AN: Okay, sorry for disappearing again, but this time was only half the time of the last update, right? Anyway to make up for it I updated both this and Mermaid's Tale at the same time. Now then, to clear something up… "Silver: When most people think of silver weapons killing monsters they think of silver bullets and werewolves, however, silver stakes, spears and daggers have also been known to slow down and kill vampires." I got this off the net () so it shows that in some legends, silver is also used to kill vampires. I already said that in a previous author's note, so I hope that's already cleared (and no one brings it up again ^^;;) Right, so, I don't really like this chapter. I might eventually rewrite it but then again I might leave it as it is. Sesshoumaru may be a tad bit OOC, but hopefully not too much. It'll get better later on, I promise. Third twist's coming up soon…but anyway, hope you, er, enjoy this chapter now and I'll try and update as quickly as I can.
A New Ploy (even the title's iffy…)
It was late morning when Sango woke up to begin her shift. She opened the door of the servant's quarters to find Miroku standing there, a huge grin on his face, and a bouquet of the biggest, most poisonous flowers in the entire garden—the blood roses.
Her eyes narrowed. "You do realize you could have been killed picking these, right?"
"Anything for you," he said proudly.
Actually he'd found some pruning shears under a bush and found getting the roses to be quite an easy task.
"You do know that there's poison in these things?"
Miroku held the bouquet (which was wrapped in what used to be an ugly dress) in one hand and lifted his other hand to Sango, showing the various cloths around his fingers. "Kagome told me to suck it out every time I pierced my finger." He'd finally found her training in the courtyard. "Wish you guys had band-aids, though." He may have had the pruning shears, but the intoxicating smell had fooled him one time…okay, many times.
Sango didn't know whether to be flattered or angry. He'd gone through all the trouble for her, but he'd risked himself to do it. They were beautiful flowers, but they were also the deadliest. "Uhm, thank you," she finally said. "You can just put them there, I wouldn't want anyone to be sniffing them." She gestured toward the floor.
Miroku's face fell. "You mean you don't want them?"
"No! It's just…they're quite deadly, like I said…"
"So you do want them!" Sango blinked and was going to protest again, but Miroku beamed at her so widely she just had to swallow it. "Thank god, I was afraid you wouldn't accept the invitation."
Sango narrowed her eyes. "What invitation?"
"To spend a day with me, of course. The flowers were just a way of asking."
She glared at him. "You…you…you can't just do that!" He was infuriating! Thinking he was so charming, so clever…and she'd fallen for it! Urggh… "I have work to do," she said frostily. "You might not know, but when work here doesn't get done someone gets beaten…or worse." She thought of the humans who'd been used to open the gate and shuddered. She didn't want to end up like that.
Miroku shrugged. "I'm a vampire hunter, an ally of Kagome's, and we're on a truce. No one would hurt you under our protection." Of course, he was lying through his teeth about the vampire hunter bit, but, like his good ol' motto stated, anything for love.
Sango didn't even think about it. "No," she said bluntly, brushing past him. "Now excuse me, I have work to do."
"What?" Miroku had not been expecting this. "Why? You said you would!"
"I never did! Saying thank you for a bunch of poisonous flowers does not mean 'of course I'll spend the day with you, O Mighty One!'" Sango exploded. "You think it's so easy here, and that I could just forget where I am and what I do and spend time with you. And it's not like I even want to anymore, so just leave me alone!" And she continued walking.
"Anymore?" came a teasing voice from behind her.
Sango stopped and counted to ten. Then she turned around. "Really, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk to me anymore," she said in a barely controlled voice. "You've done enough already."
Miroku wondered what he'd done, and by the time he finished wondering, Sango had already turned the corner and disappeared.
* * *
Kagome whirled around the courtyard, her blade whizzing in circles around her. Even if she was on a truce at the moment, she still had to be prepared. Plus, the soothing sounds and actions of routine made it easier for her to settle her thoughts.
She'd woken up to find Inu-Yasha still asleep by her side, which had put her in a cheery mood that could probably last the whole day. Probably. But she didn't want to jinx it by thinking that way. She'd found his room and stolen more of his clothes. The large baggy pants gave her so much freedom, she wondered why she hadn't bought a couple of hundred pairs in the first place. They were also similar to the style Kikyo wore.
Suddenly she was aware of someone watching her. Someone who wasn't human.
Kagome stopped and looked behind her. Sesshoumaru was watching her intently, standing at the edge of the courtyard dressed in a similar fashion as she'd seen him on that night—in white and in full armor. I guess even he has to be prepared, she thought, a smile tugging at her lips. But this was Sesshoumaru. Her enemy. No smiling, unless it was a) evil smirks or b) the great big smile of victory.
She walked towards him, sheathing her sword to show that she wasn't going to lop off his head at any moment. He, in return, didn't reach for his sword. "Good morning," she said, fake cheerfulness dripping off her like melted ice cream. "What are you doing here?"
"I reside here," he replied without missing a beat.
"Ah, yes," Duh, she thought. "Well...so you saw me training." Repeat first thought, she winced as Sesshoumaru looked at her calmly.
"I have. You are very skilled with the sword," he said in one tone.
Her jaw dropped. "Whoa, you just complimented me! That's so weird."
"I do not begrudge truthful comments to those who are deserving," he said. "I am not petty, nor a liar."
She nodded. Hmm…maybe Inu-Yasha could take lessons from you sometime. "So does that mean we're on non-killing terms now?" she asked, though inwardly she laughed at herself for such a thought.
Sesshoumaru raised one eyebrow. "Of course not. Once we have resolved our confusion and lifted the truce, I will seek to kill you immediately."
Kagome blinked. "Yeah, of course." They were silent for a moment. "Well, since we aren't allowed to kill each other (unfortunately), how would you like a 'friendly' competition? No actual blade contact. Just to test each others' skills?"
He considered it. "I have already seen your skills."
Kagome smiled, in spite of the rules. It was practically an evil smirk, anyway. "There's more than just patterns, you know."
Sesshoumaru's hand was already on the sword hilt before he said, "Very well." His blade flashed in the air and at the spot where Kagome was standing.
She was up in the air, her sword glinting in the faint light. As soon as she came down Sesshoumaru struck again, and they flew around the courtyard dodging and attacking each other. Many times his sword came close to nicking her clothes but Kagome would swivel up and feint a bit before getting her own.
She loved this. It had been a long time since she'd fought someone who was her equal, perhaps (a tiny bit) more. She loved this feeling of challenge, of fighting such a powerful person, and it made her think for a moment that maybe, just maybe, she could surpass Kikyo.
But she kept her face impassive, save for the occasional evil grin, since she didn't want him reading her.
Finally there came a moment when Sesshoumaru fell for one of her feints and left his upper body open. With a cry Kagome shot forward and thrust her sword forward, at the same moment that Sesshoumaru recovered and aimed for her torso.
They both froze at the same time, before metal met skin. Sesshoumaru's sword was a fingernail's width away from her stomach, and hers was hovering above his shoulder, ready to slice into his neck.
Kagome realized they could kill each other right now, right here. She looked at Sesshoumaru and saw he knew it too. They could both abandon the truce and race to see who could drive the blade in first. It was that simple…her blade was in a more perilous position than his…she could just finish him off now and deal with Naraku…the revenge she'd been trained for would finally be carried through.
But was she still fighting for revenge? Kikyo was still alive—the vampires had let her walk freely amongst them. What was there to avenge? I won't break a truce, Kagome thought. I won't break my honor. And slowly she pulled her sword away.
He did the same at almost the exact moment. "It has been a long time since I encountered someone as skilled as you."
Kagome, meanwhile, was hugely relieved that he hadn't skewered her. "Um, same," she said. "I thought you fought extremely well."
"I didn't hold back. It would be an insult to the both of us if I did not fight my best," he replied. "There are many vampires there who would use tricks and ruin their honor, but I'm not one of them."
This was so weird…she was actually having a conversation with one of the most powerful vampire lords ever. A decent conversation, one where they weren't exchanging threats or trying to kill each other while doing so. And he was talking to her about honor. The world was seriously upside down.
"Have you made a choice yet?" Sesshoumaru asked suddenly.
Kagome looked up at him. "About what?"
He sighed, seemingly impatiently. "Naraku is waiting for you to make the decision. It is either you or Kikyo. And there is the matter of that weapon still inside me," he added, his face darkening slightly.
"Naraku…" Kagome's expression soured at his name. She hadn't seen him at all since that night, and she wasn't keen on seeing him soon again. But she knew he had to. He wouldn't be so close and not try and see her if he wasn't planning something…
"I would prefer it if you would make your decision quickly. The stench of Naraku is permeating into my walls. It won't be long before I break the vampire code and kill him."
Kagome gaped at him, shocked. "You…you don't like Naraku? Why? Then why's he in your castle?"
Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed the tiniest fraction. "Some matters need not be discussed with you, human," he said with the same disdain he'd had the night they'd first met.
She put her hands on her hips indignantly. "When the matter is Naraku, you need to discuss it especially with me," she said in a low tone. "Naraku literally traumatized me when I was a child. Naraku has my brother. Naraku is weird! Basically, Naraku is a complete and utter bastard. It's easy to not like him, so tell me why you don't."
"Hmph. What makes you think you have the right to know?"
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Kagome said, well aware that she had just—albeit indirectly—called Sesshoumaru her friend.
A shadow of what could have been disbelief crossed Sesshoumaru's face. "That is not true. We are still enemies."
Kagome shook her head. "When we are both against one enemy, we are allies, however much we despise each other. We have the same goal. Now, Sesshoumaru, you still haven't answered my questions."
When Sesshoumaru looked down at her, he saw a determined face. This time she resembled Kikyo more than any time because of that stony expression. He remembered the silver bomb residing in his belly and cursed inwardly. He did not have to tell this human anything…but he found himself talking anyway. In a way she was right—if both of them disliked Naraku, it would be much easier to be rid of him.
"I feel that Naraku is plotting against me," he stated. "He has been training some members of his clan, and I have received reports of shadows on the outskirts of my castle. Shadows with eyes. I have reason to believe that he wishes to take advantage of our lessened numbers and attack us soon."
Kagome's jaw dropped. "What?" When she'd seen them standing together, she thought they'd been sort of co workers, if not friends, dual forces of evil that worked hand in hand to make her life really difficult. "Then what's he doing here?"
"He will not leave until he has you, human."
"It's Kagome."
"You are human—you all have an unpleasant stench."
"My name is Kagome," she repeated, this time more firmly. "Even if we're enemies I'd appreciate it if you'd call me by my name,"
Sesshoumaru glared at her. Kagome pressed on, "So why would you agree to open the gates for him in your castle, just to let me through?"
"Hmph." Sesshoumaru's eyes hardened. "He informed me that Inu-Yasha was in your company. I have been searching for him since he left the castle. He is a disgrace to the Inu-kai, and must be killed. That is the deal we struck—of course, I would do nothing for him if I were not to benefit."
"So once I make a decision, whether to go with Naraku or not, you will fight Inu-Yasha," Kagome summed up. When Sesshoumaru just looked at her, she took it as a yes.
She plopped down on the courtyard ground and thought about it. If she agreed to go with Naraku, and try to kill him from his own place and regain Souta, Sesshoumaru and the others might fight. And even if they waited for her return, there was that thing about finishing off the Inu-kai clan (although now that she had befriended Shippou, she had a feeling that little bit was going to be difficult). Then there was the whole Kikyo thing…
Sesshoumaru must have watched her sit there and mutter to herself for about fifteen minutes. She was quite amusing.
Finally she rose to her feet, and Sesshoumaru wiped off the tiny smile that was pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Okay, Sesshoumaru, I'll make another deal with you."
"I'm done with deals."
"It involves getting rid of Naraku."
"Talk."
Kagome looked around. Then she spoke in a voice so low Sesshoumaru had to stoop the teeniest bit to hear her. "I'm going to go with Naraku to his castle, to retrieve my brother. I'll go around, gathering as much information about him and his clan as I can. After I kill him I'll come back here, relay what I've learned, and we can attack his castle together." Hah, she and Sesshoumaru doing something together…Myouga would have a heart attack if he heard.
Sesshoumaru was silent. "And in return," she continued, "You cannot hurt any of my party until Naraku is dead."
"Huh. Your plan has many flaws. It is not so easy to kill Naraku. His immediate clan is very powerful. And if you do manage, by some miracle, to kill him, you will still have to escape alive and find your way here."
"As soon as I have Souta in my possession, I will kill him," Kagome said determinedly. "I've been planning it for six years—he's going down." A series of evil smirks followed. "I'm as strong as Kikyo, and she was a legend. I can do this. But no one can get hurt while I'm gone."
He thought about it for a long while. Kagome had to admit to herself that her plan was rough, but as long as she had the basic idea down, she could develop it at it progressed—and there was always room for improvisation.
"Very well," he said. "It is a very fragile plan, but we will try it. It is, after all, your life on the line. Only a human would be so willing to throw it away."
"If you look at it that way, yes," Kagome said seriously. "But when it's for someone you love dearly, they are important enough for you to do all sorts of things with your life. Like come back to life. Or put it on the line. It's the same thing." She let the words sink in for a moment. "I've made my decision. I'll just go get my things."
Sesshoumaru watched her as she walked out of the courtyard. She was so enigmatic…did she really think her plan was going to work?
Well, in any case, she was determined to kill Naraku, and for that Sesshoumaru was willing to work alongside humans, alongside people who had sworn to kill him.
Of course, her plan needed some tweaking, which he was planning to do. He wasn't exactly going to wait in the castle until her return…
* * *
Naraku was sitting on top of the east wall of the castle, where his room was nearby, playing lightly with a blood rose. A few meters away, a boy sat, his feet dangling over the edges, looking forlorn and miserable.
Kagura had just sent him a letter, saying that everyone was ready. That was good. Soon he could attack this place and eliminate Sesshoumaru, that arrogant son of a bitch. And with people like Kagura and Kanna, it would be an easy victory.
Naraku smiled and extended the rose toward the boy. "These things smell lovely. Have a sniff."
Souta shook his head and moved away. He'd fallen for that trick once already, with painful results. Naraku laughed and withdrew the flower. "Suit yourself." He took a huge whiff and let his brain clog with a thick, numbing cloud. Ah…there was no drug better than the scent of a blood rose.
"Where's my sister?" Souta asked in a quiet voice, hoarse from lack of use.
"Ah, your lovely sister. She hasn't been looking for you, you know. Maybe she's forgotten all about you," he said lightly.
The boy shook his head. "Kagome wouldn't do that! You know she's here! I've heard the servants say she is."
"Now, boy, no whining. You see, Kagome isn't allowed to see you until she agrees to come with me. It wouldn't be fair if she got you and I got nothing, would it?" Naraku was obviously having fun as Souta's face grew longer. "And she isn't very open to that idea."
"I want to see her. I want—"
"NARAKU!!!"
The loud cry silenced Souta and made him look around. In a flash Naraku went to the boy and covered his mouth. "No talking, Souta, she isn't supposed to see you," he whispered. "Now, I'm going to hang you off the edge of this wall, and if you utter a peep I'll drop you, Understand?" Souta nodded, terrified, as the cold hand pressed harder against his skin.
"Naraku, you effing bastard, get your damn face in view!" Kagome yelled, walking alongside the wall. She was wearing the baggiest attire he'd ever seen—it looked like she had grabbed the biggest clothes in the entire castle and thrown it over her small frame.
Naraku grabbed Souta's arm and hung him off the other side of the wall, dangling meters in the air. Souta couldn't help but whimper slightly.
The vampire turned around and smiled down at the other side. "Yes, Kagome, what do you want?"
"I've made my decision," she called up to him as coldly as she could.
He grinned widely, and his sharp fangs were visible even in the dark light. "Oh? Will I like it or will Inu-Yasha like it? Then again does Inu-Yasha still care, now that he's got his old whor—"
A dagger shot into the stone just a hands' width away. "Shut up," she said angrily. "Don't bring Inu-Yasha into this. I'm going with you."
"That's a wise decision," Naraku said. "So you have agreed to wed me?"
"I never said anything like that. I said I'd go with you to your castle. That's all." Her face was stony. "We can talk there, after you show me Souta."
He always thought that she would have had to break down sooner or later…eventually she would decide to join him. "What about Inu-Yasha?" he asked, eyes narrowing at the same.
"What about him? He doesn't concern you. Only me. Only I am going," Kagome replied without missing a beat. "The only thing I'm concerning myself with is Souta."
"Well, if that's the case, why wait until we go to the castle? For such quick decision making, you can see your beloved Souta now." And Naraku lifted the boy up with one arm and hurled him toward Kagome.
"Souta!" Lightning fast Kagome leapt up and caught Souta—they fell tumbling back onto the ground.
Kagome was now hurting in various places, including one that would make it difficult for her to sit later, but she didn't care. She held Souta to her, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "Souta," she whispered, tears trickling down her face. Against her chest Souta was sobbing too. How long had she waited for this moment? He was so big now. "It's okay, I'm not going to let that bastard take you again, Souta. I'm going to kill him and we're going to get out of here…"
"…You sound kinda scary, Sis…"
Naraku watched them cling to each other on the ground. He had seen Kagome hug her brother, he had seen her embrace Inu-Yasha. Neither of those two deserved such a powerful person as Kagome. One day it would be he that Kagome would embrace. "Let's go, then. We leave immediately."
Kagome stood up, helping Souta to his feet. "Souta stays with me from now on," she said firmly.
"Very well." He was glad to be relieved of the boy anyway, now that he had Kagome.
"And we will meet you at the front of the castle," Kagome added. "I am getting Souta something to eat, god knows how you must have starved him."
Naraku's eyes narrowed. "You will not talk of your decision to anyone," he said warningly. "I will inform Sesshoumaru of your decision. I'll find out if you were talking with anyone," he said.
Kagome glared at him. "Fine," she spat out. "Come on, Souta." She took his hand and led him away from Naraku.
You have to forget about everyone else, Kagome, Naraku thought, his lips curling into a smile. From now on, it will only be me.
* * *
So much for that cheery mood, Kagome thought, sighing heavily. She walked around the castle, trying to find the kitchen. She hadn't been lying when she said she wanted to feed Souta, the poor boy looked half starved. But that was only half the reason why she wanted to get away.
She wanted to find Inu-Yasha. Sure, Myouga and the others could find out what she was up to from Sesshoumaru, but she wanted to see Inu-Yasha before she left. Of course she couldn't tell him, because knowing him he'd lock her in her room and not let her go, but she wanted to see him because…well, all sorts of things could happen. She was going to a miserable hell-hole for god knew how long, and she wanted to remember Inu-Yasha's face like when she woke up that morning.
Once in the kitchens, she told the servants to get Souta whatever he wanted. She didn't want to leave him alone, but if she dashed toward Inu-Yasha's room quick enough, she would be able to see him and get back before Souta even swallowed his first bite.
Kagome rushed towards Inu-Yasha's bedroom, the various weapons hidden underneath her clothing clinking against each other. She must look like a huge mass of …something…but she couldn't just parade them in front of Naraku.
She stopped at his door and was about to enter when she heard voices. A male and a female. Inu-Yasha and Kikyo.
"I'll tell her we won't get the Shikon jewel," Inu-Yasha was saying. "I'll tell her you keep it, and you'll come with us when we get out of here."
"I do not know if I will still live in the outside world…I am allowed to here, because this is a realm with a paralyzed time, but outside…"
"Don't think of it that way. Look, we'll find a way. I'll find a way. There's no way I'm leaving you here."
"Can me and Kagome co-exist? Can we both love you, Inu-Yasha? Can you love us both? As usual, you talk before you think."
"Aw, don't think like that…Kikyo. I couldn't protect you before. So I have to now. And it's more than I have to, I—I want to. Really. I won't leave you behind. I'm staying with you."
Kagome let it all sink in slowly.
As she had made her decision, Inu-Yasha had made his.
She opened the door.
Kikyo was sitting on the bed, with Inu-Yasha standing over her, his hands on her arms. They both looked up at her, Kikyo impassive, Inu-Yasha stunned.
What could she say? "Hi, bye"? "I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm off to kill Naraku." "No, we can't co-exist, Inu-Yasha, you dumbass!" "What about my kiss?" But no, she didn't say any of these things.
She smiled at him. "Take care of Miroku, okay? I wouldn't be surprised if he gets himself in trouble."
Now Inu-Yasha looked like she'd just socked him with a rubber mallet.
"Okay," he said slowly, "But why—"
"Yeah, I see you're busy, and so am I," she interrupted. "So…I'm gonna go!" And she hightailed it out of there, wondering why the hell her last view of Inu-Yasha had to be with Kikyo and why the hell she had to mention Miroku in her parting words.
Even after picking up Souta and waddling towards the entrance, the thoughts still reeled in her head.
He had chosen Kikyo.
"Hey, Kagome, what's up?"
Still dumbfounded, Kagome looked up. Speak of the devil. Miroku stood in front of her, grinning. "You're looking kinda chubby all of a sudden." His gaze went downward and his eyes widened. "Hey, isn't that—"
Dammit. Kagome mentally slapped her forehead. Souta stared up at Miroku, except he was more curious than shocked. "Kagome, you got Souta. But how—"
"No one is to know," she hissed, cutting him off. "No one can know just yet, so you better keep your mouth shut about it." Miroku blinked in surprise. Kagome knew how harsh she sounded, but she didn't even think of apologizing. "I mean it, Miroku. Don't tell anyone. If you even crack a joke I'll crack your bones."
Miroku's lips tugged upward, but something in her tone made him stop from smiling. "Kagome, what's going on? Does Inu-Yasha know?"
She snorted. "Hmph, he's too busy with Kikyo to be bothered with this. He's chosen her, Miroku. He's with her as we speak, and I didn't feel like interrupting them."
Miroku looked concerned. "You're acting funny, Kagome. He should know about this. I'll go tell him for you."
Kagome narrowed her eyes. Inu-Yasha was the last person who ought to know. Especially now. "If you tell him," she said in a low tone, "I'll kill you."
This time Miroku really felt like laughing. Kagome was seriously joking right now. She'd never kill him, not even with that murderous look blazing in her eyes or the stoniness of her face or her hand hovering near her belt.
Eh…
She wouldn't, right?
"Actually…" Kagome began softly. Miroku leaned forward. This was it, she'd changed her mind. She was going to tell him exactly what was going on.
She pushed Souta towards Miroku, who caught him with surprise. "You take care of Souta. It's too dangerous to take him to his—to where I'm going. Don't let anyone see him." She bent down and looked Souta in the eye. "Don't let anyone see you. And if you hear Miroku spilling the beans, give him a good kick."
"Kagome—" Miroku tried one last time.
Kagome brushed past him. What would be Inu-Yasha's reaction? Would he even care, now that she was out of the picture and he had Kikyo with him?
What could she do about it? Not much. It was his decision. And she couldn't be bothered with it, because she had to concentrate on her mission. Not fulfilling Myouga's, or finishing Kikyo's, or following Sesshoumaru's. This was her own.
And she was going to show everyone just what she was capable off.
Too bad the Gods of Evil Fate and Doom were laughing at her right now.
