Title: Shadows Against a Shoji Screen
Rating: pg13
Genre: romance/drama/action/adventure
Series: Inuyasha
Chapter primary characters: Sesshoumaru/Kagome/Naraku
AN: Well, did you guys all hate me very terribly for the last chapter? Some how, I have a feeling you did. I don't blame you, really, I don't. Anyways, this chapter takes off write where chapter 27 left off. I originally was going to make this chapter one of those intercalary chapters, but decided I should just finish something I started off as it was…y'know? Anyways, enjoy this.
Warnings: might be shorter than usual.
Shadows Against a Shoji Screen
Chapter 28
The Scent of Rain
*
The newness of the late summer morning had worn off, and now there was only that humid heat, just beginning to creep about the edges of the world. It was not uncomfortable, but strangely pleasurable in fact. The pine trees stood inaudibly and rigidly in their place along the sloping mountainside, beneath the cool stream, kept fresh with the snow fall of the distant winter. Down below in the valley the sounds of children at play echoed softly through the tranquil scene, alit only with the sound of nothingness, the sound of the world breathing.
A heron in the freshwater pond flapped its wings causing the water to ripple and undulate beneath its breast, its reflection winking up at it. It took off into the sky speckled with large clouds, their bottoms beginning to ripen gray as the scent of rain began to whisper to the territory from over the mountainsides, as calm as boiling bubbles in a thick and hearty stew.
Sesshoumaru angrily scanned through papers. Atop his usually immaculate desk there lay a variety sheets; letters, notes, plans, data and calculations. All such pieces of paper were keys to his success—all held something which was important which could not be forgotten. The parchment was his second sword, just as deadly as the metal that he carried by his side. Yes, these words and directions—they were the yin to his yang.
Naraku's visit some five minutes ago had unsettled him greatly. Between the combination of Naraku finding Kagome in his arms and the lack of details and information regarding Naraku's tactics, Sesshoumaru was feeling uneasy. Although, unsurprised as the attack had been, Naraku's physical, if not sexual innuendo, disturbed him greatly. What was wrong with that man? It was not uncommon, of course, for men to prefer their own gender, and he respected those few for not being afraid of the constraints of society. Yet, there was a difference, as far as he was concerned, about how far a man's sexual desires could go, especially towards one who was not interested.
This made twice that the Naraku had been so suggestive, and silently he contemplated if Naraku had similar behavior around others. Was such an open display of his physical needs so typical?
He was unsure, and hoped that he had misjudged the man. The fact remained that Sesshoumaru did not trust him and he felt as though his time with Naraku would soon be terminated. He was becoming wary of their alliance. Wary of it all.
He was gone now, and that seemed all that mattered. He felt somewhat guilty, as he leaned back on the palms of his hands, that he was not attempting to find Kagome. He knew his limitations towards her and understood, but it seemed every time they met, every time they shared the same room—it became more and more impossible to resist. Fate was pulling them together and destiny was tearing them apart.
Yes, it was best to seek the sanctuary of the room, best to enjoy its material comforts, despite the trepidation that resided perpetually in the darkness of his heart.
Scowling, he tossed some papers aside. It seemed as though suddenly there was so very much to do—as though tasks had suddenly been born from out of his head, or perhaps they formed like the creation of the islands. Yes, was Amaterasu looking out for him amongst the rubble and deep fog of his life? Would he find happiness with the ghosts of his past, and not the sweet arms of his future?
But he had no time for such thoughts! No time at all. The war was tomorrow, and each second the battle drums rang more heavy in his ear, each second they increased in their ferocity. Each and every second…
Sighing, he gingerly picked up a bamboo brush and hurriedly scrawled out a letter and several copies to the generals he had appointed over the last several months. He had written to them only a few days ago and he would not be surprised if the correspondence would arrive today.
He crumpled the current letters he was writing and threw them bitterly aside. He could not concentrate—there was something lurking about, something not right, something unseen and unsaid. Sesshoumaru buried his head in his hands, his silver hair cascading, tumbling, falling, over his shoulders and pooling on the cypress writing desk. His golden eyes glazed over and his expression turned placid despite the tumultuous storm that was now brewing in his eyes.
Damn it all…
If Sesshoumaru had not taken that moment, had not calmed his nerves, had not forced himself to relent in self inflicted sacrifice and pain—then perhaps her screams might not have been heard through the din of crumpled paper. Yes, her plea, her demand for help might have gone unnoticed. If that had happened…if he had not heard her cry…
Yet he did. He heard it, vaguely, muffled and contorted. His head snapped up and his eyes narrowed. Surely it could not be, he reasoned rationally. It could be anything; a bird calling for its mate, the howl of a wolf, the distant gong from the monastery bell….
It repeated, more frantic, more implicit…
A second later, his room was quiet and the papers blew in the gentle midday breeze. A hazy wash had over-taken the sky and over the tip of the mountain, the first peak of the storm head winked winningly, hungrily, down at the valley. Yes, soon the rains would come and wash away the blood and the tears and the sweat, and all would be forgotten. Or so it was said.
The papers became scattered and disorderly; Sesshoumaru was not there to restrain their character. He had followed her voice into the spider's nest.
*
The darkness seemed to have consumed the man. It was as though passion and physical desire was the only thing he was comprised of—his entity consisted of the want and the constant need. There was no humanity in his eyes. Was there ever?
His lips were still smashed against hers, his tongue playing a game of cat and mouse. Everywhere she hid; there he was, there he was, there he was…
Vaguely she was aware of something firm against her legs and she dared not look down to detect what it was exactly. The tears seemed to increase ten-fold and she was revolted when he chuckled sinisterly.
He pulled away, gasping for breath. His lips were still bleeding where she had bit him earlier. Perspiration was beginning to fall down his bare skin. From his forehead down his cheek unto his neck, upon his chest, his abdomen…down, down, down…
Naraku was laughing again, leaning against her now with the force of his body, his dark luxurious hair falling and mingling with her own. He smelled dimly of sandalwood incense and dark moist earth.
"Now, my dear Kagome," he whispered in her ear, his breath tickling the skin, "The fun begins."
He held her head dearly and cradled it. She was surprised that he was taking so long—after all, at any moment Sesshoumaru could come rushing in, or perhaps a servant in search for some rice. Had he heard her scream? Had it managed to penetrate through the walls?
"Oh, my dear Kagome, it is so amusing," He was nibbling at her ear now, his hands roving about her body, as though she was too hot, like a potato, to be handled so soon, "You try to wash away his scent, do you not? You try to hide the fact that Inuyasha is your husband, you try to forget—but no, his scent has already been engraved in you…"
He faced her now, and although she was still struggling, a dim light was beginning to register in the back of her mind. Soon, she thought, he will slip, and give it all away. Whatever it was. But when that time came, when that one instant came, she would know, and she would have her sword in which to shatter his empire of illusions into pieces.
"Yes, that same rich scent…but it is not Inuyasha you desire, but his brother," his voice was cruel, cutting and malicious, as were his actions. He threw her down upon the sacks of rice and leaned over her. His eyes gleamed in the black, as though light glowed from behind their darkness.
Leaning forward, a flash of lightening went off in Kagome's mind—she could waste no time with regrets, for soon, if nothing was to happen, her life would forever be marred with the knowledge that her virginity would have been taken by a man such as Naraku.
She kicked him hard. It was in the thigh, and although he did not move, his grip loosened and he cursed.
"You bitch…," he spat angrily down at her, his attention momentarily diverted.
With one of her hands that had managed to become free she elbowed him in the arm and he collapsed slightly. His face was furious, but not defeated.
What happened next seemed sluggish and rapid at the same time, as though the world had stopped and then run to catch up with itself.
With her left hand she pushed against his shoulder in an effort to wiggle out of his grasp, but suddenly, and to her great amazement, a flash of light emitted from her fingertips and crashed against Naraku's body, sending him flat against the opposite wall. Her fingers tingled, and looking up at them in astonishment she found their tips aglow as though a light lived within her now.
She had no time to ask questions, no time to adjust her kimono that lay undone about her body, revealing practically everything—there was no time to think. Hopping up, she dashed across the room, dimly aware that Naraku had already risen and was laughing in his deep, throaty manner. Kagome gulped. She could hear his footsteps echoing in her ear, one after another after another.
There is no escape, she thought desperately.
Her fingertips grasped around the cool metal door handle and she flung it open with all her might. The bright, if not hazy, light of midday met her eyes. Kagome was momentarily blinded by the brilliancy, but she had no time to recover. She ran…
…right into Sesshoumaru.
He grabbed her forcefully about the waist and shoved her brutally aside. Kagome could not see his face, but she could tell by the aura he emitted that he knew exactly what had happened. Sesshoumaru was aware of Naraku's intentions amongst the forgotten bounty of rice.
"Naraku…," his voice was cold, emotionless and utterly sinister. It was the voice of death.
*
Upon opening the door and seeing the disheveled appearance Kagome was in, he could but not but assume the worst. He had carefully avoided the allure of her bare skin and moved her quickly aside. There was no time to be delicate with the matter, not when one such as Naraku faced him now.
He withdrew his sword and it glinted in the light of midday. It sang hungrily for blood.
As Sesshoumaru stood there, a concoction of repugnance and deceit and panic consumed his body. What had happened if he had not heard her scream? She would have been lying on the cold stone floor, her body thrown into the motions of love-making from under Naraku's hand. She would have been eternally blemished by the man.
Naraku was walking towards the light now, his undone happi coat and open layers revealing his chest beneath it. They glinted with perspiration. The man was grinning…
"You sick bastard," Sesshoumaru spat, adjusting his form slightly. If Naraku dared…
"Oh?" Naraku questioned innocently, extending his tongue and licking his lips slowly. He then adjusted his attire and smoothed back his hair. The curls had momentarily fallen before his handsome face. Yet how calm and relaxed was he as stood there on the brink of life and death. But, as Naraku knew, this was to be neither his first or last time that he was to walk his own tightrope.
"You two live a lie; you realize that, do you not? You believe that here, you cannot be touched; by anyone. May I point out that Kagome was nearly…," Naraku paused, grinned, and licked his lips. His eyes fell on Sesshoumaru and he smirked, "Tomorrow brings the war, Sesshoumaru, like the rains from China. Will you be washed away, or remain intact with my help?"
Sesshoumaru shifted his feet somewhat to redistribute his weight. He lowered his sword, but was still willing and able to attack at any second. What Naraku had done was unforgivable…
"Realize this Naraku," Sesshoumaru hissed lowly, just above a whisper, "When this war ends, whoever the victor, may I never see you or be in contact with you again…"
Naraku crossed his arms together and continued to grin. "As you wish, Sesshoumaru-sama,"
Naraku stepped back slightly and melted away into the shadows and the first scent of rain entered the valley.
*
Dusk had now fallen on the lands; with its lavender color it also brought the cool winds from the ocean. The crickets had begun their song and the fireflies of summer swam lazily about in the warm air. One of the servants had lit some incense that sent a pleasant fragrance about the whole estate.
The wind-bell tinkled merrily from its post attached to a rafter near the dining room. Two figures sat within the shoji screens of that small room. Their shadows hung on the wall as did the tapestry. A soft and golden glow was emitted by the paper lanterns located in all four corners of the room as well as the direct center, above the large low-lying mahogany table.
Bringing a mouthful of rice to her lips, Kagome paused, and looked questioningly at Sesshoumaru who sat opposite her. His eyes did not meet hers; instead they remained downcast and unfocussed as he ate some pickled cabbage.
"I…," she paused, and waited for him to take notice of her. But take notice he did not, instead, he only brought the lacquer bowl of miso soup to his lips and let the salty broth fall down his throat.
Kagome did not feel hungry; in reality, it was the last physical experience she would allow herself at this moment. The war was tomorrow and uncertainty hung on the wing, just as her heart did.
Forcing herself to eat the rice she chewed on it slowly but did not taste its flavor. Her eyes turned downcast as well and she looked helplessly into the bowl before her. Ah, how quickly the day had gone by, how swiftly had the time disappeared…
She had hardly had time to think all day. Her mind had been alit with worry and fear and concern for other people and persons and places. Yet she had managed to have illuminated one subject area, something critical that she knew could not go without saying. Kagome knew that Sesshoumaru had the right to know this information, if not more.
The missing pieces that for so long had haunted her nights had finally come to fit together in a puzzle that spelled only one word: complications.
She opened her mouth, and felt no regret in her heart as she began; her voice unsteady as the wind, "There is something I must tell you, Sesshoumaru."
He glanced up, and their eyes met, but he said nothing. That acknowledgement itself was practically a hand-written invitation for her to continue.
"It regards Naraku…," she continued on, pushing her food away from her, the thought of it making her sick.
"I wish not to hear of the bastard. His presence and reference is only a thorn in my side." His voice was cold and rough like the very first time she had heard him speak, oh, those many months ago. He had traveled in a full circle that day, back to the beginning.
"Be that as it may, you must know. We are equals you and I, and it is perhaps my own weakness that I can keep nothing from you." Kagome was aware that Sesshoumaru was grinning at her in an amused fashion, his amber eyes glowing as did the lanterns about the room.
"Well then, continue on, if you feel so strongly about the subject matter…," He closed his eyes and took a long draft of sake. When his eyelids once again allowed Kagome to see the golden orbs, they were dark and full. Yes, he had inkling of how serious the matter was, did he not?
"Naraku is a traitor."
Sesshoumaru's lips tightened and he replied furiously, "Do not state the obvious. I believe this afternoon's events were enough to confirm that fact."
"No. This is nothing to do with me, or this afternoon," Kagome insisted, leaning forward, her eyes wide, her voice hard and full of intent. She had to make him realize that he and Inuyasha were puppets in his perverse play from hell.
Sesshoumaru, please understand…
Persisting on, she whispered, "I have the belief that Naraku, while he may be your ally, is also an ally to Inuyasha…" she would have added 'her husband', but she felt that that subject matter had been beaten into Sesshoumaru's head, and he was no fool. She need not state the obvious.
"Why do you say that?" Sesshoumaru was still calm, perhaps even more so than he had been a minute ago. He did not believe her, she could tell…
"He said things to me in the storage room, he gave himself away. He told me that Inuyasha had taken on a lover, which, if true, how would he have known? Realistically, Naraku should have no contact whatsoever with Inuyasha if you are his ally. And even if he has been in the vicinity of Inuyasha, then…how would he know so much?" Even as she spoke, she became surer of herself, it all became clear. It was this hesitant uncertainty that she had for months been trying to collect and analyze. She had found the answer; she had found the answer in a dim rice storage room, with an aroused man atop her, breathing lustily into her ears.
She flushed, and looked away for a moment.
But she had to continue.
"I remember…" Kagome whispered, so softly that one of normal hearing would have to lean forward, "I remember when I was still living at Inuyasha's fortress…I remember one day I happened upon his room while Inuyasha was there for a visit." She gulped, trying to remember that quiet buttercup afternoon of so long ago, "There was a map of the prefectures, and three pawns in each prefecture. There was a red piece for him, a white piece for you, and a black piece…for Naraku."
Yes, maybe not at that point in time, but perhaps after her departure to Sango's domain, it was then that Inuyasha had most likely succumbed to Naraku's charm. It was only until later that his true character would be illuminated.
"Are you quite sure?" Sesshoumaru's voice held that same fear now, his eyes narrowed, and filled with the same deceit and hatred that that they had earlier been filled with out on the veranda.
"Yes. There is no other way. He says I am covered in Inuyasha's scent—but how does he know how Inuyasha smells, unless he himself has met him and grown accustomed to the aroma?" Slowly, she looked up at Sesshoumaru again and spoke, "Naraku, he is a traitor, and it is my belief that this war between you two is only a plot for his greater goal."
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but it was his turn to look away. It was his turn to say nothing. It was his turn to be speechless.
"I do not know what he plans, or how he does so…but we are just pawns…" she cried defensively, slowly moving her way about the perimeter of the table and she sank to his side. Feeling for his clawed hand, she wrapped her warm fingers about it, enjoying the feeling of his skin. The war was tomorrow, within a few hours, and it was only now that she had realized the truth. She was late, and careless—but at least the truth remained. Yet, how, she wondered, could the war be altered? How, she thought desperately, could she convey to Inuyasha all the truth she had learned? She knew that even if she found the opportunity it would be a terrible time convincing him—for Naraku had probably blinded his eyes with his will.
She sunk her head, but refused to cry.
His warm claws brushed against her face, and cradling her head in his hand, Sesshoumaru sighed in a melancholy fashion, "What else have we ever been? We are born pawns, we shall die pawns—the only thing that will change is the player."
This scene of theirs was the last in the first act in a Noh play. What would the second act bring?
***
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*
AN: Well, there you go, the second part to chapter 27 (aka, chapter 28. duh) Hope you enjoyed it, and look forward to the next chapter. There are either two possibilities of which chapter will be which chapter, so I will have to consult my beta-reader on that. Sort of suspensy and very much filled with drama, ne? Has anyone besides me noticed that even though Sesshoumaru has kissed Kagome, it has never been on the lips?? He he he…*coughs* well then, I suppose I better be going. If you have any questions or anything, just tell me, ne?
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