Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Naraku, but I wish I did.
Naraku was in an excellent mood. He had gotten at least a little payback, now all he had to do was stay alive long enough for the potion to wear off. Then he could hold his own until the sorceress was found. He went back to the castle. He noted the changes in decor, too much red for his taste. There were tapestries, vases, a Buddha or two and plants, including a large pot of water bamboo at his favorite window spot. He went to Kanna's chamber. She was alone, removing the flesh from her latest acquisition.
"Kanna, I need you to come with me and bring your mirror."
"Hai, Naraku-sama." Naraku smiled. He was many things, but stupid was not among them. He would not leave Sesshomaru with a means to easily locate him. He needed to make one more stop, then he was off. He found Kagura, as was her habit, lying in her chamber, painting her nails.
"Kagura. I hit Sesshomaru in the head with that hentai monk's staff. He is unconscious, but he will live. In order to assure that I do the same, I am going to disappear for a while. I need you to continue to look for the sorceress. It would be better for Sesshomaru if she were found before I regained my powers."
"Hai, Naraku-sama."
Jaken watched as Naraku gathered a few things, but chose not to question him. He was, to be honest, more than a little pissed off about the relationship. Rin was off with Kohaku somewhere. Naraku left, Kanna following behind. He had a place in mind, one he knew well, but he wasn't about to let Kagura know. He knew better than to trust her. It was slow going on foot, but it would be some time before Sesshomaru regained consciousness, and even then, he would be lucky to make it back to the castle before morning. It would take some time for the wound left by the monk's staff to heal, even with the youkai's powers. Yes, things were looking up.
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Inuyasha had returned with Kagome and they were sitting in Kaede's cottage when Miroku entered. "Oi, Miroku. Anything happen while I was gone?"
"As you might expect, Naraku and Sesshomaru are having relationship problems. Naraku tried to talk me into using the Kazaana on Sesshomaru. When Sesshomaru showed up looking for him, Naraku grabbed my monk's staff and hit him in the head. Sesshomaru was unconscious when I left. I decided it would be better if I wasn't there when he wakes up. I don't think he is going to be in a good mood."
"Feh. When is he ever in a good mood?"
Kagome got her first aid kit out. "Maybe you should check on him, Inuyasha."
"Nani?"
"Kagome-san is right."
"Kuso. He tried to kill me again the other day." *doing his best Sesshomaru imitation* "Inuyasha. You have annoyed me for the last time. SHINE!!(Die)" Inuyasha snorted. "It's always the same."
"I see your point. But helping Sesshomaru will hurt Naraku. And remember we are all members of the Naraku Must Die Club."
"Feh. I'll go. But I won't take the first aid. He won't need it." Miroku told Inuyasha where he could find Sesshomaru and Inuyasha left.
Inuyasha found Sesshomaru conscious and leaning against a rock. He had a nasty looking head wound. "Oi, Sesshomaru. I hear you have boyfriend problems."
Sesshomaru's eyes turned red briefly, then he composed himself. "We are in an adjustment period. Naraku was not happy being the uke. Perhaps I should have suggested switching, but I hate being controlled in any fashion, as you well know. I don't picture myself ever taking the submissive role. Naraku will have to learn to accept his place in the relationship. But first, he will have to be punished. I haven't decided how yet." He looked up to find Inuyasha with his fingers in his ears, singing nonesense syllables. "Nani?"
"I don't want to know the details of your sex life, Sesshomaru. I don't tell you the details of mine."
"You don't have one, little brother."
"Nan da to?" Inuyasha growled and drew the Tetsusaiga.
"The Tetsusaiga is the only sword that sees any action and you know it, Inuyasha. Now put it away. I have a headache and I am in no mood to play with you. I have a mate to find and kill." Sesshomaru walked away, heading back to the castle. Inuyasha headed back to the village. Kagome was sitting outside the cottage waiting for him.
"Did you find Sesshomaru?"
"Hai. The staff left a wound and he has a headache." Inuyasha scratched his right ear. "He started talking about his relationship problems with Naraku. It was creepy."
"Head injuries can cause unusual and bizarre behavioural changes."
"He hasn't acted like Sesshomaru since the love spell, except that he is still the one in control."
"Love can cause bizarre behaviour too."
"Ch. I'll be glad when things are back to normal."
"Hai. But it's been peaceful."
"Hai." The two of them sat there, in companionable silence, looking up at the night sky.
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It took three days for Naraku and Kanna to reach their final destination. A deserted Buddhist temple in the mountains. It would be a welcome change from the caves they had used the last couple of days. Naraku wished he had his powers back, he would feel more comfortable with a barrier. He made a pot of tea and found a window with a nice view. Kanna walked over with her mirror. He was keeping careful track of Kagura, he knew better than to trust her. He chuckled. If Sesshomaru remembered all that had transpired, Kagura was going to have some explaining to do. Maybe Sesshomaru would do him a favour and get rid of the wench. He was lost in that pleasant thought when Kikyo walked up."NANI? Masaka!"
"Ohayo Naraku-chan."
"I am not emitting any youki at present, onna. How did you find me?"
"Would you believe I was just in the area?"
"Iie. I think you exist to stalk me."
"As I have told you before, Naraku-chan, I exist to annoy and torment you until such time as I can send you to Hell. It is just an accident that I happened to come to this temple."
"Hn."
"I heard some interesting gossip concerning you and Sesshomaru. I heard you are his new bitch."
"NAN DA TO?!"
"He's been looking all over for you, making a nuisance of himself."
"Kuso. Kagura tried a love spell on Sesshomaru and I got caught in the middle of it. She is supposed to be be searching for the sorceress so the spell can be removed."
"Ah. What did you mean when you said you weren't emitting any youki?"
Kuso. Kuso. Kuso. Kuso. Naraku had to resist the urge to bang his head on the floor. "Another gift from Kagura. It is temporary, but it keeps me from being able to access my youki or summon youkai."
"So ka? That means I could probably kill you right now." Kikyo enjoyed the fleeting look of alarm on Naraku's face. "But I won't. In fact, I'll help you. I know the sorceress."
Naraku gave her a calculating look. "And just what would be the price?"
"I would like to bring Onigumo forth in you for a few days."
Naraku let out a long suffering sigh. "I agree, but on the condition that there be none of that role playing you mentioned involving hitting my person with bamboo canes or anything else."
"Very well. You know, I would think you'd be more open, given your reputation."
"Ch'"
"The sorceress who provided Kagura with her spells is named Hoshiko. She travels a great deal, gathering the plants she uses. If you will lend me Kanna and her mirror, I should be able to locate her."
"Arigitai."
Naraku watched while Kikyo used Kanna's mirror to locate the sorceress. "She is much younger than I would have thought. Pretty as well."
"Hn. You want the antidote or do you want me to set up a date? I don't think she has any reason to hate you yet. Though I'm sure you could change that."
"Iie. My life is complicated enough right now."
"Very well. I will take Kanna and the mirror, just in case." Kikyo left with Kanna, As for Naraku, well, he sat at the window, drinking his tea and waiting.
End of Part 4
