The Spell That Binds Us

A/n: Thank you so much for your reviews and votes. I don't like how this chapter came out...but I kept it.

Enjoy!

Chapter 12
Acquaintances


Kikyo continued down a small dirt road, she was heading east, toward Naraku’s estate. She knew that was her only hope of survival— not to mention, the lord of the eastern boarders was a personal acquaintance.

Kikyo smiled seeing a small stream nearby. A bath would be comforting right now. Besides, she could use the rest; she didn’t have the best traveling shoes on, and her feet were killing her.

She checked her surroundings carefully. The sound of trees’ rustling in the wind, or the chirping of the birds, was all she heard. She was far enough away from the road, from weary travelers wandering eyes.

Feeling comfortable she walked over to the large oak tree, and placed her belongs down. She was tired, and been walking for some time. Soon it would be night and if she didn’t find shelter; well she didn’t know what she would do! She was in different territory, and if she were to hunt without the permission from the lord, she would be disciplined. However, since she knew the lord, maybe he would be understanding of her recent condition and will forgive her. She wondered if he still remembered her.

Sighing she stripped and then entered the crisp clear water of the stream, she gasped from the sudden shock of the cold water, as she waded in slowly.

Grabbing some of the brownish white sand, next to her feet, she picked it up and started exfoliating her body. Thoughts, of revenge ran strongly in her mind. She needed to find away to extract Kagome out of the palace. This was Kagome’s fault that she was in her current situation.

She was so consumed with her thoughts that she didn’t hear the faint sound of a busted stick. Chirping distressingly, the small birds sitting in the tree suddenly scattered.


Kikyo heard the fluttering of wings as the small sparrows flew overhead. She turned around quickly, covering her breasts. Gazing aimlessly into the forest, she looked for whatever startled the birds. She suddenly felt uneasy, and hurriedly sank into the water quickly washing away the sand.

Kikyo swiftly ran out of the stream, and began to dress franticly. If there was an intruder, she wanted to be prepared. She gathered her belongings.

For the first time she was truly scared, she was all alone, and the realization hit her immensely. Inuyasha wasn’t there to protect her.

Kikyo didn’t want to face the inevitable by herself, she began to convince herself that it was only her imagination. She slowly walked away from the stream and headed back to the main road.

She was tired and wet as she pushed herself further.


The lone rider watched intently to the female traveler. He followed her from a distance as the thickness of the trees cloaked his tall figure. His long black hair danced around his face, as he gazed at her beauty. She looked very familiar, but relatively distant. Like an old memory trying to burrow its way free.

Why was she in his lands…who was she? Naraku thought with curiosity. He could not help but admire her nicely curved female physique from afar.

He placed his hand on the velvety snout from his mount. Keeping the beast settled. He wasn’t ready to make himself know just yet. Moreover, was upset that she was distracting him from his current mission. “Such beauty in such a dangerous forest,” he smirked, as the devilish thoughts distorted his mind.

Making sure that he was far enough away, he led his mount, all the way through the narrow passage due to the density of the trees, he hoped the horse would not step on any more twigs.

It had been six long years since Rin last saw Prince Inuyasha. She smirked, he hasn’t changed a bit. She looked over at Koga, who looked like he was trying to hold back from attacking the prince. She nudged the side of his ribs, giving him a stern look to straighten up!

She shook her head and continued to follow quietly behind the prince, who seemed to have a death grip on the other girls arm. Could this be what is upsetting Koga? She rolled her eyes; he needed to realize that this woman was claimed. Was he that stupid! He could not challenge the prince.

Rin continued with her thoughts now that Koga had calmed down. She thought about Sesshomaru—has he changed? She was ten since she was last at the palace, and knew that she’d changed drastically over the course of six years. She remembered Naraku telling her family that if they’d followed him, there would be more food, no taxes, and would all be taken care of. Of course to young to say anything, she followed her parents, and left. She never did say goodbye to the elder prince and they only shared a few conversations.

Her mother used to be the gardener, while she played around the fountain. He would always show up and talk with her. Of course, she was infatuated with the handsome prince and would always dream of returning to him…forever.

Now she was malnourished and she knew that he wouldn’t even recognize her. He’s probably betrothed to another, Rin thought sadly.

Kikyo’s stomach began to growl, protesting the emptiness that she felt— reminding her of the need for food.

A medium sized gray squirrel sat on a thick branch, eating a nut and oblivious to the human below. Sitting on its hindquarters, its bushy tail covered its small head. Occasionally, it would look around, while still chewing its prized acorn.

Kikyo took this as an easy opportunity to quench and appease her stomach. Looking around, she hoped that she could find something that would bring her quarry down easily. Smiling, she found a nice sized stone. She only had one chance before the squirrel scurried away and left her unsatisfied.

With deadly precision, she took aim and threw the rock hard. Kikyo beamed when she saw that her mark was true. She would be having squirrel for dinner tonight. She headed over to the tree to retrieve her meal.


Inuyasha led them to his palace silently, although he knew that Kagome wasn’t very happy with him. Sneaky girl… thinks that she can avoid the fact that I know something, that she doesn’t want me to know. His grip tightened around her waist silently reminding her that their talk was short to come.

Trotting up the slight slant of the road, he stopped by the two sentries; they bowed their heads in respect. “Take these two guests to the King, and see that they are also properly fed.” The prince ordered.

“Yes sire.”

“Tell him also, that I will discuss this matter with him later, and that I will be home before sundown!”

“Yes sire…as you command.” The taller of the two guards approached the horse, with the two weary companions. After dismounting, the two strangers gave their thanks and the guards guided the new arrivals inside the palace.

Pleased, Inuyasha turned his horse and rode off and out of the safety of the palace walls.


Kikyo gathered enough wood, to start a fire. On her excursion, she managed to find a nice size flint-stone. The black flint would make fire management a bit easier than rubbing two sticks together.


Naraku watched amazed with the woman before him. It was time to introduce himself. He mounted his horse and headed out of the thick woodland.

“Where are you taking me?” Kagome demanded, squirming in his grasp. He was eerily silent, as they cantered down the dirt road.

This was her right to keep her secrets…they were hers to keep? It was her choice not his! She turned an angry eye, and watched the pathway, become familiar. They were heading towards the old well!

“I-Inuyasha…? Why are we here?” she asked hesitantly. She crossed her arms defiantly. “I’m still not telling you anything!”


Inuyasha smiled confidently, ignoring her questions. He pulled back on the reins halting the beast. Dismounting, he hoisted Kagome off the saddle, and led her to the well.

“Why did you try to jump into the well when I first met you?” Inuyasha asked.

Kagome turned, not wanting to answer his question. She stared at the well with haunted eyes. Would, the old well work this time; she couldn’t help but ponder. This was the only way she could return to her mother…and the rest of her family.

She heard Inuyasha began to growl behind her, with impatience. “I don’t know what you’re talking about?” Kagome said innocently.

“The hell you don’t!” Inuyasha roared, and then approached from behind grabbing her arms and spinning her around to face him. “You forget, that I heard your conversation…I know this well leads you somewhere…but I don’t know where?”

“What right did you have listening in on my conversation...?”she stated, poking him in the chest. “That was personal…and if I wanted you to know–don’t you think I would have told you!”

He grunted; she did have a point. “This is true…” He smirked bringing her closer to his body. Leaning in towards her bemused face he whispered, “I also heard that you like me.”

Kagome felt her face heat up once more, she was close to his strapping chest. She needed to be strong against her desires. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She gulped, as she untangled herself from his hold. “Now, if we are done…I would like to retire. I’m tired and I very much would like some privacy.” She turned around and walked away from him and away from the well.

How dare him! That egocentric jerk, she thought while approaching the horse. She rubbed the neck of the beast, soothing her own inquires. Why did he affect her in such ways…why was she so scared to surrender to her bodies needs?

“If you won’t tell me about the well, will you please tell me what a College is?”

Kagome shook her head…he heard that too? How was she going to explain that to him? She looked up at him, with a soft expression. “That’s fair,” she responded softly. “Inuyasha– Do you know what an education is?”

Inuyasha scoffed, “of course, I know what an education is! I am the prince after all… where would I be if I couldn’t read and write? I am also good with numbers.”

She smiled slightly watching his prideful illustrations contour his face. “Well that is what a college is. It is a place where I can be educated. Just with more advanced knowledge than my other schooling.”

Inuyasha took in her words, and smiled. So’, she is educated, he thought with pride. He was shocked to say the least. Commoners were poor and couldn’t afford a tutor to teach them. To come across one, well, he was amazed to say the least. “I guess your parent’s are pretty wealthy…are you sure you’re not royalty?”

Kagome laughed, “Oh, Inuyasha…you’re hopeless.”

“Huh? What’s that suppose to mean? I only wanted to know, because no peasant can read or write.”

A strong breeze, gusted by the confused couple. Kagome took in a deep breath, rendering her curls behind her ear. She looked up at Inuyasha, and knew that she would tell him what she could. “My parents aren’t poor Inuyasha. But, they’re not rich either. Where I come from, the government pays for educational funding. It’s what’s known as a scholarship. You get them if you do really well in High School.”

He began to ask a question, but she cut him off. “Inuyasha I know you’re confused right now. I’ve been in school since I was five.”

Inuyasha smiled, he was very pleased. Maybe he wouldn’t have all the answers, but she opened up to him. It was a start. “Not only are you beautiful but you’re a sophisticated woman. That stature is high here in my lands. I’ll not tell my father yet, and your secret is safe with me. I’ll also not pry further—but if you ever want to come to the well, I will not stop you.” He was confident she would come to him in time, as he watched her beam.

“Your, Highness,” she said seductively, as she batted her eyes innocently at him. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

Inuyasha smirked, as he closed in on her again. He moved his hand sensually over her face, then tucking away a loose strand of hair away from her sensuous lips. He leaned forward, sucking in a breath, as his lips where sinfully close to hers. He watched her eyes close, and listened to the intensity of her heart. “Just because I didn’t pry about the well, doesn’t’ mean your off the hook just yet. We still have that matter to discuss about your feelings towards me, and the issues of a government.” He pulled back, seeing the disappointed look on her face.

Kikyo sat at the side of the road, looking at her food, with anticipation. She wasn’t able to skin the animal properly, therefore she cooked it whole. The fire crackled, as she turned the spit over, cooking the other side of the critter.

Hearing a rider approaching, she quickly stood grabbing a large branch she used to poke at the burning wood. She was ready to prepare herself if she was attacked. At least she wouldn’t go down without a fight.

She watched in awe, as a large black Friesian rode up to her. It’s passenger just as exotic as the beast. She couldn’t believe her luck and recognized the rider. “Lord Naraku…I presume. It has been far too long.”