Kryptonite

By Danyealle

(fanfiction/MF/HC/Abuse)

Chapter 16

Pacing back and forth in her ‘room’ in Naraku’s new palace, Kagura was furious.  For almost two weeks the bastard had made her go on reconnaissance duty.  She and Kanna had been assigned to keep track of what was going on after her loathsome master had found out that there was trouble in paradise when it came to Inuyasha and Kagome.  In fact, Naraku was loving the hell out of what was happening and most assuredly was determined to use the situation to his advantage.

No, he didn’t dare send his insects or minions onto lands controlled by Sesshomaru.  The taiyoukai made sure his army and others were on guard to keep an eye out for such thing.  But the demon lord had some powerful enemies, some of which were in his own fortress and he wasn’t aware of them.  There were others that were in a position that they could be persuaded to give up information he needed quite easily.  With all that he knew just about everything that went on in the fortress without ever having to set foot there.  Yes, Sesshomaru’s purge of the court had been a set back but Naraku had risen to the challenge and had several new recruits within just a couple days.  The only places in the whole fortress that he didn’t have any ‘eyes’ were where the children stayed and the family wing.  Servants there had been at the fortress for so long that there was no real way to recruit them.  The taiyoukai only allowed access to a very select group of them and others, making it all but impossible for Naraku to get a glimpse of what went on there.

Now, with the pack getting ready to start moving again, the vile arachnid wanted not only the pack watched but Inuyasha as well.  She had been assigned that particular task, watching both that is.  She was to observe them off and on and pick up then pass along any information she found out without being seen or detected in any way.  Knowing her well and that she wanted her freedom, Naraku had made it clear that Kanna would be using her mirror to help keep an eye on her as well.

Snarling, her red eyes all but glowed like hot coals, she paced faster, her kimono making swishing noises as she did.  Kami, she hated that bastard Naraku!  She had to find a way to break free from him!  By this point she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she couldn’t do it on her own.  As long as he held onto her hear she had no real chance at getting away.  The only way she could see that she had a chance was what was now Sesshomaru’s pack.  They were the only ones that had enough power to help her.  Now all she had to do was figure out how, without Naraku figuring it out, to get a hold of them and persuade them to help.

Slapping her fan in a staccato tattoo against her palm, she thought she might have an ace in the hole that may help her with them; she would tell them absolutely everything she had on the evil bastard.  No, she didn’t know everything, Naraku played his cards too close to the vest for that, but she knew enough to give them one helluva edge!  She also knew how some things worked and what to watch out for.  She would give it all up, every last bit of it.  Getting them to listen and hear her put without attacking first was going to be the difficult part.  On that count she felt that Sesshomaru was the key.  He was now their leader and could reign them in.  Announcing that Naraku had a spy in his fortress and giving up one name for free should be enough to get his attention.  After that she was going to have to do some fast talking.

But right now she had to do the hardest thing of all: wait for the right time.  That could take months.  But as she saw it, it was really the only chance she had and it would be worth it if it worked out.

Finally, she was drawn out of her plotting by a summons from Naraku.  Scowling, she fought the urge to cut the servant that brought the message to pieces with her Dance of Blades.  Schooling her features into her normal mask, she stomped off to go see what the bastard wanted her to do this time.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Just after down the next morning everyone at the slayer’s village was up and moving, getting everything ready to leave.  Once it was all packed up they sat down to a large breakfast.  While they ate, they discussed which route they were going to take south.  After the meal was done they did the dishes then a general clean up.  Once that was finished Ah-Un was loaded down with their supplies then they were ready to go and headed out.

Though the rest of the pack traveled on foot, Kagome was riding on Ah-un at Sesshomaru’s insistence.  He felt that if she was on the dragon’s back all the time she would be a bit better protected.  A large animal, the two-headed dragon demon was a formidable opponent for any being that would try to challenge it.  It’s thick hide and scales made it tough to injure.  It’s size alone was a deterrent for most that would think to challenge.  If they did decide to give it a go it would fight viciously.  Because of his loyalty to the taiyoukai whatever being he was put in charge of protecting he would do so viciously.  For Sesshomaru that’s what he wanted.

The taiyoukai also made sure that the ookami’s wolves were at both the front and back of the pack so they could alert them if something was coming either direction.  He also had them flank the pack on either side.  Though it wasn’t the world’s most effective form of protection it would be an effective alarm system that should give them enough time to prepare for whatever was coming their way.

Because this was the first time with a pack none of them were used to things were a bit tense.  It was a pack that was made up of three different factions that, while they knew each other, weren’t used to traveling or working together as a cohesive unit.  Yes, they all had a decent enough relationship going in but all of them were used to a different style of pack and leadership.

Kagome, Sango and Miroku were used to an alpha that was impulsive and brash.  Kouga wasn’t used to taking orders from anyone and doing what he felt like.  Sesshomaru was used to having a pack that followed his orders without question and not having to explain or discuss what he wanted done.  Plus, other than Jaken using his staff here and there, he did all the fighting.  Now he was the leader of many more beings to protect but all of them could fight.  But, the other thing was that they were also experienced with this hunt as well and each one had a knowledge that was useful in it’s own way.  No longer could, or should, he just make arbitrary decisions that he expected to be blindly followed.  Things would now have to be discussed because, while he may have an idea of what he wanted done and how it should be taken care of, each being in the pack may well have an idea or way of doing it that could work better.  He would be remiss as a leader if he didn’t take suggestions into consideration.

But, though pack dynamics were a concern, he didn’t feel that it was the biggest concern he had.  Yes, he was used to having a human travel with him, Rin, but now he had three adult humans with different kinds of issues that had to be dealt with.  Rin could use the sleeping bag Kagome had given her long ago and curl up to Ah-Un thus staying plenty war.  That couldn’t be done with three grown adults.  They were going to need to find better sheltered campsites that could accommodate them.  They would also need to stop more often for meals.  They would expend far more energy than Rin so would need a greater intake of food to compensate for it.

Among his greatest concerns however were the two onnas.  Unlike Rin, they were going to have special needs that would have to be attended to and dealt with especially when it came to their monthly cycle and fertility.  Because they had always traveled with a human and half-breed they weren’t affected by either of the womanly issues much.  Yes, he was sure Inuyasha had been affected by both things to an extent because he did have youkai blood but he and the others were going to be affected by this to varying degrees.  Yes, he knew he could handle it and was sure Kouga could as well but he wasn’t sure about the ookami’s underlings and the wolves.  But he was going to be the first to admit that he wasn’t sure just how much it was going to get to him.  This wasn’t something he was used to.  Yes, he had encountered it before but only briefly.  Because all he was around  was youkai almost all of the time he never had to deal with it for long periods of time.  Because it was an unknown that made him apprehensive.  It was his nature to need to be in control of situations and know what was coming.  That’s why he didn’t like the unknown.  Especially when it comes to an issue such as this.  He felt he needed to know what was coming to be able to deal with it.

With a mental sigh, he realized a few of these things were issues he hadn’t thought of at the fortress despite the time he had put in planning and trying to come up with what he was going to need to deal with.  He was also sure there were still more issues in the area of pack dynamics that he hadn’t thought of or anticipated plus a few that probably wouldn’t show themselves yet.  Best he could do, despite his meticulous nature, was just wait and see then deal with them accordingly as they presented themselves. 

Looking to his side, he saw Kagome astride the dragon demon, talking and giggling with the slayer.  Far and away, as far as he was concerned, the thing he had to worry most about was her safety.  Not only because of the whelp but from those that coveted the jewel shards she carried.  That was his number one priority ahead of everything else.  It was that he had to focus on above all no matter what may poke it’s head out of the pile.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

It had still been dark when Inuyasha woke up.  After going to take care of business and scrounging up something to eat, he hopped back into the tree.  Once dawn began to show pink on the horizon he was filled with a nervous anticipation.  As time slowly ticked by he became more and more jittery, waiting.

After what seemed like an eternity, he heard them coming his direction.  Quickly, he scrambled upwards into the highest branches of the tree so he wouldn’t be seen.  Holding his breath, he watched them pass directly below him.  Once he felt they were a safe distance away he began to follow them silently, wary of the wolves picking up on his scent or hearing something if he made too much noise.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

At about dusk that night they made camp in a small clearing that was sheltered on all sides by trees and boulders.  Once camp was set up Kouga sent the wolves out to start patrolling around for any signs of danger or Inuyasha.  Once he had that all organized Kouga himself went out to hunt for their dinner, returning shortly with a medium-sized deer that was already cleaned.  Once it was spitted and cooking Sesshomaru escorted the women to a nearby hot springs to take a bath.  Though he moved quite a ways away, he didn’t go back to camp.  He wanted to make sure that he was close by in case there was a problem.  Understanding that the two females wanted time alone to talk without being heard, he stayed far enough away that he could hear their voices but not what they were saying.  When they were done he escorted them back to camp.  After that the rest of the pack took turns going in pairs to bathe.

While waiting for the meat to cook they sat around playing a card game.  Because Kouga and his ‘men’ didn’t usually travel with them they didn’t know how to play but it was a fairly simple game that didn’t take long to teach them.

Though he wasn’t much for games, unless it was alone with the miko, the demon lord joined in.  Quickly he saw merits to the game beyond its entertainment value.  Though they all knew each other to varying degrees group activities such as these helped to create a closer bond between the members through the talking and joking around they did as they played.  Various humorous stories and anecdotes told by members also gave you insights into their personalities.  Activities that could do such things had a great deal of merit and value so the taiyoukai made a mental note to encourage and organize them several times a week if other members of the pack didn’t suggest it first. 

After eating and cleaning up, Sesshomaru and Kagome took their usual nightly walk.  Because this had been routine at the fortress he felt it should continue when they were traveling as well.  It was really going to be the only time they were able to be alone together, something he considered essential to building on the relationship they had.

With her arm linked through his, they walked along the bank of a nearby river until they found a place to sit down.  Taking his armor off, he sat down on a large, flat rock then pulled her between his legs.  Leaning her back against his chest, he looped one arm around her waist and held her to him.

Smiling, she relaxed against him and put a hand over his, giving it a squeeze.

Quietly, the just sat and talked about nothing important, just this and that as topics came up.  She asked about some hints for training Daoe, she had been working on that while she rode that day, which he gave.  Though he did mention that he thought the slayer might be more helpful in that area than he would be.

Next she asked, when they got back to the fortress next, about finding someone to start training Shippo.  The way she saw it she could, and hand, taught him a lot of things but she knew nothing about being a demon nor could she teach him how to use his powers.

Listening, he nodded and understood. Kagome had done a wonderful job of raising the kit since she ‘adopted’ him after his parents were killed.  She had instilled a lot of her values, protected and loved the child, things he would never have gotten on his own.  Now she wanted to do her best and what was right by him to give him what he couldn’t.  He could respect that.  He also felt that it was a request he could work with.  When he became her mate the kitsune would basically become his child like Rin would hers.  He would expect her to treat Rin as such and do what was right by her so he would hold himself to the same standard when it came to the kit.  “When we get back I’ll arrange to have him start training an hour or so a day with one of my men.  I have a couple kitsune guards and in the army.  I’m sure I can persuade one of them to take on that duty.”

I have a bit of a question about Shippo anyway… I always assumed because his father was the leader that he would be taking over his title when he comes of age.  Is that true?”  She asked, looking at him.

Nodding, he replied, “Indeed it is.  In fact he probably already is considered as such by what remains of it.”

“There aren’t any left.  The thunder Brothers destroyed them all.”  She told him sadly with a shake of her head.

Nodding, he understood.  This was really the first time he knew the kits history other than he was orphaned.  “Alright.  I’m going to assume that he does have relatives around.  I’ll start looking for them when we return.”

“Would they try to take him away from me?”  She asked quietly, eyes wide.

Giving her a gentle squeeze to reassure her, he shook his head.  “No.  He’s been with you long enough that you’re seen as his mother. If they even make noise that direction I’ll make sure they know they will have problems with the Western Lord.

“No kitsune clan is big enough to wield a great deal of power so displeasing me could make things very hard on them.  Having me as an ally could also make things easier.  I’ll make sure they know that.”

Looking down at her, he saw her relax and was pleased so he continued on.  “But I do think, if I can find some relatives, that it would be good for him to get to know them and spend time among them.  It will give him more of a sense of who he is and his family history, something neither of us can give him.” He explained.

Nodding, she said, “True and I would like him to have that.  I want to do what’s best for him but sometimes I don’t know what that is.  All I know is humans.”

“You’ve done fine with him.  Wonderful in fact.  Asking for help show you know there are things you can’t do but know he needs.  That’s the mark of a good mother.”

“Thanks Sesshomaru.”  She smiled, looking at him.

“You’re welcome.”  He told her with a nod.  “It was my intent to ask you for something similar with Run but you have already taken over that duty of your own accord.  That pleased me a great deal.”

“Rin’s easy to work with.”  She smiled.  “Her nanny does a great job with her.  I just thought she needed a human around to learn some things from was all.”

“Indeed she does.  And you’re perfect for that.”  He praised.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…ks..

Back at camp, Sango had been playing with the bird and Kirara when Daoe suddenly became highly agitated and upset.  Squawking loudly, he began to pace around, head jerking around as if it was looking for something.  Suddenly it took to the air and flew off quickly the direction Kagome and Sesshomaru had left.

The miko and taiyoukai were talking about going back to camp when Daoe flew into view then landed on her shoulder.  Chirping in an agitated way, it nervously shifted from foot to foot, head jerking around.  It seemed to be fixated  on three separate points around them because it kept looking three specific places.

Scanning around to see if he could sense anything, Sesshomaru found nothing out of the ordinary.  But he knew enough about the species to realize the creature wouldn’t act this way for no reason.  Though he had senses far superior to most, that didn’t mean the bird might not be capable of sensing something he wasn’t.  Because bird youkai weren’t as ‘evolved’ as upper level youkai they may well have instincts he didn’t so he was willing to trust that the creature was picking up something he couldn’t.  “Let’s head back Kagome.  I don’t know what’s bother him, it may bell be nothing, but it’s better safe than sorry.”

“Alright.”  She said, standing.

Once he was on his feet, Sesshomaru put his armor back on then held his arm out for her.  When she slipped hers through it they began to make their way back to camp.  Daoe rode on her shoulder, a bit calmer but still warily glancing around until they were once more at the safety of the well lit camp.

...ks…ks…ks…ks…

Unbeknownst to the taiyoukai, the bird had every reason in the world to be agitated.  While having his alone time with the miko they were being watched by three sets of eyes.  They belonged to Inuyasha, Kagura and Naraku through Kanna’s mirror.

Once the couple were out of sight, Kagura headed back to the castle.  Naraku watched his incarnation for several minutes to make sure she wasn’t going to do anything foolish then waved Kanna away.  Inuyasha waited for a while then slowly made his way as close to the packs camp as was safe and perched as high up in the largest tree he could find and settled down for the night.

Realistically, the hanyou knew he should stay further away from the pack or he risked detection.  But he couldn’t force himself to do that.  Somehow just being near them soothed him.  It felt like he was still part of them in some way rather than being on his own.  Though he was far enough away that he couldn’t see, smell or hear them well he was close enough that he could feel their presence and was soothed by it.  Settling back, he shut his eyes and waited for sleep to take him.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Quickly after the miko and taiyoukai returned everyone began to bed down for the night.  Kagome had unrolled her sleeping beg next to the taiyoukai.  When she crawled into it, she propped a pillow against one of his thighs and laid her head against it.  That’s how she fell asleep, one arm draped casually over his leg.

Resting a hand on her head, so she could feel him as she slept, he let himself drift off though made sure his senses were on alert like they always were when he traveled.