Disclaimer: Am I the only one that thinks this is getting old? I don't own much, people! And of the things I do own, Inu-boy and co. are not of them...

Ok folks, I'm very sorry! I usually update faster than this, but I've been busier than usual. It's getting to where I actually have to study for German...lol, I'm such a slacker! But people tell me that's what makes me so 'lovable' (along with other qualities I might add). Also, the weather's not helping much either. We had to sit in the hall again today (same period as last time-very coincidental) because of another stupid tornado (thanks to another stupid hurricane). I was lying down (along with just about everyone else) and nearly fell asleep! But it wasn't my fault! The hall was warm and I had on this nice jacket that was really comfy, can ya blame me? I think not! Enough of my senseless babbling, that's not what you came to read, is it? Another negative, I'm sure. So here we go!

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Chapter 15-The Council

The four teenagers followed the two children as they ran around the corner that led to the ice cream vender. The old woman was there, just as she had said, waiting for them to show up. Shippou was jumping up and down, trying to get Kagome to convince Inuyasha to buy more ice cream. Unfortunately, the hanyou wasn't in the mood for breaking out his money today, and instead of ice cream, Shippou got a knock on his skull.

Kaede watched as the two males argued back and fourth between Kagome's head. "Are you here to bicker or do you actually have business with me as you said?" The old woman asked irritably.

Kagome sent one final death-glare to her master before turning to Kaede. "I'm sorry. Shippou's still a child, but Inuyasha still acts like one." She turned to look at him quickly, only to catch a glimpse of his glare that could equally rival hers.

Miroku decided to step in. "Is there any place that we could talk...privately?" He asked as he looked around cautiously.

Kaede looked up the street, making sure they weren't being watched. She then locked the lid on the slide cover of the cart and pushed it up against a nearby building. Her old eyes met with the younger ones as she motioned them to the door of the shabby building. They followed her inside.

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"I'm a slave for the city. I'm as close to free as a human gets." The old woman explained inside the run down building. The six companions sat around the small table and listened to Kaede as she spoke. She was talking about her past, and they listened to every detail.

Kaede, like every other mortal of the current time, was born into this life of slavery. Her grandmother had seen a different time though, a time before demon rule, a time when demons were thought only to be myths and legends.

Humans went through stages of beliefs, and they always will. There was a period where humans and demons lived together in warring times. Then, slowly, demons began to recede into the darkness, pushed aside by humans. Eventually, they became nothing but a figment to the human mind. Humans began to rely more on technology, and faith finally faded away. Belief in myths, legends and stories of times ago began to slip from existence. Those stories slowly began to trickle into the backs of peoples' minds, only to be brought up on Halloween and for telling scary stories at slumber parties.

Demons grew sick of hiding in the shadows, and were even more disgusted by the fact that their existence was unknown to most mortals. Those mortals that did know, tried to hide the evidence from society, covering it with 'scientific explanations.' This caused an outburst from the demon race, one that could not be covered or explained by authorities. People were taken from their homes and families. Many humans died, they didn't stand a chance against the demons. Any mortal who tried to fight it was sent to death. Anyone who refused to work was sent to death. Anyone who disobeyed or stepped out of line...was sent to death. It was that simple.

"But was it really?" Kaede echoed the words of her own grandmother.

The others in the room had sullen expressions. They clearly understood what she meant. Was it really so simple to strip people of their lives and homes and force them to live this way?

Kaede was silent a moment before she began again. "It was not meant to be this way. Long ago, demons and mortals lived in peace with one another. That...is the way it was truly meant to be. Unfortunately, living beings falter. Humans and demons alike have made mistakes; mistakes that have burdened both kinds. It has recently been revealed to me that this way-the life we live now-is not what was intended."

The children had fallen asleep by now, and only the four elder companions listened.

The old woman turned her stone gaze to Miroku. "Have you ever heard of the Council?" She asked.

The young man looked taken aback for a moment before speaking. "Well...I remember vaguely of when I was young my father spoke of it. The Council is made of spirits though, am I correct? It is another one of those legends hidden through time."

Kaede nodded. "It is made of spirits. Higher ranking spirits to be exact. The only way a mortal can connect with the Council members is if they have spiritual powers. Council members are not mortals, nor are they demons. The best way to describe them would be...as angels. They are spirits of those that were once living, and continue to serve their duty to this world."

Kagome looked confused. "What does this have anything to do with what's going on? Or rather what's going to happen?"

"The Council members have been in an uproar lately. They have been ever since demons sought control over humans. As I said, this was not meant to happen. To add to that, there have been strange occurrences that have them even more frustrated." Kaede responded.

Sango spoke up. "You mean with Kikyou?" She asked.

Kaede raised an eyebrow. "Kikyou? Is this the young miko who is murdering demons?"

Inuyasha scoffed. "Keh...yea, that's her. She says she wants to get revenge or whatever. The bitch is crazy." He shut his eyes and leaned back against the wall.

"I can see her reasons behind her actions. That doesn't make them right though. But that is what is bothering the Council most recently. We must stop her." Kaede said those last words in what seemed to be urgency...but there was a hidden sadness that lingered in them also.

"How do we do that?" Kagome asked.

Kaede only stared at the wooden floor paneling. "There is a council member that has offered to help us. He is going to try to aid us in restoring the peace between demons and humans...restore this world, make it what it should be. It will be a lot of work. Are you all willing to do it?"

The four friends looked around at each other, then looked back to Kaede and nodded their heads in acceptance.

"Kaede," Miroku asked, "how is it that you know all of this? You speak of the Council members as if you know them personally."

The woman smiled. "I do. I learned the way to communicate with them from my grandma. The reason you've never learned it is because you are owned and have a master. Since I am owned by the city, I have no direct master to watch over me constantly."

Miroku's mouth formed an 'oh.'

"Well," Kagome said as she squirmed, "who's this member that's coming to help us? When will we meet him?"

Kaede chuckled at the young girl's enthusiasm. "If you want, I can ask him to come right now. It seems you are impatient with these things."

Inuyasha laughed. "That girl's impatient about everything. She obviously doesn't know it's a virtue."

Kagome clenched her fists. "You're one to talk! If I'm two seconds behind on anything you practically bite my head off!"

"I...bite your head off? Have you ever looked at how you act?"

While the couple argued and debated about that, the subject turned to cruel punishment once Sango and Miroku got involved. Kaede only shook her head disappointingly. As they argued, she 'summoned' the young Council member that was to help them out.

The blue sparking aura of his arrival diverted their attention, and their arguing ended. Once the sparking vanished, they all got a good look at their 'aid.' He opened his eyes to reveal cerulean blue eyes that gleamed brightly when he said, "Hey, mutt."

"Damn." Inuyasha growled.

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Sesshoumaru sat silently as the man in front of him spoke. He wasn't paying much attention for once. He didn't particularly like this guy. Unfortunately, he was forced to listen to him. The man was the one who was planning on taking Kouga's place in the wolf demon's business. 'He's smart,' Sesshoumaru thought, 'but in a devious way.'

The man appeared to be in his twenties or thirties. Age is a difficult thing to determine in demons though, so the great lord was uncertain. The man rambled on, and Sesshoumaru tried to stifle an oncoming yawn. It slipped. 'Damn oxygen,' Sesshoumaru thought as the man's crimson eyes narrowed at him. 'Oh, wonderful. Now he thinks I was ignoring him.' The lord laughed inwardly, 'Wait, I was ignoring him.'

"Excuse me, lord Sesshoumaru." The man said hotly.

Sesshoumaru leaned up in his chair and placed his elbows on the cherry wood desk in front of him. "Naraku, wasn't that your name?"

Naraku nodded.

"If you think you can handle this large corporation, be my guest. Though you do realize the vast majority of people that rely on you? And you also realize the responsibility that comes with it?" Sesshoumaru questioned. 'It sounds as if I'm talking to a child who wants a pet.'

Naraku smirked. "I believe I have what it takes to do that and more. I can do a lot for this company. I believe I can broaden the supply range, make more products to please the people and companies..."He started talking again. Sesshoumaru started ignoring again.

'If this man doesn't shut up, I may throw him out the window.' He turned his golden eyes to the window at his right for a moment. 'Tempting thought...'

..."Though I do think it's necessary to upgrade the security features we sell, and maybe even-"

"I'll let you have it."

Naraku stopped mid-sentence to look at the ruler. "That's wonderful." He said snidely.

Sesshoumaru shut his eyes when he talked. "Kouga did say to pick the person I thought would do best for this company. You seem most suitable. My secretary will give you the papers. I've already signed where I needed to. Sign them, and bring them back tomorrow and the business will be yours." He stood up to shake Naraku's hand before the man walked out. Once he did, Sesshoumaru plopped back down in his comfy chair.

"Kagura," he said as he pressed the intercom button, "Give Naraku the papers, then, bring me some hot coffee."

"Of course, sir." A smooth female voice replied through the small black box.

A few moments later, a beautiful young woman came through the door with a steaming mug. Her eyes were a dawn-tinted color, and her ebony hair was pulled up in a not-too-tight bun. She walked over and placed the mug in front of Sesshoumaru. The woman then leaned on the desk and folded her arms. "So, you think that Naraku character's got what it takes?"

"Kagura, he's the only one that's stepped up to take it. I think he can do well for the deceased demon's company. He seems educated enough in business, and he has a lot of ideas for it."

Kagura cocked an eyebrow. "Oh," she started, "you think? I believe that you're just too lazy to wait for someone good to come along."

Sesshoumaru's gaze remained un-faltered. "Maybe. But someone had to do it."

Kagura scoffed. "And to think you're the one that rules our land." Her magenta eyes watched the clouds float through the sky. She then stood up and patted out the wrinkles in her skirt. "Well, I have other things to do. Call me if you need anything."

She started walking towards the door and stopped just before she opened it to leave. "By the way," she turned to face him, "has your brother found anything on that miko yet?"

Sesshoumaru only shook his head, "No, not yet. We're still working on that."

Kagura's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned to leave, closing the door quietly behind her.

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Kikyou stood covered by the shadows on the empty street side. She was waiting, and growing quite impatient also. Finally, a hooded figure came into her view. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to make out who it was. It was him; the one she was waiting for.

"It's about time you showed up." She said, her mahogany eyes reflecting the coldness in her voice.

"Hmph. I had things to do. The first step of our plan took a bit longer than expected." The rich, masculine voice replied.

"So it worked." Kikyou stated more than she asked as she turned her gaze to the cement beneath her.

The figure nodded.

"It won't be long." She thought aloud. "Soon, my people's revenge will be had." She turned her eyes back to the man. "And of course, you will be compensated as we agreed."

"Of course." Kikyou could practically hear the grin on his face as he spoke.

"I will leave you now. I mustn't be seen...Not now at least. Come find me when you need me." With that, she turned and left, her raven hair flowing in the wind as her figure slowly faded into the darkness of the night.

The figure stayed where it was. A malicious smiled crossed the man's lips. 'Of course, you'll have your revenge. Then I'll get you out of my way after everything works out for you.' He laughed at the thought that flickered through his mind. He knew officials were worried about Kikyou. Little did they know that she would be taken out, and he was the one they should fear.

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Hey, hey! Lot's of new characters being thrown in to the mix: Naraku shows up, as does Kagura, Kikyou's back for more mysterious actions, and a certain blue-eyed Council member shows up, and then there's that 'hooded figure.' Oh boy, lots of fun! I apologize again for the wait...this one took a while. WHOA! And so the plot thickens. Also, Kagura is not going to be evil. I really don't think she's a bad guy...I really like her! Stupid Naraku screws her over big time though...I hope he dies...which he probably will (duh). Ok, now to thank the reviewers!

DramaQueenABZ: lol, no! I'm not sick of you! I love the fact that you review all the time. It really helps...that's a bit obvious in this chapter. I really need to thank you for the idea! Instead of just making up a character for the Council member, I'll just throw wolf-boy in. Once understandable. And I do get what you mean...hmm...maybe Inu-boy was just in a...good mood for once, maybe he was conned into it, I really don't know myself!

And I just got your other review (hehe, you're a smart cookie) I know, it's been forever, and I'm updating now b/c I'm going outa town this w/e (divorced parents, see dad every 3rd w/e –ugh) And I swear once I get back...Sunday, I'll go check out your fic, cuz it's totally awesome that you've joined! And I'm very flattered that you want my opinion! Lol! That's so sweet! I understand about the whole 'giving away your id on the web' thing. It's a dangerous place out there. So...Thank you, thank you, and thank you a million other times. I can honestly say that you are one of my best reviewers! Lol!

Ashley: Thank you for the review! I hate having no power...our water doesn't work when it goes out here...oh how I despise country life, city rocks more, by far! (That was a bit off topic!) But I'm glad you like the fic!

As for you people who have yet to review, please do. It really helps! Till next chappie! Kae-sama