Thank you Goddess of Anime for your continued loyalty in reviewing! And I'm
sorry you can't do anything about the format. Maybe you can use letters,
like maybe a line of 'o's or something to indicate a scene change. did you
skip chapter 4? I'm just curious wondering about if pple actually listened
to me....lol.
I wish i owned Inuyasha. Maybe in my dreams....
On with the story ! enjoy !
Chapter 7: Come out, Come out, Wherever you are
It was about mid-afternoon when Kagura landed silently in front of Naraku's fortress. She sincerly hoped Naraku was planning on attacking the Inu gang himself, in person, soon. She would of course be with him, and naturally Kagome's group would get her heart back. Of this she had no doubts. She entered her master's fortress without any hesitation; after all, she lived there.
It didnt' take long to find where her master was at; he was waiting in the receiving room where he would entertain a guest; or, more specifically, new minion. She entered the room, bowing politely to the figure in the room across from her master, not knowing nor caring about who it was. She inclined her head towards her master.
"You wished to see me, my Lord?"
"Yes, Kagura. It seems this man has been trying to kill Inuyasha for quite some time now."
She eyed Naraku warily. "Continue."
He smirked at her. "It seems he desires a powerful servant to aide him in his wishes. He somehow discovered that my incarnations are among the most powerful demons around. He wishes for me to create him a loyal, willing servant. Instead of going through the trouble of creating a new incarnation, I have decided to give him your heart instead. Kagura, meet your new master and ally to destroying Inuyasha."
Kagura stared spechlessly at her now former master. She snapped her head around to look upon the man across from her master, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt she would hate him as much as she hated Naraku.
She was stunned to see a powerful demon, graceful, beautiful, yet dangerous looking all at once. He was surveying her with a cool, unfaltering gaze, taking in her appearance. She knew him. She had aided him before, once, when her master had commanded her to commence in the destruction of Inuyasha. This man who bore such a powerful resembelance to Inuyasha.
The lord of the Western Lands, the notorious, cold, Sesshoumarou. In his right hand was her heart; he eyed it with disdain. He had no desire to control her this way; it was messy and unnesecarily cruel. The defiance in the sorceress's eyes trapped him for a moment. He had expected a servant, mild, meek, completely without a fire or a sense of revenge. Kagura's eyes sparkled with both. This woman was full of life. He wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing when it came to servants. Then again, he wasn't actually going to use her as a servant.
He decided it was better if she had some life in her; that defiance could be used to their advantage. Hopefully. She looked at him skeptically, wondering why such a powerful demon such as himself would sink so low as to use her old master for services. She understood Naraku's motives for selling her to someone to kill Inuyasha; he wouldn't have to do it himself. That wuss.
Sesshoumaru stood, and walked in a wide, slow, deliberate circle around her, taking in every aspect of her. She was lovely, he admitted. He couldn't help but notice the defiant tilt to her chin, and the sparkle of melevolence in her eyes. In turn, her ruby eyes watched the powerful demon lord circle her; she took him in as well. This silent appraisel of one another lasted a few moments. Sesshoumaru stopped in front of her, locking his impassive golden gaze with her hateful, yet curious red glare.
"So, Kagura of the wind, In turn for a powerful servant, I must kill Inuyasha with your aide." He said redundantly
"Your now my master, I must do as you wish, Mi' Lord."
Naraku watched the stare down for a few moments before getting bored with it. "Take her and go, Lord Sesshoumaru. You cannot seek out Inuyasha from here."
"My apologies, Lord Naraku, for burdening you further with my prescence here. We will take our leave now. Come, Kagura." He Strolled carelessly towards the door, without glancing back to make sure Kagura was following. Ah and Un, the two headed dragon he rode, was waiting outside with Jaken, who was scowling darkly on his ugly toad face. That self same ugly face lights up when his lord walks out of the fortress.
"Lord Sesshoumaru!!" He wailed, rushing towards his lord as fast as his little toad legs would carry him. Kagura quirked an eyebrow at the stupid, annoying little creature.
"Your servant, I presume?" Kagura stated, looking in detestation at the ugly little beast.
"Sadly." Sesshoumaru replied flatly, looking distastefully at the adoration in the little toad man's eyes. Striding past him, knowing Kagura would follow automatically, He commanded Jaken coldly. "Come, Jaken."
"Yes my Lord and rock!" he squeaked happily, while Kagura snorted in disgust. She wanted to know why Sesshoumaru, of all people would be the one to trade services with her old master. He was almost to Ah and Un before he glanced back at her.
"Here..." he said quietly, tossing something at her.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Wha..??"
"My little brother and His girl, Kagome requested I do this for you. In turn, (He flexed his left arm) Kagome gave me my arm back.
"How did you get to Naraku before me? You must have talked to them right after I left."
"....." For a moment, he was silent. Then he answered. "I caught the end of what you were saying, and knew my little brother and Kagome wouldn't be able to free you anytime soon. So, I struck a bargain. Kagome is very powerful, and, since she has been training with Kaede, I was able to get her to give me an arm. Naraku was summoning you when you left. So, I knew you would take your time. I used my demon speed to reach the destination before you. I questioned Naraku as to his reasons for summoning you, and he told me it was because he wanted you to kill Inuyasha today. I told him that was my goal as well. So, we struck a bargain. I use you to kill Inuyasha and Kagome, and in return, I get to keep you as a servant for myself. But, as you can see, I have no desire to bind you to me in such a manner."He paused, then added softly, "Or to kill my little brother."
Kagura stared at the heart pulsating in her hands. Free. She was Free. Holding the heart close to her chest, she felt it melding with her body, beating it's rythm within her breast. She was alive! She was free! But, She had no where to go. Sesshoumaru had proved kind beyond words. She looked at him with renewed gratitude and respect, joy reflected in her sparkling eyes.
Sesshoumaru, almost sensing her thoughts, spoke. "In my gratitude, I agreed you could stay at my palace once your debt to Inuyasha has been paid. You may stay as long as you like. For now, however, you need to meet with my worthless half brother and his companions."
Blinking dumbly, she could only nod, as she still held one hand to her breast. It was there. her heart. hers. she had it. The welcome, alien feeling of it beating inside her was so wonderful, so natural, she could've kissed the dignified, handsome demon on the spot.
Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru had climbed onto the Two-headed Dragon, Jaken behind him. Kagura whipped out her feather to follow him, hoping he could lead her to Kagome's group. She owed Kagome big time for this. Until Naraku and Kikyou were destroyed, Kagura still could not live in peace. But now she had the power to destroy him. She could have friends. She could fall in love. She could have her own children, by her own choice. She was free.
"Kagura, if you wish, I will lead you to my brother and his friends." Sesshoumaru had no idea where this strip of niceness was coming from, but the look of gratitude and hope in her eyes made something inside him tremble with an alien feeling. It was odd; he hadn't had the urge to be nice to anyone since he met Rin, the little girl now under his protection.
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Sesshoumaru." She bowed her head politely; she couldn't help but feel indebted to this great demon before her. He was doing much he didn't have to, and all because he was grateful he had his arm back. Doing that must have cost Kagome enormous spiritual power, so Sesshoumaru must feel responsible for her weak state.
Wordlessly Sesshoumaru commanded the dragon to rise, with Kagura close behind on her feather. The rest of the journey passed in silence.
Reaching Inuyasha's camp, Sesshoumaru landed the dragon a distance away from them, Kagura following suit.
"Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagura said sincerly.
"....." Was his reply.
She gave him a glare for being so anti-social, he didn't know how lucky he was. He had always been free; she was just now had the opportunity to be free. He just took life for granted, the jerk. Oh well, she wasn't going to spend the days of her newfound freedom hating the handsome youki.
She turned, dismissing him, entirely forgetting he was of a higher rank, and therefore was supposed to be the one to dismiss her. Oh well. Sesshoumaru gave a low growl, but nothing more as he boarded the dragon with Jaken and took to the skies, leaving Kagura to find her way to Inuyasha's camp on her own.
'I will be paying you a visit in the future, Lord Sesshoumaru. And let's see if I can't capture you in my winds.' She thought, watching the proud demon fly away. Strong, powerful, arrogant, beautiful, proud, honorable, yet also an ice prince. Could wind melt ice? She could certainly try it.
Shaking her head, she entered Inuyasha's small campsite. A warm, welcoming voice greeted her.
"Kagura-sama! Sesshoumaru must have kept his promise and freed you! Now you're on our side!" Kagome squealed happily upon seeing the attractive demoness.
Kagura smiled, the first true smile to light her face since the day she was created. "Thank you, Kagome-sama. I couldn't be here if it wasnt' for you."
Kagome blushed pleasantly. "It was nothing, Kagura." Then she added with a smile "We need all the help we can get!" Inuyasha growled at her, and she merely grinned at him.
Kagura took in Kagome's ashy countenence, the dark circles under her eyes, the way her legs didnt' seem to want to support her, the way her eyelids drooped. Giving Sesshoumaru his arm back must have cost her more than she was willing to admit, she was a proud young woman. Kagura admired that, but she still needed her rest, just like anyone else.
"Miko, you should rest." Kagura said to Kagome, knowing the priestess would protest. Luckily for the sorceress, Inuyasha agreed with her, as did everyone else.
"Wench, you need your strength to find the fragments! we cant' do that with you being in piss-poor condition!" Inuyasha growled at Kagome, backing the wind sorceress up. He didn't like the wind demons smell, it was exactly like Naraku's. But she was on their side now.
"He's right, lady Kagome. You need your rest more than anyone else here." The perverted monk spoke, coming up behind her.
"But if we start today, we can search for them more quickly, before Naraku gets a chance to get his hands on them!" Kagome protested tiredly.
"Kagome, we need you in top condition. Besides, we could all use a rest." Sango interjected, finally making up Kagome's mind.
"Alright, you all win. I'll get my rest and we'll start out in the morning then. Besides, that'll give you guys a chance to get to know Kagura." She winked at the sorceress. With a small wave, she headed towards the hut, trying not to let her shoulders droop and her feet drag too much. Her eyes were heavy, and the moment she laid down on her cot she was asleep.
The sun was painstakingly slowly slipping below the horizon, but still hung proudly in the clear sky. Kagura shifted nervously. Without Kagome to break the ice, she was left to her own sources. Living with Naraku, she had little to no social skills, and she had not the slightest clue how to act around friends. Her only friend had been Kanna.
Sango cleared her throat. "Kagura, would you like to go to the Hot springs with me? Miroku and Inuyasha will watch over Kagome," She glanced over at the hanyou, who was staring at the hut like he had x-ray vision, "and I'm feeling a little dirty myself. Would you like to come?"
Kagura smiled warmly at the woman who was offering her company willingly. She'd never visited a natural hot-spring like what Kagome and Sango were used to, but this would be the perfect ice-breaker. With little hesitation, she agreed.
Sango flashed her a smile. "Okay, I just need to get us some stuff to use to wash off with while we're there." She walked to the hut, entering silently with a pair of golden eyes watching her intently as she entered Kagome's sanctuary.
'If she wakes Kagome up..." the Dog demon thought menacingly to himself. Of course he would never actually harm Sango, it made him feel better to think he could.
Meanwhile, Sango was thinking to herself, 'Better not wake up Kagome, or else Inuyasha will have my head!' She also knew Inuyasha wouldn't really hurt her, but for a person with such sensitive ears he certainly could yell. She left swiftly and silently, just in time to hear Kagura's scream of "PERVERT" and see Miroku's face dig into the delicate earth.
Kagura was glowering at the monk's still form; Inuyasha merely shook his head. Sango smiled at Kagura who was still glaring at Miroku.
"Well, at least he won' t be spying on us at the springs." Sango commented, a smile still tugging her lips.
Kagura looked at Inuyasha. "What about him?" Sango could barely surpress her laugh. "Inuyasha? Spying?" On her and Kagura? "It'll be a cold day in hell before that happens. Now if Kagome was going....." She said, barely surpressing a laugh.
Inuyasha caught the comment and growled. He wasn't going to comment or leave his post at Kagome's door. Shippo was in there, sleeping next to her. Lucky kit. He was so small he could curl right up next to Kagome's perfectly flat stomach comfortably, getting closer to her than Inuyasha could ever hope to. At least at the current moment.....
Anyhow, he simply glared at the demon slayer as she turned around, Kagura following suit, and marched off towards the hot springs. He glanced inside at Kagome and Shippo, sound asleep. He watched the Miko's sleeping face; she was so peaceful, content, with a lone sunbeam dancing across her face, a rogue strand of hair playing across her nose, a small smile gracing her pale lips.
'She's beautiful.' Inuyasha thought, allowing a small sigh to slip past him. He hoped she would wake up soon. Despite her angellic and ethereal beauty while she slept, he already missed her playful smile, the mischievious twinkle she got in her eyes whenever she was planning something. He missed the love that filled her eyes when she glanced at him, holding his gaze for an eternity before relinquishing it's hold. Most of all, he missed her voice. Soft, sweet, melodic, it was a voice that could cause a demon to crawl back into the pits of hell in fear of it's purity. The bubble of her laughter reminded him of a stream; the way she could whisper to him, tantilizing him. Her voice could torment him, make him smile, or make him cringe, depending on her mood.
Somehow, this frail and seemingly harmless little woman had weasled her way into his heart and refused to leave. Somehow she had broken his defenses, crumbling them at his feet, making him cringe at the outright vulnerability he felt, and she just seemed to smile at him, telling him silently she would never leave him, that it would be O.K. in the end. She was Kagome, and No One would take her away from him. Not after all he went through to get her back. Never.
Kagura and Sango walked confidently on the path, Sango eagerly chatting away to her newest female friend. She was talking about some of the things that had already happened before Naraku and Kikyou hit the scene; she also filled Kagura in on what had been going on between Inuyasha and Kikyou.
Kagura listened intently, nodding her head and looking thoughtful. She hadn't realized how much these people had been through before she had even been born. These seemingly weak humans had endured more than she thought was ever possible. Kagura was awestruck at the strength these "weaklings" possessed.
It fascinated her to no end the way these humans worked. She mimicked Sango as she used the soap and body washes, as well as the "Shampoo" from Kagome's time. She didn't realize you weren't supposed to keep it away from your face, and she cursed when she got it into her eyes. Hell, who wouldn't if it squirted directly in your eyes?
Sango looked nervously at the flailing demoness, before moving to help her. After all, the sorceress could be extremely tempermental. She didnt' know if the woman would retaliate violently or what. It was with understandable timidity that she moved to help the sorceress.
Kagura was patient, listening to the slayer explain how to get the burning substance out of her eyes. She obeyed the human woman, happy to get the burning out of her eyes; even happier to make a new friend. Even though by nature she hated humans, she craved the emotions, the friendships, the happiness these humans took for granted every day. She wanted, no, needed to feel the things they did.
"What was it like, being Naraku's minion?" Sang questioned delicately, knowing it was probably a touchy subject.
Kagura cringed visibly, hating the very sound of that bastard's name. He had made her life a living hell; she didn't want to discuss him. But, the exterminator had shared so much with her; it was only natural to return the favor. Taking a deep breath, she told her tale.
About one hour later, Kagura and Sango finally pulled themselves out of the hot spring. Sango had listened with rapt attention to the other womans' story. She admired the woman's strength, but now also had another reason to find Naraku. Wherever he was.
'We'll find that bastard.' Sango thought to herself. 'And when we do, he'll wish he'd never been born.
Well, that's it for chapter 7! I'm having alot of fun writing this story, so if your gonna flame, please do so! Nothing you say is gonna spoil my good mood! R&R! ttfn
-shorty40 aka crystal
I wish i owned Inuyasha. Maybe in my dreams....
On with the story ! enjoy !
Chapter 7: Come out, Come out, Wherever you are
It was about mid-afternoon when Kagura landed silently in front of Naraku's fortress. She sincerly hoped Naraku was planning on attacking the Inu gang himself, in person, soon. She would of course be with him, and naturally Kagome's group would get her heart back. Of this she had no doubts. She entered her master's fortress without any hesitation; after all, she lived there.
It didnt' take long to find where her master was at; he was waiting in the receiving room where he would entertain a guest; or, more specifically, new minion. She entered the room, bowing politely to the figure in the room across from her master, not knowing nor caring about who it was. She inclined her head towards her master.
"You wished to see me, my Lord?"
"Yes, Kagura. It seems this man has been trying to kill Inuyasha for quite some time now."
She eyed Naraku warily. "Continue."
He smirked at her. "It seems he desires a powerful servant to aide him in his wishes. He somehow discovered that my incarnations are among the most powerful demons around. He wishes for me to create him a loyal, willing servant. Instead of going through the trouble of creating a new incarnation, I have decided to give him your heart instead. Kagura, meet your new master and ally to destroying Inuyasha."
Kagura stared spechlessly at her now former master. She snapped her head around to look upon the man across from her master, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt she would hate him as much as she hated Naraku.
She was stunned to see a powerful demon, graceful, beautiful, yet dangerous looking all at once. He was surveying her with a cool, unfaltering gaze, taking in her appearance. She knew him. She had aided him before, once, when her master had commanded her to commence in the destruction of Inuyasha. This man who bore such a powerful resembelance to Inuyasha.
The lord of the Western Lands, the notorious, cold, Sesshoumarou. In his right hand was her heart; he eyed it with disdain. He had no desire to control her this way; it was messy and unnesecarily cruel. The defiance in the sorceress's eyes trapped him for a moment. He had expected a servant, mild, meek, completely without a fire or a sense of revenge. Kagura's eyes sparkled with both. This woman was full of life. He wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing when it came to servants. Then again, he wasn't actually going to use her as a servant.
He decided it was better if she had some life in her; that defiance could be used to their advantage. Hopefully. She looked at him skeptically, wondering why such a powerful demon such as himself would sink so low as to use her old master for services. She understood Naraku's motives for selling her to someone to kill Inuyasha; he wouldn't have to do it himself. That wuss.
Sesshoumaru stood, and walked in a wide, slow, deliberate circle around her, taking in every aspect of her. She was lovely, he admitted. He couldn't help but notice the defiant tilt to her chin, and the sparkle of melevolence in her eyes. In turn, her ruby eyes watched the powerful demon lord circle her; she took him in as well. This silent appraisel of one another lasted a few moments. Sesshoumaru stopped in front of her, locking his impassive golden gaze with her hateful, yet curious red glare.
"So, Kagura of the wind, In turn for a powerful servant, I must kill Inuyasha with your aide." He said redundantly
"Your now my master, I must do as you wish, Mi' Lord."
Naraku watched the stare down for a few moments before getting bored with it. "Take her and go, Lord Sesshoumaru. You cannot seek out Inuyasha from here."
"My apologies, Lord Naraku, for burdening you further with my prescence here. We will take our leave now. Come, Kagura." He Strolled carelessly towards the door, without glancing back to make sure Kagura was following. Ah and Un, the two headed dragon he rode, was waiting outside with Jaken, who was scowling darkly on his ugly toad face. That self same ugly face lights up when his lord walks out of the fortress.
"Lord Sesshoumaru!!" He wailed, rushing towards his lord as fast as his little toad legs would carry him. Kagura quirked an eyebrow at the stupid, annoying little creature.
"Your servant, I presume?" Kagura stated, looking in detestation at the ugly little beast.
"Sadly." Sesshoumaru replied flatly, looking distastefully at the adoration in the little toad man's eyes. Striding past him, knowing Kagura would follow automatically, He commanded Jaken coldly. "Come, Jaken."
"Yes my Lord and rock!" he squeaked happily, while Kagura snorted in disgust. She wanted to know why Sesshoumaru, of all people would be the one to trade services with her old master. He was almost to Ah and Un before he glanced back at her.
"Here..." he said quietly, tossing something at her.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Wha..??"
"My little brother and His girl, Kagome requested I do this for you. In turn, (He flexed his left arm) Kagome gave me my arm back.
"How did you get to Naraku before me? You must have talked to them right after I left."
"....." For a moment, he was silent. Then he answered. "I caught the end of what you were saying, and knew my little brother and Kagome wouldn't be able to free you anytime soon. So, I struck a bargain. Kagome is very powerful, and, since she has been training with Kaede, I was able to get her to give me an arm. Naraku was summoning you when you left. So, I knew you would take your time. I used my demon speed to reach the destination before you. I questioned Naraku as to his reasons for summoning you, and he told me it was because he wanted you to kill Inuyasha today. I told him that was my goal as well. So, we struck a bargain. I use you to kill Inuyasha and Kagome, and in return, I get to keep you as a servant for myself. But, as you can see, I have no desire to bind you to me in such a manner."He paused, then added softly, "Or to kill my little brother."
Kagura stared at the heart pulsating in her hands. Free. She was Free. Holding the heart close to her chest, she felt it melding with her body, beating it's rythm within her breast. She was alive! She was free! But, She had no where to go. Sesshoumaru had proved kind beyond words. She looked at him with renewed gratitude and respect, joy reflected in her sparkling eyes.
Sesshoumaru, almost sensing her thoughts, spoke. "In my gratitude, I agreed you could stay at my palace once your debt to Inuyasha has been paid. You may stay as long as you like. For now, however, you need to meet with my worthless half brother and his companions."
Blinking dumbly, she could only nod, as she still held one hand to her breast. It was there. her heart. hers. she had it. The welcome, alien feeling of it beating inside her was so wonderful, so natural, she could've kissed the dignified, handsome demon on the spot.
Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru had climbed onto the Two-headed Dragon, Jaken behind him. Kagura whipped out her feather to follow him, hoping he could lead her to Kagome's group. She owed Kagome big time for this. Until Naraku and Kikyou were destroyed, Kagura still could not live in peace. But now she had the power to destroy him. She could have friends. She could fall in love. She could have her own children, by her own choice. She was free.
"Kagura, if you wish, I will lead you to my brother and his friends." Sesshoumaru had no idea where this strip of niceness was coming from, but the look of gratitude and hope in her eyes made something inside him tremble with an alien feeling. It was odd; he hadn't had the urge to be nice to anyone since he met Rin, the little girl now under his protection.
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Sesshoumaru." She bowed her head politely; she couldn't help but feel indebted to this great demon before her. He was doing much he didn't have to, and all because he was grateful he had his arm back. Doing that must have cost Kagome enormous spiritual power, so Sesshoumaru must feel responsible for her weak state.
Wordlessly Sesshoumaru commanded the dragon to rise, with Kagura close behind on her feather. The rest of the journey passed in silence.
Reaching Inuyasha's camp, Sesshoumaru landed the dragon a distance away from them, Kagura following suit.
"Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagura said sincerly.
"....." Was his reply.
She gave him a glare for being so anti-social, he didn't know how lucky he was. He had always been free; she was just now had the opportunity to be free. He just took life for granted, the jerk. Oh well, she wasn't going to spend the days of her newfound freedom hating the handsome youki.
She turned, dismissing him, entirely forgetting he was of a higher rank, and therefore was supposed to be the one to dismiss her. Oh well. Sesshoumaru gave a low growl, but nothing more as he boarded the dragon with Jaken and took to the skies, leaving Kagura to find her way to Inuyasha's camp on her own.
'I will be paying you a visit in the future, Lord Sesshoumaru. And let's see if I can't capture you in my winds.' She thought, watching the proud demon fly away. Strong, powerful, arrogant, beautiful, proud, honorable, yet also an ice prince. Could wind melt ice? She could certainly try it.
Shaking her head, she entered Inuyasha's small campsite. A warm, welcoming voice greeted her.
"Kagura-sama! Sesshoumaru must have kept his promise and freed you! Now you're on our side!" Kagome squealed happily upon seeing the attractive demoness.
Kagura smiled, the first true smile to light her face since the day she was created. "Thank you, Kagome-sama. I couldn't be here if it wasnt' for you."
Kagome blushed pleasantly. "It was nothing, Kagura." Then she added with a smile "We need all the help we can get!" Inuyasha growled at her, and she merely grinned at him.
Kagura took in Kagome's ashy countenence, the dark circles under her eyes, the way her legs didnt' seem to want to support her, the way her eyelids drooped. Giving Sesshoumaru his arm back must have cost her more than she was willing to admit, she was a proud young woman. Kagura admired that, but she still needed her rest, just like anyone else.
"Miko, you should rest." Kagura said to Kagome, knowing the priestess would protest. Luckily for the sorceress, Inuyasha agreed with her, as did everyone else.
"Wench, you need your strength to find the fragments! we cant' do that with you being in piss-poor condition!" Inuyasha growled at Kagome, backing the wind sorceress up. He didn't like the wind demons smell, it was exactly like Naraku's. But she was on their side now.
"He's right, lady Kagome. You need your rest more than anyone else here." The perverted monk spoke, coming up behind her.
"But if we start today, we can search for them more quickly, before Naraku gets a chance to get his hands on them!" Kagome protested tiredly.
"Kagome, we need you in top condition. Besides, we could all use a rest." Sango interjected, finally making up Kagome's mind.
"Alright, you all win. I'll get my rest and we'll start out in the morning then. Besides, that'll give you guys a chance to get to know Kagura." She winked at the sorceress. With a small wave, she headed towards the hut, trying not to let her shoulders droop and her feet drag too much. Her eyes were heavy, and the moment she laid down on her cot she was asleep.
The sun was painstakingly slowly slipping below the horizon, but still hung proudly in the clear sky. Kagura shifted nervously. Without Kagome to break the ice, she was left to her own sources. Living with Naraku, she had little to no social skills, and she had not the slightest clue how to act around friends. Her only friend had been Kanna.
Sango cleared her throat. "Kagura, would you like to go to the Hot springs with me? Miroku and Inuyasha will watch over Kagome," She glanced over at the hanyou, who was staring at the hut like he had x-ray vision, "and I'm feeling a little dirty myself. Would you like to come?"
Kagura smiled warmly at the woman who was offering her company willingly. She'd never visited a natural hot-spring like what Kagome and Sango were used to, but this would be the perfect ice-breaker. With little hesitation, she agreed.
Sango flashed her a smile. "Okay, I just need to get us some stuff to use to wash off with while we're there." She walked to the hut, entering silently with a pair of golden eyes watching her intently as she entered Kagome's sanctuary.
'If she wakes Kagome up..." the Dog demon thought menacingly to himself. Of course he would never actually harm Sango, it made him feel better to think he could.
Meanwhile, Sango was thinking to herself, 'Better not wake up Kagome, or else Inuyasha will have my head!' She also knew Inuyasha wouldn't really hurt her, but for a person with such sensitive ears he certainly could yell. She left swiftly and silently, just in time to hear Kagura's scream of "PERVERT" and see Miroku's face dig into the delicate earth.
Kagura was glowering at the monk's still form; Inuyasha merely shook his head. Sango smiled at Kagura who was still glaring at Miroku.
"Well, at least he won' t be spying on us at the springs." Sango commented, a smile still tugging her lips.
Kagura looked at Inuyasha. "What about him?" Sango could barely surpress her laugh. "Inuyasha? Spying?" On her and Kagura? "It'll be a cold day in hell before that happens. Now if Kagome was going....." She said, barely surpressing a laugh.
Inuyasha caught the comment and growled. He wasn't going to comment or leave his post at Kagome's door. Shippo was in there, sleeping next to her. Lucky kit. He was so small he could curl right up next to Kagome's perfectly flat stomach comfortably, getting closer to her than Inuyasha could ever hope to. At least at the current moment.....
Anyhow, he simply glared at the demon slayer as she turned around, Kagura following suit, and marched off towards the hot springs. He glanced inside at Kagome and Shippo, sound asleep. He watched the Miko's sleeping face; she was so peaceful, content, with a lone sunbeam dancing across her face, a rogue strand of hair playing across her nose, a small smile gracing her pale lips.
'She's beautiful.' Inuyasha thought, allowing a small sigh to slip past him. He hoped she would wake up soon. Despite her angellic and ethereal beauty while she slept, he already missed her playful smile, the mischievious twinkle she got in her eyes whenever she was planning something. He missed the love that filled her eyes when she glanced at him, holding his gaze for an eternity before relinquishing it's hold. Most of all, he missed her voice. Soft, sweet, melodic, it was a voice that could cause a demon to crawl back into the pits of hell in fear of it's purity. The bubble of her laughter reminded him of a stream; the way she could whisper to him, tantilizing him. Her voice could torment him, make him smile, or make him cringe, depending on her mood.
Somehow, this frail and seemingly harmless little woman had weasled her way into his heart and refused to leave. Somehow she had broken his defenses, crumbling them at his feet, making him cringe at the outright vulnerability he felt, and she just seemed to smile at him, telling him silently she would never leave him, that it would be O.K. in the end. She was Kagome, and No One would take her away from him. Not after all he went through to get her back. Never.
Kagura and Sango walked confidently on the path, Sango eagerly chatting away to her newest female friend. She was talking about some of the things that had already happened before Naraku and Kikyou hit the scene; she also filled Kagura in on what had been going on between Inuyasha and Kikyou.
Kagura listened intently, nodding her head and looking thoughtful. She hadn't realized how much these people had been through before she had even been born. These seemingly weak humans had endured more than she thought was ever possible. Kagura was awestruck at the strength these "weaklings" possessed.
It fascinated her to no end the way these humans worked. She mimicked Sango as she used the soap and body washes, as well as the "Shampoo" from Kagome's time. She didn't realize you weren't supposed to keep it away from your face, and she cursed when she got it into her eyes. Hell, who wouldn't if it squirted directly in your eyes?
Sango looked nervously at the flailing demoness, before moving to help her. After all, the sorceress could be extremely tempermental. She didnt' know if the woman would retaliate violently or what. It was with understandable timidity that she moved to help the sorceress.
Kagura was patient, listening to the slayer explain how to get the burning substance out of her eyes. She obeyed the human woman, happy to get the burning out of her eyes; even happier to make a new friend. Even though by nature she hated humans, she craved the emotions, the friendships, the happiness these humans took for granted every day. She wanted, no, needed to feel the things they did.
"What was it like, being Naraku's minion?" Sang questioned delicately, knowing it was probably a touchy subject.
Kagura cringed visibly, hating the very sound of that bastard's name. He had made her life a living hell; she didn't want to discuss him. But, the exterminator had shared so much with her; it was only natural to return the favor. Taking a deep breath, she told her tale.
About one hour later, Kagura and Sango finally pulled themselves out of the hot spring. Sango had listened with rapt attention to the other womans' story. She admired the woman's strength, but now also had another reason to find Naraku. Wherever he was.
'We'll find that bastard.' Sango thought to herself. 'And when we do, he'll wish he'd never been born.
Well, that's it for chapter 7! I'm having alot of fun writing this story, so if your gonna flame, please do so! Nothing you say is gonna spoil my good mood! R&R! ttfn
-shorty40 aka crystal