Shippou looked on intently as Jinenji prepared the equipment needed to collect the poison from Sesshoumaru's hand. Like many in the youkai world, he had heard about the deadliness of the poison of the inuyoukai clan.
Jinenji came over to Shippou and handed him a mask, "Please make sure your mask is firmly in place after you put it on, Lord Shippou," he said as he adjusted his own. "Sesshoumaru-sama's poison can be quite potent."
Turning back to Sesshoumaru, he bowed. "You may begin at any time, Sesshoumaru-sama."
Sesshoumaru flexed his right hand, making the nails on his right hand extend out. Shippou looked on in fascination as poison began to drip from his nails into the bowl that Jinenji held under his hand. When the bowl was about one quartered full, Jinenji indicated that it was enough and Sesshoumaru retracted his nails and shook out his wrist.
"What happens now?" Inuyasha asked as Jinenji carefully poured the poison into a vial, put a stopper on it and waxed the stopper to keep the poisonous fumes in. Only when the process was complete did Jinenji answer the hanyou.
"I will now run some tests and determine how much I should administer to the young lady," he explained. "However, I must warn you, my Lords, there are no guarantees that this method would succeed."
"We understand and appreciate all your efforts, Jinenji," Shippou inclined his head in thanks. "Please let us know when you are ready."
Jinenji bowed back in return and repacked all his equipment into his chest, "I will Lord Shippou. Now if you will excuse me..." Sesshoumaru nodded and Jinenji returned to his own tent.
"So what now?" Inuyasha yawned and scratched his ear.
Sesshoumaru looked out the window at the early dawn. "Lord Shippou, seeing that you have just arrived last night, there is no doubt that rumours are already flying around the camp about your sudden appearance. I would suggest for you to pretend that you are here at Kagome's invitation to represent her clan as her champion for the exhibition."
"Alright," Shippou nodded seeing the wisdom in this plan. "For that I'll need.."
"Let Shuuran know what is it that you need and he will get it," Sesshoumaru interrupted and turned back to the documents on his desk.
Inuyasha pulled on Shippou's sleeve and jerked his head towards the tent flap while Shuuran followed them out of the tent.
"I'll take care of Lord Shippou's armour and weapon, Shuuran," Inuyasha informed him. "You go take care of the other stuff." Shuuran bowed and veered off towards Shippou's tent.
Inuyasha led Shippou to the other side of the camp where craftsmen were situated. Shippou was surprised to see Totosai there and greeted the old youkai enthusiastically. The old youkai was equally happy to see the kitsune and insisted that they break their fast together. Over breakfast, Totosai inquired after Kagome. Inuyasha and Shippou exchanged a look with each other. Understanding the reason for their reluctance, Totosai took his staff, planted it in front of his tent flap and murmured a spell.
"Now no one can eavesdrop on us," Totosai declared dusting off his hands and returning to the table. "I take it that Kagome isn't really sick is she?"
"No Totosai," Shippou replied and recounted to him all that has happened so far with occasional input from Inuyasha. "So now we are simply waiting on Jinenji and see if his method will yield any results," Shippou finished.
Throughout the narrative, Totosai did not say a word except to ask them to pause while he got up to refill their tea kettle with hot water. The old weapons maker took a long sip from his cup before looking up at the two young men.
"Here is what I think," he began slowly. "The people who took Kagome must need her alive to get what they want. The culprit must also have a trump card up his or her sleeve against the pup or else they would not take this kind of risk. There is no doubt that Naraku is probably involved in some way, but we have no idea whether he was a willing participant in this plot or not. However, the bigger question is, what is Higurashi connection to all of this? Shippou are you certain that the Higurashis are as simple as you make them out to be?"
"I could ask my father to see if he remembers anything. But wouldn't it be odd that they haven't taken any action before this?" Shippou asked. "I mean if it is a strike against the inuyoukai clan, shouldn't they have made a move oh say against Inuyasha?"
"Hey!" Inuyasha jumped out of his chair in indignation. "I'm maybe a hanyou, but I'm hardly a weakling."
Totosai chortled as he got up and removed his staff from the ground, "No one said you are. But even you can't deny, Inuyasha, that there are some youkai who are prejudiced against hanyou." Then in a loud voice, "Now Shippou, if you'll follow me to the back area we can get you measured for your armour."
They held an animated discussion about weapons choice and style of armour before actually settling on a few key pieces which Totosai promised to have ready by tomorrow. As they made their way back to Shippou's tent, Inuyasha and Shippou could already see that the kitsune's arrival and participation in the tournament as the Lady's champion have excited the younger youkai who found excuses to greet the kitsune and inquire after their Lady.
"You had better rest up Shippou," Inuyasha commented after yet another young man came to pay his respects to Lady Kagome. "Some of these boys are really looking to embarrass you. Granted I think some of them are acting on orders of their parents."
Shippou grimaced, "You are probably right. But I've got a trick or two up my sleeve."
Kagome held the softly shimmering shikon up to her eye and fell back onto the pillows on her bed. "What exactly are you?" she asked the jewel. "If it's the eldest daughter's job, why didn't you choose Kikyo?"
The jewel pulsed softly as if in answer to her question. Seeing the jewel pulse, Kagome sat back up in bed. 'I must be going crazy from being locked up in this room if I am thinking the jewel is talking to me' she thought ruefully. The jewel in her hand grew warm and Kagome couldn't help but stared into the jewel. She blinked and, just like her dream, she found herself in another room. Hearing voices coming from beyond the door, Kagome quickly looked for a place to hide, just in case it was like that dream with Yuna Higurashi where people can see her. She spied a wardrobe in the corner of the room and started to make her way towards it. She tried to grasp the handle on the door only find her hand passing right through it. Panicking she looked for another place to conceal herself. She spied a changing screen in the corner and ran towards it. However the door opened before she was halfway there.
"Please reconsider father," a young woman a little younger than herself begged the stern looking man who pushed her into the room. Tears streaming down her face, she went onto her knees and clutched the man's pants "Please father, I don't want to marry into the Higurashi clan. I beg you please reconsider."
The man wretched the girl's hands off and started to leave the room. But the young woman lunged forward to grab hold of his ankle still begging. "MEI!" the man roared and an older woman rushed into the room. "Get her off !"
Mei wrapped her arms around the young woman and whispered something in her ear. Still crying the young woman let go and clung to Mei. "Please, my lord," Mei began. "I beg of you. Perhaps you can reconsider Lady Aya's marriage to the Higurashi clan for Lady Achika's sake..." as he started to leave.
"You promised mother on her deathbed that you will never force me to marry someone I don't want to," Aya screamed jumping to her feet and pointing a finger at her father. "YOU PROMISED! YOU PROMISED!"
Kagome watched in horror as the man grew red-faced and advanced towards Aya.
SLAP!
Aya fell to the ground and looked up at her father. The left side of her face bearing a large red handprint while Mei wrapped her arms protectively around Aya's shoulders. "You should know your duty, Aya," he said harshly, "You know how much we need the bride price that old Higurashi is paying. Even though Kenji Higurashi is a second son and sickly, he is still damn well better than that beggar boy!"
"Don't you dare say that about Onigumo!" Aya shouted back. "He loves me!"
The man was so angry that a vein began to throb in his forehead. By now, Kagome knew this Aya, is her aunt who married her Uncle Kenji and died giving birth to Kikyo.
"SILENCE!" Aya's father shouted and grabbed his daughter by the shoulders and shook her. "Don't you see, you foolish girl? He's only using you to advance himself. He doesn't love you!"
Aya wailed and tried to push her father away. He let go of her and stormed out of her room. "You will marry Kenji Higurashi in three days hence even if I have to tie you up and drag you to the altar," he said, slamming the door and locking it behind him.
Kagome felt her throat tighten. Her heart ached for Aya. She considered herself very fortunate compared to Aya, but she still did not understand how any of this have anything to do with the jewel not choosing Kikyo. But she didn't have long to wait for the jewel whisked her to another day. Recognizing the room that Aya was in as the one Kikyo had back at the Higurashi castle, Kagome watched as Aya retched and threw up into the wash basin. A knock came on the door and Mei went to open it only to find Kagome's mother, father and grandfather all standing there along with Kaede, all of them were beaming.
Seeing her in-laws, Aya wiped her mouth and went to greet them. But Lady Higurashi would have none of that and ushered Aya to a chair nearby. "Oh no, Aya, you must be careful for you are now with child. It's really too bad that Kenji-kun isn't around to see this," Lady Higurashi said sadly while Aya's face looked stricken. Thinking she is still mourning her husband, Grandfather Higurashi urged everyone not to occupy Aya's time and let her have some rest after extracting a promise from Aya to let them know if she needs anything.
Aya nodded her thanks. After they left, Aya put her face into her hands and cried. Mei rushed over to comfort her. "My lady, you mustn't be sad. You are a part of the Higurashi family now, they will provide for you even though Master Kenji is no longer here."
But Aya shook her head. "It's not that, Mei. I'm ashamed. I don't deserve their kindness and their care. I've betrayed them."
"Whatever do you mean, my lady?" Mei asked in shock. "How could you have betrayed them?"
"This child, I'm carrying. It is not Kenji-san's..."
"What do you mean?" Mei cried grabbing Aya's shoulders making the young woman look up at her.
"Kenji-san was very patient and kind," Aya sobbed. "He never forced me to do anything I didn't want to. He said he was willing to wait until I was ready before we consummate our marriage...But.. he.. passed away before we could..."
"Then... this child's father... it's not him, is it?"
Aya sobbed harder and nodded. "That's why I'm so ashamed. The Higurashis are so kind. I know they genuinely care for me. I don't want to hurt them by telling them the truth. I heard he married Lady Michihi last month...Father was right along...He never did love me...All he wanted was to advance his own position..."
Mei pulled Aya into her arms and stroked her hair. When all of a sudden, Aya grabbed Mei by the shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. "I want you to promise me something Mei. I want you to take this child after it is born and get rid of it. I would rather die than cast further shame on this family. Promise me!" she ordered fiercely. Frightened by her mistress' emotional state, Mei quickly agreed.
Kagome felt her anger rise up inside her. How dare this woman betray her family like this? 'Tell me what happens next' Kagome silently demanded the jewel.
The jewel complied and showed Kagome another scene. This time, it was Aya giving birth attended by Kaede and Mei. Even to her inexpert eye, Kagome could tell Aya lost a lot of blood. "You've lost a lot of blood, Aya," Kaede said. "I will need more herbs to stop the bleeding. I will be right back," and left the room.
Aya turned to look at the sleeping baby beside her and picked her up to cradle her. She gestured for Mei to come closer and handed her the baby. "Remember to do what I ask," she gasped with her last breath and her arms went limp.
"No, my lady," Mei wailed clutching the infant causing her to cry. Kaede just entered the room and rushed to the side of the bed. But it was too late, Aya was dead. Mei's cries drew the attention of the rest of Kagome's family. Her mother buried her face into her father's shoulder and cried. Grandfather Higurashi took the child from Mei, tears filled his eyes. Mei fell to her knees in front of Grandfather Higurashi sobbing, "My Lord, Kenichi-sama, Sakura-sama, please be kind to this child and treat her like your own for she is Kenji-sama and Lady Aya's only legacy."
Lady Higurashi immediately assured Mei that she would love the baby like her own and her grandfather named the child Kikyo.
Kagome clenched her fists in anger. How dare she! How dare this woman lie and prey on her unsuspecting family like this! How dare she disobey Aya's request! 'Tell me why did she do this to my family?' she demanded the jewel.
The jewel obliged and took her to a graveyard. 'Why are we here?' Kagome thought at the jewel. The shikon seemed to give a mental sigh and shifted the scene so Kagome was standing right in front of Aya's grave. She turned around when she heard footsteps coming towards her. She had no trouble in recognizing the newcomer as Mei. Kagome resisted the urge to rush up to the older woman and demanding an answer. Kagome watched as the old woman tended the grave and set out some sweets for Aya.
"It's Lady Kikyo's first birthday today, Aya-sama," Mei started. "Lady Sakura and Lord Higurashi threw her quite an extravagant celebration. Forgive me, Aya-sama for not obeying your orders. I just thought we should give the little one a chance to be a part of a loving family which you never got..."
Then the scene in front of her faded and Kagome found herself back in her prison. She slipped the jewel back into the pouch she had fashioned for herself out of a spare ribbon and sash and leaned back against the bed. She pondered what is the meaning of family? Is it a group of people bound by name and duty? Or is it a group of people bound together by love and affection?
"Kikyo-onee-chan, wait up, Kikyo-onee-chan," a young Kagome called out.
Kikyo stopped walking away and whirled around to face the child. "Stop following me! And stop calling me onee-chan. I'm not your onee-chan!"
"But why Kikyo-onee-chan," Kagome said, her eyes starting to water.
Kikyo sighed and knelt down so she was at eye level with the child. "Kagome-chan, you are lucky to have your papa and mama. My papa and mama are gone, they are never coming back. So I have no one...So you mustn't call me onee-chan anymore because I am not your real onee-chan."
Kagome looked at Kikyo with her head cocked to one side. "You don't understand do you?" Kikyo sighed. "Go play Kagome," and got to her feet turning to leave.
"We could still be blood sisters," Kagome blurted out. Kikyo stopped and turned around.
"What did you say?"
Kagome looked hopeful, "Kaede-baba said people can become blood brothers and sisters even if they don't have the same papa and mama. She said that as long as both people want to and love each other, they can," she explained.
"Oh?" Kikyo deciding to humour the child.
"Kaede-baba said to be blood sisters, only a drop of blood is needed," Kagome explained and got out the small sewing kit that she always carried with her. Suiting action to words, Kagome took out a needle and pricked her finger, biting her lip in pain. "Now it's your turn, Kikyo-onee-chan," she said holding out the needle.
Kikyo couldn't help but smile and took the needle and pricked her own finger with it. "Now what?" she asked bemused at this idea.
"Now," Kagome grabbed Kikyo's finger and with a frown of concentration touched her bloody finger against Kikyo's. "Now we are blood sisters," she declared happily holding up the finger smeared with both her's and Kikyo's blood.
Kikyo smiled at her and cut a strip off the hem of her dress and bound Kagome's finger with it. "Come along then," she said.
Kagome opened her eyes. She hadn't even realize she had fallen asleep. Kagome remembered that was the day when Kikyo found out who she was. A knock on the door broke into her musing. Kagome quickly got to her feet and glared at the door. Suikotsu came in with Bankotsu in tow, "My employer would like to see you now."
Sango tapped the end of her pen against her cheek in thought.
"Writing a letter to Lady Kagome?" Miroku's voice sounded from next to her ear.
Hearing his voice, Sango gave a yelp and jumped out of her chair. Turning around, she glared at Miroku and Kohaku who was standing behind the infuriating man and giggling.
"Have you no sense of decency?" Sango fumed whisking the letter off her desk. Her heart still racing from before.
Miroku held up his hands in a placating manner. "I assure you it wasn't my intent to frighten you and the greeting is all I managed to see."
"We did knock on the door, Sango," Kohaku chirped in. "But you just didn't hear us."
Sango suppressed the urge to growl at the two of them. But she couldn't help but noticed the colour of Miroku's tunic really sets off his violet eyes. Sango gave herself a little shake 'come on, stop noticing these things. Don't forget what he did to you,' she scolded herself mentally.
Miroku looked at the antics of the young woman with amusement. He could not deny the effect that she has on him, but he is grateful that his proximity affected her as well.
"So what pleasure do I owe for your presence, Miroku?" Sango ask coolly.
Miroku felt a pang of disappointment at how fast she was able to collect herself. He executed a courtly bow, "your esteemed father wishes for all of us to join him for lunch," proffering his arm to her.
Sango's eyes narrowed at Miroku's arm, but nodded and allowed him to escort her. "I'll run ahead to let father know we are coming," Kohaku shouted as he darted off.
Sango tried to stop him for she did not want to be left alone with the lecher.
"You'll be safe with me Lady Sango," Miroku assured her as he patted her hand while his fingers tips brushed against the side of her breast.
Sango stiffened and the hallway echoed with PERVERT!
Miroku staggered back against the wall, one side of his face red with Sango's handprint as Sango ran downstairs. 'I really need to stop doing that,' he berated himself while rubbing his sore cheek.
The lack of activity outside his tent indicated to Sesshoumaru that it was probably very late already. He summoned Shuuran who went ahead to prepare his sleeping tent while Sesshoumaru himself walked back slowly. Halfway there, his keen senses picked up another's presence. Ignoring it, he returned to his tent and dismissed Shuuran for the night. He sat down at the table and poured himself a cup of tea.
"What have you found?" the taiyoukai said.
A dark shadow detached itself from the shadows in the room and went on its knees in front of Sesshoumaru.
"As my Lord requested, I have looked into the background of the man named Naraku. He is the current holder of his adopted father's estate."
"Adopted father?"
"Yes, my Lord," the spy replied. "Onigumo married Lady Michihi but that union failed to produce any heirs."
"What are this Naraku's origin?"
"Naraku was originally the son of a servant in Michihi's household. Onigumo adopted the child when he was just an infant and most people simply assumed that he was Onigumo and Michihi's child."
"Anything unusual about Naraku?"
"Not anything that I could find at the moment, Sesshoumaru-sama."
"Keep watch and let me know of any development," Sesshoumaru ordered. Bowing his head to acknowledge the order, the spy disappeared out of the room as silently as he came in.
Kagome followed Suikotsu down the hall with her head high. She will let her kidnapper know that she, Kagome Higurashi, Lady of the Western Lands is not a shrinking violet.
"We are here," Suikotsu announced stopping in front of a wooden door and knocking.
Kagome squared her shoulders and stepped into the dimly lit room.
"Hello, Kikyo, my dear wife" the dark long-haired man sitting behind the desk greeted her with a smile.
Kagome was taken back. "I'm not Kikyo. I'm Kagome, Lady of the Western Lands and I demand that you release me back to my Lord!" she said coldly.
Naraku got out from behind his desk and approached her. "My dear Kikyo, you've been very ill," he said gently raising her hands to his lips. "But you could hardly not recognize your own husband."
Kagome pulled her hands from his and made a move to hit him. But Naraku grabbed her wrist, pulled her against him and descended his lips on hers.
Kagome's anger boiled up inside her, she stomped on Naraku's foot hard and wretched away from him. Her eyes blazing. "I don't know whatever game you are playing here Naraku, but I want no part of it. Take me back to my lord, or else you will wish you've never been born when he gets through with you."
Naraku only smiled and Kagome noticed that the room is starting to fill with smoke. "My love, you are simply overwrought from the death of your dear cousin Kagome at the hands of the great taiyoukai. You need to rest now..."
Realizing that there was something wrong with the smoke, Kagome tried to lift her arms to cover her nose and mouth with her hands. But her arms felt like lead and the last thing Kagome saw was Naraku standing there, his eyes gleaming red before the darkness claimed her.
