InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Mind Reader ❯ Talk Amongst Geniuses ( Chapter 23 )

Mind Reader

 

Chapter 20: Talk Amongst Geniuses

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Kaede and Kagome sat in the back room of the hut. Sesshoumaru was still knocked out and Rin kept her silent vigilance over him. Everyone else was outside doing who knows what.

 

“What is it you want to tell me child?” asked Kaede.

 

Kagome fidgeted nervously on the ground. She smoothed her already smooth skirt. Now that she was here she didn't know how to begin.

 

Kaede waited patiently. She knew with how Kagome was acting it had to be important

 

Kagome cleared her throat and started talking. “Well you know when you asked me if there were any side effects to Akki's attack?”

 

“Yes, you said there were none.”

 

Although I highly suspect that you were lying.

 

“Well I was lying. There has been a side effect. A very large one I might add.”

 

I knew it.

 

“What is it?” asked Kaede.

 

Kagome laughed nervously. “Well I can sort of read minds.”

 

Kaede raised one eyebrow. “Sort of? What do you mean by sort of?”

 

“Fine, I can read minds.”

 

Well that sucks.

 

“Why does it suck?” asked Kagome.

 

Kaede gasped in amazement. “So you're serious?”

 

“Of course I'm serious. What, did you think I was lying?”

 

“Oh, no, of course not. So you can really read minds?” asked Kaede in disbelief.

 

“Yeah, all I have to do is concentrate on the person's mind and I can read their thoughts.”

 

“So what is wrong with it?”

 

“Wha…? How did you know something was wrong?”

 

Kaede rolled her eyes. “I'm not stupid Kagome. You could have easily told me when I asked you before. But you didn't. Something must have scared you into telling me.”

 

“You're right again.”

 

Of course I'm right. I'm always right.

 

“You know I can hear your bragging.”

 

Darn it.

 

Kagome laughed at the elderly woman but then grew serious again. “When I first discovered I had this power very few thoughts slipped through. I could construct a mental barrier around my mind and only read the minds I wanted to. The only time a thought got through was if someone was very strongly thinking. But it seems that each time Akki knocks me out my mental barrier grows weaker. More and more thoughts keep sneaking through.” Kagome looked at Kaede expectantly, she was waiting for the healer's input to this situation.

 

Kaede rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Then I was right in my previous assumptions.”

 

“What? What do you mean?”

 

“Remember when I told you before that each time Akki looked at you his death move would be one step closer to completion?” At Kagome's nod she continued. “Well that was a guess. But it appears that I guessed right. When Akki looked at you the first time he opened up your mind. That is why you are able to read minds. But now each time he looks you in the eye your mind is torn further apart. He is slowly ripping your mind to shreds. Each step closer to completion his death move becomes the less control you have over your mind. Much like if your body is physically damaged it is harder to move your mind is harder to control the more damaged it gets.”

 

“That's not good.”

 

“Actually quite to the contrary it is good.”

 

Kagome's head jerked up when Kaede said that. “Are you mad? How could this possibly be a good thing?”

 

“We now have a way to judge how far his death move has gotten to completion. The less control you have over your ability the farther the death move has gotten.”

 

“Ahh, well that makes sense.”

 

Of course it makes sense. I always make sense.

 

“Kaede, mind reader,” reminded Kagome while tapping her head.

 

Kaede glared at Kagome and silently cursed her new ability.

 

Dammit, I hate mind readers.

 

Kagome grinned at the old lady. Kaede was reacting the same way Sesshoumaru did upon discovery of her ability.

 

After Kaede was done `silently' cursing she continued the conversation. “So how much control do you have over your ability?”

 

“How am I supposed to know? Is there a set of guidelines for people losing their minds?” After registering what she said both Kagome and Kaede started laughing. On one level Kagome truly was losing her mind.

 

After calming down Kaede offered a suggestion. “On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the most controlled, what number would you give it?”

 

“Umm…4?” said Kagome cautiously.

 

“Is it 4 or did you just pick a random number?”

 

“Four. I give it a four.”

 

“Good, then we still have time to kill Akki and save you.”

 

“But what if I'm wrong? What if it's actually a six, or even worse, and eight?” asked Kagome worriedly.

 

“Then we have even less time to kill Akki,” replied Kaede without missing a beat.

 

Kagome glared at Kaede and stood up. “Thanks for the surge of confidence. And one more thing, don't tell anyone.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Well let's just Sesshoumaru found out. And Inuyasha didn't. If Inuyasha finds out about my ability when his brother has known for awhile a third world war may start.”

 

Kaede looked puzzled at this. “Third? Why not first or second?”

 

“Never mind. Just don't tell anyone.”

 

“Ok, I shall no one. But if it starts getting worse we may have to tell everyone.”

 

Kagome's eyes grew downcast at this comment. “I know. But let's just hope we kill Akki before we have to think about that.”

 

Kaede nodded and Kagome left the backroom. When she saw Sesshoumaru still lying deathly still she made her way over to him. She knelt down opposite of Rin and laid one hand against Sesshoumaru's forehead. She looked up and gave Rin a warm smile.

 

“How are you doing Rin?”

 

“I'm fine but is Sesshoumaru going to be alright? He hasn't moved yet,” said Rin with a hint of fear in her voice.

 

Kagome removed her hand from Sesshoumaru's forehead and placed it over Rin's. She gave a gentle squeeze. “He'll be fine. Knowing how stubborn he is he would never die before Inuyasha.”

 

CRASH!

 

Kagome jumped straight up and ran outside. She saw Kouga lying on the ground glaring at the hysterical Inuyasha. “What happened?”

 

Kouga moved his glare from Inuyasha to Kagome. “You! You said that idiot's name!”

 

Kagome appeared flabbergasted. “But I was inside! How did you hear?”

 

“I'm a wolf demon with exceptional hearing,” said Kouga like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

 

Kagome went and crouched by Kouga's head. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to subdue you.”

 

But Kouga wasn't listening to Kagome's apology.

 

Hehehe, I can see her panties!

 

Kagome stared at Kouga in shock as she never thought he was a pervert like Miroku. How wrong she was. She narrowed her eyes and smirked at the wolf demon. “Inuyasha…”

 

Smack!

 

“What?”

 

Kagome sighed and stood up. She turned to Inuyasha. “I didn't mean you. I was just subduing Kouga.”

 

Inuyasha's face lit up. “Oh. Well then can you do that again?”

 

“Idiot,” grumbled Kagome under her breath.

 

“Kagome?” asked Shippo.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Can you answer a question for me?”

 

“Of course Shippo, what is it?”

 

Shippo rubbed his hands together mischievously. “Who is half dog-demon and half-human and is standing out here?”

 

“Inu…wait a minute. Why are you asking that?” asked Kagome suspiciously.

 

Darn it. And I was so close to having her say Inuyasha.

 

Phew. She didn't say that cursed name. And that stupid runt tried to get me subdued again. I'm going to kill him as soon as I can move again.

 

Kouga jumped up.

 

Oh look at that. I can move. Hmm, I wonder how long I was lying there after the spell had worn off.

 

Kouga advanced on Shippo and bared his teeth at the kitsune. “Ready to die runt?”

 

Wow, I never thought I would cheer Kouga on. But I am now. Go Kouga! Kill that runt! I'm still pissed at him over that revenge he pulled on Miroku and me.

 

Kagome replayed the last thought. And realized what Inuyasha said. `Great, now what did he and Miroku do to Shippo to deserve revenge? And why can't my life ever be simple?'

 

Sango, surprised that Kagome hadn't sat…Inuyasha'd…Kouga by now walked up to her friend and tapped her on the shoulder. “Um Kagome? Are you going to rescue Shippo?”

 

Kagome took in the trembling kitsune and the maniacal wolf. “Inuyasha,” she said absentmindedly.

 

SMACK!

 

“What?”

 

“NOTHING! I was just sitting Kouga!” screamed Kagome in frustration. She looked sheepishly at the now subdued Inuyasha. Before he could start yelling at her she crouched by his head and patted his head. “Sorry, didn't mean to say that.”

 

You would have thought Kagome had learned her lesson about crouching in front of guys with a skirt on. But she hadn't.

 

Score! I can see her panties!

 

Kagome retaliated by slamming her fist down on Inuyasha's head. Satisfied with the thunk she heard she stood up and stalked over to Sango. Her friend backed nervously away from her.

 

Wow does Kagome looked pissed. Hopefully she won't randomly hit me like she did to Inuyasha.

 

Kagome quickly replaced her scowl with a smile. “Hey Sango, you want to go bathe? I could really use some relaxing in the water.”

 

Sango quickly returned Kagome's smile.

 

Good, she hasn't lost her mind.

 

“Of course I'll go with you. Let me go grab the stuff.” Sango disappeared into the hut to gather the bathing supplies. While she was gone Kagome looked to the now standing Kouga and Inuyasha.

 

“While we're gone you two keep an eye on the pervert…” Kagome trailed off when she remembered the perverted thoughts those two had. `Darn it, there's no one I can trust now!'

 

Why does Kagome look concerned? I wouldn't let Miroku peek on her or Sango.

 

Inuyasha walked over to Miroku and casually knocked him to the ground. “Miroku won't be going anywhere.”

 

Kagome gave Inuyasha a real smile. “Thanks Inuyasha.”

 

When Sango came out of the hut she and Kagome went off to bathe. As soon as they were out of earshot the guys started talking.

 

“Is it just me or does Kagome get mad easier?” asked Miroku.

 

“A lot easier,” grumbled Kouga. “She use to never get mad at me and now she keeps subduing me.”

 

Inuyasha couldn't help himself. He started laughing at the disgruntled wolf. “Yeah, but that's the one benefit of Kagome being so angry. I just wish you could see your face whenever she says my name.”

 

“I'm going to kill you,” growled Kouga.

 

Miroku stepped between the two. “Now now boys, calm down. We are suppose to be trying to figure out what's wrong with Kagome, not laughing at each other's misfortunes.”

 

Kouga turned his back on Inuyasha. “Hmpf, I guess I'll be the mature one and stop arguing.”

 

Shippo snickered under his breath. He was pretty sure he was more mature than both Inuyasha and Kouga combine. Scratch that, he was more mature than Inuyasha, Kouga, and Miroku.

 

“Thank you Kouga,” said Miroku sarcastically. “I don't know what we'd do without you.”

 

“Jump for joy?” suggested Inuyasha.

 

“It truly is amazing how every time you guys get together you successfully talk about nothing the whole time.”

 

Miroku and Shippo jumped in surprise. Inuyasha and Kouga were surprised as well but their pride wouldn't allow them to jump.

 

“Scare you?”

 

Inuyasha turned to his brother while growling. Sesshoumaru was leaning against the doorframe. He still looked worn out but he was awake and moving. “You could only wish to be able to scare me,” said Inuyasha.

 

“I take that as a yes,” replied Sesshoumaru.

 

Inuyasha looked like he was about to charge his brother when Miroku interfered. He grabbed Inuyasha's shoulder to hold him back.

 

“Calm down Inuyasha, your brother's injured. He can't properly defend himself right now.”

 

“Try me,” offered Sesshoumaru.

 

“Nah, you're right Miroku. My poor brother was almost killed by the evil squirrel. Hell, if it wasn't for me he probably would have been killed,” bragged Inuyasha.

 

“If it wasn't for all of us we all would have died,” Miroku corrected.

 

“Feh.”

 

“What? Are you saying you actually did something useful Inuyasha?” asked Sesshoumaru in feigned surprise.

 

“Of course. But sadly you were too weak to hold onto consciousness long enough to watch me to kick Akki's ass.”

 

“So is he dead?”

 

“Nope, the puppy couldn't finish him off. All he was able to accomplish was giving Akki a new look,” said Kouga.

 

Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow in curiosity.

 

“He chopped off Akki's tail,” said Kouga.

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't help the hint of a smile that crossed his face. “You're boasting about a tail?”

 

“Hemp, well it's more than what you did. And I did chase him off,” defended Inuyasha.

 

“But he's still alive?” pressed Sesshoumaru.

 

“Unless if losing a tail is fatal to a hell squirrel, highly unlikely, than Akki is alive,” said Miroku.

 

“So once everyone is healed we start out hunt of Akki,” said Sesshoumaru.

 

“That would be the logical course of action,” said Miroku.

 

Kouga cleared his throat and successfully gained everyone's attention. “Since I'm pretty sure we won't be leaving for at least a day I'm going to take the time to return to my tribe.”

 

Inuyasha broke into a wide grin. “Are you serious?” he asked hopefully.

 

“Just to get my sword,” said Kouga watching with satisfaction as Inuyasha's perkiness disappeared in an instant.

 

“Damn, I knew it was too good to be true.”

 

“When will you be back?” asked Miroku.

 

“Probably tomorrow afternoon.”

 

“That's it?” asked Inuyasha.

 

Miroku smacked the back of Inuyasha's head. “You idiot. We need Kouga for the battle.”

 

“But he's a stupid wolf,” whined Inuyasha like what he said made sense.

 

“So? A wolf is stronger than a pathetic dog,” said Kouga.

 

“Hey,” warned Sesshoumaru.

 

Kouga laughed nervously and quickly made amends with the demon lord. “What I meant to say was puppy. Since Inuyasha is only half dog demon he's like a puppy. A full-fledged dog demon is also a strong fighter.”

 

Sesshoumaru settled back against the doorframe. “That's better.”

 

“But of course you're right,” said Inuyasha, “after all if I remember correctly it was the wolf that saved us and not the pathetic puppy…oh wait, sorry, my mistake. It seems like it was the puppy who saved us.”

 

Kouga growled at Inuyasha. “You keep bragging about your little victory. I'll have the last laugh when I kill Akki.”

 

“Yeah, I'd like to see you try that, you know without a weapon or anything,” scoffed Inuyasha.

 

“You idiot, I told you I was going to get my sword.”

 

“Yes, I know you said that. But I would think that if you wanted to get your sword that would require you to leave,” hinted Inuyasha.

 

“Stupid idiotic puppy,” mumbled Kouga under his breath. “Tell Kagome I'll be back tomorrow,” he said before taking off in a whirlwind of dust.

 

Inuyasha waved after the wolf demon. “Aww heck,” he yelled, “why don't you splurge Kouga and make it two days?”

 

“Idiot,” grumbled Sesshoumaru before walking back into the hut.

 

Miroku took one look at Inuyasha's lopsided grin and waving arm and groaned. Sometimes he seriously wondered what Kagome saw in the guy.