Personality Cult

Joey Sharkbait

2020

[Soundtrack: "Personality Cult" by Issues]

Stupid fire demon…

I shook my head as I soared through the heavens, closely brushing a few treetops. She had to learn the truth someday; better sooner as opposed to later… However, it was at her own risk. I understood why she did it, and I would be lying if I said I was not thankful for her failed kamikaze. I felt for the kid, knowing full well the extent of her punishment for her attempted murder of Naraku.

Rouge was literally hanging in the dungeons currently. Hanging from the ceiling in shackles; no armor, no weapons. Just skin and blood and bruises. Kohaku and I were to guard her cell in shifts. I did not condemn her actions, just her impulsiveness. Rewriting her mind would be a difficult project for Naraku. I wouldn't be shocked if she was dead by sunrise.

Pity. I was starting to hope we could save her, too.

Oh well…

Rouge's unanticipated rebellion gave me plenty of time to fly off to fulfill my promise to Inuyasha's pack. I was almost to the abandoned taijiya village. Rouge's antics came as a serendipitous distraction for Naraku; he sent me off to deter Inuyasha and anyone else he feared was closing in on us. He sent me alone, unsupervised, with merely the offer of a swarm of lesser demons, should I choose to employ them.

Naraku set his focus today, all day, on punishing Rouge and trying to figure out what to do with her. He was hesitant to just kill her, seeing that as a waste; he would prefer to enslave her once more. His new distraction was also reluctantly welcomed by Sango, although she would never admit it. I checked in with her before leaving the castle. It broke my heart that I could not willingly stop him from harming her; the least I could do was offer her comfort and my growing devotion to her.

I had the village in sight. I sped up, enjoying the adrenaline rush and the wind in my hair. I was in my element. And one step closer to freedom.

I landed gracefully on the ground in the middle of the village. I was early. The demon horde hovering behind me was growing restless. I was growing annoyed.

As if on cue, Inuyasha and his pack showed up.

"Kagura!" yelled Inuyasha.

"Welcome," I stated.

"What is this nonsense?" asked Miroku, gesturing to the yokai vermin behind me.

"A 'gift' from Naraku," I said.

Inuyasha huffed. "Thank you, I suppose." He unsheathed his sword. His comrades also assumed battle stances.

"You're welcome." I threw my feather into the air and mounted it, soaring high above the futile battle about to happen below.

I watched, bored, as Inuyasha and the others destroyed the lesser demons in no time at all. After the last demon worm fell, I descended back to the ground. I stood up and collected my feather and turned to face the half-demon.

"Yo," I greeted.

"Salutations, Kagura," was Inuyasha's sarcastic reply. "So, what's up? Why the secrecy? You sure were quick to end our last discussion. And at such a crucial point, too."

I tucked my feather back into my hair and looked around. I could not sense or smell any opposing forces. We were safe for now. I noticed it was only the monk and priestess that accompanied Inuyasha tonight.

"I was close to being watched," I answered. "And he was summoning me back. I had to go. It wouldn't be worth the risk to hang around and get caught. Too much is at stake."

"How is Sango?" asked Miroku. The monk's dark blue eyes were filled with concern. He looked like he hadn't slept in quite some time. "Is she safe?" The haste in his voice sparked a small twinge of jealousy in me. I kept myself in check. She's not mine…

"She's fine for now," I stated.

"Has anything happened to her?" asked Miroku. Wrong question…

I couldn't hide the anger on my face but I kept my tone level. "She's been through it… but she's alive. And surviving." I glimpsed the monk's grip on his staff tighten. Inuyasha's ear twitched.

"So, do you have a plan?" asked Inuyasha. "It sounded like you did back in the forest."

I mulled over my ideas and theories in my head. I knew Naraku's reconstruction period was upon us, I just did not have a pinpoint estimation of when. Likely within the next few days, judging from his heightened mood swings and isolation today and yesterday. He also looked a little worse for wear today. Even the fact that he did not just kill Rouge outright for her betrayal was suspicious enough…

"As you are all aware, Naraku is a half-demon, and as such, he has a weakened period each month," I began. My anxiety heightened just a little. This is really happening…

"Yes," said Kagome, "but doesn't he get to choose his time?"

"He does…"

"Then what does that mean for us?" asked Miroku.

"I think his time is approaching," I explained. I took out my fan and examined it, feigning boredom as a replacement for the anxiety stirring within me. I was about to set off a rather dangerous chain of events, should anything go wrong… "I believe it will begin in the next few days, perhaps even as soon as tomorrow.'

Inuyasha finally sheathed the tetsusaiga. "Remind me again why you are helping us? Why are you helping Sango? What is your angle in this, Kagura?"

He had every right to question my motives. I would be as transparent as possible. "I grow tired of Naraku's treachery. He has done things that even the most heinous of criminals would abhor. I no longer wish to be associated with someone as vile as him. I also have my own reasons…"

"Freedom." Inuyasha already knew.

"Indeed." Freedom of my own; and the liberation of a certain demon slayer who was quickly becoming the object of my affection… "I want my heart and my freedom. Both of those things require Naraku's demise."

"I'll gladly lend you a hand there," said Inuyasha. He cracked his knuckles and smiled wickedly. Miroku and Kagome nodded in agreement on either side of him.

"Why else the change of heart?" asked Kagome. "Why assist us so readily?"

I had to choose my words carefully here. After a long pause and much thought, I finally gave the young miko an answer. "I have been charged with the oversight of the slayer, Sango. Needless to say, she and I have a lot more in common than I'd expected. I could say the same to you all. Your entire band has been drawn together by the shared goal of Naraku's downfall, if I'm not mistaken."

"'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'," quoted Miroku.

"Enough banter!" said Inuyasha. "When is the day? What do you recommend? Better sooner rather than later, I say."

I did not enjoy being put on the spot like that, although I understood his impatience and the overall urgency of the situation. I still could not find myself able to disclose exact directions… Damn spell… I did have my time perception back on this trek, at least. Maybe his spell was weakening… Another good sign. I looked around, to the clouds and setting sun for guidance, desperately searching my memory. How did I get here?

It all came back to me. "I think you can make it there in a day on foot. If you leave now…"

"Which way?" asked Miroku.

I paused, searching my brain once more… the hold was certainly weakening…

"North…" I could remember!

"I couldn't hear you," said Miroku.

"North! The castle is a day north of here!" Excitement and adrenaline pumped through me. I searched the skies for saimyosho or any other warning signs. Nothing, nothing at all…

"Then it's settled," said Inuyasha. "Do you have a plan from there?"

I smiled evilly. "Just have fun and do whatever you please."

"Where will you be? What about Sango?" asked the monk.

"Let's just say if Naraku still isn't distracted by his latest mistake, we will offer some kind of diversion." Rouge did come in handy, it seemed. Even in captivity. The idea of a jailbreak crossed my mind; that would be an entertaining deviation, if needed…

"Didn't you say he has a new demon in his command?" asked Kagome.

"He did," I smirked. "She is not currently in his service."

"I see…" Inuyasha looked around. "No tricks up your sleeve?"

"Not one," I confirmed. "I only seek to escape Naraku's clutches and be my own person. I enjoy destruction and the like as much as the next demon, but it is not a necessity for me. I'd rather waste my time elsewhere doing things that actually matter."

"Fair enough," said Inuyasha. "We'll be there at dusk. Tomorrow."

I reached for my feather. "Sounds like we have a solid plan, then."

"Please tell Sango we are on our way," said Miroku. He couldn't hide the tone of desperation in his voice. I admired the monk as a warrior but his apparent pining after Sango was starting to annoy me. It was really none of my business but it sounded like he already had his chance with her.

"Will do, sir monk," I promised, keeping my pleasant demeanor. He was an ally, regardless. And Sango's friend. That alone warranted my respect. A hardened, confident smile formed on the monk's face.

"Alright, Kagura," said Inuyasha. "Tomorrow night, Naraku is going down!"

I threw up my feather and laughed as I hopped onto it and soared away. The strangest mixture of anxiety and a sudden lightness in my chest gave me hope for the future.

I could see Kanna waiting for me in the courtyard as I descended from the sky. I opted for a more dramatic entrance, inspired by my newfound confidence; I leapt off my feather about two stories up. I landed hard, but unharmed, one knee down, my other foot planted firmly to the ground. I held out my hand; my feather fluttered perfectly into my palm.

"Kanna." Sometimes I wished she wasn't simply the void. Nonetheless, she was still my 'sister'.

"Welcome back, Kagura," said Kanna. I pretended she was happy for my return.

"What brings you out?" I asked.

"Master Naraku wishes for your presence in his chambers," stated the ghostly yokai child.

"Of course." I arose and tucked my feather back into my hair.

I followed Kanna inside and through the many hallways until we reached our destination. It was no surprise that Naraku had declared the dead lord's bedroom as his new lair. Naraku had consumed everything the handsome young prince was, from his life to his precious mortal soul. Nothing remained except this haunted castle and the false body that Naraku now possessed.

Kanna opened the door and we stepped inside. The room was dark. Naraku sat in the very corner, looking pale as ever. The room reeked of death and miasma.

"Kagura, you've returned already," observed Naraku.

"I get bored easily," I said. "Send me on a real mission next time."

"Oh?" Naraku raised an eyebrow.

I decided to play along, not wanting to arise any inkling of suspicion of my impending betrayal. "Why do you insist I taunt them with demon swarms and your insects? I am more than capable of taking them out on my own."

"You are far too confident, Kagura. Your naivete will be your demise."

I scowled at him. "What is it you need from me?"

Naraku let out a heavy sigh. "See to it that Rouge does not escape. I may be… absent… over the next few days or so. I have subdued her with the most hellacious imagery I could conjure. She's currently trapped in her own mind. Physical torture didn't do anything to that one. She simply does not care."

"I see. I take it as I am to relieve Kohaku soon? Assuming he is on guard currently."

"You thought right, Kagura," said Naraku. "I want you two on rotating shifts. Kanna will be overseeing as well, in between visiting with me so I can see…"

"What do you want me to do with Sango?" I asked, curious.

Naraku grimaced. "Take her with you, lock her away, too. I don't care. Just see to it that neither she nor Rouge escape. Or in Sango's case, ensure she does not… expire… of her own hand."

I bowed. "Yes, sir."

"You may leave, Kagura," said Naraku. A weakness was in his voice. He was trying hard to hide it. "I'll speak with you soon."

"Kohaku!"

The boy looked up at me as I approached. He blinked a few times before standing at attention.

"Yes, Kagura?"

"You are relieved of duty," I commanded.

"Yes, ma'am." He walked past me, beginning his journey back to his room. He stopped as he passed Sango, who was trailing about ten paces behind me, slowed by her recent injuries and lack of sleep.

"Kohaku…" she said his name quietly.

"Miss Sango," said Kohaku. "You're injured…"

Sango cast her gaze down and rubbed her bandaged arm with her re-broken dominant hand. "I'll be fine…" The boxer's fracture was her own doing this time, although I could not entirely condemn her for her self-destructive activities.

A rather violent nightmare interrupted her slumber last night. She woke up in a panic. I couldn't calm her down quickly enough and she was stronger than my own half-asleep restraint. Sango had swung at me, believing me to be her attacker. I managed to restrain her once more until she was fully awake. Her awakening did not bode well; she was confused, scared, and angry. She was angry at herself for being frightened, for having the nightmare, and for attacking me.

Sango angrily punched the bedroom wall with enough force to rebreak her hand. This resulted in her added frustration at herself. I almost wanted to slap her for her outburst but chose not to for many reasons. I couldn't bring myself to cause her anymore pain.

I tuned out the two taijiya siblings behind me and turned my attention to the fire demon in front of me. She hung from the ceiling in shackles, her clothing tattered and torn. Blood smeared her skin and her hair was matted.

"Rouge?" I called. She twitched, unconscious. I looked around the ground, quickly spotting a stone that likely broke from the architecture at some point. I stood up and tossed it at Rouge. It hit her in the shoulder, startling her awake.

"Huh? What's going on?" she looked around, groggy.

"Good morning, sunshine," I greeted.

"Fuck you, Kagura!" There's the Rouge I knew.

"I see you are pleasant as always," I remarked. Out of my peripheral vision, I spied Kohaku giving Sango an awkward hug before saying his goodbyes and heading off toward the stairs. Sango was soon at my side.

"Rouge," greeted the slayer.

"Slayer…" Rouge swung slowly from the ceiling, unamused. "I suppose you two will be my company this evening? What a delight!" This bitch was warped. Can't blame her…

"Unfortunately." I actually thought I could like her for a moment last night, in the midst of her sad revelation and sob story coming to light in the moonlight. She was back to her annoying, pompous self now, however. Albeit she seemed a bit more unstable. Her energy was fluctuating.

"Are you going to beat me, too?" asked Rouge. "Go on ahead! Or better yet, just end me and get it over with!"

"Are you meaning to say you no longer desire your revenge?" I asked.

Rouge was silent for a moment. "I'll never get it. Not in here…"

I felt Sango grab my hand, interlacing her fingers with mine. "Sango…" I cautioned. I still did not trust anyone with our secret… relationship. Rouge was neither friend nor foe. I felt something small and metal in my palm and clenched it as Sango released my hand. A key…

I looked to Sango, surprise adorning my features. "I got it from Kohaku."

"Hmm…" Leverage… possibly.

"What are you two whispering about?" asked Rouge. She craned her neck to look at us as she slowly spun around. "What have you got? Is that drugs? I would like some, if so!"

I cringed. Rouge was out of her mind. She had every right to be, but still. "It's a key, you wretch."

Her eyes widened. "Is that my key? Are you going to let me out?"

"Maybe…" I answered. I looked around. It was just the three of us. "Rouge…" Revealing our plan to her was a heavy gamble. "Can we trust you?"

"I have no fucking idea," rambled the fire demon, "will you let me dismember that motherfucker if you let me out? I want his blood. I crave his demise."

I looked to Sango, unsure. Rouge was clearly teetering on the edge of insanity. Sango's eyes widened and she shook her head. I examined the key and tucked it away inside my robes, next to my fan.

"I'm not stupid; I know you two are plottin' shit!" Rouge called out. "I want in on it!"

I took out my fan. Tonight was going to be long. Maybe I shouldn't have woken her up… but then again, she would be a very powerful force to be reckoned with tomorrow night. She alone would keep Naraku very busy while Sango and I escaped with Kohaku to join the others.

"Rouge," I began again, "what exactly are your plans once you leave here?"

"By 'here', if you mean this cell, my plans are to rip that monster Naraku to tiny little shreds and then set the remains on fire…"

"Ok… well, that seems a bit hasty. You lack tact." I called her out.

"Fuck tact! He killed my entire damn family! And he killed me!" Rouge snarled, swaying from her chains.

I put my hand to my forehead. I would prefer if Rouge could be of some help during the upcoming battle, but I couldn't trust that she wouldn't just go off and confront Naraku on her own again. That would ruin the entire plan. If she were to be apprehended before the plan came to full fruition, it would spell disaster for me and Sango. I admired the kid's spirit but she had to calm down and consider the consequences of her actions.

"Rouge, I get that," I said, trying very hard not to lose my patience. "You just have to—"

"What? What do I have to do now? You have no fucking idea, Kagura! You know nothing of my plight!"

I growled and raised my fan. "Dance of-!"

I felt Sango's soft but firm grip on my wrist, stopping my impending attack. She looked from me to Rouge, a hardened expression on her face and emotion filling her eyes.

"Rouge, I do understand you, completely," Sango's words were heavy with conviction. "Have you forgotten our warnings? Are you aware of how Kohaku and I both came to be here in this wretched place?" Sango gently pushed past me and stood in between me and Rouge's cell. She gripped the bars and stared Rouge in the eyes.

"Naraku set me and my fellow slayers up! He posed as the lord of the castle and summoned us here on a routine extermination that went horribly awry. He possessed Kohaku and forced him to kill our brothers- and sisters-in-arms! He made Kohaku kill our father!" Sango pushed against the bars on the cell, her knuckles turning white as her grip tightened. "After they were all dead, Kohaku's possession lifted so he could see what he had done! I'll never forget the look on his face upon realizing he held the blade that took them all down…"

Sango pushed herself away from the cell and turned around. She took a deep breath and wiped angry tears from her eyes before looking over her shoulder at Rouge once more. "Next, my brother and I were shot down by arrows, declared insane." She faced the caged beast, shaking with rage. "I was buried alive. I clawed my way out of my own grave and was nursed back to health by the young prince, whose form Naraku now possesses. I overheard Prince Kagewake discussing the fate of my village with Naraku, who told him that Inuyasha was the one responsible for all the deaths!"

"Naraku offered me a jewel shard and implanted it in my back. I knew I was near death but I wanted to live long enough to avenge my people." Sango clenched her fists and held her arms stiff at her sides. "I soon found out that Inuyasha was not responsible and that it was Naraku all along. I also learned that my younger brother was now in his employment, also resurrected by a jewel shard but devoid of all memory, for better or worse." She approached Rouge's cell, her confidence still standing strong but her tone softening. "I joined Inuyasha and his friends, as we share a common goal of Naraku's destruction. We have been fighting him ever since, for over a year now. Almost two…"

Rouge was silent; her expression had softened gradually over Sango's monologue. The fire demon for once had no words. "Sango…"

"I was captured during our latest pursuit of him," said Sango, "I have been here as his prisoner of war for nearly a month now. And it sickens me every day that I am here, in this position, powerless; while he goes about his business of lying and pillaging and creating ruin and chaos wherever he walks. I want nothing more than to free Kohaku of his clutches and destroy him. He's taken everything from me, Rouge. Everything." Her voice trembled with that last word.

"Kagura may not know the specificities of your quandary with Naraku, but I think I have a pretty decent idea. So do not assume my intentions or mistake my offer of an alliance as naivete or weakness," Sango continued. Confidence was in her words, strength in her voice. "I have been through hell, Rouge. I am living in it right now. I have been since I unearthed my own grave. I empathize with you but do not view your dilemma as something truly remarkable. It's Naraku's same old disgusting treachery."

A tension filled the room. I had nothing to say. I was in awe of Sango's impromptu speech. The confidence she displayed just now was inspiring to say the least. I found myself inwardly swooning over her behavior; although I recognized now was certainly not the time or place for such adolescent whims.

"Rouge, our friends are on their way here, right now," Sango continued. I was shocked at her confession. I really hope she had gotten through to the young fire demon. It appeared so, as Rouge had yet to even make a peep since Sango verbally tore into her. "You can either lend us your support or you can rot in here. It's your choice." Damn.

I smirked at the astonishment present on Rouge's face. It took her a moment to form a coherent sentence. "I'll help you," she finally stated. "Will you let me go, then?"

Sango looked to me then back at Rouge. "No. Not yet."

"Why?" asked Rouge.

"We can't risk you running around the castle wreaking havoc," I spoke up. Rouge glared daggers at me, her amethyst eyes burning with rage.

Sango interrupted whatever rude sentence was on the tip of Rouge's tongue. "She's right. Besides, you're in no shape to fight. Lie low and rest, if you can. We will need you at full strength tomorrow."

Rouge groaned. "Ok… I guess… Will you at least get me my weapons and armor back?"

"Maybe," I answered, "where did they go?"

"Naraku gave them to Kohaku earlier. I don't know what he did with them…"

"We'll find them, Rouge," reassured Sango. She reached into her kimono and held out a silver dagger. The same one she stole from Rouge a few days ago and used to stab Naraku with.

"That's mine! Where did you find that?" asked Rouge.

Sango flung the blade into the cell. It lodged between two stones in the wall, behind Rouge. "Don't worry about it." She looked to me, a small half-smile tugging at her lips.

"So, when should we expect company?" asked Rouge.

"Tomorrow at dusk," I replied, sitting on the floor across from Rouge's cell. Sango soon joined me.

"What's the plan, exactly?"

"Inuyasha and his friends are going to storm the castle. That will no doubt get Naraku's attention. He will be in his weakened state, as he is a half-demon, and will be caught off guard. Still, he will go investigate or at least send someone else to do so. Should he send me, I will take Kohaku with me and Sango will come free you so the two of you may join the battle and escape. If he sends anyone else, expect me to be your relief."

"Ok… sounds straightforward enough," said Rouge.

Somehow, I managed to stay awake the entire night. Sango fell asleep a couple hours before sunrise. Rouge surprised me; she had actually become pleasant conversation over the course of the night. She called me out on my protectiveness of Sango. I did not have an answer for her, as regardless of recent pleasantries, I did not owe her one. Rouge left well enough alone and dropped the subject with a knowing smile on her face.

"You better get some sleep, Rouge," I warned. "Regeneration works better with adequate sleep."

"Ah, the day is still young and so am I," mused Rouge. "Sleep will find me eventually, be it delirium or something else entirely…" I shook my head. I recently learned she was only about Kohaku's age in demon years. Maybe a bit older. Her apparent intelligence and experience in battle led me to initially believe she was older; however, her short fuse and impulsivity betrayed her. She was much younger than Sango or myself, at least. What a pity…

Footsteps were approaching; a gait that sounded like that of Kohaku. The boy was indeed approaching us; I was happy to see him and be relieved of my shift.

"Kagura," said Kohaku. He yawned. "My turn."

I turned to Sango and gently shook her shoulder. She slowly woke up, looking around and blinking the sleep from her tired eyes. I stood up and helped her to her feet before handing Kohaku the key to Rouge's cell.

Sango and I began the longer than usual trek back to my room, on the other side of the castle. We passed by the room where my heart was kept, the place where Rouge was resurrected. I paused briefly at the doorway. I felt a beckoning from within.

Not now…

"What's wrong, Kagura?" asked Sango.

I couldn't take my eyes off the door. "Nothing," I replied. I walked ahead of her, gently grabbing her hand as I did so, in a silent beg for her to follow me. "Let's go get some sleep, dear." I felt the strangest feeling until we were back in our hall, far from that dreaded chamber.

We made it back to my room, both exhausted. I collapsed onto my bed, Sango soon falling beside me. Neither of us even bothered changing clothes or messing with the blankets. I just put my arms around her and pulled her close, resting my chin on top of her head. Sango returned the embrace; I could feel her heartbeat. I smiled as I held her and sleep claimed us both.

We were so close to leaving this place. I could almost taste our freedom and our potential vengeance. Even if we couldn't kill Naraku tomorrow night, if we could at least escape… I would be content with that. I longed to be free as the wind and go where ever I pleased. I think I would stay with Sango for a while, though, as long as she and her friends would have me.

We did have a common goal, after all. The terrible thing that draws us all together. This is who we are, I suppose. A resistance of sorts. Unfortunate souls brought to life, cursed, and haunted by the sacred Shikon jewel and the destruction that follows it. This is who we are… products of war… but who will we become?

Who will I become?