Authors note: This chapter doesn't go as far in as I expected it to... But
I'm really busy, and I had to post SOMETHING, so I decided to sacrifice
length in order to retain a semblance of grammar...
Sorry this took so long, but as it says in my bio, I am currently taking the never-ending geometry test (21 pages!), and now I have to finish half a year of Science and Social Studies in less than three weeks! I'm home schooled, you see, and sometimes my schedule gets hectic... Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. It's lots of fun to get feedback, and even encouraging.
I promise everyone! This won't be some weird story were the Inuyasha gang just miss meeting Harry Potter. They WILL MEET. We just have to be patient, because there's some important stuff going on.
I promise this is the last thing! Just for the record, this story takes place after the events of Manga chapter 358: Illusion, but for all purposes in this story Goryoumaru is dead. Partially because I haven't seen enough of him to get much of an idea on his character, and also because I have no use for him at the moment. Naraku IS, however, hunting powerful youkai, though he himself will let Kohaku and Hakudoushi do the dirty work...
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Harry Potter... But some of the characters like me, so they let me borrow them for a bit.
"blah" speech
#blah# Japanese
'blah' thought
blah memory
Chapter Five: Illusions
#I wish Miroku would wake up already! # Kagome huffed as she glared half- heartedly at Inuyasha across the incense hazed room.
It was hard to be too mad at him, when anyone could see he was suffering enough. Between the immense annoyance called Abracadabra, the scents the local wise woman was using for her ritual, and the fact that he had mixed his own bitter cup by knocking Miroku unconscious with that rock, Kagome guessed he was getting a sizeable headache.
Miroku was still out cold. He was currently slumped against a hut wall with Sango supporting him. The wise woman had begun a ritual to banish a powerful youkai, and as she worked, Abracadabra made faces at her.
'He really doesn't act hundreds of years old...' Kagome couldn't help but think.
Inuyasha glared alternately between Abracadabra and the unconscious Miroku, occasionally take a break to gaze enviously at Shippou, who had hidden his nose away is Kagome's hair to keep out the thick scent of burning incense.
Kagome herself watched the old woman in fascination, until she abruptly stopped.
#I apologize, # the woman said. #But I am not strong enough to alter this spell, and trying any harder will undo me. #
#Shit! You mean we've been wasting our time here for nothing? And you call yourself a Priestess! # Inuyasha said. In another time and place, he might have been able to hold his tongue, but his head was spinning from the reek of the perfumed hut, and his mouth ran without his head to check it.
The Wise Woman had her head bowed in shame at her failure.
#Inuyasha...# Kagome began dangerously, #SIT! #
As Kagome continued to berate Inuyasha, Sango bowed to the wise-woman.
#We apologize, Miko-sama. But it is not your fault. We have already been to several other villages, and none have been able to get rid of the youkai. Do not take Inuyasha's word to heart, he is usually rude, and today he has reason to be in an especially fowl mood. # Sango bowed again, only to see her hair change color.
#Kyaaa! It's purple! # She exclaimed grabbing a fistful of her hair.
#Don't be so upset Sango! # Abracadabra mocked. #I think it suits you. # He flicked his hand, and her skin started to turn blue.
#Change me back! # Bellowed Sango, #Change me back or, so help me, I'll find a way to kill you!'
#Alright, alright! # Said Abracadabra, as blue Sango attempted to run him through with her sword.
By this time Kagome, Inuyasha and Shippou were watching the display wide- eyed. Inuyasha from his crater in the ground, and Shippou from behind Kagome's hair.
Abracadabra waved his hand at a bucket in the corner of the room, and before Sango could do anything, it had floated over to her, and dowsed her in icy water. Her hair and skin slowly changed back to normal, but...
#I'm...soaked, # said Sango quietly.
#Here Sango-chan, I'll get you a towel, # said Kagome kindly, as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder and led her to the corner of the room.
The Wise Woman turned her sympathetic gaze to Kagome. #Go child, # She said. #The sooner that beast is returned to its cage the better. #
'Why do I have this feeling of encroaching doom?' Harry couldn't help but wonder as he spotted the figure of a man slumped on the couch, and silently seething. His face was hidden by his hair, and the long brim of his hat, and though his gaze seemed to be directed at the ground, Harry could almost swear he heard the faint whirring of a hidden glass eye, as it darted back and forth, allowing it's owner, even in his rage, to meet his own standard: "CONSTANT VILIGENCE!"
It was at least partially because of this, that Harry was not surprised when the figure spoke.
Not that he didn't jump anyway...
"So Potter, please tell me," Moody gritted out. "Haven't you learned your lesson or are you really trying to get killed?"
Harry couldn't help but wince at that. He knew what Moody was referring to.
"I'm not an idiot. I've learned from my mistakes, and I'll never act that stupid again," He said, every bit as harsh as Moody. "Sirius is dead, but I won't let it happen to anyone else." Harry bowed his head so that his bangs covered his face, even though he knew perfectly well that Moody could see his face, bangs or no.
"Then what the hell are you three doing here?" Moody exclaimed. The only thing the kept him from yelling it was the knowledge that Mrs. Higurashi was in the next room.
"I didn't even WANT to come. But then Hermione realized that Tonks and Lupin would need help translating, unless the Higurashi's spoke English fluently. At first we weren't even going to come in, but I noticed that this place has an odd feel to it. Almost as if there's magic here. And I mean an odd feel, but not a threatening one. But anyway, Professor Dumbledore was here earlier this morning, and he said that there was going to be a meeting of the Order in the arranged spot- where ever that is –and that you should go there at noon. He also said that he was going to meet me at the shrine later today, and Ron and Hermione and I are staying until then to keep the ministry wizards from making themselves any more suspicious to the muggles than completely necessary."
Giving that lengthy report reminded Harry vaguely of a soldier reporting to his higher ups, but it seemed to satisfy Moody, because all he said to that was, "Alright then Potter, then go do what your supposed to, and keep those idiots out of trouble."
Harry almost winced with the harsh tone Moody said 'idiots.' There was no denying that the Ministry had been a major key in the success of Voldemort's first year of renewed life, however unwitting they may have been. Fudge had yet to learn of the Order, and was having enough trouble retaining his office. Moody's bitterness was understandable, but still, it went a bit against Dumbledore's policy of 'avoiding discord.'
Nevertheless, Harry did as he was told, just happy to get out of the room where Mad-eyed Moody was currently redirecting his anger at the magical government of England.
#What's up, Inuyasha? Do you sense something? # Kagome asked, when Inuyasha stopped, muscles tensing up. Above their heads Kirara stopped as well, sniffing the air. The atmosphere was suddenly apprehensive, and despite the warm noon day sun, and sparkling brook that wove through thick emerald green grass creating the verisimilitude of the perfect afternoon in paradise, the whole group of travelers had become ill at ease, with the exception of Abracadabra, who floated on his back lagging behind them slightly, the picture of unaffectedness. It was Inuyasha who spoke first.
#That stench...# He gritted out, shifting his hold on Kagome, who was on his back, so that he would be able to draw the Tetsusaiga quickly as possible.
#Is it Naraku? # Kagome asked, not sure if she should be hopeful or not. After all, they WERE looking for him...
#The smell of human blood! # Shippou yelled, after sniffing the air himself.
This caught Abracadabra's attention. #Hmmm... Perhaps there has been a massacre! # He said this in such an ambiguous manner that nobody was able to tell if the idea appalled or delighted him.
#I hope not! # Kagome exclaimed.
#Then let's double our pace, now! We cannot afford to waist time! #
#Houshi-sama is right! # Said Sango. #Kirara! #
The fire cat launched herself higher into the air and sped ahead. Inuyasha quickened his pace, doing his best not to jolt Kagome as she strung her bow.
Soon after, they came upon the epitome of chaos. Fire and smoke rose from all of the huts that were still standing. Children were bawling, and some were being trampled. In the streets there were several overturned wagons, and men and women ran around screaming with crazed looks on their faces.
Several people had swards, spears, and even pitchforks, and were fighting a battle with some invisible foe. One man hurled his spear at something only he could see, but it hit another man in the leg just as the thrower cried out in pain for no apparent reason, and collapsed to the ground.
#What's going on here? # Shippou asked, when Kirara landed and he took a spot on Kagome's shoulder.
#The whole place's gone nut's! # Said Inuyasha in a mix of confusion and disgust. #They're destroying their own village! #
#Over there! # Kagome pointed towards an overturned wagon with a young woman pinned underneath, and made her way there, just barley avoiding several wayward spears and arrows before Inuyasha came to shield her.
Kagome rushed up to the girl, and wiped some of the blood and sweat off her face, while Inuyasha lifted the wagon off her. A child tripped over Kagome's outstretched foot as she checked the girl for broken ribs, but before she could do anything the child shrieked at something behind her and ran back into the masses of hysterical villagers.
Miroku, unable to ignore a woman in trouble, hastily gathered the injured girl up to lay her out of harms way, but discovered that he could not move her himself without exacerbating the injuries.
#Miroku-sama, let me help you! # Kagome had noticed his dilemma, and together they carefully lifted the girl up brought her out of the village with Sango and Inuyasha shielding them.
Miroku had set the girls head down on the grass, facing away from the village, when she opened her eyes, and noting his monks clothes wheezed, #Houshi-sama, behind you! # before passing out again.
The four friends instantly spun around on the alert and in fighting stances.
And looked at each other, puzzled.
Behind them was the picturesque day they had left, minutes before.
#It is obvious these villagers are under some sort of illusion, # Miroku began. #The question is what to do about it. #
There was a pause, and then...
#I say we should knock em' out before we do anything else. They're not doing themselves any favors staying conscious. #
#Quite interesting, # said Miroku. #For once Inuyasha's violent method of handling things seems to be the most acceptable course of action. #
#Just shut the Hell up, and get to work! # Inuyasha growled.
They were about to go back in, when every one of the townspeople inexplicably stopped moving, and collapsed.
#What the?!#
#Hey you guys! # Came Shippou's voice. #Look at this! #
Shippou suddenly appeared with something clasped carefully between his two hands. The transformed Kirara walked behind him. Shippou held out his hands so that they could see a thumb-sized bug, with four humanoid hands pinned behind his wings. He wore a shimmering black chest-plate and helmet. He was colored and shaped like a wasp, but closer inspection proved him to be some type of small moth youkai.
#This guy was using magic to make those villagers cause a riot! #
Inuyasha took the tiny youkai, as it hissed and shrieked angrily in a high- pitched voice. He assessed it for a moment, then crushed it between his thumb and forefinger, #couldn't even talk and it caused all that trouble...scum, # he added contemptuously.
He flicked the minuscule corpse onto the roadside, when he heard a familiar buzzing sound. Nearly faster than the eye could follow, one of Naraku's poisonous insects swooped down and picked the dead youkai up.
#IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER! # Inuyasha yelled, as he ripped bee to pieces, and caught the youkai corpse in one fisted hand. #HAKUDOUSHI! # He snarled, and bared his fangs. #What do you want?!#
A column of white light shot out of the sky, and Hakudoushi suddenly materialized in front of them.
#Believe it or not, Inuyasha, I don't have time for you now. Now why don't you do this simply, and hand me that moth? #
#Heh... What do you think I am? An idiot? TETSUSAIGA! #
Hakudoushi was blasted into bits, but in spite of this, when his mouth floated by them, he chuckled, #Kukuku, Inuyasha, you will never learn! I cannot be killed in such a simple way! Even that annoying priestess woman knew better than that! #
'Priestess...' Hakudoushi faded out of vision. #Hey wait you little bastard! What do you know about Kikyo?!#
Out of the blue, a rock started to laugh hysterically.
Then the rock turned into Abracadabra.
Notes: Imaginary cookie for anyone who knows what Hakudoushi was referring to when he talked about Kikyo. I'll even give you a clue... It's in the Manga!
For those of you who don't know who Hakudoushi is, he's probably Naraku's most annoying incarnation. Born when a baby incarnation was cut in half, he grew up to be a pale, creepy young boy, with white hair. The other half of the baby is still a baby, and is under the care of Kanna, and a Giant monster incarnation. This baby is actually both Naraku and Hakudoushi's heart, and is kept under wraps by a stone that erases youki. The most annoying thing about Hakudoushi is probably that no matter how many pieces you've cut him into, he'll still manage to escape and pull himself back together. This is because his heart is not kept in his body, hence the "You cannot kill me in that way," line.
Sorry this took so long, but as it says in my bio, I am currently taking the never-ending geometry test (21 pages!), and now I have to finish half a year of Science and Social Studies in less than three weeks! I'm home schooled, you see, and sometimes my schedule gets hectic... Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. It's lots of fun to get feedback, and even encouraging.
I promise everyone! This won't be some weird story were the Inuyasha gang just miss meeting Harry Potter. They WILL MEET. We just have to be patient, because there's some important stuff going on.
I promise this is the last thing! Just for the record, this story takes place after the events of Manga chapter 358: Illusion, but for all purposes in this story Goryoumaru is dead. Partially because I haven't seen enough of him to get much of an idea on his character, and also because I have no use for him at the moment. Naraku IS, however, hunting powerful youkai, though he himself will let Kohaku and Hakudoushi do the dirty work...
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Harry Potter... But some of the characters like me, so they let me borrow them for a bit.
"blah" speech
#blah# Japanese
'blah' thought
blah memory
Chapter Five: Illusions
#I wish Miroku would wake up already! # Kagome huffed as she glared half- heartedly at Inuyasha across the incense hazed room.
It was hard to be too mad at him, when anyone could see he was suffering enough. Between the immense annoyance called Abracadabra, the scents the local wise woman was using for her ritual, and the fact that he had mixed his own bitter cup by knocking Miroku unconscious with that rock, Kagome guessed he was getting a sizeable headache.
Miroku was still out cold. He was currently slumped against a hut wall with Sango supporting him. The wise woman had begun a ritual to banish a powerful youkai, and as she worked, Abracadabra made faces at her.
'He really doesn't act hundreds of years old...' Kagome couldn't help but think.
Inuyasha glared alternately between Abracadabra and the unconscious Miroku, occasionally take a break to gaze enviously at Shippou, who had hidden his nose away is Kagome's hair to keep out the thick scent of burning incense.
Kagome herself watched the old woman in fascination, until she abruptly stopped.
#I apologize, # the woman said. #But I am not strong enough to alter this spell, and trying any harder will undo me. #
#Shit! You mean we've been wasting our time here for nothing? And you call yourself a Priestess! # Inuyasha said. In another time and place, he might have been able to hold his tongue, but his head was spinning from the reek of the perfumed hut, and his mouth ran without his head to check it.
The Wise Woman had her head bowed in shame at her failure.
#Inuyasha...# Kagome began dangerously, #SIT! #
As Kagome continued to berate Inuyasha, Sango bowed to the wise-woman.
#We apologize, Miko-sama. But it is not your fault. We have already been to several other villages, and none have been able to get rid of the youkai. Do not take Inuyasha's word to heart, he is usually rude, and today he has reason to be in an especially fowl mood. # Sango bowed again, only to see her hair change color.
#Kyaaa! It's purple! # She exclaimed grabbing a fistful of her hair.
#Don't be so upset Sango! # Abracadabra mocked. #I think it suits you. # He flicked his hand, and her skin started to turn blue.
#Change me back! # Bellowed Sango, #Change me back or, so help me, I'll find a way to kill you!'
#Alright, alright! # Said Abracadabra, as blue Sango attempted to run him through with her sword.
By this time Kagome, Inuyasha and Shippou were watching the display wide- eyed. Inuyasha from his crater in the ground, and Shippou from behind Kagome's hair.
Abracadabra waved his hand at a bucket in the corner of the room, and before Sango could do anything, it had floated over to her, and dowsed her in icy water. Her hair and skin slowly changed back to normal, but...
#I'm...soaked, # said Sango quietly.
#Here Sango-chan, I'll get you a towel, # said Kagome kindly, as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder and led her to the corner of the room.
The Wise Woman turned her sympathetic gaze to Kagome. #Go child, # She said. #The sooner that beast is returned to its cage the better. #
'Why do I have this feeling of encroaching doom?' Harry couldn't help but wonder as he spotted the figure of a man slumped on the couch, and silently seething. His face was hidden by his hair, and the long brim of his hat, and though his gaze seemed to be directed at the ground, Harry could almost swear he heard the faint whirring of a hidden glass eye, as it darted back and forth, allowing it's owner, even in his rage, to meet his own standard: "CONSTANT VILIGENCE!"
It was at least partially because of this, that Harry was not surprised when the figure spoke.
Not that he didn't jump anyway...
"So Potter, please tell me," Moody gritted out. "Haven't you learned your lesson or are you really trying to get killed?"
Harry couldn't help but wince at that. He knew what Moody was referring to.
"I'm not an idiot. I've learned from my mistakes, and I'll never act that stupid again," He said, every bit as harsh as Moody. "Sirius is dead, but I won't let it happen to anyone else." Harry bowed his head so that his bangs covered his face, even though he knew perfectly well that Moody could see his face, bangs or no.
"Then what the hell are you three doing here?" Moody exclaimed. The only thing the kept him from yelling it was the knowledge that Mrs. Higurashi was in the next room.
"I didn't even WANT to come. But then Hermione realized that Tonks and Lupin would need help translating, unless the Higurashi's spoke English fluently. At first we weren't even going to come in, but I noticed that this place has an odd feel to it. Almost as if there's magic here. And I mean an odd feel, but not a threatening one. But anyway, Professor Dumbledore was here earlier this morning, and he said that there was going to be a meeting of the Order in the arranged spot- where ever that is –and that you should go there at noon. He also said that he was going to meet me at the shrine later today, and Ron and Hermione and I are staying until then to keep the ministry wizards from making themselves any more suspicious to the muggles than completely necessary."
Giving that lengthy report reminded Harry vaguely of a soldier reporting to his higher ups, but it seemed to satisfy Moody, because all he said to that was, "Alright then Potter, then go do what your supposed to, and keep those idiots out of trouble."
Harry almost winced with the harsh tone Moody said 'idiots.' There was no denying that the Ministry had been a major key in the success of Voldemort's first year of renewed life, however unwitting they may have been. Fudge had yet to learn of the Order, and was having enough trouble retaining his office. Moody's bitterness was understandable, but still, it went a bit against Dumbledore's policy of 'avoiding discord.'
Nevertheless, Harry did as he was told, just happy to get out of the room where Mad-eyed Moody was currently redirecting his anger at the magical government of England.
#What's up, Inuyasha? Do you sense something? # Kagome asked, when Inuyasha stopped, muscles tensing up. Above their heads Kirara stopped as well, sniffing the air. The atmosphere was suddenly apprehensive, and despite the warm noon day sun, and sparkling brook that wove through thick emerald green grass creating the verisimilitude of the perfect afternoon in paradise, the whole group of travelers had become ill at ease, with the exception of Abracadabra, who floated on his back lagging behind them slightly, the picture of unaffectedness. It was Inuyasha who spoke first.
#That stench...# He gritted out, shifting his hold on Kagome, who was on his back, so that he would be able to draw the Tetsusaiga quickly as possible.
#Is it Naraku? # Kagome asked, not sure if she should be hopeful or not. After all, they WERE looking for him...
#The smell of human blood! # Shippou yelled, after sniffing the air himself.
This caught Abracadabra's attention. #Hmmm... Perhaps there has been a massacre! # He said this in such an ambiguous manner that nobody was able to tell if the idea appalled or delighted him.
#I hope not! # Kagome exclaimed.
#Then let's double our pace, now! We cannot afford to waist time! #
#Houshi-sama is right! # Said Sango. #Kirara! #
The fire cat launched herself higher into the air and sped ahead. Inuyasha quickened his pace, doing his best not to jolt Kagome as she strung her bow.
Soon after, they came upon the epitome of chaos. Fire and smoke rose from all of the huts that were still standing. Children were bawling, and some were being trampled. In the streets there were several overturned wagons, and men and women ran around screaming with crazed looks on their faces.
Several people had swards, spears, and even pitchforks, and were fighting a battle with some invisible foe. One man hurled his spear at something only he could see, but it hit another man in the leg just as the thrower cried out in pain for no apparent reason, and collapsed to the ground.
#What's going on here? # Shippou asked, when Kirara landed and he took a spot on Kagome's shoulder.
#The whole place's gone nut's! # Said Inuyasha in a mix of confusion and disgust. #They're destroying their own village! #
#Over there! # Kagome pointed towards an overturned wagon with a young woman pinned underneath, and made her way there, just barley avoiding several wayward spears and arrows before Inuyasha came to shield her.
Kagome rushed up to the girl, and wiped some of the blood and sweat off her face, while Inuyasha lifted the wagon off her. A child tripped over Kagome's outstretched foot as she checked the girl for broken ribs, but before she could do anything the child shrieked at something behind her and ran back into the masses of hysterical villagers.
Miroku, unable to ignore a woman in trouble, hastily gathered the injured girl up to lay her out of harms way, but discovered that he could not move her himself without exacerbating the injuries.
#Miroku-sama, let me help you! # Kagome had noticed his dilemma, and together they carefully lifted the girl up brought her out of the village with Sango and Inuyasha shielding them.
Miroku had set the girls head down on the grass, facing away from the village, when she opened her eyes, and noting his monks clothes wheezed, #Houshi-sama, behind you! # before passing out again.
The four friends instantly spun around on the alert and in fighting stances.
And looked at each other, puzzled.
Behind them was the picturesque day they had left, minutes before.
#It is obvious these villagers are under some sort of illusion, # Miroku began. #The question is what to do about it. #
There was a pause, and then...
#I say we should knock em' out before we do anything else. They're not doing themselves any favors staying conscious. #
#Quite interesting, # said Miroku. #For once Inuyasha's violent method of handling things seems to be the most acceptable course of action. #
#Just shut the Hell up, and get to work! # Inuyasha growled.
They were about to go back in, when every one of the townspeople inexplicably stopped moving, and collapsed.
#What the?!#
#Hey you guys! # Came Shippou's voice. #Look at this! #
Shippou suddenly appeared with something clasped carefully between his two hands. The transformed Kirara walked behind him. Shippou held out his hands so that they could see a thumb-sized bug, with four humanoid hands pinned behind his wings. He wore a shimmering black chest-plate and helmet. He was colored and shaped like a wasp, but closer inspection proved him to be some type of small moth youkai.
#This guy was using magic to make those villagers cause a riot! #
Inuyasha took the tiny youkai, as it hissed and shrieked angrily in a high- pitched voice. He assessed it for a moment, then crushed it between his thumb and forefinger, #couldn't even talk and it caused all that trouble...scum, # he added contemptuously.
He flicked the minuscule corpse onto the roadside, when he heard a familiar buzzing sound. Nearly faster than the eye could follow, one of Naraku's poisonous insects swooped down and picked the dead youkai up.
#IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER! # Inuyasha yelled, as he ripped bee to pieces, and caught the youkai corpse in one fisted hand. #HAKUDOUSHI! # He snarled, and bared his fangs. #What do you want?!#
A column of white light shot out of the sky, and Hakudoushi suddenly materialized in front of them.
#Believe it or not, Inuyasha, I don't have time for you now. Now why don't you do this simply, and hand me that moth? #
#Heh... What do you think I am? An idiot? TETSUSAIGA! #
Hakudoushi was blasted into bits, but in spite of this, when his mouth floated by them, he chuckled, #Kukuku, Inuyasha, you will never learn! I cannot be killed in such a simple way! Even that annoying priestess woman knew better than that! #
'Priestess...' Hakudoushi faded out of vision. #Hey wait you little bastard! What do you know about Kikyo?!#
Out of the blue, a rock started to laugh hysterically.
Then the rock turned into Abracadabra.
Notes: Imaginary cookie for anyone who knows what Hakudoushi was referring to when he talked about Kikyo. I'll even give you a clue... It's in the Manga!
For those of you who don't know who Hakudoushi is, he's probably Naraku's most annoying incarnation. Born when a baby incarnation was cut in half, he grew up to be a pale, creepy young boy, with white hair. The other half of the baby is still a baby, and is under the care of Kanna, and a Giant monster incarnation. This baby is actually both Naraku and Hakudoushi's heart, and is kept under wraps by a stone that erases youki. The most annoying thing about Hakudoushi is probably that no matter how many pieces you've cut him into, he'll still manage to escape and pull himself back together. This is because his heart is not kept in his body, hence the "You cannot kill me in that way," line.