Hi Hi
A lot of time went into this chapter as it was trying to cause me problems. Haha the note in haha the following paragraph was written Thursday night
As I write this I feel like crying I lost four pages of the story because of stupid word deciding that it wanted to crash on me. U.u and oh no it shouldn't be when I was just starting it was when I was already half way through the chapter ::breaks down crying: So here I am at 1:41 trying to salvage what I can though it never sounds as good to me when I'm not in the heat of the moment.
Hahaha I just couldn't get it to flow after that so I scrapped it all and after getting over my anger started in again Friday night so I hope that everything sounds alright. Sorry it took so long projects and Finals at school have kept me busy the past couple of weeks but now they are over and I'm just waiting for my grades to go up ::crosses fingers::
OH OH and I reached a Hundred reviews. Thanks to Mustard Yellow Sunshine who was my 100th review. Wow I never thought that I would get to a hundred reviews seeing as at chapter six I only had twenty- three reviews so thank you very much to the people that are reading this story.
:Inu: shut up they don't want to hear about you they came to hear about me.
:Echoe: I know I'll shut up now
:Inu: and.
:Echoe: I don't own you so on with the story ^.^
Echoe Shayne ^.^
Healing
Kagome look at the vast open space of gently rolling hill that surrounded them. This was where they had been traveling so hard to get? For a few seconds disappointment tinged at her senses. What had she been expecting in the first place? The sun was dipping behind the line of trees that surrounded the clearing. The disappearing light lent the place a dream like quality making the entire scene look like something her mother might embroider on to a pillow. It looked so peaceful she could almost get caught up in the moment. Key world here would be almost. If hadn't been for the fact that she felt like she hadn't slept in the past few days. The truth was that she hadn't. Just when she finally got comfortable enough to doze off it was always time to go again, and the few times she had fallen asleep while they had been walking had not helped it had been like she closed her eye and then opened them again. Her clothes felt dirty and worn. They weren't even her clothes to begin with. They had just been something Sango had found on short notice so she didn't have to wear her torn dress. On top of all that her leg was throbbing and she was pretty sure the splint that had been placed around her ankle had rubbed a raw spot on her calf. Other than that, everything was just fine.
"What are you doing here?" a harsh voice called from the house as a woman came into view making her way toward them.
Looking up Kagome saw an older woman making her way toward their small group. She was moving rather fast, like she was on a mission. Giving off the impression that she was either rushing out to greet them or chase them off. By the greeting that she had shouted before leaving the house, Kagome got the impression that it was to do the later. The woman was on the short side with a shawl clutched around her shoulders to shield her from some unfelt breeze. Grey hair was pulled up into a messy top knot with some unruly tendrils falling around her face. And though time had taken it toll on her features, Kagome suspected at one time the woman had been beautiful.
"Ah Miroku." Seeing who it was she bowed her head slightly giving a smile to the other people in the group before her eyes settled on Kagome all warmth disappearing from their brown depths. "Who is this?" the words tumbled out of her mouth with venom as the older woman made no attempt to hide the fact that she didn't like the idea of Kagome being there.
With a frown the older woman took in the sight of the young girl cradled in Miroku's arms. For a second she thought that maybe Miroku had finally conned some poor creature into having him. Only then did she realize that her leg was in a splint and was most obviously broken. "You will be staying with us for the night then?" though she knew if they had come to have the girl's leg healed that they would be staying for a few days.
Kagome felt unwanted. Was this how it was going to be? Were people going to hate her wherever she went simply because they didn't know her? She knew she had given this woman no reason to trust her but still it hurt a little whenever people looked at her with shielded eyes.
'What will this girl say when she sees?' There was no getting around it, she trusted the other members of the small group. They had been here before, but this girl, she knew nothing of her.
"We would most appreciate your generosity." Miroku said taking a step toward the older woman. "I would like to introduce you to Kongyou."
"Mom who is it." A voice called from the house causing everyone to shift their attention to the door as an extremely tall man stepped out of the shelter of the hut coming into view.
He was making his way to them slowly. Kagome was a little taken back the man was huge. Though at the same time, she somehow knew that she could trust him unlike Kyoshiro, whom she had met just days before in the city of Lacien. She had been weary around him from the moment she met him if only she had trusted her instincts. As the large man drew closer she realized his skin was crisscrossed with scars from wounds long healed. Someone had been cruel to him. From the looks of him multiple people had been cruel to him as some of the scars looked older than the others. He was a hanyou but why the scarring? It took more than minor cuts to make a youki scar. He brother had once told her all about it after a lesson he had. Kagome had been apauled they would teach a lesson like to a child but looking at the man before she saw he had had his own sort of lesson. The world was cruel and it made her heart ach.
Glancing at the other members and then to the woman the man had called mom, she noticed the man had stopped next to them he was keeping his gaze on the ground not wanting to look at them or more like he didn't want anyone to look at him. "Hey I'm Kongyou I'm sorry to trouble you." she said extending her hand out so the man could see it even with his down cast gaze There was a brief pause as if he was contemplating weather she was playing a trick on him or not before he looked up at her.
Jinenji was shocked to see the hand extending in front of him. Someone actually wanted to touch him? He was used to people shunning him, for a few seconds he looked at the soft feminine hand held out in front of him. Would they draw their hand back and laugh at him? No there was no malice in the woman's voice venturing to look up, his eyes locked with the girl.
They were soulful and sincere they cried to be trusted reaching out he enveloped her smaller hand in his.
"Jinenji"
~*~*~*~ Kien, Naraku's Palace ~*~*~*~*
"What is Kouga's status?" Naraku question his gaze fixed on the young man standing in front of the large double doors.
"He was last seen heading to the village of Toll. My lord."
"Does this mean he has given up his chase?" He would have thought the Captain would have been too stubborn to give up so soon. But he also knew that man had a tendency to be crafty and no doubt he had something up his sleeve.
"What is in the village of Toll?"
"He has some of the men from his tribe stationed there." he said looking at the tall figure that was standing in front of the massive windows that overlooked the capital city of Kien.
"Tell me, a few days ago, did you feel anything out the ordinary?"
"No, my lord."
"That is all then."
"And what of Kouga? What do you wish us to do with him?"
"Nothing let him dig his own grave he may still be of some use to me." Naraku said as he heard the door open and the man leave. No one had felt it. But he was sure that it had been there. Things were not going as he had planned them still even days after the occurrence he had yet to pinpoint where the source of power was. Reaching out he pulled on a little cord. The sound of chimes echoes in the halls along with the scrambling of feet. Seconds later the door was opened and one of the servants walked into the room.
"Yes my lord."
"I wish you to bring me Kagura."
________________-
The young woman looked up startled as the doors to her chambers burst open revealing a man standing in the door way. Her red eyes widened a little in surprise that someone was in her room before anger set in.
"What are you doing entering my chambers without permission?" Moving to her feet she glared at the man who for his part appeared unaffected by her murderous glare. That could mean only one thing. He had a reason not be afraid of her. Just as she suspected the man spoke.
"Lord Naraku requests your presence."
So that's why. 'The coward' she thought continuing to stare at the dark haired man in front of her with a frown tugging on her lips. 'No, you can tell him that I'm not coming he can go and jump of a cliff for all I care.' No, she couldn't say that, not now. She knew the consequences for talking out all too well. Looking at her fan, lying on the table she considered picking it up. Then again if she took it they would consider that she was taking a weapon. A small smile touching her lips, she reached out scooping the fan up.
The man by the door grinned at her, no doubt heady by the momentary power he held over her. Not wanting to give the fool the satisfaction she walked right past him not even bothering to spare him a glance. A red headed man that was standing just outside the door fell into place behind her with the other idiot as they guided her to the main hall. Not that she couldn't have made it there herself. They just didn't trust her to make it on her own.
"I wonder why he even bothers keeping this fringed bitch around." The dark haired one muttered to the other.
Gritting her teeth Kagura turned on her heal, her wrist snapping as the fan she held in her hand came undone. The men had the common sense to be afraid. For a few seconds she was allowed to revel in the thrilling sense of power that came with making someone afraid. She could tell the exact second the man caught on to her little game as a smile spread over his face and he looked at his partner briefly.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. We are on orders from Naraku. You know the punishment for disobedience." The one who had entered her room said his voice sounding sickeningly sure of himself.
Her blood froze in her veins. Yes, she knew all to well the punishment. Flicking her wrist again to closed her large fan, while schooling her face not to show any emotion. Crimson eyes locking with the defiant man, she smiled.
"And you had best learn that it only takes one man to carry out those orders." The smug smile fell off his face but she was still forced to turn and begin walking, again a frown creasing on her features. 'Bastards'.
There was the sound of people walking in their direction lifting her eyes she saw that the Lord of the Western Lands was making his was down the large corridor with a little impish looking man that she had never seen before following behind him. He was clad in white with armor adorning one arm while the Kien crest of the spider was proudly displayed on his shoulder. Looking at his face their eyes meet red clashing against amber. A silent plea entered her eyes.
Instantly she was ashamed. Why should she look to others for help when she couldn't even help herself. Let alone looking to one of Naraku's favorite lackeys. He nodded in her direction acknowledging their passing but nothing more. The little man actually had the nerve to clear his throat.
Anger flaring at the imp she stuck out her foot causing the little man to tumble to the black marble floor at her feet. 'Make the noise again I dare you'. The sound of walking stopped, causing her attention to shift from the man on the floor to the Lord of the Western Lands who was now looking at them. She could have sworn that amusement flashed through his usually cold static eyes. Before she could say anything it was gone and the man was turning away from them motioning for his retainer to follow.
Still standing there she felt a sharp shove from behind. "Do you enjoy playing with fire little girl." The dark haired man hissed. Apparently he didn't know when to keep his mouth shut. 'Why not' whipping around she brought the back of her hand to connect with the mouthy mans cheek.
"Apparently you like playing with fire as well. Never forget what I told you." Turning around she began walking with nothing but the sound of her feet and the sound of the two dolts walking behind her to comfort her jumpy nerves. Stopping in front of the large double door, each man took a door, pulling them open before her, trying to hold onto the anger that had been there earlier only to find that the emotion had already fled only to be replaced with dread.
Stepping into the large room the doors snapped shut behind her. A lone figure was standing across the room, their long black hair falling over thick looking black robes. What she wouldn't give to not be alone. If only Red was still here, anything not to be alone with the Emperor.
Naraku smiled, his back still turned to the young woman that was standing in front of the large double doors. She was afraid, he knew, her fear filled the air. Turning, he closed the long distance quickly stopping next to his guest.
"How nice to you see you Kagura." The woman said nothing in response and this only caused him to smile more.
Kagura tried not to react. She tried to remain impassive to his words and his presence, but that was impossible. The man scared the hell out of her. The only thing she clung to was the hope she wasn't shaking visibly. His hand gently came up touching her jaw. It was a caress. You could almost say that the gesture was caring. Still it made her feel dirty like his fingers were burning into her flesh.
"I have a job for you to do." Pausing, he studied the woman's porcelain features waiting to see if she would say anything. When it became apparent that she wasn't going to say anything, his grip on her tightened, turning her face, forcing the woman to meet his eyes against her will. "I may finally have a use for you my little witch."
~*~*~* Somewhere on the road ~*~*~*
Yasha frowned as he cut through the trees not wanting to take the main roads. The fact that the wolf might be closing in on his companions, he sped up. He still wasn't going to make it there as fast as he wanted if not tomorrow night, the next morning for sure.
He should have known better than to think that Kouga would face him like a man. Then again he knew that the man was crafty by nature and now he was up to something. The only problem was that he no longer knew the bastards position. Cursing, he stopped looking around at his shadowy surrounding. Extending his senses he tried to tell if someone was following, after a few seconds when he was sure that no one was on his heels, he begin running again.
He needed answers, so much was going on.
The council would know soon of the fiasco that had taken place in Lacien just a few nights ago. Some members of the congregation would probably be more than willing to tell them about the events that had transpired there. That was of course if they didn't already know. It would be foolish to think that something like this would go unnoticed.
His nails were digging into his skin as his anger flared. It was infuriating the people were so willing to put all their faith into something that might or might not be real. To trust so blindly in something. He like everyone else knew the 955th year was approaching. The tension was mounting, something was going to happen. No something needed to happen if it didn't, then he knew that people would only lose the last shred of hope that they clung too.
Yes, the council would be in an uproar about that too. They would know of the events that had taken place, of the half crazed man that most likely still crouching in an earthen cell. Of the girl he had kept a secret and rushed out of the city. If they found out who she really was, not even he would be able to protect her.
~*~*~* Jinenjis house~*~*~*~*~
The group was huddled in the main room the sun had gone down a while ago. There was a somber feeling to the room as they sat before the blazing fire that was casting dancing shadows around the room. It was like they had reached a dead end everything had been geared to getting here and now they were there what did they do? Looking around at the members of the stoic group, Kagome frowned, fighting back to the over whelming urge to pick something up and just throw it. She wanted someone to say something but the uncomfortable silence went unbroken.
"Obaba." there was a yell from outside a few seconds before the door gave a little on its hinges as someone slammed into it. This spurred three people into motion as Sango and Miroku sprang to their feet Hojo had moved to stand between Kagome and the door. Each one of them poised to expect the worst.
Moving to stand herself, Kagome felt a pain shoot up her leg but ignored it. She wasn't about to be the only one sitting, her pride would not allow it. The first initial slam into the door was followed by a series of knocks. This comforted her a bit, after all if it was someone that was out to get them then they wouldn't take the time to knock. Would they? The person that had attacked her in Lacien had knocked on the door, he had even known Hojo's name. That was an uncomforting thought, her eyes shifting around the room she looked for a makeshift weapon. Finding none, she frowned cursing silently.
Hojo could feel the girl behind him was tense. Taking a step backward, he was about to reach to sooth her, but she only moved out his reach her.
The old woman made a waving hand motion signaling for everyone to calm down, though for the effect that it had on people she might as well have been waving at air.
When the door swung open everyone paused for a second, staring at the person standing in the doorway before the tension broke. It wasn't a large group of men ready to rip them apart or even one large threatening man. Rather instead it was a small girl maybe six or seven in age. Her breathing was ragged as she stepped into the room. It was obvious that she had been running.
Jinenjis mom looked at the little girl standing in her door way. She was heaving for breath. The nearest village Obin was a good six hour journey away and it looked like the little girl had run the entire way.
"You have to help me. My.. my." She had began gasping for breath while her bright green eyes filled with tears not helping her speak any clearer. "My Mother they wiped her."
"Jinenji." With that one word the large man moved from his spot headed out the door only to return in a few minutes with his hand full of herbs. She immediately went to some shelves in the back of the room. Grabbing a few items, her back turned to the group, leaving the small crying girl in the middle of the room.
The two men in the room had backed off as if the young girls tears made them uncomfortable, leaving the two females of the group to comfort the little girl. Kagome hobbled over to where the girl was still standing her head bent down as she cried. Sango nudged the girl next to her. She didn't know what to do hopefully the other girl did.
With the slight elbow to her side Kagome turned and looked at Sango who was nodding in the direction of the crying girl, making it obvious that she was to make the first move. Not knowing what to do Kagome opted for what she had done for her brother when he had cried when he was younger. Crouching down as best she could without hurting herself, she wrapped her arms around the little girl. Either she was comfortable around strangers or she was just crying too much to care what was going on, but the little girl buried her head in Kagomes shoulder.
"It's ok." Sango said getting the hang of what was going on and crouching next to them her hand reaching out to rest o the girls shoulder.
"I'm Kongyou and this is Sango." Kagome said, her attention shifting to the other woman. The girl in her arms pulled back wiping at her eyes without a word she turned to Sango her head downcast.
Sango was in shock she knew what the girl was doing yet she had no clue what she had done to deserve the honor. Studying the girls light brown hair for a few seconds it became obvious that the girl wasn't about to lift her head till she was acknowledged. Hesitantly reaching, she rested her hand first on her right shoulder, and then the left. With that the girls head snapped up.
"It is such an honor to meet you Sango."
"No I would say the same for you. Since you know my name, what's yours?"
Kira smiled a little. She had heard many things about the woman standing in front of her, but she never knew she would be so nice. She was the last, the last of her tribe, the last true hunter. Her mother had. With that thought reality came crashing back and she looked around the room at to the old woman and the large man. They were standing at a table mixing something in a stone easel. Tears came rushing to cloud her vision.
"Kira."
"What a pretty name. I only have one request for you. When you go back to your village you don't tell any one that we're here." Concern slipped into her voice. So much was going on. People were looking for them, more than that, the imperial army played for keeps and she didn't want to have the little girl dragged into the mess if the enemy found out she had associated with them. The enemy was cruel and it wouldn't mater to them that she was just a child.
"Why don't you come and sit down?" Kagome said sensing Sango's sudden change in mood.
Kira could hear the other woman's soft voice and she realized that she had completely forgotten about her. "I can't sit down I have to leave as soon as possible. I must get back before I'm missed or they'll.." Her words trailed off as she thought of something else to say to take her mind of the dreary feeling that crept in at those words. "I thank you though.." 'I forgot her name' she realized allowing her words to trail off.
"This is my cousin Kongyou."
'Cousin' green eyes swung to the other woman for the first time taking in her appearance. There were purplish shadows on her face remnants of what must have been dark bruises days before. Her eyes traveling down focusing on the splint and the way that she held herself with all her weight on one leg.
The two men stood there watching the scene, both of them focused on the same woman.
How could she do it? How could Sango just lie like that? Miroku knew she had to be lying. He knew everything there was to know about the pretty hunter. There was no way she could have a cousin he didn't know about hid away. So how could she lie like it was nothing? The little girl had shifted her attention away from Sango and was now looking at Kongyou. Then she said something that made his heart stop. "The people that touched you should be punished." The words invoked the memories of what the man had said. 'Those that touch her shall be punished' hearing them uttered again here sent a slight chill down his spine. Yes they had been punished. One of them in fact was still being punished. He thought of the hallow shell of a man they had left behind in underground cells of Lacien.
"They were." The words broke through his thoughts bringing his attention back to the present. There was nothing bitter about them. The voice that had said them had been steady and without malice, still there was something. The words hung in the air giving him a slight chill despite his closeness to the fire.
Jinenji's mother closed in on the women who were standing there holding out the small little bundle to the girl. "The pulp should be rubbed directly onto her back and the leaves should be steeped in hot water. They will taste bitter but make sure she drinks it all."
"I will thank you Bachann." Bowing, she turned to the door forgetting the people in the room. She made her way to the door before actually turning back and looking for last time at all the occupants of the room. "Thank you everyone." turning she looked at Sango. "I won't tell."
*~*~*~ Toll village ~*~*~
The man was sleeping peacefully until someone slammed a foot into his midsection. Jerking up with a murderous glare, he was just in time to hear that other man not to far away from him grunt in pain. All of this occupied by the sound of someone yelling.
"Get off your damn asses right now!"
For a few seconds Ginta stared into the darkness "Kouga?" he knew of no one else who would yell at them like that, but at the same time he also knew that his Captain was in pursuit of the Shinkushikyou.
"Who else would it be? now get up we have to leave."
Ginta and Hakkaku looked at each other briefly before turning to look back at their Captain. Not wanting to get into any trouble the two men scrambled to their feet. They had known the man for a long time he was their leader and right now he looked more agitated then they had ever seen. Both curious as to what was going on and afraid to ask they followed Kouga as he stalked out of the room.
"I didn't expect you back so soon." Ginta said
"What, you didn't have confidence in me?" He snapped more for his benefit. He wanted someone to stroke his ego. He had ran away and then a kid, a little brat had threatened him, him he really couldn't believe it but then again. The Higurashi's son showed promise. With the thought of the little boy, an image of Kagome popped into his head. There was no time to waste. Carrying on he cut off the other two men before they had a chance to say anything. "There's not much time. There are some people I need to talk to."
~*~*~* Jinenjis House~*~*~*~
Her eyes opening the next morning Kagome could hear people moving around the room as well as Jinenjis mother who was now talking.
"It's good that you're awake I thought that you were going to sleep the day away." Pausing she took in the girls disheveled appearance. "Then again you're going to need all the strength that you can get."
Jinenji was standing behind her with a small bowl in his hands. The others that were there were all looking at Kagome. The silence that wore on was making her uncomfortable and for a second she was afraid of them.
"We are most sorry." Hojo began before he was cut off by Miroku.
'We're most sorry.' The words repeated over and over in her mind the dread that accompanied them only increasing with every passing second. Only one thing came to mind. Something had happened to Yasha.
Jinenjis mom stood there her eyes focused on the raven hair girl that sat in front of them, her hair half obscuring her face. The set of her jaw gave it all away, showing the worry that the young woman felt.
"It's alright. It's not like anyone died or anything like that. Now lets see about that leg." Without another word the old woman and Jinenji were leaning over her. A sweet smell was going from the bowl Jinenji held in his hand. It was lavender and something else she couldn't quite place.
'It's not like someone died.' Yeah that's right stupid, stop jumping to conclusions. Looking down at her purple ankle and the spot on her calf that was pink and raw, she frowned. What exactly were they going to do to her?
"We're going to make you all better." Jinenji said as he knelt at her side. Despite how large his hands were they handled her with care even if they did look like they could snap her like a twig.
"This may hurt a bit." His hands tightened around her ankle as tiny needles of pain shot through her body. The needles becoming the stab of a knife before her entire body convulsed with pain.
~*~*~*~ the Dungeons of Lacien ~*~*~*
"What the hell is going on? Get in here now!" The guard yelled to the other man posted near the bend in the underground tunnels. There was a rush of hurried foot steps as more men came down the passages heading toward the small cell that held a crazed occupant.
Pausing in the door the man stared at the sight before him. The two guards that had arrived before him were doing their best to hold down the prisoner that was bucking wildly beneath them. His gaze shifting to the door he saw that that the bars were slightly bent out like something had hit them with tremendous force. "Or someone" he said watching the struggle in the room a few seconds more before rushing in to lend his assistance.
"What's going on here?" His eyes widened as he crouched next to the lunatic that was trashing about wildly on the floor. The bucking man was surprisingly strong for already having two people holding on to him. The older of the two guards turned to look at him for a second before his attention was pulled away when the captive heaved violently. "We need to subdue him."
"You think that we haven't tried? Nothing worked. One seconded he was acting normal the next he was throwing him self at the bars."
So it was him the man thought, briefly wondering how the prisoner with a somewhat wiry frame could be so strong. Looking at the man's face he noticed that there was a trickle of blood running down from his forehead. So the men had already tried to knock him out. Looking around he wondered what it was that had caused the man to go berserk.
'I can hear her now; I can hear her she won't leave me alone."
"What are you talking about?"
The man's eyes widened as he realized for the first time that the group of men were there, which was strange considering that they were physically restraining him. "You don't know because you can't hear her. You don't know." There was a pause before a small electric shock spread out from the man's body and he collapsed to the ground,his inhuman strength seeming to leave him.
The three men looked at the prone body resting on the dusty floor vaguely aware of the few other people gathered outside the cell to see what was going on. The man's body was still lax as his hands went to his shoulders as he began to hug him self shivering like he was cold in the heated room.
"I know her secret." The words were no more than a hiss that only the three guards could hear. With those words still hanging in the air his eyes drifted closed as a weary sleep over took him.
The three men rushed from the room wanting to be on the other side of the bars before their prisoner decided to wake up again.
~*~*~*~* On the road ~*~*~*~*
Yasha felt cold like a bucket of ice water had been poured over him. The hair on his arms was standing up as goose flesh rose on his skin. Something had just happened. He could feel it in the air calling to him. His hands were clenching at his side. Only one thing stood out in his mind. Without a doubt he knew it had something to do with a certain raven haired girl. He didn't know why he felt like that, he only knew he was right his instincts were screaming at him and he could do nothing to avoid them.
~*~*~*~*~ Jineniji's House ~*~*~*~*
Hojo sat in the dark the sounds of his companions breathing told him he was the only one awake in the small shake like house. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes trying to will himself to get some sleep, but the day's events weighed heavily upon him.
His eyes snapping open he didn't like the image that came to his mind. He could picture Kongyou's face as it had contorted in pain, even now the memory of it served to make him cringe. They had 'treated' her three times that day and every time he felt something pull at his heart strings. It was all his fault. If he hadn't run like an idiot and abandoned his post then none of it would have happened.
Still the girl continued to amaze him. She was so brave, how can she be so calm? How had she been able to look at him with understanding? Kongyou had said if she had been in his position then she would have done the same thing. The words were meant to be a comfort and for a short time they were. Now they only hung in the air haunting him. Her gentle reassurance had made him think. Had their rolls been reversed and he was the one that had gotten hurt he knew he wouldn't have been so forgiving and that was what made him so raw about the subject. Turning away from the other slumbering people in the room his eyes slid closed and he welcomed the ache he disserved it.
_____________-
"Keeper of the shikon." The voice was everywhere and no where at the same time. Consuming and confounding, threatening to drag her into what ever depths it came from. Echoing in a steady rhythm, demanding attention. More than that, demanding her attention and her attention alone, because the darkness wanted her.
"The sword is coming for you," a long pause followed those words as the tension mounted. "Your doom is coming for you." This time it was a cold voice that reverberated around the room. The harsh words jerking her from sleep, even then they had followed her. The warning of impending doom was hanging in the air.
Kagome just laid there, her breath coming in ragged gasps, afraid to open her eyes because the dream was still too fresh in her mind it had just been a voice. Even so it still haunted her. What did doom look like? If she did manage to open her eyes would it be standing above her looming like some silent vestige waiting to claim her?
Slowly her eyes slid open as she looked into the darkness of the room. Where the rest of the day had went she had no clue. She only knew, her body still hummed with the memory of pain that had shot threw it earlier in a day. It had happened three times in all. None were as bad as the first time. None the less each time they came to administer her treatment, it had resulted in pain and her losing consciousness.
"Was it a bad dream?"
The voice drew her attention to the door where Jinenjis mother was standing just inside the frame. A bad dream, yes it was. "Yes."
"What was it about?"
'What was it about?' She should know the answer to that question but even now as she reached for it, the answer slipped away till it was gone and all that remained was the feeling of dread that clung to her.
"I can't seam to remember."
Jinenji's mothers eyes roved over the young woman doing her best to study her in the dim light cascading through the window. She could detect no deceit in the girls voice, it was strange. Usually the good dreams eluded you and the nightmare haunted you. Shrugging she made her way further into the room kneeling down next to the futon. She was curious about this girl. The other members of the group hadn't volunteered any information about her, not that she had expected them to they were a very secretive group.
"How are you feeling?" It was not any of the questions she longed to ask, nothing more than idle words to fill the silence and they both knew it.
"Tired." Kagome didn't know the last time she had felt so tired so drained. The day had been exhausting.
"I'm sorry we never told you how it was going to feel before we started."
"I understand why you didn't. If I had known then I don't think I would have let you near me. Hey it will get better though, right?"
"I'm afraid it will get worse before it gets better. If you wish to stop after a day or two I'm sure that your ankle will heal much faster."
"How long do you have to do this?" After a couple days they would stop if she wanted? How long was this supposed to go on?
"Six days. We will treat you three times a day at the same time for six days." She wouldn't blame the girl if Kongyou wanted them to stop, she knew healing a bone was a difficult process and many people preferred to wait the three or more months to wait for it to heal on its own.
"No I can handle six days. If I'm going to do this then I'm going to do it right, no half way. After all, if I stop wouldn't it mean everything I went through today was a waste?"
'I like this one' she could always tell whether she was going to like someone the first time they met her son. Most people were frightened by his appearance. To tell the truth she had been a little taken back, yesterday when this young woman didn't appear to be bothered in the slightest. Her mouth opening and closing a few times before she finally asked the question that had been on her mind all along.
"Are you really not afraid of him, my son?"
'Afraid of Jinenji'. "NO why would I be afraid of him?"
"It's just that most people aren't that accepting of my son and it surprises me you're a complete stranger who isn't bothered in slightest…. I mean most people aren't very excepting of what he is."
"You mean because he's Hanyou?"
There it was again. She was shrugging off something that most people couldn't get over. "Do you know many Hanyou's?"
"Just two."
Her mind went to the missing member of their group Sango and Miroku had informed her that Yasha would be joining them but the Hanyou had yet to make his appearance "Ah Yasha you don't seem like someone that would be traveling with him."
Why did it hurt to hear that? It wasn't like she didn't know it was true. Given the chance, she would be sitting tucked away somewhere. In fact she was pretty sure Yasha would prefer it if she had never stumbled into his life. Jinenjis mother was talking, no doubt asking her something.
"I said what is he to you?"
"He saved me; he's done more for me then anyone. I don't that I'll ever be able to repay him." Looking at her hands resting in her lap, she realized how true those words were. How would she ever be able to repay him for what he had done?
"You silly girl I don't think that Yasha looks for payment when he helps someone. I think he would just be..."
"You better believe you owe me." A gruff voice sounded from the door drawing their attention to the young man leaning just inside the frame like he had been there forever. A hood pulled over his features obscuring his face.
Yasha looked at the two occupants of the room taking in the fact that Jinenjis mom was there. He only looked at her a second before his eyes came to rest on the girl sitting on the futon. Her parlor was pale making her large brown eyes stand out more. Nothing could hide in those chocolate depths. Emotion filtered across them, relief happiness, finally they misted over.
"You don't look like you have much confidence in me wench. Don't tell me that you were secretly hoping that I would lose." 'Shit does she have to look like that? Does she have to make me feel so guilty?'
Reaching out like she could touch him across the room. Not knowing where the strength came from she sprung from the futon making it to her feet before her knees gave out and she began to crumple to the ground, but before she cold fall Yasha was there his arms snaking around her.
"Still having trouble walking I see." There was no emotion in his voice but it was enough to make Kagome smile. Her eyes sliding shut as she took a deep breath. Rain and something wild, something that she could only describe as Yasha. Bringing her hands up she gathered the material of Yasha's shirt into her fists. Her forehead dropped down resting against the wall of his chest. She couldn't explain the relief she felt. He was here and he was ok.
"I was so worried."
"You should know better."
"I should." Her voice was half muffled as her face was pressed against the material of his shirt.
Jinenjis mom watched in somewhat fascination as the hooded man gathered Kongyou in his arms. There was nothing wrong with that. She knew that was the only way to get the girl back in bed unless he was just going to push her down. There was something more something in the way he held her just so.
"She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?"
"No, I rather like her. I must admit that she has a stubborn streak, but that isn't entirely a bad thing. I was wondering when she was going to fall back asleep. I'll see you in the morning." Turning she exited the room, a small smile pulling at the corners of her lips.
Pausing he looked down at the girl he had just laid on the futon. She was perfectly fine, all that worrying for nothing. Pulling back he was restrained by a tugging on his shirt looking down he saw that Kagome was still clinging to his shirt.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I want to touch you."
'Don't let her touch you that's how she does it.' With the words his body tensed and he had to fight the urge to pull back because no doubt she wouldn't let go and would be dragged back with him. Instead he looked down in shock at the woman laying there with her ebony hair fanned out around her pale features. As if sensing his discomfort her head lulled toward him as her eyes slid open.
She felt like a child clinging to him, but she didn't want to let go she couldn't. "I'm sorry Just to know that you're here, till I fall asleep."
Feeling himself nod, he watched as her eyes closed once more and her breathing leveled out almost immediately. She must have been really tired. 'Stubborn girl.' He thought, pulling his hood off so he could look at Kagome without the shadows cast by the dark material. The moonlight filtered in from the small window, not that he needed the light, he could see her perfectly. Shifting his gaze, her hands were still curled in his shirt. His hand clasping her wrist he felt her fingers tighten and a grumble sounded in her throat like she was going to argue with him even in her sleep. 'Figures' Still the smile that he had been suppressing sprang to his lips melting away his doubts for a moment.
"I was worried about you too."
~*~*~*~* Toll Village ~*~*~*~
Mrs. Higurashi frowned as she looked at her son from across the table. He had been quiet recently. More like since his sister since she had disappeared. He had become withdrawn.
"Souta." What could she say to the boy? She had never been that good at talking with her son. Come to think of it she had never been that good at talking to Kagome either but it was different with Souta. She had been told not to comfort him. His father had said that babying the boy was the worst way to make him soft. Sometimes like now she wished that she had disobeyed her husband, but she hadn't even after his death she had obeyed. She wondered briefly if she hadn't would he still be her little boy, instead of this cool young man that was sitting across from her. Kagome had never listened Kagome had comforted him. Her absence must have been terrible.
"I know that you miss your,"
"Don't say it! What would you know? Do you even notice that she's gone? Do you even care? Then again it was Kagome that let us down she only had to do her duty and she runs away. She brings dishonor to the family name."
"Souta. Don't you dare say something like that. Sometimes I don't even think that I know you."
Pausing he actually had to look up at his mother who had risen from her chair. There was something commanding about her voice, something that he had never heard from his mother before. For that one moment this gentle collected woman had frightened him. It only lasted for a few seconds before he covered up his fear in the only way that he knew how. Pulling the iciness to him that had been instilled from years of training he met his mother's eyes.
"I am my father's son."
'And that's what frightens me.' She thought realizing it for the first time. It frightened her that she would lose her son in the same was that she had lost her husband, one edge of someone's sword. Kagome had always said it. Kagome had always asked if she was just going to hand Souta over to them. There was nothing she could do but sit back and watch. Her eyes locking with his, she frowned 'You become more and more like him everyday.'
Rounding the table she stopped in front of her son with a scowl on her face. Leaning over she took the boy into her arms pulling him close.
Souta was shocked all he could do was stand there. His mother was holding him, her cheek resting on his hair. He could feel that his mother was crying, she was crying in front of him. Bring his arms up around her waist he pulled her closer still not saying anything.
"But you're my little boy too."
~*~*~*~*~ Jinenji's house ~*~*~*
Yasha leaned against the wall as people filed in. You would have thought that after watching for three days, that he would have gotten used to what they were doing. But no, his stomach turned just thinking about what they had come to do in here today. Like always Miroku and Hojo sat on either side of her with Sango behind her ready to catch her in what ever direction it was that she slumped in.
Jinenji and his mother where standing next to her with the little bowl full of a sweet smelling pulp. Jinenji slipped his hand into the bowl covering it with the green substance before lowering his hand to Kagomes ankle this time like the times before, he watched her face twist in pain. He had asked the old woman why it was so painful after the first time he had watched. She had just looked at him with her bright eyes and told him it was just because it was the price you had to pay to cheat time. He wasn't really satisfied with the answer but he knew that the woman wasn't going to tell him anymore.
Closing his eyes he frowned he had been doing his best to avoid her the past few days. He just couldn't stand it. Some half crazed man in a cell shouldn't be able to have such pull over him. So why were his words bothering him so much even now?
They did though just when he thought that he was getting over what the lunatic had said, the conversation would play itself out over again in his mind. He wished that he had never went back there, that he had never went back to talk to the guy. With a frown he watched as they tucked Kagome back under the covers, waiting for a few seconds for her breathing to level out. After a few seconds when he was sure everything was fine he pushed away from the wall hearing the others following him. Only Sango remained behind with Kagome.
Stepping out into the sun with a smile, he looked up. He needed some fresh air and some time to think. To bad that Miroku didn't have the same idea as the man followed him out. "What happened?"
"Nothing."
"Don't tell me that, you've been avoiding Kongyou since you got back. So what in the hell happened."
"Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? The more that I'm around people, the more I'm reminded why I like traveling alone. Since when have you been so nosy?
"I believe the first time that you told me I was nosy was when I was five or somewhere around then."
"I see you haven't grown up since then." So what if he had been avoiding Kagome it was none of his business. What did it matter anyway? Turning his back on Miroku to signal the conversation was over, he crossed his arms over his chest.
Miroku looked at his friends back, taking in his tense posture. "You found something out abut her didn't you?" I must be right. I wonder what he found out. "I know she was pulling one over on us but I didn't think that she was pulling one over on you."
'Pulling one over on me is she?' Was Kagome just playing him as a fool? She could be for all he knew. He didn't know her all that well and she was the Higurashi's daughter. 'So what' a little voice in the back of his mind said. How could he think so what, the Higurashi's daughter for Pete's sake. "She's not pulling on over on me." It was startling the conviction in his voice. Conviction that he had doubted till that moment.
"Of course I should have known better. The girl would have to be using magic to pull one over on you. And I'm pretty sure if she was then we would have noticed."
"Look it has nothing to do with that damn girl. I have more important things to worry about than some silly woman." He bit out, turning around to look at Miroku, his golden eyes flashing before he stalked off.
"Ok." Miroku's words trailed off, as in no one was there to listen to him. Yasha was right of course. Why would he be obsessing over a woman when there was more important things to do? So why was there something about Kongyou that he couldn't get out his mind?
______________-
The sun was coming down just hitting the trees. It would all start over again pretty soon. Cringing he jumped down from his perch making his way back to the small cottage-like hut. Walking in, he saw that Jinenji and his mother were at the workbench in the back. No doubt they were making the substance to put on Kagome's leg. The thought made him wince.
Miroku and Sango were arguing about something with Hojo sitting there keeping a silent visual. Turning he walked into the only other room in the hut to see that Kagome was sitting there looking out the window. She looked worse every time he saw her. The dark circles under her eyes have gotten worse. Maybe that was because, if it was possible her skin had lost even more of its rosy tone. Crossing the room he must have made some noise without thinking because she suddenly swiveled in his direction, a smile on her face. No matter how tired or pale she got her eyes still glowed with some inner light.
She had been surprised when she had turned to see Yasha standing there. Since he had returned he had been avoiding her. Sure he would come in when everybody else did, but other than that he had been leaving her alone. At his serious expression, she could feel her smile melting under the seriousness of his gaze.
"Is something wrong?"
"No."
"Oh." 'Don't tell me then' she silently fumed turning away from him, because if she didn't then she would start yelling at him. As it was right now, as much as she wanted to yell at him for being a jerk, the thought of even expending that much energy made her tired. Plus she knew if he she yelled he would probably go away and she wanted him near her. She wasn't ready to give up his presence even if he wasn't going to talk to her. She felt him draw nearer rather then heard him.
Her silence made him uncomfortable; she was always getting mad at him. If he didn't know better he would have sworn that annoying him had been her favorite pastime. So why did it annoy him now, when she was doing nothing?
Turning to look at him over her shoulder she saw, he was now sitting on the edge of the futon next to her. Their eyes met but neither said anything the moment was too fragile a simple word could break it. Leaning back just a little her back came in contact with his shoulder.
Yasha hadn't been able to control his reaction turning he reached out pulling her back against his chest. She let out a small sound of surprise but made no effort to pull away from him. Leaning forward he took a deep breath taking in her sent his face pressed to the crook of her neck. Mixed with her normal scent there was the smell of sweat and dirt, but underneath it all there was something that could not be hidden something purely Kagome.
Kagme felt the shock go through be body as she made contact with him. He had held her before but it had never been anything like this. It should have frightened her, but how could she be frightened when she knew it was Yasha holding her? How could she pull away when it was him? His presence made her feel strange almost light headed. She felt the same relief she had felt before. He was alive he had faced Kouga and walked away he had come back to her. Her hand found his at her waist covering them in her own her eyes sliding shut.
He should let her go he knew he should but his body wasn't exactly listening to him. He didn't like the feeling he was all about control, but this girl somehow made him feel as if he had none. The thought was frightening to him. He didn't like things that took his common sense away from him but he liked her. He like her smell and her touch he like her innocence. His ears caught the sound of people in the other room they were all standing up. He knew any second they were going to start filing through the door. The thought cased a groan to escape his lips. Taking one last deep breath he drew back his hands feeling her confusion at his action. With a smile his lips pressed gently against the curve of her neck before pulling away.
Kagome felt the loss instantly. His hands drew away from her as he moved back. Then she had felt it, his lips brushing against her neck ever so slightly before he completely pulled away. She wanted to bring her hand up to rest against the side of her neck up didn't dare. Turning she looked at him but his expression did nothing to betray what had just happened between the two of them. What had happened she wasn't completely sure.
Damn infuriating woman. Opening his mouth to say something the other people began to file into the room. This time instead of taking his place by the wall like he always did, he stayed right where he was, earning a questioning glance from Kagome. He could feel her body tense as Jinenji drew near her. That evil bowl held in one of his large hands. Now came the worse part. Her beautiful features contorted and he could feel her shivering before she started to fall backwards, leaning against him as her eyes drifted close. It shocked him at fist before his hand clasped her shoulders holding her half upright.
The others started to file out of the room after a few minutes looking up, he saw the old woman about to walk out.
Jinenjis mother paused turning to look once again at the slumbering girl and the hanyou. She wondered again briefly if they had interrupted something by walking in when they had walked in. There was something in the way he treated her even in the way he ignored her. For a moment she could almost pity them if there was something going on it was going to be hard. Even if he was a member of the resistance relationships between the races were rare and when they happened they were frowned upon. People died because of them,
"Hey old woman." His voice was harsh as he looked down to make sure that he hadn't woken Kagome, though he knew that she would sleep like the dead for the next few hours.
Jinenjis mom turned to see Yasha, his hard eyes trained on her. Even though she had known him for a while, his eyes still had the ability to unnerve her.
"Isn't there anything that you can do for her?"
"A bone requires the same amount of energy to heal no matter what the time frame that its heal is in. There is only one source of energy and that's her own. So no there is nothing I can do for her. Just think it's almost over with, besides just someone being here for her is probably the best thing." Nodding in their direction she turned leaving the room.
Looking down at her, he brought his hand up to the side of her face before brushing it back through her hair. "If that's true then I'll be here for you."
~*~*~*~* Dungeons of Lacien ~*~*~*
The man sat huddled in the corner his knees gathered to himself as he looked at his hands. No more like his wrist, which was where she had touched him. He could still feel it, the sting that lingered on his skin. He half expected there to be a handprint, but there was no sign she had ever touched him, only the ghost of her fingers. At least for the moment he was at peace.
He didn't know what had happened the other day. When he had come to, he had felt more like himself than he had in a long time. But there was a feeling that wouldn't leave him alone. Dread hung in the air. Something was drawing closer. "The sword is coming for you; your doom is coming for you." The words whispered through his mind causing him to shiver and hug his knees closer. For once it was just memory, but not even that could comfort him.
"Your doom is coming for you." The words slipped from his chapped lips maybe if he gave them a real voice then they would leave him alone. "Maybe I was wrong, witch. Maybe it is you who deserves my pity."
~*~*~*~* Jinenjis house ~*~*~*~
Sango looked across the fire. It had been almost a day since she had said anything to the letch, since their argument the day before. The house was quiet as everyone was asleep. They sat there in a battle of wills, neither of them saying a word. 'Why should I? He's just a nosy asshole that can't get it through his head' Fuming, she turned away from him.
Miroku looked at her back. 'What is it? Everyone turn against Miroku or what?' That's what it felt like. He was out of the loop and it jabbed at his pride to know they had no intention of letting him in on their little secret. He thought he could handle it. That it would be alright if he didn't know, but the more time that went by the more it ate at him, that he was being left out.
'Who cares' he scolded himself, trying to block everything out. He needed rest anyway.
______________-
Her eyes fluttered open. The first thing that she noticed was that someone was still holding her. Shifting her eyes a little, she saw that Yasha was sitting next to her with his eyes closed almost like he knew that she had awoke. The amber orbs slid open to look at her. Managing a half smile she looked at him.
"I hate it." the words needed to be said and even thought it would seem like she was whining, they still poured off her lips with all the bitterness that she felt.
Yasha said nothing, only waited for her to continue. When she didn't, he thought she might need a little prodding.
"What do you hate?"
"I hate being here. I hate that I cause you so much trouble. Most of all I hate being helpless."
He couldn't say anything to that. She made herself out to appear so strong. And she was. She would stare you down and spit right in your eye, but the truth was that she was helpless and she knew it.
"Nobody ever tells me things most of the time. I'm left to wonder what the hell is going on. You never even told me what happened between you and Kouga. You haven't been talking to me for the last three, no make that four days since you got back. Suddenly yesterday you decided that you want to be nice to me, though you've still hardly said five words to me. Am I dying? Is that why you feel the sudden urge to be nice to me? Well you can just take pity or what ever it is and shove it.!" the shrillness was rising in her voice and with it Yasha's anger.
"Damn it wench. Shut your trap. That's what I get for trying to be nice to you. Next time I'll just leave you to Sango, the letch, and that idiot Hojo." Even his voice rose just enough not to carry into the other room, but enough so that Kagome could understand he wasn't about to let her tell him how to act. Though to his surprise, his words were having the opposite effect on the raven haired girl. A large smile had spread across her lovely features.
"That's more like it." She said with a smile watching confusion cloud his keen golden eyes.
"I'll never understand you." He was a bit out taken by her sudden change of moods. But he liked arguing with her. To tell the truth, he had missed it.
"So are you going to tell me what happened or not?"
Sitting there she looked at Yasha waiting for his story to process. "I don't believe you."
"Why did you want me to tell you if you're not going to believe what I tell you?" he snapped.
"No, No, I believe it. Just that you know I never thought Kouga would be someone one to turn and run. He's up to something." Still Kouga wasn't one to lay off so easily. What kind of fighter was Yasha? She had never seen him in a real fight. Though she could imagine he was a good fighter, if how he moved was any indication of his fighting skills. "So if he ran away, why did it take you so many days to get here?"
'Because I went and saw some raving loony who had the audacity to touch you. Though it appears it was you, who drove him to madness because he's scared to death of you. He said that you're a witch. Told me not to let you touch me, scared me half to death.' Did he say any of this hell, no.
"Because I thought that he was planning something too and I didn't want to lead him right to you guys." It wasn't a lie. That was the reason he had stayed away at least initially. Taking in her appearance for any sign she might doubt him, his eyes landed on her lips. They looked soft and full, but like the rest of her skin had taken a pale look almost appearing to be tinged a light blue in the moonlight. Leaning forward he rested his forehead against hers, still concentrating on her lips. Like she knew what he was looking at, her tongue darted out moistening them before disappearing again. Bringing his hand to the side of her face he didn't like how cold she felt under his grasp. He could feel her breath on his cheek as her eyes slid closed and her head tilted more toward him.
Kagome allowed her eyes to slide closed as she basked in his presence.
"Shit." He mumbled under his breath was the world conspiring against him?
After a few dazed seconds her eyes slid open. Yasha's face was still inches away from hers, but his forehead was no longer touching hers. His body had gone ridged and she instantly knew something was wrong. Looking around like she would be able to see the disturbance, she head something crash into the front door in the other room as Yasha pulled completely away from her, raising to his feet while his hand went to the sword at his side she hadn't even realized that he was wearing.
Yasha nodded at Kagome and she nodded back at him and he left the room. The rest of the occupants were on full alert just like he was. He couldn't tell who was on the other side of the door but the scent of their panic filled the room. Pulling up his hood he nodded for someone to open the door. It was Miroku that pulled it open. When he did a small figure fell to the ground, the sound of their sobs filling the room.
"Sango. I didn't tell, we need help." There was pleading in the girl's voice as she had blocked out the other people in the room and made her way to Sango, on her hands and knees while Sango knelt next to her. Taking in ragged appearance, that if anything, actually managed to look worse than it had when she had came a few days ago.
"They're killing them..The Soldiers they came and.." her voice was choked with sobs as she tried to get her words out.
"Where is she from?" Yasha barked out, demanding the attention of everyone in the room. Even the little girl had wiped her tears for the moment to turn and look at him.
"Obin is the closest village around here, but it's a good six hour journey from here." Jinenji's mom spoke up as she had already moved to the little girl's side.
"I can be there with in two." Turning he looked at the other members of his party they knew time was important he could already see them gathering the things they would need with them once they reached Obin.
"Wait, take me with you." The little girl screamed rising to her feet with the rest of the group.
"Kira, why don't you stay with me?"
Everyone turned to see Kagome standing in the door way that led to the room she had been staying in. She was leaning against the frame as if it was the only thing keeping her up and from the looks of it that wasn't far from the truth.
"Kongyou get back to that bed right now. Do you hear me? I don't need anymore problems because your not using your head." Yasha spat out she was the last thing he needed to be thinking about right now he needed to retain his focus.
Kira took in the other girl. Kongyou. Her face no longer had the bruises. But at least when she had them there was some color. Right now her features looked gaunt and colorless. Turning, she looked at the cloaked man that had yelled at Kongyou to go back to bed. Nodding she bowed her head a few seconds before straining back up. "I will stay and make sure that Lady Kongyou is taken care of."
Nodding at the little girl in return, he took on last glance at Kagome who was still in the doorway shooting a glare at him even though she had slumped further against the wooden frame.
He worried briefly about leaving her alone. He was watched the small girl that Kagome had called Kira and Jinenji make their way toward her. Seeing that she was going to be taken care of, he focused his attention back on the other members of his group.
"Just try and keep up." He knew they wouldn't be able to, not when he was moving at full speed.
As time wore on Yasha could feel his muscles bunch and give as he pushed his body to the limit. Anticipation and dread spiraled in him. Even now at such a serious moment when he should be thinking about the problems that lay ahead, images of Kagome standing there so helpless danced through his mind. 'I am not bewitched' he said once to himself before focusing on the road that lay ahead. The village must not be that far. But what alarmed him was that the air was already thick with the stench of death.
That's all for now ^.^ so tell me what you think. Wow that was the longest chapter that I've written ^.^ I had to stop there or it would be outrageously long and everyone would lose interest half way threw. So this is it for now tell me what you think thanks for reading.