InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Heaven ❯ Q and A ( Chapter 3 )

Dark Heaven

 

Chapter 3

 

Q and A

 

“It was a mere fifty years ago that the Great War devastated our world. Technology was set back an entire decade and entire countries were destroyed. In the wake of the turmoil, human and youkai were faced with the reality that the centuries of peace had been broken with disastrous results. We had to work together to find common ground once again.”

 

“Thus the few thousand humans left alive founded Haven, the last great human city. While we have heard tales of other cities far off across the oceans, it would be folly to believe this, and until we can fund an expedition across the waters, it is safe to assume that Haven and its citizens are all that remains of humanity's once glorious civilization.”

 

“A few miles to the south west is Horai, city of the Youkai. We humans and youkai agreed to part ways, but not to make war. Now, after five decades, the bonds of human and youkai flow strong. Both cities have prospered greatly, and the human race is now populated well over ten thousand. Our races are slowly but surely regaining their glory days. However, not all is well in our world.”

 

“While we have grown, we have done so as individuals. The gap between human and youkai has not been repaired. We list in peace, but not in harmony. If we are to achieve a brighter future, we must strive to reach out to our brethren and work together. If we are to realize our forgotten past, to rebuild the world where human and youkai live among each other, we must first release ourselves from our prejudices, our suspicions, and our mistrust. To defeat the gap that separates us, we must first defeat the gap within ourselves. The future is bright, ladies and gentleman. And we shall reach it, no matter the cost.”

 

The assembled press applauded wildly as Naraku finished his speech. Kagome rolled her eyes.

 

“Is he done yet?” She muttered. Sango nodded, her eyes bright.

 

“Yeah,” She said. “Oh, before I forget, Miroku is meeting us after the conference for dinner.”

 

“Your boyfriend?” Kagome asked. Sango blushed.

 

“He's not my boyfriend, Kagome. He's a male, who happens to be a friend.”

 

“Sango, you slept in the same bed for an entire week last year.”

 

“His apartment was being renovated!” Sango defended. She looked up, and gasped. “Get up!” She hissed. Kagome stood up, and Sango stood on her chair to get above the crowd.

 

“Councilor Naraku,” A reporter asked. “What comment does the Council have on the recent Angel sightings?” Naraku cleared his throat. On the stage behind him, the other eleven members of the Council, minus Midoriko, shifted in their seats. Kikyo in particular narrowed her eyes.

 

“The Council has contacted the House of Taisho for their recommendations. Until that time, we are avoiding direct action against her. Once the House gives us their advice, we shall proceed from there,” Naraku said. “Next question, please.”

 

“Councilor, the Council Head has not been seen in some time. Why is she not appearing?” Naraku frowned. He himself wasn't sure about that one, although he had a guess. Midoriko was not quite as energetic as she once was.

 

“Councilor Shikon has taken ill as of late. She is not well, but we are ensuring her condition does not worsen,” Naraku replied.

 

“There are a few who say that Councilor Shikon has passed on, and the Council is covering her death,” The reporter said. Naraku cleared his throat. He never had been on good standing with the media…they were too nosey.

 

“Councilor Naraku and I have seen Councilor Shikon earlier this day,” Kikyo said, standing up. Naraku gave her a look. On the one hand, she, a figure far more trusted, was helping him save ace. In the same breath, she was helping him. Naraku let it slide. “Councilor Shikon is under the weather, but she is alive and active in the Council.” Kikyo inwardly flinched, remembering Midoriko's rather odd pulling and rank. “She is simply not up to a public appearance at the moment.” The reporter accepted this with a curt nod, and sat down.

 

“Councilor Naraku,” Sango spoke up. “I have a pressing question about your earlier speech.” Naraku nodded. “You tell us that we must work together with out youkai brethren to a brighter tomorrow. Yet you encourage study of the Great War, you remind us of the laws on breeding with youkai, and you constantly enforce the ruling of Renegades and Refugees from Horai.”

 

“All of what you say is true,” Naraku said. “What is your point?”

 

“My point is that, while your talk of unity is well and good, you seem to enjoy reminding us that we are separate. You speak of bridging the gap, but remind us over and over of the gap to be crossed,” Sango explained. Naraku smiled.

 

“My dear…may I have your name?” He asked.

 

“My name is Sango,” Sango replied.

 

“Well, Ms. Sango, there can be no resolution to a problem, until you acknowledge the problem.”

 

“True, but if you focus on the problem too much, you will not see the resolution,” Sango counter. “Naraku strained to keep his composure and looked away.

 

“Next question, please,” He gritted.

 

- - - - - - - - - -

 

“He's late again…” Sango growled, tapping her nails on the tabletop. Kagome sipped her coffee and smirked. The two were sitting in a small café a few blocks from the Cryer offices.

 

“Does it matter, he's not your boyfriend, remember?” Kagome teased. “Why do you care?” Sango coughed lightly.

 

“I don't care, I'm just stating the facts,” She defended. “So, what's on the agenda tonight?” Kagome shrugged.

 

“Sit at home, watch TV,” She replied. Sango shook her head.

 

“Ever think of…you know, getting a life?” She asked.

 

“I have a life. Just not a very exciting one,” Kagome said, taking another drink of her coffee.

 

“Yeah, I don't get that,” Sango thought aloud. “You come into work, you go home. Occasionally we do stuff like this afterwards, but for the most part you don't seem to have much of a life outside of work. What do you do with yourself all the time?” Kagome shrugged.

 

“I find ways to keep busy,” She said. “So how's Shippo doing?” She asked, changing the subject. “You mentioned he was on a photohunt for Angel.” Sango nodded.

 

“I've had him sleeping out on the rooftops the last two nights,” She confirmed. “Night vision cameras, flashes, I think he even picked up motion sensors somewhere. He can't get her.”

 

“Maybe he isn't in the right area. Word is she's a crime fighter. He should hang around the banks and that,” Kagome suggested. Sango started to reply, but stopped as the café door opened.

 

“Park it round the side Yash,” Miroku Kazana called out the door, walking into the café.

 

“Oh…no…” Sango groaned. Kagome smiled. Sango had confided that she did like Miroku, just…she didn't like him. Miroku, on the other hand…

 

“My darling!” Miroku cheered, sweeping across the café. “After a hard day, it is a welcome sight to see your lovely…” Miroku was cut off as Sango reached up and put a hand across his face. Miroku looked down at her from between her fingers. “We're still fighting?” He asked, his voice muffled against her palm. Kagome moved aside in her booth, and Miroku sat down beside her.

 

“Are you done?” Sango asked, blushing. “Do we have to do this every time you show up?” Miroku grinned.

 

“Well I simply want to make sure your beauty is being properly appreciated,” He explained. The café door opened again.

 

“Roku, your keys,” The man called, tossing the item to Miroku. Miroku snatched them out of thin air, and beckoned the man forward. Kagome looked up from her coffee, and stared. Walking towards their table was a tall, handsome man. His hair was what got her attention first: it was jet-black, and even longer than her own. Then she caught sight of his eyes, a deep violet. And she blushed when she noticed they were staring back.

 

“Kagome, Sango, I'd like you to meet Inuyasha Saiga.”