Title: Just Your Voice
Author: Aeki Muffinhands
Sister, sister… Kohaku thought with a smile. I'll see you… in another life. He was here. Naraku. He was going to kill Kohaku, he knew. Ha… but you will die as well.
"I see that Kikyo has left you unguarded." Naraku was very still as he spoke. His eyes shifted, waiting for a trap to be sprung upon him.
"Yes." Kohaku answered evenly.
"And why might that be?" When Naraku saw and sensed nothing his eyes fixed upon the boy. "Why would she leave her last precious fragment unguarded?"
"She wishes for you to have it." Kohaku never flinched, never faltered as he spoke. Kikyo… and Sango would have been proud.
Naraku only indicated his surprise with a small widening of his eyes before they lowered. "So she is playing the gift giver again is she?" He frowned. "Does she take me for a fool?"
"A fool?" Kohaku paused as if to consider him. "No, but she knows that you are greedy and would not miss this opportunity." He frowned, hoping that Naraku's hesitation would not lead him to walk away without his shard. Their entire plan depended on him taking this from him… if he left now. "If you do not hurry, Kikyo will return to me and you will have missed your chance." He hoped that would encourage him to attack.
Far be it for him to be reckless… but the boy did have a point. Why was the boy acting so calm? Why would Kikyo give him this opportunity? She was offering the jewel to him… but why?
Yes. He smiled to himself at his foolishness, he reached into his pocket and produced a wooden doll. How silly of me to forget. This would be easier. His puppet would do the work while he pulled all the strings.
He wouldn't be engaged in battle, and this doll could finish him fast enough. Surely if Kikyo meant to harm him through this boy – he could gauge his actions on what it did with this doll.
He eyed Kohaku as he wound a single strand of his hair around the wooden figure and dropped it to the ground. A figure not unlike himself stood before him. "Kill him." His voice was calm, but on the inside… he was painfully aware of what was happening.
This was a trap, he knew it from the start. Even as Kohaku watching him wind the hair around the doll… he knew that the boy had been expecting that. What were they planning?
Kikyo knew that it was about to begin, she could see it now, through Kohaku's eyes. Just a little more pain… just a bit more… and it will all be over. Her eyes shimmered for a few moments with unshed tears. Tears she wished she could cry, but simply did not have. We can go back to sleep. This land of the living, is too sad to live in anymore.
She blinked and she imagined that the tears went away. Oh, to be able to cry… She wished, oh she wished! Inu-Yasha…
"Don't worry Kohaku," She would smile to him. "It's ok to be weak sometimes."
Kohaku lunged forth with his weapon raised. Even though he was meant to die, he would not die a coward's death.
"Sango?"
"Yes Kohaku?"
"We will always be together, right?"
"Of course!"
The lifeless eyes stared back at him, the puppet that was wished for nothing but his death. Well… he would give it to him.
"When I have to go on my first mission you'll be there… and make sure I'm alright?" He fiddled with a flower between his fingers.
"Yes," She smiled - she always used to smile. "But don't worry so much! You'll do fine.
She always used to smile… not anymore.
"Why do you wish to die!" Naraku hissed between his lips. He wished the boy would say something… anything to give away what he was planning… and then he had a thought. "What about your sister? I will kill her once I have the jewel!" He growled, sending in his deranged doll in for a second attack.
"I'm not worried about her." But Kohaku gave nothing away. "But it is you that should be worried about yourself.
He needed to kill the boy now… if just to shut him up. Damn it all… if only he knew what they were planning. He couldn't sense a damn thing though…
"Sango, when we die, do you think we will get to see each other in heaven?" Then he saw his sister's face – sad for the first time.
"Yes," Then she brightened, just a little. "You and me… and mama and papa."
"I never got to meet mother… what was she like?" He asked.
"She was always sweet and kind and always was beautiful and smiled."
"Then you took after her?"
And she blushed. "Maybe so."
Yes, that would be how he would remember her forever. With his sister's beautiful face always smiling in his mind's eye. She could be happy, would be happy. When he was gone, she could finally heal. Then one day when she was old, they could see each other again.
A root like appendage tore through his back; he only had moments before the blackness consumed him. Sango… I'm sorry Sango…
Naraku retracted his puppet, it handed him the jewel obediently and without hesitation. He stared at it curiously, wondering if something was supposed to happen. He looked up, trying to sense something… anything. Nothing. He looked back at the shard and smiled cautiously. Maybe the witch had indeed given him the jewel… he really should absorb it… but…
He hunched down and kicked with his left foot before he sped away from the site, if just to give himself a little distance from the slaughtered boy. Maybe there was something invisible… something attached to that place. He didn't know, but he didn't want to chance anything.
Only when he was back at his castle did he let down his guard enough to examine the jewel in great detail. What was it about this one fragment?
Maybe he should see what Kikyo was up to… maybe then he would have the answers he needed.
"Kanna," He called calmly into the darkness. "Bring me your mirror."
Kikyo scowled in displeasure. Why hadn't Naraku tried to use the jewel yet? Then again, she should not be so quick to anger. He was after all a trickster. He would want to make sure that it was safe, and it might take some time for him to realize that there was indeed… no spell… no strings attached to the jewel. Save one… and he would not see it before the end.
Kagome felt a complete sense of dread wash over her, but she didn't know why. She just wished that Naraku would visit her soon. She almost smiled wryly at that. Her… wishing to see him.
"Lady Kagome," Miroku chided as they walked along. "You seem a bit distracted."
"I know."
"Want to talk about it?" He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Not right now." She brushed him off and he seemed a little hurt.
"You aren't still angry with me about last night were you?"
"Of course not!" She huffed. "Even though you deserve it!"
"You've got me there." He laughed in his pious way.
Then again, she wondered. "Miroku?" She said in that informal way of hers.
"Yes?"
"If I did something horrible…" She began. "Would you forgive me?"
He frowned a little at that, slowing his pace so that they might walk a little slower than the others. "It is not for me to pass judgment on you for any wrongdoings you might have done Lady Kagome." Then he was a little curious. "Why do you ask me such a thing?"
"Well," She began fidgeting again. "It's just that I have…" Think stupid! Think! "I think I have been having these thoughts lately… and maybe they might not be…" Uh? "Pure?" Ok… keep going stupid! He'll figure it out!
"I see." And his little perverted smile was back in place. "And who might the recipient of these thoughts?"
Naraku. "No one!" She almost wailed, more to herself than to him. "I mean – I mean that I can't say."
But that vague answer only left him more interested about who this mystery man was. "Is it Inu-Yasha?"
"Of course not!" Kagome blurted before she could shut her mouth. Noooo! That was the perfect cover! Now who is it going to be!
Then Miroku tried to figure out the puzzle. "Well, if it isn't our Inu-Yasha… nor someone from your time… since you always tell us there is no one you are interested in…" He stopped suddenly. "Kagome!"
"What!" He didn't figure it out did he!
"It's me isn't it!" He laughed in a good-natured way.
She nearly face vaulted, but chose to remain upright before saying in an unbelievably small and frightened voice. "Oh yeah… you caught me."
"I knew it all along." Then he sighed before taking her stiff form into his arms. "Ah, if only I wasn't promised to Sango… we could start trying to have children tonight!"
"Ugh?" Kagome wished that she could punch him, but to do so would ruin the effect. Actually, half of her wouldn't mind laughing just about now.
"You are right of course!" He swiveled away from her dramatically with the most forlorn expression. "Our love was never meant to be!"
"I never said that!" Kagome hissed, her fingers twitching in an almost fist. Then she realized… he was trying to make her laugh. And she did as he hugged her… thoroughly. "MIROKU!" A loud SMACK was herd in the distance, and all the birds flew from their warm and cozy nests.
Nararku had been watching Kikyo for the past hour, she did nothing to suggest what he plans were, never even spoke a word. She didn't even preoccupy her time with caring for villages as he often seen her do. She did nothing… nothing at all... just sitting and staring and the dying sun.
He stared at the jewel once more on the table to his side. His tainted hand and the slaughter of an innocent boy blackened it. It lay there innocently enough. He found himself picking it up and examining it. Nothing.
Naraku squeezed it into his palm, the sharp end piercing deeply before slowly sinking in. He waited felt it travel up his arm and into his chest where the others lay. He put his hand over his heart cautiously. Nothing. He breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed slightly. Maybe…
"Hugh! Ugh!" He toppled over from his sitting position suddenly. His eyes widened as he realized what was happening to him… his chest! It was glowing with a white light… the demons within him screaming in agony.
Kikyo felt it the instant it happened, when his greedy mind could wait no more and use the shard. She didn't need the whole Shikon jewel to purify him. She just needed one simple fragment… with the tiniest and most unnoticeable of spells – one that never became active unless touched by someone truly wicked. It never harmed the pure ones or even ones with a darker nature… but if they were too cruel and horrible… it would destroy them with it's light. It was Midoriko's will… now all she had to do was sit and wait.
Naraku was going to die, just the purity of that one fragment was causing him a considerable amount of pain, but what was worse… the shard was causing all the other pieces to become purified as well. His body was falling apart… demons were desperately trying to escape the shell he provided for him, but he wasn't allowing it. No, he wouldn't die here - especially not in this pitiful way.
He gathered himself up, half sitting and resting his hands on his legs. His body shook with effort as he managed picked up his nearby sword. He lowered the blade to his stomach quite carefully before he drew it across – his blood spilled out from the wound.
His throat gurgled, as he fell forward… the jewel shards slipping out.
He did not move.
Kagome looked up at the stars, they were particularly beautiful this night. It seemed that everything in the world for just one moment was truly happy. It was as if nature itself gave a short sigh of relief. What an odd feeling… even though she felt their happiness… she felt that maybe… she should be the one crying.
But no… he would come for her and prove her completely wrong. She would eventually join nature in his easy sigh of happiness. She could wait dozens of "next weeks" if he would come to her at the end.
Everything was as it should be… she was sure. And even though she had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind… she felt that maybe he would even visit her tomorrow.
Yes – crappy chappy! Sorry if it seemed a bit too filled with corn – it's just what sort of came out. And before you hit a review button and say "OMG! I can't believe you ended it this way you horrible person!" Just wait and see – the story is going to continue and you might be surprised! (insert evil grin right here). I've changed a few things around in my storyboard – so it's not too bad anymore – and things will work out in the end – you'll see!
In other news: I'm getting a puppy! I'm getting a puppy! Guess when? April fools day! (laughs hysterically!) I'm also getting three term papers that are due by next week! Wish me luck.
Anyways – back to the notes: I have an easier story coming up so hopefully there will be more content and a better chapter for everyone. I know everyone hates the fillers – but they are needed at times. I was going to put off posting this because I knew I was going to have to write an essay – which I already have to do for school. At least this is a bit more enjoyable. I'm just very short on time right now – lots of stuff to do and very little time to do it in. But I decided to post this – and even write poor responses to your reviews. Enjoy this chapter – I will work on the next one when I'm finished with my papers. And wish me luck with house training as well! (laughs)
Oh yes, and I have not checked this chapter for errors – sorry! I just don't have the time to do it right now. (frowns)
SweetestChick – I sure had myself going there for a minute too! (laughs) I added that in at the last minute. Someone pointed out there was not enough monk perversion and I had I couldn't help but notice as well! At least you know what happened with Kikyo now.
Kirara81 – Oh yeah… he is totally going to get it! (snickers) He is such a bad little boy for messing around with the main character's girlfriend. I think I couldn't help laughing when I read your excuse as well. I was like: She is in the same boat I am! I also hope you finish your next chapter soon! (smile) of course – there is no shortage of people who are waiting for your fic! I think everyone is on the edge of their seats at this point. Hehe. How about this… I'll update next when you update? (laughs)
Unknown – Thanks for appreciating the leg swing. I was trying to figure out how I was going to have him do it and use the right words without making him sound like a dork. (laughs) You won't have to wait too long – I will put some more lemons in later with our two favorite characters!
Midorinokurokami – You are right! People change all the time! (smiles) I don't use Yahoo messenger though, sorry to say. You can e-mail me if you like though. Just click on my name and it should give it to you.
Yuki Asao – I'm glad you like the plot. (grins) But you are supposed to be confused. (laughs) I like to leave people wondering what the heck is going on because… well… if you knew what was going to happen the story would be boring. I also know how the characters work and how Kagome would react if he did anything too drastic. Don't worry – I have taken everything into account and I think you will be pleased with the outcome. In other words, I won't let the story turn out sounding impossible or stupid. Thank you again for the review! (smiles) It means a lot for someone to like my work even if they don't like everything about it.
inu-youkai101 – Thank you and here you go! (smiles)
Celestial-Alexiel – How I make Naraku think? (wiggles eyebrows) Whatever do you mean?
WildRashi – Thank you! I also love alternate pairings, I've only done one pairing that went with the story line so far. I find these so much more satisfying to read for some reason. I think because they are so hard to write about. (laughs) I'll try to keep up the good work.
Houshi-chan1 – I know! I know! I'm a sloth when it comes to updating now a'days.
missy1516 – Will do!
Angelgirlmia – Oh, I have something much more wicked planned! (evil laugh) I think you will be pleased with the results! Naraku can be a devil after all!
Petty Insanity – I think Miroku's eyes would roll into the back of his head if he found out that Kagome liked it! (laughs) It is ok if someone does not like my story – I'm writing lemons and if someone takes offense I guess it's the way things will be. I don't want to put it on the adult site though… I think because it's very plotty (especially later) and I don't want people jumping all over me for lemons all the time. I love lemons – don't get me wrong! But I like a non-pron kind site that this is. I should look into posting it somewhere else though just in case this one does get banned. I guess if it does get banned I'll just repost with the lemony chapters somewhere else. Maybe I should do that now – but that would be pretty much the first half of the story… (stops thinking for a bit!) Ack! I'm going to wear my hands out before I have to write my essay! Doh! Thanks for the review!
Aristen – Ok! Will do!
FireIce Fox Goddess – Thanks – yeah – it's probably best you don't read this story in front of your brother. (laughs!)
FluffysBabyGirl – Ok! (grins!)
FireIce Fox Goddess – Glad you got to read it without your brother. (smiles) Thanks and Ok!
Neranus – Thank you! (smiles) I'm glad you enjoyed it.
KagomeLuvsSesshie – I wish I could tell you when I update – but it seems the ending of your e-mail is missing. I think that since you have an account with Fanfiction that you can set me up on your author list and it will e-mail you and tell you when I update. I hope that helps.
akuma-river – Glad you liked it!
