Putting the Damage On
Chapter 07 :: Detached
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Author's Note: Yay! Chapter 07! Read and Review! Please! Hehe!
Warnings: Same as always.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
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Naraku did not come to her for two days, but while she was thankful for this, it left her feeling on the edge, unsure of when he would come again. She had not seen Kagura either, since the day in the garden. Now it was Kanna, who came to her and fed her. The small expressionless youkai never said anything, only did her duty and then left the taijiya. She had seen Kikyo once, while she had took a short walk around the castle, looking for a way to escape. She had found no leads, or breaks in the shield and it left her feeling very angry. And the expression the miko's face had left her confused. The miko had even acknowledged Sango by nodding, but had said nothing. It had been an odd little interaction to say the least.
Sango sat on her bed and brought her knees to her chest. She thought of Miroku then, and smiled slightly. "I hope I see him again…" She whispered. "Kagome and Shippo too… and… even Inuyasha," she cracked an amused grin to herself. Lately, she had occupied her time by talking to herself. Which she figured wasn't healthy and didn't speak much of her sanity, but then again she didn't really care either.
"Oh…" she said, blinking as she heard footsteps… the footsteps she had been dreading for two days.
Naraku stepped into the room, and without a word walked to her. He lifted her chin and kissed her, feeling Sango's body tense and anger ripple through her. "If I were you I would not fight me this night, Sango." Naraku's voice was a deadly whisper, "Not if you value your brother in any way." And just like that, the defiant energy he had felt begin to build up inside of her died away, and she went slack in his arms. He saw the tears in her eyes, as he laid her down. Pressing his body against hers, he began to kiss her neck, his hands traveling over her kimono. All the while, Sango stared, an odd little detached look in her eyes, where the tears stood unshed.
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Kagura coughed, having been chained to the wall for two days with no water or food. Naraku had beaten her severely, but had stopped before inflicting too much damage. Now she was on the brink of death, tilting between life and eternal darkness. Kagura wanted to let go, but the burning hatred and anger inside of her would not allow it. She would be free of him one day and she would live to see his demise. And she would not allow him to win. A shadow fell over her.
Lifting her head up, she waited for her vision to stop dancing. It was Kanna, standing before her, holding a silver key. The small youkai undid the locks that restrained Kagura and watched silently as Kagura fell slack to the floor, coughing once again.
Then Kanna turned Kagura over and placed water to her lips, "Drink." Kanna said in her quiet voice. There was an odd look in the little youkai's eyes and she spoke again, "Kagura. Why do you disobey our master? You know that if you would only follow his desires he would not harm you this way."
Kagura let out a weak chuckle, "Obey him? Fool. I will never obey him completely. I am no one's property and I will be free soon."
Kanna said nothing and left Kagura lying on the ground.
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Inuyasha and Miroku were resting that night, both unsure how much farther west they should travel in the mountains. Kagura had not come since the day she had sent youkai to them. Shippo was sleeping fitfully in Miroku's lap. Both Inuyasha and Miroku were awake however.
"Inuyasha… do you think when we get to Sango… it will be too late?" Miroku asked, his eyes fixed on the fire before them. Inuyasha let out a pained sigh.
"I don't know Miroku. He's certainly had enough time to…" Inuyasha stopped, not wishing to say it aloud, "We can only hope that when we rescue her… she'll be strong enough to deal with it."
"She is strong enough." Miroku grounded out, past the lump in his throat.
"I hope you're right." Inuyasha mumbled, before shutting his eyes.
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Naraku lay with Sango for a long time, listening to the sound of her breathing as she fell asleep. He had used her hard, unable to control himself because he had not been with her in two to days. And he felt satisfied. Threatening her into obedience by using Kohaku, she had been better than ever before. He would have to do that more often. He traced a hand along her bare arm and narrowed his eyes when her skin prickled in shivers. Even when she slept his touch repulsed her. That thought left a hallow feeling in his stomach. He couldn't explain it. She'd only been with him for about a week now, and at first the fear and disgust in her eyes had made him desire her. Now it only made him feel empty. He did not understand. He blinked when he heard a small sob and he looked at her, expecting to find her awake. Instead, she was still sleeping, and Naraku kissed her lips, trying to stop the sound from reaching his ears again. He pulled her defenseless body to him and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel her heart beat as he lay there. And Naraku decided he had never felt a more precious thing.
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Sango awoke next to him, and blinked in sickened shock that he was still beside her. It was morning, she could tell by the light that filtered through the single window in her room. Why had he not left her? She bit her lip, trying to stop the flood of tears. She wanted him to leave. Naraku stirred, as if he felt that she was awake, and opened his eyes, staring right at her. Sango's face was drawn in terrible sadness.
"Why must you look at me like that?" he questioned her. She stared at him in brief silence before looking away.
"And why must you ask such questions, Naraku?" She spat out, her eyes fixed on the wall. "I can't look at you in any other way. You have stolen everything from me, and you ask why I look at you the way that I do? Don't be foolish."
He narrowed his eyes, angered by her words, "And you have yet to learn, taijiya." He sat up, the blankets falling from his chest. "In due time you will know not to anger me again." He then looked at her, the same look that always appeared in his eyes before he was about to take her. She cringed, as he brought his lips to hers. "Kiss me." He whispered, his lips brushing her cheek, tasting the salty taste of her tears. "Or…" he left the threat unspoken, and a delicious craving ran through him when she pressed her lips against his, parting just enough so that his tongue could claim her mouth. His hand gripped her breast, and Sango whimpered against his mouth. He pulled away, angered again.
"What?" Sango asked, her eyes dancing with tears, "Can't we just get this over with?" The pain in her voice was evident. And Naraku narrowed his eyes, and forcefully kissed her, nipping her lips as he did so. He could taste her blood in his mouth. Then he jerked away, after a long and powerful kiss.
"I have business to attend you. Expect me tonight." He said, standing. Sango looked away, unable to set her eyes on his naked body. He ignored her look, and pulled on his clothes. Then he left her.
Sango curled into herself, and stared a long time at the wall.
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Kagura flew on her feather, pain rippling through her body as she flew towards where she sensed Inuyasha and the houshi. She must reach them and give them another clue, before Naraku noticed her absence. She would probably be beaten again if he caught her. But she didn't care.
She landed before their small camp, and was greeted with Inuyasha's sharp gaze as the hanyou's eyes snapped open. The houshi and the fox-child were both asleep.
"Kagura." Inuyasha spat, staring at her. Then he took in the bruises, the haggard expression, and the pained look, "What happened to you?" Inuyasha was a little surprised by the gentleness in his voice.
"It's none of your concern, Inuyasha," Kagura spoke with more confidence than she felt, "Continue westward until you come upon a waterfall, then journey to the north. You should come upon a snake den, and then past that there should be an old traveling path. Follow it until I come to you again."
"That's a lot more than usual." Inuyasha said quietly.
"I'm fear I won't be able to come to you as often, hanyou." Kagura replied. She let out a shaky breath, "I managed to piss Naraku off greatly, and have suffered for it. He'll be watching me more closely from now on."
Inuyasha nodded and just before she left he asked, "Any news of Sango? How is she?"
"I have not seen her for two days, but the last I did she was filled with pain." Kagura said softly, "And I doubt things have changed much."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and looked away. And then Kagura was gone.
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Kagura entered Sango's room, and was surprised at the honest pleasure that appeared in the taijiya's eyes. And then shocked at the sadness that replaced it, but Kagura realized that Sango was not sad for herself, but for Kagura.
"You're face…" Sango whispered, staring at the harsh bruises on the wind sorceress's cheeks. "Was it because you let me see Kohaku?"
"Doesn't matter. Come, your meal has been prepared." Kagura said slowly, reaching her hand out. The taijiya took it with trust in her eyes and Kagura was once again shocked.
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That is all folks!
Alright! I do not know how long it will be until I am able to upload more. Please be patient and know that I do plan to finish both of my stories!!! Its just that with my modem broken and school, its hard to be able to do this…
Of course, encouraging reviews might fuel me enough to do this as much as I possibly can!!! ::hint hint::