Thanks to Miroku's sly persuasion, the group took advantage of the headman's generosity and decided to stay an extra night to be sure they were fully recovered. Shippo had fun playing with the villager's children. Yuuki was passing them by, smiling to herself as he showed off his fox demon tricks. "Spinning Top!" With a jump and a snap of his wrist, the toy top exploded in size and the children screamed gleefully. Looking ahead she spotted Kagome and Sango, "Oh, hey. Are you going shopping?"
They turned to her and Kagome replied, "Yeah! Any special requests?"
"Nah, I'm fine," she waved it off. Looking around she asked, "Where did Inuyasha and Miroku go?"
"Inuyasha took out Kirara for some special training," Sango replied. Yuuki blinked when her attitude took a 180, turning her head in a pout. "As for the Monk, who knows? Maybe he's off tricking women with fake palm readings. Again."
Kagome smiled sheepishly at her while she and Yuuki both thought, she puts up with a lot. Smiling back at Yuuki she asked, "Wanna join us?"
"I'm all right," she replied, lifting a hand in farewell. "I'm going to go meditate."
Kagome and Sango continued down the road while Yuuki walked the opposite direction. Wandering around the village on her own, she found a lone tree that was out of the way and sat beneath it, crossing her legs lotus style. Relaxing away from everyone, she released a sigh as she rested her hands in her lap.
It was a rough night's sleep last night. Her mind couldn't stop working, thinking about Naraku, Utsugi, Kagura, Sesshomaru... After she managed to sleep she accidentally slept in, waking up with everyone gone already. What am I supposed to do? How do I get Naraku to send me home? Questions she was exhausting herself with. Taking a breath, she listened as the tree leaves rustled in the gentle wind.
"Yuuki?" She opened her eyes at the familiar voice. Looking up Kakuju smiled at her, "I thought I would find you here."
Running into him on random occasions was fairly common, but she was still surprised to see him. "Grandpa Kakuju," she moved to stand.
He put a hand out to stop her, "Please, let me join you."
She settled back down and he sat next to her, crossing his legs the same way with a groan. Looking over at him she asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Naraku's presence was sensed far and wide after the barrier was taken down," he explained and leaned against the tree as well. "This was the closest village to where I could sense him. I had a feeling you wouldn't be far. Tell me, how did it go? You're obviously not back home." Yuuki sighed heavily and he looked over at her. "What's wrong, child?"
"Utsugi."
Kakuju froze, the wind picking up and rustling the leaves again in the silence. As if he had troubles hearing her he asked, "I'm sorry? Who?"
Yuuki sighed again as she closed her eyes- missing his hesitation. She explained for him, "She's someone who has a hand in my being here. She teamed up with Naraku and wants my soul. I fought her once, but she's too strong and beat me in just seconds..." Her lavender eyes opened again as she stared out at the partially clouded sky. "Now she and Naraku have disappeared again." Kakuju was very silent. While he sat suddenly stiff beside her, she merely closed her eyes again in self pity. "We need to find them again and have no idea where to start. And there were a couple of people I hoped would be allies, but my friends don't think it's very likely..."
"I see..." Leaning back again he hummed, going silent again.
Yuuki opened her eyes again feeling something was off. She glanced over at him, "Grandpa? Are you all right?"
"Hm? Oh, oh I'm fine." He quickly assured with a nod. "It's difficult to determine where Naraku has gone. Mysterious demonic activity happens all around, however I did hear a rumor about another village."
She perked up, leaning forward. "What rumor?"
"A few days travel to the south is Minamo Village. I had heard that young women were being spirited away. There was another rumor of that region that a demon was taking the souls of departed maidens. Whether the two are connected or not I am unsure."
"It's better than nothing." Leaning back again she closed her eyes. "I find myself growing antsy if I remain still too long."
He chuckled, "I can understand the feeling."
They then both fell into silence as they meditated. A few hours passed before it was later in the day, the sky beginning to change colors and Yuuki's stomach growled. Looking over at Kakuju she asked, "Where are you staying?"
"There's a travelers inn not far from this village," he replied as he slowly got to his feet, groaning and making general old people sounds as he moved. "I shall go there for the night. You need to speak to your friends about Minamo."
"I will," she promised as she got to her feet as well.
"A word of caution." She stopped short and blinked at him. It was difficult to determine his expression from his hidden eyes, however the air around him was grave. He was quiet for a long moment.
She blinked again. "Um... Yes?"
He was still silent. Is he choosing his words...? He finally spoke, "Stay safe."
She sweat dropped. "Thanks, grandpa..." She smiled and lifted a hand in farewell, "You too, okay?" He nodded and watched as she walked back into the village.
He sighed. "Utsugi... So that's what she's up to..."
Walking into the room they were staying in, Yuuki announced, "Minamo Village to the south."
"Huh?" It seemed everyone had returned and were sorting through their things. They all stared up at her confused as she dropped down onto her futon with a sigh.
"I ran into Kakuju," she explained. "He said he heard some rumors of girls being spirited away in Minamo, and in the region to the south a demon stealing the souls of young dead girls."
Kagome stared at her. "Souls of young dead girls...?" That reminded her of someone.
Sango frowned, "Don't you think it's strange how you run into Kakuju in convenient moments?"
"Maybe," Yuuki shrugged her better shoulder, "but I find to be unlucky in everything else, so I'll take what I'm given."
Inuyasha seemed to be finally relaxed at the news of a direction. "Something's better than nothin'. We'll head out tomorrow."
Shippo looked over at Miroku as the monk mumbled to himself, "All those poor women..."
He gave him a flat stare. "They're probably better off without your help."
"I agree," Sango grumbled to herself, laying out her futon.
Yuuki watched their exchange, and then looked over at Kagome and Inuyasha. She blinked, staring at their sudden odd natures. They were both staring off, something troubling their minds. Yuuki frowned to herself feeling uneasy, they always seem to be in sync some way... but what are they thinking about?
"Well!" Kagome suddenly perked up, gaining everyone's attention. "The sooner we get to bed the sooner we can head out."
"I agree." Yuuki looked over and watched as Inuyasha laid on the ground, turning his back on everyone.
While everyone readied for bed, Yuuki did the same, keeping an eye on Kagome. She was forcibly focused on getting ready for bed, but Yuuki knew better. Something was bothering her. Kagome glanced at Inuyasha with a saddened expression. Yuuki's grip on her blanket tightened and she quickly turned away, putting them to her back. She curled up tight, tucking her blanket snug under her chin. What's going on with them? Her stomach was twisting again. There's always something unspoken between them... it's annoying. The feeling of discomfort crawled up to her chest, making it tight and hard to breathe. Furrowing her brows up, she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her head beating faster. What's going on? Why do I get so agitated when they're like that?
They fight all the time, she assured herself. Thinking about the times Kagome and Inuyasha bickered made her feel better, but... Every time Inuyasha was at her side- those smiles she had for him. When Inuyasha fought so hard to get Kagome back from Koga. Yuuki was guilty at the time for getting Kagome in that mess, but thinking back on it now...
Yuuki's eyes widened in shock. I'm jealous. I'm jealous of Kagome. As if to hide from her own feelings, she pulled the blanket over her head. She pressed a hand over her mouth to muffle any sounds, horrified at herself. As much as she didn't want it to be true, the feeling fit just right. Wh-why? Why now? Why over him!? Of all people! He's just a lousy dog- loud, annoying, no tact whatsoever, reckless... She remembered when he stood close to her at the demon mansion. His presence was comforting. She remembered when he made sure to stand in front of her when facing Naraku. She remembered how he was that night they spoke at Kaede's village...
I... I've never cared to like anyone before... She shut her eyes tight- tears suddenly welling in her eyes. I like Inuyasha... and I'm jealous of Kagome over it...
A sob caught in her chest- her shoulders jumped as she kept it in to keep quiet. She had to get out, before she woke anyone. Swallowing, she shoved all of her emotions down for just a moment. Poking her head back out, she glanced around the room. Everyone seemed to be sleeping, anyways. Being as silent as possible, she crawled out of the futon and slipped her school shoes on. Tip toeing out of the room, she slid the tatami door shut and walked quietly away.
Making it to the outside, she broke out into a run. In the darkness of night everyone had gone to their homes. The dirt roads were empty as she sprint across the village, huffing, legs burning. Running through the village she came upon the rice paddy fields. Turning the bend, she slipped and stumbled, nearly falling as she went out into the open fields. Eventually she couldn't run anymore, her chest on fire as she gasped for breath.
Standing among the rice paddy fields, she stared at the moon that was rising above the black trees in the distance. I'm jealous of my best friend over a half demon boy from another reality...As she panted, tears welled in her eyes again. God, am I awful...? As a sob escaped her, she crouched down and huddled into her knees. Inuyasha... I like Inuyasha...! What's wrong with me? I need to go home, but that's away from him... And Kagome can see him whenever she wants... Yuuki covered her mouth with her hand as she cried, muffling her sounds as her shoulders jumped. I'm such an idiot... how did this happen...?
"You cannot fall in love, or you will perish."
Yuuki froze cold, Kinya's words ringing in her head. That's right. If Kinya died before she got home, then she would be the new keeper of the Dai Saishi no Tama, and if she was in love with Inuyasha already... I'm dead. No matter what I do... I'm dead.
"Yuuki?" She jumped with a gasp. Looking back, she was shocked to see Inuyasha walking towards her. Of all people right now!? "Geez, you ran fast. I was wondering where the hell you were going. What are you-" he stopped once he was close enough. He stared. Tears were shimmering in her eyes, her face flushed from crying. "Are..." He backed up, suddenly fearful of the situation. "Are you crying!?"
"N-no!" Suddenly on her feet, she turned her back on him as she frantically rubbed her face with her sleeves. "Stupid dog! What- what are you doing out here, anyways!?"
"Ah- hey!" He shouted back, suddenly fired up. "I was going to ask you that! You suddenly run off on your own again- what if something happened to you!?"
Yuuki suddenly froze, her heart aching more. Dropping her arms, Inuyasha tensed at her sudden gloomy aura. "What do you care," she mumbled.
His ears twitched. "Okay, that's it." He marched over to her and grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to turn around. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to..." He faded out, staring at her face. She was glaring up at him defiantly, but tears were still in her eyes. His ears flattened out, "Hey... what the hell's the matter with you?" He asked- more gently that time. He released her shoulder and she turned her head away. "You seemed excited about Minamo Village. What changed?"
Yuuki tensed. Should she... explain everything? She felt her face heating up- but that would mean confessing her feelings... She'd never confessed before, though her friends had done it plenty of times before. Imagining the girls confessing at her school in the halls or outside with boys, the thought made her sad. What good would that do? We're from two different worlds and... Fear clutched her chest at the thought of rejection- worse yet if he had feelings for Kagome instead.
No. She inhaled, finding her resolution. It's best I throw it all away- for my own safety. She released a sigh of defeat. "Nothing. It's nothing."
Inuyasha stared down at her for a moment, making her uncomfortable. "I think I know."
"Huh!?" Taking a step back, she stared up at him horrified. "Y-you do!?" But he's an idiot!
He sighed, "Come here, you idiot." He moved forward and she blushed- then her face lit up like a flame as he wrapped an arm around her. He pulled her into his chest in a one-arm hug. "It's going to be all right, okay?" Yuuki merely stared wide eyed, froze, unable to think or speak. "We found Naraku once, we'll find him again. I told you we'd get you home, and that's what we're going to do, got it?" He then released her and stepped back. "So quit your crying- and quit running off on your own, would ya? If I let anything happen to you I'm sure Kagome would have my head."
"O-oh..." She stared of in space in shock still, her face red. "R-right... okay..." she slowly nodded.
"Good," satisfied, he turned back towards the village. "Let's go, you're going to need your sleep." She stared at him, a hand reaching up and pressing against her chest. I think my heart stopped... "Would you come on!?" He snagged her wrist and she snapped out of her daze. "You'd be hopeless on your own, I swear." Yuuki stumbled behind him, staring at his sharp clawed hand around her wrist. He's warm... Her lips pressed tight together. I don't know why he followed after me... but I need to throw my feelings away.
And yet she didn't protest, deep down wanting him to hold onto her for as long as possible.
When they made it back to the headman's house, he finally let her go, making sure she went in ahead of him. When they went back into the room, Yuuki carefully took off her shoes. Inuyasha went over by the wall again, and Yuuki glanced over to Kagome. She seemed fast asleep... no one would know that she and Inuyasha were gone, but why did she feel guilty? Sighing, she crawled into her futon. Just for tonight, she told herself. Just tonight she'd play herself as a fool. Kagome said they weren't together, so there's nothing to worry about. For whatever reason it wasn't entirely convincing, but it made her feel better enough to fall asleep.
The next few days was hiking through wilderness, fighting stray demons, and camping out with the bugs. While the boys and Sango were fine with it, Yuuki and Kagome were a bit spoiled by the comfort of the headman's house, the two of them mourning over the loss of futon and bath. By the fourth day of traveling, they reached the top of a hill and could finally see Minamo Village, a fairly large and spaced out village with nearly empty streets.
"Oh, finally!" With some sunlight in the day to spare, Kagome stretched her arms up in satisfaction. "We've made it back to civilization!"
Shippo jumped up onto Yuuki's shoulder and declared, "I'm hungry!"
She smiled at him, "Wanna see if they have a sweets shop?"
"Yeah!"
As they made their way down the hill Kagome said, "Maybe they have an inn here, and we can sleep in a bed again!"
"There you go again," Inuyasha frowned at her. "Just what's so bad about sleeping on the ground? Sango doesn't complain." Sango blinked over at her name.
However both Kagome and Yuuki looked over at him flatly. "You can't be serious," they both replied and his ears flattened out.
Kagome lifted a finger, "For one a bed is way more comfortable, and better for my back!" She smiled blissfully as she raised another finger, "for two, we'll be away from spiders, bugs, and snakes!"
Miroku then stepped forward alongside them before she got too excited. "It's still up in the air whether or not we'll stay the night, but I like the thought of having another bath."
Yuuki's body visibly relaxed at the mention of it, going into her own state of bliss. "A bath… My hair's already so dirty from the outdoors." Touching it and pushing it back, she missed her hair tie.
Inuyasha turned to them and frowned, crossing his arms. "I hope you people aren't forgetting about Naraku. We came here because of the rumors, not a getaway to pamper yourselves!"
"A bath!" Kagome continued in her bliss to Inuyasha's annoyance. She took Yuuki's hands and they stared at each other happily. "Not a cold water bath, but a real, hot bath!"
"But you just had a bath days ago!" Inuyasha tried to argue.
"No more blood, sweat, and dirt," Yuuki continued, closing her eyes just to imagine how wonderful it would be. "If only I had some shampoo and conditioner…" Inuyasha's eye twitched.
"Shampoo?" Sango questioned, snapping them out of their daydream. "You mean that oddly sweet smelling lotion? I'd rather stay away from it."
"Why's that, Sango?" Kagome asked and the girls dropped their hands.
"I read the bottle once; too many ingredients I'm not familiar with. Besides," she shrugged, "Soap's good enough for my hair."
Yuuki was surprised, "Just soap?" Walking over to her, she gently took some of Sango's hair and inspected it. "It's so shiny and straight, it's gorgeous, Sango!" Sango blushed a little. "It's hard to believe you wash it with only soap."
She smiled bashfully. "Y-You think so?" She asked with a light blush, stroking her own hair.
Inuyasha was nearly brain-dead from their conversation. Shippo and Miroku joined him, watching at the girls talked about hair and such. "Well, it's good to see them happy," Shippo offered up.
"As they say," Miroku recited, "girls are happiest amongst themselves."
"You don't need to keep taking baths," Inuyasha finally snapped, getting the girls' attentions. "It wastes too much time- you all take forever anyways."
Yuuki glared at him flatly. "Because we're getting clean."
Still he crossed his arms and continued, "You all are too soft- and those beds made you that way. I don't know how you all get comfortable in that squish."
Yuuki's eye twitched as the three girls stared at him bizarrely. Did he say 'squish'?
"Besides, I protect you from the bugs and snakes! They hardly bother you!"
Yuuki was amazed. He was being a sour puss! Kagome then giggled lightly and she glanced at her. "You're right, Inuyasha, we're sorry. We're grateful, and I hope you keep looking out for us."
Yuuki felt herself sober up, but she tried to keep her expression even. I don't like this... Inuyasha was caught off guard. "Uhh… Yeah, sure. You don't have to ask." She dared to look over at him. He had a true smile on his face that made her heart skip a beat. "I'll keep protecting you."
But he's looking at... She glanced at Kagome, seeing the smile she returned. Beside her, Sango discreetly eyed her expression. She could tell something was off with Yuuki. I want to be wrong, she thought, but I'm fairly certain Yuuki's developed feelings for Inuyasha... She furrowed her brows up, feeling for both of her friends.
Yuuki walked off. Sango quickly called after her, "Yuuki?"
"I just want to hurry and find an inn!" She called back, forcing her voice to be light. Not my problem, she thought to herself. It's not my problem...
Sango looked back over at Kagome, seeing she was watching Yuuki leave as well. "Kagome..." She made a sad smile back at Sango and shook her head. Sango sighed, deciding to leave it alone.
The rest of them followed after her into the village, wandering the vast and empty roads. "It's pretty quiet here," Shippo commented from Miroku's shoulder.
After saying that, and old man's voice was heard. "Oh, my! Women! And young ones, too!"
They looked forward, spotting the old man on a porch with a broom. "Your enthusiasm is creepy," Inuyasha stated bluntly as they approached him.
The old man chuckled and bobbed his head, "Sorry, sorry. The young women in our village have been spirited away as of late. Nothin' but old hags in these parts!"
Miroku was appalled by the news. "I beg your pardon? Are you saying we're too late!?" Sango shot him a look. "What am I to gaze upon while strolling through the village!?"
"Miroku!" She snapped.
He immediately backed down with a nervous laugh. "Sorry, Sango, I'm kidding!"
"Well the young men have been disappearing as well, to be fair," the old man added.
Yuuki stepped towards the old man and asked, "Do you have any idea why young men and women are disappearing?"
"Oh a demon I reckon," he replied easily with a nod. Standing his broom upright he rested on the stick. "I don't know what demon, but the next village over within the forest, Botan Village was plagued before us. We traded goods with them before, that's how I first heard of the disappearances. However the villagers have stopped comin' all together! The young folk went to check, but the fog around there was too thick."
Sango spoke to the others, "If it is a demon, it's sure to be around this village. Possibly in the forest."
"Or among the villagers," Miroku added.
"Yeah!" Shippo perked up, "they could look like other people, like with my transformation magic!"
Yuuki got the old man's attention again, "There was another rumor we heard; a demon stealing the souls of dead women."
"Hmm," frowning, he scratched his chin of a few scraggly hairs. "Can't say I know nothin' about that."
Kagome then spoke up, "How about an inn?" She sounded breathless, and Yuuki glanced back at her. She made a smile at Yuuki, but it seemed off. Yuuki offered a small smile back, but she felt uneasy towards her. What's wrong with her? What's wrong with me?
They looked to the old man as he replied, "I think we still have one round here. Not much business bein' had with the rumors. Head up on this road, an old man with his wife should be runnin' it."
"All right, thank you," Yuuki replied as they headed on.
While they walked the dirt road, Inuyasha said, "Hold on." They all stopped and looked over at him confused. He turned to Kagome, "You're sick, aren't you, Kagome."
Sick? Yuuki looked over at her surprised. Kagome mustered a smile and waved off the sudden attention on her. "Who me? No, I'm healthy as a horse!"
"You lie," he said, frowning at her. "It's totally obvious. You're pale and short of breath. Not to mention your voice is weak."
Staring at Kagome, Yuuki realized he was right. How did she miss that her friend was sick? She had stared at her right in the face- and Inuyasha noticed of all people. Yuuki's lips pressed tight again- Inuyasha pays enough attention to her. "Let me see," Sango stepped forward and pushed her hand under Kagome's bangs. "He's right, you're a little feverish."
"It's nothing, seriously," Kagome insisted, moving away from her. "Don't worry about it."
"Don't be silly," Inuyasha said sternly. "Quit pushing yourself so hard and put down that load."
Forcibly he took her yellow backpack from her- a gesture that made Yuuki jealous. Kagome sighed, but then smiled at him. "Thanks, Inuyasha…"
There they go again. Yuuki's jaw clenched, watching them smile at each other. She forced her back on them, "Let's hurry to the inn so Kagome can get some rest. We can investigate for the demon later."
Miroku sighed sadly as he walked with her followed by the others. "I suppose we can stay here if we must… At least I still have your beauty to gaze at," he said to her.
"The old man had a better chance." She snapped.
Miroku sighed in disappointment, mistaking her bad attitude for her usual banter. Shippo laughed from his shoulder, "Ouch!" Sango would have laughed as well, but she knew better. She watched Yuuki with worry, hoping nothing would escalate too far.
As the group headed up the road searching for the inn, Inuyasha staying in the back with Kagome, voices easily reached their ears over the silence of the village. "Shinkichi, you don't need to come with me. It's not far from here at all." The young woman's voice caught their attention and they all glanced over, spotting her with a man beneath a tree a little ways off.
"You're not serious!" The man, Shinkichi, insisted desperately. "I couldn't face life if you were spirited away, Miss Tane!"
Initially Yuuki thought nothing of it- she'd dealt with overhearing couple's conversations in school. While she focused ahead, a few of her friends continued to pay attention as they passed. Tane was surprised, "Shinkichi..." She smiled at him warmly, "I couldn't face the day, either, if something happened to you, Shinkichi."
"Please, Miss Tane," Shinkichi took her hands, surprising her again and Yuuki glanced over again. "Let me at least accompany you!"
Tane shook her head, however. "You're needed here, Shinkichi."
"I'm envious," Sango suddenly commented, surprising Yuuki.
She glanced back over at her, seeing Sango staring wistfully at the couple. "Sango?"
She smiled back at her, "Someone caring for you like that, it must be nice." Kirara mewled in agreement.
"Sango." The group came to a halt. Miroku had snagged Sango's hands and stared into her eyes with such depth that Yuuki, Inuyasha, and Kagome found themselves blushing. "There's something I want to say."
Sango was blushing herself, but she shouted at him, "Forget it, lecherous monk!"
"Dammit, Miroku!" Frustrated for Sango, Yuuki grabbed Sango's wrist and pulled her away from the flirt. Holding onto her protectively- Sango blushing and the lot of them surprised, she snapped at him, "She wants a man with eyes only on her! Quit being a slut!"
Kagome choked on her own spit. The rest of them were confused. Shippo asked innocently, "What's a slut?"
"Nothing!" Both Yuuki and Kagome replied- Yuuki blushing at her own mistake. Turning her back on Miroku, she held Sango close and escorted her forward, "Come on, Sango."
"O-okay," not knowing what else to do she went along with it. However she glanced up at Yuuki's face, wondering to herself, was she thinking about Inuyasha?
Miroku who had been stunned eventually recovered. "W-wait a minute! Girls!" He raced after them.
"Ho, travelers!" The lot of them came to a stop, turning their attention to an older man that was sitting on a porch. "Are you perhaps all looking for a place to stay for the night?"
"Yeah, we are," Inuyasha replied. "You the inn keeper?"
"That I am!" With a grunt of effort, he got up from his sitting position. Turning towards the open door he called, "Honey! We have guests!"
"Guests?" An old woman's voice called from inside. "Well, get yourself together and invite them in!" Hurrying out of the doorway the older woman was wiping her hands on her apron. She smiled at them, "You'll have to forgive us. It's been a long time since we've had guests."
"I'll prepare a large room so you can all stay together," the old man said as he headed inside.
"What are you talking about, fool!?" The woman quickly slapped his arm and he yelped, rubbing is injured area. "The men and women will sleep in separate rooms. Use your head, would you!?"
"Ludicrous!" The man retorted hotly, holding his arm. "They'd miss each other if we broke up the group."
"For being married they don't seem to get along," Shippo commented quietly as they watched the bickering couple.
"I don't think that's the case," Miroku said to him.
Shippo stared at him. "I don't get it."
"One big room for all of us is fine," Kagome quickly cut in politely to make the old couple stop fighting.
"Who cares about our rooms," Inuyasha said. "Let's just hurry and get to sleep."
Sango's eyes widened when Yuuki's grip on her body tightened. She glanced up at her as Yuuki frowned back at him annoyed, "Can we enjoy ourselves for a minute, please? I'd like to bathe before bed." She's more agitated than usual, Sango noted.
"You women and your baths," he complained.
Yuuki bared her teeth in genuine anger ready to snap- Sango grabbed onto Yuuki quickly and said loudly, "Inuyasha, you always have something to complain about." Her sudden intervention caused Yuuki to check herself. She turned away from them all, glaring at the ground. Sango played ignorant while Yuuki gathered herself.
Kagome frowned at him. "Inuyasha…"
"You're sick," he quickly interrupted, frowning back. "You be quiet for a change."
"Our large room is in the back," the old inn keeper's wife said with a smile. "Please, go set down your luggage and make yourselves at home."
They followed her instructions and went to the back of the inn. They stopped at the end of the hall and looked up at the sign above the door. "Hey!" Shippo pointed at it excited. "This room is called "Kagome's Room!"
"What a coincidence," Sango murmured, reading the sign.
"What a boring name to use," Inuyasha commented.
Kagome looked over at him offended, "What's so boring about it!?"
Yuuki huffed, still fired up from before, "Let it go, he's just a moron."
Miroku then suddenly chuckled, catching their attention. "It's the same name as Kagome's name," he explained. "He's just being shy."
"Damn you," Inuyasha grumbled angrily. "I'm not shy!"
Kagome only smiled and said in her sick voice, "Let's just go inside. Now that we're here I feel like a rest."
Yuuki dared to glance between the two of them. She could see the light blush on his face and the smile on Kagome's. Yuuki fought a frown- Kagome said they weren't together, so why the hell were they so close!? "Yuuki..." Sango tugged on Yuuki, causing her head to whip around in surprise. She stared at her in concern, and Yuuki didn't know what to do. Did she hear me? The fear of that made her body cold for a moment, sweaty.
"Yuuki?" She nearly jumped out of her skin as Shippo jumped onto Sango's shoulder between them. "Why is it that Inuyasha is so angry but Kagome seems so happy?"
"H-how should we know?" She questioned and was quick to throw the tatami door open. The three of them entered the room first with the others following.
Yuuki finally released Sango and she looked around. "This room is fairly small for a room that's supposed to be large."
"I'm sorry, you guys," Finally taking a seat, Kagome looked sicker by the moment as she forced a smile. "I hope you don't catch my cold."
"Don't worry about that," Inuyasha said standing up. "Now hurry and lie down."
"That's right," Miroku agreed. "You've got to put yourself first in situations like these."
"Kagome, I'm going to go out for a bit," Inuyasha said and Yuuki glanced up at him.
"Huh?" She looked up at him. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to catch a horse," he replied.
Yuuki stared at him. "...Why?"
"They say horsemeat lowers a fever, right?" He said to her and she knit her brows together. "One meal of that and she should be all better."
"You're not supposed to eat it, though," Miroku corrected and Yuuki furrowed her brows more at him. "You have to stick the horsemeat to your forehead."
Yuuki mumbled to herself, "I'm thankful for modern medicine..."
"Inuyasha, I know you're worried about me," Kagome said smiling at him. "And I appreciate it, but what would make me happiest is if you'd stay here with me."
Yuuki felt a sharp stab in her heart. Her fists tightened on her lap. She'd never heard anything like that out of her best friend before... I'm not allowed to feel anything... Inuyasha was surprised. "Kagome…" Yuuki couldn't dare look at them anymore.
"Excuse me," Yuuki snapped back to reality and looked over at the doorway, seeing the old woman walk towards them. "How are you finding your room-?"
She suddenly fell and they all jumped to their feet. "Are you okay?" Yuuki asked in alarm.
"Oh- yes," she picked herself up and smiled at them. "I just tripped is all."
"Honey!" Feet thudded down the hall and suddenly the inn keeper was on the scene. "Are you all right!?" He asked worried.
She turned to him and waved him off. "Oh I'm fine, really. Now you get back to work."
"Don't be silly!" He grabbed a hold of her to help her stand. "Your health is more important! Honestly, you're hopeless!" With that he helped her walk away. "Forget about the guests, I'll tend to them, you just lie down..."
Miroku looked down at the clueless Shippo and explained, "Just because they argue all the time, doesn't mean they don't get along."
Yuuki glanced at them, seeing Shippo think about it. "Huh. Kind of like Kagome and Inuyasha, I guess."
An innocent comment that rang true- and the final part for all the pieces in Yuuki's head to click. Forcing herself to avoid seeing Kagome and Inuyasha smile at each other, oblivious to Sango's concern, she smiled down at her lap. She could have laughed at how obvious it all had been. Eri's words from so long ago rang in her head, "You can't tell me you haven't noticed. I haven't known anybody as clued out as you when it comes to these things. Even though it's so obvious; one look tells it all!"
She closed her eyes in acceptance. I'm an idiot. She suddenly got to her feet, catching everyone's attention. She spoke lightly, "Well if Inuyasha isn't going to put a slab of horsemeat on your forehead, Kagome, then I'll go get some water instead." With that she quickly left the room and slid the door shut behind her.
She moved forward with purpose, smile stiff on her face. I knew. She tried to put whatever there was behind her, but she didn't get far. Stopping in the front room, her head tilted down as a hand moved up to grab her shirt. I knew, she thought, her bangs falling to hide her eyes. I knew Inuyasha was the boy Kagome constantly talked about. She remembered how she fought with Inuyasha ever since she showed up in the Feudal Era. Yet Inuyasha would protect her, too, and they got along in their own way… The feeling panged painfully in her chest and her grip tightened. Her heart throbbed with jealousy. I'm an idiot...
"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Kagome asked cutely.
Shivers shot up Yuuki's back. She then whirled around, staring at Kagome's smile with a look akin to horror. "Don't sneak up on me!" She shouted.
Kagome only giggled and folded her hands behind her back. "It's not my fault you were daydreaming."
Yuuki scoffed and focused on straightening her clothes, plucking the invisible lint off to try and calm herself. "Well, what is it? How did Inuyasha let you out of the room?"
"I just told him I had something to ask you," she replied. "So, I was wondering if you wanted to go take a bath with me, when it's ready?"
She hesitated. She's being nice to me... when I've been so angry and jealous of her... After a swallow, Yuuki turned to her with a smirk, hand on her hip. "And risk catching your cold?" She questioned and Kagome pouted. She sighed dramatically and said, "Oh, I suppose. Who knows when we'll get the chance to have a bath again."
"That's great," she said and gave a closed eye smile. "I was thinking of using the shampoo and conditioner I'd saved." She pulled out the bottles from behind her back. Kagome… Yuuki gazed at the bottles a little sadly, her smirk slipping. "This shampoo makes your hair so silky and soft, mom bought it for me last week. Ever tried it?"
"I don't think so," she replied as she turned away. Looking away from her she said, "I'll go take a bath with you later, Kagome. I... I was to check out the village some more first." With that she walked away and Kagome stared after her sadly.
Yuuki left the inn and started walking through Minamo Village idly, needing to be alone for a moment. Kagome was always the nicer one of them. Yuuki never really got along with other people, but she never really tried, either. She sighed and gazed at the ground sadly. "She's nice enough to let me use her shampoo…" She closed her eyes in disgust. "I can't believe I betrayed her in such a way..."
"Shinkichi, you're still here!" Tane said and Yuuki winced. Were they really still there? She glanced over to see them under the tree again. "I made this boxed lunch for you before I left!" She handed the bento box to him and he looked like a dying man that was given the gift of life.
"Really? For me?" He questioned, pointing to himself. "Thank you so much!" He opened it up and hurriedly took a bite. "It's so delicious!" He said with a mouthful.
"Thank you!" Tane smiled weakly. "But, Shinkichi, watch your manners."
"But this boxed lunch is just so delicious!"
"You flatter me." She gently took the box from him and picked out a sushi roll. "It was the least I could do for you. Here, open up." He opened his mouth and she fed him the roll with a giggle. "How does it taste?"
After he chewed and swallowed he replied, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world, getting to spend time with a beautiful woman who cooks so well."
Tane was caught off guard, blushing. Yet she smiled, "I'm lucky, too, being able to spend time with the good man who enjoys my cooking so much."
"Agh!" Tane and Shinkichi looked over confused to see Yuuki running by with her eyes shut and ears covered. However no matter how fast she ran she could still hear Sango's voice in her head, "Someone caring for you like that, it must be nice."
"I don't care!" She insisted loudly as she continued to run. "I'm too busy with life! With school and my club and my shrine..." Her voice faded out slowing to a stop. She had said the same excuses to Eri, didn't she? On the city transit... Yuuki became depressed, "I'm... I'm busy with studies, and chores at home..." She eventually came to a stop, standing alone in the empty village. "... It was easier being ignorant..." Eventually she began walking again, staring at the ground. "I've never needed a boyfriend before… What changed?"
That's a silly question, a voice inside her head told her. You've never known anyone like Inuyasha before. Yuuki hugged herself as the wandered the village alone. Thinking back, no, none of the boys that claimed to like her were as loud and argumentative as he was. As caring and protective as he was... Inuyasha... She shut her eyes tight, hugging herself tighter.
The fact of the matter was Inuyasha was for Kagome. As much as it hurt, Yuuki would use that as her anchor. I need to forget these feelings. She found herself at the edge of the forest. After all, if I fall in love, the Dai Saishi no Tama will eventually kill me. Stopping, she looked into the thicket of it, noting it was much darker further in. "Maybe I should preoccupy myself with the demon problem," she said to herself.
"Yuuki!"
Her face fell to dread. "You have to be kidding me..." Turning around, she was once again regretfully approached by Inuyasha. His smiling face was nearly too much. She turned away and questioned annoyed, "Why aren't you with Kagome? Go back and take care of her, I'm busy."
She began walking away, but as he called out, "Wait!" she was suddenly stopped in her tracks. She glared down at herself- what the hell am I stopping for!? Sighing at herself, she turned back slightly and glared at him. "Make it quick."
"Not here," she blinked- he suddenly snagged her wrist and dragged her into the forest.
"Wha-hey!" Blushing, she frantically tried to break free from him. "You idiot- let me go! Where are you taking me!?"
"Pipe down, would ya?" He frowned back at her annoyed. "Quit struggling and just come along. I don't want anyone to overhear our conversation."
She blinked at him bewildered. "Wh-what is this about!?"
"I said pipe down! Pampered brat," he grumbled and she blushed more out of irritation. While she still struggled, she tripped and stumbled over roots. She glanced around worried, not spotting the village edge anymore while a slight fog rolled in. It was only then Inuyasha finally came to a stop, "All right, this should be far enough."
Yuuki held her breath as she waited. Her blush grew as she realized he wasn't letting go of her wrist. He turned to her and she stiffened, a bead of sweat rolling down her cheek. "W-what is it?"
"I hate beating around the bush," he said, "So I'm just going to be frank. Yuuki... I need to ask you a question." More sweat built on Yuuki's face. "What are your feelings for me?"
"EH!?" She jerked back slightly- but his grip was steadfast. For the first time in her life Yuuki felt her body trembling. Hot and cold all at once sweat was raining down her body. "I-I don't- that's- w-w-why!? Why are you asking that!?"
"It's important, Yuuki." He moved closer to her and she froze.
She stared up at him in slight fear. "I... I..." Her heart was hammering too hard for her to get her thoughts together.
After waiting a moment, he sighed. "All right, looks like I'm gonna have to do it first."
"D-Do wh-" Inuyasha ducked closer and pressed his lips against hers. She froze- eyes snapping wide open. Instead of blushing madly, the blood draining from her face. Wrong. With a slight cry, she jerked back from him. He released her wrist and she stumbled back against a tree. "I-Inuyasha..." Staring at him, she huddled to herself, body cold and ghostly pale. This is wrong. "Wh-what about Kagome...?"
After a sigh he furrowed his brows up at her. "Yeah, I'm worried about her cause she's sick. That doesn't mean I love her- she's a friend." Yuuki felt dizzy. Staring at him, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Am I dreaming? Tucking his arms in his sleeves he added, "Besides, I just need her to find the Shikon shards."
She started slowly shaking her head. "Y-you're lying... You're lying!" She shouted. "Of course you love Kagome! It's obvious for anyone to see!"
"And this is why I wanted to be out of earshot," he said, surprising her. He walked towards her and she flattened herself against the tree. She began trembling again as he stood over her. His gaze turned heavy lidded, "I love you, Yuuki..."
"Shut up!" She screamed, shaking her head furiously. This is a dream! This isn't real! "Just- shut up! Stupid dog! Mongrel! I hate you! I-"
Inuyasha grabbed her roughly and forced his lips on hers again. Screwing her eyes shut she struggled against him, sounds of frustration muffled. She tried pushing, kicking, pounding on his chest. When he pulled away slightly for air he repeated again, "I love you," and kissed her again. He pushed it further and slid his hands down her body, one reaching up under her shirt and the other reaching even further, sneaking up the back of her skirt.
Stop, Inuyasha! Tears sprang to her eyes as he grabbed at her body- her undergarments protecting her from his bare hands. Her body was overcome with a wrongness. She didn't want this, this wasn't right. Left with no other options, she pressed her hand against his face and summoned her Seishin to her skin's surface. The holy power sizzled and burned at Inuyasha's half demon flesh and he recoiled with a cry.
"I-I'm sorry!" She quickly amended. "I didn't want to do that!" She hugged herself to try and remain together, feeling exposed.
Inuyasha staggered back, covering his wounded face with his red kimono sleeve. "You bitch..."
Yuuki froze, staring at him. His voice was raspy- not Inuyasha's voice. "Inuyasha...?"
Something dripped from his hidden face. Yuuki followed it down. What seemed like liquid was actually flesh, dripping steadily from his face. Inuyasha's body trembled as he slowly lowered his arm. "No matter..." Slowly lifting his head, his white hair moved aside and Yuuki's eyes went wide with horror. As his flesh was melting away, revealing under the skin was a second face. Slick with slime and grey with beady yellow eyes. His half face grinned, "We're far from the village now, no one will save you..."
"You... You're the demon spiriting women away..."
The demon chuckled as Inuyasha's face melted away. "Taking you was risky, however once I consume you I shall be strong enough to better ward off holy powers." Grabbing his white hair he peeled the whole mane off and threw it down with a fleshy slap, revealing the slick and wrinkly skin underneath. "Come now, priestess. Submit and it will be painless, I promise..."
Yuuki was too in shock to respond. She stared at the disgusting demon hunched before her, slowly inching forward. This thing forced itself on her... touched her... fresh tears welled in her eyes. The demon lunged at her, but just as quickly she put her hands out. "Purify!" It screamed, the blast forcing him back and slamming against a tree. As it trembled on the ground, body slowly burning, she grabbed her rosary and lashed out, swinging again and again at its body, each hit making it scream with new pain.
She wasn't sure how long it had been until it stopped screaming. She eventually had to stop because her arm was so tried. Enough blood had been flying to cake the tree and ground around the mutilated body. She panted, staring at the lump of grey flesh and red blood. Without warning vomit spewed from her mouth onto the ground, and she heaved a couple of times. After spitting out the rest, she wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Then she kept wiping, remembering that things lips were on hers. She wiped, wiped, scrubbed, scrubbed, harder until he rubbed her mouth raw. After wincing from the pain she finally stopped.
She wasn't sure what to do. Go back... I need to go back... Rosary limp in her hand, she began walking, her face a listless gaze. I need to go back... With a vague sense of needing to return to her friends, she walked through the forest, not noticing the further she went the thicker the fog became.
When she reached the village edge, she looked up, realizing everything was covered in a blue hue of fog. Slowly was life returning to her eyes as she realized, "Wait, where am I...?" Feeling anxious again, she looked around and spotted an old wooden sign. "Botan Village...?" The village that was first attacked by that demon... Remembering him, she hugged herself again.
"Here you are." She jumped at the sound of a voice. Looking around, she spotted shadows approaching through the fog. "I've been searching for you." Yuuki's face fell to fear as Utsugi emerged with Kanna by her side. The woman with her face stared at her stoically. "Foolish of you to be alone."
"N-no," she took a step back. Not here- not now! "Wait- please-"
"Kanna, take her soul." On command the pale girl lifted her mirror and it shone with a white light.
It felt like the air was being sucked out of her. She suddenly choked, dropping her rosary. There was a tugging sensation in her chest that grew into a ripping pain. She fell to her knees, grabbing at her chest, seeing specs of white floating out of her. Is that my soul...!?
Utsugi looked down at the girl as she writhed in pain on the ground, unable to scream as the air was sucked out of her. "Do not resist," she advised. "It will only be more painful." Yuuki's voice came out in a squeak, falling down onto her side, pieces of her soul floating over to Kanna's mirror. Tears were welling in the girls eyes. "Forget about your pain. Your sadness. Simply let go-" Utsugi's eyes widened, sensing a presence.
Instinctively she stepped to the side and an arrow flew between her and Kanna, disrupting the spell of her mirror. As the light fell away, Kanna looked down at her mirror. "A sacred arrow," she whispered.
The arrow flew over Yuuki's body, the holy powers allowing her to gasp a breath, and embedded in a tree behind her. "I've finally found you," a woman's voice said.
Yuuki, a sweating and panting mess, looked up with a pained expression as a new figure approached. Utsugi and Kanna turned back as well to see a priestess with long black hair emerge from the fog. She readied another arrow in her bow and drew, string taunt by her cheek as she glared at Utsugi. "Tell me where Naraku is."
"You must be Kikyo, the dead priestess," Utsugi said.
Kikyo smirked, "You're one to talk. Tell me, or I shall steal whatever soul fuels you now."
"You are at a disadvantage," Utsugi gestured to Kanna who raised her mirror. "Her mirror is more powerful that those demons at your command. You will lose."
Kikyo glanced over at the girl. Kanna was nothing but a void, giving no expression away, however her mirror glinted with malice. Kikyo narrowed her eyes, perhaps Utsugi was right, however they weren't initiating the fight either. They must be wary of her, it may be that Ustugi doesn't know enough about my powers, she thought.
Deciding a draw, Kikyo relaxed her bow and put her arrow away. Utsugi pulled out a Saimyosho hive from her sleeve and the insects swarmed out, wrapping around her and Kanna and flying away. Kikyo glared after them, however I don't know enough of Utsugi's powers either. As the buzz of the Saimyosho faded in the distance, in the silence that's when she noticed the pained labored breathing. She turned, focused on the girl with wild brown hair- the same as Utsugi's. Her clothing is the same as Kagome's, as is the air around her. Where the girl came from wasn't Kikyo's concern. If Utsugi and Naraku's incarnation were here, Naraku must want something from this girl.
She approached her, "Girl."
"Hn- no..." Yuuki struggled weakly to get away, yet hardly budged. "Don't..." Kikyo stopped short as she collapsed.
"She's fainted." Inspecting the girl closer- Kikyo's eyes widened. It wasn't just her hair that was the same as Utsugi's, this girl was identical to her. Frowning, she looked back after Utsugi.