A/N: Guess what. I FINALLY HAVE MY COMPUTER FIXED! Do the dance of joy with
me! *Grabs closest reviewer and tortures them for the next 10 minutes with
a completely retarded and nightmarish dance* Mwahahahahahaha! Finally! Well
peoples, now that I have my computer fixed, I will try to update with every
5 reviews. Think you can handle that? Pretty please? ^_~ Good. Anyways,
back to business. Thanks to Shadow Dragon, ladyofthedragons, Sunaka, Chaos
Kittie, and Riinuka for reviewing. Rock on Peoples! You know the routine,
my comments on your comments at the bottom. On with the show!
Disclaimer: To all of the idiots out there who want to ruin other people's lives with meaningless law suits, I..DO....NOT...OWN...INUYASHA! (Have to speak slowly incase they don't get it the first time) Put that in your pipe and smoke it rejects!! (Reminder: This is not directed to the people who have better things to do.)
Chapter 5: A Deadly Deal
It had been about two weeks since Sesshoumaru left Rin and Jaken behind. He was standing atop a mountain gazing at the glorious view below, watching a large river meander across the forest like a small blue snake. The sun's rays suddenly burst across the mountain tops, lighting up everything, giving it a hazy, comforting glow.
Sesshoumaru peered down upon his right arm and cursed his brother once again. Although he was able to find a witch to help regrow his arm, it still wasn't good enough. It was still.....a human.....arm. He lowered it and glanced back down to the breathtaking scenery. He then began to reminisce.
Not long after Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's fateful fight, he began to wonder why his arm wasn't regenerating. On the rare occasions that he did lose an appendage, it had reappeared easily after only a day or so. But weeks had gone by, and still his limb showed no sign of recuperation. So he did something rather bizarre. He had asked for help.
He once heard of an old witch that lived at the base of an ancient mountain. He sought her out, paid the due, and then asked her what was going on, and if she could fix it.
After gathering all of the details and thinking for a bit, the witch came up with a theory. She said that since only humans or half-breeds could hold the Tetsusaiga, it was obviously very dangerous to demons. When Inuyasha lopped off Sesshoumaru's arm, the power of the Tetsusaiga had destroyed all natural power in it, and that was the reason why it would not regrow. Sesshoumaru had asked her that if this were true, then how come he could use other demon's arms.
The witch thought for a moment more and finally said that although Sesshoumaru could bond another demon's arm to his own, it would only be temporary because the Tetsusaiga's magical power would cancel any chance of a permanent combination. She then told him that he had but two choices. 1. - He could continue to kill demons and borrow their arms for the rest of his life, or 2. - He could have a human arm.
Angry, Sesshoumaru asked why only a human arm. To his surprise, the witch began to laugh. She said that the Tetsusaiga's power would not recognize a human arm, so therefore the bondage would be permanent. And something else that he did not realize. If he did choose the human arm, not only would he be able to have a permanent appendage, but he would also be able to wield the very sword that had brought all of this upon him, the Tetsusaiga.
Sesshoumaru remembered that he had completely rejected the idea until he noticed Rin. She had a string of shells that the witch had lying around, and was trying to play dress up with Jaken. He was grumpily holding his staff while Rin wrapped the shells around an impossibly huge straw hat that was donned with an array of wild flowers perched on top of his head.
Sesshoumaru withheld his laugh and smiled inwardly. He didn't want Rin to know that he had to butcher demons and sow their arms as if he were some sort of mutated Grim Reaper. Another thought struck him as well.
He would finally have the power to wield the sword that was rightfully his. He would not have to be outdone by that half-breed anymore.
"Very well," Sesshoumaru replied. And it was done.
He sought out the strongest living samurai, killed him, received his arm, took it back to the witch, and PRESTO! It was completed.
The memories drained away as he brought himself back to reality.
"You can come out," he said calmly. "I know you're there and that you've been following me. Come out and state your business."
"How did you know that I was here?" a raspy voice asked.
"I know many things," was Sesshoumaru's reply. "And I am losing my patients. Come out NOW."
Sesshoumaru turned to meet the intruder, and was slightly surprised by what he saw. A portion of the bushes began to move and twitch. Then they began to blur and move around. Suddenly, a clawed foot was exposed, and then another. Soon, a lizard like body appeared before him and straightened itself, brushing off excess dirt.
"Impressive," Sesshoumaru stated. "But I've seen better."
The creature smiled, showing a deadly set of teeth.
"Oh, where's my manners," the creature hissed, its tail flicking mischievously from side to side. He bowed low, almost mockingly. "My name is Nuba. And, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, my master has sent me here to offer you a chance of a lifetime."
Nuba then raised his head and peered at Sesshoumaru with piercing yellow eyes.
Sesshoumaru stared back blankly, unamused.
"Humph," he snorted. "And exactly what kind of creature are you, NUBA," Sesshoumaru asked with a slight hint of sarcasm.
"So glad you asked," Nuba said rising. "I'm a Chamelo, expert at stealth."
"Well," said Sesshoumaru. "You said that your master sent you."
"Correct," Nuba answered, his tail endlessly twitching.
"Who is your master?" Sesshoumaru asked, making a point to sound extremely uninterested.
Nuba merely smiled. An evil glint appeared in his eyes, and he glanced away.
"Oh...no one important. Maybe you've heard of him, maybe you haven't," Nuba said. He then began to pick the dirt out from under his claws. He took a quick glance at Sesshoumaru out of the corner of his eye and smiled again.
"His name is Naraku."
Sesshoumaru's head jerked up at the name and he squinted his eyes angrily.
"I want nothing to do with him," he said menacingly. "Nor do I want anything to do with you. Now leave me be."
He turned and began to walk away. He had only gone a few steps when Nuba suddenly leapt over his head. He glided with absolute grace and landed silently. He was on all fours in front of Sesshoumaru, blocking his path.
"Now, now. No need for hasty retreats! I know that you and master haven't had the friendliest of relationships, but I'm here to make amends. Let bygones be bygones, hmm?"
Nuba cocked his head to one side, and his tail's path widened its arch.
Although Sesshoumaru was almost in a rage because of the Chemelo's arrogance, he had to admit that he was somewhat curious. What could Naraku possibly want?
"Very well," Sesshoumaru said, resisting the urge to rip off Nuba's head. "You have five minutes."
Nuba smiled with satisfaction. "That's better," he said while standing. "Now then, where to begin, where to begin......oh yes!" he exclaimed while snapping his fingers with excitement. "But first, let me ask you some questions. I must see if everything is in order."
Sesshoumaru merely stood there. This was going to be a long five minutes.
"You are the brother of the half-breed, Inuyasha, right?"
"Half-brother," Sesshoumaru replied coldly.
"As I thought," Nuba said, his hand resting on his chin thoughtfully. He began to pace back and forth.
"And he has the Tetsusaiga and you do not."
A low growl from Sesshoumaru.
"Right again I presume. And YOU want the Tetsusaiga?"
"Exactly what are you trying to get at?" Sesshoumaru asked heatedly, his patience wearing thin.
"How would you like it if WE helped YOU get it back?"
"And how would you do that?"
"Simple," Nuba said, his excitement starting to grow. "We have some items and new information that will prove very useful."
"And the catch?"
"Catch?!" Nuba exclaimed, shocked. He threw his arm over his eyes and feigned sadness. "To think that I came all the way out here only to have him distrust me! Only to show him an easier path and he asks me for a catch! Just to--,"
"Your fake pity party is a sad act. Your time is running short, so I suggest that you hurry and get to the point."
"A man unmoved by tears I see," Nuba said smiling once again. "I like that. And so does my master. You see, he's running short on allies, especially powerful ones, such as yourself. And he's terribly sorry for all of the misdeeds that he's performed against you. The very reason why I am here."
Sesshoumaru didn't really trust everything that the Chamelo was saying, but he did feel his curiosity growing.
"Go on," he said plainly, not showing his true interest.
Nuba's smile widened. He groped behind his back and pulled out what looked like a dark green ball.
"The first gift," Nuba stated.
"Venom Wasps?"
"Not just any Venom Wasps. These wasps are much stronger than their cohorts. And not only will they poison the monk, but they will also attack Inuyasha. So if you don't get him, the wasps most certainly will."
Nuba then took his other hand and brought out a feathered dart.
"And what's that one for?"
"Now this one will take a little more explaining...and I do believe that my five minutes are up."
Sesshoumaru looked away frustrated, and noticed the sunset; he thought it very beautiful. The sky had turned a dark plum, and the rays were poking through the clouds like misplaced swords. It was gentle and calming, but it was also wild and unpredictable. If only he could find someone like that. He realized what he was thinking and quickly pushed the thoughts out of his head. Nuba was watching him with acute interest.
"Humph......proceed."
"Right," Nuba said. "Now, you might want to brace yourself for this. Another person has joined the group, and she is more deadly than any of the others, even the monk."
"She?" Sesshoumaru asked skeptically.
"Yes, she. She's from the east, from the village of Nira."
"I've heard of that place. It's a small fishing village, isn't it? So what is she doing all the way out here?"
"Long story actually. You see, she was exiled."
"For what?"
"For being an Earth Mage."
"Earth Mage?" Sesshoumaru asked. Nuba was not making any sense at all.
"Yessss," he hissed. In his eagerness, Nuba's lizard-like characteristics where starting to show. He was on all fours again, and he stalked noiselessly on top of a large boulder where he faced Sesshoumaru. "An Earth Mage. They are humans born with the powers of demons, and are extremely rare. One is born every 5000 years."
"I've fought many demons," Sesshoumaru said, unimpressed, "and all of them with special powers. Besides, if she's so great, I doubt very seriously that a tiny feathered dart will do any harm."
"Oh, but you're wrong," Nuba almost whispered. He was leaning forward, and his eyes were completely wild; his tail continued its endless dance behind him. "Her powers are far more different that that of a normal demon. You possess the power to transform into a giant dog, and also the gift of supernatural strength. I myself have the ability to blend in with my surroundings as well as ghostlike agility. But she has the ability that all of us demons wish for."
"And what would that be?"
"She has the ability to control the elements."
"I still can't see why that should pose a problem for me." Sesshoumaru stated sarcastically.
"Let's put it this way," Nuba said. "You are currently lunging at her with the Tetsusaiga. Normally you would have torn her to ribbons, BUT," Nuba proclaimed. He raised his index finger into the air to make a point. "This is an Earth Mage that we're talking about. The approximate half second that you're in the air, she has already caused you to burst into flame. And if you try to jump into the water to put the flames out, she will only have to snap her fingers to cause you to drown. If you roll around, she'll bury you in a tidal wave of sand. Jump in the air, and lightning will get you. And this is if she wants you to have a QUICK death. There is no limit to the combination of attacks that she could perform against you. So you see? She is most definitely a threat."
"Hmmm......I see your point. So what does the dart do?"
"The dart will cause her powers to temporarily cease. It should also cause her to go to sleep, especially added so that his lordship won't have to put up with her while you take care of the others."
"Wait a moment," Sesshoumaru said cautiously. He sensed a deeper meaning to that last statement. "What do you mean that I 'won't have to put up with her'? After her powers stop, she will no longer be a threat, or so I thought."
"Well," Nuba said, starting to become nervous. He had to physically hold himself back as not to wring his hands. He didn't want to lose this, not now, not when he was so close. "She has minor knowledge in the art of sword fighting, though not enough to threaten, I assure you." He finished with a nervous laugh.
Sesshoumaru snorted and thought for a while. What harm could it do? Even though Naraku was the one behind this, it was still a tempting offer. And there were no askings of a permanent contract between the two, merely a truce. Nuba was watching him the entire time, trying to read his impassive face.
"Let me get this straight," Sesshoumaru said, hoping to reveal any hidden flaws. "Naraku is willing to give me these items, no strings attached? There are no catches, no traps, only the offer to retrieve the Tetsusaiga and to become his ally?"
"Yesss, yesss, it is all correct. Like a peace offering, so to speak."
"And I will not have to serve him, or assist him in any way, shape, or form if I do not wish to?"
"Yesss, yesss! No bonds what so ever!" Nuba exclaimed thrilled. He was nearly hopping with joy.
After a few moments deliberation, Sesshoumaru finally spoke up. "Then......you have yourself a deal." He then shook an enthralled Nuba's hand and quickly placed the two items deep within his robe. Nuba was now literally jumping around the rock in a crazed happiness.
Sesshoumaru decided that it was best to leave Nuba to his idiotic dancing for the time being. He had much to think about anyway. Was Naraku sincere, or was this some sort of demented scheme? Where was Inuyasha now? Would the items given to him perform the tasks described, or will the backfire and attack him instead? And most importantly, who was this new threat? Would he be able to deal with her?
As he was asking himself these questions, he began to tread down the mountainous path. Nuba bellowed a farewell and Sesshoumaru raised an arm to let him know that he heard. Nuba watched intently until Sesshoumaru was out of sight, and then began to laugh maniacally.
"Yesss...," he hissed. "Everything is going as planned. Master will be very pleased indeed. Phase one complete, now on to phase two."
He chuckled a few more times before starting the process of fading into the background. He cleared his mind with an eased practice and began to slowly stalk back into the bushes, his body disappearing with every inch he moved.
His remaining yellow eyes startled a few of the birds, causing them to take flight, squawking madly. He laughed at their fear and breathed in deep. He loved the smell of fear. And he had a feeling that before long, he would be able to smell it all he wanted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Well, it has come the time to answer some questions. Okay, to Shadow Dragon, thanks!! To ladyofthedragons, thanks a lot. I thought that it looked funny. See people!! If she hadn't of told me about that, innocent people would experience some major trauma! Could you possibly imagine people throwing giant anchors?!?! Nightmare! But the thing about weighing down minds wasn't exactly a bad idea......hmm.....ANYWAY! To Sunaku, thanks a whole bunch! (Just for a personal reminder, she has been with me from the beginning, which I am very happy of. Quality over quantity I say.) Thanks for saying that Arden is a cool character. It would really suck bad if everyone thought she was a dupe. As for the question of if Arden likes Miroku......eh.....that would have to be a negative. But you know how Miroku is. He's gonna hit on her every chance he gets! To Chaos Kitty, thanks for saying that it was cute, and to Riinuka, your friend sounds like some fun. Do you know that they tried to throw me in one time because I decided to have a conversation with a mechanical horse? It was getting really interesting too, but then they just HAD to come and interrupt it. Well, actually the bananas was interrupting first, but they didn't try to strap me in a straight jacket. Oh, and just for a little tease, I'm having Sesshoumaru meet Arden in the next chapter! So stay tuned!! Something else. Have you ever noticed that when you try to write the three dotted hesitation marks, they come out as a period? ANNOYING!! Anyway, see ya later. PEACE!!
Disclaimer: To all of the idiots out there who want to ruin other people's lives with meaningless law suits, I..DO....NOT...OWN...INUYASHA! (Have to speak slowly incase they don't get it the first time) Put that in your pipe and smoke it rejects!! (Reminder: This is not directed to the people who have better things to do.)
Chapter 5: A Deadly Deal
It had been about two weeks since Sesshoumaru left Rin and Jaken behind. He was standing atop a mountain gazing at the glorious view below, watching a large river meander across the forest like a small blue snake. The sun's rays suddenly burst across the mountain tops, lighting up everything, giving it a hazy, comforting glow.
Sesshoumaru peered down upon his right arm and cursed his brother once again. Although he was able to find a witch to help regrow his arm, it still wasn't good enough. It was still.....a human.....arm. He lowered it and glanced back down to the breathtaking scenery. He then began to reminisce.
Not long after Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's fateful fight, he began to wonder why his arm wasn't regenerating. On the rare occasions that he did lose an appendage, it had reappeared easily after only a day or so. But weeks had gone by, and still his limb showed no sign of recuperation. So he did something rather bizarre. He had asked for help.
He once heard of an old witch that lived at the base of an ancient mountain. He sought her out, paid the due, and then asked her what was going on, and if she could fix it.
After gathering all of the details and thinking for a bit, the witch came up with a theory. She said that since only humans or half-breeds could hold the Tetsusaiga, it was obviously very dangerous to demons. When Inuyasha lopped off Sesshoumaru's arm, the power of the Tetsusaiga had destroyed all natural power in it, and that was the reason why it would not regrow. Sesshoumaru had asked her that if this were true, then how come he could use other demon's arms.
The witch thought for a moment more and finally said that although Sesshoumaru could bond another demon's arm to his own, it would only be temporary because the Tetsusaiga's magical power would cancel any chance of a permanent combination. She then told him that he had but two choices. 1. - He could continue to kill demons and borrow their arms for the rest of his life, or 2. - He could have a human arm.
Angry, Sesshoumaru asked why only a human arm. To his surprise, the witch began to laugh. She said that the Tetsusaiga's power would not recognize a human arm, so therefore the bondage would be permanent. And something else that he did not realize. If he did choose the human arm, not only would he be able to have a permanent appendage, but he would also be able to wield the very sword that had brought all of this upon him, the Tetsusaiga.
Sesshoumaru remembered that he had completely rejected the idea until he noticed Rin. She had a string of shells that the witch had lying around, and was trying to play dress up with Jaken. He was grumpily holding his staff while Rin wrapped the shells around an impossibly huge straw hat that was donned with an array of wild flowers perched on top of his head.
Sesshoumaru withheld his laugh and smiled inwardly. He didn't want Rin to know that he had to butcher demons and sow their arms as if he were some sort of mutated Grim Reaper. Another thought struck him as well.
He would finally have the power to wield the sword that was rightfully his. He would not have to be outdone by that half-breed anymore.
"Very well," Sesshoumaru replied. And it was done.
He sought out the strongest living samurai, killed him, received his arm, took it back to the witch, and PRESTO! It was completed.
The memories drained away as he brought himself back to reality.
"You can come out," he said calmly. "I know you're there and that you've been following me. Come out and state your business."
"How did you know that I was here?" a raspy voice asked.
"I know many things," was Sesshoumaru's reply. "And I am losing my patients. Come out NOW."
Sesshoumaru turned to meet the intruder, and was slightly surprised by what he saw. A portion of the bushes began to move and twitch. Then they began to blur and move around. Suddenly, a clawed foot was exposed, and then another. Soon, a lizard like body appeared before him and straightened itself, brushing off excess dirt.
"Impressive," Sesshoumaru stated. "But I've seen better."
The creature smiled, showing a deadly set of teeth.
"Oh, where's my manners," the creature hissed, its tail flicking mischievously from side to side. He bowed low, almost mockingly. "My name is Nuba. And, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, my master has sent me here to offer you a chance of a lifetime."
Nuba then raised his head and peered at Sesshoumaru with piercing yellow eyes.
Sesshoumaru stared back blankly, unamused.
"Humph," he snorted. "And exactly what kind of creature are you, NUBA," Sesshoumaru asked with a slight hint of sarcasm.
"So glad you asked," Nuba said rising. "I'm a Chamelo, expert at stealth."
"Well," said Sesshoumaru. "You said that your master sent you."
"Correct," Nuba answered, his tail endlessly twitching.
"Who is your master?" Sesshoumaru asked, making a point to sound extremely uninterested.
Nuba merely smiled. An evil glint appeared in his eyes, and he glanced away.
"Oh...no one important. Maybe you've heard of him, maybe you haven't," Nuba said. He then began to pick the dirt out from under his claws. He took a quick glance at Sesshoumaru out of the corner of his eye and smiled again.
"His name is Naraku."
Sesshoumaru's head jerked up at the name and he squinted his eyes angrily.
"I want nothing to do with him," he said menacingly. "Nor do I want anything to do with you. Now leave me be."
He turned and began to walk away. He had only gone a few steps when Nuba suddenly leapt over his head. He glided with absolute grace and landed silently. He was on all fours in front of Sesshoumaru, blocking his path.
"Now, now. No need for hasty retreats! I know that you and master haven't had the friendliest of relationships, but I'm here to make amends. Let bygones be bygones, hmm?"
Nuba cocked his head to one side, and his tail's path widened its arch.
Although Sesshoumaru was almost in a rage because of the Chemelo's arrogance, he had to admit that he was somewhat curious. What could Naraku possibly want?
"Very well," Sesshoumaru said, resisting the urge to rip off Nuba's head. "You have five minutes."
Nuba smiled with satisfaction. "That's better," he said while standing. "Now then, where to begin, where to begin......oh yes!" he exclaimed while snapping his fingers with excitement. "But first, let me ask you some questions. I must see if everything is in order."
Sesshoumaru merely stood there. This was going to be a long five minutes.
"You are the brother of the half-breed, Inuyasha, right?"
"Half-brother," Sesshoumaru replied coldly.
"As I thought," Nuba said, his hand resting on his chin thoughtfully. He began to pace back and forth.
"And he has the Tetsusaiga and you do not."
A low growl from Sesshoumaru.
"Right again I presume. And YOU want the Tetsusaiga?"
"Exactly what are you trying to get at?" Sesshoumaru asked heatedly, his patience wearing thin.
"How would you like it if WE helped YOU get it back?"
"And how would you do that?"
"Simple," Nuba said, his excitement starting to grow. "We have some items and new information that will prove very useful."
"And the catch?"
"Catch?!" Nuba exclaimed, shocked. He threw his arm over his eyes and feigned sadness. "To think that I came all the way out here only to have him distrust me! Only to show him an easier path and he asks me for a catch! Just to--,"
"Your fake pity party is a sad act. Your time is running short, so I suggest that you hurry and get to the point."
"A man unmoved by tears I see," Nuba said smiling once again. "I like that. And so does my master. You see, he's running short on allies, especially powerful ones, such as yourself. And he's terribly sorry for all of the misdeeds that he's performed against you. The very reason why I am here."
Sesshoumaru didn't really trust everything that the Chamelo was saying, but he did feel his curiosity growing.
"Go on," he said plainly, not showing his true interest.
Nuba's smile widened. He groped behind his back and pulled out what looked like a dark green ball.
"The first gift," Nuba stated.
"Venom Wasps?"
"Not just any Venom Wasps. These wasps are much stronger than their cohorts. And not only will they poison the monk, but they will also attack Inuyasha. So if you don't get him, the wasps most certainly will."
Nuba then took his other hand and brought out a feathered dart.
"And what's that one for?"
"Now this one will take a little more explaining...and I do believe that my five minutes are up."
Sesshoumaru looked away frustrated, and noticed the sunset; he thought it very beautiful. The sky had turned a dark plum, and the rays were poking through the clouds like misplaced swords. It was gentle and calming, but it was also wild and unpredictable. If only he could find someone like that. He realized what he was thinking and quickly pushed the thoughts out of his head. Nuba was watching him with acute interest.
"Humph......proceed."
"Right," Nuba said. "Now, you might want to brace yourself for this. Another person has joined the group, and she is more deadly than any of the others, even the monk."
"She?" Sesshoumaru asked skeptically.
"Yes, she. She's from the east, from the village of Nira."
"I've heard of that place. It's a small fishing village, isn't it? So what is she doing all the way out here?"
"Long story actually. You see, she was exiled."
"For what?"
"For being an Earth Mage."
"Earth Mage?" Sesshoumaru asked. Nuba was not making any sense at all.
"Yessss," he hissed. In his eagerness, Nuba's lizard-like characteristics where starting to show. He was on all fours again, and he stalked noiselessly on top of a large boulder where he faced Sesshoumaru. "An Earth Mage. They are humans born with the powers of demons, and are extremely rare. One is born every 5000 years."
"I've fought many demons," Sesshoumaru said, unimpressed, "and all of them with special powers. Besides, if she's so great, I doubt very seriously that a tiny feathered dart will do any harm."
"Oh, but you're wrong," Nuba almost whispered. He was leaning forward, and his eyes were completely wild; his tail continued its endless dance behind him. "Her powers are far more different that that of a normal demon. You possess the power to transform into a giant dog, and also the gift of supernatural strength. I myself have the ability to blend in with my surroundings as well as ghostlike agility. But she has the ability that all of us demons wish for."
"And what would that be?"
"She has the ability to control the elements."
"I still can't see why that should pose a problem for me." Sesshoumaru stated sarcastically.
"Let's put it this way," Nuba said. "You are currently lunging at her with the Tetsusaiga. Normally you would have torn her to ribbons, BUT," Nuba proclaimed. He raised his index finger into the air to make a point. "This is an Earth Mage that we're talking about. The approximate half second that you're in the air, she has already caused you to burst into flame. And if you try to jump into the water to put the flames out, she will only have to snap her fingers to cause you to drown. If you roll around, she'll bury you in a tidal wave of sand. Jump in the air, and lightning will get you. And this is if she wants you to have a QUICK death. There is no limit to the combination of attacks that she could perform against you. So you see? She is most definitely a threat."
"Hmmm......I see your point. So what does the dart do?"
"The dart will cause her powers to temporarily cease. It should also cause her to go to sleep, especially added so that his lordship won't have to put up with her while you take care of the others."
"Wait a moment," Sesshoumaru said cautiously. He sensed a deeper meaning to that last statement. "What do you mean that I 'won't have to put up with her'? After her powers stop, she will no longer be a threat, or so I thought."
"Well," Nuba said, starting to become nervous. He had to physically hold himself back as not to wring his hands. He didn't want to lose this, not now, not when he was so close. "She has minor knowledge in the art of sword fighting, though not enough to threaten, I assure you." He finished with a nervous laugh.
Sesshoumaru snorted and thought for a while. What harm could it do? Even though Naraku was the one behind this, it was still a tempting offer. And there were no askings of a permanent contract between the two, merely a truce. Nuba was watching him the entire time, trying to read his impassive face.
"Let me get this straight," Sesshoumaru said, hoping to reveal any hidden flaws. "Naraku is willing to give me these items, no strings attached? There are no catches, no traps, only the offer to retrieve the Tetsusaiga and to become his ally?"
"Yesss, yesss, it is all correct. Like a peace offering, so to speak."
"And I will not have to serve him, or assist him in any way, shape, or form if I do not wish to?"
"Yesss, yesss! No bonds what so ever!" Nuba exclaimed thrilled. He was nearly hopping with joy.
After a few moments deliberation, Sesshoumaru finally spoke up. "Then......you have yourself a deal." He then shook an enthralled Nuba's hand and quickly placed the two items deep within his robe. Nuba was now literally jumping around the rock in a crazed happiness.
Sesshoumaru decided that it was best to leave Nuba to his idiotic dancing for the time being. He had much to think about anyway. Was Naraku sincere, or was this some sort of demented scheme? Where was Inuyasha now? Would the items given to him perform the tasks described, or will the backfire and attack him instead? And most importantly, who was this new threat? Would he be able to deal with her?
As he was asking himself these questions, he began to tread down the mountainous path. Nuba bellowed a farewell and Sesshoumaru raised an arm to let him know that he heard. Nuba watched intently until Sesshoumaru was out of sight, and then began to laugh maniacally.
"Yesss...," he hissed. "Everything is going as planned. Master will be very pleased indeed. Phase one complete, now on to phase two."
He chuckled a few more times before starting the process of fading into the background. He cleared his mind with an eased practice and began to slowly stalk back into the bushes, his body disappearing with every inch he moved.
His remaining yellow eyes startled a few of the birds, causing them to take flight, squawking madly. He laughed at their fear and breathed in deep. He loved the smell of fear. And he had a feeling that before long, he would be able to smell it all he wanted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Well, it has come the time to answer some questions. Okay, to Shadow Dragon, thanks!! To ladyofthedragons, thanks a lot. I thought that it looked funny. See people!! If she hadn't of told me about that, innocent people would experience some major trauma! Could you possibly imagine people throwing giant anchors?!?! Nightmare! But the thing about weighing down minds wasn't exactly a bad idea......hmm.....ANYWAY! To Sunaku, thanks a whole bunch! (Just for a personal reminder, she has been with me from the beginning, which I am very happy of. Quality over quantity I say.) Thanks for saying that Arden is a cool character. It would really suck bad if everyone thought she was a dupe. As for the question of if Arden likes Miroku......eh.....that would have to be a negative. But you know how Miroku is. He's gonna hit on her every chance he gets! To Chaos Kitty, thanks for saying that it was cute, and to Riinuka, your friend sounds like some fun. Do you know that they tried to throw me in one time because I decided to have a conversation with a mechanical horse? It was getting really interesting too, but then they just HAD to come and interrupt it. Well, actually the bananas was interrupting first, but they didn't try to strap me in a straight jacket. Oh, and just for a little tease, I'm having Sesshoumaru meet Arden in the next chapter! So stay tuned!! Something else. Have you ever noticed that when you try to write the three dotted hesitation marks, they come out as a period? ANNOYING!! Anyway, see ya later. PEACE!!