Chapter 40: Crossing the T's and Dotting the I's
It was still fairly early when Sango and Miroku landed in Taijia village, the trip made quickly by flight via Kirara. It looked about the same as it did when she saw it last. Knowing they were on a time crunch she led them directly to the hut. She stifled a giggle when the first thing she noticed were Mirkoku's left over ofudas and bedroll by the door. She remembered where they were supposed to have been and knew that Kohaku must of relocated them on his previous visit. Looking up at her monk she realized he'd also noticed, and that his eye was ticking. Shaking her head she thought to talk to Kohaku about the new status of their relationship after this was all done. She followed Kohaku's directions and soon she was in the secret armory looking at familiar weaponry with a heavy heart.
"Sango, are you well?" Miroku asked her when she was stuck staring at a beautiful black and grey blade.
She didn't answer. She simply got to the task at hand. Reverently taking hold of the sword she placed it into the large bag she brought, along with the female battle boots. They grabbed a few more black steel shuriken and kunai before headed back up to the main armory. There they took all of the items necessary for weapons maintenance as well as a few anti poison masks for Kagome and Miroku.
As usual before they left they made a stop by the burial markers of her parents. Miroku watched his beloved as she gazed longingly at those graves. Sango often became quite melancholy and completely shut down whenever they visited the village and wouldn't speak much. There was a lot about herself that she kept closely guarded to her heart and it all had to do with her lost home here, and though she never spoke about it much he often wished she share her burdens with him. Nonetheless, he respected her boundaries and her need for silence, and so when her soft voice reached his ears the monk was slightly surprised.
"The sword belonged to my mother. Father said that when I became older it would be passed down to me. I don't remember my mother very well. She was beautiful, kind, but also very fearsome. I remember when she died that my father was lost to grief for a long time. She was protecting the village from a youkai attack. She fought an entire swarm alone because my father and the other slayers were away on a mission. She was successful, but the wounds she sustained were lethal. It's said her injuries should have killed her outright during that fight but she never faltered. She died a warrior. I wanted to be just like her. I trained hard, pushed myself past my limits, and was eventually the youngest official slayer. She was my hero, my idol. Yet somehow I'd completely forgotten about all of that. About the sword. About her. How could I forget her?" she said with tears in her eyes.
"My love, it is not that you forgot her. We have been living a survivalist lifestyle ever since Naraku entered into our lives. All of your efforts have been acutely focused on killing that evil fiend and avenging your village." The monk said pulling her into a hug. "You come from a line of fighters, they will understand and never judge you for it." Simply holding her close while she shed silent tears Miroku felt a surge of protectiveness and pride. His Sango never cried. Not in front of anyone. Knowing that she let down her defenses to confide in him made him feel honored and cherished. When he felt her relax into his hold he thought to ask something of her.
"I recall that your father was named Ishin, but I do not feel as if I know your mother's name."
"Yume. Her name was Yume." She said quietly.
"A beautiful name with good omen. Perhaps if our child is female, if you see fit, we may honor her with it."
Looking up at Miroku she was reminded of why she fell in love with him. With a smile and a sweet kiss she nodded her head in agreement and turned out of his hold. Looking back towards the graves she bowed deeply and vowed to avenge them and to live a life that would bring them honor.
"The morning is still favorable, we should go before the heat makes it an uncomfortable trip." Sango said as she grabbed Miroku's hand and led him to the now transformed Kirara. They shared a companionably silent trip back to Edo, both happy and determined to face whatever may come together.
Koga made haste to return to his pack with the new information he'd gleaned. He may no longer have the jewels in his legs, but he still was damned fast and soon he was skidding to a stop outside of his den. The prince let a smirk show when he saw the entrance to their den. It looked like they were remodeling. What just used to be a large opening in the wall was now mostly covered up and had a large stone door with huge circular pullies. Before he could open it up himself, it opened on its own with both Ginta and Hakaku on the other side.
"Boss! You're back!" they both said in unison.
"Yea, I got some news, but it looks like you guys have some too if the new door is anything to go by." Koga replied.
They basically told him that the pack had an idea to made their den more accommodating to their soon to be Lady. Mostly it was Ayame's and the females ideas, but the men found that they liked the new bits of privacy that they were receiving. Most of their sleeping chambers had doors now, and they also gathered materials to create the perfect futon for Koga's sleeping chambers. They wanted their new Lady to be comfortable and because she wasn't a wolf she would probably want some privacy every once in a while. They also still had their main den piled up for shared sleeping for everyone else who didn't want to stay in their chambers.
Koga really enjoyed the rustic design of their den and thanked everyone for their efforts. It was looking more and more like a small fortress instead of a basic den and he was proud his packs ingenuity and talents. He then told everyone about the battle on the morrow and the plans that were drawn up, and they all wished him speed and strength. The prince gathered up his best armor and sharpened his sword before taking off back to Edo, ready to make that bastard Naraku pay, and to take Kagura as his mate.
On a normal day, Shippo would say that he liked sparring. Enjoyed it immensely actually. Today, however, that was NOT the case. You see, his usual opponents weren't actually trying to grind him to a pulp or maim him. The breath was knocked out of his lungs for the umph-teenth time as he was catapulted into a tree by the furry boa of Lord Sesshomaru. It was a two on one battle: Rin and Shippo against the demon Lord. Still, it seemed like it was an unfair match-up. They hadn't been able to lay a scratch on him the entire morning and it wasn't for lack of trying. While it did appear that Sesshomaru pulled his punches so to speak for Rin it was definitely not true in his case. If anything it was more like he was receiving the roughest hits possible without causing lasting damage. Oh how torturous it was. He couldn't even ask to take a break in fear that that this was also likely some sort of test of his mettle. The last thing he wanted to do was look weak! So raising up once more he took a deep breath and readied himself for another 'instructional' beating.
Rin for her part was doing her best to get a hit in on her Sesshomaru-sama but he was really giving her a hard time. He was being particularly vicious today and though it was wearing at her she knew that it was for her own good. Besides, she appeared to be on the receiving end of some restraint, unlike her intended. He was definitely getting the short end of the stick. At least that's what Kagome would call it. The princess thought not too much about that, but used it to her advantage the best she could to exploit a possible opening. It almost worked a few times. Still it was difficult and her father never made it easy. She cringed inwardly when Shippo hit a tree so hard that the leaves began to fall upon impact. Rin rushed toward Sesshomaru lightning fast and slashed upwards aiming for his pelt only for it to dodge and wrap itself around her and spin her down to the ground. Using the momentum, she rolled into a crouch and pounced back up again, not ready to back down until she got a clean hit.
On the other hand, Sesshomaru was having a difficult time withholding a smirk. Never had he ever had the pleasure of sparring with any of those who courted Rin. No other had made it to that stage. But this, oh, this was fun. It was almost like playing with your prey before you devour them…giving them small glimpses of hope of escape only to tear it open with claws and teeth. It was especially entertaining watching this one truly attempt to land a blow on his person. Even more was the mere fact he assumed he'd be able to. Nonsense. This was merely an exercise in combat, for in a real battle against him the kitsune would be dead several times over. He did however earn a small modicum of respect at the fact that he had yet to call for a break and had great control over both his fox magic and his blades. Perhaps this…Shippo…would never be able to defeat him in power or prowess but he would make a formidable foe against many others. More training to increase both his magic and his battle readiness would make him quite the fearsome general one day. He would think on that later. Soon he would call an end to this spar, he could sense the weariness coming from both his pup and the fox. It wouldn't do to push them too far before the fight. As for now, there was still time for fun, well, for his fun that is. With a twitch of his lips he dodged their attacks once more, intent on enjoying this for at least a little bit longer.
Kikyo wandered slowly down to the brook, a water skin in one hand and a walking stick in the other. Inuyasha had filled her in on all of the current happenings before they broke their fast this morning and was feeling cast adrift at the moment. At one time she would have been included in these training sessions, however that was no longer the case. Her reiki was gone now, and her role was now simply as Inuyasha's mate and begrudging pack mate to his friends. She had garnered a bit of acceptance with them once before, but now, well she was very uncertain where she stood. She was still a worthy ally at that time. Now she was simply a woman. Strange that this was what she longed to be so long ago and now she loathes herself for it.
Kneeling beside the small rush of cold fresh water she let herself get lost in her musings. Not too long ago she was considered the pinnacle of power in regard to her reiki. She feared no one, nothing, and had even been so foolish as to think that none could hold a candle to her in battle. She was so very wrong. That witch proved she was just fooling herself, and all those vile men that hunted her only drove the point home. Her life was no longer something she was familiar with. She didn't remember the water feeling this cold. She didn't remember the futons being so uncomfortable. She didn't remember the morning air being so biting. She didn't even remember what it felt like being alive in her own skin. Oh, if only she hadn't been so prideful with that kuro miko maybe she would never of gotten the upper hand. If only she had been faster to dodge that last fate altering attack…
So many 'if only' statements were whirling through her head that she almost missed the sound of shaking bushes around her. Turning with a start she watched as a large bunny made its way out of the shrubs. It looked at her, sniffed, and went back into the bushes. Seconds later it returned with another smaller rabbit and together they slowly made their way to the brook keeping their weary eyes on her. The once priestess leaned over to pet the larger rabbit when the smaller one mock charged at her hissing. The large one simply finished drinking its water and nudged the small one before it took off back into the foliage. The small one followed it with one last hiss her way.
They were so adorable she couldn't hold onto the dark thoughts that began to weigh her down. The Kami were truly merciful to send along a cute distraction. For a moment she had almost forgotten the pact she made with herself about her fortune. True, her life was now unrecognizable, but she was not alone. She never really was, for he was always there for her. He always loved her, even when she was dead he continued to love her, and that love didn't change now that she lived once more. Inuyasha was truly the silver lining in the dark storm clouds that plagued her, and she vowed to be a good woman to him. She didn't need to be a priestess to do that. She just needed to be there for him, support him, and care for him. That's why she came to the brook.
Shaking her head she rid herself of those foul musings and set her sights once more on being a better help meet for her hanyo. Filling up the skin she reminded herself of the blessings she had, and all the goodness to come in the newfound life of hers. It would be a struggle, but she wasn't alone, and hopefully soon she would start to become close to her new family through Inuyasha. Rising she headed back to the area where her beloved was training with a newfound acceptance that would prove to be the start of a marvelous future.
The morning air was cool and brisk. The air passed through Kagome's hair peacefully as she watched her arrow strike true once more and creating a strong burst of reiki that lit up the entire area and expanded at least a mile out in every direction, but not strong enough to endanger those nearby. This morning would be the last chance they had to practice honing their skills for the fight to come. Yes, she knew that the REAL Naraku was no longer a legitimate threat but the same did not hold true for his incarnations. He had told her that they wanted to be free of him which sounded good in theory, but what if instead they decided to stay true to him? Especially if they believed the empty promises he gave them? He was also going to unleash the entire army of demons that he held under his control which would make it a lot harder to fight his pre-commanded puppet. Regardless, this was going to be difficult.
"Ye are seeming to be lost in thought child." The soft words of Kaede reached past her musings.
"I'm just worried. Naraku stole all my shards when he kidnapped me, and according to the information Kaen gave us last night there's a good chance he'll have the whole thing before the battle." The young priestess said, feeling slightly ashamed for lying to her mentor.
"Fret not dear, I have faith in ye and in all that will do battle. Now, I want ye to do that once more and erect a barrier to contain the reiki you've unleashed. Make it smaller than ye have done before. Have it include us and the tree ye hit only." The elder stated.
Kagome shook off her thoughts and focused on her present task. She was sure that everything would be alright. She just had to make sure they all stayed safe.
"Alright. Here goes nothing." She said under her breath.
It was a technique she'd been practicing for a while and had down pat, but she wanted to perfect it. Kagome wanted to cut down the time it took to create the barrier so reiki would not escape. It would be the method she used to finish off the puppet so she wanted to make sure it would pack enough power to break down every last speck of it.
Drawing the bow back she charged her reiki into the arrow, a feat made a thousand times easier now that her entire soul was hers again. When it reached a decent level of power she released and immediately formed a one-handed seal to erect a strong barrier. Focusing on the barrier she had it encase herself, Kaede, and the tree. The burst of reiki from the arrow was narrowly contained and reverberated within the encasement surrounding them. The air crackled with the power of her purity and eventually faded into nothingness.
Kaede applauded her efforts, for they were successful. Kagome wasn't as pleased. Some reiki still managed to escape before the barrier fully formed. Damn. Taking a deep breath, she took aim again.
Purification zipped through the fields nearby quickly and unexpectedly causing two sparring partners to freeze mid-battle. One's hair frizzled out with a shock while the others feathers ruffled out wildly.
"This is the sixth time… the sixth fucking time that she's zapped my ass! What the hell is she training on over there?! How to fry a demon from a distance?!" Inuyasha shouted irritably as he tried to pat down his hair.
"Yes, well, I am sure whatever she's doing it will end in our benefit…even if it belays discomfort now." Naraku replied while he shook out his plumed feathers.
The hanyo looked back at the hinotori and had to snort in amusement. Looks like he wasn't the only one getting zapped by Kagome's powers.
Naraku was mildly irritated but not at her, just at his body's reaction to her reiki. Did his hair have to stand up like that? Why his feathers too? He didn't think they could do that to begin with. Sighing he sheathed his sword seeing Inuyasha do the same thing. They'd been sparring since they got to the field and he was so very humbled by it. It seems that without the advantages of multiple limbs and a detachable body it was quite difficult to keep up with Inuyasha's fighting style. He was very quick, cunning, and he had to truly focus to best him. It did however feel good to test his new strengths against someone whom he'd fought with in the past. He used his wings to his advantage and even learned that they were powerful enough to generate a strong wind attack. In the end it seemed to be a draw which honestly felt like a point of pride. Naraku could admit that in the past when it came to brute strength Inuyasha always had him beat and so he never intentionally put himself in that position. Now that he was able to fight with him on equal footing he couldn't keep the smirk off of his face. Now he just needed to improve.
Both looked over when Kikyo stood and departed, saying that she would fetch Inuyasha some water and walked off. Inuyasha nodded to her and took a seat near the base of a large tree. It provided plenty of shade to cool down after all those hours of fighting, and Naraku decided to take a seat as well. Neither spoke for a time. They just sat there enjoying the rest. There was a companionable silence, but Naraku thought to try to interact with the hanyo, after all this was Kagome's best friend. It would be best to be civil with him and beside that it was the least he could do after all he put him though as his former self.
"Your mate…I remember seeing her when I trailed Naraku. Though I must say that she seems like a completely different creature than before. Her eyes were so cold and emotionless, like a doll, however I can see that it is no longer the case. In time I noticed her change, become lighter, and soon she was on the side of good. I assume you are the source of that change." The hinotori said.
"She's always been good…just blinded, that's all. I'm sure that K'gome told you about it already, but Naraku turned us against each other once. It was fucked up, but we were younger and too stupid to even think it through. If I had I'd of known that something was wrong…anyway, she died thinking that I killed her. Everything that she did I lay at Naraku's feet for putting her in that damned situation. That fucker's gonna pay." Inuyasha said looking intently down at the grass.
Naraku suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for putting them through that whole ordeal. There were so many other lives that he ruined, people he manipulated, acts of cruelty he committed…honestly, he was not sure he truly deserved to have a second chance. His newly acquired morality made him feel shame unlike that he'd experienced before, and he was unable to apologize for his actions directly. This group of nakama that Kagome held dear was full of those whom he manipulated and caused great pain to in the past and he wished he could make up for all his former self had done. Truly they all deserved a better chance and he robbed them of that with his thirst for power. He hoped that when they destroyed his puppet on the morrow that it would give them all some closure and a modicum of peace. Speaking of which, he also had in mind a kind of peace offering between he and Inuyasha. Hopefully it would suffice for now. Naraku took a deep breath and reached into the folds of his haori pulling out a rather large coin purse and bounced it in his hands. The movement caught the attention of the inu-hanyo beside him.
"There is a rather large market not too far from here, north-east of our location if I recall correctly. It is where I was able to resupply before coming here. It was fascinating, for there was no division amongst them. Demon shop owners vended side by side with humans and the crowd was filled with human, demon and hanyo alike. There was only the vendor and the customer. I plan on taking Kagome there as soon as she is finished with her practice, but it doesn't seem like it will be for a quite a while if the reiki flowing from the trees are any indication. There is a seamstress there that I've commissioned to create more of my attire and she is quick and kind. A young spider demon. She wove this entire outfit for me in mere hours, and I am amazed at the quality still. She even managed to make it fit around my wings. I am certain she can create fine kimono in a fraction of that time, as well as other things that women require." Naraku said.
Without looking over at Inuyasha he tossed the bag of coins in his direction knowing the hanyo's quick reflexes would catch it. Looking at him through the corner of his eyes and seeing the confusion in Inuyasha's face, the hinotori continued.
"A mating gift. From Kagome and I."
"From…Kagome?" Inuyasha said still a bit confused.
"Ah, yes, I can see how it would be strange for her to give you a gift of blessing for you and your mates relationship considering the past between them. She and I have talked much about this, and though she will probably never be close to Kikyo, she loves you dearly and wants nothing but happiness for you. Therefore she wanted to gift you with something practical, and what is more befitting than a large purse filled with coin?" replied Naraku.
After a few moments the inu-hanyo spoke and said, "This is a shit-ton of coins though, I don't know what she had to sell to get all this…" but before he could continue Naraku cut him off.
"She sold nothing. If it makes you feel better to know its source I stole a large sum of Naraku's fortune. More precisely, I found his treasure trove at one of his recent locations and I've stolen all of the coins he had. So fret not. It came at no cost, aside from that of a very upset and confused kumo-hanyo." The hinotori finished.
"Keh, gotta say I don't feel half as bad accepting it now."
"Yes, well, now would be the best time to travel to that marketplace since you'll be going on foot. I assure you that the seamstress is kind and will take great care in accommodating your mate. Kagome felt it would be simply…cruel…to have her dawn her old robes, bleeding heart that she is always looking out for others. I'm sure you understand."
"Yeah, I do. Thank her for me. Kagome…she deserves the best in everything. She deserves to be happy after all the shit she's been through with me and this whole fucked up world. So treat her right, or so help me I'll kill you and have Sesshomaru revive you so I can kill you again." Inuyasha said rising up as Kikyo returned to the clearing with a full waterskin.
"Hey Kikyo, how would ya feel about a quick trip out? There somewhere I wanna take ya." He said walking over to her. Without waiting for a response he scooped her up bridal style and was on his way.
Naraku simply let out a breath he'd been holding. He wasn't sure that Inuyasha would take the coins. It could have wounded his pride but Kagome had insisted and said it would be a good 'bonding' moment for them both. Not sure where she got that idea from, however, since it yielded good response he'd trust her judgement about such things more often. Now that he was alone it would be a good time to get to work on his last task: Final orders for his puppet and his minions.
Closing his eyes he took deep measured breaths, slowly entering a deep meditative trance that would connect him to his puppet. It took longer than he was comfortable with getting into contact with it and were it not for the vein of assistance that appeared in his minds eye he wasn't sure if he'd even be able to do it from this distance. That aid came from the disembodied priestess Midoriko. She tethered his youki to the remaining shards that hung around the puppets neck creating the connection he required to deliver his instruction. She also whispered to him the final locations of each jewel shard so that he may relay it to the puppet. When it was all done and his orders for the jewel search and final battle were received and understood, the connection was severed for the last time and a sense of resignation overwhelmed him. He was still in his trance when the priestess spoke to him softly.
'I believe my work here is now done, young one. I can feel the hands of the Kami leading me towards them. Fare thee well. May the Kami bless thee and thy mate and the future be filled with happiness.' Midoriko said gently.
'Thank you, truly, for this gift that you've given me priestess. I will live well in your honor and do all that I must to become worthy of this chance I've received. Be at peace, Midoriko.' Naraku replied.
He was then surrounded the most comforting sensation of warmth and serenity that he'd ever felt, and he knew instinctively that it was her soul giving his soul an embrace. The moment ended slowly as he felt her presence whittle away into nothingness and he was left alone on his meditative plain. It was peaceful there, and Kagome was no doubt still practicing as he still felt reiki in the air, so he decided to simply stay put for a while. It was a wonderful exercise in control and he was enjoying the atmosphere that added to its experience. That was however until he sensed a powerfully dangerous aura appear nearby that could only belong to one being. Slowly he receded from his trance-like state and opened his eyes to see the owner of that distinctive aura.
"Well, if it isn't Lord Sesshomaru. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
The atmosphere was stifling back at the old manor where Naraku's minions gathered one by one, patiently waiting on their "master" to make his appearance. They could feel his presence nearby, probably in his quarters still, and his aura was sharp and focused. Kanna was typically the one to summon him, but the events of yesterday were still very fresh in every one's memory and instead Hakudoshi told her it would be better to simply wait. They all agreed. Kohaku was looking out of the window gauging about how much longer until it was officially noon, Kagura was standing against the entryway blankly looking at the floor, Hakudoshi was staring up at the ceiling and Kanna was looking deep into her mirror.
The young slayer figured they had some time before their new quest would begin and looked onto the others. Specifically Kagura. He wondered how she was faring after yesterday but was unsure how to even go about asking her. She saved him the trouble of asking however as she turned her head slightly in his direction meeting his stare at with the corner of her eye. He stared back and started slightly when her blank look turned into a slight smirk and she laid one of her mischievous winks at him. Instantly he felt a small bit of relief that she'd not been broken beyond repair and that she was still herself. He smirked back with a small shake of his head at her antics. She was playing broken, just as he was playing servant.
Before he could even think anything else a very familiar voice began to speak in the back of his awareness. Glancing at Kagura she heard the same thing as her back straightened out. 'Kanna?' they both thought simultaneously. Slightly shocked they hazarded another quick look at one another.
'Please act natural, for I suspect saimyosho may be about, simply glance at me if you understand.'
Both the wind witch and the slayer briefly glanced her way and went back to their previous positions.
'I understand that this is most uncommon, however I must relay information of great importance. Sister, you remember that I came to you when I found out about my secret gifts? Of mind speak and visions?' The void demoness asked.
'Of course I do. I told you never to tell anyone about them. Especially Naraku. What's going on, Kanna?' Kagura replied.
'Fret not, I heeded your advice. It is what truly has kept us all alive. Many times have I stepped in and changed events to best suit our survival when I was able. I have blinded him to the many attempts at betrayal you begat Kagura. Kohaku, I hid you from his sight for years when you followed the priestess Kikyo and Lord Sesshomaru. It is because of this that I may ask something of you.' Kanna said.
'What exactly are you getting at Kanna? Because it sounds like you want us to repay a dept.' Kohaku questioned.
'The kid is right ya know.' Followed Kagura.
'I wish you to let us go. I know of the betrayal that you seek to bring upon Naraku during the battle on the morrow. If it falls in our favor, I want you both to create a window of escape for my mate and I. We simply desire to be free to raise our young in a world where we have no master. You both have power over those whom we will fight. Use it to set us free.' The void requested.
'Raise your young…Kanna…are you…' Kagura concluded in shock and couldn't help but look at the void demoness. The smallest of smiles graced her face for a fraction of a second. Kohaku realized that was why she had reacted to the spectacle yesterday. Her hormones and maternal instinct were beginning to surface at the sight of such distress.
'Yes, sister. I have a seedling now growing within me and it has both strengthened my visions and weakened me physically. I can't fight very well and my energy depletes quickly. Naraku can never know…you know what he would do if he knew. I understand what true fear is, for I feel it for my young. Hakudoshi understands this as well and will aid you all when the time is right to turn against our once master. There will be a bright flash from my mirror when that time has come. I ask for your aid to kill him, and to let us go free.' Kanna finished with a slight quiver in her voice.
'We all long to be free, and I vow to make that into reality tomorrow. I will kill Naraku, Kanna, not just for you, but for my sister and for my slain family.' Kohaku replied.
'I've hated that bastard since he made me, and him giving me my heart was the hugest mistake he could of made. Of course I'm going to kill him. I'll do what I can with the others, but somehow I know that we will all be able to live free.' Kagura followed.
'You have our gratitude. I can feel his aura change, he is finished meditating. Soon he'll be here. Remember, the bright flash of light is your signal.' Kanna said as her voice faded into nothingness and Naraku's youki begin to enter into their awareness.
With their new pact made a trickle of hope became a flowing thing between them, and when Naraku did make his appearance their dread turned into determination. He split them up into two groups, Kagura and Kohaku were to prep the battlefield with various poison mines and traps, while he, Hakudoshi and Kanna would search for the remaining shards.
Kagura and Kohaku prepared the field to Naraku's specifications, and it took them the better part of the whole afternoon. It was 'unfortunate' that the saimyosho watching them somehow managed to be destroyed by getting in the way of their efforts. With the watchers gone, the wind witch and the young slayer then began to dig up those same traps and dismantle many of them. Sabotage was the name of their game after all. When they considered their job done they made camp by the spring and kept guard over the area, ensuring nothing trespassed and ruined their work.
Naraku's puppet when teamed with Kanna, Hakudoshi and Entei made for gathering the remaining shards child's play. The ease at which they found the shards and dispatched those whom held onto them was alarming, and Hakudoshi wondered at how Naraku knew where they all were. Kanna made sure to remind her mate to keep his suspicions to himself, else they become the object of scrutiny. It was a brutal pace that their master had set and though it took them the remainder of that day all of the pieces were now found.
It was well into the evening when Naraku's group entered into the campsite that Kohaku and Kagura had created, and a sense of foreboding settled deep into the pits of their stomachs. They all watched on as the Shikon no Tama fused itself together in the palm of Naraku's hand. Only a moment later and a bright purple light flashed around them and Naraku's aura expanded outward before settling back down.
When a sinister laugh began to shake the shoulders of their 'master', they all looked to one another in apprehension. Did he just make a wish on the jewel?
"It's mine now, all mine! All will bow their heads at my new and ultimate power! Behold, the worlds strongest hanyo in existence! None, not even that arrogant Sesshomaru, can stand up the true powerful potential of a hanyo who's got full control of his demonic side! They will all die knowing what it is like to be helpless in the face of true power! Ku Ku Ku!" The puppet said aloud with crazed eyes looking up into the skies.
Everyone else however thought that he had to be joking. He just used his one wish…to become the worlds most powerful hanyo? Was he ill? Kohaku turned to Kagura with a dumbfounded look on his face which she returned in full. Slowly their eyes traveled to Hakudoshi who had the 'are you an idiot' look on his face while Kanna simply looked confused. Their looks of shock however soon melded into one of mirth. This hanyo was a fool. He just made their defection an easy decision, and sleep came much easier than they'd expected that night.
A/N: I cant believe it's taken me this long to finish this piece, but I am so happy for all the support! - MindlessMina