Chapter Three - Realization.
"Ah, yes. The cat demon around here are bountiful, and yet do not harm us humans. They are very civil," The elderly of the council described. "I wouldn't picture such an attack from one of them." Inuyasha stared at the man seriously. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo all sat with tea at a nearby table as the man that agreed to help them informed Inuyasha.
"Well, one of 'em took Kagome. I wouldn't count that as civil." He argued.
"I'm assuming we're talking about the same village, Inuyasha. Am I right? Their eyes are very slanted and they are known for a mark upon their shoulders. Four slashes, in the shape of a claw mark. Am I right?" The man calmly asked.
"Yeah, that's him alright. Where can I find him? You said they lived in a village around here?"
Miroku looked at Sango, who sat quietly, trying to get parts of the other's conversation. It proved to be very hard. She glanced up at him when she felt his eyes on her and quickly looked away with a blush. She heard footsteps and looked up to see Inuyasha walking towards them.
"All right, let's get going. I know where they are." Was all he said as he kept on walking. Shippo jumped up to fallow, and Miroku held out his hand to help Sango up. She took it and walked ahead, to the hanyou.
"What did he tell you?" She asked desperately.
"He said she shouldn't be in harm, that the cat demons around here lived in a village and were normally very safe around the humans. He seemed surprised that the person took her in the first place. But he did tell me where their village is, and that's the first place I'm gonna look." He declared. She nodded as the walked outside and into the fading sun.
"Inuyasha," Miroku called. "How far away is this village of theirs?"
Inuyasha kept walking. After a minute or so he answered the monk.
"We should make it there by tomorrow at the latest." Miroku nodded, and on they continued their journey.
Kagome slept more. After her confrontation with the elderly man, she felt somewhat at peace. If she could do whatever it was she was asked to do, she should be fine, she told herself. But knowing Naraku, I couldn't do it if the world depended on me! But she slept. And when she woke, there was a lightness seeping from the folds of the tent. Realizing she was undisturbed all night, she felt somewhat safe. And hungry.
Walking outside, slowly, was hard for her to do. The thought of being killed or of doing something wrong scared her immensely. But when she turned to see who all was watching, she understood no one was even around. The village seemed deserted. She couldn't even seem to spot a bug on the ground.
"Hello?" She called out to the people-less place. She took a few steps, noticing the huts all around. They were shaped in a circle, circling what seemed to be a campfire-like place. Being scared to chance her luck, she avoided the fire and moved on. "Is there anyone around? HELLO?" She sighed. Obviously they weren't too concerned about her.
"Girl?" A voice called from behind her. The man that had abducted her. Kagome felt faint, as if she would fall to her knees. The man walked over to her and stood there, followed by a few other men.
"I'm sorry, I was really hungry and-"
"There is no problem. We were hunting for food anyway. Would you like to join us?" He held out his hand and turned towards the fire in the center. She was about to deny it, but felt her stomach churn and knew it would be better if she agreed. Cautiously she put her hand in his and walked to the fire with them. Beautiful fish were being skewered near the fire.
"I don't understand." She said later, with a mouthful of fish. The man sat next to her, and turned to her as she spoke. His eyes bore into hers, and she knew this man was special. She felt it in her soul. And she wondered what she could do to help him. Could it really be that hard?
"What is it, Lady Kagome?"
"It just doesn't make sense. Y'all are treating me so well even though you abducted me and threatened my life like yesterday!" She sat and looked at him for a minute as he stared into the fire, contemplating his answer.
"The great baboon warrior told me it was the only way to get you. I honestly do not feel the need for violence, because that is the reason I need you in the first place." His eyes took in hers, and he reached for her hands. When he had them, he rubbed his clawed thumbs over her skin and leaned in close to her. His very presence was so lilting the only thing she could do was stare wide eyed as he came even closer. Oh no… She thought to herself. But she almost didn't want to do anything but sit there. "Will you help me Kagome? Will you help us?"She felt drunken with his eyes on hers, and nodded.
"I'll do anything I can.." He seemed to look even deeper into her eyes.
"I really will have to kill you if you can't, or won't." He then looked away, almost angered. Kagome was floored. Great, and I thought we really were becoming friends!
"Well thanks for the optimism." She replied sarcastically. "But what is it you need me to do exactly?" The man turned towards her again, the fire catching in his eye and making him seem all the more ethereal.
