I know its been a while, but being a junior in high school is a LOT OF WORK!
Problems Chapter 7: Of Secrets
Miroku walked over to the bench where he was supposed to wait and sat down, glancing nervously at his watch. The cryptic words written on the note in his pocket echoed through his mind. Three minutes late and I'm gone.
Well, he was actually five minutes early but better early than late.
It's good to see that you took my note seriously.
Miroku turned slowly, although he was quite startled. Standing behind him was a young girl in slightly old-fashioned clothes. She looked about eleven or twelve, but the seriousness in her face made her seem much older. His eyes strayed to the faded patch that covered one of her eyes.
Hello, Kaede, he said smoothly, smiling.
I assume you're Miroku?
Yep. Now do you want to talk about this here?
That's fine. Now how exactly are you involved with Naraku and the shikon no tama?
Miroku stared at her for a moment. She wouldn't believe lies, but could he trust her with the truth? After a few moments, he decided to take a gamble. We're going to rescue someone he's keeping prisoner - Kagome Higurashi, he said evenly, watching her closely.
Her stoic face actually transformed slightly to a look of surprise. You really think you can do that? You do realize how important Kagome is to Naraku? The only way to take Kagome away from Naraku is to destroy Naraku himself.
I see. Now, you claimed that you could help me. I want to know a few things - do you or do you not have a piece of the shikon no tama? What do you have against Naraku? What can you do for us? And what do you want in return?
I do have a piece of the shikon no tama. I actually have a limited ability to see shards... I'm a miko, like Kagome, and my powers can be of use. I can also provide you with information to help you against Naraku - although I severly doubt you guys can do anything. All I want is to see Naraku gone. As for what I have against him... That's none of your business.
I see... And how do I know that I can trust you?
You've already told me your objective... If Naraku found out about that, he'd kill you all, so if no one kills you in the next few minutes I'd say you can trust me.
Alright... Well, we're having a meeting at Kikyo's in about an hour and a half. Would you like to come or would you rather just tell me everything you want to tell me now?
Of course she's involved. Kagome's her sister.
Hmmm... I don't know. I agreed to meet with you, but not anyone else. Do they know about me?
No. Sesshou knows I went to meet someone, but not who or about what.
I see. Well, anyway, I don't know. Tell me, what do you already know about Naraku?
Not enough. I know about his about Kagome, about his search for the shikon no tama... But I don't really understand him. What could possess a man to do such things for power? Miroku mused.
To understand Naraku you need to understand the shikon no tama.
And I suppose you can help me with that?
Yes. However, if you really want to know about the shikon no tama you should ask your new friend Sango.
But Kaede did not answer. Anyway, I'll see you tonight at Kikyo's.
Miroku was left alone wondering what Sango had to do with anything.
***
Kagome pulled away from Sesshoumaru and slipped to her knees. Sesshoumaru stood over her, his face determined.
Then Kagome smiled, and something in the smile terrified him. Then she chuckled aloud, but a tear slid down her cheek. She looked up at him, resolute. If you care about me, leave me alone. If you don't want me to hate you, leave me alone. If you want to live, if you want me to live, leave me alone. Naraku knows everything. He sees everything. And there's no possible way that you can rescue me from him. So stop trying. If you continue this, you'll end up hurting you and me, but more importantly, you'll end up hurting my sister. And I won't forgive you for that. Kagome pulled herself to her feet and walked away.
Sesshoumaru stood there, stung, feeling as if the world was tumbling down around him. He wanted to run after her, stop her, make her understand, but he couldn't bring his feet to move at all.
That girl, he thought, has got me all mixed up. But if didn't matter. He knew that. He was going to rescue her, and she didn't have a choice in the matter. No one thought of Sesshoumaru as a softly who listened to other people's wishes - even if it was the girl he thought he was in love with. He would listen to her, yes, but not on this.
He turned and strode back toward home. It was almost time to go to Kikyo's.
***
What is this?
This is the... how should I put it - the main book of black magic used by the most evil sorcerers and sorcesses. It includes information on the bonding spell. I'm hoping it'll help me break the spell.
Where did you get this? Inuyasha found himself fascinated with the strange symbols on the cover.
Kikyo giggled, and Inuyasha looked up sharply - she didn't giggle often. This adorable old man named Myouga. Without him, well, without him I'd be in real trouble. He's helped me quite a bit and will support us all the way in rescuing Kagome. Although he does tend to run away from danger....
Inuyasha scoffed. Useless. Although, anyone who can help us rescue Kagome can't be too bad. He smiled at the woman who sat beside him, and she blushed slightly.
Anyway... There's something I wanted to tell you, Kikyo, now that we're alone.
Well, um, about that, we're not entirely alone actually.
I'm here! came a childish voice.
Inuyasha looked towards the doorway to the living room, shocked. A boy who looked about nine or ten was standing in the doorway, hands on his hips, orangish hair pulled back in a ponytail. Who the hell is that?! Inuyasha cried.
Hmph. Who are YOU?! I'm Shippo! I'm staying with Kikyo. She likes me more than you.
You brat, don't-
Now calm down you two! Anyway, Shippo is staying with me for a while. That's where I was this weekend, examining a shikon shard rumor - it turns out this little guy had two shards. His family was killed by two employees of Naraku, and so he's with us all the way.
Won't a little kid get in the way?
Hey! I'm not a little kid!
Say, isn't that Sesshoumaru's car? Looks like he's arrived, and Miroku too.
Kikyo, Inuyasha, and Shippo watched out the window as the two boys walked up towards the door, arguing vehnemently about someting.
Miroku, we can't just trust some total stranger! Where did you meet her, anyway?!
On the internet, of course. There are actually a few chat rooms who subject is ancient jewels and black magic and such. Well, there are a lot of them but most are either dorky or crappy. This entry to this one was encrypted very heavily, so I knew whatever would be inside would be worth it.
But still, you told her what we wanted to do!
Who cares? She's coming in a few minutes anyway, so she's gonna find out.
But you trusted a total stranger!
Look, would you just calm down.
You could cause Kagome to get hurt!
Look I know you love her but would you just calm down - I'm helping, remember?
Kikyo watched with amusement as the two continued to argue.
Is she pretty or something? Because that would explain.
Kikyo's eyebrows rose. Did Miroku have a soft spot for pretty girls? She remebered the first question he had ever asked her - Will you bear my child? Hmm, so he probably did that a lot. For some reason she had assumed it was uncommon... What did it matter anyway? What mattered was whatever they were talking about. Excuse me, she said as she opened the door. But who exactly did you allow to come to my house?
Her name's Kaede, Miroku said, turning away from a fuming Sesshoumaru.
The tone of her voice made everyone turn towards her.
Do you know her? Miroku asked.
I - Yes. Yes I do. Why exactly are you bringing her into this?
She can help.
Yes, perhaps she can... And there she is.
The group turned to see the ragged preteen standing on the sidewalk, stoic. Hello, Kikyo.
It's been a while, Kaede, Kikyo said in a cool voice. Come on in.
The group filed into the house and sat down. Sesshoumaru, Kaede, and Miroku were introduced to Shippo, and then for a few minutes everyone was silent.
Kikyo said finally. I guess this is where we stand. There are the six of us, Myouga, and Sango... But I'm not exactly sure how we're going to do this. I've been reading up on dark magic and such, because we need to break the bonding spell. I also need to keep building up my strength. There is something else I've been working on... There's someone who observed the final phase of the bonding spell... She might be able to help us.
Who is she? Sesshoumaru was immediately interested.
Her name is Rin, but I don't know exactly where to find her or if she'll help. You see, ever since the day the bonding spell was cast... She doesn't speak.
Well then, we have to find this Rin.
She lives at one of Naraku's factories. Her keeper is a man named Kouga Takatsuki.
Anyway, we also need to keep the shikon no tama out of Naraku's hands, Miroku said.
Kikyo said. The more his power grows the more danger for Kagome and all of us. In fact, I heard from Sango that Naraku and Kagome will be leaving on a trip soon because of a shard rumor.
We have to get to that shard before they do, Inuyasha put in.
Yes, some of us should do that while some of us should work on getting Rin. I'll go after the shard, Kikyo said. I have the best ability to see shards of anyone here... I wouldn't want to leave any of you trying to steal someone from Naraku's care, but with Kaede, you should be okay. There was grudging respect in Kikyo's voice.
I'll go with you, Miroku put in quickly.
Me too, Inuyasha said, casting a sharp look at Miroku.
No, Inuyasha. It's better if we can each work on this without too much... emotional entanglement.
Inuyasha started to protest but was but off by Sesshoumaru.
We all know how you feel about Kikyo, but she's right.
Inuyasha looked down at his knees, fuming.
I guess that means I'll stay here as well, Sesshoumaru continued. So it's settled. Inuyasha, Kaede, and I will work on getting to Rin. Miroku and Kikyo will go after the shard. Sesshoumaru looked at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes. He didn't want to reveal to them his meeting with Kagome, or what she had said.
I'm going after the shard too! Shippo cried.
Everyone looked at him strangely but decided to let it go.
Alright. Miroku, we're leaving tommorrow, Kikyo said. Kaede - can you handle this Rin thing?
Yes. Don't worry about us.
Miroku said, putting a hand to his chin in thought. Would I be correct in guessing that the real reason you're willing to go is because Kagome and Naraku will be where you're going - So it's safer for those left here and you'll be closer to your sister.
Kikyo smiled but said nothing.
Oh, another thing, Inuyasha said. How do we contact that Sango girl? She can help us, right?
Oh, of course! I'm meeting with her tonight so I'll let her know about you guys. I'll set up a meeting with you guys.
Another thing, Miroku said. Kaede said Sango knew things about the shikon no tama.
Kikyo said, She did grow up in the town where it was created.
Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru asked in unison.
She's told me everything she knows but, well... I'll tell you about it sometime, but not now.
***
What do you require of me, Naraku? Urasae asked, her gnarled face fixed in a questioning expression.
My dear Urasae, you performed the bonding spell between Kagome and I... However... Recently, it seems Kagome has been able to do things she shoudn't be able to do.
And what exactly would those things be? The witch questioned.
She's been able to use her miko abilities to scorch my precious skin, Urasae, Naraku's voice was a blade of ice. And she's not supposed to be able to do that.
No, she's not... Hmmm... I can't make the bonding spell stronger. I suppose you used the neccessary tools to reinforce your power over her?
Of course... But I don't want it to happen again.
Urasae scratched her head. Well... What you did should do the trick.. I'll perform a few reinforcing spells. And don't let her become too... Happy. That'll just cause her powers to grow.
You want me to make her more unhappy? Naraku's lips curved into an evil sneer. He had already hurt her a great deal by forcing her to deal with the pain of the machine at full power and her with an open soul. That can be arranged. If this happens again, though, Urasae, I'll hold you responsible. Leave.
The witch hurried out, leaving Naraku deep in thought. What else will make her unhappy? Hmm, well, he thought, we do have to go get another shard. That should do the trick...
There was a soft knock on the door.
Come in.
Kanna swept in, Tsubaki following closely behind her.
Ahh, Kanna, Tsubaki, right on time.
What do you require of me, Naraku?
Naraku surveyed the dark miko for a few moments. Kikyo has become a... Very big problem lately. A problem that I want disposed of. Not neccessarily death, but... Inability to move would be good.
You want me to curse Kikyo? Tsubaki's face was incredulous.
Is that so hard to believe?
Naraku, I don't want to have anything to do with Kikyo. To be extremely blunt, one of the only things keeping you safe right now is your power over Kagome. Otherwise, I don't think Kikyo would leave you alive.
Naraku's dark eyes flashed.
Kikyo is the only miko who has ever defeated me.
You're a coward, Tsubaki. Leave my sight... If this is all you can do.
Tsubaki left an angry Naraku behind, contemplating the situation. I really would like another go at Kikyo... But the easiest way to wound her would be through Kagome... Naraku wouldn't like that... But I am not his slave...
Naraku watched her leave, Kanna standing stoic at his side. He sighed when the miko was gone. This is proving to be quite an obnoxious problem. Suddenly a hand on his arm startled him. He looked into Kanna's strange eyes, and gently put a hand on her shoulder. I must go, Kanna, he said softly. Come with me. I will need to keep an eye on things here.
Kanna nodded.
***
Why are we driving and not flying?! Shippo cried.
Shippo, would you please calm down? Miroku and I think this is best. If we buy tickets people can check where we're going.
Shippo, why don't we play a game? Miroku cut in quickly.
Okay.... What kind of game?
Alright when you see a sign with the letter A' on it, call out the word, then we look for B', and so on.
Sounds boring.... But I'll try it.
Kikyo felt a smiling tugging at her lips as Miroku and Shippo played the letter game. He's a sweet guy... And a smart guy... A good choice for this difficult journey. I just hope he knows what he's getting himself into...
_______________
FEW! I don't feel like this chapter is that good and I'm cramming a lot into it but I don't want to make you guys wait anymore... Sorry it kinda sucks. I'll update when I can as always.