DISCLAIMER: Don't own 'em. 'Nuff said.
In the Blood
Ch. 6
By: Lara Winner
Hues of gold and honey spilled the through the glass doors that
led to the balcony casting the cream carpet in a warm glow. In the shafts of
sunlight dust particles floated on the air currents in a dizzying dance as a
soft breeze moved through the bedroom from the partially open balcony door.
From beyond the distant cry of seagulls blended in perfect symmetry with the
scent of salt water that was carried in the air.
Kagome sighed.
Lazy days called for lazy measures. The warm sluggish
weather rubbed off on Kagome's boredom and currently the young girl was lying
on the bed, her head propped up by her folded arms as she watched the dust
mites do their thing. Sadly, the swirling dots of white held her attention in
captivity and the desire to rouse herself from its spell was non-existent.
If Kagome were to be completely truthful there were
ways in which she could occupy her attention. She could take a bath, find the
remote that accessed the nifty entertainment center concealed in the wall,
wander aimlessly through the house for sheer amusement, or she could go pester
Inuyasha. All were good ideas but all involved physical movement and at the
moment the gumption to get her idle limbs moving was nowhere to be found.
She was quickly becoming spoiled. The life of a
papered princess could suit her just fine and she'd have no objection if didn't
have to get off her lazy bottom ever again. What a luxury it would be to have
servants obey her every whim, no matter how obnoxious or petty. It would be
nice to have that kind easy lifestyle where the only requirement she had was to
give orders.
Granted here in Mr. Modegi's manor she was far from
princess status. The servants practically ignored her, not that she minded
really. She wouldn't know what to do if she had someone at her beck and call
every second. It would be fun at first but she supposed it would get very, very
boring once the novelty of it wore off.
Still even that would be better than her former
accommodations in Laundith.
In her conversation with Inuyasha the night before
Kagome tried to describe the big city. He was entranced by her descriptions and
he asked question after question eager to appease his curiosity. But she fed
him the candy-coated version. The need to know basics.
There was no reason to explain to Inuyasha that she
was an orphan or that she had spent the last five years in a government funded
containment facility for children. She knew what if felt like to be confined to
a strict schedule under constant supervision. It was like living in a prison.
Kagome changed the course of her musings before they
could stray to the reason she had fled Laundith. It was enough to recall the
lumpy, worn cots used in the orphanage. Comparing it to her current sleeping
quarters made the four-post bed she was lying on the closest thing to nirvana
that she'd ever experienced. Even dancing dust mites in the afternoon sunlight
made sense when you entered heaven.
What didn't belong in Kagome's surreal moment was the
soft rapping on the door that brought her crashing back to reality. She blinked
and watched the door expectantly. After a lengthy pause another knock sounded,
only this time it was more insistent.
Kagome sighed. "Come in!"
The door opened silently to reveal a pale young woman.
Dresses in a maroon polo shirt and black slacks, the standard uniform worn by
the housekeeping staff, the dark colors made the girl's skin appear white and
nearly transparent. Her stringy white-blond hair and the large, dark eyes that
seemed to take up most of her face only intensified the corpse like effect. The
servant stepped into the room stopping just beyond the door.
Kagome waited for her to speak…
And waited…
Sitting up, Kagome offered the girl a warm smile. "Umm..
is there something you need?"
"Mr. Modegi wishes to have a word with you."
the girl whispered, her voice as nondescript as her appearance.
"He wants to see me now?" Kagome asked
dismayed at having to actually get out of the bed.
"Yes Miss."
Cool, to the point and no room for argument.
Kagome knew when to admit defeat. "All right I'm
coming."
She climbed from the bed and followed the eerie girl
from the room. As she walked Kagome noticed a hint of youki and realized that
the girl was a youkai. It was not surprising and it should have been obvious
with her coloring. Yet it was next to impossible to discern the breed of a
youkai by their youki alone and Kagome was a bit hesitant to ask.
Uneasy vibes twisted Kagome's stomach into a tight
knot. Perhaps she was an albino. But even albino youkai were not as ashen white
as this girl. Something was out of place and no matter how she tried Kagome
could not put her finger on it.
As they approached Mr. Modegi's study Kagome's
curiosity took a different turn. There would be time ponder the odd youkai
later, right now she was more interested in Mr. Modegi's summons. She had
expected him to check up on her but he hadn't done so even though she'd been at
the manor of nearly a week. So why check up on her now when he just returned
from a business trip barely an hour ago? Maybe she was reading too much into
it. Mr. Modegi was a strange man, that much she'd gathered in her short time at
the manor.
Kagome almost retracted that thought as she spied the
two armed security guards that stood at attention beside the study entrance. Maybe
strange wasn't the proper description. Mr. Modegi was dangerous, something
Kagome was only beginning to see now that she was close to handsome man. Her
gut instincts never failed and taking one look and the semi-automatic weapons
brandished by the guards an urgent voice inside her head warned her to get
away.
Get away to where? What was am I running from?
Kagome shook it off with a self-derisive laugh.
The guard to the right turned his piercing glare to
Kagome as if he heard the sarcastic sound. Not taking his eyes off of her he
told the youkai servant, "State your purpose Kanna."
"The master sent for her." she said
tonelessly, jerking her thumb over her shoulder toward Kagome.
The guard scowled. "Well don't keep him waiting. Get
on with it already!"
With a nod the servant called Kanna opened the study
door and motioned for Kagome to enter. From the doorway she said, "Sir
I've brought Miss Kagome as you requested."
Naraku glanced up from the assorted papers that lined
his desk. "Good. You may go." He dismissed the servant turning his
attention back to his workload.
The soft click of the door closing ricocheted off the
walls like a gunshot that was swallowed by the oppressive silence that filled
the room. Kagome felt a bit awkward not knowing if she was supposed to have a
seat in one of the two plush chairs that faced the ornate cherry wood desk or
wait until she was told to be seated. Unsure she decided to remain where she
stood, clasping her hands behind her back as she took in her surroundings.
The entire room was done in hues of brown and gray. The
earthy tones reminded her of a cave. It didn't help that the windows were
covered in heavy drapes that blocked out all natural lighting leaving three
wall sconces and the twin lamps that sat on the edge of Mr. Modegi's desk to
support illumination of the entire room.
For a study it was lavishly furnished. Besides the
desk and chairs, an enormous bookshelf lined the wall behind Mr. Modegi's desk.
It housed a variety of leather bound books that could have been encyclopedias
for all Kagome knew. The remaining three walls were accentuated with a
painting, and judging by their size and beauty she guessed that each piece cost
a small fortune. Then there was a small liquor cabinet built into an alcove in
the wall to her left. A singular ceiling light spilled its soft glow over the
various glass alcohol decanters on display giving them an interesting sparkle.
The only word that came to Kagome's mind was
pretentious. Somehow it was befitting of the man sitting a few feet away.
As if only now realizing that she was still standing,
Mr. Modegi motioned to one of the chairs. "Have a seat."
Kagome complied, her anxiety increasing as he set his
paperwork aside and granted her his undivided attention. "Umm…you wanted
to see me?"
"Yes. I requested your company, did I not?" Mr.
Modegi replied seeming amused.
Kagome flushed with embarrassment.
"So tell me," he began conversationally, "are
you fairing well? I trust the staff has not been too demanding."
Demanding? Considering they treat me as if I have the
plague…
"Uh… actually I offered to help out several times
and no one wants me around. They keep telling me to mind my own business and
keep to myself."
"Really? That's not surprising. My staff has a
high set of standards." Mr. Modegi replied.
His tone was mocking, there was no mistaking it this
time. Kagome bristled.
"I'm sure I could do whatever chore they gave me.
I'm not an imbecile." She snapped.
"And I did not say that you were Kagome. In fact
I'm willing to make the assumption that you are a very clever and intelligent
child. But my staff is quite capable of handling the distribution of tasks. If
they do not require your assistance then do not take it personally."
Kagome didn't like Mr. Modegi's superior attitude but
she liked his quiet reprimand even less. Her fingers toyed with the hem of her
shirt nervously as she looked away. "Sorry. I didn't mean to sound
ungrateful. I do appreciate what you've done for me."
"I expected as much so there is no need to get
sentimental about it." He waved away her gratitude and rose from his seat.
Coming around from behind the rather large desk, he leaned against it casually
standing uncomfortably close and towering over her.
Kagome couldn't tell if he had done it purposely but
she felt as if he were trying to intimidate her with his presence.
If so, it was working.
Mr. Modegi was setting her up, beating around the bush
before getting to the true purpose of this conversation. She was not
disappointed, only caught off guard as he broached the topic without further
preamble.
"I was informed that you have taken a liking to
my dogs." He smirked. "They are quite impressive ne?"
"Yes they are."
"You did not strike me as a dog-lover. I would
have pegged as a cat person."
Not sure what he was hinting at or how she should
answer, Kagome played it safe. "I like all animals Mr. Modegi."
"Ahh, I'm sure you do. But perhaps you have a
fancy for one of my dogs in particular?" It wasn't a question.
Kagome felt as if she were backed into a corner and
part of her feared what she should say next. She dreaded to cause unnecessary
trouble for Inuyasha but she was not stupid enough to lie. It was apparent that
Guyo had related her visits with the hanyou to Mr. Modegi and to try and deny
anything now would be redundant.
"You mean Inuyasha?" she offered bravely… or
foolishly. She couldn't tell.
"Indeed." He cast her a shrewd look. "You
are on a first name basis?"
She shrugged. "It's one of the few things he's
said to me."
"How much information has he divulge to
you?"
Warning bells sounded in Kagome's head. "Nothing
really. Mostly he asks questions."
"About?" he pressed with unnerving interest.
Kagome floundered for a reasonable reply. "I
don't know… just stuff like where I'm from and what its like. You know, stuff
like that."
Mr. Modegi sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. "It
wise not to fill his head with ridiculous notions."
"Why not? He doesn't know anything about the
world around us. What's ridiculous is how you keep him locked away from
everything." Kagome pointed out indignantly.
"And with good reason. Inuyasha is
uncontrollable. Do not let his bark fool you girl. He bite is far worse. Its is
sad to have to say this but he can not be trusted. You would do well to
remember that."
"No you're wrong." She insisted.
"Idealism in its purest form…" he chuckled
mockingly. "Child you know nothing of the hanyou. He's not above biting
the hand that feeds him."
It was safe to say she was not keeping secrets from
Mr. Modegi. Apparently the guards had noticed that she was smuggling food to
Inuyasha. It was her fault for underestimating their perceptiveness. She could
only hope that her actions would not land Inuyasha or herself in serious
trouble.
Despite her apprehension Kagome kept a brave face. "I
still think you're wrong."
Reaching into the pocket of his designer slacks, Mr.
Modegi brought forth a gemstone that sat in the center of his palm. The jet
back stone was a stark contrast to his pale skin and Kagome gasped softly as
she realized that it circulated it's own youki.
He held it out for her inspection commenting,
"Take this rare jewel as example. At first glance it appears quite
harmless. But look closer and you see there is more here than meets the eye. Hidden
layers that reside under the surface can be dangerous. Regarding Inuyasha the
same is true. What you see on the outside is only a sleeping dog. The extent of
what he truly is resides in his demonic heritage."
"You mean when his youki takes control?" Kagome
queried, unable to look away from the entrancing jewel.
The cruel smirk returned. "Something like
that."
She wanted to disagree and argue her point if need be,
but the jewel that he held was working some sort of strange magic over her. She
felt it pulling at her conscious and cajoling her to touch it. It was almost
like a soft whisper in her mind, one that lured her into the forbidden and
urged her to succumb to temptation. A distant part of her awareness was alarmed
that her body was not obeying her will. Despite the instinctive warning she
could not force herself to look away.
Even Mr. Modegi's voice faded away into nothingness as
her hand moved of its own accord and reached out for the mesmerizing jewel. Youki
flared the second the cool stone touched her skin causing her own power to
surge forth. Yet instead of dissipating as it connected with the violet energy
seeping out from her soul, the youki began to consume it.
Kagome watched in growing horror as the stone's youki
began to absorb into her skin. Like a spreading wildfire, the thick black
energy rushed through her veins seeking the source of her power. She knew the
moment it reached its goal. She felt it deep inside and it exploded in a wave
of agony that took her breath away.
Black and purple blended into a swirling vortex as
both energies fed off the other. Kagome could see it clearly in her mind as the
invasion of foreign youki sent her to her knees with a choked cry. The friction
developing sent a backlash of pain flooding through her small form and as the
youkai sucked in more and more of her unusual energy it was taking a physical
toll on her body.
The jewel's incessant pulling was wearing her thin. Through
the painful haze that clouded rational thought she struggled to fight back. It
required more focus then she could muster but she managed to take hold and jerk
her energy back. It was a like a vicious game of tug-of-war as she frantically
tried to end the torture. But with each second that passed she was growing that
much weaker.
I'm going to die…
Panic made Kagome hold on tighter.
I'm going to die…
Desperate, she pulled as hard as she could.
Then she saw it.
Beneath the youki was a rose thread. It hummed and
quivered anchoring the jewel to her soul. It was taping her life force and
draining her dry. Maybe if she could cut the chord then it would stop? It was
worth a shot.
Kagome lifted a hand to her chest where the rose
thread disappeared into her body. Pulling one last time against the jewel, she
sent as much miko energy toward the thread as she could.
For a moment time stopped, the pain receded and all
Kagome could do was hope her feeble attempt was enough. The thread was fragile
and unprotected and as her power connected with the rose chord it lost it's
resistance and began to go slack.
Kagome watched as the chord fell away and dissolved
into the air.
But her small victory was short lived as the jewel's
pull came to an abrupt stop. Like metal to a magnet, the youkai attached itself
to her power, entwining both intricately and inseparably before in the blink of
an eye the grayish-violet energy was sucked back into the jewel. The effect was
soul shattering for Kagome as the very foundations of her power split in two.
With her heart she heard the horrible ripping sound.
There was no way to brace herself for the white-hot
agony that lit fire to her blood as her power divided.
Is this what it feels like to die?
For Kagome there was no answer, only oblivion as the
world around her ceased to be in the onslaught of darkness.
It was easy.
Almost too easy.
Naraku frowned at the young girl lying in a crumpled
heap on his floor. Dispassionately he nudged her arm with the toe his shoe. The
limp appendage lolled lifelessly.
With a satisfied sigh he leaned down and retrieved the
jewel from where it landed on the thick carpet. His fingertips tingled from the
charged energy churning violently inside the jewel. It was quite beautiful. Pale
violet snaked along deeper shades of gray in a dance for dominance that gave
the stone a smoky quality. The power was there waiting to be tapped.
For Naraku, this moment was a monumental victory. After
years of plotting and patiently waiting for the Onigu's ranks to grow in
numbers, he was finally standing at the threshold of his dreams.
In his hands he held the power to destroy youkai
without the pageantry of civilized warfare. It would be a virtual blitzkrieg
upon the unsuspecting masses. Never before had anyone taken the initiative to
use a miko's powers so extensively, be it demon or human. And Naraku felt it
was time to put the civilized illusion aside and make good on the threat of
mass destruction that he now had the power to manifest.
That he was willing to commit genocide was not lost
upon the spider hanyou, nor was the fact that millions of innocents would die. His
only justification for carrying through with a scheme so completely heartless
was that in the end the southern province, the northern territory, even the
entire world would become a much better place once fashioned to his liking. And
as long as opposition was at a minimum then the chance of survival for the
individual was that much greater.
It was a tyrannical move but it was also going to be
quite effective.
Smiling at the direction of his thoughts, Naraku spoke
to the seemingly empty room. "Things are going according to plan. I am a
genius, am I not Kanna?"
"Of course Sir." Came the soft reply that
was barely louder than a whisper and seeping in from all directions. Beside
Naraku the still air came to life as a form materialized out of the
nothingness. Once solidified, Kanna nodded in acknowledgment to her master and
waited for his orders.
"Inform Kagura that I wish to speak with her
immediately and make sure that my wife does not keep me waiting."
"Yes Sir."
"And one more thing." he motioned to the
lifeless body lying at his feet, "Get rid of it."
"How?" Kanna asked softly.
"Bury it, burn it, cut it up into little pieces,
I don't care. Just get it out of my sight."
Kanna nodded. "Yes Sir."
A.N. – After weeks of struggling with my muse I finally have the
next chapter done. I was torn on where to end the scene above since this is
only half of the original content that I had wanted to put in this chapter. But
I feel if I try to put anymore not only will it run far too long, but it might
take away from the dramatic effect of what is about to happen… nope I'm not
saying anything. That would give it away.
Yes you did read right. Naraku referred to Kagura as
his wife.
I apologize for this chapter being shorter than
previous ones. The next chapter will probably run short also but as I explained
before, it was too much to fit in one chapter.
Um… yeah… so that's about it. Lets hope that Lucy (my
muse) wants to cooperate for the next chapter. Until next time, thanks for
reading!