Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Pursuit of Power ❯ Misunderstandings ( Chapter 11 )

 

Disclaimer: Takahashi is still hogging all of these characters, I'll let you know when she decides to be generous, though I'm not holding my breath…

 

 

 

The Pursuit of Power

Chapter Eleven - Misunderstandings

 

 

 

 

Sango cradled Hiraikotsu in her lap, running her rag down its side. She had been listening to Kaede and Miroku as they discussed ways of temporarily sealing the well. A lot of the conversation was going over her head as they began to discuss the metaphysical properties of the well and the barrier they needed to erect around it.

 

Her eyes wandered over to the man who was lying in a corner, already fast asleep. She didn't trust him, not one bit. It was also very interesting that the minute they had arrived in the Sengoku Jidai he had stopped wailing about finding Ranma and his mysterious illness.

 

Sango could not think well of a man who would deliberately ignore his son's welfare for any reason. The terror Sango saw in Ranma's eyes was genuine and debilitating.

 

When Miroku got up, Sango made excuses about finding Kirara and followed him. She didn't see the smile on Kaede's face.

 

“Houshi-sama, I don't know about all this.”

 

Miroku turned to her, “What don't you know my dear Sango?”

 

Sango bit her lip as she looked over her shoulder to make sure that Genma had not followed them out. “All of it really. I'm uneasy having that man around and I'm concerned that we're not going to be able to catch up to Kagome and Inuyasha.”

 

When they reached the shade of a large tree, Miroku leaned on his staff, looking pensive. “Do not forget that Inuyasha is travelling not only with Kagome but two other humans and Shippou as well. That fact alone would slow their pace down immensely. As for Genma Saotome…”

 

He sighed heavily as he too looked at the hut that housed their sleeping companion. “There is not much we can do Sango. If we had left him in Kagome's time, he would have figured it out sooner or later. I am sure that Kagome's mother could not deny any person in seeming distress. Then he would be wandering around with no protection but his own wits. As we have seen, those are not enough.”

 

Sango sighed, “As much as Ranma seemed to dislike his father, I am sure that he would not want him as youkai fodder.” She shot a dark look towards the hut. “Though, we might be doing Ranma a favour.”

 

Since she was still glowering in the direction of Kaede's hut, Sango did not see his smile. “The delay is inevitable and the company regrettable. Still, we shall make the best of it.”

 

In her preoccupation, Sango had not realised how close she was standing to Miroku until she felt a familiar hand caressing her bottom. With wide eyes, she turned to find him with a look of contentment on his face.

 

With a low growl in the back of her throat, she slapped him hard across the face. Glaring at his stupid grin, Sango turned her back on the perverted monk and stalked away.

 

It was not the first time that she had been taken in by his quiet intelligence and dignified manner. Of course those moments never seemed to last and he always lapsed back into his lecherous ways. Why?

 

That was a loaded question if there was one. She didn't know if Miroku used his lechery as a cover, to lighten the atmosphere or if he truly was as perverted as he seemed.

 

Then there was the other question of why she let herself be deceived by him and why she was so hurt by his deception.

 

Sango sighed when she heard the familiar giggle of some foolish village girl behind her and a quiet masculine chuckle. No. Miroku was predictable and would never change. She was the foolish one for wanting him to change, for thinking he was other then what he was.

 

Sango was startled out of her thoughts when a purple-haired girl stumbled out of the forest panting heavily. She was quickly followed by another girl who was dressed very indecently. Sango blinked as the two girls were yelling at each other in loud, shrill voices. She took a step towards them, intending to caution them about the level of noise they were making when a young man stumbled after them.

 

He was at least dressed sensibly. He took the scantily clad girl by the shoulders, shaking her hard and yelling at her as well.

 

“Please, not so loud! There are many youkai in this area.” Sango moved closer to the squabbling threesome.

 

The scandalously dressed girl wrenched free from the boy's grasp and turned to face her. “Me thinks mine ear has deceived me! Youkai did you say?”

 

Taking in their strange attire again, Sango concluded there was only one place these people had come from. “Yes, youkai, I'm afraid to say that you three have found yourselves in the Sengoku Jidai.”

 

The young man drew himself up tall. “There is that claim again! The youngster mentioned that, did he not sister?”

 

The girl pursued her lips, “Yes, yes he did.”

 

“You two so stupid! Why you think building disappear?” The purple-haired girl spoke up suddenly. She pushed past them and grabbed Sango's hands. “Please, you tell Shampoo where to find Ranma?”

 

“My, it seems a lot of people are searching for our new friend.” The deep voice at her shoulder made Sango jump; she turned to find Miroku standing behind her.

 

“Aiyah!” The purple-haired girl released Sango's hand and all but launched herself at Miroku. “You know Shampoo airen? You take Shampoo to her airen?”

 

Suddenly finding his arms full of excited girl, Miroku flushed, his gaze locking with Sango's for a moment before she turned her back on him. “Ah…well if you mean Ranma we are travelling to meet up with him and some of our companions in three days time. You are more then welcome to accompany us.” He eyed the squealing girl warily. “I am Miroku, a travelling and pious monk.”

 

Sango snorted as Miroku attempted to detach himself from the girl.

 

“Shampoo.” The purple-haired beauty touched her chest, “That crazy gymnast girl and sword boy.” She waved her hand dismissively towards her companions.

 

The so-called crazy girl stepped forward, glaring icily at Shampoo who was still attempting to show her gratitude to a reluctant Miroku. “The name is Kodachi Kuno and I am Ranma's rightful fiancée!”

 

Sango accepted the hand that was imperiously offered to her, “I'm Sango.” She eyed Kodachi's attire, “I think we should find you some…”

 

Before Sango could continue, the young man shoved his sister aside, taking Sango's hand himself. “Please my dear lady, you must tell me of my beloved Akane Tendou! Was she with that cretin? Did he abduct my love?”

 

Sango blinked as she stared into dark eyes that peered at her hopefully and with a touch of desperation. “Akane? Why yes she was with Ranma, but he didn't abduct her.”

 

“Oh cruel fates! Why was I not there to save you my darling?” The young man's grip on Sango's hand tightened causing her to yelp in surprise.

 

Miroku's jaw hardened and he deliberately pushed Shampoo to one side and strode over to pry Sango from the boy's death grip.

 

“Oh honestly brother dear; who cares about that hussy?” Kodachi tossed her long ponytail over her shoulder, settling one delicate hand on a shapely hip.

 

“I, Tatewaki Kuno, vow to save you my darling Akane from the villainous Saotome!” Kuno howled.

 

Sango felt soft fingers brushing over her bruised flesh. She looked down to find Miroku's thumb moving gently on her hand. She felt her face grow hot and her gaze shot up to his face only to find Miroku staring at the Kuno siblings with an intent look. She followed his gaze and found herself looking at Kodachi Kuno and the material that hugged every curve of her supple body.

 

With an angry jerk, Sango freed her hand from Miroku's grasp. He finally tore his gaze away from Kodachi and looked down at her surprised.

 

Sango ignored him and walked over to Kodachi, firmly taking her by the elbow. “We really need to find you some clothes. You just can't walk around like that.”

 

As she led the girl towards Kaede's hut, Sango could feel Miroku's gaze on her.

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

 

 

Kagura paused, momentarily cowed by the roaring of strange contraptions as they sped down incredibly smooth roads. She shook her head and grasped the charm to gain her bearings. The pulse was weak but insistent and she felt a pull towards the south. Trusting the charm, Kagura turned in that direction. Drawing her feather from her hair, she threw it forward. As soon as it was large enough, she jumped onto it letting it bear her away from the noise and pollution.

 

Being up in the air wasn't much better. Instead of the cool rush of fresh air, Kagura found herself choking on fumes that were almost as bad as Naraku's miasma.

 

As she sped through the polluted air, Kagura contemplated Naraku's instructions. Unconsciously, her hand brushed across the vial that held the foul potion that she had been instructed to force down the girl's throat. The tingle of dark magic made her pull her hand away. She wasn't looking forward to the last part of her mission.

 

Grasping the charm again, she guided her feather in the direction of the charm's pull.

 

The sooner this was over, the better.

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

 

 

Inuyasha fought to calm the anger that was boiling underneath the surface. He was angry at Kagome for being so stupid, for thinking such stupid lies. He was angry at that baka Ranma for agreeing to `train' her. But most of all he was angry at himself.

 

What did he do wrong?

 

Why didn't she understand?

 

The pungent aroma of salty tears hit him like a solid punch to the gut. He hated it when she cried.

 

More prevalent then the anger was the hurt. It hurt like someone had thrust his own sword deep into him. Each tear that fell from her porcelain cheek felt as if the sword was being twisted, slowly and agonizingly deeper into his body.

 

Kagome had burrowed her head deep into the folds his haori, her small hands clutched desperately at his undershirt.

 

Lifting his head to sniff the air, Inuyasha smelt that they were far enough away that the baka humans weren't going to follow them. Settling himself on the strong bough of the tree, he hauled Kagome tighter into his embrace.

 

He didn't know where to begin. He was never good with words and he thought that Kagome understood without him having to explain. He thought that she knew…

 

“Kagome…” Her name fell from his lips. It sounded like a prayer.

 

The prayer was answered when she lifted her head and she looked up at him. The tears sparkling like diamonds on her dark lashes twisted the sword in deeper.

 

“I…don't think you're weak.”

 

The admission was softly uttered. Looking deep into the concerned golden gaze, Kagome swallowed slowly. She looked away from him. “I asked you not to lie to me Inuyasha.”

 

One clawed finger reached out to caress the soft, smooth skin of her cheek. Gently, Inuyasha turned her face towards him. “I'm not lying Kagome.”

 

“You're lying to me right now! How many times have you said that all I do is slow you down? That all you do is protect me? I know you just want to get rid of me…” She was cut off when Inuyasha growled. The sound was harsh and feral.

 

Her instincts were screaming at her to get away. The sound, coupled with Inuyasha's intent gaze made her acutely aware of the clawed hand on the small of her back and the clawed finger at her cheek. She resisted it, knowing that Inuyasha would never hurt her.

 

Inuyasha growled again, the scent of her fear assaulting his nostrils. He could hear her heart racing; see the pulse beating frantically at her throat. She was afraid. Afraid of him. His hand bunched at the material at her back unconsciously.

 

“I don't want to get rid of you bitch! What makes you think that?”

 

“You're always running off to Kikyou every single time! Why don't you just ask her to hunt out the shards for you? She'd do a much better job then I do!” She hated herself for crying. Hated that her legs felt like jelly all because he was looking at her, his eyes full of concern and something that made her stomach do flips.

 

“Damn it! Why do you keep bring her up? What the hell does Kikyou have to do with anything?” Inuyasha tightened his grip on her, pulling her even closer. “Don't you get it Kagome? I will always come for you. I don't do it because I have to. I do it because I want to.”

 

“Inuyasha…” His name came out of her lips on a breathy whisper. He growled low in his throat, his eyes focused on the softness of her lips. He hated it when she said his name like that. It made him want to grab her and…

 

Kagome licked her lips slowly, her stomach wasn't just doing flips anymore, it had hired a rollercoaster and was going on the ride of its life. Inuyasha's gaze dropped down to her lips and she was assaulted with the memory of his lips on her own. Fangs pressed hard against her mouth as she fought to save his humanity.

 

She was suddenly very aware of how close they were the heat of his body seeping into her own, and the muscled perfection of his chest just underneath her fingers.

 

“Kagome…” She heard him say her name and eyes slid close as his hot breath rushed past her cheek.

 

“Kagome!”

 

The loud, high pitched shriek made the girl start and it was only Inuyasha's firm grasp on her that stopped her from toppling out of the tree branch and breaking her neck.

 

She heard Inuyasha's low groan as his head settled momentarily into the crook of her neck and she blushed furiously when she heard Shippou call out her name again. She pushed against his chest, forcing distance between them and glared at him.

 

“I am going to train with Ranma whether or not you like it Inuyasha.”

 

He met her gaze, mourning the moment that had passed. Shippou's voice had the same effect as a bucket of ice cold water that had been thrown over his head. “Why? You know I'll always protect you Kagome.”

 

She looked away from him, “I know that Inuyasha, but this is for me. I hate myself for being so weak.” She pressed a finger to his lips, stopping the protest. “I need to do it for me. Do you understand?”

 

Slowly he nodded, the bright gold of his eyes dimming. “I understand alright. All this talk of me not wanting to protect you… it's really you that doesn't want to be stuck with me isn't it?”

 

Kagome's mouth dropped open in shock. This argument was making her head spin. Suddenly, she was the one on the defensive. “Inuyasha, that's not it at all!”

 

The hanyou snorted before gathering her up into his arms and jumping out of the tree. Setting her on her feet, Inuyasha turned away from her, his hands sliding into the sleeves of his haori. “I already told you I would protect you Kagome. If that isn't enough for you, then go ahead and train with that baka.”

 

Before Kagome could open her mouth to respond, Shippou came barrelling through the trees.

 

“Kagome! I was so worried!” The kitsune launched himself into her embrace, but Kagome could only pat his head distractedly.

 

“Inuyasha you're the one who's being a baka! This isn't about you! It's about me. I don't want to be weak.”

 

“Keh.” Inuyasha didn't even turn to look at her. The anger was completely gone all that was left was the pain.

 

He began to walk away from her, leaving her to deal with the youngster's insistent questions.

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

 

 

Miroku watched Sango walk away with Kodachi. He concluded that he just did not understand women. One minute she was letting him hold her hand and the next minute she was shooting him glares that made him fear for his person. If Kami was ever going to hand out a prize for sending mixed signals it would surely go to his lovely Sango.

 

Absent-mindedly, he gestured for the other teens from the future to follow him. Shampoo had grabbed hold of his arm once more and was babbling to him again. He eyed her warily. Kagome must be a model of decorum if all the girls in the future acted like this one.

 

Or dressed like the other one. Miroku looked at the girl that was striding confidently next to his Sango. The brazenness of her outfit was at first appealing, but the shrill laughter had quickly set his teeth on edge. While the taut figure that was so openly displayed was certainly lovely, Miroku preferred soft curves hidden beneath decent attire. The contrast between demure and ladylike with tight fitting armour was enough to make him dizzy with desire.

 

Yes, there was only one woman for him. If one he could get said woman to realise it.

 

Miroku lifted the mat so Shampoo and Kuno could walk through and they were met with the loud screeching that Kodachi was making.

 

Throwing herself onto the ground, Kodachi reached for Genma who had been startled awake by all of the commotion.

 

“Father-in-law! Oh, I have been so distraught by my darling's disappearance! But to see you here, in this strange place is such a comfort to me!”

 

Genma sat up straight, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Kodachi?”

 

“Yes Father dear! Seeing you now, I know that my darling Ranma cannot be far away.”

 

Shampoo rolled her eyes, “Crazy girl too, too much.”

 

Sango hastily made the introductions to Kaede who was looking stunned at the invasion of teenagers from the future. She sat next to Kaede and spoke to her in a low enough tone that Miroku could not hear them. Sango bowed low before getting up and slipping out of the hut.

 

Miroku made a move to follow her, but she shook her head, pointedly looking at the teenagers who had gathered around Genma. He sighed and watched her walk off.

 

He did not have long to wait as Sango soon returned, her arms full of clothing that she must've borrowed from the villagers.

 

She held out the bundle to Kodachi, who turned to her with wide eyes. “Here, put these on.”

 

“And why should I be the only one to change? Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?” Kodachi asked, one eyebrow arched arrogantly.

 

“Well, let's just say that you will draw unnecessary attention.” Sango offered the clothing again.

 

Kuno chuckled, “I think it is the amount of skin you are showing sister dear.”

 

Kodachi glared at her brother. “If that is the problem then…” she whipped a cloak out and draped it over her shoulders. “This will do.”

 

Sango bit her lip, but shrugged, avoiding meeting Miroku's eyes.

 

Kaede had ladled out bowls of her steaming hot stew and was offering them to her guests. Miroku accepted one, settling himself next to Sango who pointedly put distance between their bodies.

 

“I shall be leaving tomorrow Miroku to gather what we need for the barrier. Will you two be alright?” Kaede was eyeing Shampoo and Kodachi who were sniping at each other again.

 

“I believe so Kaede-baba. We will try not to draw attention to ourselves.” Miroku winced, wanting to cover his ears as the arguments escalated but felt it would be undignified for him to do so.

 

Kaede coughed, obviously trying to hide her amusement. “Ah yes, good luck to you houshi-sama.”

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

 

 

Ukyou shook her head, she wasn't sure but she could've sworn that she had just passed through bright, shimmering light. Maybe she hit her head on the way down? She still had no idea why Ryoga had chosen to jump head first into a dried up old well.

 

“What the hell Ryoga? What's the deal with jumping in here?”

 

It was dark and she could Ryoga frantically moving around, instinctively she held out her hands just in time to stop him from barrelling straight into her. “That was what the lady said to do! She said that Akane came down here!”

 

Ukyou snorted, “Uh-huh and do you see Akane around anywhere?”

 

There was a pause and some shuffling. “I can't see much of anything Ukyou.”

 

She sighed and looked up, “Well since this is a dead end, we should head back up there.”

 

Feeling her way around, her hand soon touched cold stone. Finding a foothold, Ukyou began to climb. As soon as she reached the top, Ukyou swung her legs over, her feet landing in a soft tuft of grass.

 

Wait a minute…

 

Frowning, Ukyou bent to touch the blades of grass. She looked up to find clear skies and the crescent moon over head. “Ryoga…wasn't the well in a shed?”

 

“Huh?” Ryoga lightly leapt out of the well. He grinned at her sheepishly. “I wasn't really paying attention Ukyou. Sorry.”

 

Ukyou shook her head, how this boy managed to find his way out of anything was beyond her. “Come on, there's light up ahead. Maybe we can find that shrine?”

 

Reaching for him, Ukyou took a firm hold of Ryoga's arm and tugged on it so that he would follow. With any luck, she'd find her wayward fiancé before the night was out.

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx