InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sleeping with the Enemy ❯ The Past ( Chapter 11 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Kilala81 
Chapter contains some violence
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.11.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 3.4K | Status: Completed
Chapter contains some violence
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.11.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 3.4K | Status: Completed
A/N: Sorry for the wait! This chapter contains some darker imagery and violence, though it’s not graphic. Thanks for all the support and I’ll do my best to update again soon!
Chapter Ten
The Past
Sango sat across from InuYasha nervously awaiting news about Miroku. Mushin had been working on his hand for nearly an hour already. Kirara was being entertained by Hachi, Miroku’s loyal friend who had come when he heard of the monk’s predicament.
InuYasha could literally smell Sango’s fear and nervousness. It was beginning to unnerve him as well. He wasn’t normally emotional, at least not on the outside. Inwardly, he was nearly a nervous wreck. Miroku, a letch though he was, was a friend. Not just a friend but a loyal comrade who had always stood beside him.
Before meeting Kagome and shortly thereafter, Shippo, Miroku and Sango; InuYasha had not known such loyalties or friendship. Always he had been an outcast, a worthless half-breed. The thought of seeing any one of his friends hurt or worse, never seeing them again at all, brought forth emotions that the half-demon did not know how to react to.
“The monk is fine, Sango. Mushin knows what he’s doing. That old man has been taking care of Miroku his entire life, and his father before that.” The words were meant to ease his own mind just as much, if not more so, than the mind of the demon exterminator.
InuYasha glanced over at her, feeling even more uncomfortable with look she was giving him. There were few things that frightened him and a female that was upset and especially one that was crying was at, or very near, the top of the list.
“I can’t lose him too, InuYasha. I can’t lose anyone else that I care for.” The half-demon was taken aback by the emotional words coming from her. Sango was strong, maybe just as strong as he was. Rarely did she let emotions rule her. It was not in the nature of an exterminator to allow such a thing. InuYasha sat there watching her for a moment, then moved to her side and attempted, quite awkwardly, to offer her comfort.
“Don’t worry about the monk, Sango. He’s too stubborn to die.” The words brought a faint smile to her face.
“I believe that’s you, InuYasha.” He smirked and nodded his head in agreement. He fully intended to stay alive until he was good and ready to die, and not a damn thing would change that. He looked at her again and then sat quietly by her side for nearly ten more minutes until Mushin walked out of the hut. Both quickly stood and were joined by Hachi as well.
“I was able to successfully stitch his hand but I do not want him using it anytime soon. Every time I am forced to do this his life grows shorter.” The old man looked at the three of them sadly. He truly did see Miroku as a son and it pained him to know that the young man would most likely not live to see the best years of his life.
“I believe it would do him well to remain here for a few days, so that I can watch over him.”
Sango nodded at Mushin, understanding the father like concern that the old man was displaying for her friend. InuYasha merely stood next to her silently contemplating Miroku’s situation.
“I do hope you understand that given the curse and the amount of times I have had to repair the void, that his time is quite limited. I would like to spend a few days with him before he continues on his quest.”
Sango and InuYasha gave each other a solemn look and then sat back down when their host offered them tea. For now all they could do was wait for Miroku to wake so that they could see for themselves that their friend was safe.
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Miroku woke in a cloud of confusion. His body felt heavy and his head light. He blinked several times before everything came rushing back to him. ‘The odd village, the demon, my hand…’ Slowly he lifted his hand up and looked at it.
‘Apparently, Mushin has worked his magic again.’ The monk gave a half-hearted smile and let his hand fall back to the futon. Then he focused on the room around him.
‘What is that lovely noise?’ He slowly turned his head towards the door, hearing faint voices coming from the outside. Then he turned his head in the other direction to locate the sound that had him so intrigued. Instantly he was convinced he was in heaven.
‘Buddha is smiling down on me today.’ He thought when he was met with the most beautiful sight he had ever witnessed. A pair of honey brown eyes, speckled in gold were staring down at him with concern. Quickly, he felt a pair of very soft hands touch his face and then straighten the blanket that was covering him.
“Mushin is out speaking with your friends. How are you feeling?” The monk quickly realized that the heavenly sound must have been this girl’s voice. She had been singing softly, thinking him still asleep.
He was about to speak when she gave a slight laugh, again having her voice tickle his senses. ‘There is something very familiar about this girl.’ He thought as she looked down at him with a face full of near amusement.
“You don’t remember me do you, Miroku?” The girl gave him a warm smile that lit up her entire face. The monk stared at her, trying desperately to place this lovely young woman.
‘It is not like me to forget someone so…attractive.’ Again he searched her face for recognition. There was definitely something here that was very familiar to him. Then she did something that, under normal circumstances, would have shocked him. He watched as the girl grinned playfully and then stuck her tongue out at him. He was instantly thrown back years into his past. Vividly, he remembered a child that used to follow him around, asking him incessant questions and playing childhood games with him from time to time.
“Kohana…?” His head was quickly clearing. He had certainly not expected to see her here. Her family had left the village when he was still quite young. “What are you doing here?”
The young woman sat beside him still smiling. “I am living with Mushin now. Both my parents passed away and I had no where else to go. Mushin was always a good friend to my father and promised him that he would look after me if anything should ever happen to them.” Kohana gave a deep sigh still keeping a soft smile on her face.
“When my father grew sick he told me to come here, should the worst happen. I’ve been staying here with Mushin for almost three months now.”
Miroku lay there taking in her words. ‘How odd…’ he thought to himself as he looked up at her. For some reason he kept picturing the sweet little girl from his childhood. Normally, a woman sitting in such a position would have been too much of a temptation for him. However, his wandering hands were keeping themselves at a respectable distance.
“You rest. Your friends will want to see you soon, I’m sure.” She gave him another smile as she stood then went outside to join the others.
Miroku lay silently thinking again about his curse. The wretched void in his hand that would claim his life one day in the near future unless by some miracle they defeated Naraku before that time came.
His thoughts were interrupted when Sango and InuYasha stepped into the hut.
“How are you feeling, Miroku?” Sango asked as she stepped closer to his futon. The monk merely smiled and nodded, still feeling a little woozy from the herbs that Mushin had given him. The half demon stood near the door silently for a minute then gave Miroku a grin.
“You just can’t make things easy on us can you, monk?” Miroku returned InuYasha’s grin with one of his own. He knew that InuYasha’s words were his way of saying he cared. The half-demon did not express emotions well, but there was a warmth in his voice that his close friends could easily recognize.
“What fun would life be if everything was made easy, InuYasha? The struggle and hardships are what build our character and make us who we are.” InuYasha walked a little closer giving Miroku and impish grin.
“Just havin’ you around is enough hardship for me, monk. You don’t need to be adding to it.” Sango gave InuYasha reprimanding look then turned back to Miroku.
“Mushin would like you to stay here for a few days. Just to be sure that you are healing well.” The demon exterminator smiled down at him, hoping to make up for InuYasha’s rude words.
“Yeah, I’ll take Sango back to the village and come back for you later.” Miroku looked up at his friends suspiciously.
“There is no need for special treatment, I will be just fine. I wouldn’t want to slow us down.”
“Feh, we can’t go shard huntin’ until Kagome’s back anyway, so you might as well stay here and relax, Miroku.” Normally, InuYasha didn’t like set-backs like this. But it was true that until Kagome returned there wasn’t much for them to do, and Mushin’s words were still playing in his head. It was probably best the Miroku relax and not risk being in any battles until he had more time to heal. The monk was again about to protest when InuYasha cut him off.
“I don’t wanna hear anymore arguing, monk. Tomorrow I’m takin’ Sango back and you’re gonna stay here and rest. Occasionally, you come in handy in a fight and I ain’t having you dying on me.”
The words brought a slightly smile to Miroku’s face, for such words were very touching to come from InuYasha.
“Very well, InuYasha. I will remain here if it will spare me your wrath.” The half demon gave a slight grunt then turned and went back outside to find himself a comfortable spot to sleep.
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All he could feel was pain. It was nearly unbearable. Both the burning in his lungs and the pain that was pulsing through his legs and stinging his side as he ran. He knew stealing was wrong. He didn’t choose this life…he didn’t want this life.
It didn’t take long for the villagers to catch up to him. He was merely a child, they were grown men. Men that did not appreciate thievery.
“Come here, boy, and I’ll make this much easier on you.”
He recognized the voice all too well. It was the voice of Yasuo, the man that was in charge of the local tavern.
Almost immediately he felt a new surge of energy rush through him. Never had he dared to steal from Yasuo before. If he was caught, he would no doubt be punished dearly. The pain and near exhaustion was forgotten. Running into the forest has been a mistake, no doubt about it. But a child of ten didn’t always make wise decisions. He could feel branches and shrubs tearing at his clothes and skin but he continued on, all the while he was painfully aware of the men that were following him.
After what felt like an eternity, though couldn’t have been more than five minutes later, he felt a strong hand grasp onto his neck then shove him into the hard ground. The same hand reached around and grabbed the rice ball and two apples he had taken.
“You filthy little thief!” Quickly he was turned over and slapped hard across the face; making him wince in pain, then looked up at the men with terror filled eyes. He had been caught before and it was never pleasant. Most people had little patience for thieves, no matter what their age. He tried to show dignity as he stared up at Yasuo but was near tears despite himself. He knew what was coming; it would not be the first time he had been punished for stealing.
His body trembled as he was hauled to his feet and forced to look at the man he had stolen from.
“I’ll make sure you never steal from me again.” Yasuo backhanded him again then shoved him to one of the other men then began searching for something and quickly returned with a small switch he had cut from a tree.
“Hold him still.” Yasuo ordered and ripped the boy’s shirt from him. “You’re lucky this is all you’re getting. I should cut off your hand for stealing from me.” He growled as he walked around behind the boy.
The men watched the child tremble in fear but did nothing to stop what was about to happen. It was best to teach the boy a lesson now than to allow him to continue stealing from them.
The young boy took in a quivering breath but could in no way prepare himself for the searing pain that suddenly shot through his back when the switch connected with his skin. A white hot pain traveled through him taking over every fiber of his being. He couldn’t scream or beg for mercy. He couldn’t even breathe. The switch found him a second time and a third before finally he found his voice and cried out his anguish. After the fifth his young body and mind could take no more and he quickly fell mercifully into unconsciousness.
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Kagome woke and gazed around the darkened room, briefly forgetting where she was. She could feel a negative presence around her; as though someone were in trouble. These feelings were not new to her, she felt them nearly every time she and her friends encountered a village that had been attacked or when someone near her was in some sort of pain, be it physical or emotional. She got out of bed and walked to the door; unsure as to where the feelings were coming from or to whom they belonged.
‘I am at Naraku’s castle, how could I not get these kind of vibes?’ She thought to herself as she was about to close her door. The sound of quiet laughter stopped her. “Kagura?” The young priestess opened her door again to see the demoness walking down the hall nearly silently.
“You’re still here? I am surprised you are not in his bed.” Kagome felt herself stiffen at the words.
“No doubt you are wondering what it is you are sensing.” The wind demoness smiles smugly at the young girl. It was no secret to her, or Naraku for that matter, that she could feel the emotions of other beings. It is in the nature of a priestess to understand the very souls of those around them.
“What are you talking about, Kagura?” Kagome was quickly growing tired of her and nearly shut her door anyway.
“Naraku…he’s having another nightmare. Serves him right. It’s the only pleasure I get to have these days. To feel him weak and vulnerable, like he tries to make me feel.” Oh how she loathed him. Her one and only desire was to see him dead so that she could be free. Feeling his fear, his pain and anguish brought her great delight.
Kagome could literally feel Kagura’s hate radiating off of her. “What do you mean… nightmare?” The idea of Naraku having a nightmare was almost absurd. He was the creator of people’s nightmares, what could he possibly dream about that could be worse than what he, himself, has done?
Kagura smirked and stepped closer to her. “He relives memories that belong to his human half. They haunt him. He hates him the weakness that Onigumo brings him. It is quite pathetic, really.”
The words brought an odd feeling to Kagome. ‘Naraku...weak and vulnerable?’ Those were not words that described him at all. The thought of him in such a state was almost incomprehensible.
Kagome stood there as Kagura smirked one last time and then sauntered away. She turned back into her own room and then stopped before slowly walking back out into the corridor. She wanted to know if Kagura was speaking the truth.
‘Could this feeling really be coming from Naraku?’ Slowly, Kagome made her way to the room she had shared with him on more than one occasion. She quickly realized that the demoness was speaking the truth. She could feel an intense pain coming from inside the room. Kagome hesitated for a moment, then quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Instantly, she could see that indeed Naraku was having a restless sleep.
The troubled look on his face nearly caused her to wake him but she decided against it. She had spent enough time around InuYasha to know that pride and even arrogance would over come gratitude in a situation like this. Kagome stood there for a moment not sure what to do, and then turned and went back to her own room.
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Naraku woke and slowly sat up. It took him a few seconds for his thoughts to clear and realize that once again he had felt it; the vulnerability of his human half. How he despised Onigumo. He despised his weakness and emotions, but more than anything he despised his memories. Often he had memories and images surface and haunt him. In the beginning they were merely memories of the undead priestess, Kikyo. Onigumo's feelings for her had been strong ones. But later it became more. Images from Onigumo's childhood began floating into Naraku's mind and eventually into his dreams. He knew that as long as he remained a half-breed and Onigumo was a part of him this would not change.
The idea that he was being forced to suffer this human's pain was infuriating. He wanted nothing more than to rid himself of his human heart and the soul that lingered. Becoming a full demon was the only way for this to happen. He again gave thought to the Shikon Jewel and his need for it. It was then that the scent of the priestess touched his senses. Had she been here, in his room? He had not brought her here yet her scent was hanging in the air around him.
Slowly he stood and dawned his robe before walking the down the corridor, something he had often done when he suffered through one of Onigumo's dreams. Though this time he had a destination. He stopped outside the priestess's door contemplating entering before turning and walking on. He would see that he spoke with her before she left in the morning. For now he would again wander through the darkness and contemplate the existence he was living and the part of him he wished to destroy.
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A/N: Just incase anyone got confused, the part with the young boy was Naraku’s dreams. It was a memory from Onigumo’s childhood. Also, someone asked me about my spelling of InuYasha. I spell it the same way it appears on Adult Swim and their web site. Since Inu and Yasha are two separate words in Japanese, many capitalize the “Y” in Yasha. Feh…I just think it looks better that way.
Chapter Ten
The Past
Sango sat across from InuYasha nervously awaiting news about Miroku. Mushin had been working on his hand for nearly an hour already. Kirara was being entertained by Hachi, Miroku’s loyal friend who had come when he heard of the monk’s predicament.
InuYasha could literally smell Sango’s fear and nervousness. It was beginning to unnerve him as well. He wasn’t normally emotional, at least not on the outside. Inwardly, he was nearly a nervous wreck. Miroku, a letch though he was, was a friend. Not just a friend but a loyal comrade who had always stood beside him.
Before meeting Kagome and shortly thereafter, Shippo, Miroku and Sango; InuYasha had not known such loyalties or friendship. Always he had been an outcast, a worthless half-breed. The thought of seeing any one of his friends hurt or worse, never seeing them again at all, brought forth emotions that the half-demon did not know how to react to.
“The monk is fine, Sango. Mushin knows what he’s doing. That old man has been taking care of Miroku his entire life, and his father before that.” The words were meant to ease his own mind just as much, if not more so, than the mind of the demon exterminator.
InuYasha glanced over at her, feeling even more uncomfortable with look she was giving him. There were few things that frightened him and a female that was upset and especially one that was crying was at, or very near, the top of the list.
“I can’t lose him too, InuYasha. I can’t lose anyone else that I care for.” The half-demon was taken aback by the emotional words coming from her. Sango was strong, maybe just as strong as he was. Rarely did she let emotions rule her. It was not in the nature of an exterminator to allow such a thing. InuYasha sat there watching her for a moment, then moved to her side and attempted, quite awkwardly, to offer her comfort.
“Don’t worry about the monk, Sango. He’s too stubborn to die.” The words brought a faint smile to her face.
“I believe that’s you, InuYasha.” He smirked and nodded his head in agreement. He fully intended to stay alive until he was good and ready to die, and not a damn thing would change that. He looked at her again and then sat quietly by her side for nearly ten more minutes until Mushin walked out of the hut. Both quickly stood and were joined by Hachi as well.
“I was able to successfully stitch his hand but I do not want him using it anytime soon. Every time I am forced to do this his life grows shorter.” The old man looked at the three of them sadly. He truly did see Miroku as a son and it pained him to know that the young man would most likely not live to see the best years of his life.
“I believe it would do him well to remain here for a few days, so that I can watch over him.”
Sango nodded at Mushin, understanding the father like concern that the old man was displaying for her friend. InuYasha merely stood next to her silently contemplating Miroku’s situation.
“I do hope you understand that given the curse and the amount of times I have had to repair the void, that his time is quite limited. I would like to spend a few days with him before he continues on his quest.”
Sango and InuYasha gave each other a solemn look and then sat back down when their host offered them tea. For now all they could do was wait for Miroku to wake so that they could see for themselves that their friend was safe.
----------------------
Miroku woke in a cloud of confusion. His body felt heavy and his head light. He blinked several times before everything came rushing back to him. ‘The odd village, the demon, my hand…’ Slowly he lifted his hand up and looked at it.
‘Apparently, Mushin has worked his magic again.’ The monk gave a half-hearted smile and let his hand fall back to the futon. Then he focused on the room around him.
‘What is that lovely noise?’ He slowly turned his head towards the door, hearing faint voices coming from the outside. Then he turned his head in the other direction to locate the sound that had him so intrigued. Instantly he was convinced he was in heaven.
‘Buddha is smiling down on me today.’ He thought when he was met with the most beautiful sight he had ever witnessed. A pair of honey brown eyes, speckled in gold were staring down at him with concern. Quickly, he felt a pair of very soft hands touch his face and then straighten the blanket that was covering him.
“Mushin is out speaking with your friends. How are you feeling?” The monk quickly realized that the heavenly sound must have been this girl’s voice. She had been singing softly, thinking him still asleep.
He was about to speak when she gave a slight laugh, again having her voice tickle his senses. ‘There is something very familiar about this girl.’ He thought as she looked down at him with a face full of near amusement.
“You don’t remember me do you, Miroku?” The girl gave him a warm smile that lit up her entire face. The monk stared at her, trying desperately to place this lovely young woman.
‘It is not like me to forget someone so…attractive.’ Again he searched her face for recognition. There was definitely something here that was very familiar to him. Then she did something that, under normal circumstances, would have shocked him. He watched as the girl grinned playfully and then stuck her tongue out at him. He was instantly thrown back years into his past. Vividly, he remembered a child that used to follow him around, asking him incessant questions and playing childhood games with him from time to time.
“Kohana…?” His head was quickly clearing. He had certainly not expected to see her here. Her family had left the village when he was still quite young. “What are you doing here?”
The young woman sat beside him still smiling. “I am living with Mushin now. Both my parents passed away and I had no where else to go. Mushin was always a good friend to my father and promised him that he would look after me if anything should ever happen to them.” Kohana gave a deep sigh still keeping a soft smile on her face.
“When my father grew sick he told me to come here, should the worst happen. I’ve been staying here with Mushin for almost three months now.”
Miroku lay there taking in her words. ‘How odd…’ he thought to himself as he looked up at her. For some reason he kept picturing the sweet little girl from his childhood. Normally, a woman sitting in such a position would have been too much of a temptation for him. However, his wandering hands were keeping themselves at a respectable distance.
“You rest. Your friends will want to see you soon, I’m sure.” She gave him another smile as she stood then went outside to join the others.
Miroku lay silently thinking again about his curse. The wretched void in his hand that would claim his life one day in the near future unless by some miracle they defeated Naraku before that time came.
His thoughts were interrupted when Sango and InuYasha stepped into the hut.
“How are you feeling, Miroku?” Sango asked as she stepped closer to his futon. The monk merely smiled and nodded, still feeling a little woozy from the herbs that Mushin had given him. The half demon stood near the door silently for a minute then gave Miroku a grin.
“You just can’t make things easy on us can you, monk?” Miroku returned InuYasha’s grin with one of his own. He knew that InuYasha’s words were his way of saying he cared. The half-demon did not express emotions well, but there was a warmth in his voice that his close friends could easily recognize.
“What fun would life be if everything was made easy, InuYasha? The struggle and hardships are what build our character and make us who we are.” InuYasha walked a little closer giving Miroku and impish grin.
“Just havin’ you around is enough hardship for me, monk. You don’t need to be adding to it.” Sango gave InuYasha reprimanding look then turned back to Miroku.
“Mushin would like you to stay here for a few days. Just to be sure that you are healing well.” The demon exterminator smiled down at him, hoping to make up for InuYasha’s rude words.
“Yeah, I’ll take Sango back to the village and come back for you later.” Miroku looked up at his friends suspiciously.
“There is no need for special treatment, I will be just fine. I wouldn’t want to slow us down.”
“Feh, we can’t go shard huntin’ until Kagome’s back anyway, so you might as well stay here and relax, Miroku.” Normally, InuYasha didn’t like set-backs like this. But it was true that until Kagome returned there wasn’t much for them to do, and Mushin’s words were still playing in his head. It was probably best the Miroku relax and not risk being in any battles until he had more time to heal. The monk was again about to protest when InuYasha cut him off.
“I don’t wanna hear anymore arguing, monk. Tomorrow I’m takin’ Sango back and you’re gonna stay here and rest. Occasionally, you come in handy in a fight and I ain’t having you dying on me.”
The words brought a slightly smile to Miroku’s face, for such words were very touching to come from InuYasha.
“Very well, InuYasha. I will remain here if it will spare me your wrath.” The half demon gave a slight grunt then turned and went back outside to find himself a comfortable spot to sleep.
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All he could feel was pain. It was nearly unbearable. Both the burning in his lungs and the pain that was pulsing through his legs and stinging his side as he ran. He knew stealing was wrong. He didn’t choose this life…he didn’t want this life.
It didn’t take long for the villagers to catch up to him. He was merely a child, they were grown men. Men that did not appreciate thievery.
“Come here, boy, and I’ll make this much easier on you.”
He recognized the voice all too well. It was the voice of Yasuo, the man that was in charge of the local tavern.
Almost immediately he felt a new surge of energy rush through him. Never had he dared to steal from Yasuo before. If he was caught, he would no doubt be punished dearly. The pain and near exhaustion was forgotten. Running into the forest has been a mistake, no doubt about it. But a child of ten didn’t always make wise decisions. He could feel branches and shrubs tearing at his clothes and skin but he continued on, all the while he was painfully aware of the men that were following him.
After what felt like an eternity, though couldn’t have been more than five minutes later, he felt a strong hand grasp onto his neck then shove him into the hard ground. The same hand reached around and grabbed the rice ball and two apples he had taken.
“You filthy little thief!” Quickly he was turned over and slapped hard across the face; making him wince in pain, then looked up at the men with terror filled eyes. He had been caught before and it was never pleasant. Most people had little patience for thieves, no matter what their age. He tried to show dignity as he stared up at Yasuo but was near tears despite himself. He knew what was coming; it would not be the first time he had been punished for stealing.
His body trembled as he was hauled to his feet and forced to look at the man he had stolen from.
“I’ll make sure you never steal from me again.” Yasuo backhanded him again then shoved him to one of the other men then began searching for something and quickly returned with a small switch he had cut from a tree.
“Hold him still.” Yasuo ordered and ripped the boy’s shirt from him. “You’re lucky this is all you’re getting. I should cut off your hand for stealing from me.” He growled as he walked around behind the boy.
The men watched the child tremble in fear but did nothing to stop what was about to happen. It was best to teach the boy a lesson now than to allow him to continue stealing from them.
The young boy took in a quivering breath but could in no way prepare himself for the searing pain that suddenly shot through his back when the switch connected with his skin. A white hot pain traveled through him taking over every fiber of his being. He couldn’t scream or beg for mercy. He couldn’t even breathe. The switch found him a second time and a third before finally he found his voice and cried out his anguish. After the fifth his young body and mind could take no more and he quickly fell mercifully into unconsciousness.
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Kagome woke and gazed around the darkened room, briefly forgetting where she was. She could feel a negative presence around her; as though someone were in trouble. These feelings were not new to her, she felt them nearly every time she and her friends encountered a village that had been attacked or when someone near her was in some sort of pain, be it physical or emotional. She got out of bed and walked to the door; unsure as to where the feelings were coming from or to whom they belonged.
‘I am at Naraku’s castle, how could I not get these kind of vibes?’ She thought to herself as she was about to close her door. The sound of quiet laughter stopped her. “Kagura?” The young priestess opened her door again to see the demoness walking down the hall nearly silently.
“You’re still here? I am surprised you are not in his bed.” Kagome felt herself stiffen at the words.
“No doubt you are wondering what it is you are sensing.” The wind demoness smiles smugly at the young girl. It was no secret to her, or Naraku for that matter, that she could feel the emotions of other beings. It is in the nature of a priestess to understand the very souls of those around them.
“What are you talking about, Kagura?” Kagome was quickly growing tired of her and nearly shut her door anyway.
“Naraku…he’s having another nightmare. Serves him right. It’s the only pleasure I get to have these days. To feel him weak and vulnerable, like he tries to make me feel.” Oh how she loathed him. Her one and only desire was to see him dead so that she could be free. Feeling his fear, his pain and anguish brought her great delight.
Kagome could literally feel Kagura’s hate radiating off of her. “What do you mean… nightmare?” The idea of Naraku having a nightmare was almost absurd. He was the creator of people’s nightmares, what could he possibly dream about that could be worse than what he, himself, has done?
Kagura smirked and stepped closer to her. “He relives memories that belong to his human half. They haunt him. He hates him the weakness that Onigumo brings him. It is quite pathetic, really.”
The words brought an odd feeling to Kagome. ‘Naraku...weak and vulnerable?’ Those were not words that described him at all. The thought of him in such a state was almost incomprehensible.
Kagome stood there as Kagura smirked one last time and then sauntered away. She turned back into her own room and then stopped before slowly walking back out into the corridor. She wanted to know if Kagura was speaking the truth.
‘Could this feeling really be coming from Naraku?’ Slowly, Kagome made her way to the room she had shared with him on more than one occasion. She quickly realized that the demoness was speaking the truth. She could feel an intense pain coming from inside the room. Kagome hesitated for a moment, then quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Instantly, she could see that indeed Naraku was having a restless sleep.
The troubled look on his face nearly caused her to wake him but she decided against it. She had spent enough time around InuYasha to know that pride and even arrogance would over come gratitude in a situation like this. Kagome stood there for a moment not sure what to do, and then turned and went back to her own room.
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Naraku woke and slowly sat up. It took him a few seconds for his thoughts to clear and realize that once again he had felt it; the vulnerability of his human half. How he despised Onigumo. He despised his weakness and emotions, but more than anything he despised his memories. Often he had memories and images surface and haunt him. In the beginning they were merely memories of the undead priestess, Kikyo. Onigumo's feelings for her had been strong ones. But later it became more. Images from Onigumo's childhood began floating into Naraku's mind and eventually into his dreams. He knew that as long as he remained a half-breed and Onigumo was a part of him this would not change.
The idea that he was being forced to suffer this human's pain was infuriating. He wanted nothing more than to rid himself of his human heart and the soul that lingered. Becoming a full demon was the only way for this to happen. He again gave thought to the Shikon Jewel and his need for it. It was then that the scent of the priestess touched his senses. Had she been here, in his room? He had not brought her here yet her scent was hanging in the air around him.
Slowly he stood and dawned his robe before walking the down the corridor, something he had often done when he suffered through one of Onigumo's dreams. Though this time he had a destination. He stopped outside the priestess's door contemplating entering before turning and walking on. He would see that he spoke with her before she left in the morning. For now he would again wander through the darkness and contemplate the existence he was living and the part of him he wished to destroy.
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A/N: Just incase anyone got confused, the part with the young boy was Naraku’s dreams. It was a memory from Onigumo’s childhood. Also, someone asked me about my spelling of InuYasha. I spell it the same way it appears on Adult Swim and their web site. Since Inu and Yasha are two separate words in Japanese, many capitalize the “Y” in Yasha. Feh…I just think it looks better that way.