A/N: Thank you for all of those who have been waiting the two years plus for me to continue this story. I know, the wait was long and I apologize. With that said, I have a large chunk written and am starting to post again. Right now, I am aiming to have updates on the 11th and 27th of each month. Hopefully that will give me enough time write the few chapters that I still need to finish the story. As always, review and let me know what you think. I love to hear from my readers and it helps me to write faster.
Timeline:
The Slayers takes place two years after Try. Lina is 19.
Inuyasha takes place while Kagome is 17. She is still dividing her life between her present and the past. The group is still after Naraku.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Inuyasha or The Slayers.
The Lesser Kindred
Chapter 8: Jinxed
The day was going practically perfect. Lina should have known right then that it wouldn't last. That it was about to turn to shit.
Lina had woken up, ate a small breakfast and then her and Zelgadis had gone over what they would say to the shard hunters during the 'big talk.' While conversing with Zel, she had noticed that Amelia had taken her oh-so-subtle hint about Kagome. Thank goodness, cause Lina would have torn out her hair if Amelia waited any longer to go talk to the girl. Lina could see what Kagome really wanted - and that was to learn to control her powers. It was in the simple look of wonder on Kagome's face as she had stared at the floating fish; as well as the frustration that had radiated off of her when she'd meditated. Lina's magical talents might not be that strong in the white arts, but even she could sense that Kagome had high potential.
Lina knew that Kagome pulled a lot of weight in the group, but couldn't be sure how much weight until now. It was Kagome's final word that got them the alliance. Zelgadis could use the jewel as long as they played by the rules. Sure those rules might include helping to kill some guy named Naraku, but Lina could tell that in Zel's eyes, it was a small price to pay. Especially if this Naraku guy was as bad as Kagome was making him out to be, then Zelgadis would follow through in a heart beat.
That was the point in the day where she should have realized that things were about to go down the crapper. Oh, it sounded easy on paper, track down Naraku and take his shards. Hell, after taking out Hellmaster and Darkstar, Naraku should have been a walk in the park. Lina wished she'd remembered that things never were that simple.
First there was Naraku. . .no one really seemed to know just what he was. They claimed he was a monster or half-demon, which didn't make any sense at all. Not one bit and it hurt her head even trying to think about it. Monsters were always trouble. Always. The stupid things always seemed to be plotting and planning and she knew that where there was one, there were probably more. Lina hated monsters. Even confusing half human-demon ones or whatever the hell Naraku was.
Then Amelia just had to say it. His name. Xelloss. They were screwed. Jinxed. At that moment in time Lina had felt her stomach sink in horror.
At first, she tired not to worry about it. They hadn't seen the damn Priest in over two years. He was nothing more than memory that she'd blocked. There was no reason he should show up now. Xelloss tended to only come around when they were in deep shit, and Lina was fairly certain that they were no where near that type of trouble. It was only a stupid book of Prince Phil's and a sort-of monster. It wasn't like the book was important . . . Well, Lina didn't actually know that for sure, but surely if it had been that important Phil would have said something. Although, now that she'd thought about it, he had said that his scholars were having trouble translating it. Crap. That was never a good sign. But still, Xelloss really should have no reason to show up. She tried to laugh it off. Tried to convince herself that they were just too far away for him to pop up with that stupid grin.
She was wrong.
He hadn't even waited an hour after Amelia had said his name.
"Lina, did you hear me?" Gourry asked, staring over his shoulder. "I said that Xelloss is over there drinking tea. Let's go say hi!"
Lina was not going to turn around. If she just closed her eyes there was a chance he might leave. Yes, that's right! She just had to ignore him.
Zelgadis stopped in front of her. It seemed that he had heard Gourry's proclamation as well. Even with his hood up and mouth covered, she could see his eyes graze the crowd and harden. Double crap.
The rest of the newly formed group (not even an hour had gone by yet) was about ten feet ahead of them before they noticed that they were missing members. Kagome was the first to turn around.
"Come on guys," she said. "I hate to admit it, but I'm looking forward to our celebration lunch."
"Yeah," Inuyasha whined as he turned. "I'm hungry."
Lina still hadn't turned around. From the corner of her eye, she watched as Zel placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Inuyasha noticed the movement as well. His stance completely changed from relaxed to hostile as he mirrored the chimera. He was glaring in the same direction as Zel, although it was evident that he wasn't exactly sure what the threat was.
"Oh, now Zelgadis," Lina twitched as she recognized the voice. "Is that anyway to treat an old friend?"
Lina snapped.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" she whirled around to see him standing only a few feet behind her. He grinned and waved, staff in his other hand.
"Hello Lina," he replied. "It's nice to see you too."
"What the fuck are you doing here?" her arms planted themselves on her hips as she glared at him.
"Catching up with my old friends of course," he smiled and rubbed at the back of his head.
"You have no friends," she spat.
"Now that's being mean," pouted Xelloss. Since when the hell did Mazuko pout?
"No, that's just telling the truth."
Lina quickly noticed that they had acquired the attention of the entire group. Amelia gave him a little wave. Stupid Amelia. The stupid twit never seemed to comprehend just what his presence meant. Xelloss was never a good thing. His arrival had always signaled that things were going to go to shit. He never dropped by to visit, never stopped in to catch up on old times. No, he only dropped by when he wanted something. Or wanted to use them to get something.
Lina stared at his seemingly innocent smile.
"You can't have it," she quietly growled.
"Have what?" The smile still plastered on his face.
"The jewel," her voice was low but Inuyasha's ears twitched. Stupid non-human dog creatures and their stupid super hearing.
Xelloss lifted an eyebrow, then shifted his attention to Kagome. He lowered his head a bit and his purple eyes cracked open. His grin shifted from innocent to maniacal in a second. It was the smile that always sent chills down Lina's spine.
"Hmmm . . . . yes, the jewel. I must say that I was surprised to learn the rumors that it had been found were true."
"As if you could ever take it." Lina inwardly groaned at Inuyasha's words. He just couldn't keep his mouth shut. It was obvious from the beginning that he was never one to hold in his temper. If the entire group didn't know what they were talking about before, they sure did now. She wondered if he'd even heard of the word tact. "I'll rip you limb from limb if you even try."
Inuyasha moved protectively in front of Kagome. The action caused Kagome to tense up immediately and take a few steps back. She watched Xelloss with a questioning cautious gaze - it was obvious that she didn't quite know what to make of the newcomer.
Xelloss let out a snort then doubled over in laughter. Clutching his sides, he cackled at Inuyasha. The priest always knew how to piss someone off immediately after meeting them. Apparently, he hadn't lost his touch.
Inuyasha's face tightened in rage. "What the fuck's so funny?!"
It was then that Lina noticed that they were gathering a crowd. No doubt interested in whether or not there would be a fight. And as much as she wanted to pound Xelloss into a pulp, she had a feeling that it would be a bad idea to try. Any fight between them would be big, and messy. It would be a fight that was best fought in a place without a crowd, or buildings.
Inuyasha was about ready to snap and Xelloss was not helping any.
Stupid monster.
Inuyasha pulled out his sword with a growl.
Xelloss laughed harder.
Kagome, who had been watching the scene with her mouth agape, was brought out of her thoughts.
"Inuyasha! Put Tetsusaiga away," she demanded. Lina could hear the slight desperation in her voice.
While Kagome was busy subduing Inuyasha, Lina took the opportunity to smack Xelloss on the head as hard as she could.
"Ow! Lina, that hurt," he rubbed his head. "Why do you always have to be so violent towards me?"
"Because you deserve it," and really, he did. "Now, I'm only going to ask this one more time. Why are you here?"
He shrugged and smiled sweetly, "That's a secret."
God she hated that line. Hated the way he smiled as he said it and tried to look all cute. Xelloss was a lot of things, but cute was not one of them. She should have expected it though.
Lina sighed and rubbed her forehead. She could feel the headache developing and ten minutes hadn't even passed yet. It was flaring right behind her eyes like hammers pounding away in a steady rhythm. Had she mentioned how much she hated Xelloss?
Lina turned her attention back to Inuyasha. He was arguing with Kagome in loud whispers while Shippo peered out her back pack. Lina hadn't been paying any attention to what they were saying, and right now, she didn't care. She could probably easily guess what they were talking about anyway. She turned to watch Miroku and Sango. They both were eyeing the Priest with intensity. Miroku had a slightly befuddled look on his face. But those two were nothing compared to Zelgadis. He seemed to be glaring daggers at the Mazuko, who appeared to be completely oblivious. The lack of attention made one of his eyebrows twitch slightly. Zelgadis was clearly as pissed off as she was.
"So, Mr. Xelloss." Awe yes, Amelia. Lina had almost forgotten that she was there. The ever cheerful Amelia was doing nothing for Lina's pounding head. "Are you going to be traveling with us?"
Lina really was afraid of the answer to that question. Really, really afraid.
"Fuck no!" Inuyasha broke away from his conversation with Kagome and surged forward. Kagome grabbed his arm, firmly holding him in place. Lina was sure that he could break out of her grasp if need be, but much to her surprise, he stayed where he was.
Xelloss smiled, completely ignoring the raging Inuyasha. "Perhaps, I just might."
She read between the lines and inwardly groaned: Yes - either I will be with you or staking you from the shadows.
"Who the fuck said that that would be okay?!" Inuyasha snarled. "Why don't you go back to whatever monastery you crawled out of?!"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome stomped her foot causing Shippo to startle. "We should really get the facts first before we come to any decisions."
Inuyasha growled back but otherwise remained silent.
"I assume your name is Xelloss?" Kagome asked, turning to him.
"That's correct Priestess," he bowed slightly in acknowledgement. "And what is your name?"
"Kagome. I also assume that you guys know each other," she motioned toward Lina and Zelgadis.
"Unfortunately," Zelgadis replied. "We're old acquaintances."
Miroku lifted an eyebrow, "Of the unfriendly kind?"
It wasn't that big of a conclusion to come to considering Lina's reaction.
"That depends on Xelloss," Lina crossed her arms. "So, what's it going to be this time?"
"Now, where would be the fun in telling you that?"
Lina threw up her arms in frustration. "Oh, fuck it. Let's go eat."
Everyone turned to stare at her. That clearly wasn't the response that had been expecting.
"I mean it's not like we're ever going to get a straight answer anyway. And besides, he'll either be with us or staking us. I, for one, would rather have the bastard in my sight then not know where the hell he is," Lina explained. "And since he's already shown himself, I assume that we're going to be safer for now."
Kagome turned to Amelia.
"Is he really that dangerous?" she asked.
"Um . . . well. He seems to have a misguided outlook on life." Lina refrained from shaking her head in frustration. Sometimes, Amelia was really an idiot.
"Yes, he is," Zelgadis seemed to take the words right out of Lina's mouth. "You're right Lina. I don't like it, but you're right. It's better if he's in our sight at all times."
"Would someone please try to explain what is going on?" Sango asked. "And not to mention who exactly he is?"
"After lunch. I'm hungry and don't want to lose my appetite," Lina replied.
Lunch ended up being a quiet affair. No surprise at that. For once, Lina ate at a slow pace. Well, it was slow for her. Her mind was focused on what to say about Xelloss as she pushed her last carrot around on her plate. He sat quietly, wedged between her and Zelgadis, sipping at his tea as if he didn't have a care in the world. Why couldn't her life remain simple for just a few more years? She had been enjoying her monster free existence.
From the corner of her eye she watched the Mazuko. It wasn't as if he had never helped them out before. Because he had, but just sort of in his own messed up way. Like the time he'd fought Gaav and helped them escape… but then had let them be handed over to Hellmaster. She watched him drink his tea and resisted the urge to scream.
One thing she realized very quickly was that Xelloss did not like Inuyasha. Lina hadn't seen Xelloss this annoyed or prejudice since Fillia. It was discreet for the most part. One had to be paying attention to the monster to notice it. But Lina had learned to pay attention to him a long time ago. Every once and awhile his mask would falter. With Fillia, it seemed to have happened often. She'd do or say something and Xelloss couldn't help but snort and briefly show his disgust. She could see the attitude resurfacing - and directed solely towards Inuyasha.
Lina put down her fork and caught Kagome and Inuyasha staring at her. They both had finished eating and were watching her rather expectantly. Looking around the table she noticed that most of the others were done as well. They were waiting for an explanation, and weren't looking at Zelgadis for one. Oops, maybe she had taken the lead a little too much back there. Her anger kind of had a mind of its own.
She glanced around the restaurant. The less eavesdroppers on the conversation the better. Good thing they seemed to be pretty much alone except for the few people who sat up at the bar.
"So," Lina sighed. "Where to begin?"
"How about who the fuck this guy is?" Inuyasha seemed to have missed the point that it was a rhetorical question.
She glared at him but he was oblivious to her stare.
"Xelloss," she turned to him. "Would you like to do the honors of introducing yourself or shall I?"
"Oh, go ahead," he nodded at her. "I'm sure your introduction will be much more interesting."
Well then, best to just spit it out.
"Xelloss is a demon, or monster. How much do you know about monsters?" she asked the shard hunters.
"Oh nothing at all. It's not like there's a half demon sitting right here," the sarcasm rolled off of Inuyasha's tongue.
"And don't forget me!" Shippo exclaimed. "I'm a full demon."
Xelloss snorted.
"Something funny?" Inuyasha growled as Shippo said, "Hey!"
Apparently they both caught the insult.
"Do not compare me with them Lina," Xelloss completely ignored the offended two. "I am a Mazuko, Upper kindred. They are nothing compared to us."
"Mazuko?" Kagome inclined. "A demon right? I thought that was the same thing?"
"So did I," Lina turned to Xelloss. "What's the difference?"
"My, my, my. The legendary Lina Inverse can't figure it out for herself?" Xelloss smiled at her. It seemed that getting answers would be as pleasant as pulling teeth.
Lina turned her attention back to Inuyasha. He appeared to be barely holding back his anger. Lina surmised that the only reason he hadn't tried to tear Xelloss apart was because of Kagome. She seemed to have a little influence over his actions. For now at least. Shippo on the other hand acted like every kid she had ever met. He was supposed to be a demon? That just didn't seem right. Come to think of it, the grape ape thing from the other day didn't seem right either. It was weaker then she expected. Like it was fighting with one hand tied behind its back or something.
Inuyasha and Shippo just seemed very . . . human, for lack of a better word.
While for all of his smiles, Xelloss was far from human.
They were very different, that was for sure.
She sighed. "Unless you're going to say anything useful, then just shut up Xelloss. We don't need any of your cryptic shit right now.'
'Anyway, Xelloss is a Mazuko. Which apparently is much different then a demon. Whatever the case, just remember that he's not a good guy."
"Then why are you allowing him to eat with us?" Sango asked.
"He has his uses," Lina replied. "And, he's helped us out, sort of, in the past. Besides, I'd rather have him in my sights at all times if I know he's here."
"Jeez, I really want to trust him now," Inuyasha muttered.
"I never said anything about trust," Lina glared. "I don't trust him and neither should you guys."
"Are you here for the jewel?" Kagome asked Xelloss.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps I'm here for something else." Xelloss casually took a sip of his tea.
"Try as much as you'd like, but I doubt you'll get any answers from him," Lina told Kagome. "If I had to guess. I'd say that he's either here for the jewel, for the book, or for Naraku. Or to manipulate me in doing something for him. Maybe all four?"
Lina had counted off on her fingers as she went through her list.
"I'd tell you Lina if you'd come work with us," Xelloss smiled. "You won't regret it."
"Never," Lina's voice was firm.
Xelloss sighed. "Too bad."
"Look, Priest. I am fucking sick of you games!" Inuyasha snapped. It looked like whatever control Kagome had on him finally collapsed. In all honestly, Lina was kind of expecting it to have happened sooner. "You are obviously here for the jewel and there is no way in hell that you're going to get it."
Inuyasha jumped out of his chair and shoved the table at Xelloss who safely slide his chair out of the way (Zelgadis did as well). Unfortunately, Lina wasn't fast enough and the table smacked her in the gut. She had to fight not to puke up everything that she had ever eaten. The ruckus of the crash drew every eye in the place.
"Does the little puppy want to play?" Xelloss smirked still sitting in his place.
"That fucking hurt!" Lina yelled as soon as she got her breathe back. She fought out of where she was stuck between the table and chair to her feet.
"What did you call me?" Inuyasha growled.
"A very little, yippy puppy."
Inuyasha snarled as his sword flared to life in his hand. Xelloss didn't flinch. He didn't even open his eyes. He just sat there and smiled.
"Keh, you won't be still smiling like that when I cut that grin off of your face."
"My, my," Xelloss sighed. "Temper, temper."
Inuyasha took a swing at Xelloss and nearly grazed Lina in the process.
However, Xelloss was no longer in the space that he used to occupy; he was now standing on the bar across the room. The bartender jumped at the sudden appearance of the man.
"Missed me," Xelloss reminded Inuyasha.
With a war cry, Inuyasha launched himself across the room; Xelloss disappeared again.
"You're going to have to do better then that my little puppy," Xelloss voice seemed to come from everywhere.
Inuyasha stood still, head slightly cocked to one side while one of his ears twitched slightly. He was obviously listening for the annoying monster. But Xelloss was already gone, leaving as abruptly as he arrived.
Of course, Inuyasha didn't seem ready to believe that and seemed sure that his opponent would be back at any minute.
The few patrons of the bar had cleared off to the sides of the restaurant, eyeing the man with the sword wearily. Lina took a glance around the room. The hotheaded dog had caused considerable amount of damage. Not that she was surprised though. Xelloss seemed to have that effect on a lot of people.
"Inuyasha," Kagome's voice was quiet but deadly. The air in the room easily dropped ten degrees after she spoke his name. Lina did not envy him at the moment.
Inuyasha's ears flattened slightly. Lina had the feeling that he also knew that he was in for the spanking of a lifetime – so to speak.
"You dumb Half-breed!" screamed the bartender, "Look at what you did to my place! You better have the money for the damage!"
Lina frowned. There was no way that she was going to be shelling out the cash for this stupid little tiff. And by the way that Inuyasha shifted, she didn't think that he had the funds to fix the restaurant either. Unfortunately, by the way that Kagome was eyeing him, it didn't look like she was going to give him a choice in the matter.
"Oh, dear," muttered Amelia, getting to her feet. "I'm sooo sorry about this sir."
Amelia approached the bar and Lina felt her lips twitch. That girl had better not be paying for what the stupid mutt did. After all, it totally wasn't their fault!
"You paying for it girlie?" he grunted.
If the group just up and left, Lina figured there wasn't much the grimy man could do about it. Lina wasn't quite sure why they hadn't done that yet.
"Just give me one minute," Amelia chimed. "And I can make this all shiny again!"
Lina didn't feel the need to watch Amelia work her magic and wandered outside. She was more concerned about where Xelloss had gone and when he'd be back. As she stepped off of the front patio, she could hear the 'oohs and awes' of the crowd. It seemed Amelia had impressed the masses with a few words and a flick of her wrist.
Of all people, it was Miroku who had followed her outside. He set his staff down next to him and sat next to her with a sigh. Leaning back, he supported his weight with his hands behind him and shut his eyes at the bright sun. Lina glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He seemed like a nice enough guy, even if he was a bit of a womanizer.
"So," Miroku began. "Does this Xelloss appear and disappear like that often?"
Lina snorted. "Yeah, so you might as well get used to it now."
"Is he that much different from Inuyasha?" he asked.
Lina nodded. "Xelloss feeds off of the negative forces of the world. It seems pretty obvious that Inuyasha and Shippo do not. The two of them act – well they act human for lack of a better word. Xelloss is many things, but he is definitely not anything like a human. And thinking of him as one will just get you killed."
"Interesting," Miroku paused. "He seemed to have taken quite an interest in you compared to the rest of the group. Called you, what was that, the Great Lina Inverse?"
Stupid Xelloss, ruining her plans of laying low.
"He says that I have a lot of potential," she lied. It really was only a partial lie though. "And that I can do great things with my power."
Miroku looked thoughtful for a second before looking back towards the door.
"There you two are," Sango's voice filled the air.
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted. "And here I thought I was going to have to save the poor girl from you lewd advances."
Lina looked over her shoulder and glared. "I am perfectly capable of saving myself."
Standing up, she dusted off her cape.
"Where to now?" Lina asked.
"To find the rest of the jewel shards," Zel said in a no-nonsense matter.
"But where would we even begin looking?" Amelia asked. "Didn't Kagome just say that this Naraku fellow has most of them?"
"Kouga," Inuyasha snarled. "It's about time that little shit-head gave us back what's rightfully ours."
"Who's Kouga?" Gourry asked.
"He's a friend who has two jewel shards," Kagome answered. The look on Inuyasha's face seemed to contradict that her statement.
"He's not going to give up the shards easily," Sango replied.
"I think I'll be able to convince him," Kagome walked down the stairs and onto the dusty road.
"There is no way that I am going to let that damn wolf weasel his way into becoming your mate in return for the jewels!" Inuyasha charged after her.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kagome stopped in her tracks. "You really are impossible, aren't you? And besides, I think I can decide who will be my boyfriend for myself. I don't need you policing guys for me!"
"But Kagome!" Inuyasha was outraged. "You have no idea what lengths that dirty mongrel will go to in order to make you his. I wouldn't put this past him!"
"You really need to have more faith in me," Kagome shook her head. "I can take care of myself."
The two of them lead the way out of town arguing the entire time. Lina smiled. At least their new company wouldn't be boring.
Naraku smiled. So, it was the wolf that they were going to go see. Aw yes, that little annoyance still had some of his jewel shards. This was a perfect time to see exactly what these knew opponents could do and gain a few more shards in the process.