InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ The Mountains Await ( Chapter 46 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 296 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 296 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
The Mountains Await __________________________________________________________________ ______
“Do we have everything?!” Kagome called out cheerfully as she slipped her arms through the straps of her bag.
“Just about!” answered Sango as she helped Miroku pack up the last of their belongings.
From his place high in his tree, Inuyasha made no move to indicate that he’d heard her. His eyes still closed and his precious sword held securely against his chest, he leaned against the tree’s trunk and for all the world appeared as if he were still sleeping.
The miko considered calling to him but then decided to let him be. It wasn’t as if he had packed anything. Besides, he wasn‘t fooling her. After four years she knew when he was sleeping and when he wasn’t. He’d come down when he realized they were ready to leave.
Giving herself a quick once over, she made some minor adjustments to her clothing, noting absently that they were still slightly damp from when she’d washed them the night before. It wouldn’t be so bad, she decided after a moment, if it was as hot today as it was yesterday, then they’d dry in no time; plus it’d probably help to keep her cool.
Deciding to have a seat while her friends finished packing, Kagome attempted to hide a yawn behind her hand. It didn’t work.
“You are still tired?” she heard Sesshoumaru ask and looked up to see him glancing at her over his shoulder.
“A little.” she said with a small smile. “I didn’t sleep all that well last night.”
“Hn.” he murmured quietly but said nothing further. He seemed to consider something for several moments before he finally turned toward her and asked. “Do you wish to rest for a while longer? It is not imperative that we leave now.”
Inuyasha’s eyes cracked open at that but before he could protest to the idea of hanging around here a moment longer than necessary the miko said, “Nah, I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. I spent years balancing two separate lives against each other, I’m used to going without sleep.”
The daiyoukai raised a brow and for at least a moment considered what she had meant. Suddenly it came back to him and he remembered a conversation they’d shared beneath the stars. The one they’d had the night before they set out on this journey.
The miko’s true home was five hundred years in the future. They had had no further discussion on the matter so it had all but slipped his mind.
Turning to stare off into the distance, the daiyoukai allowed his eyes to loose focus as he recalled what she had told him.
"The magic is fading you know," she had said as she casually ran her hand along the edge of the well. Her eyes had been distant and her voice abnormally light considering the distress he had sensed in her aura.
"It's still pretty strong right now," she had continued, brushing off the subject they had previously been discussing, " but it's weaker than it used to be, I can feel it. I don't know when it will happen, but eventually the well is going to stop working. I think... I think once this mission is over... I think I'm going to go home. If the well is going to stop working, its probably best that I am on the other side when it happens, don't you think?"
Only now did he recall that he hadn’t answered her. She had been attempting to distract him and he had called her on it, but he had not answered that particular question. Now that he was thinking on it, the entire subject sent a wave of displeasure over him. It settled bitterly into the pit of his stomach and made his hands itch with the desire to do… something.
Unaware of the fine line that had appeared on his brow, the demon lord considered the matter further. If the miko’s plans had not altered, she would leave at the conclusion of this journey and more than likely, she would not be able to return. Was the world beyond the well truly so important to her that she would willingly leave this one behind; leave him behind?
For the second time concerning her, Sesshoumaru felt the ensnaring tendrils of possession wrapping themselves around him. Though it was probably erroneous to continue in cultivating these kinds of feelings toward the miko, the inu lord found himself unwilling to stray from the path he had chosen. His desire to keep Kagome near to him had become substantial over these past few weeks and at this point simply allowing her to leave this world was no longer an option.
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the miko look up at him as if startled, but then a very small, very captivating smile tilted the edges of her lips and Sesshoumaru felt the solidification of his resolve.
There was still time yet… __________________________________________________________________ ______
“I… I think we should land.” Kagome’s voice managed to cut through the rapid winds that surrounded them.
The group had been traveling for hours and were now over the border of the northern lands. In the distance, Kagome could see a range of mountains and though she couldn’t quite feel anything just yet, she had a strong suspicion that the next key was somewhere near there. Perhaps it was in the mountains themselves. If they were on the ground, she’d have a better chance of pinpointing its exact location.
“You sense something?” the inu lord asked as he turned to look at her. There was a slight furrow to her brow and her eyes were focused on a point in the distance.
“I think so,” she answered after a long pause. Finally she tore herself away and returned his gaze. “But from up here, it’s kinda hard to tell.”
The daiyoukai gave a curt nod before facing forward again and beginning their descent. Seeing this, Sango and Miroku began heading downward as well.
They landed in a large glade, Inuyasha soon skidding to a stop between them.
“What’s up?” asked the hanyou as he turned to look at Kagome, “Do you sense the key already?”
“Yeah.” she told him, now that they were on the ground, she was certain that she could sense that strange mixture of energy that had been emitted by the first key. Pointing in the direction of the mountains she continued, “I think we need to go that way.”
He too gave a curt nod before folding his hands into his sleeves. “Guess we’d better get going then.” he announced to no one in particular before he turned and headed in the direction the young miko had indicated.
Giving a light shrug to one another, Sango and Miroku began to follow the retreating hanyou. Kirara, who had reverted to her smaller size leapt onto her mistress’ shoulder and contentedly nestled herself into the crook of the woman’s neck enjoying the opportunity to become a passenger for a change.
Kagome watched them for a moment before turning to look at Sesshoumaru. He had been staring distractedly into the distance but when he felt her eyes upon him he moved to return her gaze. She blushed lightly and smiled before extending a hand to him.
Realizing that she was about to grab his hand, Kagome’s blush deepened and she managed to suppress her impulsive ways and instead tugged on his ample sleeve. They had done things far more intimate than simply hold hands but she had never been the one to initiate it. Besides, they were in public and her friends were just a few feet away!
“C’mon!” she said with a bright smile. “We’re burning daylight!”
She released his clothing and sent him a final smile before breaking into a light jog to catch up with her friends.
Sesshoumaru simply watched her, a tiny smile tilting the edge of his lips. __________________________________________________________________ ______
As the group continued to make their way toward the mountains, it became apparent, even to the humans among them that they were headed toward a large village. The scent of cooking fires and the sounds of people and animals living together reached them and Sango glanced over at the monk who walked beside her.
“Miroku,” she began speaking softly, her hand covering a portion of her face as though to keep anyone else from hearing what she was saying. “At the rate we’re going, we’re going to pass right through that village.”
The monk gave her a look that clearly indicated that he didn’t understand her concern.
She made a face at him. “Do you really think that’s a good idea considering that we’re a group of humans, demons and a half-demon?”
Miroku smiled then brushing off his wife’s concern with a wave of his hand. “This is the northern region,” he told her. “It is one of the only places where youkai and humans are able to live together without bias.”
“Oh,” she said, her eyes slightly wider than normal. “Well, I guess that keeps us from having to make a detour.”
“Keh!” Inuyasha snorted from in front of them. “As if we would have! If anyone has a problem with us, I’ll deal with it.”
Sango rolled her eyes at the back of his head. “Oh get off it Inuyasha,” she shot back, “I just mentioned it because I don’t want to have to fight if it isn’t necessary.”
“Humph.” he grumbled back but made no move to turn and face her.
As predicted, the travelers soon broached the border into the village and just as Miroku had said, youkai and humans resided peacefully within its boundaries.
Marveling at the open mingling of the two species, a small smile found the miko’s lips. It was… amazing.
The village was one of the larger ones she‘d seen in their travels and from what she could tell, it was more prosperous as well. The humans and youkai here had apparently combined their resources, opting to learn from one another rather than one species attempting to eradicate the other. Youkai families lived practically next door to humans and had nothing more than pleasant words to exchange. Hanyou children ran about and played together happily with those of humans and demons and even though they were very young, the half-demon and youkai youths were especially careful when roughhousing with the humans, completely mindful of their more fragile nature.
‘This place… it’s incredible.’ Kagome marveled to herself. The beings around her lived and worked together so peacefully it was as if she had crossed into a new dimension to a place unlike anything she had ever seen before. There were unfamiliar demonic auras all around her, yet she was not fearful they would be attacked. In an unconscious gesture of respite, the young miko exhaled softly and allowed the slight tension of being in a foreign place to melt from her body.
Looking to the front of the group, Kagome felt a glimmer of regret bloom within her heart. Had Inuyasha known about this place when he was growing up all alone? For a moment, she allowed herself to wonder how differently his life could have been if he had grown up in a place that cultivated such acceptance. Would one of the families here have taken him in; given him the home and family every child deserves? While it was nice to imagine the life he could have had, there was no way to turn back the hands of time and make it so.
Besides, she decided at last, if that had happened, Inuyasha wouldn’t be who he was today. She smiled at the thought of that. Brash and stubborn as the hanyou was, she wouldn’t change a thing about him.
As they drew closer and closer to the mountains, Kagome sensed that they were also getting closer to the key. She had noticed that a few of the villagers looked to her and either smiled, bowed or both, no one seemingly concerned over the fact that she was a priestess who traveled in the company of youkai. One woman, however, an elderly female she had noticed from some distance away was studying her intently. She had apparently been tending a small garden, but for reasons Kagome could not identify, the woman paused in her work to stare upon their group.
As she struggled to stand, the young youkai that had been helping her with her chores paused in his task of weeding to assist her. Once she was standing, the elderly female smiled down on the boy and gave him an affectionate pat upon the mass of sandy brown locks that adorned his head, careful to avoid the small horns that identified him as a deer youkai.
With the quaking steps of one of advanced age, the female made her way toward the group. Tensing immediately at her approach, Inuyasha came to a halt and watched as she continued to draw near. Before he could make an impolite comment, the woman executed a respectful, but shaky bow to him before unfolding to her previous stand.
“Good day young travelers.” she greeted politely.
“Good day,” Miroku returned as he and Sango came to the hanyou’s side, answering her greeting for the group. The woman bowed to him and the slayer as well before returning her attention to Kagome.
Kagome smiled at her and gave a quick bow before asking, “Is there something we can help you with.”
The woman smiled at this, the creases around her mouth deepening slightly. As she looked down at her, Kagome was left with the impression that this woman, though wearing the weathered façade of an old woman, had been a true beauty in her youth, and though there was an air of sadness about her, most of the wrinkles she wore indicated that she had spent a lot of time smiling over the years.
“No,” the elderly female answered at last, “I am not in need of your assistance. I simply noticed that you were heading toward the mountains. Forgive me if I am out of place for asking, but do you have business there?”
Recalling the confidential nature of her mission, the miko hesitated before answering.
“Yes.” Sesshoumaru answered for her.
The old woman bowed to him as well as if she had not noticed him until now. “I suspected as much.” she said as she turned back to the young miko. “I wish to caution you about those mountains.” she continued with a small frown.
“Caution me?” the miko echoed back, an unhappy feeling settling into her stomach.
“Yes,” the woman answered, “Have you ever heard of Mt. Hakurei?”
“What about it?” Inuyasha spoke up before Kagome could answer.
“These mountains, like those of Mt. Hakurei are protected by a powerful barrier. Unlike Mt. Hakurei however, the barrier that surrounds these mountains is averse to those in possession of holy powers. It accepts youkai and some hanyou without ill affect, but you and the monk would likely become very ill if you venture high into the peaks.”
She turned away from them to look upon the mountains of which she spoke. “It is unknown who placed the barrier, but it has existed for generations. You may not notice the barrier’s presence at the mountain’s base, but as you travel higher, it will likely begin to have ill affects upon yourself and the monk.” She turned to face them again, her attention focusing on the demon huntress this time. “I cannot say whether or not you will be unaffected,” she told Sango, but as you are human, the barrier may affect you adversely as well, but to a significantly lesser degree.”
There was a long pause after her last statement and she finally turned to look at Kagome again.
“Thank you for the warning.” the priestess murmured quietly.
“There is no need to thank me miko-sama, it was my duty to do so.” the woman returned before executing another small bow. She turned away and began heading back toward her little garden, the helpful arms of the young deer child reaching up to support her as she settled back into her previous spot among the blossoming herbs and vegetables.
Silence enveloped the travelers again, the group’s collective attention now centering on Kagome.
“Do you still wish to proceed?” Sesshoumaru asked eventually. “You are likely the one who will be most affected by the barrier.” he added as she seemed to consider his question.
“It’s not…” she began slowly, “It’s not just up to me is it?” she turned to Miroku then. “The barrier will make you sick too, and possibly Sango. Do you guys really want to take that chance?”
The monk smiled gently. “Lady Kagome, I owe my life to you and a promised that I would help you on this mission at any cost.” he looked over toward the mountains then. “I am more than willing to endure this minor inconvenience.”
Sango nodded in agreement and Kagome looked back to Sesshoumaru and sighed. “Well, I guess we’re going into the mountains then.”
The inu lord continued to stare down at her, an unreadable look in his eyes. “You are willing to risk an unknown illness?” he asked and she thought she could detect a level of disapproval in his voice.
Kagome just shrugged. “I knew this mission would probably be dangerous when I accepted it. Besides, I gave my word to Daisuke that I would find the keys and I’m pretty sure the next one is in those mountains somewhere.”
Sesshoumaru was still staring at her and though she could not determine exactly what he was thinking, she was beginning to suspect that he would only allow her to remain in the mountains as long as she remained healthy enough to do so. She gave him what she thought was a reassuring smile before turning away and resuming their previous path.
The travelers eventually fell back into their previous formation with Inuyasha heading them off, Miroku, Sango and Kirara following behind and Sesshoumaru and Kagome bringing up the rear. In time, they exited the village and at last made it to the base of the mountains. The peaks were dappled with thin layers of snow and seemed to stretch clear into the heavens while the base sported numerous darkened spaces where the rock had been eroded away leaving a number of small to medium sized caverns.
As they drew closer, the daiyoukai gradually became aware of a familiar, yet detestable aroma. It was very faint, but there was no mistaking to whom the stench belonged. He did not realize that his nose had wrinkled in distaste until the little miko at his side drew his attention. She tugged gently on his sleeve, a look of concern blanketing her lovely face.
“What’s wrong?” she wanted to know.
He did not answer right away, his sensitive nose dragging in the scent several more times only to confirm what he already knew.
“I can detect his scent here.” he finally spoke up, though it seemed that he was speaking only to himself.
“Who’s scent?” the miko asked urgently, the others turning their questioning gazes upon him as well.
“Naraku’s” __________________________________________________________________ ______ Sorry you guys I’m really gonna try and get back on schedule with this story, so just try and bear with me.
Aside from the little cliffy, I hope you all enjoyed!
The Mountains Await __________________________________________________________________ ______
“Do we have everything?!” Kagome called out cheerfully as she slipped her arms through the straps of her bag.
“Just about!” answered Sango as she helped Miroku pack up the last of their belongings.
From his place high in his tree, Inuyasha made no move to indicate that he’d heard her. His eyes still closed and his precious sword held securely against his chest, he leaned against the tree’s trunk and for all the world appeared as if he were still sleeping.
The miko considered calling to him but then decided to let him be. It wasn’t as if he had packed anything. Besides, he wasn‘t fooling her. After four years she knew when he was sleeping and when he wasn’t. He’d come down when he realized they were ready to leave.
Giving herself a quick once over, she made some minor adjustments to her clothing, noting absently that they were still slightly damp from when she’d washed them the night before. It wouldn’t be so bad, she decided after a moment, if it was as hot today as it was yesterday, then they’d dry in no time; plus it’d probably help to keep her cool.
Deciding to have a seat while her friends finished packing, Kagome attempted to hide a yawn behind her hand. It didn’t work.
“You are still tired?” she heard Sesshoumaru ask and looked up to see him glancing at her over his shoulder.
“A little.” she said with a small smile. “I didn’t sleep all that well last night.”
“Hn.” he murmured quietly but said nothing further. He seemed to consider something for several moments before he finally turned toward her and asked. “Do you wish to rest for a while longer? It is not imperative that we leave now.”
Inuyasha’s eyes cracked open at that but before he could protest to the idea of hanging around here a moment longer than necessary the miko said, “Nah, I want to get this over with as quickly as possible. I spent years balancing two separate lives against each other, I’m used to going without sleep.”
The daiyoukai raised a brow and for at least a moment considered what she had meant. Suddenly it came back to him and he remembered a conversation they’d shared beneath the stars. The one they’d had the night before they set out on this journey.
The miko’s true home was five hundred years in the future. They had had no further discussion on the matter so it had all but slipped his mind.
Turning to stare off into the distance, the daiyoukai allowed his eyes to loose focus as he recalled what she had told him.
"The magic is fading you know," she had said as she casually ran her hand along the edge of the well. Her eyes had been distant and her voice abnormally light considering the distress he had sensed in her aura.
"It's still pretty strong right now," she had continued, brushing off the subject they had previously been discussing, " but it's weaker than it used to be, I can feel it. I don't know when it will happen, but eventually the well is going to stop working. I think... I think once this mission is over... I think I'm going to go home. If the well is going to stop working, its probably best that I am on the other side when it happens, don't you think?"
Only now did he recall that he hadn’t answered her. She had been attempting to distract him and he had called her on it, but he had not answered that particular question. Now that he was thinking on it, the entire subject sent a wave of displeasure over him. It settled bitterly into the pit of his stomach and made his hands itch with the desire to do… something.
Unaware of the fine line that had appeared on his brow, the demon lord considered the matter further. If the miko’s plans had not altered, she would leave at the conclusion of this journey and more than likely, she would not be able to return. Was the world beyond the well truly so important to her that she would willingly leave this one behind; leave him behind?
For the second time concerning her, Sesshoumaru felt the ensnaring tendrils of possession wrapping themselves around him. Though it was probably erroneous to continue in cultivating these kinds of feelings toward the miko, the inu lord found himself unwilling to stray from the path he had chosen. His desire to keep Kagome near to him had become substantial over these past few weeks and at this point simply allowing her to leave this world was no longer an option.
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the miko look up at him as if startled, but then a very small, very captivating smile tilted the edges of her lips and Sesshoumaru felt the solidification of his resolve.
There was still time yet… __________________________________________________________________ ______
“I… I think we should land.” Kagome’s voice managed to cut through the rapid winds that surrounded them.
The group had been traveling for hours and were now over the border of the northern lands. In the distance, Kagome could see a range of mountains and though she couldn’t quite feel anything just yet, she had a strong suspicion that the next key was somewhere near there. Perhaps it was in the mountains themselves. If they were on the ground, she’d have a better chance of pinpointing its exact location.
“You sense something?” the inu lord asked as he turned to look at her. There was a slight furrow to her brow and her eyes were focused on a point in the distance.
“I think so,” she answered after a long pause. Finally she tore herself away and returned his gaze. “But from up here, it’s kinda hard to tell.”
The daiyoukai gave a curt nod before facing forward again and beginning their descent. Seeing this, Sango and Miroku began heading downward as well.
They landed in a large glade, Inuyasha soon skidding to a stop between them.
“What’s up?” asked the hanyou as he turned to look at Kagome, “Do you sense the key already?”
“Yeah.” she told him, now that they were on the ground, she was certain that she could sense that strange mixture of energy that had been emitted by the first key. Pointing in the direction of the mountains she continued, “I think we need to go that way.”
He too gave a curt nod before folding his hands into his sleeves. “Guess we’d better get going then.” he announced to no one in particular before he turned and headed in the direction the young miko had indicated.
Giving a light shrug to one another, Sango and Miroku began to follow the retreating hanyou. Kirara, who had reverted to her smaller size leapt onto her mistress’ shoulder and contentedly nestled herself into the crook of the woman’s neck enjoying the opportunity to become a passenger for a change.
Kagome watched them for a moment before turning to look at Sesshoumaru. He had been staring distractedly into the distance but when he felt her eyes upon him he moved to return her gaze. She blushed lightly and smiled before extending a hand to him.
Realizing that she was about to grab his hand, Kagome’s blush deepened and she managed to suppress her impulsive ways and instead tugged on his ample sleeve. They had done things far more intimate than simply hold hands but she had never been the one to initiate it. Besides, they were in public and her friends were just a few feet away!
“C’mon!” she said with a bright smile. “We’re burning daylight!”
She released his clothing and sent him a final smile before breaking into a light jog to catch up with her friends.
Sesshoumaru simply watched her, a tiny smile tilting the edge of his lips. __________________________________________________________________ ______
As the group continued to make their way toward the mountains, it became apparent, even to the humans among them that they were headed toward a large village. The scent of cooking fires and the sounds of people and animals living together reached them and Sango glanced over at the monk who walked beside her.
“Miroku,” she began speaking softly, her hand covering a portion of her face as though to keep anyone else from hearing what she was saying. “At the rate we’re going, we’re going to pass right through that village.”
The monk gave her a look that clearly indicated that he didn’t understand her concern.
She made a face at him. “Do you really think that’s a good idea considering that we’re a group of humans, demons and a half-demon?”
Miroku smiled then brushing off his wife’s concern with a wave of his hand. “This is the northern region,” he told her. “It is one of the only places where youkai and humans are able to live together without bias.”
“Oh,” she said, her eyes slightly wider than normal. “Well, I guess that keeps us from having to make a detour.”
“Keh!” Inuyasha snorted from in front of them. “As if we would have! If anyone has a problem with us, I’ll deal with it.”
Sango rolled her eyes at the back of his head. “Oh get off it Inuyasha,” she shot back, “I just mentioned it because I don’t want to have to fight if it isn’t necessary.”
“Humph.” he grumbled back but made no move to turn and face her.
As predicted, the travelers soon broached the border into the village and just as Miroku had said, youkai and humans resided peacefully within its boundaries.
Marveling at the open mingling of the two species, a small smile found the miko’s lips. It was… amazing.
The village was one of the larger ones she‘d seen in their travels and from what she could tell, it was more prosperous as well. The humans and youkai here had apparently combined their resources, opting to learn from one another rather than one species attempting to eradicate the other. Youkai families lived practically next door to humans and had nothing more than pleasant words to exchange. Hanyou children ran about and played together happily with those of humans and demons and even though they were very young, the half-demon and youkai youths were especially careful when roughhousing with the humans, completely mindful of their more fragile nature.
‘This place… it’s incredible.’ Kagome marveled to herself. The beings around her lived and worked together so peacefully it was as if she had crossed into a new dimension to a place unlike anything she had ever seen before. There were unfamiliar demonic auras all around her, yet she was not fearful they would be attacked. In an unconscious gesture of respite, the young miko exhaled softly and allowed the slight tension of being in a foreign place to melt from her body.
Looking to the front of the group, Kagome felt a glimmer of regret bloom within her heart. Had Inuyasha known about this place when he was growing up all alone? For a moment, she allowed herself to wonder how differently his life could have been if he had grown up in a place that cultivated such acceptance. Would one of the families here have taken him in; given him the home and family every child deserves? While it was nice to imagine the life he could have had, there was no way to turn back the hands of time and make it so.
Besides, she decided at last, if that had happened, Inuyasha wouldn’t be who he was today. She smiled at the thought of that. Brash and stubborn as the hanyou was, she wouldn’t change a thing about him.
As they drew closer and closer to the mountains, Kagome sensed that they were also getting closer to the key. She had noticed that a few of the villagers looked to her and either smiled, bowed or both, no one seemingly concerned over the fact that she was a priestess who traveled in the company of youkai. One woman, however, an elderly female she had noticed from some distance away was studying her intently. She had apparently been tending a small garden, but for reasons Kagome could not identify, the woman paused in her work to stare upon their group.
As she struggled to stand, the young youkai that had been helping her with her chores paused in his task of weeding to assist her. Once she was standing, the elderly female smiled down on the boy and gave him an affectionate pat upon the mass of sandy brown locks that adorned his head, careful to avoid the small horns that identified him as a deer youkai.
With the quaking steps of one of advanced age, the female made her way toward the group. Tensing immediately at her approach, Inuyasha came to a halt and watched as she continued to draw near. Before he could make an impolite comment, the woman executed a respectful, but shaky bow to him before unfolding to her previous stand.
“Good day young travelers.” she greeted politely.
“Good day,” Miroku returned as he and Sango came to the hanyou’s side, answering her greeting for the group. The woman bowed to him and the slayer as well before returning her attention to Kagome.
Kagome smiled at her and gave a quick bow before asking, “Is there something we can help you with.”
The woman smiled at this, the creases around her mouth deepening slightly. As she looked down at her, Kagome was left with the impression that this woman, though wearing the weathered façade of an old woman, had been a true beauty in her youth, and though there was an air of sadness about her, most of the wrinkles she wore indicated that she had spent a lot of time smiling over the years.
“No,” the elderly female answered at last, “I am not in need of your assistance. I simply noticed that you were heading toward the mountains. Forgive me if I am out of place for asking, but do you have business there?”
Recalling the confidential nature of her mission, the miko hesitated before answering.
“Yes.” Sesshoumaru answered for her.
The old woman bowed to him as well as if she had not noticed him until now. “I suspected as much.” she said as she turned back to the young miko. “I wish to caution you about those mountains.” she continued with a small frown.
“Caution me?” the miko echoed back, an unhappy feeling settling into her stomach.
“Yes,” the woman answered, “Have you ever heard of Mt. Hakurei?”
“What about it?” Inuyasha spoke up before Kagome could answer.
“These mountains, like those of Mt. Hakurei are protected by a powerful barrier. Unlike Mt. Hakurei however, the barrier that surrounds these mountains is averse to those in possession of holy powers. It accepts youkai and some hanyou without ill affect, but you and the monk would likely become very ill if you venture high into the peaks.”
She turned away from them to look upon the mountains of which she spoke. “It is unknown who placed the barrier, but it has existed for generations. You may not notice the barrier’s presence at the mountain’s base, but as you travel higher, it will likely begin to have ill affects upon yourself and the monk.” She turned to face them again, her attention focusing on the demon huntress this time. “I cannot say whether or not you will be unaffected,” she told Sango, but as you are human, the barrier may affect you adversely as well, but to a significantly lesser degree.”
There was a long pause after her last statement and she finally turned to look at Kagome again.
“Thank you for the warning.” the priestess murmured quietly.
“There is no need to thank me miko-sama, it was my duty to do so.” the woman returned before executing another small bow. She turned away and began heading back toward her little garden, the helpful arms of the young deer child reaching up to support her as she settled back into her previous spot among the blossoming herbs and vegetables.
Silence enveloped the travelers again, the group’s collective attention now centering on Kagome.
“Do you still wish to proceed?” Sesshoumaru asked eventually. “You are likely the one who will be most affected by the barrier.” he added as she seemed to consider his question.
“It’s not…” she began slowly, “It’s not just up to me is it?” she turned to Miroku then. “The barrier will make you sick too, and possibly Sango. Do you guys really want to take that chance?”
The monk smiled gently. “Lady Kagome, I owe my life to you and a promised that I would help you on this mission at any cost.” he looked over toward the mountains then. “I am more than willing to endure this minor inconvenience.”
Sango nodded in agreement and Kagome looked back to Sesshoumaru and sighed. “Well, I guess we’re going into the mountains then.”
The inu lord continued to stare down at her, an unreadable look in his eyes. “You are willing to risk an unknown illness?” he asked and she thought she could detect a level of disapproval in his voice.
Kagome just shrugged. “I knew this mission would probably be dangerous when I accepted it. Besides, I gave my word to Daisuke that I would find the keys and I’m pretty sure the next one is in those mountains somewhere.”
Sesshoumaru was still staring at her and though she could not determine exactly what he was thinking, she was beginning to suspect that he would only allow her to remain in the mountains as long as she remained healthy enough to do so. She gave him what she thought was a reassuring smile before turning away and resuming their previous path.
The travelers eventually fell back into their previous formation with Inuyasha heading them off, Miroku, Sango and Kirara following behind and Sesshoumaru and Kagome bringing up the rear. In time, they exited the village and at last made it to the base of the mountains. The peaks were dappled with thin layers of snow and seemed to stretch clear into the heavens while the base sported numerous darkened spaces where the rock had been eroded away leaving a number of small to medium sized caverns.
As they drew closer, the daiyoukai gradually became aware of a familiar, yet detestable aroma. It was very faint, but there was no mistaking to whom the stench belonged. He did not realize that his nose had wrinkled in distaste until the little miko at his side drew his attention. She tugged gently on his sleeve, a look of concern blanketing her lovely face.
“What’s wrong?” she wanted to know.
He did not answer right away, his sensitive nose dragging in the scent several more times only to confirm what he already knew.
“I can detect his scent here.” he finally spoke up, though it seemed that he was speaking only to himself.
“Who’s scent?” the miko asked urgently, the others turning their questioning gazes upon him as well.
“Naraku’s” __________________________________________________________________ ______ Sorry you guys I’m really gonna try and get back on schedule with this story, so just try and bear with me.
Aside from the little cliffy, I hope you all enjoyed!