I know, I know, you thought I was never gonna update. Well, I ve been on vacation for, like two monthes, and before that I was dealing with the death of a close friend and before that I was at debate camp. I haven't had a spare minute all summer. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter.
I also realize I made a mistake in the last chapter - Sesshou's dad can't have died so soon after Inu's birth because he hired Miroku when Miroku was fourteen. Anyway, I've decided he's still alive, and I'll go back and correct it in that chapter later. Inu's mother is still alive also. Another mistake I made - They went to the club on a Saturday night, but Kikyo told them to go to school the next day... On SATURDAY? So, pretend she just said go to school Monday and I'll correct it later... And they're not supposed to meet her till Monday also - cause in the last chapter Sess met Kag at school and, well, they hadn't met with Kikyo yet... Kikyo had something to do that weekend, I guess *scratches head* I'll think of what that was later... Oooh, I think I just thought of it now... You'll find out what that is... Soon.
Thank you everyone, for you support and patience. As for waiting to finish The Meaning of Truth, I changed my mind. This story is much better, in my opinion, and I just can't keep away from it.
JUST for Clarification - Kanna, Kagura, etc. are not Naraku's children or in any way related to him. They're just his allies/servants/minions.
Standard disclaimers apply. The storyline, however is mine.
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Problems Chapter Six
Two men sat in a small room, watching a TV monitor. That bitch Kikyo, one of them muttered. But what the hell were those other idiots doing here? Trying to rescue Kagome? Fools.
Er, Naraku? Is this security footage from last night? the man beside him asked.
Naraku gave him a scathing look. Hiten, sometimes I wonder why I keep someone so stupid near me.
Hiten looked down in embarassment. Er, sir? Would you like me to deal with this?
No... Not now, he said, rising to his feet and sweeping from the room.
Several minutes later, he had reached his destination - Kagome's room. Without knocking, he stepped inside, and found the girl sitting on her bed, talking in hushed tones to her attendent - Sango, he believed the girl's name was.
he said softly to the servant, who bowed obediently and hurried from the room.
Kagome turned sad eyes to him but said nothing.
You did not inform me you would be receiving guests at the club.
I - What?
Your little school friends, come to rescue you... That was kind of them, and kind of you to send them packing.
Suddenly, Kagome's face was panicked. I - Don't hurt them, Naraku! Don't hurt them!
Naraku stared intently at Kagome's face for a moment. And why shouldn't I hurt them? They attempted to steal something that belonged to me.
They won't bother you ever again, I promise! Just don't hurt them! Kagome's look was pleading.
Naraku continued to stare at her. was his only response.
Kagome was on the verge of tears, and Naraku was enjoying her pain immensely. I won't complain about school... I won't go to school for the rest of the year, she said firmly.
If I decide you won't go, you won't go. That has nothing to do with your little friends.
What do you want?! Kagome cried.
he said, leaning towards her. But for now, I'll let your friends live if you open your soul up completely the next time we go to the factory. The machine will not take the traces of energy that swirl around you, but the more powerful energy inside your very soul. You'll recover fully a day or two afterwards, so there's no need to worry.
Kagome's sharp intake of breath was his only answer.
Otherwise, I'll just have to pay a visit to your sister, and the household of the Ikagi's (Sess and Inu's last name in this fic). Naraku knew that the moment he spoke those words he had her.
she said softly, her head hung in resignation.
Good, now, let's have a little fun, shall we? He leaned towards her further, his lips nearly brushing against hers, and in one smooth movement he had pushed her back onto the bed.
No Naraku! Kagome struggled wildly, anguish filling her. Sometimes, she wondered why she bothered to struggle. She didn't have a choice. Then, suddenly, Sesshoumaru's face burst clearly into her head and she screamed.
Naraku's ears were suddenly full of her scream and an immense pain shot through him. He pulled up sharply and looked down in shock at Kagome's hand, which glowed blue. She was also staring at it in surprise. Naraku sat up and pulled off his shirt. He stared down at the burn mark on his skin. You're not supposed to be able to do that, he said softly, his face expressionless. Suddenly, his eyes filled with anger. How dare you? he hissed.
In an instant, Kagome felt his hands on her chest and she screamed, knowing what was coming but unable to do anything about it. The pain she felt then was beyond anything she could ever have imagined. Naraku had only done this to her at one other time, and the pain had been so intense she had blocked the experience almost completely from her memory.
She threw back her head, the shockwaves of pain travelling up and down her as Naraku reached into her very soul, his insistent fingers demanding her complete submission. She gave in, knowing that the sooner she did the sooner the pain would stop, but Naraku did not stop, he reached further, tearing her emotions with his painful grip. Naraku was very adept at soulsearching and probing, but the bonding spell made it especially easy for him to reach inside Kagome's soul. The pain and humiliation this caused her was the greatest punishment he could give, aside from killing someone close to her. It served another purpose as well. Naraku was reinforcing the bond, making sure his control was complete and that she could not use her powers against him again.
***
Sesshoumaru was nearly knocked over as Miroku rushed past him and toward the front door.
Where are you going? Sesshoumaru asked.
Miroku looked almost surprised to see him. Oh, sorry Sess. I have to go, though.
Where are you going? Sesshou repeated. We have to go to Kikyo's in a few hours.
Someone's contacted me, and they insist they have information about Kagome.
Instantly Sesshoumaru was intent and alert.
Look, I didn't tell you because I knew you'd want to come, but you can't. She wants to meet alone, okay? Look, I got to go, but I'll tell you everything that happened when I get back.
Sesshoumaru watched in annoyance as Miroku rushed out the door.
Sesshoumaru walked slowly out the door, not really sure where he was going, sure only that he needed to get out of the house.
came a voice from behind him.
Sesshoumaru turned to see his father standing on the stairs behind him. Sesshou said softly.
Son, I know you are a very intelligent young man, and you have a brilliant future ahead of you... But stay away from Kagome Higurashi.
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened and then narrowed. You were having me followed...
Yes. Son, you don't want to get in the way of Naraku Osagawa.
Sesshoumaru watched angrily as his father turned and walked back up the stairs.
***
Kagura was studying her sister's expressionless face when there was a soft knock on the door. Come in, she said.
A boy with black hair and a freckled face opened the door. Excuse me for disturbing you, but I bring a message from Naraku.
Yes, what is it? Kagura snapped quickly.
The boy bowed deeper as he responded. He requests that both of you meet him in the Ouyai Meeting Room at once.
Alright then, she said, rising to her feet. Her sister rose as well, her motions fluid. As they walked down the corridor, Kagura marveled that her sister could walk without making any noise at all.
Naraku was indeed waiting for them.
He surveyed them regally, leaning casually against the wall. he began, I need you to fetch Urasae for me.
Kagura's eyes widened slightly at this command. It was very unusal that Naraku needed the witch's servives. She wondered why, all of a sudden... What shall I tell her you require of her?
Tell her it is about some of her past work... Tell her I am concerned she had done something incorrectly.
Kagura was even more curious than before, but she simply nodded.
You may go, Naraku said, and Kagura walked slowly out of the room, glancing back at Naraku and her sister. Kanna had said nothing, and appeared to be staring absently into space. Her strange white hair and face contrasted sharply with Naraku's dark hair and clothes. It sometimes annoyed her that Naraku seemed to trust Kanna with the more important matters, but there were reasons. Kanna looked like a young girl, but in actuality she was four years older than Kagura, and, as far as Kagura knew, her loyalty was to Naraku - totally and completely.
***
The boy who had summoned Kanna and Kagura walked off swiftly down the hall after they left. He almost ran into Sango, who wasn't watching where she was going.
she said, surprised but pleased to see her brother.
Sango, what are you doing, walking around without even paying attention?
Sango blushed slightly. I was just thinking about Kagome.
I see. Kohaku knew all about Kagome, and Sango's work for Kikyo. Sango had not wanted Kohaku to stay at Naraku's mansion, but he had insisted on staying to
look after her.
Anyway, I'm off this afternoon. We should get out of here, take a walk. Let's go into town.
Are we allowed?
Yeah, it's okay. Come on.
***
Kanna and Naraku sat in silence for a few moments. Kanna, I need to look into your mirror.
The girl nodded and reached inside her pocket to pull our a small, white mirror.
I need to see Kikyo, he said softly.
The miko appeared, sitting at her kitchen table. A book was open in front of her. Naraku growled as he recognized it... But how had she obtained a copy? He was under the impression that very few remained. It didn't matter anyway, he told himself, she could read the stupid book all she wanted. It wouldn't give her the ability to break the bonding spell. Naraku nearly chuckled at the look of determination on her face.
Kanna watched him, not blinking and not looking into the mirror.
Naraku's eyes widened slightly as someone knocked on Kikyo's door. She answered it, and Inuyasha stepped inside.
That's enough, Naraku said, turning away from the mirror. So, they were going to cause trouble.... No matter, he would find a way to get Kikyo out of his way. He couldn't just kill her, though, then Kagome would blaim him and she would be quite annoying about it. Hmmmm, perhaps... Kanna, get Tsubaki for me.
Kanna nodded.
***
Miroku was glancing nervously at his watch as he hurried across the park. Suddenly he ran into someone. The someone turned out to be a young boy, and he fell over from the impact. Sorry kid, Miroku said, leaning forward and offering his hand. After helping the kid to his feet, he noticed someone rushing towards them.
Kohaku, are you okay? the girl cried.
Miroku's eyes lit up. Ah, Sango, right?
Huh? Do I know you?
Not really. We met at Naraku's club, very briefly.
Comprehension dawned on Sango's face. Oh right...
I'm Miroku, he said, and Sango felt a hand on her backside.
Miroku you PERVERT! she cried, smacking him hard across the face.
You hit rather hard. Anyway, I'd love to chat, but I have to go.
Sango was still shaking in anger.
Thank you, though, for what you're doing for Kagome.
Sango stared on as he brushed past her and walked across the park.
***
Sesshoumaru was sitting on a bench, staring pointlessly into space. Kagome's face seemed to fill his vision.
Oi, Sesshou, I'm talking to you!
Sesshoumaru blinked, and realized that Kagome's face really was filling his vision. She was standing over him and glaring.
Will you stop spacing out?! she cried.
Er, sorry Kagome, he said, embarassed.
No big deal. Look, I just came to tell you to stop.
Stop... What?
Stop trying to save me. Tell Kikyo to stop too. Naraku knows you were at the club, and he knows why you were there... If you don't want to get hurt, you have to stop. I just barely convinced him to spare your lives.
Sesshoumaru wasn't sure he was hearing this. No. We're going to rescue you.
You idiot! Kagome cried, desperation and anger in her voice.
Sesshoumaru was on his feet, and he towered over her. Listen to me, he said, more harshly than he had meant to. I - We - care about you. I want to stop you from being hurt.
Kagome's eyes filled with anger. If you don't want me hurt than stop! Stop this! Look, I can't protect you if you do anything else. Naraku's not very forgiving. And if you don't want him to hurt me, stop trying to help!
Sesshoumaru seized her arm roughly. No. I won't leave you as Naraku's prisoner. I will rescue you. I promise.
Kagome looked surprised for a moment, and then her eyes narrowed. You can't! There's nothing you can do against Naraku! You have no chance!
he said, and his voice held a hint of warning. This isn't your decision. It's Kikyo's and Miroku's and Inuyasha's. And more than anything, it's mine.
Why won't you just listen to me! she screamed.
Sesshoumaru felt a hint of a growl rising in his throat, and, without thinking, pulled her closer to him. She stumbled and fell into his arms, her eyes wide in surprise. His lips forcefully sought hers.
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Well, what do you think? Anyway, I didn't have time to work on this chapter as much as I would have liked, but I've been out fo town for two months and I'm leaving tommorrow. I'll be gone until September, and I really wanted to get this chapter out. I hope you liked it. I kind of feel like I crammed a lot of stuff into it, including two new characters (Kohaku and Kanna) and the mention of two more (Urasae and Tsubaki). Anyway, next chapter, two more characters will come in. Can you guess who they are? He he he.