InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sleeping with the Enemy ❯ Identity ( Chapter 27 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Kilala81 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.06.2006 | Updated On: 02.06.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 1.8K | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.06.2006 | Updated On: 02.06.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 1.8K | Status: Completed
Chapter Twenty Four:
Identity
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Kanna's small form moved almost ghost-like down the dim hall of Naraku's castle. As of late she had been feeling emotions creeping into her more and more. She found that she both welcomed and remained wary of the feelings. A part of her wanted to resent her creator the way Kagura did, yet another part of her realized that without him she was nothing. However, at the present moment Naraku was not her concern.
For some time, she had been well aware of the young child he held. Normally, the child was no better than a vacant shell of a human body, his memories and personality held tightly under Naraku's control. That wasn't the case now, however. The young demon slayers memories were no longer being kept from him and Kanna had seen his anguish when she looked into her mirror. Her bare feet moved silently over the floor until she came to the room where the boy was, no doubt, sitting alone weeping over the memories that haunted him. For a moment the ghostly child stood silently, contemplating humanity and the feelings this young boy was feeling. While she couldn't yet grasp the depth of pain and suffering a human could bear, she did know that now when she saw him cry, it caused her own chest to tighten slightly and a feeling of sadness to overtake her.
Finally, she slid the Shoji door open and stepped inside. The boy was sitting in the corner of the room, his knees pulled up to his chest, his head hung in silence. When she closed the door he looked up at her. His eyes were red and swollen and his face far more pale than it normally was. He said nothing, nor did she. Both embraced the silence until finally Kanna stepped into the room and looked at him.
“Your memories trouble you,” she said in an almost hypnotic voice. He nodded his head yet refused to speak. Again Kanna pondered his feelings, wondering if she would ever experience such an intense emotion. After watching him for a moment she looked at her mirror. It was, in many ways, her own soul and not Naraku's. Much as Kagura's heart was her own, though Naraku had been smart enough to keep it from her. It was why Naraku needed both as much as they did. As long as her mirror existed, Kanna would as well.
“Naraku has deceived you,” she said. Kohaku looked at her questioningly but still refused to utter any words. The fair girl stared intently at him before lifting her mirror up for him. The boy watched carefully as the all too familiar scene began to play on it. He and the other slayers going out to stop a demon, only what he saw next was far different than what he had seen repeatedly in his mind. He saw himself knocked unconscious by the demon and then it killed the other slayers, leaving his sister for dead. The image cleared and his eyes traveled to meet Kanna's.
“But...I...killed them,” he said slowly. Kanna lowered her mirror and remained motionless for a moment.
“Naraku has deceived you,” she repeated and then turned to leave the room. Kohaku sat stunned, unsure what to believe. Had his memories been real, or conjured up by the demon that held him prisoner? And what of he had just seen in the mirror? Was it possible that he hadn't killed the other slayers after all? The thought didn't take away the pain of losing his loved ones but the it helped ease the burden of guilt he had been feeling.
Kanna made her way back down the corridor, knowing that while her image had not been real, it might as well have been. It had been Naraku and not Kohaku that killed the slayers. She had merely shown him the reality of what had occurred that day. A slight smile formed on the girl's lips and again she was left pondering the simple emotion that was overtaking her.
*
Kagome pulled on the light blue yukata that was in her room and then looked around. Her bag was lying on the floor and she decided that she might as well keep up on her school work, especially now that Naraku was open to the idea of allowing her to return home. She sighed heavily and then picked up her bag and headed out of her room and down the hall. If she was going to study, she might as well do it outside where it was peaceful. As much as she didn't mind being at Naraku's castle, she knew she wouldn't be able to concentrate there. It wasn't cozy and familiar like her own bedroom at home, nor nearly as nice as being out in the fresh air, amongst the trees, flowers and animals.
Once she reached the gardens she sat down in the grass and pulled out her books, unsure what to busy herself with first. Finally, she began studying her history. It had never been one of her favorite subjects until she had found the bone eater's well. Once she had begun experiencing the history first hand, she found herself drawn to it. She became so engrossed in her reading that she didn't hear Naraku come into the gardens until he finally decided to announce himself.
“Enjoying the gardens again, Kagome?” He said silkily. He found watching her interesting and wondered how it was she could become so involved in her studies that she did not hear or see what went on around her. Kagome looked up when she heard his voice then looked around. It had become a bit warmer since she had come outside and wondered just how long she had been reading.
“I'm trying to do school work,” she replied. “Sometimes I get too far behind.” Naraku glanced at her book and then simply nodded.
“Tell me, Kagome, if you intend to remain here why do you trouble yourself?” He asked. She looked at him and then back at her books. Honestly, she had never thought about not finishing school. What would happen once the Shikon Jewel was complete? Would the well even continue to work? Could she still travel between the eras? Would she be forced to choose or would she simply be sent back to her own time?
“I...really don't know if I can stay here,” she answered. “I mean, I use the shards to go through the well. Once the jewel is complete, I might not be able to come back here. If I don't finish school, I won't have much of a life in my world.” Naraku silently took in her words and then relented. Even he had no idea what would become of her once the jewel was restored. He acknowledged that it depended greatly on who completed it as well. “Besides, if I stopped doing school work, my mom would kill me.”
“I see,” he said. Kagome looked up at him then at the mess around her. She had books, food and other paraphernalia littering the grass.
“I'm sorry,” she said and began shoving things into her bag. Naraku smirked but said nothing, eying up a few of her belongings, unsure what they were. After a moment she glanced up at him and could see his curiosity though he wouldn't lower himself to questioning her.
“I keep forgetting that you've never seen things from my era before,” she said. She glanced around, not sure what to show him. Unlike Shippo and InuYasha, she doubted he would be interested in her food. She had music and a magazine but again, she doubted he would care much for either. Then she looked down at the book she had been reading. She didn't doubt his intelligence for a moment and thought someone such as him might rather enjoy knowing what the future holds, though it was history as far as she was concerned. Once she had most of her things put away she stood up, holding the book.
“You might find this interesting,” she began. “It's my history book. It tells about Japanese history. Well, it's history in my era, most of the stuff hasn't happened yet...here.” She felt herself growing flustered again at the way he was watching her. Naraku raised an eyebrow at her less than articulate display and then glanced at the book.
'A book that speaks of the future,' he thought to himself. 'Interesting.' Kagome clumsily held out the book, unsure if he even wanted to look at it. He took it from her, reading the text on the cover before looking back to her. Again she looked nervous and ill at ease.
“You're nervous, Kagome,” he said. She fidgeted a little then looked up at him.
“You make me nervous,” she said finally.
“Do I?” He asked in a low voice a slight smirk resting on his lips.
“You know you do,” she said. “And why do you sneak around here anyway? It's not like I'm a demon or something.”
“A priestess should know when someone is near,” he replied simply.
“Maybe I don't want to be a priestess, did you ever think of that?” She blurted out. Her outburst nearly startled her and she looked away.
“A priestess has powers that a human does not,” he said, not understanding why she would wish to be rid of them. They made her stronger than a mere human.
“Kikyo was the priestess,” Kagome replied. “I'm just here because I broke the jewel.” Naraku watched her for a moment. It was true she resembled Kikyo in some ways but he could see the differences plain as day, something he knew even InuYasha could not always do. Small things like the innocent and kind look in her eyes or the friendly voice she always spoke in, separated her from Kikyo greatly. For the first time, he saw a truly sad look cross her features before she began fumbling with her bag again.
“Join me, Kagome,” he said quietly and then started walking. She watched him walk further into the garden and then sat her bag down and started following him curiously. He didn't speak so she simply followed him along the tree laden path until the reached a place less traveled. The grass was bright green and after a moment she could see a shallow stream. The area was littered with shrubs and ferns and as she grew closer to the water she could see moss covered rocks poking out of the gentle current.
“It's beautiful,” she said quietly while taking in the sights. Naraku looked at her before looking over the natural garden himself. Normally, he could appreciate only the beauty in things that he could possess or things that he could gain from. Having fine and beautiful things surrounding him had always been important, if it had not, he would not have cared what his incarnates looked like or of his own appearance. Now, however, he found himself admiring things for more than their physical appearance.
“Yes, it is,” he said as he let his gaze rest on her again. Kagome looked to him and felt her heart began beating faster at the way he was looking at her. “Possessing the power of a priestess does not make you Kikyo.” She looked back out at the water, feeling that familiar twinge of jealously and bitterness tugging at her.
“Ever since I got here all I've heard is Kikyo this and Kikyo that. Kikyo can shoot an arrow. Kikyo would've hit her target,” she mocked. “ Well, I'm not Kikyo.” She said and stamped her foot childishly.
It had been awhile since InuYasha had said those things to her but they had never left her mind. In a way, it hurt more when he compared her in more subtle ways, unable to decide if he cared for her or if he cared for her because she was Kikyo's reincarnation.
“Onigumo held lust for Kikyo,” Naraku said darkly. “I despise her.” She looked over at him again, feeling tears in her eyes.
“But I am Kikyo,” she said in almost a whisper. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she was her reincarnation.
“Nay, you are Kagome,” he said.
“We're the same,” she replied. She had grown so confused when it came to her own identity. She held Kikyo's soul and therefore, was in fact, Kikyo.
“Perhaps InuYasha is too foolish to distinguish the two,” he replied while watching her. “I am not.” She bit her lip lightly and then looked back out at the sparkling stream. Was Naraku really able to see the difference between her and Kikyo when even InuYasha couldn't? Naraku watched her and then looked to the book he was still holding. He did find himself interested in her era and what the future held. He moved to a large stone that was near the water and seated himself on it, not taking his eyes off of her.
“Tell me of your era, Kagome,” he said. She looked over at him a bit startled by the request.
“What do you want to know?” She asked.
“What do you want to tell me?” He countered.
“Well,” she said and then looked around. “Things are a lot different there, that's for sure. There are huge buildings and people ride in cars and...” She trailed off, knowing she was using words and descriptions that wouldn't help him understand anything. She walked over and took her book from him and began looking through it, showing him pictures of different things and explaining than as best as she could. He remained quiet and attentive, looking at the strange things she was showing him, wondering how it was things could change so much in such a relatively short period of time. A demon's life was well beyond that of a human and to him five hundred years seemed small amount of time for so much to have altered.
“There are no demons in your era?” He asked, his eyes narrowed slightly. Everything she had shown him had been human advances and changes.
“Not...really,” she said hesitantly. “I'm sure there are some but humans are kind of in control of everything now. Well, in the future.”
“I see,” he said simply. The idea of her era both intrigued and troubled him. How a weak and pathetic race like humans could take control of everything was beyond his grasp. Kagome stood silently for a moment before walking over and dipping her foot into the stream. Gardens like these were man made in Tokyo and while they were beautiful, they still felt artificial.
“Do you still want the Shikon Jewel?” She asked, still not turning to look at him. Naraku watched her through narrowed eyes. Did he still want the Shikon Jewel? Of course he did, what else was there? His very existence was because of that jewel and his sole purpose to gain it and become a full demon. And yet he realized that he had barely given thought to retrieving it since he had rescued her from Kikyo.
“Why would you ask such an obvious question?” He asked, though he knew he would need to actually consider how to go about retrieving it. Kagome looked back at him and shrugged before turning towards him.
“You haven't said much about it,” she answered. “Do you know the demon that took it?” Naraku remained silent for a moment before nodding.
“I know of him.” Kagome could tell the subject was not putting him into a pleasant mood so she smiled brightly.
“Well, whoever he is, we need to get it back,” she said. Naraku continued to watch her silently before standing.
“You would help me gain the Shikon Jewel?” He asked skeptically. Kagome stood motionlessly for a minute and then walked closer to him.
“Why would you want to use it?” She asked. “Almost anyone that uses it suffers because of it. Besides, how do you know it won't just turn you into some crazed demon? It doesn't matter how strong you are if it just makes you turn into some crazy animal.” Naraku had no real response to her questions. He had always craved power but he also enjoyed control and being able to manipulate and plan things. The consideration that he may merely turn into some sort of mindless, savage beast had truly not been something he had contemplated.
Kagome gave a sigh and looked around the garden again. “Well, right now it doesn't matter. We can't let him keep it.” Naraku watched her, wondering how someone so relatively weak could hold so much courage and fortitude. Easily she could return to her era and forget the jewel and those left behind to seek it, yet she chose to stay and risk her life.
“No, we cannot,” he responded. Once again the small aura of demon in his body was struggling for dominance and insisting he not ignore it, while the much more human part of him was feeling oddly indifferent towards the jewel and his incessant desire for it. For the first time he found himself wondering if it were truly his human half that Onigumo possessed or if the many years of living with the demon's had overtaken Onigumo's heart and soul. Onigumo had desired Kikyo and the Shikon jewel. Yet the human in him now, the human that had been created by Kagome's purification, held much less desire for power or the jewel. He began walking back towards the castle, his mind cluttered with unanswered questions and the unsettling reality that he was neither Onigumo nor demon. What seemed to lie in the middle was simply Naraku, an identity he had never cared to face before.
*
Kagura sat silently in the wolf den, attempting to eat the fish that the two bumbling wolf demon's had retrieved for her from the river. The wolves often feasted upon large animal carcasses that were brought into their camp once or twice a week. Kagura, however, found the thought to be less than appealing. She had rarely required food while with Naraku and living as a demon, but now she needed it daily. The first time Hakaku had dropped the carcass of a wild boar on the floor of the den, she had nearly gotten sick. When she refused to eat, the two inquired why and finally, when they continued to offer her the meat, she had to tell them that she could not eat it. Ever since, the two had gone to the river daily to fish and even helped her prepare a fire so that she could cook.
Their almost childish kindness made it nearly impossible for her to be cross with them. She had never had anyone treat her with so much respect or kindness before, and truthfully, she didn't always know how to accept it. Without warning Ginta and Hakaku both burst into the den panting heavily.
“My...lady,” Ginta managed to breath out. “Kouga has returned.” Kagura felt her heart rate rise instantly at the mere mention of the wolf's name. She had expected him to be gone for much longer. She sat the fish aside and stood, knowing she would need to gather as much strength as possible if she were to face him again. It was possible that InuYasha and the others could not be found and he was returning just as angry as when he had left. To her surprise though it was not Kouga that entered the cave moments later. It was the monk that traveled with InuYasha.
“Kagura,” he said simply. She glanced passed him and then focused on him. He was far less intimidating that Kouga. His face held a passive look and his only real weapon was his staff that he held loosely at his side. When she didn't reply he lifted his hand and waved both of the wolves from the den. They looked at her and then to him before stumbling back outside.
“Kouga has told us what happened,” he began. Kagura smirked at his words.
“Then why are you here, monk? Shouldn't you be dealing with Naraku?” Miroku sighed inwardly. He had hoped she would be less bitter, though he knew he should not expect it from one of Naraku's incarnates. He had suggested he be the one to speak with her. Both InuYasha and Kouga were impatient and might do something rash. Right now they needed Kagura. She was the only one that could lead them directly to Naraku, if he had not moved on yet.
“Perhaps you would be willing to help us,” he said in a placating tone.
“Why should I help you?” She questioned sharply.
“Naraku will only harm you,” Miroku said reasonably. Kagura watched him suspiciously. She knew the monk was clever, devious and not above trickery, despite his vow to the cloth.
“I'll help you,” she nearly purred. “If...you help me.” Miroku raised an eyebrow, not sure what Kagura could want from them.
“What do you want, Kagura?” He asked, his patience with her coy behavior growing thin.
“My heart,” she replied. “I want you to retrieve my heart before you kill Naraku. So that I can live in freedom.” Miroku was taken aback by the amount of passion and emotion she put forth when she said those words.
“Your heart?” He repeated.
“Yes,” she said. “If you kill him while he possesses it, I will die as well. It only seems a fair trade.”
Miroku nodded in agreement. If they wanted to find Naraku they would need to make an agreement with Kagura. If they went off searching on their own, it could be weeks before they found him, providing he didn't decide to harm Kagome before that happened.
“I believe that is a reasonable bargain,” he replied. Kagura smirked and made her way past him, intending to leave the den but stopped as she passed him.
“And keep that filthy wolf away from me,” she said. Miroku couldn't help but sigh once again. If it wasn't bad enough to have InuYasha and Kouga fighting, now they would only be adding Kagura to the mix.
“Why did he take Kagome?” Miroku questioned. Kagura stared into his eyes for a moment then smiled maliciously.
“He is fond of the young priestess,” she said smugly. “It would seem she feels the same. She gave herself to him and returned to him on her own accord. I took her myself.” The words left Miroku feeling chilled. As much as he wanted to believe she was lying, something deep down told him she was telling him the truth. What could possibly possess Kagome to turn to such a vile creature, he didn't know. His only worry now was finding Naraku and then gathering the remaining shards of the Shikon Jewel so that they might all move on with their lives.
*
A/N: Thank you all so much for the support. This chapter is a bit shorter but I wanted to put another one up. The end is nearing and soon there will be much more...intensity, conflict and Hebiakui will be in the story more soon as well.
On a personal note, I only have three chemo treatment's left! YAY! I'll probably have some radiation as well, but everything is looking good and I hope to be in remission by spring!
Identity
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Kanna's small form moved almost ghost-like down the dim hall of Naraku's castle. As of late she had been feeling emotions creeping into her more and more. She found that she both welcomed and remained wary of the feelings. A part of her wanted to resent her creator the way Kagura did, yet another part of her realized that without him she was nothing. However, at the present moment Naraku was not her concern.
For some time, she had been well aware of the young child he held. Normally, the child was no better than a vacant shell of a human body, his memories and personality held tightly under Naraku's control. That wasn't the case now, however. The young demon slayers memories were no longer being kept from him and Kanna had seen his anguish when she looked into her mirror. Her bare feet moved silently over the floor until she came to the room where the boy was, no doubt, sitting alone weeping over the memories that haunted him. For a moment the ghostly child stood silently, contemplating humanity and the feelings this young boy was feeling. While she couldn't yet grasp the depth of pain and suffering a human could bear, she did know that now when she saw him cry, it caused her own chest to tighten slightly and a feeling of sadness to overtake her.
Finally, she slid the Shoji door open and stepped inside. The boy was sitting in the corner of the room, his knees pulled up to his chest, his head hung in silence. When she closed the door he looked up at her. His eyes were red and swollen and his face far more pale than it normally was. He said nothing, nor did she. Both embraced the silence until finally Kanna stepped into the room and looked at him.
“Your memories trouble you,” she said in an almost hypnotic voice. He nodded his head yet refused to speak. Again Kanna pondered his feelings, wondering if she would ever experience such an intense emotion. After watching him for a moment she looked at her mirror. It was, in many ways, her own soul and not Naraku's. Much as Kagura's heart was her own, though Naraku had been smart enough to keep it from her. It was why Naraku needed both as much as they did. As long as her mirror existed, Kanna would as well.
“Naraku has deceived you,” she said. Kohaku looked at her questioningly but still refused to utter any words. The fair girl stared intently at him before lifting her mirror up for him. The boy watched carefully as the all too familiar scene began to play on it. He and the other slayers going out to stop a demon, only what he saw next was far different than what he had seen repeatedly in his mind. He saw himself knocked unconscious by the demon and then it killed the other slayers, leaving his sister for dead. The image cleared and his eyes traveled to meet Kanna's.
“But...I...killed them,” he said slowly. Kanna lowered her mirror and remained motionless for a moment.
“Naraku has deceived you,” she repeated and then turned to leave the room. Kohaku sat stunned, unsure what to believe. Had his memories been real, or conjured up by the demon that held him prisoner? And what of he had just seen in the mirror? Was it possible that he hadn't killed the other slayers after all? The thought didn't take away the pain of losing his loved ones but the it helped ease the burden of guilt he had been feeling.
Kanna made her way back down the corridor, knowing that while her image had not been real, it might as well have been. It had been Naraku and not Kohaku that killed the slayers. She had merely shown him the reality of what had occurred that day. A slight smile formed on the girl's lips and again she was left pondering the simple emotion that was overtaking her.
*
Kagome pulled on the light blue yukata that was in her room and then looked around. Her bag was lying on the floor and she decided that she might as well keep up on her school work, especially now that Naraku was open to the idea of allowing her to return home. She sighed heavily and then picked up her bag and headed out of her room and down the hall. If she was going to study, she might as well do it outside where it was peaceful. As much as she didn't mind being at Naraku's castle, she knew she wouldn't be able to concentrate there. It wasn't cozy and familiar like her own bedroom at home, nor nearly as nice as being out in the fresh air, amongst the trees, flowers and animals.
Once she reached the gardens she sat down in the grass and pulled out her books, unsure what to busy herself with first. Finally, she began studying her history. It had never been one of her favorite subjects until she had found the bone eater's well. Once she had begun experiencing the history first hand, she found herself drawn to it. She became so engrossed in her reading that she didn't hear Naraku come into the gardens until he finally decided to announce himself.
“Enjoying the gardens again, Kagome?” He said silkily. He found watching her interesting and wondered how it was she could become so involved in her studies that she did not hear or see what went on around her. Kagome looked up when she heard his voice then looked around. It had become a bit warmer since she had come outside and wondered just how long she had been reading.
“I'm trying to do school work,” she replied. “Sometimes I get too far behind.” Naraku glanced at her book and then simply nodded.
“Tell me, Kagome, if you intend to remain here why do you trouble yourself?” He asked. She looked at him and then back at her books. Honestly, she had never thought about not finishing school. What would happen once the Shikon Jewel was complete? Would the well even continue to work? Could she still travel between the eras? Would she be forced to choose or would she simply be sent back to her own time?
“I...really don't know if I can stay here,” she answered. “I mean, I use the shards to go through the well. Once the jewel is complete, I might not be able to come back here. If I don't finish school, I won't have much of a life in my world.” Naraku silently took in her words and then relented. Even he had no idea what would become of her once the jewel was restored. He acknowledged that it depended greatly on who completed it as well. “Besides, if I stopped doing school work, my mom would kill me.”
“I see,” he said. Kagome looked up at him then at the mess around her. She had books, food and other paraphernalia littering the grass.
“I'm sorry,” she said and began shoving things into her bag. Naraku smirked but said nothing, eying up a few of her belongings, unsure what they were. After a moment she glanced up at him and could see his curiosity though he wouldn't lower himself to questioning her.
“I keep forgetting that you've never seen things from my era before,” she said. She glanced around, not sure what to show him. Unlike Shippo and InuYasha, she doubted he would be interested in her food. She had music and a magazine but again, she doubted he would care much for either. Then she looked down at the book she had been reading. She didn't doubt his intelligence for a moment and thought someone such as him might rather enjoy knowing what the future holds, though it was history as far as she was concerned. Once she had most of her things put away she stood up, holding the book.
“You might find this interesting,” she began. “It's my history book. It tells about Japanese history. Well, it's history in my era, most of the stuff hasn't happened yet...here.” She felt herself growing flustered again at the way he was watching her. Naraku raised an eyebrow at her less than articulate display and then glanced at the book.
'A book that speaks of the future,' he thought to himself. 'Interesting.' Kagome clumsily held out the book, unsure if he even wanted to look at it. He took it from her, reading the text on the cover before looking back to her. Again she looked nervous and ill at ease.
“You're nervous, Kagome,” he said. She fidgeted a little then looked up at him.
“You make me nervous,” she said finally.
“Do I?” He asked in a low voice a slight smirk resting on his lips.
“You know you do,” she said. “And why do you sneak around here anyway? It's not like I'm a demon or something.”
“A priestess should know when someone is near,” he replied simply.
“Maybe I don't want to be a priestess, did you ever think of that?” She blurted out. Her outburst nearly startled her and she looked away.
“A priestess has powers that a human does not,” he said, not understanding why she would wish to be rid of them. They made her stronger than a mere human.
“Kikyo was the priestess,” Kagome replied. “I'm just here because I broke the jewel.” Naraku watched her for a moment. It was true she resembled Kikyo in some ways but he could see the differences plain as day, something he knew even InuYasha could not always do. Small things like the innocent and kind look in her eyes or the friendly voice she always spoke in, separated her from Kikyo greatly. For the first time, he saw a truly sad look cross her features before she began fumbling with her bag again.
“Join me, Kagome,” he said quietly and then started walking. She watched him walk further into the garden and then sat her bag down and started following him curiously. He didn't speak so she simply followed him along the tree laden path until the reached a place less traveled. The grass was bright green and after a moment she could see a shallow stream. The area was littered with shrubs and ferns and as she grew closer to the water she could see moss covered rocks poking out of the gentle current.
“It's beautiful,” she said quietly while taking in the sights. Naraku looked at her before looking over the natural garden himself. Normally, he could appreciate only the beauty in things that he could possess or things that he could gain from. Having fine and beautiful things surrounding him had always been important, if it had not, he would not have cared what his incarnates looked like or of his own appearance. Now, however, he found himself admiring things for more than their physical appearance.
“Yes, it is,” he said as he let his gaze rest on her again. Kagome looked to him and felt her heart began beating faster at the way he was looking at her. “Possessing the power of a priestess does not make you Kikyo.” She looked back out at the water, feeling that familiar twinge of jealously and bitterness tugging at her.
“Ever since I got here all I've heard is Kikyo this and Kikyo that. Kikyo can shoot an arrow. Kikyo would've hit her target,” she mocked. “ Well, I'm not Kikyo.” She said and stamped her foot childishly.
It had been awhile since InuYasha had said those things to her but they had never left her mind. In a way, it hurt more when he compared her in more subtle ways, unable to decide if he cared for her or if he cared for her because she was Kikyo's reincarnation.
“Onigumo held lust for Kikyo,” Naraku said darkly. “I despise her.” She looked over at him again, feeling tears in her eyes.
“But I am Kikyo,” she said in almost a whisper. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she was her reincarnation.
“Nay, you are Kagome,” he said.
“We're the same,” she replied. She had grown so confused when it came to her own identity. She held Kikyo's soul and therefore, was in fact, Kikyo.
“Perhaps InuYasha is too foolish to distinguish the two,” he replied while watching her. “I am not.” She bit her lip lightly and then looked back out at the sparkling stream. Was Naraku really able to see the difference between her and Kikyo when even InuYasha couldn't? Naraku watched her and then looked to the book he was still holding. He did find himself interested in her era and what the future held. He moved to a large stone that was near the water and seated himself on it, not taking his eyes off of her.
“Tell me of your era, Kagome,” he said. She looked over at him a bit startled by the request.
“What do you want to know?” She asked.
“What do you want to tell me?” He countered.
“Well,” she said and then looked around. “Things are a lot different there, that's for sure. There are huge buildings and people ride in cars and...” She trailed off, knowing she was using words and descriptions that wouldn't help him understand anything. She walked over and took her book from him and began looking through it, showing him pictures of different things and explaining than as best as she could. He remained quiet and attentive, looking at the strange things she was showing him, wondering how it was things could change so much in such a relatively short period of time. A demon's life was well beyond that of a human and to him five hundred years seemed small amount of time for so much to have altered.
“There are no demons in your era?” He asked, his eyes narrowed slightly. Everything she had shown him had been human advances and changes.
“Not...really,” she said hesitantly. “I'm sure there are some but humans are kind of in control of everything now. Well, in the future.”
“I see,” he said simply. The idea of her era both intrigued and troubled him. How a weak and pathetic race like humans could take control of everything was beyond his grasp. Kagome stood silently for a moment before walking over and dipping her foot into the stream. Gardens like these were man made in Tokyo and while they were beautiful, they still felt artificial.
“Do you still want the Shikon Jewel?” She asked, still not turning to look at him. Naraku watched her through narrowed eyes. Did he still want the Shikon Jewel? Of course he did, what else was there? His very existence was because of that jewel and his sole purpose to gain it and become a full demon. And yet he realized that he had barely given thought to retrieving it since he had rescued her from Kikyo.
“Why would you ask such an obvious question?” He asked, though he knew he would need to actually consider how to go about retrieving it. Kagome looked back at him and shrugged before turning towards him.
“You haven't said much about it,” she answered. “Do you know the demon that took it?” Naraku remained silent for a moment before nodding.
“I know of him.” Kagome could tell the subject was not putting him into a pleasant mood so she smiled brightly.
“Well, whoever he is, we need to get it back,” she said. Naraku continued to watch her silently before standing.
“You would help me gain the Shikon Jewel?” He asked skeptically. Kagome stood motionlessly for a minute and then walked closer to him.
“Why would you want to use it?” She asked. “Almost anyone that uses it suffers because of it. Besides, how do you know it won't just turn you into some crazed demon? It doesn't matter how strong you are if it just makes you turn into some crazy animal.” Naraku had no real response to her questions. He had always craved power but he also enjoyed control and being able to manipulate and plan things. The consideration that he may merely turn into some sort of mindless, savage beast had truly not been something he had contemplated.
Kagome gave a sigh and looked around the garden again. “Well, right now it doesn't matter. We can't let him keep it.” Naraku watched her, wondering how someone so relatively weak could hold so much courage and fortitude. Easily she could return to her era and forget the jewel and those left behind to seek it, yet she chose to stay and risk her life.
“No, we cannot,” he responded. Once again the small aura of demon in his body was struggling for dominance and insisting he not ignore it, while the much more human part of him was feeling oddly indifferent towards the jewel and his incessant desire for it. For the first time he found himself wondering if it were truly his human half that Onigumo possessed or if the many years of living with the demon's had overtaken Onigumo's heart and soul. Onigumo had desired Kikyo and the Shikon jewel. Yet the human in him now, the human that had been created by Kagome's purification, held much less desire for power or the jewel. He began walking back towards the castle, his mind cluttered with unanswered questions and the unsettling reality that he was neither Onigumo nor demon. What seemed to lie in the middle was simply Naraku, an identity he had never cared to face before.
*
Kagura sat silently in the wolf den, attempting to eat the fish that the two bumbling wolf demon's had retrieved for her from the river. The wolves often feasted upon large animal carcasses that were brought into their camp once or twice a week. Kagura, however, found the thought to be less than appealing. She had rarely required food while with Naraku and living as a demon, but now she needed it daily. The first time Hakaku had dropped the carcass of a wild boar on the floor of the den, she had nearly gotten sick. When she refused to eat, the two inquired why and finally, when they continued to offer her the meat, she had to tell them that she could not eat it. Ever since, the two had gone to the river daily to fish and even helped her prepare a fire so that she could cook.
Their almost childish kindness made it nearly impossible for her to be cross with them. She had never had anyone treat her with so much respect or kindness before, and truthfully, she didn't always know how to accept it. Without warning Ginta and Hakaku both burst into the den panting heavily.
“My...lady,” Ginta managed to breath out. “Kouga has returned.” Kagura felt her heart rate rise instantly at the mere mention of the wolf's name. She had expected him to be gone for much longer. She sat the fish aside and stood, knowing she would need to gather as much strength as possible if she were to face him again. It was possible that InuYasha and the others could not be found and he was returning just as angry as when he had left. To her surprise though it was not Kouga that entered the cave moments later. It was the monk that traveled with InuYasha.
“Kagura,” he said simply. She glanced passed him and then focused on him. He was far less intimidating that Kouga. His face held a passive look and his only real weapon was his staff that he held loosely at his side. When she didn't reply he lifted his hand and waved both of the wolves from the den. They looked at her and then to him before stumbling back outside.
“Kouga has told us what happened,” he began. Kagura smirked at his words.
“Then why are you here, monk? Shouldn't you be dealing with Naraku?” Miroku sighed inwardly. He had hoped she would be less bitter, though he knew he should not expect it from one of Naraku's incarnates. He had suggested he be the one to speak with her. Both InuYasha and Kouga were impatient and might do something rash. Right now they needed Kagura. She was the only one that could lead them directly to Naraku, if he had not moved on yet.
“Perhaps you would be willing to help us,” he said in a placating tone.
“Why should I help you?” She questioned sharply.
“Naraku will only harm you,” Miroku said reasonably. Kagura watched him suspiciously. She knew the monk was clever, devious and not above trickery, despite his vow to the cloth.
“I'll help you,” she nearly purred. “If...you help me.” Miroku raised an eyebrow, not sure what Kagura could want from them.
“What do you want, Kagura?” He asked, his patience with her coy behavior growing thin.
“My heart,” she replied. “I want you to retrieve my heart before you kill Naraku. So that I can live in freedom.” Miroku was taken aback by the amount of passion and emotion she put forth when she said those words.
“Your heart?” He repeated.
“Yes,” she said. “If you kill him while he possesses it, I will die as well. It only seems a fair trade.”
Miroku nodded in agreement. If they wanted to find Naraku they would need to make an agreement with Kagura. If they went off searching on their own, it could be weeks before they found him, providing he didn't decide to harm Kagome before that happened.
“I believe that is a reasonable bargain,” he replied. Kagura smirked and made her way past him, intending to leave the den but stopped as she passed him.
“And keep that filthy wolf away from me,” she said. Miroku couldn't help but sigh once again. If it wasn't bad enough to have InuYasha and Kouga fighting, now they would only be adding Kagura to the mix.
“Why did he take Kagome?” Miroku questioned. Kagura stared into his eyes for a moment then smiled maliciously.
“He is fond of the young priestess,” she said smugly. “It would seem she feels the same. She gave herself to him and returned to him on her own accord. I took her myself.” The words left Miroku feeling chilled. As much as he wanted to believe she was lying, something deep down told him she was telling him the truth. What could possibly possess Kagome to turn to such a vile creature, he didn't know. His only worry now was finding Naraku and then gathering the remaining shards of the Shikon Jewel so that they might all move on with their lives.
*
A/N: Thank you all so much for the support. This chapter is a bit shorter but I wanted to put another one up. The end is nearing and soon there will be much more...intensity, conflict and Hebiakui will be in the story more soon as well.
On a personal note, I only have three chemo treatment's left! YAY! I'll probably have some radiation as well, but everything is looking good and I hope to be in remission by spring!