Disclaimer: As you know I don't own Inu-yasha or Ranma
Last chapter: "We don't know, we honestly don't know," Sango answered.
Ch 23: New Moon (Part: 1)
The morning came too slowly as most of the group were awake. The only one still sleeping was Shippo. The night before the group could only get few hours of sleep, each were still jumpy from the attack.
"Inu-yasha," Kagome said shacking the fox cub. The hanyou grunted in response. "How do we get to Tenchi's home?"
"When we were separated, Tenchi came and showed us an image of a beach that was in the south," Miroku spoke up before Inu-yasha could answer.
"Yes, she said there would be a clue to where the cure was," Sango said afterwards.
"Does that mean their home is there?" Ranma asked. The group was silent.
"Maybe I should call for Tenchi or Kyouran...." Kagome drifted off. She really didn't want to waste their time, since she discovered that as more time passes she turns more into the ryuu demon she becomes. She wanted to find that cure fast, so things would revert back to the way it was. Her eyes widened as she realized something she completely and utterly forgot, Ranma. When they find the cure, Ranma has no more need to accompany them.
'Wait, but he said he'll accompany me to Sengoku jidai, he never said when he'll leave.' Kagome's thoughts faltered. What if Ranma did leave? What would happen then? Ranma was her friend and went along to the feudal era because he felt responsible. Kagome shook her head, willing the unpleasant thoughts from her mind.
"Oi, Kagome!" Shippo shouted waving his tiny paw in front of her eyes.
"Uh," Kagome broke out of her thoughts. "What is it?"
"So are you gonna call them or what?" Ranma broke it, lifting the fox cub from Kagome's lap. He set the tiny youkai aside.
"Why would you need them," asked a voice. The voice sounded familiar, like a friend you hadn't seen in a while.
"Humph, those wenches," Inu-yasha, growled. He visibly gripped Tetsusaiga's sheath.
Everyone was silent; trying to figure whom the voice belonged to. Finally it dawned on them that the voice belonged to one of the Kijo sisters.
Fuuko materialized few feet away from Kagome. Her sister, Tsumei materialized next to her sister.
"Tenchi wanted us to guide you and temporarily guard you," Fuuko said nodding in Kagome's direction.
"Guide I could understand, but guard?" Sango asked quizzically.
"Tonight's the new moon," Tsumei smirked, finally speaking. She smirked evilly at Inu-yasha, who growled in response. She turned her gaze back to her sister and the miko, totally ignoring Inu-yasha like nothing had happened.
When Tsumei finally severed the eye connection, Inu-yasha faltered. With the recent events he had totally forgot that today was the new moon. And knowing his luck something powerful was likely to attack them too. Inu- yasha glowered at the ground, how could he have forgotten? He scolded himself. 'And now I get stuck with the witch wenches!' Inu-yasha thought angrily getting up.
"Let's go, if we're lucky we could get there by the evening," Fuuko stated walking off. The rest of the group trekked behind her.
"Fuuko, I'm going ahead. I'll eliminate most of the obstacles." Tsumei whispered into her sister's ear, so not even Inu-yasha's hearing could pick it up. Fuuko nodded, and Tsumei disappeared.
Before anyone could voice out the question Fuuko answered, "She went ahead,"
"How could we trust you?" Inu-yasha growled. He still didn't trust the sisters, and that just put him on guard.
"Your trust doesn't really concern me," Fuuko said simply. She continued on, not bothering looking over her shoulder to speak to the hanyou eye to eye. That just pissed the half dog demon.
"C'mon Inu-yasha," Kagome nudged him.
They continued on in silence, with the occasional statements. Three hours had passed and still no sign of a beach, let alone water.
"Fuuko-san, when will we arrive to that beach?" Miroku asked. He was feeling like they were being led to nowhere, but they had been traveling for a long time.
"We're half way there," Fuuko said looking over her shoulder and glancing at the group. "My sister would be joining us in a little while; when she does we'll rest." The group nodded.
Kagome smiled slightly. So far Fuuko seemed... kind. It was impossible to read her expression, or her aura, but Kagome didn't mind. To her Fuuko seemed like a neutral character, not caring for anything that doesn't concern her, and strong, not only in body but in mind too. Kagome silently wished she had Fuuko's view on life, that way she could persevere through all of the emotional ordeals she has to endure. Mentally Kagome gave off a small weak smile. She did survive through them but barely.
"Somethin wrong?" Ranma asked tilting his head to the side, his eyes locked on Kagome. She shook her head no. Ranma didn't pursue the matter any further.
"We stop here," Fuuko announced leaning on a tree.
The southern area seemed to be less populated, or the wilderness was just unkempt. They had been traveling through the forest for maybe an hour now, and there was no path, but Fuuko seemed to know where she was going. The forest's trees seemed to glow with a stronger aura than most of the other forests. And the canopy of leaves, blocked out a lot of sunlight, which made the area cool. Moss grew on the deep brown bark, and seemed to be rotting.
Kagome sat on a patch of grass. She glanced around the forest looking for signs of insect or animal life, but didn't find any. She watched Sango set Hiraikotsu down and Miroku sat near the root of a tree. Inu-yasha just jumped up onto a tree branch and sat on it, his gaze never leaving Fuuko. Kagome didn't say anything as she kept on observing the group. But Shippo seemed to be wandering around closely to the resting area.
Kagome heard a rustle to her right and beside Fuuko it was Tsumei. She seemed to be glaring at everything, was that usual for her? Kagome just shrugged off the feeling.
Kagome looked around feeling something was off, finally she realized what it was: Ranma wasn't here.
"Where's-"Kagome began to voice out, but was cut off.
"He went for a walk," Tsumei spoke, her voice like ice. She didn't look at her as she spoke only eyeing something to the west.
Kagome fell silent again, trying to find something to talk about. She cast her mind for a topic, until she finally remembered, something from yesterday.
"Yesterday, a wind demon called Kagura attacked us," Kagome informed the sisters.
"Yes, we are already aware of this," Fuuko said now looking at Kagome.
"She tried to steal Shin'yuu from me," Kagome said pulling out the said sword and the sheath from her belt. She offered it to Fuuko for inspection. Fuuko took the sword without a word and began to examine it carefully, first the sheath, then the hilt and finally the blade.
"Nira outdone herself this time," Fuuko said the corner of her lips curved into a small smile. Before Kagome could ask Fuuko answered. "Nira and I studied under a weapons smith that resided in the village few years ago. The blade is made from a substance only known to dragons. I'll tell you some other time, but not now. We should get going now."
Kagome nodded and stood up. She brushed dirt from the back of her pants. Fuuko handed Shin'yuu back to Kagome. Kagome gingerly took it and tucked it back into place.
"I suggest all of you be on your guard," Tsumei simply stated, glaring at them like they were scum.
Sango looked confused and so did most of the group. She finally voiced out her question when she looked around: "Why's that?"
"There's more here than just a forest," Tsumei smirked evilly, looking at the group who had unnerved expressions on their faces. Tsumei turned her gaze forward, and ignored the low buzz of chatter behind her.
Fuuko didn't seem to approve or disprove Tsumei's behavior, it seemed like she was oblivious to what was happening around her. She kept silent as she continued to trudge through the forest, walking around trees and other obstacles. Truthfully she was lost in thought.
'When they reach the temple it would be time to reveal the Dragon Seal's curse; but would they be ready?' Fuuko thought, imagining their reactions. 'It is not my part to worry about the rest, but if Kagome is to die here before finishing her task, then...'
Fuuko closed her eyes, and began clearing her mind from useless thoughts.
Kagome saw Fuuko close her eyes, and sensed a hint of frustration. She walked closer to Fuuko, when she was behind her Kagome finally asked : "Is something wrong?"
Fuuko turned her head around to meet Kagome straight in the eye. She shook her head and continued to walk in silence.
Kagome drifted back, until she was walking side by side with Ranma.
"Do you think what Tsumei said was true?" Ranma asked.
Kagome shrugged and replied: "I'm not sure, but either way we should be on guard." Ranma nodded in agreement.
Evening
"Are we there yet?" Shippo whined. Even though he didn't do any walking whatsoever, he had been hitching rides from Miroku, he was still exhausted.
"Hold," Fuuko shouted, for the group to stop, and they stopped. Sango was about to question her, when she continued. "There's the end of the forest path, but we have to wait for night. I suggest we eat and rest before we go any farther."
"Fine with me," Ranma muttered as his stomach gave a low growl. Kagome began to cook some ramen. After she finished cooking everyone took a cup.
"Would you like one?" Kagome asked, offering Fuuko and Tsumei a cup. Fuuko nodded and accepted the cup of steaming noodles, while Tsumei avoided eye contact and took the cup.
They ate silently, while listening to the ocean crashing into the cliff.
"This is a cliff the forest is on. The end of the forest there is a steep path that leads to the beach. The temple would house a scroll that tells of a demon that grant wishes and a map to Tenchi's home." Fuuko said looking at the exit of the forest.
"You mean that temple isn't their home?" Inu-yasha exclaimed. It was evident that he was annoyed as hell, that it wasn't their true destination.
"When you asked for a clue to the cure you wanted to know of the demon that Kaede spoken of didn't you?" Tsumei spat. She was getting fed up with Inu- yasha.
"Besides, the demon is part of the cure," Fuuko said standing. "Does anyone have an empty bottle?"
Kagome fished through her backpack and came across one of her plastic water bottles and handed it to Fuuko. "What are you going to do with it?"
"I need to collect some ocean water," Fuuko said taking the bottle.
"I'll do it," Tsumei said, Fuuko nodded and handed the bottle to her. Tsumei quickly exited the forest. Fuuko knew the reason why Tsumei would rather go ahead and meet back with her, it because she didn't like to be around people. Tsumei tended to be anti-social, only opening up to her sister. But Tsumei was usually friendly with spirits too, like Kyouran and Tenchi.
"Why won't all of you rest," Fuuko suggested adorning a calm demeanor. "For tonight you would receive none."
A chill ran down Kagome's spine as Fuuko spoke. Something was about to happen something great. She didn't know whether it was for the good or bad, but it was going to be big. Taking Fuuko's advised she leaned against a tree and closed her eyes. After a minute she fell asleep.
Kagome's left shoulder twitched; as the expression on her face said that her dreams were haunted. Fuuko noted that the eyes under the eyelids were moving very rabidly, like a rabbit that was trapped and was looking for any way to escape. Fuuko said nothing, as everyone seemed to be oblivious to what Kagome was doing. The others were sleeping except Inu-yasha. He on the other hand seemed to be pondering, and looking at the direction of the temple.
'So it has begun,' Fuuko thought watching Kagome gasp and her left shoulder gave a violent twitch. But Inu-yasha was still oblivious to everything that was happening under him.
Kagome's dream was indeed haunted.
Kagome's dream
She seemed to be standing on temple grounds. A shrine was before her. This type of shrine house ashes of a priestess or spriest, the shrine was also used for religious purposes. Behind the shrine was a temple. The wood on the shoji screen had imprints of bamboo trees, with the surrounding trees the screens seem to blend.
Kagome looked at the ground, it was covered in light gray stone. She turned around in a circle slowly. The stones were place so that the platform was a square.
She stopped halfway in the turn, footsteps resounded through the temple grounds. A lot of people were approaching. A sudden nervousness gripped her heart. She looked around trying to find a place to hide. Finally she spotted a cluster of trees and quickly headed to it, but the approaching group finally arrived. Kagome turned around nervously laughing. She was just about to say something to the group but someone who seemed to be the leader of the group spoke.
"Anshinritsumei –[Spiritual peace/Enlightment]-, be at peace for your heart is now in safe hands." The man spoke. He looked quite old, with gray hair and beard. His face was deep with wrinkles and his eyes were a milky blue. He looked directly at Kagome. He seemed to know she was there, but the rest were oblivious.
"Sorry for-"Kagome didn't have the chance the fully apologize, when the group continued walking. What was odd was that the group seemed to walk through her. Then it finally sunk in; she was in a dream, like the one when she saw Tenchi's death. Kagome turned around fully paying attention to what the group was doing. If she had dreams like these then it usually meant that the information revealed would be crucial.
"Long has it been since the war and now your battle is over. Rest peacefully in the valley where our ancestors has claimed." The old man spoke. The rest of the group kneeled and bowed their head in respect. Silence reigned over, as the group seemed to say farewell to whoever this Anshinritsumei was.
The man began to speak again, when something seemed to hit Kagome. Kagome felt like someone pushed her shoulder. She quickly looked behind her but found no one. She shook her head and began to pay attention to the old man's speech.
"Find-"the old man continued like nothing had happened. Again Kagome felt like someone pushed her left shoulder, but this time she felt a firm grip on her shoulder. She turned around intending to tell the person off, but jumped up from surprise. The one who had their hand on her shoulder was covered in an old fashioned European black cloak that had a hood, which covered his or her face. The ends of the pitch-black cloak were tattered, and gave the person an ominous feeling. The figure let out a cold rattling breath, Kagome whimpered. She knew this person was to be revered. The cold breath seemed to speak in a harsh whisper, but before Kagome could even have the chance to hear the words she was abruptly woken.
She gasped at her sudden return to consciousness.
"We must leave," Fuuko said taking a step back.
Slowly Kagome truly woke up from the vivid dream. She knew it was Fuuko who'd woken her, but she didn't understand. She got up and brushed her backside of dirt. By the time she finished Fuuko had woken everyone.
"Where's the other wench?" Inu-yasha questioned looking around for the blue and red-eyed Kijo. When everyone else slept he transformed to his human form.
"She waiting on the beach," Fuuko replied nonchalantly, walking to the exit. Everyone followed without question.
They quickly exited the dark and humid forest. Kagome stretched out her arms, grinning as she looked up to the sky. She was relieved that she was out in the fresh air instead of the forest. The aura around the trees was unnevering.
Ranma watching Kagome grin, he smiled sadly at her. Sooner or later something would prevent him from continuing their journey together, but that wasn't the thought that upset him. It was when he wasn't there, he was afraid that something would happen to Kagome, without him by her side he wouldn't be able to protect her from the various demons who wanted the shards. Ranma shook the head getting rid of the depressing thoughts.
Kagome looked sideways to find Ranma looking down. His aura was tainted with sorrow but he was trying to hide that fact. She let her arms drop to her side and said: "Is something wrong?"
"Nope," Ranma said quickly looking up making eye contact.
"Haiyaku, -[Hurry up]-" Inu-yasha shouted. He was walking ahead of them with the rest of the group. His dark brown eyes seemed to glare while he pouted.
'He looks like an annoyed puppy,' Kagome thought giggling to herself. "Alright," she shouted back. "C'mon," She said grinning. She began to run to catch up. Ranma smiled to and begun to race Kagome.
The two finally caught up as Fuuko and Tsumei stopped. Tsumei handed the plastic bottle to Fuuko.
Fuuko twisted the cap off and walked further. She sprinkled the ocean water onto the ground while she chanted. Kagome didn't understand what she was saying, but it sounded like a different language like nothing she ever known.
'Probably Draconic," Kagome thought as Fuuko seem to finish. Nothing happened as Fuuko finished.
"Hey what's this," Inu-yasha complained, but was cut short as he lost his balance. The ground shook violently much like the time when Akane was battling against Kodachi. Nearly everyone fell to the ground, with the exception of Fuuko, Tsumei, and Ranma.
Out of the ground came a shrine, nearly the same as the shrine the once housed the Shikon no Tama. The only difference was that the temple looked new, like it had been recently constructed.
Inu-yasha took a step forward intending to get this over with but Tsumei stopped him. He opened his mouth to shout a complain, but Tsumei silenced him with a cold ice biting glare. This just angered him more.
"Oi," Inu-yasha spat he was about to let out his anger in an irate tirade of words, but this time a string of sand stopped him. Acting on instinct he jumped backwards nearly colliding with Miroku. Tsumei parried the attack with a water sword.
Another tendril of sand attacked the group. Miroku grabbed Shippo, who was standing on the beach panicking, and rolled to the side. Sango ducked. But the tendril of sand wrapped itself to Kagome's arm.
Kagome gasped in surprise and tried to pull free. Her struggled was useless as the sand tightened. A huge amount of pressure was applied, and to Kagome it felt like her arm would be crushed. She let out a low growl giving more of an effort to make the sand let go. But instead another tendril of sand snaked its way around Kagome's leg. With a hard tug, she lost balance.
"Kagome!" Ranma shouted grabbing her arm. The sand was trying to pull Kagome in like quick sand, but instead of a slow pace it was sucking her in quickly. Ranma used his strength to pull her out of the sand's grip, but to of no avail. Instead he was getting pulled along with her.
In a blink of an eye Ranma and Kagome disappeared benefit the sand.
"Where is Kagome?" Sango shouted dodging a tendril of sand that shot out of the ground underneath her.
"Don't worry about her worry about yourself," Tsumei spat. She snapped her thumb and middle finger and a small red flame came into existence.
Tsumei jumped to her right the flame was in her palm when she landed. Slowly the measly flame grew until it was a sphere shape a bit bigger than her palm. Tsumei quickly threw a glance at her sister who nodded. She threw the fireball to the entrance of the temple.
Fuuko saw her sister unleash her flame. She swung her arm in a semi-arc in front of her and wispy winds gathered forming a bow. Fuuko quickly grabbed the handle and pulled the smoky string, as she pulled the string an arrow made from the same smoke formed. Fuuko immediately released the arrow. The smoky arrow hit the fireball, splitting it into five parts. The splited fire took the form of arrows. Four of the now fire arrows hit a barrier simultaneously breaking the shield. The last arrow pierced and shattered a sandy yellow gem, which was located on top of the sliding doors.
The tendrils of sand lost form and fell onto the beach lifeless. Sango, Miroku, and Inu-yasha was confused of what had happened, but they quickly snapped out of it.
"Hurry," Fuuko shouted running quickly to the entrance. Her expression was still passive, but you could sense the emergency in her voice.
"What about Kagome and Ranma," Sango shouted chasing the sisters.
"If you want to see them again alive, shut up and follow," Tsumei exclaimed. Her eyes glimmering with annoyance.
With no further adue the rest of the group ran to catch up. The Inu-tachi frightened by Tsumei's statement.
End of Ch: 23
Sorry for the long wait! I tried to write as much as possible, but due to the lack of inspiration I'm forced to separate this chapter into 2 parts. Please REVIEW!!! I need encouragement ppl! Please?
