Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Pursuit of Power ❯ What Lay Beyond the Well ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: What you want me to say it again??? I don't own either Ranma or Inuyasha -starts to sniffle- There! I hope you're happy now!

The Pursuit of Power

Chapter Four - What lay beyond the well

Akane paced back and forth. What the heck was taking Ranma so long? She really didn't want to go into the well house; it was dark and hard to see. Akane blew out her breath; Ranma was taking way too long.

She gripped the railing as she slowly felt her way down the stairs. “Ranma? Ranma, what's taking so long?”

She waited for his sarcastic reply. It never came. Akane drew in a shaky breath and went down the steps.

Heh - it wasn't that bad. Edging towards the well, she peered down. “Ranma?”

The well was…it was empty. No kid, no Ranma…what the heck was going on?

Akane turned and ran up the stairs, heading for the house, hoping that someone; anyone was there who could help.

She began to pound on the door, “Help! Please help…my…friend and a kid…”

“Here now, what's the problem?” An old man opened the door and peered out. “What's the matter dear?”

Akane gasped for air, as she struggled to fight down the panic that was threatening to overcome her. “My friend, Ranma…and a kid…fell into the well and they're not there!”

The old man followed the direction of Akane's pointing finger, “Oh…the well, you're friend? And a kid? A girl?”

Akane shook her head, “No, a young boy, ten or eleven.”

“So, that's where he went…” The old man mumbled and shook his head, “Come in for some tea dear, I'm the keeper of this shrine. The boy could've been my grandson Souta.”

Mr. Higurashi ushered Akane in despite her protests, he pushed her into a chair and offered her a cup of tea. He stared at her sternly until she took a small sip. “There now! Don't you feel world's better? My granddaughter Kagome's friend brings it for her illnesses.”

Akane's head snapped up at the familiar name, “Kagome? My friend and I were looking for her; she was just here before Ranma followed your grandson into the well and disappeared!”

Akane noticed that the old man looked distinctly uncomfortable, “I'm sure they're fine dear, you see…there's a secret path…underneath the well…yeah that's it…”

“A path? Maybe I can go follow them and…” Akane made a move to stand, but Mr. Higurashi dove for her hand.

“No! No…the well…the path…it's not very safe for too many people…”

“All the more reason for me to go!” Akane was beginning to get angry. Why wouldn't this old man let go of her?

“What's going on?”

Akane turned to find a woman standing by the door, peering at the both of them curiously.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“Gonna answer anytime soon human?”

Kagome laid a restraining hand on Inuyasha's arm; he glanced at her and withdrew the hand that unconsciously reached for his sword.

“Souta, how did you get here?” She looked down at her little brother who held onto her with a happy grin.

“I fell into the well…you forgot your backpack I was bringing it to you, but you had already gone.” He grinned up at her. “Ranma took us out of the well, in one jump! I don't know anyone else who could do that, except…” Souta grinned up at Inuyasha who snorted.

“Look we have no idea how we got here.” Ranma walked over to them. “I went in to get your kid brother, thought he was stuck. I jump out and here we are.”

Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged a glance. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “I thought you and I were the only ones who can go through the well?”

Kagome sighed, going on her toes to whisper in Inuyasha's ears, “I thought so too, I don't think they know what's going on either.”

“Well now, isn't this a welcome development?”

The group turned to find Miroku, Sango and Shippou walking towards them. The grin threatened to split Miroku's face as his glance went from Inuyasha to Kagome who both began to flush.

“It isn't what you think hentai!” Inuyasha glared at the monk who only continued to grin at them.

“Who do we have here?” Sango began to walk forward when she spotted the young man. “Kagome? Who's this young man?”

The grin was wiped from Miroku's face as he stared at Sango, who was looking with interest at the stranger.

Ranma eyed the girl warily, “Uh…I'm Ranma.”

Kagome stepped forward, “Ranma's my sensei.”

All eyes turned to Kagome, including Ranma who looked surprised. “Uh, Kagome?”

She ignored their stares as she grabbed his arm and pulled him away. She knew that Inuyasha could still hear her, but at least the others wouldn't. “Ranma, I saw you fight, I really have to learn your ways.”

“Whoa, hold on there Kagome! I'm not agreeing to this, our dojo hasn't taken on any new students for a while. It really isn't safe to have students like you around!”

Kagome's dark eyes narrowed, “What do you mean by that? Students like me?”

Ranma raked a hand through his hair, staring down at her. “Look Kagome, you don't have any training whatsoever in the arts, I can't just…”

Kagome sighed, “I can shoot a bow and arrow.” She ignored the snort behind her. “I've got fairly good eye-hand coordination. Please Ranma…”

The whispering behind them increased in volume and Kagome distinctly heard another snort.

Ranma sighed, “I'll have to think about it. You know Akane's a good martial artist, she'll be great at teaching you.”

Kagome touched his arm, “Ranma…please, I need you.”

Growling, there was definitely growling and a grinding sound...teeth perhaps? Kagome ignored all of it as she looked up into Ranma's eyes.

Ranma continued to stare down at her, why was this girl so desperate to learn? What did she have to protect herself from? His eyes strayed to the silver-haired boy, who stood with his back to them, arms folded.

“Kagome…”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The scene was becoming increasingly interesting. Humans and their petty emotions. The dark man leaned back and contemplated the scene that was playing out in the mirror. Pure entertainment.

The man who reclined by the window was facing a white-haired little girl who held up a mirror that showed the scene that unfolded next to the Bone-Eater's Well. The man's dark hair was swept up away from a coldly handsome face. It was a face which showed little emotion, the faintest trace of which could only be seen in the man's wintry eyes.

The man, Naraku took a deep breath and addressed the little girl who held the mirror, “Fascinating isn't it Kanna?”

“The boys…the two boys are new.” Kanna whispered.

Naraku bestowed a small smile on his creation. “Why yes, yes they are. The first people to come out of that infernal well who are neither Inuyasha nor that miko.”

“Who cares?” The voice came from the corner and Naraku watched as a red-eyed demon walked forward.

“Why Kagura my dear, I care.” He took another deep breath and continued to watch the scene. “Go to them Kagura, find out as much as you can about this…development.”

Kagura drew up to her full height, “Why me? Send another of your minions…” She froze when Naraku's icy glare was directed at her, “Go Kagura. Be quick, you know that I hate to wait.”

Kagura glared, but made a small bow before leaving.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx< /div>

Mrs. Higurashi set the shopping down before turning her attention back to the young girl who seemed to be intent on shaking her father off. “Dad? What's going on? Where is Souta?”

Her father looked from her and back to the girl, “Oh nothing to concern yourself with dear. This is…”

Akane finally managed to shake Mr. Higurashi's grip off. “I'm Akane Tendou ma'am and my friend and I believe your son, fell into the well and were disappeared.” The woman looked sane enough. Maybe Akane could convince her of the gravity of the situation and do something about it!

“Well Akane dear, I can see that you're concerned. I'm sure everything is okay though.” She peered into Akane's face. “You look tired, why don't you go home and I'll call when we hear something?”

Akane shook her head, “I don't understand…” What in the world were these people trying to hide? Why weren't they running out there? Even if they didn't care about Ranma, the boy was their family, why weren't they running out to save him at least? And where the heck were that girl Kagome and the weird looking boy?

Mrs. Higurashi sighed, “I don't understand either dear, but I don't think we're going to accomplish much by standing here don't you think?”

Akane shook her head, “I don't mean to be rude ma'am, but I can't just go home!”

She shook off Mrs. Higurashi's hold and went for the door.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Kagome announced Ranma as her teacher, Inuyasha was suspicious. When she dragged the human off, Inuyasha began to get annoyed. When they began to whisper he began to get angry.

He heard her talk about her ability with the bow and arrow…liar, she got lucky most of the time. What did she want from the boy?

He heard Sango and Miroku begin to whisper behind his back. Damn it, didn't they know that they were distracting him from listening…keeping his shard detector safe? The whispering persisted as Sango and Miroku pressed their heads together.

“Perhaps he is the reason Kagome-sama insists on going back to her time?”

“No! You think? I always thought that…” Sango's voice trailed off as she noticed the tense set to the hanyou's shoulders. She grinned as she raised her voice. “Maybe you're right Miroku. He is very handsome ne?”

Miroku frowned at her, but was distracted when Inuyasha whirled around. “I think you're all forgetting the important thing here!”

The outburst drew the attention of the two teenagers from the future. Kagome looked startled while the wariness refused to fade from Ranma's eyes. “What are you talking about dog boy?”

Inuyasha growled again, “The important issue here is why the heck are you two…” he pointed to Souta who blinked and to Ranma who merely raised an eyebrow. “…even here in the first place?”

“Precisely what I wanted to know.”

The group turned to look up at the whirlwind which settled and revealed Kagura who looked bored.

Inuyasha swore. How could he have missed her scent? Damn it! He made a move to go to Kagome's side, but stopped when Ranma swept Kagome behind him.

Ranma rolled his shoulders; he didn't have a good feeling about this. He had no idea where he was, the only person he did know was cowering behind his back and he had not one clue about what was going on.

“Kagura! What do you want?” Inuyasha withdrew his sword, holding it threateningly before him.

Ranma was distracted when the dull blade that hung from Inuyasha's hips transformed into a much larger blade, Kagome tugged on his sleeve and he looked down at her. “Keep your distance from her, don't get too close.”

Kagura laughed, “Why would you say that little miko? I wouldn't harm your new…friend.” She grinned as Inuyasha growled some more. This was fun, but alas she had her orders. “So, tell me, what brings you here, Ranma wasn't it?”

Ranma tensed even more. How the heck did she know his name? “I have no idea what is going on! Why is it so important anyway?”

Kagura pouted, “Well if you won't tell me. Maybe he will.”

Kagome followed the line of her gaze and for one crucial moment froze. It was all Kagura needed and she dove straight for Souta.

Ranma saw who the girl was looking at and he wrapped an arm around Kagome's waist, knowing what she would do. He could only trust that Inuyasha knew how to use that sword of his.

“No! Stay away from him!” Kagome fought Ranma's restraining grasp, but found that the marital artist's arms were strong and held her tight against his chest.

Inuyasha leapt into Kagura's path, his sword flashing and the demon was forced to leap backwards.

“Ho! Struck a nerve did I?” She glanced at Kagome, who was still struggling in Ranma's grip. “You shouldn't have done that, this just makes me more interested in finding out what you're hiding.”

“We're not hiding anything! He doesn't know anything, just leave him alone!” Kagome stopped her struggle, glaring at Kagura. “Back away from him right now, or I'll…”

“You'll what?” Kagura asked mockingly. She shifted her gaze back onto Souta and Shippou who were being shielded by Miroku and Sango.

She made another move for the boy, but Inuyasha blocked her way. “Don't even think about it. Just leave and no one gets hurt.”

Kagura smirked as she unleashed her Fujin no Mai, sending semi-circular blades of youkai wind at Inuyasha who countered with his Kaze no Kizu. Kagura, who had learnt from previous experience, leapt out of the way and quickly repeated her attack.

Kagome watched in horror as one of the circular blades headed straight for her little brother. Sango dove for Souta but was a fraction too late. Ranma ran forward, allowing Kagome to run to her brother. He unleashed a powerful kick at the wind sorceress' side, a move that neither Inuyasha or Kagura were expecting and she went down hard as the force drove her into the unforgiving ground.

Ranma landed lightly on his feet, his hands fisted, poised for a return attack. Inuyasha glared at him, but shifted his grip on his sword; both men looked down at Kagura who looked for the moment stunned.

“Get away from her, both of you.”

Inuyasha and Ranma both turned to look at Kagome who had gotten to her feet. She had withdrawn an arrow and had notched it in her bow. An eerie aura had begun to glow around the miko's body as she gazed with hatred at the demon who had started to get to her feet. She adjusted her aim, staring down the shaft of the arrow straight at Kagura.

“You hurt my little brother.” She said simply as she unleashed the arrow.

Ranma and Inuyasha leapt out of the way of the burning arrow as it hissed towards its mark.

Kagura's eyes widened at the onslaught of raw purifying power coming towards her. Without thinking, she leapt backwards…

And into the well.

Kagome howled with rage as she threw her bow and arrow aside running for the well. She stared down into its depths but Kagura was gone. She was preparing to leap in, when she felt a hand on her elbow and turned to find Inuyasha staring at her.

“I think he needs you right now.” He nodded towards the little group which had huddled around Kagome's brother.

“But Kagura…” She stepped away from the well.

Inuyasha flicked his wrist, Tetsusaiga gleaming in the sun, “Won't get far.”

Ranma ran towards them as an awful idea come to the fore. “That well…it takes the person back to…your shrine right Kagome?”

She nodded, wondering where to begin, but the martial artist had paled.

“Akane…”

Before either Inuyasha or Kagome could stop him, Ranma leapt into the well.

“Baka! You think you can take her?” Inuyasha shook his head in anger. These damned humans! Irresponsible, foolish and suicidal! He turned to the others; he was furious at himself for allowing Souta to get injured. How could he look Kagome in the face now?

Kirara had bounded into the clearing, transformed into her demonic aspect. Miroku and Sango were gently heaving Souta onto her back as Kagome looked on in worry. She turned to find Inuyasha looking pale.

“Inuyasha! You have to go help Ranma. He's strong for a human, but he doesn't know Kagura and her attacks.”

Inuyasha sighed and turned back to the well, “Alright, alright, I'm going already! You stay put okay? I don't want you charging into the middle of a battle!”

Kagome bit her lip and watched the hanyou make the travel into the future, praying that no harm would befall either of them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx

AN: I am so sorry you guys, I had a really hard time writing this chapter. I'm just no good at battle scenes I'm afraid. Well practice makes perfect right? Right?