Memory's Shadow
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To Confuse
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A/N: Waddup, dudes? Glad everyone's still interested in this story! I can't believe when I finished one assignment, other teachers give us two! Can you believe that? At least I don't have four assignments like my other friend… (-.-) Shiver.
Anyway, I present to you the next chapter! Thanks for waiting so patiently :) And thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Dialogue:
Gomen - Sorry
Onegai - Please
Arigatou - Thank you
Youki - Demonic Power
Hanyou - Half-demon
Miko - Priestess
Neko - Cat
Ookami - Wolf
Tajiya - Demon Exterminator
Inuhanyou - Half-dog demon
Kaze no Kizu - Wind Scar
--x--x--x--x--x--
'A white kimono symbolizes death
If you chose this kimono, you are pure, courageous and content
Death could mean many words but even then you can still live on
It means the unknown, the mystery, the dark and the light
You have the choice to do what you want, whether in the living or the dead.
You are free.'
'A red kimono symbolizes imprisonment
If you chose this kimono, you are strong, tolerant and loyal
You chose to live instead of die, to fight onwards instead of starting over
Even if you are imprisoned, you choose to continue, to struggle and to climb
You had not abandoned those close to you, and will strive onwards until the end
For isn't life, itself, imprisonment?
--x--x--x--x--x--
"What are you doing, --?"
"I'm scared. This princess looks like she's going to move any second…"
Ever had one of those days where you just didn't feel right? Well, I was having one of those days. With my eyes shut closed, I groaned, sweat running down my forehead and the rest of my body. I felt as if my head was aflame, on fire. My body ached all over and I could instinctively feel the bile riding up my throat. I. Felt. Horrid. To put it simply anyway. No changes there, except, this time, it was much, much worse. Now I've got a terrible feeling to boot.
My eyes opened stiffly, a frown upon my face. I panted, my breaths coming out short and wheezy. I was so thirsty. I guessed it was day now, since dark sunshine penetrated the same dark room weakly. Or was I in a different room? I didn't know. But nevertheless, I sat up reluctantly and bent my head, just breathing.
I felt as if my head would explode. Pressing my hand onto my forehead, I realized, without any surprise, that my temperature was above normal. Wiping off the sweat with my sleeves, I looked around the room wearily. It was an empty room, nothing but the messed up futon and myself. It seemed so gloomy and unwelcoming, especially since the sunlight seemed so glum and faded. It didn't hold its natural shine. I knew then that I didn't like this room. Not one bit.
My hand found its way to my throat as I used my dry tongue to moisten my lips. Of course, seeing as it was dry, it had no effect. I needed water so badly. Stumbling, I carefully stood up. As soon as I was on my feet, I began to sway as my vision blurred slightly, causing me to shut my eyes. The dizziness passed after a minute of just standing there, trying to regain my balance.
Opening my eyes, I searched for the door. Where was that shady Naraku guy? At least I was still wearing the clothes I wore before. I didn't want, need, someone like him to be touching me. Even his servants (I didn't know whether or not he had some but he looked like he would). I lied the other night. I didn't trust him one bit at all. And I knew he knew that too.
Trying not to fall over and collapse, I opened the door and stepped out. In the hallway, it was just as cold as it was in the room I occupied. And yet, it did nothing to ease the burning sensation within my head. Using the wall to balance myself, I walked onward randomly, wanting to find the kitchen, a stream, a river; anything. Anything so I could parch my thirst.
Again my vision blurred and my knees collapsed just before turning a corner. I sat there for a few seconds, doing nothing. And then, I began to cry. The tears that fell onto by lips were bittersweet. I cried out in confusion, betrayal and sadness. I tried to stop crying, really I did, but it only seemed to make it worse.
It wasn't long until someone found me like this. Sensing the demonic aura, I quickly wiped away my tears and looked up, trying to look strong, to betray the weakness I held inside. Standing a few meters before me was a demonic boy. He had silver hair, spiked at some places, and had the oddest light, violet eyes. He held a sneer on his face, his unique orbs glaring heatedly at me. Something ran down my spine as I shivered inwardly. Who was he?
"I know it may be hard for a human like you," he started, a scowl on his face. "But could you refrain from breaking down in public? It truly is disgusting to watch,"
I stared at him, not that effect by his words. Standing up, wobbly, I leaned my back against the wall and gave him a small smile. The smile was forced, though, since I already didn't like nor trust this guy. "Gomen," I stated politely. But my voice was course, abused from the lack of liquid. "Can you please show me where I could get water? I… I haven't drunk in… in…" When was the last time I had water? How many days had passed?
Then, replacing his scowl, a smirk played upon his lips. Even though, his eyes were still narrowed dangerously. "Ah, I didn't believe it at first," he said slyly. "I thought Naraku was only playing, since he didn't show me any proof. I guess he was telling the truth," he smirked.
I stared at him, my eyes pleading. What was up with these people? Can't he tell I'm suffering here? It hurt even to talk. "Anyway, what's your name again?" he asked rather rudely. "Kagami or something?" he asked slyly. I knew in that moment that he was a slippery little trickster. I definitely shouldn't trust him now.
"Kagome," I murmured hoarsely, glancing down. "And yours?" I asked impatiently. This demon was getting on my nerves and we've only just met. At least, to me, we have. I'm not quite sure if I've regained all my memories. I still have blanks in places. After all, he recognized me, didn't he? That meant we met before and I just couldn't remember.
He gave a short, mock bow. "Hakudoushi, Kagome," he replied smoothly, something cunning in his voice. "Odd," he started, his eyes roaming on my body. I had a feeling he knew how I felt. And I felt horrible, sick and exhausted. "You look as if you're only a shadow of your former self, Kagome," he said. "Shame, isn't it? Or perhaps I'm only seeing you in a dim light," he shrugged casually.
A shadow? A shadow of Kagome? I admit, I've felt like that quite a few times. But how could I be a shadow of myself? "Hakudoushi-sama, onegai, is there a stream around here?" I asked. I felt my vision begin to blur again but this time, I fought determinedly against it. I would not pass out nor would I break down in front of him. He seemed even worse than Sesshomaru.
He thought about it, probably debating whether or not to help someone like me. Even though I said I couldn't trust him, I would ask him a few questions. It's better than asking Naraku, that's for sure. Finally, he sighed, his eyes as hard as steel. "Go down the hallway and turn to the left. The third right door would lead you outside into a pure water spring," he said, the scowl back on his face. He was not glad that he was helping me. He didn't even want to, I bet. Maybe Naraku told him to at least keep me alive.
"Arigatou," I managed to choke out before I pushed myself down the hallway. He wasn't even going to escort me there. That was one sign he wanted me dead. Or, at least, near dead. I was pretty sure he didn't care whether or not I found the spring. Whether or not I lived, really. I followed his directions, knowing that the minute I started to walk off, he did as well. I traced my hands on the wall, to make sure I wouldn't fall, and ended up outside. At least he wasn't lying.
As soon as my eyes landed on the clear, crystal spring, I sprang forward. Weird, though, since I thought I was as weak as a thin stick. But hope rushed into me as I suddenly knelt down near the water and began to drink, gulping down the water so fast that I choked a couple of times.
It felt good, to feel the cool liquid run down my dry throat and into my system. But even this couldn't wash away the fever I had, or the drowsiness I felt. As soon as I thought I drank half the spring, I pulled back up and took in large, deep breaths.
My head was still killing me, and every part of my body felt as if they were being flamed from the inside. I looked up, my eyes half-closed, towards the dark sky. I saw a bird fly overhead, wanting to land in the field. But then, something repelled it. I heard the bird screech and fly off, leaving a now visible, rippling barrier in its wake.
Closing my eyes, I put my hand onto my flaming forehead. A barrier. A stupid, stupid barrier. Now, I was trapped. Trapped in a stupid castle with unfriendly housemates. And what's worse, I had realized the reason why the sky was dark. It was miasma. Poison. The grass beneath me was all dried up, dead. How could such a clean water supply be found in such a dreaded place? In a place where not even the sun could fully cast upon? I was beginning to question the role of the barrier and the poison. Was it to keep others out… Or to keep people in? For me, it went both ways.
Feeling my temperature heighten a few degrees, I let down my hand and stood up, reluctantly. I had my drink and I felt more refreshed than before. But I still felt horrible, inside and out. I started my way back into the castle, my feet dragging behind me as I continued onward. I needed to sleep and pray with all my might that I would get better. The people here… They don't seem to be too concerned for my health.
Suddenly, a hand placed itself on my shoulder just as I was about to enter the room. Gasping, afraid and uncertain, I turned with terrified eyes at the owner of the pale, masculine hand. "Kagome," he smiled, fake yet oblivious. "Why are you out of bed? You seem dreadfully ill,"
"I-I'm okay," I told him, trying to shake his hand off. But he wouldn't let go. "I… I just need some rest, that's all," I said nervously. I didn't like his touch. It was like ice, smooth and cold but deadly and firm. "I just needed a drink,"
His violet eyes pierced into mine, his dark wavy hair falling behind him smoothly. "I apologize for not attending to your needs earlier," he said calmly, again his voice was deep and malicious. "Perhaps you would like to go inside while I get you food. You must be hungry after all," he said, his hand lowering to touch my back.
I shivered, trying to inch away from him. But he kept his hand firm and unmoving. "I-I'm not hungry," I stated rather quickly. "I just want to sleep, Naraku-sama," I said with a gulp. He was a strong demon, I could feel it. But now, it seemed as if his youki was far stronger. The other times I encountered him, his aura was not even half this much.
"Nonsense," he said smoothly, stepping forward and opening the door for me. "I'll have Hakudoushi send you some food, and perhaps you may like to take a bath. I've come to learn how you females love to bathe." He pushed me inside the room. I stumbled slightly, my head still dizzy and my face probably flushed. "I'll send Kanna to gather your essentials." He smirked, a grin that I was not fond of. He took a step back, out of the room, as I stood there staring at him. "But for now, do not leave this room. Trust me when I say it's for your own safety. I will tell you when it's safe to come out." And with that, he closed the door and began to walk off, his footsteps echoing in the empty castle.
After waiting a few moments, I walked towards the door again and tried to pry it open. To my dismay and surprise, it would not budge. It felt as if it weighed two tons. Feeling tears prick the back of my eyes, I backed away and sat down on the cold, wooden floor. I stared at the floor until I felt the tears begin to retreat. He said it was for my protection, but protection from what? Wasn't the poison and barrier enough? Now he had to put up a restricting barrier on my door so I couldn't even go out. I felt like a prisoner. I probably was too.
I don't get it. These people… They didn't seem like my friends. Hakudoushi was hostile while Naraku seemed fake. So very, very fake. At least I felt some safety when I was with Sesshomaru or Inuyasha…
Pushing my knuckles into my eyes, I willed myself not to cry. I still wasn't over it. I needed to get over it. I must. But why did it have to be so hard? The people here were so shady and the people there I remembered to be treacherous. Who could I trust now? My heart was still telling me that nothing here was right, but then again, I've followed my heart for so long now and look where it's got me.
I just wanted to sleep now, the thinking making a headache form. But I didn't go back to my futon. Staying on the hard, cold floor, I set my head down and closed my eyes. I was just too tired, too confused, to think anymore. Maybe the next time I woke up, things would be just a little clearer.
--x--x--x--
"Damn it, where is he?" he yelled, running more vigorously than before. Once again I thought he was much more effective when that wench was concerned.
"Patience, Inuyasha," the monk, Miroku, said. "It's only been two nights. Who knows where Naraku has taken her."
"Exactly! Two nights! Who knows what that bastard has done to her," he growled, feral. His hard eyes turned to me, his glare immediately narrowing. "You better not be leading us in the wrong direction, brother," he snarled. Unconsciously, his hand landed on the hilt at his side. "Because if you are, I'll forget I owe you anything and kill you on the spot."
I looked towards him in annoyance, speeding up so the distance between us greatened. I would not reply to such an idiotic comment like that. It would only demean me to engage in such a pointless argument with my brother.
Of course, I hadn't either the faintest clue to wear the hanyou's whereabouts would be. I only knew that we were going in the same direction he had set off in. Not my preferred confident clue but it was much more effective than running around the whole of Japan blindly. Was I worried for the miko? Certainly not. Was I trying my utmost best into finding her? What a waste of energy. Was I once again manipulating my own mind without lying? Perhaps.
Suddenly, the scent of blood filled my senses as I stopped abruptly. It took awhile but my brother also picked it up, the other humans and neko stopping behind us with perplexed expressions. As soon as Inuyasha confirmed the scent, he growled. "That stupid ookami," he hissed, displeased.
Without a glance at his direction, I sped towards the scent, him following closely behind me. I wasn't concerned whether or not the ookami was dead. I was only concerned about one thing: the scent of Naraku's that mingled with the blood.
It didn't take long until we found him, lying on the ground, barely conscious. He had various wounds all over his body, his breaths coming out in shallow pants. Dark red blood pooled beneath him as his eyes were half-open. I wasn't effected at all by the scene but the rest of my… acquaintances were. "Oh my… Kouga!" the female, Sango, cried.
The two humans and hanyou immediately rushed towards their fallen companion, myself standing where I was, calculating Naraku's scent. "You stink of Naraku," Inuyasha snarled, glaring down at the semi-conscious demon. "Did he do this to you?"
The monk and tajiya were tending to the wolf's wounds, trying to stop the flow of blood with a white, thick cloth they summoned out of a large, yellow backpack. He growled in pain as more blood gushed out. His narrowed blue eyes turned to my brother, glaring heatedly. "Hell! Who else would have done it?" he growled in impatience. "And would you mind explaining to me why the fuck Kagome was with him, unconscious?" he snarled angrily.
"When did this happen to you?" Sango asked, looking down with what I recognized as worry in her eyes.
Gruffly, the wolf replied, "Yesterday," he growled. "And the wounds just wouldn't stop bleeding! Hell, I even had a hard time keeping conscious so other weak demons couldn't finish me off."
I had immediately gathered information from his gruff statement. One, we were catching up to the vile fiend since he was only here yesterday with the miko; and two, Naraku injected some sort of poison within the ookami's system that made the flow of blood continue to pour out. Obviously, he wanted the wolf to die a slow and painful death. But, perhaps there was another reason. Maybe he intended us to find the wolf in such a state.
"Did Naraku say anything?" Miroku asked urgently. "Anything at all to you?"
"Nothing but a load of bull crap," the wolf snorted arrogantly. "He just started to talk as if he was a lunatic. Unbelievable. I couldn't even understand half the words that came out of his mouth," he snarled.
I watched as Sango rifled through the contents of the peculiar yellow bag until she pulled out a small bottle. "It helped with Miroku-sama's poison…" she said hesitantly, taking out three to four flat circles. "Maybe it could help with the poison Naraku infected onto you,"
The demon, known as Kouga, took the odd looking medicine and swallowed it in one gulp. Nothing happened. "What did he tell you?" I demanded, stepping forward. It was then did I start to sense a change in his system. The blood was pouring out slower, if only slightly, and colour began to return to his face. What kind of medicine did that yellow bag hold? I've never seen something that could take effect this quickly. Excepting my youkai blood.
"Gibberish," he stated plainly, glaring at me.
"Tell me now, ookami, unless you wish a claw to dive into your throat," I threatened, almost snarling, but caught myself before I done so. I allowed my powerful youki to spread around me, telling him that I was completely serious. Only Inuyasha didn't back down. He only gave me an angry, irritated glance before he looked away furiously.
Looking away, Kouga answered in a very stubborn voice, "He just said stuff that didn't make sense," he growled at no one in particular as Sango and Miroku began to clean his wounds. "'The person I hold in my arms is not fully the miko you know. With something precious lost, she is nothing but a shadow, an incomplete being who's strings are so easily pulled and twisted,' he said," Kouga growled, disgusted at the words that spilled from his lips. "And then, he laughed. He said, 'This girl, this young, lost, ugly, beautiful human, will never be the person she once was. I guarantee that,'"
My eyes narrowed dangerously, my claws wanting to shred at something that held blood, that held a life. Particularly his life. What did he mean by that? Naraku, that vile fiend. His words hung in the air, suffocating it and everyone breathing in it. Even the birds' cries have died out, leaving an eerie silence. There was something about his words that seemed dark and foreboding. He knew something that we had yet to find out.
And then, his laugh was heard.
Quickly, with the speed of light, I drew out my sword and sent a large, blue demonic sphere towards the direction of the sound. My attack crackled with my energy, the power heightened at my desire to end the laugher's life. The attack collided into a group of trees, successfully destroying them completely. But the demon that hid within the trees was much more fortunate. "Sesshomaru, I never thought you moved that fast," the hanyou said, deep and mocking. "I almost didn't have time to put up my barrier."
There he was. Naraku. He hovered only a few centimeters in the air, his barrier protecting his newfound body. The sight disgusted me to no end. A human sacrificing himself to hundreds of minor demons just so he could fulfil his lust for a dead miko created this vile hanyou. He was born a mutant, and he always will be. Unfortunately, he was aware that he was deranged and crazy, and he knew how to use it. It was not the ones who were crazy and didn't know they were that we had to be cautious of. It was the ones who knew they were crazy and knew how to use it that were dangerous. It made them unpredictable. They always held the element of surprise. But then again, nothing could compare to pure intelligence.
"Naraku," Inuyasha snarled, immediately drawing his sword. "Where is she, you bastard?" he growled furiously, his eyes blazing with hate and loathing. "What in the hell did you do to her?"
Naraku only smirked, his eyes looking at us with amusement. "Rest assure, Inuyasha, I gave her no harm," he said silkily. "As of yet," he added with a smirk.
"You bastard!" my half-brother snapped. Clouded with rage and frustration, Inuyasha leapt forward, bringing his sword down onto Naraku's barrier. It crackled instantly, light and sparks igniting at the point of contact. I saw the beads of sweat that ran down my younger sibling's face as he tried with all his strength to push the mighty sword down.
A second passed and he was flown backwards, the sword still in his hand. Using it, he lifted himself up from the ground, the impact harsh and probably painful. To him. He spat out the blood that rose into his mouth. "Bastard…" he growled lowly at him, glaring angrily. My brother was a moron.
"Have you nothing else to call me, dear Inuyasha?" Naraku mocked openly. "It seems as if your list of adjectives of me revolves around that one word."
"Naraku, where is the miko?" I asked coldly, cutting off Inuyasha's angry reply. "What use is she to you?"
He turned to me, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Why, if I tell you, it wouldn't be such a surprise, would it?" he asked rhetorically. "Sesshomaru, why would you of all people try to rescue her? After all, she is a human. Someone who belongs to the species that you so greatly detest."
Again my eyes narrowed at him. "You are mistaken, Naraku," I said icily. "Humanity is not the only species I despise. Hanyous, for example. Like yourself," I glared. "And the reason for my actions are simply my business. If I wished to tell you of it, I would have sought an alliance with you. But seeing as I am not, I will not explain myself to someone as lowly as you."
Naraku's cool exterior faltered slightly as he glared at me. "My, such sophisticated wording, Sesshomaru," he hissed. "You are not the only one who could complete a smartly structured sentence in a small amount of time. Perhaps you speaking that way makes you feel better about yourself, am I right?"
I ignored the comment, since it was only said to provoke me. Besides, standing beside my idiotic half-brother would make oneself believe they were actually smart. Of course, I needed no reassurances. "Why have you revealed yourself, hanyou?" I asked impassively.
"And what the hell did that ookami mean by all that shit?" Inuyasha intelligently added. Was I giving him a compliment? Hardly.
His smirk came back, the white matching almost perfectly with his baboon pelt. Another reason why people would believe he was deranged. "Ah, right. I knew that you wouldn't figure it out," he said. "That night, when she yelled of betrayal, she had regained her memories," he started with a smirk. "But, unfortunately for you, not all of them." He paused, giving them (the humans and my brother) time to think. "The memories that struck such fear in her. The moments where you had hurt her. Guess which ones she remembered."
"We never hurt her!" Sango yelled angrily, standing up with her weapon gripped tightly. "You lie! We never set one harmful finger on her!"
"Ah, but that's where you're mistaken," the hanyou said, his voice growing louder. "Perhaps you've all forgotten about the times where you all first met her," he grinned suspiciously.
I only held the knowledge of my own encounter with her. I had tried to kill her then, in my father's graveyard, since she was able to pull the legendary sword from his grave instead of I. I remembered being enraged. Perhaps that's why fear had coursed through her veins in that room. My eyes narrowed dangerously at Naraku. But even so, it shouldn't have washed away all the trust that she had given me. After all, I had told her I sought her death in early days.
Everyone was wrapped in silence, probably recalling the first time they met the unique miko. Hmm. Could they have had a violent and dark encounter with her as well? Then he started to laugh. It was deep and cynical, just like every other laugh he released. "You see now?" he smirked smugly. "She was slowly regaining back her past. I couldn't have that, after all the effort I put in trying to erase it. Once they were on the verge of her subconscious, I inflicted a spell upon her, bringing up the horrid memories of your first meetings and then manipulating them into something more horrifying." He gave a low chuckle. "Since her mind was so vulnerable and fragile at the time her memories were slowly surfacing, it was rather easy to manipulate the events to my liking,"
"You manipulating bastard!" This came from both the inuhanyou and ookami. They were about to lunge, despite the wolf's injuries, but I held them in place with a death glare.
"Why are you telling us this, Naraku?" I asked suspiciously, Tokijin the only thing between me and his barrier. "What could possibly benefit you in telling us? Unless, which is rather likely, you're lying to us," I asked with narrowed eyes. "And you say that you went through a great deal in trying to erase it. Why didn't you succeed? You had ample enough time."
The monk's eyes stared at me. "What do you mean 'didn't succeed' Sesshomaru-sama?" he asked me in confusion. His staff was holding down the ookami, just in case he decided to attack again.
My eyes were fixed on Naraku's, watching as his face remained in a smirk but his eyes begin to narrow with precaution. "You had taken her shortly after they buried her in the grave. And it wasn't until two months later did she show herself to me. But why? Did you intentionally release her? Or did she escape somehow? And again, you were trying to erase her memories, but she is slowly remembering. Perhaps something went astray? Tell me, Naraku, why didn't your brilliant plan succeed?"
He smirked but I saw the furious glare in his eyes. "I should be more careful around you, Sesshomaru," he said casually. "You pick up things far too quickly for your own good." He paused, staring at me intensely. My gaze never faltered. "You are correct, Sesshomaru," he finally said but without remorse. "A flaw found itself within my flawless plan. But, I found something much more rewarding within that flaw," he grinned. "Something more amusing to the viewer."
"Naraku, why the fuck are you freaking here?" Inuyasha yelled, finally fed up with being ignored. "I don't care about whatever you're talking about! I want to know where the hell Kagome is!" he growled dangerously. His patience was wearing thin, I knew. Especially with that killer look in his eye. Even I had to take caution to that.
Naraku chuckled, sadistic and low. "Inuyasha, don't work yourself up," he suggested coolly. "I am merely here to tell you vague answers to the questions running inside your tiny heads. It's no fun playing with people who do not know the background to the game," he smirked.
"What fucking game?" Inuyasha snarled furiously. "I am so sick of you and your fucking games! Tell me where she is. Now!" he roared. And for the second time, his eyes flashed red. But this time, it lingered half a second longer before it turned back into gold. I glanced at him cautiously. Even Naraku saw the change of colour, no one else.
He took on a more serious face, his smirk vanishing. Of course Naraku would be cautious of my half-brother's full demon form. In that form, he was blinded and possessed, making him as unpredictable as he. His speed and strength increased greatly, his senses sharpening like mine. But not quite. Even in his full demon form, I surpassed in power and agility greatly. And because of the sudden warning of transformation, I was certain that Naraku did not plan for that to happen. Especially since the hanyou wasn't even bleeding yet. Another mystery to add to the already large list.
"Well…" Naraku mumbled, loud enough for me to hear. "How unexpected. But perhaps I could twist it into my advantage," he smirked. "Inuyasha," he started, even louder now, so he was clear to everyone. "I shall tell you the direction, nothing more. I believe you deserve that much," he said cunningly, pointing southward. "Now, if you excuse me, I'll be taking my leave,"
"No way in hell!" Inuyasha growled, pulling his sword back. "Kaze no Kizu!" he yelled, throwing the massive sword down. Its power was immediately released, heading its powerful path towards Naraku. I jumped out of the way, so I wouldn't get hit, and watched as Naraku's barrier stayed strong against the attack. He was still smirking, his violet eyes finding mine. It was then that the Wind Scar's full effect blasted and dust, earth and trees were lifted from the ground.
When the dust cleared, he was no longer there.
I stared at the destroyed area where he once stood. The information he had given was helpful, yes, but it led to even more questions. Why had he told us information that could possibly be turned against him? Why did he show himself? My eyes narrowed suspiciously. That hanyou was up to something. And I didn't know what. Not even vaguely. What could he possibly be scheming?
"He got away!" Inuyasha growled, his tone no longer as dark. "When I see him again, I'll shred him into so many pieces that you'll mistake him for dirt," he snarled, sheathing his sword.
"So, what are we going to do now?" the monk asked, continuing to patch up a reluctant ookami. "Do we trust what he says and go south? It could possibly be a trap. Quite possibly, really." He looked at Kouga. "And you know what else is weird? Naraku didn't even take his jewel shards,"
"We don't know where Kagome's been for those two months; we don't know what the hell Naraku did to her; we don't know whether Naraku's telling the truth or what he said was a pile of crap; we don't know what he's scheming; we don't know where she is; we don't know how she got revived in the first place, or if she really was dead… We don't even know what she's going through now!" the tajiya yelled in frustration. "We hardly know a thing!"
"You're wrong," the monk said, standing up after finishing with the treated wolf. "We know she's still alive; we know she needs our help; we know she's confused and needs someone to clear it; we know we're the ones who should do that; and we know that Naraku's scheming something and we have to be cautious," he said seriously, optimistically. I had thought one cannot be two of them at once.
Silence reined as each was filled with their own thoughts. But I didn't need time to think for that long. After all, I made my decision the minute the opportunity struck. "I am going south," I stated plainly. And then I started to walk away. It was obvious Naraku wanted us to head in that direction. And if it were a trap, I would clear it without a fuss. My progress would be so much faster if I traveled alone, like I was used to.
"What?" asked a bewildered monk. I didn't stop walking. "Sesshomaru-sama, and please forgive me if I sound rude or disrespecting, but isn't that foolish?" he asked calmly. "It's bound to be a trap. Or perhaps it's just a means to stall us."
I didn't glance back but replied. "I, myself, will head this way," I stated firmly, stopping shortly. I turned and stared at them, my gaze fierce. "If it were a trap, I would prevail over it easily. With you lagging behind, there's bound to be blood. And if it was a waste of time, I will make up for the time I have lost," I turned away. "Continue eastward. I will go south,"
As I started to walk farther and farther away from Kagome's companions, Inuyasha spoke. "You're an idiot," he snarled. "You just don't want to find Kagome, isn't that right? You want to stall it for as long as possible, so she'll be out of your hair. Fine, go that way for all I care," he scoffed, crossing his arms. "Feh. If you die, that'll just be one less problem for me, you uncaring bastard."
I resisted the urge to turn and shred him in half. How dare he question me? But as I left, I whispered something that only he could hear. "I will find her, hanyou. And when I do, I will be the one to save her."
And I was gone. I was alone again, traveling by myself, as how I preferred it. But, oddly enough, I found myself wishing for one person in particular as company.
--x--x--x--
Aww…. Wasn't that last sentence the cutest thing! :3 If you thought it was too OOC, well, sue me. I thought it was but who cares whether or not it was OOC?! It was his thoughts! Ya can't control them ALL the time. I just wanted a dramatic ending for the 25th chapter! Lol. :D
There's the end of Sesshomaru's traveling with the Inu-tachi group, ne? It was kinda short but I don't think the real Sesshomaru would hang around them for long anyway. He's more of a solo dude… Hehe :3 Anyway, did this chapter answer some of your questions? Or did this chapter just fill you with more? I hope it's the latter! :D Sorry, I like confusing people and bringing on cliffies. But then again, you already know that right? :)
Thanks to:
ponies1998, UnlovedBandNerd, AngelofMist, Missy Misa - YourLastNightmare, kittyb78, tatewaki2000, Finchette, mystical lady of diamonds, MiHonoKo, Karate-Chick06, AwesomeHachi, Colette G, Kanae14, yakunantenshi, Fire Tenshi, SELENE, Jeweled Fairy, Green.on.Black., Monkeys2dust, yoman, FluffyandKagome, kandy123654, Lady Skorpio, Sesshomaru is Fluffy Evil, Twist in fate, Kagome2691, kittykat22980, Gothic Pain, Raina Darlig, Whispering Lillies, MooMoo-of-Doom and to those who I've missed. If so then sorry!
Various Review Replies:
ponies1998 – Well, I'm hoping to! :D Just waiting for the right moment. Heck, I've got one of those fluff scenes in my head which I'm dying to put down! But you'll just have to wait, ne? ;)
AngelofMist – Hmm… Not real eh? Are you sure about that? How are we supposed to know whether or not Takahashi-sama based the characters on real people? Or even the plot line? Watch what ya say, my friend… Eyes are watching… (shifts eyes in a suspicious way) Lol. Sorry, just needed to creep you out! :D But, seriously, you never know…
Missy Misa – Hiya! I'm just going to call you this, if you don't mind. :) Yeah, commando is the way to go! Lol, but do they actually have commando kimonos? :I Hmm… If they have I've never seen one before! Lol. And nice with all the colour stuff and junk. I didn't know white meant suicide as well… (o.0) Weird… And I argued with my dad about if white's a colour or not. I say it isn't, it's a shade. But then he puts an example by pointing to a white car and says 'So that car has no colour?' and I scream 'No! It has no colour, darn it! It's a shade!!'. Lol. Yeah, I'm crazy. :) That went on for like an hour or something… Anyway, thanks for the giant ice cake! Mmm… And if I listened to your psychotic ranting, then I guess I'm psychotic too! Lol. :)
AwesomeHachi – Lol, sorry if it seemed to ramble on! Last chapter, it was pretty short and I needed a way to lengthen it. I mean, when I thought I was done, I realized I only had like 4000 and something words! Good grief! Way too short. So I upped it to 5000 and something. And I guess that the reason for the rambling, lol. Yep, it surprises me too, when ppl don't trust their instincts. But then again, I can't say I'm different because I don't know whether or not I'm listening to them! It's just a gut feeling, I guess. And sometimes that gets me wrong answers in tests… (-.-)
yoman – Lol, thanks for the advice! It's always nice when ppl review and tell me how I can improve. I'll watch out for that factor and if you see I'm not improving, please tell me! Yell at me, if ya want, lol. :) Thanks again!
Kagome2691 – LOL! You're like the first person who likes the Naraku I write! :D Good going! :) I congratulate you for having an open mind, lol.
MooMoo-of-Doom – YEAH, I AGREE WITH YOU! WRITING IN CAPS IS AWESOME!! Lol. Wow, I didn't know white meant hatred as well. Is that, like, the term 'white hot' which could also mean 'great hate' or something like that? I didn't know white could also represent hate and coldness… (-.-) And for the beta reader… hmm… well in they have that DocX and Beta Reader search thing but I think that'll take too long and way too much effort to do… (yes, I'm lazy :P) If you choose a beta reader, just exchange emails or something to send the chapter of your story, then the beta reader will edit it and send it back to you. And… I'm not entirely sure what the 'hint' was but if you want me to be your beta reader, I'll be honored! :3
People you get a free imaginary cookie:
Finchette – Why? Because I took your threat seriously… (-.-)
That's it folks! Thanks for reading and don't forget to review. I'm so glad that we've passed 600! Thank you guys sooo much! In my other fics, I never got passed 300 and something :) It really makes my day when people review. :3
Ja ne!