Excuse ramble(you don't have to read this)~
Hi there, all! (suddenly ducks behind a Styrofoam object as objects are thrown, just the usual tantrums the readers throw at authors whenever a delayed updated occurs or when a story is removed) I'm sorry to all of you who liked Kagome's Final Fantasy. I'm really sorry. And stupid. -_- I might post it back up again some day, but not for now, ya?
I'm also sorry for the late update, like last time. One word explains it all... homework.
Lots and lots of homework.
I was expecting little to no homework, since it had only been the first day of school, and what do the teachers do? Give out lots of it like there's no tomorrow. Let's see... I have three pages of math homework, I have to write a full page of English homework, a science project reviewing earth and something about tectonic plates, magma, and the human body;;, three Social Studies worksheets.., what else... oh, I don't know.
And before I was squished with the huge amount of homework, I was on a last minute shopping for school supplies; pencils, paper, rubber chickens, etc.
So you see, school has come to me in a big jumble of a mess.
~End Excuse ramble~ -
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I'm introducing Shippou-chan in this chapter. Hurray..! ^_^
...sort of.
Note: Wanna see what Sephiroth and Kiochi looks like? Email me or leave a review saying your email address and I'll send you a few pictures of him! ^_^
------------------------------------------ Chapter XV: Mayhem ------------------------------------------
The Tenseiga stopped pulsing. Sephiroth slashed at Sesshoumaru, who barely dodged the attack. He didn't notice that Sephiroth had wounded him until blood soaked into the shoulder part of his red and white kimono. Sesshoumaru meekly brought a hand up to touch the wound, which sizzled in reaction, causing Sesshoumaru to wince slightly from the stinging sharp pain.
"Do you like the pain you feel, Sesshoumaru? Masamune has enjoyed taking a small sample of your blood.. but now she wants the whole thing," Sephiroth grinned like a madman, running towards Sesshoumaru once again, the Masamune just begging to be embedded into Sesshoumaru's gut.
Sesshoumaru felt the Tenseiga pulse once more at his side. 'Tenseiga? Are you implying me to use you?' His hand traveled down and unsheathed his sword.
Tenseiga was glowing blue, just as it had once done when he saved human Inuyasha's life.
Sephiroth swung down the mighty Masamune, and Sesshoumaru swung up his Tenseiga to block the attack.
Sparks of green and blue flew all over the place.
"You... what is that sword?" Sephiroth demanded, trying to bring down his evil sword upon Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru didn't answer, but instead pushed Sephiroth's blade backwards, ignoring the stinging pain that seemed to flow endlessly into his arm.
The Masamune started to vibrate furiously. Sesshoumaru kept himself on guard, for that sword would surely be his downfall.. if it were to collide with him. Sephiroth, however, stood without care, staring at Sesshoumaru's sword while Sesshoumaru stared at his.
"No one had ever been able to resist my Masamune.." Sephiroth stated with disgust. "We'll find out if it was just plain fortune that saved you for that one moment!!!" In a flash of black and silver, the brightgreen-eyed antagonist began to charge swiftly forward, holding the Masamune in one hand.
Sesshoumaru brought a clawed hand up to his chest, feeling strange pain inside him.. as if something was squeezing his lungs. He noticed his breaths were becoming uneven now, rapid... not to mention his arm was still in a hell of a pain.
With all his effort, the faltered prince raised the Tenseiga in hopes of protecting himself. The Tenseiga glowed with blue light again, this time, more powerfully, and caused Sephiroth to slow down a bit for some reason. The light seemed to lighten the whole forest area, making the trees and grass look white colored.
"That light.. I recognize that light," Sephiroth drew back, for some reason afraid of the Tenseiga. "We shall meet again, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru watched, on one knee, as Sephiroth relinquished into thin air.
'Masamune is what it is called... I've never felt so weak and vulnerable in my life.' Firmly planting the Tenseiga into the dirt, the taiyoukai eased himself up onto his feet, using his Tenseiga as support. Everything was beginning to split into two.. at least to Sesshoumaru's eyesight. 'If I do not kill this Sephiroth... Inuyasha and Kagome are going to be in danger... Kagome..'
On instinct, the Western Lord began to trek unconsciously towards the direction of the shrine, his eyes half lidded. Now his arm was feeling worst than ever, it also had the simmering pain of being as if pulled off..
He continued, his Tenseiga now sheathed and his right hand over his injured left shoulder, trying to stop the blood from flowing out. But for some reason, the only thing on his mind right now was to get to the one person he'd learn to trust.
The sky began to light up as morning greeted Sesshoumaru unwelcomingly, the bright golden sun beginning to rise. Sesshoumaru began to sprint, his right hand still placed over his left shoulder. He realized how slow he was running, compared to when he was in full health.. at this rate, he should at least get to the shrine in an hour.. though it usually takes him less...
~
Naraku just stood there, staring at Kagome in utter disbelief. 'She knows..' he mused, his crimson eyes startled. He'd transformed back to his normal form about a few minutes ago, and here was Kagome staring up at him with her startled eyes.
"Uh.. you're Naraku again......" Kagome started, but trailed off. She seemed to be at a loss for words at the moment, so Naraku decided to start off.
"So you know, now do you, girl?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," Kagome replied somewhat flatly, 'too much, actually,' she added mentally.
"What did he tell you? That is to say, what did my human half tell you?"
"Well, he called me by my name instead of just 'girl'," Kagome's voice hardened at the last few words, "and... gave me info about your transformations.."
"Oh really?" Naraku asked off-handedly, sounding a bit suspicious.
"Yes. He told me about Onigumo."
"So he did." Naraku let his eyes wander towards the still rising sun behind Kagome. Kagome looked up and noticed how the sun make his eyes look a shade of gold similar to Sesshomaru's, yet totally different at the same time. Then she mentally slapped herself for suddenly thinking weird thoughts at a time like this.
"Why do you always hide yourself whenever the New Moon arises?" Kagome chided, startled when Naraku's lit crimson eyes fell on her instantly at the start of her voice.
"Hide myself?" he asked as if it were a ridiculous thing. "I only keep to myself to prevent others from overreacting about my silly once a month transformations.."
"But you don't understand! Don't you know how much danger you put yourself in when you hide yourself in the dangerous forest? In your _human_ form?" Kagome demanded, "You and Sesshoumaru are so much alike! Both trying to solve your problems behind your friends' backs!"
'Friends..?' Naraku thought, a bit shocked.
"Well, when you have a problem, or if there's something you've been dying to get off your chest, then do it," Kagome ended.
"Do you think I am the sentimental kind of person?" Naraku snorted arrogantly, pretending to wave off Kagome's word of advice. Also, continuing the little quarrel. "I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this.."
"And I don't know why your making such a LITTLE deal out of this," Kagome said irritably. She stepped up defiantly and looked him straight in the eye.
"Why do you care?" he asked icily. 'When did this turn into an argument?' Naraku thought with annoyance.
"Because I worry for you, BAKA!!" Kagome almost yelled in his face, her hands planted on her hips. Oh boy, why did this feel like déjà vu?
Her words had a tone of obviousness in them, as if he should have known already. Now Naraku was at a loss for words. 'She was worried for me? Why?' Flashbacks of their first encounter invaded his mind, flashbacks of him wildly trying to kill her for the Shikon no Tama. When did they get so close as to start worrying for each other? No, that came out all wrong. When did they get so close as to make HER start worrying about HIS welfare? When did he suddenly feel it to be an important daily basis to assure her safety? And when did she start to arouse feelings inside him that flow stronger than those feelings he once had for Kikyo?
Overwhelming. This was too overwhelming. Naraku walked over to a fallen log and sat down on it, a look of plain annoyance written all over his face. With that, he began to drown in thought.
Kagome blinked, watching Naraku just SIT there thinking. 'Now what? Did I offend him when I said I worry for him?' an angered look flashed in her eyes. 'Oh, did I damage his pride or something? Me, a mere human worrying for a big and strong half youkai?' Her anger dissipated into frustration as she sat by him on the log.
"How much did he tell you?" Naraku asked forwardly.
"Enough."
"Stop playing games," Naraku scowled. It was obviously conspicuous that she was toying with him.
"I'm very forgetful, you know," Kagome said to him moodily. "I don't even remember what I did yesterday."
"Of course you don't, baka. You had a fever."
"Well, maybe I still had a fever when I saw Kagewaki! Maybe that's why I don't remember! Who knows, maybe I'm still feverish right now!"
Naraku rolled his eyes. "I think I favored it more when you were ill," he muttered. 'I guess she has no intention of telling this Naraku.. damn it all, she's hiding many things from me...'
"I heard that! What do you mean by 'favor it more when I was ill?'"
"It's quieter," Naraku replied coolly, leaning back.
"Why you-" Kagome froze in midsentence.
The scent of blood suddenly stung the air, to be more precise, the blood of... Sesshoumaru. Kagome must've sensed his presence, because she tensed also. "Naraku.. is it Sesshoumaru..?"
"Yes- and I also smell spilt blood."
As if on cue, Sesshoumaru appeared in a gust of wind, looking quite well. If the sleeve of his kimono had not been soaked in blood, Kagome would've not noticed he was injured at all. "Sesshoumaru, what happened to you?" Kagome queried openly, walking towards him.
"I'm fine."
Kagome looked up at him sternly. "Well, that wound looks pretty bad- holy cow, you're still bleeding freely!!"
"I noticed," Sesshoumaru grunted.
"We'd better get Kiochi-san to check that out before it infects," Kagome said hesitantly. With that said, the three began to make their way back to the Shrine.
"But, hey Naraku," Kagome asked off-handedly.
"What?"
"What do you mean it's 'quieter' when I'm sick?! Oh, do you prefer I stay dead quiet or something?!"
"Yes," Naraku shot back, and the argument ensues. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration. ( and it is very un-Sesshoumaru like, by the way)
~
"Hoshi, are you sure it is all right to visit them unexpectedly? They might be busy.."
"Don't worry about it, Sango. I'm sure Lady Kagome will welcome us with wide open arms!"
"Sister, will I truly get to meet an actual Miko?" asked a young male voice hopefully. Sango's little brother of about 12-13 looked up innocently as he, Sango, and Miroku rode over the green sea of trees on Kirara. "I've heard that only a Miko can be in possession of the Shikon no Tama and purify it without getting any selfish desires to keep to herself," he said in one long sentence. "That's pretty amazing..." he drifted off, thinking about the wonder and glory people with Miko powers were. "I'm actually going to meet one?"
"Yes, Kohaku," Sango said off-handedly then stared suspiciously at Miroku. "Alright, let me say the rules."
Miroku placed a mask of seriousness on his face and turned to face Sango. "Hai, Sango-sama." Kohaku watched interestedly.
"No funny business, no staring, no harassing elder women, no groping, no crazed get-ups, no cons..." Sango went on and on.
'Sango looks so beautiful when she is serious..' Miroku mused, nodding absently to anything she says. 'That reminds me... did I ever ask her to bear me a child? I wonder what would happen now if I asked her right now..'
"......don't look at my chest, don't look at other women's chests, don't look at women's butts, don't look at thighs, don't look any where inappropriate..," Sango trailed off, noticing Miroku was still nodding his head absentmindedly. "Oh, Hoshi-sama, I would very like to bear a child with you now," she added sweetly.
Miroku snapped out of his stupor and reeled. "HOLY BUDDHA!!"
"So, did you catch anything that I said at all?" Sango fought to keep her temper at bay. Miroku suddenly blanched out. "Would you mind repeating everything before 'Oh Hoshi-sama, I would very like to bear a child with you now'?"
Sango sighed. "Just don't do the things you normally do."
Miroku grinned and nodded.
Kohaku shook his heads. 'Adults are so strange..' "Nee-sama! Look, we are here!"
Sango looked to where Miroku was pointing and leaned over to get a good look. There was the Shrine, clean and prestigious as ever. They rode Kirara down to the shrine patio, where Kaede stood, sweeping, and Rin eating a roasted potato. The girls smiled up at them.
"Ah, Miroku-sama, Sango-san, nice to see you here again!" Kaede bowed.
"Miroku-sama! Sango-chan!" Rin bubbled up, running towards both of them and giving them hugs. She didn't see Kohaku for he hid himself behind the big Kirara.
"Are you here for a reason or are you here just for a visit?" Kaede asked courteously.
"Just for a visit," Miroku answered. "We wanted to see how all of you were doing."
"That is very kind of you," Kaede resumed sweeping the patio.
Kirara chose the perfect timing to transform back into a little kitten. Kaede's eyes swooped over to Kohaku, who timidly looked down. "Ah."
"Oh, this is my sibling, Kohaku," Sango grinned, patting Kohaku on the head.
"Sister, stop doing that! It makes me look like a child," Kohaku pouted unconsciously. "Don't forget I am turning fourteen in a couple of months," he added somewhat proudly.
"Yes, Kohaku," Sango nodded. "Kohaku, this is Kaede-chan. She is a Miko in training. Kohaku-" Sango laughed softly as Kohaku managed to conceal himself behind her. "-Come on, don't be shy."
Kaede tilted her head to the side a bit to see Kohaku behind his sister. "Kohaku-san?"
Kohaku nervously walked out from behind his sister. "Yeah.. sorry, I'm really nervous right now... this is the first time I actually encountered a Miko."
"Oh," Kaede smiled, "Well, even if I've miko powers, it does not mean I am superior or anything," she quipped. "So do not be nervous about it."
"Uh-huh," Kohaku nodded, still slightly tense.
Rin's smile, which never seemed to fade off expanded. "AH! Rin has new playmate! Kohaku-chan!"
Kohaku's eyes widened a good amount as Rin charged at him and tackled him into a bear hug. "Now Rin have another playmate!"
Sango sweatdropped as she watched the embarrassed flushed Kohaku, who was too polite to try and pry off the little girl. She also mentally apologized to Kohaku for not telling him about the bright hyper Rin.
"So, Kohaku-chan, want a potato?" Rin asked, pointing at the potatoes currently being roasted by a bonfire. Kohaku nodded after hearing his stomach rumble and followed Rin over to the bonfire.
"So how are things?" Miroku asked cheerily, sitting down at the steps of the shrine, watching Kaede sweep.
"Quite all right. Things seem pretty peaceful," Kaede shrugged. A leaf got caught in the broom and Kaede bent down to brush it off.
Sango shot Miroku an 'if-looks-could-kill' look, noticing his wandering eyes. The look she was giving him seemed to radiate, 'You sick pervert, she is only a kid, I shall beat you into a pulp if I see your eyes wander around again' all over the place.
Miroku gulped and nodded. Kaede however, had confusion written boldly on her face after seeing them have an eye conversation. "Ano, Sango-san, Miroku-sama would you like some tea?" (*ano* means um)
"Tea would be lovely," Sango nodded thankfully. "I've been feeling rather... stressed at the moment," Sango added, eyeing Miroku warily. "Where is Kiochi-sama?"
Kaede seemed to pause for a while. "Oh, yes, well, she went down for a bath in the hot springs a bit earlier-"
"HOT SPRINGS?!" demanded a shrill voice. Kagome came stomping out of the forest, then followed by Naraku and a wounded Sesshoumaru. "Kaede-chan," she cried, "Why didn't you tell me there were hot springs nearby? I've been dying for a nice warm bath for AGES!!"
"Ehh, I'm sorry, it slipped my mind," Kaede apologized. "If you want, you may go take a bath right now."
Kagome shook her head. "Maybe later. I need to tend to Sesshoumaru's wounds first."
"Kagome-sama," Miroku piped up, a small grin on his face.
Kagome noticed that Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and an unknown boy were here. "Ah! Miroku-sama, Sango-san, Kirara! It's great to see you! Who are you?" Kagome asked politely towards Kohaku.
"This is my little brother, Kohaku," Sango introduced.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Kohaku! Um," Kagome stopped briefly and turned to Sesshoumaru. "We're going to have to tend his wounds right now. Has anyone seen Kiochi-san?"
"As I've said before, she is at the hot springs," Kaede answered. "Do you need her assistance?"
Kagome shook her head. "No, I guess I can tend his wound by myself."
Sesshoumaru's patience was wearing thin. Why was she making such a big deal out of these small scratches? "I said I am fine. I do not need to be tended to," he scoffed arrogantly.
Kagome glared at him and pursed his lips. Before raising her right hand and flinging it at Sesshoumaru's injured shoulder.
Sesshoumaru prevented himself from recoiling as the sharp pain shot into his shoulder. He growled and glared down at Kagome. "What, may I ask, in the seven hells was that for?"
"Aha! See? It hurts, and therefore, needs to be treated," Kagome smirked triumphantly, defying him infront of all the humans.
"Well, of course it would 'hurt'," he hissed, "even wounds that need not to be tended are still painful."
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome said sternly. "I WILL tend to your wounds, and you WILL let me, or else you WILL have to face the consequences. Don't make me say it." Emphasis on the word 'it.'
Sesshoumaru said nothing more and Kagome took this as an 'Okay, fine.'
~--------------------------------------------
(Later that afternoon...)
Sesshoumaru stood perfectly still (and perfectly topless), as Kagome rolled a bandage around his shoulder. (It was rather confusing, and awkward, as to how to wrap a bandage around a shoulder, but Kagome figured it out soon enough) His stained clothes stood unfolded on the floor.
Kagome continued wrapping the bandage around Sesshoumaru's shoulder and sighed. "Jeez, Sesshoumaru, your arm was a mess," she muttered hoarsely. It was true. When she saw the wound, it was pouring blood out freely and was already beginning to infect. Luckily, Modern technology was on her side providing her with disinfectants, and a few herbs from Kiochi's field. It took nearly an hour to stop the bleeding, and it made Kagome wonder just how much blood Youkai carried in their bodies.
"Just what happened?" Kagome asked, continuing to bandage his arm.
Sesshoumaru averted his eyes. "Nothing. I simply had a run-in with a demon."
"Oh," Kagome said doubtfully.
'No regular youkai can do this...' Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru reluctantly, noticing how he averted his eyes. He was keeping something from her. 'Sesshoumaru, for your sake I hope you know what you're doing...'
"What?" he suddenly snapped.
Kagome almost flinched. "Huh?" she asked innocently.
"What is it? Why do you keep on staring at me?" he demanded, his golden eyes still averted, yet narrowed a bit.
"Just thinking."
"Hmph," Sesshoumaru frowned as Kagome finished with the last roll of bandages. She stared back up again.
"Sesshoumaru," she said in a stern voice like before, "I don't want you to work too hard."
He raised an eyebrow and finally turned his eyes on her. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, don't fight too much, you know? That injury of yours seems pretty serious," Kagome replied. "Just don't push yourself, okay?"
Sesshoumaru averted his gaze yet again.
"Well then, my work here's done," Kagome half-smiled, standing up.
"What are you going to do?"
"Stuff," Kagome answered shortly as she walked over to her backpack and began digging through it. Sesshoumaru heard her say 'Aha' before pulling out some sort of bottle and a small white rectangle shaped object that smelled quite pleasant. Then she pulled out some towels.
"Are you going to continue answering my questions with such marginal answers?" he asked boredly.
"Pretty much," Kagome said, continuing to pull some more strange objects out of her bag.
"...," Sesshoumaru did not sat any more and instead followed her out the room after pulling on his bloodstained gi.
"Oh, don't you want those clothes to be washed first?" Kagome asked tentatively.
"I would rather wear bloodied clothes than walk around half naked infront of humans," he said blankly.
"O..Okay," Kagome nodded as they both walked out of the room. 'He'd rather wear bloodied clothes instead of borrowing clothes from humans too, I bet.'
~----------------------------------------
Kohaku watched in amazement as Kaede shot some more arrows straight into each other, one after another. Each one glowed bright white-pink on contact.
"You truly are amazing," Kohaku said in awe.
"Hm? Thank you," Kaede said sheepishly as she walked over to the target and plucked the arrows out. "I see you also have a weapon. Would you mind... showing me how you fight?"
Kohaku faltered. "Wh-what? Well, it's just that I'm not really good yet," Kohaku stammered, fingering his small-chained bone boomerang. (a/n: what was it called?)
"No one's perfect," Kaede encouraged.
"Go on, Kohaku," Miroku hollered from the steps. Sango rested her chin on her hands idly, sitting a fair distance away from him. Rin was seated alongside her, watching with curiosity. (if anyone's wondering where Naraku is, he was bored so he went to go looking for a fight with a youkai. Typical of him.)
"If you want a woman's affections, show her your skills," Miroku continued. Kohaku blushed lightly and drew his boomerang blade backwards, swinging it at a high tree branch far away and successively hacking it off. Along with the branch, a few crow demons fell onto the ground. He grinned with triumph and caught the blade back into his hands.
Kaede gasped. "Unbelievable! I didn't know there were youkai up there," she said in amazement. "That's amazing, Kohaku-san!" Kaede chirped in admiration.
Kohaku sheepishly scratched at the back of his head. "Nah, not really.."
"Yes it is!" Kagome joined, walking towards them. Sesshoumaru, who'd been walking with her, immediately launched himself onto a tree and settled there, not wanting to get social with anyone.
"Kagome-san, you are going to the hot spring?" Sango's voice hinted some envy.
"Yeah. Wanna come with me?"
"I do not have any towels. And I can't afford to leave Miroku unsupervised," Sango sighed regrettably.
"Oh, that's okay! I'll lend you some! And you don't have to worry about Miroku, either, I think he learned his lesson."
"Arigatou!" Sango said appreciatively.
"Excuse me," Miroku interrupted, "I feel in need of a bath, also..."
"Then you may take your bath," Sango replied sweetly. "...after we take ours."
Rin suddenly appeared by her side. "Rin wants to come along!"
"Sure, Rin!" Kagome nodded, patting the little girl on the head. Kagome turned to Kaede. "You coming?"
Kaede shook her head. "No, I already bathed a while ago. But I will lead you there, if you want."
Kagome shrugged. "Okay. I don't know where it is anyway."
~------------------------------------------
Miroku sighed as the girls left, leaving only him and Kohaku. (and Sesshoumaru, who is sitting on a high tree branch, unbeknownst to him.) "Well, we came all the way here, and for what, to be left alone for the sheer comfort of the hot springs?"
Kohaku smiled crookedly. "Well, Onee-sama does need something relaxing right now."
The monk gave another sigh, but then smiled calmly. "Well, then. Shall we?" he asked, walking the direction the girls went. Kohaku sweatdropped, following him. "Ano.. Miroku-san, why are we going to follow them?"
"Of course there are many a demon out there, we are merely going to make sure nothing happens to them."
"No you will not," interrupted Sesshoumaru, who dropped infront of them from his spot on the tree. "You will stay here, like good children."
"Mind you, Sesshoumaru-sama, we were only going to-"
"'Make sure nothing happens to them'," Sesshoumaru finished. "You two will stay right here."
Miroku sighed. 'Oh dear, I forgot about Mr. Overprotective,' he thought.
~---------------------------------------
Naraku leapt aside from a barely dodged attack. This random youkai he was currently fighting... there was something strange about it..
The demon was just another slithering creature with two tails, nothing out of the ordinary, yet it's power was strangely much. Naraku scrutinized it from a safe distance before it charged at him once more, ready to bite his head off. The youkai positioned itself like a cobra, about to strike down on him.
It was then when he realized it: this youkai had shards! That explains the doubled size and strength.. He suddenly felt lightened. After all, he had just managed to find a shard on his own.
The hanyou switched from defensive to offensive, immediately flashing his hidden claws and thrashing at the demon. He managed to sever one of its tails off, resulting in much blood and gore. The youkai let out a roar of pain as blood endlessly flowed to the grass, on contact turning the grass a dead black.
"And now, I shall take those shards, if you don't mind," Naraku smirked haughtily, carefully smelling the air for the scent of the Shikon Shard. He stalked towards the limped youkai.
The youkai suddenly threw into a fit of squirming, despite blood loss, and suddenly just... disappeared. Vanished.
Naraku let out a frustrated growl. How the hell was that demon able to escape him? Normally he'd be able to track down the stupid demon, but the scent of blood that hung over the air was disgustingly thick. 'Damn... we need to get that shard... I must get the girl.'
With that thought, Naraku headed back to the shrine to find Kagome.
~
Kagome stretched her arms high above her head and started whistling. "Wow. I can't wait til we get to the hot springs. Ever since then I've had to bathe in that ice-cold lake!!"
Kaede smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you. It always seems to just slip my mind."
"Nah. It's okay," Kagome shrugged. "So Sango, are you and Miroku engaged yet?"
Sango turned red. "Of course not! It's only been about two weeks since I last saw you, after all."
"So? People can fall in love that fast!" Kagome quipped, a bright grin wanting to expose itself.
"What about Okaa-san?" Rin suddenly started. All eyes turned to the little girl.
"What about me?" Kagome asked her. Rin shrugged. Sango, relieved the topic was no longer on her, decided to turn the tables on Kagome.
"Well, Kagome, I think I know exactly what she's talking about," the Taijiya smirked, "How about you? You hang around two, I must admit, HANDSOME demons," Sango looked quite mortified at herself for saying those words but continued, "And have you formed a relationship with either of them, yet?"
"NO!" Kagome snapped. Sango smiled all-knowingly.
"I-I mean, we have a friendly relationship," Kagome murmured leisurely, "I do admit they're both cute, but I never thought of it that way."
"Ooh, our Kagome-chan is faced off with a dilemma," Kaede joined.
Sango teased on. "Just who to choose? Naraku, or Sesshoumaru?"
"Oh, quit it, people," Kagome scowled good-naturedly. "Naraku already has someone, and I'm pretty sure Sesshoumaru has someone, too. How can it be likely that he's handsome and doesn't have anyone-" Kagome immediately clamped her mouth.
"Ah. So if one of them were available-"
"Lalala-can'thereyou!" Kagome sang, covering her ears. Sango laughed and hit her over the head with a folded towel.
"Kiochi-sama!!!" Rin suddenly burst into a wide grin. Kiochi walked towards them wearing a fresh Yukata and a towel bundling her hair. She carried a basket in which her clothes she'd worn to the spring were placed in. It appears she had just finished having her bath at the springs. "Oh, hello, Kagome-san, Sango-san, Rin-chan, Kaede-chan," she smiled. "Are you four headed to the springs?"
"I'm just leading them," Kaede announced. Kiochi nodded and smiled. "Well, have fun! I will see you guys back at the shrine."
Rin nodded, "Hai!"
Kagome and Sango's eyes widened considerably when they reached the spring. One thing defined it. Hot.
~
Sango withdrew herself from gasping. The spring was just. Big. And that was putting it lightly. It wasn't like the other hot springs Sango has been to, it was perpetually clean, the water was so clear she was able to see the floor. Hot steam billowed thickly over the air.
Kagome sighed in awe. "Wow, it's beautiful, to say the least," Kagome murmured heartily. "I still can't believe you never told me about this place, Kaede. Do you bathe here all the time?" Kagome asked somewhat enviously.
"No. Too much hot water will get to your head. I prefer the cold lake, actually," Kaede said pensively. "While the hot water has a dazing effect as soon as you leave the spring, cold water is refreshing to the skin," Kaede pointed out smartly. Kagome blinked.
"Wow. I never thought of that. Girl, you're good at this stuff!" Kagome grinned. "I can't believe you knew this and I didn't. I suppose now you have facial tips you can give us?"
Kaede blushed. "Ah... well, actually, I do.."
"So? Any secrets on how to make skin smoother?" Sango asked curiously as she undressed and entered the water, her towel in her arms. (She brought the towel so she can cover herself up in case a certain someone shows up) Kagome did the same thing, carrying her towel around her shoulders. The bottle of Shikon shards hung around her neck in a chained necklace.
Rin just peeled off her clothes and did a cannonball into the water.
"Rin!" Kagome laughed as the water splashed onto her. Rin rose back up from the water, her cheeks rosy. "Okaa-san! The water is hotter in the bottom!" she gasped.
"That's why you shouldn't just dive into the water, Rin-chan," Kagome giggled. Kaede smiled as she sat down at a boulder nearby the water, still wearing her regular Yukata.
"So, Kaede, about those facial tips," Sango said leisurely, calmly sinking lower into the water.
"Ah, yes. Well, we have a few herbs back in the field," Kaede started. "Keep this between you and I, but some of those herbs," Kaede paused, stifling a giggle, "Is not for healing. Kiochi-sensei told me a secret that some of those herbs were used to... upgrade beauty," she said carefully.
"Upgrade beauty, huh?" Kagome asked, joining.
"Yes. It is done by the process of pounding some assui Herbs, aoi herbs, and yotomoki herbs together."
"So, hot herbs, blue herbs, and what was the last one again?" Kagome asked, making a mental note.
"Yotomoki herbs," Kaede answered off-handedly, staring into somewhere.
"Hey, Kaede-chan, what's wrong?" Sango asked, sitting up a little bit.
"Oh.. it's nothing. I thought I saw..." Kaede's eyes scrunched up in concentration, sweeping around the dark parts of the forest. "I thought I saw a strange orange furball running... over there.."
Immediately, the girls' eyes darted to where Kaede was pointing.
"You have Shards of the Four Souls," a frightening... squeaky voice thundered. "Give them to me!!!"
Rin looked around in confusion. "Where funny voice coming from?" she asked in a short sentence. Kagome uttered a small shush, as if listening for any rustles.
All of a sudden, a giant pink ball creature popped out of the darkness, looking menacing. "YOU HAVE SHARDS!"
Overcome with shock, the only Kagome could do...
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
She let out a piercing scream.
~-----------------
Naraku arrived at the shrine to see a human boy, the pervert monk, and Sesshoumaru. He ran up to Sesshoumaru, almost wanting to run in place.
"Where's Kagome?" he demanded. 'Youkai... youkai with Shikon shards..'
"Cool down, Hanyou," Sesshoumaru said boredly.
"Where is she?" Naraku bit out, barely able to contain his eagerness. "Shards- I ran across a demon with shards."
"And? Did you get it?" Sesshoumaru asked, still boredly.
"No, dammit," Naraku hissed. "It.. It vanished.."
"I thought you wouldn't be able to get a shard on your own," the youkai smirked back at him.
"Do you know where the girl is, or not?" Naraku growled, getting the urge to throttle him.
"Yes, I do-"
All was cut off when a piercing scream shattered the 'friendly' air.
"Kagome!" Sesshoumaru and Naraku both suddenly snapped. Naraku, thinking it was the youkai he'd encountered earlier, and Sesshoumaru thinking it was Sephiroth attacking her.
Both on pure reflex and instinct, they sped to where the source of the scream emitted from. Miroku and Kohaku followed suit.
~
Sesshoumaru felt worry starting to spread throughout his system. What if it was Sephiroth? Oh god, what was he going to do?
Naraku, on the other hand, would've bitten his nails if he were the type to. As he and Sesshoumaru sped through the forest, as if in a race, he began to dread. What if he was too late? What if Kagome.. Naraku did something he never did before, and was quite uncharacteristic of him. He started to tremble.
Little did he know that the demon lord beside him was starting to turn pale in worry.
When they reached the spring, it was not quite what they expected. For Naraku, mostly. They stopped dead in their tracks by the water, their faces slowly turning from pale white to scarlet at the site that was laid out before their eyes. Yes, that went for Sesshoumaru also.
Strangely enough, a strange 'Poof' sound emitted through the air.
~
Waist-length in water, Kagome's hands reached up and rested on her shoulders, vaguely making an X over her chest with her arms and looked around for the orange furball that stole her shards. 'Where'd it go?! Where'd it go?!' she asked herself frantically.
She heard rapid footsteps behind her and turned around, there was Naraku and Sesshoumaru. Staring. Wide-eyed. Red in the face. Kohaku and Miroku soon appeared, too.
As if time had suddenly returned, all the blood went into Kagome's cheeks. She instantly ducked underwater up to her chin. Her eyes fixed themselves into a glower. "YOU TWO..." Kagome said dangerously. Sango appeared behind her, a towel wrapped around her.
"HENTAI!!!!" Sango shrieked and shrank into the water, picking up the smooth stones on the bottom and pummeling them at Miroku. Luckily for Kohaku, he'd jumped out of the way and hid behind a tree.
"WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING HERE?! PERVERTS! SITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWN!!!!" Kagome screeched, losing her temper and ducking under the water looking violated and embarrassed.
Sesshoumaru and Naraku (who were about 20 feet underground after her endless subduing) pulled themselves out of their craters. "Damn it, woman!" Naraku cried angrily, feeling a great chunk of his pride being bitten away. "What the hell was that for?!"
Sesshoumaru wasn't feeling too dignified right now, either. A small blush was still on his cheeks, for he could not forget that vision that he had the pleasure of seeing earlier. Pleasure of seeing? Sesshoumaru abused himself mentally. 'I am hanging around the lecher monk too much...'
"YOU PEEPING TOMS!!" Kagome cried back. Wrapping her towel around herself underwater, then standing up, she glared defiantly at them.
"We only came because you suddenly screamed," Sesshoumaru growled.
"Well.. oh yeah," she stopped, "about that..."
Kagome suddenly seemed to have lost her anger and looked rather timid. Rin (who was chin-deep in water) darted her eyes from Kagome, to the guys on shore.
"So? What happened?" Kohaku asked, walking out of his hiding.
The males stood at the edge of the spring, (in exception of Miroku, who had been knocked out cold) looking expectant for an answer. Kagome gulped. "Well... a thing... came... and stole the...the shards."
Sesshoumaru looked quite unfazed. Naraku, however, felt his blood boiling. "And..?"
"The 'thing' suddenly disappeared when you guys came," Kagome continued.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, and almost rolled his eyes. "Really, woman," he scowled, leaping from his spot to the opposite side of the spring. He landed quietly and kneeled down, his back turned to all of them.
"Sesshoumaru? What are you..?" Kagome trailed off when Sesshoumaru turned around, holding a large chunk of... rock in his hand.
Naraku seemed to get it. He calmed down and crossed his arms. "I would've figured it out," he murmured.
The rest of them were quite confused.
"Stupid fox, you really believe you will get away with such a disguise?" Sesshoumaru muttered disdainfully, as the rock suddenly 'poofed.' Instead of a rock, a fluffy orange tail was now in Sesshoumaru's possession. And at the end of that tail... was a little fox that looked no older than 8.
"A-AAHHH! It's Sesshoumaru-sama!" the little fox squeaked in fright. He squeezed his eyes tight and started to beg for his life. "GOMENNASAI! GOMENNASAI! SHIPPONOBAKA!!!"
Sesshoumaru looked down at the fox with a dulled expression. "Where are the shards?"
Almost immediately the fox reached into his kimono and in his rush, practically threw the bottle of shards at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru caught it of course, and sent a hot glare towards the little kitsune. Afterwards, he threw the fox into the water. Then he threw the bottle of shards towards Kagome, who clumsily caught it.
"Thanks," Kagome stammered, feeling quite stupid with herself for screaming out loud, all because of a little fox.
"Hn. It's hard to believe you actually screamed for something so trivial," Naraku frowned. "I actually thought you were in danger or something."
"Sorry about that..," Kagome said lamely. "Well. Um, could you guys, uh.." Kagome's cheeks went pink as she sank lower into the water. Naraku and Sesshomaru stared at her, waiting for her to finish. They didn't seem to get it. Kagome's cheeks grew redder as she glared at them. "Go away, please! As you can probably see, but not notice, we girls are butt naked and would really like it if you would all leave now!"
As if to prove her point, the females sunk lower into the water as well. Sesshomaru stared blankly before turning to leave. Naraku walked over to the unconscious Miroku and started to drag him off with him back to the shrine. Kohaku left as well.
Kagome sighed in embarrassment. If she hadn't screamed, she would've been able to catch the thief herself, then saved herself from a humiliating experience with Sesshomaru and Naraku. She continued to drown in shame until bubbles erupted from the water, and the little fox burst out, blue in the face and panting for breath.
"Dear god!" the fox continued to suck in air, "I thought I was going to DIE in there!"
The girls blinked for a while.
And Rin...
Burst into another one of her scary sparkly wide grins.
End Chapter 16~-----------------------------
Well, I'm sorry everyone, for the delayed chapters. Bleh... I've been so busy I thought about committing suicide by stuffing myself with jelly donuts... j/k.
I now have a tight schedule, but I'll always have time to type down a chapter or so, if not only for a few minutes. Remember, reviews encourage me into typing faster and they give me more inspiration. Please review!
About the review responses... I don't have time to respond to them anymore. But I still read them, and enjoy every one of them. So keep the reviews coming! (I might do some shout outs for other chapters, but that would be rarely)
Remember, if you want a pic of Sephy and Kiochi email me or leave your email behind on your review!
Sayonara!
Hi there, all! (suddenly ducks behind a Styrofoam object as objects are thrown, just the usual tantrums the readers throw at authors whenever a delayed updated occurs or when a story is removed) I'm sorry to all of you who liked Kagome's Final Fantasy. I'm really sorry. And stupid. -_- I might post it back up again some day, but not for now, ya?
I'm also sorry for the late update, like last time. One word explains it all... homework.
Lots and lots of homework.
I was expecting little to no homework, since it had only been the first day of school, and what do the teachers do? Give out lots of it like there's no tomorrow. Let's see... I have three pages of math homework, I have to write a full page of English homework, a science project reviewing earth and something about tectonic plates, magma, and the human body;;, three Social Studies worksheets.., what else... oh, I don't know.
And before I was squished with the huge amount of homework, I was on a last minute shopping for school supplies; pencils, paper, rubber chickens, etc.
So you see, school has come to me in a big jumble of a mess.
~End Excuse ramble~ -
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I'm introducing Shippou-chan in this chapter. Hurray..! ^_^
...sort of.
Note: Wanna see what Sephiroth and Kiochi looks like? Email me or leave a review saying your email address and I'll send you a few pictures of him! ^_^
------------------------------------------ Chapter XV: Mayhem ------------------------------------------
The Tenseiga stopped pulsing. Sephiroth slashed at Sesshoumaru, who barely dodged the attack. He didn't notice that Sephiroth had wounded him until blood soaked into the shoulder part of his red and white kimono. Sesshoumaru meekly brought a hand up to touch the wound, which sizzled in reaction, causing Sesshoumaru to wince slightly from the stinging sharp pain.
"Do you like the pain you feel, Sesshoumaru? Masamune has enjoyed taking a small sample of your blood.. but now she wants the whole thing," Sephiroth grinned like a madman, running towards Sesshoumaru once again, the Masamune just begging to be embedded into Sesshoumaru's gut.
Sesshoumaru felt the Tenseiga pulse once more at his side. 'Tenseiga? Are you implying me to use you?' His hand traveled down and unsheathed his sword.
Tenseiga was glowing blue, just as it had once done when he saved human Inuyasha's life.
Sephiroth swung down the mighty Masamune, and Sesshoumaru swung up his Tenseiga to block the attack.
Sparks of green and blue flew all over the place.
"You... what is that sword?" Sephiroth demanded, trying to bring down his evil sword upon Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru didn't answer, but instead pushed Sephiroth's blade backwards, ignoring the stinging pain that seemed to flow endlessly into his arm.
The Masamune started to vibrate furiously. Sesshoumaru kept himself on guard, for that sword would surely be his downfall.. if it were to collide with him. Sephiroth, however, stood without care, staring at Sesshoumaru's sword while Sesshoumaru stared at his.
"No one had ever been able to resist my Masamune.." Sephiroth stated with disgust. "We'll find out if it was just plain fortune that saved you for that one moment!!!" In a flash of black and silver, the brightgreen-eyed antagonist began to charge swiftly forward, holding the Masamune in one hand.
Sesshoumaru brought a clawed hand up to his chest, feeling strange pain inside him.. as if something was squeezing his lungs. He noticed his breaths were becoming uneven now, rapid... not to mention his arm was still in a hell of a pain.
With all his effort, the faltered prince raised the Tenseiga in hopes of protecting himself. The Tenseiga glowed with blue light again, this time, more powerfully, and caused Sephiroth to slow down a bit for some reason. The light seemed to lighten the whole forest area, making the trees and grass look white colored.
"That light.. I recognize that light," Sephiroth drew back, for some reason afraid of the Tenseiga. "We shall meet again, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru watched, on one knee, as Sephiroth relinquished into thin air.
'Masamune is what it is called... I've never felt so weak and vulnerable in my life.' Firmly planting the Tenseiga into the dirt, the taiyoukai eased himself up onto his feet, using his Tenseiga as support. Everything was beginning to split into two.. at least to Sesshoumaru's eyesight. 'If I do not kill this Sephiroth... Inuyasha and Kagome are going to be in danger... Kagome..'
On instinct, the Western Lord began to trek unconsciously towards the direction of the shrine, his eyes half lidded. Now his arm was feeling worst than ever, it also had the simmering pain of being as if pulled off..
He continued, his Tenseiga now sheathed and his right hand over his injured left shoulder, trying to stop the blood from flowing out. But for some reason, the only thing on his mind right now was to get to the one person he'd learn to trust.
The sky began to light up as morning greeted Sesshoumaru unwelcomingly, the bright golden sun beginning to rise. Sesshoumaru began to sprint, his right hand still placed over his left shoulder. He realized how slow he was running, compared to when he was in full health.. at this rate, he should at least get to the shrine in an hour.. though it usually takes him less...
~
Naraku just stood there, staring at Kagome in utter disbelief. 'She knows..' he mused, his crimson eyes startled. He'd transformed back to his normal form about a few minutes ago, and here was Kagome staring up at him with her startled eyes.
"Uh.. you're Naraku again......" Kagome started, but trailed off. She seemed to be at a loss for words at the moment, so Naraku decided to start off.
"So you know, now do you, girl?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," Kagome replied somewhat flatly, 'too much, actually,' she added mentally.
"What did he tell you? That is to say, what did my human half tell you?"
"Well, he called me by my name instead of just 'girl'," Kagome's voice hardened at the last few words, "and... gave me info about your transformations.."
"Oh really?" Naraku asked off-handedly, sounding a bit suspicious.
"Yes. He told me about Onigumo."
"So he did." Naraku let his eyes wander towards the still rising sun behind Kagome. Kagome looked up and noticed how the sun make his eyes look a shade of gold similar to Sesshomaru's, yet totally different at the same time. Then she mentally slapped herself for suddenly thinking weird thoughts at a time like this.
"Why do you always hide yourself whenever the New Moon arises?" Kagome chided, startled when Naraku's lit crimson eyes fell on her instantly at the start of her voice.
"Hide myself?" he asked as if it were a ridiculous thing. "I only keep to myself to prevent others from overreacting about my silly once a month transformations.."
"But you don't understand! Don't you know how much danger you put yourself in when you hide yourself in the dangerous forest? In your _human_ form?" Kagome demanded, "You and Sesshoumaru are so much alike! Both trying to solve your problems behind your friends' backs!"
'Friends..?' Naraku thought, a bit shocked.
"Well, when you have a problem, or if there's something you've been dying to get off your chest, then do it," Kagome ended.
"Do you think I am the sentimental kind of person?" Naraku snorted arrogantly, pretending to wave off Kagome's word of advice. Also, continuing the little quarrel. "I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this.."
"And I don't know why your making such a LITTLE deal out of this," Kagome said irritably. She stepped up defiantly and looked him straight in the eye.
"Why do you care?" he asked icily. 'When did this turn into an argument?' Naraku thought with annoyance.
"Because I worry for you, BAKA!!" Kagome almost yelled in his face, her hands planted on her hips. Oh boy, why did this feel like déjà vu?
Her words had a tone of obviousness in them, as if he should have known already. Now Naraku was at a loss for words. 'She was worried for me? Why?' Flashbacks of their first encounter invaded his mind, flashbacks of him wildly trying to kill her for the Shikon no Tama. When did they get so close as to start worrying for each other? No, that came out all wrong. When did they get so close as to make HER start worrying about HIS welfare? When did he suddenly feel it to be an important daily basis to assure her safety? And when did she start to arouse feelings inside him that flow stronger than those feelings he once had for Kikyo?
Overwhelming. This was too overwhelming. Naraku walked over to a fallen log and sat down on it, a look of plain annoyance written all over his face. With that, he began to drown in thought.
Kagome blinked, watching Naraku just SIT there thinking. 'Now what? Did I offend him when I said I worry for him?' an angered look flashed in her eyes. 'Oh, did I damage his pride or something? Me, a mere human worrying for a big and strong half youkai?' Her anger dissipated into frustration as she sat by him on the log.
"How much did he tell you?" Naraku asked forwardly.
"Enough."
"Stop playing games," Naraku scowled. It was obviously conspicuous that she was toying with him.
"I'm very forgetful, you know," Kagome said to him moodily. "I don't even remember what I did yesterday."
"Of course you don't, baka. You had a fever."
"Well, maybe I still had a fever when I saw Kagewaki! Maybe that's why I don't remember! Who knows, maybe I'm still feverish right now!"
Naraku rolled his eyes. "I think I favored it more when you were ill," he muttered. 'I guess she has no intention of telling this Naraku.. damn it all, she's hiding many things from me...'
"I heard that! What do you mean by 'favor it more when I was ill?'"
"It's quieter," Naraku replied coolly, leaning back.
"Why you-" Kagome froze in midsentence.
The scent of blood suddenly stung the air, to be more precise, the blood of... Sesshoumaru. Kagome must've sensed his presence, because she tensed also. "Naraku.. is it Sesshoumaru..?"
"Yes- and I also smell spilt blood."
As if on cue, Sesshoumaru appeared in a gust of wind, looking quite well. If the sleeve of his kimono had not been soaked in blood, Kagome would've not noticed he was injured at all. "Sesshoumaru, what happened to you?" Kagome queried openly, walking towards him.
"I'm fine."
Kagome looked up at him sternly. "Well, that wound looks pretty bad- holy cow, you're still bleeding freely!!"
"I noticed," Sesshoumaru grunted.
"We'd better get Kiochi-san to check that out before it infects," Kagome said hesitantly. With that said, the three began to make their way back to the Shrine.
"But, hey Naraku," Kagome asked off-handedly.
"What?"
"What do you mean it's 'quieter' when I'm sick?! Oh, do you prefer I stay dead quiet or something?!"
"Yes," Naraku shot back, and the argument ensues. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration. ( and it is very un-Sesshoumaru like, by the way)
~
"Hoshi, are you sure it is all right to visit them unexpectedly? They might be busy.."
"Don't worry about it, Sango. I'm sure Lady Kagome will welcome us with wide open arms!"
"Sister, will I truly get to meet an actual Miko?" asked a young male voice hopefully. Sango's little brother of about 12-13 looked up innocently as he, Sango, and Miroku rode over the green sea of trees on Kirara. "I've heard that only a Miko can be in possession of the Shikon no Tama and purify it without getting any selfish desires to keep to herself," he said in one long sentence. "That's pretty amazing..." he drifted off, thinking about the wonder and glory people with Miko powers were. "I'm actually going to meet one?"
"Yes, Kohaku," Sango said off-handedly then stared suspiciously at Miroku. "Alright, let me say the rules."
Miroku placed a mask of seriousness on his face and turned to face Sango. "Hai, Sango-sama." Kohaku watched interestedly.
"No funny business, no staring, no harassing elder women, no groping, no crazed get-ups, no cons..." Sango went on and on.
'Sango looks so beautiful when she is serious..' Miroku mused, nodding absently to anything she says. 'That reminds me... did I ever ask her to bear me a child? I wonder what would happen now if I asked her right now..'
"......don't look at my chest, don't look at other women's chests, don't look at women's butts, don't look at thighs, don't look any where inappropriate..," Sango trailed off, noticing Miroku was still nodding his head absentmindedly. "Oh, Hoshi-sama, I would very like to bear a child with you now," she added sweetly.
Miroku snapped out of his stupor and reeled. "HOLY BUDDHA!!"
"So, did you catch anything that I said at all?" Sango fought to keep her temper at bay. Miroku suddenly blanched out. "Would you mind repeating everything before 'Oh Hoshi-sama, I would very like to bear a child with you now'?"
Sango sighed. "Just don't do the things you normally do."
Miroku grinned and nodded.
Kohaku shook his heads. 'Adults are so strange..' "Nee-sama! Look, we are here!"
Sango looked to where Miroku was pointing and leaned over to get a good look. There was the Shrine, clean and prestigious as ever. They rode Kirara down to the shrine patio, where Kaede stood, sweeping, and Rin eating a roasted potato. The girls smiled up at them.
"Ah, Miroku-sama, Sango-san, nice to see you here again!" Kaede bowed.
"Miroku-sama! Sango-chan!" Rin bubbled up, running towards both of them and giving them hugs. She didn't see Kohaku for he hid himself behind the big Kirara.
"Are you here for a reason or are you here just for a visit?" Kaede asked courteously.
"Just for a visit," Miroku answered. "We wanted to see how all of you were doing."
"That is very kind of you," Kaede resumed sweeping the patio.
Kirara chose the perfect timing to transform back into a little kitten. Kaede's eyes swooped over to Kohaku, who timidly looked down. "Ah."
"Oh, this is my sibling, Kohaku," Sango grinned, patting Kohaku on the head.
"Sister, stop doing that! It makes me look like a child," Kohaku pouted unconsciously. "Don't forget I am turning fourteen in a couple of months," he added somewhat proudly.
"Yes, Kohaku," Sango nodded. "Kohaku, this is Kaede-chan. She is a Miko in training. Kohaku-" Sango laughed softly as Kohaku managed to conceal himself behind her. "-Come on, don't be shy."
Kaede tilted her head to the side a bit to see Kohaku behind his sister. "Kohaku-san?"
Kohaku nervously walked out from behind his sister. "Yeah.. sorry, I'm really nervous right now... this is the first time I actually encountered a Miko."
"Oh," Kaede smiled, "Well, even if I've miko powers, it does not mean I am superior or anything," she quipped. "So do not be nervous about it."
"Uh-huh," Kohaku nodded, still slightly tense.
Rin's smile, which never seemed to fade off expanded. "AH! Rin has new playmate! Kohaku-chan!"
Kohaku's eyes widened a good amount as Rin charged at him and tackled him into a bear hug. "Now Rin have another playmate!"
Sango sweatdropped as she watched the embarrassed flushed Kohaku, who was too polite to try and pry off the little girl. She also mentally apologized to Kohaku for not telling him about the bright hyper Rin.
"So, Kohaku-chan, want a potato?" Rin asked, pointing at the potatoes currently being roasted by a bonfire. Kohaku nodded after hearing his stomach rumble and followed Rin over to the bonfire.
"So how are things?" Miroku asked cheerily, sitting down at the steps of the shrine, watching Kaede sweep.
"Quite all right. Things seem pretty peaceful," Kaede shrugged. A leaf got caught in the broom and Kaede bent down to brush it off.
Sango shot Miroku an 'if-looks-could-kill' look, noticing his wandering eyes. The look she was giving him seemed to radiate, 'You sick pervert, she is only a kid, I shall beat you into a pulp if I see your eyes wander around again' all over the place.
Miroku gulped and nodded. Kaede however, had confusion written boldly on her face after seeing them have an eye conversation. "Ano, Sango-san, Miroku-sama would you like some tea?" (*ano* means um)
"Tea would be lovely," Sango nodded thankfully. "I've been feeling rather... stressed at the moment," Sango added, eyeing Miroku warily. "Where is Kiochi-sama?"
Kaede seemed to pause for a while. "Oh, yes, well, she went down for a bath in the hot springs a bit earlier-"
"HOT SPRINGS?!" demanded a shrill voice. Kagome came stomping out of the forest, then followed by Naraku and a wounded Sesshoumaru. "Kaede-chan," she cried, "Why didn't you tell me there were hot springs nearby? I've been dying for a nice warm bath for AGES!!"
"Ehh, I'm sorry, it slipped my mind," Kaede apologized. "If you want, you may go take a bath right now."
Kagome shook her head. "Maybe later. I need to tend to Sesshoumaru's wounds first."
"Kagome-sama," Miroku piped up, a small grin on his face.
Kagome noticed that Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and an unknown boy were here. "Ah! Miroku-sama, Sango-san, Kirara! It's great to see you! Who are you?" Kagome asked politely towards Kohaku.
"This is my little brother, Kohaku," Sango introduced.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Kohaku! Um," Kagome stopped briefly and turned to Sesshoumaru. "We're going to have to tend his wounds right now. Has anyone seen Kiochi-san?"
"As I've said before, she is at the hot springs," Kaede answered. "Do you need her assistance?"
Kagome shook her head. "No, I guess I can tend his wound by myself."
Sesshoumaru's patience was wearing thin. Why was she making such a big deal out of these small scratches? "I said I am fine. I do not need to be tended to," he scoffed arrogantly.
Kagome glared at him and pursed his lips. Before raising her right hand and flinging it at Sesshoumaru's injured shoulder.
Sesshoumaru prevented himself from recoiling as the sharp pain shot into his shoulder. He growled and glared down at Kagome. "What, may I ask, in the seven hells was that for?"
"Aha! See? It hurts, and therefore, needs to be treated," Kagome smirked triumphantly, defying him infront of all the humans.
"Well, of course it would 'hurt'," he hissed, "even wounds that need not to be tended are still painful."
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome said sternly. "I WILL tend to your wounds, and you WILL let me, or else you WILL have to face the consequences. Don't make me say it." Emphasis on the word 'it.'
Sesshoumaru said nothing more and Kagome took this as an 'Okay, fine.'
~--------------------------------------------
(Later that afternoon...)
Sesshoumaru stood perfectly still (and perfectly topless), as Kagome rolled a bandage around his shoulder. (It was rather confusing, and awkward, as to how to wrap a bandage around a shoulder, but Kagome figured it out soon enough) His stained clothes stood unfolded on the floor.
Kagome continued wrapping the bandage around Sesshoumaru's shoulder and sighed. "Jeez, Sesshoumaru, your arm was a mess," she muttered hoarsely. It was true. When she saw the wound, it was pouring blood out freely and was already beginning to infect. Luckily, Modern technology was on her side providing her with disinfectants, and a few herbs from Kiochi's field. It took nearly an hour to stop the bleeding, and it made Kagome wonder just how much blood Youkai carried in their bodies.
"Just what happened?" Kagome asked, continuing to bandage his arm.
Sesshoumaru averted his eyes. "Nothing. I simply had a run-in with a demon."
"Oh," Kagome said doubtfully.
'No regular youkai can do this...' Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru reluctantly, noticing how he averted his eyes. He was keeping something from her. 'Sesshoumaru, for your sake I hope you know what you're doing...'
"What?" he suddenly snapped.
Kagome almost flinched. "Huh?" she asked innocently.
"What is it? Why do you keep on staring at me?" he demanded, his golden eyes still averted, yet narrowed a bit.
"Just thinking."
"Hmph," Sesshoumaru frowned as Kagome finished with the last roll of bandages. She stared back up again.
"Sesshoumaru," she said in a stern voice like before, "I don't want you to work too hard."
He raised an eyebrow and finally turned his eyes on her. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, don't fight too much, you know? That injury of yours seems pretty serious," Kagome replied. "Just don't push yourself, okay?"
Sesshoumaru averted his gaze yet again.
"Well then, my work here's done," Kagome half-smiled, standing up.
"What are you going to do?"
"Stuff," Kagome answered shortly as she walked over to her backpack and began digging through it. Sesshoumaru heard her say 'Aha' before pulling out some sort of bottle and a small white rectangle shaped object that smelled quite pleasant. Then she pulled out some towels.
"Are you going to continue answering my questions with such marginal answers?" he asked boredly.
"Pretty much," Kagome said, continuing to pull some more strange objects out of her bag.
"...," Sesshoumaru did not sat any more and instead followed her out the room after pulling on his bloodstained gi.
"Oh, don't you want those clothes to be washed first?" Kagome asked tentatively.
"I would rather wear bloodied clothes than walk around half naked infront of humans," he said blankly.
"O..Okay," Kagome nodded as they both walked out of the room. 'He'd rather wear bloodied clothes instead of borrowing clothes from humans too, I bet.'
~----------------------------------------
Kohaku watched in amazement as Kaede shot some more arrows straight into each other, one after another. Each one glowed bright white-pink on contact.
"You truly are amazing," Kohaku said in awe.
"Hm? Thank you," Kaede said sheepishly as she walked over to the target and plucked the arrows out. "I see you also have a weapon. Would you mind... showing me how you fight?"
Kohaku faltered. "Wh-what? Well, it's just that I'm not really good yet," Kohaku stammered, fingering his small-chained bone boomerang. (a/n: what was it called?)
"No one's perfect," Kaede encouraged.
"Go on, Kohaku," Miroku hollered from the steps. Sango rested her chin on her hands idly, sitting a fair distance away from him. Rin was seated alongside her, watching with curiosity. (if anyone's wondering where Naraku is, he was bored so he went to go looking for a fight with a youkai. Typical of him.)
"If you want a woman's affections, show her your skills," Miroku continued. Kohaku blushed lightly and drew his boomerang blade backwards, swinging it at a high tree branch far away and successively hacking it off. Along with the branch, a few crow demons fell onto the ground. He grinned with triumph and caught the blade back into his hands.
Kaede gasped. "Unbelievable! I didn't know there were youkai up there," she said in amazement. "That's amazing, Kohaku-san!" Kaede chirped in admiration.
Kohaku sheepishly scratched at the back of his head. "Nah, not really.."
"Yes it is!" Kagome joined, walking towards them. Sesshoumaru, who'd been walking with her, immediately launched himself onto a tree and settled there, not wanting to get social with anyone.
"Kagome-san, you are going to the hot spring?" Sango's voice hinted some envy.
"Yeah. Wanna come with me?"
"I do not have any towels. And I can't afford to leave Miroku unsupervised," Sango sighed regrettably.
"Oh, that's okay! I'll lend you some! And you don't have to worry about Miroku, either, I think he learned his lesson."
"Arigatou!" Sango said appreciatively.
"Excuse me," Miroku interrupted, "I feel in need of a bath, also..."
"Then you may take your bath," Sango replied sweetly. "...after we take ours."
Rin suddenly appeared by her side. "Rin wants to come along!"
"Sure, Rin!" Kagome nodded, patting the little girl on the head. Kagome turned to Kaede. "You coming?"
Kaede shook her head. "No, I already bathed a while ago. But I will lead you there, if you want."
Kagome shrugged. "Okay. I don't know where it is anyway."
~------------------------------------------
Miroku sighed as the girls left, leaving only him and Kohaku. (and Sesshoumaru, who is sitting on a high tree branch, unbeknownst to him.) "Well, we came all the way here, and for what, to be left alone for the sheer comfort of the hot springs?"
Kohaku smiled crookedly. "Well, Onee-sama does need something relaxing right now."
The monk gave another sigh, but then smiled calmly. "Well, then. Shall we?" he asked, walking the direction the girls went. Kohaku sweatdropped, following him. "Ano.. Miroku-san, why are we going to follow them?"
"Of course there are many a demon out there, we are merely going to make sure nothing happens to them."
"No you will not," interrupted Sesshoumaru, who dropped infront of them from his spot on the tree. "You will stay here, like good children."
"Mind you, Sesshoumaru-sama, we were only going to-"
"'Make sure nothing happens to them'," Sesshoumaru finished. "You two will stay right here."
Miroku sighed. 'Oh dear, I forgot about Mr. Overprotective,' he thought.
~---------------------------------------
Naraku leapt aside from a barely dodged attack. This random youkai he was currently fighting... there was something strange about it..
The demon was just another slithering creature with two tails, nothing out of the ordinary, yet it's power was strangely much. Naraku scrutinized it from a safe distance before it charged at him once more, ready to bite his head off. The youkai positioned itself like a cobra, about to strike down on him.
It was then when he realized it: this youkai had shards! That explains the doubled size and strength.. He suddenly felt lightened. After all, he had just managed to find a shard on his own.
The hanyou switched from defensive to offensive, immediately flashing his hidden claws and thrashing at the demon. He managed to sever one of its tails off, resulting in much blood and gore. The youkai let out a roar of pain as blood endlessly flowed to the grass, on contact turning the grass a dead black.
"And now, I shall take those shards, if you don't mind," Naraku smirked haughtily, carefully smelling the air for the scent of the Shikon Shard. He stalked towards the limped youkai.
The youkai suddenly threw into a fit of squirming, despite blood loss, and suddenly just... disappeared. Vanished.
Naraku let out a frustrated growl. How the hell was that demon able to escape him? Normally he'd be able to track down the stupid demon, but the scent of blood that hung over the air was disgustingly thick. 'Damn... we need to get that shard... I must get the girl.'
With that thought, Naraku headed back to the shrine to find Kagome.
~
Kagome stretched her arms high above her head and started whistling. "Wow. I can't wait til we get to the hot springs. Ever since then I've had to bathe in that ice-cold lake!!"
Kaede smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you. It always seems to just slip my mind."
"Nah. It's okay," Kagome shrugged. "So Sango, are you and Miroku engaged yet?"
Sango turned red. "Of course not! It's only been about two weeks since I last saw you, after all."
"So? People can fall in love that fast!" Kagome quipped, a bright grin wanting to expose itself.
"What about Okaa-san?" Rin suddenly started. All eyes turned to the little girl.
"What about me?" Kagome asked her. Rin shrugged. Sango, relieved the topic was no longer on her, decided to turn the tables on Kagome.
"Well, Kagome, I think I know exactly what she's talking about," the Taijiya smirked, "How about you? You hang around two, I must admit, HANDSOME demons," Sango looked quite mortified at herself for saying those words but continued, "And have you formed a relationship with either of them, yet?"
"NO!" Kagome snapped. Sango smiled all-knowingly.
"I-I mean, we have a friendly relationship," Kagome murmured leisurely, "I do admit they're both cute, but I never thought of it that way."
"Ooh, our Kagome-chan is faced off with a dilemma," Kaede joined.
Sango teased on. "Just who to choose? Naraku, or Sesshoumaru?"
"Oh, quit it, people," Kagome scowled good-naturedly. "Naraku already has someone, and I'm pretty sure Sesshoumaru has someone, too. How can it be likely that he's handsome and doesn't have anyone-" Kagome immediately clamped her mouth.
"Ah. So if one of them were available-"
"Lalala-can'thereyou!" Kagome sang, covering her ears. Sango laughed and hit her over the head with a folded towel.
"Kiochi-sama!!!" Rin suddenly burst into a wide grin. Kiochi walked towards them wearing a fresh Yukata and a towel bundling her hair. She carried a basket in which her clothes she'd worn to the spring were placed in. It appears she had just finished having her bath at the springs. "Oh, hello, Kagome-san, Sango-san, Rin-chan, Kaede-chan," she smiled. "Are you four headed to the springs?"
"I'm just leading them," Kaede announced. Kiochi nodded and smiled. "Well, have fun! I will see you guys back at the shrine."
Rin nodded, "Hai!"
Kagome and Sango's eyes widened considerably when they reached the spring. One thing defined it. Hot.
~
Sango withdrew herself from gasping. The spring was just. Big. And that was putting it lightly. It wasn't like the other hot springs Sango has been to, it was perpetually clean, the water was so clear she was able to see the floor. Hot steam billowed thickly over the air.
Kagome sighed in awe. "Wow, it's beautiful, to say the least," Kagome murmured heartily. "I still can't believe you never told me about this place, Kaede. Do you bathe here all the time?" Kagome asked somewhat enviously.
"No. Too much hot water will get to your head. I prefer the cold lake, actually," Kaede said pensively. "While the hot water has a dazing effect as soon as you leave the spring, cold water is refreshing to the skin," Kaede pointed out smartly. Kagome blinked.
"Wow. I never thought of that. Girl, you're good at this stuff!" Kagome grinned. "I can't believe you knew this and I didn't. I suppose now you have facial tips you can give us?"
Kaede blushed. "Ah... well, actually, I do.."
"So? Any secrets on how to make skin smoother?" Sango asked curiously as she undressed and entered the water, her towel in her arms. (She brought the towel so she can cover herself up in case a certain someone shows up) Kagome did the same thing, carrying her towel around her shoulders. The bottle of Shikon shards hung around her neck in a chained necklace.
Rin just peeled off her clothes and did a cannonball into the water.
"Rin!" Kagome laughed as the water splashed onto her. Rin rose back up from the water, her cheeks rosy. "Okaa-san! The water is hotter in the bottom!" she gasped.
"That's why you shouldn't just dive into the water, Rin-chan," Kagome giggled. Kaede smiled as she sat down at a boulder nearby the water, still wearing her regular Yukata.
"So, Kaede, about those facial tips," Sango said leisurely, calmly sinking lower into the water.
"Ah, yes. Well, we have a few herbs back in the field," Kaede started. "Keep this between you and I, but some of those herbs," Kaede paused, stifling a giggle, "Is not for healing. Kiochi-sensei told me a secret that some of those herbs were used to... upgrade beauty," she said carefully.
"Upgrade beauty, huh?" Kagome asked, joining.
"Yes. It is done by the process of pounding some assui Herbs, aoi herbs, and yotomoki herbs together."
"So, hot herbs, blue herbs, and what was the last one again?" Kagome asked, making a mental note.
"Yotomoki herbs," Kaede answered off-handedly, staring into somewhere.
"Hey, Kaede-chan, what's wrong?" Sango asked, sitting up a little bit.
"Oh.. it's nothing. I thought I saw..." Kaede's eyes scrunched up in concentration, sweeping around the dark parts of the forest. "I thought I saw a strange orange furball running... over there.."
Immediately, the girls' eyes darted to where Kaede was pointing.
"You have Shards of the Four Souls," a frightening... squeaky voice thundered. "Give them to me!!!"
Rin looked around in confusion. "Where funny voice coming from?" she asked in a short sentence. Kagome uttered a small shush, as if listening for any rustles.
All of a sudden, a giant pink ball creature popped out of the darkness, looking menacing. "YOU HAVE SHARDS!"
Overcome with shock, the only Kagome could do...
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
She let out a piercing scream.
~-----------------
Naraku arrived at the shrine to see a human boy, the pervert monk, and Sesshoumaru. He ran up to Sesshoumaru, almost wanting to run in place.
"Where's Kagome?" he demanded. 'Youkai... youkai with Shikon shards..'
"Cool down, Hanyou," Sesshoumaru said boredly.
"Where is she?" Naraku bit out, barely able to contain his eagerness. "Shards- I ran across a demon with shards."
"And? Did you get it?" Sesshoumaru asked, still boredly.
"No, dammit," Naraku hissed. "It.. It vanished.."
"I thought you wouldn't be able to get a shard on your own," the youkai smirked back at him.
"Do you know where the girl is, or not?" Naraku growled, getting the urge to throttle him.
"Yes, I do-"
All was cut off when a piercing scream shattered the 'friendly' air.
"Kagome!" Sesshoumaru and Naraku both suddenly snapped. Naraku, thinking it was the youkai he'd encountered earlier, and Sesshoumaru thinking it was Sephiroth attacking her.
Both on pure reflex and instinct, they sped to where the source of the scream emitted from. Miroku and Kohaku followed suit.
~
Sesshoumaru felt worry starting to spread throughout his system. What if it was Sephiroth? Oh god, what was he going to do?
Naraku, on the other hand, would've bitten his nails if he were the type to. As he and Sesshoumaru sped through the forest, as if in a race, he began to dread. What if he was too late? What if Kagome.. Naraku did something he never did before, and was quite uncharacteristic of him. He started to tremble.
Little did he know that the demon lord beside him was starting to turn pale in worry.
When they reached the spring, it was not quite what they expected. For Naraku, mostly. They stopped dead in their tracks by the water, their faces slowly turning from pale white to scarlet at the site that was laid out before their eyes. Yes, that went for Sesshoumaru also.
Strangely enough, a strange 'Poof' sound emitted through the air.
~
Waist-length in water, Kagome's hands reached up and rested on her shoulders, vaguely making an X over her chest with her arms and looked around for the orange furball that stole her shards. 'Where'd it go?! Where'd it go?!' she asked herself frantically.
She heard rapid footsteps behind her and turned around, there was Naraku and Sesshoumaru. Staring. Wide-eyed. Red in the face. Kohaku and Miroku soon appeared, too.
As if time had suddenly returned, all the blood went into Kagome's cheeks. She instantly ducked underwater up to her chin. Her eyes fixed themselves into a glower. "YOU TWO..." Kagome said dangerously. Sango appeared behind her, a towel wrapped around her.
"HENTAI!!!!" Sango shrieked and shrank into the water, picking up the smooth stones on the bottom and pummeling them at Miroku. Luckily for Kohaku, he'd jumped out of the way and hid behind a tree.
"WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING HERE?! PERVERTS! SITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWNSITDOWN!!!!" Kagome screeched, losing her temper and ducking under the water looking violated and embarrassed.
Sesshoumaru and Naraku (who were about 20 feet underground after her endless subduing) pulled themselves out of their craters. "Damn it, woman!" Naraku cried angrily, feeling a great chunk of his pride being bitten away. "What the hell was that for?!"
Sesshoumaru wasn't feeling too dignified right now, either. A small blush was still on his cheeks, for he could not forget that vision that he had the pleasure of seeing earlier. Pleasure of seeing? Sesshoumaru abused himself mentally. 'I am hanging around the lecher monk too much...'
"YOU PEEPING TOMS!!" Kagome cried back. Wrapping her towel around herself underwater, then standing up, she glared defiantly at them.
"We only came because you suddenly screamed," Sesshoumaru growled.
"Well.. oh yeah," she stopped, "about that..."
Kagome suddenly seemed to have lost her anger and looked rather timid. Rin (who was chin-deep in water) darted her eyes from Kagome, to the guys on shore.
"So? What happened?" Kohaku asked, walking out of his hiding.
The males stood at the edge of the spring, (in exception of Miroku, who had been knocked out cold) looking expectant for an answer. Kagome gulped. "Well... a thing... came... and stole the...the shards."
Sesshoumaru looked quite unfazed. Naraku, however, felt his blood boiling. "And..?"
"The 'thing' suddenly disappeared when you guys came," Kagome continued.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, and almost rolled his eyes. "Really, woman," he scowled, leaping from his spot to the opposite side of the spring. He landed quietly and kneeled down, his back turned to all of them.
"Sesshoumaru? What are you..?" Kagome trailed off when Sesshoumaru turned around, holding a large chunk of... rock in his hand.
Naraku seemed to get it. He calmed down and crossed his arms. "I would've figured it out," he murmured.
The rest of them were quite confused.
"Stupid fox, you really believe you will get away with such a disguise?" Sesshoumaru muttered disdainfully, as the rock suddenly 'poofed.' Instead of a rock, a fluffy orange tail was now in Sesshoumaru's possession. And at the end of that tail... was a little fox that looked no older than 8.
"A-AAHHH! It's Sesshoumaru-sama!" the little fox squeaked in fright. He squeezed his eyes tight and started to beg for his life. "GOMENNASAI! GOMENNASAI! SHIPPONOBAKA!!!"
Sesshoumaru looked down at the fox with a dulled expression. "Where are the shards?"
Almost immediately the fox reached into his kimono and in his rush, practically threw the bottle of shards at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru caught it of course, and sent a hot glare towards the little kitsune. Afterwards, he threw the fox into the water. Then he threw the bottle of shards towards Kagome, who clumsily caught it.
"Thanks," Kagome stammered, feeling quite stupid with herself for screaming out loud, all because of a little fox.
"Hn. It's hard to believe you actually screamed for something so trivial," Naraku frowned. "I actually thought you were in danger or something."
"Sorry about that..," Kagome said lamely. "Well. Um, could you guys, uh.." Kagome's cheeks went pink as she sank lower into the water. Naraku and Sesshomaru stared at her, waiting for her to finish. They didn't seem to get it. Kagome's cheeks grew redder as she glared at them. "Go away, please! As you can probably see, but not notice, we girls are butt naked and would really like it if you would all leave now!"
As if to prove her point, the females sunk lower into the water as well. Sesshomaru stared blankly before turning to leave. Naraku walked over to the unconscious Miroku and started to drag him off with him back to the shrine. Kohaku left as well.
Kagome sighed in embarrassment. If she hadn't screamed, she would've been able to catch the thief herself, then saved herself from a humiliating experience with Sesshomaru and Naraku. She continued to drown in shame until bubbles erupted from the water, and the little fox burst out, blue in the face and panting for breath.
"Dear god!" the fox continued to suck in air, "I thought I was going to DIE in there!"
The girls blinked for a while.
And Rin...
Burst into another one of her scary sparkly wide grins.
End Chapter 16~-----------------------------
Well, I'm sorry everyone, for the delayed chapters. Bleh... I've been so busy I thought about committing suicide by stuffing myself with jelly donuts... j/k.
I now have a tight schedule, but I'll always have time to type down a chapter or so, if not only for a few minutes. Remember, reviews encourage me into typing faster and they give me more inspiration. Please review!
About the review responses... I don't have time to respond to them anymore. But I still read them, and enjoy every one of them. So keep the reviews coming! (I might do some shout outs for other chapters, but that would be rarely)
Remember, if you want a pic of Sephy and Kiochi email me or leave your email behind on your review!
Sayonara!