They were converging, all coming at the same time. Well, let them come. Soon I will have the complete Shikon no Tama, since they are being so kind as to bring it to me after all. My original target was Sesshoumaru, but since they've all been drawn here by my scent, there may be a better plan of action. Such a big event, I'm sure that Kikyo will be attending, as well as Inuyasha and Kagome. The only thing left to do is wait.
* * * * * *
Kagome had convinced Sesshoumaru to stop by a small town in order to obtain a bow and some arrows. It would not do to face Naraku unarmed. After the short stop, they continued on their way. Sesshoumaru and Kagome had been walking for quite a distance when she finally saw a clearing before them. As they approached, it seemed as though the air twinkled and as they stood a feet from the clearing, Kagome could see the air before them shimmering clearly. As Sesshoumaru took a step towards the shimmering space, Kagome hesitated uncertainly. It was a barrier, she was certain of it, but what it did to trespassers she had no idea. As she opened her mouth to warn Sesshoumaru, the shimmering slowly faded until it was nothing but a memory. We're expected Kagome turned her gaze to Sesshoumaru to find him waiting for her. She colored slightly as she realized that he had known the barrier was there as well. His eyes calmly beckoned to her. Kagome closed her eyes, took a deep breath and released it. This is it. We're finally battling Naraku and not just his henchmen. Gripping her bow tightly, Kagome opened eyes that shined with determination. Naraku is strong, but there is no way we're going to let him win! Taking a step forward, she stood at Sesshoumaru's side, and together they walked into the clearing.
They found themselves standing before two buildings that appeared to be a former household. Before Naraku had taken the manor, it had most likely been home to a rich lord's family and servants. Now, only the stench of death remained as an indication of their existence. The smell of death added to the dark aura that seemed to suffuse the area while many youkai circled the smaller of the two buildings. It was in the building surround by youkai that Sesshoumaru sensed Rin's presence. With her, he also felt the presence of another human, probably one who followed Naraku's orders. If he was to make any move to rescue Rin, he had no doubt that Naraku's servant would kill the little girl. From the larger building, emanated a greater sense of evil than from the number of youkai in the area. The larger main building sat in the center of the clearing but strangely, there were no youkai near the main building. Even from a distance Kagome could see that a figure was seated on the steps, Naraku. Stopping a fair distance away, they stood silently as they awaited Naraku's move.
"Sesshoumaru, Kagome, welcome."
"Naraku."
"Well, well, isn't this different. Kagome is following you instead of Inuyasha these days? I guess he prefers to have the original rather than just a copy."
Kagome's hand fisted at her side, angry at the superior smirk on Naraku's face. She tried to calm herself because it was the truth after all, Inuyasha did prefer Kikyo to her. And somehow, it felt as though letting him anger her would be giving him an advantage over her. In her mind's eye, she imagined her fist breaking Naraku's face. The image of Naraku holding a bloody nose struck her as extremely funny and Kagome smiled brightly at the evil hanyou. Not expecting to the girl to smile at his gibe, Naraku momentarily lost his smile. Sesshoumaru smirked at the confrontation between his mate and Naraku. Over fifty years of experience and bested by a human no more than seventeen.
"Naraku. Seeing as you went to so much trouble to bring me here, there must be a reason you want me present. I suggest you get to the point. I have no patience for your little games."
"Sesshoumaru, what we have in common is that Inuyasha has something that belongs to each of us. I propose that we work together to take back what belongs to us."
"If you want something, take it back with your own two hands. I have no obligation to help you retrieve something you lost."
"Now, now, Sesshoumaru, that isn't exactly true that you have no obligation. I have in my possession the little girl you travel with and if you want to get her back intact, you should be more helpful."
"I will not be threatened."
Meanwhile, Rin had reverted to her exuberant self. Although Kohaku was holding her prisoner, the boy seemed nice enough. In fact, Kohaku was holding a conversation with the younger girl. Rin had discovered that the boy was like her in a way. When she had been alone in the world and her life threatened, Sesshoumaru had found and saved her. From talking with the boy, she had discovered that Naraku had saved him from death. She was a little confused with this Naraku character though. Naraku was the person who ordered her captured and kept in this house surrounded by youkai. Naraku saved Kohaku, who seemed like a nice person, but Naraku himself was not a good person. Rin knew that this Naraku couldn't be a good person; he was trying to keep her from her Sesshoumaru-sama after all. Suddenly, she realized that the boy had gone strangely silent.
"Ne ne, Kohaku-kun...daijoubu?"
Turning towards the older boy, Rin noticed that Kohaku was eerily silent. The silence was beginning to frighten her as the boy sat stone-like, head lowered. Rin slowly began backing up to the door, suddenly scared of this boy whom she had spent hours talking to. With her back to the door, she watched as Kohaku slowly lifted his head and turned to look at her. Much like a sleepwalker, Kohaku stood and reached behind his back to retrieve his weapon, eyes devoid of emotion. Rin's eyes widened at the sight of the weapon in Kohaku's hand as the boy stepped closer and closer.