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Reflection

Chapter Two: Watching From Afar

By: Enchanted Pink Jade

*~*~*~*~*

Morning had come, and the sun shone brightly in the sky. The smells of dewy grass mixed with a salty sea fragrance hung in the air. Inuyasha sat hidden, perched in a tree that gave him a good view of the wench. He really didn't see anything special about her, just another bitch that thought she was better than the rest because she had powers. She probably didn't really care about anything else other than destroying demons. He knew that she couldn't possibly do any good.

That's what he thought. But even so, he was puzzled over her. She was being kind to a little youkai. Shippou and Rin alike. Inuyasha knew Shippou. He was the one who had found the little kitsune and brought him to the castle. She was a miko. She was supposed to hate and despise anyone that wasn't human. That's what he couldn't understand.

He watched on silently as what's-her-name talked. He couldn't hear what they were saying because the whole place was full of warding spells, but whatever it was they were talking about, must've been sad. They were all weeping. Then she asked them to leave, for the little ones were now leaving the room. She got up and stretched, and began to undress.

Inuyasha knew that he was supposed to look away. But... isn't it easier to do what you aren't supposed to? His eyes were glued to her as she pulled off her sleeping garments. They were flimsy anyways. With his heightened senses, he could see far better than others could. The gown did nothing to hide the sensual body beneath. He cursed silently as he felt his blood boil at the sight.

Even if she was respected, that didn't mean that he had to be kind to her. Yeah, she was a miko. Yeah, she was a powerful one, but he hadn't yet a chance to witness her power. And she was kind to Shippo. That gave her some good points in Inuyasha's mind. A powerful, respected miko that looked too damned good to be true. It had to be illegal. Inuyasha shook his head to rid his mind of such things. He couldn't be thinking about her in that way.

"Keh," he scoffed. He cursed softly as he jumped down and headed towards his room to calm down. Though he looked fine in appearance, his brother would be able to tell what was going on.

*~*~*~*~*

"Ah, ohayo, Rin, Shippou-"

"You're okay!" they screamed, and to her surprise, launched themselves at her. Not knowing what to do, she patted them reassuringly.

"Shippo, how many times have I told you not to do that? And you too, Rin," Kagome said, trying to souund very Kikyou-like. Gods, how long will I be able to keep this up?

"I don't care! You're okay, so I'm happy."

"And you saved us from the fire," Rin added. Tears were already spilling down their faces in rivers. For a long while, they stayed like that, just basking in the comfort of being near each other.

"Ne, what about Kagome-sama? Did she make it out okay?"

Now it was her turn to cry. She honestly didn't know what to tell them, how to tell them what she couldn't say, not now and not ever. So she shook her head and whispered, "Gomen ne." This caused another overflow of tears, from the three of them this time.

"Rin, Shippou." The quiet tone in her voice caused them to look up, waiting for her to continue. "You must never speak of this girl again, because starting today, she is no more." Starting today, my name is Kikyou. I can't be who I was anymore.

"Why?" they asked.

"Because she was left behind in the fire. She might come back to haunt you, if you disturb her spirit in anyway." Yeah, right.

Both the little ones nodded their heads in understanding, thinking that it was 'miko stuff'.

She slowly got off of the bed, gingerly at first. Her muscles ached for being so inactive for so long. She also became self-conscious about the clothes she was wearing, sheer and thin material that shaped and fit her body quite snugly. "Why don't you go now? I'd like to have just a little more time alone before I go..." Silently, the two left. The weight on their shoulders had been uplifted.

Then she remembered the events of last night. The man, and the so-called 'mission' to kill Inuyasha. Even if she had known Kikyou for only a little while, Kikyou could have never done such a thing, or even make a promise to do it....

*~*~*~*~*

"Ne, why are you going to the Western Lands? Are you going to help fight the big fight?" Kagome wanted to know.

"Yes... But I have another reason. An even bigger reason."

"What is it?"

"I can not say," Kikyou said sadly. "But I will say this. I will destroy the evil that is manifesting itself there. I'm the only one who knows about it. A foe disguised as a friend."

"Huh?" Kagome cocked her head to one side, not understanding. Kikyou only shook her head. "Do you know the people there?"

"No, I don't. But Shippou and Rin do. They live there. They were put somewhere for safekeeping. I was asked to take them back on my way there."

"Ah.. I see."

"And they told me all about the people there."

"Go on, I want to know. Everyone always talks about how great the people are over there. Their powers, and how the rule. Amazing."

"Yes, it is." Kikyo then smiled and went on to explain who the people were, and what they did. By the time she was finished Kagome knew that Sesshoumaru, a full youkai, was the one who owned the lands. Inuyasha, his half brother, a hanyou was there, and helped when he could. Miroku, a lecherous monk, who always found the opportunity to ask a maiden to 'bear his child.'

"Shippou warned me about him. Told me to be extra careful. And then there is Sango, a youkai exterminator."

Kagome heard about most of the people there, but when Kikyou got to a person named Naraku, her whole expression changed to that of dislike, and this surprised Kagome. Kikyo was the type of person who would smile quietly, and never really dislike anyone but the no-good doers.

"He's a man who advises the ruling brothers. Keeps to himself."

"Oh... What about the Shikon no Tama?"

"That, as you know, I'm purifying. It's also the key tool that I'm going to use to kill the person who started this war."

*~*~*~*~*

Kagome understood her words now. That 'foe' disguised as a 'friend'. She had a visit from him last night. Kikyou's mission was now hers. Destroy that person. And it just had to be Naraku. He was the only person Kikyou had shown a dislike for, unless it was something personal, but she doubted that.

She spotted the clothes of a miko laid at the foot of the bed, and put them on before heading out.

*~*~*~*~*

The room fell deadly silent, and every head turned towards the big double doors. Kagome stood there, nervously. The way everyone was looking at her, as if to size her up. It made her nervous, although she tried to hide it.

When Sango saw Kagome, she sighed with relief, glad that the girl hadn't gotten lost. Then she clobbered Kouga one last time, for it was he who was supposed to escort her down to the hall, for her meal.

"Sorry. You've been pretty uptight lately. Is it that time of the month or what?" Kouga muttered.

"You wanna run that by me again?" she asked threateningly. He promptly shut up and ate.

"Kikyou-sama, would you please join us? You should be able to work up an appetite, after being in bed for so long," Sango said as Kagome approached, but before she could offer her a seat, Miroku was there in front of her, with Kagome's hands clutched lightly in his.

"Ah... it is good to see you up and about, Kikyou-sama. Will you please do me the honor of-"

"Nope," she said cheerfully, cutting him off. "I'm not interested in settling down at the moment." At this, statement, several things happened. Sango gave her a slap on the back, telling her she did the right thing. Kouga choked on his laughter and drink of water. Inuyasha snorted into his food while Sesshoumaru thought that she had more sense than what appeared.

"How did- how did you know what I was going to say?" he asked, snapping out of his stupor.

Kagome took the seat that Sango offered. "Two little birds whispered it into my ear," she said, and winking at Shippou and Rin, who wore identical grins. Thank goodness Kikyou told me about these people.

Miroku sighed in disappointment. He should have known. Then all of sudden he brightened up. "Well then Kikyou-sama, I'll tell you now that I'm willing to negotiate. Was this a bad time to ask? What about tomorrow? We could-"

"You, could put a sock in it," Sango interrupted, with her weapon ready at her command. She left him twitching on the floor in agony.

Kouga, noting Kagome's worried expression, said, "Don't worry about him, Kikyou-sama. This happens all the time." I'll bet, Kagome thought. Kouga then smiled flirtatiously as he introduced himself. Kagome nodded politely and ate.

Not long after, she felt the hairs on the nape of her neck stand on end. Someone was watching her. She felt an evil and sinister presence approaching her. She looked up to see man with long wavy hair, who was wearing a white baboon skin like a cloak. On either side of him stood two girls- demons. A little white-haired girl who held a mirror. The other one wore a white and red kimono, and in her hands were fans.

It was Kouga who spoke up first. "Kikyou-sama, this is Naraku." BIG surprise there, she thought sarcastically. The man practically emanated a dark black aura. But why was she the only one who could see it? What about Miroku, wasn't he a priest?

*I'm the only one who knows about it. A foe disguised as a friend*

Kikyou's words rang in her ears clearly. Was it because they were mikos?

"And these two are Kagura and Kanna. They help us gather information." Kouga finished. The three introduced people bowed in respect, but Naraku did it as if he was mocking her. She didn't like him at all. He just had to be the one.

"Naraku. Report," Sesshoumaru demanded. Naraku frowned slightly before obliging.

"Three of Onigumo's troops have been captured, a total of ninety-seven men. We've lost about thirty. One third of his. They have retreated for the time being." Sesshoumaru nodded turned away from him, a sure sign that he was dismissed. But before he left, Naraku gave Kagome a meaningful look.

She shuddered as he left. Definitely him. He thought that he had Kikyou on his side. But Kikyou never was, and she wasn't Kikyou.

*~*~*~*~*

Of all the people, why'd it HAVE to be me? Inuyasha thought sourly, as he glanced at the girl. he had been ordered by his brother to give her a tour of the place so that she wouldn't really be lost all the time. He had better things to do!

Kagome walked along side him uneasily. Though he said nothing, she knew that he didn't like her, but why? He didn't even bother telling her what the rooms he was leading her through were used for, figuring that she'd find out for herself.

She sighed and smiled wistfully. "My grandfather would have loved to see this place."

"You don't have a grandfather. Or at least, you're not supposed to," Inuyasha stated. He stopped and turned to her, waiting for her to answer.

Damn! I shouldn't have let that slip out! "Ano... I don't have a grandfather. It's just some old man from the village I came from. He asked me to call him grandfather, saying that he liked it that way."

"That's it? Just because he asked you to call him grandfather, you're gonna do it? Pathetic. Him even more," he said, before moving on.

Furious, she grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop, spinning him around. He was genuinely shocked at her show of strength, though she shocked herself more.

"I don't know what it is with you, why you don't like me when we've only just met. And to tell you the truth, I don't care. If you want to act that way, go ahead. You can ridicule me all you want. But I'd be damned before I'd let you speak ill of the people I care about!" she spat. Oh. My. God. What have I just done? I just screamed at Sesshomaru's brother! Someone with claws and great strength... Oh... But it was his fault!

Kagome watched his expression. It was a mix of surprise and admiration that went to pleasure before he returned to his stoic self. He tugged his arm free of her grasp and then walked on.

Kill him! Do it now while you have the chance!

"Who's there?" Kagome asked.

I don't care how you do it! Just make it quick. Kill him.

She tried to look for the source of the voice, but when it spoke again, she realized that the voice was inside her head. Inuyasha stopped and turned around, to what's going on.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

Naraku... get out of my head! Get out! Kagome thought. She clutched her head in pain as he spoke up next.

"Oi, what the hell's your problem?" Inuyasha took a couple of steps forward, concern clearly written on his face although with her head bowed down, she couldn't see.

Kill him. You have the power. We made a deal... remember, I have your soul.

What the heck was he talking about? Having Kikyou's soul?

With just a thought, I could destroy you too, at my will.....

A few seconds passed... Then why don't you just do it?

.... Not now.... Kill him. I'll be watching you.

Kagome then felt the presence leave her mind. How many times was he going to do that? She fell to her knees, still clutching her head. She only vaguely felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, lifting her up and carrying her off.

What the heck just happened?

*~*~*~*~*

Naraku frowned as he looked into the mirror that Kanna held. In it was the image of Kikyou, being carried off by Inuyasha.

"What is with this woman? I still have her soul in my hands. She should have felt a stabbing pain, but all she had was a headache. Has she found a way around my spell? The little wench," he muttered, as he looked down at a white stone in his hand, a perfect sphere in its shape.

Kagura, who was sitting off to the side a little, smirked inwardly to herself. If that miko girl was able to resist Naraku...

*~*~*~*~*

Author's Note: Gah!!!!!!!! It's too dark and angsty. Guess that's my fault ne? And reading this over... it kinda looks like it's going nowhere isn't it? *sigh* This was not how I imagined my fic to be, but I have to get all these things out of the way before I get to the good parts! You probably don't understand what I mean... I don't know myself ^_^ But what I do want to know is what you all think about this story so far! If there are any problems, just point it out. Any comments are welcome.

See you next chapter!

~Enchanted Pink Jade

E-mail: Lyricalaznangel@aol.com