Eh... heh heh... Yeah, I'm alive. Though the great majority of you would probably like to kill me now, knowing that. I'm not going to bother excusing myself, just know that I'm extremely sorry! In an effort to make it up to you guys, I've written up two chapters for one update. Enjoy!
Getting on with things, this chapter has more icky touching, and some light language, but it's not as bad as last chapter. Another dark part...
Thank you to all those who reviewed!
To yasha0926: Yeah, I know... quite depressing, huh? Sorry about the late update! Thanks for the review!
To D-Chan3: We'll just have to see if he makes it in time! Who knows... Anyway, thanks for the comments!
To Orlandoroxmysox: I know! I'm so mean! And I'm glad you want to kill him! I created the guy and I want him dead! But I'm happy that people hate the bad guy, hehe. Thanks for the review!
To Harpula: I've noticed that, especially in the part where Midori actually captures Kagome. That seemed out of the blue...
To Captain applesauce: Glad you like it! Even though that last bit is so evil of me... Hehehe, I always like to hear thatreaders can really get into certain parts of the story. Thanks for the review!
To inu&kag4eva: I know, I am evil... it's like I can't help it or something... I'M SORRY! (bawls) I'm glad you feel that way about the fic! That makes me very happy! Thanks for the review! And sorry about the appalling late update...
To Sheenachi: Glad you're enjoying it! Hehehe, I'm glad you want to kill him! You're free to do so! Unless Inuyasha gets there first! Thanks for the review!
To josh: You know, I'm glad you pointed that out. You're right! Consider the rating upped! Thanks for the review!
To ansromeda: Glad you like it! Thanks for the review and sorry for the late update!
To branch of tree la: Hehehe, glad you like it AND hate it, I do know what you mean! I'm terribly sorry for the long update. I hope the two chapter smooth things over a bit? Maybe? My evil mind indeed! It's not over yet... Glad you're liking it so far, and thanks for the review!
To orangepencils: Glad you enjoyed the twist! Sorry about the long wait... Please forgive me! (grovels) Thanks for the review!
To The World is a Stage: Glad you like it so far! I was hoping that the change of pace would be a good thing... but the light will definately return! Inuyasha just has to get his ass moving! Sorry for the wait and thanks for the comments!
To Sukuri 99: Haha, seriously! I think you'll like chapter eleven... Sorry for the horrible delay, and thanks for the review!
To theSilver-Sapphire: Not at all soon...Sorry for the wait... Thanks for the review!
I hope I didn't miss anyone... Anyway, enjoy these two chapters!
Disclaimer: I don't own it!
Chapter 10: Stolen Innocence
Kagome's scent had become progressively stronger as Inuyasha had rushed onward through the forest, but now the air was thick with a foreboding taint so intense, that it was on the verge of becoming physically oppressive.
"Damn it." Cursing to himself, the half demon leapt into the air again, striving to catch a glimpse of anything that might look like Midori's destination.
Off in the distance, the peaks of several rooftops were visible, rising above the tree line as the hanyou closed the gap between them.
'Hang on, Kagome.' With hope and anticipation surging through him, he hit the ground running, quickening his pace.
"Inuyasha!"
His movements grinding to a halt, the half demon turned at the sound of Miroku's voice to see Kirara bounding out of the forest, her sides heaving from the exertion of what must have been a grueling run, to have caught up with him in so short a time.
The monk had spoken from atop the cat-like creature's back, and now slid from his place behind Sango, moving to stand beside his silver haired companion.
"I'm glad we got here in time." Sango began, dropping to the ground and shouldering her boomerang. She offered the half demon a subdued smile before turning her eyes to the expansive yard where they now stood.
Elaborate, well tended gardens bordered the imposing structure that rested before them.
The main house was a large building, composed primarily of dark corners and sharp angles.
Several smaller, less intimidating dwelling's were scattered throughout the landscape. The flowerbeds thinned out where the lawn swept upwards at the foot of a towering hill.
"The grounds make it seem like there's nothing out of the ordinary going on here." The heavily robed young man mused softly, taking in his surroundings. "But the whole area gives off a sense of great malice. It's impossible to pinpoint the origin.".
Pulling his attention away from the eerily serene setting, Inuyasha lowered his gaze to discover a small... orb, resting on the ground beside his foot. Bending to pick it up, he recognized the seed-like object, having seen several after their earlier encounters with Midori.
"What is it, Inuyasha?" Miroku peered over his shoulder at the pod. "A seed?" He suggested, moving so the demon exterminator could take a glimpse as well.
A scowl creased the hanyou's face as he held up the little globe, examining it. "Sango, you and Miroku need to find a plant."
The young woman blinked, shooting the monk beside her a questioning glance. "A plant?" She murmured quietly.
"Uh... Do you think you could be a little more specific?" Miroku asked, running a hand through his hair in a frustrated manner.
"These!" Inuyasha spoke angrily, his voice strained as he shook the hand holding the seed. "You need to find the plant that produces these." He elaborated, dropping the yellowish green orb and crushing it beneath the ball of his foot. "Make sure you destroy them all. I'm going after Midori."
"Ah-" Sango started after half demon as he bolted towards the house. "But, Inuyasha-"
"I'm going after him!" He cut her short, pausing only to throw open the nearest door. "I'm going to kill that bastard and get Kagome back!" And with that he disappeared, delving deeper into the tomb-like halls.
"Find a plant." Miroku mimicked snappily, stalking down yet another corridor. He turned to Sango, who was following close behind. "What the heck is that supposed to mean?"
The young woman frowned at him. "Kagome is in danger Miroku. Perhaps you should complain a little less and help a little more." Adjusting Hiraikotsu against her back, she brushed past him. "You can check the next room."
The monk huffed in an offended manner. Every door they had happened across had led either to an empty room or another equally empty hallway. "Fine, fine."
After a long stretch of uninterrupted wall, they were rewarded with a heavy door.
Bracing himself to pull the entry open, Miroku was shocked when he needed Sango's help to push the door wide enough to squeeze through.
Finding themselves in a small courtyard, they were even more stunned to find a small patch of bushes; Each and every one heavy with pods like the one Inuyasha had shown them earlier.
The monk was the first one to recover from his surprise.
"It's... It's a Reaper Fern." He supplied, eyes wide, his voice barely loud enough to hear. "But I thought they were just a legend..."
Sango gave him an odd look, kneeling to take a bowing limb in her hand. "What's a Reaper Fern?" She questioned, plucking a seed from a dying branch.
The plants looked dry, beyond repair, with the exception of the tiny husks that clung to the plants in clusters of seven; most of which were a dull, waxy yellow color.
Miroku settled himself beside her, studying the orb between her fingertips. "It's said that the only way the Reaper Fern can produce fertile pods, like this one..." He gestured to the vivid green one in her hand. "Is by consuming the souls of young children."
"Children?" The woman repeated, her tone horrified as she released the globe she had been holding as if it burned.
A nod. "The soul of a child is just strong enough to sustain one seed, but weak enough not to struggle while it is devoured." His expression grim, Miroku searched the tangled fronds. "And here I thought it was just a tale women told their children to keep them from wandering too far into the woods."
"But what does that mean?" Sango rose to her feet, brushing dirt from her knees. "What does this plant have to do with the demon?"
The monk quieted, a frown creasing his brow. "Perhaps Midori is supplying this plant with the necessary spirits." He closed his eyes in thought for a moment. "It's possible that, because he is a plant demon, Midori can possess these fruitful seeds and create an entirely new body."
The demon exterminator gasped, astounded by his theory. "That would explain how he kept disappearing!"
Nodding again in agreement, Miroku stood and began tearing the ferns from the soil, roots and all. "We need to destroy this plant."
Between the two of them, they quickly removed the bushes, piling them together in the center of the garden. Taking a lantern from the wall inside the doorway, they managed to set fire to the parched flesh of the Reaper Ferns, waiting and watching until the mound had completely burned to the ground.
Sango rose from sifting through the last bit of ash, dusting herself off. "But what about the seeds we saw earlier? Don't those need to be destroyed?"
"I was told that, once severed from the plant, the seeds can only retain their productive properties for a short time, unless they are sewn in the earth." Miroku motioned her back into the hallway. "They die quickly, so those pods are no longer useful."
Looking somewhat relieved, the young woman sighed, following the monk. "Anyway, we had better find Inuyasha and tell him before he runs into Midori."
The young man smiled slightly at her, leading the way down the passage as the light weakened. "My sentiments exactly."
Kagome's sobs broke into an agonized scream as the demon's claws raked painfully over her skin.
"Silence, wench!" Midori commanded.
Lashing out, he struck her mercilessly; first against her ribs, followed by a second blow across her shoulder.
Clutching her by the upper arms, he pressed her roughly against the wall. "You had better watch your tongue, girl. You might just bite it off."
Slipping his arms around her waist and pressing her flush against his body, he bent to kiss her collarbone. Suckling slightly at her skin, he heard her tears intensify. "Don't worry, my child. I won't kill you on purpose."
Kagome almost wanted to laugh at that.
She could feel his arousal, and she could see the carnal lust in his eyes. The girl fought against her holds as his hands came to rest on her hips.
She felt her stomach lurch.
Feeling his fingers hook beneath the elastic of her underwear, she twisted against him, pleading silently for something, anything to stop him. But suddenly she felt as if she were falling unconscious.
Her world was fading.
Her mind was collapsing, as if trying to shield her against the trauma she was about to experience.
Her body sagged as if asleep, pulling heavily at her restraints.
Midori smiled against her neck. "I'm glad you have finally decided to cooperate." He reached out again to remove the last garments keeping him from claiming her as his own, but halted, sensing a new presence.
He ceased his advances, growling and backing away from Kagome's lifeless form. "Damn." Turning, he walked to the door and paused. "This will only take a minute." He called over his shoulder, disappearing out into the yard.
"Another dead end." Sango called, appearing in a doorway to Miroku's left. "It's beginning to feel like we're going in circles."
The young man beside her nodded, fists clenching in his frustration. "Something tells me that's precisely what the owner of this estate wanted." He started forward, pacing off the steps to another door. "Sango, check the door down there."
Nodding over his shoulder, he indicated an entrance some distance away; the frame just barely visible in the muted light.
"Right." The demon exterminator offered him a short nod before moving away, her footsteps slowly receding.
Facing the worn wooden door again, Miroku failed to notice that this one lacked the shroud of dust most of the other doors had gathered. He sighed. "This is getting old." With that he threw the door wide. He jumped as it slid easily, striking the opposite edge with a sharp crack.
Not even one full step into the room, the aura of death hit him like a brick wall.
The monk choked on his breath. Through an exit across the room, he could make out rows upon rows of unmarked graves; a shovel, caked with fresh dirt, stood propped in the opening.
The graves were small... far too small...
But what was worse was what lay cradled in the center of the area.
The flickering of a solitary lamp steadied for a moment, flaring just bright enough to illuminate the still form of an infant; one tiny hand perpetually curled.
He couldn't force the blank expression from his face. Couldn't decide what emotion was stronger.
Anger? Disgust? Sorrow? Pity?
His stance was as unyielding as his face, and he could not draw himself from his stricken posture.
In his distraction, he never heard the young woman approaching him from behind.
"Miroku!"
With a startled cry, the monk reeled around, bracing himself in the doorway as he regarded the demon exterminator. "Oh Sango, it's just you." He took a breath to fortify himself. "What is it?" His companion blinked in surprise.
"Miroku?" Taking in his troubled appearance, Sango shifted closer. "What is it? I called you several times, but you wouldn't answer."
Discretely looking behind him, Miroku reached for the door with one hand, and with the other, waved dismissively at her. "Oh, it's nothing."
"What's wrong? What's in that room?" Before the monk had a chance to shut the door, she was leaning in, trying to see past him.
Abandoning the door, he grabbed her forcefully by the shoulders, pinning her against his chest. "Don't. Look. Just... don't look. Please." He lowered his face, speaking directly into her ear.
Sango gazed fearfully up at the young man. "Miroku..?" His eyes were tightly shut, his face turned slightly away. While his voice was strained and pleading, his hands clutched painfully at her arms, and she whimpered slightly in protest to the harsh treatment. "Miroku, you're hurting me."
As soon as the words passed her lips, the monk recoiled. Immediately releasing his grip on her arms, he turned and swiftly closed the door. "I'm sorry." He spoke, not making any effort to meet her worried focus. "What was it you wanted to tell me?"
"Uh-" She faltered, still greatly concerned with the monks behavior. "That room... down the hall. It's full of women."
Turning on his heel, Miroku finally locked eyes with the demon exterminator. "Women?" He echoed, his tone wavering as he slipped past her down the hall.
Pausing halfway in her movement to follow him, Sango threw a fleeting glance at the door her companion had blocked.
What was in there? What... and why had he been so resolute when barring her from the room? Was it truly that terrible?
But trusting in the monk's judgment, for the moment anyway, she pushed all thoughts of the forbidden area from her mind. Pushing herself into a jog to catch up with Miroku, she quickly made it to his side, coming to a stop at his elbow.
The monks expression was once again angry, almost looking tormented, and she gently pressed her hand to his wrist. "Miroku? What is it now?"
His attention not faltering from the dozens of girls huddled beyond the doorway, the young man began quietly, his tone grave. "Sango... These aren't women..."
Visible shaken, the demon exterminator frowned up at him. "What do you mean?"
"They're not just women..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "These girls... to Midori..."
Her blood ran cold at the mention of the demon's name. What could these people have done to deserve this treatment? Impatiently she waited for her friend's conclusion. "What?"
The Reaper Fern...
The graves...
The children...
The women...
Miroku fought off the confusion. That was it...
"These are no longer just women... They're breeding stock."
There you go! I hope you enjoyed yet another depressing chapter! Go read the next one! You'll probably like the outcome better...
As for the whole Reaper Fern thing... As far as I know, no such plant exists (name wise I mean) I just made it up...
Thanks for reading! Review please!
