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Naraku Ch 11:: Decisions

That morning was strange for everyone. Inuyasha was obviously irritated by the sudden intrusion that morning and he was definitely taking it out on her by his extra aggressive attacks in their mid morning spar. She was mostly only able to dodge them, and he was too fast in his aggression for her to counter anything. He downward slammed his sword and she blocked bringing her down to her knees. She braced herself, her body quivered under duress, teeth grit together. It wasn't her fault he showed up out of nowhere! It wasn't her fault she was left here in the village! None of this was her fault and she tried not to complain, but in certain times like this where he was being a dick, she really wanted to scream, yell and beat him up!

The sun was beating on her back and her white blouse was drenched in sweat. It was mid summer and she cut the sleeves one of the hadajuban Kaede had so kindly given.

"Ugh"

"What you stupid wench? Can't take the pressure?" Now he was just being an ass for no reason.

She swung a leg out but of course he evaded with a swift jump back and a sadistic grin. She came out from her crouched position and attacked finally. While he was letting out all his steam, she was reserving it. Kagome knew she wouldn't be able to actually beat him, she hadn't bested him her entire stay. As tactful as possible, Kagome used speed as her friend and attacked quickly. He dodged her every move until a shadow entered both their field of vision. Kagome had already been extremely mindful that Naraku was around, but Kagome didn't think Inuyasha was ever going to be delighted to see him. For just one moment he flicked his attention to where their audience stood, and Kagome thanked Naraku for interrupting their spar fiercely. That moment gave Kagome the opening to swoop a foot out and knock Inuyasha down, her sword pointed to his left shoulder.

"I cannot believe you left yourself open, and you're always bitching to me about paying attention!" Kagome huffed and withdrew her weapon, she swung it around artfully and stuck her tongue out.

"Now you're just trying to be a fuckin show off." His words spoken through a clenched jaw.

Kagome grinned facing Naraku. "That was the first time I was able to best him. Your distraction helped greatly. Thank you!" She laughed out loud and it was genuine.

Inuyasha was back on his feet instantly and threw his sparring sword down and stomped off with a spew of choice words. He was definitely mad their visitor had seen her finally get the upper hand. He might even be embarrassed, but he would never admit it.

"I don't think he's ever going to get use to seeing you around. Your presence distracted him and he is never distracted. I'm thankful that I'm fully aware of you."

"Aware of me?" Naraku's brow raised in question.

Kagome nodded. "I just..." She looked away with a blush. He watched one arm nervously reach to her other elbow and hold herself closer. "I feel you." She looked back to him and held his gaze. "I knew you were here. I woke up out of my sleep and I just knew exactly where you were. I felt you coming closer to us as Inuyasha and I sparred. I don't know exactly what it means and if you... maybe feel me too?" Soft pink highlighted her cheeks and she waited expectantly for his response.

They just stared at each other for moments on end, it felt like forever to Kagome. He held no emotion in his expression and it made her feel uncomfortable. She stood there fully exposed to him and he said nothing. She was about to begin cleaning up the space she used that afternoon but he finally spoke.

"Thankfully for myself, I do not have the same problem." He turned without saying another word, cold look in his eye and walked away.

What the hell was that? She stood there, still confused and now also a little pissed off. His behavior was very weird. She caught a slight glimpse of him when he entered and he didn't look upset. He looked, maybe a little surprised? Kagome huffed and began picking up weapons laying around the floor. Maybe she was expecting him to say yes? Yes Kagome, I feel you too. She blushed. Whatever. If it's just me then fine! I'm just going to follow my instinct like I always do. It hasn't lead me wrong yet. She finished cleaning up after her session and began her way back to her room.

It was lunch time and Kaede always had something ready by lunch time. She smiled thinking about he mentor. What a blessing Kaede has been. Everything the elder woman has done has been nothing shy of excellent and all of the knowledge that was shared. It was more than she felt she deserved at times. Although she felt unlucky to lose her life in modern times, she was blessed with something else entirely. Time spit her somewhere far back where life that was only in fairy tales was indeed a reality. A reality that actually happened and not in just fictional books. She believed in destiny and there was a reason she was here. She didn't fight it at all and she appreciated everything that's been dealt her so far. She awoken the miko powers that were laying dormant in her blood, she had become masterful at archery, hand to hand combat and learned skills with metal weaponry of sorts. She knew how to fish, track and hunt and survive with just her surroundings. Kaede had even offered her training on how to be a proper woman. Finesse in attracting the opposite sex, marriage traditions just in case she really was stuck her forever. She never told anyone else she accepted them, but she had and they were joyful. The sadness of losing her family she was able to keep at bay with the daily tasks the village had to offer. The lessons Inuyasha, Kaede and many more had to offer. Everything this life made her change, she appreciated. She felt if she did not, things would be terrible for her, and in Kagome's eyes, life is what you make it. If you make it hard, it will be. If you accept things as is, and make the very best of what is available, then you could be happy and at peace. Acceptable peace.

She entered her temporary home and indeed as she assumed, Kaede had made a vegetable soup with rice and fresh bread. A portion was already awaiting her arrival. She sat in front of it and thanked the woman who had become like a grandmother to her.

"It smells amazing, thank you Kaede-obaasan!" The elder woman nodded with a smile.

"Did ye have a good day today Kagome?"

She nodded vigorously, mid spoonful of soup in her mouth. She chewed and enjoyed the savory soup. "Yes I did. I finally bested him. He was distracted."

Kaede did not need an explanation. The only reason Inuyasha would be distracted would be caused by their guest.

"I see. And how are ye? What do ye plan to do?" It was loaded question, she knew what Kaede was asking. How do you feel about said guest? If said guest leaves will you leave too? Are you upset, happy, neutral he is here?

"I think I'm okay. I'm still confused. I still have questions."

"It is understandable child. What a predicament. Seems as though time always finds a way to repeat itself." She sighed.

It feels like another Kikyo situation. Almost like I have to choose who to stay and be around. Just like she did.

Kagome chose to ignore it for the time being to enjoy her lunch. That issue could be dealt with later.

The door to Kaede's hut opened and Hoshimaru entered.

"Nee, Kaede-obaasan! Can I hang out here for a while, father's mood is ill tempered." He laughed sheepishly.

Both ladies laughed at the young child and they all enjoyed lunch together.

::

Naraku sat at the bone eaters well, he had decisions to make. Decisions involving a reincarnated miko that invaded his life. He told her he had not felt her and a liar her would be. He felt her as though she was a pretty poison coursing through his veins. He most definitely felt her. He knew when she woke up in middle of the night, when she began to make her way to him. He could feel her now as she rested from her training with the village elder Kaede.

He was unsure just as she was, as to why they were connected like this. He felt the strange disconnect when he had to leave the first time, but it was light. Now that he had come back the feeling of her was overwhelming. Her presence was programmed in his sense with priority and it was something unfamiliar to Naraku. The desire to be around another human being.

It honestly pissed Naraku off. Why is it the reincarnation of Kikyo decided to latch onto him? She made her decisions, died and he did not and had to live with the reminder of it. Fate teased him and now fate decides to make up for it? Is that what it was? Here is a new version of what you wanted? Well it was fucked up if so.

He had to leave, and here... now he comes back and Inuyasha has practically won this one over as well. She had made a home while he was gone, friends and... potential family. All this time she was here she was with Inuyasha. He practically left her here for him to have.

Walking in on them sparring caught him off guard. He had not expected her to ever become an even match to train with. And yet, there she was, skillfully holding her own against Inuyasha. She had even bested him. He knew it was only because he interrupted, but she was still skilled enough to even get to that potential in such a short amount of time. Inuyasha must have trained her hard for this level of achievement. He was proud but extremely jealous. The emotion of raw jealousy turned into pure anger and he had to get out the area. He left the village vicinity and of course his body brought him here, the place he met the wretched wench. The woman of his ailments. Why was he even in the area in the first place? What brought him to the bone eaters well, so close to Inuyasha's territory? Inuyasha whom he despised so much. Why was he here? He could not remember for the life of him the reason he was brought here other than the magnetic pull Kagome mentioned to feel herself. At the time there was no feeling. He was just moving, enjoying his adventure out for that day. Now, there was a distinct feeling that tugged in his gut. It tugged at his instinct and he could never ignore that.

His rage subsided and he felt empty as he always had but this was slightly different. He was content with his prior emptiness but this time he was not. He did not want to loose out this time. But seeing them so comfortable together, was it too late? Of course it was, he was just a momentary disruption twice.

Naraku snarled at his thoughts. How impetuous!

None of his his questions had any answers.

::

Author's Note::

I promise you it will pick up very soon. Someone is looking for the R, it wil get hot but it might not get R for a moment, but ther be R, I promise!

With love xoxo