Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

In a New Light	By : Sylean Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Naraku/Kagome Views: 17606 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha nor do I make any profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha nor do I make any profit from this story.

Previously:
"It would seem that whatever he was after by acquiring a piece of each and every one of us, it was thwarted when Kagome's barrier withstood his assault and thus prevented him access to her person," Miroku commented to everyone before addressing Kagome. "It would seem you have proven your capabilities Lady Kagome." He turned his attention toward the still grumbling hanyou. "Don't you agree, Inuyasha?" His question left no room for an undesirable answer, seeing as Kagome had not only successfully defended herself, but also managed to single handedly halt Naraku's latest foul scheme. Kagome grinned hugely and Inuyasha folded his arms across his chest as a feeble display of defiance.

Chapter 12:
The group was still contemplating Naraku's thought-to-be-foiled purpose when Tamari rejoined them.
"And where were you?" Inuyasha accused. Having just lost the argument of Kagome's freedom, he was looking for something or someone to take his frustrations out on, preferably someone who couldn't 'sit' him.
"Staying out of your way," she responded as if it was the dumbest question possible.
"Don't go trying to get smart with me," he growled back.
"I'm not," she responded coolly, unfazed by the pups aggressive attitude. She was used to his way of doing things by now. "Was it not your very instructions that I was not to attempt to help because it would only hinder you?"
Inuyasha only growled in response since she was indeed correct and he hated having his own words thrown back at him. He had told her in their past battles that he didn't need her assistance and she would only hold him back. Despite Inuyasha's failed attempt to ostracize her, he "did" succeed at drawing the other's attention to her. Miroku began contemplating her presence as Inuyasha grasped at anything to use against her. He had a feeling that urged him not to trust her but couldn't quite come up with solid evidence against her, besides her familiarity with Naraku.
"How do we even know we can trust you, huh?" Inuyasha began ranting. "And don't say because you saved us. For all we know, you could just be following Naraku's orders. Is that why you left last night, to receive more orders from that vile wretch?" His mind was going off on tangents, convincing himself of her guilt without waiting for an answer.
"You left last night? You weren't giving Naraku our location, were you?" Sango inquired, her suspicions being roused. It was known that Tamari was on friendly terms with Naraku, and suspiciously, he appears the very next day after she disappears for a night.
"He hardly needs my assistance in locating your whereabouts," Tamari reminded, getting a bit concerned with this line of questioning. Her knowledge of Naraku was not sitting well with the others.
"That's right," Kagome piped up, defending the demoness, especially since it was she who requested Tamari contact him the night prior. She was beginning to feel guilty for her request resulting in her friend's harsh treatment of Tamari. "He can find us at anytime with Kanna's mirror. I've seen it."
Finally, Miroku spoke up, breaking his silent contemplation, "Why are you really here with us, Tamari? You said your motive was because we cross paths with Naraku more frequently, yet you do nothing when he does show." His reasoning was sound and calm. He rationalized within himself that because she was beautiful, he was slower to suspect her of misdeeds.
"How do you know? For all you know, I was with him last night," Tamari spoke before thinking through the consequences of such words. They had already suspected her of sneaking off and conspiring with the enemy, and her words all but confirmed it.
"I knew it," Inuyasha snapped, not liking for a second what was being implied. Sure, he had suspected, but wasn't absolutely sure. Now he was. Tamari was nothing but Naraku's harlot and was probably working for him and against them from the beginning.
Tamari grimaced at her mistake, fear beginning to leak into her expression. 'That was definitely the wrong thing to say,' she berated herself. 'And I can't admit what I was really doing. That would only cast more suspicion onto myself as well as onto Kagome and make Naraku angry when her companions refuse to let her out of their sight. Looks like it'd be wise for me to leave their company. Hopefully Naraku will not be too upset at my disobedience.'
"Tamari," Kagome's soft voice called out. "I think it'd be best if you go." Her voice sounded full of regret, guilt, and sadness.
"Leave?" Inuyasha bellowed, "You're actually going to let Naraku's cohort escape? I won't allow it!" He lunged at the demoness, before his trajectory was harshly altered.
"Sit," Kagome all but whispered. "I'm sorry, Tamari. I hope there are no hard feelings between us." Tamari nodded quickly and took off into the sky before the subjugation spell could wear off. Once she was out of sight, Kagome sighed deeply, "That was really uncalled for, Inuyasha."
"Uncalled for? Didn't you realize..." Kagome tuned out Inuyasha's childishly blind rampage and simply began walking along the road towards the next village. The others quickly fell in line behind her, leaving Inuyasha behind, screaming at nothing.

The tension remained within the group even as the village came into view. Kagome continued to lead the way with Shippo in her arms as Inuyasha brought up the rear, brooding the entire time. Between those two, Miroku and Sango, with Kirara on her shoulder, were caught in the middle. Yes, Tamari had been associated with Naraku, but it was unclear if she had acted against them in any way. Inuyasha attempting to attack her was going a bit overboard, but it didn't seem wise to just let her go either. They didn't know what to think or whose side to take, so they opted to remain neutral for the time being.
At the outskirts of the village, Shippo spotted a group of kids playing in the fields. After getting the affirmative from Kagome, he quickly bounded off to join in the game. He'd find them later by following their scents.
Upon entering the village center, Miroku began evaluating the approximate worth of each establishment, inn, and residence they passed. He was attempting to determine which would be the most affluent, and thus most comfortable, for himself and his companions to stay the night. As per his usual, an ominous, dark cloud mysteriously decided to loom over the most desirable of abodes.
"Excuse me, good sir," he began his manipulation. "I am a traveling monk and I couldn't help but notice the ominous, dark cloud hovering above your place of business. I fear for the safety of all who reside within, unless an exorcism is performed immediately." His face took on a look of grave concern at his words as the elderly gentleman paled at the 'danger' to his livelihood and family.
Inuyasha scoffed under his breath as Miroku plied his services. Sango simply rolled her eyes, and Kagome realized how similar Miroku's methods were to his own enemy's. He used deceit just as much as the one he despised, and yet, thought no wrong about his own actions. He played on the fears of innocent villagers to his own advantage yet would dole out punishment to those who did the same. She couldn't help but look on with quiet scorn at the hypocritical viewpoint he possessed.
"Oh my, honorable monk," the naive owner professed, "I am ever so fortunate that you happened upon my home before anyone got hurt. I hope you will stay the night. It is the least I could do to repay you for such kindness."
"I would be honored," Miroku agreed as if this reaction was unexpected. "Shall we begin?"
"Of course," was the unsuspecting victim's eager reply. Miroku walked off with him to place useless sutras and mutter meaningless prayers.
"I'm going for a walk," Kagome said flatly. She was becoming more and more disappointed in her friends with each new realization. She no longer trusted them with such a blind naïveté. They were proving themselves to be less than the noble heroes she originally pictured them to be.
Inuyasha pointedly ignored her, sitting down on the steps of their lodgings to brood some more. Sango, fretting that Miroku would run off and flirt with all the young women the instant his 'exorcism' was complete, tailed the perverted monk but kept her distance. It would be embarrassing if he caught her watching him because that would only prove that she felt something for him. It was a confession she was not yet ready to admit, not even to herself.
The village was quite enough, seeming to have little, if any, problem with demons or the various human disputes. The most obvious sign of this was the equal number of men, women, children, and elderly walking the streets. If a demon was harassing the village, children were usually kept inside where they'd be safe and if wars plagued the area, able young men would be all but nonexistent, having been called off to fight. This being said, Kagome was still getting a multitude of stares due to her strange and provocative clothing style. Groups of adulterous men would whisper amongst themselves how they imagined she would be in bed as they took turns in her. Women looked upon her with distaste and envy due to her pulling the men's attention. All the while, Kagome was oblivious to their foul thoughts about her as she wandered, lost within her own mind.

Shippo and the other children had moved to the village square, following whatever game they made up. A kicked ball went astray and landed in a vendor's produce display. The impact sent a rain of fruit mash down upon the woman tending the stand. All the children froze, waiting for the inevitable outburst and hurriedly deciding whether or not to run.
"You worthless brats!" she shrieked in anger. "Which one of you did that? Who is going to pay for all the melons you destroyed?"
"It was an accident," one of the oldest boys spoke up, defending his younger brother who had caused the slip.
"Accident or not, the one responsible will be punished and the damages paid for!" she screamed at the group of frightened children. It was just their luck that it was this particular woman. She was easily angered and unusually harsh in her punishments.
"Fine!" The older boy spoke again, "Punish me then, but leave my little brother alone." He stepped forward bravely, but was stopped when Shippo darted in front of him. Even though he was dwarfed in size compared to the older boy, he was confident he could defend his new friends being that he was a demon.
Shippo spoke over his shoulder to the boy behind him, "I'll handle this. You guys just stand back." He returned his glare to the witch of a woman. "You shouldn't punish them just for an accident. How about if they work for you to pay off the debt instead?" He proposed a reasonable solution fully expecting the woman to agree.
"That's not good enough," she hissed. "Now move out of my way, Brat, or I'll have to beat you as well."

The commotion lured Kagome, who arrived just in time to see a middle-aged woman strike Shippo with a broom. If she had been a demon, her eyes surely would have turned blood red. The snarl on her lips belied her kind-hearted nature as she dashed onto the scene, sweeping up a sturdy stick as she ran. Her makeshift weapon resembled a sword in weight and length whereas the woman's broom was most closely associated to that of a staff. Having parried with Miroku on occasion in training, Kagome was well aware of her reach disadvantage vs. mobility advantage. Not to mention, this woman likely had no training and was just swinging wildly.
The blow dealt to Shippo was not as bad as it looked, having been hit with the more forgiving bristles rather than the shaft. It knocked him to the side, causing him to tumble to the ground and scrape his hands, not having expected the woman to remain so violent after his reasonable suggestion. As she tried to advance on the children, he quickly sprung between them again, ready this time.
"Persistent whelp," she practically growled and this time raised the handle of her broom to strike him. Her knuckles were white as she gripped the broom just above the bristles, she intended to send the kit flying with a wide sweeping-type stroke. Shippo kept his defensive stance, trusting in his superior speed as a demon, intending to leap over the broomstick just before it hit him. The stroke was halted however, and a loud wooden crash rang out through the primitive streets.
Kagome held off the broom with her makeshift weapon easily. Gripped at both ends, her arms where locked straight giving her a positional advantage. The closer her weapon to her body, the greater the potential force that can be exerted in such a standoff. Her weapon being shorter gave her a clear edge. Releasing her grip with her left hand and swiping her right to the side, she knocked the broom handle away from her kit, but not completely out of the woman's hands.
"How dare you strike him," she seethed, giving off a formidable air. Kagome found herself at a loss for anymore words, her anger keeping her tongue tied, lest she spew nonsensical barbs. The foul mood she'd been fighting off and resisting now poured out of her.
"I will do as I please," the fuming crone snapped back, "and no woman-child whore will get in my way." The woman struck at Kagome's stomach with a stabbing thrust, which was easily side-stepped. Compared to Sango and Miroku, this woman was ridiculously slow and obvious in her movements. Had this been a mere week ago, Kagome would have likely been on equal footing with this woman's lack of melee skill, but she was a quick study with very talented teachers.
The woman continued to flail uselessly, getting more upset with every miss and parry. Sensing no end to her hostility, Kagome decided to incapacitate her attacker and teach her a lesson in unnecessary cruelty.
The brutish female charged and swung maniacally at Kagome. Her 'battle cry,' more accurately a shriek, resembled that of a harpy. Having an excess of confidence and skill to deal with the troublesome hag, Kagome remained calm, her anger held just below the surface, waiting to be screamed out. She parried with ease and sidestepped the now stumbling woman's attack. Just as their bodies passed one another, Kagome turned sharply, her weapon raised high, and struck her opponent square on the back, sending her tumbling to the ground.
Her sprawled body was quickly curled in on itself as the pain shot through her. Kagome stood at her feet, scowling down at the temperamental shrew, preparing to scream her lungs out in furious lecture.
"What gives you the right to beat these children?" Kagome began, she didn't care if it was culturally acceptable in this era, it was wrong, and she would let it be known. "If you think its because you're stronger than I hope you realize that there are plenty of individuals stronger than you and by that logic have the right to beat you!" She was on a roll, spewing all her frustrations about this era, and venting out the impending fury that had been steadily building. It seemed she was getting close to losing her already precarious grip over herself again as the all too familiar, violent mood threatened to emerge.
"That little demon scum has no regard for other's property," she accused from the ground, pointing at Shippo and her smashed produce.
The older boy stepped up beside Shippo to defend his new, valiant friend, "Shippo didn't do anything to you! He merely tried to reason with you on our behalf!"
Kagome's glare intensified, her vision took on a tunnel effect as her latent anger spilled over, her tone venomous, "It's the people who have the least to truly be angry about who find the littlest thing to scream the loudest for." This village had no problems with murderous demons, plagues, or overzealous warlords, things to actually be upset about, so instead it's residents found the smallest reasons to start unnecessary fights. It was disgusting.
"Kagome, look out," Shippo's frantic scream broke through her mind mid-rant. She had been too focused on her fury to see the blade until it was too late. Her attempt at an avoidance only lessened the oncoming blow from fatal to a flesh wound on her right forearm, her dominant sword arm. She gasped in pain and gripped the wound, keeping pressure on it to lessen the bleeding.
After having stumbled a reasonably safe distance away from her mysterious attacker, Kagome finally got a good look at her assailant. It was a very broad man, dressed in a merchant's clothing signaling his above average social status, wielding a poorly kept blade, gripped tightly with both hands. The man was breathing heavily, his teeth clenched and his brows drawn together. He was obviously upset about something.
"What was that for?" Kagome shot out first.
"No one touches my property," he brute ground out between clenched teeth.
"Property," Kagome wasn't sure if he meant the mashed and bruised produce or the woman. She was all too familiar with the attitudes of males in this era, viewing women as property, no different than livestock.
"So, you try to kill me for defending these children?" Kagome shrieked out, disgusted at the man's lack of respect for life. She was still gripping her arm, the blood beginning to seep through her fingers. She couldn't wield her makeshift weapon, abandoned on the dusty ground, in this condition.
The middle-aged woman finally managed to lift herself from the dirt, and stumbled over to the man, collapsing against his burly arms. Her tone softened dramatically, playing the part of the innocent victim, "That wench and her demon tried to rob me, dear." Her whiny voice made Kagome cringe. "When I resisted, they beat me." Her words were not loud enough for the children huddled at a distance away to hear. Only Kagome, who was near, and Shippo with his demon abilities could make out her lies. It would be useless for either to claim otherwise. The man, now identified as the woman's husband, would not believe them over her.
"I'll show you what happens to scum like you," he bellowed and charged forward. Kagome's mind went into panic mode. She couldn't defend herself in this condition, but if she ran, the children would be his target instead. She took a deep breathe, preparing to scream for Inuyasha to help her, but never got the words out.
"I won't let you hurt my MOTHER! Smashing top!" Shippo bellowed, his vibrant green eyes briefly taking on a pinkish tint as he unleashed his smashing top. He bounded in between the combatants, defending the woman he cared so deep for, who took him in and cared for him as if he were her own child. He couldn't live with himself if anything happened to her under his 'protective' watch.
Shippo's honorific for her immediately broke through her rage and fear, leaving only a calming warmth in her soaring heart as everything seemed to slow. The determination on her small kit's face to protect her filled her with adoration for the small boy. He had never called her mother before, always skirting around any titles besides friend, just as she had avoided labeling him as her son out of fear that the deep sentiment was not returned.
She stared, wide-eyed and jaw dropped at her little Shippo, defending her so bravely, impressed at the strength he displayed, not only strength of the body, but of character. The smashing top knocked the brusque man back, causing him to clumsily fall back on his rump beside his sniveling wife. Not giving them any time to retaliate, Shippo pulled a wooden snake toy from his vest and swiftly used his fox magic to transform it into a fearsome, blue-flaming dragon. The sight of the looming beast had the couple scrambling to escape for fear of being devoured alive. In their haste, they not only crashed into each other, but also into their intact produce stand, rendering it kindling. When they were no longer in sight, Shippo retracted his illusions and tucked his toys away safely in his vest.
Kagome had stood, frozen in place, as she watched the events as if she didn't even exist on this plane of reality. Shippo succeeded in driving off the aggressive couple single handedly, all to defend her and the village's children. Speaking of which, were now crowding around the two new-comers, cheering and thanking them for the help. Kagome couldn't help but smile, despite the lingering pain in her arm, at their joyous faces.
"Shippo," her voice was barely an echoey whisper, yet he heard it easily, turning to face her. His spine was stiff, undoubtably realizing just what he said and worried how she would take it. Seeing tears of worry threatening to pour out of his eyes, she knelt down and gave him a loving smile. "Can we talk?" At his silence she added, "Son." His eyes widened, and he smiled brightly, nodding his assent.

(A/N: Thank you all for your reviews, they really make my day and increase my motivation to write more. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I am open to all, you never know what little tidbit will spark a new scenario.)
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In a New Light