InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Taming the unruly ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

By: AKZJ1994

Ana blinked several times as she processed the statement she had just heard, replaying the word indecent over and over in her mind. The more she thought on that word the angrier she got. Indecent?…...he thought she was indecent!! That sounded very rich coming from the guy who had pounced her not too long ago, he didn't think she was indecent then! She turned on her heels to meet the eyes that matched the disapproving voice, although the rest of his face remained placid. His apathetic facial expression added with his harsh tone of voice irked her to the core and she wanted nothing more than to punch him in that pretty face of his. Her legs moved before she was fully aware of it and by the time she realized it she was only a few inches away from him, staring up into his amber eyes that seemed to beg her to defy him. For the love of all things why was he so infuriating?! She wanted to scream at him, tell him to get off his high horse, something! But silence was the only thing that deafened her ears. Her hands curled up into tight fists at her sides and her teeth gritted in frustration. How could this guy, whom she just met, stir her emotions without any effort? This was ridiculous!

A hand on Ana's shoulder pulled her out of the silence and the one-sided battle she was losing. The anger she had bottled up erupted and she yelled at the poor soul that tried to calm her. She went still when she saw Kagome, who stood, wide-eyed and silent at her side, making her regret her actions immediately. She sighed. “I'm so sorry Kagome. I didn't….It wasn't…” She sighed again and rubbed her temples. The jumbled emotions within her were clouding her train of thought. “It's fine,” Kagome said with a surprisingly warm smile. How could this girl be so composed in a situation like this? Ana smiled softly but it was replaced by a scowl and serious expression when she remembered who stood a few inches from her. She turned to give him a piece of her mind but when she looked he was no longer there. Where the hell did he go? She looked around, spotting him sitting calmly under a nearby tree as if nothing had happened. Ana stood there in disbelief, did he expect her to do as he commanded just because he was nobility?! Oh hell nah!

Kagome tugged her arm, pulling her gaze away from the creature of darkness, something she now considered Sesshomaru to be. After a few steps Kagome stopped, “Why don't you go with Sango to the next village to get something traditional to wear?” Ana stared at Kagome, mouth slightly ajar. Did she hear right? Did Kagome just take the side of the adversary? No. This was not the same Kagome she knew. Yep. The only explanation she had was that Kagome was being mind controlled by Sesshomaru. Ana felt her eye twitch and she was sure Kagome could read the expression just fine. “It's just until he leaves,” Kagome insisted. “Leaves?! According to you he shouldn't even be here!” Ana squealed. “I know what I said, but to prevent any unnecessary altercations I think it would be best for you to just do as he says.” Ana couldn't believe what she was hearing. She didn't know what was worse, being in the presence of a egotistical authoritarian or following the commands of that egotistical authoritarian. Ana groaned, “Fine, fine…only because you asked and not because that dick head commanded it,” she said, thrusting her thumb in Sesshomaru's direction. Kagome nodded, then the two made their way to Sango who surprisingly had moved towards the icy being sitting under the tree. Well, apparently it was only surprising to herself, since Kagome's face lit up in understanding and sympathy, when she got the slayers attention by carefully placing a hand on her shoulder. When Sango whipped around she was not quite fast enough to clear her face of her emotion. It almost hurt Ana physically seeing all that pain and longing in the strong womans eyes. Her mouth still moving as if wanting to call out, but the nervousness that had her fingers entwining also kept any words locked up behind her lips. That wasn't the Sango she knew. She wondered why she was acting the way she was but didn't contemplate the thought for too long. Anything related to that guy was something she wanted to stay out of. Sango gave Sesshomaru one last nervous glance before hesitantly agreeing to take her. “Let's go,” Sango said to her, frustration clear in her voice, before calling for Kirara, interrupting the little cats play with Shippo and the little girl Sesshoumaru had brought along.

Ana stared in awe as the little kitty transformed with a blaze, turning into a large saber-toothed cat and in one effortless swoop Sango jumped onto her. “Hop on,” Sango said with an outstretched arm. “Why?” Ana asked nervously. “She will fly us to the next village,” Sango said. “Fly?” Ana asked. “Yes, she flies, it's the fastest way to get to the village and return.” Ana stared at Sango, there was no way in hell that she would climb onto that creature and possibly fall to her death. She'd already had her fill of flying for one day, but before she could protest Sango had pulled her onto the cat.

Ana shrieked in terror as she felt Kirara's muscles contract beneath her, propelling them to the skies with one mighty jump. She instinctively grabbed onto the now chuckling demon slayer, cursing under her breath as the wind whipped across her face. Heart pounding, eyes shut, Ana gripped onto Sango as if she was her lifeline. “You know you can let go now,” Sango said, “We landed.”

“Oh,” Ana chuckled nervously as she removed her arms from around the slayers waist, she hadn't felt the ride of terror end. “You know you don't have to be afraid of Kirara, she's harmless.”

“That's not the issue, I don't like heights,” she mumbled softly. “Oh,” Sango said apologetically, “I didn't know-”

“It's fine,” Ana said, cutting her off, “Let's just get this thing over with,” she groaned. This was going to be a long and painful process and she knew that, she herself didn't like the idea of following that flamboyant bastards command and apparently Sango had no interest whatsoever in making this an enjoyable shopping trip. Sango nodded and the two made their way towards the inside of the village.

Ana bit her bottom lip as they made their way towards the inside of the village. Why didn't Sesshomaru's touch bother her? Any other man she came close to since the incident would trigger a way different reaction within her. Why did it have to be someone like him? But maybe playing around with him wouldn't be so bad. She grimaced when she realized where her thoughts were headed. If he wasn't such an asshole, maybe. She looked up at Sango who seemed to be just as deep in thought as she was. What the hell was going on between her and Sesshomaru? Did they have a thing? She couldn't do that to a friend, although they haven't been friends for too long. Her pondering came to an end when a few children ran up to her, touched her and ran away in a fit of giggles, it caught her by surprise, but the innocence and sheer bliss that played on their faces warmed her heart until she heard a screech. A mother, laden with fear and anger grabbed each child by the shoulder, shaking them violently. She yelled at them, scolding their carelessness, telling them that they will have to take an extra long bath to get rid of the disease they caught by touching a demon cursed woman. Ana stood there, unable to process the words the woman just said. It was then she realized what was going on all around her, the villages mains street was mostly empty, the few people still outside were pressed against huts and barrels, really anything they could find to hide from her. Some sun kissed faces pale with fear, while others scrunched up in disgust. She even spotted some hidden sets of eyes trying to sneak a peek at her from the safety of their own houses.

What the hell?!? Ana had to take a long, deep breath to curb the anger and irritation that threatened to explode so she could gather her thoughts. It seemed as if these people were very superstitious so anything new or odd who be something bad. Yeah, that must be the case because no one could be that ignorant. Her hands curled up into a fist but a grip on her shoulder from Sango made her rethink her decision to lash out at everyone around her. The slayer shook her head, pulling her from the suspicious crowd so that they could search for a vendor, any vendor, but they got turned away with some ridiculous excuse while a few were more straightforward with their fear of her. It took every ounce of self control she had for her to get through the constant rejection, but after what felt like hours of searching they found a kind old lady who was willing to give them service.

Her face, withered from both aging and the sun, had a warm smile that made her forget all the crap she had been going through. Hunched over from years of carrying heavy objects, the lady ushered them into her little shop. Her toothless smile reflected the empty shelves that laid before them. Though small and filled with more empty shelves than cloth, it was clean. Her hands, filled with aging spots gently caressed the material as she showed them what little valuables she had. Ana looked over the selection of linen and cottons before choosing a simple blue cotton yukata. “Fine choice,” the keeper said as she picked up the yukata. She looked over at Sango for any sign of approval to the attire she chose but the girl was in a daze. That behaviour was starting to agitate her. “Do you need help putting this on?” the aged shopkeeper asked kindly, pulling her attention from Sango. Ana nervously accepted the offer before the keeper's rough hand gently wrapped around hers, leading her to the back of the shop, where Sango arrived a few moments later.

“Would you remove your clothing, dear?” the lady said with a smile. Ana paused, reluctant to comply to the simple command but a reassuring nod from Sango calmed her nerves and she did as she was told. It was nerve racking to watch the old woman walk around her, nodding to herself from time to time as if contemplating on what to do next. She jumped when she felt a tug at her bra. “I would rather keep this on,” she said politely. The lady gave her a confused look but never questioned her about the bra, then began to wrap a piece of cloth around her waist. “You have good, wide, child bearing hips with big chest and broad shoulders, but that's none of anybody's business to know. Have to conceal them a bit.” Ana looked at the woman, more confused than ever. “ It isn't good to show curves,” Sango said, as if far away. “Ahh..” Ana said as she nodded in understanding. “Next is the nagajuban, so your sweat won't ruin that new Yukata of yours” the lady continued, as she slipped a white material over her arms. The soft fabric hung loosely on her arms and slipped past her ankles, making her feel like a child in a big t-shirt. She may have known the differences between women and men clothing in Japan but what was under it, she had no clue and somehow she suspected the woman knew that, after all she was quite elaborate about what she was doing. “Thank you,” she whispered to her as she began to tie the strings inside the garment, again explaining her every move.

“Now for the yukata,” she said, after tying the undergarment and slipped the blue cotton fabric over her arms, pulling the left flap around her waist then the right flap, adjusting the length of the yukata accordingly. She tied a piece of string over the material to keep it in place before taking a thick white obi, wrapping it tightly around her hip and tying it into a bow. The woman hummed as she tucked and pulled the material without much effort until it was neatly in place.

Ana truly was grateful for the old shopkeepers help, seeing how Sango wasn't of much use, but still, she did not really pay attention to all the little details, she was too distracted with all her thoughts. From time to time she glanced at Sango and she wasn't sure if she should be worried or angry. With each passing minute the slayer seemed to grow more and more distant. What was it that upset her? She remembered the hurt that filled her eyes a few hours ago. Did she find out about her and Sesshomaru? Was her presence that vexing? It wasn't her fault, that the dog was a lecher! But she also had had that look of longing. Shouldn't she have been happy if she was able to see Sesshomaru again? Maybe they had ended on a bad note? “All done,” the woman said. She could finally move. “How about a pair of geta to finish the look?” the lady asked. Ana's eyes widened in horror when she saw the pair of wooden shoes with two blocked heels at the front. They looked painfully uncomfortable so she politely refused.

The experience would have been more enjoyable if she didn't have so many thoughts in her mind, but overall it felt nice to be in traditional Japanese wear. She, however, would never admit that out loud, and was about to leave until the woman sat her down and began to fix her hair. She didn't like the idea of someone she didn't know touching her hair but she didn't want to seem disrespectful after the lady was kind enough to help her find and put on her outfit, everyone else had refused them after all. It was tough and the old hag apparently had lost any reserve towards her as she hackled through her hair, cursing whenever yet another comb surrendered in face of her truly unruly hair. “You look beautiful, child.” the woman said when she was done with her hair, leaving it in a neat bun in the back of her head. “Thank you,” Ana said with a smile as a rush of blood hit her cheeks, it was nice to get complemented from time to time. Sango paid the lady and then the two left with a slight bow and a wave goodbye.

“It looks good and all, but I really don't get why I have to wear this thing when Kagome prances around naked.” Ana complained again walking on the deserted streets of the village. When she didn't get a reply from Sango she stopped. This had gone far enough, what was happening? “What the hell?” she called out to a moving Sango. “Kagome isn't naked,” Sango said defending her friend.“Okay she may be indecent but she isn't naked,” the slayer admitted after seeing her blank look. Ana shook her head, “That isn't even my point. What's wrong with you?”

“What? Me?” Sango asked, pointing to her nose. “I'm fine.”

“Stop bullshitting me Sango. Did Sesshomaru do something to you?” The look of hurt and longing played across Sango's face once more and she became silent. “It's nothing of importance so drop it,” Sango said harshly before walking away. Ana stood in her position, shocked. “If that dickhead-”

“I said drop it!” Sango snapped, cutting her off. Ana went silent but the whole situation still bugged her. Kirara, who was at her masters feet transformed at her command. Ana stood her ground, “If something is bothering you, you can tell me.” Sango looked at her, irritation still evident in her facial expression, “If you don't drop it I'll leave you here.”

“Fine.” Ana said through gritted teeth. She may not have been fond of heights, but the prospect of having to find a way back by herself didn't sit well with her either “So, how did you come to know Kirara? She is really wonderful,” she said trying to change the subject. Sango however just shook her head, chastening her with silence.

-oOo-

Sesshomaru shuddered when he sensed someone bad mouthing his person. It seemed as if someone was foolish enough to insult him and he had an idea of who that someone was. Fortunately for him Rin had ran off with Jaken and the kitsune so he was able to ponder on his actions from earlier. Her spicy, sweet scent which reminded him of cherry blossoms and cinnamon, the high contrast of his skin against hers, her luxuriant curly hair that seemed to match her untamed personality, but most of all the feel of her body under his. It had felt right and much more pleasant than Kagura. His heart rate and breathing increased as he unconsciously swept his tongue across his lips, reminding him of the taste of the kiss he had received from Ana. He stopped instantly when he realized his thoughts, he had no time to succumb to mundane desires, not again. What was it about that woman that pulled him in? What about her unusual miko powers? A huff coming from deep within him demanded his attention.

There his beast stood, tall and proud, a manner expected of him but something was different, it was as if he knew something he didn't know and was excited to let it be known to the world. “Is there something you know that this Sesshomaru doesn't?” he asked calmly. “She's great isn't she? And she smells wonderful!” Sesshomaru's expression hardened. “She?” he asked with an arched eyebrow, confused as to who his beast could be referring to. “Anastasia, she would make the perfect mate for us!” Sesshomaru's world stopped as the words of his beast echoed in his mind. So this was the reason for his unnatural behavior and bizarre sexual hunger. This could not be happening, the great and mighty Sesshomaru shouldn't be paired up with a mere ningen and an odd one at that. “She isn't odd, she is beautiful,” his beast growled, angered by his insulting description of the girl. “This Sesshomaru will not be mating with such a vulgar woman.”

“What has been done cannot be undone.” With that last statement his beast left, leaving him in the vastness of his mind to contemplate the words of his demon form. He knew there was a rare chance for a dog demons beast to choose the mate but never in his life had he thought that it could happen to him. Anger coursed through his body the longer he thought about his demon's choice and he left his meditative state feeling betrayed. He knew he couldn't run away from the problem, his beast was right, it couldn't be undone. Once a dog demons beast chose a mate that was the only person they would want or even think about, that's what he remembered from the scrolls he read. The quick approaching demonic aura of the slayers cat pulled him out of his musings and he watched as it landed gracefully a few meters in front of him.

His eyes landed instantly on Ana, the simple yukata complimented her nicely, even though it was obviously cheap. She looked troubled and the demon slayer seemed to be angry, she shouldn't be, he was more than capable of overseeing the boy and the boy was more than capable of taking care of himself. He really couldn't understand human emotion, if the boys lacking presence bothered the woman so much, why would she not ask? He had not deemed the slayer one to be easily dissuaded from her goals, not by propriety at least.

“Look, if there is something going on between you and Sesshomaru keep me out of it. I don't think you should be mad at me for something that he did, I didn't even know at the time!” The slayer's face dropped, so did his. This was preposterous!