Disclaimer: I, do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters, this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: I'm back! Another chapter up and I have to admit I am wary about posting. I felt many readers were not pleased with my portrayal of Miroku in the last chapter. The point I am trying to convey is his fear of the 'Kazaana' and his reaction to it. We are so used to the monk's joviality; I guess we tend to forget he has moments of angst also. As far as Sango, I am attempting to open her character a bit, making her less reserved, finally accepting her feelings for Miroku and willing to act on them. With the intensity from last chapter, I thought I would lighten the mood this time (only for Miroku & Sango).
Sorry for the delay in posting. I am trying to decipher this book to improve my grammar and punctuation, I'm learning something from it, but it's zapping my creative juices (if I have any). I've never had to dissect my writing before. Hope this chapter shows some improvement.
SPOILER WARNING
Chapter 7: Integrity and Valor
"Just what do you think you're doing Kouga?"
Ayame enters the cave to find the wolf demon struggling to his feet. Dropping the parcel of herbs in her arms, the she-wolf rushes to his side.
"You should not be up yet," she scolds, sliding an arm around him.
"Leave it, Ayame!" Kouga snaps, shoving away from her, "I'll manage!"
Raising a delicate eyebrow, she casts him a doubtful glance, but withdraws her arm. Moving aside, Ayame watches as Kouga leans on the wall for support. She has heard nothing but growling, grumbling and obscenities from him the past few days. Frankly, Kouga has been the most hostile patient. Although, watching his progress, she has to admit he has healed quite well.
"In about seven to ten days…" Ayame says with pride at her doctoring, "…you'll be completely healed."
Kouga, bent forward with his hands on his knees, head snaps up at her words.
"What the hell do you mean seven to ten…," sharp pains cut short his words. "Damn it, I ain't got that kinda time!"
Not responding, the she-wolf walks over and retrieves the herb parcel from the ground. With her back to him, the silence lingers.
"Ayame?" Kouga queries in a low menacing growl.
"You are in no condition to fight!" she cries, stamping her foot.
Incensed, Ayame reflects back a few days ago…
Ginta and Hakkaku had arrived at the wolf clan's encampment with news of Kouga's injuries during battle. They came to request refuge until the wolf youkai's wounds could heal. Upon hearing that the wolf was injured, Ayame wasted no time tracking him down. She left Ginta and Hakkaku in the dust as she followed Kouga's scent mingled with the smell of blood. As she came upon a riverbank, she encountered a young boy apparently keeping watch as a miko attended the wolf youkai's wounds. Approaching Kouga's still form, Ayame gasped at the sight before her.
His entire body was covered in cuts and bruises, but his legs were the worst. She could tell he no longer possessed the Shikon shards, the deep gorges revealed they had been ripped from his legs. Both bone and torn cartilage were visible; the skin around the area was inflamed and infected.
The miko informed her Kouga would eventually heal, however, it would take time. She provided Ayame with a parcel of herbs that, once brewed, would enhance Kouga's already expedient healing capabilities. Ayame had continued the therapy since returning to her clan with the wolf youkai in tow.
Movement from behind brings her back to the present; she turns to find Kouga staggering towards her. His blue eyes are glacial; his face twists in a grimace. Every step the wolf youkai takes, pain radiates up his legs.
I-am-going, Ayame," Kouga emphasizes through clenched teeth, "make no mistake about that!"
Clutching the parcel to her chest, the she-wolf returns his glare. Ayame has expected this confrontation. He is determined to be present at that designated place; to participate in a battle that will most likely end his life and nothing she can say will deter him.
As their standoff continues, Ginta and Hakkaku burst through the cave opening.
"Kouga!" they shout in unison and quickly surround him.
"That's great; you're up on your feet!" Hakkaku says.
"Yeah, this is perfect," Ginta says, "look out Naraku, Kouga's back on your trail!"
Hearing this, Ayame backs out of the cave. Let them talk of their upcoming battle; she cannot bear to listen. She respects and admires his dedication to avenge his comrades, but there is also another reason; he also plans to be there to protect Kagome.
A broken and forgotten engagement; Kouga did not remember his promise to Ayame. His pledge has carried her through the roughest training to become a suitable mate for him, but Kouga has chosen Kagome instead - a human. Since wolves mate for life, Kouga's devotion will not be swayed. However, Ayame's position and status to her clan demands she find a mate. She is duty bound to choose an alpha-male to lead her pack. Therefore, it is best to forget a frivolous proposal made long ago and resign to a life that excludes Kouga.
She will heal him, strengthen him, and either send him to his death or into the arms of another. Either way… he will always possess her heart.
Kagome and Kaede work side by side, on their hands and knees collecting medicinal herbs from the ground of Kaede's garden. Inuyasha has gone to burn off some pent-up energy.
Kagome is hesitant to ask the questions plaguing her mind of the older woman, but finds the courage to do so.
"Kaede-sama?" Kagome says tentatively.
"Yes, Kagome." The older woman smiles at her.
"I was thinking of you and Kikyou; wondering how you feel about everything that has happened."
"What do you mean, child?"
"The events surrounding her resurrection… it's just you have never spoken of it, at least in regards to your feelings." Kagome's hand closes over Kaede's. "She is your sister and you two where very close at one time."
Kaede lowers her head and reflects back to her childhood…
"I will not leave my sister." Kikyou's voice was soft, but firm.
"Surely there is a family here willing to look after young Kaede during your miko training, Kikyou-sama."
The young messenger had come to escort my sister to the temple. Kikyou was one of the few chosen to train under the head master. It seemed word of her burgeoning miko powers had spread through our village and beyond.
Originally adverse to the invitation, Kikyou finally concluded, as we were orphaned, her acceptance would secure our future together. What she had not counted on was my exclusion to accompany her. If the priest thought this acceptable, they did not know my sister very well.
"I am Kaede's family; why would I allow others to care for her when I am perfectly able to do so." My sister's voice left no room for argument. "Return and inform them, if my kin is not welcome at the temple, then neither am I."
That was how it began. Three days later the messenger returned; they had conceded to Kikyou's wishes. We left for the temple the next day.
Our lives changed considerably during my sister's training years. I saw less of her, as the days were reserved for her tutelage with the head priest. Although. I was unable to receive miko training from the sensei, my sister taught me all she had learned.
My powers were meager compared to Kikyou's, but she always encouraged me to enhance my abilities. My loving devoted sister, who catered to my every whim without spoiling me. She was my mother, my teacher, my confident, my friend. No one could have foreseen the events that would separate us.
I was mortified by Kikyou's resurrection; to see her familiar form kneeled before Urasue, I could only think of the wrongness, the unnaturalness. Even when she killed Urasue and turned on Inuyasha in fury, I should have realized this was no puppet. Her feelings and her memory were intact, remembering her last moments of life.
I made no appeal to my sister, only to Urasue's creation. She left us vowing her vengeance on Inuyasha and cursing us.
When Kikyou appeared later at my village, we only spoke in general. I revealed to her that Naraku was Onigumo and of his treachery. I explained how he had pitted her and Inuyasha against each other and that it was Naraku that had killed her.
Attempting to change her view of Inuyasha, I was unintentionally cruel in informing her that Kagome, her reincarnation, had changed the hanyou and he was no longer the same person she once knew.
Not once did I thank her the years she took care of me, for my training that had served me well over the years. I did not tell her that I loved her or I had missed her presence in my life. I simply let her walk away without a consoling word. It was no wonder Kikyou avoided this village and me.
A comforting arm around her shoulders pulls Kaede from her musings. She feels the soft pat of a handkerchief wipe away her tears.
"It'll be all right, Kaede." Kagome whispers softly.
Outside the normal sounds of nature, the forest is unusually quiet. Kohaku can sense something is amiss, but stays concealed within the treetops.
The taijiya acts as a decoy and is aware of being observed. However, that is part of the plan; he is to divert all attention to himself. If Naraku has them under surveillance, Kohaku's presence in their nemesis territory will take the focus from Kikyou.
This will allow the miko time to retrieve a certain artifact she believes will assist in Naraku's defeat. As usual, Kikyou's calculations are precise; Kohaku has been the center of attention since entering this part of the forest.
Looking through the foliage, he watches as Kanna steps into the clearing. The small figure stops, holding the infamous mirror in front of her. Tilting it at an angle, Kanna captures the rays of the afternoon sun. Another adjustment and the mirror is turned in Kohaku's direction.
The mirror reflects the sunlight, temporarily blinding him and exposes his position. He throws up his forearm to shield his eyes from the glare. Kanna lowers the mirror, her emotionless eyes look up meeting Kohaku's. Feigning surprise, he begins a rapid descent, hopping from each branch until he drops before her.
Assessing each other, Kanna's next action shocks Kohaku. The demoness places her mirror face down on the ground and slides it towards him. The taijiya knows this is her source of power and albeit wary, he takes this as a sign of submission.
"Why are you here, Kanna?" Kohaku's senses are on high alert, "Did Naraku send you to do his dirty work?"
"No," her voice is barely above a whisper as she continues listlessly, "I have come to offer you Naraku's location."
Kohaku gives a start then eyes her suspiciously, "Why would you do that?"
Her bland eyes seem to look through him as she gives the simplest of answers.
"I don't know."
Considering her reply, Kohaku detects movement in his peripheral vision. Jumping back, his quick reflexes have him avoiding the sharp claws of an incoming demon. Suspended in air, Kohaku releases the chain scythe severing the arm attempting to eliminate him.
Landing in a crouched position and reeling in his weapon, he shoots Kanna a look of enmity. The waif is standing in the same spot as three more ogre-like demons emerge from the forest.
"We have been discovered! Run… run away!"
Kanna's inner voice screams to her. Startled into awareness, the young demoness snatches up the mirror, barely evading a crushing blow and runs blindly into the forest.
This confuses Kohaku; why are they attacking Kanna? Unless… is she really planning to give Naraku's location? Did she, like Kagura, decide to betray Naraku?
Another demon rushes Kohaku. A flip backwards, the taijiya aims the chain scythe letting it fly. The blade slices the demon from collar to sternum, ripping open the chest wall. With an agonized cry, the demon topples face first to the ground. Three demons remain, including the one with the severed arm. Two advance on Kohaku as the other chases after Kanna.
This may be a trap, but Kohaku has to follow her. If Kanna is willing to aid them, they can all reap the benefits. If there is a way to eliminate Naraku before the appointed time, Kohaku will not hesitate, anything to spare Anu-ue and the others more grief. He has to reach Kanna before that demon.
Twirling the chain scythe overhead and accelerating the rotation, Kohaku charges the two remaining demons. Unable to avoid the flying blade, he neatly decapitates them both. Before their heads can roll, Kohaku is in pursuit of Kanna.
"Miroku-sama, Miroku-sama!"
Hachi calls, frantically rapping on the shoji to the monk's rooms.
"Sango-san is preparing to leave," the tanuki shouts, highly agitated. "You must stop her, master!"
The shoji slides open and Miroku steps out. He is dressed in his monk's attire with his hair pulled back in its usual ponytail. Giving Hachi a wide smile, he turns down the corridor.
"Don't worry, Hachi," he says calmly, walking past. "She's not going anywhere."
It is then that the tanuki notices the youkai cat perched high on Miroku's shoulder and the monk's implication sinks in. With a grin of his own, he quickly follows behind them.
"Ah!" Hachi exclaims, looking closely at Miroku. "Aren't we the clever one," he says with a snicker.
"I…" Miroku corrects. "Aren't 'I' the clever one," he teases his long time friend.
Hachi can only smile in response. It is good to see the monk in good spirits again. Since returning to the temple, he has been out of sorts. However, knowing Miroku's history, it is understandable. Whatever occurs in the next few days, he and Mushin plan to stick by him no matter what.
Miroku watches Sango from the temple stairs. The taijiya is dressed for travel with the Hiraikotsu strapped to her back. She walks the length of the temple lawns calling out to Kirara.
"Go to your mistress," Miroku whispers, tickling the feline under the chin. The youkai cat gives a purr, hops down and scampers over to stand in front of the taijiya.
"There you are." Sango kneels, gently scratching behind the cat's ears. "Are you ready to go?" Kirara looks over to the monk before transforming into her large form.
Miroku walks past Hachi and Mushin, decending the stairs as Sango mounts Kirara. To the others he appears confident, but inside he is unsure of how to proceed with Sango. In recalling their conversation earlier, it is obvious they have misunderstood each other.
The monk has spent months building up Sango's trust, other than the occasional groping, and in one afternoon, he has managed to shatter that trust. He has allowed his fear of the 'Kazaana' to overwhelm him to the point of pushing her away. He has to regain what he has lost; he has to convince her to stay.
"Were you to leave without saying good-bye, Sango?"
Sitting atop Kirara, the taijiya looks down as the monk approaches. Quickly averting her eyes, she mumurs, "Well… this isn't good-bye; now is it? We will see each other in couple of days."
Miroku knows they need to resolve their issues. If he allows her to leave now, it will become more complicated later.
"Stay and talk with me, Sango?" the monk gives a pleading look.
"No…" she snaps, "…no more talking! We have said all there is to say, Houshi-sama; let it be!"
He can feel her slipping away from him, retreating within herself. When that happens she will resort to what she knows best – to fight. Then… so be it, but it will be on his terms.
"It appears you and I are unclear on a few matters." Miroku's tone is polite, "Won't you be a good girl and come down from there so we can converse properly?"
Sango's body stiffens, but her calm response belies the fact she is fuming inside. "I am no child, Houshi-sama, and you will not address me in that manner."
"Hm…" Miroku appears to muse this over. With a lecherous grin in place, his blue eyes roam her body approvingly, "I agree… you are no child," his voice gets seductively low.
The way he appraises her sends the most delicious sensations up Sango's spine. Trying to subdue the response of her traitorous body, the taijiya nudges Kirara to take flight. She is so busy attempting to unravel herself from the monk's provocative web; she just notices Kirara has not responded to her silent command.
"Kirara?" Sango looks down at her companion. The cat youkai looks to Miroku again then lowers her head. The taijiya's eyes widen in shock, shooting daggers at the monk she asks, "What have you done to her?"
"You wound me," Miroku attempts to look insulted, his hand over his heart. "I just think she is a bit more level-headed than her mistress, is all. Now… are you coming down; I won't ask you again."
She is truly going to do him bodily damage, Sango thinks to herself. How can you want to slap someone into oblivion, but at the same time want to kiss them until you are breathless? Why does he affect her this way, why does she allow it? Is there a way to control the feelings she has for him? The taijiya's thoughts are interrupted by an exasperated sigh from Miroku.
"You are taking far too long to decide, my sweet," the endearment rolls from his tongue. "Allow me to assist you."
Walking in front of the cat youkai the monk simply says, "Kirara!"
The cat youkai reduces in size; this causes Sango to lose her balance. She lands on the balls of her feet, legs planted firmly apart to stay upright. The taijiya watches the conspirator cat scuttle under the nearest bush and out of the line of fire.
"Hou-shi-sa-ma!"
"Why are you so upset, Sango?" the monk cannot keep the smile from his voice. "I did ask you nicely."
Miroku knows what comes next and he is prepared. The taijiya swings the Hiraikotsu overhead, aiming for the monk's head, but he blocks the incoming blow with his shakujou.
"We are really going to have to do something about that temper of yours." Miroku laughs outright, deftly blocking another pass from Sango's weapon.
This only infuriates the taijiya even more. Planting the Hiraikotsu firmly in the ground, Sango withdraws her wakasashi and tosses it to the side. Stepping into a battle stance, she throws up her hands.
"Come on, Houshi-sama, how about a little one-on-one!"
Miroku looks uncomfortable for the first time; he is good enough with his staff, but hand-to-hand against her, he is not so sure.
"If I win… when I win, then you take that spell off Kirara and I get to leave." Sango says with a smirk.
"Well… what if I win?" the monk asks, pouting like a small boy.
"It doesn't matter… because you're not!" she shouts.
Looking up at the sky, Miroku seems to contemplate the challenge. "If you win…hm… and if I win…" the monk murmurs. Suddenly, his face lights up; lodging his shakujou in the ground he turns to his opponent. Instead of a battle stance, the monk bows his head as if in prayer; his hands form the same motion as when he uses his sutra powers. He takes a deep breath and graces the taijiya with a saintly smile.
"Ready when you are, my beautiful Sango!"
From the porch of the temple, Mushin and Hachi watch the young couple.
"This is not good, Mushin-sama," the tanuki frets. "I have seen Sango-san in battle and she is awfully fierce."
Mushin straightens from leaning on the handrail and clasps his hands behind his back. The older monk's face is stern; if not for his protruding belly, he would look formidable.
"Are you insinuating Miroku is outmatched?" he glowers at Hachi.
"Well…" the tanuki looks over to the two opponents circling each other. "I don't know…"
"A wager then," Mushin says rubbing his hands together. "Two thousand yen and a jug of sake says Miroku will win. After all, I did train him myself. Besides…"the monk looks over at his young ward, remembering him as a boy, "…he wears that same expression his mother did when she told his father she was staying with him, in spite of the Kazaana. There is no doubt, Hachi, my moneys on Miroku."
Mushin walks over and takes a seat on the stairs. He wants a good view of the upcoming activities. Hachi joins him and says, "If I win Mushin-sama, I…" the tanuki's comment is cut short.
"It doesn't matter…" Mushin says with a chuckle, "…because you're not."
Inside Midoriko's cave, the air crackles with the release of spiritual energy. The howling, screeching cries of the demons inside tell of their obliteration. Sesshomaru, Jaken and Rin with the beast Au-un stand across from the entrance. They watch as the cave flickers with light from the priestess powers.
"Do we venture inside, Sesshomaru-sama?" the demon toad asks.
"Would you like to be killed, Jaken?" the youkai lord responds tonelessly.
The toad looks to the cave as more howls and light are projected. Swallowing hard, Jaken's body begins to shake just thinking of the fate of the insubordinate demons against the priestess.
Sparing his vassal a sidelong glance, Sesshomaru heads towards the cave. "Stay here… both of you." He looks meaningfully at Rin.
"Hai, Sesshomaru-sama." The little girl acknowledges with a bow, holding tight to Au-un's reins.
Stopping in front of the cave, the youkai lord is presented with a barrier covering the entrance. Approaching slowly, Sesshomaru expects resistance as he extends his arm through, but there is none. The surrounding aura feels… welcoming; allowing the demon lord access.
Sesshomaru proceeds down the earthen passageway, following the priestess spiritual energy. On exiting the tunnel, the demon lord watches Kikyou prepare her bow. At her feet are the remains of the annihilated. From his viewpoint, he can see the priestess has reduced the demons numbers to two. One, in the form of a spider, is dangling from the top of the cavern; the other takes the form of a serpent and is a distance behind the miko, who is strategically placed between them.
Sesshomaru's face is phlegmatic as he watches her dilemma; however, inwardly he has a spark of interest as to how she will handle herself. The demons have her at a disadvantage; both are equally swift in maneuvering. While Kikyou focuses on one, the other will surely reach her, it is unavoidable.
The stalemate at an end, the demons simultaneously charge Kikyou. The priestess turns her attentions to the spider rapidly closing in on her. As she releases her arrow, she feels the serpent wrap itself around her body. The demon applies pressure as the spider disintegrates from the Kikyou's purifying blast.
With one arm trapped in the serpents hold, Kikyou struggles with her free arm to avoid the demon's fangs. The instinct of battle propels Sesshomaru forward, but before he can intervene, Kikyou's spiritual aura fills the air. Blue light emits from her, enveloping the serpent in its brilliance. The energy level increases until the demon gives an ear-piercing shriek and its body explodes, releasing the priestess.
Kikyou falls to her knees gasping for air. Sliding her hands along the ground, she retrieves her bow. Pulling it towards her, Kikyou stands the weapon upright and uses it to haul herself to her feet.
Nearly drained of power, the priestess hopes she has maintained enough to acquire Midoriko's sword. Heading back to the stalagmite, Kikyou plans to complete her part of the mission; Kohaku is placed on the forefront, his very existence in jeopardy; she cannot let him down.
Sesshomaru, still unnoticed, watches the priestess run her fingers through her unbound raven hair, smoothing the strands. He gives a snort at such a feminine gesture after a battle. He continues to look on as Kikyou's aura rises again, this time it enfolds the stalagmite. Taking a closer look, Sesshomaru's eyes widen in surprise… the priestess Midoriko!
The last time he had set eyes on her was centuries ago, during a council meeting with his father. The meeting was arranged to discuss demon/human collaboration, it was obvious nothing ever came of it.
Well into demon puberty at that time, Sesshomaru remembered fancying an attraction for the beautiful human priestess. He had also admired her courage; to step into the midst of a council that held nothing but animosity for her, was daring. However, that was before… before his mother's death, before his father chose Izayoi, a human, to replace her and before Inuyasha. So… that was Midoriko's fate.
Pulled from his reminiscing, Sesshomaru watches Kikyou's aura lift the sword from Midoriko's hand. The weapon, suspended in air, glides into Kikyou's waiting arms. Embracing it, she staggers under its weight, the last of her energy fading.
With a bow to Midoriko's form, Kikyou turns to leave the cave. Sesshomaru can see she is fatigued, she has used a considerable amount of power and yet she presses on.
Kikyou approaches the youkai lord and walks by without a glance in his direction. Slightly miffed, Sesshomaru is still able to keep his tone neutral.
"You are not surprised by my presence?"
Kikyou stops, but does not turn around. "Once again, your questions are statements," her tone acerbic. "I sensed your presence when you first entered the cave."
The priestess continues walking, shuffling her feet under the swords weight and exhaustion. Watching her strained progress, Sesshomaru thinks it strange she did not ask why he is there or why he did not assist her. As if reading his mind, Kikyou turns to him clutching the sword tight.
"I do not know why you are here!" she says in exasperation.
Narrowing his eyes, the demon lord moves to speak, but the priestess is not yet finished.
"I would not be foolish enough to expect assistance from the great Lord Sesshomaru," the sarcasm evident in her voice. "The lone ruler… with no allies and few enemies to speak of. The great lord… who would rather achieve retribution for his wounded pride, than come to the aid of a lowly woman."
By now, Kikyou is swaying on her feet; her face flushed, panting heavily and staring directly into Sesshomaru eyes.
"I also sensed your prescence that day at Mount Hakurei. You did not help me then; why in heavens name would I expect you to help me now?" she hisses.
Turning swiftly, Kikyou moves forward. Her vision blurs and wave of dizziness takes hold. She can only remember clasping the sword before darkness engulfs her.
Sesshomaru catches her before she hits the ground. Cradling her with his one arm, he looks down on her unconscious form. Inside, the demon lord is a mass of confused emotions, although his outward countenance maintains its stoicism.
Kikyou's speech was delivered in its usual monotone, with the exception of the ending. Her voice was pure venom; her eyes shimmered with an empyrean intensity, her body stiff with determination. For that brief moment, the demon lord had a glimpse of why Naraku feared her.
Lifting her, Sesshomaru takes one last look at Midoriko's form before turning to leave, carrying Kikyou's limp body.
Authors Notes: I know, I know… I'm still fighting the past/present thing (this especially to Iggy). Well… I hope it was at least entertaining.
To be continued…