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 11: The Real Deal with Bill McNeal
To Lina, the journey to Kaede's hut seemed to take longer then it should have.
Okay, Lina didn't actually know how long it was supposed to take, but damn Lina was ready to be there.
They tried to make the best time that they could. Mostly, they stuck to the air. Those who could fly would and those who couldn't had to find someone (or some creature in the case of Kirara) latch onto. Lina carried Gourry as per what seemed their normal routine.
Zelgadis held on to Miroku. Lina yelled at him for a bit about putting too much of a strain on his magic after being healed only a hour ago, but it was to no avail. It didn't seem to matter to him; he refused to let Miroku be carried by Amelia. Sango was also against the idea of letting Miroku ride with her on Kirara; something about lecherous ways and roaming hands that she was in no mood to deal with. So, Miroku grasped Zelgadis' hand looking rather put out with the situation while Amelia practically snuggled with Shippo in her arms.
Inuyasha was still unconscious as they traveled to Kaede's hut. They had to haul him onto Kirara for transport; the guy was heavier then he looked. He wasn't alone on the giant cat either. Kagome sat directly behind him with Inuyasha laying half way in her lap. Lina doubted that it was a position that he would agree to be in if he was conscious. Sango sat directly behind Kagome. The three of them were smashed together quite a bit in order to all fit.
Lina wasn't sure, but she swore that the demon cat was not so happy with the arrangement.
Inuyasha woke about half way through the journey. Lina didn't exactly see what had happened but it did end in shouting and Inuyasha falling from the sky.
It brought a little bit of humor to an otherwise sucky ass day.
They stumbled onto Kaede's village about a hour before sunset.
It was a small village undistinguishable from all the other small villages that Lina had seen. Her hut was little but the old woman welcomed them with open arms. At least once Kagome insured her that the new comers were okay, she did. Kaede was especially happy to see Kagome. It made Lina crack a small smile at how motherly the woman was. In fact Lina would have assumed that she was Kagome's mother if Kagome hadn't said earlier that she was not from around here.
While Kaede was doing her best to make everybody comfortable, the atmosphere was still tense. The flight over here was not the ideal circumstance to have the conversation that was at the forefront of everyone's mind. In fact, even after they had arrived they were so exhausted to do much of anything. They had stopped for a very short meal earlier in the day and hadn't taken a break since.
Lina had to admit, she wanted a full stomach before any serious conversation started. No seemed to disagree with her.
They kept busy preparing dinner. Kagome was especially quiet. In fact, Lina was almost certain that Kagome had been unnaturally quiet since they had left the battle scene. When Lina asked Sango why she had quietly whispered back that it was because Kagome had been close to one of the wolves that had died that morning. Sango didn't need to say anymore. Lina had lost plenty of people in her life. Some she had been close to while others were only acquaintances, but each time stung in their own way. She had accepted death as a part of her life a long time ago. Lina wasn't so sure that that lesson had set in for Kagome yet. Grief wasn't really Lina's thing though. She tended to cope with pain by beating things up, not the best mechanism to pass on to the girl.
While the dinner was delicious, people seemed to eat at a reserved pace. Hell, even Lina ate slower then normal. It wasn't that people had been avoiding talking about what had happened earlier; it was that they had been too hungry, too exhausted and too busy to until now.
And Lina was going to seize that chance while everyone was still sitting in the same room.
"So we have a problem," Lina said putting down her tea. Everyone at the table looked at her, surprised at her sudden outburst.
"Keh, that's putting it lightly," Inuyasha replied. His voice seemed to have lost some of the edge that it normally had. It seemed like the battle today had tired him out a bit. "Who the fuck were those two guys with Kagura?"
"Mazoku," Zelgadis answered.
"But they were so strong," commented Sango. "Nothing like any demon I've ever seen before."
"And how the hell did they know we where going to be?!" Inuyasha voice was a little weak still but full of anger. "Like I said earlier, it had to have been that fucking priest Xelloss!"
Lina pressed her lips together as she considered Inuyasha's accusations. She was not naïve and knew exactly what Xelloss was. But she honestly didn't believe that he would have ratted them out.
"It wasn't him," replied Lina with a firm voice. "He might be an asshole, but he hates the demons from this land with a passion. He wouldn't help Naraku."
"What do you mean hate them?" Sango asked, confusion written all over her face. "Isn't he a demon as well?"
"No," Lina shook her head. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. He's a Mazoku, the same thing as that creep Succhii is. And from what little I've seen from the demons of this land, they are two completely different things."
"But that doesn't explain why he wouldn't help Naraku," replied Kagome.
"Haven't you seen the way he treats Inuyasha?" Zelgadis answered the question instead of Lina. She was a bit surprised that he had noticed the conflict between the two as well. She shouldn't have been though, considering not much gets past him. "The disgust is so deep that it practically makes my skin itch."
"The feeling's mutual," muttered Inuyasha.
"And the way he looks at Shippo," Lina gestured to the fox. "Half the time he looks as though he's going to rip the kids neck out."
"It's not that bad," Sango said.
"Yes it is," Zelgadis frowned. "Just from his reaction to these two, it's obvious how he feels."
"But if these Mazoku hate the demons of this land so much," Miroku began. "Why would two of them be working with Naraku?"
"Power," Lina answered. "It's always about power with Mazoku. I'm not sure what they think that Naraku can do for them, but it is obviously something."
"All about power indeed," came Xelloss' voice. Lina looked up from the table to see the Priest standing behind her in the doorway. He smiled at the table as he approached. Crossing her arms, Lina glared at him from her spot.
"I see that you've finally decided to join us," Lina said.
"Yes, well you didn't really need me back there," he replied waving his hand in a nonchalant manner.
Lina almost growled at him.
Inuyasha looked like he was about to pull out his sword right at the table. Kagome quickly intervened by laying a hand on his leg and whispering something into his ear. Inuyasha shot another murderous glance at Xelloss but remained where he was sitting.
"So," Kagome said turning her attention back to the Priest. "Where did you run off to?"
"I had some business to attend to," he replied.
"What type of business?" asked Sango.
"Now that's a secret."
"Well, un-secret it," Lina said.
"Now Lina," Xelloss laughed. It was low and had a hint of menace in it. "Things aren't that simple. I had thought that over the years you had that figured out."
"A trade then," Lina replied, "For information."
Lina had half thought that the Mazoku would laugh at her solution but instead he just examined her. Lina's mind stuttered.; perhaps offering a trade wasn't the best idea. She didn't like the evil gleam in his eye.
"If you work for me Lina then you can have all of the information you desire," Xelloss offered.
"Not going to happen," Lina didn't even have to think about that. No way in hell would she ever work for a Mazoku. Not now, not ever. "Name something else."
"Lina," Zelgadis said from next to her. "Are you sure you want to do this? We don't need his help. We can find out the information some other way."
Zelgadis shot a glance at Xelloss. Lina could tell that he was wary of what conditions Xelloss might ask for. But Lina knew that if they were too extreme she could always say no. It was worth a shot, maybe – just maybe he might ask for something reasonable. . . .
"No," Lina answered Zel. "I'm sick and tired of going into these situations blind. We are not getting into another mess like we've done in the past, not if we can avoid it. And maybe, just maybe things will go a little easier this time."
"How can you even trust him to not go back on his word?" Zelgadis asked.
"If we make a deal, Xelloss will honor it," Lina replied. She was sure of it. Xelloss didn't back out with the deal for the Blood Talismans, even though he had no attention of selling them. But she had paid the price that he named and he had given them to her. This was the same. If Lina could pay the price then Xelloss would hold up his end of the bargain. She was sure of it. Xelloss might be an evil sick bastard. But he has his own twisted sense of honor, she'll give him that.
"Look at you Ms. Inverse," Xelloss said, coming further into the room. "Dealing with Mazoku. Are you sure you're ready to pay the price?"
Lina stared back at him. She wasn't backing down yet. He was trying to scare her and it was not going to work. Lina would get the needed information this time. There would be no repeat of Dark Star or Hellmaster – not if she could help it. This time, Lina would be fully informed of the situation.
"You don't scare me Xelloss," she answered. "Name your price."
"Then maybe you're not as smart as I thought," Xelloss replied. Lina glared back at him angrily. How dare he insinuate that she was stupid! He knew damn well that she was a genius when it came to magic. "I want you Lina Inverse."
Lina sighed and got to her feet, wanting to be closer to the priest as she made her point. She almost tripped on the floor pillow that she was sitting on as she stood. Shit, how embarrassing. The entire table watched the two of them, waiting for what would happen next.
"I already told you, that is not going to happen.," she said walking closer. "I'm not working for you. I'm not working for Zelas Metalliumelas. I am not working for the Mazoku, end of story."
Sometimes it was like talking to a ten year old.
Xelloss laughed again. This time though any mirth that was there the first time was gone. This laugh was cold and hard. Kagome and Sango shifted as if surprised to hear it from his mouth. Perhaps this was the first time that they had a small glance his true nature. Saying someone was dangerous was completely different then actually realizing it for one's self.
He moved besides her and lowered his face down. His eyes were open and glinted unearthly in the light. The violet color a strong reminder of the fact the he was a Mazoku, as if Lina needed a reminder.
He brought his lips to her ear and whispered. His words were inaudible to everyone except for Lina.
"I want you," he whispered. Although light in sound, his voice was hard and cold. Her body involuntarily shivered as he continued to speak. "I want the chaos in your soul. The dark energy that whirls around your body. The power that comes from touching the Lord of Nightmares. It's merged with your aura. The pure negative raw power that comes from touching our mother; it's intoxicating. A shining beacon in the mist of mediocrity. To taste something so pure is not something to pass up."
"What do you mean?" Lina asked, not quite sure if she wanted to hear the answer. Lina racked her brain for all of the information that she knew about the Mazoku, but nothing seemed to ring any bells with what Xelloss was saying.
"You are the only human to touch our kind so intimately and survive," Xelloss replied pressing his lips almost against her ear. "The power has bonded with you. It will always be with you. Humans put negative energy out into the world through their actions, words and thoughts. But the energy in the 'air' is not as potent as the energy that is can be taken directly from the human soul."
Lina took a deep breath as he words clicked into place. Xelloss didn't need to finish what he was saying; she knew exactly where he was going with this. With Lina have being the only human to have ever channeled the Lord of Nightmares; the negative energy in her soul was strong. That's what he wanted, to feed off of her for lack of a better word.
"Will it kill me?" she whispered straight to the point. This was not a topic covered in the all you need to know about Mazoku hand book. And that was probably because there hasn't ever been a human around to talk about it. No way would she allow herself to get information only to be killed in exchange for it.
"If I take too much then yes," Lina could hear the smile in his voice. "But I prefer you alive, Lina. You are much too interesting to die."
"And you'll tell me everything?"
"Concerning Naraku, yes."
Lina swallowed.
"And what about Naraku?" Lina asked keeping her voice as low as she could knowing that Xelloss could still hear her. If this exchange wasn't going to kill her, it would definitely make her weak. Who knows what type of havoc that this would create with her magic? "I won't be any good in a fight if I can hardly cast any spells."
"You don't have to worry about that," Lina could hear the smile in his voice. "Just between you and I, Naraku has currently misplaced one of his Mazoku. You should be recovered by the time that they find a replacement for him."
She let her eyes focus on those who sat at the table with her. Zelgadis was watching her with rapt attention. Although he couldn't hear what Xelloss was saying to her, he would no doubt know that it was dangerous. All the others were watching with mixed expressions of curiosity and apprehension, except for Inuyasha. Lina stopped herself from swearing, Inuyasha had no doubt heard the terms of the deal – due to his enhanced senses. He had the same expression as Zel did. One of seriousness.
Gourry was fidgeting nervously on the ground. The man might be as dumb as a box of rocks but he always seemed to have almost a sixth sense when it came to Xelloss. She still remembered the time when Gourry said that he had know for a long time that Xelloss was a Mazuko but didn't tell anyone because he thought that they all already knew. He didn't look angry or serious but worried. It was his expression that struck her the most.
"So Lina," Xelloss said pulling away so all could hear. "Do you agree with the deal?"
Xelloss' eyes were closed again. And of that, she was glad.
Lina needed a moment to think. Just how important was this information about Naraku? Was it worth her soul so to speak? He wouldn't actually take her soul (at least she didn't think so) but apparently he would feed off of it. A process that was no doubly painful. Lina wasn't the typical girl but like most other girls, she didn't happen to like pain very much. But Lina knew that there was a very good chance that it was worth it. Did Lina really want to stumble through fighting Mazoku, again? Hell no. There was a chance that Xelloss didn't know anything, but Lina didn't think so. If Xelloss was here with them, then he knew what was going on. He had a mission, whatever that might be, to complete.
Xelloss had assured her that she wouldn't have to worry about Naraku attacking while she was out of commission. She wondered if he had caught either of the Mazoku that they had faced earlier in the day or if there were more of them out there. Either way, Lina doubted that Mazoku where lining up to work for the guy.
"I want to know everything concerning Naraku," Lina replied rather firmly. "But, I also want to know all of the information about why Mazoku and the demons of this land are different. I demand to know what your role is in all of this and that we can continue asking questions – that you will answer – even after my part of the bargain is complete. This isn't a 'you only have one time to ask all of the questions' type of deal. We will have open communication throughout the entire confrontation and situation."
Xelloss studied her for a second.
"Agreed," he smiled.
"Then you have yourself a deal," Lina held out her hand. Xelloss took it and shook, sealing the pact.
"What did you just agree to Lina?" Zel asked. His voice low and full of trepidation.
"Nothing that you'll need to worry about," Lina replied. The words didn't settle Zelgadis' worry though. Hell, they didn't even help calm her stomach. "Please Zel, it'll be fine. I wouldn't agree to anything that I didn't think I couldn't handle."
Lina took her seat back on the ground around the table. Gourry looked at her and frowned. Lina did not like the concern on his face either.
"So what exactly are the differences between the Mazoku and the demons of this land?" Lina asked hoping to turn all of the attention off of her.
"Why the animosity?" Zelgadis pressed. While he might be worried, Lina knew that this was an opportunity that he could not pass up.
"The demons of this land are called the Lesser Kindred. The animosity comes from them being inferior to us in every possible way," Xelloss vaguely answered straining the word animosity as if it was a far too simple of a word to use in this situation.
"Keh, as if I were inferior to you," Inuyasha scoffed. "I could kick your ass any day."
"So says the half-breed mutt who just had a hole shot through his chest," Xelloss sneered.
"Why are they inferior?" Kagome asked seeming to come a little out of her funk. Inuyasha opened his mouth to argue with her words choices, but with a look from Kagome – he closed it rather fast.
"Any guesses before I answer Lina?" Xelloss asked her.
Lina had been thinking about the differences between the two ever since she noticed them. While she might have some base theories, she had nothing concrete.
"While Mazoku feed off of the negative energy of the world," Lina thought out loud, "the demons of this land do not. Right?" Lina looked at Kagome and Inuyasha for confirmation. Kagome nodded and Lina continued. "Xelloss gives off this negative aura as well – all Mazoku give off the negative aura. The demons from this land seem to have a similar aura. I noticed it when we fought the Grape Ape, but it was very faint, almost like it was cut off or shielded or something... You called the Mazoku Upper Kindred, earlier right? Which means if you are the Upper Kindred and they are the Lower Kindred then there must be some sort of relation between the two? So, whatever separates the Kindred could very well stem from this difference with the aura and negative energy?"
Lina pressed her fingers on her lips in thought. She knew she was on the right track but couldn't quite grasp how the pieces fit together.
"Very nice Ms. Lina Inverse," Xelloss clapped. "You are so very close."
"I know," Lina replied. "Now if you could just fill in the rest?"
Xelloss took a seat next to Lina, rudely shoving her over into Gourry, and grabbed the tea pot in the middle. There weren't any unused cups left on the table. Instead, he grabbed the tea cup that Lina had been drinking out of only a minute before. He slowly pored himself some of the liquid and took a sip. Lina glared at him, but he seemed to take no notice of the annoyance.
"There was a war, before that with the Dragons, between various factions of Mazoku," Xelloss said. Lina's mouth almost fell open in shock. There was no dancing around the issue, or saying that it was a secret – he was actually answering the question! "The dispute was over power and the division of territories. As punishment for the losing side, their power source was stripped and they were cast out of the astral plane. No longer could they harvest the negative energy of the world. Oh no – they would have to rely on what ever feeble power that was contained in their own being. Theirs was a punishment worse then death. To become mortal and live as mortals do – to die as mortals do. They only had a fraction of their power. And we made sure to make them acutely aware of that fact. Hundreds, no thousands of years we tormented them. Fed off of them. Destroyed them. Ensured that they suffered for their indiscretions and delusions of grandeur."
"Oh really?" Inuyasha scoffed. "Because I have never been tormented by any Mazoku during my life."
"That's because the Dragon War happened," Lina inputted as the gears in her head turned, "and Hellmaster created the barrier! The barrier cut off all connections between the two worlds. And – "
"And the Lesser Kindred escaped their punishment," Xelloss finished. "By the time the barrier collapsed we no longer felt the need to associate with the banished. We had a kingdom to rebuild after all."
"And Naraku?" Kagome asked. "What does he have to do with all of this?"
"He wishes to ascend," Xelloss sneered, "to become one of the Upper Kindred."
"Can he do that?" Sango asked.
"With the right ritual, then yes."
"So you're here to stop him from ascending?" Amelia asked.
"Yes," replied Xelloss.
"But why hasn't he just done it yet?" Gourry asked.
"There are steps that need to be followed and sacrifices that need to be made," answered Xelloss.
"Vague much?" Lina frowned. "I thought you said that you'd tell us everything."
"I can only tell you as much as I know," Xelloss smiled. "The book you are chasing is called the Necronomicon."
The grin grew even larger as he watched Lina's reaction to his words.
Lina inhaled deeply before she could stop herself. The Necronomicon was the source of legends. A treasure sought after almost as much as the Clair Bible. How the hell had Phil gotten a hold of it?! No wonder he wasn't able to translate the book. It was said to be written in the language of the Mazoku.
"Seriously?" Zel voice hitched up an octave. "Naraku has the Necronomicon?"
"What's the Necronomicon?" Miroku asked.
"It's a book that's supposed to archive the secrets of the Mazoku," Lina replied. "Legends say it's part rituals, part history book and part spell theory. It's rumored that it was written by Dynast Grauscherra, by order of Shabranigdu himself as a guide and history for Mazoku. We are in deep shit. There's no telling what he could do with that book. No wonder he stole it from Phil, the ritual must be written in it."
"How does this ritual work?" Zel asked.
For a moment Xelloss looked like he wasn't going to answer the question. Lina was not going to have that. They made a deal damn it – and with what she was willing to pay, she was getting all of the information that she could out of him.
"Answer the question," she almost demanded.
Xelloss sighed and took a slow sip of his tea. He was no doubt looking for the right words to use without saying too much.
"Normally Mazoku are created from their Lords. The more powerful a Lord is, the more minions they create to follow them," Xelloss explained. "But the Necronomicon contains information for creating a Mazuko from another method. It is a method that allows one to ascend to the potion of Upper Kindred. This is how Gaav created Valgarv and how you, Lina, would be given the gift of ascension. Naraku will use this method to turn himself into a Mazuko. Normally when Mazoku are created in this method, they are linked to a Lord. However if they are powerful enough before the process, then it is possible to become a Lord."
"What about the Mazoku helping Naraku?" Sango asked. "Succhii and that other guy?"
"Malachi," Kagome inputted. "His name is Malachi. That's what Kagura had called him."
"Mazoku are always attracted to power," Lina said. "If they think Naraku can give them more power, then they'll flock to him."
"Malachi was a servant of Hellmaster," Xelloss answered pausing for a sip of his tea. "With Fibrizo gone, his power has been wounded. If Naraku can succeed in becoming a Mazoku Lord, Malachi hopes to bond to him and become his general. Naraku would make a powerful Mazoku, and Malachi knows this."
"Wait, what?" Kagome asked. "He's still more powerful right now then Naraku, right? So why in the world would he work with the guy?"
"Because of Naraku's potential," Lina answered. "With Hellmaster gone, Malachi must be pretty far down on the totem pole. He probably hasn't joined or bonded or whatever the hell it's called with another Mazoku Lord because he would be at the bottom - and likely remain there for a very long time. Like all Mazoku he wants to be at the top, he can't do that on his own and there is no way that another Lord would give him that position or that type of power."
"Lina's right," Zel continued. "The power structure for Mazoku has been pretty static until recently."
"So then why don't you want Naraku?" Inuyasha asked. "If the bastards going to be as powerful as you say, why don't you allow him into your little club?"
"The Lesser Kindred are the lowest scum on this plane of existence. While he might be powerful, he is still unworthy of becoming a Mazoku," Xelloss sneered.
"So where does the Shikon no Tama come into this?" Kagome asked. "He's been after it for years."
"The jewel has power," smiled Xelloss. "And without a Mazoku Lord to channel the power into him, he needs another source. Hence the jewel."
"Ugh . . . ." Lina ran a hand through her hair. "I fucking hate Mazoku."
"Agreed," Zel leaned back onto his arms and looked up at the ceiling.
Lina sighed as she rubbed her face. Oh this was just fucking great!
An arm around her shoulder made her look up. Xelloss had scouted closer to her while she was thinking about their predicament.
"I believe that it is time to hold up your end of the bargain," his eyes had opened again. Lina felt her stomach involuntarily churn.
Already? Damn it.
She nodded, not trusting her voice.
Zelgadis was watching her from across the table.
"It'll be fine Zel," she tried to reassure him.
"Let's go someplace a little more quiet."
Xelloss parted from her and walked out of the door.
It wasn't Zel that had gotten up to his feet to follow but Gourry. He grabbed her arm as she was exiting the hut. Lina turned around and tried to give him her most confident smile. It didn't seem to be working though.
"Good luck," he said. "I . . . um . . . I'm here for you whenever you get back from doing whatever you'll be doing if you need me."
"I'll be fine," she said pushing his shoulder lightly. "But thanks anyway."
Lina ran a hand threw her hair nervously before she could stop herself. Damn, she was trying to play it cool here and that didn't help anything. She turned and walked out of the door before she could second guess her decision.
Xelloss walked purposefully out into the evening air. The sun was setting off into the west casting ominous shadows. He led them into the forest. Lina followed at a little slower pace then normal. If Xelloss noticed, he didn't say anything. She remained quiet during her trek thinking of the earlier conversation. It was better to think of all of the new information that she had learned instead of the price she was going to pay for it.
The thought that the Necronomicon had been found was unsettling. And the fact that Naraku had the damn book was almost frightening. True, she hadn't met the guy, but anyone with the type of ambitions he had was bad news. If Mazoku were willing to follow him, then no good could come from him.
A collision with a large solid object stopped her train of thought. She found herself on the ground looking up at a still Xelloss. Lina was not going to be embarrassed that she ran into him. Why the hell should she be? He's as quiet as a freaking cat! Standing up, she brushed the dirt off of her back.
"Where to now?" she asked looking around the forest. Lina hadn't been paying a whole lot of attention to the journey, but they couldn't have gotten too far right? Looking around, she noticed that they were not on a path of any kind. Quite frankly, Lina had no idea what direction the hut was in. Just great.
"This distance should be sufficient enough," Xelloss said turning to face her. He walked over to a large tree and sat down with his legs crossed. His back was against the bark. He patted his lap motioning for Lina to sit on it. She shifted uncomfortably before giving into the gesture. Lina sat lightly on one of his knees, trying to keep as much of her weight as possible on her legs that were still on the mossy ground. Xelloss wasn't having any of that though; a second later he pulled her so that she was entirely in his lap. One arm snaked around her chest and while the other encircled her stomach. He pulled her close to him so that her back was pressed tight against his chest.
The position was unnatural and weird, to put it simply.
Lina wanted to ask him what the hell he was doing but she couldn't seem to find her voice.
Xelloss chuckled at her discomfort.
"Relax Lina," he said as he placed his head onto her shoulder.
"Right, cause then it won't hurt as much," Lina replied anticipating what he would say. She shifted uncomfortably in his arms that still had a firm grasp around her body.
"My, my. . . .oh no dear Lina," his voice was close, in her ear almost. "This is going to hurt a lot."
Lina wasn't sure if she screamed. She wasn't sure if she moved or convulsed in his arms. The only thing that registered in her mind was the pain.