Note: most of this story was written while I was traveling (and still am currently) in Washington State, to visit relatives. The beauty moves me, but that is perhaps all. I am bored and disgusted beyond all imagination. So, if this story seems….weird this chapter, forgive me, the altitude got to my head.
Note (again): you know those little extensions that Naraku makes? Well, in this chapter (in particular) Naraku makes multiple extensions of himself—to talk to Sesshoumaru, Kagome, Inuyasha, blah. So, if he is doing multiple things at once, that's the point, because he has everything planned exactly. I tried to make this clear during the chapter, but some might still be confused.
Note (Gomen! Gomen): sorry about screwing up all the chapters…like…*geh* last chapter. Sorry…
Shadows Against a Shoji Screen
Chapter 11
The Mask of Illusion
The melody that Sango played touched Kagome's heart deeper than she had first imagined. The tune itself, like most in society, was longing and wistful. Yet, the pitch and overall performance was one of the most striking things she had seen in her life. The young girls frame, set off against a waxing moon, her features distorted by the strange shadows. Such colors caused the sorrow to grasp at Kagome, and made her experience rather painful as she sat listening to the melody of old.
The tune brought back memories of long ago, a reflective quality in her life she could never regain. A careless and innocent eminence like that of her youth; a flower that had blossomed and died. Never would the world see its kind again.
The night was clear, and although crisp, not uncomfortable. Sipping her tea quietly, she allowed its unrefined taste to permeate her taste buds. However, truthfully, her mind was lingering elsewhere; to the conversation that Sango and she had shared earlier in the afternoon.
Inuyasha had loved, and however ludicrous it sounded, Kagome could not deny that she felt a bit of anger, and perhaps sorrow at hearing this. She had been forced to marry a man, and there could be no hope of love—for both he, as well as she, knew that the shadow of Kikyo would linger like the last dying flames of a hearth, the heat would remain much longer than the embers. Kagome pondered if in death she would be set free.
Interrupted from her private reverie, she flushed out of embarrassment, realizing that she had been ignoring Sango.
"I suppose," Sango began, looking at her earnestly, "That what I said this afternoon offended you in some way. Perhaps, I ought not to have mentioned Inuyasha-sama's past."
She found herself smiling in spite of herself, and replying as truthfully as she could manage, she responded, "No, I am glad you did tell me. I am well aware how ignorant I am of my husbands' affairs, both past and present. What hope I held is now gone…and rightfully so."
Sango began again, earnestly lamenting the conversation, "Kagome, don't say such things. It is possible to have a second love. Many people have married more than once, and still found happiness."
Draining the cup of tea, Kagome grinned smugly, "Sango, don't try to convince me that a noble-woman's life is full of romance. It is saying that the dead may come back to life, something we know that is not true."
Sango nodded, and finally gave in, "I suppose your right. It is like saying a farmer's life is easy."
The two glanced out towards the deep cobalt night sky, speckled with silver from the shining stars. Each of the girl's thoughts was somewhere else, yet both residing in the same sorrow and regret. Sango, the young strong girl, had lost love. Kagome had learned that none was possible…
````````
Leaning over the silver bowl, Naraku smirked in
enjoyment. Everything, despite a few
minor surprises, was turning out just wonderful. His dark murky eyes glinted in the unnatural light emitted from
the crafted pedestal. Dipping his long
and almost feminine fingers into the thick liquid, he shuddered in an almost
sexual pleasure as a surge of power spread to every muscle, and every element
of his being.
"My my..." Naraku whispered in pleasure, as he watched the mercury-colored
substance drip slowly off his fingers.
"Soon there will be causes to rejoice…"
Inuyasha, the lord of the eastern lands, was nearly fitted perfectly into his hand. All that the hanyou would require now was some polishing and fine-tuning before adding him to his growing collection of allies…and perhaps other things as well.
Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were like the yin and the yang, though strangely perverse in their similarities. Unlike the Chinese form of balance, the dark balancing the light, and the light balancing the dark, these two halves were more or less the same, at least in appearances. Sesshoumaru carried the more beautiful and refined of the looks, which was probably attributed to the fact that he was a youkai and not a hanyou like his half brother. Sesshoumaru had more beauty and overall sexual appeal. His body was well cared for, as was everything that Sesshoumaru saw fit to possess. He was young in appearance, yet wise and perhaps too jaded beyond his years. Yet, this quality only added to the desire that possessed Naraku's darkened soul.
When he tasted the youkai he would savor him like a fine wine, only there would be countless more tasting…
Inuyasha on the other hand would prove more of a challenge. Naraku did not deny that Inuyasha was more immature, and certainly not as handsome as his brother, yet the rough and jagged quality to his personality Naraku found enticing. It would be such a pleasure to slowly, and painfully, smooth out the edges of the hanyou. Yet, Inuyasha, unlike Sesshoumaru, was meant to be left in its natural state. Sesshoumaru had been born into a world of standards, and had been polished and cut so many times, that by the end of it he was a diamond, just like every other diamond, he sparkled and shone and blinded Naraku with the beauty…yet, as strange as it sounded Naraku found Inuyasha sexually appealing for the fact that he was left natural. He glinted, but only faintly. If the right oils and tools were applied, Inuyasha might out-shine his older and proud brother.
Falling down to the floor, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to slowly work his power. He had just witnessed disturbing events from his precious key to the outside world. Kagome, Inuyasha's wife, would have to be moved into position, perhaps even today if necessary. He had not counted on Kagome being brazen enough to go out and personally help in with the damage in the Shizuoka prefecture—yes, he had heard she was hot-headed and even strange as far as noble women were concerned, but there had been many such reports of other females as well. None had ever done anything that audacious…
This required him to move fast. Yet, he had to be careful in his actions, for if he did a sloppy job of it all, it could easily fall apart.
For the past five minutes, Naraku had slowly been constructing a list of everything that needed to happen by nightfall; by the time, that Miroku would reach the Shizuoka prefecture, and then the fallen fortress of the youkai exterminators. If he played his cards particularly well, the timing would be perfect, and perhaps the war would erupt sooner rather then later…and he would finally possess that which he had desired for so long…
To begin with, he would have to travel to Fukushima today. He was expected there as it was. Inuyasha was not aware, but today's appointment with a dignitary would willingly place him into his outstretched hands. Smirking, Naraku reflected on how delicious it was to have friends in high places.
Secondly, before he traveled to Fukushima, he would have to visit Sesshoumaru at his abode to explain that the youkai would be receiving an unexpected guest for an indefinite amount of time.
Thirdly, he would have to make a quick stop in Kyoto to buy Kagome her expensive bribery. Even if Kagome was an exception to females, no female could refuse the latest fashions of Kyoto. In addition, if the girl could resist, then perhaps she would become one of his as well. He always enjoyed having a reluctant one…at times the shrieks of protests could be highly sexual.
Shaking his head sadly, Naraku reflected that he was indeed busy, but of course being exhaustive was exhausting.
``````````
Pouring himself a shallow cup of Choya, Sesshoumaru sat smoothly down besides his polished mahogany desk. Eyeing a variety of papers, all placed under the watchful prisms of a chunk of amethyst, he suppressed a sigh before lifting the piece of rock and carefully reading the letter he had received the day before.
In reality, the contents were not of much interest, yet anything was better than this stifling silence; this burden on his heart which slowly grew day by day by day. To say that he was at ease with his comrade's actions would be false indeed. He had judged many a character through his long life, and first impressions could never be mistaken. There something sinister in Naraku's actions, something foul in his voice. He could not at this time explain his hypothesis, yet Sesshoumaru was sure that after the battle would take place the actions of his ally would not surprise him in the least.
Naraku was unworthy.
Naraku was dangerous like a double-edged sword.
And he, the fool, looked the other way hoping that what he saw was false in this world of so many uncertainties.
There was something in the day, a whisper from the east, from where things began and where his past would forever haunt him. The wretched being of his half-brother resided in the shadows of the mountains. Was the earth protecting even Inuyasha from his wrath?
Perhaps.
Yet, there was no denying it that something drastic and important would happen today. The clouds that had been forming in the north had paused, as though the world had stopped breathing. They waited now, their dark depths threatening the unstable structures of man.
Closing his eyes, he massaged his temples generously. Ever since he had visited Naraku's mountain abode there had been a face, nearly unrecognizable, haunting his waking hours. Much to his blessing, in the nocturnal hours the whisper of her presence did not even so much sing, and he was left alone, as he was meant to be. He needed no one.
Moreover, if people needed him, that was their own problem.
Closing his eyes, he allowed his thoughts to sink into emptiness, and yet the eyes of Inuyasha's bride would not dissipate. The depths haunted him in a way he could never imagine…
Trying to sort out his muddled thoughts, he began to reason why this girl troubled his waking hours. To begin with, he had never met her, so why should she dominate his thoughts? Why should he even think about a thing that belonged to his worthless brother? By aligning herself to that ignorant fool, she had consequently lowered her standard and was by no means worthy of a second thought.
Yet, Sesshoumaru scowled, she had been blessed with thirty or perhaps forty of his thoughts a day.
It was revolting.
Slamming down his clawed fists his lips formed a bitter sneer. This was Inuyasha's wench. She was legally and probably physically bound to the bastard as well. Why should he even give a second thought to someone else's property? Sesshoumaru had other things to worry about then the well being of the girl with sea-colored eyes. A noblewoman such as her, with no standards and few interests, was not worthy of him.
No doubt she was spoiled, bad mannered, selfish and ignorant in everyway imaginable. Forming a wicked smirk, Sesshoumaru allowed himself to indulge in his thought. Yes, she was probably very spoiled, and extremely rude. She probably did not even realize the importance of the lower class and more than likely she treated them with the same respect as something fowl underneath her shoes.
Of course, what had be been thinking?
Yet…
Yet…
There was still the whisper of change…
Frowning, he pushed the thoughts bitterly aside, and glanced through the remaining papers.
````````
Bowing deeply, Inuyasha exchanged mutual greetings towards the lord. As usual, he arrived early at the abode of whomever he was to visit. Now, being led through a labyrinth of shoji screens, Inuyasha wondered of whom he was to meet. Although this lord, his guide, was leading him to this unknown person, he could not help but notice the quality of anxiety and uneasiness. Yet, Inuyasha insisted quietly to himself, this could not be. This lord was one of the most powerful in Japan, and few people could intimidate his sturdy frame.
"Motanai-sama," Inuyasha questioned, "Who is this guest? Have I met him before?"
The firm and solid frame of Motanai suddenly looked sallow, sick and tired, as though for many nights a great question had hung over his head, like a dark ominous cloud.
"Not that I know of, Inuyasha-sama." He admitted, sliding aside the final screen, and motioning him into an ornate room.
On the walls of the shoji were almost transparent tigers, their orange eyes glaring down into Inuyasha's own amber-colored orbs. Their claws glinted in a false moonlight, and their teeth glinted with the same hunger and malice…
Glancing about the room, he found a figure dressed in a deep purple and black seated serenely near the corner.
"Excuse me," Motanai began, his hands outstretching as though he was trying to grasp this person's attention.
The figure slowly turned around, smiling a questioning sort of grin, before replying, "Excuse me, I did not hear you enter."
His voice was deep, almost strangely so. Yet, a feminine quality overpowered his obvious masculinity. Inuyasha could not deny that this stranger was quizzical indeed. He was obviously male, in his features, his voice, his movement—yet there was also something so utterly sensual about his form that he required elements of an innocent female.
The being stood and walked across the room. His movements were decisive, quick, firm and executed perfectly. Inuyasha could not but help wonder whom the person was…how had he never met him before.
Then, he knew. Like a great wave, his foolishness and stupidity washed over his body.
"Inuyasha-sama, I would like to present to you a great warlord like yourself: Naraku-sama."
Slightly taken aback, Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and breathed in quickly. So, this was the man who would decide his fate. Was he to embrace him in war like a brother? Or…was he to murder him, enjoying the scent of the being blood washed in the warm summer's rain.
"Ah, so you are the famous Inuyasha-sama…" Naraku questioned; his thick and sculpted eyebrows rising in amusement, "I have long been wishing to discuss a few matters."
Bowing in the customary action, Inuyasha responded, his eyes locked with the mysterious warlord, "I will see what can be done. Yet, I have many matters to discuss with Motanai-sama."
"What are you talking about?" Motanai questioned, laughing nervously, his face flushed as though he had drunk too much wine.
"It regards our alliance." Inuyasha replied, trying to give as little as possible away.
"Our alliance? Do you wish to annul it?" Motanai questioned, his wrinkles turned down in a worried frown.
Inuyasha dimly noted that Motanai had lost his edge. Suddenly, he was an aging warlord, ready to be trampled upon by the hungry wolves.
"No. I wish to renew it." Inuyasha replied quietly, aware that Naraku's dark eyes were watching him intently. He did not like the intensity…it made him feel ill at ease.
"Is that all?" Motanai laughed to himself, "But of course, I have had those arrangements all priory finished."
"What?" Inuyasha choked noticeably.
"I must admit," Naraku began, touching Inuyasha's scarlet fabric, "That I urged Montanai-sama to go ahead, so today I may discuss matters with you as well." His dark eyes seemed to have no reflection of the world, and Inuyasha's face seemed to dominate all he saw.
"I...," Inuyasha began hesitantly, self-consciously taking a step back.
"Oh, go on." Motanai urged jovially, walking hurriedly towards the door, as though he wished to distance himself from these two beings.
The door was slid open, and more suddenly, firmly shut. And suddenly the two famed warlords were alone, surrounded by the tigers…
````````
A lone horseman rode swiftly along the roads, his worried face reflected in the shallow waters of the rice paddies. It was late afternoon, and only a few farmers remained out quietly working. A small amount of young girls looked up, and watched the handsome man pass, a wistful and quiet look in their eyes. The fact that he was handsome only brought a greater burden to their young hearts. A thought ran through their heads, and only the elderly grandmother could say what wished to be free.
"Ah, what a pity, there goes another man lost to the wars."
And so it was.
`````````
"Would you like some tea?" Naraku offered, extending a handsomely crafted jade cup towards Inuyasha. His offer was nearly silent. Nearly.
Taking it, and finding no words to reply, he sipped it cautiously. The cup itself was exquisite, it being very simple and Zen in design. The prize was nearly transparent, the stone flecked with long, almost green rivers of color. Yet, he was anxious, and wished to know precisely who or what this man was. And, specifically what his relationship to this man would be.
His expression was troubled, and he scowled notably.
Finally, he asked gruffly, "Is what they say of you true?"
"I do not know. What do they say?" Naraku chuckled, his eyes glinting with an unknown emotion.
Adjusting from his reclined position, Inuyasha shifted his posture to squarely face the man. "That you attacked the Shizuoka prefecture—that you are unfair to the citizens of your prefecture, which you gained your power through gruesome murders and you have ruined more than one of the nobles' lives." Inuyasha spat, in no mood for a sortie.
Whatever he had expected Naraku's actions to be was false. In fact, it was quite the opposite in every respect.
He laughed.
A beautiful, deep, rich laugh. And for a moment, Naraku looked carefree and almost innocent.
"Ah? So that is what they say, eh?" Naraku whispered, enjoying the attention, "I sound like a monster from hell, eh?"
"You still have not answered the question." Insisted the hanyou-warlord.
"You are correct. I have not answered the question." Naraku replied, sipping his tea, "But if I answered, would this change your opinion of me? Would you still desire me for an ally, as you do now?"
Taken aback, Inuyasha snarled, "I never said I wanted you for an ally."
"But it is so obvious!" Naraku explained, draping himself over the back of a small piece of furniture. "It is common knowledge that you despise your brother, Sesshoumaru—"
"Half brother." Inuyasha corrected moodily.
"Fine, half-brother, then. It is common knowledge you hate him and wish to obtain his prefecture. You have been trying for long indeed. You are at the top of the mountain, Inuyasha-sama, you may only go down. You may only take Sesshoumaru with you—this summer is your golden opportunity."
"What do you mean?" Inuyasha whispered, trying to smooth out his uneasiness and well as curiosity.
"You have married to a family of weapons manufactures. You cannot tell me you married for love. No, please don't! For if you do, I will throw this tea in your face and leave! Yet, don't you see that you have been trying to obtain this prefecture for nearly twenty years! Your allies grow tired of your failure, and do you think you will have them come autumn when you fail again?"
Inuyasha did not answer. His expression was dark.
"You know this is true, Inuyasha-sama. You know of this reserve and austere quality that your entire associates now carry. They expect you to fail. You know what I speak of. You know that this summer is your last chance—and you are at last prepared to defeat him! You have acquired weapons—and now all that is left to acquire is me. I am the key to your success."
Glancing up, he found a strange expression on Naraku's face. Throughout the speech, Naraku had moved closer and closer to him, and now he felt Naraku's cool hands surround his face, in a gentile and rough way. Inuyasha was shocked beyond words that Naraku had dared to overstep the boundaries that the noble-class so clearly laid down.
Would hisi precious Inuyasha bow down to his touch so quickly?, Naraku whispered, his eyes entranced by Inuyasha's pink lips, slightly open in apprehension. He could dip his tongue down into that dangerous valley, and taste it all, taste what eluded his grasp. How easy it would be to taste the honey…how easy…
"So?" Naraku whispered, leaning forward, his dark curly hair mingling with Inuyasha's own, "What will it be?"
There was a dim quality in Naraku's eyes, as though they were slowly drawing Inuyasha into his world, slowly pulling him to his side. And somehow, this seemed to be the only place he wished to be. Sesshoumaru was long forgotten, Miroku only a memory, Kagome just—Kagome just a…just a…
…Kagome…
"I don't know," Inuyasha whispered his voice strangely weak. With more resolve, he shifted his limbs and edged away from Naraku, "I don't know."
There was a long silence, as though Naraku was somehow planning his next attack. Inuyasha seemed blissfully unaware, his thoughts muddled and confused. It was all happening too fast…too quickly…
"I see." Naraku whispered, standing up, "It is he who daunts you."
"Who?" Inuyasha questioned bitterly, his eyes annoyed and indignant, "I bow down to no one."
Naraku did not reply, instead he continued to leisurely move about the room, as though silently weighing the options. Naraku had long since realized that the key to Inuyasha was Sesshoumaru. Kagome was an issue indeed, but Inuyasha's hatred towards his brother ran deeper, and darker…
…. It was time to play his second card…too taunt Inuyasha's rash nature, to flaunt what he supposed was his, now supposedly owned by his worse enemy…
`````````
"Sesshoumaru-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken whispered hurriedly, moving through the shoji screens in irritation, his small wrinkled form gasping for breath. Nearly stumbling over his own feet, he scurried towards the great mahogany table to where Sesshoumaru was seated.
Looking up in irritation, Sesshoumaru hissed, "I told you, you must learn to get along with Rin." His eyes were large and dilated in size, as though a great danger lingered in the worn edges of the parchment.
Then, remembering suddenly that Rin was away in the nearby town visiting friends, he allowed himself to listening to the panicking toad demon.
Shaking his wrinkled head, Jaken gasped, "He is here! He is here!"
His interest more sparked, Sesshoumaru demanded sternly, "Who?"
"Him! Naraku-sama!" Jaken sputtered fitfully, his large watery eyes seemingly having increased in size.
Standing up suddenly, Sesshoumaru walked across the room, his eyes austere and giving away the unrest in his heart. Why had he not written? Why had he never been informed?
Yet, even before he could answer these questions on his own, his thoughts were interrupted as his eyes met with two dark orbs of mystery.
"You did not send word." Sesshoumaru greeted, almost uncivilly, his lips sneering in indignation.
"Yes, I know, I am very sorry. Please forgive me." Naraku replied charmingly, stepping into Sesshoumaru's private office.
"There are no forgiving rude manners." Sesshoumaru hissed irritably, not moving from his position in the frame of the door. He was a bulwark, and would Naraku be able to break though its barriers? The meaning was clear; Sesshoumaru's office was a place that not even Naraku could enter…
"I have no time for your annoyances." Naraku brushed aside breezily, sidestepping Sesshoumaru's frame, and entering his private domain. A bad idea, Jaken noted.
Whirling around in indignation, Sesshoumaru hissed, "Then what do you have time for?"
"I must impose on your graciousness." Naraku admitted, his tone sarcastic, gazing out at the view from his circular window.
"What do you mean?"
The wind from the north rattled through the house, causing the grove of bamboo to whisper in the wind. A great storm was approaching.
Jaken looked at his master worriedly. Sesshoumaru was on the brink of his already thin patience; his claws were flexed, as though ready to strike the being that sailed lazily about the room. There was no mistaking his emotions, they were bordering on rage—and once Sesshoumaru became angry…
"You will be receiving an unexpected guest for an indefinite amount of time." Naraku finally replied, his thoughts and voice far away, as though at this very moment his attention was directed elsewhere.
"Who is this person? Or, is it a person?" Sesshoumaru replied icily, his voice vibrating in displeasure.
"You will see, you will see," Naraku waved breezily away. "She will be arriving in a few minutes. She might seem a bit ill-at-ease, but I have already brought over clothes, and they have been put away in the eastern bedroom."
Glancing over his shoulder, Naraku cast a slightly amused expression towards the youkai lord. His form screamed sexuality; dressed in an attire of black and silver. The black hakama gently swished against the tatami mats, his glossy hair splashing over his ebony happi, his dark eyes glinting in the filtered light of mid-day.
Come come, Sesshoumaru, let me see a spark of curiosity…let me see an emotion…let me see the anger which has already engulfed your soul…let me see your true self, and not this mask of an emotionless samurai…
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but glared at Naraku, his face detached. Yet, his form had stiffened, as though the youkai was prepared for a bloody battle, prepared to tackle the being of evil that now, so stealthily, made his way towards him.
"I know, I know, you are displeased. Yet," Naraku lied, "So am I…but these things must be done. You wish for the sword, do you not?"
Sesshoumaru did not reply, yet again. His golden eyes bore deeply into Naraku's emotionless depths, trying to untangle the mystery of this unruly lord.
"I must go," Naraku admitted, "Please forgive my rudeness for not actually coming in person."
Slightly off guard, Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to question. Yet, before he could, the vision of Naraku faded away—and he realized that Naraku's powers stretched far indeed. So, Naraku had brought a puppet of his own self. This proved how much the alliance was worth indeed…but then, of course, Sesshoumaru pondered; probably both were aware that this alliance was only out of convenience. He could not ignore the attention that Naraku gave him, and the fact that his dark eyes, even in the night, watched him from an unseen vista.
So, a veiled woman would arrive at his fortress? Grimacing, Sesshoumaru thought darkly, As soon as one leaves, another takes her place.
Would he ever find a moment alone? A time to sort out his muddled thoughts? No, he realized, until this ultimate conflict between his brother was finally resolved, there would be no time for quiet afternoons, no time for reveries…no time for…anything…
His clawed fists tightened in anger—another woman, probably an ignorant girl of some overfed warlord. And how long would he have to put up with the wench? Indefinite! Had the gates of his manner been so easily stained by the likes of Naraku?
Scowling, he glared down at Jaken, and whispered icily, "I will not return until this evening."
Shivering in fear, Jaken whispered, his withered lips quivering, "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama…"
`````````
Sitting blankly on the porch, Kagome watched the sun slowly set beyond the hills, casting the late afternoon sky into shades of brilliant orange and gold. Blinking back from the intensity of it all, she gazed down at the cup of now tepid tea and picked it up, gently swirling its contents.
Standing up and walking around the back of the pavilion, she gazed at the barren landscape, covered with trampled plants and grasses, now slightly brown from lack of attention from the past few weeks.
A warm wind from the south gently pulled at her strands of hair. It was the deception before the storm, the hopes for the mild rather than the cool and harsh weather that the storm brought in. Kagome was aware of the dark clouds looming just above the mountaintops, and soon the rain would revive the plants, and she would return to her abode, ready to plan any possible way to avoid the war, which seemed as eminent as the clouds. Yet, Kagome apprehended, her efforts were a lost cause like the warm wind from the south. No matter what she did they would always arise and fall upon her. These problems…
Closing her eyes, she tried to escape, to flee to a place faraway. Beyond the mountains, above the clouds, to where her happiness lay...
A wind from the north blew across the courtyard, lifting the dust and dirt about her figure. Letting down her bound hair, she spread her arms and embraced the bone chilling cold. This trip to the Shizuoka prefecture had been a turning point during her life. There had been many such experiences throughout the years; the dreaded wake up calls.
The first had been when she was eight years old, and all she wished to do was play, run, and help the peasants. Yet, her mother held the key to her future, and never, the woman had said, would it reside side by side with the peasants.
The second epiphany had come when she was sixteen, two years ago, when the suitors had begun like a great wave. Her future had been decided yet again, and this time it was her family to decide whom the person would be.
Now, finally, she was here…a place where only she could control her destiny, a place where all actions and decisions were her choice and her choice alone…
…it was daunting…
Opening her eyes, she found that it was that strange time in during the day where the color of light still glimmered like that of the golden afternoon, yet the sky was that of early dusk. A chill swept around her, not an unpleasant one, and she closed her eyes yet again…
A cool embrace surrounded her so tenderly that she had mistaken the touch for the wind. Yet upon opening her eyes, she looked down and saw a pale hand wound about her waist. Glancing up in astonishment and fear, she found herself looking into a brutally handsome face that now glared at her with menacing and deranged eyes. His long curly locks blew in the wind across his pale face, alit with his dark and dangerous eyes. His plump lips now formed a wicked smile as he tightened his hold about her, one hand reaching within her yukata and squeezing at her breast.
Opening her mouth to scream, she found that she could not as the man wound his other hand about her.
"Kagome, like a little sparrow, you are so easy to capture."
Her eyes wide in fear she protested and began to struggle, yet to no avail.
"I think not, my dear." The man whispered into her ear.
Bending slightly, the man prepared to what it seemed like to leap, and when he straightened his legs Kagome found the wind whipping about her as she flew high into the air.
The last thing she remembered before the drugs she inhaled came to work, was looking up and to the north the great storm clouds swept into the valley like a broken damn.
````````````
Stepping out into the barren courtyard Sango looked down at the shattered teacup, and the remnants of tea now seeping into the dry ground. Continuing to study the shattered remnants, a great fear slowly began to soak over her heart.
"Please…no," Sango whispered closing her eyes.
Calling out Kagome's name, asking her servant, looking through the grounds; she could not be found. Kagome had vanished…
It was as she had feared, Sango thought bitterly, rocking herself gently on the porch steps, pricks of tears forming in her eyes; Kagome had been taken by Naraku, the enemy. And now, it was her duty to wrench her from the darkness where she was traveling towards, and bring her once more to bask in the light of morning.
A determined look flashed across her face, and she knew that Kagome had to be found. Standing up she swiftly made her way towards her quarters and quickly slung her bone boomerang over her shoulder.
Calling towards the servant, she lied terribly that Kagome had left towards Edo, and that she was following in pursuit. Sango hated being deceitful, yet the whole situation had to be left in the dark for as soon as possible. If Inuyasha found out…
Shivering in apprehension she made her way across the darkened courtyard, slinking in-between the graves of her family.
It was both time for her revenge, and the greatest performances of her life…
Stumbling to the ground as she tripped over an object, and instead of falling to the earth, she fell into someone's outstretched arms. A cold chill ran down her spin as her skin met the cool hands of an unknown being. The night was both quiet and warm, uninterrupted by her scream as some unknown figure of the dark grasped her close, covering her open mouth with his firm hands, and drawing her into the shadows.
`````````
Naraku turned towards the young hanyou-lord and said in a serious voice, "Inuyasha, there is something that I have been meaning to show you…"
Inuyasha, blinking in confusion and distrust, said nothing as he idly watched the new acquaintance move about the room.
Naraku's mysterious eyes met the tumultuous golden orbs of Inuyasha, his voice dark and morbid, "Unfortunately, it cannot be moved from its present location."
"What is it?" Inuyasha asked, trying to gruffly hide the curiosity in his tone.
"It is my greatest treasure," the dark being whispered, casting his eyes downward.
Inuyasha turned his back towards the warlord and sneered, "Oh well isn't too bad, eh? Guess I won't be able to see it. I'm all torn up inside."
The true side of you, hm, Inuyasha? You will not last long…and that is the beauty of life, isn't it? Death is inevitable, like the changing of the seasons…
"Then why not accompany me back to my mountain fortress? I believe that if we become allies this treasure will suit your needs just perfectly." Naraku questioned earnestly, kneeling near Inuyasha's figure, their faces not one foot away.
Almost too quickly, as though he has expected the question, Inuyasha retorted, "That will not be possible. I have many obligations, as well as the rest of my tour to Sapporo."
Naraku nodded, and exhibited a troubled expression, "Yes, that is troublesome indeed."
"However much I would like to see whatever it is you want to show me, I have other obligations." Inuyasha added, gazing out the window at the clouded sky.
"Do you really wish to see it so much?" Naraku replied curiously, leaning even closer.
"Do you question my authority?" Inuyasha replied, grinning, as he used one of his favorite lines.
"No, I suppose I don't." The lord replied in turn, a grin painted on his own façade as well.
Heaving a great sigh, Naraku grinned, "I am glad to here you say that."
"What?"
"It was a test, don't you see?"
"No, not really."
"I had to see how much you wished for this alliance. I have judged you, and now you may look upon it." Naraku concluded, standing and swiftly walking to the opposite end of the room opening a thin shoji screen, which covered a great lacquered five-panel partition. Folding the panels, a great glowing lit the darkened room Inuyasha was sitting within.
Inuyasha's golden eyes opened in curiosity and astonishment. Any cautions were completely forgotten as the warm –bluish light called out to him. Stepping forward, almost in a trance, Inuyasha neared the silver bowl.
"What do you wish to see, hm, Inuyasha-sama?"
````````````
It was nearly midnight when Sesshoumaru quietly slipped into his study and fell before his desk, massaging his temples. The night had been a blur, a mixture of blood and ample moonlight from the waxing orb engulfing the landscape. It had been years since he had found himself so enraged that he had to kill without mercy—for no purpose, with no will.
Turning his head slowly, a grim expression crossed over his impassive features, "What is it, Jaken?"
The small toad demon cowered forward, and whispered, "She demands…"
Raising one of his eyebrows, it took Sesshoumaru a moment to realize who and what Jaken was speaking of, and the purpose behind why he had gone out into the night to hunt.
"What?" Sesshoumaru questioned irritably, "What are you talking about?"
Covering his hands over his head, Jaken burst out in a voice laced with fear, "She demands your presence, Sesshoumaru-sama! She will not go to sleep—or even keep quiet, until she sees the master of the house!"
Grumbling a few bitter words under his breath, Sesshoumaru replied, "Where is she?"
Whispering in a barely audible voice, "The dining room…the cooks fed her…"
Standing up, against every bit of common sense that he held, Sesshoumaru slowly made his way towards the dining hall. Mildly curious of what royal brat Naraku had planted in his abode; he unconsciously quickened his step.
A face filled with fear and sadness met his eyes, the large dark blue eyes wide in surprise.
The last person that Sesshoumaru, the lord of the western lands, had expected to see was Kagome, the wife of his bastard stepbrother…
END PART I
```````````
`````
``
`
AN: *wheh* was that long enough for everyone? I think this was a record chapter, I swear! It took me a total of 4 very boring days to write this chapter. Next chapter begins what I call the "All is Fair in Love and War", consisting of warfare, more romance, and more brutality. Sound fun? Oh! You guessed it! Also, more Kikyou! So, either get out the holy water or the pedestal all your Kikyou lovers/haters. (*hides behind her UFO of Se-chan* I myself am I Kikyou hater…demo, I write her so nicely, ne?)
Also, I am soooo sorry about 1.) In the last chapter, those few mistakes 2.) the paragraph of DOOM! I tried to load it on my aunts' computer, but she did not have word 200 (~_~;;) , so I could not load it correctly. And two, the computer crashed before I could save, and I forgot that, and just uploaded without looking at it. I am so sorry.
Anyways, look forward to the next chapter where.
1.) Inuyasha falls into Naraku's evil snare
2.) Kikyou appears (Yay?) (NAY!)
3.) The Sesshoumaru/Kagome relationship begins, whether good or bad
4.) And the author is further embarrassed by her stupid mistakes, mis-spellings, and idiotic problems that are simply her.
Cappie
Check out my site
and also check out…(the *best* HYD romance I had read in a long time!)