—“

 

She walked past him, Midnight following, but the horse flattened his ears back as Inuyasha suddenly grabbed Kagome back, and held her face to face. She glared heatedly now. “Why should I? Should I wait for you to make another unwanted move?”

 

“Damn it would you just listen to me!” he hissed, and ignored the horses warning snort. “Listen, I know it was a bit…hurried, but I really need to tell you something.”

 

“Excuse me miss, but is that other horse yours?” a man walked up, and backed from Inuyasha's angered growl.

 

But she smiled and nodded, ripping her arm from his grasp. “I best be tending to my own business.”

 

“At least meet me at the pond, I really need to talk.” He pleaded, and she saw his hand tense with restraint from pulling her back. She gave him a curt nod.

 

“Fine, when the moon is high. Now I must be going.” She turned and walked back to the cart, pulling the old gray nag to the ship of McKenna's. She gave him a withering glare as she passed again, Midnight following. He let out his pent up breath and rubbed his face. His mother came back smiling, smoothing her sleeve. She looked around surprised.

 

“Well, I put the silk in the carriage—Inuyasha, where did she go?”

 

He gestured to the ships tensely, “the docks.”

 

“Well, come on! I want to see that positively adorable horse again. I heard there was another too. Come come now, let's go.”

 

Inuyasha held back his growl, and led his mother to the docks, following Kagome's thinning scent. When he found her again, she was smiling at a burly man and handed him a pouch and bottle. He called out to his crew, and a few went below decks. She smiled gratefully, and went to wait for the order. But Nailah didn't wait, and strode right up again; Midnight spotted her, and arched his neck impressively. Nailah laughed and clapped her hands, making Kagome notice her too. She pointedly ignored Inuyasha. He just stayed nearby for when his mother wanted to leave, but he couldn't help himself in eyeing her hips as she shifted from foot to foot.

 

Nailah giggled like a girl when Midnight lightly nipped her sleeve, “he has got to be one of the most charming horses I've ever met.”

 

Kagome smiled proudly, “yep, that's my boy, the ladies man.”

 

“You raised him?”

 

“Ever since he left the womb,” Kagome said, keeping an eye for when her food came, “he was such a spirited colt, and it seemed like running was in his blood. He seems to have taken a liking to you.”

 

One man yelled o her, and she instantly started taking loads and putting them into the flat of the cart. Tow men took one side of beef, salted and wrapped in cheese cloth and put it in.

 

“So you've raised horses?” Nailah asked, petting Midnight.

 

Kagome grunted as she unloaded and smiled, “it was me Da's business. We raised, breed, and sold horses, trained them too. Though my sisters helped, I mostly took the bait. Midnight here was my first breeding experience. His sire was difficult, but his mother a doll. Oh that reminds me.”

 

Kagome whistled, and from a spot on the dock came the palomino mare, and midnight neighed friendly. The mare sniffed at Nailah, making her laugh.

 

“This is Dolly, a playmate of his. Before I left home, I had planned to breed these two. Midnight has had plenty of his own, and Dolly is getting into the swing of being a mother.”

 

“And where did you live?” Nailah asked, and massaged Dolly's ear.

 

“Ireland, overseas, me Da was from there. My Mum was native here.” Kagome got the last of the lamb into the cart and flipped up the back.

 

“Where are your parents now?”

 

Kagome smiled sadly, “I'm afraid they passed on some time ago.”

 

“Oh dear! I'm sorry, hate to bring up bad memories. Well, I must be going; it was nice to meet you, where do you live now?”

 

“My sisters, grandfather and I live near a tavern, but we've made it a pub now. I also plan to make some money healing.”

 

“You're a healer?” Nailah asked surprised.

 

“Aye, ever since I was ten.” Kagome smiled and jumped up into the cart after tying Midnight and Dolly to the cart, much to their annoyance. Nailah looked thoughtful.

 

“I'll keep that in mind. Good bye dear, hope your `pub' goes well.”

 

“Thank you kindly me lady. Good day to you.” Kagome nodded and slapped the reins, jerking to a start. People parted and she got one last look at Inuyasha. He mouthed `tonight' at her, and she nodded. Whatever he had to say, it would the last she heard of him if she had anything to do with it.