Okay, for this chapter I feel an intense need to warn you that it is extremely confusing as most connecting chapters are. I urge to, instead of giving up on the story, read it a second time or atleast glance over it. Trust me, that'll help. And to reward those who are faithful I will attempt to realease chapter 3 in the next day or two..
A quick reminder, I do not own Inuyasha or any of its fantastic characters. My idol Rumiko Takahashi does. Love you
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Chapter 2: First Impressions Are forever
"Inuyasha, why are you in such a rush to get back to the village! I thought you wanted us to head northeast towards where the Monkey god said Naraku was!" Miroku panted, each syllable of his words coming out strained as he darted after his dog demon companion on his feet, having been kicked off of Kilala for earlier indiscretions.
"Isn't it obvious, Miroku? Inuyasha wants to get to a safe resting place before sundown. It's the night of the new moon, you know." Shippou's head of fluffy red hair poked its way out from behind Kagome's long raven tresses, nodding his superior understanding. His friend was rather blatant about his contempt for being seen in his human state, so naturally he would want to get out of sight of any of his foes and even friends.
Sango looked to the demon in question for a sign of irritation at Shippou's words or oncoming hostility, yet to her surprise there was none. Inuyasha just stared forward, his amber eyes seeming to be concentrated on a goal only he could see. She smiled. It wasn't his own safety the dog youkai was worried about.
"But don't you think it's a little early for worries about the night time? Its still day!" Miroku prodded again, his eyes fixed longingly upon Kilala's comfortable back and that of her passengers.
Shippou shrugged. "Probably just getting there a little early so we can pick up any provisions we may need for our oncoming trip... Its gonna be a long one." The little kitsune disappeared once again behind Kagome's hair, the girl being unsettlingly quiet.
"Im just glad to be going to see Lady Kaede. Its been far too long. Maybe I'll even be able to take a bath in the village's nice hot spring." Sango replied cheerfully, removing the subject from Inuyasha's intentions.
Miroku smiled to himself. "Hopefully... OW!" Kilala's heavy paw collided with the back of his head as she passed him, Sango's eyes narrowed on him dangerously.
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Well, what is it? What is this illness? What is the cure? The sun is already upon us. I had wanted to be gone by now." Sesshomaru crossed his arms, looking expectantly at Tsubasa.
"Milord, for those questions I have no answer. For an answer would only condemn you to walk the earth plagued by this forever." The tree spoke, unsmiling and Sesshomaru drew his sword.
"So than why did you promise me answers! Say that you would tell me-"
"What I knew, Milord. I said I would tell you what I knew." Sesshomaru watched him coldly, rage fluxuating within him like waves. He waited. "And what I know Milord, is that every demon must find his own specific name for this cure. It comes in different shapes, sizes... and different affects. And every demon has a different path he must take to find it."
Sesshomaru sheathed his sword. "So youre saying that I am not the only one who has been attacked by this?
"Heavens, no! But I must say yours is the most severe case I have ever seen..." The tree smiled to himself. "Though seeing your predicament it does make sense..."
"What do you mean by that, tree?"
"Never mind, what's more important is that I give you instructions. I may not know exactly where your cure is but I do know how to reach it." The tree smiled, looking thoughtful for a moment. "Now, I know this may be difficult for you but you can absolutely, under no circumstances, attempt to reach it alone. You must travel in a group."
Sesshomaru scowled inwardly. It would seem he would have to take Rin and Jakken along after all. He bit his tongue on asking why, wanting to be out of the demon's presence as soon as possible. "Is that all"
"No. The most important thing is the key. It must also travel with you and be handled delicately otherwise it may not work."
"Well where is it? Do you have it with you?"
Tsubasa smiled. "Of course not, why would I have your key, Milord?"
"Than where is it?" Sesshomaru spoke, irritation lacing his words. "Perhaps among my father's belongings, though I highly doubt it."
"No, Im sorry Master Sesshomaru but it is hardly that easy. This is where your journey begins. You must find your key. It will react to you immediately, and though you may not see it right away you will feel it. If you cant see it, no need to try to. As long as the feeling is always the key will be there."
"Is that all, I have grown tired of your mixed words and, even more so, your presence. This rat race that you send me on sounds beyond ridiculous. I-" Sesshomaru stumbled on his words another wave of the pain piercing through him. The soft scent of a flowers whiffed by him.
"Milord, though my directions may sound odd you must follow them. It's really the only way to do it. I can promise however, that when you return from your trip you will be happy to see me" Sesshomaru scoffed, the last wave of his attack diminishing.
"I highly doubt it." The great demon turned, the whole area seeming to come back to life in respect of his calm gentle steps. "Yet I will try your way. I have nothing to lose."
As the young demon walked away, Tsubasa smiled. Not a smile of mirth, mischief. Not a smile of humor, but one of genuine happiness. "And so, so much to gain Dear Sesshomaru-sama. So, so much to gain."
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"Kaede! Lady Kaede, Are you here!" Sango called out wandering the deserted village. A soft cough signaled her to a weary looking Kagome. She walked over to her concernedly, setting a steadying hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Are you alright? I don't think Kaede is here, we should get back to the hut." Kagome nodded weakly, coughing again and Sango settled her arm across Kagome's back, leading her gently.
'Hey are you sure your okay? You've been pretty quiet today and yesterday..."
"Im just a little tired, I think, Probably just need some rest." She smiled reassuringly at Sango as she pushed back the flap to Kaede's home. "Thanks Sango... and don't worry."
Sango nodded and smiled, watching as Kagome took a comfortable seat next to the slumbering Kilala before stepping quietly outside. Inuyasha and Miroku were standing not far from the hut, locked in conversation. She approached them.
"I dunno. I guess Kaede and the others aren't here... weird." Inuyasha shrugged, glancing quickly around the deserted village. "You didn't even see anyone in the fields, Miroku?"
Miroku shook his head, his tiny ponytail flittering side to side with it. Sango gazed at it, seeming to become entranced by the way each of the silky strands stayed stuck together almost loyal to its hair friends. She smiled.
"Sango did you hear me!" Inuyasha barked, his thick eyebrow twitching as the tiny ponytail vanished to replace Miroku's confused face. She blushed. "Where's Kagome!"
"Uh- She's, uh- Inside Kaede's hut." She composed herself, deliberately averting her gaze from Miroku's questioning glance. He had seen her looking at him, she was sure of it. "She's not feeling well. AND Don't yell at me!"
"What? Well what's wrong with her?" Inuyasha blinked, surprise obvious in his blank expression. He ignored her demand.
"Well, she says she's just tired, but Im not sure that's it..." The dog demon was entering the little cabin before she even finished her sentence. She shook her head, smiling thoughtfully to herself. Inuyasha may be a jerk through his speech but you could always count on him. Besides, actions speak louder than words.
"Sango..." Miroku's smooth voice cut into her thoughts and she suddenly remembered that he was standing behind her, probably still wondering why she had been staring at him. Her face lit up and, praying that he didn't walk around to face her, she nodded. "Um... why-"
"Are we still standing around here? Good question, we should go see Kagome too!" She averted any possible awkwardness quickly, knowing her voice sounded airier than ever before, and hurried toward the cabin leaving a confused looking Miroku standing alone.
He sighed and gazed up at the warm late afternoon sun, the promise of an awkwardly uneventful night looming ominously over the silent, empty village.
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"Master, Since we are settled shall we send the human out for a Test run? We may as well get some plundering in while we are here..."
The girl looked up, scowling irritably at the speaking demon. Her group had settled just within the mouth of the forest at the entrance of what Master Bakaru had deemed an abandoned well. He had loudly explained that they would be safe here since the humans had obviously forsaken the well due to its Bone filled depths. She peered inside it and shivered, almost as frightened of its skeletal appearance as the warm feeling it surrounded her with.
"Hmmm, very well Sankotsu, you observe her. The rest of us will scout the area. I've heard tale of a group of travelers from around this area carrying actual jewel shards. Not the fake stuff. Bakaru stood, the rest of his mindless clan standing obediently with him murmuring amongst themselves at the mention of the weird shard things, and turned, starting into the deeper reaches of the forest.
"No! I mean... ummm" She cut into Bakaru's words, terrified of the idea of being alone with the odd demon. "Master we should stay as one group. I uh, ummm..." She faltered, the eyes of 20 demons upon her.
"Human, Im sure we've instilled in you not to speak unless spoken to. You will be under Bakaru's watch and Kami help you if you attempt anything." He glared her down, enticing the ever popular feeling of rage, hatred, indignance and humbleness within her. She bowed her head strainedly.
"The rest of you, move out." He walked away now, disappearing into the thicker brush of the forest leaving her to hate and miss him at the same time. At least with him around she wouldnt have to endure Sankotsu's knowing stare. She stood, inwardly preparing herself for a long, awkwardly uneventful night. Honestly, who would come to a deserted well in the middle of the forest in the evening?
Kami help her indeed...
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Kagome's cough became something of a strained wheeze and, with a quick unsure glance at her, Miroku watched as Inuyasha bolted out the door. He knew his companion was worried about Kagome but leaving was definitely no way to show it, especially since he knew Kagome got worried when he turned into his human form. Sighing slightly he noted the setting late afternoon sun and turned to the sickness struck girl.
"It's definitely a cold. Kagome why didn't you tell us when you first got it?" Sango spoke gently to her placing a warm cloth over the girls forehead. She couldn't help but feel responsible for her friend's illness. Kagome wasn't of her time, and all this pushing forward was too much of a strain for her.
"I didn't think it was anything..." She coughed and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the cloth. She felt Shippou's tiny hand rest on her arm and smiled reassuringly, knowing the little kitsune was worried. "I just thought I was tired, like usual."
"Kagome, I think it best that you return to your time." Miroku's voice entered the conversation and for the first time since the uncomfortable encounter Sango looked up at him. His eyes flickered to her's, reassuringly, before returning to the questioning Kagome, "The physicians in your time are far superior healing technology than we. You'll probably receive better care."
Kagome nodded, standing up slowly, dizziness grabbing hold of her like a large hand. Sango steadied her. "C'mon, We'll take you to the well. Shippou you stay here in case Inuyasha comes back while we're gone. Kami knows how furious he will be."
Shippou gulped and watched forebodingly as Kagome, his mother-figure and only protection from Inuyasha vanished out the little flap of Kaede's hut. Something told him that nothing would result from this but pain.
"Miroku do you sense that?" Sango looked around uneasily as they neared the well, her weary friend held close to her body. She wasn't feeling anything particularly strong but the evil emanating from it was great. She turned her gaze to Miroku who was clutching his staff tightly.
"Let's just get Kagome into the well quickly, we-"
"Get her into the well? Why would you want to push your friend into a well?" A soft, pure voice cut into Miroku's words and alerted the friends to a young woman who had perched herself upon the lip of the well. They gaped.
She was beautiful yet not pompously so. It was as though someone had taken an angel and adorned her in a peasants clothes. Her eyes were the blue of the midnight sky, her hair was wavy and cascaded down to her hips in a pale pastel blue and her skin was pale yet sun kissed and lightly tanned. At the moment she gazed into the well with wide eyes, innocence pouring out them like the slow fall of water from a waterfall.
Sango blanched, only feeling a gust of wind as Miroku darted to the new woman's side. Kagome slowly began to feel heavier against her side as she drifted in and out of sleep, stopping her from going and wrenching the perverted monk back. Instead she just watched, a deep scowl making her look mutinous.
"My dear lady, I believe that it is nothing more than the will of fate that we should meet on this evening." The lecherous monk had already perched on the well next to her, completely forgetting about sick Kagome, and had rested his hands around the girls smaller ones yet to his surprise it was rougher than what he had thought for his vision of beauty. She pulled away just as he realized he liked the roughness and looking up he smiled.
"Please forgive my bluntness milady but.. would you bare my child." He set a firm hand on her backside and
as expected an instant blush spread across the girl's face yet unexpectedly one pale, thinly arched eyebrow twitched despite her obvious attempts to stop it. A dangerous eyebrow twitch. A terrifyingly familiar eyebrow twitch. He gulped.
The girl quickly got up from his side, her soft featured face as good-natured looking as before as though she was attempting to erase any sign of irritation. As though she was trying to portray good-naturedness as her only emotion. She quickly went to Sango's side, setting a concerned hand on Kagome's shoulder.
"Your friend is sick, isn't she? You should bring her to my home just within the forest, this way." The girl's smile never faltered yet her eyes seemed clouded. Sango gazed into them, forcing her to blink.
"Yes. She has a cold, but I don't think anything you have can help her." Sango spoke distrustingly, her voice cooler than Miroku had ever heard it. He walked to her side, slowly understanding her mistrust. The girl didn't seem to be radiating the evil they had felt earlier but they could never be sure. Not to mention the fact that she apparently wouldnt have his child...
"Well, my father is a healer. I just recently got over a cold through his incredible remedy. Its just this way..." She spoke persuasively, holding a calm hand on Kagome's shoulder almost using the sick girl to maneuver them. Sango held strong.
"I don't think so-" Kagome was seized in a fit of coughs, her body shaking against Sango's as she gasped to retrieve her air. The strange girl's kind expression broke, concern etched clearly across her face.
"This girl is really sick!" Even the airiness of her voice seemed to vanish as she examined Kagome, her hands rested on either of the girl's shoulders. Sango and Miroku exchanged confused glances as they steadied their friend backing her away from the stranger, who was now gazing at them determinedly.
"Im gonna get in a lot of trouble for this but.. you must run away! Take the girl with the shard things and get out of here before its too-"
"Late?" A large Donkey demon and his clan came striding out of the forest, slowly circling the group of humans. He walked over to them, the rest of them standing calmly, waiting for his command to attack. The seething demon stood tall behind the rigid stranger, his eyes locked on the back of her head. Sango held Kagome closer to her body, shocked at how viciously the girl's heart was beating.
He settled a heavy hand on the girl's shoulder and spun her around, pain apparent in the way her tightly clenched fist shook. "You have gone too far this time, you little bitch! How many others have you set free!" He thrust her to the ground and drew a long katana from his waist. As though following his cue the others drew weapons all varying in shape, style and jewelery. "The rest of you - kill the others and take the one with the jewel shards. Im going to have to teach this one a lesson myself."
"Master Bakaru, No! Do what you wish to me but don't harm the girl! She's sick!" She winced as the demon jabbed his sword into her, cutting a long line from her side to her hip, through her worker kimono.
"Be silent you wench. Im going to cut you in every place that cant be seen by human eyes. You will still be of use that way." He sneered and withdrew his sword, the tip dripping with her shimmering blood, and brought it down towards her chest. "You will learn not to defy a demon - Ugh!" His sword flew out of his hand suddenly and slowly opening her eyes the girl caught sight of a man, dressed in red, his long black hair settling around him and his cool brown eyes locked on Bakaru. He was the savior she was waiting for. She was sure of it.
"Inuyasha! I don't who they are, but they want Kagome!" Sango cried out as she cut two of the attacking donkey youkai in two with the Hiriekotsu. "Watch out for that girl though, She's - Ow!" She turned away from him, holding a light
cut in her side and glared at her third attacker dangerously.
Miroku hit him on the back of his head with enough force to knock him out, hopping over the unconscious demon to get to her."You okay?"
Sango nodded. "That was nothing, he just caught me off guard." He nodded and set his hand around her shoulder, leaping back with her away from an oncoming attack.
Miroku scowled, releasing the prayer beads from his hand. "That's enough, lets finish this now - Wind Tunnel!" The void in his palm howled open, growls of confusion and rage coming from the demons as they disappeared into darkness. Sango stood behind him, Kagome still clutched in one arm.
"What? The monk with the wind tunnel!" Bakaru growled and flung the little human behind him, darting away from an attack by the human called Inuyasha. "My men! Dammit! I wont die here, I WONT!" He reared back and hit Inuyasha in his chest with his front hooves sending him flying into the well. He then leapt forward and grabbed the shard bearer around her waist and held a small dagger to her neck, his beady black eyes glimmering manically.
"You two, don't move. If you try to catch me, I will kill her." He backed up into the forest as Kagome's friends watched helplessly. If Miroku used the tunnel he would suck kagome in, If Sango used her boomerang she'd hit Kagome and the crazy demon would definitely slit her neck. The human Inuyasha sat up, dizzily, a cut bleeding sickly from his forehead.
Bakaru moved into the brush, a smile playing across his thin lips. "Say, goodbye humans. You'll never see her -" His voice trailed off, his pupils becoming mere dots before their eyes. Kagome slid out of his hands as his furry knees hit the ground and he slumped forward. The blue-haired stranger stood behind him, The side of her kimono soaked in blood and the dead demons sword, now stained with his blood, held outstretched in her hand. She dropped it.
Silence flooded the little clearing as the stranger stood there, Inuyasha looking at her blearily and Miroku and Sango staring at her with shock and distrust mingled in their eyes. A smile fell across her lips and in a voice so small they strained to hear, the girl whispered something that made her eyes sparkle happily.
"I am.. free."
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"Hmmm... Inuyasha"
Sesshomaru stood perched atop a tall tree towards the outskirts of his land right along Inuyasha's forest. The scent of blood and his filthy half - breed brother vaguely tempted his senses. Despite his usual demeanor, curiosity bit him. Gazing up at the moonless night sky he inhaled the scents trail and, deciding he could make a slight detour before he went to look for his damned 'key', leapt off towards the source. Who knows, maybe he might even find the key on the way to his brother? Who knows...
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Alright, thats it. Remebr to R&R or Ill hate you forever!
--- really will.
Love you!