To Fulfill One's Destiny
Chapter 15- Hold Out
"How are you faring, dearest."
"You wish I was your dearest, and I'm doing just dandy, thank you very much."
"Really, now."
"Really. How bad off could anyone be, dressed in the finest silk kimonos, fed the best delicacies, waited upon hand and foot - unless you factor in being chained to the walls."
"A necessary measure after the several escape attempts."
"Couldn't help it, I'm afraid. I was taught never to overstay my welcome."
"You forget, you are eternally welcome here. And, you will have to accept my invitations eventually."
"Oh those invitations. Thanks but no thanks, I like MY futon just fine."
"I could always join you."
"I prefer to sleep alone."
"The coming winter is bringing the cold winds early."
"Your point being?"
"You will have to accept my offer at one point or another."
"In your dreams and my nightmares."
"Have it your way. Kagura, escort our guest to the extra bedroom."
A new shadow appeared by the screen, illuminated by red so that Maria could see her from her position in her room.
"You do realize if you gave in, you wouldn't have my daily 'visits' to deal with."
"I'd rather have him try implanting me with another piece of purple glass than have THAT to go through."
So she still doesn't know of the power of the sacred jewel. Her 'friends' obviously didn't tell her.
Kagura used her wind powers to raise Maria off the floor and unlock her chains, moving her into another room used for her daily 'visit'- to have another shard of the Shikon jewel implanted in her back in the hopes of bringing her under Naraku's control.
She won't call out.
Naraku waited patiently, reclining in his room as he always did, to see if the new implant would take hold of his prisoner's spirit.
Won't scream, won't cry. It's as if she's shut all her senses off. Such control and will.
He smiled secretively in the isolation of his room.
And that's what attracted me in the first place.
Unknown to the group, Naraku had watched them all in Kanna's mirror-and was intrigued by the latest member.
While Onigumo lusted for the dead priestess Kikyo, the demon Naraku had found his own object to desire...
She holds more power than she knows, I could feel it emanate from her in her early bouts of anger. In the beginning, she was so contrary, refusing everything I offered her. Now, she'll accept it, but is as unemotional as stone. Strangest of all- she clings to nothing, not a shred of hope.
A scream could be heard from the other room - Kagura, most likely nearly escaped getting hit by Maria's loose and spiteful chains.
Even when she raises her voice, its empty, hollow.
He watched the shadow of a young girl being borne upon air, her chains splayed like spider legs around her, followed by a woman obviously ruffled and irritated.
He grimaced.
She can't hold out much longer. Even with that sealed power dormant inside her.