Warnings: Shounen ai, Naraku/InuYasha
Sry for all grammar and/or spelling mistakes.
/indicates translations/
This chapt is almost twice as long as they usually are. Since I thought the last chapt was so horrible I figured you all needed something a lot better… not to mention longer. n.n I must thank everyone so much for the support they gave for the last chapt! Thank you so much you have no idea how much that meant to me! n.n
Oh, and a big thx to Kurama&Karasus Daughter! She helped me out with a major factor of the story that I spaced on before. Also, she suggested something that I thought would help this fic along. Thx so much! n.n
Evil Temptations
Chapter Sixteen
Trustworthy
"Kagome, I truly am sorry," InuYasha said with absolute sincerity. "I never meant for any of this to happen."
The miko looked at the hanyou with a tear-stained face. She had controlled her emotions and stopped crying as soon as she was able.
The sight tore at InuYasha's heart and he wished he could take away her pain.
"Leave Naraku then," Shippou said, the name dripping with venom.
Anger arose within the inu youkai at how his lover was treated, but quelled it, knowing it was pointless. Naraku had earned it, after all.
InuYasha closed his eyes and shook his head. "It's not that simple."
"Why not?" Miroku asked, knowing that the hanyou cared deeply for the four of them as well.
"I just… can't. Naraku... he just…" the inu youkai breathed deeply, trying to gather his thoughts. "If you could only see the other side of him then you would understand."
There was silence after this was said for a good couple minutes. No one knew what to say to that. None had actually seen that side of Naraku that InuYasha spoke of, and they very much doubted they ever would.
Miroku looked down at his right hand sadly. He just didn't get it. How could InuYasha love such an evil man? It was all his fault that his father and his grandfather had died. He'd be ext in line, too, once the wind tunnel expanded and swallowed him whole.
The inu youkai saw the monk stare at his hand with an expression of utmost sadness, and some confusion. He had no idea about the confusion, but knew exactly what caused the sadness. It was then that an idea struck him. He was sure that Naraku would agree with it… eventually if not right away. "Miroku, I could get Naraku to stop the expansion of the wind tunnel; even remove it if you wish."
The monk's mouth dropped open in shock. He never even thought it was a possibility. "R-really?" He couldn't believe it. Dare he get his hopes up?
InuYasha nodded with a smile. He'd have to convince his lover now. If he didn't he doubted whether the monk would even trust him anymore.
"Oh," the inu youkai said suddenly, remembering the whole reason he was there in the first place, "I have something for you." He put his hand in his sleeve and pulled it out within seconds holding the near complete Shikon no Tama.
They all stared at it speechless. None could believe that Naraku had actually given the hanyou the much wanted jewel. Every youkai wanted it for their own purposes. And here one of the most powerful – and evil – youkai just gave it away, and to humans no less!
"Are you going to take it?" InuYasha questioned after minutes of silence, which also had everyone just staring dumbfounded at the jewel as if it were going to dance for them.
Kagome shook herself out of her thoughts and reached out for the jewel, only to find the hanyou having closed his hand. She looked up at him puzzled.
"Promise me one thing first, please," the inu youkai said softly. "Only guard it. Do not make a wish with it."
This only confused the miko more. She thought that he was under the impression that she was going to use it. She was going to as well… possibly. She did have her doubts about going through with it. Still… she had to know.
"Why can she not use it if she wants? Is it not the real thing?" Miroku asked, though he very much doubted it was fake, the absolute power radiating off of it certainly made it seem genuine. However, with the power that Naraku had he didn't doubt he'd be able to make another one with almost the same qualities. He hadn't thought Naraku would just hand over the jewel in the first place.
InuYasha shot him a dark glare. "It is the real thing," he said through clenched teeth, nearly unable to keep his anger from fully surfacing. "You know that as well as I, for you can feel the power from it, too, right monk?" the hanyou spat out, saying the title almost mockingly.
Miroku felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to find Sango next to him. She gave him a look that told him to just let it go.
The monk sighed deeply, calming himself; glad of the youkai slayer's support, he didn't mean to start a fight with the hanyou again. "You still did not answer my question," he said once his anger was controlled.
By this time InuYasha had also gained the upper hand on his emotions. He had to think for a moment before remembering the question. "Oh, right…it was I who did not want Kagome to make the wish; Naraku said nothing about this."
The others looked at him, only more confused, however he noticed Kagome was staring at the ground.
Anymore vague, please. Miroku thought.
Seeing everyone's confused expression he continued, regardless of Kagome, trying to clear it up. "I merely wished that she could stay in this time. I doubt she will be able to if she uses the Shikon no Tama."
Kagome's head snapped up at the confession. She had been staring at the grass as the wind played gently with it, causing it to wave against the breeze. What InuYasha said were her own thoughts. She didn't think the inu youkai would care, though. "I… I thought you loved… Naraku…" she trailed off, as it was painful to think of, but impossible to avoid.
"I do, but that does not mean I do not wish to be friends with you still," the hanyou told Kagome truthfully.
The miko was saddened by this, but there was a bright side to it: InuYasha still wished to be friends and didn't want her to leave. She could handle that. She did want to see him still, after all.
She nodded and looked at the inu youkai, a little happiness returning to her. "I won't use it. I promise. I will guard it with my life."
InuYasha smiled, he knew she'd agree and was glad to have it confirmed by her. Now, he would just have to talk to Naraku. Getting him to stop the wind tunnel would hopefully make the monk at least a little more trusting of Naraku, as well.
"Miroku, do you wish for the wind tunnel to be completely removed or to just stop it?" the hanyou asked, not quite sure which he'd prefer.
The monk couldn't believe this. This was what he had been waiting for for years and now he had the chance. He had always thought of just getting rid of it; never of stopping it from growing bigger. He didn't think it was possible. The wind tunnel was a formidable force and had been useful on many occasions. The only thing that was able to stop it was the poisonous insects Naraku sent, and strong youkai, such as Sesshoumaru. They had no idea what he was up to; didn't really care to find out either, who knew what his reaction to InuYasha and Naraku's relationship would be. He shuddered to think about it.
Miroku looked over at Sango and his mind was made up. "Just stop it from getting bigger," he finally answered. He wanted to protect the youkai slayer when he could, even if she could stand up for herself most the time. Sure, he still had his staff and sutras but the wind tunnel was much more powerful. The only thing bad about it was it consuming him.
All but InuYashsa were surprised by this decision, not knowing his rational. They were sure he had a good reason for it. Why else would he keep it?
"Sango, will you let me take Kirara? It will be faster that way," InuYasha asked. He was just going to go to Naraku, ask him quickly and then return to tell them the answer. He was tired of going back and forth and thought this was an easier way. He just hoped Kagura had enough sense to stay where she was, or at least remain very well hidden. The neko youkai's senses were almost sharper than his.
At the youkai slayer's nod Kirara went to InuYasha, changing to her bigger form. She didn't mind this; the hanyou was good company anyway.
InuYasha got on Kirara's back and leaned forward whispering a thank you in her ear.
Then they were off, back to Naraku – and his? – castle.
The others watched them leave, hoping that the inu youkai would be able to convince Naraku to stop the curse he had placed upon Miroku's family.
It had been an hour since InuYasha and Kirara left and the others were getting really anxious. They started to wonder if it had been a bad idea to let the hanyou leave again. The only thing that stopped them from going after the inu youkai was that they knew it could take a while to convince Naraku to end the curse.
A thought suddenly hit Miroku. In order to remove the curse Naraku would have to come himself and stop it. He wasn't so sure he wanted the evil man to mess with him anymore than he had. However, he no longer had a choice. It would probably be worse if he denied it since it was because of him that Naraku had to come along in the first place. The monk had no idea that he had wanted to come with his lover to begin with, but couldn't since InuYasha wouldn't let him. Now there's an odd sentence!
They were all fidgety now. Shippou was asking questions non-stop. "Why aren't InuYasha and Kirara back yet?" "Did Naraku do something to them?" And other such questions.
"Shippou! Calm down, we know as much as you do about this," Miroku finally snapped, yelling at the small kitsune.
"You are—" Shippou was cut off when Kagome pointed into the sky, shouting, "Look, I think they're finally back."
Everyone stood up and looked harder.
Sango stared wide-eyed at the sight, for another person accompanied them. "H-how did he convince Kirara to carry Naraku?" she asked with awe. The neko youkai didn't really seem that pleased about it, even from this distance, but she was still doing it regardless.
The others also stared. It was unbelievable! This meant that InuYasha had been able to convince the kumo to stop the curse, as well.
Kirara landed gracefully and the two got off, standing closer than the others would have liked, but knew it was to be expected so tried to let it go, which was easier for the others than Kagome. The neko youkai switched to her smaller form once the two were off.
Naraku got right to the point. "First off, InuYasha asked me to give you some information about me doing this. I did not think it necessary, but…" he shrugged, looking at his lover, his look urging him to continue. He sighed and went on. "While I can remove the curse, it was set upon your family generations ago and I am unsure of how it may affect you," he finished, looking at the inu youkai as if saying, 'There. You happy?'
InuYasha smiled, showing that he was. He was also glad that Kagura had decided to stay hidden, but follow him back to the castle. Kirara hadn't seen her, either. This time, however, she had stayed behind. There was no point in her going with the hanyou after all, Naraku was with now.
Miroku stared surprised. That was certainly unexpected! Everyone else had about the same reaction. Another complication seemed to arise again.
"Is it able to kill me?" the monk asked. That was his only real concern. After all, if he were dead then how would he be able to be with Sango?
"No," Unfortunately. The kumo added in his thoughts. The only reason he was doing this was because InuYasha desperately wished him to. He would make sure he was given something for all this later.
The others, besides InuYasha (he had been told already), let out a breath of relief.
Miroku looked at Sango again with longing and said, "Very well, go ahead." He wasn't so sure if he should trust Naraku, but InuYasha seemed confident that he would do nothing to jeopardize his health, and he trusted the hanyou.
Naraku looked over at InuYasha, his eyes asking if he really had to.
The inu youkai nodded and smiled. He was happy that the monk would finally be rid of his curse and still be able to protect himself with the wind tunnel. This also helped prove Naraku's love for him… not to mention how much power he had over the kumo. I really need to do something about these doubts from over fifty years ago! He thought, then he got to thinking of ways he could. Unfortunately, there weren't many options.
The crimson-eyed man went up to the monk reluctantly, and then, even more so reached out for Miroku's hand. He drew back at first, not trusting the man, but when Naraku reached for it again he let him grasp it in both of his own hands.
The kumo closed his eyes and concentrated.
After what seemed like an eternity he reopened them and looked at the monk, who had a dazed look on his face. He let go of the hand within his own; immediately after Miroku's eyes rolled back and he fell to the ground unconscious.
"Miroku!" Sango and Kagome shouted in unison, running up to him.
Shippou glared daggers at Naraku, thinking he did something wrong and betrayed their trust… or what they had for this.
Naraku merely shrugged. "I told you I knew not how it would affect him," he tried to explain. "You shall just have to wait 'til he wakes… if he does," he said the last part in a quiet whisper; the only one able to hear was InuYasha, who was none-too-pleased. He had to let it go, though, for his lover had given a fair warning. He also said that he wouldn't die; not that he couldn't go into a comatose state for the rest of his life. They failed to think of that consequence, now it was far too late. They'd just have to hope for the best.
"Come, let us go, koi." Naraku said, not caring about the outcome of the monk's health. He still wished to have his conversation with the hanyou as well, and he definitely wasn't going to have it with the humans around!
"Iie, I wish to see Miroku wake," the inu youkai stated firmly. He knew his lover didn't like his friends, but that was of no importance. He wouldn't leave his friends – especially not Miroku – at a time like this. He wanted to make sure the monk was going to be alright. It was all his idea after all.
Naraku sighed and gave in… again, to his lover. What harm could it do anyway? He just hoped that the monk wasn't going to be out for long.
Miroku started to stir about an hour later. Sango, however, was more concerned than relieved, for she felt a strange wave of heat coming off of the monk. She felt his forehead and found it burning. The monk's head was resting on her lap, so she could easily feel the unnatural heat. She also noticed how heavily he was breathing and the sweat that glistened on his burning forehead.
The three looked on in concern, seeing the youkai slayer feel Miroku's forehead.
"He is with fever," she informed them worriedly. "Miroku, can you hear me?"
The monk slowly opened his eyes, looking at Sango. He smiled and closed them again.
The rest of the day passed with everyone taking care of the sick monk, hoping for the best. Naraku stayed out of everyone's way and let them take care of him. He didn't care about his life so why should he bother? He waited patiently for his lover to be ready to leave.
It was during the middle of the night when Miroku's fever finally broke.
Everyone was extremely relieved when he awoke early in the morning and seemed coherent.
Miroku opened his eyes to see everyone staring down at him intently. "W-what… happened?" he asked hoarsely.
Kagome gave him some water and he gratefully accepted it.
"You fell unconscious after Naraku tried to get rid of the curse and developed a fever soon after," Sango explained. "Do you think it's no longer a threat to you… the wind tunnel that is?"
Miroku was silent, assessing himself, he did feel different, but wasn't sure if it was just because of the fever he had. However, he had been sick before and it hadn't felt like this…
"It no longer is threatens him," Naraku answered confidently for the monk. His voice had startled the monk, for he had forgotten he was there.
"How do you know?" Shippou asked in anger, he wasn't happy about what had happened to his friend.
"I'm the one who originally created it," Naraku spat at the small kitsune. He didn't need this. He really didn't have to remove it in the first place. He also could have just as easily killed the monk and be done with it. He didn't think that would go over too well with his lover, however.
"Yeah, that helps your case…" the miko mumbled.
Like I really care, the kumo thought. He didn't want to even be around these humans in the first place.
"You know, I think he is right…" Miroku said slowly in surprise.
All eyes focused on him, not sure if they had heard right.
"I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's gone," he elaborated.
Sango hugged him tightly; ecstatic to hear the great news, as was everyone else. Miroku cursed his weak state, for the embrace would have been an extremely easy grope. Although, he couldn't say that the hug didn't help.
Naraku locked eyes with InuYasha and saw the happy look them; he was glad the hanyou convinced him of this. It was only to please his lover, however; not for the monk's life. He hadn't gotten that soft… yet, and he hoped he wouldn't.
InuYasha turned back to his friends and walked over to them. He then told them that he would see them soon and everything else that was needed, especially about Kagome protecting the Shikon no Tama and not using it.
Naraku was slightly taken aback at this request, for he thought that the miko was going to use it. He had no idea that she needed it to return through the well… he didn't even know about the well! He brushed it off, it really didn't matter what she was to do with it so long as she did nothing against his relationship with InuYasha.
The inu youkai came back to his lover. "Are you ready yet?" he asked in an exasperated tone, as if Naraku was the one who kept them.
The kumo snorted and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist; pulling him close. He kissed him deeply not caring if the humans were there or not. And if InuYasha cared he most certainly didn't show it!
They broke apart breathing heavily. That kiss had a lot more in it than the one from yesterday! He thought, glad that his hanyou had sorted out at least some of his thoughts over the night.
They hadn't been able to touch each other affectionately the whole time they were with the miko and the others. Naraku wasn't happy about that arrangement, but put up with it. He knew that all that would accomplish was more fighting and all he wanted to was have InuYasha wrapped in his arms again. It had been difficult holding back, but he had done it and now would get his reward for it once they got back… he would make sure of it.
Naraku grinned mischievously.
InuYasha stared at his lover with wonder. What is he thinking? He thought the look the crimson-eyed man had was suspicious. He thought nothing more of it, though. He was sure he'd find out sooner or later.
They continued walking, hands entwined in each others.
It had been about a month after Naraku had the wind tunnel curse from Miroku and his future family. InuYasha had confirmed that the monk was doing well and that no complaints had risen.
InuYasha and Naraku's relationship had been doing well for the first few weeks. The inu youkai had pushed aside his thoughts about Kikyou for as long as possible. Naraku had proven his love for him and his trustworthiness.
Naraku and InuYasha were both sleeping. However, the hanyou's sleep was neither peaceful nor restful.
The kumo felt his lover tossing in his sleep and turned to face him. He had an anguished look on his face and was muttering under his breath. He knew InuYasha was having problems sleeping, but didn't know it was due to nightmares, for he had never been woken up from them before now.
"Kikyou! No!" the hanyou yelled, sounding horrified by the events playing through his mind. "Kikyou!" he let out a final shout before bolting upright, eyes wide in fear.
Naraku was shocked by this. Well, he had been trying to wake him up…
The man also felt saddened by this, for this had finally showed him the reasoning behind the inu youkai's strange behavior towards him. He knew that he could never stop it either.
"Are you alright, koi?" he asked concerned by the hanyou's heavy breathing.
InuYasha looked at Naraku and jumped. He shook his head, shaking off the last of his dream. Naraku is my lover. He is on my side. He kept telling himself over and over again, before he finally calmed down.
"InuYasha?" He wanted to reach out and hold the inu youkai but doubted that was a good idea at the moment.
"Un, I'm fine," /yeah/ the hanyou finally said, his breathing controlled as well.
"Is Kikyou the reason why you are wary of me?" the kumo asked after minutes of silence. Now was as good of a time to talk about it as any other, probably better in fact.
InuYasha's eyes snapped up to look at his lover in shock. "H-how…"
"You were screaming for her in your sleep," Naraku explained.
The hanyou lowered his gaze to his hands in his lap. He slowly nodded, confirming Naraku's suspicions.
"Why did you keep it from me?" the black-haired man asked sadly.
"What's it matter?! You can do nothing to fix it!" the inu youkai shouted in dismay, for me really wished his lover could.
InuYasha looked up and saw the despair on Naraku's face. "Gomen nasai, I did not mean to yell. This is all just too frustrating." /I'm sorry,/
"I understand," Naraku said emotionlessly.
Both just sat there in silence for a while before one finally decided to speak up… against better judgment.
"Do you regret leaving Kagome? Do you still love her? Or even Kikyou?" Naraku asked, crestfallen. This whole situation made him begin to doubt everything.
InuYasha's mouth dropped open in shock and horror. "How can you think such a thing?!" he shouted furious. "If I did not love you do you really think I'd really still be here?"
The kumo lowered his head. "No," he answered. There was no doubt about that. He didn't force that hanyou to stay and no longer even had him followed if he left the castle. No, there was no doubt about the love. Only doubts about if InuYasha really wanted to stay with him… no, if he could stay with him.
"Believe me, I wish I could just forget about these memories… and even Kikyou," the inu youkai said truthfully. "C-could I?" He looked into his lover's eyes.
Naraku had offered to get rid of his memories before. Could he just get rid of certain parts without mishap?
The kumo stared at him wide-eyed. Did he just ask me if I could erase his memories of Kikyou? He wasn't entirely sure. "I… I thought you wanted to keep all your memories," he finally said slowly. This was a huge shock. He had never expected this!
"It no longer matters. I don't love Kikyou. She is only a distant memory. Now made of clay and with a personality too different from before. Besides, I love you, and live for you only," the inu youkai said passionately. He pulled his lover to him and kissed him deeply. "Erase my memories of Kikyou so I no longer know the cruel act you once did. Then I will be able to love you fully again. Onegai, koi," /Please, love./ he pleaded with Naraku.
"Is that what you really want?" He had to be sure. Messing with memories was tricky and he didn't want the hanyou to suffer as he had before. If he truly wanted to go through with this he would do all he could to prevent him from suffering again.
"Hai," the inu youkai answered without hesitation.
Naraku sighed heavily, hoping he wouldn't regret this later. "Very well." Who was he to deny his lover his wish and one he was so sure of?
"Arigatou," InuYasha said absolutely sure about his decision. This would make it so he no longer had any doubts about his lover as well. And he'd finally be able to get a full night's rest without the nightmares. He did feel guilty for doing this to Kikyou, though.
"Sleep first, koi. It will be painful if you're awake. I do not wish that," the black-haired man told his InuYasha caringly.
The silver-haired youkai nodded and laid back down, closing his eyes.
Naraku bent down and kissed his lover. He ran his fingers through the hanyou's hair soothingly. This quickly lulled him to sleep, which was the purpose of the motion.
When the inu youkai next woke he found his lover's arm on his chest and his legs tangled within his own. He smiled at the sight.
Naraku had felt his movements and slowly opened his eyes. "How do you feel?" he questioned concerned.
"Fine," the hanyou answered, confused. "Doushite?" /Why?/ He didn't know of anything that had happened recently to cause him not to be. He had no idea of what he had asked Naraku of about Kikyou. In fact if you asked him who she was he would have no idea, perhaps only the name would be familiar.
"No reason," the kumo answered with a smile. "Just making sure."
This only increased the inu youkai's confusion, but he let the matter drop. There was no point in prying after all. However, for some reason he had a feeling that Naraku had just done a huge favor for him. He found that he didn't care to know either. He definitely felt like paying him back for it, though!
InuYasha rolled over, ending up on top of his lover, which was the point.
Naraku's eyes opened wide in surprise. This was most unexpected! What was InuYasha doing?
The inu youkai took full advantage of his lover's shock and pinned his arms above his head. He straddled his body; making sure he wouldn't be able to get up.
Naraku couldn't believe this! He had never seen this side of InuYasha, but hell if he didn't like it! This got him all the more excited, his lover taking the dominant role. He may not be able to get up, but he really didn't want to even if he could!
InuYasha kissed Naraku deeply, savoring his taste. He then ran his tongue along his neck; placing kisses up and down it. This rewarded him with a moan from his lover.
The only thing about their position was that neither could use their hands, which was getting increasingly difficult not to. Both wanted to feel each other's skin beneath their fingertips.
It finally became too much for the hanyou and he freed the kumo's hands in order to feel the other's smooth skin. It was too tempting to hold back.
Naraku was also able to return the favor now that his hands were free. And that was exactly what he did.
InuYasha came up for another kiss.
This is more like it! Naraku thought. There were no questions about the love his hanyou felt. The emotions he conveyed through his actions told him everything he needed to know. He now had no second thoughts about getting rid of the inu youkai's memories of Kikyou.
Everything they had gone through to keep their love alive had been well worth it. Words alone could not express the true amount of love they felt for each other; there was no point in trying either. They knew and didn't need to hear it.
Man, I wonder if I could have made that any more sappy… blech… -.- Whatever, it works, right? Well, I certainly hope so! n.n Sry I couldn't continue the scene… it felt weird. Cuz I am stupid like that. I had more written down, but… yeah. I hope ya guys enjoyed it regardless. That is the last chapt. It's so sad… ;-; It was up for a good six months… That's crazy! I hadn't realized it had been up for so long! Time flies…
How 'bout I stop rambling and get on with the Review Responses…
MasterFranny – I hope they are now! n.n Seems like they're havin' good fun at least. Lol! n.n;;; InuYasha movie on… MTV? Nuh uh. When? I don't believe it. Happy New Year to you, too, btw. n.n
Shoot the Sky – Glad ya think so! n.n
inulover28 – Yeah, I suppose those are kinda unavoidable – the fillers that is. Lol… np. n.n Awww… sadness, cuz ya really need to get that out! n.n Need to know what's goin' on with Kurama and everything! n.n I hate it when the chapts give ya trouble! It's such a pain! Well, good luck on it! n.n
MoroTheWolfGod – Lol… that's the last of them. ;-; Hope ya enjoyed! Happy New Year to you, too! n.n
Kurama&KarasusDaughter – Don't shut up! The suggestions did help. Only used one of them, though, but they were all very good ones! Thx so much, btw for all your help! I woulda been so screwed before if you hadn't reminded me about the amount Naraku had of the jewel. I feel like I should do something for ya… like draw a pic or something, but I dunno of a way to give it to ya. Or even what you would want me to draw you. You have no email… Well, just thx so much for the help! And Happy New Year! n.n
Kumori Sakusha formerly Saelbu – Thx! It's much appreciated! And I hope ya liked this chapt, too!
sesshy101 – Ahhh... well, that explains it. What? Chat room? They're crazy… it wasn't even close. Well, I'm sry! That freakin' sucks! Wish I could help.
RockySpirit – Thx! n.n Glad ya liked it!
Kiharu-sama – Lol! Well, I think that everyone has selective hearing! Yeah, one! Lol… Glad ya liked it and I hope you enjoyed this chapt as well! Wasn't too long a wait was it? n.n
Thx so much for all of your support! It was much needed and appreciated! n.n I will try to come up with other fics for InuYasha, though they're not too easy. LotR are the easiest ones… which is why I am goin' to end up with like five of them… -.- But anywayz… we'll just have to see. I really do hope that you all enjoyed this chapt, though! I must say it was better than the last! …at least I think so…
Happy New Year everyone!
Plz Review! It's the last chapt… ya know ya want to! n.n
Sayonara