Songs of the Soulless
I DO NOT OWN SAMURAI CHAMPLOO OR INUYASHA!
This story is rated M for violence and mature subject matter.
Chapter 2
To serve is to follow
As down approached Kagome awoke. Her body was stiff but other than that she would be fine. Looking around she saw she was the first to wake up. Silently rising and gathering her belongings the miko started into the forest. Following the signs of nature she came across a river. Stripping down she stepped in and began bathing.
Once she was clean the woman set to washing her cloths. Luckily she could salvage enough to make a decent outfit for herself but she knew she'd have to buy some new fabric soon. Satisfied with her work the woman picked up her armor and weapon and proceeded to get dressed. Once the miko was happy with her appearance she picked up the fish and rabbits she had caught before her bath and returned to the camp.
Breaking the tree line the warrior was surprised to see they were all still sleeping. Shaking her head she once again walked silently across the camp before starting on their breakfast. Like a magic spell the second she started cooking the meat all three of her new companions shot up wide awake. It was almost funny to see them try and remember who she was.
"Kagome you made breakfast? Where did you get the fish and rabbit? Also why do you look different?" Fuu asked knowing that something about the woman was different but not quite sure as to what it was.
"Yes, I was the first one up after all so I went hunting and had a bath. I tried to salvage my clothes but I'll have to buy some new fabric and get some supplies before we move out. I wanted to ask if I could go into Edo and get some since I just joined the group and don't know where we will be heading to next. So would it be alright?" Kagome wasn't one to ask for permission but she knew that the group saw her as the new girl and she didn't want them to feel threatened.
"It's fine with me I gotta go there to get paid anyway. Besides you did catch and make breakfast." Mugen said with a mouthful of fish. Seeing Fuu and Jin nod in agreement the miko smiled while handing the man that had saved her some rabbit.
"Sorry if it's bland I don't have any seasoning with me. In fact almost all of my belongings have been lost." The thought made her sadden. Everything from her family, home and friends was gone and it was all Inuyasha's fault. Sensing the shift in her mood Mugen did something that shocked his two companions.
"I'm sure you'll be able to get new stuff. It might not be the same or hold the memories your old stuff did but if you get it to remember the stuff you lost than doesn't it work itself out?" The man didn't know why he wanted to comfort the black haired beauty but his gut twisted painfully at the thought of her being unhappy.
"You're right Mugen-san. I guess I just have to focus on the here and now, I can worry about material possessions later." Kagome didn't know what she said to make everyone look at her in shock so she quickly looked herself over to see if something was amiss. Seeing nothing she looked at them once more.
"What is it, is there something on my face? Oh god is there something in my hair?" She asked slightly panicked at the very thought of something being wrong with her hair. It was her pride and joy after all.
"No it's not that don't worry your hair is fine. It's just that you called Mugen "san", why?" Fuu asked slightly surprised at the woman's concern over her hair.
"Oh is that all. I call him that out of respect. I watched him fight and I can acknowledge him as a strong warrior. Plus one should always show respect to those they owe a debt to." The miko said calming almost instantly. However seeing their mixed emotions she decided to clarify.
"Mugen-san saved my life whether it was intentional or not. For that I owe him a life debt. I will therefore stay by his side until my debt is repaid. It is the way of the honorable warriors." By now Kagome was used to the shocked looks the trio were sending her. Honestly was honor really so rare no a days?
"What do you mean you'll stay by Mugen's side, like some kind of bodyguard?" Fuu was trying to keep her jealousy out of her voice but she knew Kagome heard it.
"I suppose that is one way to look at it. Let's just say that until I've paid back what I owe I'll view Mugen-san as mine. I'll protect him ensure he has food, money and if we are in a town, shelter. He will be guarded and safe. Once my debt to him is over what happens after is entirely up to him." She tried to sound as stotic and professional as possible but it was clear that the young girl thought there was more to it.
"What do you mean you'll view Mugen as yours? I hate to break this to yeah but he belongs to everyone including the women of the red light district." Fuu stated smugly hoping it would make the warrior rethink her choice.
"I see, well that will be a problem what with normal women not being aloud in the red light district without paying a fee. Then again I do know how to make it so that fee disappears. I don't normally like working for free but since it is to keep Mugen-san safe and happy I guess I could." Kagome said quietly talking more to herself than the girl across from her.
"What does that mean? The only way for women to get in there is for them to work since there is no way you can afford the fee. Besides why would you want to be with Mugen when he's screwing other girls? You should just wait until he and Jin come back to wherever we're staying." There was slight frustration in her tone that was bringing out the predator in the miko. Whether the girl knew it or not she was challenging her for Mugen.
"Exactly, I'll work there for a few nights. Skills like mine are considered a rarity, they'll never pass it up plus I'll get free room and board while being able to ensure no one attacks Mugen-san." The miko stated proudly answering the challenge.
"Question, just what kind of skills are we talking about here? Because depending on the answer I might just save my money." Mugen said with a lecherous grin. It was in that moment that Kagome seriously took in the man's appearance. He was handsome in a rough, untamed kind of way and something told her he would be a beast in bed. Blinking she smiled happily at the man.
"I don't sleep with strangers if that's what you think. My skill set in that department are probably outlawed here. No I'm a performer. I specialize in seduction and the sort. Think of me as a sneak peek, I get the men aroused so that business can flow not only smoothly but faster as well." The warrior explained leaving out the fact that she used said skills to kill and retrieve information.
The miko was proud to say that she was not a virgin, she had given her body to the man she loved countless times before he was killed by Naraku. Kyo had been a fox demon that served as Sesshomaru's general. Due to her being engaged the woman made sure she got what she needed from her targets without ever sleeping with them.
"So you use your looks to manipulate people into doing what you want?" Fuu asked in an offended tone. Mugen didn't seem bothered by it and Jin simply stayed quiet.
"That's right the only man I have ever slept with was my fiancé." Kagome stated with pride. She loved Kyo and he would always be in her heart but she knew that one day she would love another and that was ok.
"Let me guess this traitor your hunting killed him right?" There was something in Mugen's tone that bothered her, he was angry. Why she didn't know but it was there.
"No Kyo died three years ago. He was the general of the western lord and fell in battle. His murderer died at my hands a few days ago." Her voice was soft but strong. She could talk about it now and not break down crying.
"A general huh? Guess that shouldn't be a surprise considering your armor. So were you a soldier or something?" Mugen asked curiously. He kept his jealousy to himself. Her man was dead so why did it bother him so much.
"I am a warrior miko, due to the war I allied myself with the western lord and thus met Kyo. He was one of my teachers but we ended up falling in love. It was because I loved him so much that Naraku killed him. That man took all he could from me in hopes to break me but even as I held Kyo's fallen form I refused to let him win. I refused to let my fiancé die for nothing." Hearing the strength in her voice made Mugen feel better. The woman as clearly strong spirited and that would come in handy considering the trouble he got into.
"I still don't get why you feel the need to follow Mugen around every little place he goes." Fuu muttered but everyone still heard her. Feeling her temper flare Kagome leveled her with a look.
"Well I don't see why it's such a problem for you. Is Mugen-san your man or something?" Kagome smirked when the girl blushed and Mugen scoffed.
"Of course not! Who would want to be with someone like him? He's violent, greedy and sleeps with any woman who will give him some!" Fuu shouted embarrassed. She had had feelings for Mugen ever since he had saved her but he never seemed to notice her.
"Well no offense but from what I've seen he's strong, has some code of honor or he would have left me to die and is very attractive. Manners can be taught and everyone has a violent side. As for being greedy well that's just human nature. The only problem I would have is the sleeping with other woman but then again any man will cheat if you deny them sex." Kagome listed watching the girls face get redder and redder.
Mugen and Jin watched as Fuu glared at the woman. Clearly something was going on but neither of them knew what. Maybe Fuu didn't like not being the only girl anymore? Still what the fuck did that have to do with him? It was like they were fighting over the swordsman.
"I think Fuu feels threatened by Kagome. She is trying to assert her authority so she keeps her place. At least that's what I think she's trying to do." Jin whispered to his companion who was glaring at the young girl for insulting him. At least the warrior saw some good in him.
"He just for the records ladies if I found a woman I thought was worth being with I would sleep with other women." Mugen growled out his eyes landing on Fuu before settling on the miko. Fuu blushed while looking away however Kagome held his gaze refusing to back down. Jin watched suddenly understanding. Kagome was a warrior so Fuu telling her she didn't have to watch Mugen must have been seen as a challenge.
"Well that's good to know. What a man does when he's single doesn't matter its how he behaves once he has a woman that counts." The miko smirked when she saw Fuu flinch at the word woman proving she really was a little girl.
Mugen smirked loving the fact that the miko seemed to understand. If a man ain't got a woman he can do whatever the fuck he wants since he ain't cheating. Mugen wasn't as dumb as Fuu liked to think he was. He knew she wanted to be his woman but the fact was simple he just didn't see her like that. She may have been an adult in age but that was it.
Kagome though was all women. She had the looks, the age and the maturity. The fact that she was a fighter only served to attract him further. She was able to take care of herself if he wasn't around unlike Fuu who still didn't know self defense. Rolling onto his side he looked at the woman's breastplate. It had been dark when she woke up and her chest had been tightly bandaged. The rough man wondered what size they were.
"Mugen stop staring at her breasts!" The young girl shrieked causing everyone to flinch at the shrill sound. However Kagome only laughed at him.
"Sorry Mugen-san but my armor doesn't exactly help with an accurate image plus my chest is bound so I probably look a lot flatter then I really am. The fact that you're staring at all is hilarious." The miko explained playfully. She hadn't felt attractive since the fight in which Kyo had been killed. Her body had been mauled, mangled and scarred during that fight and all the ones following.
"You're not angry at him?" Fuu asked in disbelief. This woman had gotten Mugen to check her out in full armor when she couldn't get him to look at her no matter what she did!
"Of course not, it's nice to feel like you're attractive sometimes. For someone like me that's pretty rare." Kagome explained smiling. Most people wouldn't even make eye contact with the Shikon Miko much less ogle her. The thought that Mugen did almost made her giggle.
"Why would it be rare for someone like you to get checked out? I saw that figure, men would have to be blind not to notice." Mugen stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world. The woman was fucking hot! He knew that he'd go with her for more than a few days and still not get tired of that body.
"My station had a lot to do with it. I was the guardian miko and that meant that I was held with the highest respect. People wouldn't even look me in the eye much less check me out. Plus my older brother was very protective. Then there is the fact that most people can't see past m scars even my chamber maids looked at me with pity." Her voice was low and the anger in it was clear.
Fuu felt bad about the scars. She had bandaged the woman's body she knew her skin was littered with them. Some were clean while others look like she had simply left them to heal without any form of treatment. The girl could never imagine living in that kind of body. She liked feeling beautiful.
Yeah Fuu mentioned that you had a lot of them. I'm guessing all from battles you were in right?" Instantly Mugen felt the shift in her mood. She became guarded as if trying to decide how much she was willing to tell them about her past. Then suddenly she stood and drew her sword turning to face the woods behind her.
"Someone is coming and fast. They have multiple weapons and two followers. Light weight armor to enable movement but it's poorly crafted. Mugen-san permission to intercept?" The change in her was startling and all Mugen could do was nod as three men broke the tree line looking exactly as she said they would. She must have sensed his nod because she was off like a bullet.
The trio watched in complete awe as she swiftly took out the two followers before charging their leader. There was no hesitation in her moves as she dodged and attacked. Mugen felt restless, he knew the extent of her wounds and with how she was moving knew she'd be in immense pain. The fact that she could move like that simply proved just how strong she really was.
Kagome cursed as she felt her injuries reopen. This was not happening to her. Didn't that girl know how to seal fucking wounds?! Quickly dodging another attack she dropped into a bridge before lifting her legs and wrapping them around her opponent's throat. Using gravity as momentum she spun herself like a break dancer snapping the man's neck. Kicking off his body she landed in a crouch before rising.
Mugen watched the woman in amazement. If she was that flexible on the battle field then he could just imagine what she would be like in the bedroom. Feeling lust stir up within his body the rouge forced it down. He doubted she was in the mood right now judging by the look on her face as she approached them, man did she look pissed.
Walking back to the group Kagome felt the blood soak through her clothes. She let a snarl rip its way through her plump lips. She hated being dirty and now she was going to have to bath again. Pulling at the ties on her armor the miko started to remove it while walking startling the three. Once the breastplate was removed Kagome shrugged out of her haori.
She hadn't put on her slayer uniform due to the bandages on her body. That would have made her far too uncomfortable. As soon as the bandages were exposed along with her arms and torso Fuu gasped. The scars were even worse in sunlight and a deep crimson was spreading across her stomach. Staring at the woman who was mumbling to herself the trio watched in shock as she placed a dagger in the fire.
Undoing the bandages the miko let them pool around her waist before using the clean parts to tidy up her wound. Kagome chose to ignore the girl in hopes of not calling her impudent. Didn't she know you had to cauterize wounds this deep to prevent them from reopening and getting infected? Seeing the blade was ready she picked it up and placed it on her injuries.
Instantly pain shot through her body but she pushed through telling herself that she had had worse. The smell of her burnt flesh filled her nostrils but she didn't remove the blade until she was sure it was closed. The dagger was actually meant for this. It's rare metal absorbed heat and held it at an almost constant temperature for almost three minutes unless doused in water or buried in cool soil.
Pulling the small blade from her stomach she drove it into the earth beside her. Releasing a deep breath the miko stood up before turning to the girl. Instantly Mugen's gaze dropped to her breasts which were vaguely blocked from his view by her long black hair. Still he could tell by the swell and curve that they were large and full.
"I suggest the next time you see a wound like mine that you clean it and then cauterize it. It does no one any good to be bandaged if they can't defend themselves." There was a clear note of disapproval in her tone that made Fuu glare at her.
"At least I tries to help you! Now would you put your clothes back on no one wants to see your rack." The woman child bit out. Just as the miko went to retaliate Mugen grabbed her left breast. Instantly the miko froze, she hadn't been touched in such a way since Kyo had died. Feeling him squeeze gently a few times caused the woman to bite back a moan. She figured her expression was frozen in shock since Fuu smacked him in the head making him let go.
"Mugen what the hell were you thinking? You can't just grab a girl's chest whenever you feel like it! Look at her she's in shock!" The girl exclaimed waving a hand at the frozen miko. Mugen simply rolled his eyes before smirking. He had been right her breasts were big and full. They were also soft and squishy. Looking at her face he almost laughed he had never seen someone turn that shade of red before.
"I don't see what I did wrong, I just wanted to know if they'd fit in my hand and they did, quite nicely I might add." This time Fuu blushed while subtly looking down at her own flat chest. Finally snapping out of her thoughts Kagome turned to look at Mugen not aware that the motion caused her hair to shift thus giving both males a better view.
"Would you please warn me before you do that Mugen-san? It startled me which resulted in my injuries becoming strained and hurting more than before." Her voice was almost pleading and it struck something in him. Of course that's when the trio registered what she said. Jin stared at Mugen with jealousy while said man looked ready to pounce on the injured woman. It was Fuu that snapped.
"What do you mean next time? You should be angry not telling him it's ok! What is wrong with you?" The girl exclaimed while throwing her hands in the air. It was at that moment that Kagome made a new discovery.
"You're a virgin aren't you?" It was blunt and she almost laughed at the girl's face as she stuttered.
"That's why you're so embarrassed by Mugen-san's behavior and why you're so uncomfortable with me being topless. The fact is though Fuu that I am not a virgin. That's why I react to Mugen's actions differently. I don't care if he grabs my chest because it feels good." The miko explained watching the girl's face get redder and redder. This simply proved the difference between the two of them she was an adult while Fuu was just a child.
Fuu stared at the woman spitefully. Mugen was look at Kagome the way she wanted him to look at her. Noticing her new rival shiver the girl was going to laugh but then Mugen pulled off his shirt and passed it to her. To say the woman child was furious was an understatement that man never lent her his shirt and now he wasn't even putting up a fuss.
"Thanks Mugen I was hoping I wouldn't have to put on dirty and blood soaked clothes." She said while fully removing her shirt and pulling his on over her head. Once she tucked it into her hakama and retied her sash she began to pull on her armor. It didn't take long before she was completely dressed once more.
"Now as we were originally discussing I have to get supplies so we should head to Edo and that way Mugen-san will get paid, I'll get what I require and we can all have some real food." The miko explained happily. It wasn't until Fuu gave a negative shake of her head that she became concerned.
"Sorry but we're broke so we can't afford a room or food because Mugen and Jin will just take their share and go to the brothel." The girl almost snickered at the confusion on the woman's face. What she said next however stopped her.
"So you guys don't have any money right now but once Mugen-san is paid for the work he did without your help you'll split it amongst the three of you, even though the both of you have done absolutely nothing to earn it? I'm sorry but that is just bullshit! Why should he have to be the only one to work and then be stuck paying for your asses? Listen up if you want something you fucking work for it, be it food, clothes or supplies. That's the way life is and if you don't like it tough! Luckily though I am not broke and can therefore buy whatever I want." Kagome stated while Mugen placed his arm around her shoulder and whispered a warning in her ear before slipping his hand under her breastplate.
Fuu instantly began glaring at them. Jin however was surprised to hear that she had money. Thinking back on her words the man had to agree that it was unfair that they did all the work and Fuu did nothing at all. Then again judging by her tone that would be changing and fast. Watching as Mugen continued to fondle her he almost laughed at how calm she looked. It was as if Mugen groping her soothed the woman. Just then she asked the man something and Jin was sure he'd have to restrain Fuu.
"Hey Mugen do you give back rubs?" It was a simple question but to the trio it was anything but innocent. Seeing Mugen grin like he just won the lottery the young girl practically growled.
"Sure I can rub your back for yeah no problem. I won't even charge yeah for it little miss I can afford anything." His tone was light and teasing making the woman smile at him brightly.
"Oh thank you Mugen-san! Tell you what I'll pay for your dinner in exchange you can eat as much as you want!" The miko was practically glowing in excitement. If there was one thing Kagome loved it was being messaged.
"Deal if you ever need a rub down you just let me know and I'll do it. Oh and no offense but can you stop with the "san" thing? It just feels weird to be called that." The rouge asked hoping he hadn't insulted her but once again all he received was a blinding smile.
"Deal now let's clean camp and get going! The sooner we get to Edo the sooner I can bath, eat and get my back rub!" Kagome exclaimed happily. Mugen however pouted before removing his hand. The second he did the woman ran over to the dead men and began searching their bodies only to shout in victory when she found their money.
As the group finished putting out the fire and Kagome got her belongings together she started to hum enjoying the familiar routine. It wasn't until Mugen called her name that she saw they were ready and started walking towards the city. Almost instantly Mugen was by her side with Fuu and Jin walking behind them. She could feel the girl's glare digging into her back and it took a lot of her control not to slap the brat.
Since the silent walk was starting to get to her the miko once again began to hum. It was a soft and gentle tune that made her companions relax. Mugen watched the warrior from the corner of his eye taking note of how content she was. The man figured she was used to traveling like this and found it comforting.
The group continued to walk reaching the city at nightfall. As soon as they were within the walls Kagome asked for directions to a hotel. Arriving at the extravagant hotel the miko walked up to the clerk and asked for a single as well as a double. Seeing the look the man gave her she pulled out a handful of gold. Instantly they were whisked away to their rooms being treated like royalty.
Deciding to have a bath first and then eat the warrior went to the outdoor baths. Never had she felt more relaxed since arriving in this era. Soon she heard Mugen and Jin next door while Fuu joined her hiding behind a large towel. The miko almost laughed at her shyness but decided against it seeing as the girl disliked her enough.
"Would you mind if I sang while I bathe Fuu?" Kagome asked hoping the girl would lighten up. However all she received was a stiff nod of approval before the girl looked away from her. Not seeing any point in getting upset the miko settled against a rock and began to sing softly while running her fingers through her raven locks.
"I hear you voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name.
"Listen my child." You say to me.
"I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call and I'll set you free."
I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain.
I am the voice in the fields when the summers gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne'er do I sleep though out all the cold winter long
I am the force that in spring time will grow.
I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal.
I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice
I am the voice of the past that will always be
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice of the future
I am the voice, I am the voice
I am the voice, I am the voice."
When she finished she noticed Fuu was watching her with her mouth wide open. The miko squirmed slightly in her spot knowing she had gotten caught up in the song. Still the woman child didn't have look so fucking surprised. She could do more than kill things she had girly moments too damn it.
"Fuu would you please stop staring at me like that, it's making me uncomfortable. Was it really that bad, I mean in my defense it has been a while since I was able to sing without risking getting an arrow in the head." Before she could continue Mugen's head popped up on the other side of the wall.
"That was fucking amazing Kagome! Where did you learn to sing like that?" The rouge asked while admiring her body. However before anything further could be said Fuu screamed while throwing a bucket at Mugen's face. Quickly jumping Kagome kicked the bucket into another direction before landing perfectly. The moon reflected off the water running down her body causing her to almost glow while her hair looked like wet ink, sticking to her skin outlining her curves perfectly.
"Fuu I understand that you are embarrassed however I will ask that you refrain from attacking Mugen. Besides you in mineral water, it's not like he can see anything anyway." The miko stated calmly. However the young woman child was simply staring at her in horror. That's when she realized that this was the first time she was exposed with decent lighting. The poor girl looked like she was going to be sick. Feeling self conscious the woman quickly dried off and with a quick apology left for her room.
"Shit looks like your staring upset her. You know Fuu you're not the only one who's self conscious. I'm done, I'll be heading out to get paid." With that Mugen dropped back to his side before leaving the bath.
Once dry the man made his way to the warrior's room. Knocking just in case, Fuu throwing stuff at him he could handle, Kagome not so much. Hearing a small "enter" The man walked in only to gape at the beauty before him. Sitting in front of a large vanity was Kagome her long raven locks loose and free cascading down around her like a waterfall of black ink. Yet it was the kimono that got him. It was absolutely stunning made up with reds and gold's she reminded him of a phoenix.
"Oh Mugen are you ready to collect your payment?" Her voice rang out and he couldn't help but picture her as a princess. In all honesty she could very well be one for all he knew. Still seeing her waiting on him he simply nodded and waited for her by the door.
"Alright then lead the way and I will follow." The miko said softly.
"Is that a promise?" Mugen whispered to only himself and if it wasn't for her inhuman hearing she would have missed it, still with a smile she returned the whisper just loud enough for him to hear.
"I promise."
To Be Continued...
~A.N.~
Ok so here is chapter 2! I love this pairing and can't wait to write more of this story. As always I love to hear what you think so please leave a review and let me know! *Smiles and bows*