Title: Caged
Chapter 11: Stalking a Memory
A/N:
Hey guys sorry for the extremely late and overdue update but I've been dealing with some family deaths and depression so to deal with everything I've been watching movies like splice and watching the Naruto abridged series….but I decided I needed to actually try and regain my happy center sooo…yeah…it's 3 in the morning….and I'm exhausted and I hate the log…but I love clucky…and the cow…damn it…I've lost my sanity…I kinda like the log….
Anyways….
Disclaimer: Do not own Inuyasha or Naruto….
The sky was clear without the trace of a cloud and the morning was filled with the peaceful chirping of birds. However, the morning was ruined as a loud slap was heard along with a feminine scream of outrage. The birds that had been searching for food for their chicks turned to the display with curious eyes as a ningen male fell to the ground with a thump, a dreamy look on his face despite a red handprint on his cheek. A female ningen fumed angrily above him before grabbing his leg and dragging him along. Confused but remembering their tasks the birds returned to collecting food only to hear another loud slap and scream moments later.
"The hentai is going to be teaching us?" Inuyasha demanded his golden eyes narrowed in distrust at the sheepish monk who sported a red handprint on each cheek.
"Hey, I resent that!" the monk exclaimed and he leaned against his shakujou, a grin on his face as he stared at the fuming taijya who stood a few feet away from him.
"Sango-chan?" Kagome asked her cerulean eyes glancing between her and the monk. "Sesshomaru-sensei had only mentioned that you would be teaching us…why is Miroku-kun here?"
While she didn't dislike the monk and knew Sango harbored a crush on the wise lecher, Kagome knew how…'distracting' he could be. Not to mention he would add to Sango's already growing ire.
Letting out a frustrated breath of air Sango turned to Kagome her earlier frown replaced with a smile. "Well Sesshomaru-sama, felt it would be best if you were also trained in your miko powers with an actual spiritual holder and for your teammates to become more spiritually aware."
"But he's already trained me in them," Kagome stated her arms crossing.
"Lady Kagome," Miroku cut in with a charming smile. "Sesshomaru-sama mentioned he had helped you to control it…however there is a big difference between training youki and miko ki. They are very different…youki is born in the blood that is why youkai will have bloodlust; their youkai is a manifestation of their powers. However, ki is from the soul."
"Sounds like a ton of crap to me," Inuyasha muttered only to be whacked over the head. "OI!"
"Hai?" Miroku asked innocently his hands behind his back as he cradled his shakujou.
Knowing Inuyasha would start an argument that would escalate into a fight Hakudoshi quickly spoke up from the tree he lounged in. "Inuyasha, the hentai houshi is correct."
"Oi! I-" Inuyasha paused in his rant as he turned in surprise to Hakudoshi.
"Bakas," a dry insult came from the trees as Hibiki jumped from a tree to land beside Kagome in the training grounds his eyes glancing over her.
Kagome gave him a short nod, unconsciously wondering where he had been. Usually the panther youkai followed her everywhere but that morning he had left.
"Ok gaki," Sango growled at Inuyasha before turning to Hakudoshi with a slight nod of respect. "Time to run some laps-"
"Keh, that's easy," Inuyasha snorted only to be shut up by Kagome who whacked him over the head.
"Don't think I forgot of your demon blood Inuyasha," Sango hissed her usually warm brown eyes narrowed. "Houshi!"
"Hai, Lady Sango my love!" Miroku cried out before plastering a sutra on both of Inuyasha's legs and then doing the same to a slightly surprised but still uncaring Hakudoshi.
"Those sutras added about 150 pounds to each leg," Sango grinned darkly in amusement as Inuyasha struggled to move. "Soon enough you'll get seals to relegate how much pressure there is on your legs and you won't have to have Miroku's sutras."
Kagome smirked at the flabbergasted look on Inuyasha's face.
"Nani! Oi! Why doesn't Kagome have to!" Inuyasha demanded desperately, if he was going to suffer he'd drag her down to.
"Because Kagome already completed endurance and speed training. She has seals placed on her ankles already," Sango stated with an aggravated sigh.
Hibiki glanced at the miko in surprise. It was unusual for a ningen to go through the endurance training seeing as their endurance wasn't up to that of a youkai but it was even rarer for a ningen to gain the seals, most wanting to drop the weight as soon as they could.
Noticing Hibiki's questioning gaze Kagome glanced at him. "My attacks aren't powered by strength but speed. The faster I can attack the more likely I'll win and endurance is to outlast my opponent since most ninja and warriors tend to end a fight in one hit I'll be able to last longer. InuTaisho made sure the first training I went through was speed and endurance."
Popping up in between the panther and ningen, Miroku gave a nod of agreement as he wrapped an arm around Kagome. "Hai and that is why Lady Kagome will be training with me!"
"Watch yourself hentai!" Sango warned brandishing her Hiraikotsu in the air in warning.
"Lady Sango you wound me with your words," Miroku cried out retracting his arm as he stepped away from Kagome. "Lady Kagome is but a child! Perhaps in a few years…"
"Hentai," Kagome growled whacking him over the head. She did not want to be hit on or groped by the lecher any time.
"Damn, this is like a soap opera," Inuyasha muttered to Hakudoshi as he watched Kagome and Sango slap the hentai around.
"A strange soap opera…" Hakudoshi agreed.
Hibiki chuckled a twisted grin on his face. "I rather enjoy it."
"Told ya he was a sadist," Inuyasha whispered to Hakudoshi who rolled his eyes in response.
Hibiki relaxed beneath a tree, carefully watching over the monk's wandering hand. Although Kagome was still considered a child many girls her age were already engaged and he would put nothing past the hentai houshi. Shifting uncomfortably as a wave of purification swept over him Hibiki wondered which kami was cruel enough to make him enjoy such a sensation…it was sharp and stung like needles pricking his skin but at the same time it was caressing his aura.
Trying to ignore the twisted pleasure Hibiki smirked as his eyes landed on Inuyasha and Hakudoshi. The shadow boy was jogging at a sedate pace to get used to the weight but the hanyou was sprawled on the ground an irritated Sango screaming at him. Apparently the hanyou had immediately started running causing his body to cramp up and muscles to snap.
"GET UP DAMN IT!" Sango yelled her hiraikotsu slamming into the ground centimeters before Inuyasha's face.
"SHUT UP! I CAN'T MOVE MY FUCKIN' LEGS!" Inuyasha barked back, twitching in pain.
"THAT'S YOUR OWN FAULT!"
"I CAN'T MOVE!" Inuyasha bellowed loud enough to snap Kagome to snap out of her meditative trance and her powers to flail wildly.
"INUYASHAAAAAAAA!" Kagome cried halfway to the hanyou before Hibiki could intervene.
Feeling strong arms wrap around her waist Kagome's eyes darted back to glare at the unperturbed panther youkai. "Let me go."
"Iie, not until you calm down. You're training is not with the hanyou," Hibiki replied softly, inwardly smirking as she relaxed in his arms only to release her with a growl as she elbowed him in the stomach with a sharp jab.
Walking back towards Miroku who rubbed his neck sheepishly, Kagome muttered under her breath to herself. "Stupid neko-baka…shouldn't like inu…inu and neko aren't friends…wasn't going to hurt him….a lot…."
"Perhaps we should work on controlling your anger, Lady Kagome," Miroku suggested, leering down at her.
Big blue eyes snapped up at him in a glare. "I may be younger than you houshi but I have perfect control. I don't need a hentai to tell me otherwise…"
Receiving a look of shock from Miroku, Sango could only shrug in response. She had never witnessed Kagome acting so…rudely but it was refreshing from her standoffish demeanor. And better Miroku than her. Turning back to the crumpled Inuyasha, Sango's eyes narrowed into slits.
"GET BACK UP MAGGOT!"
Frustration filled Kagome's movements as she slowly extended her hands above her head, letting her miko powers flow through her body.
"Now distinguish between the chakra and ki, the miko ki will feel…closer to you," Miroku's voice reached through the haze of her meditative trance as he helped her.
Trying to feel her powers the frown on Kagome's face deepened as she felt only her chakra.
"Relax Lady Kagome," MIroku warned sensing her distress. "It should feel natural."
Letting her hands fall back down Kagome huffed in annoyance as her eyes opened to glare at the ground. "It's useless."
"You were very close that time," Miroku comforted though felt slightly disappointed as well. "You need to let go of emotions."
"I can't…" Kagome muttered her eyes downcast. "My ki only really works when I'm angry or scared."
"Hai, Inu Taisho-sama said something similar to that…" Miroku murmured thoughtfully.
It was unusual for a spiritual holder to be unable to properly control their ki especially someone with so much ki. But then again, Kagome was never trained as a miko, so it was to be expected…
"That's it!" Miroku's shakujou jangled as he jumped up, catching the attention of the lounging panther youkai and curious birds that fluttered around their nests.
"Nande? What is 'it'?" Kagome asked her eyes gazing suspiciously at the grinning hentai.
"You're going to train as a miko!"
Tugging relentlessly at the miko uniform Miroku had somehow managed to convince her to wear Kagome grumbled her unhappiness but settled down and stood straighter as the hentai approached with an elderly miko.
"Lady Kagome, this is Lady Kaede," Miroku said with a nod towards the elder.
"Tis an honor to meet you, Lady Kagome," Kaede murmured with slight reverence her one eye peering down at the young girl.
"Nice to meet you, Kaede-san," Kagome replied slightly surprised by the formality of the elder but brushed it off. Many youkai and ningen treated her respectfully since she was under the Tsukikage's guardianship.
"Lady Kaede will be conducting your miko training…and I'll be…observing the beautiful landscape…" Miroku said with a dreamy sigh, his eyes glazed over causing Kaede to whack him over the head much to the amusement of Kagome.
"Iie! You, lecherous houshi will not be sneaking off to spy on Sango," Kaede ordered sternly, her one eye narrowed into a glare.
Miroku let out a self-pitying sigh but nodded sadly.
"Lady Kagome," Kaede turned to her, causing the girl to straighten her posture. "Come, you shall help me pick herbs in the forest."
Blinking Kagome sent a scathing look at a sheepish Miroku before walking after the surprisingly fast paced elder.
"Her skills are wasted on picking herbs," Hibiki snorted opening fiery eyes to stare at the now serious houshi. He had listened to chaos that ensued after miroku announced Kagome would be trained as a miko and could feel her annoyance.
"Lady Kaede, has a method to her madness, as do I," Miroku replied his eyes cutting back to lock onto the panther youkai. "Kagome will be stronger in the end…perhaps you should start practicing…I'm sure even youkai get rusty if they don't attempt to sharpen their skills and just laze about."
Releasing a low growl, Hibiki was tempted to gut the ningen as the houshi sauntered away from him but controlled the urge (not to mention Kagome's seal probably wouldn't let him kill the lecher.)
Relaxing against the tree once more Hibiki stiffened as he thought over the houshi's words…was he becoming weak?
A small figure sat cross legged in front of a koi pond. At first glance to a ningen it almost appeared as if the small girl was sleeping but for a youkai their eyes traced a white orb of energy enveloping her, undetectable to the ningen eyes.
Closing her mind to the intruding world Kagome remembered Kaede's instructions and took deep breaths. Of course she already knew how to meditate but when she had before it was to create a closer connection to her chakra, currently she was trying to create an even stronger connection to her soul.
The wind caressed her face and Kagome let her mind wander, only allowing herself to feel.
'Feel the connection to the earth,' Kaede's words echoed within her mind. 'Mikos gain energy from the earth, from the beings around them…not stealing it but…harnessing it…in return we offer our ki to the earth. It is about balance. Ye shall never be able to access your ki properly if ye are not balanced, mind and soul.'
Hibiki frowned as he panted heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead. Sparring Juromaru was more difficult than he had expected. Juromaru had at one time been a mere child he remembered teaching the basic defensive techniques to. But it seemed the shadow youkai was more than a match for him.
Darkened lavender eyes studied his opponent critically. Hibiki was naturally a talented warrior but Juromaru could see his old mentor was lacking in concentration and hadn't sparred in many moons. His attacks were only half hearted and his defense was full of holes.
"You've improved since I last saw you…" Hibiki complimented.
"Unfortunately, I can not say the same. It seems as though in your old age you've gotten weak," Juromaru replied, his soft voice taking on a harder edge.
Hibiki let out a low growl at the challenge as his baser instinct broke through his humanoid mask.
"Don't test me Juromaru…You're still a kit by neko standards," he growled.
"Shadow youkai mature much faster," Juromaru retorted dropping into an offensive stance. "Come on sensei…are you going to let your old student defeat you…after all, you already let a little ningen girl beat you…I wouldn't be too surprised."
Dropping onto her futon Kagome gazed at the equally exhausted Hibiki.
"Rough day?" Hibiki managed to choke out.
"Yep…you?" Kagome replied.
"Yeah…Same training tomorrow?" Hibiki murmured, his voice wavering.
"Uh-huh…Kaede…want's me to…be able…to control my ki…" Kagome muttered her eyelids drooping.
"Oh…" Hibiki paused to yawn. "I need to beat Juromaru…"
Five minutes of pointless conversation later the panther and miko were both unconscious and still muttering bits and pieces of their day to each other in their sleep.
The forest was silent other than the random bombs and screams heard from a distance. The survival test appeared to be one many ningen teams were not very skilled in. However, Junseigetsui was completely in their element.
Following the three sparrows that had returned to lead them to a secure area, sharp cerulean eyes scanning the small clearing for possible threats just as an extra precaution. Kagome spread her aura out for Team Kazemusha a smirk gracing her face when she felt them head in their direction.
"They'll be here shortly," she informed Hakudoshi and Inuyasha.
"Keh, better be or I'm getting started without them…" Inuyasha grumbled impatiently his hand not leaving the hilt of Tetsusaiga.
No sooner had the hanyou spoken the three Kazemusha members broke through the trees.
"Oi! Sorry for taking so long, ran into another team," Bankotsu called, finding no need to be discreet. "But they had the same scroll so we let them go."
Kagome nodded and glanced in surprise as the ookami simply smiled charmingly rather than claiming her. Jakotsu snorted, upset that Bankostu had restricted him from killing anyone.
"We need to get the scrolls first," Hakudoshi spoke up once the Kazemusha team had positioned themselves around the semi circle they had created. "We should pick off weaker teams."
"Ones that would be picked off anyways," Kagome added.
"I guess we shouldn't hurt them too bad," Bankotsu commented with a glare at Jakotsu who groaned exaggeratedly.
"But big brother! Am I to have no fun?" the cross dresser demanded with a pout but let out a sigh when Bankotsu's glare hardened in resolve. Apparently Ban-chan hadn't gotten over his earlier mishap with the ningen group they had run into.
"We'll get the scrolls in no time," Kouga declared with a wink at Kagome trying to prove his masculinity only to be ignored.
"We should avoid each other, other teams might be suspicious if we're helpin' each other," Inuyasha grunted his arms crossed as he glared at Kouga. "Plus I hate the smell of that flea bag."
Both canines were immediately at the others throat, attempting to get the upper hand on the other. Kouga had lunged at Inuyasha only to have to duck under a fist swung at him. After blocking Kouga's kick Inuyasha was about to unsheathe Tetsusaiga only to be brought back to reality by a very pissed off Kagome.
"You damn bakas!" she yelled not minding the volume seeing as the two dumb asses had probably alerted the entire forest to their location. "Stop fooling around and get over your petty rivalry! We're surrounded by enemies yet you pull this stunt! I swear to kami that when we get out of this damn exam I'll fight you both with no restrictions on power!"
Inuyasha and Kouga simultaneously paled at her words. They had caught her meaning behind 'no restrictions on power' and the last time either of them had taken her on their bodies had been covered with burns from purification.
Hakudoshi could only smirk at the predicament the two had landed themselves into. As her teammate he had suffered her purification and could only let a sadistic grin slip onto his face at the thought of Kagome frying them.
Bankotsu had to hold onto Jakotsu for support as he fell into his brother laughing. It was nice not to be on the receiving end of Kagome's anger and their faces had been priceless. Jakotsu could only sigh to himself in pity, only hoping Kagome wouldn't scar the pretty hanyou and ookami permanently.
"Was that Kagome?" Naruto asked Sasuke and Sakura as they clearly heard the young kunoichi's voice.
"Hai…" Sasuke answered his eyes slightly wider than usual.
Sakura could only nod numbly her eyes darting around. The yell was terrifying and she could only pray they didn't run into any Tsuki-nin.
"Maybe we should move…" Naruto suggestested his own sky blue eyes glancing around in apprehension. Sure he could take on any shinobi he faced but something about the Tsuki-nin gave off a weird vibe. Plus he didn't want to hurt Kagome, she was his friend.
"Come on, we're wasting time," Hakudoshi finally stated, drawing Kagome from her anger.
"Fine," Kagome muttered sharply, casting the hanyou and ookami one last scathing glare. "Make sure to keep an eye on Team Kumokuro, I have a feeling they won't be wiling to go easy on these teams."
Noticing Jakotsu's impatient shifting Kagome let a cruel grin slip onto her face. "Should they be doing something…inappropriate…power restrictions are off and you may deal them any punishment you wish."
A loud whoop of victory rose from a bloodthirsty cross dresser, sending chills down the spines of everyone in the forest.
"Let's go," Bankotsu nodded his head towards Jakotsu and Kouga, hefting his Banryuu onto his shoulder before turning to leave. "Make sure to protect her." he muttered lowly to Hakudoshi making sure Kagome didn't hear him.
"Don't let anything happen to my woman got it dog breath?" Kouga growled out.
Kagome sighed as Inuyasha started spouting off again and grabbed one of his humanoid ears to shut him up. "Come on."
Jumping into the trees neither team noticed a snake slithering away through the grass, it's coal black eyes glinting.
Like a magnet Kagome was drawn to Team 7 and watched Naruto's antics with amusement. It was easy enough to camouflage in with her surroundings and she had already decided she would only step in if they were incapable of defending themselves against Kumokuro.
"You have an obsession with this Konoha team," Inuyasha stated dropping down from a higher branch to land beside her.
"Iie, but I feel like trouble will come their way," Kagome murmured softly watching as a fake Naruto walked back to his teammates. "They seem to attract it seeing as they met us."
"Keh, if trouble comes their way it's your fault. You're like a trouble magnet," Inuyasha grumbled out, crossing his arms over his chest.
Feeling her eye twitch Kagome reached over to Inuyasha and drew just enough miko ki into her hand to paralyze the inu hanyou for a few minutes before shoving him off the branch.
Listening for the resounding boom to follow his descent a satisfied smirk spread across her lips when she heard it, along with a string of curses.
BOOM
"FUCKING AMA!"
Eyes wide Sakura locked eyes with the real Naruto.
"Was that Inuyasha?"
"Yeah," Sasuke replied, hiding his own unease beneath his emotionless exterior.
"Is he ok?" Sakura murmured looking in the direction the shout had come from.
"Probably," Naruto stated nonchalantly to the surprise of his teammates. "I don't know why…but I feel like Kagome had something to do with that…"
"Let's keep moving," Sasuke muttered after a moment of silence.
Hakudoshi stopped in his tracks as he heard the crash of a body hitting the forest and Inuyasha's ungodly loud voice. Glancing at the three sparrows of Kagome's that had followed him Hakudoshi sighed.
"Bakas, hai?"
The sparrows nodded their amusement at the shadow wielder and chirped happily at the Inu hanyou's misfortune, none of the sparrows really liked the loud mutt.
"We are being followed," Kanna's soft whisper earned the attention of her teammates.
Byakuya glanced at the small girl with an annoyed expression. "Of course we are...in fact I'm surprised you just noticed."
Glancing around at her surrounding Kikyo finally noticed the three white sparrows fluttering after them. Narrowing her eyes Kikyo's hand slipped into her holster to grasp a kunai. She'd show that ama that she was the superior kunoichi and miko.
Before she could fling her kunai, Byakuya had her by her throat with her back pressed harshly against a tree.
"You idiot!" the cold whisper sent an unpleasant chill down Kikyo's spine. She would never admit her fear of him however being so close to him was unnerving, especially after seeing what he had done to Kagome. "Those are her summons. Do you wish to anger her and disobey the agreement?"
Dropping Kikyo, Byakuya returned to Kanna's side only to be stopped by Kikyo's biting tone. "Never knew you had honor."
Expecting the usually uncontrollable youkai to lash out as she felt his aura rapidly approach, Kikyo waited for the stinging pain but instead felt the cold caress of his fingers against her face.
"There are many things you don't know about me," Byakuya murmured before his eyes took a crueler glint. "But I wouldn't expect you to understand honor, slut."
Glaring at Byakuya's back Kikyo clenched her fist. One day she would show him, she would show him and the stupid ama that had ruined her life.
Kagome followed the aura's of Team 7 as they were separated and decided to watch over Sasuke and Sakura. With Kyuubi as Naruto's bijuu, she knew he would be fine.
Hiding her aura and chakra levels Kagome hid among the higher branches of the tree Sasuke and Sakura stood in front of as the Kusa-nin revealed herself.
Kagome wanted to vomit as a wave of repulsive chakra swept over her. Almost feeling the need to call Haku or Inuyasha to her side, she quickly controlled the urge remembering Kumokuro was their top priority.
'Something about this kunoichi is off…for a moment her aura felt of a man's,' Kagome thought to herself as a sparrow on her shoulder bristled.
"I don't like this Mineko…if something goes wrong let Yasha and Haku know what happened and make sure to get out of here," Kagome murmured softly to Mineko who blinked her matching blue eyes up at the miko before giving a swift nod.
Racing around the forest in hopes of finding a fight Kouga slid to a stop in front of an arguing genin group. But his hopes were dashed as he noticed their Konohagakure hitai-ates.
Scratching his head as he observed the oblivious group who still had yet to notice him Kouga considered attacking them just for some fun but quickly decided against that course of action.
'Kagome, didn't want us fighting the Konoha gakis…'
"Oi!" finally deciding to make his presence known Kouga called out to the team and watched in amusement as two of the members fell into stances while the third member continued munching on a bag of chips.
"What do you want!" the blond haired girl yelled before turning to her teammate the berate the one eating chips. "Chouji! This isn't the time damn it!"
Watching the pineapple head critically examine him Kouga was taken back when the guy fell into a slump and let out a huff of air. "We surrender, take our scroll if you want it."
"Shikamaru! What do you think you're doing! We're not giving our scroll to him!" the blond one screeched causing Kouga to wince.
"Urusai, Ino!" Shikamaru replied pointing to the hitai-ate tied around Kouga's bicep. "He's obviously stronger than us and he's with one of the Tsuki teams. We don't stand a chance…ugh…troublesome."
"Oi!" gaining the team's attention back Kouga stifled the urge to let out an exasperated sigh. "How bout you give me the chips and I don't take your scroll?"
Ino and Shikamaru shared incredulous looks before nodding. "Deal!"
"…Nani? NANI!" Chouji cried out as his bag of chips was suddenly snatched from his grasp and deposited in Kouga's hold.
"Nice doing business with ya," Kouga grinned broadly before winking at the team and taking off in a whirl of wind.
Ino and Shikamaru both shared guilty looks when the Tsuki-nin finally left and turned to the quivering mass of flesh that was their teammate.
"Chouji?" Ino asked softly, not really sure how to handle a Chouji who had just lost his food. "You ok?"
"MY CHIPS!"
Bankotsu looked up as a wolfish laugh rang out and rolled his eyes. Knowing Kouga he was probably up to something idiotic. Thinking of his teammate Bankotsu didn't know whether he should feel pleased or disgusted. The wolf cub was strong and one of the fastest in Tsuki but his obsession with Kagome tended to get in the way of missions. Bankotsu liked Kagome, something he would openly admit, however he didn't constantly pine after the little miko. Not to mention the wolf's etiquette was on par with Inuyasha's.
Quickly hiding his presence as sand began trickling into the area Bankotsu quickly relocated. He didn't want Shukaku to discover him so soon. Watching the Amegakure-nin stumble into the clearing and the Suna-nin walk in from the other end, Bankotsu couldn't hide a wide grin at the bloodlust that coated the air. Rubbing Banryuu soothingly as the demonic halberd pulsed he softly promised it blood before watching the show with glee. Only sparing a small glance to the Konoha-nins huddled beneath some bushes.
Watching his prey with the eyes of an experienced hunter Jakotsu stalked after them with a sway in his stride. He wouldn't kill them…possibly maim yes…but not kill…
A crazed, manic grin spread across painted red lips as the genin team finally noticed their follower.
"You," Neji called out turning his pupil less eyes on the intruder. "What do you want?"
"Me? I don't want anything….in particular," Jakotsu purred out as he swayed his hips seductively.
Neji and Lee both blanched at the gesture while Tenten could only giggle madly.
"T-Then why are you here! Where's your team!" Lee cried out his youthfulness depleted in the presence of such a nemesis.
"You're not that cute but you'll do. I'd much prefer your little teammate," Jakotsu glanced at Neji suggestively before locking eyes with a sweating Lee. "If only Yasha were here right now…then I could really have fun!"
As though a gift from the kami, Inuyasha bounded in between Jakotsu and Team Guy.
Startled by the cross dresser and the Konoha-nin, Inuyasha stumbled mid leap and landed shakily on a branch.
"Jak-Jakotsu!" Inuyasha stammered with horrified eyes. "Why aren't you with Bankotsu!"
"Oh, we decided to split up in our search, Yasha-chan! And I'm so happy we did! We can finally have some alone time!" Jakotsu declared and unsheathed Jakotsuto.
Tenten stared in awe at the beautifully made weapon, envy curling at her sides while Neji and Lee looked ready to bolt.
"Leave me alone! I've had enough of this shit for one day!" Inuyasha shouted as he hightailed it out of the vicinity.
"Don't go Yasha! Jak-chan, will make it all better!" Jakotsu cried out as he raced after the hanyou, not even sparing s glance to his original prey.
Team Guy, stared incredulously after the Tsuki-nin until Neji finally took command.
"Let's keep moving…and pray we don't run into…whatever that thing was."
"I think it was a guy," Tenten stated helpfully only to cause both her teammates to start choking.
Steam rose into the air and Hibiki stared hungrily at the ramen placed in front of him. It had been awhile since he had eaten a hot meal. Most of the time he just hunted in the forest and ate his prey raw. But it seemed living with Kagome had attuned him to having more ningen attributes.
"How long have you been here?" Juromaru asked, watching as the panther scarfed down his food without taking a bite….he had believed only Inuyasha was capable of such a feat.
"He has been here since you arrived in Konoha," Sesshomaru answered for the panther youkai, his gold eyes glaring at the youkai with distaste. "Hibiki, requested to go as a precaution…however it was only supposed to be escorting Junseigetsui to Konoha, not an extended stay."
"Aaah, well you should be happy I'm here…I mean if the little miko were to lose control-" Hibiki was cut off by a sharp glare from Sesshomaru.
"If that were to happen, I would be able to stop her," Sesshomaru growled as he stiffly stood. "You shall either leave by nightfall or I shall help you leave."
Juromaru remained seated beside Hibiki watching Sesshomaru leave. He knew of the rivalry over the miko between them and found it amusing. But if it were to interfere in the Tsukikage's orders he would defy Sesshomaru and put an end to their endless game.
"Don't worry about the ice prick, he wouldn't start anything he couldn't end especially in the vicinity of ningen," Hibiki mumbled around a mouthful of food.
"Aah," Juromaru hummed casting the panther an amused look as he watched him finish off his seventh bowel of ramen.
"With a stomach like that he may just beat Naruto and that funny silver haired kid's record," the waitress Ayame chuckled to Juromaru who nodded in agreement.
Sweat trickled down Kagome's forehead as she concentrated on the Kusa-nin. Everything was becoming a lot more complex than what they were led to believe. Not wanting to contradict her own rules by interfering in a battle between genins but sensing that the kusa-nin was well above the level of a genin, Kagome sent out her ki to aid Sasuke and Sakura.
Wiping the sweat away from her brow Kagome inhaled a shaky breath before moving to higher branches when Sasuke broke free of the Kusa-nin's genjutsu and took to the trees with Sakura. Feeling their overwhelming fear, Kagome infused her aura with reiki and focused it on the pair in hope of calming them. Debating once more on whether or not she should alert Inuyasha or Hakudoshi to the situation as she felt herself waver from overuse of her miko ki, she decided against it as her breathing evened out.
Being around such a strong evil presence was bringing forth her miko powers and trying to control them from destroying the Kusa-nin was taking its toll on her as she used her chakra to cage it. Youkai were considered evil and her powers stirred when she was near one with a particularly evil intent however youkai also held closer ties to nature than ningen…The being attacking Sasuke and Sakura was completely unnatural.
Trailing after his sister's aura, Hakudoshi made sure to mask his aura and clear his mind. Being a void youkai had many benefits as well as downsides. Void youkai were few and very rare, Kanna was the first in a century, she was able to find the location of anyone or see anything she so desired as long as her victim's mind was weak enough to be penetrated, controlling minds came with ease to her, and stealing souls was second nature. As a void few were able to sense her and her scent was undetectable. However, because of her abilities it led to her being an outcast, she was ostracized from all the youkai clans, including her own.
As her twin and older brother, Hakudoshi had been her protector and friend but with Kagome's arrival he had turned his attentions to the strange little ningen and befriended her. Unknowingly leaving Kanna to think he had abandoned her. Her anger towards him for leaving her turned to loathing. But despite Kanna's icy exterior and cruel attitude, Hakudoshi still cared deeply for his younger twin and knew Naraku had been twisting and manipulating her with lies.
"Kanna take care of your guest," Byakuya ordered, coming to an abrupt halt in front of a riverbank. "He's been following us for far too long and it's starting to become aggravating."
Bowing her head in submission Kanna melted into the surrounding trees her eyes taking on a deadly glint.
Kikyo glared at Byakuya as she plopped down to wait while he sat by the water, entertaining himself by folding an origami crane. "Never know when I might need this…"
"Won't Kagome be upset if her little shadow returns all bloodied and bruised?" she mocked airily, her eyes cutting over to the three sparrows perched on a tree branch above the river watching them with beady eyes.
"Do not mistake me, Kikyo…I want Kagome's pain and suffering…but your idea of eliciting such emotions was far too juvenile for my tastes," Byakuya replied with a wave of his hand, further angering the darkening miko.
Sesshomaru stalked around the outskirts of Konoha's village killing animals that crossed his path with simple fire jutsus or his poison whip. He knew ANBU were watching him but he wasn't currently concerned with the image he was projecting of himself. No he wanted to kill something…a much larger prey…namely…that bastard panther, Hibiki, who seemed to purposefully meddle in all of his plans.
"Ku, ku, ku…" a sinister but all too familiar cackle caused Sesshomaru to stop midstep as Naraku, clad in a baboon pelt jumped down from the branch looking at the trail of animal carcasses with amusement dancing in ruby orbs. "Anger, Sesshomaru-sama, anger…"
The taiyoukai straightened and regarded the kumo hanyou with distaste.
"This Sesshomaru, suggests you leave before some unfortunate incident befalls you," Sesshomaru murmured his right hand taking on a green tint.
Naraku smiled darkly before dropping into a dramatic, mocking bow. "Oh course…Sesshomaru-sama."
The kumo hanyou disappeared through the trees leaving an exasperated Inuyoukai and a confused squad of ANBU.
"Hokage-sama," an ANBU squad appeared in the Hokage's office, their masks still in place.
Looking up from his paperwork Sarutobi motioned them to report. "What news do you bring of our Tsuki guests, Neko?"
The ANBU wearing a Neko mask stepped forward his deep baritone ringing out as he responded. "They are as strange as you expected, Hokage-sama. Two of the teams have been interacting frequently with Konoha-nins, however, the third group has shown only signs of malice and loathing."
"And what about the girl," Sarutobi asked as he chewed thoughtfully on his pipe.
"The female, has shown tremendous strength, beyond that of a genin or perhaps even a Chuunin as did the rest of her team…" the Neko answered before pausing. "A Hyuuga reported that her chakra seemed mixed…with something else…"
"A bloodline?" the Sandaime muttered, his eyebrows drawing together, causing his wrinkled face to become even more wrinkled.
"That is what we believe," the Neko stated respectfully as he fell back into line with his fellow ANBU. A silent action that said he had no more information.
Taking a deep inhale on his pipe Sarutobi nodded his head thoughtfully.
"Very well then," he dismissed them as he blew out a puff of smoke.
Hakudoshi and Kanna stared at each other from opposite sides of the clearing, neither willing to back down. Having felt Kanna approaching Hakudoshi had waited patiently for her arrival when she had seemed to materialize out of thin air.
"Hakudoshi," Kanna spat, emotion lighting up her eyes as her young face became taunt with anger. "Stop following my team."
"Stop this foolishness, Kanna," Hakudoshi ordered, ignoring her words. "You aren't like them."
"Iie!" the shriek that came from Kanna' mouth surprised them both. Hakudoshi having never heard his seemingly emotionless sister raise her voice and Kanna having never believed she was capable of screaming.
Lowering her voice to a whisper Kanna continued. "It is you who is not like your little friends. We are of the main branch of the Kumo clan…we despise ningen…you are a ningen lover…you will lead our clan to destruction."
Finding his voice lost, Hakudoshi glanced at the little sparrow perched on his shoulder and an image of Kagome flashed into his mind. "You're wrong sister…We can be whatever we want…you are just…to afraid to discover what you want."
Kanna's small form shook in rage at his words and her mirror was clenched so tightly in her hands Hakudoshi felt it might crumble. "What I want is you dead!"
Feeling her aura explode and attempt to subdue his own, Hakudoshi quickly called upon his shadows…fearing he may need to call upon one of his summons as Kanna's draining youki swept over him.
"Sister I will warn you only once more…If you do not cease on this path I will be forced to destroy you," Hakudoshi warned, grunting in pain as she attacked his mental barriers. "Please sister…"
Kanna responded in relentless mental assaults that sent Hakudoshi to his knees.
"I will show you no mercy…"
Bringing his shadows forth, Hakudoshi wrapped himself within them and escaped the endless onslaught. Watching in silence as Hakudoshi escaped, Kanna's rage dissipated and she became subservient once more.
A sharp tremor ran down Kagome's spine as she felt Hakudoshi's aura considerably weaken. Nodding towards Mineko, she signaled for the sparrow to find him or better yet take Inuyasha to his location. Returning her attention to the struggling Team 7, Kagome mentally cheered as Naruto arrived.
Happily eating dango, Anko never felt so carefree. Finishing the last piece she tossed the stick at a tree and smiled victoriously. "A perfect Konohagakure symbol!"
"Proctor-sama!" an ANBU with a tori mask appeared on a branch in the tree.
"What is it!" Anko demanded grumpily having a bad feeling that whatever news she was about to receive would ruin her day and keep her away from her dango.
"A situation has arose, proctor-sama," the Tori stated ambiguously.
"Situation? What kind of situation?" Anko asked, curious at the lack of information she was receiving and wondering whether the Hokage would miss an imbecile ANBU…
"Bodies…three kusa-nin bodies have been found…but their faces…were missing," the tori answered gravely.
Desperate for an escape from being chased down by a blood thirsty mercenary, Inuyasha weaved in and out of tree, damning the mercenary who befriended his otousan…If only the damn fool had remained an enemy Jakotsu wouldn't even exist…Ducking under a fallen tree Inuyasha backtracked, hoping to throw his stalker off only to be hit square in the face by a ball of squawking feathers. Grabbing the white ball of feathers a sense of déjà vu swept over him but shook it off as he and the blue eyed sparrow glared at each other.
"Whaddya want!" Inuyasha demanded, his eyes and ears darting around to make sure Jakotsu wasn't close.
Releasing the bird his golden eyes critically examined the patterns the bird flew in. Scratching his head Inuyasha sighed in defeat, like hell he remembered what any of those signs meant.
"Does Kagome need help or something?"
Mineko shook her head furiously, cursing her luck of being stuck attempting to communicate with a dimwitted hanyou.
"Well what the hell is going on!" Inuyasha growled only to cringe as he heard an answering call from a very unwanted person.
"IT'S OK INU-BABY! I'M COMING!"
Mineko chirped happily at seeing the hanyou's obvious anguish before remembering her mission. Flapping her wings in his face Mineko decided that was a good enough hint as the hanyou spat out feathers and began flying east.
Disgruntled at the mouthful of feathers he had received but figuring the only logical course of action would be to follow the bird Inuyasha quickly raced after the sparrow, narrowly avoiding Jakptsu as the cross dresser bound into the clearing.
"INU!"
"You aren't Sasuke-teme!" Naruto declared, caution to the wind as he ignored the kusa-nin in favor of berating his teammate. "Sasuke would never give up so easily!"
A sense of loathing filled Naruto as he glared his rival down. He hadn't been swallowed by a giant snake just to see Sasuke act like a coward! Iie! The person claiming to be Sasuke was an imposter! The Sasuke he knew would never give the enemy their scroll…He would never be so…
"Weak…"
Sharingan flashing, Sasuke's head snapped painfully to stare at the blond shinobi in disbelief. The dobe hadn't just called him that…just like…Itachi…
'You're to weak…Sasuke…'
Smiling grimly the kusa-nin watched the show in amusement, glancing at the higher branches of the tree she occupied with a knowing smirk before observing the Uchiha with a strange longing…
Sakura, shivering behind Sasuke had noticed the kusa-nin's side glance and looked up only to see nothing but the hanging foliage.
A chill ran down Kagome's spine as her eyes remained locked on the…snake's form. For a brief moment their eyes had met and despair had run through her veins…not strong enough to paralyze but just enough to bring back a distant memory of cold eyes and cutting words…
'Kagome, such a pretty bird…why don't you try to fly away?'
'You'll be a monster…our monster!'
'All you will know, all you will ever understand is to destroy…'
'HAI! RUN LITTLE GIRL! RUN AWAY FROM YOUR DESTINY BUT EITHER WAY YOU CAN'T ESCAPE!'
PLEASE REVIEW! Reviews make me happy...and make my puppy smile...I named my puppy Maeve...she's really cute and bites my socks...She also stole my panda pillow pet...
~LUNA YUE