Disclaimer: I do not own Inu-Yasha, or any characters of the show.
Chapter twenty-one: Puppets.
Kikyou was returning to the Higurashi shrine with the groceries her aunt asked her to purchase when a strange feeling crept over the young miko as she passed a deserted alleyway. The girl was far from timid, but every now and again she cautiously turned her head to look around.
Suddenly, somebody jumped right in front of Kikyou and only the keen self-control stopped her from attacking at once.
"Hey!" the newcomer greeted.
"Inuyasha, what are you doing here?" the girl asked quickly regaining her composure.
"Well, Mrs. H told me that you went out to the store and I instantly got this creepy feeling that made my hair stand on end. So I decided to check on you. Not that I was worried or anything…"
"So, you feel it too?"
"Feel what?"
"The evil aura of my enemy."
"Guess so. Gimme that," Inuyasha took the girl's bags. "C'mon, let's get to the shrine fast."
----------
"So, that Naraku guy, what's the deal between you two?" Inuyasha asked when he and Kikyou both sat under the thick branches of Goushinbouku tree.
"It is really a long story."
"I've got time."
"You called it upon yourself. This tale begins five hundred years ago. Our ancestor Midoriko battled against a powerful youkai. Sensing that she was about to be overcome, Midoriko sealed the spirit of the evil demon and her own powers within herself. Her allies, the taija have easily defeated the weakened youkai and Midoriko lived the life of a simple woman from that day forward. The story, however, does not end there. It is said that in the twenty-fifths generation of the Higurashi family a child will be born. That child will possess the power that outmatches that of Midoriko herself. Furthermore the child will be born with Shikon jewel imbedded in its body."
"Shikon jewel?"
"The jewel of four souls – a powerful artifact used by those of demon blood. Even you, with the most insignificant amount of youki, can transform into the full-fledged demon using that stone."
"Neat. So basically what you're saying you have some sort of rock in your body and Naraku is after it."
"Yes."
"But why you? Why not Kagome, Rin or Souta?"
"Ah, Naraku has been scheming this for very long. One of his agents, my mother, the dark priestess Tsubaki seduced father ensuring that I would be the first to be born in this generation. From the very beginning it was obvious that I had the unusual amount of spiritual powers, which only grew with all the trainings I received. Luckily father soon saw through Tsubaki's disguise. He took me away and I have never seen my mother again."
"Wait, what about Rin?"
"She is my half-sister. My step-mother was a wonderful woman, who took me in as her own."
"Then what happened?"
"A car accident. It took both of my parents."
"I'm sorry."
"That is alright, you couldn't know. Still, I do not believe it was merely an accident. I am certain Naraku killed them and I will not rest until I see his end."
----------
"Dammit," Kagome mumbled creeping out of the bushes near the Goushinboku, "Live those two alone and all they talk about is some evil maniac in a monkey costume!"
"You said it," Mrs. Higurashi dropped her camouflage of leaves and sticks, earning an 'Eep!' from her daughter. "This way I'll never get a grand-nephew. So how is your progress with Sesshomaru, dear?"
"Mom!"
"What?"
"Do you mind?" Inuyasha jumped in front of them. "We were having a serious conversation."
"Uh, and we were just…" Kagome started.
"…collecting those leaves. They say they make a great herbal tea."
"Oh, right," Inuyasha scoffed. He heard the rustling from the bushes on the other end of the yard. The boy strode there, but before he could reach the place Gramps and Kaede walked out of the hiding. "I can't believe it, were you guys eavesdropping too?"
"Yeah, he-he, eavesdropping," replied Gramps smoothing his disarranged clothes.
"You're absolutely right," Kaede readily agreed buttoning up her blouse.
"Mom, I think I'll skip dinner tonight," announced Kagome.
----------
"Kagome, can I have a word with you for a second?"
"What is it Inuyasha?" the girl inquired following her friend to the backyard.
"Well, uh… d'ya think Kikyou's gonna like these?" Inuyasha asked showing Kagome a bouquet of small violet flowers.
"Are those from the pot in our kitchen?"
"That's not the point. So what do you think?"
"How should I kn--" Kagome trailed as she saw behind the boy's back her cousin strolling in their direction. "Well, it's the feeling you put in this gesture that is important. How do you feel about Kikyou?"
"She's the most amazing girl I've ever met. She's smart, she's brave, and she's beautiful. I'm still pretty confused about this all, but I know for certain that she is the only one in this world I'm willing to share my ramen with."
"Inuyasha…" Kikyou said softly.
"Uh, heh, hi," the boy turned around quickly.
"Did you really mean it?"
"Well, uh… Kagome? Help?"
But the girl has already disappeared without a trace.
----------
Siiiiiiiiigh. Kagome lay on the tiled roof with her hands tucked behind her head.
"Man, if I knew doing the right thing would suck so badly I'd never signed up for it. Stupid heart," the girl hit herself in the chest a couple of times, "why couldn't you be more like the brain?"
"Inactive you mean?" A shadow dropped on the girl's form.
"Knock it off. Don't you have anyone else to bother?" Kagome asked without turning to face the speaker.
"No."
"Ever wondered what it would feel like to be thrown of a roof?"
"As if you could possess such a threat to I, Sesshom--"
Without a warning girl tackled the taiyoukai and, after rolling over on her back, Kagome sent Sesshomaru over the roof edge with a powerful kick. To the girl's surprise the he did not let go of her shoulders, so they both started falling to the ground.
Idon'twannadieIdon'twannadieIdon'twannadie! Kagome screamed in her mind.
With a soft tap Sesshomaru's feet hit the ground. The girl slowly tore her face away from the taiyoukai's chest only to realize that he caught her in midair.
"Uh, thanks," a long pause followed. "Sesshomaru? Earth to Sesshomaru, Earth to Sesshomaru," Kagome knocked him on the head.
"What is it?"
"Let go, maybe? Kyaa!" The girl was instantly dropped to the ground. "I didn't say 'dump', I said 'let go'. Jeez, what's with you and getting weird on me all of a sudden? All that intense staring too, like I was the most interesting thing in the world. Or could it be… But of course, how could I be so stupid! You're probably just nearsighted!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you're a dog-demon, right? And dogs are not exactly known for keen eyesight. This would explain why you don't like having me out of reach, since I can stop you from walking into trees, telephone poles et cetera. You should have said something earlier. We'll get you a nice pair of glasses first thing tomorrow."
"My eyesight is fine."
"Then what's with all the gazing?"
"Just wondering how unsightly a human can get."
"He-he-he-he-he," Kagome laughed evilly, cracking her knuckles. "I think it's time for us to spar."
----------
Early in the morning Kikyou was passing through the shrine grounds. The girl heard a crashing noise coming from a building that her cousin turned into a dojo. Kikyou slowly slid the suji-door open only to be greeted by the sight of Kagome and Sesshomaru in the midst of battle.
"Were you two fighting all night?"
Avoiding a kick Kagome jumped back, next to the other girl.
"'Twas a question of honor," the younger cousin managed to utter.
"But you're exhausted!"
"Nonsense, I can take him on anytime!"
"I see," Kikyou lightly patted the other girl on the back and Kagome instantly kissed the ground.
"You know, this floor seems nice. Think I'll just sleep here," she mumbled.
----------
"Inuyasha? Inuyasha where are you?" Kikyou called out looking around the empty construction site. How strange, the girl thought. For him to ask me to come to the place like this and then not even show up, that doesn't make any sense. Kikyou looked at her watch. It's getting late. I'd better go home.
A hand suddenly came down on the girl's shoulder.
"Hello, Kikyou," spoke the familiar voice.
"Inuyasha, why did you call me here in this hour? It's not safe."
"Indeed it is not. Just answer me one question, Kikyou," without a warning Inuyasha snatched a knife out of his sleeve and stabbed the girl in the side. "Did you really think you could trust the secret of the Shikon jewel to the one who can use it?" He put his arm over the wound. "What! I cannot feel it. Where is it?"
"I am not stupid. I wouldn't tell anybody it's real location," Kikyou slid on the ground as the attacker's grip on her lessened.
"But of course, all this time you've been serving as a diversion. You're a clever girl, Kikyou, but I think I know exactly where the Shikon jewel is hidden. Well I must bid you farewell my darling. I'm sure that somebody will find you here… eventually. Let's hope you won't bleed to death until then." Inuyasha turned on his heels and strode away.
I will not let you hurt her, Kikyou thought getting up through a great effort. I will protect Kagome no matter what the cost.
----------
Naraku shed his disguise. He wasn't sure he would be able to deceive Kikyou, but apparently her distrust in people now played against her.
To think that I could spend so many years on a wild goose chase, while all I needed was to defeat an under trained miko. If only I would have found out about this a month earlier. She's under Sesshomaru's protection now. Hmm… Perhaps he can be of assistance to me. After all, the arrogant fool does not take kindly to betrayers.
----------
Sesshomaru scanned his surroundings. There was something in the air that simply wouldn't allow him to relax.
The taiyoukai heard the thin chime of the bowstring and jumped away from the place he was standing. Immediately three arrows pierced into the nearby tree.
"Die, you disgusting demon!" Kagome shouted from the place she was standing.
The girl drew her bow once again and sent another arrow at Sesshomaru. The taiyoukai easily caught it between his fingers, but when he looked up once again Kagome was already gone.
Women. One moment they act as if everything's all right and the other they are trying to kill you.
Sesshomaru entered the dojo since that is where the girl's scent led. Kagome was there, rummaging in the pile of different weapons.
"Are you still angry about yesterday?"
"What about yesterday?" the girl asked without interrupting her activity.
"When I called you 'unsightly'."
"Oh that! I wasn't angry to begin with, I just wanted a good fight, since I was a little upset about something, but it doesn't concern you."
"Then why did you attack me just now?"
"Wasn't me," Kagome shrugged. "Damn, where is it? I'm sure I left it here somewhere," she murmured without addressing anyone in particular.
"I am certain I saw you shooting at me."
Kagome abruptly stopped her search, walked to Sesshomaru and probed his forehead.
"Strange, you don't seem feverish, why would you be hallucinating?"
"Girl, this is serious."
"Damn right this is serious! You might have an alsimers! I mean, how old are you? Three hundred? Four hundred?"
"So you are saying you did not ambush me screaming 'Die, you disgusting demon!'?"
"Awww, you just wanted a little reassurance? Fine, I don't think you're disgusting, I think you're pretty cute. Now help me look for my bow, I can't find it anywhere."
"What do you suppose this is?" Sesshomaru inquired giving the arrow he caught to Kagome.
"It's mine." The girl locked eyes with the demon lord. "This actually happened, didn't it? But I still didn't do it."
"I have already figured that out."
"Kagome, can I have a word with you?" Inuyasha asked entering the dojo. "In private," he added, looking at the taiyoukai.
Kagome and Sesshomaru exchanged quick glances.
"Would you please leave us for a moment?" the girl asked. The demon lord exited without a word. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"There's something on my mind. Something I wanted to confess for a few years now, but was too afraid to find out what your reaction will be."
"If you're talking about the time when you finished the last cup of ramen and told me there was none, then it's okay, I knew all along."
"No, Kagome, I love you!" Inuyasha captured the girl in a tight embrace.
"Inuyasha," Kagome closed her eyes and sighed. With no further warning the girl kneed her fiend where it counts. "Who do you take me for!" she asked break loose from his grip. "I know very well how Inuyasha feels about Kikyou. So who are you?"
"What do you mean, Kagome? I'm me. As for Kikyou, you got me wrong. I just wanted to make you jealous. I know it was a stupid idea, but with that Sesshomaru around, I could never get close to you. What I said to you however was not a lie. Think of all the good times we shared, Kagome. Please, trust me."
"Inuyasha… of course I trust you!"
Kagome turned away to wipe the tears that started to her eyes. Instantly 'Inuyasha' lunged at her, but at this very moment Kagome swiftly swing back and shoved forward the arrow Sesshomaru gave her.
Wood and metal sunk deep into the flesh and jolts of purifying energy ran from the girl's fingertips to her supposed friend. There was no blood, the body simply dissolved into thin air, until the only thing left was a wooden doll hanging on the arrow shaft.
"Idiot," Kagome said quietly, ignoring the tears streaming down her face. "Golden rule: never trust a person, who says 'trust me'." The girl quickly dried her eyes, then called, "Sesshomaru?" The taiyoukai immediately appeared in the doorframe. "Do you know what this is?" Kagome asked showing him the wooden doll with a long black hair winded around it.
"It appears to be the main consistent of Naraku's puppets. As inferior as they may be, they prove to be quite troublesome."
"Tell me about it," the girl said sarcastically.
"Your friends might be in danger."
----------
With an immense difficulty Kikyou made her way to the Higurashi shrine. In the courtyard she picked up a discarded bow. As the girl went further, she saw a figure sitting near the Goushinbouku.
The fool. Giving me a clear shot just like that, thought the young miko readying her bow.
Inuyasha lifted his head up and smiled.
"Hi, Kikyou!" he greeted the girl getting up. "What did you want to talk about? You seemed not yourself when you asked me to meet you here. What happened to you?" Inuyasha asked finally noticing the bloodstain on Kikyou's shirt. The priestess drew an arrow aiming straight at his heart. "Am I in the way or something?" the boy asked looking behind him.
"No, you're just where I want you," Kikyou relied quietly letting go of the bowstring.
A blur flashed by and the next thing girl saw was her cousin with an arrow deeply embedded in her shoulder.
"Ouch! Remind me not to do that again," Kagome touched the shaft and winced in pain.
"Kikyou, what are you doing!" Inuyasha exclaimed.
"Kagome, get away from him!" the older girl ordered. "I know you think he's your friend, but today he attacked me in order to get the Shikon jewel."
"What! I didn't do it!"
"You're wrong, Kikyou. It was Naraku all along. He used the same tactic on Sesshomaru and me, but since I try to kill him on daily basis, it didn't work. Why am I explaining? Take a look at this," Kagome threw a wooden doll to her cousin.
"Oh, god!" Kikyou dropped her bow. "Had you come a second later I would have killed an innocent person."
"I have no idea of what just happened, but everything's okay now, right?" Inuyasha asked.
Suddenly the blood loss kicked in and Kikyou started to fall unconscious. In a blink of an eye the boy was at her side to catch her.
"You'd better show Kikyou to mom, she'll know what to do," Kagome advised.
"Are you going to be alright?"
"It will heal," the girl replied ripping the arrow out of her shoulder. When Inuyasha was out of the earshot she added: "It always does." Kagome moved to the exit from the shrine grounds.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The girl groaned – just what she needed: an annoying, overprotective taiyoukai.
"Can't I go for a walk without supervision once in a while?"
"Your wound has not been addressed properly."
"Screw you!"
"Go to your room."
"Make me." Sessshomaru took a step towards Kagome and she quickly reconsidered what she said. "Fine, fine, I'll go." After a several minutes the girl's hand was bandaged and she put some clean blood-free clothes on. "Happy? See ya." Kagome was about to leave the room when the taiyoukai blocked her way again. "Now what?"
"Do you have the last idea why you have been attacked today?"
"Nope. Nor do I care."
"Because whatever Naraku wanted he didn't get from your cousin."
"In other words you won't let me go."
"Precisely."
"Alright, but could you at least go downstairs and ask mom for some 'granate juice? It'll help me restore the lost blood faster."
"Only if you promise not to escape while I'm gone."
Kagome let out an exasperated sigh and looked Sesshomaru in the eyes.
"How could you even think that I was going to trick you? Have it your way, I promise I won't run away."
That guy takes gullibility to a new level, thought the girl a minute later, while climbing down the drainpipe. And he looks smart too.
----------
Kagome set leaning on the tree by the lakeside. Sakura petals tumbled softly all around the girl creating a perfect illusion of a warm snow. Absentmindedly Kagome picked up a pebble and threw it into the water. The stone bounced a couple of times before sinking.
"Heh, I'm so stupid," girl murmured under her breath.
"Is there a reason you go to an isolated place to make dogmatic statements?"
"Is there a reason you followed me here ignoring the hint that I want to be alone?"
"You forgot this," Sesshomaru threw Kagome a glass bottle.
"Gee, thanks, but even if I'm sad, drinking is not the answer."
"That is pomegranate juice."
"Oh… Why so nice all of a sudden?"
The taiyoukai ignored the question deciding to ask his own instead.
"Do you love him?"
Kagome quickly covered her ears.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"That is a lie."
"Anyway, what's it to you?"
"I wish to comprehend why you do not fight for what you want."
"What I want… What I want is for Inuyasha and Kikyou to be happy and believe me that is something I will fight for. Understand now?"
"No."
"If you had a brother and you two would be in love with the same girl, what would you do?"
"Kill him."
"You know, honesty is not always a virtue."
"That is not the subject."
"What good would fighting do, if in Inuyasha's perspective I'm always just a 'kiddo' – something like a baby sister? Besides, I think I'm finally ready to let go."
"Meaning?.."
"Well, I come to this place when I need to do some soul-searching and I found out that I'm not in love with him as I used to be. Hey, did your ears just perk up?"
"Must be the play of shadows."