InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sleeping with the Enemy ❯ The Ripple Effect ( Chapter 18 )

Chapter Sixteen:

The Ripple Effect

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Naraku once again found himself sitting by the window, gazing out towards the distant mountains. Now the smell of plum and sakura trees kept catching his attention, causing him to grow angry at himself.

 

Onigumo was practically taunting him, reveling in his weakness. A dark rage was boiling within his troubled soul. He had the desire to harm someone, to seek vengeance for what had happened and put fear in those that would dare defy him.

 

Yet in the midst of his fury, his thoughts kept wandering back to the young priestess. Every time he found himself thinking of her, it only sent him further into his deep state of anger.

 

`She should fear me. She should grow terrified at the mere mention of my name,' he growled to himself.

 

A sinister part of him wanted to personally find her and her companions, kill them all then force her to face him once again, just to see her tremble. To know he was still able to instill fear into her. Yet another part of him had a deep wanting that was beyond the physical. This part wanted to find her and take her from InuYasha. He wanted to consume her and keep her with him, to make her his in every way possible. The obsession was growing as dangerous as his obsession for the jewel that had been borne within her.

 

Try as he may, he couldn't silence the thoughts of her. She spoke to him as though he were someone worthy of her trust. She had risked her own life for his, yet showed no remorse and she offered him affection when he was certainly not deserving of it.

 

Something deep inside him held a wanting for this part of her, wanted her to give him more, and it was wrong. He had no desire for affection, for a companion of any sorts. At least the demon in him didn't. And the demon was all that mattered for one day it would be all there was. Then Onigumo and his foolish desire would be gone and Naraku would show weakness to no one.

 

Yet again the battle between his dark demons and human emotions came to a stand still. For, no matter how much he fought or denied it, he truly didn't want the priestess to fear him. Quite the opposite, in fact. She had not only willingly offered him her body but had given him things no other being dared to. He needed to know why she would be so foolish as to show emotions to a creature such as him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Kouga narrowed his eyes and lifted his head slightly. There was a familiar scent in the air. Familiar yet something about it was slightly off. Immediately he was on guard.

 

“Naraku,” he nearly snarled. More specifically the retched detachment of Naraku, he realized as he focused around him. What was left of his pack was in danger if the wind demoness was coming here and he would lose no more of his comrades.

 

He quickly stood and walked out of the den, still keeping his senses alert. Finally, the scent was close enough that he could easily find her.

 

`Damnit,' he growled inwardly and took off. It seemed she was purposely going towards the eastern border of the wolves' territory. She was probably well aware that Ginta and Hakaku would be little threat to her. Bumbling though they were, Kouga would not allow her to harm them. They were his comrades and his responsibility. Thankfully, the shards in his legs allowed him to move swiftly and he found the two wolves squabbling amongst themselves when he arrived.

 

“You're supposed to be keepin' watch,” the fact that they hadn't even notice the scent of an intruder frustrated Kouga to no end.

 

“You're gonna get us all killed by not payin' attention,” he chastised gruffly.

 

“Kouga?!” Two surprised voices rang in unison. He nearly rolled his eyes. How were they supposed to find an intruder if even he could sneak up on them, not that he had been sneaking in the first place.

 

“We were just-” Ginta began but saw the look on Kouga's face. He wasn't the brightest but he knew when to keep his mouth shut and this was one of those times.

 

“Don't you smell that?” Honestly, the wolf leader was flabbergasted with them. They both looked at each other then to him before shrugging. Without further ado, Kagura unhurriedly made her way towards them from the trees.

 

“So, you've finally found me,” she had been observing the two wolves for quite some time. Truthfully, she had found them somewhat amusing and only had business with Kouga, so didn't bother with them. She knew that eventually the wind would change and he would pick up her scent.

 

The look the wolf leader was giving her made her quite happy. `He despises me, this should be easy.'

 

“What're you doing here?”

 

The demoness gave a haughty smirk. “I've come for your jewel shards.”

 

Her comment was merely met with a growl. He was growing tense, prepared to battle her. She held only a fraction of the power over the wind, her only means of defense. The jewel shard only helped a little. What had gone wrong with Naraku was unclear, though Hebiakui had told her that she reeked of human scent. Shards did humans little to no good, so she was left weak, though now it didn't matter.

 

Kagura was not here to fight nor take shards from him. She came here because she knew this demon would not hesitate to end her life. Naraku would no doubt offer her the same consideration, but she refused to die by his hand.

 

After a moment she narrowed her eyes. `Why does he not strike me down?'

 

Kouga stood watching her, his senses keen. Something was not right about this situation. Her scent was that of a human, though he could still smell a small trace of demon on her.

 

`This is a trap,' Kouga looked around trying to decide what was going on. Fearing that by wasting his time with her, something else was going to happen elsewhere.

 

“Why do you reek of human stench?” Ginta and Hakaku both looked to Kouga then to Kagura who wasn't offering an answer.

 

Rather than replying she pulled her fan. Even if she did attack them, she didn't believe she could kill them. Hopefully, the threat alone would bring her death swiftly. Death was more honorable than living the way she was. Belonging to another, never being free, never able to think or act on her own accord. Before she could even offer an attack, Kouga moved rapidly towards her and everything around her went dark.

 

Ginta and Hakaku watched as Kouga rushed towards her but merely knocked her unconscious. Not questioning his actions they merely stood there until he turned to them.

 

“Bring her to the den,” he barked then stalked away. Both demons looked at each other questioningly then moved to pick up the woman. They knew better than to ask Kouga any questions when he was in such a mood.

 

Kouga, himself, headed back to the wolves' den. He smelled no demons near and wanted to find out what the hell was going on. If Naraku intended to attack his pack again, he would find out from her when she woke. Then he would decide what they would do with the woman that had slaughtered their comrades.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Kagome gave a soft sigh as she sat beside Kaede. Naraku had returned her that morning, barely giving her a second look before leaving. She had snuck through the well and bought some pocky and ramen at the small shop not far from her shrine then managed to get into her house for some clean clothes without being caught. All the sneaking around made her feel dirty. She hadn't actually done anything wrong. Yet, her rash decision of going with Kagura had been quite enough.

 

Once back on the feudal side of the well, she had bathed in the local spring, taking great care to wash her clothes and hair free of any scent InuYasha or Shippo might pick up. She was now wearing a blue summer dress as she sat there sorting herbs with Kaede. Her uniform was hanging outside to dry and she prayed she had done a good enough job cleaning it.

 

Kaede looked over at the young girl beside her when she heard the almost wistful sigh.

 

“Something troubling ye, Kagome?”

 

“Uh, no, not at all. Why?” She felt a slight blush climb to her cheeks. She had been thinking about Naraku all morning. Before, when her thoughts had wandered to him, she had felt dirty, used, and as though she was being disloyal to her friends. But now she kept thinking about that kiss. What could have possessed him to kiss her like that? Had he tried to pursue it further she would have believed he was only trying to trick her into his bed again. But he had seemed almost angry at himself afterwards.

 

“Ye seem to have something on your mind, child.”

 

“No, not really. I was just wondering when the others would get back. They went after a jewel shard?” Kaede had told her where the others had gone but they had left days ago and InuYasha had said the village was only a few hours away.

 

“Aye, they did. But ye know how InuYasha can be. It might have taken longer to arrive at the village than he intended.” The old priestess looked to her. She wasn't foolish. She had seen enough of the young village girls falling for young men to recognize that look, that wistful sigh.

 

“Ye have other things on your mind as well, do ye not?”

 

“Uh…like what?” Kagome fidgeted a little nervously. Could Kaede's age, wisdom and priestess powers tell her where Kagome had been? She certainly hoped not.

 

“Have ye met someone in your own time?”

 

“Met someone?” She nearly squeaked. At least she didn't suspect Naraku. But the fact that she suspected anything made Kagome's heart pound.

 

Kaede gave her a knowing look then sighed.

 

“I know it isn't easy for ye, knowing that InuYasha still cares for my sister. I also know that ye have another life in your own era.”

 

Kagome listened to Kaede not knowing what to say. Had she been that obvious? Had a kiss from Naraku affected her to the point that others could see?

 

`It was just a stupid kiss, Kagome! And it was from Naraku! Stop thinking about it.'

 

“I just remembered that I have some things for Shippo,” she said and stood up. `Wow that was smooth, Kagome'

 

“Hmmm…” was the only reply she got from the priestess. Kagome quickly made her way out of the hut before she could be questioned anymore.

 

`You've gotta get a grip on yourself, girl. The others could be back anytime. Do you want them to start asking questions too?'

 

She took a deep breath and went to get the little fox cub that was playing in the nearby field. Right now, she needed to do something to get her mind off of the past few days and Naraku. If she didn't her friends arrival could create more problems than she was prepared to handle right now.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Miroku sat silently on Hachi's back. Actually, he had been quite talkative all morning. Telling Kohana of his travels and what she could expect from Kaede and the other villagers. The girl had told him more of her life and confided that she was a little nervous about the idea of spending time thinking of her own life, rather than taking care of someone else.

 

Despite his resolve, he couldn't help having lecherous thoughts worm their way into his mind. For he would have no trouble allowing a woman to take care of him, if she truly felt the desire to, of course.

 

But now he sat in silence, a troubles look etched on his face. Something felt odd. His hand had an odd sensation running through it. Quite frankly when he first felt the tingling feeling, his heart had skipped a beat. Was that what it felt like when the wind tunnel would start to spread?

 

“Are you alright, Miroku?” The girl gave him a worried look. His sudden silence had her concerned. His mood had gone from friendly and talkative to almost melancholy.

 

“I'm fine,” he said offhandedly. Honestly, he had barely heard her. He was so focused on his cursed hand.

 

“Miroku?” She could tell he wasn't paying attention to her and that something was troubling him. This time she received no answer. Moments later he curled his gloved hand into a fist and looked up.

 

“Hachi, my friend, would you find a place to land?” There was an edge to the monk's voice. Gone was the charming, articulate tone he usually held. Without questioning him, Hachi scouted the ground then took the three of them down to the forest floor.

 

As soon as Miroku felt the earth below him he turned to the other two.

 

“It would be best if you stayed back,” he said and began walking away from them. He didn't understand the feeling in his hand and if anything was going to happen, he didn't want to bring harm to anyone else.

 

“Miroku, is something wrong?” Hachi watched him nervously. He had never heard such a dire sound in his friend's voice before.

 

“I am not certain, Hachi, it is best you stay back,” he gazed down at his prayer beads then sighed. “My hand feels odd. I am going to remove the beads. Get as far away as possible if,” he went silent not sure how to finish that statement. “…if it is my time.”

 

The two looked on silently as the monk moved an ample distance from them then turned away. Miroku couldn't stand facing them, if it truly was time for him to meet his fate. He had watched his own father's death and saw the look of sheer terror on his normally calm face as the wind tunnel ended his life. He didn't want to leave his friends with the same memory of himself.

 

The monk took a deep breath. The very air suddenly seemed so much more significant, the color of the grass, trees and sky so much more vibrant.

 

'I suppose you notice these things more when you might never experience them again,' he rationalized as his left hand slowly gripped the prayer beads. His right had rose towards the vacant forest in front of him, as though there were some demon there that was about to meet his void.

 

Knowing it was best to do this quickly; he ripped the beads off and stood in near shock. His void, the retched curse that had plagued him for so long, had changed. The wind tunnel was still there but…the strength of it was hardly enough to cause harm to even the smallest of demons. Miroku let the fingers on his left hand cautiously travel to the palm of the ungloved right. The hole was small, very small.

 

'What is going on?'

 

After a moment he replaced the beads and dropped to his knees, just staring down at his hand. It was quite an undignified thing for someone such as him to do, but the idea that his curse was changing left him both terrified and yet, relieved. At least it hadn't spread, quite the opposite. Was this some cruel trick of Naraku's? Was some other force intervening on his behalf?

 

"Miroku?" The monk looked up when he heard Kohana's concerned voice and felt her small hand rest on his shoulder.

 

"Are you ok?"

 

"I am not certain yet, though for now, it would seem so."

 

The girl gave him a soft smile and stood beside him until he finally stood and picked up his fallen staff.

 

"We should continue on our way. We are already late now and will likely need to find another place to sleep tonight," he said and made his way back towards Hachi. Again his gaze fell to his hand and his thoughts ran wild again. Good or bad, something was happening and he knew he couldn't change it.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Kanna,” Naraku's voice engulfed the room before his actual presence did. The young girl simply stood awaiting him, having her mirror safely in her small arms.

 

"Yes, my lord?" Naraku slid the door closed and approached the motionless child.

 

“Show me the priestess,” try as he may, his desire to know of her whereabouts had overwhelmed him once again. Had her comrades returned? Had any of them discovered where she had been?

 

He focused on the mirror as an image began to materialize. Kagome was relaxing in a hot spring alone. Apparently the others had yet to return for the demon slayer normally accompanied her. He was about to turn and leave the room when the girl in the mirror suddenly looked up as though he were actually standing there watching her bathe. She gave a smile and began making her way closer, leaving herself in full view to him, before offering a seductive look and motioning him towards her. Naraku stood in near shock before tearing his eyes away from the mirror and letting them meet Kanna's.

 

The normally stoic girl had a subtle, mischievous glint in her eyes, instantly causing the dark lord to narrow his own.

 

“That is not what I meant, Kanna.”

 

“I'm sorry, Master, I simply assumed...” the mock innocent tone in her voice made Naraku growl inwardly. He had been noticing a slight change in Kanna. She was normally obedient and dutiful. Kagura was the one that had caused him problems.

 

Though, Kanna had yet to show him actual disrespect, her growing independence from him was becoming more apparent. He had yet to determine if this developing personality was something that could lead to real problems but for now it would not be much of an issue. He needed her mirror for his protection.

 

“Perhaps you should be more specific, my lord,” Naraku nearly found himself taking a frustrated breath for the girl hadn't actually done anything to warrant punishment. Though her slightly sarcastic tone was not missed by him.

 

“Show me what the priestess is doing as we speak,” the girl merely nodded slightly and again let an image appear in her mirror. Naraku looked on while contemplating all the ways he could make Kagura suffer, for even now his own detachment was making a mockery of him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Author's Note: Wow! Four chapters in one month! I've had more free time lately and I got over a part of the story that was really slowing me down. So hopefully the chapters will continue at a somewhat regular pace.

 

Incase the title of the chapter confused anyone, there is a definite ripple effect going on here. Naraku losing control over his demon blood is starting to affect others in a pretty dramatic way. Miroku's curse, Kagura's now human emotions and desire to end her life. And then there's Kanna. I can't picture her ever having any sort of “extreme” personality. Though I could see a subtle, mischievous one. And I think it will be fun to write Kanna as a smart ass, yet never having her DO anything that Naraku could punish her for.

 

Sorry for spelling/grammar mistakes. *sigh* I don't have a beta reader and I rely heavily on my computer to catch them. I always seem to read over my own mistakes and I type so damn fast that I make quite a few. lol Oh well, someday I'll take the time to go in and fix them all. I also apologize for the more boring chapter, another one of those that was needed to explain things but was pretty bland.