Chapter Four
Naraku winced as he settled at the base of a large tree in a remote area on the edge of the city. He peeled away the tattered remnants of his outer haori to assess the damage and grimaced when he realized it would take at least a week for his body to completely regenerate.
"Damn," he muttered with growing discomfort. That human was definitely going to pay, just as soon as he was on his feet again. They would all pay if he had anything to do with it. He smiled wistfully. Oh yes, there was nothing so sweet as revenge, and he was going to make sure they all got a taste of his.
Hiei grumbled under his breath as he made his way back down the mountainside, the kitsune not too far behind him. Undoubtedly, it was going to take much longer for him to get back to Spirit World than it would have before, and the thought annoyed him even further, if it was possible. How had he let that stupid fox convince him to take him to Koenma? He shook his head, there was a time not long ago he would have simply killed the fox demon and been done with the whole mess.
"I must be going soft," he muttered, thoroughly irritated at himself.
He knew, though, that if he'd honestly had the tiniest shred of doubt, even the slightest inkling that the fox was lying to him, he wouldn't have hesitated to take his head. He was quite sure the kitsune knew this as well, and it helped to soothe his pride a little. Not that his pride hadn't taken several beatings as of late, Koenma being the cause of most of them.
He growled inwardly, he was not thrilled with the child prince right now. He'd had his suspicions that Koenma was hiding something from the beginning. The pint-sized ruler never sent Hiei to do the investigating, not unless he was desperate; Hiei's methods of obtaining information made him uneasy, to say the least. He wondered why Koenma had been so distressed as to send him out this time. Now he understood.
Hiei paused when he came to the edge of a rather steep embankment and waited for his traveling companion to catch up. He had been gauging the fox's abilities since they left the caverns. He wasn't anywhere near as fast as Hiei, but he was quite agile, and it appeared, not totally inept when it came to using his natural abilities to his advantage. Many times, he'd looked back to find a large, pink balloon hovering around some of the more difficult obstacles of the mountain, such was the case now. Hn. At least maybe he wouldn't be a complete nuisance.
"It would benefit you to save some energy, kitsune," Hiei intoned. "The youkai are restless in the marshlands, and we'll be coming upon them soon. I have no reservations against leaving you to them should you fall behind."
Shippou tensed, he had no doubt the fire apparition meant what he said. He really couldn't blame him, either. Hiei had been thrust into the middle of a very volatile situation against his will, and he was handling it remarkably well in Shippou's opinion. He couldn't help but be slightly irritated at the fire apparition's attitude, though. He was no weakling, Kouga had seen to that, and he'd be damned if he'd let anyone imply as such.
"You worry about your own neck," Shippou snapped. "I can take care of myself."
"Hn." Hiei turned to continue his trek and spoke without looking back, "So long as we're clear."
Shippou gritted his teeth and said nothing, choosing not to pursue a full-blown argument with the irritable fire demon. He understood quite well that even though he had grown up to be a rather fierce youkai, he was still no match for Hiei. He had the mark on his neck to prove it, given courtesy of Hiei's katana when he had not gotten to the point quick enough to suit the fire apparition.
It was for this reason Shippou had opted to tell him the truth about his predicament, which included everything he knew of the boy, the Shikon no Tama, and a little of his recent acquisition of the shard he carried. Not that he really had a choice in the matter; Hiei would have sensed any deception, and Shippou really didn't have the time or energy to work his way around lies.
It had been a risk telling Hiei so much. His reputation preceded him, and Shippou was a little unsure whether or not the ambitious fire demon would use the knowledge to his own advantage. Any other demon with his abilities most certainly would, but it was a gamble Shippou was willing to take. Not that he had much of a choice about that, either.
It was only a matter of time before the demon community discovered what the child really was, and once that happened Kohaku wouldn't stand a chance. They would break him before it was all said and done, probe what was left of his mind for anything about that damned accursed jewel, and Shippou wasn't about to let him suffer the same kind of hells he'd endured under Naraku all over again.
Of course, things were decidedly different this time. Chances were Kohaku was already broken beyond all reason. If the 500 years he'd spent drifting Makai and the thorough mind raping he'd suffered had not made it so, the plague in his back most certainly would have. Shippou shuddered unconsciously; he knew all too well what prolonged exposure to a tainted Shikon fragment could do to a person, he'd seen it first-hand.
He could still see it. In a thousand years he'd never forget it.
His hand clutched the bottle that hung around his neck and he cursed himself for not realizing the truth sooner. He should have suspected that it was more than just guilt eating away at Kouga. He should have seen that it wasn't just his mind drifting into madness; it was his soul as well. He should have felt the presence of the shard long before it had consumed the wolf prince.
But he didn't. And once again, he was alone.
Shippou sighed audibly. Somehow, he was always the one left to pick up the pieces, always the one left standing in the wake of destruction — always, always the survivor. To say he was entirely grateful for it would have been a lie. He imagined Kohaku felt very much the same way.
It was a situation he planned to remedy very soon.
Shippou was knocked from his reverie when a crushing blow to the head sent him sprawling across the soggy marshland ground. Funny, he thought as he spit out the pulpy remnants of swamp that clung to his teeth, he hadn't even noticed they were there yet. He barely had time to register the feral snarl that split the air and the unmistakable glint of steel before he lifted his already swelling face from the ground and came nose to nose with his assailant. In this case, a rather vicious looking alligator youkai.
Shippou scrambled backward and drew his blade, ready to strike when he realized the face he had come to know a little better than he would have liked was missing something very important — a body. He turned just in time to see a rather irritable fire demon sheathing his katana and sending him a particularly heated glare.
"Thank you," he managed to spit out after a moment, more than a little surprised that Hiei had given him so much as a passing glance, much less saved him.
"I didn't do it for you, fox," Hiei snapped. "Don't mistake my intentions, the only concern I have is currently hanging around your neck."
Once again, Shippou had no doubt Hiei was telling the truth. He was suddenly glad he hadn't found a way to destroy the shard as he'd first intended; it had proven to be a valuable bargaining chip. He just hoped Koenma would think so, too.
He stood and brushed himself off. "Well, thanks all the same."
"Hn. Just look sharp. The youkai are on the move as of late, and we've more than a full day's journey until we reach the Spirit Realm."
The implication was obvious: Pay attention and quit fucking around, Shippou. OK, he could handle that. "Restless, huh? Is it possible they're drawn to the shard?"
"Perhaps." Hiei brought a hand up to rest at his chin and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Perhaps it's the presence of the boy. It is more than likely both."
Shippou's jaw set in determination when the possibility of other demons being drawn to Kohaku crossed his mind. "Well, let's not waste anymore time, then."
Slowly, sound trickled in through the shroud of numbness that enveloped Miroku's senses and tickled his awareness back to life. He felt hazy, and his head pounded mercilessly, making him nauseated and dizzy. His mind emerged from its stupor and etched over the possibilities of his situation. They had been fighting Naraku, and then … there was ... nothing. Or light?
'Am I dead?'
Another brief surge of pain ripped through his head and completely dispelled the notion. No, he would have to feel much better to die. But where was he? He felt the presence of someone next to him, and thought it best for the moment to remain still, at least until he could communicate.
Botan loomed over the injured monk with a look of mild curiosity written on her face. Such unusual people, she thought as she moved to change the bandage on his left arm. They certainly weren't from around their neck of the woods. She and Kurama had worked with Yukina for several hours to heal their wounds. Even as good as Yukina was they weren't able to completely heal them, though they were certain now that no one would die. As it was, though, they were all exhausted and taking turns keeping watch and changing bandages. She sighed. Whatever had gotten a hold of these people must have been particularly nasty to leave injuries as severe as theirs.
She froze when she felt the monk's muscles tense under her touch. Her eyes narrowed in speculation. Was he awake? "Hey—"
Miroku couldn't help but notice something unique about the person standing over his prone form. He could feel the energy radiate something distinctly spiritual and somewhat … feminine? He smiled inwardly; yes there was no mistaking the feel of a lady.
If he had been in his right mind at all — had any sense at all — he might have rethought the situation before doing what he did. As it was, he didn't, and just as she spoke he eased his free hand around to her backside and gave a light, experimental squeeze.
A surprised squeek slipped from Botan's lips and the sound of a rather loud smack followed thereafter.
"You, you … lecherous … you … ARGH!" Botan was stunned beyond all words. Here she was, tending to his wounds and he thought he could just take advantage of her kindness. And her proximity. She deserved more respect than that, damn it. She was the grim reaper! She stood abruptly and flung his wounded arm from her lap as he sat up, opened his eyes, and brought a hand up to rub his now throbbing cheek.
"Forgive me my lady, I am but a humble monk." His voice was gravelly from disuse, and it took a moment before he could speak above a whisper. "You see I have this cursed hand that—"
"Humble monk my foot!" She was angry now, that much was clear. The pitch of her voice rose and she started to shake her index finger at him. "Do you have any idea who I am! I'm the Grim Reaper, buddy, and if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your hands to yourself!"
Miroku looked up at her mischievously and replied in his most silky and seductive voice. "My, my. If I had known death was a beautiful girl in a pink kimono, I might not have spent so much time avoiding it."
Botan fumed. Not only did he not believe her, but she also got the distinct impression that he was mocking her. Oh, he was going to wish he were never born when she got through with him. She brought a hand up to deliver another stinging blow when a voice from behind stopped her.
"Try not to kill him, Botan. We did just heal him." Kurama's voice held the faintest hint of a chuckle, and his startling green eyes danced with amusement.
Botan huffed a very unladylike snort and crossed her arms. "Well, I'm glad you think it's funny, Kurama."
Miroku gave his savior an appreciative look and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. She certainly was fiery. He smiled wistfully as he gingerly touched the scorching red mark on his face; she was entirely too much like a certain demon slayer he knew. The look of blissful remembrance bled over into an anxious grimace as his entire awareness returned to him. Where were his companions? Were they dead? Had they defeated Naraku? Where was he?
The monk suddenly felt dizzy, and he paled considerably.
"Perhaps you shouldn't move around," Kurama said, concern evident in his tone. "You aren't exactly in the best condition."
"Yes, you aren't looking well," the ferry girl agreed, feeling somewhat guilty. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have hit you so hard."
Miroku took a moment to regain his composure before speaking. "My companions," he began, his voice strained once again. "Are they alive?"
Kurama moved from the monk's field of vision to reveal three unconscious figures, and Miroku let out a heavy sigh of relief. It was then he noticed something very peculiar about his surroundings. Each of his friends was sprawled out on what appeared to be strangely elevated futons. So was he for that matter. His eyes scanned the room nervously, trying to get a feel for his new environment. Such an odd room, definitely not the typical hut or inn to which he was accustomed. Eventually his gaze fixed on Kurama and he noticed the style of his clothing and the zipper on the front of his jacket. Now where did that come from? He'd only seen such a strange device on Kagome's backpack, and suddenly realization dawned on him.
"What age is this?" He wasn't entirely sure, but he thought he was beginning to understand the seriousness of their situation.
Kurama smiled, very observant that one was. He had seen their style of dress and weaponry and concluded from the beginning that their guests were somehow from around the Warring States Era. Well, most of them, he still wasn't clear how an everyday schoolgirl could possibly tie in to all this, but he figured everything would come out soon enough. He had no intention of pushing the monk, or any of them, until it was absolutely necessary. His instincts told him they were going to need help from these people, and if that were true, he'd much rather gain their trust, first.
"This is the modern era, in the year 1998 to be precise," Kurama supplied helpfully. "You're in a shrine outside of Tokyo, Japan. We happened upon you and your friends quite by accident. Perhaps you would like to share your story, when you feel ready?"
Miroku nodded but didn't offer any more information; he didn't want to say anything until Kagome was awake. Hopefully she could shed some light on the situation. He stood on shaky legs and attempted to move toward his comrades before Botan offered her arm in support. He grinned and she shot him a glare that clearly said 'hands off.' He sighed. Oh well, a man's got to try, doesn't he?
His brow furrowed when he came closer to his friends; someone was missing. "There was a child and a nekomata. Where are they?"
Botan and Kurama shared a questioning glance when he mentioned a fire cat — clearly he was no stranger to demons, but before either could answer the door flung open and the neko in question plowed straight into the recovering monk, nearly knocking him over in his fragile state.
"Kirara?" He stammered as she nuzzled him affectionately. He held her up to get a good look and was taken aback by her appearance. Her aura felt very familiar, but she looked just like an everyday domestic cat — one tail and all. "What happened, Kirara?"
She mewled in response and leapt from his arms to the windowsill, letting the light reflect on the medallion around her neck. Now, he understood. He reached over and removed the talisman, revealing her true form to the occupants of the room. "Where did you get this?" It was slightly familiar to him, though at the moment he couldn't place it.
"I take it she's a friend of yours?" Miroku turned to see a boy about his age, with slick black hair and dangerous eyes, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. He was covered in bandages.
"How long have you been listening, Yusuke?" Botan began but then gasped when she noticed his arms. "Kami," she breathed, "what happened to you?"
He grumbled under his breath and sent a menacing glare to Kirara. "Long enough to see that demon hell kitty really is a demon hell kitty! That furball damn near ate me alive. She wouldn't let anyone but Kuwabara near her, and she really didn't want anyone in here with these three. So guess who gets the honor of keeping her out of the way while you guys are in here playing doctor? Oh no, not Kuwabara, not the one logical choice. Nooo, let's pick Yusuke, he looks like a sucker."
Botan stifled the chuckle threatening to escape her. Although they weren't arguing any longer, he was still a little miffed at her for not telling them the truth, and she really didn't want to be the target for his anger again.
"I assure you, if she had really found you a threat you wouldn't have escaped with just a few scratches. She's quite ferocious when she transforms, and highly protective of Sango and Shippou. Oh, yes. Perhaps I should make introductions. I am Miroku. This is Inuyasha," he began, pointing to each as he went. "Kagome, Sango, and I see you've met Kirara."
"We've already had the pleasure, thanks," Yusuke remarked snidely.
Miroku's eyes narrowed as his thoughts returned to the missing member of their group. "There was an orphan child traveling in our company. Is he not here?"
Botan, Kurama, and Yusuke all exchanged a quiet look. They hadn't said it, but they were all thinking it: the boy they were tailing, the one taken by the demon must have been their missing companion. It only made sense, why else would the cat have been traveling with him?
"There was a demon when we found you," Kurama answered, hoping to break the news as gently as possible. "In the confusion he managed to get away ... he took the child with him. I am sorry."
Miroku's heart stopped in his chest. "What kind of demon?" he breathed, already knowing the answer but praying he was wrong.
"We were hoping you could tell us," Yusuke stated. "I've never seen anything like it."
Miroku gave a defeated sigh and hung his head thoughtfully. He hadn't wanted to divulge anything of importance without speaking to the others, but it looked as if they may be out for quite awhile, and if Naraku had taken Shippou he wanted to clear the air as soon as possible. "Exactly how did you find us?"
Koenma stared in disbelief at the two demons in front of him. Were they serious?
"Let me see if I have this straight. You," he pointed at Shippou, "are offering me a shard of the Shikon Jewel —"
"As well as the one in his possession." Shippou interjected quickly.
"Right … in exchange for the life of this boy." He blinked. "Why? what makes you think I can't just have the shard taken from you and send you on your way?"
Shippou frowned. "Do I look stupid to you? This shard is bound to me, it can't be taken from me until I have released it."
Koenma glanced to Hiei, who was leaned up against the wall, one knee drawn up. He nodded to confirm the kitsune's story, and Koenma ground his teeth. His whole body was radiating doubt.
"I assure you I have no interest in finding the jewel, but I do have an obligation to uphold concerning this boy."
"I can't let you kill him," Koenma affirmed.
"He's already dead," Shippou countered.
Koenma sighed and covered his face with his hands, thoroughly dejected. "I know."
"If you know, then how do you justify letting this child wander like some kind of beast? It isn't right!" Shippou was getting frustrated with the child sovereign and his cool demeanor was beginning to falter. "He deserves peace, he deserves to be with his people. We owe him that!"
"I don't owe anyone anything!" Koenma was shouting now as well. "You can't honestly expect me to believe you actually have some sort of humanitarian interest in this child. Look, we'll put him to rest if need be, but I'm not about to let you make that kind of decision for me."
"You have no idea what kind of interest I have in this boy," Shippou growled.
"Then perhaps you should enlighten me," the child prince said, unconvinced that he should allow the fox demon anywhere near the boy or his investigation.
"I was among the original group seeking to recover the Shikon Jewel," the fox demon recalled quietly. "The last of the Taijiya line traveled in our company after a demon who also sought the jewel destroyed her village. She was his sister.
"It was her life's mission to free him from the clutches of the demon who had slaughtered her kin," Shippou continued, an empassioned plea for understanding. "Unfortunately, she and the others of my group gave their lives before her work was complete. I had thought he died along with them until recently. I feel it's my duty to put him to rest now, for her."
Koenma sat silently for a moment. "I see."
"No, you don't," the fox responded. "You will never understand the power of that jewel, the utter destruction contained in its shell." His voice was calm now, barely above a whisper. "It can never be found. Never. I'm offering this to you, the one opportunity to keep it from being fully reconstituted.
"Take it, please," he begged. "Take it, and let me fulfill my obligation."
Koenma scrutinized the demon openly for many long moments, the pieces of a plan forming and shifting in his mind as he did. When at last the prince determined that the fox spoke the truth, he was inclined to make use of the resources made available to him.
"Very well," he relented. "You may take the boy on one condition: We've had a slight ... complication ... concerning the jewel."
"I'm listening," Shippou said, no small amount of suspicion creeping into his voice.
"You may not have an interest in the jewel, but you do have experience in these matters," Koenma said. "We could use your help."
"What do you mean?" The fox narrowed his eyes in speculation.
"We've already found the rest of the jewel," the prince revealed cautiously. "However, it seems it's been broken and scattered. Again."
Shippou stood utterly speechless. Were the Gods conspiring against him? A million different thoughts and emotions attacked his senses simultaneously, and he felt his knees grow weak.
"You can't be serious," he breathed, knowing he was trapped. He couldn't allow the jewel to bring about the chaos it had so successfully imposed on the world in the feudal era.
"I have no choice," he muttered.
"I know," Koenma replied, apologetically. "And for what it's worth, I'm sorry." He genuinely was, too. He didn't like roping the kitsune into his problems like that, but he knew they were going to need all the help they could get. "Hiei, take Shippou with you. Yusuke and the others are at Genkai's shrine. You're to wait there with them until I come with more news. You might take the opportunity to prepare yourselves for the hunt. I have a feeling this is going to get ugly."
The prince sighed heavily as they left his office for Genkai's shrine. He decided to leave it up to Yusuke or Kurama to bring them up to speed on the unknown demon. He didn't have any more time to spare, as he was doing his best to compile information on their unexpected guests. He wasn't sure, but something told him they were going to need these people before all was said and done.
Yokoshima gazed thoughtfully at the image of his future partner displayed in the pool of light at his feet. Naraku was injured, far more than he would have liked. It was nothing he couldn't work around, though. He grimaced at the thought. Apparently he was going to have to work around a great deal more than he'd planned. He had not anticipated that damned detective and his brat pack to show up. Thanks to that meddlesome twerp he was going to have to revamp 500 years worth of scheming.
Not that it really mattered to him. The whole thing may actually benefit him. Yes, a little shard hunt may be just the thing to persuade Naraku into joining forces. Sensui had already pledged his allegiance. The only thing missing now was Naraku.
He smirked and rubbed his hands together greedily. Finally, it was time. For 500 years he'd waited, keeping that exterminator brat under careful scrutiny, making sure he remained virtually unknown in Makai until he could determine the whereabouts of the priestess. Now, the board was set and the pieces were moving. It was just a matter of time before he would crush them all, and human and demon alike would bow before him. He could almost taste it. Soon, very soon, the Reikai throne would be his.
He turned his head slightly to look over his shoulder. "Come, Kenshiki. It's time we paid Naraku a visit."