Disclaimer: I own nothing, so leave me alone.
To Anime Gurl (anonymous): Thanks for the criticism. I know it's a fast-paced story. I will try to slow down a little in the future chapters in order to give the readers more insight on my characters.
Also, I'm really sorry for the long wait. I've been feeling lazy lately.
Inuyasha was pacing back and forth beside the hut that harbored the Bone-Eater's Well inside. It had already been a whole day since she'd gone, what could possibly have taken her so long? He was just about to give up waiting when suddenly he saw a brilliant red light appeared in front of him. At first, he could only see blurry shadows moving about inside the light but eventually, the shadows came into focus and became clear. It's them all right, he thought, partly relieved, partly annoyed. A few seconds later, the red light dissolved and before him, was Priestess Ai and the group of people who called themselves her "constellation protectors".
"What took you so long?" Inuyasha demanded impatiently. "Relax Inuyasha," Ai snapped back, "it's only a day. Besides, I've got important news." "Yeah yeah," Inuyasha just smirked. Ai chose to ignore that, "Where are Miroku and Sango?" "We are here, Ai. Nice to see you again," Sango greeted as she came out of the shrine building, followed by Miroku. "Um, Sango, have you noticed that Miroku's been BEHIND you all this time?" asked Inuyasha carefully. "YOU PERVERT!" Sango slapped Miroku just as she felt his hand lightly "massaging" her rear. Inuyasha sweat-dropped while Ai criticized, "Miroku, that's wrong you know."
Chichiri watched the whole scene unfold before his eyes and felt that it's time to get down to business, he cleared his throat, "Sorry to interrupt Priestess but I think it's time we tell them what's going on." "Oh yeah, right, gomen," apologized Ai quickly. It's long story so we better sit down and talk. But we have to tell Lady Kaede and Taiitsukun, too."
Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Ai, the two elders, along with everyone else sat down on the pavement while Ai told them her story. After she's finished, there was an anxious silence. Everyone present knew what this could mean, but they were all afraid to admit it. Finally, Lady Kaede broke the silence, "If this is true, then we must take action. I believe that it's our destiny to work together to save all three worlds. It's possible that the gods have known the Shikon Jewel for a long time and have planned for this. If the enemies have really united, then we must unite as well." Everyone nodded in agreement except Inuyasha. "Well?" Ai demanded. "Well what?" said Inuyasha grumpily. "You know what!" scowled Ai angrily. "YOU might be under obligation but I never said anything about working for a scarlet chicken! The jewel should be used to make me a full demon instead of being put on a stupid necklace!" Inuyasha shouted. "I can't believe you Inuyasha, how selfish can you be?" Ai stared at him incredulously. "Feh," Inuyasha turned his head, "although I don't want to, I never said anything about not doing it." "Inuyasha," Ai said in her sweetest voice. "Huh?" Inuyasha turned to face her hopefully. "SIT!"
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOf the eight seishis, four decided to travel along with them. They are: Amiboshi, Nuriko, Tasuki, and Chichiri. Hotohori had to go back to Konan in order to fulfill his emperor duties and Chiriko was to help him. Tamahome went back to visit his family's graves because it's the one-year anniversary of their death. Mitsukake heard a plague was haunting several villages in northeast Konan and went to help. Unfortunate for Ai, he took the cute kitty Tama with him.
Lady Kaede also went with them, considering that it's almost rice-harvesting season and the safety of the village and their crops were most likely to be in danger. Ai was very eager about the trip; she wanted to see the feudal Japan and meet Shippo.
One by one they jumped into the well, except for Kaede. She went down the ladder carefully, muttering something like "an old woman cannot jump up and down with you young folks".
Ai was equally as excited to explore when she arrived at the feudal Japan as when she's in ancient China. She found them very similar and she loved them both. Well, anything's better than the noisy Tokyo, she thought.
The seishis, on the other hand didn't find the feudal Japan much different from their own world, except for people like Nuriko who grew up in cities and palaces, but the two worlds were basically the same. Deep forests, green hills, meandering streams, and peaceful villages, everything seemed familiar. But of course, they knew that this world, like their own, was struggling against war, famine, and evil creatures such as demons. They had been listening when the monk named Miroku gave Ai the info needed. However, they too, were eager to explore.
"Hey Chichiri, I want to take a walk with Ai you wanna come?" asked Nuriko cheerfully. "No," Chichiri said, looked longingly at the quietness of the woods, "I just found a good spot to think, no da." Nuriko shook his head at him then walked off. Tasuki and Amiboshi were already gone. That left Chichiri alone, just like he wanted.
Chichiri sat down on the soft grass beside the old well. All was silent except the chirping of the birds and the soft whisperings of the slightly blowing wind. It's early morning and the forest was still covered with a thin veil of silver mist. His companions were all out of sight, especially Tasuki. Perfect.
Chichiri breathed deeply of the fresh, dew-scented air and began to clear his mind of idle thoughts. As much as he wanted to meditate, he must think things through first. It's obvious that everyone was afraid of what's to come, for they never mentioned the specifics as to how the enemies were united or even who the enemies were. Of course, they could only be Naraku and Nakago, but no one dared to mention that. Naraku must equally as strong an enemy, if not stronger, as Nakago. If they should unite... Chichiri suddenly became alarmed, does that mean we don't have a chance anymore?
Chichiri became aware of the sound of footsteps coming towards him. He turned around, and was glad that it was Miroku, the monk from the other group. "So, Chichiri is it? Nice to see you here!" Miroku greeted cheerfully. "Have you come to think, as well?" Chichiri asked. "Yes, I have," Miroku answered, his expression suddenly became serious and grave. "We have a serious situation in our hands and Inuyasha the hot head won't even think about a strategy! It's frustrating." Chichiri laughed, "That's exactly what I feel sometimes, no da. They think we monks think too much and are too philosophical, no da." "Is Nakago a strong opponent?" asked Miroku, suddenly brought on the subject. "Yes, no da. And I assume Naraku is, too, no da?" "Very much so. He's powerful, cunning, and manipulative." Chichiri suddenly became interested, "Did you say manipulative?" "Yes I did," answered Miroku, "he likes to hide in his castle laden with barriers, using others to do his dirty work. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Sango have all been used. He's completely ruthless and would not hesitate to slaughter an entire village to lure us in. He even killed all of Sango's kinsmen," Miroku said darkly. Chichiri became even more worried, "This Naraku person resembles Nakago much more than I had expected. It seems that they have a ton of similar traits. Should the two unite...I hate to admit it but our future seems grim." "Not necessarily," Miroku said, hiding a sly smile. Chichiri grew even more interested. "The enemies are alike," explained Miroku, "perhaps too much alike. They will not be loyal to each other. True, destroying us is their top priority, and thus they tend to use each other, not really uniting. Sooner or later they have to deal with each other. Should one prevail, the other will fall." Miroku's usual light-hearted grin returned after he spoke these words, "Anyway it's nice to have an intelligent conversation again. Inuyasha's just too dumb. See ya!" And with that he walked away. Chichiri watched him go, sincerely hoping that what he said about the enemies are right.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAi was walking on the forest trail, enjoying being alone. She recognized many flowering herbs as she went along. The morning mist was thin, but it gave the forest a mysterious appearance. Here and there a sliver of sunlight broke through, reflecting on the morning dew, making the grass looked like they were covered with shiny pearls.
A moment before Nuriko was with her, and they enjoyed each other's company. But then Tasuki came out of nowhere and started making fun of Nuriko. Nuriko got so annoyed that she chased after him, shouting something like "I'll smash you into a tree." Soon, they were out of sight. Ai chuckled as she thought about them.
Ai kept strolling along. She was entranced in the scenery around her. The morning woods, covered in dew, had a fresh yet mysterious beauty to it no words could describe. Yet it was evident in everything that comes into sight. From the chirping birds and squirrels that hid high in the trees, to the green grass and their delicate flowers that gently swayed in the wind. She could feel a tune of a flute dancing in the air, harmonizing with the surroundings. For a long time she watched and listened, not realizing that the music was real. She thought the tune was merely a pleasant illusion caused by the forest's beauty. Eventually, she became aware that someone's playing a flute. Amazed, she hurried towards the music's source.
Amiboshi sat serenely under an elm tree, his fingers moving gracefully along the flute he held near his mouth. The music flew out smooth as water as he gently blew into the flute. He was so entranced in his music that a long time passed before he realized that he had an audience.
"Oh, Ai. Hi," he smiled sheepishly. Ai suddenly snapped out of her trance. "Oh, hi. I hope you don't mind me eavesdropping like this," she said hurriedly. To her horror, she realized that she'd been blushing slightly. She had never blushed before. Snap out of it, she commanded herself. "You are not eavesdropping so don't feel guilty," said Amiboshi. "You play so beautifully," Ai complimented. "Thanks," Amiboshi smiled shyly, "I tried to put my feelings of the forest in a song." "I can see that," Ai nodded. "The music was peaceful and serene with a slight touch of liveliness in it. The airy, fresh sound of the flute really shows the mysterious atmosphere of the forest. At first I didn't even notice that it's real music. I thought it's an illusion the forest played on my mind.
At the time, your music was not merely "music" describing the forest anymore, it became part of the forest."
Amiboshi blushed at the high compliments, at the same time surprised at Ai's understanding. Without a word, he placed the bamboo flute by his mouth again and started another song. This song, too, was about the forest. But this time it's much more lively. Ai could make out the sounds and movements of squirrels, birds, and bugs in the song. She could also hear in the song the whispers of the wind, the dripping dew, and the soft sounds of leaves brushing against each other. As the music started to flow, the forest suddenly came to life.
They sat there for a long time. He played and she listened. They didn't speak a word, for they don't need words. It's as if the music opened both their hearts to each other and they could understand each other's thoughts without speaking. Although they didn't speak to each to other much, Ai felt that this was the most interesting conversation she'd ever had.
They both snapped out of their trance when they heard someone's angry shouting. Inuyasha, Ai thought, duh on that one. And then, out of nowhere, a boy in a red kimono jumped in front of her.
"How can you have time for dates at a time like this? I thought you wanted to find the jewel shards." Inuyasha shouted angrily at Ai, his face had a slightly sour expression. "I still do," answered Ai calmly, "and it's not a 'date'. I just happen to stumble across a friend during a stroll, that's all." "Oh, is that so?" Inuyasha asked sarcastically. He was just about to make a "funny" remark when he noticed that Ai had already pushed past him and walked down the path.
Amiboshi watched those two shouting at each other as they disappeared down the path with a slight amusement. He sat there for a while, then started to leave himself. Ai is the only one who understands me other than Miaka, he thought. A smile came to his face.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONakago sat in a splendidly decorated tent. His body was covered in a shinny and elegant armor. He stared randomly at the tent opening as he sat silently, slightly frowning. Suddenly, his vision became focused and his face alert. He sensed something approaching. And then, out of the thin air a man covered in a baboon suit appeared.
"Naraku," said Nakago quietly, "you are late."
"Yes. But breaking through the barrier between two worlds is difficult, you know. Even for someone with powers such as mine," answered Naraku, equally as calm.
"I hope this time you have come in person, not just some demon puppets."
"Why don't you see for yourself?" Naraku chuckled as he tore off the baboon suit, revealing to Nakago that he's a tall man with long wavy black hair, wearing no armor but the loose garments of a feudal lord. Nakago was not in the least surprised when he saw that the other man's face was equally as cunning and evil as his own.
A/N: I know, it's a long and boring chapter. But it's beautiful between Ai and Amiboshi, ne?
