Author's Note: Hello. Sorry about the long intermission. ( Understatement, holy ) I guess I can't blame you if you want to whip me, or something. Don't worry, I won't hold it against you. School had managed to fully book my time. Heh, imagine that. ( Trying to pass classes, and what-not )Oh, before I forget; thanks for the review, you guys! ( My full thanks is in my profile ) This one's for you! Although, I'm feeling sorry about the lack of "Naraku-age". It's gonna come when it comes, though.
Also, there's a warning on OOCness, or something of the sort. You'll know why I'm warning you when you get to that part in the chapter. Or chapter(s).
Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo do not own anything that has to do with Inuyasha. However, I do hope that you are entertained for the time being.
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Reluctant Stand - Exist For You
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Boring. This was totally, positively boring. She wouldn't even care if the stupid demon came in and started a fight. Anything was more preferrable than this.
Sango groaned in frustration, as she kicked at the door. Her whole body was almost healed, possibly from the lack of strenuous activity. Then again, this lack of movement must mean that she was out of shape. She now couldn't tell how long she had been here, but there was no doubt that her friends would be very close. The need to escape was calling to her fitfully, like a tiger pacing it's cage, calling for it's release.
Angrily, Sango threw her back against the door, and forcing it open.
A pained grunt escaped her lips as she collided with the floor heavily, poking her head out into the usually dim dark hallway. Her pained moans were drowned from the breaking of the door as it fell to the ground. Stunned, Sango hauled herself to her feet, and made attempts to pick up the remains of her fallen door.
"Wait..." Sango looked around. As usual, there were no traces of anyone's presence nearby. Perhaps this was her chance! Yes, a chance to escape, to tell the others of the exact location of Naraku's hiding place, and-and what? She'd never found anything that would prove useful besides his hiding place. What are the chances of Inuyasha getting incredibly strong in a time frame of about two weeks? Zero. Whatever. She'll just head on with this escape of hers; at least she's found where the bastard was hiding.
A sudden realization struck her, like the force of Kagura's Dance of Dragons smacking into her face. Kohaku, what would become of her little brother if Naraku found out she escaped? No doubt he's going to want revenge.
Frustrated, Sango wandered the corridor, dimly aware of the completely pointless trip that she was making. A few moments later, she reached a fork. She made to turn right when somewhere to her left, Sango felt the familiar aura of a powerful demon. Knowing that it was Naraku, she would have continued to the right when she heard a piercing scream echoing around her and lingering eerily within her ears.
Angered and suddenly filled with the belief of one's justice and freedom, Sango cautiously neared the room to which she, herself visited when first captured.
Another scream serenaded in pain to her ears, adding fuel to her courage. Reaching a candlelit room, she drew aside the curtains roughly, walking in with a swagger of purpose.
"Naraku, I demand you to put that innocent-" Sango began, faltering as the scene explained itself in front of her and the sudden chill that caressed her bare feet.
Naraku had his usual purple robes, with his back to her, hands outstretched. In front of him, a gasping Kagura was on her knees, clutching at her chest. Sango's brief arrival had made them pause, and she was greeted by a swift smile from the demon.
"Sango. Exactly the person we were talking about, isn't that right, Kagura?" Naraku smirked, as his outstretched hand clenched, as though squeezing something invisible in the air. At the same time Kagura screamed in pain, clawing at the pain in her chest. Her face contorted to match her current emotion. "I wouldn't exactly call this wind-user innocent, especially when she's been keeping some things from me when I've already warned her once before."
"Stop it, what the hell do you think you're doing!" demanded Sango, rushing to help Kagura, but an invisible force prevented her from getting any closer.
"It would be in your best interest to go away." replied Naraku silkily, turning his head towards her, without letting Kagura go.
"You're such a-"
"Do you really intent on pushing your limits, taija, or shall I demonstrate what I can do to you if you don't co-operate?" Naraku squeezed his fist tighter, and Kagura collapsed and continued to convulse on the ground.
"Please...Master..." she whispered, between laboured gasps.
"Stop it!" Sango pushed at the invisible barrier, and to her surprise, she managed to take a step forward, and another, shortly after. As though walking against the wind. The lifted barrier helped Sango reach Kagura, who let out a wavering hand to stop her.
"Don't." Kagura mouthed. Sango halted in her tracks.
Naraku paused, watching Sango reach unsteadily to his spawn, through his powerful barrier. He growled low in his throat. How did she even get out of her confinement?
"Fine, you insist on testing my patience. Now what do you want?" he angrily snapped, and a tendril of his hair wrapped itself around her neck, and dragged her towards him. "Maybe you could enlighten me on how you escaped your prison?"
Sango's face burned. "It just broke down when I leaned against it. Maybe your castle would too, if I tried. Honestly, this place is a dump." she scoffed, glaring straight into his emotionless eyes. Her body felt itself weaken as his demonic aura threatened to overcome her will.
"I see." Naraku glance at Kagura, whom he finally released, and was getting shakily on her knees before him. "Kagura," he addressed, "I ask you again, what have you been up to in order to make Kohaku ask such questions?"
Kagura gave a meek glance at Sango, before she looked to Naraku. "I've done nothing for him to ask such things. He may be getting stronger, Naraku, more than you thought he would get-"
"Impossible." drawled Naraku, frowning, then turned to Sango. "Taija, I wonder, perhaps you could enlighten me upon young Kohaku's curiosity towards his past?"
Sango was caught off-guard as he asked her the very question she had been dreading of him to find out. Her startled expression must have given some sort of hint for Naraku smiled, standing up from his crouched position on the ground, and walked towards her.
"So, I am mistaken. It wasn't Kagura who was putting nonsense things into his brain, but it was his sister, who is forbidden to leave her cell unless called upon."
"You were mistaken?" said Sango, standing tall as Naraku came closer. "Funny, Naraku, I always thought you knew everything. I guess I give you too much credit."
Naraku came to a halt, as he brought his hand up to strike. Sango flinched, and cursed herself. He smirked, as he brought his hand down to cup her chin.
Sango froze, as she felt his cold hands on the bare skin of her chin, and was tilted upwards to meet his cold, stoic face. His eyes seemed to study hers as she clenched her fists in anger. How dare he touch her! She willed herself to move away, but she couldn't. Naraku's face was becoming swirly, and his hair began to shorten, reduced to a short ponytail at the base of his neck.
Sango felt herself fall into a trance as the face of her most hated enemy turned into her long-time crush. She blushed, as he held her chin with his gentle hand; Sango sighed a sigh of relief as she thankfull acknowledged the passing nightmare.
Miroku smiled gently at her as he tilted his head towards her, and Sango's heart fluttered as she found herself closing her eyes. Anticipation clenched at her stomach, as she felt immobilized.
'Finally.' She whispered, as his lips neared hers, and waited with baited breath for the warmth to spread to her body.
"Pathetic human emotions." drawled a voice in her ear, making Sango's eyes abruptly snap open in horror and disgust. Naraku drew back, withdrawing his hand from her chin, sneering at her once-dreamy state. "They're such weaknesses."
Sango felt her stomach plummet, as she felt total embarrasment dawning on her. Naraku toyed with her again. Naraku laughed, turning his back to her, watching Kagura standing idly by.
"You bastard!" she screamed, throwing herself at him, only to be thrown back by his barrier. He laughed harder.
"I'm going to have that door fixed, so you won't have any more of those "trips". I know that Kagura is not the only culprit in the boy's sudden change, so you'll both be in confinement." he walked away, vanishing into the dark.
Sango felt the rage build up and subside. It really was her fault for letting herself fall for such an obvious trick. Was she really that desperate? She made to walk towards her cell once more, when a hand on her shoulder made her pause.
"Taija."
"Kagura?" said Sango, turning around, only to see the demon's face back to it's original haughty state.
"I want to ask you something." Kagura replied, as she began to walk away, with Sango following close by.
"What is it?" asked Sango, confused. "Look, it's my fault, okay? I'm the reason why Kohaku's asking about his past. I'd sneak out and talk to him myself." she gave a glance at Kagura, to see if the wind-user would reprimand her for doing such a stupid thing and be the cause of the pain Naraku had given her.
"Yes, well, that's mostly my fault." replied Kagura, with a hint of pride. "I left the door unlocked." She laughed at the startled look on Sango's face. "I like to live dangerously, taija. Or, I just don't know when to say enough."
"I thought-"
"You were thinking wrong, then. I'd want to get my own wings and do things my way, even if the cost of it is something that will bring me pain. I'm just satisfied to know that Kohaku's getting a reality check." Kagura looked at Sango, who was still silent. "I wanted to know, taija, why you tried to help me."
Sango frowned. "Why wouldn't I?"
Kagura smirked. "It's what I would expect from someone who knows me for who I am."
"I don't know, I don't think you're being true to yourself." said Sango, as they reached her cell. "It's like what you said; You want to do your own thing."
Kagura sighed and nodded. "I guess you're right. I'm not being true to myself."
Sango sat on the remains of her door, as Kagura passed. "Just do what you feel like doing."
"It's not that easy, taija." answered Kagura hesitantly. "You see, Naraku's got my heart."
She walked away, leaving the demon exterminator confused.
-
Kagome felt that the silence between her and Inuyasha had gone long enough. Okay, so perhaps her temper went a little off-balance once more, just like it always had, but he didn't have any right to attack someone who was just concerned for her health. Kouga had been forced to leave, after jumping out from Inuyasha's way which led to Kagome yelling the familiar commands that made Inuyasha kiss the ground.
They were going to move on again, this time with word ( from Miroku's sources ) originating in Farica's village about a demon, that befriended their daughter, and stole into their house. What was supposedly more interesting about this demon was that it- or she, in this case was that she was wearing clothes somewhat similarly described as what Naraku's reincarnate Kanna, would wear.
But before they were to do that, a meal was in order, and so was taking a small bath, too.
-
Sango couldn't stop thinking. She felt so confused. There's no way that Kagura would actually- no, that can't be it, can it? Kagura is a part of Naraku, so it wouldn't make sense if you fell in love with yourself- but you could technically love yourself, right? Actually, compared to other demons, Naraku wasn't all that horrid-looking. That's if you took out the fact that he was a demon.
Her face contorted in horror.
'A little out of topic.' she shuddered. What was she thinking? Delving into a subject that had nothing to do with her. Her main concern was Kohaku, not Kagura's relationship with that demon. She had been roaming around the castle for a while now, with nothing else to do. From what Kagura told her, Naraku wouldn't be here all afternoon. He was to return earlier in the evening, after he's done some of his errands.
Sango wanted to half-follow and escape, but she knew that Kagura wouldn't let her. Naraku would delight in causing more pain.
Smoky purple air attracted her vision. She was outside. Not exactly; the light was, as usual, impossible to see. In utter boredom she plopped herself onto the steps that led up to the castle. Sango wondered how Kohaku was. He'd been relocated since this morning, and in a castle this size, she wouldn't know where to start looking first.
Her eyes wandered about, resting on a pale dandelion, rooted firmly between the embedded stones, it's twin leaves spread out wide. Alive and inviting. Something so simple, yet this atmosphere makes it seem so... ethereal. A red spot amidst the black.
Carefully, she picked it up from the ground. Immediately the weed wilted, it's bright yellow and green hues blended into grey.
Startled, Sango dropped the weed, her eyes wide and aghast.
She sweatdropped, wondering if it's a sign. What if it was? Sango swore under her breath. Her inner chi was getting weaker since her imprisonment here.
A small change in atmosphere abruptly awoken her senses. Someone was coming.
Her feet hugged the stones, careful not to make any sound. She then jumped cautiously down, hiding herself as much as possible within the shadows, as footsteps resounded around the empty courtyard.
Kagura's movements were slow, slightly wary, as she headed outside and walking down the steps. She paused, cocking her ears to listen for any movements. When none was detected, she drew out her feather, hopping lightly on. Her eyes remained alert, wondering if HE was coming out to call her back and question her motive for stepping out. Kagura just prayed that he thought nothing of it.
As fast as her feather would go, Kagura sped through the barrier, the wind whipping her hair furiously about.
Sango sighed in relief, as Kagura lifted off. She didn't want to know what would happen if Kagura sought her out, especially when she seemed to be acting quite peculiar. Peculiar, in a Kagura way.
It was funny, cause that wo-demon was starting to sound like an interesting entity to her. Something was up with the demon, and Sango knew that Kagura had begun to be restless because of it. What's more interesting, was that Kagura wasn't the follower that Sango assumed she would be. She was more...Rebellious, and confused.
Sango's eye lit up. What if-what if she used that confusion to her advantage? Maybe, just maybe, Naraku would be more vulnerable without her. Afterall, she is a part of Naraku- what about Kanna?
Kanna was strange. She has yet to see the white demon, not that Sango was at all concerned-
A figure materialized in front of her, clad in all white. Well, she wasn't only wearing white. If her eyes deceived her, the demon looked a little pale herself. The demon hadn't acknowledged her presence, but Sango knew that Kanna was aware of her. The demon's features were stoic, as usual, however, and the finally met Sango's eyes.
"Taija." Kanna said, looking up.
"Kanna." replied Sango, unsure of what to say.
"Sayonara..." whispered Kanna, an odd wrinkle forming at her brows. "Sayonara, Reiko."
Sango backed away slowly. What was she getting at? Reiko, who was she? Did Naraku order Kanna to kill again, just to spite her? Anger fueled her courage against the demon of the void. She lunged, grasped Kanna's shoulders, and shook her, hard.
"Tell me, what the hell did you do with her, you demon." growled Sango, watching Kanna's head loll forward and back.
Kanna's mirror began to gleam, and Sango quickly let go, jumping back hastily.
"Kanna didn't kill Reiko." replied Kanna, staring at Sango once more. "Kanna said 'Sayonara' to Reiko."
Sango frowned. What? She didn't really understand the near-mute child's language, but what did she mean?
"Kanna...was a good...good..." Kanna paused, unable to find the words.
"What is it?" asked Sango, carefully leaning in closer, trying to catch the words.
"Good...Kanna...is a good...fen.."
"Kanna, what do you mean?"
"Fend." Kanna looked slightly troubled, as she pronounced the word. "Feeeend."
"Fend?" repeated Sango, biting the bottom of her lip in confusion. "Kanna, if you want to speak to Naraku about it-" she came to a stop as Kanna suddenly grasped her wrist, and gave it a tight squeeze. Sango flinched at the cold chill that crept up her spine. The demon's aura was cold, almost like ice.
"No, don't tell Naraku." Kanna's head swiveled to the left and right. "Kanna didn't return last night; Naraku will be mad, and also because Kanna was a good fend. F-e-nd." she made another attempt to sound it out, but she failed, causing an upset look crease her features.
"F-e-nd." mumbled Sango, confused. Her eyes scanned their surroundings. Obviously the demon was a stranger to using the word. Being good at something Naraku would probably condemn. Since Kanna isn't old enough to know about love, what would be forbidden for Kanna at her ag- Sango stared back at Kanna, who was as stoic as ever. "Kanna, you didn't mean 'Friend', did you?"
However, she was proven wrong as Kanna nodded. "Yes, Reiko said that Kanna was a good f-riend."
Startled, Sango gasped, wondering if she heard right. Of course, only the demon herself could confirm that, but should she really trust the small demon's word? I mean, she's a part of Naraku, after all.
She glanced at Kanna, whom just stared at her with indifference, her mirror ceased it's eerie glow. Suddenly, her eyes grew wide, as though, seeing something invisible beyond the demon slayer.
Sango whipped back to look; there was no one there. Turning to Kanna to ask what's wrong, she was taken aback when she saw Naraku, standing before her, beside Kanna, who resumed her stoic expression.
"Taija." muttered Naraku, eyes narrowing in distrust. "You are to return to your 'quarters'." still staring at Sango a tentacle rose up from behind him, wrapping itself around Kanna's throat. "Go to your quarters, taija, or you can watch your brother die right here and now." he squeezed the tentacle around the small demon's throat; the only discomfort shown was the twitch of her lips.
Sango didn't want to, not when he's been pushing her around for so long. "You can make me."
Naraku scoffed, a smirk forming about his lips. "A tempting offer, really. I'll come to you again after a few days." he glanced at Kanna. "Come, Kanna. I need your report."
Miasma drew around him once more, his eyes boring into hers deeply that she shuddered at the animosity she felt there.
-
"I am so sorry about this, Farica." apologized Kagome, as the old woman received them in her home again, where they were offered a fair variety of food for a late lunch. "It's too soon to be coming back- without notice too, but we heard about an incident in your village."
Farica waved a carefree hand, chuckling slightly. "No matter. I'm glad you came. You see, I've gotten a report from a family that a demon disguised as a young girl came into the village unnoticed, and came into close encounters with the daughter. The mother's first reaction was that the girl had been possessed, but there was no strange gleam in her eyes that she observed. She was relieved that nothing had happened."
"Was her husband home?" asked Miroku, frowning. He knelt between Kagome and Inuyasha, with Shippo and Kirara facing them across the table beside Farica.
"No. It was quite an ironic predicament, because that family belonged to the man that had been brought here a few days ago."
"No way, do they connect somehow, then?" asked Kagome.
"I don't think Naraku would hold a single grudge on just one family." mumbled Inuyasha, poking at a bowl of rice.
Farica studied him from the corner of her eye. The hanyou had been sulking ever since they got here. He never even made any sort of eye contact directed at anyone either. The looks that he was sneaking at the priestess added to the suspicion that she was the cause for his discomfort.
"Tea?" she asked, as one of her servants came into the room, carrying a steaming teapot with small cakes for dessert. "Something to help you digest and prepare for dinner? I'm counting on good appetites from all of you. Not to mention I'm thinking that you're planning to stay the night?"
"If you're okay with that, then thank you." Kagome answered. "We've got plenty of time."
Inuyasha scoffed. "Speak for yourself, we haven't got a lot of time if we want to save Sango. Who knows what Naraku's done to her at this point." he stood up, heading towards the garden. "I'm going for a walk."
Kagome's mouth opened and closed in protest, as she fought to find the words to say while glare at his retreating back. Pursing her lips in annoyance, she smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Farica. He hasn't been himself at all today." Kagome apologized.
Farica just smiled, as she exchanged knowing glances with the monk, who looked a little surprised at her perceptivity. "I understand, dear. He must be just tired." she then turned to Miroku, who looked at her expectantly. "Would you excuse us? I'd like to have a moment."
"Of course." Miroku beckoned to Shippo and Kirara, who followed him out, both casting curious glances at the old woman.
"I suppose we should let you rest?" added Kagome, also getting up.
"I'd like to have a word, Kagome." repeated Farica, stopping Kagome as the others slid the door shut. "Please sit back down."
Kagome hesitated, but returned to her seat. "Uh..."
"More tea?" offered Farica, lifting the teapot.
"Um, no, thank you-"
"I insist. I think you need it." she smiled at Kagome's curious expression. Minutes passed. "So, would you like to talk to me about it?"
Kagome gave her a perplexed glance. "Well, I don't really know much about that demon that might have had something to do with the little girl-"
"That's not what I meant." mumbled Farica, narrowing her eyes. "You're not thinking hard enough."
"What? I-" Kagome broke off, thinking. She couldn't mean Inuyasha and herself, right? How can she be so perceptive-wait, there's nothing going on... "Um, please give me clues, maybe I'll figure it out?" she asked sheepishly.
The old woman sighed. "You are making me sound like a fool, Kagome." she poured more tea for herself. "There's something between you and the dog demon, correct?" an opened mouth protest from Kagome made her smile grimly. "So there is. Well?"
Kagome found her voice, due to her senior's deduction. "There's nothing going on." she paused. "At least, from what I can tell." 'What I can tell? She's looking for an answer that I can't give, I don't have.'
"Let's start with the most obvious." Farica spoke in a tone that meant business, with a point of no return. Or retreat, for that matter. "When I noticed the relationship between you and the others, the one you have with the dog demon stood out the most." a tap to her chin seemed to have given her inspiration. "It reminded me of how similar it was from a story, a long time ago, with the Shikon No Tama."
This perked Kagome's interest. "A story about the Shikon No Tama?" 'Gee, I don't think there's any reason for me to ask, is there? I mean, I know what it's about.'
"Yes, about a priestess who guarded the jewel and a hanyou, both turned traitor to each other, and ending their lives. The priestess, enraged that he betrayed her fixed him to a tree, herself dying shortly after." Farica replied dramatically. "It was such a shame, for many believed they had a special bond."
Kagome's insides sank. "I see." She sipped some of her tea, to spare her from replying further. 'I knew it. The story about Kikyou and Inuyasha. Hearing the vague interpretation of it from a different person makes it sound like they were meant for each other. To be destined to fall within each other's hands. That it was such a tragedy.'
"Kagome?" asked Farica, as she saw Kagome's faraway stare. "Are you alright?" She sighed, closing her eyes briefly, with a grim expression. "I understand. I won't prod further, then."
"I-What if-" Kagome broke in, hoping to find an answer to her thoughts, and bring justice to her feelings. Farica listened. "What if the demon was set free from the priestess' spell, and captures the heart of someone else? And, what if- what if that demon had feelings, but didn't seem to want to let go of his departed love?" she finished slowly, fixing sentences to fabricate her story.
Farica pondered this. When did she have her own love? "Does he know how she feels?" she asked lightly. "Maybe he's afraid of falling vulnerable, especially when he's been hurt once? Maybe he'd rather cling on to those good memories, than make new ones that can once again bring him pain?"
"How would you know?" Kagome asked, interested by her thoughts.
"Love can leave a person vulnerable, unprepared for the unexpected. The search for true happiness entices even the darkest of hearts sometimes." Farica continued, inwardly impressed with her own ideas, surprising, as they are. "As one searches for true happiness, isn't there nothing better than knowing you've got someone who would love you unconditionally?"
"Yes, that makes sense. But, what should She do?"
Farica stared, mulling everything over repeatedly. "One cannot just hope to win someone's heart. Firstly, that girl must be aware of the risks, if there is any that would hold them both vulnerable as they are distracted by toiling emotions. Most important is the question of, does she really love him. Want him. Prepared to follow him, through thick of thin." she watched as Kagome unknowingly hung onto her every word. "She must also think about how she's going to help him, when the time comes. If she's going to have the courage to pull him away from the wrong decision for the best answer, or to let him go astray into self-destruction."
'Isn't this a little too deep?' "So what should she-"
"She must tell him how she feels, despite the fact that rejection is on the horizon." Farica rested a hand on Kagome's comfortingly.
Kagome knew that it would actually come to this. She just wished there would be a short cut. As she reached the precipee, Kagome hoped to find something that would cushion her fall, if it comes to it.
"Tell him, dear." Farica said, refilling her cup. "If the worse comes to worst, the real test of your love is that if you'd still care despite of that rejection."
"No, it can wait." Kagome said firmly, wishing that it could.
"It will only hurt you, having so much emotion bottled deep inside. At least tell him how you feel." she stood up, patting her on the shoulder. "I'll leave you to your thoughts. I'm sure that whatever you choose, it will be for the best."
-
Kagura flew swift and fast, ignoring the debris the would occassionally bury into her hair as she flew close to the tree tops. She didn't feel like herself today, and this stunt of hers felt quite impulsive. In fact, she didn't even know where she was headed. All she was doing was following her instincts. It didn't really make sense as to why she was leaving this late in the afternoon, but no matter. This was going to be quick.
A sudden gust of wind threw her feather off balance, and she fell off, quickly regaining her balance from her fall, and dropping gently to the ground. Dusting herself off and mentally spanking herself for her carelessness, Kagura called to her feather, before popping it back into her hair.
Where was she?
Kagura studied her surroundings. She was back, to where she last saw the demon. A prickling feeling coming from the back of her neck suddenly made her uneasy. Whipping around, she scanned for any signs of movement, and-
"Now you know how it feels to be spied upon."
-jumped.
"You know, I don't like it when I'm followed. Especially those who I despise." venom dripped the wolf demon's voice as he jumped down from the tree he was perched upon. He advanced, hands firmly on his waist, no doubt trying to intimidate the wind-user.
But she wasn't about to do so, not when he obviously posed no threat to her.
"I was just cruising on my feather, wolf-boy. Why, this may be close to your territories, but I believe that it's still not your land; not to mention that you don't own the air, do you?" Kagura wondered how long she could prod on the demon's nerves until he boiled over.
Kouga wasn't about to give her satisfaction, either. "Hell, what you do in the air is all you. I just want to know why you keep on following me." he snarled, hating the way Kagura was all-too calm while she spoke.
"What makes you so sure I'm following you?"
"I'm not going to ask why, but it's no shit that you're following me." Kouga snapped back, as he got within a few metres to her.
Kagura laughed in response. "Don't put such importance over yourself, you conceited demon."
"That's it." said Kouga, his eyes darkening with malice. "I'm not going to hold back this time. I want you gone, once and for all." he assumed a fighting stance, hoping that she would open that goddamn feather of hers and just get on with it. Kouga was tired of her banter, especially when she sparred with him on wit.
The only reply he had was her tired look, and her indifference to his poise for attack.
"Kagura, you witch, don't you get it?" he aimed a kick at her, to which she gracefully dodged, landing with cat-like grace on her feet. "Fight back!" he kicked at her waist, and she swept her fan at the air, and he was pushed away, stumbling as he went. "Don't you get it?" he came up to punch his face, but suddenly stopped as she stared at him blankly.
A stare that was completely out of character.
"The hell are you doing?" he asked, afraid to drop his fist that was mere inches from her face in case she held a surprise attack in store for him.
"Don't you get it, wolf-boy? I'm not here to fight." Kagura replied simply, eyeing his fist with distrust. "I only wanted to talk."
-
Dinner was uneventful, to the untrained eye. Too bad for Kagome, it seemed as though everyone but Shippo could feel the tension as they ate. The faint clacking of chopsticks sounded amplified in the silence. A light drizzle had begun, darkening the setting sky. It, too pattered louder than usual. No one seemed to be saying much, including Miroku, who usually found something to say, even during times like these. Farica only spoke when offering seconds, or refills on refreshments.
Inuyasha sat beside Kagome, having felt calmer with the walk that he just had. His thoughts were carefully sorted out, despite the fact that a few "embers" still remained after the "fire". Even though he felt he had the right to be angry, Inuyasha didn't feel like staying that way for long. After his stroll, he went back to the castle with only a cheery Miroku, who radiated gladness in seeing him. They exchanged greetings, with only time for a short chat before being called to dinner.
There, Inuyasha was prepared to initiate a hopefully more "lighter" discussion without his usual attitude, and maybe make amends for his behaviour during lunch. Only as they had been served when the tension had settled, from what Inuyasha could tell, from Miroku's drastic silence. His demonic senses were blaring, the room filled with the stench of uneasiness. Eyes darting from face to face, he took note of their rapt attention to their meal.
A jolt of realization struck him as he felt the origin of the tension to the woman beside him. The one whom completely ignored his presence since he arrived at the table.
Testing this possible theory- no doubt one that took scientists to hypothesize- Inuyasha feinted brushing his hand lightly against hers as he reached his cup, only to see it recoil and shrink away.
He stared at her from the corner of his eyes, and he could feel her own as well, studying him.
Kagome could only hear the pounding in her head as she recoiled from his touch. No, not now; she couldn't think straight, especially when he was nearby. Should she tell him? No, he wouldn't take her seriously, experience told her that. 'Well, on a lighter note, I can always go to Hojo as a backup.' her mind sang softly. 'No, that wouldn't be right.' her conscience spoke, and she inwardly agreed.
Ah, bah, humbug, the tension was too much. She couldn't even think of what to say. So, Kagome herself was just as surprised as everyone else when she stood up, and said the words that she'd been plucking the courage to say.
"Inuyasha, we need to talk."
The hanyou automatically stood up, ready to voice his reason. So, she was still angry, was she? He followed her out the sliding doors and into the hallway, where they could see the rain dripping down steadily from the eaves of the roof. The ground was lightly damp; it was only a small relief that the walkway wasn't, only moisture had settled on the shiny, polished wood.
There Kagome stood, staring out at the garden. Inuyasha decided to break the silence first.
"Kagome, I know you're still mad." Inuyasha began, hoping that she could see sense. "Hey, I've got the right, anyway, with him touching you like tha-"
"Stop it." said Kagome silently, turning to face him. "Why, do you say that?" she asked, with a dull shine to her eyes.
"I-I-" Inuyasha hadn't counted on having to explain, and being flustered was unwelcome at the moment. "Kagome, I just don't like seeing him touch you-"
"Why? You know what? Don't say things you don't mean." she snapped. Screw trying the reasonable approach! There's no way he'd understand, anyway.
"What do you mean?" he had the sense of foreboding with this question. "What are you getting at? What's with the sudden attitude?"
"You always toy with me like that! You're so stupid sometimes, leading me on like there's something to look forward to!" she hissed, as the urge to spill everything threatened to take away the civil in her tongue.
"Kagome, I'm sorry-"
I still hold onto the dreams we had before
Irrepressible feelings that overflow
I won't ever get lost;
"Damn it, Inuyasha, if I can only believe that." her lips pursed. "You lead me on, and guess what? I follow. I follow. Despite the fact that you don't feel the same, I'm still here. Waiting. But you know what?" she paused, hoping that he had something to say, to spare her from continuing on.
My strong deep wish,
Is to be in someone's heart
Yet Inuyasha stayed silent, frowning.
Giving it just for you, just for you, just for you
I want to scoop you up; let me see, let me hear,
I want to tell you; come to me, come to me, come to me
"I can't stop. I can't let go. Like how you can't let go." Kagome sank to the floor, leaning on a beam that supported the roof. Biting her lip, she forced herself to continue. "I hate it. I've become numb with trying to hold on. You confuse me; befuddle my mind with ridiculous questions and ideas. You bring out the worst and best in me, Inuyasha." Kagome could see her eyes fog up, forcing them to stay that way. It would do no good if she broke down now. "If you only knew how I feel, and if Kikyou could see what I cou-"
I'll hold you, always you, exist for you
A hand to her shoulder made her stop. Kagome looked up at him, expecting to see anger, but all she could see was a forlorn face, reflecting her unspoken pain.
Getting through those heavy nights
Having saved by someone's smile
It will never change; my strong, deep wish
"Kagome, you're too good for me." he said quietly, kneeling next to her.
No hesitation into someone's heart
"Wh-what?" she whispered.
"You deserve someone who can give you comfort, not bring you danger." he placed his hands down, resting on his thigh. "Following me can only hurt you; and me." Inuyasha added. "Clinging onto what I can will help avoid causing more damage, including those who I loved."
No reason only just for you, just for you, just for you
Some nights when I'm brought to tears, let me see, let me hear
Don't want to lose hope; come to me, come to me, come to me
"Kikyou." Kagome added.
"I don't want to see you in any pain." Inuyasha continued, his face full of rapt serosity. "You, Kagome, a priestess in your own right; you're pure. It's as simple as that. I'm not willing to cause you pain."
I'll catch you, always you, exist for you
Na na na na...
"Stupid." Kagome muttered, taking Inuyasha by surprise.
"What?"
"I said you're stupid." her bravery wavered, and a tear collected at the corners of her eyes. "You're causing me pain right now." Kagome lifted her right hand, placing it over her heart. "Right here." she made a fist and pounded to make sense. "If you're not willing to listen, then hear me out-"
"Kagome-"
"I love you." she finished, staring at him in the eyes, flashing a fiery sense of sincerity. "I just want you to know that." Kagome lifted a hand to stop him as he opened his mouth. "You don't need to change my mind, or convince me otherwise. 'Cause I know the answer." she followed on her advice. "Just let me follow you."
Giving it just for you, just for you, just for you
I want to scoop you up; let me see, let me hear,
I want to tell you; come to me, come to me, come to me
Hoping to disappear within the wooden pillar, Kagome shrank herself into a ball, hoping he would say something. Something to end the awkward silence.
I'll hold you, always you, exist for you
Instead, she felt his arms surround her, forcing away doubt and confusion. All she felt was security, what she had always longed for.
"Look at me." he whispered, and Kagome slowly complied, gasping at those eyes that were oh, so expressive.
"Don't. Please." Kagome whispered, unwilling.
"I don't have much to offer." Inuyasha said, reaching to cup her face as Kagome looked away.
Her hands grasped his haori, trying to push herself away. "No."
"Let me."
Kagome's eyes slid shut as his lips descended upon her own-
No reason just for you, just for you, just for you
- his hands gently holding her to him as he caressed her lips, hoping to ease her pain. Her hands ceased their struggles, but they wouldn't let go. Against her will, she pulled him closer, pressing herself to him answering his actions. An arm wound around her waist, and the other cradled her neck, pulling her even closer. She moaned, wrapping her own arms around his neck, falling onto his chest.
Some nights when I'm brought to tears, let me see, let me hear
"Mmmph." she mumbled, unobliging to stop the poignant bliss, "I-I can't breathe." Kagome gasped as Inuyasha's lips travelled to her neck.
Don't want to lose hope; come to me, come to me, come to me
"Then don't." he replied huskily, recapturing her reddened lips, his hands beginning to worship her, travelling to and fro at her waist. Feeling her tremble, he squeezed her close, the tension in her body long gone.
Falling back, he reluctantly drew away, his eyes searching her face.
"Kagome?" he asked, staring at her half-lidded eyes and flushed cheeks.
"Inuyasha." she whispered, as a tear fell, unrestrained. "Gome-"
He cut her off, licking off the tear at her cheek. "Thank you for telling me."
I'll hold you, always you, exist for you
-
C.A.: Sorry if this was a little boring. (Got carried away) Oh, and sorry for the Kagome and Inuyasha thing, and the lack of Sango. Whew, I just hadn't realized how far I'm getting off track. But seriously, this story is writing itself. I haven't opened this file in AGES. It was quite a relief when I started typing. I felt like I was returning into a warm cozy pair of pants that I have not seen for a while. I also just finished high school, and have happily graduated! So, if you want to kill me now, or do it later ( after you read the whole story, and it's ending ), you can decide. I don't blame you...
So much talking in this chapter, by the way. Hm, I suppose I must change the genre...Bah, humbug, just when I thought I got it... Oh, and the length of this chapter is boggling my mind. I'm going to cut it down next time, promise!
Inspiration for this chapter: Exist For You - Namie Amuro ( Just got her STYLE cd...Can't stop listening to it...)