Sesshomaru, lord of the western lands, stood at the top of a hill overlooking a vast valley. The valley floor was covered in a thick layer of trees and shrubs and in the distance he could see a lake.
"What is it, my lord? Is there something wrong?" asked Jaken as he walked up behind Sesshomaru.
"Leave me Jaken. I must sort some things out."
"My lord, are you planning another attack on your brother, Inuyasha?"
Sesshomaru turned around and pointed his sword at his servant. "Do not mention that half-breed's name in my presence. Now leave!"
"Oh! I'm so sorry my lord! I'm leaving! I'm leaving!" cried Jaken as he turned and ran.
Sesshomaru sighed and returned his sword to it's sheath. As he once again gazed at the valley beneath him, he felt a small hand grasp his own. He looked down and saw Rin smiling at him.
"We should go down to the lake so she can have some water." thought Sesshomaru.
He picked Rin up and cradled her in his only arm. She was pale and she began to cough fitfully. Once he had found Jaken, they made their way to the lake, stopping every once and a while for Rin to get over her coughing fit.
"The human is weak, my lord. Why don't we just leave her here to die?" asked Jaken.
"She stays with us, Jaken. Her human body is frail and weak, so we must find another human to cure her." said Sesshomaru.
"Well, my lord, we are near the village where the sacred sword, Kenakari, is protected. I have heard tales about the priestess who dwells there. She is a known healer. The sword could also be of use to you, my Lord Sesshomaru."
"How far are we from the village?"
"At least a week at our pace, my lord."
Sesshomaru looked down at Rin. She was sleeping, her face turned to his chest. Her breathing was slow and shallow.
"We must reach this village as soon as possible. But we must stop for the night. Rin must rest. Go fetch some water for her."
"Yes my lord." said Jaken, angry that Rin was more important to his lord than he was.
"This is the hot spring specifically for the women. There aren't very many of us, so it's kind of like our own private bath." said Kotori as she showed Kagome and Sango where to put their clothes.
"Yeah. It's really nice not having to worry about crowds." said Kita as she threw her clothes off and jumped into the water.
Sango and Kagome laughed as they were hit by Kita's splash. "So exactly how many women are in this village?" asked Sango as she stepped into the water.
"Well, including Kita and myself, there are five." replied Kotori as she sat on the edge of the pool.
"Only five? Why aren't there more?" asked Kagome as she slipped into the warm water.
"Not very many women are interested in swordsmanship and martial arts. That is what my master teaches. There are about fifty men here ranging from ten to eighteen." replied Kotori.
"Wow. How long have you been here?" asked Sango.
"About five years now. I completed most of my training with Lady Kaede before I came here. My master has taught me a few new things since then, but I have officially mastered the art of swordsmanship and martial arts. I now protect the sacred sword, Kenakari, and have been doing so for the past four years." said Kotori.
"That's quite an accomplishment." replied Sango.
"Yeah, it is." said Kagome as she scrubbed herself. She looked up at Kotori and said, "Aren't you going to come in too?"
"I don't want to intrude." said Kotori.
"You're not intruding. You look like you need to relax for a little while. Please, join us." said Sango.
"Thank you. I'm very much obliged." said Kotori as she removed her clothes and joined the others.
"So, where is the men's bath?" asked Kagome nervously.
"Don't worry, their bath is at the other end of the shrine. They won't be able to sneak over here without someone catching them." replied Kotori.
"That's comforting. I can finally take a bath without having to worry if Miroku is watching me from behind a tree." said Sango.
"Here you are sirs. You can put your clothes over there," said Shigure as he pointed to a small table, "Call if you need anything."
Once Shigure had left, Shippo, Miroku, and Inuyasha undressed and got into the bath.
"So, what do you think of Kotori, Inuyasha?" asked Shippo.
"She's ok. Naraku's curse has had a really big impact on her." said Inuyasha.
"Yes, it seems to affect her everyday life. She has handled it well, I must admit." said Miroku.
"Well, you weren't making it any better! You couldn't stop groping her!" shouted Inuyasha.
"Remember, Inuyasha, you didn't keep your hands to yourself either." said Shippo.
Inuyasha turned bright red and threw a rock at him. Shippo dogged it and swam over to Miroku.
"I like Kotori. She seems really nice." said Shippo.
"What about Kita?" asked Miroku, smirking.
"Well.... I...." stuttered Shippo, his face bright red.
"It looks like the little fox demon has his eyes set on a little wolf demon." said Inuyasha, grinning.
"Shut up!" said Shippo as he sank into the pool until only the top part of his face was showing.
"So Miroku, are you giving up on Sango? Seems like you have a thing for Kotori now." said Inuyasha.
Miroku sighed, "I never was truly interested in Sango in the first place. But I am going to strive for Kotori's affections."
"Then you might want to stop being perverted if you want her to like you. And maybe stop flirting with other women. And stop touching her butt like that. And..." suggested Shippo.
"Ok, I get it!" shouted Miroku, his face bright red.
"Shippo's right, Lord Miroku. If you wish to win the affections of the Lady Kotori, you should try and be civil to her. Treat her like a woman should be treated." said a small voice.
"Well, well. If it isn't Myoga the flea. Where did you come from?" asked Inuyasha as he stared at a rock with a small flea perched on it.
"I followed you in here, Lord Inuyasha." replied Myoga.
"Do you think I could be able to win her heart?" asked Miroku.
"If you try hard enough, I'm sure that you can, Lord Miroku." said Myoga.
Miroku stood up and said, "Then I vow to win the heart of the priestess, Kotori by all means possible and to change my ways!"
Shippo, Myoga, and Inuyasha looked at Miroku strangely and quickly got out of the pool, grabbed their clothes, and ran out of the bath.
"Wait! I'm going to need help! Shippo? Myoga? Inuyasha? Come on guys!" cried Miroku, but they were already out of earshot.
Shigure came back into the bath with towels and was surprised to find Miroku alone. "Where did the other two go?"
Miroku sighed, "I don't know. But can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Would you be able to help me win the Lady Kotori's affections?"
"She forgot to give you the medicine didn't she?"
"No, that's not it. She gave it to me, but I still wish to win her over."
"You wouldn't be the first one." said Shigure darkly.
"What do you mean? Who else has tried?"
"Me, and about half the village."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Please forget that I asked." said Miroku quickly.
"No, I'm sorry. It's just that I've known her for many years and I can't get her out of my mind."
"Sounds like we both have problems forgetting her."
"Yeah. Well, if you want advice, just treat her with respect. It's very hard to get her. Nobody has yet." said Shigure as he walked out of the bath.
"Thank you." said Miroku as he got out of the bath and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Shigure walked down the hall, Miroku trailing behind him, and found Inuyasha and Shippo standing beside a window. "There you two are. Now, let me show you to your room."
They followed Shigure down a long corridor and out into the village. Inuyasha recognized Kotori's hut and they were led to a hut about the same size next to it.
"Well, this is where you can stay. We save this for guests to the village. If you need anything, just ask. I hope you enjoy your stay." said Shigure as he turned and shut the door behind him.
"Thanks." said Inuyasha, bluntly.
"Thank you, Shigure." said Miroku.
"Thanks!" cried Shippo.
Inside there were three beds, two candles, and three windows, one on each wall except for the wall with the door.
"Can we go find Kagome and the others now?" asked Shippo as he tugged at Inuyasha's sleeve.
"Yeah, ok. Let's hurry up and find 'em. I'm getting kinda hungry." said Inuyasha as he stood up and walked out of the room.
Once Inuyasha and Shippo were out of sight, Miroku began muttering to himself, "Ok, I have to treat her with respect, and I can't grope her."
They found Kotori in her hut with Sango, Kagome, and Kita. Food was placed on the table before them and Kotori motioned for them to sit.
They obeyed and began to eat. Miroku took a seat beside Kotori, making sure that he kept his hands to himself. Once they were finished, Kotori spoke.
"So, what do you plan to do when Naraku comes?"
"I plan to kill him." said Inuyasha.
Kotori sighed, "You know that he's stronger than you are, Inuyasha. Besides, he won't attack the village. He wouldn't risk doing harm to me."
"So what? I could beat him! He needs to pay for what he did." said Inuyasha, a low growl began deep in his throat.
"You must save your strength, all of you." replied Kotori.
"Why?" asked Sango.
"Because it could prove useful later." said Kotori.
"We can handle whatever comes at us." said Inuyasha.
"She's right Inuyasha. We should be prepared for anything." said Miroku.
"What does she know? She hasn't had to deal with all the stuff we have!" shouted Inuyasha.
Kotori sighed, "You still don't trust me, do you, Inuyasha?"
"No, of course not!" shouted Inuyasha.
"And why should you? I'm just some priestess that you happened to come across. Utterly useless." said Kotori.
"Yeah." agreed Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha! How can you...." started Kagome.
Kotori quickly raised a hand to silence her. Everyone stared at Kotori, holding their breath.
"Listen." she said softly.
After a few moments of silence, they heard a soft tinkling of bells. Two to be exact. Kotori rose and swiftly ran out of the room. The others hurried behind her.
The sun had just begun to set and everything had a warm glow to it. Kotori ran to a small building that was covered in protective spells and incantations. The shrine. There they found a man on the steps. He looked at them with an evil grin on his face.
"He's only a human! Let me take care of him!" shouted Inuyasha as he unsheathed the Tetsusaiga and lunged at the man.
"Inuyasha no! He's not human! He's a shape shifter!" shouted Kotori, but it was too late. Inuyasha had swung the sword above his head and prepared to bring it down on the demon's head when, suddenly, the sword wasn't there anymore.
It had been thrown about thirty feet from them. He slashed at the shape shifter, injuring him badly. The shape shifter changed into a large wolf and jumped on Inuyasha. He clawed at Inuyasha, leaving deep gashes all over his body. Inuyasha tried to hold him off, but struggled. The shape shifter slashed Inuyasha's face, temporarily blinding him.
"Inuyasha!" screamed Kagome.
Finally, the shape shifter threw Inuyasha's unconscious body aside and proceeded to walk inside the shrine. He was surprised to find Kotori, sword unsheathed, standing in the doorway, blocking his entrance.
He changed into the wolf again and began slashing at Kotori. She dodged them and, in one swift, fluid motion, brought her sword down upon his head, cleaving it in two. Kotori threw the bloody body of the demon aside and ran to Inuyasha.
The others simply stood paralyzed with amazement. Once it sunk in, they ran to Inuyasha and Kotori. Inuyasha's cuts were deep, but not fatal. Kotori helped him up and brought him back to the room he shared with Miroku and Shippo.
Once his wounds were attended to, Kotori spoke, "You shouldn't have been so foolish, Inuyasha."
"Heh, I could have taken him! I just lost concentration." said Inuyasha.
"I'm sure you could have." said Kotori.
"But I must admit, you are very talented. For a human, that is." said Inuyasha, trying to hide his admiration for her talent.
"Well, thank you. I'm glad to receive compliments from you." said Kotori, smiling.
For the next week, Inuyasha, Miroku, Kagome, Shippo, and Sango spent all their time with Kotori and Kita. During the day, Kotori and Kita showed them around the village and "safe" places in the Demon Forest. These places were mostly where Kotori had made friends with the demons and they had refused to kill her. During the night, Kotori would fight off the occasional demon that threatened the village and talked with Inuyasha and the others into the early hours of the morning.
Shigure often went with Kotori on their outings, refusing to leave her side. The others learned that Kotori and Shigure had been best friends for five years, and that Shigure was very protective of Kotori. Yet, Miroku spent as much time as possible with Kotori and she began to grow fond of him. She enjoyed spending time with the monk, and for some reason she felt attached, and possibly attracted, to him.
Then she began to realize that she noticed Miroku's charm, personality, and good-looks more and more often, and began to make up excuses to just see him. She began to wonder what these feelings were, but she was careful not to share them with anyone, especially Shigure. Miroku's feelings for Kotori were also growing. He couldn't keep his eyes off her and he managed not to touch her in any inappropriate ways, which was a very big step for him.
On the eve of the seventh night after Kotori had finished off a demon, they all sat in her hut talking about what they planned to do after they fought Naraku.
"You could be a useful addition to our group, Kotori." said Inuyasha.
"Yeah, you could, Kotori. Why don't you travel with us? You could help us search for the jewel shards." said Kagome.
"Yes, you should join us." said Sango.
"Oh, well thanks for the offer, but it is my duty to protect the Kenakari. I couldn't just leave my duties and the village unattended." replied Kotori.
"I believe that your time to leave this village has come." said a deep voice from behind them.
Startled, everyone turned around to find Master Enoki, standing by the door.
"What do you mean, master?" asked Kotori.
"You knew that one day you would have to leave this village, and now that day has come. Once Naraku leaves, you should travel with them." he replied.
"But master, what about the Kenakari? Who will guard it?"
"You, of course. You will take it with you." he said.
"But no one can touch the sword. It burns whoever touches it." said Kotori.
"Everyone except you. All of you, come with me to the shrine, and all will be explained." said Haruhiko as he turned and walked out of Kotori's hut.
They all followed him to the shrine where the Kenakari was kept. Master Enoki walked over to the Kenakari and beckoned Kotori to come. She obeyed, but she was careful not to touch the sacred sword.
"Go ahead, Kotori. The sword will not harm you. This sword was forged for you and you alone. For the purest of the pure." said Master Enoki.
"But how could it have been forged for me? It was made centuries ago." said Kotori.
"It was forged by Midoriko centuries ago because a prophecy foretold that a priestess who possessed a entirely pure heart would join a human girl, a monk, a fox, and a half demon and help rid Japan of a powerful evil. Now that Inuyasha and the others have arrived, it is time that you fulfill your destiny. Now pick up the Kenakari. It is your sword now, like it was always meant to be." he replied.
Kotori slowly approached the sword and held out her hand reluctantly. Her fingers brushed the sword's handle. It didn't burn her. She closed her hand around the handle and pulled the sword from its sheath. Still no pain. She inspected the blade. It looked as if it had just been forged.
"Ah, finally my love. You have claimed the Kenakari for your own. Now, kindly give me the sword and become my wife." said a cold voice in the shadows.
"Naraku." said Kotori venomously. She did not even turn around to face him.
The others stood in complete silence. Inuyasha reached for his Tetsusaiga, but Kotori's eyes flicked to Inuyasha's as if to say, "This isn't your fight. You will have your chance another time." Inuyasha, reluctant to obey, slipped the Tetsusaiga back into it's sheath.
"Oh, you say my name with such bitterness. Why is that so, my love?" said Naraku as he emerged from the shadows. His baboon skin, like always, was hiding his face.
"Do not call me that which is not true. I will never love you. Nor am I your love, and never will be." said Kotori, bitterly.
"Oh, I think I can get you to change your mind. What would you do if I were to kill this little wolf cub that you so eagerly adopted?" asked Naraku as he picked up Kita by the tail. She struggled in Naraku's grasp, but he grasped her neck and she stopped moving, for fear of him choking her.
Kotori turned around and looked menacingly at Naraku, "You leave Kita out of this! She's just a child."
Naraku laughed, "I am fully aware that she is a mere child. I have simply come to ask you to be mine, using a little persuasion of course."
"You know my answer perfectly well, Naraku. I have said it enough times. Now put Kita down." said Kotori, threateningly.
"Heh, fine. Have it your way." said Naraku and he threw Kita aside. She collided with the wall with a sickening thud. Kotori ran to Kita and cradled her in her arms.
"Are you ok, Kita?" asked Kotori softly.
"I'm fine. I just need to lie down. My head hurts." replied Kita, weakly.
Kotori nodded and placed Kita in Sango's arms. She turned again to look at Naraku with hate in her eyes.
He laughed, "You know I would never do anything to cause you pain, Kotori. I am resisting the urge to kill everyone in this village, including your new allies, Inuyasha and his pathetic little group. That is the depth of my love. I would do anything to keep you happy."
"Did you think that killing my parents or hurting my friends and the villagers would make me happy? It just makes me loathe you even more!" said Kotori, clenching her fists.
Kagome noticed that Kotori's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "She's trying as hard as she can to keep herself from crying." she thought.
"Hm, since you are so unwilling to accept my love, I might just have to take what I want from you." said Naraku, as he moved closer and closer to Kotori, until he stood right in front of her. His face barely inches from her own.
Kotori laughed coldly, "You know you couldn't. You just said that you could never do anything to cause me pain."
"Yes, but people can do extraordinary things when they are motivated. I think I could get used to your screams of pain in the night as you lie, struggling, beneath me. On the contrary, it could make the act itself all the more pleasurable." said Naraku as he ran his fingers along her jaw line. He leaned his head towards hers and kissed her.
Inuyasha had to hold Miroku back because he had started to walk over to Naraku. Hatred burned in the monk's eyes as he struggled to free himself from Inuyasha's grasp, but Inuyasha held him back firmly and all the monk could do was watch helplessly.
Kotori tore herself from Naraku's grasp and wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her robes. "I will never allow you the satisfaction of hearing me scream. I would die before you touched me in such a way! Now leave this village at once, Naraku or..."
"Or what? You'll kill me? Or will you have those weaklings you call friends come after me?" asked Naraku, pointing to Inuyasha and the others.
"Leave now, Naraku." said Kotori, her eyes filled with hatred.
Naraku chuckled. "Fine, I'll leave. But just remember my offer, and everything you have to lose if you say no." As Naraku spoke, he walked over to Miroku, who was still being held back by Inuyasha, and ran his fingers along Miroku's jaw line. "You wouldn't want to lose a loved one now, would you?"
Kotori clenched her fists, fingernails digging into her skin. They dug so deep that they drew blood and it trickled from her palms and fell in droplets to the floor. Naraku took one last look at Kotori and disappeared.
Inuyasha released Miroku from his grasp and he ran to Kotori just as her knees gave out from under her and the Kenakari fell with a clang to the ground. Miroku cradled Kotori in his arms. She seemed to be lost in deep thought.
After a long pause, Kotori said, "I will go with you to find the remaining jewel shards and to get revenge on Naraku. We must leave as soon as possible, before he realizes I'm gone."
"Great," said Inuyasha, "we could really use your help." The others nodded in agreement.
Later that night, when Sango, Kagome, and Kita were asleep, Kotori sat on her bed and looked out the window at the many stars. Suddenly she heard a noise and saw the silhouette of a young man in the doorway.
"Kotori, I need to talk to you." said a voice she recognized as Shigure's.
"Come on in, but be quiet. They're all asleep."
He carefully walked around the sleeping girls and sat on the bed next to Kotori. "Is it true that you're going with Inuyasha and the others tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Then I want to come with you." said Shigure.
Kotori looked at him in surprise and said, "You should stay here and protect the master. He's getting old and needs to be cared for. I can take care of myself."
"But.... I..... I love you Kotori! I've loved you since the moment I saw you. Even after you gave me the antidote, I couldn't stop thinking about you! I just can't leave you."
Kotori said nothing. Shigure turned her head so she faced him. "I love you with all my heart." He kissed her lips gently. He lifted his head again and said, "Say you love me."
She looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "You are my dearest friend in all the world, Shigure, but I cannot say that I love you with all of my heart when part of my heart belongs another."
Shigure's heart sank, "Who?"
She hesitated for a minute, but she spoke one name, "Miroku."
Shigure looked at her and sighed, "I should have known you would never love me. I could never compare to Miroku. I was stupid to think you could ever fall in love with someone like me."
"No you weren't. I do love you. You are my dearest friend, and if I had never fallen in love with Miroku, I would gladly be yours. If Miroku does not share my feelings, then I promise that I'll come to you."
After a few moments of silence, Shigure spoke, "I still want to come with you, no matter if you love me or not."
Kotori smiled, "Then you can."
Shigure stood up and kissed the top of her head. "Good night."
"Good night." she said as he left the room. Kotori decided that she needed sleep, so she got under the covers, yet she failed to notice that Kita's, Kagome's, and Sango's eyes had been open the entire time. She also failed to notice the soft sigh of relief that came from outside her door and the soft patter of sandaled feet on the gravel as someone made their way back to Inuyasha and Shippo.
"What is it, my lord? Is there something wrong?" asked Jaken as he walked up behind Sesshomaru.
"Leave me Jaken. I must sort some things out."
"My lord, are you planning another attack on your brother, Inuyasha?"
Sesshomaru turned around and pointed his sword at his servant. "Do not mention that half-breed's name in my presence. Now leave!"
"Oh! I'm so sorry my lord! I'm leaving! I'm leaving!" cried Jaken as he turned and ran.
Sesshomaru sighed and returned his sword to it's sheath. As he once again gazed at the valley beneath him, he felt a small hand grasp his own. He looked down and saw Rin smiling at him.
"We should go down to the lake so she can have some water." thought Sesshomaru.
He picked Rin up and cradled her in his only arm. She was pale and she began to cough fitfully. Once he had found Jaken, they made their way to the lake, stopping every once and a while for Rin to get over her coughing fit.
"The human is weak, my lord. Why don't we just leave her here to die?" asked Jaken.
"She stays with us, Jaken. Her human body is frail and weak, so we must find another human to cure her." said Sesshomaru.
"Well, my lord, we are near the village where the sacred sword, Kenakari, is protected. I have heard tales about the priestess who dwells there. She is a known healer. The sword could also be of use to you, my Lord Sesshomaru."
"How far are we from the village?"
"At least a week at our pace, my lord."
Sesshomaru looked down at Rin. She was sleeping, her face turned to his chest. Her breathing was slow and shallow.
"We must reach this village as soon as possible. But we must stop for the night. Rin must rest. Go fetch some water for her."
"Yes my lord." said Jaken, angry that Rin was more important to his lord than he was.
"This is the hot spring specifically for the women. There aren't very many of us, so it's kind of like our own private bath." said Kotori as she showed Kagome and Sango where to put their clothes.
"Yeah. It's really nice not having to worry about crowds." said Kita as she threw her clothes off and jumped into the water.
Sango and Kagome laughed as they were hit by Kita's splash. "So exactly how many women are in this village?" asked Sango as she stepped into the water.
"Well, including Kita and myself, there are five." replied Kotori as she sat on the edge of the pool.
"Only five? Why aren't there more?" asked Kagome as she slipped into the warm water.
"Not very many women are interested in swordsmanship and martial arts. That is what my master teaches. There are about fifty men here ranging from ten to eighteen." replied Kotori.
"Wow. How long have you been here?" asked Sango.
"About five years now. I completed most of my training with Lady Kaede before I came here. My master has taught me a few new things since then, but I have officially mastered the art of swordsmanship and martial arts. I now protect the sacred sword, Kenakari, and have been doing so for the past four years." said Kotori.
"That's quite an accomplishment." replied Sango.
"Yeah, it is." said Kagome as she scrubbed herself. She looked up at Kotori and said, "Aren't you going to come in too?"
"I don't want to intrude." said Kotori.
"You're not intruding. You look like you need to relax for a little while. Please, join us." said Sango.
"Thank you. I'm very much obliged." said Kotori as she removed her clothes and joined the others.
"So, where is the men's bath?" asked Kagome nervously.
"Don't worry, their bath is at the other end of the shrine. They won't be able to sneak over here without someone catching them." replied Kotori.
"That's comforting. I can finally take a bath without having to worry if Miroku is watching me from behind a tree." said Sango.
"Here you are sirs. You can put your clothes over there," said Shigure as he pointed to a small table, "Call if you need anything."
Once Shigure had left, Shippo, Miroku, and Inuyasha undressed and got into the bath.
"So, what do you think of Kotori, Inuyasha?" asked Shippo.
"She's ok. Naraku's curse has had a really big impact on her." said Inuyasha.
"Yes, it seems to affect her everyday life. She has handled it well, I must admit." said Miroku.
"Well, you weren't making it any better! You couldn't stop groping her!" shouted Inuyasha.
"Remember, Inuyasha, you didn't keep your hands to yourself either." said Shippo.
Inuyasha turned bright red and threw a rock at him. Shippo dogged it and swam over to Miroku.
"I like Kotori. She seems really nice." said Shippo.
"What about Kita?" asked Miroku, smirking.
"Well.... I...." stuttered Shippo, his face bright red.
"It looks like the little fox demon has his eyes set on a little wolf demon." said Inuyasha, grinning.
"Shut up!" said Shippo as he sank into the pool until only the top part of his face was showing.
"So Miroku, are you giving up on Sango? Seems like you have a thing for Kotori now." said Inuyasha.
Miroku sighed, "I never was truly interested in Sango in the first place. But I am going to strive for Kotori's affections."
"Then you might want to stop being perverted if you want her to like you. And maybe stop flirting with other women. And stop touching her butt like that. And..." suggested Shippo.
"Ok, I get it!" shouted Miroku, his face bright red.
"Shippo's right, Lord Miroku. If you wish to win the affections of the Lady Kotori, you should try and be civil to her. Treat her like a woman should be treated." said a small voice.
"Well, well. If it isn't Myoga the flea. Where did you come from?" asked Inuyasha as he stared at a rock with a small flea perched on it.
"I followed you in here, Lord Inuyasha." replied Myoga.
"Do you think I could be able to win her heart?" asked Miroku.
"If you try hard enough, I'm sure that you can, Lord Miroku." said Myoga.
Miroku stood up and said, "Then I vow to win the heart of the priestess, Kotori by all means possible and to change my ways!"
Shippo, Myoga, and Inuyasha looked at Miroku strangely and quickly got out of the pool, grabbed their clothes, and ran out of the bath.
"Wait! I'm going to need help! Shippo? Myoga? Inuyasha? Come on guys!" cried Miroku, but they were already out of earshot.
Shigure came back into the bath with towels and was surprised to find Miroku alone. "Where did the other two go?"
Miroku sighed, "I don't know. But can I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Would you be able to help me win the Lady Kotori's affections?"
"She forgot to give you the medicine didn't she?"
"No, that's not it. She gave it to me, but I still wish to win her over."
"You wouldn't be the first one." said Shigure darkly.
"What do you mean? Who else has tried?"
"Me, and about half the village."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Please forget that I asked." said Miroku quickly.
"No, I'm sorry. It's just that I've known her for many years and I can't get her out of my mind."
"Sounds like we both have problems forgetting her."
"Yeah. Well, if you want advice, just treat her with respect. It's very hard to get her. Nobody has yet." said Shigure as he walked out of the bath.
"Thank you." said Miroku as he got out of the bath and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Shigure walked down the hall, Miroku trailing behind him, and found Inuyasha and Shippo standing beside a window. "There you two are. Now, let me show you to your room."
They followed Shigure down a long corridor and out into the village. Inuyasha recognized Kotori's hut and they were led to a hut about the same size next to it.
"Well, this is where you can stay. We save this for guests to the village. If you need anything, just ask. I hope you enjoy your stay." said Shigure as he turned and shut the door behind him.
"Thanks." said Inuyasha, bluntly.
"Thank you, Shigure." said Miroku.
"Thanks!" cried Shippo.
Inside there were three beds, two candles, and three windows, one on each wall except for the wall with the door.
"Can we go find Kagome and the others now?" asked Shippo as he tugged at Inuyasha's sleeve.
"Yeah, ok. Let's hurry up and find 'em. I'm getting kinda hungry." said Inuyasha as he stood up and walked out of the room.
Once Inuyasha and Shippo were out of sight, Miroku began muttering to himself, "Ok, I have to treat her with respect, and I can't grope her."
They found Kotori in her hut with Sango, Kagome, and Kita. Food was placed on the table before them and Kotori motioned for them to sit.
They obeyed and began to eat. Miroku took a seat beside Kotori, making sure that he kept his hands to himself. Once they were finished, Kotori spoke.
"So, what do you plan to do when Naraku comes?"
"I plan to kill him." said Inuyasha.
Kotori sighed, "You know that he's stronger than you are, Inuyasha. Besides, he won't attack the village. He wouldn't risk doing harm to me."
"So what? I could beat him! He needs to pay for what he did." said Inuyasha, a low growl began deep in his throat.
"You must save your strength, all of you." replied Kotori.
"Why?" asked Sango.
"Because it could prove useful later." said Kotori.
"We can handle whatever comes at us." said Inuyasha.
"She's right Inuyasha. We should be prepared for anything." said Miroku.
"What does she know? She hasn't had to deal with all the stuff we have!" shouted Inuyasha.
Kotori sighed, "You still don't trust me, do you, Inuyasha?"
"No, of course not!" shouted Inuyasha.
"And why should you? I'm just some priestess that you happened to come across. Utterly useless." said Kotori.
"Yeah." agreed Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha! How can you...." started Kagome.
Kotori quickly raised a hand to silence her. Everyone stared at Kotori, holding their breath.
"Listen." she said softly.
After a few moments of silence, they heard a soft tinkling of bells. Two to be exact. Kotori rose and swiftly ran out of the room. The others hurried behind her.
The sun had just begun to set and everything had a warm glow to it. Kotori ran to a small building that was covered in protective spells and incantations. The shrine. There they found a man on the steps. He looked at them with an evil grin on his face.
"He's only a human! Let me take care of him!" shouted Inuyasha as he unsheathed the Tetsusaiga and lunged at the man.
"Inuyasha no! He's not human! He's a shape shifter!" shouted Kotori, but it was too late. Inuyasha had swung the sword above his head and prepared to bring it down on the demon's head when, suddenly, the sword wasn't there anymore.
It had been thrown about thirty feet from them. He slashed at the shape shifter, injuring him badly. The shape shifter changed into a large wolf and jumped on Inuyasha. He clawed at Inuyasha, leaving deep gashes all over his body. Inuyasha tried to hold him off, but struggled. The shape shifter slashed Inuyasha's face, temporarily blinding him.
"Inuyasha!" screamed Kagome.
Finally, the shape shifter threw Inuyasha's unconscious body aside and proceeded to walk inside the shrine. He was surprised to find Kotori, sword unsheathed, standing in the doorway, blocking his entrance.
He changed into the wolf again and began slashing at Kotori. She dodged them and, in one swift, fluid motion, brought her sword down upon his head, cleaving it in two. Kotori threw the bloody body of the demon aside and ran to Inuyasha.
The others simply stood paralyzed with amazement. Once it sunk in, they ran to Inuyasha and Kotori. Inuyasha's cuts were deep, but not fatal. Kotori helped him up and brought him back to the room he shared with Miroku and Shippo.
Once his wounds were attended to, Kotori spoke, "You shouldn't have been so foolish, Inuyasha."
"Heh, I could have taken him! I just lost concentration." said Inuyasha.
"I'm sure you could have." said Kotori.
"But I must admit, you are very talented. For a human, that is." said Inuyasha, trying to hide his admiration for her talent.
"Well, thank you. I'm glad to receive compliments from you." said Kotori, smiling.
For the next week, Inuyasha, Miroku, Kagome, Shippo, and Sango spent all their time with Kotori and Kita. During the day, Kotori and Kita showed them around the village and "safe" places in the Demon Forest. These places were mostly where Kotori had made friends with the demons and they had refused to kill her. During the night, Kotori would fight off the occasional demon that threatened the village and talked with Inuyasha and the others into the early hours of the morning.
Shigure often went with Kotori on their outings, refusing to leave her side. The others learned that Kotori and Shigure had been best friends for five years, and that Shigure was very protective of Kotori. Yet, Miroku spent as much time as possible with Kotori and she began to grow fond of him. She enjoyed spending time with the monk, and for some reason she felt attached, and possibly attracted, to him.
Then she began to realize that she noticed Miroku's charm, personality, and good-looks more and more often, and began to make up excuses to just see him. She began to wonder what these feelings were, but she was careful not to share them with anyone, especially Shigure. Miroku's feelings for Kotori were also growing. He couldn't keep his eyes off her and he managed not to touch her in any inappropriate ways, which was a very big step for him.
On the eve of the seventh night after Kotori had finished off a demon, they all sat in her hut talking about what they planned to do after they fought Naraku.
"You could be a useful addition to our group, Kotori." said Inuyasha.
"Yeah, you could, Kotori. Why don't you travel with us? You could help us search for the jewel shards." said Kagome.
"Yes, you should join us." said Sango.
"Oh, well thanks for the offer, but it is my duty to protect the Kenakari. I couldn't just leave my duties and the village unattended." replied Kotori.
"I believe that your time to leave this village has come." said a deep voice from behind them.
Startled, everyone turned around to find Master Enoki, standing by the door.
"What do you mean, master?" asked Kotori.
"You knew that one day you would have to leave this village, and now that day has come. Once Naraku leaves, you should travel with them." he replied.
"But master, what about the Kenakari? Who will guard it?"
"You, of course. You will take it with you." he said.
"But no one can touch the sword. It burns whoever touches it." said Kotori.
"Everyone except you. All of you, come with me to the shrine, and all will be explained." said Haruhiko as he turned and walked out of Kotori's hut.
They all followed him to the shrine where the Kenakari was kept. Master Enoki walked over to the Kenakari and beckoned Kotori to come. She obeyed, but she was careful not to touch the sacred sword.
"Go ahead, Kotori. The sword will not harm you. This sword was forged for you and you alone. For the purest of the pure." said Master Enoki.
"But how could it have been forged for me? It was made centuries ago." said Kotori.
"It was forged by Midoriko centuries ago because a prophecy foretold that a priestess who possessed a entirely pure heart would join a human girl, a monk, a fox, and a half demon and help rid Japan of a powerful evil. Now that Inuyasha and the others have arrived, it is time that you fulfill your destiny. Now pick up the Kenakari. It is your sword now, like it was always meant to be." he replied.
Kotori slowly approached the sword and held out her hand reluctantly. Her fingers brushed the sword's handle. It didn't burn her. She closed her hand around the handle and pulled the sword from its sheath. Still no pain. She inspected the blade. It looked as if it had just been forged.
"Ah, finally my love. You have claimed the Kenakari for your own. Now, kindly give me the sword and become my wife." said a cold voice in the shadows.
"Naraku." said Kotori venomously. She did not even turn around to face him.
The others stood in complete silence. Inuyasha reached for his Tetsusaiga, but Kotori's eyes flicked to Inuyasha's as if to say, "This isn't your fight. You will have your chance another time." Inuyasha, reluctant to obey, slipped the Tetsusaiga back into it's sheath.
"Oh, you say my name with such bitterness. Why is that so, my love?" said Naraku as he emerged from the shadows. His baboon skin, like always, was hiding his face.
"Do not call me that which is not true. I will never love you. Nor am I your love, and never will be." said Kotori, bitterly.
"Oh, I think I can get you to change your mind. What would you do if I were to kill this little wolf cub that you so eagerly adopted?" asked Naraku as he picked up Kita by the tail. She struggled in Naraku's grasp, but he grasped her neck and she stopped moving, for fear of him choking her.
Kotori turned around and looked menacingly at Naraku, "You leave Kita out of this! She's just a child."
Naraku laughed, "I am fully aware that she is a mere child. I have simply come to ask you to be mine, using a little persuasion of course."
"You know my answer perfectly well, Naraku. I have said it enough times. Now put Kita down." said Kotori, threateningly.
"Heh, fine. Have it your way." said Naraku and he threw Kita aside. She collided with the wall with a sickening thud. Kotori ran to Kita and cradled her in her arms.
"Are you ok, Kita?" asked Kotori softly.
"I'm fine. I just need to lie down. My head hurts." replied Kita, weakly.
Kotori nodded and placed Kita in Sango's arms. She turned again to look at Naraku with hate in her eyes.
He laughed, "You know I would never do anything to cause you pain, Kotori. I am resisting the urge to kill everyone in this village, including your new allies, Inuyasha and his pathetic little group. That is the depth of my love. I would do anything to keep you happy."
"Did you think that killing my parents or hurting my friends and the villagers would make me happy? It just makes me loathe you even more!" said Kotori, clenching her fists.
Kagome noticed that Kotori's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "She's trying as hard as she can to keep herself from crying." she thought.
"Hm, since you are so unwilling to accept my love, I might just have to take what I want from you." said Naraku, as he moved closer and closer to Kotori, until he stood right in front of her. His face barely inches from her own.
Kotori laughed coldly, "You know you couldn't. You just said that you could never do anything to cause me pain."
"Yes, but people can do extraordinary things when they are motivated. I think I could get used to your screams of pain in the night as you lie, struggling, beneath me. On the contrary, it could make the act itself all the more pleasurable." said Naraku as he ran his fingers along her jaw line. He leaned his head towards hers and kissed her.
Inuyasha had to hold Miroku back because he had started to walk over to Naraku. Hatred burned in the monk's eyes as he struggled to free himself from Inuyasha's grasp, but Inuyasha held him back firmly and all the monk could do was watch helplessly.
Kotori tore herself from Naraku's grasp and wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her robes. "I will never allow you the satisfaction of hearing me scream. I would die before you touched me in such a way! Now leave this village at once, Naraku or..."
"Or what? You'll kill me? Or will you have those weaklings you call friends come after me?" asked Naraku, pointing to Inuyasha and the others.
"Leave now, Naraku." said Kotori, her eyes filled with hatred.
Naraku chuckled. "Fine, I'll leave. But just remember my offer, and everything you have to lose if you say no." As Naraku spoke, he walked over to Miroku, who was still being held back by Inuyasha, and ran his fingers along Miroku's jaw line. "You wouldn't want to lose a loved one now, would you?"
Kotori clenched her fists, fingernails digging into her skin. They dug so deep that they drew blood and it trickled from her palms and fell in droplets to the floor. Naraku took one last look at Kotori and disappeared.
Inuyasha released Miroku from his grasp and he ran to Kotori just as her knees gave out from under her and the Kenakari fell with a clang to the ground. Miroku cradled Kotori in his arms. She seemed to be lost in deep thought.
After a long pause, Kotori said, "I will go with you to find the remaining jewel shards and to get revenge on Naraku. We must leave as soon as possible, before he realizes I'm gone."
"Great," said Inuyasha, "we could really use your help." The others nodded in agreement.
Later that night, when Sango, Kagome, and Kita were asleep, Kotori sat on her bed and looked out the window at the many stars. Suddenly she heard a noise and saw the silhouette of a young man in the doorway.
"Kotori, I need to talk to you." said a voice she recognized as Shigure's.
"Come on in, but be quiet. They're all asleep."
He carefully walked around the sleeping girls and sat on the bed next to Kotori. "Is it true that you're going with Inuyasha and the others tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Then I want to come with you." said Shigure.
Kotori looked at him in surprise and said, "You should stay here and protect the master. He's getting old and needs to be cared for. I can take care of myself."
"But.... I..... I love you Kotori! I've loved you since the moment I saw you. Even after you gave me the antidote, I couldn't stop thinking about you! I just can't leave you."
Kotori said nothing. Shigure turned her head so she faced him. "I love you with all my heart." He kissed her lips gently. He lifted his head again and said, "Say you love me."
She looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "You are my dearest friend in all the world, Shigure, but I cannot say that I love you with all of my heart when part of my heart belongs another."
Shigure's heart sank, "Who?"
She hesitated for a minute, but she spoke one name, "Miroku."
Shigure looked at her and sighed, "I should have known you would never love me. I could never compare to Miroku. I was stupid to think you could ever fall in love with someone like me."
"No you weren't. I do love you. You are my dearest friend, and if I had never fallen in love with Miroku, I would gladly be yours. If Miroku does not share my feelings, then I promise that I'll come to you."
After a few moments of silence, Shigure spoke, "I still want to come with you, no matter if you love me or not."
Kotori smiled, "Then you can."
Shigure stood up and kissed the top of her head. "Good night."
"Good night." she said as he left the room. Kotori decided that she needed sleep, so she got under the covers, yet she failed to notice that Kita's, Kagome's, and Sango's eyes had been open the entire time. She also failed to notice the soft sigh of relief that came from outside her door and the soft patter of sandaled feet on the gravel as someone made their way back to Inuyasha and Shippo.