Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me.
Chapter Five: Meeting Naraku
Naraku stood across the room from them. Inuyasha's instincts were to protect his friends from this man. Quickly he stepped in front, blocking Kagome from view.
"Greetings warriors," the longhaired man said as he extended his hand towards them in welcome. "We are pleased that you could join us. Are you ready to play?"
One by one the friends sat down in the chairs that Naraku motioned to.
"I am Naraku Onigumo. Thank you for coming to play my game. I will go over the rules and basic game play with you before you enter my world and begin your quest. But first I would like to know a little bit about each one of my players. Please tell me your name, age, a little bit about yourself, and what type of player you prefer to use.."
The room was quiet. Inuyasha had that itchy feeling again. He wondered if it was too late to change his mind.
"My name's Shippo Seriyo. I'm 14 and I'm a certified genius. I just graduated from high school and will be starting at Harvard this coming fall. I like to play as the fox demon, the illusionist. He's cool."
Inuyasha studied the kid. Too smart for his own good. Probably doesn't know how to relate to kids his own age. But the kid is energetic and optimistic… annoyingly so. He tried to not dwell on how attached the kid seemed to be to Kagome already. He also refused to speculate on if she liked younger guys or not.
"I'm Koga Wolfe. I'm 24 and am working on my Bachelors degree in English. I prefer the wolf demon. Strong and fast. A good protector." He winked at Kagome.
What a jerk, Inuyasha thought to himself. And he's making Kagome feel uncomfortable. Wonder if we're allowed to kill off our own teammates early in the game…
"Sango Chikara. I'm 19 and am starting my second year of college this fall. After I graduate I plan on applying for the police academy. I always play as the demon slayer. I like the variety of weapons and fighting techniques it allows me."
Not a girl to mess with. I wonder why she didn't say she likes to be the slayer since it's one of the strongest female characters. Funny that even her last name means 'strength'. Doesn't look like she trusts Naraku either, I can tell. Smart girl. Inuyasha watched as she scooted farther from Miroku as he scooted closer to her.
"I am Miroku Kinomoto. I am 22 and work at a fine entertainment establishment serving a wide variety of beverages to our patrons. I play the monk. It is a strong offensive and defensive character." He smiled at Sango.
Translation, Inuyasha smirked, he's a bartender at a topless bar.
Inuyasha turned to Kagome as she nervously cleared her throat and fiddled with the hem on her skirt.
"Um… my name is Kagome Higurashi. I'm 17 and just graduated. High school, I mean. I'm just going to go to a local college part time… I'm sorta learning the family business… a shrine… Um… anyhow, I'm new to playing the game. I like being the miko though. I like that … she can heal people and… protect them... a little at least."
She's way too nervous. She can't even look anyone in the eye. Inuyasha froze when she suddenly lifted her eyes up and looked at him. He felt like she was asking him to save her, and suddenly he had the strongest urge to do just that.
"Inuyasha." He said abruptly, knowing that he sounded rude, but at least it took all eyes off of Kagome, who was beginning to look like she might bolt. "19, graduated this year, am the dog demon."
He glared at the group, as if daring them to say anything. He hated it when anyone mentioned how old he was when he graduated high school. It wasn't his fault his mother homeschooled him while they traveled around the world, following his father's jobs. His life was just fine, thank you very much, and it bugged him when anyone made snide comments about it.
Naraku gave the group a smile and folded his hands in his lap. Inuyasha thought he looked like one of those villains from old time movies. All he needed was a handlebar mustache to twirl around while cackling maniacly.
"It is good to meet you all. Congratulation on being selected for this exciting adventure in computer gaming. It will be an experience you will never forget."
Now that sounds ominous. Inuyasha was more skeptical than ever.
"The Quest for the Shikon Jewel is a virtual role playing game. You will become the character that you play. You will see everything they see. You will feel everything they feel. Essentially, you will become that character."
Kagome shyly raised her hand, blushing madly. "How is that possible?"
Naraku smiled at her. "Technology… and magic."
The group looked at each other questioningly. No one seemed sure if he was kidding or not. Sango and Miroku looked ready to get up and leave, Shippo looked ready to jump right in, Kagome looked like she was in the middle of a bad science fiction movie, and Koga looked like he was just waiting to swoop down on her. That last part may have been Inuyasha's imagination though…
"You have been selected to give the game a trial run. There are still a few glitches to work out. We will be monitoring your progress as you play. At this moment there are no save points, and once the game begins, you must see it through to the end."
Miroku gasped. "That could take days!"
"Or weeks." Naraku smiled. "Perhaps longer, perhaps shorter. It is up to how quickly you defeat your enemies and collect the Shikon Jewel."
"Um…" Kagome raised her hand again. "You said we couldn't stop, and that there are no save points… when are we supposed to sleep?"
"You sleep in the game. There are inns if you have the money, and the ground if you do not. I recommend that you find money. You will enjoy your meals more if you have money. Otherwise you will have to hunt for your food."
"What happens if we don't?" Sango asked.
"You will die."
The group was quiet.
"You mean our characters will die?" Inuyasha tried to clarify.
Naraku smiled. "Of course." He stood up and beckoned the others to follow him.
One by one they stood up and followed him down the hall. Inuyasha smirked as Kagome kept close to his side, much to Koga's dismay. Just to tick Koga off a bit more, and to comfort his friend naturally, he took Kagome's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. It earned him a heartfelt smile from the girl and a glare of death from the young man. Ah, life was good.
Eventually they ended up in a large room filled with computers, monitors, and one huge machine with six openings.
Naraku gave them yet another of his smiles. "This is the game."
"Kinda big isn't it?" Shippo asked.
Naraku smiled. "Yes."
"Not very portable." Miroku commented.
"No way people could afford one of these things." Kagome whispered to Inuyasha.
Koga moved closer to the front of the group and spoke up. "So, when do we get to play this game?"
"Tomorrow morning you will meet in this room. Each of you will enter one of the chambers. You will be equipped with the necessary items to survive the game."
"What if we change our minds?" Inuyasha asked. "What if we decide we want to leave, right now?"
"I will have you arrested. Each of you signed a contract. If you leave now, or any time before the game is completed, you will be in breach of contract, and you will be sued. And my lawyers are well paid to do their job." Naraku continued to smile and talk pleasantly, which is disconcerting when someone is talking about suing you.
Inuyasha felt Kagome shiver. He looked down at her.
"Something doesn't feel right," she whispered to him. He nodded in agreement.
Naraku addressed the group again. "I want you all to meet me back here at nine o'clock in the morning after you have had breakfast. Have a good evening."
With that he turned and walked out of the room. A young woman with platinum blonde hair, bordering on white, silently came into the room and beckoned them. She took them out of the room and back down the hall. Without a word she led them to the front of the building and left them.
"Was anyone else creeped out?" Shippo asked.
