Kryptonite

By Danyealle

(fanfiction/MF/HC/Abuse)

Chapter 24

The next morning Kagome woke up all snuggled up to Sesshomaru with her head on his chest.  Though his heavy thundering heartbeat was usually one of the most soothing and comforting things in the world she felt something in his aura that was bothering her.  Turning her head, she opened her eyes and looked up at him.  “Is something wrong?”

Looking down at her, he rubbed her head softly.  “Yes, something’s disturbing me.”

“What’s going on?”  She asked, then sat up and yawned, stretching a bit.

“We’ll discuss it over breakfast.”  He told her.  Sitting up, he gave her a kiss then patted her on the back.  “Go see to what you need to and I’ll see to our food.”

“Okay,” she said.  Giving him a kiss, she bailed off the bed to go take care of what she needed to.

When she came back breakfast was waiting for her.  Sitting down, she filled her plate then nudged him to tell her what was going on.  While she ate he filled her in about what had happened the night before.

When he finished she asked, “What do you think happened?  Suicide or something else?”

“I don’t have enough information to make a guess,” he told her with a shake of his head.

“What’s your gut telling you?”  She asked quietly.

“That it’s Naraku’s doing.”  He said automatically.  Looking at her, he explained.  “I gave her the option to tell me what she knew about others here that were also feeding information to the spider.  If she knew of others he’s not going to want her to spill it.  As both of us well know he has no compunction eliminating beings when they are no longer of use to him or are a detriment.  If Lakumi did know something I have no doubt that she would have talked in an attempt to save her own skin.  Naraku, I’m sure, knew that as well.”

“That would mean that he probably has other spies here.”  She said quietly.

Face hardening, he nodded.  “Indeed, it does.”

“Are you going to be able to figure out who they are?”

“I’m going to try but it isn’t going to be easy.  There are so many beings here, between staff, guards, the army and court, that it’s going to be hard to do with no real way to find a place to start looking.”  He admitted.  “I’m going to talk to Lord Minisuh again today to see if there’s any more he remembers that may assist but mostly we’re feeling around in the dark.  I just hope we can find a clue somewhere.” Sighing, he shook his head.  “We aren’t going to be able to leave like we wanted to.  I can’t, in good conscience, leave here without at least having a good start on it.  There are too many beings here whose safety is at risk and far too much sensitive information that comes through here that Naraku doesn’t need to get his hands on for me to just up and leave.”

“That’s not a problem.”  She told him.  “Do what you have to do.  For the rest of us it’ll just be like an extended vacation.”  She giggled.

Looking at her, he smirked.  “Indeed.”  Though he didn’t mention it he was sure that she knew that he may well need the pack’s help in some areas with it.  Changing topics, he asked, “What do you have planned for today?”

“Mostly I was going to spend time with the kids outside in the gardens.  Then I was going to do bit of mingling here and there.  I was going to play a visit to Lord Minisuh to see if he was OK.”  She told him.

“Sounds like a full and busy day,” he told her with a nod.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

In his palace, Naraku was pacing back and forth, barking out orders to those assembled.  The last 24 hours hadn’t been good and he wanted to ensure that things were fine with others he had at the fortress.

His beyond handsome face twisted into a scowl as he thought about Lakumi.  Dumb bitch!  She was doing great but should have kept a tighter reign on that fool of a daughter of hers.  Oh well, he had known from the beginning her usefulness would be limited and only for a short time.  He had gotten enough information from her for it to be worth his while.  Lucky for him one of the guards that had been sent to the lord of the lands she had been on was working for him so he had been able to let him know what was up and it allowed him to send instructions about what to do.  He knew the foolish onna would more than likely spill her guts about everything she knew or suspected, something he couldn’t let happen, so he made sure she was silenced.  Now he had to deal with the fallout.

Operatives were nervous and wanted reassured that they weren’t in any danger and others were wanting to quit, something he couldn’t allow.  The fortress was too much of an information prize, especially now that it was the shard hunting pack’s home base to allow it to become a blind spot, so he had to personally go to bordering lands and soothe some of his informants.  Also, he had to dispatch all his minions to work with some of the others.

Scowling, he headed quickly towards the entrance of his new palace.  Dumb bitch had left him with a mess to deal with!  He hoped she suffered plenty from that crystallized miasma she had been forced to ingest, the cause of her death.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Soaring alone on her feather, Kagura’s mind was working furiously.  Putting a hand on her chest where her heart should be, she felt the scroll that she was sure would be her ticket to freedom.  On it were the names of every operative on Western lands and few elsewhere.

Hearing the blood pounding in her ears, she tried to decide if she wanted to do this now or if it would be better to wait for a while.  Mentally, she debated the pro’s and con’s of it but in the end she decided it should be today.  That evil bastard that held her heart was so busy today that he wasn’t going to be keeping an eye on her.  It was the perfect time to do what she needed to. 

When she got to the edge of the Western lands she let out a nervous, ragged breath then guided her feather as high up as she could then hooked westward, heading towards the fortress, hoping against hope that this would work.  Either way, after today, she would be free of the evil bastard, one way or another.  Closing her eyes, she felt the wind whipping against her face and wondered if she would ever feel it again.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

After lunch, Kagome was in the gardens with the pack, the kids and a few of her friends playing a game she called ‘finding the clues.’  Basically it was written clues hidden all over that you had to find by following what was written.  It was a simple enough game that the kids could play but challenging enough that they adults enjoyed as well.  While the two teams were off hunting she was relaxed on one of the benches, watching with a smile on her face.  Everyone sure did seem to be having fun.

Okay, it had been a really good day!  For once everything seemed to be going well.  While the kids had their morning lessons she spent time with the friends she had made here along with Sango.  She had been relieved that they had accepted her easily. It had been a concern that she wouldn’t be because she was a demon slayer.  As it turned out many of those at the fortress had respect for slayers and what they did, knowing full well that their targets were low-level, ‘pest’ youkai that caused problems.  In fact, several of the court members stopped by to say ‘hi’ to her because they had known her family or had dealt with them in the past.

Kouga had taken Miroku with him and made the rounds, doing what he did best; wooing the ladies then catching up with the men he got alone with from his last visit.

With a bigger grin she thought about Kirara.  The neko youkai must be in 7th heaven at this point.  She had been hugged and kissed so much that her fur was wet and had been petted until she had almost been put into a coma from the pleasure of it!

Suddenly, she felt a bit of a tug and frowned.  Concentrating, she tried to figure to what it was and where it had come from.  Just as a frenzied Daoe landed on her shoulder, she knew what it was.  Standing, sweat trickling down her spine, she called everyone over.  Looking at the children’s nanny, she ordered, “Take the kids inside and stay in their rooms with them until someone gives you the all clear!”

Nodding, the older inu woman quickly herded her sputtering charges inside.

Turning to the guards, she directed them to escort everyone not in the pack inside and sent everyone they could find to their chambers.

That directive was quickly carried out despite a barrage of question from her friends about what was going on.

Once the courtyard was cleared of all but a couple guards and the pack, she rubbed the bracelet to let Sesshomaru know she needed him.  “We have an unwelcome guest coming,” she told the pack in a nervous voice.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

The taiyoukai was reading over a few notes that had been sent to him about the investigation at the fortress when he felt the bracelet on his wrist begin to burn/tingle.  Immediately, he dropped what he was doing and took off to the gardens where he knew she was.

When he got there he saw the pack on alert and edge.  Stepping behind Kagome, he followed her gaze upwards to see if he could determine what she was looking at.  “What’s going on?”  He asked gruffly.

“Kagura’s coming…” she stated simply.

Immodestly his face went stony.  Barking out orders to his guards, he sent them to get reinforcements.  Knowing the pack was unarmed he moved them all over to a smaller area where they would be protected and stood in front of the little miko, sword drawn.  Scanning the sky, he tried to determine where the wind witch was coming from.

Suddenly, from out of no where, a stiff wind swirled around them then Kagura stood there, fan unfolded, in front of them.

Snarling Sesshomaru glared at her.

Before anyone could do more than that she began to talk fast, knowing she wouldn’t have much time.  “I have a deal for you: you take me under your protection and I’ll give you the name of every one I know at the fortress that is helping Naraku.”  She stated simply, blood thundering in her ears.  She knew this was her only chance and she had to make it good or she was dead.

That got Sesshomaru’s attention.  “Go on…” he growled, eyes narrowing dangerously, sword still ready.

“You have a maid, Salkinu, she cleans your study.  Her mother works in the family wing and has been here since the time of your father.  She asked for a promotion to work in the family wing as well but you told her you didn’t feel she was ready for that yet.  Instead you assigned her to your study and a few other things to keep an eye on her.  Her mate gambles and is heavily in debt, she needs money desperately.  Naraku approached her and has given her what she needed.  In exchange she’s gone through everything you’ve received and your trash, passing it along to him.

“Lakumi didn’t commit suicide, she was poisoned by crystallized miasma administered by one of your guards, Lashiku, because Naraku was afraid she’d talk.  He was one you dispatched to contact the lord about her arrest.

“Those are just two.  I have many more.   Plus I know how Naraku works and how he does some things.  No, not all but enough to give you an edge.  I will give you everything I know if you just get me away from him!”  She said, voice quivering a little.  She knew what she was doing and it scared the life out of her. 

Though the stoic taiyoukai’s expression never changed, his eyes hardened when he heard about the traitors.  A quick glance at the head of the guards that was present had him sending a couple men to go arrest the ones mentioned.  Looking back at Kagura, he said, “He controls your heart, you will never be free from him.”

“Kagome re-grew your arm.  She can give me a new one!”  She said glancing at the miko peeking out from behind him.

Kagome looked at her then glanced up at Sesshomaru.  “I don’t’ know if I can do that Kagura.  An arm is a whole lot different than a heart.  It may well kill you.”  She said quietly.

“It’s better to die trying to break free than to keep living like this!”  The wind witch told her quietly the looked back at Sesshomaru, waiting for his answer.

As far as the taiyoukai was concerned this was a chance he had to take.  He would find out soon enough if she lied.  Holding out the hand not holding his sword, he ordered, “Give me the scroll and your fan.”  He was well aware that without that fan she couldn’t control the wind and was basically defenseless.

Without a second thought Kagura stepped forward and handed both over.

Pocketing both, the taiyoukai grabbed her by the elbow.  Looking over his shoulder at the pack he said, “We’re going to my study.”  Then headed that direction.  On the way he summoned both the head of his guards and army, telling them to meet him there.

Once there he had the wind witch sit on the chair in front of the desk so he could keep an eye on her then began to read the list.  The more he read, the angrier he got.  There were names on there of not only members of his army and guards but members of court that had been close to Kagome.  He was infuriated though was careful not to show it.  Once his men had come in he sent them off with a list of people to arrest and detain for questioning. When that was done and the pack was assembled he began to question Kagura about Naraku. 

Though nervous, she answered everything as honestly and with as much detail as she could, telling him absolutely everything she knew.  When he and the pack ran out of questions she offered up stuff they hadn’t thought to ask.  Though she was nervous, and more than a touch terrified, she did the best she could, wanting to show her sincerity about this.

When he felt he had nothing more to ask about Sesshomaru leaned back in his chair and looked at Kagome.  “Can you do this?”

Brow creased, she looked at Kagura then him, licking her lips nervously.  “I don’t know.  I can try but I can’t guarantee it like I said before.”  She told him quietly.

“Now?”  He asked gently, sensing her apprehensive state.

“I need to know a few things first.”  She said.

“What are those Kagome?”  He asked her.

“I need to have a drawing of a youkai heart so I know what I’m creating.  And if it’s basically in the same place and connects the same way as a human heart.”  She told him.

Nodding, he sent a request to his haler for what she needed.

Meanwhile, Kagura was fidgeting around in her chair.  For the first time in her life she had real, tangible hope that she was going to be free from that cruel, evil bastard.  Yes, she understood there was probably a real good chance she wouldn’t survive but she still wanted to go through with it.  Despite what so many thought, she wasn’t cruel or evil, she did what she had to because of Naraku holding onto her heart.  Secretly, and sometimes not so secretly, she had tried to help those who wanted to kill the bastard.  Yes, that was her only chance at freedom but she also knew that something as evil as Naraku needed to be wiped off the face of the earth. The more powerful he got the more dangerous he was.  Hopefully, she looked at the little priestess and waited.

Quickly, the healer showed up with a large book and an excited look on her face.  Sitting with Kagome on the sofa, she showed her drawings of what she was wanting to know.

Much to the miko’s relief, the structure of a human heart and a youkai heart were basically the same and connected the same way.  Feeling a bit more confident she looked at Sesshomaru and nodded then walked over and knelt in front of the wind witch.   “Are you sure you want me to try this Kagura?  All kinds of things could go wrong.”  She told her quietly.

Taking a deep breath, Kagura nodded.  “Yes, I have to at least try.”  She told her in an uneven voice.

“Alright, hang on.”  Kagome said nervously.  Propping the book up, open to the drawings, she looked at them then put her hand on Kagura’s chest over where her heart should be.  Concentrating, a soft pink glow surrounded her then began to engulf Kagura as well.  When the wind witch was fully surrounded by pink Kagome’s hand sank into her chest.  Concentrating as hard as she could, she cupped her hand as though she was holding onto the organ then began to visualize it.  Slowly, she could feel the most vital muscle in the body form in her hand.  Staring hard at the pictures, sweat beading on her forehead and upper lip, she visualized what she needed.  When she could feel it in her hand and it was no longer moving or changing she began to visualize the connections to the veins, arteries and nerves then connecting them.   Feeling exhaustion taking over, she pleaded, silently, to any Kami listening that it be about done and that it would work. 

Once she felt no more movement she poured the last of her power into willing to start beating.  After what seemed like an eternity there was one beat then a pause before it began to pump in a regular rhythm.

Withdrawing her hand, she put two fingers on Kagura’s neck to feel for a pulse.  When she felt the strong, steady beat she smiled.  “How does it feel Kagura?”  She asked in a weary voice.

Putting a hand on her chest, eyes sparkling with tears, the wind witch felt the steady beat.  For the first time her life she could feel her heartbeat in her chest.  Her heart, her own heart.  Once no one else controlled.  “Amazing!  Thank you!”  She whispered, two tears running down her face.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Sitting in his stolen palace, Naraku was getting a debriefing from one of his minions who had just returned when he heard a loud hiss and the popping sound of a jar breaking.  Looking over his shoulder, he saw the jar that held Kagura’s heart on the floor in pieces.  Her heart was a black, smoking lump that was turning to ashes before his very eyes.  Once it was nothing more than a mass of grey ash it was blown away by some soft wind that swirled in the room.  “Kuh…kuh…kuh…  It appears Kagura is no more.”  He told himself out loud.

Being honest with himself he admitted that he had mixed feelings on that topic.  Though she was an effective and strong incarnation that was great in battle, more than a match for most that she went up against, she was troublesome as well.  He was well aware that she had been trying to find a way to escape him and break free.  Also, he had known that she had betrayed him on more than one occasion. Since the first time he had known it would come to the point that he was going to have to do away with her himself at some point.  Now someone had taken care of that nasty job for him.  Though he felt that she had a bit more use in her he wasn’t all that upset about her demise.  At least now he didn’t have to deal with that nasty job himself and didn’t have to worry about what she was up to.

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Giving Kagura a weary smile, Kagome dropped down onto the floor on her butt, exhausted.  It felt as though every muscle in her body had just given out.  Immediately, the healer and Sesshomaru were by her side with Kagura kneeling in front of her.  ‘’Are you OK?”  Sesshomaru asked, putting a hand on her back to help hold her upright.  He was fairly certain it was the same thing that had happened after she had re-grown his arm but he wanted to make sure.

Nodding, she replied, “I’m fine, just tired.”

Picking her up, the taiyoukai sat her on the sofa.  He sent the healer to get someone to bring her something to drink, remembering she had been parched after she had finished with him.

Kneeling before Kagome, tears still in her eyes, Kagura whispered, “Thank you Kagome.”

“You’re welcome.”  The miko replied with a smile.  “Just don’t make me regret this.”

“Never!  I swear!”  Kagura vowed.  “How?  How were you able to do that?”  She asked quietly.

“I just formed the structure; your youkai healing ability did the rest.”

“Hn… You once more downplay your role miko.”  Sesshomaru said quietly.

“If you say so.  I don’t have the energy to argue with you.”  She told him.

Once her juice was delivered he sent the servant to fetch a blanket and pillow for her.  He knew she was going to fall asleep and wasn’t about to let her out of his sight right now.  As tired as she was she would never wake up if there was danger or trouble.  Until his men had made all the arrests he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight.

Once she had drank the juice brought to her, Kagome curled up on the sofa and was asleep within minutes.  Kagura also had something to drink then sat in one of the soft, comfortable chairs along the wall.  Though she tried to stay awake, she was so tired that it was a losing battle.  Not long after the little priestess slipped off to the land of dreams the wind witch followed her. 

The rest of the pack and Sesshomaru talked quietly until the taiyoukai felt Kagura slide off to a deep sleep.  With a bit of a sigh he said, “They’re both out.”

Looking over at the onna that had been their enemy and a thorn in their side for so long, Sango asked, “Now what?  What are we going to do with her?”

“That’s a good question and one I have no answer to.”  Sesshomaru said honestly.

Looking over at the sleeping wind witch, Kouga was torn.  On one hand he hated the onna and wanted revenge for what she had done to his comrades.  But on the other hand he felt sorry for her, knowing full well she was nothing more than Naraku’s pawn because he held her life in his hands up to this point.

With a mental sigh, he shoved his anger and hate aside then decided to give her another chance.  He would withhold judgment on her until he could see how she acted without Naraku’s influence.  Though he wasn’t going to be able to sake the mistrust he had when it came to her, he would be as neutral as he could be and just wait.

Though he heard the debate going on around him about what should be done with her he said nothing until it appeared it was going no where.  That’s when he injected himself.  “I think we should have her travel with us.”  He said quietly.

Of course that caused an uproar.  Before it got too loud and far Sesshomaru cut it off.  Looking at Kouga, he asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Kagome basically gave her life back.  In doing that it left Kagura with a life debt to Kagome that she needs to pay off.  Protecting and defending her is part of that when it comes to youkai law.  So it would be another form of protection for her.

“Add to that she knows Naraku better than any of us.  She will probably be able to pick up some of the signs of him we can’t.  That could be something we really need.

“Plus I wouldn’t be comfortable leaving her alone anywhere we can’t personally keep an eye on her for a while.”  He finished quietly.

Looking at him, Sesshomaru nodded.  “Those are some very good points.”  Looking around at the others, he asked, “Anything to say?”

Miroku nodded, “I agree with Kouga, it’s better to take her with us for the reasons he stated.  It might be a risk but the benefits could very easily out weigh that.”

“Yeah, me too.”  Sango agreed.  “I don’t trust her but it’s better to have her around.”

“I agree so it’s decided: she comes with us.”  Sesshomaru stated in such a way that it said the diction was made and final.

“Until we leave why don’t you have her stay in my room.”  Sango said.

Eyebrow arched, Sesshomaru looked at her.  “Why do you think that is a good idea?”

“I can keep an eye on her that way.  As long as you have her fan I’m not worried.”  The slayer explained.

Nodding, Sesshomaru liked the suggestion.  “As long as you have no problem with it then I agree.   You would be able to observe her in a way we wouldn’t.”  Looking around at the others, he asked, “Anyone object?”

“I don’t like it but if Sango thinks she can handle it that’s fine with me.”  Miroku said with a sigh.

Nodding, Sesshomaru stated, “It’s settled then.  As long as you’re comfortable with it Sango then I’m fine.  If you change your mind or don’t feel you can tolerate it anymore then we’ll make other arrangements.”

…ks…ks…ks…ks…

Perched just outside the fortress walls in a tree, Inuyasha was about to die of curiosity.  It was obvious that something huge was going on but he didn’t know what.  Then Kagura dropped in.  That incident had made him want to crawl over the wall to see what was happening for himself.  Though things seemed to have calmed down a bit there was still something up from what he could see and he really wanted to see what was going on for himself but kept himself restrained.  Maybe later that night when it was quiet he would go poking around and see what was going on.  While he was there he might try sneaking around and see if he couldn’t find his miko.