Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inuyasha characters. =mutters= I've said that for the billionth time. It really is getting old.
A/N: AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Please forgive me for not updating earlier. begs for forgiveness on hands and knees I just got done finishing my summer homework! Blargh!
Okay, I know there was confusion about how Sesshou-kun actually sent up the signal thingy. I was trying to make him use the green poison whip thing he has. Sorry if it wasn't clear enough. And Jaken would have known that it belonged to Sesshoumaru so he would know that his master was on the way.
Chapter Ten: CapturedInuyasha and Kikyo came running when they saw the jet of green. Sango and Miroku just stood there, trying to help Kagome and Sesshoumaru cover their tracks (aka not looking where they went).
"Sango, Miroku, did ya find anything?" Inuyasha asked.
Sango and Miroku looked at each other before giving the hanyou an answer. Inuyasha glared at the two impatiently.
"We don't have all day you know, so out with it!" he demanded.
"Uh...we found the lake," Sango said.
"What was that green light?" Kikyo asked, her suspicions aroused.
"Green light?" Miroku asked. "What are you talking about Kikyo-sama?"
"Do not take me for a fool," Kikyo spat.
"Houshi-sama, it's best we tell them," Sango said.
Miroku's heart sped up for a moment before he realized Sango's meaning. "Uh...yes, we should," he played along.
Kikyo narrowed her eyes while Inuyasha continued to stare at the monk and exterminator.
"We," Miroku began, "didn't want the news to come out this way, but now we have no choice."
"You see, that green light was from one of those firework things Kagome-chan brought back with her before she...." Sango trailed off.
Inuyasha's heart leapt a little at the sound of Kagome's name. Then the familiar feeling of regret took hold of his heart.
"Why did it go off?' Kikyo asked.
"We wanted to give you a signal that we found the lake," Sango said, taking Kagome's advice.
Inuyasha was about to buy the story but he remembered that fireworks made noise when they were used. He remembered it well when Kagome let one off and his sensitive ears were unprepared.
"You're lying," he growled.
Sango and Miroku looked at him in surprise. Suddenly a look of horror crossed both their faces. Inuyasha had been present when Kagome explained what fireworks were. How could they have been so stupid? Miroku then thought of an ingenious excuse.
"You're right, we weren't being totally honest," Miroku said.
Sango stared at the monk. Would he tell? No, she thought, Houshi-sama swore to Kagome-chan that he would help her. She waited to see what the monk would say. Miroku grabbed Sango's hand and ignored the confused look the exterminator gave him.
"The real reason Sango and I used Kagome-sama's firework is because...." Miroku stopped for a moment.
"What?" Inuyasha asked, getting very irritated at the two.
"Sango agreed to be my wife," Miroku said.
Inuyasha face faulted and Sango had a very confused look that quickly turned to horror.
"Houshi-sama, what the hell are you saying?" Sango yelled.
"Don't try to hide your love for me," Miroku said.
"Nani?" Sango asked.
"Play along," Miroku whispered, his voice so low that Sango almost didn't catch it.
"Uh...Houshi-sama," Sango said.
"I know Sango, you didn't expect the news to come out so early did you?" Miroku asked, hoping that Inuyasha didn't catch what he whispered to Sango.
"I wanted it to remain a secret but it was bound to come out sooner or later," Sango said. "The real reason we used the firework was to celebrate."
Kikyo narrowed her eyes at the "couple" but decided against speaking out. Inuyasha recovered from the initial shock.
"You fired one of those things just because of this?" he asked.
"It was a joyous moment," Miroku defended.
"Feh, whatever," Inuyasha snorted. "What about the lake?"
"Lake?" Miroku asked, but then quickly caught on," oh yes, the lake. It is in that direction."
Miroku pointed to the path that Kagome and Sesshoumaru had come from just a few moments ago. Kikyo immediately walked in the direction Miroku was pointing.
As she got closer, Kikyo could sense something that wasn't quite right. She could no longer feel the presence of the Shikon shard that had called out to her earlier. But it had been a strong signal. Reaching the lake, Kikyo was stopped momentarily by the barrier that still covered the lake.
"A barrier?' she asked.
Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku came up behind her.
"What's the matter, Kikyo?" Inuyasha asked.
"A barrier is preventing any entrance into the lake," Kikyo replied.
"I'll just use Red Tetsusaiga," Inuyasha bragged.
He pulled out the sword but Kikyo stopped him.
"No," she said. "I will go and fetch the shard."
"What about any youkai that could be hiding in there, Kikyo-sama," Miroku asked.
"I am capable of taking care of myself. My skills are far superior," Kikyo said, anger clouding her eyes.
Miroku and Sango knew that comment was directed towards Kagome. Sango had to keep her rage in check. She took comfort in the fact that Kagome now had the final shard and that the rest of the Shikon shards would follow.
Kikyo stepped into the barrier, hindered only for a moment. (A/N: Remember that Umikotsu was destroyed so the barrier isn't that strong anymore.) She stared at the crystal blue water that shimmered and winked at her. Turning her head from the beautiful lake, she tried to locate the Shikon shard. Instead, all she found was...nothing. No trace of any Shikon shard. Realization smacked her in the face. Of course! She thought. The green light, the missing Shikon shard. It has to be my reincarnation and what other miserable collaborator she has found.
Kikyo stepped back out of the barrier.
"Did you get the Shikon shard?" Inuyasha asked.
"There is no Shikon shard," Kikyo replied, starting the trek back to the field.
"What?" Inuyasha exclaimed. "This is a joke right?"
"I do not waste my time with such insignificant matters," Kikyo said coldly.
She stalked off. Inuyasha looked to his other companions.
"But she said it was here," he said.
Sango and Miroku only gave him a confused look. They were barely able to hide the grins that threatened to show on their faces. Silently, they followed the angry miko, knowing that Kagome would soon have all the shards.
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Kagome and Sesshoumaru landed where Rin was happily picking flowers. Beside her was a huge mound covered in the flowers that she had already picked.
"Okaa-san!" the little girl squealed.
Kagome found the little girl's arms wrapped around her waist. Kagome hugged her back.
"Jaken," Sesshoumaru called.
"H-here milord," Jaken said.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru glanced around but found no sign of the toad youkai. The huge mound started to shake and it whittled down to the small servant.
"We're leaving," Sesshoumaru said.
"H-hai, forgive this lowly one for not readying..." Jaken began.
The rest of the sentence was lost when Sesshoumaru stepped on the poor youkai's head.
"Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin called.
Sesshoumaru stopped, waiting for the little girl to continue. Rin detached herself from Kagome and went to hug Sesshoumaru's leg instead.
'Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin doesn't want to play with Jaken-sama anymore. He is no fun," Rin said.
"Rin," Sesshoumaru said.
By the tone of his voice, Rin let go of his leg. Sesshoumaru began walking again. Rin's head drooped in sadness.
"A playmate will be found for you," Sesshoumaru said.
At that, a smile once again plastered itself on the young girl's face. She ran to Kagome and said.
"Okaa-san, Sesshoumaru-sama said he would find Rin a new playmate," Rin said.
Kagome smiled. "That's wonderful Rin," she said.
Then she thought of a perfect playmate for her. She still remembered Shippo, her adopted son. Her heart lurched at the thought of him all alone with Kikyo. How sad he must have been when she had decided to end her life. I was selfish. Kagome thought. I did not think about others, only myself.
Rin sensed sadness from the young woman she thought of as her mother. "Okaa-san?" she called.
Kagome smiled at the little girl. "I know a perfect playmate for you," she said.
The face full of concern instantly turned into glee. "Okaa-san knows a playmate for Rin?" she asked.
"Hai, he is my adopted son, Shippo," Kagome said.
"Rin has a brother?" Rin asked.
Kagome slowly nodded, not sure what to say. Rin almost screamed for joy but Kagome remembered Inuyasha and Kikyo were still here. She placed a hand over the child's mouth.
"Shhh, Rin, there is an evil woman her. You have to stay quiet," Kagome said.
Rin nodded. "Rin will do as Okaa-san says. Rin will be good," she said.
Kagome took her "daughter's" hand and walked with her towards the waiting Sesshoumaru.
"You're late," he said.
"Gomen, Sesshoumaru," Kagome said.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, don't be mad," Rin said. "Okaa-san was telling Rin that Rin had a brother."
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "You did not inform me you had a pup," he said.
"He is not my real pup, er...son," Kagome said. "I adopted him."
"Rin," Sesshoumaru said. "Do you wish for him to be your new playmate?"
"Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin said.
"Very well," Sesshoumaru said. "Let's go."
Rin obediently went to Ah Un and climbed onto the two-headed dragon's back. Kagome wrapped her arms around Sesshoumaru and the little group slowly made their way home.
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Sango and Miroku sat down near the campfire. It was a tiresome day. It took them the good part of the day to climb back down the mountain after no Shikon shard had been found. Kikyo had left in a hurry and they didn't get any rest until they had gotten down. Inuyasha once again went off and so did Kikyo, leaving them alone.
"Kagome-chan now has the last shard," Sango said.
Miroku nodded. "You know what this means," he said.
"We must steal the shards from Kikyo, as soon as possible," Sango said.
"It will not be easy," Miroku pointed out.
Sango nodded. "We have to find the right opportunity," Sango said.
"Where does she go every night?" Miroku asked.
"Who cares," Sango said.
"If we can follow her, maybe we could..." Miroku began.
"Ambush her?" Sango finished. "Will it work?"
"She is only one person," Miroku said. "We are two."
"But she is a powerful miko," Sango said.
"True, so we must do everything and anything to get those shards," Miroku said.
Sango thought about it for a moment. "When are we going to act," she said finally.
"Now," Miroku said.
"How?" Sango asked. "We don't even know where she went."
"The path she took lead into the forest. (A/n: Yep, another forest.)" Miroku said. "She should take the same route back."
"What makes you say that, Houshi-sama?" Sango asked.
"There is only one path into the forest," Miroku pointed out.
"So we must position ourselves somewhere along that trail," Sango said.
"Hai," Miroku said. "Then we will wait until Kikyo-sama comes back, and then..."
"We will take the shards and return them to Kagome-chan," Sango said, a hint of arrogance in her voice.
"We must get ready," Miroku said.
Sango stood up and started to walk over to the forest. Miroku followed behind her. Suddenly she felt his hand on her behind. A sharp slap echoed throughout the forest.
"Hentai," she whispered fiercely, not wanting to ruin their perfect opportunity.
She sighed. Some things never change.
Sango positioned herself behind one of the large trees while Miroku hid behind another. They each were on separate sides and patiently waited. The moon was high overhead when the sound of footsteps caught their attention. Sango peeked around the large trunk and saw Kikyo walking down the path. Readying herself, Sango held still, even afraid to breathe.
Kikyo sensed two presences in the forest. She continued to walk, listening for anything that might betray what they were. As Kikyo walked by their hiding places, Sango and Miroku jumped out from behind their trees. Sango held her Hiraikotsu high above her head and charged towards the miko. Miroku brandished his staff and charged from the other side. Kikyo looked lazily at the oncoming attackers. Her soul-stealers immediately appeared and protected their mistress.
"You are both fools," Kikyo hissed. "You thought to take the Shikon shards from me."
"We will take the Shikon shards from you," Sango said.
"Your power is far inferior to mine," Kikyo said.
"That will not stop us from helping Kagome-sama," Miroku said.
"So my reincarnation has put you up to this," Kikyo said, her eyes narrowing the slightest bit. "No matter, she will not be successful."
"Kagome-chan did nothing. This was our decision," Sango spat.
Kikyo laughed her high, evil laugh. "You are more foolish than I thought. I am the Guardian of the Shikon no Tama!" Kikyo said. "It belongs with me!"
"No, you are DEAD!" Sango said, throwing Hiraikotsu at the miko.
Kikyo merely deflected the huge boomerang. "'Dead' am I?" Kikyo said. She drew out her bow and sent two arrows towards her attackers. The two arrows held a huge amount of miko energy. Miroku and Sango didn't even have a chance. Kikyo stared at her two unconscious victims. She summoned her soul-stealers.
"Take them to Naraku," she ordered.
The soul-stealers obeyed their mistress, who continued to walk down the path as if nothing had happened. Before she went back to the campsite, Kikyo summoned another soul-stealer.
"Go inform my reincarnation about what happened tonight," she said. "And if she wants her friends unharmed, she will give me what I desire."
The soul-stealer flew towards the direction it sensed the rest of its mistress' soul was. Kikyo smiled. Soon, Soon I will have my soul back and I will finally claim my revenge! Kikyo thought.
She walked unhurriedly to the campsite to wait for Inuyasha.
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Closer to the Western Lands, Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Jaken, Ah Un, and Rin stopped by a river. Kagome dipped her hands into the cool water and drank a little. The cool water was soothing and Kagome decided to rest by the river. She lay on her back watching the stars adorn the sky. Sesshoumaru stared at the young woman. His heart was filled with warmth once again. He remembered this feeling from when she thought Umikotsu had killed him. The relief in her eyes when she saw him alive flooded his mind. He walked to where Kagome was laying.
"Kagome," he whispered, the name rolling off his tongue.
Kagome jerked up at the sound of her name. "Did you just call me by my name, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked, hardly believing what she had heard.
"Do you not wish for me to make use of your name?" Sesshoumaru said softly.
"No, I just never heard you call my name before," Kagome said. She stood up and dusted herself off.
Sesshoumaru stepped closer. Kagome's scent filled all his senses. He reached out and pulled her to him.
"Sesshoumaru?" she questioned.
"What sort of spell have you cast, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru whispered before claiming her lips in a kiss.
Kagome's heart leapt as her mind went blissfully blank. All she could feel was Sesshoumaru's lips against hers. Slowly, the two pulled apart, each breathing irregularly.
"Tell me, what sort of spell have you cast," Sesshoumaru asked again.
"I didn't cast any spell," Kagome whispered.
"You did," Sesshoumaru said. "Otherwise, how am I feeling these feelings?"
"What feelings?" Kagome asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"Caring, compassion..." Sesshoumaru hesitated for a moment. "Love."
Kagome looked wide-eyed at the Lord of the Western Lands. Her mind was reeling and spinning.
"L-love?" she stammered.
Sesshoumaru broke away. He mentally slapped himself.
"Forget it," he growled.
Kagome was confused. "But you said that you felt..." she said.
"It matters not," Sesshoumaru said.
"I want to know what you meant," Kagome persisted.
Sesshoumaru growled. Before he could say anything, a snake-like creature made its way to where they stood. Kagome's eyes narrowed in recognition.
"Kikyo's soul-stealer," Kagome spat. "What does she want?"
The soul-stealer sent images of what had taken place that night. Kagome saw Sango and Miroku fight against Kikyo. She saw they were knocked unconscious by the dead miko and then taken away. Upon completing its task, the soul-stealer disappeared.
"No, wait," Kagome shouted.
"What has occurred?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"My friends have been taken," Kagome said shakily.
"The dead miko," Sesshoumaru stated.
Kagome nodded. "They were trying to help me when they were taken. I know they were," Kagome said.
"How are you so certain?' Sesshoumaru asked.
"They are loyal friends. They promised me not to tell Inuyasha that I was alive," Kagome said.
"You wish to go rescue them," Sesshoumaru said. It was a statement, not a question.
"I have to. They were captured because of me," Kagome said.
"So the hanyou's dead bitch has turned upon her own comrades," Sesshoumaru said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"She will die by my hands," Kagome said suddenly. "How dare she hurt Sango-chan and Miroku!"
"Jaken," Sesshoumaru called.
This time, the toad youkai hurriedly beckoned at his master's call.
"H-hai, milord?" Jaken said.
"Take Rin back to the castle," Sesshoumaru ordered.
'H-hai milord," Jaken squeaked.
"If anything should happen to her, I shall have your head," Sesshoumaru said.
"H-hai," Jaken said, terrified out of his wits. "Where will you be milord?"
"It does not concern you," Sesshoumaru said nonchalantly. "Now, go!"
Jaken took off to where Rin was and told her they were leaving.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin wants to stay with Sesshoumaru-sama and okaa-san," Rin cried out as Jaken told her they were leaving.
"Rin, go home with Jaken," Sesshoumaru said.
"Rin," Kagome called out gently. "Listen to Sesshoumaru-sama. We will be back as soon as we can."
"Hai, okaa-san," Rin said, grinning.
Ah Un flew into the air with Jaken squawking as he barely managed to hold onto the dragon youkai's tail.
"I do not recall ever articulating that I will be assisting you," Sesshoumaru said.
Kagome waved that comment off with a brush of her hand. "Why else would you have had Jaken take Rin home without you?" Kagome asked, a sly smile gracing her lips.
"Keh," was Sesshoumaru's reply.
Kagome giggled softly at the Lord of the Western Lands.
"Are you quite finished?" Sesshoumaru asked, irritated that Kagome had managed to outwit him this time.
"Hai, let's go," Kagome said.
She started off towards the east again, noting that it was the direction Kikyo's soul-stealer had come from. Sesshoumaru followed the young miko and together, they left to find Kikyo and pay her back for kidnapping Kagome's friends.
A/N: I know this chapter isn't that good but please note that I have had writer's block for the past two weeks. Okay I know it's been more than two weeks but... Anyways, I hope it didn't suck that bad.
Read and Review! Arigatou!