Chapter 18 – The Plan
"Kagome," Kanna said trying to get her attention after they had returned. Kagome didn't stop until she made sure each and every family member was safe and sound. She knew Hakudoshi was bluffing, but still, there were things that shouldn't be joked with. Her family was at the top of that list.
"Kanna, how do I get the shard?" She asked her companion while the two were alone in her sanctuary. Kagome didn't know if she should pace or sit still. That close call fried her nerves.
Kanna sat sitting on the backs of her legs staring into her mirror. "We will make sure they have no other choice but to give it to us."
Kagome sat and listened. She knew she was over her head. She had spent too much time with the hotheaded half demon. Her plans consisted of charging onto the scene and purifying everything in sight, or let Inuyasha destroy everything. Shoot first and ask questions during the battle that was her motto. She was still alive so it couldn't be that bad of a motto.
"If they won't give us the shard willingly, then we will take it by force." Kanna pulled out a folded piece of paper from the tight entrapment of her obi. Kagome reached over and took it from her. Unfolding the paper revealed a bunch of symbols. If Miroku were here, he would know what they meant. To her they were pretty symbols but nothing more than that.
"What is it?"
Kanna looked up, "That's the seal you will need to secure our leverage once we get it."
Kagome blinked. Kanna was talking in code, and Kagome had yet to receive the decoder. "Plain Japanese Kanna; you're talking in riddles."
"Very well. Kidnap one of them and use them as leverage for the shard. Use those symbols to secure him inside."
Kagome stared into the lifeless eyes. "You mean kidnap one of the spirit detectives?"
Kanna nodded curtly. "There is not much time, so we'll have to move fast."
"Kidnap!" Kagome screeched. "That's against the law first off, and secondly, I have no idea who I would take. And lastly, I have no idea what these symbols are supposed to mean/do."
Kanna sighed slightly and placed the mirror on the floor next to her. "Think it out. The symbols are to trap a demon presence inside something. So the human is no good because he could just walk in and walk out. The leader of this makeshift team…no one would care but the girl and she's worthless; my toy…he's already broken and useless. Your only choice left is the last one. As for being against the law, we are talking about saving the world not a slap on the wrist for first time offenders. If he comes willingly then it's not technically kidnapping."
"How can you think this out so thoroughly?" Kagome couldn't believe what her ears were hearing.
"I have nothing but time. Time makes you think of everything six steps ahead. I'm sure my brother is at least two ahead of me. My brother will die, and I will make sure that you are the one to kill him."
Kagome sat and digested all the information. "Why me?"
"Irony. Have the weakest kill the strongest."
"Are you saying I'm weak?" Kagome fumed and pouted because it was the truth.
"Will you go with this plan?" Kanna ignored Kagome's hurt pride and continued with the plan.
"I want this over and done. I want to be a normal human." Kagome stood and walked over to the window. She realized that she wanted some excitement in her life, and now that she got what she wanted, she wanted to go back to being boring. When her life was boring, her family wasn't in danger.
"You will never be normal, get over it. Here," Kanna pulled a stack of paper from the sleeve in her yukata. "Write those symbols on these pieces of paper and stick them both on the inside and outside of this place. We will hold the demon here."
"But this is my sanctuary. I grow my plants here. I keep my sword here. Why ca—"
"No." Her soft tone was cold and firm. "You've already placed many protection spells and wards here, now add those. Your sword will have to stay on you at all times, unless you really want Hakudoshi to come and steal it."
Kagome didn't like the idea of keeping a prisoner here on the shrine grounds, near her family, but there was no other choice. "Fine. We will house the demon here." Kagome left and returned a moment later with a fountain pen from her grandfather's study. She sat down and started to copy out the symbols.
Kanna watched for several moments to make sure Kagome was copying them out correctly. "That's right. Make sure you don't screw up, otherwise we will all be dead."
"My family is here, I'm not about to put their lives at risk. Screw the rest of the world, but not my family."
"Very well. I have a few minor details to take care of. I will return at dusk. If you want to save anything from this room, I suggest that you remove it."
Kanna left and Kagome was left to the task of recreating the symbols. Her mother entered a few moments later with a tray filled with cookies and some tea. "Where's your demon friend?"
"She left for a bit." Kagome fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "Mom, there's something I have to tell you, and I'm not sure that you will accept this." She took a giant breath and swallowed the butterflies back into the pits of her stomach.
"Kagome, I've seen you come home bloodied and half dead when you were in the feudal era. I'm sure anything you have to tell me will be a piece of cake." Her mother sat down beside her and poured the tea. Kagome debated on taking a cookie but at this moment she was sure she'd vomit it back up.
"I'm kidnapping a demon and using him as a trade for the last shard." There she said it. She closed her eyes and waited for her mother to explode like all mothers would.
"I see…Then I guess it's something you must do to finish up this last part of your journey." Kagome's downcast eyes flew to her mother who was taking a long sip of the tea.
"You're not mad? I know most mothers would be furious that their eldest daughter was going to commit a crime."
"Most mothers wouldn't let their children rampage in the feudal era with a half demon." Mrs. Higurashi smiled showing the aging laugh lines around her eyes.
"Mom," Kagome sobbed launching herself into solid wall of comfort. The pair had a long mother daughter moment. Nothing needed to be said; they just hugged tightly for the first time in a long time.
After Kagome pulled away and started to recompose her mental state. She went back to working on the wards. "Kagome, what is this that you're working on?" Her mother asked as she watched Kagome reproduce the symbols with precision and accuracy.
Kagome explained the situation to her mother. Instead of leaving her daughter to her work, she gathered the papers and placed them on the tray. Kagome's eyes went wide silently questioning her mother's motives. "I'm sure there are a few more pens in the house, and I'm positive that the kitchen table would be best. This can be a family affair. Why do all the work by yourself when you have a whole team backing you?"
Kagome started to cry. "I love you guys."
Mrs. Higurashi patted her on the shoulder. "Don't say that out loud to your brother, he might refuse."
Kagome laughed and went with her mother into the house to get some serious work done. Dusk came sooner than she expected. Time flew and because her family's aid she was finished sooner than expected.
She stood outside placing the last ward on the sanctuary. Some of her plants had been moved to her room, and the sword now had a permanent residence against her back. She lived at a shrine so no one would really question her motives, especially if she was dressed in a priestess garb.
Kanna arrived and inspected the wards. "I wasn't expecting you to have finished them."
"My family helped."
"I can see that." Kanna ripped a few off the wall deeming them unacceptable. "They will hold. Now we must acquire our hostage."
"Now? But it's so late."
"Evil waits for no one. The faster we strike, the faster we get a resolution." Kanna walked towards the shrine steps. "The fox demon's human's house is this way."
Kagome hurried after Kanna. "How do you know this?"
Kanna stopped in mid step and gave Kagome a blank stare. "I wasn't sitting around waiting for you to finish."
"And you have the mirror." Kagome mumbled as she realized how stupid she seemed.
"I have been watching the demon. His demon name is Kurama. His human name is Shuichi Minamino. He is smart and cunning. Inside him is a master thief, a fox demon named Youko Kurama. His weapon is a rose that's hidden in his hair. When he releases it, it becomes a whip."
Kagome giggled. "He's gay right?" The pair continued down the street not minding the looks from the pedestrians.
Kanna raised her eyebrow. "I'm almost positive that the demon inside of him is just …" She thought for the proper word.
"In need of a little 'attention'?" Kagome supplied for her.
"I was going to say in a desperate need of getting laid, but you said it better."
Kagome howled with laughter. Tears started to come out the sides of her eyes. "I think I can handle a horny demon. I survived with Miroku, and I know a fox's game thanks to Shippo."
Kanna snorted lightly, "Multiply that a hundred fold and then you have the essence of a true fox demon."
It was Kagome's turn to raise her eyebrow, "Sounds like you know from experience."
"I've lived a long time and seen many things." Kanna stopped suddenly and Kagome almost bumped into her. "We're here."
Kagome looked at the small dwelling. It was nothing like the shrine. Where as her home needed some serious repairs this place looked well maintained. However, it was much smaller and the plants that grew were much livelier, and the wild rose bushes seemed to bloom. She reached out to touch it, wondering what fertilizer was used and where she could get her hands on some.
"I wouldn't touch that. Remember this demon is a plant user. Plants are his weapons."
"I thought you…" She stopped in mid sentence. Kagome remembered roses were his forte. "I'll be careful. Are you going to come with me?"
Kanna shook her head. "I have to make sure that they are aware that you have one of them. Be quick and make your way back as soon as you acquire him. Do not stop for anything or anyone. This is your one chance, don't screw it up." Kanna opened a portal and walked into it.
Kagome crossed her arms and was hurt by Kanna's words. "You didn't have to be so mean about it. At least you could have said 'good luck' or 'go get 'em tiger'."
She opened the slightly rusted gate and walked up the front steps. She took a deep breath and rang the door bell. She didn't know what she was supposed to say, but she hoped she could bluff her way through this. She thought of her family and that gave her the necessary courage not to run.
"Can I help you?"
Kagome looked at the middle-aged woman that answered the door. Kagome smiled politely, "Yes, I'm here for your son."
"Minamino? What has he done now? Are you sure you have the right house. My son wouldn't cause any trouble, let alone to a shrine. I'm sure you have the wrong culprit, although he has been acting a little strange lately, but I'm sure he wouldn't be invo—"
Kagome had to cut her off. "Your son isn't in any trouble. I've heard that he has a very green thumb and I've come to seek his assistance." Kagome lied through her teeth.
She watched the mother calm slightly at the confirmed knowledge that her son was still a good student and model son. "Well, Minamino is at the park with his brother, can I ask what this is concerning?"
"My family runs a shrine, and as you know this is the season for many festivals, and our gardener has fallen ill. I have been sent to seek his immediate assistance."
Kagome was shown into the small kitchen and asked to take a seat at the kitchen table. The evening meal was still cooking on the stove. This meant he would be hungry. She would have to advise her mother to have something prepared for him. It wouldn't do anyone any good to have a hostage die of starvation.
"Why is it of such importance to have my son help you out?"
Kagome watched the mother's sharp stare. She gathered her courage. She had been up against giant demons and hideous bugs and creepy crawlies of all sorts, she should be able to lie with a smile on her face. She did it to Inuyasha all the time.
"We have very important and influential people that will be attending our small shrine this season. If the grounds look presentable, then not only will the gods be happy, but the funding for our small and humble temple will be secure for all of my future generations." Kagome smiled humbly and bowed her head.
She couldn't believe how easily the words rolled off her tongue. She spewed them out faster than she could process the thought.
"How long will this be for?"
Kagome lowered her eyes and showed her humiliation for her elder. "I'm sorry but there is a lot to be done, and most of it depends on the speed in which your son can work."
Everything she was saying wasn't a total lie. She did need his help, but this was worth a shot first. She knew how much mothers worried about their children. She could only imagine her mother's plight each time she took a trip down the well.
"Is your shrine far from here?"
Kagome nodded her head, "I'm afraid so."
"Where is it?"
Kagome paused for a brief moment before opening her mouth, "At the base of Mt Kurama." She had intended to tell her the actual name, but her mouth refused communication with her brain for the second time that night.
"I'll pack his bag. Please wait right here."
Kagome watched as the woman shuffled off and returned a few moments later with a bag in her hands. "I'm afraid there isn't much."
"I understand. I'm sure if he needs anything my family would bend over backwards to get it for him. You are truly blessed by the gods. Your heart is pure and full of love. No wonder people speak so highly of your son, it all stems from your love." Kagome wanted to gag on that speech, and bit her tongue to stop herself from laughing at her own horrible spiel.
"Would you care to stay for dinner?"
Kagome shook her head, "I'm afraid we must get going, it's a long train ride back to the temple."
Kagome grabbed the bag and made her way back to the front door before the mother could protest. "I'll see that your son comes home soon."
"Please take good care of him." Kagome watched as she bowed. She couldn't tell her that her son might never come home again if she didn't get the shard, but that would only worry the woman.
"I will. I'll be leaving now." Kagome opened the door and walked back down the stairs.
"The park is that way." Kagome turned back towards the mother who pointed to towards the park. She looked in the direction of the weird energy she was feeling and knew where the park was. Kagome nodded her head and set off into that direction. She couldn't draw the sword from her back so she carried it in her hand. Shuichi's bag was slung over her shoulder, leaving both her hands free.
She was terrified of the sword's power, and was scared to remove it from its scabbard. Instead it was slipped out enough that if she charged at a target the sword would be free. She could see her target playing with his brother on the play structure and watched as his form stiffened. His back was to her but he sensed her already. Slowly, he turned around to face her.
He took one look at her and at the sword in her hand and was about to tell his brother to hide, but Kagome shook her head. The younger sibling not knowing the situation became excited over seeing a real live priestess and ran towards Kagome.
Before Shuichi could grab his brother he was already too far out of reach. Kagome smiled at the child who had just launched himself at her leg. Kagome smiled down and patted him on the head. "You're a cutie."
"You a real priestess?"
Kagome lowered herself to his level. "Yup. I'm as real as I can get."
"Is that your weapon?" He asked looked in awe at the sword.
"It is now."
"It's so cool, can I touch it?"
Before Kagome could respond, Shuichi told his brother to hurry and collect his jacket from the park bench. "What are you doing here?" He seethed at her keeping his voice low so his brother couldn't hear.
"Taking a leisurely stroll through the park?" Kagome shot back. Both knew it was a bold faced lie. "Actually, you are to come with me."
"I will not go anywhere with you."
"That's not an option I'm afraid." Kagome responded making sure her body language wasn't scaring the kid running towards his jacket who turned around and waved. Kagome smiled and waved back.
"Oh, and if I refuse?" Shuichi's eyes slanted.
Kagome shrugged, "I'll kill your brother, and go back to your house and kill your mother and any other relatives I can find that will come to their funeral, all until you agree or Hakudoshi gets the shard; whichever comes first."
"You wouldn't." Shuichi called Kagome's bluff.
"You're possibly right, but when it comes to the welfare of my family and my destiny, I will not let anyone or anything come in my way. I've seen too many people die over the jewel and your family will be like the hundreds of innocent victims in its path. Because of me thousands of people are dead, so what's a few more added to the list?"
Shuichi couldn't say anything threatening in return, his brother was on his way back towards them. "Sorry to cut your play date short, but I require your brother's assistance at my temple."
"He's my step-brother." The boy emphasized. "Will he be gone long?"
"I guess it will all depend on your brother." Kagome looked from the youngest to the oldest.
"I hope he's gone for good."
Kagome ruffled his hair, "That's a mean thing to say. He is your brother, even if it's only a step-brother." The walk back to their home was filled with a thick tension. "Hurry on in; I'm sure your mother is worried. Tell her I'll take good care of your brother."
They watched the boy run inside the house. Once he opened the front door Kagome turned and walked towards the family shrine Shuichi in tow. "Did you tell them where we were going?"
"Mt. Kurama. Fitting isn't it?" Kagome turned and smirked at her newly acquired hostage. She handed him his bag, rotating her shoulders now there was less weight on them.
"My friends will come for me." Shuichi settled the new weight on his body.
"I'm counting on it."
Author's Note: yay an update! A real live update! Throw stuff at me after you submit a review and tell me how I'm going to die if I don't post the next chapter soon... People let me sleep! I wrote this at 2am listening to drunken Irish songs. As always we must thank the beta for reading and I'm assuming correcting this…. If not…oh well enjoy anyway! I was going to make this a two chapter thingy, but I figured you guys and gals already waited this long.
Beta: is it mean of me to laugh at how idiotic this is? I mean, yes, more believable than the shenanigans in BL Academy, but so warped. Not that I can actually say anything without being a hypocrite. You know, I really liked this chapter. Kanna is hilarious because she's so blunt. And Kagome's whiny as ever. You know, Dori and I were talking about what kind of drunks we'd be. Apparently she's a happy/whiny drunk coughlikeKirahack I'm pretty sure I'd be violent and crude (like Renji, haha, good thing I'm a girl?). And I lost my train of thought… damn this headache. Anywhoo, targeting Kurama isn't a crime… I think O.o It's been awhile since I watched YYH, so maybe I don't like the same characters anymore? Then again, I went back and rewatched Kenshin and Trigun and liked the same characters OO;;
Beta's Public Note: When will you learn to use comma and conjunctions instead of semi-colons?
Author's End note: I will when word doesn't automatically do it for me. I'm leaving the other note up too cause that's just too funny, and now I know what you spent all of your time doing while I was getting ready for work.