Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Pursuit of Power ❯ Whither goest I follow ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own no-one! This story is mine though….

 

 

The Pursuit of Power

Chapter Nine - Whither goest I follow

 

 

 

Ukyou Kuonji sighed as she flipped an okonomiyaki for her one and only customer. Her shop was usually much busier then this and sooner or later, her Ran-chan would pop in and brighten her day. Today there was no sign of him. For that matter, none of the women that were constantly buzzing around him had made an appearance. It was making Ukyou very nervous, but she was not the type of woman to shut her shop to go chasing after a wayward fiancé….

 

An image of Ranma sitting in a spa, his arm around Akane and Shampoo popped into Ukyou's head. Steam swirled around their entwined forms as Akane leaned to whisper in Ranma's ear and Shampoo giggled, pressing closer into his side…

 

It wasn't his fault - it was never his fault. Those two hussies had lured him away while here Ukyou stood, the REAL fiancée, slaving over a hot stove! Fantasy-Akane laughed derisively at her and settled back against Fantasy-Ranma. Fantasy-Shampoo turned her delicate nose up at her as she imperiously commanded Ukyou back to work in broken Japanese.

 

“No-one tells me what to do!” Ukyou threw her spatula aside. Briskly she whisked away her customer's plate, tersely telling him that she was closed for the day.

 

The man blinked as his food was taken away and placed in a take-out container. Ukyou deftly packed up the half-eaten okonomiyaki. Shoving it in the man's hand, she ushered him out of her shop and reached for her shop curtain. Firmly she closed the door.

 

Ukyou turned only to find a young man looking around him in confusion.

 

“Ryoga!”

 

Ryoga turned around and when he saw Ukyou he groaned, “Don't tell me I'm not out of Nerima yet!”

 

Ukyou leaned back on the door; shrewdly she eyed the distraught Ryoga. “What's the hurry sugar? Not chasing after anyone are you?”

 

Ryoga groaned again, he grimaced and clutched at his stomach. “Mind if I borrow your stove to make myself some instant ramen? I haven't eaten all day.”

 

Ukyou rolled her eyes, “Put your ramen away, I'll make you an okonomiyaki, want anything in particular?”

 

Ryoga peered at her hopefully, “Got any with shrimp?”

 

Ukyou ushered him into a seat before moving behind the counter again. As the smells of cooking food permeated the air, Ryoga groaned again as he settled more firmly into his seat.

 

Ukyou studied the harried expression on Ryoga's face as she flipped his okonomiyaki. Experience has taught her that there were only a few occasions when this young man's calm was broken and it usually involved her errant fiancé.

 

“So, it's awfully quiet around here. Have you noticed Ryoga?” She slid the okonomiyaki onto his waiting plate.

 

“Huh?” Ryoga appreciatively inhaled the scent of his food before getting into the serious business of eating. “Probably cuz Ranma and Akane went out of town.”

 

Delicate eyebrows shot up in mock-surprise. “Out of town?”

 

Moving quickly, the skilled-chef had prepared another tasty treat and slid it onto Ryoga's waiting plate.

 

“Oh yeah, you know how these things happen.” Ryoga had kept his gaze onto his plate and missed the devastated expression on the young woman's face. “Ranma runs off with Akane and before you know it, everyone follows. Nerima must be a ghost-town without that baka!”

 

“Ran-chan left without telling me?” Ukyou glared at her batter, hardly seeing as her hands moved to cook another okonomiyaki for Ryoga. “He invited everyone else along?”

 

Ryoga blinked as his empty plate was rapidly filled again. Finally he looked up and saw Ukyou's face. “Uh…it's not like that at all Ukyou! It's not like he invited anyone.”

 

Ukyou continued to glare at Ryoga, images of Akane and Ranma kissing and hugging fuelling the fire that had sprung into her eyes. Without another word, she threw her spatula and apron aside. Reaching over the counter, she physically dragged Ryoga over and out of the store, completely ignoring his protests.

 

 

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Sunlight streamed into the cheerful little kitchen, as a monk and a demon slayer shared breakfast with the Higurashi family. Miroku stood when Mrs. Higurashi moved to clear the table. He offered to help, but she shooed him away from the dirty plates which she deftly swept up.

 

Miroku bowed respectfully at the woman who was smiling at him. “Thank you so much Mrs. Higurashi, you have been too kind.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi waved her hand, “It was no bother, and we are indebted to you both for bringing my son home and protecting our shrine.”

 

“All the same, it was very kind of you.” Sango stood and bowed as well.

 

Mrs. Higurashi shook her head at them, “Really, both of you are welcome anytime that you are here.”

 

Sango beamed with pleasure. She had been refreshed with a bath in a very modern bathroom. She had revelled in the softness of the bedding that Mrs. Higurashi had offered her. The entire experience had definitely left her respecting Kagome more. How the young woman could bear to give up all these modern amenities to come and help them was beyond her.

 

As Miroku and Sango took their leave, a middle-aged man was staggering up the stairs. They had turned towards the well, when a croaking voice called out to them.

 

The man held out his hand, “Wait! Please wait…I'm looking for my son!”

 

Miroku shook his head, “I don't think we can help you sir…we are not locals.”

 

“Please, you've got to help me find my beloved son Ranma!”

 

Sango and Miroku exchanged startled looks, “Ranma? Ranma Saotome?”

 

The man nodded, “I am Genma Saotome, and I'm looking for my son. He said that he was headed to this shrine. Please, I am desperate!”

 

Sango stepped forward, “Well, we know Ranma and we know that he is safe, but more then that I am afraid we cannot…”

 

Genma heaved a huge sigh of relief, “Oh thank goodness! You must be his time-travelling companions! Please you must take me with him. It is of the utmost importance! He has been reckless, only I know of his weakness. Ranma himself does not know…please my son needs me!”

 

Miroku exchanged another look with Sango; both remembered what Akane had revealed about Ranma's phobia and precisely how he acquired it.

 

Seeing the looks exchanged, Genma shook his head sadly, “I don't know why he ran off the way he did! He doesn't know…only I can…” Tears rolled down his face. “Please, you must help me.”

 

As harsh sobs began to issue from Genma, Sango stepped closer to Miroku, keeping her voice low, she spoke to him, “It seems harmless…”

 

Miroku sighed, “We can take you to him, but you must know that our era is very dangerous. It is a country torn apart by war and threatened by youkai.”

 

Genma wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “Who do you think taught Ranma what he knows?”

 

Miroku sighed again, “Well as long as you are prepared…”

 

Sango nodded, “We must not waste any more time. They would be well on their way now.”

 

With reservations, Sango led Genma towards the well.

 

 

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Inuyasha watched Kouga disappear into the distance, the wolf demon had backed down from the ensuing fight when he realised that Kagome had walked away from him. He had easily caught up with the girls and by the time Inuyasha and Ranma had reached them, the damned wolf was already bowing low over Kagome's hand and bidding her farewell.

 

Inuyasha snorted, folding his arms over his chest in satisfaction. “Damned wolf, always such a coward.”

 

Akane thoughtfully watched the tornado that was the wolf demon disappearing. “You know Kagome, you and Ranma have more in common then I thought.”

 

Kagome's eyebrows shot up in surprise, “Ranma and I?”

 

Inuyasha's ears swivelled to catch the conversation, frowning slightly.

 

“Yeah.” Akane glanced at her fiancé. “You both seem to have multiple suitors.”

 

Ranma rolled his eyes, sticking his hands into his pockets. “You're one to talk! I'm not the one with a fan club!”

 

Akane coloured and was about to fire back a retort when Kagome interrupted.

 

“You know everyone in this group seems to have multiple suitors.” She was looking pointedly at Inuyasha, who shook his head in confusion.

“Multiple?” Inuyasha tilted his head to one side, looking enquiringly at Kagome. “As in more then one?”

 

Kagome shook her head before brightly clapping her hands together. “It's time to stop for lunch isn't it Inuyasha?”

 

The hanyou sighed but nodded his assent when he felt the distinct rumblings of his stomach. Kagome led the group towards the shelter of a nearby tree. Akane had brightened considerably at the mention of a meal and quickly offered her assistance.

 

Ranma blanched and rushed to Kagome's side. “No! Whatever you do, don't let her anywhere near food! She'll kill us all!”

 

Akane glared at him, “Don't pay any attention to that baka Kagome. I'm more then capable of making us lunch!”

 

Kagome touched Akane's arm, smiling at her, “That's okay, I've got some instant ramen, that should do.”

 

Inuyasha turned towards her after hearing his favourite word. Shippou had settled on his shoulder and also grinned at Kagome. Akane sighed and kneeled by Kagome's side as she started to heat the water for the ramen. Kagome smiled at her and handed her the bowls. “I'm really not as bad as Ranma says I am.”

 

Within minutes the water had boiled and Akane was pouring it into the waiting cups. Inuyasha instantly snatched one up, ignoring Kagome's advice that he should wait.

 

When everyone had settled down with their food, Kagome took the opportunity to settle herself next to Ranma.

 

“I still meant it you know.” Kagome swirled the noodles around her chopsticks.

 

Ranma looked up in surprise. “Meant what?”

 

“The lessons. I really need to learn at least basic self-defence. Especially seeing how I live.” She waved a hand around her.

 

Inuyasha frowned when he heard her. Was she not happy about her situation? Exactly what was she asking from this strange man from her time that he himself could not give her?

 

Ranma looked around at the quiet meadow. “I don't know Kagome, this doesn't seem too bad. You should see what I go through every day!”

 

Akane sniffed delicately, “That trouble you get into is all your own fault Ranma Saotome.”

 

Kagome sighed and was about to argue her case further when she felt a distinctly familiar tingle down her spine. Her head snapped up and swivelled to look at the line of trees not too far in the distance.

 

“Inuyasha…”

 

She needn't have warned him. The hanyou was already on his feet, his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Stay back Kagome.”

 

Akane looked up, “What's going on?”

 

“Shut up!” Inuyasha barked out the command, drawing Tetsusaiga.

 

“Hey! Don't talk to her like that!” Ranma snapped as he got to his feet as well.

 

“I said shut up!” But he was too late. They heard a creature crying out as he it heard them.

 

Shippou ran for the safety of his adoptive-mother's legs. Kagome had gotten to her feet and she was reaching for her bow and arrows, her eyes fixed on the distance. “It's got two shards Inuyasha.”

 

“Keh. Only two huh? Oh well, at least its got some and I don't have to waste my time.” Inuyasha tightened his grip on his sword, his body tensed for the attack.

 

Akane drew closer to Ranma, not fully understanding what was going on, when a creature burst out from the cover of the trees. It was monstrously large as it reared over the group, its body was a twisted deformity that only vaguely resembled some sort of insect.

 

Inuyasha grinned and launched himself at the creature, his sword flashing in the light. He succeeded in slicing off one leg which fell with a heavy thud to the ground, sending dust flying into the air. But as soon as Inuyasha had sliced off one limb, another was hurtling towards him.

 

Kagome cried out a warning, but the youkai moved incredibly fast for something so large. Inuyasha turned, bracing himself for the impact when a blur moved to intercept the limb. Akane gasped as Ranma launched himself at the youkai, but Ranma deftly kicked the limb away and dodged another one.

 

“Kagome! Where are those goddamned shards?” Inuyasha roared as he sliced at the youkai's abdomen.

 

Kagome squinted, focusing her energies on sensing the shards of the Shikon no Tama that was buried into the youkai's flesh. “One's in the forehead and the other is in the stomach Inuyasha!”

 

Inuyasha dropped lightly to the ground, assessing the spots that Kagome had indicated. With one leap he dove towards the shard which glowed on its forehead. Ranma spun on his heel. He had heard Kagome and watched as Inuyasha aimed for the creature's forehead. Without thinking, he launched himself at the youkai's stomach once more delivering several hard blows to the creature's body. Ranma kicked hard and out of the corner of his eye, saw something small and glowing fly out of the creature.

 

Inuyasha struck the shard, dislodging it from the forehead, it hurtled towards the ground only to be caught by Ranma who held aloft the other shard which he had retrieved. Inuyasha grinned and without hesitation wiped out the youkai with his Kaze no Kizu.

 

Inuyasha was breathing hard as the youkai disintegrated into so much dust and he looked towards Ranma who was still clutching the shards. They exchanged a glance, each mentally reassessing their opinion of the other.

 

Ranma headed towards Kagome and handed her the shards. Akane's face was stark white as she held onto Shippou who was trying his best to calm the girl.

 

The shards purified almost before they touched Kagome's palm. She smiled and slipped them into the little vial which she kept tucked inside her shirt. She looked up at Ranma who was now staring at the little bits which remained of the youkai. “Now do you see what I mean?”

 

Ranma looked down at her, then back at the carnage around them, “Yeah, I see what you mean.”

 

 

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The wind blew her hair off her face as she closed her eyes and welcomed the rush of cool air on hot cheeks. Kagura normally enjoyed soaring through the skies however the task that Naraku had given her had her mind troubled.

 

Naraku seldom revealed the inner workings of his mind and that was usually how Kagura preferred it. She did not know or want to know the twisted turnings of her master's mind. She had grown to know him and the way he loved to keep his plans to himself. Naraku found infinite pleasure in manipulating people and entrapping them in his intricate webs of deceit. Kagura no longer rose to his baits or attempt to question his plans. He received far too much pleasure in keeping her in the dark while watching her try to figure out his sinister plots. She had gotten tired of them, they were all the same and her entire being was centred on thinking of ways to free herself from his grasp.

 

However this time, Naraku had quite generously outlined what he needed her to do and more importantly why. Kagura had trembled when she saw the dark fury in his cold eyes when he told her of the story of the priestess who had manage to secret away one shard of the Shikon no Tama deep into the folds of time.

 

If there was one thing Naraku despised most of all, it was the knowledge that something, or someone, had managed to slip out of his grasp.

 

Kagura pulled the small glass vial that Naraku had given her and studied the swirling contents. The dark, sluggish liquid bubbled sinisterly and though it was contained by glass, she felt its evil presence almost pulsing with a lethargic beat. Shivering with distaste, Kagura tucked the vial back into place.

 

As she neared her destination, she guided the feather down and gracefully stepped off. She caught the feather in her hand and firmly placed it back into her hair. Red eyes flicked around the forest cautiously, but with no sign of the inu hanyou or his friends, Kagura walked towards the unprotected well. For a moment she stood and peered into its dark, seemingly innocuous depths and shivered. She had not cared for the future, brief though her stay had been. This time she would be there for more then a few moments and Kagura was not looking forward to it.

 

Kagura contemplated whether or not her freedom from Naraku could be found in the depths of this well. She shook her head almost immediately. He would come for her. Even if he could not use this passageway through the ages, there was no telling whether or not Naraku himself was still alive in the future, hiding, waiting for her.

 

“The place stunk anyway.” Kagura murmured to herself. She removed another vial from her kimono. This time the liquid was clear and she pulled out the stopper and drank the contents. She shivered as the icy liquid travelled down her throat. She shook her head and looked down at herself just in time to see her body disappearing. Kagura held up her hands and could see nothing.

 

Satisfied that one of Naraku's potions worked she prepared to step into the well, when the light began to shimmer deep within it. In a moment, the monk and the taijiya who travelled with the inu hanyou emerged followed by an older man. Kagura was grateful that she had drunk the potion. She held her breath as the monk brushed very close to her and watched as he stopped and frowned. When the taijiya asked what was the matter, the monk merely shook his head and urged them on towards the village.

 

Kagura took a deep breath and leaped into the well.

 

 

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Panting, Shampoo bolted up the stairs, her goal already in sight. She could not believe that the insane gymnast had chased her all the way into Tokyo. Casting a hate-filled glare at Kodachi who was still determinedly dogging her every step, Shampoo launched herself at the door.

 

Frantically knocking, she almost lost her balance when the door opened abruptly to reveal an older woman who looked a little shocked at their appearance.

 

“Please…please…must help Shampoo find airen!” Shampoo gasped out her request, a hand at her chest as she struggled to regain her breath.

 

The woman blinked, startled by the outburst. “I beg your pardon?”

 

Kodachi collapsed in a heap next to Shampoo and she glared at the Chinese Amazon who was too out of breath to answer the question. “Please madam, you must forgive our rudeness! We are looking for my fiancé, Ranma Saotome. Please tell us where he is!”

 

“Ranma Saotome?” The older woman shook her head, before gesturing the two girls into her home.

 

Mrs. Higurashi shook her head in bewilderment and she was about to close the door when a hand stopped her. Startled, she turned around to find a young man, clutching a wooden sword tightly in one hand, holding the door.

 

“Madam! I must seek your assistance! I believe you might be able to tell me where my darling Akane Tendou had gone?”

 

Mrs. Higurashi could only blink again, “Akane? That charming young woman was indeed here this morning.”

 

Shampoo whirled around, “Aiyah! Too, too violent girl here? Ranma with her too?”

 

Mrs. Higurashi shook her head, transferring her attention from the young man with the wild eyes to Shampoo. “Uh…I believe she was looking for her friend.”

 

Kodachi let out a heart-rending wail. “Oh my darling Ranma! Why have you forsaken me?”

 

A young boy's voice drifted towards them, “Ranma? I know Ranma!”

 

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, “That's my son Souta, would you all like to come in? He might be able to help you.”

 

Shampoo took off first, running towards the direction of Souta's voice. Souta had just woken and was seated in his favourite spot in the house, the lounge. He looked up in surprise as the buxom Amazon launched herself at his feet.

 

“Aiyah! Little boy know Shampoo airen?”

 

“Uh…I don't…” Souta looked at her in confusion, her broken Japanese and abysmal accent did not help make communicating easy.

 

Kodachi swept in, “She means my darling Ranma. Come! Tell us where he is!”

 

Souta eyed the girl who was standing in his living room wearing only a leotard. “Ranma's in the Sengoku Jidai.”

 

Kuno imperiously strode into the room, “What? The Sengoku Jidai? Don't tell falsehoods little man!”

 

Souta glared at them, not liking either of the Kunos very much. He was distracted by Shampoo pressing closer.

 

“How? How Shampoo get to airen?”

 

“Uh…through the well that's just outside in the little shed. Just jump in and it takes you to Sengoku Jidai. I don't know how easy it would be to find him though!” Souta may as well have been speaking to the wind, for no sooner had he given directions, the crazy threesome stampeded their way out of the house. “Uh Mom? Who the heck were those people?”

 

Mrs. Higurashi had gotten out the vacuum cleaner and was proceeding to clean up the black rose petals that had trailed after Kodachi like a small storm. “I have no idea dear. My, we're getting plenty of visitors lately hmm?”

 

Souta shook his head, “Yeah, no kidding!”

 

 

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Genma looked up towards the sky, amazed to see that the roof had indeed gone. Miroku was already climbing out of the well with Sango not far behind. Shaking himself out of his reverie he began to climb as well.

 

“You must be used to it, but it sure is an amazing experience!” Genma shifted the pack on his back as he followed them out.

 

“We're not used to it, not at all.” Sango murmured, her eyes searching the clearing that they had emerged from.

 

Miroku shivered and he turned slightly. He felt an ominous presence, one that was familiar. He scanned their surroundings as well, unable to shake the feeling.

 

Sango noticed his disquiet and moved closer to him, “What is it houshi-sama?”

 

“Nothing.” Miroku shook his head. “I just thought I sensed something.”

 

Genma was still marvelling at the wonders of time-travel and Miroku urged him to be quieter as he began to lead the way to the village.

 

Kirara bound out of the line of trees, mewing happily when she spotted Sango who opened her arms in welcome. Kaede stepped out of her hut but drew up short when she saw a stranger with Miroku and Sango.

 

“Who might this be?”

 

Before either Sango or Miroku could speak, Genma stepped forward to introduce himself. “Please madam, I know this might be somewhat of a shock, but I had to come. My son needs me, and he himself does not know what danger he is in!”

 

Kaede shook her head, but gestured them into the hut. When Miroku passed, she touched his arm, detaining him. In a low tone she explained her theory that the guardian of the well had been released and in doing so, opened up the portal of time for anyone to use.

 

“That cannot be good. There must be something we can do. Perhaps Sango and I will guard over the well?”

 

Kaede shook her head, “I am afraid that the two of you cannot guard that well from all which will be inevitably attracted to it. No, what we need is a barrier, strong enough to repel the more formidable youkai.”

 

Miroku leaned on his staff for a moment to think. Slowly he nodded, “Yes a barrier, but it must be one that cloaks the portal as well, we do not want to attract any more attention to it.”

 

“Yes. I will need your help houshi-sama and I shall go and prepare. It may take me three days. Think you can delay your travels until then?”

 

Miroku bowed low to her, “Of course Kaede-sama.”

 

Satisfied, Kaede nodded and lead the way back into the hut where Sango was sitting eyeing Mr. Saotome with distrust.

 

 

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