Chapter 12: Kurai Kaze
The mansion looked like it was old and in disrepair, its paint fading, and the place ready to collapse at the slightest breeze, but Shippo knew illusion magic when he saw it, and passed through the illusion. He saluted the two guards that appeared out of the fog.
"I'm here to report," he announced. One of the guards nodded and gestured for him to enter the great hall. He did, noting that there were plenty of braziers glowing brightly to illuminate the hall as he scampered down it. At the far end, three figures stood, conversing. Shippo worked to contain a snarl as he recognized the Thunder Brothers, Hiten and Manten, the demons responsible for killing his parents. But it was the third person that he'd come to talk to. Naraku, a powerful spider-demon who had promised to return his father's pelt if the kitsune brought him back Lord Sesshomaru's sword, Tenseiga.
Shippo knelt before the dark-haired demon. "Master Naraku, I...I couldn't find Tenseiga. I was spotted and attacked by guards, but Kikyou-sama helped me escape. I'll try again tomorr..." he was cut off as Manten, backhanded the kit across the room.
The younger of the Thunder Brothers snarled at the kit, his massive maw gleaming with sharp teeth. "Baka! Why'd you even bother coming back, you worthless lump of fur. Maybe I should turn you into a hat to match your father!" He strode across the room after the kit.
"Manten, please contain yourself," Naraku commanded softly. The larger demon paused and glanced over his shoulder as the dark-haired demon rose from his throne and walked over to the kit. He picked Shippo up gently. "Please tell Master Naraku more about Kikyo-sama, Shippo-kun."
Shippo shuddered a little. "She was...kinda nice. I mean, she let me eat lunch with them."
"And how did she convince the guards to let you go?"
"Well, I think she used some sort of spirit power, like a priest or miko. Do human princesses all use powers like that?"
Naraku gave Shippo a smug smile. "No, Shippo, they don't. This princess is quite special. Now, I think I have a new idea on how you can earn your father's pelt back. Do you want to hear it?" Naraku stroked Shippo's fur, and he had to suppress another shudder.
"Uh, sure..."
"I want you to go to Kikyou-sama and convince her to come with you outside of the palace. Bring her into town...tell her you whatever you want. Just get her outside, and Manten will hand over the pelt. Agreed?"
"You...you aren't going to hurt Kikyou-sama, right?" Shippo asked as he stared up into Naraku's black eyes.
Naraku smiled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Author's Notes: Kurai means 'dark' and 'Kaze' means wind... so Dark Wind.
Ah, the plot thickens, and yes, Shippo is starting out as an enemy of sorts... but don't worry, he'll get his shot at redemption. :D