Author's Note: Heh, well, here it is. This is the second of my apology chapters. Yes, it's just something put together for the lengthy wait. I was on a roll that night, so I had time to just finish the first one, and start the other. But, it was easier to start and harder to finish, as usual. ( Sheepish look. ) Anyways, I think that this chapter is pretty mellow, and I hope you like.
Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo do not own anything that has to do with Inuyasha.
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Hesitant Devotion
-
Moist that had accumulated during the night had now turned into water droplets that twinkled from the first streaks of sunlight in the morning. The first stirrings within houses were heard, from bidding each occupant good morning, to the clattering of pots and pans. Birds twittered as they searched for their own morning meal.
"Goodmorning, Shippo. Ready for an early trip?" asked Kagome brightly, peeking out from under the covers of her sheets.
Shippo jumped up happily. "Yah, of course, Kagome." then, his expression gloomed. "I can't say the same for Kirara, though."
Kagome sat up, looking at Kirara, who was staring avidly at the windows of their room. "Did Kirara sleep at all, Shippo?"
The kitsune shook his head, also looking at their small friend. "Not a wink, Kagome. I could hear her pacing all night."
This time Kirara turned to them, and Kagome noticed a pale tinge inside her eyes. The usual lustre of her coat, too, was dull, and matted. No one needed to tell her that in order to have Kirara better was to get Sango back, for there was no telling what could happen next. Kagome tried to coax her to come closer with a treat that she favoured, but the small demon wasn't in the mood. She only eyed the treat eagerly, but made no attempt to take it.
"Shippo, I think we should really get going. We need to get Sango back as soon as possible. Kirara's health could be in danger if we don't do get to it." Kagome began to pack her beddings, and text books in her backpack. She would only take these out for a little light reading, effectively distracting her from their current situation briefly. It did not take long for Kagome to get ready. "Shippo, wanna come with me? Farica's probably set you up some breakfast."
With no hurry, Kagome and Shippo made their way to the large dining room, where Farica was already waiting. The lady's eyes, too, were baggy; she did not sleep at all last night either.
"Kagome, Shippo, Kirara, good morning. Come, sit down." she gestured to the many places at the large table, where large quanities of their breakfast were steaming in their bowls. "You should take some time to fill up before you leave." Farica smiled at them again, stretching her lips across, as far as they would go.
"Inuyasha, and Miroku-"
"They're coming. I called for them a while ago. A long time ago, in fact." added Farica, puzzled. "Don't know what those two are doing."
Sipping their tea they waited.
"You know Inuyasha, you were kicking in your sleep. Is there something bothering you?" asked Miroku, gliding into the room, in front of a disgruntled Inuyasha. He bid them all good morning, and taking a seat next to Shippo.
"None of your damn business, Miroku." answered Inuyasha, huffily sitting himself on the floor. "Morning." he added, after giving Miroku a glare.
"What's that all about?" asked Kagome, as they all began to serve themselves.
Miroku shrugged, helping himself to some rice balls. "Oh, it's nothing, Kagome, just teasing him about what he did last night."
"Inuyasha?"
"Feh. It's nothing, like the monk said." Inuyasha glowered at the food in front of him. "Besides, he knows better than to say anything, cause he'll know what I'll do."
"Dealing with situations by not talking about it and resorting to violence will result to nothing." Farica said wisely, eyeing him in a way that made Inuyasha feel like she was trying to read his mind.
Inuyasha averted her gaze. That woman may be old, but she was as sure as hell perceptive. Instead he glanced around the room, and finally found a drowsy Kirara.
"Hey, not to change the subject, or anything, but what's wrong with her?" he jabbed at thumb at the neko youkai.
"Kirara's not up to her usual self today." answered Shippo, as he got up for seconds. "Kagome and I figure it's because of Sango."
Kirara mewled.
"Hey, Farica, how's the men over there? Has that woman claimed her husband yet?" asked Inuyasha.
The woman from a couple of days ago was definitely not out of their minds. It was her quick action in alerting her missing husband that they began to be more aware of their position. She had left a couple of days ago, informing them that she could no longer leave her children in the care of her mother.
"The woman's husband has awaken, but he's very weak. My servants are trying to tend to him at the moment." replied Farica, sipping her tea. "I'm hoping to tell his wife about his return when he gets much better, but he's refused. I told him that the earliest I'm going to let him go is at least noon, and after he's finished the plate I've left by his bed this morning." she smiled. "That man's got a lot of spirit in him, no doubt it's the wife that he can't wait to see."
The clattering of their chopsticks resumed their dance. No one was planning on being hungry once they left.
-
"Thanks again, Farica, we really appreciate everything you've done." Kagome said, as they headed for the front gates, where two guards opened it for them, patiently waiting for their departure.
'The pleasure's all mine, dears. Actually, I should be thanking YOU." said Farica, patting Shippo goodbye on the head.
"Why is that?" asked Miroku, carrying a small bag in his hand. Farica had insisted on packing them some food, just in case they got hungry.
The old woman smiled. "Well, if it weren't for you, then I would not have experienced some trouble with this village. Maybe then I'd invite some visitors here. We've got a few places that would be nice to open to the public. Just so we can stay away from being isolated for too long and be unaware of everything."
"Great idea." said Kagome, as she sent Farica a hug for farewell. The lady held on to her for just a little longer, then squeezed her shoulders. "We'll visit sometime."
"It'd make me very happy. Take care now." she waved to them, following them up to the front gate, standing there until they disappeared around the bend covered by a mixture of thickets and towering pines. She locked the gate slowly, sighing tiredly to herself. That was that. Nothing else to do but wait for the days to go by again. Farica then brightened. At least she had a project to do now. It would keep her mind occupied.
-
'Kanna. I want you to go to the village hidden deep within a valley. See if it is destroyed.'
Kanna nodded to her master, leaving the castle's premises. Naraku had spoken in her mind while she had been out in the courtyard, waiting for Kagura's return. Her sister had left after Naraku had asked her to follow Inuyasha's group again, this time never to return unless she had acquired the jewel shards, or called upon.
She walked slowly through the barrier, carefully stepping about the uneven terrain. The walk to the village was quite a ways away, so it should take her about half a day. In her mind, there was nothing else to do, so why hurry?
Kanna got to a dirt road, where a few peasants were pulling on a wagon. She ignored them and their stares; they had no words to address to her. Eventhough her demonic aura was undetectable, they knew that she was no ordinary little girl. It was much preferred that way, anyway. Ignorance is bliss.
-
Kagura got off her feather, a big relieved look on her face. She can't go on disobeying his orders. Sooner or later, Naraku's going to find out, and it would be over. Last time was probably her last.
"What do you know? Why do you even think about it? YOU tell me, Kagura. What do you think it's like?"
Yes, that was why she was doing this.
Inuyasha and the others were not so far away once she caught up to them. She hadn't really intended to find them so easily, but the loud voices of Inuyasha and Kagome was an easy give-away. The group was only as far as leaving the valley, heading for the opposite direction of where Naraku's castle was to be. The priestess was looking better than the last time she saw her, and all were in better spirits too.
Well, it didn't look as though they were going to be of any threat right now, so Kagura felt like meandering instead. Naraku hadn't said anything much. She could always bring on the reason of a tough battle, which was why she hadn't returned so easily.
"So, what to do?" Kagura sneaked a peek around her. She could always-No, it would be a stupid idea. But...No one had to know, right? A sly look took over her face.
"I'll come back to finish you off, do you hear?" called Kagura, hopping onto her feather.
Yes, she was going to do just that.
-
Sango stealthily creeped about the hall, trying to avoid bringing about any noise. Lucky for her, the exterminator training had worked to her advantage. Yet there was also the dust that littered the floor like ashen snow, helping to muffle out the sound. With no one around, visiting Kohaku again would be a cinch. Kagura had left her door suspiciously unlocked, then she was sent to follow Inuyasha and the group again. No one else would follow her as Kanna was never seen. Naraku didn't seem to go anywhere else besides his room, so there was nothing to worry about.
"No wonder that demon's so pale. He's like a mole child." Sango muttered to herself, feeling through the darkened hall with her hands sliding on the wall. The locked door came to view again. Her muscles strained in protest as she tried to lift the wood off. Both of her knees buckled with the excess weight, and her arms felt stiff from the lack of food. Within half an hour of pulling and pushing, the fruits of her labour finally showed, and the wood fell with a loud 'thud'.
Sango sneaked inside, hoping that her luck of not being caught would remain until she had finished her talk with Kohaku. Her excitement made her jittery, and she moved a little noisier than she would have liked.
Kohaku was already fully awake, staring at her warily again, his sickle held at the ready. He was not so poised, but more or less restless. His body spoke anxiety, and eagerness for detachment.
Cautiously Sango moved forward, afraid to startle him with sudden movements.
"Kohaku." she called out, reaching out a hand to him. "Please, just listen to what I have to say."
"I can't talk to enemies like you." Kohaku replied, and the chain connected to his sickle chimed.
Sango could feel his shoulders tense up, as though he was fighting a battle with himself. She reached out to him, but he slashed his sickle at her, telling Sango to stay away. Quickly she retreated, barely missing the blow.
"I want to help you escape."
"Please. No. I don't want him to hurt me anymore." Kohaku choked out. "I don't want to kill anymore. Just leave me alone."
Sango was startled. What? Did Kohaku just say he didn't want to kill anymore? "Kohaku." Sango began, as she tried to reach out to him again. "Please, let me help you. If you let me, then I can save you from him."
Kohaku jerked away as her fingers touched his. "I don't want to. It hurts to remember."
"Just try."
Sango kneeled beside him, hoping for him to look up at her. "I'm Sango, Kohaku. Don't you remember who I am?" gently she placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Kohaku carefully lifted his head to meet hers. Sango's eyes connected with his, and she knew at once that this Kohaku was going to be hard to get to. His eyes looked lost, and frightened. Yet his mouth was set in an emotionless line, his cheeks as pale as the one who imprisoned him.
Looking deeper into her eyes, however, Kohaku suddenly flinched. "I-I know you."
Sango bit her lip. It was a start. "Yes, Kohaku. Anything else?" Her hands tightened on his shoulder. They looked into each other's eyes, with Kohaku searching for familiarity.
Kohaku tore his eyes away from her. "I'm sorry. I only know you, but I don't know from where." he paused to look at the door. "I know you. I don't want to have to kill you."
Sango bit her lip harder, as she felt touched by his concern. That statement, however, didn't imply that it was because he thought of her as his sister. This concern was one with a conscience. So perhaps he wasn't as lost as she thought.
"That's alright." Sango replied, making the boy look confused. "do you remember...father?" she emphasized on the last word, hoping it would help jog some memories. The boy shook his head, and Sango's head hung down. She shouldn't get her hopes up again.
How could she have thought that it would be easy? Of course it wouldn't. Kohaku's memories were probably erased by now. She was also running out of ideas to try on him. If Kohaku was out of her reach when she was this close to him-thinking that way never helped anyone; she had to get ahold of herself.
Silence consumed them, and Sango could only guess what was going on in her brother's mind. There were many ways to interpret silence, but the foremost interpretation was that Kohaku was in deep contemplation. Sango had nothing else in mind but to enjoy it. Silence may not be a form of conversation, however she welcomed these few moments as though it were a precious gift given by the heavens. How long has it been since she had taught Kohaku the ways of the demon exterminators? Far too long.
'Oh, Kohaku. I'd give anything to have you back.'
A few times Kohaku looked at her, as though he wanted to say something, but he withdrew, turning his head away.
"Kohaku, what is it?" asked Sango, as the curiosity got the best of her.
"Miss...-"
"Sango."
"Miss Sango... I want to know..." Kohaku paused. His breathing became unsteady, betraying the blank expression on his face.
"Go on." Sango egged him on. 'Anything, anything that you remember.'
"I want to know...the truth... Please tell me about my life."
-
Kanna ambled on, noiselessly entering the village. She spotted the many farmers working steadily on the rice fields, and the women who were working on watering the many vegetables that were spread out on the land. The place was abundant in the rhythm of many hands working as one. For a few moments Kanna observed their movements, feeling quite isolated. Was this what they called a normal life? What was a "normal" life? Her eyes glazed over as she imagined what it felt like to do such an unthinkable thing.
How different would living in a place like this be if she compared it to living in Naraku's castle? Kanna's head tilted to the side as she had a vision of working in a field, watering a shrub with a watering can. Why did these people care about some plants?
Cows called from somewhere in the distance, where smaller humans gave out fresh grass for them to eat. They would then laugh and fetch some more once it was needed. The smell of fresh grass was surrounding her.
Realizing that she had been staring for too long, Kanna slipped, unnoticed, into the shadows made by the nearby trees. The villagers thankfully hadn't noticed, and they continued on with their progress.
Peering beyond the many leaves that surrounded her, she continued her exploration. Kanna only tampered along the edge of the village, and behind houses. From there she briefly heard a small voice, higher in pitch than that of an adult.
Wondering where it came from, Kanna strained to listen again. She followed the sound until a small hut indicated that the source of the voice was unknown. A small figure came from around the corner to behind the house, where Kanna was.
Startled, the girl barely managed to stifle a scream.
-
It wasn't so hard to find them; smoke was rising into the sky as she flew by. She had left them in search of her own quarry, which led her all the way back to where she had started. Actually, it was quite convenient, seeing them all together like this. She carefully made sure that the wind was in her favour before getting any closer.
Kagura watched from within the tree tops, concealed among the high branches and leaves. This stunt of hers was risky from both being found out by the ones she had been spying on, and Naraku. He may take a certain amount of time to figure out where she was, and by then Kagura would be back to her task. Well, that's what she planned, at least.
Looking down below, she watched.
"Okay, Kouga, whaddaya want now?" demanded Inuyasha loudly, as the wolf demon landed in their site, where they were busy taking a small snack.
They hadn't bothered to take out the pack lunch just yet, but they caught some fish for nourishment, and cooked them by a fire. The fish had barely time to cook when the familiar tornado of air dropped by, and Kouga popped up, looking like- well -Kouga. Kagome had barely enough time to ask what he was doing there when he hurried to her side, asking how she had been. Inuyasha, not liking the view, decided to walk off, bristling as he went.
Miroku, Shippo and Kirara just ignored them, and continued to tend to the food. This happened to often for them to pay attention. Not long after, Hakkaku and Ginta arrived, panting heavily, collapsing on the logs next to the fire.
Kagura laughed. Those two were real slow, and pretty useless. How Kouga stands their presence is surprising. She then jumped up higher into the trees as Inuyasha walked her way, muttering curses under his breath. However, he didn't go far. Inuyasha only went as far as a few metres before he leaned against the tree, watching the clearing.
Kagome was then talking happily, before sitting down. Kouga followed her, and pointed to her leg. After a few words were exchanged between them, Kagome lifted her leg up to show him the cut.
Somewhere below her, Kagura heard Inuyasha unsheathing his sword.
"Hm...This looks like fun." she snickered to herself, and continued to survey the scene.
Kouga was peering closely at the slowly healing wound. A few more words were said, ending with Kagome waving her hand carelessly as if the injury were nothing. He smiled at her, then stroked her leg slowly, with a concerned look on his face.
It was only a fraction of a second until the leaves were tossed to and fro as a sudden gust of wind blew them around.
"Ah." Kagura smiled. "So the puppy's gotten jealous."
Kagome appeared to have stayed neutral, unknown to the angry hanyou that was coming her way. Yet something in the air must have felt wrong ( or maybe it was her growing powers ), and soon the priestess was standing up on her feet, shoving Kouga out of the way.
A second later, Inuyasha was wrestling an angry Kouga, both baring their teeth in annoyance. Kagome was yelling at them to stop, and Hakkaku and Ginta were sighing inwardly. Miroku and Shippo just stood there in case anything serious should happen. Inuyasha had neglected to use his sword, and instead settled on using his two fists. Kouga had no problem with that, as they both exchanged blow after blow.
Kagura just leaned on the tree, already knowing how things would turn out.
The blows began to get more dangerous, and the faster they moved. Inuyasha was battling on with sheer ferocity, and Kouga was battling on with skills in order to defend himself. They both ignored Kagome's calls and pleas for them to stop, as neither one refused to turn their back and be beaten down.
Finally, a loud shout was heard, breaking the fight entirely.
Just as Kagura had predicted.
"INUYASHAAAAAAAAA! SSSSSSSITTTT!" Kagome yelled at the top of her lungs.
Immediately, the beads on Inuyasha's neck glowed, and drove him into the ground. Kouga landed a few feet away from him, wiping off a bead of sweat that dripped from his forehead.
Kagura noticed his lips move hurriedly, gesturing to the hanyou on the ground, before waving goodbye. Hakkaku and Ginta, who each had just taken a bite of fish that was given to them jumped up, and waved their own goodbyes as Kouga dashed away once more.
Smiling to herself, Kagura took out her feather, and followed him.
Kouga was fast, but certainly not very much so while she had the luxury of flying. His two followers had again been left behind, try as they might to catch up. Gliding gently through the air Kagura followed, imagining herself running away like this. Not as fast, though. But, wasn't this freedom, this spying that she was doing. She chose to do this, right?
No. The answer was easy. This wasn't freedom. Freedom didn't have to involve havnig a master to serve.
Looking down, she saw the wolf demon stop.
"Shit." Kagura whispered, realizing that she hadn't been paying attention to her actions being so immersed in her thoughts. He probably already sensed her presence there.
Kouga didn't stop for long, however, and he ran off again, to an unknown destination. Perhaps he though that her aura was merely a figment of her imagination? Kagura continued on; she was interested in what someone as crass ( in her opinion ) as that wold demon did in his spare time. Other than tailing Kagome 24/7.
"What does he see in her, anyway?" whispered Kagura, glaring at the tornado in distaste. "I mean, is he that STUPID to not notice that the girl's not interested?"
The wolf demon stopped again, this time, sniffing the air carefully around him. Kouga's face was set in a deep frown, his knees bent, ready to spring into action. Even after the brawl with the hanyou, he still saw fit to fight?
Kagura froze in her feather, coming to a stop in the nearby trees. She must have spoken out too loud without meaning to, and somehow he must have heard her.
Her hopes of him continuing on came to a close as he sat down near a shaded patch of grass, clearly waiting for his fellow demons.
Glancing in the direction of the sun, Kagura knew that her time was up, and she had to get back to her job. She had to report their exact location before returning to Naraku. There was always tomorrow, and this time, Kagura would be making sure that she was aware of her actions.
-
Kanna was prepared to suck the girl's soul out of her if she failed to silence herself. Then her death will certainly cause a lot of suspicion, and maybe even the return of Inuyasha, Kagome, and group.
Now, all she had to do was turn around, and go back to Naraku, and report about Kagura's slip-up on her task. He wasn't going to be happy, that's for sure. Lord knows what he would do when Kagura returns. Hopefully the girl would stay quiet, and not cause any commotion.
From what she's learned about humans from her master, was that they were weak, delicate creatures, that were easily provoked, and just as easily broken. She didn't have to do much to scare them.
All was silent. Kanna and the girl barely made a move, as though they hadn't known what each other was capable of. The white demon of the void didn't know much about children, and the little girl didn't know who Kanna was.
Taking cautionary steps, the girl walked up closer to Kanna, putting her hands in the air to show that she didn't have anything that could scare her. She peeked into her face tentatively, trying to look at Kanna's face more closely. Up close, they were roughly the same height.
"Hello?" she asked, rather than said. "Hellooooooooooo?" The girl clasped her hands together, her peasant outfit way too big for her. The shoulders were way too baggy, with the whole length dragged lightly on the ground. Some parts were patched with mis-matched fabric because of tears.
Kanna stared at her blankly. Wasn't this girl scared of her? Naraku had said that humans could tell from any appearance on who was a demon or a human.
"Hi, how are you?"
The white demon failed to answer, as she hadn't thought of what would happen in such a situation. There was no note of challenge in her voice, no provocation. Kanna moved a step backward.
"Don't be scared. You're not from around here, are you?" the little girl smiled, showing her teeth, which had a few missing. She stopped walking towards Kanna, leaving a few metres between them.
When Kanna had failed to reply, she ignored it, and continued as if Kanna had spoken to her. She stepped up closer, holding out a hand.
"Do you want to play? I'm really bored. I'm just waiting with mama for papa to come back."
Kanna automatically held her mirror out in front of her in self defense. 'What is she? She's human, I know that much; yet she doesn't hold the same fear for demons.'
The girl, noticing Kanna's mirror, looked at it in interest. "Your mirror's very pretty." she said, as she eyed the frame work of the demon's mirror. "Your clothes are very pretty too." the girl then looked at Kanna's clothes, and then in turn, looked at her own. "Mine are very plain. I wish mama and papa could buy me nice clothes like yours someday." she paused.
"You're not like us, are you?" she gave an anxious look at Kanna, who continued to back away, holding her mirror out in front of her.
"Please, stay. Will you play with me?" she pouted lightly, kneeling on the ground, as though she was begging a parent. Then, a look of revelation. "Oh, you think I'm going to take your mirror?"
Kanna shook her head from side to side. No human will be able to handle her mirror.
"I won't take it, I promise." the girl smiled again, standing up. Then, taking Kanna by surprise, the girl reached out her hand.
On reflex, Kanna's mirror began to glow. Who would care if she caused some panic? Kagura caused a lot of havoc many times before. This human was not like the rest.She was as small as the ones she saw feeding the cows, but she was just here, all by herself. Waiting. What was the importance of waiting for her father?
"Come play!"
Kanna was taken out of her reverie as the girl's small hand grasped her wrist, and dragged her towards the house. That sudden move took made her lose her concentration on her mirror, almost dropping it. She tried to squirm out of the girl's grasp; but a part of her wanted to know what this "play" was like. Holding her mirror in her right hand, she let the human drag her into the house.
The house was quite small, Kanna noted as they entered. It only had about two rooms; one where they would hold most of their daily routines, and the other for sleeping in.
No one was inside, yet the girl was pretty much okay about it. Kanna just watched her move around the room, rummaging through the various containers that were organized according to size along one wall. Stopping at one, the little girl pulled out a small bundle of pale cream-coloured cloth.
Excitedly, she pulled on Kanna's wrist once again to sit down. She then placed the bundle between her and Kanna, smiling slightly.
"I want you to meet Mia. She's a doll." the little girl unfolded the bundle, and inside lay a small ragdoll with a painted face and had thick strands of string for hair. Mia was wearing a small kimono made of spare pieces of silk cloth, complete with a yellow obi.
"Mia." repeated Kanna, surveying it closely. Never had she seen one of these.
"Do you want to hold her?" she asked, holding Mia out for Kanna.
The demon frowned a little. Then, reluctantly she placed her mirror on the floor beside her. Encouragingly, the girl looked very pleased when Kanna held the doll as she had. Excitement was strongly radiating off the girl's body.
"She's my favourite doll."
Kanna looked at the girl and to the doll. "What do you do with...This?"
The girl was eager to reply, as this stranger had seemed interested. "You play, of course. Haven't you played before?"
Kanna shook her head. There were many different things to learn, and Kanna now knew that there was more to humans than they let on. "What is play?"
The girl laughed. "I'm sure you've played before. It's just-" she broke off, biting her lip in thought. Then, she furrowed her brows. "I don't know how to say it, but I can show it to you."
Kanna had lost track of time. The girl was showing her all the kinds of things that she did with Mia. Never had the demon of the void seen anything like it. Who knew that rags sewn together to form a human figure with clothes on could bring such...fun? Fun...That's what the girl said they were having. Kanna had never felt fun before. It was a new feeling. Strange, but not unpleasant.
Never before had Kanna spoken so many times. Every time she would open her mouth, the little girl was always listening, as if she was happy to have her as company.
The girl was just about to show her another type of game when the door slid open, and a tired-looking woman came in, with a smaller child than the girl. He looked no older than three. Immediately, the woman's face was turned into surprise, as she saw her daughter's company. Placing her son behind her, she turned to the girl.
"Who is she?" the tone in her voice was tense.
Kanna picked up her mirror from it's place beside her, ready to defend herself from the newcomer. At the moment she saw the mirror, the older woman grasped her son to make sure that he was behind her.
"Mama, don't be afraid. She's new-" the girl then looked alarmed. "I've forgotten to introduce myself!" she said aloud, surprised. Standing up, she gave Kanna a small bow. "I'm Reiko. Nice to meet you."
Kanna just blinked, before realizing that she had to do the same. Slowly she stood up, still holding her mirror in her hand. Bowing, she said; "They call me 'Kanna'."
The little girl looked satisfied, but the mother narrowed her eyes in suspicion. The aura around her was scared, angry, with hints of mustered-up courage.
"Are you a demon?" she asked, as her breathing began to speed up.
"A demon of the void." answered Kanna, gesturing to her mirror, which glowed. This was a human that certainly recognized her.
Reiko's mother gasped, before rushing forward to grab her daughter away from Kanna. "S-stay away, demon, w-we want no trouble." she stammered, as Reiko looked at her in confusion.
"Mama, please, Kanna's a good friend, she's played with me, mama, let her stay for a short while?" the girl pleaded, clutching her mother's hand in earnest.
"No, Reiko." the woman's voice was nervous, but sure of herself. "I have already told you about your father's run-in with a demon. When he returns today and he sees you befriending one-Reiko, you just can't." her mother finished, still watching Kanna warily.
Kanna's eyes wandered from the girl's mother's face to the next. Reiko was looking sad, with every crease in her face contributing to her dislike, but resigned to her mother's decision. The excited aura emitting from her was gone. Now, Reiko was letting out waves of a more heavier sort, one that she found out she shared. It was as though this 'friend' that Reiko called her was something that was important in making a person happy.
But now, now that Reiko's mother had not liked the idea...
The demon watched as the woman began to step away from the door, holding her children with her at the same time.
Kanna didn't need to be told on what she had to do. With no idea on what else she had to do, Kanna headed for the door.
Reiko suddenly broke out of her mother's grasp, and took Kanna's arm.
"Please. Don't go. Stay. Please." she whispered, with a hoarse voice.
Kanna turned her head to look at her face. Only to be surprised to see her eyes brimming with tears.
"Kanna, please. Stay." Reiko said again, tugging on her arm.
"No, Reiko. Let her go. She's a demon. That thing could be dangerous." warned her mother, trying to take Reiko's arm, but the girl just shook her off.
Kanna looked at the mother, then back to Reiko. "I have to go...I'm not welcome here." she got to the door, and tried to shake off the girl's grip on her arm.
"I don't care." the girl replied, shaking her head roughly. "I don't care if you are a demon, Kanna."
"Come ON, Reiko." said her mother, stamping her foot. "Don't encourage it." she took ahold of Reiko's arms, and pulled out her grasp on Kanna.
"No, no, no, NO!" shouted Reiko, trying to get back to Kanna. This time, she didn't fight off her tears. They fell freely, all for Kanna to see. "I don't care if you're a demon!" she wailed, wriggling around her mother's grasp, with her brother standing in the corner, watching his sister.
Kanna just walked away, knowing that whatever it is the woman said, it was true. She was a demon. A part of Naraku, no less. Even if she hadn't heard of anything, she knew that many people hated Naraku. Perhaps this was just one of the people that had been personally affected by him.
Reiko called out her name again, as she tried to stay near the doorway. Kanna was already heading out into the woods, when she heard it.
She stopped, staring at the trees that were waiting for her.
"I don't care if you're a demon!" called out Reiko, as her mother held on to her tightly, restraining her from following the demon.
"Y-you were a good friend!"
Kanna almost dropped her mirror, that was in it's place between her two hands. Quickly she regained her posture, in fear that Naraku might have suddenly gone by and saw her.
Looking back she saw Reiko, now limply hanging in her mothers' arms, her mouth quivering as she let her eyes drain out her emotions.
"Sayonara...Reiko." said Kanna, turning around to walk into the forest. She didn't turn around again until she was out of sight, trying to sort out the thoughts that were racing through her mind.
Suddenly she realized how quiet things were, when you were by yourself. With no one to talk to, your thoughts were hidden away. No one would ever listen to what was on your mind. No one to comfort you if things weren't going your way, like Reiko.
Reiko...No one had ever shed tears for her before.
What was so bad about humans that Naraku hated? Was he so blind to see them for what they could truly be?
In Kanna's case...
Kanna started her journey back to Naraku's castle. Reiko had called her a-what was that word?
Oh, yes. Reiko had called her a friend. The meaning fainly resounded in Kanna's mind. She had a friend. Having one was something very special, she heard Kagura say one day. However, herself being a demon, that friendship was only in her dreams now. She should have enjoyed Reiko's company while she had the chance.
Kanna suddenly startled on what Naraku would think when she came back without a report. Forcefully putting all things aside, she began to work up her own version of events.
-
Sango tried to tell as much as she could to Kohaku. He hadn't made any indication on whether he remembered anything or not. Her brother just sat beside her, neutral. He didn't decline when she placed a hand on his lap for reassurance. Nothing was said when he told him about how hard he trained.
All he did was listen to every word Sango would say about their life.
He hadn't said anything when she got up to leave, either. Yet when she turned to look at him again, his face held a look of deep thought.
Before Sango slid the door closed, she finally heard him.
"Miss Sango...Thank you..."
She finally closed the door, and felt the same pangs in her muscles as she heaved the lock back in place. Leaning against the wall, Sango replayed the words in her head, trying to remember the tone in his voice. What did those parting words mean? Did it mean that Kohaku's finally remembered? But...If he did, then wouldn't he have called her just "Sango" without the "Miss"? There were many ways to interpret it, but she couldn't hang around here to find out. If Naraku was nearby, then maybe she would be confined to her cell for the whole time.
Tired, she headed for her room, walking the now-slightly familiar hallway that she recognized to be in the direction of her cell.
A sudden instinct told her to turn to around.
Without even looking, she already knew who it was. She could tell by the aura that suddenly filled the air around her, including the walls and the floor. He was wearing his purple robes again, with his hair in it's usual style. Freely loose about him, which was slightly wavering under the strong aura around him.
His eyes were smiling at her, while his face was set in an unpleasant smirk. She felt her blood boil, as she hated that look. That look that told her about his thoughts on him being the superior being.
Naraku was walking steadily towards her, his robes trailing behind him like some shadow.
Sango tensed as he neared her, summoning her strength to fight him. Her thoughts grew more serious as Naraku just casually walked closer, pausing beside her only to throw her a sneer. Then, he continued on, not looking back.
Relieved and angered that he hadn't made a move then and there, Sango let out the breath that she didn't know she was holding. These tense moments were getting tiresome, and it took a while for her to get her heart rate to normal. Racing hearts and boredom were the least of her worries.
Had Naraku known where she had gone?
-
C.A.: There, uh, heh, it's much longer than what I would usually put down, but, I didn't think that it would take this long. Too many things to put in. The scenes I found most difficult was with Sango and Kohaku, and the other was with Kanna and Reiko's meeting. The ending to Kanna's part was much more different than what I imagined ( Or what I had intended ). I was actually going to have it happier, but it wrote itself out!
Anyway, I've always wondered what you think, so, uh, please, review. So scared of flames, but is much braver now