Chapter Three

The Underground Society

The place was beginning to be too warm for her. She wiped off her sweat as she looked around. The place seemed to be more of a prison to her than a home. She never liked it there, and she had to ignore her loathing for so many years.

Izayoi studied the faces of the Council as they awaited the King. They were all serious and no one even bothered to look back at her. She sat there and thought about her old home. She missed living there. She missed the warm morning breeze and the soft chirping of the birds. She yearned for her husband's kiss, her son's gentle hug. It had been too long since she last saw her family and how she wished she could go back to her paradise once again.

The door had opened. All heads turned towards a man dressed in a fur coat, his long hair touching the floor. As soon as he reached Izayoi, he bent down and gave her a kiss.

"Naraku." She greeted him with a faint smile. The Council bowed as he sat beside Izayoi, his face carrying a grave look. He spoke in a very cold voice that made everyone shiver.

"Explain yourselves!"

One of them stood up and bravely answered the King's calling. She looked straight ahead, not meeting the King's heated gaze. Her name was Kaana, and she was known for her cunning Demon Eye. She sees and knows everything, and if she desires, she can control the minds of the weak.

"My Lord," she began, and as she spoke, her sharp fangs were revealed. "The Circle was on the Human Realm last night just before midnight. They came in pursuit of the King's son, Inuyasha, who had gone down from the Seventh Heaven three days ago. They didn't succeed in bringing him back though, for I still see Inuyasha wandering around the Realm. The Mortals are quite alarmed, but rest assured, no violence has stirred up yet. However, I can sense that that was not the last visit of the Circle. They are planning to pursue him once again, and this time, their King might be coming along despite of his current condition."

Izayoi blinked upon knowing that her son was just above them, and that there was a possibility her husband might come down as well. She felt worried about what might happen to them now that their presence was known by Naraku.

"Thank you, Kaana." Naraku said, his anger subsiding. "So Inuyasha knows… that's the only reason for this betrayal."

Izayoi looked at him, her eyes questioning him of his motives. Inuyasha had broken the rules, meaning the pact made years ago was now beginning to lose its value. She wanted to speak but she knew she had to hide her feelings.

"Naraku, we should not be concerned of this." Izayoi tried to say calmly. "It is the Circle's business to bring back their own. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

Naraku looked at her and smiled. He held her face up and whispered in her ear.

"My love… you're exposing your true intention. Just remember to be careful of your words…"

"Leave them alone, Naraku." Izayoi bravely said. "You got what you wanted, didn't you? I'm here and I have no plans of leaving. Please…"

"I think you are worrying to much." Naraku said as he let go of her. He laughed menacingly, his voice echoing across the room. "I heard that the Elite King is ill and his powers are now weakening…"

"My Lord," another one from the Council spoke. "Do you wish to speak with the Elite King? I can send a messenger to inform him of your wish."

Naraku seemed to think this over. "If Inuyasha stays in the Human Realm for another moon, then I will speak to the King. But for now, let's have them think that we are unaware of their little quarrel."

"My Lord," he spoke once again. "I worry that if we let Inuyasha roam freely above, the Mortals might think we approve of it, and soon we will no longer be feared. Our reputation is at stake, and we are beginning to lose it by the minute. Inuyasha has spoken to a Mortal just a couple of minutes ago."

"Calm down, Jesarah." Naraku said in a reassuring voice. "Oh the Mortals will still be afraid, just wait and see. If Elites are walking freely up in the Realm, then we will return them the favor. I believe the Vampires are getting tired of feeding on human scapegoats. It's time they get a taste of younger flesh, don't you think?"

"Wait," Izayoi said, very alarmed. "Are you considering on letting them loose up there? Are you out of your mind? Remember the agreement Naraku!"

Naraku laughed as he caressed the worried face of her wife. "There were six of them, and so I will only let six of my men to go up. That's not so bad, is it now, my love?"

"I can't believe this. After all the sacrifice we had made just to settle the peace, this is what we get in return? If you do that, I will leave this instance. There's no point in staying if you will disregard the very reason why I'm here."

"You do that, and I will let hell break loose." He said, this time in a very serious voice. "Now, if you will just abide by my decision, there is no point for you to get involved. Jesarah will now escort you back to your chamber. I shall follow you in a matter of hours after this little problem is completely solved."

Izayoi couldn't hide her tears anymore. If Naraku continued his plan, then Inuyasha would surely come to protect the Mortals. If the Elites saw this happening, they would come down to aid their own, and so war would begin once again. The decades she spent in hell would go down the drain, and her sacrifice would all end up useless.

But she could no longer protest. She knew Naraku had already made up his mind, and nothing would stop him. She stood up as Jesarah bowed in respect, escorting her out of the dark room. The Council said nothing, and Naraku's face couldn't have been any colder.

COMING UP: Chapter 4 - Connection

PS:.. Hey guys, I know this chapter is a bit boring, but I thought it was necessary... hope you guys still keep reading! thanks ^_^