InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time After Time ❯ The Forest of Ages ( Chapter 29 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kanna37 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.25.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.25.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 29: The Forest of Ages
The group looked around the glade, and then looked at Yuuka questioningly, not seeing anything but more trees.
Satori was the one to open her mouth. “Have you perhaps lost your touch, Yuuka? I see nothing here but more forest.”
Chills went down every spine as hackles rose on the youkai in the clearing when a deep voice rumbled in answer to Satori's words.
“That is why, inu bitch, she is wiser than you.”
As most of the group wildly looked around for the source of that voice, Sugimi stood protectively before his mate and simply watched as the ground before them began to bulge upward and formed into a vaguely humanoid shape.
When it was done, what stood before them was something none of them had ever seen before, save Sugimi. (Though he hadn't known the being was a guardian of this particular forest.)
Shaped like a human, barely, they looked like trees – sort of. It was really an odd amalgamation between tree and human... and other, unknown plants. Tall, skin like bark, it seemed to have vining plants covering it all over, wrapping completely around its torso and limbs, with flowers showing here and there. The face was little more than eyes and a mouth, not even having a nose, as it seemed it drew in carbon monoxide through its skin, and then breathed oxygen out the same way.
Just like trees.
Satori hadn't responded to the beings words, too busy staring, though she did huff in irritation at the beings tone of voice.
But it seemed the guardian had more to say to her. “You would be dead this very minute if it were not for her, bitch, so do not treat her with disrespect or her will won't matter – I will simply remove you from my forest... permanently.”
There were shocked gasps as he spoke, and Satori flushed and narrowed her eyes dangerously even as Kana stared at the being warily. Perhaps I will not be able to use them to kill the miko... I may have to find other allies, she thought.
Yuuka then drew his attention to herself as she smiled gently. “Guardian-sama, may this one know your name?”
“Hayashiseirei,” came the rumble of the being. “And you are?”
“I am known as Yuuka,” she said politely as she bowed.
“Then, Yuuka, why is it that you have brought this group of entities with you into my domain?”
Yuuka straightened and began to speak earnestly. “We are aware of the corruption of the heart of these woods,” she said, briskly, noting the irate growl that came from Hayashiseirei. “It is an enemy of all these before you – and we offer to rid your forest of this taint that is slowly killing it off. We can do what you cannot – but we need safe passage.”
The guardian seemed to be considering her words, and anyone could see that speaking about Naraku sparked rage in the being.
“And what else do you require, Yuuka?”
“Nothing. We only ask for safe passage to the place this enemy has chosen, and then we will battle him for you,” she said, veracity swimming in her voice, and Hayashiseirei nodded at her words.
“You swear to destroy this creature, and then leave these woods untouched by fire or axe? I see that fire elemental there – what is her purpose?” he asked.
“We may need to burn the creature's hiding place to flush him from it. But that is why we chose to have a fire elemental with us – so that fire could be controlled, and not harm the forest itself.”
“Hmm,” said the guardian, “a most fortuitous answer. I have your word then? You will deal with this evil, and then leave?”
Yuuka nodded. “Yes. We wish to destroy the creature for all the harm he has caused us, and then leave to return to our own lives.”
Hayashiseirei nodded slowly, then his piercing gaze landed on Sugimi, and he beetled his brows at the daiyoukai. “You, Sugimi-sama, I remember. You have always been good to the forest.” He glanced at the small female behind the big daiyoukai, and frowned. “You would bring a miko into my forest?” he asked, suddenly uncertain.
Sugimi narrowed his eyes at that question. “Kagome is my mate, Hayashiseirei. She goes where I go – and she is no threat to anything that is not a threat to her. Do you not see the company she keeps, and the being she has mated and taken as part of herself? Did you think me a fool to mate a female that wants to kill me?”
The guardian seemed to be taken a bit aback at his words, and pondered on them for several minutes. Then, “Your words make sense, Inu Lord, so I will not naysay your choice of mate, or traveling companion. She may enter, as well.”
Yuuka bowed again and smiled, thanking the great spirit for his cooperation.
“There is a condition, however, Yuuka. This battle will also involve those of us guardians who choose to attend – we want vengeance for the poisons that he has unleashed upon us.”
There was silence for a moment, and then Kagome spoke up. “Well, I don't see why any of us should have a problem with that. He has as much cause as the rest of us, Sugimi. And the more allies against Naraku, the better, ne?”
Hayashiseirei turned to gaze at her once more, and nodded. “Her words are fair. Will you accept them and my condition then, Yuuka?”
There was no dissent from anyone, so Yuuka indicated her agreement, and just like that, the meeting was over as the guardian bowed in acceptance, as did Yuuka, and then he disappeared once more into the earth, presumably to notify those of his people that wished to gain vengeance against Naraku.
With the guardians disappearance, a great deal of the gloom and horrid aura of the place lifted, becoming much more like a normal forest, and everyone in the group breathed easier.
“Whew!” Koga breathed out. “Boy, am I glad that guy didn't look at me,” he sighed. “That was intense!”
Yuuka laughed lightly. “Oh, do not believe that is so, Koga-sama. Hayashiseirei looked over everyone in this clearing, studying you and your natures before he ever said a word to me – or even appeared before us.”
At that, several of the group shivered, and Miroku nodded thoughtfully. “Yes... that is clear. But it is interesting to note, that despite what we have been led to believe, the forest really isn't malicious – it merely attempts to portray itself as such as a defense mechanism.”
The earth elemental seemed pleased at his understanding, and nodded. “That is correct. Although, do not mistake that if threatened, the forest can't defend itself – against most people it can. Unfortunately, with as much of the jewel as this Naraku seems to have, the guardians were unable to defend against him.”
Kagome nodded thoughtfully, though still tired, that meeting had managed to wake up her mind a little. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the forest, as it no longer existed in her time. When had it disappeared? What had done it? Perhaps Naraku's miasma had done too much damage already, and the forest was doomed, though it didn't realize it yet. Somehow, that seemed like the right answer, but she'd look it up when she went home to see if she could find something.
She could only hope it wasn't because of the battle that was soon to be fought.
Putting that out of her mind, she looked over at Yuuka as the group all shifted uneasily, and said, “Why don't we move to a different clearing, and set up camp for the evening, since it's getting dark?”
Yuuka nodded and led the group off, seemingly knowing where she was going, and before long, they came to a small glen with a stream running through it. Sugimi immediately went to the water source and tasted it cautiously, making sure it had not been fouled by Naraku.
It tasted sweet and clear, and with his approval, the camp was soon set up, though it would be a cold camp, with no fire, and cold rations. There was very little cheer that evening, and most of the group chose to go to their beds immediately it got dark.
Kagome was curled up with her mate, and Koga and Inuyasha could do little but watch with envy as the big inu cuddled the tiny miko that they had each hoped to have themselves. Both were rather bitter – in all the time they'd fought over her, they'd never thought that some other male would come in and steal her away.
Especially not Inuyasha's supposedly dead father.
Still, it was quite obvious that she was very happy right where she was, as she drifted off to sleep with a sweet smile and a kiss to her mate, and Sugimi made no bones of his love for her, simply not caring what anyone else thought about it.
They were really the focus of every one of the members of the group that evening.
Sesshoumaru studied them, very clearly coveting the extra power such a bond brought. Kana simply glared with frustrated rage at them, wanting nothing more than to wipe them off the face of the earth. Yuuka was happy for them, and so was Ayame and the other two male wolf youkai. Sango was just as happy for the girl she thought of as a sister, and Miroku watched with envious eyes, wishing that he were so close with Sango.
And meanwhile, the two at the center of the group ignored everyone else, simply happy to be together.
~oOo~
Morning came slowly, most of the group up before dawn with the early night they had had, simply waiting for first light to start off. It would only take half the day to get to Naraku's hideout, and once there...
Well, everyone knew what was going to happen once they arrived at his hole in the ground.
As soon as dawn began to lighten the dusken gloom of the forest, they all set out, following behind Yuuka with stern faces and cautious attitudes, knowing that danger lurked all around, and that their safe passage was the only thing keeping them from the dark things that lurked under the trees.
Once again, Sugimi had Kagome plastered to him, unwilling to let her move more than a foot from his side. Kagome herself seemed to be the most relaxed of them all, save for Yuuka, and it was clear that her weariness from the day before had disappeared with her restful night.
It occurred to Kagome to wonder what had happened to Kikyou... she hadn't been seen in some time. What was the clay miko up to?
“Sugimi... does anyone have any idea about where Kikyou is?” she asked quietly.
He cast her a sharp glance and shook his head. “Not really, why?”
“Because she's a wild card, and it isn't a good idea not to know where she is,” she replied.
He shrugged, unconcerned. “Wherever she is, I'm sure we will see her before this is all over.” He frowned. “Although... perhaps it would be a good idea for me to continue to keep my presence hidden from Naraku or anyone else outside our group.”
Sesshoumaru spoke up from his position behind them. “It would seem to be a most excellent idea for you to keep the spider from having knowledge of you too soon. I think your sudden appearance in battle might throw him off-guard – I have noticed that Naraku has no liking for surprises and reacts badly to them. It is a weakness,” he sneered. “He should have learned to overcome that failing – it will be his downfall.”
Despite his gloating tone, Sugimi agreed with his son.
“Hai. And since the undead miko does not know of my presence, it makes it even better – what she does not know she cannot pass on. Once we arrive at his hole, we can take surveillance and decide how to go about killing him.”
Kagome shook her head. “Naraku will become aware of our presences very quickly – I don't think it wise for all of us to just show up near his hideout. It would be better if one or two of us – probably you, Sugimi – went on reconnaissance,” she suggested.
Sango nodded at the same time Sesshoumaru did, while Miroku looked thoughtful. Satori narrowed her eyes, and then said, “Perhaps I could also do so, he taking one side, and I taking the other. I can also hide my presence.”
Sugimi looked at her, a bit surprised. “Learned a new trick, Satori? You didn't know how to do that when we were married,” he said.
She waved a hand, a superior look crossing her face. “That's what happens when you are alive, Sugimi – you continue to learn. Of course, since you weren't technically alive all those years, you didn't learn anything new.”
He shook his head at her as Kagome muffled a giggle. She was about to say something when she caught Kana's expression, and knew that she would have to be watched – she was going to turn on them at some point.
She turned her head and then caught Miroku's expression – he was watching Kana, too, and he nodded at her when he realized that she was also aware of the turncoat in their midst. While she would keep to her word to aid in Naraku's destruction, she hadn't given her word not to try to kill any member of their group, so if she attempted to do so, her honor couldn't be called into question over it.
Sango also seemed aware, and was keenly watching the fire elemental, though keeping it on the down low, and Kagome was interested to note that though Kana seemed aware that Miroku was watching her, she wasn't aware that Sango was. Sneaky Sango, she thought, a smile crossing her face.
She in turn studied the faces of the rest of the group while Sugimi and Satori worked out between them what they were going to do, and what she found was interesting. Koga and his wolves, along with Ayame, seemed very suspicious of Kana – while pretty much ignoring Yuuka. Inuyasha flat out didn't like Kana, and it showed. It seemed that her ill will towards she and Sugimi was being picked up by everyone in the group, though they might not realize who the malice was towards.
Kana's on the outside looking in, really. I wonder what she's going to do? Probably try to make it look like an accident or something, or like the results from a hit by Naraku. But she's not stronger than me – doesn't she realize that? I can defend myself against her, and Sugimi is so far above her it isn't even funny. I guess she isn't very bright... although how she's managed to hold her place as Lady is beyond me – no idiot could manage such a thing.
There's more to her than meets the eye, I bet... but what?
She spent the day watching Kana as they traveled towards the spider, just knowing that whatever she chose to do, it would be swift, and completely unexpected. And she also noticed something else...
The fire elemental absolutely hated Yuuka, though she was very good at hiding her enmity.
I wonder what that's all about...
Kagome wondered then and there if she should warn Yuuka to watch it, and decided that she would, the first chance she got.
Kana, not realizing that everyone’s eyes except Sugimi's were on her one way or another, moved past Kagome to walk ahead of her, swaying her hips enticingly before Sugimi – who didn't even notice, because his attention had returned to his mate, and he was blatantly mate-guarding.
Everyone knew to keep their distance from the increasingly protective and possessive male.
It wasn't surprising to anyone there that he was acting so – after all, it was instinct to protect a mate in dangerous situations... such as this. Kagome began to wonder if he'd be able to pull away from her enough to go spy on Naraku, because he was getting a little bit ridiculous with it, as far as she was concerned.
She sighed. Is it just inu males, or is it all youkai? Maybe I should ask Yuuka... if Sugimi leaves me alone and goes off with Satori like he's supposed to.
Sugimi was busy processing all the different threats around his mate – including the one traveling with them. However, as close as she was, there were other threats around – some that were pacing the group, shadowing them. If it weren't for their guarantee of safe passage, it was clear that they would be coming under attack by the dark things that lived within the confines of this forest.
And then there was Naraku, himself. The biggest threat, truly – and despite the fact that Kagome had faced him in battle numerous times, she hadn't been his mate at the time. Now, he couldn't help but worry... and that had him hyperalert – his senses were operating at their top capacity, flooding him with information on everything that was around them.
Sesshoumaru watched with rather amused eyes, though he knew that if he had a mate, he would doubtless be reacting the same. Still, it was amusing to watch his powerful father going so crazy over his tiny female's safety, and he wondered how he was going to handle leaving her behind to go off and survey their enemy's territory.
He would have been amused to realize that he wasn't the only one thinking about that particular subject.
One thing, however, that Sesshoumaru wasn't amused by – they were getting close to the spider – as they walked, miasma was becoming apparent wending and weaving its way amongst dead and dying trees and animals.
They were animals such had never been seen before, and the group stared with curious eyes at the evidence of the forests rather strange imagination. Still, they were obviously susceptible to the poison beginning to destroy their home...
It was clear that those that had been following them, had also turned back, unwilling to follow any further, knowing that if they did, they, too, would die.
Kagome also noticed the miasma, and had Miroku and Sango move to walk closer to her – her aura purified the air around her, leaving his taint wasted on her, and she was able to make it safe also for her friends.
She was concerned, however, about how they would be able to fight if they were stuck having to stay near her – if they got separated, it could be fatal.
“Sugimi,” she murmured, still thinking, “when you go off to see the lay of the land, pay attention to how much miasma is there, and how it's formed. I'm trying to figure out how to make it safe for Miroku and Sango.”
The daiyoukai nodded, his eyes suddenly looking to the head of their group at Yuuka – if the miasma harmed the forest thusly, it was probable that she couldn't withstand it for long, either.
Indeed, as his eyes met her back, she seemed to be breathing heavily, and her shoulders were slumped. Instantly, he ordered Sango and Miroku to follow and pulled his mate with him to walk near the earth elemental – he didn't want to see her get sick from Naraku's poison.
As soon as Kagome realized what was wrong, she moved forward to walk next to Yuuka, purifying the air around her enough to bring a little color back to Yuuka's face. She smiled gratefully at her. “Thank you. That noxious odor was making me more ill than I have ever been,” she said, voice a little raspy from breathing the miasma.
Kagome nodded. “Thank Sugimi – he's the one that realized something was wrong. I didn't know that it would affect you like that – most youkai seem, if not immune to it, certainly highly resistant.”
Yuuka smiled at Sugimi, who was still plastered to his mate's side. “Than I give thanks to you, as well, my friend.”
She looked away then, holding up her hand to indicate a stop to everyone, and as the group halted obediently, she let her senses tell her what she needed to know – they were near the lair of the spider...
If they traveled any further, they would be in the open area surrounding the spot where the Tree of Ages had once stood.
She met Sugimi's gaze, then. “This is it – we can go no further without making the spider aware of our presence.”
Immediately, stances tightened, and hands grabbed for weapons on those who had them.
Sugimi, eyeing Satori, nodded.
It was time.
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The group looked around the glade, and then looked at Yuuka questioningly, not seeing anything but more trees.
Satori was the one to open her mouth. “Have you perhaps lost your touch, Yuuka? I see nothing here but more forest.”
Chills went down every spine as hackles rose on the youkai in the clearing when a deep voice rumbled in answer to Satori's words.
“That is why, inu bitch, she is wiser than you.”
As most of the group wildly looked around for the source of that voice, Sugimi stood protectively before his mate and simply watched as the ground before them began to bulge upward and formed into a vaguely humanoid shape.
When it was done, what stood before them was something none of them had ever seen before, save Sugimi. (Though he hadn't known the being was a guardian of this particular forest.)
Shaped like a human, barely, they looked like trees – sort of. It was really an odd amalgamation between tree and human... and other, unknown plants. Tall, skin like bark, it seemed to have vining plants covering it all over, wrapping completely around its torso and limbs, with flowers showing here and there. The face was little more than eyes and a mouth, not even having a nose, as it seemed it drew in carbon monoxide through its skin, and then breathed oxygen out the same way.
Just like trees.
Satori hadn't responded to the beings words, too busy staring, though she did huff in irritation at the beings tone of voice.
But it seemed the guardian had more to say to her. “You would be dead this very minute if it were not for her, bitch, so do not treat her with disrespect or her will won't matter – I will simply remove you from my forest... permanently.”
There were shocked gasps as he spoke, and Satori flushed and narrowed her eyes dangerously even as Kana stared at the being warily. Perhaps I will not be able to use them to kill the miko... I may have to find other allies, she thought.
Yuuka then drew his attention to herself as she smiled gently. “Guardian-sama, may this one know your name?”
“Hayashiseirei,” came the rumble of the being. “And you are?”
“I am known as Yuuka,” she said politely as she bowed.
“Then, Yuuka, why is it that you have brought this group of entities with you into my domain?”
Yuuka straightened and began to speak earnestly. “We are aware of the corruption of the heart of these woods,” she said, briskly, noting the irate growl that came from Hayashiseirei. “It is an enemy of all these before you – and we offer to rid your forest of this taint that is slowly killing it off. We can do what you cannot – but we need safe passage.”
The guardian seemed to be considering her words, and anyone could see that speaking about Naraku sparked rage in the being.
“And what else do you require, Yuuka?”
“Nothing. We only ask for safe passage to the place this enemy has chosen, and then we will battle him for you,” she said, veracity swimming in her voice, and Hayashiseirei nodded at her words.
“You swear to destroy this creature, and then leave these woods untouched by fire or axe? I see that fire elemental there – what is her purpose?” he asked.
“We may need to burn the creature's hiding place to flush him from it. But that is why we chose to have a fire elemental with us – so that fire could be controlled, and not harm the forest itself.”
“Hmm,” said the guardian, “a most fortuitous answer. I have your word then? You will deal with this evil, and then leave?”
Yuuka nodded. “Yes. We wish to destroy the creature for all the harm he has caused us, and then leave to return to our own lives.”
Hayashiseirei nodded slowly, then his piercing gaze landed on Sugimi, and he beetled his brows at the daiyoukai. “You, Sugimi-sama, I remember. You have always been good to the forest.” He glanced at the small female behind the big daiyoukai, and frowned. “You would bring a miko into my forest?” he asked, suddenly uncertain.
Sugimi narrowed his eyes at that question. “Kagome is my mate, Hayashiseirei. She goes where I go – and she is no threat to anything that is not a threat to her. Do you not see the company she keeps, and the being she has mated and taken as part of herself? Did you think me a fool to mate a female that wants to kill me?”
The guardian seemed to be taken a bit aback at his words, and pondered on them for several minutes. Then, “Your words make sense, Inu Lord, so I will not naysay your choice of mate, or traveling companion. She may enter, as well.”
Yuuka bowed again and smiled, thanking the great spirit for his cooperation.
“There is a condition, however, Yuuka. This battle will also involve those of us guardians who choose to attend – we want vengeance for the poisons that he has unleashed upon us.”
There was silence for a moment, and then Kagome spoke up. “Well, I don't see why any of us should have a problem with that. He has as much cause as the rest of us, Sugimi. And the more allies against Naraku, the better, ne?”
Hayashiseirei turned to gaze at her once more, and nodded. “Her words are fair. Will you accept them and my condition then, Yuuka?”
There was no dissent from anyone, so Yuuka indicated her agreement, and just like that, the meeting was over as the guardian bowed in acceptance, as did Yuuka, and then he disappeared once more into the earth, presumably to notify those of his people that wished to gain vengeance against Naraku.
With the guardians disappearance, a great deal of the gloom and horrid aura of the place lifted, becoming much more like a normal forest, and everyone in the group breathed easier.
“Whew!” Koga breathed out. “Boy, am I glad that guy didn't look at me,” he sighed. “That was intense!”
Yuuka laughed lightly. “Oh, do not believe that is so, Koga-sama. Hayashiseirei looked over everyone in this clearing, studying you and your natures before he ever said a word to me – or even appeared before us.”
At that, several of the group shivered, and Miroku nodded thoughtfully. “Yes... that is clear. But it is interesting to note, that despite what we have been led to believe, the forest really isn't malicious – it merely attempts to portray itself as such as a defense mechanism.”
The earth elemental seemed pleased at his understanding, and nodded. “That is correct. Although, do not mistake that if threatened, the forest can't defend itself – against most people it can. Unfortunately, with as much of the jewel as this Naraku seems to have, the guardians were unable to defend against him.”
Kagome nodded thoughtfully, though still tired, that meeting had managed to wake up her mind a little. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the forest, as it no longer existed in her time. When had it disappeared? What had done it? Perhaps Naraku's miasma had done too much damage already, and the forest was doomed, though it didn't realize it yet. Somehow, that seemed like the right answer, but she'd look it up when she went home to see if she could find something.
She could only hope it wasn't because of the battle that was soon to be fought.
Putting that out of her mind, she looked over at Yuuka as the group all shifted uneasily, and said, “Why don't we move to a different clearing, and set up camp for the evening, since it's getting dark?”
Yuuka nodded and led the group off, seemingly knowing where she was going, and before long, they came to a small glen with a stream running through it. Sugimi immediately went to the water source and tasted it cautiously, making sure it had not been fouled by Naraku.
It tasted sweet and clear, and with his approval, the camp was soon set up, though it would be a cold camp, with no fire, and cold rations. There was very little cheer that evening, and most of the group chose to go to their beds immediately it got dark.
Kagome was curled up with her mate, and Koga and Inuyasha could do little but watch with envy as the big inu cuddled the tiny miko that they had each hoped to have themselves. Both were rather bitter – in all the time they'd fought over her, they'd never thought that some other male would come in and steal her away.
Especially not Inuyasha's supposedly dead father.
Still, it was quite obvious that she was very happy right where she was, as she drifted off to sleep with a sweet smile and a kiss to her mate, and Sugimi made no bones of his love for her, simply not caring what anyone else thought about it.
They were really the focus of every one of the members of the group that evening.
Sesshoumaru studied them, very clearly coveting the extra power such a bond brought. Kana simply glared with frustrated rage at them, wanting nothing more than to wipe them off the face of the earth. Yuuka was happy for them, and so was Ayame and the other two male wolf youkai. Sango was just as happy for the girl she thought of as a sister, and Miroku watched with envious eyes, wishing that he were so close with Sango.
And meanwhile, the two at the center of the group ignored everyone else, simply happy to be together.
~oOo~
Morning came slowly, most of the group up before dawn with the early night they had had, simply waiting for first light to start off. It would only take half the day to get to Naraku's hideout, and once there...
Well, everyone knew what was going to happen once they arrived at his hole in the ground.
As soon as dawn began to lighten the dusken gloom of the forest, they all set out, following behind Yuuka with stern faces and cautious attitudes, knowing that danger lurked all around, and that their safe passage was the only thing keeping them from the dark things that lurked under the trees.
Once again, Sugimi had Kagome plastered to him, unwilling to let her move more than a foot from his side. Kagome herself seemed to be the most relaxed of them all, save for Yuuka, and it was clear that her weariness from the day before had disappeared with her restful night.
It occurred to Kagome to wonder what had happened to Kikyou... she hadn't been seen in some time. What was the clay miko up to?
“Sugimi... does anyone have any idea about where Kikyou is?” she asked quietly.
He cast her a sharp glance and shook his head. “Not really, why?”
“Because she's a wild card, and it isn't a good idea not to know where she is,” she replied.
He shrugged, unconcerned. “Wherever she is, I'm sure we will see her before this is all over.” He frowned. “Although... perhaps it would be a good idea for me to continue to keep my presence hidden from Naraku or anyone else outside our group.”
Sesshoumaru spoke up from his position behind them. “It would seem to be a most excellent idea for you to keep the spider from having knowledge of you too soon. I think your sudden appearance in battle might throw him off-guard – I have noticed that Naraku has no liking for surprises and reacts badly to them. It is a weakness,” he sneered. “He should have learned to overcome that failing – it will be his downfall.”
Despite his gloating tone, Sugimi agreed with his son.
“Hai. And since the undead miko does not know of my presence, it makes it even better – what she does not know she cannot pass on. Once we arrive at his hole, we can take surveillance and decide how to go about killing him.”
Kagome shook her head. “Naraku will become aware of our presences very quickly – I don't think it wise for all of us to just show up near his hideout. It would be better if one or two of us – probably you, Sugimi – went on reconnaissance,” she suggested.
Sango nodded at the same time Sesshoumaru did, while Miroku looked thoughtful. Satori narrowed her eyes, and then said, “Perhaps I could also do so, he taking one side, and I taking the other. I can also hide my presence.”
Sugimi looked at her, a bit surprised. “Learned a new trick, Satori? You didn't know how to do that when we were married,” he said.
She waved a hand, a superior look crossing her face. “That's what happens when you are alive, Sugimi – you continue to learn. Of course, since you weren't technically alive all those years, you didn't learn anything new.”
He shook his head at her as Kagome muffled a giggle. She was about to say something when she caught Kana's expression, and knew that she would have to be watched – she was going to turn on them at some point.
She turned her head and then caught Miroku's expression – he was watching Kana, too, and he nodded at her when he realized that she was also aware of the turncoat in their midst. While she would keep to her word to aid in Naraku's destruction, she hadn't given her word not to try to kill any member of their group, so if she attempted to do so, her honor couldn't be called into question over it.
Sango also seemed aware, and was keenly watching the fire elemental, though keeping it on the down low, and Kagome was interested to note that though Kana seemed aware that Miroku was watching her, she wasn't aware that Sango was. Sneaky Sango, she thought, a smile crossing her face.
She in turn studied the faces of the rest of the group while Sugimi and Satori worked out between them what they were going to do, and what she found was interesting. Koga and his wolves, along with Ayame, seemed very suspicious of Kana – while pretty much ignoring Yuuka. Inuyasha flat out didn't like Kana, and it showed. It seemed that her ill will towards she and Sugimi was being picked up by everyone in the group, though they might not realize who the malice was towards.
Kana's on the outside looking in, really. I wonder what she's going to do? Probably try to make it look like an accident or something, or like the results from a hit by Naraku. But she's not stronger than me – doesn't she realize that? I can defend myself against her, and Sugimi is so far above her it isn't even funny. I guess she isn't very bright... although how she's managed to hold her place as Lady is beyond me – no idiot could manage such a thing.
There's more to her than meets the eye, I bet... but what?
She spent the day watching Kana as they traveled towards the spider, just knowing that whatever she chose to do, it would be swift, and completely unexpected. And she also noticed something else...
The fire elemental absolutely hated Yuuka, though she was very good at hiding her enmity.
I wonder what that's all about...
Kagome wondered then and there if she should warn Yuuka to watch it, and decided that she would, the first chance she got.
Kana, not realizing that everyone’s eyes except Sugimi's were on her one way or another, moved past Kagome to walk ahead of her, swaying her hips enticingly before Sugimi – who didn't even notice, because his attention had returned to his mate, and he was blatantly mate-guarding.
Everyone knew to keep their distance from the increasingly protective and possessive male.
It wasn't surprising to anyone there that he was acting so – after all, it was instinct to protect a mate in dangerous situations... such as this. Kagome began to wonder if he'd be able to pull away from her enough to go spy on Naraku, because he was getting a little bit ridiculous with it, as far as she was concerned.
She sighed. Is it just inu males, or is it all youkai? Maybe I should ask Yuuka... if Sugimi leaves me alone and goes off with Satori like he's supposed to.
Sugimi was busy processing all the different threats around his mate – including the one traveling with them. However, as close as she was, there were other threats around – some that were pacing the group, shadowing them. If it weren't for their guarantee of safe passage, it was clear that they would be coming under attack by the dark things that lived within the confines of this forest.
And then there was Naraku, himself. The biggest threat, truly – and despite the fact that Kagome had faced him in battle numerous times, she hadn't been his mate at the time. Now, he couldn't help but worry... and that had him hyperalert – his senses were operating at their top capacity, flooding him with information on everything that was around them.
Sesshoumaru watched with rather amused eyes, though he knew that if he had a mate, he would doubtless be reacting the same. Still, it was amusing to watch his powerful father going so crazy over his tiny female's safety, and he wondered how he was going to handle leaving her behind to go off and survey their enemy's territory.
He would have been amused to realize that he wasn't the only one thinking about that particular subject.
One thing, however, that Sesshoumaru wasn't amused by – they were getting close to the spider – as they walked, miasma was becoming apparent wending and weaving its way amongst dead and dying trees and animals.
They were animals such had never been seen before, and the group stared with curious eyes at the evidence of the forests rather strange imagination. Still, they were obviously susceptible to the poison beginning to destroy their home...
It was clear that those that had been following them, had also turned back, unwilling to follow any further, knowing that if they did, they, too, would die.
Kagome also noticed the miasma, and had Miroku and Sango move to walk closer to her – her aura purified the air around her, leaving his taint wasted on her, and she was able to make it safe also for her friends.
She was concerned, however, about how they would be able to fight if they were stuck having to stay near her – if they got separated, it could be fatal.
“Sugimi,” she murmured, still thinking, “when you go off to see the lay of the land, pay attention to how much miasma is there, and how it's formed. I'm trying to figure out how to make it safe for Miroku and Sango.”
The daiyoukai nodded, his eyes suddenly looking to the head of their group at Yuuka – if the miasma harmed the forest thusly, it was probable that she couldn't withstand it for long, either.
Indeed, as his eyes met her back, she seemed to be breathing heavily, and her shoulders were slumped. Instantly, he ordered Sango and Miroku to follow and pulled his mate with him to walk near the earth elemental – he didn't want to see her get sick from Naraku's poison.
As soon as Kagome realized what was wrong, she moved forward to walk next to Yuuka, purifying the air around her enough to bring a little color back to Yuuka's face. She smiled gratefully at her. “Thank you. That noxious odor was making me more ill than I have ever been,” she said, voice a little raspy from breathing the miasma.
Kagome nodded. “Thank Sugimi – he's the one that realized something was wrong. I didn't know that it would affect you like that – most youkai seem, if not immune to it, certainly highly resistant.”
Yuuka smiled at Sugimi, who was still plastered to his mate's side. “Than I give thanks to you, as well, my friend.”
She looked away then, holding up her hand to indicate a stop to everyone, and as the group halted obediently, she let her senses tell her what she needed to know – they were near the lair of the spider...
If they traveled any further, they would be in the open area surrounding the spot where the Tree of Ages had once stood.
She met Sugimi's gaze, then. “This is it – we can go no further without making the spider aware of our presence.”
Immediately, stances tightened, and hands grabbed for weapons on those who had them.
Sugimi, eyeing Satori, nodded.
It was time.
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