Crackling of the fire and the smell of cooking meat caused Yuuki to stir. As she woke up, she realized she was alone with Ah-Un at the campsite, propped up against the tree. She yawned and stretched, and then blinked, seeing a chunk of meat cooking on a stick. "I hope that's for me, cause it's going to be." As she crawled over and inspected it, she realized she was wide awake. I feel completely rejuvenated. Sitting back on her heels she looked at her hands, flexing and testing the strength of her grip. "Baba-sama did wonders for me." She then looked around, "Wonder where everyone went..."
Waiting for her food, she tried to recall yesterday. To think I came so close to giving up... No, I did give up. She sighed. It was thanks to Sesshomaru and that old woman Baba-sama that I'm better now. I feel at full strength finally. The old woman was grouchy to be sure, but she was kind. She was surprised at how kind Sesshomaru was as well.
"Humans are nothing more than insects that serve no purpose. They are weak and ugly creatures with short insignificant lives. Truly pointless."
She stared at the fire. "He must think I'm useful." Otherwise he wouldn't care whether she lived or died. She remembered his words, but she also remembered how he carried her when he said them. He had carried her a lot. A blush dusted her cheeks. No one's held me like that before...
"You're awake!"
Yuuki bristled furiously, nearly jumping out of her skin. She looked over and relaxed, seeing Rin and Jaken approach. "Oh, you two. Good morning."
Rin smiled, elated that she was finally awake. "Are you feeling better?"
Yuuki nodded as Jaken approached the fire. "Yes much better." She then realized he was inspecting the meat and she quickly snagged it.
"Hey!" He began to throw a tantrum. "You didn't even get that game! And you missed breakfast anyways!"
She eyed him. "Haven't you a heart, Jaken? I'm recovering still."
"You said you feel fine!" He shouted, pointing accusingly. She took a bite and he cried.
"Yuuki," as she chewed she looked over at Rin. "After you've eaten, do you want to come with me across the river? Lord Sesshomaru said I can't go too far without someone with me, and Master Jaken has become noisy."
She looked at Jaken innocently as he went into another tantrum. "Me noisy!? You're the noisy one, girl!"
"Yes that's fine," Yuuki replied.
"Don't ignore me!"
While Yuuki continued to eat she asked, "Where did Sesshomaru go?"
"Lord Sesshomaru caught the scent of Naraku again," Jaken replied and she nearly choked. "He went to search the valley again to track him down."
"I see..." She tried to focus on her food. I nearly forgot that Kagura would come back for Utsugi. If I'm lucky Sesshomaru will chase her off. After finishing she tossed the stick in the fire and stood. "All right, let's go, Rin."
"Yay!" Jaken made himself comfortable at the campsite while Rin ran off with Yuuki following.
There was a wooden bridge to cross the river and they made their way closer to the mountains. Rin was having a blast with her newfound talent of cart wheeling, happy that Yuuki was simply nearby. She smiled as she watched the girl, and then looked around the valley. We're traveling far from the campsite. "Yuuki, look!" Rin was pointing up at the mountain and she followed her gaze. "I see smoke!"
Yuuki narrowed her eyes, there were a couple small streams of smoke coming from the mountain's edge. It was coming from a clearing in the trees. "Yes, it might be a mountain village."
"A village?" Rin looked back at her curiously. "Are you going to go to them?"
She pondered it for a moment. "I'm not entirely sure where we are, however I believe that village is in the opposite direction I want to go." She smiled at Rin and added, "I'll pay them a visit eventually, but I'm content with where I'm at now."
"Oh, good," she smiled gain with relief. "I didn't want you to go yet. Lord Sesshomaru is always gone and Master Jaken can be boring sometimes. And Ah-Un doesn't talk much."
As Rin ran off again, Yuuki frowned after her. She's such a sweet girl, it's a shame how lonely she is. But still, looking back towards the campsite she vaguely wondered where Sesshomaru was. I can't afford to overstay my welcome... "Huh?" A small dark figure in the sky caught her attention. It came closer and her eyes widened in horror. "No... Rin!"
"Uh?" Rin stumbled to a stop and looked back at Yuuki. She instantly knew something was wrong and became worried. "Yuuki?" She ran back to her as Yuuki glared at the sky, seeing Kagura rapidly approaching. Where was Sesshomaru? Wouldn't he chase her off?
"Good job, Utsugi!" She called.
Yuuki couldn't conceal her struggling expression. She had Rin, she still thought she was Utsugi, and Sesshomaru was nowhere to be seen. What can I do!? Rin gasped and gripped onto her hakama, and she glanced down at her. No matter what I cannot let Naraku get Rin. Any cooperation with Sesshomaru would be out the window, and if he gets the wrong impression...
She looked back to Kagura as she landed, her feather returning to her hand. Tapping her fan on her shoulder she had a victorious smile. "That stupid dog. Faithfully following his nose around in circles. Manipulating the wind with my scent is far too easy of a trick." Looking to Yuuki she said, "I'm impressed you've been able to slip by Sesshomaru. Come, Utsugi, let's take the girl back to Naraku."
Rin looked up at Yuuki worried. "Yuuki...? Why is she calling you Utsugi...?"
She didn't respond as she stared onto Kagura tensely. A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek. Kagura's smile dropped as she narrowed her eyes. "No..." She then suddenly realized and Yuuki moved herself in front of Rin. Kagura threw her head back and laughed, "How rich! Who would have thought you had us all fooled!" Yuuki knew why she was laughing instead of angered. Kagura grinned at her, "I have a far better present for Naraku now."
"Just leave Rin and I'll come with you quietly." Rin became apprehensive as Kagura smirked.
"You think you're strong enough to overpower me? I could easily take you both."
"Waste time fighting me and Sesshomaru will find you, then you'll have neither of us."
"Wouldn't that work in your favor then?" She questioned, hiding coyly behind her fan again. "Why don't you wait for the dog? Are you afraid he'll get the wrong impression? Naraku already knows you're trying to elicit his help."
"Just promise me you'll leave Rin alone," Yuuki said forcefully. "Do you want to return to Naraku empty handed?"
"Very well, if you're so eager to die, who am I to deny you?" Kagura waved her fan and the wind picked up.
Yuuki shoved Rin back and she stumbled. "Yuuki!"
"Go back to Jaken," she ordered, and then the wind picked her up. Swirling around her it created a spherical prison, taking her into the air.
"Yuuki!" Rin cried.
Kagura chuckled as she summoned her feather, taking to the air with her prisoner. They soared to the sky and hid in the clouds, wasting no time to return to Naraku's castle. Yuuki was capable of breathing this time thanks to the air barrier. She could think clearly, and she pondered what to do next. Bargaining with Naraku? Fight her way out once they neared the ground? This will be my only chance to speak to Kagura frankly.
"Kagura, listen to me." Though disinterested, she glanced over her shoulder. "My offer still stands to team up against Naraku."
She frowned and turned back around. "I thought you said you'd come quietly."
"I'm serious," she insisted. "Remember our conversation, Kagura. Trust me when I say I'm willing to do anything to get back home. I don't know what Utsugi and Naraku have planned for me, but I have no intention of finding out."
"It's too late for you, don't you think?" She questioned. "I have you as my prisoner. I'm taking you to Naraku as we speak. You have no way out and you can't overpower him."
"I know I can't, not alone." She waited, but Kagura ignored her. However, Yuuki felt that she was getting somewhere. I just need to plant the seeds in her head. "I'm not asking you to fight back now, I'm not stupid. I just need an opportunity. I just need a single moment to turn this around, to get away and back to Inuyasha and the others. I know with their help we can beat Naraku."
"Be quiet," she snapped, glaring over her shoulder. "Quit talking nonsense or I'll suck the air out of your lungs."
Yuuki sighed as she fell silent. Well this is about as much as I can do... Nervousness started to settle in as she sensed that they were reaching their destination. Damn, I need to figure a way out myself in the meantime.
She didn't get that chance however.
Her face fell to fear as they passed through the barrier, and waiting for them in the courtyard were Utsugi and Naraku. Flanking Naraku was Kohaku and a young pale girl in a white kimono, someone Yuuki didn't recognize. "Welcome back, Kagura," Naraku said as they neared the ground.
"Naraku," Kagura jumped from her feather and returned it to her hair. She then looked to Yuuki and the prison dropped, but the wind pushed her to the ground. "So, Utsugi, you took your time returning to us."
Utsugi didn't bother to respond as she stared at Yuuki, watching her pick herself up from the ground. "When you wear that, you really look like me," she said stoically. "But there's no value in our faces looking the same."
Getting to her feet, Yuuki gnashed her teeth as she glared her down. She smells of burnt clay and Kagura called her a doll, and she looked exactly like me. She looked to Naraku, "Naraku! Please hear me out, we can strike a deal. I can give you all the power I have- I can tell you all that I know about the Dai Saishi no Tama!"
Naraku's eyes widened ever so slightly. She thought she had him for a moment, but he then chuckled, and that grew into a laughter. "She drives a hard bargain, Utsugi."
She glanced at him and glared- the only emotion Yuuki saw in her. "Perhaps it would be more enticing if she had the blue pearl." Looking back at Yuuki she said, "Come, girl. Let me test your power."
"Spirit's Rage!" Kagura was caught off guard and quickly backed away as the invisible tendrils exploded from her. The sorceress jumped away, she wasted no time. Will she be able to beat Utsugi? Glaring her down, Yuuki put her hands together and the tendrils surged forward, destroying the barrier around Utsugi.
Utsugi didn't even flinch. She did however sprint forward. Yuuki was shocked at her speed and looking like she was gliding over the ground. Aiming her fine nails Utsugi jabbed forward and Yuuki felt cuts across her face and neck. She was stunned, I can't follow her movements! Yuuki reached forward, "Purify!"
The purifying blast exploded with light, but as it faded she lost sight of Utsugi. Panicked she looked around, but Utsugi was already behind her. She reached out towards the girl, "Light of Judgment."
Yuuki's world was enveloped with white and she screamed. The pain seared through her body like hellfire, her clothes became frayed and blood flew as gashes burst around her body. This is the difference... in our power... Her scream amplified with the power, then it disappeared all at once. Kagura stood away from the fight and away from Naraku, watching as the dome of pure spiritual energy faded away. Yuuki stood looking in a daze, her eyes glazed over. She fell to her knees, but her hands stopped her from collapsing completely. She choked and coughed up blood that splattered on her hands. I should've figured, Kagura thought. She can't do anything on her own. She's too weak.
Utsugi walked around Yuuki and stared down at her. "Such beautiful blood," she murmured. Yuuki didn't have the strength to lift her head. "My blood..."
Her... blood...? Yuuki's eyes slowly closed, and then she collapsed.
Kagura walked forward, "I'll put her in a cell."
Utsugi whipped her head around and glared menacingly. "Mine."
She stopped short, feeling a slight tinge of fear, and glared in return out of frustration. "Why you..." That insolent witch.
Raising her hand over Yuuki's body Utsugi summoned her spiritual force to lift her limp body from the ground. As she passed Naraku with Yuuki floating behind her, he glanced at her with a smirk. "Seems you've proven yourself, Utsugi."
She didn't glance back. "I will have my body back."
Taking Yuuki to the basement she was tossed into a jail cell, guarded by one of the undead. Kagura was walking the hall when Utsugi came back from the basement, passing by her. Kagura stopped and glanced back. She then went wide eyed as she witnessed Utsugi reach into her sleeve and discard a green rosary and a wooden talisman. Those weapons are Yuuki's. Tossing them into a random room Utsugi carried on and disappeared down another hall. Kagura frowned after her, she must be preparing the ceremony... She looked back to the stairs that led to the basement.
"I'm not asking you to fight back now, I'm not stupid. I just need an opportunity. I just need a single moment to turn this around, to get away and back to Inuyasha and the others. I know with their help we can beat Naraku."
She held such determination in her eyes... I could have my freedom... She looked back down the hall.
"Pathetic little- I said wake up!"
The sensation of falling woke Yuuki in an instant. Snapping her eyes open she saw Kagura on the other side of cell bars. Once she realized she was being blown back she slammed into the stone wall and fell to her butt. Wincing in pain she glared at her, "What the hell is- gah," wincing again she held her side. Utsugi could have killed me easily...That last attack she did is too strong. Something fell in front of her and she looked up. "Huh?"
She blinked at her weapons, and then looked up to see Kagura toss her uniform as well, only it looked new and clean. When she looked up at her questioningly, Kagura looked away and said, "I found them in Utsugi's room. Hurry up and change before she comes back for you."
While she was surprised, she didn't waste time in stripping the bulky hakama. "Change of heart?"
"Don't get this wrong; I'm not committing," she quickly corrected. "However if you happened to have an opportunity and took Naraku down, you'd best remember this."
"Don't worry, Kagura," fastening her uniform on she snagged up her weapons. "We'll destroy Naraku and set you free. And I'll get back home."
Kagura glared at her, "You better." She backed away and with a wave of her fan an undead soldier shuffled forward and unlocked the cell door. "On the east side of the courtyard is a crystal that's creating the barrier around the castle. Destroy that and the barrier will fall and Naraku's aura will be unleashed. Don't screw this up and make it backfire on me." Snapping her fan shut the guard exploded, causing Yuuki to flinch from the blood as it sprayed on her.
"Thank you, Kagura," stepping out the cell she smiled at her. "I won't forget this." She then ran ahead, leaving Kagura with a ball of anxiety in her gut.
She closed her eyes and waved her fan, "Dance of the Dead."
As Yuuki sprinted through the caste for the east side of the courtyard, she came across Kagura's undead guards and found them useful in guiding her out. Reaching the porch, she stopped and huffed as she stared out at the grey sand garden. There were decorative stones in the waving sand and among them was a silver crystal that glittered with energy. That's the crystal. Once I take down the barrier both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru should be able to locate Naraku. However Naraku will also know what I'm up to. She jumped over the railing and ran over to the crystal, facing off with it. I used Spirit's Rage once already and I'm not tired yet, however it'll take more out of me to destroy this crystal.
Folding her hands together, she closed her eyes and summoned her Seishin, her body becoming surrounded in a holy light. The air shifted around her, blowing her hair and clothes. Shutting her eyes tight she threw her head back and shouted, "Spirit's Rage!" Tendrils exploded from her once again and in a fury bombarded the crystal, once after another slamming into it and ringing the stone, creating fractures. The blasts from impact sent gusts of wind at her, but she held fast. It's not enough! Summoning her strength, she reached for the sky and the tendrils formed together into a single giant one. With a shout she swung her arms down and the force came crashing down.
Sand and shards of the crystal exploded and the force knocked Yuuki off her own feet, sending her tumbling in the sand. Groaning, feeling herself considerably weaker, she lifted her head and witnessed the barrier falling away, the sensation of Naraku's demonic energy escaping out. Panting she said to herself, "Now I just... need someone to show up..." With some effort she pushed herself up off the ground. "Preferably in time..."
"So, you managed to destroy the crystal." She gasped and whipped around, seeing Naraku smiling down at her from the porch. The smile sent shivers down her spine.
"Naraku," she glanced over to see Kagura emerge from behind him, and he looked to her as well. "Kanna's mirror showed both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru on their way to the castle."
"Very well, go and show Inuyasha a warm welcome. I'll handle Sesshomaru."
"Hmph." Without another word or a glance to Yuuki, she summoned her giant feather and flew off in a gust of wind away from the castle grounds.
Naraku turned his attention to Yuuki again and she stiffened. "Now what shall I do with you while I wait for Sesshomaru? Utsugi is almost finished with her ceremony, shall I take you to her?" Grabbing her rosary she took a step back. He chuckled in amusement, staring her down from his nose. "No, you're much too feisty for the ritual. Your soul would put up too much resistance, even if your physical body is weak."
A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek. I suddenly feel like prey. Naraku jumped down to meet her in the sands and she quickly backed up again, needing distance. Before his first move she folded her hands again, "Spirit's Rage!" Her tendrils showed the barrier protecting him and shattered it. She was breathing hard now, perspiration forming on her forehead. No good, I can't use that move again. I'll be lucky if I make it out of here in decent condition.
"Look how weary you are," he said, looking down on her. "Lucky for you you're needed alive, girl."
"I have no choice." Taking off her rosary she braced herself. "I might not be able to defeat you, but all I need to do is buy time."
"We'll see how well that works out for you." Reaching out, his arms morphed into twisted fleshy vines that flew at her.
Yuuki jumped away as fast as they approached, swinging her rosary and slicing through the flesh. They reformed as quickly as they were cut down and she reached out with her palm, "Purify!" Though the blast burned them away, Naraku's lower body exploded into more fleshy tendrils that race towards her. Yuuki tossed her rosary in the air and clapped her hands, "Bullet Storm!" Her Seishin shone around her body as she amplified her power and the beads rained down, exploding with holy energy. They took large chunks out of Naraku's flesh, however miasma burst from his wounds and she panicked.
Jumping away she quickly covered her face with her sleeve. Poisonous gas!? I thought he needed me alive! Hearing Naraku's chuckle she reached out and summoned her rosary to her again, however his green appendages shot out of the miasma just as fast and latched on her to arm. She cried out in panic and used her Purify to blast them away. More surged forward and overwhelmed her, grabbing onto her limbs and lifting her into the air, her rosary falling to the ground useless.
Naraku chuckled amused as he held her over his head and while she glared in hate, she blushed as she felt herself exposed to him. "Release me!"
"Someone in your position shouldn't be so demanding." Another tendril slithered up and wrapped around her throat. The other appendages fell away and she was left hanging, clawing and scraping the flesh with her nails to no avail. I can't breathe! "Look how you squirm," Naraku smiled with a sadistic nature as she kicked and struggled. "You can't even put up a fight." He lowered her to his eye level, "Let me get a good look at your struggling face. Your wounds from Utsugi haven't healed, yet you fruitlessly resist. It entices me."
Yuuki forced her eyes open enough to glare at him. "You... disgusting bastard... Ga-" he tightened around her throat. Her voice was nothing more than an airy squeak.
Naraku's smile grew as he watched her face contort in pain, feeling her pulse beneath his flesh. "Your spirit still isn't broken. Wonderful, I was hoping to have more fun with you." He's a sadist, she realized with horror. Her heart dropped when he pulled her closer, pressing his mouth to her ear. "I'll make you wish you were dead."
Inuyasha. She could clearly hear his voice, imagine him rushing in to save her with his Tessaiga. "You idiot, what do you think you're doing facing Naraku alone!?"
Lousy dog... where are you?
She was suddenly released she opened her eyes, taking a gasp of air. She found herself flying up in the air and Naraku's tendrils flying past her. As soon as she took her breath it was forced out of her again as the flesh slammed into her gut and sent her shooting back down into the sand. It was kicked up by the force of impact, but Naraku continued and tangled her arm, flinging her around and slamming her into the ground again and again, threatening to tear her arm off. His chuckle turned into a malicious laugh of delight as he tossed her in the air again, slamming into her back and sending her flying across the courtyard.
Naraku's entertainment was short lived however. His grin died down as a blur of white dashed in and caught her body before it landed. "You arrived more quickly than I thought you would."
Sesshomaru landed on his knee, looking down at Yuuki. Blood strained from her mouth and she was covered in blood from abused wounds, her clothing stained dark. Slowly she opened her eyes and saw white. Inuyasha...? Her eyes widened and she was surprised, "Sesshomaru..." She couldn't help her smile, "I've never been so glad to see someone..." She coughed, spitting up blood again. "I don't think anything's broken..."
"Can you stand?" She nodded and he helped her to her feet. He allowed her to hang onto his sleeve for support as he looked to Naraku. "Rin informed me that you tried to have Kagura kidnap her. In an attempt to lure me here peacefully I imagine."
Naraku smiled. "If I sent you a formal invitation I doubt you would have come. At least without trying to kill me."
Yuuki's eyes widened with realization. Wait, Kargua said Naraku knew I was asking Sesshomaru for help. "What do you want Sesshomaru for?" She demanded.
"I had my own proposal for him," he replied, looking to Sesshomaru. "If he agreed to assist me in killing Inuyasha and capturing you, I would give him power in exchange."
Yuuki seethed, eyes wild with rage as her grip on Sesshomaru's sleeve tightening. It would be a lie if she said that she wasn't worried. A deal of power with Sesshomaru? She knew that his allegiance was to himself, and killing his brother might even sound fun to him. If Sesshomaru turns on me then I'm done for! "You have to be joking! You really think Sesshomaru would agree to that!?" She sounded so enraged that Sesshomaru glanced down at her, seeing her fury for himself. She was desperate to convince Sesshomaru not to work with him. "All you have to offer is Shikon shards and those are worthless to him with his strength! He can kill anyone he wants including you!"
"Oh?" His smile turned sly. "You seem to have much faith in Sesshomaru."
I simply want him on my side. Sesshomaru watched Yuuki's face as she glared Naraku down. "Sesshomaru," he looked to Naraku."I thought you had pride as a full blooded demon. Yet you seem to surround yourself with human girls. Have you grown soft?"
Shit, feeling worried she released Sesshomaru's sleeve. She dared to glance up- and her heart dropped as he narrowed his golden eyes with anger. "You wish to provoke me?" Naraku became distracted and glanced over at the porch. Yuuki followed his sight and saw the pale child Kanna approach with mirror in hand. "Naraku, are you ignoring me?" Sesshomaru questioned.
He smiled back at him, "My apologies. I mean no ill towards you, Sesshomaru. I do, however, want that human girl." Yuuki stiffened and Sesshomaru glanced down at her, smelling her fear heightening. "She's of no consequence to you, isn't that right? Leave the girl to me and we can discuss what we can do for one another."
Yuuki felt herself begin to tremble. She held her breath, but Sesshomaru didn't respond. Glancing up at him, he was staring steadfast ahead at Naraku. I feel like I don't have a choice. Feeling Sesshomaru suddenly further away she clapped her hands. The beads that were scattered in the sands activated and flew at Naraku. He smiled as his tendrils formed around him, absorbing the attack and his face showing no pain. Yuuki attempted to run, but pain shot through her and she cried out, falling into the sand.
"I would be careful if I were you, girl," Naraku lifted himself up and move towards her. "You virtually have no strength left to even hope of taking me on. A nuisance has arrived and unfortunately I can't enjoy my time breaking you." Lifting her head up she glared at him through the pain. I'm useless... Sesshomaru won't help with how weak I am now- and after he helped me! "I'll kill you and have Kanna take your soul within her mirror. That should suffice."
"No..." Inuyasha wouldn't come in time. Sesshomaru wasn't going to help her. She was too weak. With a whimper she lowered her head, bracing for the pain.
Naraku's fleshy appendages shot down for her submissive body, however the Tokijin glided through in a blink of an eye and the tendrils dropped. "What!?" Naraku quickly backed away as Sesshomaru stood in front of her. Yuuki lifted her head to stare at him in shock. "Sesshomaru..."
"Naraku, you would think I would be so easily manipulated by your words?" He questioned and lifted his sword. "You will pay for your insolence."
Yuuki became panicked again. His pride was hurt, he was going to kill Naraku! "Sesshomaru, wait! Please!" He glanced back at her.
"Naraku!" Then all of them turned to see Inuyasha sprinting towards them at full speed, Tessaiga drawn. "Wind Scar!" The attack tore through the ground racing towards Naraku, however he took to the air to dodge.
Sesshomaru glared at his younger brother, "Leave now, Inuyasha."
"Shut up!" He shouted back. "I'm the one that's after Naraku; he's mine!"
"Bickering fools." They looked up as Naraku smiled, miasma swirling around him.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome's voice reached their ears and Yuuki looked back to see her and the rest of them running up behind him. "He's trying to escape! Stop him!"
"I'm working on it!" He lifted his sword and Sesshomaru did the same.
"No, stop!" Yuuki screamed desperately as she grabbed onto Sesshomaru's pant leg. Inuyasha looked back at her surprised at her action. "Please, I'm begging you! I know your guys' pride and temper are evenly matched, but we can't kill him yet! I need to get home!"
"We can't afford to lose him now!" Sango slid forward and swung her Hiraikotsu, however a gust of wind knocked it away.
Kagura appeared on her feather with Kohaku while Kanna floated up, all of them gathering in Naraku's defensive miasma. Miroku prepared to use his Wind Tunnel, but Sango turned to him, "It's too much miasma, Miroku, you can't!"
"He's getting away!" He argued back.
Yuuki stared up at Naraku's smirk with a look of despair. We can't get him... "Yuuki," he called back, "I look forward to the next time we meet."
Kagome readied her sacred arrow and aimed."Hit the mark..." She released as the holy arrow went flying, piercing through the miasma and striking Naraku. He went wide eyed as the lower half of his body was obliterated. Yuuki's jaw went slack at the power, seeing Naraku's enraged expression. They flew away as they attempted to disappear, but Sesshomaru flew after them, ripping from Yuuki's grip. "Sesshomaru!" She cried, but he disappeared into the dark clouds after them.
"I'm going after them!"
As Inuyasha began to run off, Miroku quickly interjected, "And do what, Inuyasha? Fight Naraku alone?"
Inuyasha stopped shorted and glared back at him, "Duh, what the hell do you think!?"
As Sango retrieved her weapon she said, "Inuyasha, you know you can't face him alone with Sesshomaru fighting you as well."
He growled, but couldn't argue. As much as he hated it she was right. Instead he glared over at Yuuki and shouted, "And where the hell have you been!? What were you thinking hanging around with Sesshomaru!?"
"Inuyasha, sit!" Kagome hurried to Yuuki's side as he slammed deep into the ground. Kneeling down to her she inspected her friend for a moment. "You're badly hurt, but you're safe now." She frowned at Inuyasha, "Cool it, would you? Yuuki's had a hard enough time as it is. Lay off!"
Growling, Inuyasha lifted his head to shouted, but stopped short. Laying on her level, he could see her frustrated expression glaring at the ground, tears in her eyes. She's crying... "We need to get her proper care, but we're out of medical supplies," Miroku said.
Shippo thought for a moment and then perked up, "There was a village we passed on the way here that we haven't visited yet. Why doesn't Miroku do his trick there?"
Sango sighed, "As much as I don't want to encourage it, I'm afraid we don't have a choice now."
Inuyasha managed to get to his feet and sheathed his sword. He huffed, "Fine. Let's go." Still fuming, he marched past them all on his own.
Kagome frowned after him. "Oh, Inuyasha..."
"I'm sorry..." She looked down at Yuuki as she began to tremble. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize, Yuuki!" Shippo scurried over to them and stood in front of her. "Inuyasha's always testy, besides, he's not mad at you, he's just mad that Naraku got away again! And I'm sure seeing Sesshomaru made him upset, too."
"You have a point, Shippo," Miroku agreed as he approached with Sango and Kirara's small form.
"Don't blame yourself, Yuuki," Sango said, looking down at her sympathetically. "Like you said, with Naraku and Utsugi wanting you they won't go far. They're sure to be back again. What I'm wondering is; what happened to you all this time?"
There was silence and they became apprehensive. "Yuuki?" Miroku questioned.
Shippo bend down to see her face and yelled, "She's unconscious!"
Kagome tried to lifted her limp body up. Looking over at Sango she asked, "Could Kirara carry her?"
Sango nodded and Kirara transformed. With Miroku's help they lifted her body and draped her over Kirara's back, laying her head in the mane. The group headed out and followed Inuyasha who walked a ways ahead of them, but Kagome hurried to catch up with him. Looking Yuuki over Sango commented, "We need to hurry and mend her wounds. She's in bad shape."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Miroku replied. She looked to him questioningly. "I saw a rather large headman's house in the village. I'm sure that a demon is sure to be haunting them."
Sango's expression fell flat. Shippo hopped onto her shoulder and shared the same expression. "He's already building the story in his head."
"Yes," she agreed, "but we don't have much of a choice."
The group traveled for a while and it was near sunset when they reached the village. Yuuki began to stir and groaned, lifting her head. "Where... are we...?"
"You're awake!" Kagome walked beside her and smiled. "You fell unconscious at the castle. We're at a village nearby."
"Oh..." With some effort she was able to pushed herself up on Kirara's back. "Thank you, Kirara..."
Miroku suddenly halted at the front of the group and held out his staff. "Be still! I sense a demonic aura!" Yuuki blinked, still feeling groggy. Kagome and the others shared the same deadpan expression at his antics. Yuuki looked around, they were in the center of the village with villagers stopping and staring at him. Waving around his staff, he held out a palm to feel the air. "A dark and dangerous aura is hanging over this village. It's coming from... over there!" He aimed his staff ahead of them.
Yuuki stared ahead confused. "I don't sense anything... have I become so weak?"
"Trust me, it ain't you," Inuyasha grumbled and she looked at him confused.
A villager had gasped and murmured, "That's towards the headman's house!"
"You!" Miroku turned and pointed him out. "Where is it that I sense this demonic aura?"
"It could be the headman's house," another village woman said. "To be honest, he's been acting strange lately."
"I see," bring a hand to his chin, Miroku drew more attention speaking with a loud and clear voice. "There is a evil and demonic aura coming from the headman's house, and the Headman has been acting strange. It's quite possibly that he is becoming possessed if he is not already! Come! We must hurry and purity this evil!"
He marched on ahead and Yuuki was utterly clueless as they all followed. Glancing around, she realized they were drawing a fairly large crowd. "Um," she leaned over to Kagome and whispered, "What's going on? What's he doing?"
"Oh this is a typical trick when he wants to stay somewhere nice and have an overly large meal," she whispered back. "We're out of medical supplies and we've been on the road for a while, so we're due for a break."
Yuuki stared at her. "He's... He's pretending there's a demon?"
Kagome quickly shushed her. "Keep your voice down, we don't want the villagers finding out he's a fraud."
She was at a loss for words. Shippo jumped up onto Kirara's back with her, snuggling in front and whispered, "In his defense he's not always wrong. There's sometimes a salamander demon or something."
"Oh, well... That's good..." With a sigh she mumbled, "I honestly can't complain, if we get a bath and a hot meal I'm grateful."
The group of them hung back as Miroku approached the large headman's house, chanting and waving his staff around. The large crowd that formed behind them was enough to worry the headman, a shorter, pudgier man with a top knot that came running out. "What is the meaning of-!?"
"You are possessed by a demon!" With a great shout Miroku assaulted the man by whacking him hard on the forehead with his staff. "Demon be gone!" Sticking a sutra to his injured forehead, he then swiftly and discreetly jabbed him in his fat stomach. In a moment the headman was swaying and falling onto his back. "Everyone, close your eyes and pray as the headman's spirit fights off the demon!"
Looking around, Yuuki was astonished that everyone did so. She looked to her friends and- Inuyasha wasn't surprised, but Kagome and the others were just as shocked as she was. "Miroku!" Sango hissed. "You just assaulted him!"
Ignoring her, Miroku put up his hand to pray as well. "The pain he feels is the grip of evil clinging to him with all of its might. Look after him while I go on ahead and purge the house of the demon's presence!" With that he ran off into the mansion.
"I can't believe him sometimes," Sango grumbled as they went ahead and inspected the headman.
"Is he unconscious?" Shippo asked as Kagome knelt next to him.
"Doesn't look like it. You awake?" The headman groaned, and the sutra burnt up, the injury on his forehead disappearing.
When he finally came too, the crowd showed such relief that he was tricked into thinking he truly felt better. After Miroku cleverly stashed a couple of incenses to fill the mansion with calming smells, he returned proclaiming loudly that the evil had been purified. To show his gratitude, the headman offered them a room to stay in for a couple days, and they were offered a bath, their clothes to be washed, and a grand meal.
The servants assisted Yuuki in bathing- while it was mildly uncomfortable she bared with it, and afterwards tended to her wounds. Everyone was offered an individual bath, and they all dressed in nightly robes while their clothes were cleaned. Save for Inuyasha. The group of them reconvened at the dinner hall and enjoyed the hung meal they were offered.
"I have to admit," Yuuki muffled out with rice in her mouth, "this was genius, Miroku."
"Why thank you, Yuuki!" He smiled. "Not everyone appreciates my efforts."
"Because they're underhanded!" Sango scolded. "You lied! And assaulted the headman!"
"But he came out of it a better man." He continued eating unperturbed.
"I can't really complain that much, I enjoyed the bath," Kagome said, and Yuuki nodded in agreement.
"Now that we've finally settled in," Inuyasha glared over at Yuuki and she hesitated. "Where the hell were you that entire time?"
Even though she wanted to focus on the food, she forced herself to stop eating to go over all that happened. Kagome was surprised, "Sesshomaru did all of that for you?"
"Who would have thought he was traveling with a human girl," Sango said. "Maybe it's a change of heart?"
Inuyasha scoffed. "When Hell freezes over."
"There's something I want to bring up," Yuuki said, gaining their attention. "It's about Kagura. I was able to talk with her, and I think we can get her on our side."
"Did you say that she said so herself that she wasn't committed?" Inuyasha questioned.
"She wants to be on the safest team, she's a survivalist," she tried to explain. "I don't honestly blame her, but if it weren't for her help then Utsugi would have had me."
"She did take a big risk in helping you," Kagome agreed.
"Speaking of Utsugi," Miroku brought up. "What were her plans with you? Have we gained any more insight to what her goal is?"
Yuuki sighed, sitting back and staring at her food. "She smells of burnt clay and Kagura called her a doll. I fought her for a brief moment... when she beat me she called my blood her blood." Looking up at them she said, "I don't know out connection, but I think I'm related to her in some way. She needs my soul... I think she's my ancestor- a clay replica anyways."
"Like Kikyo..."
"Huh?" She looked over at Kagome confused. Inuyasha was quiet as Sango spoke up, "That's right. Kikyo was a clay doll reanimated, but she needed your soul, Kagome, to fully function. Utsugi must be the same way."
"But we still don't know why Naraku's helping her, or what we really need to get you home," Miroku said and Yuuki went quiet. She was watching Kagome and Inuyasha, they both were silent and staring at the ground. She wasn't sure who Kikyo was, but she didn't feel a need to ask. Kagome upset was one thing, but Inuyasha made Yuuki nervous. Who's Kikyo?
"But now Naraku and Utsugi are gone again," Shippo said, gaining her attention again.
"Like I said," Yuuki replied, "They won't be far from me. Utsugi almost had me so I'm sure she's pissed off."
Inuyasha said in finality, "I don't trust Kagura though."
"You don't have to," she argued back. "We just need her cooperation. If we can prove we'll beat Naraku then she'll be on our side, and I'm hoping for it."
"It's a gamble," Miroku said. "We just have to be prepared to fight without her, and without Sesshomaru. We might even need to face them both in the future, so we have to be ready."
"For now," Kagome finally spoke again, "Let's enjoy the headman's hospitality and enjoy this food and a nice futon to sleep in!"
Yuuki sighed, "I agree."
As they continued their meal, she still withdrew into her mind, thinking about Sesshomaru flying off after Naraku. Miroku's right, I can't put all my eggs into the Kagura and Sesshomaru basket. Still she felt longing for his help... She knew if she had Sesshomaru then things could be over fairly quickly. He saved me... I'm a human, but he saved me. That meant something, right?