GAH! I am so sorry for not updating for a long time! School, work and my other stories, mainly my novel, got in my way. I was also figuring things out for this chapter. But I hope this chapter makes up for it.
Chapter 36: Naraku's Truth
Nagami and the group of teens and Senior Higurashi and Saika approached the hospital. The sliding doors opened allowing them to enter, they went up to the front desk.
The same nurse noticed and quickly raised her gaze towards the group. "Yes may I help you?"
"Yes would you please tell us the room that Ms. Ayame Wolf is in?" Nagami asked casually but urgently.
"And you are…" The nurse began questioning eyeing the black priestess suspiciously.
"I'm Yukimura Nagami." She answered gazing at the nurse sternly. "And I'm here to examine the young wolf."
The nurse gasped as the name struck her. She pointed at her asking with hesitation. "T-The famous scientist? The scientist that studies spells, curses and such?"
"Yes she is." Kagome answered moving up next to the black miko getting the nurse's attention. "She's a friend of ours' and we asked her to examine Ayame."
The nurse gasped sharply and darted her gaze at Nagami. "Oh no are you guys suggesting that little Ayame might be cursed?"
"We don't know for sure." Miroku spoke up with a stern gaze. "But it sure sounds like she's cursed."
Nagami changed her gaze from the boy to the nurse. "Which is why I'm here, to determine if the young wolf is cursed."
The nurse quickly reacted and motioned to lead them to the room. "Then let's hurry."
The group gazed at one another amazed of how much of a rush she was in. Something suddenly clicked and the gang gasped darting their eyes back towards the nurse. 'Ayame!?'
They quickly followed the nurse with their hearts pounding anxiously. 'Please don't tell me that Ayame has gotten worse!' Kagome thought with fear.
'Please just hang on Ayame!' Kikyo pleaded resisting the urge to break down. 'You're the only thing Koga has! So please you must not give up!'
The nurse opened the door to the young wolf girl's room. The group gasped softly at the sight of a breathing machine connected to her helping her breathe which were raspy. "The doctors have been real concerned about her since the first day you brought her in." The nurse began to inform them. "She has gotten a lot weaker since the last time you've all seen her."
Her gaze narrowed. "And just yesterday she had some type of an asthma attack which seems to have made her weaker."
The teens' gazes went wide and rushed over towards the young girl. Sweat was dripping down her forehead, which made their hearts drop. 'Oh she has gotten worse! This can't be happening!' Kagome thought.
'We must help her now before it's too late!' Kikyo concluded angrily with determination. She tossed her gaze towards Nagami. "Nagami please identify the curse!"
Nagami's eyes narrowed and strolled up towards the bed as Kikyo and Kagome quickly moved aside allowing her examine the wolf girl. The group watched anxiously as the black priestess concentrated on the girl and waved her hand up and down the girl's body.
"Hm?" Nagami saw a dark black aura circling around the young wolf. 'Damn she is cursed and it's close to finishing her off.' A loud raspy breath from the girl caught her attention. Ayame looked to be in deep pain, which caused her to whine slightly.
"Ayame." Kagome said softly tightening her grip on Inuyasha's arm.
"Nagami just what is going on?" Inuyasha pressed on desperate to know the details. 'I can't stand seeing this kid in this much pain any longer!'
Nagami sighed turning to face the group. "She is indeed cursed." Her gaze became serious. "And if we don't do something fast she could die in just a matter of hours or even minutes."
Their hearts dropped at her words. "What can we do!?" Rin quickly asked in desperation.
"Please tell me you have someway to help her!" Ash pleaded fearfully with his gaze narrowed.
"Luckily I do." The black miko responded nodding her head. She looked back down at the wolf girl. "I just hope she'll hang on while I get prepared to break this curse."
The group groaned lowering their gaze to the young girl whom began to breath heavily. "Just what exactly is this curse?" Sesshoumaru questioned her with his normal monotone sounding a bit curious.
Nagami gazed at them sternly. "It's a curse called konkitsu and it's used to steal energy."
The gang gasped realizing what that could have meant. "Wait are you implying that Naraku is stealing Ayame's energy?" Inuyasha gaped out with an odd expression.
The black priestess nodded. "Yes that's exactly what I'm saying."
"But how can that be?" Sango voiced in waving her hand towards Kagome. "When just a few days ago he kidnapped Kagome and attempted to use that ritual to steal Kagome's energy."
"That ritual is usually only used for beings with strong powers. Since whether they are dead or alive they always seal their powers before they actual do the ritual, to keep the powers there and under control. But for this curse it is used on people whom aren't that powerful and with this curse the caster can either slowly take the energy or take it in an instant."
"But why?" Kikyo stressed loudly. "Why would Naraku want to steal Ayame's energy?"
"Especially when she is so young." Ena added.
"With the way it seems it may not just be Ayame's energy he's after." Nagami responded and looked at Ayame. "He could be stealing energy from that whole group without them even realizing it."
"But why?" Miroku questioned with concern. "Why would he steal energy from people, especially children?"
"It may not all be children it could be adults for all we know. It all depends who catches Naraku's eyes."
"But again why would he steal energy from anybody?" Sango repeated Miroku's question.
Nagami shrugged. "I honestly have no idea." Her gaze was stern. "But whatever it is it can't be good."
"Figured as much." Inuyasha grunted lowering his gaze to the kid.
"So please Nagami help Ayame." Kagome pleaded to the black miko.
The black priestess nodded and turned her full concentration on the young wolf child. She then went rummaging through her large doctor like bag. "To break Naraku's dark energy around her we'll need a herd of pure ones." She pulled out a little case and opened it revealing a needle. "Since his evil influence is what's making this curse much more stronger than usually. If we can get rid of his evil energy we can easily break the curse."
"What if there is no evil influencing the curse?" Ena question curiously. "What would you do then?"
"Then I could easily get rid of a curse with a potion that I made." Nagami answered motioning towards the group with her needle. "But obviously that's not the case right now." Her gaze narrowed. "And now I ask for your blood."
"Our blood?" Ash repeated.
The black miko nodded. "You all have very pure blood and once I combine all of you blood together and mix some of my magic in it-it will have enough power to destroy Naraku's evil energy."
The teens looked at one another before Kagome narrowed her gaze now staring at Nagami. She nodded. "Alright we'll do it."
"For Ayame's sake." Kikyo added with determination gleaming her eyes. 'And for Koga's as well.'
Nagami nodded before approaching them getting her needle ready.
Koga sulked as he walked around Naraku's new hideout. 'I cannot believe this! I couldn't go anywhere outside because Onigumo forced me to do his blasted homework! Jeez that guy has a brain! Why doesn't he freaking use it!'
A door creaking open immediately grasped his attention. He gasped when he spotted Genji stepping out of Naraku's office he quickly snuck inside a room. 'Genji? What the hell was he doing in Naraku's office?' He leaned against the wall in the dark empty room and strained his ears attempting to listen.
"I will take care of the stupid full dog demon and give you his energy."
'Full dog demon? Is he talking about Inuyasha's older brother? Is he finally planning on taking him down?' Koga raised a brow. 'Wait energy? Why would Genji give Naraku that mutt's energy?'
"Don't let me down Genji." He heard Naraku say loudly. Koga's ears twitched when he heard Genji walking pass the room, the wolf sighed gruffly. 'Must be in too much of a rush to realize my presence.'
The wolf peered through the opening to find Naraku closing his door and retreating down the hall in the opposite direction that Genji took. 'Wonder where he's going?' He hummed glancing towards his office door and narrowed his gaze. 'I wonder.' Curiosity came over him as he quietly tiptoed towards his office; he grabbed the knob he quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching him. He glared at the knob with determination. 'It's now or never. It's time to find out what you're hiding Naraku.' Taking one deep breath, knowing he was making a big risk, and opened the door allowing him to enter.
The room was dark but not too dark, which Koga didn't mind at all. He scanned the room hoping to find anything to help him figure out this mystery. Suddenly something sparkling caught his gaze; he looked to find a crystal like orb in a clear case like it was in a museum showcase. 'What in the world is that?' He strolled over towards the orb and raised a brow. 'This is the first time I've seen this.' The wolf jerked his head slightly as a memory came to mind.
Koga came into the office and noticed Naraku placing a clear case inside a safe built into the wall. He watched before finally saying. "Uh Naraku…"
He noticed Naraku flinching and caught his gaze. "Um you called for me?"
"Yes right just sit down and I'll be right with you."
'Is that what he was putting away? This strange orb?' Koga questioned himself. He then carefully took off the clear case and gasped immediately realizing something. "This…" He slightly leaned towards the orb, "This is energy. This is somebody's pure energy." His heart suddenly fell when he recognized the energy. "T-This is…" 'This feels like Ayame's energy! B-But that can't be…could it?' His gaze narrowed. 'But it's not just hers' I'm feeling in there…I'm also sensing some others, ones I don't recognize hardly at all.'
The noises from Naraku's computer caught the wolf's attention. He saw that Naraku's desk was almost covered with papers and files. Koga raised a brow. "Now what on earth could he be looking up?" He strolled up to the desk and began rummaging through, though very carefully so Naraku wouldn't get suspicious when he comes back. He moved some of the papers aside and gasped when he saw a file with Kagome's name on it. "Kagome?" He picked it up and opened it revealing a description of her and pictures of her from the time she was seven to now. "What the hell?" He scowled angrily. "Was he stalking her or something?"
Koga instinctively lowered his gaze and gaped when he realized that under her file was files with everyone's names on it. Inuyasha, Kikyo, Miroku, Sango, Ash, Ena, Rin, Sesshoumaru, Ayame and even he had a file. "What's the meaning of this? Why does he have file on practically everybody?" 'Man I think I'm hitting the jackpot here!' He quickly went into his small knapsack and pulled out a cheap camera. 'Good thing I bought this stuff yesterday. I said to Naraku and Onigumo's gang that it was to take pictures of Inuyasha's group and such.' His gaze narrowed as he aimed the camera and Kagome's file. 'But my true purpose is to take pictures of this place to send to the others to give them a look of where the hideout is. But now…it's to take pictures of this stuff. Maybe they might be able to figure out what exactly he's planning.'
Koga began taking pictures of each of the files and opening them revealing the pictures that Naraku's and his minions have taken of them. He groaned in disgust. 'Oh good grief these guys truly are stalkers. How could Inuyasha and the others not notice them taking pictures?' His head jerked remembering something. 'They must have used Hojo's scrolls to hide their presence from them.'
"Hm?" He then noticed something written in Kagome's file. He leaned forward taking a closer look at the words. "Strong Energy? What the hell does that mean?"
Curiosity came over him again and he looked in each of the gang's files. "Inuyasha: Strong Energy, Kikyo: Strong Energy, Miroku: Strong Energy. Sango: Good Energy, Ena: Decent Energy, Ash: Strong Energy, Rin: Good Energy, Sesshoumaru: Very Good Energy. Koga: Very Good Energy, Ayame: Good Energy." He raised a brow. 'Why the hell has he written stuff like that down?' He gasped realizing something before gazing back at that orb. 'Is he planning on taking their energy and putting it in that orb? But why?' He looked back at the files. 'For what foul purpose?'
He quickly put the camera in his knapsack and began cleaning up the files and putting them back to how they were before. While doing so an envelope caught his eye. "Hm? Now what's this?" He picked up and raised a brow. "An invitation?" He turned the envelope hoping to find some type of clue on the back. "For what?" Quickly he placed the envelope down and took a picture of it.
He hummed now thinking about what he had found. 'But what is this guy planning?' He glanced back at the orb. 'Why is he planning on collecting energy from us?'
He flinched when a familiar scent reached his nose. "Oh shit." He darted his eyes towards the door. 'Damn it! Naraku's coming back and he's very close!' The wolf took a step back from the desk. 'Damn and I don't have enough time to get out of here before he catches me!' Koga began scanning the room searching for someplace to escape or hide.
Instinctively he looked up at the ceiling realizing that the ceiling was tile and can easily be pushed open and closed again. He looked around the room and to his surprise to find one of the chairs underneath one of the tiles.
'Looks like I'm having good luck today.' Koga quickly shoved the camera back in his knapsack placing the clear case back on the orb and rushed towards the chair. Once on the chair he carefully pushed the tile up and moved it out of the way allowing him to hop in.
He was surprised to find himself in a huge vent, he groaned with a blank expression. 'Looks like Naraku made himself a quick escape.' He shook his head snapping himself out of his thoughts and quickly closed the tile and the vent. He heard the door open and kept himself still praying that Naraku wouldn't stay too long.
"I can't believe I forgot to put this thing away." He heard Naraku say hearing him pick up something. His gut told him that Naraku was talking about the orb and he suddenly realized something. 'Ya know it's not like Naraku to leave something like that out. Did he seriously forget to put it away?'
Koga's ears twitched when he heard the safe lock. "Oh I must get going or else Yuki will have my head." 'Yuki? Who the hell is that?'
He then heard the office door close and lock. Koga released a breath in relief. "That was close." He slowly turned and began strolling down. 'Now I have to get out of here and develop those pictures. Once that's done I must find Kikyo, Kagome and the others and show them.'
"How's Ayame doing?" Saika asked Nagami anxiously hoping the black miko's plan was working.
"The black aura around her is growing light which means the elixir is working." Nagami informed watching the aura around the wolf girl lighten up.
The group sighed in great relief. "Then all that's left to do is break the curse." Miroku responded. "Which won't be too hard right Nagami?"
"No it shouldn't be too hard now." The black priestess turned to them. "Then once the curse is broken we'll need to give her a fair amount of energy so she can make a speedy recovery."
Kikyo narrowed her gaze and took a step forward. "Then I'll be the first one to volunteer."
Nagami sighed softly. "That's very sweet and brave of you Kikyo. But in order for her to recover smoothly she needs the energy from a demon or half demon at the least."
"Yes since human energy isn't nearly enough to help recover from energy lose." Sesshoumaru spoke up catching their gazes. "If she was human it would work but for a demon or half demon you need another demon or half demon in order for her to recover faster."
"I guess I can understand that." Kagome responded softly.
"Well there's two half demons and full demon in the room." Ash voiced in trying to lighten up the mood and smiled. "So take your pick."
"Well it probably would make more sense to transfer some energy from Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru since they're also canines." Nagami pondered more to herself then the group.
"Does it honestly matter what energy you use?" Sango questioned curiously raising a brow.
"Well it does matter when it comes to transferring energy from a human to a demon. But when it comes to what type of demon or human it truly doesn't matter." Nagami sighed and gazed at the boys. "So it looks like you'll have to figure out who'll give up some of their energy."
The demons glanced at one another like they were mentally figuring out who it would be. "But you guys can figure that out while I give Ayame the potion." The black miko told the boys as she turned back to her bag and pulled out a light blue potion. She stuck her needle onto the cap and began sucking in the potion into the needle.
While she was taking care of Ayame the demon boys turned to each other. "Rock, Paper, Scissors?" Ash suggested to the dog boys.
"I'm game." Inuyasha responded before gazing at his brother. "What about you Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru just sighed before bringing his hand forward. "I'm in." Their friends watched them as they decided who would give Ayame some of their energy.
Ash cursed. "Damn it." He grumbled looking disappointed. "I was so sure I would win this one."
"Oh don't worry Ash." He heard Ena say catching his attention. She smiled up at him. "You tried and I'm glad you were willing to help Ayame out."
Ash then smiled in return. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru glared at one another. "Okay Sesshoumaru it's just you and me." Determination gleamed in his gaze. "Be prepared to loose!"
Sango rolled her eyes. "Oh please just go on with it."
"Yes it's not like it'll be a total lose if one of you loose." Rin commented crossing her arms gazing at the two boys blankly.
The inu boys gazed at one another sternly determined to defeat the other. "One two three shoot!" Inuyasha counted loudly and released their hands. The hanyou gasped noticing that he lost! "What!?"
He scowled when he heard his older brother chuckle. "Looks like you can't defeat me even had a silly game."
"You wanna bet!" Inuyasha practically shouted angrily challenging him once again. "I want a rematch!" He motioned to step more towards his brother.
"Inuyasha." He felt someone gently push him back slightly. The hanyou lowered his gaze to find Kagome in front of him. "Maybe some other time but right now we don't have time to fool around."
Inuyasha groaned still sounding a bit angry but released a rough sigh. "Fine I'll drop it for now." He darted his glare back on his brother. "But don't go thinking I'll forget!" He pointed at him. "We will have a rematch later! So don't forget!"
Sesshoumaru and the others rolled their eyes at the hanyou's sour loser attitude. "Alright then…" They turned their attention towards Nagami whom was now turned to them. "Once the black aura around her as faded we'll give her your energy Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "Understood."
Kagome sighed in relief. 'Well that wasn't too bad. Breaking that curse turned out to be a piece of cake.' She suddenly gasped when she felt something in her jeans vibrate.
"What's wrong Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned when he heard her gasp.
The miko pulled out her cell phone. "Somebody's calling me."
Inuyasha raised a brow. "Who the hell would be calling you? Everyone's here."
Kagome arched a brow when she saw the number. "I don't recognize this number."
"Then don't answer it." Rin voiced in her gaze hard on her sister. "It could be a creep of some sorts."
"I think she should." Kikyo remarked tossing a quick stare towards Rin but looked back at Kagome. "It could be Koga for all we know."
The miko gasped. "You really think so?"
"Only one way to find out." Kikyo responded sternly.
With that said Kagome quickly flipped open the phone answering it. "Hello?"
"Kagome! I thought you wouldn't answer."
"Oh my gosh Koga!" Kagome exclaimed with her gaze shooting open.
"Koga!?" The group gaped out. Ash tossed Kikyo an odd questionable look. "How the hell did you know it would be Koga?"
Kikyo shrugged. "I was honestly taking a guess. But you never know with him being watched all the time he may have to use a pay phone to contact us."
"True." Miroku nodded in agreement.
"What's going on Koga?" Kagome began to question hoping nothing terrible was happening.
"Don't worry Kagome nothing bad is happening quite yet." He reassured her. "Where are you guys?"
"We're at the hospital taking care of Ayame." The miko answered. She heard him gasp and quickly ask. "Is she alright? Is she really cursed?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes she was but she's going to be alright." She gazed up at Nagami. "We're taking care of it."
She heard him sigh in relief. "Well stay there I'm on my way."
"Wait! You're coming here?"
The group gasped. "What?"
"Koga's actually coming here?" Kikyo questioned her best friend with wide hopeful eyes.
Kagome gazed at her friend waiting for Koga to answer. "Yes I am. Since I have unexpectedly found some type of information that I would like to share with you guys."
"Information? Like what?"
Inuyasha's gaze went wide at that. 'As the wolf actually gathered some information?'
"I'll show you when I get there. So please stay there as long as you can."
Kagome nodded. "Alright Koga we'll be waiting." With that said he hung up and she flipped her phone shut and dug it back into her pocket.
"So what's going on?" Sango questioned strolling up to the miko. "Is Koga actually coming here?"
"Yes." Kagome answered. "Apparently he found some information that he would like to show us."
"Like what?" Ena asked curiously.
"I don't know he didn't say. He said he would show us when he gets here." Kagome responded. "So we have to stay here until he gets here."
"You don't have to tell us twice." Inuyasha grunted crossing his arms. "I would like to hear what that mangy wolf had found out."
"Hopefully it's something useful." Sesshoumaru grunted out.
"Alright Sesshoumaru." The dog demon darted his gaze towards the black miko. She was motioning him to come forward. "The curse is broken now we just have to transfer some of your energy into her."
Sesshoumaru nodded as he approached her. "And how would you want me to transfer my energy to her?"
"Not much just hold her hand." Nagami instructed, Sesshoumaru's response was sitting down next to the wolf girl and held her hand. "Now close your eyes and concentrate." She turned to face the two fully and held up to of her fingers. "And leave the rest to me."
Sesshoumaru nodded allowing her to take the lead, Nagami closed her eyes and began ton concentrate. The others watched as she began to chant a spell in a language that they couldn't understand, soon around Sesshoumaru and Ayame emerged a bright light blue light. Most of the light however came from Sesshoumaru and as Nagami chanted the spell the light from the dog demon floated towards the young girl. Soon the moisture on the girl's face vanished and she was soon breathing smoothly and normally once again.
"Amazing." Senior Higurashi said in awe.
"Imagine what a little energy can do for someone." Ash commented with Ena hanging onto his arm.
"No kidding." Ena responded agreeing with her boyfriend.
The light vanished and Nagami sighed with relief. "There that should do it." They all at Ayame to see that she actually did look a lot better than she was a while ago.
The group sighed in relief. "Nagami you are truly the best." Kagome praised the black miko with a grateful smile.
Nagami gave her a small smile. "Happy to help anyway I can."
"But that looks like it took a lot out of you." Saika pointed out to her old friend with concern.
The black priestess waved her hand slightly. "Oh only a little bit but don't worry I'll recover." She smiled at Sesshoumaru. "Thank you Sesshoumaru."
He nodded and then retreated to Rin's side. "Now all that's left to do is to let Ayame rest and recover." Nagami told the group. "Which I'm sure won't be too long considering she's free from that curse."
"Yes." Kikyo responded smiling at the young girl. "She can finally sleep at ease." 'Same with Koga.'
Nagami began putting her things away. "So then," She caught their attention as she smirked at them, "shall we wait in the waiting room for Koga?"
"Can't we stay in here?" Inuyasha asked curiously with a raised brow.
"Well we could but I think it would be best if we allowed Ayame to rest without us in the room." The black miko explained warmly.
"Yes." He heard Kagome agree getting his attention. She smiled up at him. "We should allow Ayame to rest in peace, she's had enough drama for one lifetime."
Inuyasha sighed understanding where his girlfriend was going with this. He then nodded. "Alright then," He turned towards the door, "then let's go wait for that wolf."
His friends and the adults nodded before following him and Kagome into the waiting room. 'I just hope Koga can make it here without getting caught.' Kikyo prayed anxiously.
They made it into the waiting room. "Now we just have to settle down and wait." Miroku told the group calmly.
"We figured that much." Inuyasha grunted before walking in with his arms crossed. "And hopefully will get here soon. I'm anxious to know what he's found out."
"Same here." Ash responded as he sat down with Ena taking a seat right next to him. "It'll be good to finally get rid of that creep for good." Ena added with a soft sigh leaning her head against the neko's shoulder.
"No kidding." Sango agreed taking a seat across from the two with Miroku quickly sitting next to her. "Just remembering what that sick demon has done to both Kagome and Koga and Ayame makes me sick."
"Couldn't agree more." Miroku agreed nodding wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"But this is just so confusing." Kikyo spoke up taking a seat next to Ena getting their attention. "Just what in the world is Naraku planning? Why was he tempting to take Kagome and Ayame's energy?"
"Why the hell are you asking us for?" Inuyasha remarked roughly gazing sternly at Kikyo holding Kagome's hand as she stood very close to him. "It's not like we would know anything."
"I realize that but maybe we can at least try and figure out." Kikyo defended softly.
"Maybe he's doing this to gain power." They heard Ena suggest grasping their attention. "Since again isn't he a power hungry type of demon?"
"Yes but why would he just go after Kagome and Ayame's energy?" Rin questioned sitting next to Miroku with Sesshoumaru standing up leaning against a wall next to her.
"Yes if he truly wanted power why would he go after two young girls?" Sesshoumaru added to her question with his normal monotone voice.
"Well like I said while taking care of Ayame's curse." Nagami stepped in catching their attention. "It may not just be Kagome and Ayame he's after he could be after many people. It's just those two were probably the easiest to catch."
"True considering how young they were when he had them in his clutches." Ash agreed.
"Good you're all still here!"
The gang jerked quickly darted their gazes towards the open as Koga emerged.
"Koga!" Everyone practically shouted surprised to see him standing there. "You actually made it!?" Ena gaped out.
Koga narrowed his gaze slightly. "What you thought I wasn't going to keep my word!"
"No it's not that Koga." Kagome defended as she quickly strolled up to him catching his gaze. "It's just with you being watched by Naraku and his minions constantly we just thought that…"
"You might not show up because of that." Kikyo added appearing next to Kagome.
Koga groaned. "At this point I'm not sure if I'm still being watched or not."
"How could you not be so sure?" Inuyasha questioned him narrowing his gaze slightly. He then began eyeing him. "They didn't end up following you did they?"
"Honestly I have no clue anymore. They could very well have followed me with me not being aware of it."
"You idiot!" Inuyasha practically shouted not believing Koga would actually put them all at risk like that. "How could you not be aware if one of those creeps were following you?"
"Because they could be hiding their presences with one of those stupid scrolls!" Koga shot back glaring at him.
Inuyasha and the others flinched. "What?"
"What are you talking about Koga?" Ena questioned the wolf with an odd expression. She strolled up to him with Ash close beside her.
"This is why." Koga dug into his knapsack and pulled out an envelope of photos. He handed it to them. "I managed to sneak into Naraku's office and took these pictures of some interesting things."
The group gasped and Kagome quickly grabbed the photos. Her friends and family gathered around as she began looking through the pictures.
"What the hell is this!?" Sango practically shouted and darted her gaze towards Koga. "He has a file on all of us!?"
"Apparently." Koga answered. "Though I'm not sure about his minions but I know we all have one including myself."
"Oh God when the hell did he take these pictures!" Rin gaped out in disgust gazing over at Koga. "I surely don't remember him or any of his men taking pictures of any of us."
"And that's what makes me think these guys are hiding their presences with those scrolls." Koga emphasized. "Oh else how would they have gotten those pictures without us being aware of it."
Rin shivered. "Ugh that's just plain damn creepy."
"Argh! What a bunch of sick stalkers!" Sango complained angrily agreeing with Rin.
The boys growled viciously not liking the fact that these other boys were taking pictures of their girlfriends, not to mention them.
"Well these bastards are so dead now." Ash replied blankly in an angry tone.
The boys nodded. "Most definitely." Miroku agreed glaring at the photos.
Ena then raised a brow when she noticed something. "Strong Energy?" She read out loud.
"Hm?" Her friends responded now looking at her. She noticed and pointed at Kagome's file. "This, it says she has strong energy."
They looked. "And Kagome isn't the only one whom is being categorized by energy." Koga spoke up; he tilted his head towards the photos. "As you can see each one of us as either very good, strong, good and decent energy written on our files."
"What the heck?" Inuyasha commented roughly gazing at Koga. "What the hell-"
"I honestly have no clue why. But there was some type of orb in there which was filled with energy."
"Seriously?" Kagome questioned Koga with an arched brow.
Koga nodded. "Yes I even managed to get a picture of it."
Kagome gasped and quickly flipped through the photos until she saw the orb. "Whoa." She said in awe.
"Man does that orb look bright." Saika commented.
"And this was filled with energy you said?" Sesshoumaru recited gazing at the wolf demon.
Koga nodded. "That's what I sensed from it."
Nagami's gaze went wide before sighing softly. "Well now that definitely confirms it."
"Confirms what?" Sango questioned the black miko.
"That Naraku is indeed collecting energy." Nagami answered sternly. She tapped the photo with her finger. "That is called an Energy Orb. It is used to collect and store energy and keep it locked up until the owner decides to release it."
The group gasped realizing something. "Then this orb must be where Naraku is storing Ayame's energy." Miroku concluded firmly.
Koga jerked and darted his gaze towards the boy. "Ayame's energy?"
"Yes Koga." He lowered his gaze to Kikyo. "The curse that had been on Ayame allowed Naraku to take some of her energy whenever he pleased."
The wolf's gaze shot wide open. "What?" 'That energy that I sensed earlier in that orb…it was actually Ayame's energy?'
"Though I don't understand why?" Inuyasha voiced in getting his attention. "Why would Naraku take energy from a kid? She can't be all that strong can she?"
Koga narrowed his eyes. "How the hell would I know?"
"Well young people tend to have a lot more energy than older people do." Nagami spoke up catching their gazes. Her arms were crossed continuing to explain. "So he's probably going after you kids because you're all young and have lots of energy to burn."
"That's true." Ash agreed and looked at his friends. "And with her being a demon she has way more energy to burn than humans and hanyous."
"And he's probably also going after most of us because we're hanyous, demons, mikos and monks whom have lots of energy to spare." Ena brought up.
"But what about you and Sango? The last time I checked you two weren't any of those?" Inuyasha questioned her curiously.
Ena shrugged. "Maybe we're just some extra source of energy."
"Okay so we've confirmed that he's collecting energy. But that doesn't tell us why he's collecting energy." Rin reminded them.
"Well like we've said before," They looked at Nagami, "Naraku is now a demon whom loves being powerful and there are ways to make one stronger. One can choose to do it the old fashion way and train or one can choose to cheat and drain certain people of their energy and make it their own. Though for that option they have to do certain steps in order to transfer that energy into their bodies."
"So is he just trying to make himself stronger?" Sesshoumaru asked with interest.
"That's the way it looks at this point." Nagami answered. "Considering he is a half demon."
"Half demon!?" The group gaped out.
"Naraku's a half demon?" Kagome asked with wide shocked eyes.
Nagami nodded. "Yes and he was picked on terribly for it in his earlier years."
"Wouldn't doubt it." Senior Higurashi spoke up gazing up at Nagami. "Back in those days if one was a hanyou you were brutally harassed, mistreated, sometimes murdered and convicted for things they never did. Though nowadays they're getting treated with some respect."
"That's because of the Civil Rights Act not just towards different human and demon races but also towards hanyous as well. Since at that time hanyous stood up for themselves and proved they could be just as tough and be just as successful and do anything just like any regular human or demon could." Nagami informed adding on to what the old man had said.
"Yeah I've heard about that in history class." Miroku commented gazing over at his friends. "But even though that Act was passed there are still hanyous whom are still getting mistreated."
"Well luckily that ain't us." Inuyasha remarked with a soft grunt.
"So far anyway." Ash pointed out to him.
"So Naraku had been harassed for most of his life even when the Act was passed?" Kagome summarized.
"Yes which would be why he is so abusive because he was abused both by society and by his own parents." Nagami began to explain.
"His parents?" Sango repeated raising a brow.
The black miko nodded. "Yes I've met his parents they weren't exactly what you would call…nice. But back in high school when we were dating every time he got harassed he would always say to me, One day of these days I will make them all pay."
"Well with the way things are going he might just get his wish." Sango commented roughly.
"Perhaps." Nagami replied nodding slightly.
"So is Naraku doing this because he wants revenge? Not just on the Higurashi family and my family, but everyone else as well?" Inuyasha asked her oddly.
"I think so. I think he's aiming his revenge at anybody whom never accepted him in his earlier years."
"Talk about holding a grudge." Ena grunted out.
"But why did he start out his revenge on the Higurashi's?" Sesshoumaru questioned. "Why not just start with the people whom actually went to his school?"
Nagami sighed. "To be honest Mr. Higurashi did in fact go to our high school."
"What!?" They gaped out their gazes shooting wide open.
"Our dad actually attended your high school!?" Rin recited with shocked eyes.
"Mom?" Kagome gazed at her mother. "Did you know about this?"
Saika nodded. "Yes I did."
"No…" Kagome said softly realizing something before panicking. "Don't tell me dad actually made fun of Naraku!?" 'No! Dad would never do such a thing! Would he?'
Her mother sighed softly, which made her heart sink. "There was a time in his life that he did actually make fun of Naraku in high school."
"What!?" Her girls practically screeched. Inuyasha's gaze went wide. "Why!?" Kagome stressed out not wanting to believe her own father would do such a thing. "Why would he do such a thing?"
"He was new to the school and was trying to make friends. But apparently he made friends with the wrong crowd and he was pressured to harass Naraku. However he only did it once and after that one time he felt so horrible that he refused to do it again. So he tried his best to avoid that group all together but they kept on finding him and he would end up watching them make fun of Naraku." Saika explained.
"And that group made fun of Naraku?" Ash recited making sure he heard that right.
Saika nodded. "Yes brutally."
"Didn't dad do anything?" Kagome continued to question hoping that he did.
"He tried Kagome but he was only one boy against the whole student body. Every time he tried he ended up getting beaten up and eventually gave up trying. But boy did he ever regret giving up, which is why he taught you girls to never give up on anything no matter what." Saika stressed sadly.
Miroku sighed. "Guess it couldn't be helped back in that time. People were still adjusting to the new act and most people still acted on viciously."
"So then Naraku saw him as someone who never accepted him." Ena concluded as she begun to pull the pieces together.
"And then when Mr. Higurashi got in the middle of Mrs. Higurashi and Naraku that made his hatred towards him worse." Sesshoumaru added pulling more of the pieces together. His gaze narrowed. "So then probably when the two fell in love and got married that made his hatred grow even more."
"So then he saw Mrs. Higurashi as someone whom never accepted him and he began hating her as well." Ena continued narrowing her gaze.
"Which probably lead him to target the Higurashi family first because of that hatred." Ash went on.
Nagami nodded. "Yes since I do believe that Naraku could have fallen in love with Saika."
"What?" The teens gaped out as Saika darted her surprised gaze to Nagami.
"Well he surely had a funny way of showing it." Inuyasha scoffed narrowing his gaze. "If he seriously calls beating up women or cheating on them a show of affection than that crack pot is more messed up than I thought."
"He was only abusive if he was seriously angered and that happened a lot which made it hard to be around him, and the cheating surely didn't help at all either." Nagami explained rolling her eyes. "But I think Mr. Higurashi getting involved and marrying the woman Naraku probably loved may have set him over the edge."
"But what about you or that other girl he cheated with?" Sango brought up raising a brow. "Did he love you guys as well?"
"Apparently not as much as Saika."
"I still find it hard to believe that a sick bastard like him would be in love with Mrs. Higurashi." Inuyasha grunted gruffly.
"Well it must be true if they were the first one's to feel his wrath." Miroku reminded him.
"Yeah well that could have been Naraku being a sore loser!" The hanyou commented roughly. "He could have just hated the fact that he lost a woman to a human."
"But then why was he so determined to keep her if he wasn't?" Nagami questioned him. "He never fought like that when I broke up with him or when the girl he chose to cheat with basically broke up with him. So why would he suddenly fight for Saika if he possibly didn't fall for her?"
Inuyasha jerked when she came at him with those questions. "Either way you go Inuyasha…" He looked at Miroku, "it always leads back to that."
"Well it surely doesn't seem like he does anymore." Sesshoumaru brought up. "Considering he's basically targeting her whole family."
"Huh?" Koga lowered his gaze to Kikyo. "Am I missing something here?"
Kikyo sighed looking up at him. "I'll explain later."
"Okay lets summarize what we have figured out." Koga sighed getting everyone's attention. "Naraku is collecting energy using certain spells and such and putting them in that Energy orb. He's collecting energy to make him stronger so he can carry out his revenge on the people whom never accepted him and he began his revenge with the Higurashi's because he hated them the most. Considering Mr. Higurashi may have taken the women he could have loved."
"Wait!" Kagome suddenly spoke up catching everyone's gazes. She looked up at Inuyasha. "How does your family fit in all of this?"
Inuyasha's gaze went wide as she reminded him of that. "Yes." The two looked at Kikyo as she gazed at Nagami. "How is Inuyasha involved in all of this?"
Nagami sighed softly gazing at them blankly. "That's not my story to tell, that's something that Inutashio should explain."
Inuyasha narrowed his gaze and looked at Sesshoumaru. "Then let's go pay dad a visit. It's about time we get to the bottom of this so we can figure out some type of battle plan."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "Agreed." He turned glancing over his shoulder. "Let's get going while we have a moment to spare."
"Right." The other teens nodded with determination.
The group began to move out of the waiting room. "I'll go too." Koga responded motioning to follow.
"Wait Koga." Kikyo said quickly stepping up to him. He stopped to look at her. "I think you should stay here."
"What? Why the hell should I do that?" Koga questioned her with slight anger. "Especially when we are so close to figuring out Naraku and his angle."
"Koga you've done enough for today." Kikyo told him calmly. "You shouldn't have to put yourself more as risk than you already are."
"At this point I could careless." Koga retorted glaring at her. "Ayame's out of harm so I have nothing to worry about it."
"You can't be so sure about that Koga." Ash advised stepping up beside Kikyo. "She may be out of harm right now but that doesn't mean she can't go back in Naraku's grasp."
Koga's eyes went wide as he pointed that out to him. "Yes Koga." He gazed over at Ena as she appeared beside her boyfriend. "There could be a chance Naraku could come after her again."
"Yes especially if he's planning on draining her dry." Miroku voiced in. "So I do think it would be best if you stayed here with Ayame. You know just to be cautious you never know when those guys will suddenly appear."
"Especially if they are hiding their presence from us." Sango brought up reminding him of that.
"Yeah and I don't think you would want her placed under a curse once again." Inuyasha commented crossing his arms with a blank stare.
Koga lowered his gaze. "No I don't."
"And besides all that…" He raised his eyes slightly as Kagome approached him. She smiled. "After all she's been through don't you think it would make Ayame extremely happy to wake up seeing her older brother beside her, safe and sound? I'm sure she's missed you and been wanting to see you more than anything."
"As do I." The wolf responded softly.
"Then go see her and be there when she wakes up and let her know things will be alright. Just be there for her." Kagome continued to advise him. "Since who knows when you'll get a chance like this again."
Koga lowered his gaze thinking about what she had said. He sighed now smiling at her. "Alright I will."
Kagome smiled in return and looked back at her other friends. "Alright now let's head out guys."
They nodded and motioned towards the door. Koga gasped suddenly remembering something. "Wait!"
"Ugh! What now?" Inuyasha practically barked out with irritation. He glared at the wolf. "We don't have anymore time to waste talking to you."
"I realize that mutt-face!" Koga shot back tossing a glare at him before gazing at the group with urgency. "But be on guard because before I snuck into Naraku's office I saw Genji leave. He's out to get you Sesshoumaru hoping to take your energy and give it to Naraku."
Sesshoumaru groaned narrowing his gaze. "I was wondering when that bastard would strike again." He nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for the heads up."
Koga nodded in return. "No problem."
"Okay now let's get going before dad leaves the station." Inuyasha ushered anxious to get to the bottom of this mystery.
The group then finally retreated leaving Koga all alone. He sighed. 'I just hope Naraku didn't setup some type of trap.' He gazed at the floor. 'Since I find it very unlikely that Naraku would actually leave stuff like that out.'
A happy flirtatious feminine giggle echoed throughout the room. "Oh Naraku you're such a trickster."
"Heh well I'm glad you think so." Naraku said smirking at the woman. The woman was a beautiful dragon demon with light blue scale like skin and beautiful sparkling ruby eyes. Her hair was a sparkling purple that stopped in the middle of her back.
The two were lying on a queen-sized bed with their lower halves covered by the bed sheets. Naraku's arm was wrapped around the dragon demon. "It's good to be with someone whom actually appreciates me and my intelligence."
"Oh Naraku you knew that's what I love about you." The woman smiled leaning against his bare chest. "That's what first attracted me to you."
"You flatter me all too well Yuki." Naraku complemented with a wicked smile.
Yuki giggled smiling up to him. "I'm here to serve you anyway I can. I just find your trickery so sexy and brave. I don't think anybody would have the guts to actually allow that wolf to find those things, things that could end up getting you locked up."
"Yes I do have a lot of guts." Naraku laughed out. "But don't worry it'll all pay off soon I'll have all of their energies which will make me much more powerful than ever before." He smirked wickedly. "Making it easy to inflicted my revenge on these poor saps."
"Oh just hearing you talk like that makes pleasant shivers go down my spine." Yuki cooed with a seductive tone. She twirled her fingers in his hair. "And soon we'll take control of this pathetic country and then we'll be unstoppable."
Naraku just laughed. "Well my lovely dragon I'm glad you're excited about my plan. But soon it'll become a reality."
Yuki sighed pleasantly laying her head on his chest closing her eyes. "I honestly can't wait."
Naraku rubbed her shoulder. 'And soon everyone will regret ever harassing me.' His gaze went hard. 'And for taking what was mine.' He looked up at the ceiling. 'Ain't that right Hiraku. I took your life as payback for taking what was mine and now I will inflict what you've done on the people you love.' He smirked. 'And all you can do is watch regretting ever stepping between me and Saika.'
END OF CHAPTER
Yes! I finally finished this chapter! Again I'm sorry for the late update and I'm sorry the chapter isn't exactly long. But I hope this chapter was worth the wait and made some sense. If it didn't I apologize I tried to explain the situation as best as I could. But I hope you all liked the chapter nonetheless. Don't know when I'll get the next chapter up, since now I have to get working on the chapter for Lost Memories. But next chapter will be when Genji attacks and they learn more about how Inuyasha's family is involved and they learn about the plan. Won't tell you much more than that.
Hope to see you all in the next chapter! Again I'm sorry for the long wait!
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