Ooh, I got reviews! So you get shout outs (nyah!!!) *pokes tongue at impatient reviewers* We'll get to the story soon!
LilyKitsune: Leave your poor fingernails alone! Glad to hear from you again! Very pleased you like the story line, it took a bit of thinking… I couldn't just abandon the cutest couple ever, now could I? (I/K for those who forgot what they were reading…)
PasoLover: Yep, another time-consuming effort in the tradition *ahem* of Choice and Consequence. I'm glad people say this story is original, I read sooo many fics to make sure I wouldn't accidentally 'steal' from someone…oh my aching head *rubs temples*.
Neoen: Readers like you are sooo good for the ego! It was sad (CandC), but that was the intention. This one won't make you cry (I don't think…no, seriously, it won't!)
Akikaze no Uta: Waaa! Thank you! *bows* I like playing with words…it's lots of fun! Someone once said I was good at cliffhangers…it gets readers back, so don't say you weren't warned. I'm known for 'em. Thanks for the comments! (Shippo/Miroku? Excuse me, I have to go hide under my bedcovers…Mm, Kohaku always did intrigue me.)
Mattielover: You're still here! Wonders will never cease – haven't you been through enough torture after CandC? I won't give anything away, but…well, this isn't a tragedy. Okay?
Sailorpsychosis: Umm…dachshunds? That's a new one….will require a bit of imagination (if you were actually serious, that is.) Believe it or not, some ideas are there – you're scary…giving me weird plots to work with! And yes, there aren't enough good S/M fics out there…so hard to find *growls*.
Rurouni Star: I'm glad my story is easy on the eyes…I, too, hate never-ending blocks of writing. @_@
Wizardess Gal: Hmm, interesting plot. To see how close your guess was…read on!
Meri Hirano: That chapter was getting too long! Had to stop. Sorry.
A/N: Hello you beautiful people! Here is yet another chapter for your reading pleasure! Enjoy.
Disclaimer: This is getting old… Look, I don't own it, okay? Sheesh…
Under Control
Chapter 4: Awakening
Naraku waited for the girl's reply. It wasn't exactly crucial…if she turned the offer down, then he could simply have Kohaku kill her. But the other way would be so much more enjoyable…
And there was no doubt in his mind that she was the stronger warrior of the two. Having her in his forces would be a great advantage. In that moment he decided to keep her around even if she refused – but there was no reason she had to know that.
The woman had raised her eyes to meet his. Not that it was unexpected, but it sent a thrill through him just the same. 'Maybe she'll accept?' He was practically jumping around (on the inside) with anticipation. Outwardly he was as inscrutable as ever. This was even better than baiting that ridiculous inuhanyou and his undead miko!
"Explain the terms." There was definite steel in that voice. So she was considering it.
"The boy is under my control, as you know. I wish to have one of your family in this position – after all, demon extermination is dangerous to my kind. Some sort of revenge is required. And your undeniable skills would be very useful. So, I will let him go if you agree to stay here in his place. He will no longer need the shard – that will naturally stay with me – and he will have his memories." Naraku smiled. The boy's memories would more than likely drive him insane, so the 'gift' wouldn't exactly be kind. "You will stay here, under my control as he is now. You will obey me without question. Understand one thing, though." Here he paused, beckoning the boy to come closer to him. When his minion had come close enough, he reached out to grasp Kohaku firmly around the neck. "If you refuse, his life is forfeit. Your choice. He will die, and you will die as well. You stay, he lives."
Sango couldn't tear her eyes away from her brother's face. Those dead eyes, the lifeless expression. Any other person would be begging, pleading for their lives, and he was just standing there! She could still remember the little boy who would run up to her after training, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. The little boy who loved to laugh at anything and everything that had caught his eye.
He was everything to her. 'But,' her mind said quietly, 'what about your friends?'
Sango considered this. What about them? They had each other for company; Kagome…she would miss Kagome. The young miko would be heartbroken, yes, but somehow she would understand. She would recover. Inuyasha…he would more than likely be very angry, both at her and Naraku, and would work it out in taking his revenge on Naraku. Yes, as long as there was a fight around he would be alright. Houshi-sama…Her thoughts suddenly slammed into a thick wall.
Houshi-sama…
Her heart hurt her suddenly. What would he do if she did this? Answer: mourn her for a while, express his grief that he was unable to save her…then find the first available female to flirt with. She realized that her thoughts of her (her?) houshi were less than charitable, but to be honest, she was trying to talk herself into this deal. A deal with the devil himself. And that decided her more than anything. If she was trying so hard to convince herself to take the plunge, then it must be what she wanted to do. Right?
She looked once more at her brother. 'Be happy, Kohaku. That's all I ever wanted.'
Squaring her shoulders, she met Naraku's gaze. "I accept."
"Excellent." He released the boy and stepped towards her, an unholy grin on his face. "Brace yourself." He reached out and laid one cold hand on her head…and the world disappeared. There was nothing. Nothing but black.
The hanyou smiled as the girl crumpled up to fall on the floor in front of him. He gestured to Kagura, who had seen the whole thing. "Take him far away from here, but make sure he is left somewhere that the houshi and his friends will find him. He has one more service yet to perform. Oh, wait…one more thing." He nudged the boy to the side, exposing his back. With one swift movement, the shikon shard had been pulled free and was glimmering darkly in Naraku's hand. He bent and slipped the shard into Sango's back. Kagura could not hide her confusion at the fact that the boy had not crumbled to dust.
Naraku noticed this, and decided to explain. It would forestall the annoying questions later on. (This detachment of himself really was rather troublesome with her curiosity…he would have to do something about that, he told himself.) "I have exchanged their life forces, Kagura. He has her life now, and she is dependent on the shard for survival, just as he was. As long as my spell holds, she will be under the control of the shard, and therefore under my control."
Kagura had spotted the one obvious flaw in his plan, but she said nothing. Perhaps she could exploit it for her own purposes later on. But right now she had a boy to deliver. She looked at the former slave; he had fallen to the floor as he was released from the shard's power, his eyes closed as if in sleep. Puffing with the slight exertion, she hauled him up over her shoulder and carried him out of the hall. She could have summoned one of her feathers – but Lord Naraku didn't like big feathers in his hall.
Sometimes she swore he prohibited her from using that little trick just to annoy her. How typical.
As Kagura struggled away with her burden, Naraku looked at his prize and smiled. Slender, lithe, well-muscled form; and totally unaware of the role she was to play. His plan pleased him more and more as each day passed. It had started as a simple trick, playing brother against sister…but then that ridiculous houshi had appeared, giving the scheme a whole new slant. So many possibilities…
He had been worried for the female human. His voice had given him away. And worry could be manipulated in the most delicious ways – he now had the chance to hurt the houshi so badly, his spirit would never recover. But for that, he had to find the boy. Much depended on that…he hoped Kagura was equal to the task. Sometimes he doubted her ability to follow orders; and so he kept an eye on her. "Kanna." Wordlessly the small girl moved over towards her master, holding her mirror up to his gaze. He could see his servant lugging the boy away, then transferring him to one of those laughable feathers. She looked to be heading to a village that was a day's travel from his castle. Good enough. "Leave." She lowered the mirror and exited the room as silently as she had come. An exemplary slave; so obedient, so guileless…so boring.
At least he didn't have to talk to her as much as to the others. He had had to be uncharacteristically chatty with that stupid human, and Kagura always required an explanation. He vastly preferred to remain silent and aloof, letting his actions speak for him. Chattiness was distasteful and vulgar. He gave a miniscule shudder – it had been a necessary evil. Image came secondary to the plan. And what a plan…
He could barely stop himself from rubbing his hands in anticipation. He was going to enjoy this.
Inuyasha didn't want to wake up. It wasn't that his muscles were sore or anything – quite the opposite, he felt energized. It was just that he was comfortable…and warm…what?
He was still next to Kagome. Lying next to Kagome while they had been sleeping. Oh, gods. How was he going to explain this one? He quickly ran the events of last night through his head. Kagome had finally fallen asleep after he had tended to her arm, and shortly after that Shippo had returned, followed by a morose-looking Miroku. The houshi had flopped down on the ground and gone to sleep himself; for some reason, Shippo had decided to huddle up to him rather than Kagome, like he usually would. It was almost funny – the baby youkai was giving every sign of 'protecting' the houshi. Ha! Although, there was one good point to this new development…
Maybe the kitsune wouldn't demand so much of Kagome's attention from now on. He was getting fed up with competing –
His thoughts broke off abruptly as he was reminded of his current predicament. How to get away from the girl without disturbing her? She would not appreciate it if she knew that they had been practically touching all night. He was still puzzling over the problem when she scared the life out of him by rolling over in her sleep – ending up with one arm resting across his chest. He could see imminent death by 'sitting' in his future. However, there was nothing for it…the girl had to wake up! He shifted slowly, trying to edge out from under her hand. His heart sank when her eyes snapped open. 'Wait for it…'
"Kyaaa!" Yep, there it was – well, who wouldn't be frightened out of their wits upon being greeted by a hanyou nearby? True, it wasn't as bad as seeing a full youkai as soon as you woke up (the runt didn't count), but this was why he insisted on sleeping in trees. Contrary to popular opinion, he didn't like getting screamed at. It was…discouraging. He sat where he was, letting her scramble away from him. It wasn't like he hadn't expected that to happen.
Kagome regarded him with wide blue eyes. She honestly hadn't meant to deafen the poor boy, but seeing his face so close to hers when she woke up had been more than a little unsettling. So, she had resorted to the one means of defense she could think of. Screaming.
Now she braced herself for the inevitable argument that was about to erupt. He would yell at her for screaming, she would yell at him for yelling, he would belittle humans in general, and she would 'sit' him. She waited for the yell that would signal the start of their little ritual. It didn't come.
She had closed her eyes, waiting for the initial onslaught. When nothing happened, she peeked out at him. He was just sitting there? This was surely one for the record books! Her gaze flicked up to his ears…she could always get a feel for his moods by what his ears did. They had flattened to the sides of his head when she had shrieked at him, then started twitching in annoyance. But now they were drooping. Huh?
"Inuyasha?" She could have sworn he flinched when she spoke his name. Weird. "Hey, Inuyasha?" No mistake; he flinched. What had gotten into him? 'Besides you screaming right in his face, you mean?' she asked herself. 'Oh, yeah. That.' She kept looking at him…he looked like a kicked puppy. Not good. She was about to speak up again when he suddenly straightened his shoulders, his eyes hardening once more. "Get your lazy butt up, wench, Naraku won't wait around all day." Without glancing back at her he moved off into the forest. Ooh, that infuriating, overbearing…dog!
"SIT!!!" Wham. There was the sound of someone spitting leaves out of their mouth. She giggled.
"Wench, when I get back there, you'd better – " She blocked the noise out. Honestly, his threats were getting old. He hadn't come up with a new one in weeks. But he'd been so nice last night… She jumped a little when she realized that Miroku was also up, hastily gathering everything together in readiness to travel again. He gave her a weak smile, but was obviously preoccupied. She couldn't really blame him.
As soon as the ticked off hanyou made his way back to them (and Shippo was up too – he had taken a bit of persuading) they were off again. They had no idea what would be waiting for them.
He didn't want to open his eyes. His head hurt.
Ane-ue… But I thought you were dead!
He cracked one eye open – bright sunlight rushed in, swamping his senses. He quickly screwed his eyes shut again, trying to get rid of the purple spots behind his eyelids. 'That never happened before,' was the thought that ran through his mind. Then he caught himself. 'Before?…" A different kind of pain flooded his soul. He remembered.
The hunt…his father, friends…his sister…
A man in a baboon pelt…his master…
That young woman he was supposed to have killed… he couldn't do it!
That village…a beautiful woman and her attendants…a baby…all dead…
So much blood…he couldn't stop it…couldn't control his actions…
His sister in his master's castle…crying in her cell…
He hadn't known her…she had begged, but he hadn't remembered her…
"NO!" He bashed his head against the ground, forcing the thoughts into the back of his mind. He didn't want to remember. He couldn't bear the knowledge of what he had done.
She was alive. Against all the odds, she was alive. Or at least, she had been. Why was he out here?
And where was she now? There was no way…he strained for a second. Naraku. That was monkey-man's name. There was no way Naraku had simply let her go once she was inside his castle. He had seen enough to know that that just never happened. Never. Which meant she was still there.
He turned over onto his side, tears leaking out of the corners of his eyes. For all he knew, she was dead. Just like he had believed her to be all along. A clanking noise dragged him back to reality. 'What is that?' He twisted around to find the source of the noise. 'What? – Oh.' His chain-blade. In sudden fury he ripped the chain from its fastenings and threw the weapon away from him as hard as he could. He wanted no part of that murder weapon. That cursed piece of metal had taken away his family, his life…everything. Exhausted, he flopped bonelessly back to the grassy floor.
He had no idea what had happened to bring him back. Had Ane-ue done this?
A murmur of voices eventually caught his attention. Who would be walking out here at this time of day? It was late afternoon – surely all the villagers would be retiring for the evening? He stretched his hearing to its utmost. The voices were strangely familiar…
"Miroku! Are you sure you know where you're going? We haven't seen any youkai for ages! Surely – "
"Kagome-sama, we don't have time to argue about this. Just trust me, please? We have to reach Sango."
Kohaku sat bolt upright. 'Sango? He knows Ane-ue?'
"Bouzu, you couldn't find your hand if it was right in front of your face! Let me take the lead for once, my senses are sharper than yours."
"As much as I hate to say it, he's right. Miroku, take a break for a while!"
"Shippo, have you forgotten what we talked about last night?"
"Have you? You need to rest! Dog-boy can walk up front for now."
"Oi!" A girlish giggle. It sounded nice…
He couldn't take it anymore. His mind was telling him that his sister had been traveling with some other people – maybe these were her friends? He couldn't remember names yet, but the voices had triggered the memory. Perhaps some more would come in time. He struggled to his feet.
"H-Hey! Excuse me? Hello? Over here!" He called as loud as his vocal chords could manage – they felt ragged after not being used for so long. Not for yelling, anyway. He sighed in relief as the group slowed down in response to his call. They all looked completely astounded at his sudden 'arrival', almost as though they had seen a ghost. The houshi looked as though he was about to fall to his knees in shock. The boy sighed. Time to get it over with. He remembered them now – he had fought them on occasion…and that girl on the red-robed man's back was the one he had tried to kill. He doubted he would receive a warm welcome.
Sango was floating. A sea of darkness. Cold, calm, comforting. Wait…a memory.
Dark blue robes…purple eyes…a staff in his hands…a face?
Ow. Pain lanced through the darkness. Remember, you're not supposed to think about that. It only hurts when you think about those people.
Laughing blue eyes, black hair…a large backpack…strange clothes…
Argh! That hurt! Don't think about them, idiot. Don't think.
A hand wrapped in a strange glove…rosary beads…rushing air…
No! Not again…I promise, I won't think about it! I promise!
Naraku was pleased with how the 'training' was progressing. The girl lay on the cold floor of her cell, writhing in her efforts to escape the pain her thoughts were causing. This breaking wouldn't take very long, he mused. She would shortly be ready for use. The boy would have almost certainly been discovered by now…she would have to accept his orders before they got here. And once they arrived…
He couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces.
Especially the houshi's. Revenge was sweet.
Miroku couldn't believe his eyes. That young boy over there…it couldn't be. "Kohaku?"
When the kid looked up in recognition of his name, the houshi just about fell over. It was impossible; should have been impossible. He glanced over at Kagome, his question obvious. She frowned and shook her head. So, no shikon shard. Then how was he here?
"Houshi-sama?" The young voice, so similar to Sango's, just about broke his heart. That was her name for him…
When he finally spoke, his voice was terse and demanding. "Where is Sango? How did you get here?"
He quaked inwardly when the boy looked like he might start crying. He hated it when children cried. "I-I don't know. The last thing I remember…she was standing in front of monkey-man…uh, Naraku, and…umm…" The child clutched his head, obviously straining to remember. Kagome looked on in concern. Inuyasha just folded his arms over his chest, frowning impressively. He hadn't forgotten what this seemingly defenseless young one had done.
"Unh, she…agreed? I don't know what he said, but she agreed." A random thought struck him forcibly. "He didn't kill her, but…I don't know. Sorry." He hung his head dejectedly. Even with his memories he couldn't help his sister. How pathetic.
Miroku was thinking too fast to notice the boy's sadness. 'Agreed? Agreed to what? Naraku has shown a tendency to make deals, bargains….what could he possibly gain?'
'What would convince him to give up a perfectly good warrior slave?'
'A better warrior…'
'Oh, no. Please, no.'
He knew. He didn't know how he knew, exactly, but he did. It had been a swap. Kohaku for Sango.
No.
His head snapped up to catch his companions' eyes, the answer written clearly in his own. They held sorrow, anger and incredible determination.
Kagome could hardly meet his anguished gaze. 'What does he know that we don't?' She got her answer.
"She made a deal with Naraku. Her life for his." He gestured roughly at the shaking boy. "She's made it clear repeatedly that she would give her life for him. And now she's gone and done it." He wanted to scream, to open that cursed hole in his hand and let it run wild, consequences be damned. Nothing mattered anymore. Nothing.
Only one thing gave him hope. Kohaku seemed to think she was still alive. By all that was holy, he would find her. He would stake his own life on it.
Two could play at that game.
Ack! I wrote this in one day! You'd think I would have something better to do…no, wait! What am I saying? *Grumbles* not thinking straight…it is 11pm in Oz right now… ugh. Next update soon! Maybe even tomorrow – no, more likely Friday. I got stuff I gotta do tomorrow. See ya!
Next Chapter: Unwelcome Visitor