Naraku's mind games
Atira
Atira cuddled to the corner of the shadows; yet staying close enough to the fire to get some warmth. She stared up at the velvet sky, her brownish grey eyes dull. Her hair was short and carelessly thrown over her shoulders, glistening as she jerked her head back towards the blazing fire.
She had been sitting here quietly ever since her 'rescuing' from the giant bat. A triumphant smirk crept across her face, hidden in the shadow. The miko had welcomed her with open arms as soon as she told them all a long pitiful story about how she was an abandoned orphan, and her village, and everyone she loved was destroyed by an evil demon by the name on Naraku.
She had pretended to be surprised when she leaned that this was the exact person that they were searching to kill; and had pretended to be hesitant about joining them on their search. Too much trust was a weakness. And here the miko's trust was going to take them through pain and misery to the gates of death; and possibly beyond.
Sango sat by her. She felt immensely drawn toward the young youkai girl when she had heard the story of her sufferings and the treacherous plan carried out by Naraku. Kill an entire village because the village leader was not able to lend soldiers to destroy the slayers village. Her village. The girl's leader had not helped and died for his choice, dragging down his entire village; save for Atira.
Miroku sat across from Sango, reflecting on the day, the firelight making patterns on his face, a shadow formed behind the arch of his nose. He took a glance at the girl; still lost in the star's eternal beauty. He felt pity for the girl; Naraku that bastard would pay. He had made so many people suffer, he didn't deserve to live. Anger flicked across is features he simmered silently. How could he? Why could he? How come he got away? That evil baboon would die. It was simple as that. He would DIE, pay for all the misery he caused. Heck, even the demons of hell didn't deserve to have to deal with him. He was...too sick to deal with, to talk to, the way he just waved away despair of others so indifferently; after having caused it all in the first place... Miroku clenched his right hand; making the beads leave imprints on his skin.He looked down. The cause of the pain. the controller of evil; the master of evil itself. Him...
Kagome looked over from her content position, eyelids shutting while leaning on Inuyasha's side. She yawned daintily then snuggled in closer and kicked out her legs from under her. She was too tired to get up and roll out her futon. She hoped that someone would bother to lay her down after she went to sleep. She cast one look on the now dying embers of the fire, and shifting her position, locked her eyes on Atira.
Her mind made a desperate attempt at thinking; smiling at the thought of Atira traveling with them for now. She seemed like such a calm child who seemed unable to tell the truth those dreary eyes held. She had seemed a bit strange at first; her eyes never lighting up, forever lost in deep thoughts, her smile seemed lacking of warmth.
She shook it off. If Sesshomaru, Sorai, Inuyasha, Shippo, Kouga with demon senses didn't notice it; or didn't care; who was she to question their senses. She's probably lost in sorrow, poor thing. Another thing that had been nagging at her all along was how she couldn't hear any of her thoughts. Maybe she's constructed a mental barrier around her; but why? She mused, before tossing the worries and doubts to the wind and leaned more against Inuyasha, who grunted.
At that moment he was giving Sesshomaru death glares who was smirking and kept twitching his eyebrows at a young miko curled up against Inuyasha's arm.
Sesshomaru was actually feeling quite relaxed with taking his mind off the Atira when he spotted his brother. The miko was more amusing then she knew. As she was innocently dozing against a certain hanyou; Sesshomaru pretended to be amused at the sleeping arrangements. Lucky for Inuyasha shippo was already asleep; or else Sesshomaru would really have a reason to annoy him even more.
Inuyasha flickered his eyes towards Sorai; sitting by Sango. She seemed to be saying something in a low voice to which Sango nodded slightly. The fire crackled as if it knew it was the only thing making noise, aside from Kagome's, and Shippo's soft snores and intakes of breath.
Sesshomaru was actually quite puzzled as to why he couldn't hear Atira's thoughts. He had tried breaking through her barriers many times now; but every time it seemed as he had gotten through; there was only more white silence. He had stopped trying for now for the fear of driving himself mad with frustration.
But this was a tension reliever.
As his brother quirked his eyes at Sorai; now fiddling with her bracelets; Sesshomaru allowed himself a small bit of annoyance. Couldn't he give it a rest already? Not that he was giving him a rest regarding the miko; but still.
He put on a face as if to say, 'yeah, so what will you do about it?' and faced Inuyasha. Inuyasha took a look at Sesshomaru and thought, aha! I knew he would admit it pretty soon! If only I could console you dear brother; Sorai isn't that bad looking, in fact you two are adorable!
He sniggered.
Sesshomaru stared at him, eyes boring a hole into his brother's eyes with the frost gaze. Inuyasha looked away, trying to control his laughter for the sake of not waking up Kagome, if nothing else. God, Sesshomaru would really be pissed off if he found out what I just thought of. Sesshomaru and Sorai...I wish kagome was awake to hear this. He glanced over at the sleeping girl, whose head was slipping down Inuyasha's chest slowly, and about to hit his lap. She looked more innocent than ever when she was asleep, Shippo in her arms cradled to her neck. He grumbled a bit about the 'damn sleepy wench' and muttered some incoherent words before carrying her to her rolled futon and after straightening out, putting her and the kitsnue into it, under his half brothers amused stare. He patted her forehead slightly, and pulled Shippo's tail just enough to irritate him a bit before giving a long expressionless stare to Sesshomaru; wishing goodnight to Sorai, Miroku and Sango, patting Atira on the head, and retiring on the top of the tree under which Kagome was currently in a blissful sleep.
Sango stared at Sesshomaru, who had a curious expression on his face before bidding farewell to the monk, Sorai, Sesshomaru and whispering a good night to Atira, and taking kirara off to a corner.
The monk followed; only to be slapped and ordered to the other side of the camp. He came back, looking heartbroken. Sorai smiled a disgruntled smile and excused herself for the night, her kimono swishing with the light breeze.
Sesshomaru acknowledged her good night with a 'tsk' and leaned back on the tree to his back. For some reason his instincts told him to stay awake; since no one else was willing to stay nightguard. ( Kouga went off to sleep long before any of them)
Now it was just him and a pair of dull eyes on flesh across from him.
She showed no sign of being sleepy; but all of a sudden, she rose and giving a nod in his direction went off to sleep.
(a/n: I had no idea why I wanted to write the entire before bedtime part, but oh well. Don't worry, there is still more fore this chapter!)
Sesshomaru stared at the sky, sighing slightly as he remembered Rin, thinking of someone who was Atira's age. Damn, I miss her already!
Aha! Sorai just head off to bed five minutes ago! And I caught you thinking of her already!
He sighed. Miko, do you not have anything else to do except for to invade my privacy?
Nah...too much fun really! Inuyasha woke me up putting me here; and I cant read dreams, so I was bored.
Not a valid excuse.
Why don't you keep a barrier around your mind always if I bug you so much?
It is tiring to maintain all the time. Just like it is tiring to stay around you.
Oh enough with the complaints already!
Hmn.
...
...
Hey Sesshomaru? Why do you put up with Rin and hate all other humans?
You have no business to be asking this.
Tell me! Pretty please?
Hnfh. Only because she's not annoying, and listens to what I say. And tortures Jaken.
Ah...the true reason. Why are you so mean to him?
Are you any nicer?
No...but he calls me wretched human and worships you! At least you should vouch for him!
He's annoying with his pathetic forever faithful servant act.
He thinks it's the best way to show his loyalty to 'The Great Sesshomaru!'
He thinks wrong. I don't even think he can think. I mean; can you fit a decent brain inside that head?
To top it off he's green?! Right? She responded laughing.
And smells. I don't think he's ever taken a bath until Rin and Shippo poured flowery perfume over him.
So you know about that too...
I could smell it off him.
Shippo is down right evil when he meets Rin.
I think it's the other way around. Shippo influences Rin to be evil.
I bet she learns more off you; the way you treat him.
He deserved it every time.
I bet he did...aren't these mental conversations fun?
Oh yeah! I long for one ALL THE TIME! Sesshomaru rolled his eyes.
Aren't you funny?
Hnmf.
And cute.
...
And have a fluffy tail
Grrrr...
And so damn good looking! She finished laughing her head off soundlessly.
Don't you dig up the past wench.
It wasn't THAT long ago... besides; Sorai is thinking it right now..
What?
What? Your heart jump up to your throat?
No. I thought she was asleep.
So you jumped in happiness when you found out she was awake...
She isn't. I can sense it.
You are one VERY amusing demon lord; you know that?
Courtesy you and Inuyasha.
Well...yawn...I am going to sleep now. Nice talking to you. You are so funny! I see what Sorai sees in you!
I should have killed you the first time we met.
It's not like you didn't try.
I knew you held the tetsuiga.
You didn't really want to kill me then?
Not really. I mean for being annoyingly loud; but I didn't really care if you lived or died. But now I wish I had killed you then.
Aw! That's so sweet! Thanks awot ywou cwute lwitte dweamon! Kagome said in baby voice.
I also didn't care for killing you then; Inuyasha would be totally lonely, you know?
My idiotic brother actually looks cute with you. Two ugly things look cute together you know?
Don't turn the tables.
There is no table here; let alone plural.
It's an expression! You're so frustrating!
Wasn't I just amusing?
Times change.
Quite right. Now it's time I grow tired of this conversation; so you should go to sleep. Instantly.
In your dreams!
What?
It's an expression!
You and your melodramatic expressions!
We belong together! She smiled sweetly.
Go to sleep already! He grumbled.
As you please fluffy-sama!
She lay down, chortling.
...
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after a while of Kagome shifting positions in bed; Sesshomaru starts:-
So you not think Atira strange?
She's depressed, Sesshomaru. She lost her entire family and villagers. She's alone in the world.
She does not think; or does not show it. I have tried to get inside her barrier; but have unsuccessful until now.
I'll try tomorrow while talking to her.
You do that. I am going to continue trying from afar. She seems suspiciously...strange.
How exactly?
We found her fighting a bat, saying she had fighting for long, yet was not hurt; and not one of her attacks hit the demon. It was almost like she was avoiding it and it avoiding her.
Coincidence that she couldn't hit and wasn't hit.
Her eyes.
What?
Her eyes. Dead, with no light...almost like...a puppet.
But she has warmth and an aura of living around her. She can't be a puppet!
She appealed her story directly to you, as if knowing you were her ticket to enter the group.
Can't we just say I look soft?
Do not. You look, and are evil.
Enough with that! Continue.
She seems to avoid demons; as if she is afraid that we will sense something about her.
You guys are scary looking! Kagome protested.
I thought that I, the most powerful one of them, is...ahem... what did you say again? Cute, and nice? He smirked at being able to prove her wrong.
You just have something against her!
Your trust is too blind. She knows that and is taking advantage of that.
She's a little girl!
Who I believe is a complicated puppet of some strong demon.
Who would want to...no wait...Naraku?
You caught on.
Yep.
Finally.
Keep talking. She instructed.
I think she's a puppet or another minion. I will test her tomorrow.
How?
Drawing her blood.
WHAT?!
If she no blood or it is of an odd color, I will slay her.
You will not lay a finger on her.
Who are you ordering me around?
Do I have to remind you about a certain rosary hanging around you neck?
Do what you want. I will 'accidentally' scratch her with a branch or my sword while practicing and you all will see the truth.
No, you will! Don't hurt her. She's only a little girl.
Have you looked into her eyes?
Hnf, that's beside the point.
No it isn't. Her eyes look dead and clammy. Notice her faults. You are too trusting miko. You trust my brother. That should be proof is enough.
No. I did not make a mistake trusting Inuyasha. I refuse to believe it. She thought quietly.
He foolishly believed his previous 'lover' tried to slay him for so much time from one action. This is the emotion he gives to his cherished? So easily broken? Like his trust?
No! You're wrong!
Think what you want to. I am only telling you. Sesshomaru tensed. He could smell a hot tear coming from the shape of a miko in the dark, facing away from him.
Inuyasha awoke with the scent. As soon as he had pin pointed the location of the source; instead of disturbing the silence; he gently dropped by Kagome. She covered her face with her pillow, and tried to hide the smell but before she could do anything much else; she felt his claws lightly on her shoulders and she was on the top of a tree where she fell into a moody slumber, her face a few inches below his chin.
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tomorrow
Sesshomaru was practicing with Toukijin, hair up in a high pony, not unlike the one Inu-tashio once used to prefer, early in the morning, before Kagome had woken up from her comfy spot, with everyone but her and Inuyasha (by her) was awake after breakfast. The sword was whipping through the air; silent, graceful.
Atira was sitting in the group; as usual with the expressionless face.
Sesshomaru grimaced slightly. Here goes nothing! He thought, and swiped the sword behind him, doing an impressive 360 degree spin on his toes; the sword barely a blur. Just as he predicted, if her let go of the sword slightly while coming towards her; as he did; it would scratch her arm. Just deep enough to draw blood. He turned expectantly to her; searching for any signs of injury, or pain. She didn't seem to notice until she saw Sesshomaru stare at her arm. "Oh, that. It stings a bit, but I'm fine." But inside she was cursing herself quite loud. So loud actually, that Sesshomaru, with a bit of effort was able to hear her think. Damn! I didn't notice! Stupid stupid stupid stupid...I cant believe I forgot to wince! dammit! She thought as she winced now. Now that idiot will think something is up!
Sesshomaru's eyes widened, then he turned the other way and grimaced. He knew he would be correct. He'd better wake the miko while she can hear Atira too.
So he yelled in his mind, MIKO! WAKE UP! ATIRA IS THINKING!
Kagome jumped three feet in her sleep deprived surprise. Not a smart thing to do on a tree. She fell over the edge, and was saved by Inuyasha, as he leaned over the edge and caught her hand.
"are ya trying to kill yourself?" he asked groggily, still not properly awoken. She was inches from breaking her spinal cord on the next branch, now by her feet.
She grinned sheepishly. "No, sorry...I hope I didn't wake you up..."
He looked at her in a strange way. "You were one foot from breaking your back on the next branch if I hadn't caught you, and you only worry if you've woken me up. Damn wench. Get your priorities straight!" No, seriously! What would I do if you fell down and hurt yourself? I'd never forgive myself for letting you fall, he thought as he hauled her back up, only to jump off with her a second later.
Sesshomaru sighed. Am I interrupting something?
No...yeah now...what were you saying?
Atira. Thinking. Now. No blood.
YOU CUT HER?! You bastard! I told you not to-
She has no blood.
What?
Blood. She doesn't have any.
How come...?
She's a puppet! Damn, you are slow to catch on.
You just woke me up!
From a highly comfortable position I might add.
SHUT UP!
You're just jealous. Because I was right. Now read her mind while she still has the barrier off.
Hnmf. But she began to strain her mind to hear any thoughts from within a fifteen foot radius.
At once she heard the thoughts of her friends; followed by that of Atira.
I want ramen for breakfast!
Stupid monk...
Sango hits really hard doesn't she?
The monk's idiocy, again. When will he learn?
Chocolate!
I wonder if I should practice my wind attacks later...it's been so long...I'll go out of practice!
I still cant believe I forgot to wince when he cut me! Stupid stupid stupid... I wonder if that was an accident...a good thing I covered it in time, he probably didn't notice the fact that there is no blood in this useless puppet body.
Kagome gasped. That was Naraku no doubt.
She walked over sedately, and placed her hand on Atira's small head. She looked up expectantly. Kagome looked down with disgust. He had dared to send a puppet to their group on her trust. He would pay. Meanwhile; his puppet would fill his place.
She was immensely angry. She had welcomed the girl with open arms; only to find that people took advantage of her blind trust. Maybe Sesshomaru was right. Meanwhile though...
She tightened her grip on Atira's shoulder and called forth a pink sensation to her fingertips; seeping through Atira's body as she sat motionless, until her entire body shone a violent pink.
"Kagome? Whadda you doing?"
"Kagome-sama!"
"Kagome-mama!"
Sango felt her heart leap up to her throat. Here was a person who had gone through the same type of torture she had, for not helping destroy HER village, and Kagome was purifying her. She was utterly shocked.
"Kagome?!" she cried.
But Kagome didn't turn back; and instead, her face also flushing with the same pink light; and her entire body faintly bathed in the light; her eyes glinting with hate; forced more energy through the puppet body of Atira; which was now rising off the ground until it made a queer bursting sound and exploded with the pressure.
Atira hadn't felt a thing. That was because she couldn't feel things. She was a puppet. Of Naraku. And she had been purified until she ceased to exist.
That's what people got if they messed with Kagome's trust.
The body now fell down; ripped and burst apart from the neck and shoulder, mangled, and still glowing a light pink.
Sango was able to reach her first; and before she could be astonished at Kagome, she had to gasp; "There's no blood..."
Sesshomaru, who had been standing to the side said, "She was a puppet, not a living thing at all. When I cut her, I noticed no scent of blood, and no blood. I suspected it from the start." He looked smug at being proven right.
Sango cursed loudly and kicked the body of Atira, lying there, her green kimono looking abstract against Sorai's baby yellow one as she bent over the mangled puppet corpse. It started to decay, however, very soon. The hair and feet began to turn to dust as the wind carried it away, flowed by the torso and the legs. Last to go were the hands and the fingers, slowly picked up by the wind and gone from sight.
Kagome had sat down by now. That much energy, it had weakened her, it was not a usual easy to call purple; like it was when she was protecting someone or herself, but a hot violent pink, as if her anger had colored her miko powers to make them more...painful if not stronger. Weird. She would have to discuss this later.
Did you really get that mad? A voice in her head asked; sounding like a certain demon lord.
Well...no...I... she stammered, wondering whether to tell him or not.
Miko powers only change color when in unusually strong emotions; like just now; your became pink; as if you were every angry.
I was... angry at Naraku for betraying my trust...and for making me believe that Atira was another enemy of his... that stupid coward!
Sesshomaru looked away. It isn't the first time her has played with trust and emotions. It seems to be his style.
Im gonna kill that coward for his 'style!' hmph!
She was cut off from thinking more by Sorai shoving food in her face. "Eat. You used a lot of power; and you didn't even have breakfast." Kagome smiled gratefully at the figure above her and started eating.
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Naraku sat in his room, brushing his hair when his puppet statue (a/n; or whatever you call those things) split into half.
He swore. "I took me TWO DAYS to make that! The scent and aura wasn't easy, you know!" he shook his fist at the ceiling.
He spun around; ready to work off his anger when he tripped over his own feet, and fell splat on his face.
He cursed some more.
He tried to get up but slipped and fell right on his butt from the glass of water he knocked over falling the first time.
The swearing was starting get more rated M by the second.
He looked at the contents strewn all over the floor.
"Naraku? Is that you?" a feminine voice called.
He sighed, exasperated. "Yes."
A plump lady poked her head around the door. She looked demon. Very demon. A purple hairstyle, vivid green eyes, and purple doodle markings on her pale skin could not go unnoticed. She seemed to have this circle of power around her; indeed, servants shook when she looked their way.
She came in grabbed Naraku by the ear. "How many times have I told you not to swear? And just look at the mess in your room! That's it mister! You are going to clean this room by nightfall to my standard or be grounded for life!" she screeched in his ear as he just muttered "Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. MY EAR!"
She dropped him with a look of disgust.
"And no servant help!" she screamed as she noticed Naraku beckoning a servant slyly.
"But mother... I don't want to!" he whined; a pitiful look on his face.
"fine." She replied curtly. Then to the servants, "Ataru; call the enchanter to put a barrier over his room; tell him a permanent one. Hatu call the locksmith to put a lock on this door and Tami; I want bars on the window. BY TOMMOROW!" she yelled deafeningly; make everyone shudder.
"you have until then, Naraku. Its high time you learned to clean your room." She walked put, leaving a mourning Naraku.
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Review and tell me what you think... I hope I managed to keep this chapter from being TOO heavy, Atira in the beginning, and Kagome in the end...you could help by giving me feedback!
Naraku has a mom! XD! Oh this will be a PLEASURE!
So next time; will Naraku get grounded for life?
Oh and a hint about the next chapter...it will be FULL of roll on the ground laughter! (at least i was rolling on the ground writing it)
I know you probably dont care...but for some reason i feel obliged to tell you that i got A FRIKING 92.5 AVERAGE in the exams i gave before...i'm SO HAPPY!
Okay, so now...
Air peeps:- nah, its alright,i thought you might be busy...i'm galde you liked the chapters...oh and i really like it when you get the exerts from the story, the parts you liked and all...keep enjoying!
Meshi gohiku:- I do believe that you are going to be the one who keeps this story funny when i'm all out of ideas and just start writing it blandly to the plot...thanx alot for your ideas...though I'm beginning to suspect that 'cause I'm gonna use most of your ideas...thanx again!