Chapter Eight - Alliance of Two Evils
He watched them through the mirror. His eyes were narrowed as he noticed that the group had two more shards and three new members. He tapped his index finger against his chin in thought. How could he use this new development to his advantage? It was quite a predicament. There had to be some way to get to the wretched hanyou and the reincarnation through these new players. Besides which, he was bored. For three years he'd been doing the same thing almost every day. Send a few youkai with shards after the group or some of his children and watch them get pounded into dust by these insects that had somehow managed to survive in spite of all odds. As he watched, the reincarnation of Kikyou, the taijiya, and their new female companion, a sorceress surprisingly enough, came into the picture. With interest he noticed that the reincarnation's eyes sought out the tall, silver-haired man that had joined the group with the sorceress and the stuffed animal.
"Sooo, the wench doesn't love that baka dog any more. Interesting. This could prove most useful."
He indulged himself with an evil laugh for a moment before returning to watching his enemies, a plan forming in his mind.
* * *
Kagome was quiet as she returned to the inn with Sakura and Sango, who were talking as if they'd known each other for years. Her thoughts were on Yue, as usual nowadays. Specifically, her mind was on what Sakura had told her about Yue. Had he and Clow Reed really been lovers? He never said anything to her about it when he would tell her about his past. Sure, there had been a certain fondness in his eyes when talking about his first master, but she figured it was because Clow Reed had created him, had been like a father to him. Now she has learned that it was more than that, much more than that. Wait a minute. Does it really matter? She asked herself. Kagome didn't even have to think about it before shaking her head.
"Of course, not," She said quietly. "Except for maybe meaning that I don't have a chance with him."
But then, why would Sakura say anything if she didn't have a chance? She had said that Yue showed emotion around Clow Reed because they were lovers. Kagome stopped. Could she mean that Yue only showed emotion to those he loves? She was filled with hope at that. She was so lost in the daydreams that went with that hope that she didn't realize that her two friends had stopped and she bumped into them. She looked around in confusion a moment before finally realizing that there were two inns. In fact, there were two of everything.
"What the."
"It the Dark Twin Card!" Sakure said. "Yue-san! Kero-chan!"
All the males of their group soon appeared from the direction of the inn. Both Kagome and Sango groaned when they saw two Mirokus and two Inuyashas come towards them. When the doubles saw each other they stopped, suspicion glinting in their eyes.
"What's going on?" Sango asked. "Why are there two of them?"
"They were in the inn when the Dark Twin was activated and they have no magical blood to protect them from the effects," Yue explained as he and Kero approached, he moving close to Kagome without realizing it.
"Oi! What's going on, wench?" the double voice of Inuyasha demanded of Kagome.
"There's a Dark Card here."
"Well do something about it. One perverted monk is enough!"
"I resent that," the two Mirokus protested.
"Actually, the fact that there are two Inuyashas will help," Kero said.
The Card Mistress nodded agreement. "The Dark Twin fight exactly alike so you have to fight the Twin in the exact same way."
Just as she was about to go on a pair of blurs passed by them and came to a rest before the inns. They looked exactly like the Twin Card except they were dressed in black and gray. The two 'girls' giggled before rushing forward to attack them. The two Inuyashas immediately leapt to intercept them. Kagome was so intent upon the fight that she was caught completely unawares when a foot connected with her side, sending her flying. She was up and facing the new opponent in a moment. She didn't need her senses to tell her it was another Dark Card and she was ready for a fight.
"You want it, you got it," Kagome growled, launching herself at the Dark Card.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a flurry of movement and turned just in time to see the miko attack something, but he couldn't see what. After sending out some blows that were easily blocked, she ducked a blow and he saw whom she was fighting. What he saw caused his blood to run cold. It was the Dark Fight Card! There was no way Kagome could beat it. She couldn't fight that well. He was about to leap in when she delivered a series of punches to the Dark Card, most of them connecting, and he reconsidered.
She exchanged blows with the Dark Card for quite a while, refusing to use her powers or weapons. If this bitch could do it without weapons, then so could she. She didn't care if it was made of magic or not. Her breathing was starting to grow heavy, though. Lucky bitch doesn't have to breath. Kagome pressed harder. She would not let it win.
Sango and the others were torn between watching Inuyasha's fight and Kagome's. They were all pretty amazed at Kagome's skill. As much as they liked her, she wasn't much of a fighter. At least, she never used to be.
"When did Kagome-sama learn how to fight like that?" one of the Mirokus asked in amazement.
Shippo shook his head speechlessly while Sango grinned. Her friend had told her that she was learning how to fight. She just hadn't thought she had become that good. Then again, it had been a while since Inuyasha had to rescue her during a fight. They were so caught up in watching the miko's fight that they didn't realize that the hanyous had beaten the Dark Twin until everything merged back into one.
Kagome was tiring quickly. Her movements were becoming sluggish and the Dark Card was landing more blows than before. He muscles ached and she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it up much longer. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed to use her powers to help her. She slowly began to gather her power in her hand, careful to keep it harnessed until she was ready to use it. As she became more and more exhausted it seemed that her opponent left fewer openings. Then, as Inuyasha defeated the Dark Twin Card and everything returned to normal the Dark Card she fought was distracted, leaving a wide opening near her stomach. Kagome slammed her hand into the Dark Card and released the energy she had gathered.
Inuyasha turned in time to see Kagome's hand connect with another Dark Card's stomach. There was a blinding flash of light and the Dark Card went flying back into a tree. As the light dissipated, the raven-haired girl swayed on her feet and he started forward to catch her before she fell, but Yue beat him to it. He watched jealously as she wrapped her arms around the guardian's neck and smiled gratefully. The hanyou noticed the way her eyes were shining as she looked at him. He felt his throat constrict and he struggled to swallow the lump that suddenly formed. Inuyasha knew that look. She used to look at him like that and he looked at her like that, when she wasn't looking, of course. It felt like someone had plunged their hand into his chest and was squeezing the life from his heart.
Yue struggled to maintain his composure as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hard won control nearly broke when she smiled at him before resting her head on his shoulder while he carried her towards the inn where she could rest. He knew they were supposed to leave today, but if Inuyasha even suggested it now he would pound the hanyou into the ground.
"Oi! Where ya going?"
The guardian's eyes hardened. Of course the hanyou would suggest it. He turned around, shifting his grip on the precious bundle in his arms. To his surprise, though he didn't know why, there was concern in Inuyasha's eyes.
"We have to get moving."
"What?! Kagome-sama needs to rest. We can't go now."
"We have to. If we stay here we're open to another attack." The hanyou said. "What good would that do her?"
"Okay, who are you and what did you do with Inuyasha?" Shippo asked.
"What are you talking about?" He growled.
"Since when are you so sensible?"
"Feh! Are you looking for a beating, brat? I'm not an idiot! I know it's not safe here."
"As sensible as that is, Kagome-sama is in no state to travel," Miroku interrupted. "We can't just leave her behind."
"Yue can carry her," Kero proposed. "He's strong enough."
Said guardian opened his mouth to protest, but Sakura cut him off.
"That's a good idea. Besides, she looks comfortable."
"But, Mistress."
"You're the one insisting that Kagome rest," Sango said reasonably.
"And we can't stay here," Sakura added.
"And you wouldn't want to risk waking her up by giving her to someone else," Miroku finished.
Yue sighed in defeat and turned to follow everyone. It wasn't that he didn't want to carry Kagome. It was the fact that she would probably rather have Inuyasha carry her. It hurt to think of it, but it was the truth.
* * *
"So, the Card Mistress' guardian has feelings for the miko," a voice purred. "Fascinating. Very fascinating."
She watched the group through her magic mirror. That miko was becoming a nuisance. That was the second time she got in the way of one of her Dark Cards. She had sent the Dark Fight to go after the guardian, but the card had attacked the miko instead. Still, this little piece of information could prove to be useful in future encounters. She had hoped to get rid of the Card Mistress without too much trouble, but this was much more challenging, and fun. At that moment one of her servants entered and bowed.
"Mistress, there is someone here to see you."
She frowned. "That's not possible. No one knows I'm here."
"He's standing right outside the gate. He says he wants to speak with you about the miko's group."
Her curiosity was peaked at those words. "Let him into my audience chamber."
As the servant left the room she rose and made her way to the audience chamber where she took her place in the throne-like seat against the back wall and flanked by a pair of torches set in ebony and gold sconces. After a few moments her servant opened the door and stepped aside for a figure in a while baboon skin to enter. She could feel the evil that permeated the air around him. It felt wonderful. She basked in it, wanted to touch it, wanted to take it into her.
"You've hidden yourself well, Lady. It took me almost an hour to find you," He said.
"What can I do for you."
He swept a bow. "I am Naraku and I would like to propose an alliance. For three years the miko and her group have thwarted my efforts. Now that the sorceress has joined the group I will have an even harder time of it. Unless I have your help."
Despite her intrigue at the idea, the Cark mistress played it cool as she steepled her fingers. "And why should I help you?"
"I intend to keep at them, as I always have. However, I doubt it will do me much more good now. With your help there's a better chance of defeating them."
The Dark Mistress scowled. "In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been having much luck either. In fact, they just defeated two of my best cards!"
Naraku raised a finger. "All the more reason for us to join forces. If we did that we'd be twice as powerful and more likely to do some damage than if we kept attacking them separately."
"What do you mean 'kept'? I haven't seen you attack them since the Card Mistress and her guardians joined the group."
"I've been gauging how strong the new additions has made them. Now that I know, I believe it would be beneficial to join forces."
She was silent a few moments before coming to a decision. "Very well. It might prove to be a remarkable experience."
"Excellent," he hissed.
He watched them through the mirror. His eyes were narrowed as he noticed that the group had two more shards and three new members. He tapped his index finger against his chin in thought. How could he use this new development to his advantage? It was quite a predicament. There had to be some way to get to the wretched hanyou and the reincarnation through these new players. Besides which, he was bored. For three years he'd been doing the same thing almost every day. Send a few youkai with shards after the group or some of his children and watch them get pounded into dust by these insects that had somehow managed to survive in spite of all odds. As he watched, the reincarnation of Kikyou, the taijiya, and their new female companion, a sorceress surprisingly enough, came into the picture. With interest he noticed that the reincarnation's eyes sought out the tall, silver-haired man that had joined the group with the sorceress and the stuffed animal.
"Sooo, the wench doesn't love that baka dog any more. Interesting. This could prove most useful."
He indulged himself with an evil laugh for a moment before returning to watching his enemies, a plan forming in his mind.
* * *
Kagome was quiet as she returned to the inn with Sakura and Sango, who were talking as if they'd known each other for years. Her thoughts were on Yue, as usual nowadays. Specifically, her mind was on what Sakura had told her about Yue. Had he and Clow Reed really been lovers? He never said anything to her about it when he would tell her about his past. Sure, there had been a certain fondness in his eyes when talking about his first master, but she figured it was because Clow Reed had created him, had been like a father to him. Now she has learned that it was more than that, much more than that. Wait a minute. Does it really matter? She asked herself. Kagome didn't even have to think about it before shaking her head.
"Of course, not," She said quietly. "Except for maybe meaning that I don't have a chance with him."
But then, why would Sakura say anything if she didn't have a chance? She had said that Yue showed emotion around Clow Reed because they were lovers. Kagome stopped. Could she mean that Yue only showed emotion to those he loves? She was filled with hope at that. She was so lost in the daydreams that went with that hope that she didn't realize that her two friends had stopped and she bumped into them. She looked around in confusion a moment before finally realizing that there were two inns. In fact, there were two of everything.
"What the."
"It the Dark Twin Card!" Sakure said. "Yue-san! Kero-chan!"
All the males of their group soon appeared from the direction of the inn. Both Kagome and Sango groaned when they saw two Mirokus and two Inuyashas come towards them. When the doubles saw each other they stopped, suspicion glinting in their eyes.
"What's going on?" Sango asked. "Why are there two of them?"
"They were in the inn when the Dark Twin was activated and they have no magical blood to protect them from the effects," Yue explained as he and Kero approached, he moving close to Kagome without realizing it.
"Oi! What's going on, wench?" the double voice of Inuyasha demanded of Kagome.
"There's a Dark Card here."
"Well do something about it. One perverted monk is enough!"
"I resent that," the two Mirokus protested.
"Actually, the fact that there are two Inuyashas will help," Kero said.
The Card Mistress nodded agreement. "The Dark Twin fight exactly alike so you have to fight the Twin in the exact same way."
Just as she was about to go on a pair of blurs passed by them and came to a rest before the inns. They looked exactly like the Twin Card except they were dressed in black and gray. The two 'girls' giggled before rushing forward to attack them. The two Inuyashas immediately leapt to intercept them. Kagome was so intent upon the fight that she was caught completely unawares when a foot connected with her side, sending her flying. She was up and facing the new opponent in a moment. She didn't need her senses to tell her it was another Dark Card and she was ready for a fight.
"You want it, you got it," Kagome growled, launching herself at the Dark Card.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a flurry of movement and turned just in time to see the miko attack something, but he couldn't see what. After sending out some blows that were easily blocked, she ducked a blow and he saw whom she was fighting. What he saw caused his blood to run cold. It was the Dark Fight Card! There was no way Kagome could beat it. She couldn't fight that well. He was about to leap in when she delivered a series of punches to the Dark Card, most of them connecting, and he reconsidered.
She exchanged blows with the Dark Card for quite a while, refusing to use her powers or weapons. If this bitch could do it without weapons, then so could she. She didn't care if it was made of magic or not. Her breathing was starting to grow heavy, though. Lucky bitch doesn't have to breath. Kagome pressed harder. She would not let it win.
Sango and the others were torn between watching Inuyasha's fight and Kagome's. They were all pretty amazed at Kagome's skill. As much as they liked her, she wasn't much of a fighter. At least, she never used to be.
"When did Kagome-sama learn how to fight like that?" one of the Mirokus asked in amazement.
Shippo shook his head speechlessly while Sango grinned. Her friend had told her that she was learning how to fight. She just hadn't thought she had become that good. Then again, it had been a while since Inuyasha had to rescue her during a fight. They were so caught up in watching the miko's fight that they didn't realize that the hanyous had beaten the Dark Twin until everything merged back into one.
Kagome was tiring quickly. Her movements were becoming sluggish and the Dark Card was landing more blows than before. He muscles ached and she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it up much longer. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she needed to use her powers to help her. She slowly began to gather her power in her hand, careful to keep it harnessed until she was ready to use it. As she became more and more exhausted it seemed that her opponent left fewer openings. Then, as Inuyasha defeated the Dark Twin Card and everything returned to normal the Dark Card she fought was distracted, leaving a wide opening near her stomach. Kagome slammed her hand into the Dark Card and released the energy she had gathered.
Inuyasha turned in time to see Kagome's hand connect with another Dark Card's stomach. There was a blinding flash of light and the Dark Card went flying back into a tree. As the light dissipated, the raven-haired girl swayed on her feet and he started forward to catch her before she fell, but Yue beat him to it. He watched jealously as she wrapped her arms around the guardian's neck and smiled gratefully. The hanyou noticed the way her eyes were shining as she looked at him. He felt his throat constrict and he struggled to swallow the lump that suddenly formed. Inuyasha knew that look. She used to look at him like that and he looked at her like that, when she wasn't looking, of course. It felt like someone had plunged their hand into his chest and was squeezing the life from his heart.
Yue struggled to maintain his composure as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hard won control nearly broke when she smiled at him before resting her head on his shoulder while he carried her towards the inn where she could rest. He knew they were supposed to leave today, but if Inuyasha even suggested it now he would pound the hanyou into the ground.
"Oi! Where ya going?"
The guardian's eyes hardened. Of course the hanyou would suggest it. He turned around, shifting his grip on the precious bundle in his arms. To his surprise, though he didn't know why, there was concern in Inuyasha's eyes.
"We have to get moving."
"What?! Kagome-sama needs to rest. We can't go now."
"We have to. If we stay here we're open to another attack." The hanyou said. "What good would that do her?"
"Okay, who are you and what did you do with Inuyasha?" Shippo asked.
"What are you talking about?" He growled.
"Since when are you so sensible?"
"Feh! Are you looking for a beating, brat? I'm not an idiot! I know it's not safe here."
"As sensible as that is, Kagome-sama is in no state to travel," Miroku interrupted. "We can't just leave her behind."
"Yue can carry her," Kero proposed. "He's strong enough."
Said guardian opened his mouth to protest, but Sakura cut him off.
"That's a good idea. Besides, she looks comfortable."
"But, Mistress."
"You're the one insisting that Kagome rest," Sango said reasonably.
"And we can't stay here," Sakura added.
"And you wouldn't want to risk waking her up by giving her to someone else," Miroku finished.
Yue sighed in defeat and turned to follow everyone. It wasn't that he didn't want to carry Kagome. It was the fact that she would probably rather have Inuyasha carry her. It hurt to think of it, but it was the truth.
* * *
"So, the Card Mistress' guardian has feelings for the miko," a voice purred. "Fascinating. Very fascinating."
She watched the group through her magic mirror. That miko was becoming a nuisance. That was the second time she got in the way of one of her Dark Cards. She had sent the Dark Fight to go after the guardian, but the card had attacked the miko instead. Still, this little piece of information could prove to be useful in future encounters. She had hoped to get rid of the Card Mistress without too much trouble, but this was much more challenging, and fun. At that moment one of her servants entered and bowed.
"Mistress, there is someone here to see you."
She frowned. "That's not possible. No one knows I'm here."
"He's standing right outside the gate. He says he wants to speak with you about the miko's group."
Her curiosity was peaked at those words. "Let him into my audience chamber."
As the servant left the room she rose and made her way to the audience chamber where she took her place in the throne-like seat against the back wall and flanked by a pair of torches set in ebony and gold sconces. After a few moments her servant opened the door and stepped aside for a figure in a while baboon skin to enter. She could feel the evil that permeated the air around him. It felt wonderful. She basked in it, wanted to touch it, wanted to take it into her.
"You've hidden yourself well, Lady. It took me almost an hour to find you," He said.
"What can I do for you."
He swept a bow. "I am Naraku and I would like to propose an alliance. For three years the miko and her group have thwarted my efforts. Now that the sorceress has joined the group I will have an even harder time of it. Unless I have your help."
Despite her intrigue at the idea, the Cark mistress played it cool as she steepled her fingers. "And why should I help you?"
"I intend to keep at them, as I always have. However, I doubt it will do me much more good now. With your help there's a better chance of defeating them."
The Dark Mistress scowled. "In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been having much luck either. In fact, they just defeated two of my best cards!"
Naraku raised a finger. "All the more reason for us to join forces. If we did that we'd be twice as powerful and more likely to do some damage than if we kept attacking them separately."
"What do you mean 'kept'? I haven't seen you attack them since the Card Mistress and her guardians joined the group."
"I've been gauging how strong the new additions has made them. Now that I know, I believe it would be beneficial to join forces."
She was silent a few moments before coming to a decision. "Very well. It might prove to be a remarkable experience."
"Excellent," he hissed.