Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Pursuit of Power ❯ Secrets ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: No, I still don't own either Ranma or Inuyasha -sigh-

 

 

 

 

The Pursuit of Power

Chapter Five - Secrets

 

 

 

The demon in the well shook her head, red-eyes flashing. He kicked her…the damned human kicked her. Barbaric! Just like an animal!

 

Kagura touched the singed flesh of her cheek which had been grazed by Kagome's sacred arrow. The flesh was already healing but she could still feel the sting, a reminder that she had seriously underestimated the human girl, simply dismissing her as a weak copy of the priestess Kikyou. She wasn't about to make that mistake again. It was a good lesson to learn; appearances could be deceiving and just because something did not look powerful doesn't mean that it wasn't.

 

Disgusted with herself, Kagura rose to her feet. The fall must've hurt her more then she realised, she could've sworn she saw dancing colours all around her. She took in a deep breath, trying to smell out her opponents. She didn't want to jump back into the battle blind. But she couldn't smell anything…more precisely she couldn't smell Inuyasha or that damned human boy. But she could smell humans…many humans…

 

It's not like you could spend the rest of your life down here, she chided herself. Best to go out there. In here she was just a sitting duck for that miko and her purifying arrows. Swiftly, Kagura jumped out of the well and landed on the floor.

 

Mystified, she looked around her. She was in a hut of some sort. Built by humans, the place reeked with their scent. Strongest of all was the smell of the miko. What trickery was this?

 

Kagura heard feet running towards her, she could feel her body tensing, ready to flee or to fight.

 

The door burst open, letting in a stream of blinding light. Kagura shielded her eyes in annoyance and tried to peer through her fingers.

 

A human girl stood in the doorway, one hand poised above the railing, the other clutching at her throat. The girl simply stared. Stupid human, didn't she know better? Shouldn't she be running in fear for her life?

 

“Where's Ranma? Who are you?”

 

Well, the human could talk after all. Kagura lowered her arm and blinked, trying to adjust her sight to the glaring of the sun. Ranma…that was the name of that boy who dared to lay his feet on her person.

 

“I don't know any `Ranma', even if I did, why the hell should I tell you?” Kagura demanded. She hated to feel vulnerable and felt that such a degrading emotion was below her. This human posed no threat. But she didn't have any idea what was going on either. For all she knew, this human could be very dangerous. A witch perhaps? A miko like Inuyasha's bitch?

 

Akane bit her lip as she stared down at the strange woman who stood by the well. What the hell was going on? First Ranma and that kid disappear and now this weird looking woman. “Please, I just want to find him…”

 

Kagura looked around her, eyeing the girl appraisingly, she made her way up the stairs and past her. As soon as she walked out of the building her senses were hit by the sounds and smells of this strange place that she had found herself in. Kagura staggered backwards, one hand going to cover her nose and mouth as her red eyes darted wildly, taking in the unfamiliar sights.

 

She could hear the distant roar of unknown beasts and the foul stench that they emitted. Everything was so loud. The smell of humans was overpowering, it permeated the very ground that they stood upon. Kagura fought back a wave of nausea. Where the hell was she?

 

The girl behind her had started to speak again.

 

“…he's got black hair that's tied back in a pig-tail. He was wearing a red shirt and black pants. Please if you've seen anyone like that…”

 

Persistent human! Kagura whirled around. “Where am I? Who are you? Are you a witch on Inuyasha's side? Has he ordered you to throw me into this hell?”

 

Akane frowned, that name…that strange silver-haired boy… “Hey, I know Tokyo isn't the greatest place in the world, but it is a very modern city, not exactly hell.” She bit her lip again and decided to press her luck, “I don't know much about Inuyasha. I just met him today”

 

“To-ke-oh? See-ti?” Kagura stumbled over the unfamiliar words. “What nonsense do you speak of bitch? What is a see-ti?”

 

Akane was taken aback by the insult, but refrained from lashing out at the strange woman. Something told her that this was a woman who would not take kindly to being mallet-ed. Maybe she had hurt her head somehow?

 

“A city is a large grouping of buildings, both commercial and residential.” The dazed look in the woman's strange eyes told Akane that none of this was getting through. “A place where a lot of people live and work, the hub and beat of the modern world.”

 

“Modern?” Kagura could almost feel her head spinning. She growled, low in her throat. This girl was making no sense! “I don't understand…”

 

Akane sighed, “Listen now in the year 2006, cities abound. Where are you from anyway?”

 

Kagura staggered backwards, did the girls just say…

 

Suddenly it became clear. The miko's strange clothing, Kikyou speaking of her re-incarnation. The year two thousand and six? Naraku would certainly need this information…

 

“Hey! Get the hell away from her!”

 

Kagura turned to find Ranma at her back, his hands balled into fists as he glared at her.

 

“Ranma!” Akane cried joyously as she stared at him. Maybe now the weirdness could end and they could go home…at least there, they knew what weirdness to expect.

 

Ranma glared at Kagura, at the witch who had hurt Kagome's little brother. “Akane, stay back from this monster! I'll take care of her…”

 

One dark eyebrow rose as she regarded the young man. Take care of her? Indeed! “Look, just get out of my way and you won't get hurt.”

 

Ranma snorted, “It's you, who'll get hurt if you don't step away from Akane!”

 

He ran towards her. Ranma dropped low to the ground and delivered a sweeping kick to knock Kagura off her feet.

 

Caught off guard, Kagura landed hard. Growling, she swiftly rolled out of the way to avoid Ranma's descending fist. Impudent human! She didn't have time for this. Kagura got to her feet and headed for the well.

 

“Are you trying to run?!” Outraged, Ranma dove for her, but Kagura utilised her demonic speed to get away from his outstretched fingers, only to run straight into Inuyasha, who stared down at her with cold eyes.

 

“Trying to go somewhere Kagura?” He couldn't keep the growl out of his voice.

 

Kagura backed up, only to stop when she felt Ranma at her back. She looked back to find him staring menacingly at her as the human girl tugged on his arm.

 

She knew when she was trapped. Kagura had always been a smart woman who was not prone to getting into unnecessary fighting. That sort of behaviour she left up to the reckless half demon who was standing between her and freedom. Aware that she had taken a defensive stance, Kagura shifted her weight, trying for a casual nonchalance that she didn't feel.

 

“Oh Inuyasha, what have you and that little miko of yours been hiding?” She shook her head, coyly flicking her fan open to partially hide her smirking mouth.

 

Inuyasha's golden eyes narrowed, “What are you talking about?” He didn't like the sound of this. Had Kagura figured it out?

 

She laughed, “I know what this place is, or should I say when…” Kagura continued to smirk at the hanyou. “That makes two secrets of yours that I know. My, my, they just keep falling into my lap, don't they?”

 

“Kagura…” Inuyasha growled, his hand on Tetsusaiga. There was no way he could let her escape now. It was one thing for him to be in danger. He didn't care if Naraku found out about his secret, but if he found out about Kagome's time-travelling, Naraku was bound to use the information to hurt the girl.

 

Kagura's eyes followed the grip of his hand, “Tut, tut Inuyasha. No need for that! What will you give me?”

 

Inuyasha looked startled, Ranma groaned, “Don't give into that witch, dog boy!”

 

Inuyasha's gaze flicked to Ranma and that was all the wind-sorceress needed. With a flick of her wrist, she sent sand dancing into the hanyou's face. As Inuyasha's vision blurred and his eyes began to tear up, she dove past him and into the well.

 

Ranma groaned again, louder and more frustrated, “Great! You let her get away! You should've let me handle her!”

 

Inuyasha whirled to face the martial artist. “If you hadn't distracted me, I wouldn't have!” The burst of anger, disappeared as Inuyasha's shoulders slumped. “What are you yapping about anyway? It's none of your business.”

 

It wasn't any of Ranma's business. It was Inuyasha's and Kagome's. Now that Kagura knew, it wouldn't take long for Naraku to know. Damn it.

 

 

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Kagome kept a guiding hand on Souta's neck as Miroku helped to lay the boy down on the mat that Kaede had hastily prepared.

 

Shippou looked on worriedly as his adoptive mother made his new found friend comfortable. Hopping onto Kagome's shoulder, he peered down into Souta's ashen face. “Will he be alright Kagome?”

 

Kagome shook her head wordlessly, looking into the old woman's face for a sign that her little brother would be okay.

 

Kaede worked swiftly and silently as she cleaned and bandaged Souta's wounds. She sighed as she laid a hand on the boy's sweaty forehead. “I fear that he is getting a fever. How did this happen?”

 

“It was Kagura.” Sango laid her Hiraikotsu on the wall, “She came out of nowhere and went straight for Kagome's friend and brother.”

 

Kaede looked up in surprise. “This young boy is your brother Kagome?”

 

Kagome nodded, wiping the sweat off Souta's forehead. “He fell into the well and came through here. Ranma followed, thinking that he had gotten hurt…” Her voice trailed off when she noticed her hands had begun to twitch. More for something to occupy her nervous hands, Kagome picked up the wash cloth again and dipped it in the bowl of cool water.

 

Kaede's eyebrow rose at the new information. People other then Kagome or Inuyasha coming through the well? This was news indeed. Seeing the worried look on Kagome's face, she decided not to burden the young woman at that moment with more troubling news. “Kagome, the medicinal potions of your time are potent. Do you wish to fetch some for your brother? They may aid in his recovery.”

 

Nodding, Kagome shakily got to her feet. “Yes, we have medicine at home…”

 

Miroku stood as well, “Allow me to accompany you Kagome, danger seems to be lurking at every turn on this day.”

 

“But Miroku, the well might not let you through.” Sango spoke up as the thought occurred to her.

 

The monk nodded, shifting his grasp on his staff. “We can test the well at the same time. It allowed the strange boy and Kagome's brother as well as Kagura; it might allow others through as well.”

 

Kagome nodded, gesturing for Miroku to follow her.

 

Sango bit her lip but got up to touch Miroku on the shoulder before he left the hut. “Kagura must be on the other side of the well by now, be careful.”

 

Miroku's gaze lingered on the slender hand, before squeezing it comfortingly. “Never fear Sango, I will always return to you.”

 

Sango flushed a deep red, jerking her hand out of his grasp. “That's not what I meant!”

 

Miroku chuckled as he followed Kagome, ignoring Sango's spluttering protests.

 

 

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Red-eyed women, dog-eared boys, what next! Akane glared at the two men who had faced off. The two were exchanging heated glares, Ranma's hands were fisted while Inuyasha was cracking his knuckles.

 

“Stop it! Both of you just, stop!” Akane yelled, she felt her face growing hot. She was sick and tired of being kept out of the loop! “Damn it Ranma, tell me what the hell is going on!”

 

Ranma's glanced flicked to her, before turning his full attention back to Inuyasha. His jaw was set in a hard line as he bent his knees slightly, ready for an attack. “Keep out of this Akane, this is between men.”

 

Inuyasha's claws flashed dangerously by the light of the setting sun. “Exactly what are you accusing me of mortal?” He practically spat the last word out as he glared at Ranma.

 

Ranma smirked, “You let that monster get away. You let her almost hurt Akane, and now you're letting her hurt your friends back there!”

 

Inuyasha jerked slightly, his mouth contorting into a grimace. “I'm not letting her do anything you moron! Unlike you pathetic humans, Sango and Miroku can take care of themselves!”

 

“What about Kagome?” Ranma yelled back. “Do you know what she's asking of me? She wants me to teach her how to fight! She knows that you won't always be there to protect her, just like now, when you let that monster get away!”

 

“You don't know what you're talking about!” Inuyasha roared as he leapt towards Ranma, his claws poised for an attack.

 

“Sit!”

 

With the command, Inuyasha was sent plummeting into the earth in mid-flight. He moaned in pain as his limbs twitched.

 

Ranma turned to see Kagome and Miroku running out of the well house.

 

Akane ran up to his side. “Will you tell me now what the hell is going on?”

 

“Inuyasha! What the heck were you trying to do?” Kagome couldn't believe her eyes. Was Inuyasha about to attack Ranma? Why? “What's going on? Where's Kagura?”

 

Inuyasha managed to lift his head, grimacing in pain he glared at the miko. “Damn it Kagome! Would you stop interfering?”

 

“Kagura got away.” Ranma glared at Inuyasha, but knew better then to start another fight, now that Kagome had effectively diffused the last one. “She went back through the well.”

 

Miroku emerged from the well house, looking around his surroundings with a keen eye just as Inuyasha got to his feet. “That wasn't my fault! She threw sand in my eyes!”

 

Ranma snorted in derision and only Akane's restraining hand prevented him from saying anything.

 

Miroku moved closer to the group, noticing the tense set to Inuyasha's shoulders and the curling of Ranma's fists. Miroku studied the youth for a moment before turning his attention back to the still infuriated miko. “Well, it seems that anyone can move through the well now. That does not bode well.”

 

Inuyasha growled, “Damned right monk!”

 

Miroku continued smoothly on as if the half demon had not spoken. “But now is not the time to concern ourselves with Kagura's plans…”

 

“What the hell do you mean? We shouldn't be dawdling around here talking! We should go after Kagura!” Inuyasha growled.

 

Once again Miroku acted as if he didn't hear Inuyasha. “The health of your brother should be foremost Kagome-sama.”

 

The anger dissipated from Kagome as she realised that she was endangering her brother by standing around and arguing with the hard-headed Inuyasha. Without saying a word to anyone else, she ran into the house.

 

Inuyasha turned to find Ranma and Akane speaking in a harsh undertone to each other. As if feeling the hostile gaze upon him, Ranma looked up and shifted to face Inuyasha squarely, ignoring the school girl beside him.

 

“Look, what I said before, I wasn't kidding. This isn't any of your business and you two are just going to get hurt. Things are a little…” Inuyasha paused trying to find a word to describe Kagome's life with him. “Odd…things are a little odd around here.”

 

Ranma snorted again. “I can handle whatever you throw at me.”

 

Inuyasha glared at him, obviously the human was a half-wit if he couldn't comprehend what was being said. Inuyasha opened his mouth to retort, but Miroku smoothly stepped forward.

 

“It's not a matter of your courage, you stood up to Kagura and that is no simple feat for anyone.” Miroku exchanged a look with Inuyasha. “We are simply saying that the life that we lead is…difficult to explain and…” He paused again. “Inuyasha put it best. Odd.”

 

Akane stepped around Ranma, before the pig-tailed martial artist could say anything more. “Odd? You want to see something odd and difficult to explain?”

 

She fetched a flask and before Ranma could protest, dumped the contents onto his head.

 

The curvaceous red-headed girl shook the water out of her eyes and glared at Akane. “Geez Akane! What the heck did you do that for?”

 

Miroku stared agog at the beautiful girl who was wiping her face impatiently with the back of a delicate hand. His hand began to twitch.

 

Inuyasha, surprised, took a step back, blinking in confusion. The scent remained the same. It was unmistakable. The beautiful titian haired girl who was now ranting at a bemused Akane was none other then Ranma.

 

Akane ignored Ranma, “He fell into a Jusenkyo spring. The spring of drowned girl and when he gets splashed with cold water…” With a wave of a hand, she gestured towards Ranma. “He turns into…this. It's a curse.”

 

Miroku gulped hard, his hand still twitching. His mind tried to process what the girl was saying. The red-head, was not a girl, but a…bo…bo…

 

Miroku gulped again, he couldn't even complete the thought!

 

Ranma, hands on hips, turned towards Inuyasha, “What the heck are you explaining for Akane? Of course they know all about it!” She waved a small hand towards Inuyasha and his ears.

 

She grabbed the second flask that she knew Akane had hidden on her person, ignoring Akane's indignant yelp. Unscrewing the cap, she threw the contents at a blinking Inuyasha.

 

The hanyou yelped as the hot water splashed at his face. “What do you think you're doing?”

 

Ranma blinked, her blue eyes wide with confusion, she stepped forward again. Going on her toes she tipped all of the water onto an irate Inuyasha who swatted at her hand and demanded to know what Ranma was doing once again.

 

Ranma stepped back, biting her lower lip. She and Akane exchanged glances, before she turned her wondering eyes towards Inuyasha again. “If you're not cursed…what the heck are you?”

 

 

 

 

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