Disclaimer: *sighs* I own nothing, so if I own nothing then obviously I do not own Inuyasha…

Simple Lies

Chapter Four: Plans Set Into Motion

The sun was now just beginning to set, while the winds rustled the leaves of the Sakura trees causing their blossoms to dance in the wind before coming to rest on the earth. Kagome sat on a bench in the castle gardens, but took no notice of the beauty the scene before her created. Her mind was somewhere else, on darker thoughts then what one should have in a place of such peace.

If my sister loves Inuyasha then how can I… Kagome ended the thought with a depressed sigh. The king, Inutashio, requested for her to sway Inuyasha's attentions away from her twin. If she did this she would be no better then Kikyou, but it is not her fault that she is that way. Kagome decided with conviction, it was Naraku's fault that is way she is going to be rid of him. Well at lest one of the reasons. She missed her sister, they used to be such great friends. Kikyou would always tell her of all the wonders of being the heir to the Higurashi throne, even taught her a few things, and intern Kagome taught Kikyou some of her priestess abilities…

She should have never done that.

Kikyou used those teachings against her, though they did not do to well, it still hurt. Kagome had taught her sister to use her purifying powers to protect herself… she had no idea that they would be used in the destruction of entire villages. Even though Miroku and even Sango say it is not her fault that families have lost their loved ones due to the mayhem Kikyou has caused, Kagome couldn't help but feel responsible. That is why she is determined to put a stop to it, not only for her sister, but for those who have lost loved ones because of her mistake.

Kagome shook those thoughts from her head, only to replace them with her problem at the moment. What if Kikyou truly loves Inuyasha, but then what if she is only using him like she has done before. Like she had done to her. Inuyasha would be heart broken. Sure she hasn't seen enough of him to truly know what he is like, but she did hear stories from his mother. He is a hanyou, the people only respect him out of fear for his father, but even then that doesn't seem to help him. As a child he was teased, beaten, and betrayed. Saiako, the queen, had said once that Inuyasha had finally made a friend when he was eight, but the friend was no true friend. The child had only said that he was his friend, then lead him out into the forest to play were he and a few other humans and demons beat him with in an inch of his life. Saiko had explained that is the main reason he refuses to trust anyone, and has tendencies to be a little harsh and cold to new faces.

Kagome had seen the truth to her words, Inuyasha seemed to distance himself from her, and any attempt made at trying to get closer was broken with harsh words and cold glares. It made her sad to see him such away, no one should not trust at lest someone, no one should not have at lest one friend.

This is why if Kikyou truly does not love him, but instead is only using him, he would be heart broken. It would be a reminder of that time in his childhood, but only worse because it is a love and not a friend. What is she to do? She could always be his friend, but she did not know if she could make him fall in love with her. It just wasn't right, they could be friends, and if on their own they find something more… Kagome growled out of frustration. If my sister loves him then she deserves happiness, what right do I have to take it from her. She growled again, but she had promised the king to do so, or at lest promised him to be his son's friend.

A pair of golden eyes watched the woman before him in amusement. Her gray-blue eyes unfocused, in deep thought. He was supposed to be gaining her trust, and then be was to ask about the jewel of four souls, but he didn't know if he could do it. To win her over, get her trust him, and then betray her over to Kikyou. Of course he didn't want Kikyou to die because this wench wants the other jewel, but betrayal just wasn't him. He is very hesitant to go through with this course of action, many night he had lain awake trying to find another away, another option.

Thinking of such plans was never his forte, throw him into the heat of battle, and he would be fine. Sit him down and tell him to come up with an elaborate plan to infiltrate the enemies camp in a week, they would be there all day and all night for a couple of days. March out to the enemies camp with no plan whatsoever, and he would come out fine. He only every could think of such things in the heat of the moment. It would seem that is the only time he could get his brain to function on such matter properly.

Inuyasha was snapped from his dark thoughts, from the sound of faint growling, swallowing his laughter he decided to step forward.

"What the hell is your problem?" He questioned in his normal harsh tone for new comers, with an upraised brow.

Kagome nearly jump from her skin at the voice. She was not expecting it to be there, and it took her a few moments to compose her beating heart to notice whom it was that had nearly caused it to have an attack. Rounding on the poor unsuspecting hanyou, she pointed a finger to his chest, eyes narrowed. "Don't you ever sneak up on me like that again, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" She yelled throwing her hands up into the air. Her scowl dissolved in the instance she saw his shock face, placing a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter she continued on. "Why are you here Inuyasha?" She inquired, cocking her head to the side curiously.

She looks kind of cute when she does that…. WHAT!!! No, no, she doesn't where did that come from… Crossing his arms over his chest, in what comes to be known as his trade mark stance, he turned his head from her so that she wouldn't see the blush. "Feh, I came to find some peace and quite, which is hard to get with you growling and grumbling over here!" He barked, and then regretted it when her eyes began to water. What did he do, why is she going to cry? He didn't do anything wrong! He side in relief when they didn't seem to fall, he hated it above all else when women cry. He couldn't help but be curious as to what had made her cheerful expression fall so suddenly.

Kagome didn't see the panic that suddenly crossed the hanyou's features, as she downcast her eyes, bangs covering them from sight of everyone else. "I'm sorry, I've just been having some troubling thoughts lately." She explained, her voice was strained with the effort of keeping her tears at bay. She could not cry, tears will not help her right now, she needs to remain calm if she is ever to get Naraku, help her sister, and avenge those who have been hurt by the things they have done. She should cry, should let it all out, but she couldn't.

Inuyasha watched her with growing worry… No I'm not, he denied, I could careless about her, I just don't want to see her cry is all. With every second that passed, she seemed more and more likely to do so. He could smell the salty scent of tears get stronger and stronger, to where they were close to falling. "What kind of thoughts?" He questioned softly. He didn't care what was wrong, but if he is to gain her trust like Kikyou wants, then he has to act like it. He didn't care…

Whipping the moisture from her eyes, she placed on a cheerful façade as she lifted her face to him. "Just thoughts," and before he could question her further, Kagome stood from her seat and took off from the gardens yelling over her shoulder. "I've got maids work to do, sorry." Disappearing from his sights completely.

Inuyasha watcher her go in confusion, why is she so sad? He wondered. No I don't care, all that matters is if I can get her to trust me. The muscle in his chest began to pull, he didn't want to do this, he could careless what it did to her, but he did not betray. Maybe he could talk to Kikyou, maybe there was another way that he just couldn't see, or think of. Kikyou wouldn't want to put her sister through this pain, so maybe there really isn't another way….

~*~

"Hentai!" Kagome heard a familiar voice scream out, along with the familiar sound of a slapped face. She couldn't help the genuine smile that crossed her lips, Miroku is just lucky that Sango was not allowed to have her Hiraikotsu with her in the castle. Otherwise he would be in even more pain then he already is, it wasn't long before she found herself upon the scene in the middle of the court yard.

Sango stood before Miroku, arms crossed and angry scowl placed firmly on her face as she stared the hentai monk down. Somehow she was able to make herself seem a lot taller then the supposed holly man, as he raised his hands in front of himself as some sort of defense. "Lady Sango, let me explain, if I had not caught you when I did you would have step up that rake over there efficiently knocking you out, and may have caused you to fall backwards into the mud puddle over there." He explained in his defense, Kagome snorted.

Miroku took a step back under her heated glare, a sheepish grin on his face. "I think grabbing my wrist would have been sufficient enough, you did not need to snake your arm around my waist, pull me to you, and then proceed to grab my chest with the other one." She shouted, slapping him again for good measure as she saw his hand twitch toward her lower back. "Arg! Why must you be such a hentai.?" It wasn't really a questioned, but more like a statement.

At this Miroku grinned suggestively. "Ah, but my dear lady I just can not help myself when you are in my presence. Why must I be a hentai you say, well my dear lady it is you that brings it out in me." He announced dramatically, with a flourish of his arms.

Sango snorted at this. "Ha, yeah right." She laughed, shaking her head. "Miroku you grope anyone with a pretty face."

Miroku feigned shock, grabbing his heart as though her words stung deeply. "But my dear lady Sango, that is not true. I reserve my groping for only you, I asked the question to the other fair maidens." He explained.

Kagome laughed at this, deciding now would be the best time to make her presence known. "He's got you there Sango, ever since you came along his wandering hands seem only to wander in your direction." She called over. "Now if only I can get him stop asking the question."

Sango whipped her head in the direction she heard her good friends voice in, eyes wide and cheeks a dark crimson color. "K-Kagome, um how long have you and Inuyasha-sama been standing there." She asked in a tiny and embarrassed voice.

Kagome's eyes widened slightly, her eyes slide to the presence next to her. Sure enough it was him, Baka, Kagome thought, You shouldn't let your mind wander so much. She scolded. Kagome never let her guard down, no matter how deep her thoughts are, it would surely mean death if she were to even for a moment. In her years of life she has only been caught off guard four times, and three out of those four have nearly cost her, her life along with the lives of the ones she loves. Why is he here anyways? Probably heard them from the gardens, they are being loud enough. Shaking her thoughts from her head, she was able to catch the next thing said.

"That reminds me of something my beautiful, lady Sango." Miroku announced catching the youkai exterminators attention. "I have heard of an ancient Chinese proverb that states: If you save the life of someone then that life belongs to you, it is yours to protect, or something like that."

Sango raised a brow at this. "What does this have to do with your groping tendencies?" She questioned.

"Ah but you did not let me finish." He reprimanded lightly. "As I was saying, your life if now in my hands my fair lady…" He grinned suggestively, a lecherous glint to his eyes. This was a sure sign of a perverted comment, leading to many head bashing. It is a wonder that he is still alive, with how many times Sango rapped him over the head with her gigantic boomerang. "I think I would have a better chance at keeping you're life safe if we, were to share the same bed don't you agree my lady Sango?" He questioned, a look of all innocence playing across his face.

Kagome watched the scene before her with growing fear, while the hanyou next her with amusement, as Sango's eyes became like fire and her aura flaying like crazy. If one looked close enough they could almost see a fire behind her, hair whipping violently in an non-existent wind. All together it makes for a pretty scary scene. Kagome, before anything could happened, grabbed Miroku's wrists dragging him along with her towards the gardens. "Come on Miroku, I need to speak with you anyways."

Sango took a few breaths, why must he always be like that! She screamed within the confines of her mind. Taking another breath she bowed to Inuyasha, whom watched her with amusement in his golden depths, saying meekly. "Inuyasha-sama, I shall be going now to finish some chores for your mother, the queen." With that said she stormed off.

Inuyasha shook his head, these people… they were strange, yet amusing. Those two don't seem to be the friends of a killer, and that girl doesn't seem to be the type to try and commit it. If he is ever to find out, then he will need to get to know this group a little better, and to do that he needs to gain the trust of a certain look-alike. Turning around on the balls of his feet, Inuyasha began a trek back the way he came, back to the gardens. Maybe he would learn something by spying on the monk and that girl.

Kagome let go of the monks wrist, taking a set on the bench that was nearly hidden in the growth of the flower bed, while Miroku chose to stand. She hid a smile, he may seem brave, but this supposed holly man was terrified of bees, and flowers attracted bees. So in the end, he chose to stand then rather risk the chance at being stung. "Lady Kagome, what do you wish to speak to me of?" He questioned lightly, his face becoming serious once he saw within her troubled eyes. He was good at reading Kagome's emotions, anyone could become good a reading her emotions, if they took the chance to know the girl. She could never hide them, they always shown through within her gray-blue depths. "Did you have another dream?" He inquired, this time in a more serious tone of voice, and yet it held a calm that made her feel at ease. Miroku is always good for that.

Kagome shook her head slightly, tears coming to her eyes. "I just wish…" A tear slipped down her cheek fallowed by another. "You know this war, it's all my fault… the reason you suffer, the reason Sango lost her brother and the rest of her family… they reason Kikyou…." She broke off into silent sobs, Miroku, against his better judgment, took a seat beside her taking her into a warm embrace.

"Shhh, its alright Kagome don't cry." He began rubbing her back in a soothing circler motion. "It's not your fault Kagome, none of this is. Naraku is responsible for the curse within my hand, he is responsible for Sango's pain, and he is responsible for pain of many others… Not you." Miroku explained, his voice tight with hatred for the half-demon, baboon pelted maniac who has found pleasure in the pain of others. "Not you." Again he said those words, stressing them, to get his point across. He would have added Kikyou in there, but that would only make matters worse in this moment.

"But…" She gripped his priest robs in her hand, bringing the other to wipe away her tears. "I should be able to stop him, it's my duty as priestess, I shouldn't have let him get so strong, I shouldn't have let him hurt you guys." She whispered.

Miroku sighed, they have had this talk a million times before, and he guessed they would have to have it a few times more before she fully understood. "Kagome, you didn't even know us then, you met me after…"

~*~ Flash Back ~*~

Kagome sighed for the eighteenth time that morning during her trek through the forbidden trail. No, it wasn't really forbidden, only called so due to the fact that it is over run with the more animalistic demons of the world. Most refused to travel down it, but that was only because they feared the inhabitants… who wouldn't? She feared them, her heart beat fast at this very moment, while her mind shouted at it to be still. Demon's could sense ones fear, could hear the fast pulsing of blood that would prove the smell is not false.

She wouldn't allow it to show, or at lest, she will try not to allow it to show. Her stupid pulse wouldn't listen to her, at lest her mind did. As she walked she could help but she herself being watched, but try as she might she could sense no demon auras near. Either the demon knew how to cover it up, or they were human, but then what would a human be doing walking this path alone. Probably for the same reasons as you, A voice in her head answered. Yes that did make sense, this is the shortest path to the Rajukou Village, the people of demon exterminators. Her reasons for travel to the village were hopes that they may be able to help her train to fight Naraku. So far her skills as a miko have only prolonged her life, so maybe some skills as both miko and exterminator might help her destroy the detestable being. So was the human watching her an exterminator, or was the human on his way to such a village. If so then what business did this human have with them, there are no other villages this way because of the inhabitants of this forest.

Her steps became lighter, more precise as she moved, there was something else watching her now… a familiar something else. She stopped in her tracks, she would not let this thing fallow her to her destination, she would not let other die because of her. Bringing her hand to the shaft of her bow, and the other to a random arrow in her satchel, Kagome rose her voice so that the watcher would here. "Kagura, I know your out there, now com out here and face me instead of watching me from your hiding place." She challenged, her voice tinged with cold steel.

She did not have to wait long, as Kagura graceful landed form her feather to stand before her, fan in front of her face. Her eyes regarded Kagome coolly, before answering her challenge. "Naraku wishes for me not to kill you yet, but…" She drawled out. "Your sister doesn't seem to care one way or the other."

That one hit home, Kagome felt as if her heart would break, she doesn't care… She shook her head. No! She would not listen to Kagura she would not let this sorceress of wind bait her. "Try as you might Kagura, your words won't get to me, now are you to fight me or not?" She demanded, keeping her voice impassionate.

Kagura's red orbs narrowed dangerously. "Whoever said that I would be fighting you, miko?" She held her fan above her head, and as she did so a hoard of demons appeared at her side, she smirked. "They will be fighting you, Naraku may not want me to kill you, but he never said anything about them." Kagura turned to leave, stopped, and regarded her coolly. "Before I take my leave I just thought you would like to know that this idea came from your sister…" She smiled at the pain that crossed the younger girls eyes, it was after all, her intent. It felt good to get what you wanted, it felt good to see someone else besides herself in pain. "Hurts doesn't it?" She spat, before turning to fully to jump upon her feather.

Kagome didn't take the time to watch her leave as she was suddenly surrounded by youkai, taking aim, she let her arrow fly into the heart of the one closest to her and didn't take the time to watch it evaporate into thin air. Reaching back she drew another arrow with an experts ease, only to stop in mid draw.

There, landing in front of her with practiced ease, was a man wearing non-traditional monks garb, his right hand out before him. "Keep behind me miss, this could get a little dangerous." He warned. Kagome nodded, stupefied, what could his right hand do against a horde of demons? She didn't have to wait long as he remove the prayer beads wrapped around it.

Kagome was shocked into silence at the sight before her, no matter how many times she tried to form words within her mouth, they failed her. Upon the removal of his beads, a gigantic wind tunnel appeared seemingly out of nowhere, dragging all within its path into the monks hand. He is not demon, that much she could tell, but how could he be human… humans can't do that. It wasn't until that last demon disappeared from sight, that she allowed herself to breath.

Taking a step back she eyed the monk before her warily, he couldn't be bad if he saved her life, but then Naraku has set her up for such falls before. The houshi eyed her for a moment, his look calculating suspicious, he had heard the talk with Kagura, before breaking out into one of his most winning smiles. "Now tell me, young lady, what is such a beautiful girl like you doing in a forest full of demons?" He questioned.

Kagome quirked an eyebrow at him. "I could say the same for you." She countered, her gazed then drooped to the blue rosary wrapped around his right hand. If she hadn't seen that wind tunnel for herself, she would have never believed it possible, as she had never heard anything of its like before. "So tell me Houshi, what is up with your right hand, how are you able to be human, yet have such power in that hand? What, did you sell your soul to a demon?" She inquired, the suspicion of this monk working for Naraku not yet subsiding.

The monk's eyes narrowed at the mention of a demon, but his face soon became impassive, a wall of masked calm. "That my dear, is the result for trying to kill Naraku, it is a curse." He informed, he could sense no evil for this girl, not a trace of it. She seemed to pure, what reason could she possibly have for coming here. Why would Naraku be after her? "My great, great grandfather had tried to slay him years ago, but he was cursed with the wind tunnel. As you have seen, it is a massive wind that sucks every thing up to an oblivion, where it all goes, I have no idea.

"I happen to be traveling this way because I have heard he had taken an interest in the demon exterminators village. I must kill him to release the curse upon me, if I don't eventually the hole will speared until I can no longer control the wind tunnel. It will suck up every thing in it's path, including myself." Hung his head sadly, waiting for some kind of reply from the lovely young woman before him.

Kagome's eyes were filled with such sadness for the young monk before her, another thing Naraku has done, another reason she has to stop him. "I happen to be headed to that village for similar reasons myself, I want to make Naraku pay for all of the innocents he has hurt, but most of all for turning my sister into something that she is not." Kagome explained. "I am the protector of the Shikon no Tama, and both Naraku and my sister have betrayed me for it." Kagome shook her head softly, willing the memory of that day to subside, willing the tears at bay. "If you wish it Miroku you may fallow me to the village, maybe we might be able to help each other out." She offered.

Miroku nodded, a little shocked that she would trust him so easily. Maybe it was the monks garb? "As you wish, I am Miroku and you would be…" He would wait till a little latter to attempt his charms on this beauty, if at all. There was something about her that threw him away from the idea, a picture of grouping and asking his sister to bare his child came to mind. She reminded him of the sister that he lost to Naraku, she was not able to handle the curse placed upon their family so died a such an early age. Her death would have been two years ago, before he set out on his journey to kill Naraku.

"I am Kagome." She smiled at him, as she offered him her hand.

He took it, and returned the smile, a little shocked that his hands didn't take the opportunity to wander. "Well lady Kagome, we should be going now." Placing his hand on the middle of her back he ushered her back down the trail that lead to there desired destination.

~*~ End of Flash Back ~*~

Miroku smiled at the memory, even though he managed to reframe from his lecherous tendencies for a while, it didn't last long. Once he was able to find differences between his sister and Kagome, his hands found the reasons to wander. He began patting Kagomes back again. "Kagome you meet me after what happened with the curse and my sister, in no way was it your fault that happened. It is a problem from decades ago, it is not your fault, and I know that Sango blames you in no way for what happened to Kohaku." Miroku assured softly.

Kagome nodded against Miroku's robes, drying her tears. "I know that Miroku, but I still feel somewhat responsible for everything, I just can't help it." She confessed against the monks chest, slowly moving away she stared out into the expand of the garden, not completely focusing on any one thing. "Naraku is doing all of this just to get at me, he has taken from me what I care for most in this world, that includes you and Sango. We have all lost something of great importance, and I intend to get them back." She stated determinedly, her right fist clenched at her side.

Miroku nodded silently staring in her line of direction, after a few more moments he decided to speak again. "Why do you insist to bare this guilt alone?" He questioned, his face remained calm as his face, only a slight tremor of annoyance or maybe anger let her know his true feelings on the matter. He was angry, and he was annoyed. She always took on the guilt alone, allowed it to eat way at her heart, causing her to be sad. He didn't want her to feel such away, he wanted her to confide in him, but he also wanted her let him bare part of the guilt. There was just to much for her to shoulder it all on her own, it was just as much his fault as anyone else whom have ever failed at stopping Naraku. "It is as much my fault and Sango's that he still walks this plan of existence. We could have stopped him countless times, but we just weren't strong enough."

Kagome shook her head. "It is not your fault." She stated firmly, while getting to her feet and starting down the stone path that lead back to the castle. "You don't understand because you don't know what happened in the past, no one does. It's something I must live with myself, and something that I must carries myself." She called back to him, not one looking over her shoulder. "You wouldn't understand." With that said she disappeared around a corner oblivious to the golden orbs that watched her descent in utter confusion.

~*~

A/N: You know what? I had this chapter written already for the past couple of days, but ff.net was being a pain and wouldn't let me log in *begins to sulk* So you all get this chapter late, I'm almost finished with the next one though.

Review Answers:

Nite1: Nope, I plan on making it hard for him… She's been through a lot, thus fourth isn't one to let her trust be won easily, especially sense Inuyasha is with her sister _ Don't worry, I will, though I was delayed this time cause I couldn't log in… *sighs* A lest the next chapter will come faster, I'm almost done with it.

Purple Uranium: Yeah!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! *Hands over a big huge cookie with chocolate frosting on top* Math and French are very hard (at lest to me) and I love history, especially when it comes to cultures and wars… I can tell you anything you want on those subjects for any timeline, I sometimes use my knowledge of history in my writing… *grins* I'm glad you like it, I thought having Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha's mom, scheming behind their backs to get them together would add to the humor… and also the conspiracies I've got going on. I know, my sis is the oddest person I know, but that's why I love her. *grins* I love reading her reviews, it always get me into a good mood. *Nods* Yeah, I think so too, I kind of got an idea from what you said in how she should find out… I won't say, you'll have to wait till I decide to reveal it… Thank you, I am glad you think so ^___^ I looked through a whole bunch of Japanese names and found it, your right though, great minds do think alike… strange, ne? Whelps Ja Ne till next time ~Zonza