A.N.: I am so sorry guys! Gomen, Gomen! Trust me, I haven't forgotten about you.
Actually, when I was done with my OC's sheet (Tsukiko) the most ironic thing happened… My laptops screen got cracked… and now I have to go to Best Buy to get all my files back to this new one.
It'll take a while but I'll make sure you guys can view the OC.
Anyways, there last chapters were fluff. So, in here the real mystery adventure-y type plot comes in.
Previous Chapter:
A young woman with bright red hair could be seen as the smell of Ashitaba aroused their nostrils. She sat down humming a catchy tune while she picked the herb and placed it carefully in her basket. InuYasha took a step forward to come into her view only to be stopped by Kikyo's hand pulling him behind a tree. "He's here." he said, whispering it into her ear. Kikyo nodded.
The young woman's golden eyes lifted themselves from the ground and into the form that now blocked her light. "Hello, Tsukiko."
"Sesshomaru..." whispered her gentle voice.
Chapter 4: Sickness
His gold eyes seemed to be distant, she noticed. This was their second encounter, his and the woman sitting in front of him, picking up the type of plant she had such attachment to.
"We need to talk..." the demon began, "in private." his body did not move but she could clearly see his eyes moving to rest on the tree on their east, as if he could see past all the bark, all the wood, as if there was no tree.
The girl stood up with grace and picked up her basket, holding it tightly as if afraid it'd disappear. Her pale but soft kind of yellow eyes shut themselves as she turned in that direction.
Sesshomaru knew his brother was there, he could smell his filthy half-demon blood a mile away!
True, this was another of the much opportunities to actually get rid of him but he did not come here to play. He came strictly for business. The soft clay smell also told him he wasn't with his usually gang of comrades but with the girl he had fallen in love with 50 years ago. "Pathetic…" his mind stated before moving beside Tsukiko.
"You hide in vain, half-breed." Sesshomaru said, voice as stone cold as ever.
Out of the corner of the tree they faced, silver hair, much like his brothers, peeked out. Soon enough, before them were two people. One she guessed was his brother thanks of course to the physical similarities, and the woman beside him, got the category of a priestess, soon her guess would be proven right.
The half-demons eyes were glued to his brother, blood boiling just by his presence. The woman's eyes however were glancing from the demon in front of her to the woman besides him. They obviously had crossed paths before, Tsukiko and Sesshomaru, however, what bothered her the most was why had he not killed her and satisfied himself, did he not loath the human kind so much since the beginning of his life?
"What do you want with the girl Sesshomaru?" were the first harsh words that came from the man in a red Hakama. He earned a glare from his brother as he kept talking. Seeing the ever so present tension in the air, Tsukiko finally intervened. "May I help you?" were the soft but firm words that her vocal cords emitted as her eyes locked with those of the other woman in her presence.
A swift hand stopped at InuYasha's shoulder, and almost immediately silence filled the air. The hanyou's eyes were tinted with confusion as his gaze turned to the face of that who had stopped his loud ranting. With a sudden grunt he joined and covered his hands under his sleeves, a common gesture known to him, and looked at the red haired woman.
"My name is Kikyo, and this," she said, pointing at her side, where InuYasha stood. "is InuYasha." She paused shortly "and I believe you know my sister, Kaede." Kikyo stated and in return receive a nod and a small smile tugging at the lips of the woman in their presence. "She has sent me, -sent Us here-, to fulfill her request in asking you to make a visit to her village, for there have been poisoned gentlemen who need your assistance." In between her statement, her eyes moved to the other figure standing before them, as if to let him know they did not come for a fight.
Kaede. She had not heard that name in quite some time. Not since at least a few times a year ago. Of course she could never forget it, could never forget the old woman. How kind she was, and how she did everything she could for the village. In the little time of the various acquaintances she noted the wisdom that surrounded the woman.
Her head gave a slight nod and, taking a step forward, she could sense the gaze of the people at her presence on her body. Her cream lips parted as a sigh managed to escape. "Why don't we discuss this at home." Soft, pale yellow eyes landed on Sesshomaru's face, only to be brought over to his brother after a few shouts. "Oi! What do you mean discuss? You're coming with us, Lady!" Blinking one, twice, thrice, a small chuckle emitted from the back of her throat as she put a hand on the shoulder of the demon besides her. Sesshomaru tensed before quickly hiding it. He did not enjoy physical contact, but he –somehow- did not mind it whenever it was her, which was odd, since Rin was the only human he'd allow to touch him.
"Hey, what's so funny?" InuYasha kept yelling, obviously annoyed. Imitating the woman before her, Kikyo placed one of her soft hands on the hanyou's shoulder.
"InuYasha, I believe you heard Sesshomaru say he wanted to talk to Tsukiko as well." Crossing his arms, the half demon mushroom sighed and looked at his brother whom would pass as calm if it weren't for his gaze. His right eye started to twitch and before he knew it, he left a "Whatever," before Kikyo tightened her grasp, loosened it and nodded.
Kikyo looked around the woman's hut. It felt comfortable, and it was a bit bigger than her sister's. There were of course a current corner of said hut that was filled with baskets full of different plants, including Ashitaba and of course Wisteria Floribunda. Besides them, in the middle corner of the north wall stood a small table with certain tools she guessed where for creating her signature poison. To her left there was a small bundle of burn wood mixed with what she guessed was freshly picked twigs, a pot and few chopsticks neatly placed at its corner. Everything seemed neatly placed; she guessed that the young woman did not like messes. 'Though, it seems… pretty lonely…' Even though the priestess travelled alone, she did stop by a few villages to play and stay with a few children. In those moments, she felt their laughter keep her from that feeling. The feeling of having no one there. She was used to it now, but she knew how if she stayed in the silence; the darkness too much, it would eventually succumb her into a bottomless abyss whom nobody could reach. In there, nobody could save her. Maybe, that was why she had come to her sister, seeking to vent, seeking some comforting company. Maybe that was why she had indeed agreed for InuYasha to accompany her.
As the hanyou came in mind, her gaze slowly searched for him, and spotted him sitting on a corner, far away from the poisonous and healing plants. As usual, his legs and arms were folded, nose up high. She knew that look. That look that meant he was completely and utterly annoyed and unsatisfied. – Feeling two eyes staring at his physic, his eyelids shot open, coming to rest on the one that stared and the woman he loved. The woman he still loves. – Raising an eyebrow, he gave her his usual –what-are-you-waiting-for- stare and patted the seat beside him. Kikyo shook her head no and sat quietly by his side.
On front of them sat Tsukiko and standing beside her, arms folded, eyes closed, stood InuYasha's brother. He, too, seemed annoyed. Tsukiko's hand slowly shot up and tugged his pants, indicating him to seat down. She knew how his attitude was, knew how he hated taking commands, and would never in his life – that she knew of- obeyed anyone but himself. Being completely honest, him standing that way made her feel nervous. "Ne, gomenasai gozaimasu, demo, can you please sit down?" Slowly but surely, his eyes began to open as he looked at her curious. The way she had said it, almost like a whisper, he was sure she was afraid of him. 'Hmph... Better this way.'
"No, continue." His eyes closed again and she restrained a sigh. He was always this way, difficult, stubborn, but still, she couldn't quite but why she did not hate him, when she knew his hatred for her race.
Soon after, she only nodded and looked at the couple, she guessed, in front of them.
"I understand that my presence is needed in your village, however, I have told Sesshomaru that I would do him a favor, whenever he wanted or needed one." She wondered what his request was. It was completely rare for him to come to a mere human for help, or, how he stated "use of your healing abilities." If it was healing, she puzzled together that he would only use her for Rin, since he had already revived her one with his Tenseiga. Her eyes landed back on the demon besides her, and tried to talk to him through her eyes. Opening his eyes for a second time, he gazed into her pale yellow orbs. To her, it felt like if she was stripped naked with his watching not only her, but also her soul. To him, it was only trying to read her eyes. With a quick nod, she took in that her guess was indeed right.
InuYasha's anger flared up by the instant. His blood was boiling, what was she thinking? Blowing life or death matters over some favor! To his BROTHER nonetheless. The men he despised. Of course, his anger towards him did not get to the same level as Naraku, but he was sure of one thing,: Oh it was getting there! "Are you nuts! Lady, MEN ARE DYING! Do you WANT me to spell it out for you?" in between his furious rampage, he had gotten up, fist at the level of his chest, tightened. Kikyo, seeing his knuckles gone white, immediately stood up. "Stop, InuYasha!" soon after, she was standing in front of him both hands on his shoulders. The hanyou's eyes narrowed, his teeth grinding against each other. After a few seconds, his shoulder slumped and his arms hung loosely at his eyes. His silver bangs covering his eyes.
"InuYasha… I'll make this work." Tsukiko said, almost as a whisper. "Please, I beg for you to give me 15 minutes as I talk to my…" her… was Sesshomaru her friend? No. She didn't think so, every time he came it was for personal problems, strictly for business. Her comrade? She did not believe so either. They had never faugh side by side. "Acquaintance." It was the least she could use. It was sure, in her mind, that he would never mention it again. After all, he barely talked to her about anything but what he came for.
The half demon could only manage to blink from the slight shock. His brother, cold as he may be, just maybe, had a soft spot. That was the only reason he could think of for him to be acting so unusual. Towards a human nonetheless. Well, she was doing him a favor, but even so, if he no longer needed her abilities, would he kill her? She was a human… - "Thank you." Kikyo's voice slipped gently into the air. InuYasha just shook his head and gave a slight nod.
On the twilight sky, already filled with starlight a huge white feather could be seen. On top of this was a woman whom faced seemed to have a look that would make anyone sink their head to the ground. She was angry, no, she was simple outraged. Her right hand, even though holding her usual fan, griped her left shoulder where a gash and spilled blood could be seen. Grinding her teeth and closer her eyes shut she cursed Sesshomaru for leaving her in this state.
Her mission was simple enough. 'Go, Kagura. Take my bugs and poison that little girl from InuYasha's older brother.' Were the words Naraku had stated before ordering to leave him alone. She scoffed. Always having to do his errands, how pathetic. What was he up to this time anyways? She had, at some point, heard him talking to himself, but that bothersome demon did not intent to tell her anything about his new plans.
She, indeed, had completed the mission, and in return, got hurt from the child's 'protection-like' figure. And just when she thought she would escape, un-harmed, Sesshomaru had come and slashed her shoulder. After that, everything was a blur. True, at one point, she knew this would affect the times when she wanted to make a deal with him, but to this day, Naraku still held her heart. With his strong, demon grip, in a second, she could find herself dead.
Putting the missions matters aside, her mind traveled to another subject. A few weeks ago, Naraku had sent her to get another piece of the Shikon jewel. She couldn't help but notice that with each week, they had at gained enough shards to form at least half of the jewel. Besides this, she could tell that Naraku kept using demons to this world, hiding them in different places surrounding the place of which his current residence. They weren't the usual normal demons. In fact, she had seen at least 2. They were different. Stronger than usual. An evil aura surrounded them, and they were practically 8 feet tall. But, they seemed like domesticated animals. They did not have the usual aggressive nature and blood-lust attacks on humans. They just, obeyed his every order like a lost puppy followed anyone around, looking for a home.
The scenery before her was never really given too much attention, beautiful as it was. Before she knew it, Night fell upon it's kindom. The brilliant starts servers of its queen seemed to dance around her, and yet, such beauty was ignored by the fellow demon.
–As she arrived at the current temple her 'master' was occupying, she jumped out of the feather as it became smaller and landed on her hand. As she placed it with the other in her hair her feet dragged her inside. With her right hand she slid the door open and took a hallway placed on the left which she sensed Naraku was resting upon. Once she entered she kneeled before him, his face turned to hers and with a quick glance, he looked at the window at his right. "Sesshomaru tried to kill you?" his voice was sort of low, and after the question-like statement a few coughs were heard.
"Yes, and you are sick, Naraku." Was the respond that came his way. As usual, her voice was cocky. Silence soon filled the room and after what seemed like forever the cruel thing before her sighed. "Go get that treated. We have something to discuss tomorrow." And with that, his face turned, only to find the space good and hear the soft thud as she closed the door.
Unlike Kagura, Naraku contemplated the Moon on its reign. "Soon, my dear, soon."
"I see. Poisoned…" she paused "and sick at the same time…" her voice let out more than she needed. It showed her concern, her DEEP concern for the girl whom was poisoned. Taking a look at the man in front of her. He was still, calm, poised. Shoulders straight, face leaned down to look at her figure which whom compared to him was smaller. His eyes were making hers cling to the captivators golden eyes as if his bare presence were gone, so was hers. Blinking rapidly, she half turned away. "Can you bring her to me at Kaede's Village?"
Kaede's village. Another adventure. Another bundle of health and life she had to take care of. Sometimes, it made her somewhat afraid, having so much people's life, soul in her hands. If you think she could only poison and cure poison you were quite wrong. She was indeed a priestess, even though nobody knew. It was a secret for hers to keep. She healed and she took poison away. She tried her very best to keep the people from her village, any in fact –that needed her held, healthy and worry free. True, they knew she battled demons whenever there was trouble near her, and they knew she was the kind of healer you could barely replace. And at moments, some of the people around accused her of indeed being a priestess, only to be taken aback by her negligence towards such a thing, bringing white lies here and there. Why did she neglect to actually agree to their indeed right guesses she would never know. One person, or demon, if you will, knew about her more than any other. She had no idea how and when he had taken time to analyze her but pushed it away after knowing that it was probably after the times she took after Rin's health. "I'll take care of her,"
The demon somewhat narrowed his eyes. The village her brother usually resided in? Almost as an instinct he firmly said no, only to notice it had been on his own mind. He had to be reasonable, after all. If he wanted Rin to be back to normal, if he wanted no more bitching coming out from his brother, he would do almost anything.
His head gave a slight not and his eyes turned back to normal. "I'll wait for you. Don't be late." And with his usual cold demands he disappeared.
Mentally, Tsukiko sighed. Did he really have to keep up those cold walls, protecting him from the world beyond his understanding? Did he not realize that even if he, or his company, was not in any danger she would always be willing to lend a hand? He was mysterious, and she viewed him as a riddle. The kind she had trouble trying to keep up with. Maybe, that was the reason her insides kept acting up. Or why no matter how cold, she knew deep down he was grateful.
–As she walked inside her cabin once more, she looked at the travelers before her and gave them a small warm smile. In response, Kikyo returned it and InuYasha unfolded his hands from his long red sleeves. "Well?" His tone was indeed calm, what did that priestess do to him?
"We will leave tomorrow morning." Were the last words said that night as she blew the candle that had currently kept her cabin a-glow, each one on their own twisted mind, dreaming…
Again, sorry for the tardy-ness. I hope this makes up for my lateness. Tell me what you think, and if you find any errors. I'll fix. (:
P.S. Thank you for reading. If you have any ideas you want me to put in there, review. And the next chapter is coming in a few weeks.
Arigato~,
Miku.
