1To Fulfill One's Destiny
Chapter 18- Empty joy
A woman emerged from the shadows of the castle and took the hand Naraku proffered.
Even Sesshomaru gasped.
Maria
There she was, adorned in the finest kimono silks, covering her in countless layers. Her dark chocolate hair bound with several ornate hairpins, and her face carefully made-up like the women who occupied high positions at court.
Sango's eyes widened in realization.
Her eyes were as empty as her brother Kohaku's-empty and lifeless.
Naraku drew her closer, gazing in amusement at the mixed emotions of the group in front of him.
His gaze fixated on Sesshomaru, and narrowed in calcuation.
Guiding Maria to his side, he wrapped an arm around her waist.
And elicited a growl from Sesshomaru.
Everyone turned in surprise.
"What is this Lord Sesshomaru? Surely the great demon lord of the Western Lands has no qualms about the fate of a lowly human girl."
"I warn you Naraku" He spoke in a deadly tone. "Do not lay your filthy hands on her."
"What is your concern in this."
"She is my WARD."
"She is not."
Silence
"However, it seems you have some concern for her, on what is it founded?"
"No business of yours."
"But it is my business. She is to be my wife."
With that, he drew her closer, and she responded by burying her arms in the white fur of his cloak, snaking her arms under it and around his torso.
Her gaze locked with Sesshomaru's.
No, it cannot be.
"She's mine Lord Sesshomaru, thanks to the power of the sacred jewel."
Never had she seemed so distant to him.
"Accept it."
Stunned, all except Naraku and Kagura stared at the beautiful girl speaking with a hollow and empty tone.
"I am to stay here with him."
"I won't accept this."
"You must."
"What of your daughter."
"What daughter. All I have is Naraku."
Tears streamed down Kagome and Sango's faces.
No.
Sesshomaru spoke.
"I either leave here with you or in my journey to the underworld."
Naraku smiled in immense satisfaction.
"The latter can be arranged for."