So here it isat last! Ch. 5! First of all I should appologize for taking so long to write this. between school and my other writting projects I'm working on for fun this one just didn't come . . . Writers block bad on pne part.
I should warn you before you read that it will be long . . . takes up 23 pages on my computer . . .so take you time and enjoy! And of course don't forget to review!
Last time: Rei was captured by Naraku and possessed through the sacred jewel shards . . .
Ch.5 Punishment
Kagura watched as the boat went out of sight then turned and hurried back to Naraku's castle using her wind to cover up the scent trail as she went. At the moment she was feeling rather pleased with herself, she had actually managed to undermine Naraku and get away with it. This Kagura considered, was her triumphant first step towards total freedom from him. She managed to sneak back inside unnoticed but quickly discovered that something was up when Naraku called her into see him. The second Kagura laid eyes on him she could tell he had become completely enraged, something she had never seen him do before. He had never allowed himself to sink that low as to be controlled by his emotions. Naraku was the first to speak, "Any clues to where the demon lord is?" He demanded icily.
"No, my lord." Kagura replied.
"Liar! You took him from me and part of the Shikon No Tama too!" He roared.
Kagura was horror stricken. How had he found out about the Shikon No Tama so soon? Naraku showed Kagura a spiraling red orb in the palm of his hand. Kagura knowing what was coming lost her will to move and collapsed to the floor. For several terrible seconds Naraku examined the horrified expression on Kagura's face. "Please don't . . ." Kagura began.
Kagura's plea came too late. Before she could finish her sentence Naraku squeezed the red orb. Kagura cried out as a fire like pain seized her chest. She clutched her chest and trashed around trying to make it all go away. Kagura tried desperately not to give in but the pain was too overwhelming. Blood was soaking the front of her kimono as she began to cough up more blood amidst her screams. Soon her voice failed her and Kagura could do nothing but lie against the wall and pray for it all to end. Her pain didn't last much longer as she soon blacked out.
How long had she lain here? Kagura didn't know. She didn't know the last time she moved at all. Who had hurt her? Kagura couldn't remember that either. She knew she had experienced similar pain before but nothing like the way she felt now. Nothing made sense to her anymore. Everything felt so numb and weak. The only thing she had energy for was moving her fan in a simple pattern she seemed to have known since forever. Kagura remembered the pale white face of a girl but she didn't feel Kanna rubbing warm water against her pale skin nor the blanket Kanna rapped around her shoulders in a desperate attempt to keep her alive. She couldn't even remember the water and food Kanna had also given her. Everything just seemed to move in a surreal haze.
"Who hurt Kagura?" Kagura weakly asked Kanna one day.
"Naraku did." Kanna replied in her flat monotone voice.
Kagura paled slightly and looked upset, "No! Naraku would never hurt Kagura!"
Kanna shook her head sadly and left. Kagura hadn't been right since Naraku had lashed out at her for her betrayal she remarked sadly. A short time later Naraku came to visit Kagura. "Who hurt Kagura?" Kagura demanded.
Naraku looked only slightly annoyed by the question, "I did." Naraku replied.
"No! Naraku would have never hurt Kagura like this! It must have been someone else named Naraku!" Kagura insisted.
Naraku looked touched by her loyalty, only very slightly of course. "Yes. It was." He replied.
Kagura stared up at Naraku with childlike innocence, "Why did he hurt Kagura? Kagura doesn't remember being a bad girl. Kagura had always been good hasn't she?"
"Yes, she has." Naraku replied.
Kagura looked up at Naraku innocently, "Then who hurt Kagura?"
When Naraku didn't reply Kagura started to cry, "Who hurt Kagura?" She repeated over and over again.
It had been months now since Sesshomaru had made his escape from Naraku's castle and despite both Naraku, Rei and the rest of his minions best efforts he still remained at large. Not that Kagura was much help; she'd been useless sense Naraku had punished her for helping the demon lord escape in the first place. As to where the missing demon was hiding; Naraku suspected that Sesshomaru had returned to the Westernlands and was protected by its barrier. Personally Naraku was getting quite annoyed with the late dog demons lasting protection of his land. He knew not who had been keeping the barrier up all these years; all he knew was that it wasn't the current Inu Lord himself. If it had been him Naraku should have felt the barrier weaken when he was hurt but it didn't even flinch. Rei had been difficult in her own way during these last several months. Neither Naraku nor the fake persona he controlled could feel the presence of the original Rei Ayanami persona, but three times now she had managed to show herself. Each time he'd been able to insert more jewel shards into her and she went away. Naraku had put seven of his sacred jewel shards in her to date and for now it seemed to work.
For weeks now I had laid hidden deep within my core. Naraku could control my body but not my mind. I spent most of my time wandering as a bodiless soul silently observing the events of Naraku's palace. It seemed to help me stay hidden so most of the time I didn't mind. Although at times it was maddening because I could do nothing to affect the world around me like being in an Eva on auto pilot. It also got lonely having no one to talk to, not that I had ever been talkative before, but I was hopping to change all that soon. I was formulating a plan to take back my body. I hoped this worked and soon because Naraku had sent me to kill this time. He wanted me to destroy someone named Inu Yasha and I didn't have much time. I left a dawn and it was already well after midnight.
I watched myself as I sat sleeping in a darken corner of a room. I knew I wasn't in control but if she hurt this Inu Yasha it would be on me.
Early the next morning she left as planned. After learning where he was headed from Kanna she made her way to a large snow covered field to wait for them. I followed her there and while she waited I wandered around the perimeter looking for him. I had to stop him and fast. Too soon they made their appearance. He had four friends with him, two young women about my age, a young monk and a kitsune child. The one girl was dressed in a green school uniform that looked like it could have come from my world before third impact. She was looking around warily and I wondered if she could sense me. It was worth a shot. I reached out and touched her. "Listen! Don't go that way!" I shouted.
The girl jumped back like she'd seen a ghost and looked right at me. "Something wrong, Kagome?" Asked the monk.
The girl rubbed her arm where I had touched her. "I just have a bad feeling about this place. Something tells me we shouldn't go that way."
"But there're jewel shards and Naraku's scent that way." Replied Inu Yasha angrily from the front of the line.
"No I agree. I feel a strange presence in the area myself." The monk replied.
"What? You chicken now, Miroku?" Inu Yasha demanded.
Miroku gestured vaguely in my direction, "No. It feels like someone should be standing right beside me but no one's there."
Inu Yasha grunted and continued walking. No no no! I could let them go that way, she would get them! I practically launched myself through both Kagome and Miroku, screaming "Turn around! Don't go that way!"
I had to do something anything to stop them. Both of them nearly jumped out of their skins at my touch. They were staring at me like they could almost see me. "Please listen to me . . ." I pleaded.
You felt that, right Miroku?" Kagome stammered.
Miroku nodded. "There's definitely an invisible female presence here."
They looked around obviously confused as to where I was. They could not see me, only feel me. When they couldn't figure out what was going on they gave up in confusion and frustration; heading towards the clearing with the others. I pulled on my hair in frustration there had to be something I could do. I flew past them as the battle began between my controlled self and Inu Yasha began. On the other side of the clearing I found Sesshomaru. He was sneaking up on Kagura who had been following me. With one swift move he incapacitated her and then left her resting against the tree. I took a breath and reached out to touch him. "That way!" I shouted, pointing to the other side of the clearing.
Sesshomaru flinched but barely responded to my touch. I tired again. This time he looked in my direction. "I must be going insane." He muttered "For a second I thought it was her standing beside me."
I reached out and touched him for the third time. "I'm right here." I said a little more softly.
Sesshomaru stared even closer at me. "I see it's really you after all, asking for help. So little brother's being his usual dumb self isn't he?" He murmured softly.
He pulled out his sword and placed it in the ground. Sesshomaru muttered an incantation over it, I felt a power come from the blade and spread over the area. He then turned and took off in the direction of the battle. I sighed in relief and hurried to keep up. Maybe I wasn't too late after all.
As Inu Yasha entered into the clearing a strange female figure rose to her feet. She turned slowly to face him. She had cold bloodthirsty red eyes, light blue hair and the palest skin imaginable. She grinned at him and took a few steps closer. "I've been waiting Inu Yasha. It's time for you meet your doom." She said.
Inu Yasha snorted and placed his hand on the hilt of the Tetsaiga. "I don't know what in the hell your problem is but I think not little lady." He replied cockily.
"I have no problem with you. I am here on behalf of my master. It would appear he wants you dead."
Inu Yasha smirked at her statement. "If your master wants me dead that must mean you serve Naraku, right?"
"Correct."
"That's all I needed to hear. You're going down!"
Inu Yasha removed the Tetsaiga from its sheath and tried to summon the wind scar but it wouldn't come. She had no demonic aura, but that would mean she was human. How did a human think she could stop him? It was impossible. Yet, she stood there calmly like she wasn't afraid at all. Inu Yasha flexed his claws and charged at her calling out, "Iron Remer Soul Stealer!"
About a foot away from her he collided head on with a barrier and an orange hexagonal pattern appeared in the air. She looked him in the eyes and grinned. All of a sudden the barrier threw him backward into the trees. Behind him the others came out of the woods. "Look out guys she's got a barrier!" He called.
Kagome pulled out an arrow as Sango took to the sky with Kirara. Both of them released their attacks at the same time. Sango's hit her barrier and dissipated harmlessly but Kagome's passed through. For a second everyone thought Kagome had done it but in an amazing display of reflexes the woman caught it at the last moment and broke the arrow in two. She looked at Kagome and grinned. "So it would appear you have spiritual powers as well." She said.
She starred hard at Kagome for several seconds. Suddenly Kagome went limp and collapsed. Inu Yasha blinked in shock and turned to face the attacker. "What did you do to her? You better have not done anything to hurt her!" He roared.
"I simply allowed her to fall asleep." The blue haired woman replied with a smile.
"Hey, I've got an idea for you! Why don't you come out from behind that barrier of yours and fight us head on?"
"I wish I could but this body is weak and imperfect; the flawed creation of a flawed being. However with your death Naraku promises me the secret of removing my human blood. Then I'll be able to rejoin my kin as a full angel."
"What? You're a half-breed!"
She simply smiled and shrugged. "Wasn't like that was my choice."
Inu Yasha smirked back. "So you think Naraku can help you? Hardly; He can't even get what he wants himself."
"Ah, but that's where your wrong. That fool has put so many jewel shards in me that soon even he won't be able to stop me. When that day comes I'll be free forever."
Inu Yasha stepped up and tired to use his red Tetsaiga on her but it was also useless. She smiled and raised her hands, "It's time I stop playing around and take what I came for." She declared.
Inu Yasha growled furiously and stepped foreword in front of the others. "Let's go then."
They watched in silent amazement as she formed a small ball of light in her hands. Once it reached the size of a tennis ball she aimed it at Inu Yasha and fired. Inu Yasha raised his sword to stop it but it went right past it and hit him full in the chest. Inu Yasha went flying like a rag doll high into the air. He bounced several times before landing against a tree. Miroku stepped foreword and raised his hand to remove the seal on his wind tunnel but she beat him to it. "Oh, no you don't . . ." She hissed.
She pointed her hand at him and Miroku went sailing. Next she turned her attention to Sango. She raised her hand and released two balls of light. Kirara fell from the sky landing on Sango. The woman grinned and surveyed the damage but the brake wouldn't last. Inu Yasha got back on his feet. He charged her but she threw him in the air with her barrier and he landed on the ground. In moments he was back on his feet again. She growled in frustration and tossed two balls of light at him. He took both head on and landed unconscious on the ground. She walked over until she was standing over Inu Yasha. She drew a short sword given to her by Naraku and pointed it at him. Just as she was about to deal Inu Yasha the final blow Kagome leapt in front of him. Her eyes were filled with tears and desperation. "If you want to kill him you'll have to kill me too." She declared.
She shook her head. There was something about this scene that seemed to stir something in her, like she had done something like this herself.Ikari!Join with him! NO! I will not! BOOM!Her grip on her sword slackened. No, she wouldn't fall prey to pitiful human emotions. She had a mission to carry out. Before she had a chance to redouble her attack a small voice cried out behind her, "Foxfire!"
She stepped to the side easily avoiding the blue flames. She didn't give Shippo a second chance to attack. With a swift wave of her arm she sent him flying and he disappeared in the trees.
She then returned her attention back to Inu Yasha. Rei raised her sword but was stopped by the arrival of an unexpected quest. "Sesshomaru, Come to witness you brother's demise?" She asked placidly.
"No." He replied icily "I've come to challenge you, Rei Ayanami."
Rei smirked. "Very well. These guys were getting boring anyway. Let's go."
Sesshomaru drew the Tokijin and the fight was on. Rei attacked first but was blocked. "You should ask the true owner of that body about your powers you know. I met her shortly before you became Naraku's minion and she told me all about your abilities, unintentionally of course because of she thought I was a sleep. Oddly enough I know the stuff even you don't. Oh, and by the way, Rei this is nothing personal." Sesshomaru said.
Rei gasped in surprise. He struck. Sesshomaru's strike hit home. He had stabbed her right through her stomach with the Tokijin. Rei screamed and tried to come back at him with a small dagger but he seized her wrist twisting it hard so that the weapon fell useless to the ground. Her knees gave out and she dangled there for a moment before he dropped her. Rei staggered back to her feet but she didn't have a chance. With his claws Sesshomaru sliced her from her shoulder diagonally across her chest down to her hip effectively dislodging all seven-jewel shards. Rei cried in pain and fell to the ground splattering more blood across the white snow. Sesshomaru knelt down and pulled out the Tokijin out and wiped it off on the snow earning himself a moan of pain from Rei. "You'll . . . you'll pay." She cursed him.
Sesshomaru pretended not to notice her. She would be dead from blood loss within a few moments he knew. So her threats were pretty much empty words. He was more concerned with something else. Slowly her eyes softened until then were the eyes of the girl who saved him from Naraku's poison.
Slowly I returned to my body. It hurt like my body never had before. There wasn't a single part of me that wasn't screaming in agony but inside I was happy. I could feel for the first time in weeks. You wouldn't understand what its like to not be able to feel until you go with out it. Pain it's a good thing. It lets you know you're alive. My blood was rushing out of me in rivers, turning the snow red but it didn't matter there was nothing I could do about it. There was only one thing left to do. Say good bye. "You were listening after all . . ." I stammered.
"I only heard part of what you said but I did hear was about your barrier, an A.T. field I believe you called it." Sesshomaru explained.
I smiled but even this simple movement was painful. "Ari-ari-arigatou, Sesshomaru" I stammered weakly in Sesshomaru's ear.
With that I closed my eyes and let go.
Sesshomaru stood up and walked over to where Inu Yasha and his friends were and grabbed Kagome's medicine bag. Inside he found medical supplies both current and futuristic. He walked back over to Rei and knelt down next to her. He pulled out the gauze and wrapped her injuries up in it. When he was done he looked back at Kagome who was sitting speechless next to Inu Yasha. He held the bag out to her, "You'll need this to take care of them." He said "I'll be back shortly with some transport."
Kagome pointed to Rei. "What about her?" She asked.
"She won't hurt you now. Naraku possessed her through the shikon shards and now that they've been removed she's safe. Besides you have your arrows and she's as close to death as you can get and still be alive. Oh, by the way her name is Rei."
Kagome nodded meekly signaling that she understood. Sesshomaru threw the bag and it landed next to her with a thud. Sesshomaru turned and disappeared back into the woods. Kagome picked up her bag and began to attend to the others. Miroku's and Shippo's injuries weren't bad. They had a few bumps and scrapes but nothing serious. Their worse injury would be the headache they would have when they woke up. Sango, Inu Yasha and Kirara were more seriously hurt. Inu Yasha had a broken arm a bruised back and serious burns. Sango was suffering from crushed ribs and a broken arm and leg from where Kirara had fallen on her. Kirara had several nasty cuts and burns from having been hit by Rei.
Soon everyone was bandaged up and resting under a large tree near the edge of the woods. The only person who Kagome hadn't touched was Rei. She was still lying where Sesshomaru had left her, face up in the red snow. Kagome wasn't sure what she was more afraid of her or Sesshomaru coming back. He'd said she was harmless, though. "What do you think?" She asked Shippo who was the only one awake.
"I don't know." Shippo replied. "She was really scary but she's hurt bad."
"You're not helping." Kagome muttered.
Kagome and Shippo approached the girl. She was lying on her back on top red snow where she'd bled. Scattered around her where seven shard of the sacred jewel. Kagome picked them up one at a time purifying the evil Naraku had put into them. She, however, was still hesitant to touch the Rei. Sesshomaru had said the evil her was gone but Kagome didn't want to just take his word for it. As she was debating what to do Miroku appeared behind them. "So, what happened here?" He asked.
Kagome told him how Sesshomaru had shown up right as Rei was about to kill them and started fighting with her which resulted in her injuries. "Instead of letting her die he bandaged her up and told me she'd been controlled by Naraku's jewel shards," Kagome said, showing Miroku the seven shards, "he said he was getting transport for us and left."
Miroku's eyes got big at the sight of the seven shards, "Wow, seven of them. No wonder we couldn't touch her. I imagine that she must be tough if Naraku had to use that many on her." Miroku said "We should take her back with the others and get her warmed up."
"Is it safe?" Kagome asked.
"Perfectly. You said it yourself that she was possessed by Naraku, just like Kohaku is. Now that she's back to herself she's a victim of Naraku and as fellow sufferers we have a duty to look after her. The one to be concerned about is Sesshomaru."
Kagome nodded feeling better although still suspicious of Miroku's motives. Gently they picked her up and carried her to where the others lay. She muttered once when they first began to move her, but Kagome couldn't hear what exactly she said. It was something about she was sorry she wouldn't make it back. Then she fell silent again. After they had left her under the tree Miroku and Shippo went to get firewood while Kagome got water. Once the fire was going she began to boil the water. Soon she had four cups of hot tea before her. Kagome pulled out a small jar from her bag. Inside it was a potent herbal mixture Kaede had taught her about last time she'd been in her village. It was a powerful antibiotic and pain killer. However it tasted horrible if used without a sweetener like sugar or honey. The problem was the sweetener always weakened the effects. So, Kagome only put the sugar in the one for Kirara since she had mildest injuries. The other three all got the pure form pored down their throats. The best, or worse part, depend on your point of view was that they would all be able to taste it in their mouths when they woke up.
It wasn't long afterward when Sesshomaru made his grand reappearance. He was riding his dragon Aun along with Jaken and a human girl. He leapt down and walked over to where the others were waiting. "So, how is she?" He demanded.
"Still alive." Kagome reported.
Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow; she was still breathing. That was unexpected. He thought she would be dead and had been trying to talk himself into using the Tenseiga. Now he didn't have to. This made his job much easier. "Sesshomaru is that you?" Demanded the voice of his hanyou half-brother.
"Yes, Inu Yasha it is I, Sesshomaru."
"Thought so, I could smell you stench a mile away."
"Pipe down, you imbecile; I'm not here to pick a fight. I came to offer you transport to a safe place for you to recover."
"Why? What's got you feeling so charitable all of a sudden?"
"I have my reasons."
"Like what? I'm sure it's not family love."
"It's complicated. I'm sure a simpleton like you wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
"I'd prefer not to."
"Scared?"
Sesshomaru shook his head in annoyance. "This is ridiculous. I should just go."
"Inu Yasha, We should accept Sesshomaru's help. He might be able to tell us something important or help us out." Miroku suggested.
"Feh, we don't need it. So he can just get going. "
Inu Yasha tried to stand but failed and ended up falling down on his rear end. He tried repeatedly several more times but failed each one, only seceding in increasing the pain in his butt. Kagome sweat dropped and shook her head. "This is embarrassing."
Seeing that this wasn't greeting them any where Miroku put in his suggestion, "Maybe you should just sit the poor guy and get it over with."
"Yeah, someone needs to put him out of his misery." Shippo added.
Inu Yasha tried to get up so he could strangle them but only increased his own pain. "I heard that! I dare you to come over here and say that to my face you lecherous monk and little pipsqueak!" He roared.
Meanwhile Rin was watching the scene looking quiet confused. "Lord Sesshomaru, I thought you said they're your friends. They don't seem very friendly to me."
Inu Yasha shook his fist at Rin. "You want to see friendly kid why don't you come over here and let me show you."
Rin began to tremble and looked like she was about to start crying. Kagome saw Rin's reaction and became visibly mad, "Oh, Inu Yasha . . . Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit!" She screamed.
Miroku leaned over and looked at the hole Inu Yasha sit's made. "Is he dead?" he asked Shippo.
Inu Yasha groaned in pain. "Nope. Darn. I was going to eat his ramen tonight."
Inu Yasha, suddenly feeling much better and on his feet, "Nobody touches my ramen! Got that Shippo!"
Shippo shrugged his shoulders innocently. "Did you say something Inu Yasha? You lips moved but all I heard was blah blah blah blah."
"Then allow me to come up there and use my fist to clear up our little misunderstanding . . ." Inu Yasha snapped.
"Good bye, Inu Yasha!" Sesshomaru shouted.
Inu Yasha grunted and crawled slowly out of his crater. He flopped down on the ground. "You won't leave." He said after a moment. "You know what tonight is and you either intend to help me out or use it stab me in the back."
"So you remembered, I was getting worried that it had slipped your frail mind." Sesshomaru replied.
"I wish. So what's your plan my dear "big brother"?"
"I'm loaning Aun to you so you can go someplace safer than this snow covered mountain. Preferably some place where you know someone with skills in the healing arts."
Inu Yasha quirked and eyebrow. "Just like that?" He asked.
"Yes, just like that. I would get a move on it if I were you; sun down is less than three hours."
Inu Yasha accepted with a reluctant grunt and soon Sango, Miroku, Inu Yasha and Kagome where piled on Aun's back. Rin, Shippo and Jaken where on Kirara and Rei was in Sesshomaru's arm. Kagome took the reigns and led the way. Surprisingly although Miroku was in charge of helping out Sango there was no incident of butt rubbing the entire trip. Shortly before sunset they arrived outside the village of their friend, the Priestess Kaede. She had seen them coming and met them there. "I don't believe this. Ye know how to get into trouble." Kaede said sadly when she reached them.
"I'm sorry," Kagome apologized "We ran into some trouble, one of Naraku's traps to be specific, and took a beating."
"Oh, my. So who are your new friends?"
"I am Lord Sesshomaru of the Westernlands, and unfortunately the elder half brother to that ungrateful half-breed. The imp is my vassal Jaken and the young girl is Rin and the other one is Rei." Sesshomaru explained with an angry grunt.
Kaede looked shocked. She had been told about this Sesshomaru character. He was supposed to be arrogant, cold hearted and cruel but the youkai before her didn't look vicious at all. He defiantly looked the cold unsociable type but not evil. Kaede turned to examine the young woman Sesshomaru was holding in his arm named Rei. The child was unnaturally pale and she looked more like a life-sized puppet than a living being and only her shallow breathing proved she was alive. This was going to be one long strange story, Kaede knew.
She led them through the village and back to her hut. They entered it just as the sun disappearing over the horizon and as the door closed behind them Inu Yasha turned human. He retreated angrily to the far end of the room crossing his arms and starring angrily at everyone in the room as if daring them to come close. Kaede and Kagome left to get water and wood for the fire and Sesshomaru left himself after seeing Rei comfortably placed on the floor. Kagome and Kaede returned soon after and started the fire to cook dinner. Sesshomaru returned not long afterward looking almost smug. "I took care of any local demon problems for the night." He said as he sat down.
"How, did you do that Lord Sesshomaru?" Asked Rin in awe.
"Aye, I'd like to know the answer to the child's question myself." Kaede said.
"The demons around here are quite weak compared to the ones I've encountered in the less populated areas. They were easy to scare away."
"Keh, so what? I could've done that too if I weren't human." Inu Yasha snapped.
Sesshomaru just smirked and leaned back against the wall. He was almost enjoyed this, having fun at Inu Yasha's expense. He should have stuck around on the night of the new moon before.
After they had all eaten Kaede decided it was time to check injuries and put on fresh bandages. Rin and Shippo did Kirara, Miroku took Sango, Kagome took Inu Yasha and Kaede took Rei. It was apparent that something was wrong the minute Kaede removed Rei's bandages. Along with the expected blood they were soaked in a second sticky yellow orange substance which was also forming a partial scab over the wounds. "What is she?" Kaede asked.
"I don't know." Sesshomaru said.
"Well, whatever she is her barrier isn't a demon type." Inu Yasha grumbled. "By the way Sesshomaru how did you know how to get past it?"
"Easy. I went to see Naraku a while back to discuss a little problem we'd been having. She had been a prisoner of his at the time, although not yet possessed. At one point she warned me that the only way to break her barrier had a hard, powerful direct strike on it and the only way to kill her way to destroy a core that she contained within her. At the time I thought she was referring to Naraku or one of his incarnations but it seems she foresaw that he was going to possess her and was telling me how to stop her."
"So that's why Kagome's arrow got through. Wait . . . are you telling me that if any of us had struck her barrier hard with a sharp pointed object we could have beaten her?"
"Exactly, although I suspect the real her is far stronger then that fake you fought."
"What? But she had seven jewel shards in her. How could the real her be stronger. Because she not from this place so Naraku isn't familiar with her powers and neither was the fake persona he created."
"Makes sense. But that leaves us with the question of how Naraku captured her to begin with if she was so strong."
"How he does anyone who's not on their guard. According to Naraku he cornered her in a moment of weakness and captured her. Once she was his prisoner she was unable to escape before he possessed her."
Kagome looked over at Rei. She didn't look so scary anymore. In fact she looked almost delicate. Not fragile but human, with a softer side. She was awfully pale but Kagome wasn't sure if that was natural or from blood loss.
Kaede shook her head. This girl was a mystery wrapped in a mystery. However there was time later for working them out. Right now she needed some fresh bandages and a new kimono. Soon she had been patched up and was in fresh clothes. Kaede covered her back up with the blanket and settled in to hear the story. Sesshomaru did most of the telling seeing as he knew most of the details. The story was brief but was a strange tale leaving them with several questions. Who was Rei? What was she? Where did she come from and why was she here? All of which could only be answered by the person in question, who, at the moment, was fast asleep. They all agree to wait till later when she was stronger. Soon the discussion drifted to other topics. Mostly it was about their plan to gather as many of the remaining jewel shards as they could and how they were going to defeat Naraku. As Inu Yasha was going through an especially cheesy and over dramatized version of how he was single handedly going to do it, Shippo interrupted, exclaiming "She's waking up guys!"
"Everyone looked over at Rei. Sure enough she was slowly begging to stir.
Cold dark and engulfing. That was all it was. A giant muck pond of nothingness. A place where I could sense nothing. It was like being back in instrumentality. I came gradually out of the muck pond. At first I couldn't feel anything. Finally something registered. Cold. I was so cold. Where was the fire? The warm blankets? I needed warmth. It was so cold here. No, wait a minute, there was a heat source, I could feel it but it just wasn't strong enough to warm me up. All this cold wasn't helping the pain I was in. Pain, it was a good thing. It let you know that you're alive. I could defiantly feel it so I must still be breathing but how? I didn't know. Slowly I opened my eyes. They were heavy and it took a tremendous amount of energy to accomplish the single tasks of opening them. An elderly Shinto Priestess was looking down at me. She seemed concerned. "How are ye feeling, child?" She asked me.
"Cold. I could use another blanket." I forced out between thick lips.
"Aye, child. I'll go get one for ye." She replied.
"Arigato." I replied in a voice I barely recognized.
She disappeared into a back room and I could hear her moving around. After a few minutes she returned with a thick heavy grayish blanket. She laid it on me and turned to stoke the fire. I didn't get a chance to say anything else as I returned to the darkness before she returned.
Early the next morning discussions began about what to do with Rei. She would be weak for a long time and would need some place quiet to recoup without being noticed by Naraku. Inu Yasha was still wary and wasn't quiet willing to trust her. He said they should wait to see if they could prove she was on their side. Sesshomaru insisted she was a good person and Inu Yasha should shut his abnormally large mouth before he got a foot (Sesshomaru's) placed in it.
The final decision was to leave her in the care of an old acquaintance of Kaede who lived in a near by village. Inu Yasha and Sesshomaru were to check up on her periodically to see that she was okay and keep an eye on Naraku's movements. Later that day they all left to continue on their own paths promising to return soon.
I vaguely remember seeing Sesshomaru's face for a moment but for the first few days I can't remember much. It was mostly s blur of faces and color. From what Kaede would later tell me I spent most of the time asleep or in half conscious wakefulness during that time. As I slowly got stronger things made sense and I was able to follow what was going on. I spent most of that first week resting in the hut trying to regain my strength. By early the next week I was strong enough to take short walks and look after myself, but I still avoided a lot of sun because I was naturally albino and now with out the medicine from Nerv I sunburned very easily. At that time Kaede said it was time for me to go take up residence at the place she'd found for me to stay. I would be living with an old friend of hers, named Jiao. According to Kaede, Jiao's husband and two older sons had been called up to go to war and had left her and her daughter to run the family dojo. With them gone Jiao needed some extra hands around. I was to be those hands and help out in exchange for a room and food. I was glad to have some place to go to and was hoping for some peace and quiet so I could get in contact with my relatives and see about going home. For that was my ultimate goal, to go home and help rebuild earth.
Two days later Kaede took me over to see Jiao. We found her washing laundry in a large wooden wash tub when we entered the yard. She was tall and sturdy built woman who had a kind looking face. She greeted us warmly and asked if we would join them for lunch. "I'm sorry but I must decline." Kaede said. "I have business elsewhere that I must see too."
"I'll accept, if you don't mind." I replied.
"Certainly, we'd be honored if you joined us. My daughter Ume is a wonderful cook."
"Thank-you."
It turned out Ume was actually her daughter in law, the wife of her oldest son. Fuki was her real daughter; she was younger than me at almost fifteen. We found them both in the kitchen chopping up vegetables for the soup we'd be having for lunch. I rolled up my sleeves to help. As it turned out I had no hidden talent at cutting vegetables so by the time I was done my hands were sporting several new cuts and my vegetables were roughly cut. They went in with the rest anyway and I felt a small bit of satisfaction with myself. I had actually helped make my one meal for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that although I wasn't a natural in the kitchen I liked to cook. It was a lot of fun.
Over the next two years I learned many new things. Cooking, which I proved to be pretty good after practice and many lessons, sewing, which I proved to have no talent in and gardening, something I found relaxing. My hair also grew out during this time and I learned to braid it down my back. I also learned the traditional Japanese sword fighting style and how to care for swords. I also taught the students from the dojo a thing or two myself.
I didn't go out a lot; especially between dawn and sunset. Mostly this was because of my albinism which left me extremely sensitive to sunlight. When I did have to leave I always wore my hat and arm covers to protect myself. I think because of my clothing habits and age, I was seventeen by then, which I became a source of gossip for the rest of the village. Some question why I didn't have a husband or at least prospects of a marriage. Others wondered about my strange looks and claimed my eyes had strange powers. (Most people didn't have albinism so most people had never seen someone who had it.)
Then the calm was broken one morning almost two years since I had begun to live with Jiao and her family. I was on my way to town to get some daikons for lunch when explosions erupted on the far side of the Village. Everyone else around me began to run away but I went to investigate it. I turned the corner and came face to face with Naraku. No wait something didn't feel right. He wasn't really there it was almost like a shadow or . . . a puppet. Naraku had sent a puppet that looked like him to find me. I could feel its core, the only thing holding it together. With one swift move I easily crushed its doll shaped core and the Naraku looking demon puppet burst into millions of sakura petals. The wind picked them up swirling them through the air. I stood there transfixed as they danced and twirled around me. Gradually the wind began to carry them away. I sighed and picked up the wooden doll stuffing it in my obi. Then I turned to leave wondering what strange omen was meant by the Naraku resembling puppet. Did it mean he'd found me? Or was it merely a warning that he was after me? I didn't know.
When I returned home I said nothing to Jiao or her family about it. I didn't want to worry them before I knew for sure what was going on. The rest of the day passed without event and I was able to enjoy it in peace.
Early before dawn the next morning Sesshomaru met me at the edge of the woods. I was surprised to see him because I shouldn't have seen him for a least another week. I figured he brought bad news with him and that was the reason for his appearance. When I reached him the first words out of his mouth were a demanding, "Where's the doll?"
I produced it from my obi where I had kept it hidden and handed it to him. He sniffed at it and turned it over repeatedly in his hand for several minutes. Finally he looked up at me and said, "You know what this means don't you."
"No, I don't"
"Naraku's discovered your location. He knows you're here. It's not safe any more."
"But how does he know?"
"I wouldn't know; you're just lucky it's taken so long. I expected Naraku to have come after you only a few weeks after we left you here. However the evidence is unmistakable, this doll reeks of Naraku's stench and there's one of his black hairs on it. So it had to come from him and if he knew to send it here, he must know where you are."
"I see. I should leave soon, before he tries something else."
"You're correct. Meet me back here at midnight. That should give you time to say good bye and collect your things."
"You're taking me with you?"
Sesshomaru shrugged like it didn't matter either way. "Well, it's certainly safer than traveling alone."
Sesshomaru turned and walked off slowly back into the woods. Suddenly he stopped and said, "Don't forget, midnight."
With that he turned and disappeared. I shrugged and returned to the village. I had things to do if I was to be ready to go. I spent the rest of the day helping out around the dojo, cooking, cleaning and helping out with the wash. It was sad for me because I knew I wouldn't be able to do these things again. I would certainly miss being here. Maybe when this thing with Naraku was all over I would come back. I said good night to everyone and went to bed early that night.
Shortly before midnight I woke myself up. I pulled out two of my kimonos, matching scarves, a straw hat with netting, arm covers and my book of poetry (This was secretly the first possession I really care about. Everything else I had ever owned where just things but this, this was something special.) I rolled all of this into a scarf to make it easy for me to carry. Then I pulled out a scroll and penned a short letter to Jiao and her family explaining what was going on:
Dear Jiao,
No words can describe how grateful I am for all the help you're given me over the last two years but sadly the time has come for me to move on. The great evil that led me to be in your company has discovered my location and I'm afraid he will come after me soon. If he did I would become an ill omen for your village and its people. So I intend to slip away before he can. All I ask is that you try to keep my leaving as quiet as possible so that I may get a good head start on my journey. I'm sorry I can repay your kindness with much but for now please accept what I've left of my things until the time come that I can give you a better token of my gratitude.
All my best,
Rei Ayanami
I sighed with sadness and closed and sealed the scroll. I would miss them all dearly. They had become good friend and teachers to me and I knew I would always treasure my time here. I laid it gently on my desk and gathered my things and turned out the light. I slid the door shut behind me and made my way to the kitchen. I took what I could from it, rice mostly and stuffed it in with the rest. Then I headed outside. I unlatched the gate like I had learned to then I locked it behind me. Slowly I made my way down the path to the edge of the woods. Sesshomaru was waiting for me at our promised rendezvous. "Let's go."
He turned and headed off into the woods and I hurried to follow. Sesshomaru stopped suddenly and turned around to look at me. "Don't look so serious. You should smile more often, you know, like on the night we first met. You look better that way. We've got a lot of walking ahead of us so you should just relax and enjoy it."
With that he turned around and kept walking. I starred blinking in surprise, had Sesshomaru just complimented me? Yes. He had.
Just before I was out of sight I turned around and stole one last look at the village. Then we were off. About a mile from the outskirts of the village Sesshomaru began to relent on the pace he'd been keeping. Suddenly from somewhere in the night a child's voice cried out, "Lord Sesshomaru!"
A young human girl burst out of the trees and wrapped her arms around the great youkai. "Lord Sesshomaru! You're here!' She said excitedly.
Sesshomaru smiled for the briefest moment. She smiled back in response. From the same direction she'd come a small green imp like creature leading a two-headed dragon emerged. "Lord Sesshomaru. It's good to see you again sire." The imp said.
"It's good to you again as well." Sesshomaru replied.
I got the feeling Sesshomaru wasn't brimming with happiness like the other two but he seemed more relaxed and genuinely pleased to be in their company again. Something about this was disturbing me though. I could clearly remember Sesshomaru telling me he hated humans yet he traveled around with one. Interesting. Maybe he didn't really hate them, or most of them after all, he just acted like for some reason. I could be right about him after all; he wasn't that bad underneath.
"Rei," Said Sesshomaru breaking my train of thought, "I should introduce you to, Rin and Jaken. They'll be traveling with us as well. Rin and Jaken I'd like you to meet Rei."
Rin's eyes got big with delight when she heard what Sesshomaru had said. Jaken however scowled and muttered something about why he could understand how he ended up traveling with two filthy human girls. Sesshomaru shot him a death glare and any complaint Jaken had was imminently silenced. With that done he turned and continued on and the rest of us hurried to keep up. For the first part of the walk I spent my time in the company of the human child, Rin. I wasn't sure if she was fascinated by me or simply glad to have another human company but she was quite talkative. Rin asked me lots of question about myself and my past and I did the same. From what I gathered, until recently, she had been a mute orphan living in a rural village. One day that all changed, she run off after a villager had yelled at her and had stumbled upon Sesshomaru. He was injured and she had looked after him until he was better. However before he left her village was attacked by wolf demons and she had been killed. Sesshomaru had brought her back to life and let her stay with him. She'd been living with him ever since. Eventually Rin fell asleep and all conversation ended. We traveled hard all night long and didn't stop until it was almost daylight. We curled up among some large boulders and went right to sleep as the sun was clearing the horizon.
I didn't stir again until it was mid afternoon. After the long rest I felt refreshed, hungry and determined to cook something. However when I talked to Sesshomaru he said that if I must eat I would have to make it quickly because we where leaving soon. I knew Rin and I were human and needed food to keep going, so we would have to eat. Especially Rin who had no reserve of energy to keep her going. On my way to gather wood I came across Rin playing in a river. She asked me what I was doing and I told her I was getting ready to make something to eat. She cheered and ran off down the river. On my way back she wasn't there. I deposited my gatherings at the camp and I decided more would be needed. So I went back out into the woods. A short time later I returned to the camp and began to try to start a fire. Just then Rin appeared bearing two fish and two rocks from the river. To my surprise right then and there Rin taught me how to start a fire the old fashion way. Once it was going I pulled out the rice from my bag and began to boil it. Soon we had a hot meal in front of us. Rin seemed thrilled to have rice and I got the impression she had eaten mostly fish since she'd begun living with Sesshomaru.
After several days of traveling we appeared to have to no destination. When I asked Sesshomaru about it he said there was no where for us to go. "Don't you have a home or something to go back to? You're the Lord of the Westernland."
"No. I may be the Lord but I can go back. It would hurt too many people."
Somehow I got the feeling Sesshomaru would be the one who would be hurt not anyone else. I didn't say this out loud though. Sesshomaru was in a sour mood as it already was and I didn't wish to provoke him farther.
I could sense a presence standing over me and feel their warm breath on my face. Instantly my eyes snapped open and my AT field was at the ready. Sesshomaru knelt before me his breath making white puffs in the air. He placed his hand over my mouth to silence me, "Shhh. Don't move." He warned me.
Gently he eased Rin's sleeping form into my arms. "Keep her safe."
I pulled Rin towards me and held her close. I watched Sesshomaru as he disappeared trough the trees. Rin whimpered and stirred. "Miss Rei what's going on? Where's Sesshomaru-sama?" She inquired.
I took a breath and spoke as confidently as I could. "It's okay. Lord Sesshomaru is taking care of something and will be back in a moment."
Rin nodded in response. For several long minutes we waited in silence for Sesshomaru to reappear. Naturally, He didn't. Above our heads numerous long hairs like lines began to appear. Suddenly there was and explosion and a man armed with a long white knife came charging at us. Rin screamed and seized me as tightly as she could. I held her tight so she couldn't move and I raised my AT field. It easily stopped him in his path several feet away. A wave of fear washed over me. All consuming and paralyzing. I fought against it but I was slowly loosing. It was coming from Rin. I tried to block it out but the harder I tried the harder it became. Rin refused to be calmed. Then Sesshomaru came waking angrily through the trees. The demon man turned and raised his hand on him. Hair like threads flew everywhere wrapping themselves around Sesshomaru. The demon grinned and pulled them tight and blood flew everywhere. Sesshomaru sneered and broke them all.
Sesshomaru drew the Tokijin and sliced the demon in two. It fell to the ground and Sesshomaru came over to us. "You okay?" He asked.
I nodded. "We're fine."
"Good."
Sesshomaru turned to walk off. "Wait! I called after him. Where are you going?"
"To look for any other demon looking to pick a fight."
"You're bleeding all over."
"I'm fine. I'm a demon not human."
"Whatever."
Sesshomaru turned and in the blink of an eye had gone. I sat as I was trying to soothe Rin's fears. She began to relax and she had almost fallen back asleep when Sesshomaru returned. He stomped into the clearing taking swift angry steps. "Let's go." He barked.
I almost asked why but the hardened look in his eyes killed any response but obedience. Carefully holding Rin against my chest I rose to my feet. Sesshomaru turned and took off at an astounding speed. I drew on everything I had to keep up. Our swift movement awakened Rin. One of her small hands wound its way deep into my thick braid. The other one formed a death grip on my arm. She shook and whimpered softly periodically but never cried. After we had crossed over several miles of land Sesshomaru explained what had prompted our flight. "That demon worked for Naraku. He knows where we were and he'll have reinforcements on our trail soon."
I took a moment to digest what Sesshomaru had said. Naraku had found us? He clearly wasn't wasting time now. "Rei." Sesshomaru said interrupting my thoughts.
"Yes."
"If anything happens I want you to take Rin and get as far away as you can. Find some place safe. I've sent Jaken and Aun to Mt. Fuji. Meet them there if you can."
"What about you?" I asked.
"Don't worry about me. I can take care of my self."
I doubted that but I didn't verbalize that thought for fear of stirring up his anger. Instead I bit my lip and worked on keeping pace.
I sensed their presence at the same time Sesshomaru smelled them. There was a group of demons in the woods. Probably Naraku, we figured. Out of nowhere we came across Inu Yasha and company.
"So there you are Sesshomaru. About time you showed your miserable face." Inu Yasha snarled when he saw us.
"What do you want? I'm busy." Sesshomaru replied dryly.
"Well, I was looking for a hair demon who's been messing with a local village along with his band of goons. He's supposed to work for Naraku."
"I assume this has something to do with why you smell like demon blood?"
"Exactly. We found his band of lackey's and took them out but the leader wasn't there."
I looked at Sesshomaru as realization dawned on me. The hair demon they were looking for had been the one who attacked us earlier this evening. "You can stop looking now." I informed him "We already found him or should I more correctly say he found us? Sesshomaru took him out."
"I see. Well, then I guess we'll be sticking around."
"Why?"
"Because you took off with her without our knowledge." He snapped. "What happened anyway? This was supposed to be a joint thing."
"Like you ever cared about working with me."
"I could say the same about you. So tell me, what happened?"
"Naraku found her. There wasn't time to reach you since you were on the other side of the country. I assumed you didn't want him to get his hands on her again . . ."
Sesshomaru paused letting the thought hang in the air between them. Inu Yasha snarled like he didn't agree with where it led him. "I can't believe you Sesshomaru. Only you would even think about letting Naraku get his hands on her!"
"I never said anything of the sort."
"Like H&$ you did."
Inu Yasha lunged at Sesshomaru. Right before he reached him there was a cry of, "Sit!" from Kagome and Inu Yasha did a perfect face plant in the ground. Sesshomaru smirked and turned to leave. "Come a long Inu Yasha." He called "We need to get to Mt. Fuji so we can sleep."
A short time later we were all lying down to sleep in the black shadow of Mount Fuji. I shifted uncomfortably for a while before sleep finally came. I didn't know why but I felt strangely restless. I woke not long after to the sounds of fiery explosions and screams. Instantly my eyes snapped open. I fully expected to find myself in unit zero, under attack by the angels. Instead I was greeted by the sight of the starry night sky above. It took me a minute to realize that I was indeed screaming and clamp my mouth shut. I breathed deeply to calm myself and looked around but in all the commotion no one else had noticed, between the explosions themselves and Rin's own screams. Note to self stop flash back to the past. Inu Yasha and Sesshomaru wanted to check things out and I volunteered to go with. Everyone else stayed behind. Without a word we set off into the woods. Sesshomaru was in the lead, Inu Yasha was next and I was last. It was easy to find the area where the explosions had occurred. The ground was still smoldering and the air thick with smoke. The heat was intense making it hard to get close for fear of being burned. As we were examining the area there was a blood curdling scream from the direction of camp. The three of us took one look at each other and we were off in a flash.
I being the closest this time took the lead. It only took us three minutes tops to reach camp but I imagine that for Sesshomaru and Inu Yasha it was the longest three minutes of their lives. As I dashed into the clearing my crimson eyes quickly took in the scene. Sango and Miroku were entangled by a mass of thick vines that seemed to have come out of the ground to wrap around them. Rin was huddled against a tree, more loosely tied up then Sango and Miroku, having been reduced to a limp trembling shape. Jaken laid face down unconscious on the ground. Far off to the side Aun and Kirara were freeing themselves from their own mass of vines. "Kagome." Inu Yasha's hollowed voice echoed my thought exactly.
Kagome was nowhere in sight. Inu Yasha ran past me and got up to Sang and Miroku putting his face in theirs. "What happened?"
"It was Kagura she came and took her." Miroku explained.
"Naraku's got a new incarnation. A dark skin, dark haired boy. He was with Kagura." Sango added.
"Naraku has her?" Sesshomaru asked.
Sango and Miroku nodded. "Dammit, dammit, dammit!" Inu Yasha roared, punching a tree with his fists in a furry.
"Problem?" I asked looked to the others for explanation.
"We can't find Naraku."
I understood perfectly. They couldn't sense Naraku. I could though. I knew right where he was. I wasn't feeling for his demonic aura like they were but for his mind, his life. That was the difference. It also didn't hurt that he now had Kagome who was easy to sense since she has powers like mine. I raised my arm and pointed in the direction Naraku was hiding. "Go that way." I said.
"Why?" Inu Yasha snapped.
"That's where he is." I told them.
"How do you know?" Asked Sango.
"I can sense him."
Following my advice they decided to go in the direction I'd indicated. I however was not allowed to accompany them. Instead I was to stay behind with Shippo, Jaken and Rin to guard camp. The reason was because they feared that one of Naraku's incarnations would come after the weaker members of our group.
I however understood the real reason I was being kept here. Sesshomaru was afraid that Naraku would have something over me that would cause me to serve him. Of course I knew he didn't but I didn't protest. I would remain physically but that didn't mean I couldn't follow them another way.
Well, how was it? Ready to flame me yet? Oh, dear, you are . . .
In chaper six, show down between Naraku and Inu Yasha, Sesshomaru and company! And what about Rei's final words . . .ind out next time . . .
Until then . . .