I'm back! And once again I am so grateful for all the positive feedback I got even after being on hiatus for so long. I was just so busy that I couldn't find time to come back and work on this chapter even though it was about 75% finished back in July! My goal to have this story pass the amount of reviews its predecessor has before reaching the point where that one ended is so close! Thanks so much for enjoying my story!

~Special Announcement~ Today's chapter is dedicated to Everyone who Read, Reviewed, Favorited, and/or Followed!

Disclaimer: I do not own either one of these great manga/anime. Red River belongs to Chie Shinohara and Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Summary: All Kagome has ever wanted was for the Well to reopen so that she could return to her first love, Inuyasha. But the Fates had different plans for when. After she was forced to try to forget her life in the Sengoku Jidai, Kagome rejects Hojo's confession of love to her and ran when he got forceful. Then something happen, she was pulled down into a lake by the Queen of the Hittite's to be sacrifice for a Katashiro.

Before the queen could do she is save by the Third Prince – Kail Mursili and became his concubine and then the incarnate of Ishtar, Goddess of Beauty and War. Now, she must fight her way back home as well as whatever the Fates throw at her.

As Fate Would Have It

Kagome sat in the large courtyard next to the beautiful pool, swirling the tips of her toes in the cool water as she stared absently at the sky. The priestess was deep in thought about what just transpired earlier this week. Prince Zannanza was going to Egypt to become their king. Kail's precious younger brother was leaving soon. Her keen hearing picked up on the low voices of her servants, even though they were trying to be quiet.

Tito lifted his hand to cover his mouth as he looked over at the young woman sitting by the pool. "Did you hear, Sisters?" he said as he waited for his siblings to acknowledge him. "The new appointments for the other princes have been announced. Prince Piyasili will be governor of the newly acquired territory of Carchemish. Prince Telipinu will govern Halep."

Shalla tilted her head to the side as she placed a finger to her chin. "I had heard that Prince Juda was originally assigned to Carchemish,"

Ryui continued where her twin left off, taking the same pose. "But Queen Nakia opposed it on account of his youth."

The eldest of the Hatti siblings glanced over at the princess and saw that she was still oblivious to their conversation before turning back to her little brother. "What about Prince Kail? What was his appointment?"

"He will be the Gal Meshedi naturally." Tito said with a bright smile on his face. "He's been officially appointed!"

Unable to contain their excitement, the three women cheered loudly before gasping and shifting their eyes over to the priestess. They released sighs of relief when Kagome gave no indication of hearing them. The young woman still felt guilty about Prince Zannanza's appointment to be shipped off to Egypt and knowing the appointments of the other princes may upset her more than she is now.

Kagome ducked her head down lower, her bangs casting shadows over her eyes, 'Kail is the new Gal Meshedi.' She sighed miserably as she remember that her Prince wanted Zannanza to be his Gal Meshedi one day when he became King. Ankoku rustled around restlessly within her space in the priestess' consciousness. Her voice echoing through Kagome's mind, whispering of her idea. The Shikon no Miko lifted her head and nodded. She rose to her feet and walked over to where her servants were conversating, "Do you know here Prince Kail is?"

Tito jumped at the chance to please the woman who saved his life as he beamed brightly up at her. "Kagome-sama!" he chirped, blushing when she gave him a slight smile and a pat on the head. "Kail-sama is greeting people who have come to congratulate him." He laughed when the princess gave him a hug and thanked him for his help before she walked out of the room in search of Kail.

"Prince Kail, congratulations on your appointment as Gal Meshedi."

"Congratulations, Prince Kail."

"Prince Kail!" a sweet voice sounded from across the room.

Kail paused in his greeting as the voice of his Koibito caressed his ears. He excused himself from the line of people waiting to congratulate him as he turned around and spotted his Princess. Kagome was calmly walking towards him, her hands folded together on her lap. She wore a simple, yet elegant light blue dress that hugged her generous curves in all the right places as the Warrior Goddess headdress was perched delicately on her head. Her long midnight black hair was curled softly to frame her beautiful face and her dark sapphire eyes sparkled like gems in the sunlight. A smile tilted at Kail's lips, she was so very beautiful.

Kagome approached her Prince and bowed her head to him in respect. "Congratulations on your appointment, my Prince." she said pleasantly, keeping her voice velvety like a concubine should since she was in the presence of people who knew of her title. "My Prince, I have a request to ask of you, if you will allow it." Kagome waited for Kail to grant her permission to keep speaking and said, "I wish to accompany Prince Zannanza to Egypt. I desire to say my goodbyes to him there and return once we reach the border."

A golden brow rose until it was hidden beneath a waterfall of blonde bangs as Kail gave her a strange look. "What? You want to see him off?" He sighed as he placed his hands on her shoulders gently. "Kagome, Zannanza is going to Egypt to marry the Queen. He cannot take a woman with him."

"I am not just a woman, Prince Kail." Kagome said as she leaned into him slightly, placing her hands on his chest. "I am also Ishtar, Goddess of Love and Fertility as well as War and Beauty. And as a miko, I can bless his union with the Queen." She smiled up at him briefly before guilt reared its ugly head and captured her heart. "There should be nothing wrong with me escorting him." It was the least she could do after being the main cause of his deployment.

"Ahh!" Zannanza's voice startled the couple, "That's finally over." The Fourth Prince rubbed the back of his head before stretching his arms out and sighing. "I didn't realize that greeting everyone in the palace would be so tiresome." Zannanza glanced over at Kagome when she breathed out his name in a soft whisper, her dark blue eyes tinged golden. "What's the matter, Kagome? Brother?"

Kail placed his hands on his priestess' shoulders and gave her a gentle push as he smiled at his younger brother. "Zannanza, Ishtar wishes to accompany you to the Egyptian Border."

Zannanza eyes shifted from his older sibling down to the beautiful woman standing in front of him. He took note of her slowly changing features- raven hair lightening to deep blue, eyes faded to orange-gold, her petite fingernails lengthening to sharp red claws, the faint lines of gold tracing along the left side of her face. "Kagome wants to accompany me?"

"Please accept her offer." Kail said.

Ankoku took control as she slipped from the Third Prince's hold, crossing her fist over her chest and batting her sooty eyelashes demurely. "My Prince," she purred out silkily, "While I do not wish for you to leave, I wish to see you off and make sure you get there safely. And being a warrior miko, a powerful type of priestess, I can bless the union."

The Fourth Prince smiled as he kneeled down on one knee. He took Ankoku's hand in his gently and raised it to his lips, placing a soft kiss to the delicate skin there. Zannanza's hazel eyes were soft as he peered deeply into the miko demoness' golden orbs. "This is the best farewell gift I could ask for. Please, Holy Ishtar, grace my travels with your presence."

Urhi stood before his mistress with a smile on his beautiful pale face as he motioned to the dozens of soldiers standing behind him. "Queen Nakia, the preparations are complete." His voice was stern as his blue eyes twinkled with evil intentions. "I handpicked these men from among your personal guard. They'll murder Prince Zannanza and his men. They will also make it look like the Egyptians did it." a cruel smile tilted at Urhi's lips. "No one will ever suspect us. When our people hear the news, they'll howl for war and during the confusion, we'll enthrone Prince Juda. We shall kill two birds with one stone."

Nakia, looking quite fetching with her long blonde hair left down to frame her beautiful face, smiled coldly as she eyed each of her soldiers. "I like it." she announced as she lifted a slender hand. Balling her fingers into a fist, she left her thumb out and turn it towards the ground. "Make sure you leave no witnesses. None of Zannanza's retinue must survive!"

The soldiers crossed their fists over their hearts as they said in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Hadi finished tying the red head band around the priestess' head while the twins adorned her silver stained armor and Tito handed Kagome her longbow and quiver full of arrows. It's been some time since they've seen the miko in her warrior attire. The Hatti siblings took a step back to admire their mistress before bowing. "Princess Kagome, we cannot accompany you, but have a safe trip."

Ankoku was still in control since Kagome knew the miko demoness would want to spend time with Zannanza before he departed. She smiled at the taller woman, her golden-orange eyes shining in the sunlight. "Hadi, thank you." Ankoku brought two fingers to her lips and whistled for Raion. "Come to me, my loyal companion." When the midnight colored horse approached her, she readily jumped on top his back. She heard Zannanza's voice announce his time of departure and decided to let the brothers have a moment.

Zannanza's once bright hazel eyes were gleaming with sadness and unshed tears as he address his beloved older brother. "Royal Brother Kail, forgive me for not fulfilling my promise to stay with you. I shall remember your dream; that there should be no more war in the Orient." He placed his hands on Kail's shoulders and leaned in closer. "Even though I shall be living far away and may never see you again, I shall try and do more for you than I could here. Together, we will make your dream come true."

Kail smiled after his younger brother's speech. It touched his heart that Zannanza cared so deeply for his dream and ambitions. He shook his head and placed his hands upon the Fourth Prince's shoulders as well. "Zannanza, when you become the King of Egypt, our countries will be at peace. So, we shall see each other whenever we wish."

"Of course." Zannanza chuckled softly. "How did I forget that?"

Ankoku watched in a pleased silence as the two men she desired enveloped one another in a brotherly embrace with a small smile teasing the corners of her lips. "Zannanza truly is Kail's most loyal brother."

Kagome nodded as she watched the interaction from the consciousness of her mind. It felt weird being awake while Ankoku was in control because usually she would be unconscious. "Kail loves and trusts Zannanza-sama more than anyone else." She cracked a grin when she saw Kail break the hug and punched Zannanza lightly on the shoulder.

Raising her hand into the air, Ankoku announced, "Let's go!"

Nakia stood in the shadows of the palace as Zannanza's procession departed. While she did not want to be around when her soldiers were deployed; it would draw unnecessary attention to her. She glanced over to her left when Urhi whispered to her that the men he gathered have left the city behind Zannanza. "Excellent."

Juda looked up at his mother with curious sky blue eyes as he tilted his head to the side and asked, "Mother, what are you talking about?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." she said dismissively as she turned away from her son. He did not need to spoil her plans with his innocent questions about her actions. Juda only needed to be a silent pawn in her scheme to have him seated on the throne as King to seal her position of power.

Though Juda was used to his mother's cold aloofness, something just did not sit right with him. The way she dismissed him was slightly faster than what she usually did. His mother as acting very strangely lately; especially when his brother took Ishtar as his concubine. Turning on his heel, Juda went off to search for his older brother. "Brother Kail!" he called out when he spotted the familiar, tall blond. "My mother is acting strangely." he adverted his eyes and bit his thumb. "I know that she doesn't like any of my elder brothers very much, but I..."

Kail placed his hand on Juda's head to stop his train of thought. The Third Prince gave Kikkuri a glance that said everything. The brunette nodded, bowed, and quietly ran off into the palace. Kail turned back down at his youngest brother when the boy called his name. Placing a smile on his face, he ruffled Juda's golden hair. "Don't worry, Juda. You should go home."

Juda nodded slowly, trusting his brother's words. He turned around and proceeded to walk down the halls of his father's palace so reach his own small palace.

No sooner than when the sixth Prince left the presence of the older men, Kikkuri rushed back inside, a worried expression etched into his brow. "Prince Kail, I've learned something terrible!" he announced. "A detachment of the Queen's guard has left the city. A shepard told me he saw them heading south!"

Kail cursed loudly as he realized Nakia's plan. She wants to slay Zannanza and Kagome in the desert and use the sand to cover her tracks. He briskly walked to his room and snatched his sword off the holster on the wall. Kail began calling out orders in a frantic tone. He would not allow Nakia to go through with her plans. Not when he was realizing his feelings for Kagome. Not when they involved his beloved brother. Kail would never allow it. He did not care if Kagome was letting Ankoku take control for the journey, Kail was not going to take any chances.

Nakia's personal guard rode the path that would lead them to the border of Egypt where they would ambush Prince Zannanza's entourage, being mindful to stay a few kilometers behind to avoid suspension. A few of them were bragging about all the gold they were going to get. Some were talking about how many men they were going to slaughter. There were even a couple that talked about raping Ishtar before they took her life. The group travelled for a few more meters, laughing and making lewd comments about Kagome until something up ahead made them come to a complete stop.

"Prince Kail?!" one of them said flabbergasted. "Why are you here, Your Highness?"

Kail tipped a goblet of sweet red wine to his lips, letting the alcoholic liquid slid over his tastebuds. He handed the cup to Kikkuri and lifted his bow lazily, an arrow notched carefully against the arch. "I had the sudden urge to celebrate my brother's upcoming nuptial with a hunt." He sighed, moving his hand to pull the string of his bow taut. "But, I'm afraid that I've drunk too much. I can't see to control my aim." On cue with their Prince's words, Kail's guard took lethal aim at the Queen's guards. The Third Prince's eyes were a flaming inferno of molten gold as he glared at the offending men. "I'm afraid that I may shoot someone's dogs by mistake. You men had better hurry back to Hattusa. For your own safety." Kail tightened his grip on the arch of his bow, aiming at the heads of the Queen's guards. "Hurry back to your owner!"

The Queen's guards hurriedly snapped the reins of their horses, turning around, and hightailing it back to the Hittite Kingdom. "Yes, Your Highness!"

"What!" Nakia screeched when Urhi told her the news of what happened. "Kail was able to intimidate my soldiers?" She scowled and bit her lower lip as she crossed her arms over chest in irritation. Those cowards! They were supposed to be the most ruthless of her guards. How did they let a spoiled prince like Kail scare them away from their goal?

Urhi bowed lowly, his arm crossed over his chest in respect. "You have my most humble apologies, my Queen. I'll discipline them and send other men immediately."

Hazy green eyes slid over to the cloaked figure that was her most loyal servant. Lazily, Nakia slithered over to the young man and lifted his chin with her slim fingers. A sly smile tilted her blood-red lips as she said, "You needn't bother. I suspected something like this might happen. So I have a contingency plan in place."

Ankoku watched her prince as he tilted his goblet of wine to his lips, letting the reddish-clear liquid slid down his throat. Only Kami knew just how much she wanted to devour this man; to have him take her to his chambers and allow her to have her wicked ways with him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a servant walking over with a jug. "I'm fine." she said curtly. "I require no more wine."

Zannanza raised a brow that the miko. That was not like Kagome to speak so coldly to a servant. His hazel eyes locked with dark blues and he saw the faint line of gold that shimmered just beneath her irises. 'So, Ankoku is the one seeing me off?' Zannanza smiled secretly and once the servant was out of earshot said, "Ankoku, it will take about ten more days for us to reach the Egyptian border. You're free to run back at anytime."

Purring at the sound of her name rolling off his lips, Ankoku leaned down on her elbows and batted her sooty eyelashes. "You know I won't do that, Zannanza. While I do not wish for you to go, I want to be there when the Egyptians receive you. As a miko, I will bless your union with the Queen and return to Hattusa." Her voice was soft with seduction as she allowed the gold of her true eye color flood her irises. Even though Kagome desired Kail, as did Ankoku, and was in love with the handsome prince, Ankoku knew that if they had met Zannanza first, she would have fallen for him. "Admit it, Lady Kagome." Ankoku teased.

Kagome rolled her eyes at the dark embodiment. "I don't have to admit anything to you, youkai. Remember that I am only allowing you control. I can take it back whenever I choose." She felt a slight blush heat up her cheeks. "But, how could any woman not fall such a kind-hearted, loving man."

Around the corner of the chamber Zannanza and Ankoku were conversing, the two servants that served them wine earlier gained dark, sinister looks on their faces. The one with short curly black hair snickered loudly as they talked about their devious plans. They were the men that Nakia had hidden away within Zannanza's ranks in case her personal soldiers failed. They thought that they were being quiet about their mission, but they did not know that one person had heard everything.

Ankoku narrowed her eyes as she sensed darkness gathering in an isolated corner of the building. Someone was plotting something evil. But why? This was supposed to be a time of joy for their prince. She will need to keep a close eye on things. Her elfin ear twitched at the sounds of hushed voices and she closed off her connection with Kagome, but not before getting a tongue lashing from the priestess for thinking about it. Her sensitive hearing easily found the voices of the two men saying that they would serve Zannanza and Kagome faithfully until they reached the border. 'Just what are they planning to do at the border?'She asked herself.

Zannanza leaned against a pillar gazing up at the hundreds of glittering stars that covered the night sky, marvelling at their beauty. Unconsciously, he compared their shining beauty to that of Kagome and her dark persona, Ankoku. While both were extremely beautiful, Zannanza found himself desiring the youkai more. Ankoku's beauty truly gave the stars a run for their gold. Her long, midnight-blue hair, glimmering golden-orange eyes, and those beautiful gold marks were what enticed him the moment he laid eyes on her.

"This is the last night you'll see the stars over Anatolia, my prince." Ankoku's deep, sultry voice filtered through the fourth Prince's ears and he looked over his shoulder at her. "My Prince, you look to be sad about leaving."

He pushed himself off the pillar, pulling his decorative cloak further around his shoulders to fight off the chill of the night air. "No, I am not sad. We will cross the desert tomorrow. Tonight will be the last time I'll sleep in a comfortable bed for a while."

Ankoku followed after the Prince, her lips pulled up in a gentle, yet seductive grin. She folded her hands demurely in front of her as she caught up with Zannanza. "You act as if you are happy, but I can sense your aura's deep sadness." The miko demoness allowed her glamour spell to fall as her true humanoid form took shape. Placing her hand on the Prince's shoulder, she made him stop in his tracks. "You are very noble to go and marry a woman you have never met for the sake of your country. But, what of your own happiness?"

Zannanza paused for a moment, staring into Ankoku's glowing golden-orange eyes before shaking his head and continuing in his walk. "If I can't marry the only woman I've ever wanted, then it doesn't matter."

The miko demoness said the Prince's name so softly that he nearly had to strain his ears to catch it. She reached up and grab him by the arm, being mindful of her far superior strength. Keeping her gaze low, Anoku whispered, "Do you wish to carry me off and escape, Zannanza?" For the first time in all of her existence, the dark embodiment of the Shikon no Tama felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment when Zannanza said her name.

"I do." he confessed as he moved closer to the youkai. Soon, Zannanza had her back pressed against the wall with his arms caging her head. "If we were to live among the Nomads in the desert, no one would ever find us." The Prince lowered his face so that his lips brushed against Ankoku's with each word he spoke.

Ankoku shivered with pleasure; her Prince was so close that all she had to was shift her face upward and their lips would connect. She felt a strange sensation within her chest, it was painful but pleasant ache. Ankoku lifted her arms and curled them around Zannanza's neck. "Then take me, my Prince. It would please me nothing more than to be yours."

"What are you doing?!" Kagome screamed as she struggled to regain control before the situation got out of hand. She knew that if her body was soiled before she was truly ready to give it to someone, Kagome would be trapped within her own body. "Ankoku, give me back control! You are taking this too far!"

The demoness ignored the priestess' voice as she raised her body and snaked her legs around Zannanza's waist. "Take me now. I want to be yours." With those words, she pressed their lips together in a passionate kiss, her tongue slipping out to seek entrance.

To say Zannanza was shocked was an understatement. Here, the woman he's desired since he first laid eyes on her was kissing him, wanting to take it deeper. She was practically begging for him to take her to his bed chamber and make love to her until she could not walk anymore. His mind went blank for a few seconds when he felt the warmth of her lower body pressed tightly against his own. Ankoku was serious about him taking her. But he could no betray his brother. He broke away from her kiss and said, "I'm sorry, Ankoku. You and Kagome are one in the same. I cannot take you. If I were to disappear now, it would mean war between Egypt and the Hittite Empire. " He lowered his head, long wavy bangs falling to shield his hazel eyes. "If I don't send you and her back to my brother, he would never forgive me. I fear that more than war." He took hold of her legs and slowly removed them from his waist and set her feet on the floor. "Good night. We'll be rising early tomorrow."

The shock of Zannanza's rejection was enough of a distraction for Kagome to take back control of her body. She watched the fourth Prince walk slowly down the hall. She knew that he had affection for her and Ankoku. "Zannanza-sama!" The Prince turned around, slightly shocked to see Kagome standing behind him. Kagome quickly moved over to where he was and grabbed him by the collar and brought their lips together in a tender kiss.

Zannanza's eyes flew open with shock. Here, the woman he fell for when he first caught her when she was tripping over the train of her dress kissed him. Both of the women he wanted to love but could not have have laid their lips on his. Quickly, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, drawing her closer. Zannanza felt his heart soar to the heavens as he moved his mouth against Kagome's in a soft manner. He never expected to receive such touches from the women of his heart. Though there was a twinge of guilt for kissing the women his older brother loved, Zannanza just could bring himself to regret this.

Kagome pulled away from the Prince, her breath coming out in little puffs. "Forgive me and Ankoku for our actions, Zannanza-sama. I know that you love me and her, but please love Queen Ankhesenamen just as much if not more that you do me and Ankoku. We only wish for your happiness."

"Kagome..." Zannanza whispered as he dropped a kiss to her forehead and hugged her closely. "Thank you. Even though she is not the one I truly wish to wed, I will love her and make her happy." He pulled away to look into her clear dark blue eyes and smiled softly. "I will do my best to be loved by her and her people. So I can live happily there."

The priestess gave him a gentle smile and placed her head against his chest, listening to his rapidly beating heart. "Are you sure you are able? I hope that our actions did not upset."

He shook his head and brushed her hair back behind her ear. "No, you and Ankoku did the opposite. I, most likely, would have wallowed in my sorrows for not fighting my Brother for you. But this these tokens of your affection, I can live in Egypt alongside my future queen." Zannanza moved his hand to trail his fingers gently down her cheek as he stared into her eyes. "I will keep the peace between the two countries and see that I will find happiness with her. So, don't worry your pretty little head." He kissed the tip of her nose and moved away quickly. "Good night again, Kagome."

Kagome watched the Prince walk away down the hall to his bed chamber as she lifted her fingers to her still tingling lips. She will explain to Kail what she had done and the reason why. Kagome knew that she had betrayed Kail by kissing Zannanza, but she did for the Fourth Prince's happiness. "And that is what truly matters right now." She yawned and decided that she, too, should head to her bed. They will be leaving at dawn's first light. "But first." Kagome growled to Ankoku. "You and I need to have a little chat about your actions."

"I did nothing wrong."Ankoku said a bit too innocently to be true.

"Did nothing wrong?! You violated one of the rules of our deal!" Kagome screeched as she walked to her room. She rubbed her temples to ward off the oncoming headache. This was going to be a long night.

Unknown to the priestess, two defectors hid the the shadows just out of her sensory range. They watched everything that happened between the two and laughed silently between themselves. They claimed that it was sweet of Ishtar to bless the prince with happiness and wondered if she would bless them the same way. One of the men finished snickering and asked how would they get rid of them since there were only five of them. It would not be easy for such a small amount to slaughter an entire army. The other said that the Queen told him to lure them into the desert near the border and poison them. Once the poison has weakened them, they will finish them off with swords.

Back in Hattusa, Nakia sat in her room by the large window with a goblet of wine. Her blood-red lips pulled up in a sneaky smile as she lifted her drink and took a long sip. "Zannanza and his party must have reached the desert by now." The wind blew at her face gently causing her hair to sway. "He'll be dead in a day or two. I can hardly wait."

Urhi bowed pleasantly before his mistress. "Yes, but Prince Kail's men are watching you." he reminded.

The Queen lifted her hand in a haughty manner and laughed deeply from her breast. "Let them watch!" she said snidely as her cat-like eyes gleamed evilly. "It's too late for Kail to do anything now. He can only pray that his brother's and concubine's souls find rest." She took another deep drink of wine. "The desert swallows the bodies of those who die there."

Kail paced the room he was in, his nerves too frayed for him to sleep. Nakia was still plotting something. She's been far too quiet these past days. He turned his head at the sound his best friend calling out his name. It was very late at night and Kikkuri informed him that he should get some rest. It was not healthy to remain up so late. But Kail simply turned his eyes back in the direction of Nakia's palace. Kikkuri sighed. If only Princess Kagome were here, she'd make him go to sleep even if she had to use force.

Hadi stepped forward, her twin sisters falling in line behind her. "If Prince Zannanza doesn't make it to Egypt, it will mean trouble. I'd like to believe that the Queen has given up."

"So would I." Kail finally spoke after a long moment of silence. "But, I know her too well. I cannot eat nor sleep for worrying."

Ankoku muttered curses under her breath from the nearly unbearable heat the sun was giving off. She was still somewhat tired from the long lecture Kagome gave her the night before. It was damn near dawn before the priestess was done with her tongue lashing, scolding Ankoku and threatening to purify her if she tried to seduce Zannanza again. Of course the miko demoness was going to ignore Kagome, but then the miko used one of her greatest weaknesses against her. Prince Kail. Kagome said that she would never allow Kail to touch them again when they returned to Hattusa. Ankoku knew that with Zannanza in Egypt, Kail would be her only available toy, so she reluctantly agreed to not try to jump the Fourth Prince. "Goddammit! Why is it so hot!" she cursed loudly as she removed her silver stained armor, placing it on the hook of Raion's saddle. "I'm going to become a dried up mummy!"

"Holy Ishtar, there is an oasis a short way from here." a guard pulled his stallion up beside her and grinned. But he quickly had to bag back some when Raion neighed rather fiercely at him for getting so close to his mistress. "Would you like to go there and refresh yourself?"

The miko demoness remembered this voice as one of the men conversing about serving Kagome and Zannanza until they reached the border. She cut her hardened eyes over at the man and glared at him coldly. "I require no rest." Ankoku glanced over at the carriage the housed her Prince. "What about you, Zannanza-sama?"

The thick red curtain that blanketed the Prince from the harsh rays of the sun parted slightly. "It's too dangerous to leave the caravan trail." Zannanza said, "To get lost in this desert is certain death."

"It's not far." the man begged. "Your Highness we must rest. Please let us go."

Ankoku narrowed her eyes at the manner of the man's pleas. She could feel the darkness that radiated from him and it filled her with power. Why was this man emitting so much evil content? Why did he want them to stray from the trail so badly? "Prince Zannanza has spoken. We will keep going." she said sternly and curled her fingers into Raion's luscious mane, tapping her heels against his stomach.

"Wait." Zannanza called out to the miko demoness. While he did not want to leave the trail, his men looked weary from the heat. Ankoku was looking no better; her lightly tanned skin was bright pink from the sun's beaming rays and was covered in a light sheen of sweat. And those gorgeous eyes of hers, while stern, were glazed with fatigue. "We may take a short break."

-A few hours later-

"Hmm..." the man hummed as he rubbed his jaw in confusion. "That's strange. The oasis should be around here." he pointed in a random direction and smiled. "We may need to go a little further."

Zannanza regarded the soldier with stern eyes as he said in a firm voice. "No. It's too risky. We've been searching for this 'oasis' for too long. Forget it and return to the road."

Ankoku crossed her arms over her chest when the man begged her Prince to allow him to serve wine to everyone. Her keen nose picked up a foreign scent that laced through the clearish-red liquid that the man was serving. She slid off her stallion and sat next to Zannanza when it was their turn to be served. The miko demoness lifted her hand in rejection when the guard offered her a cup. "I do not need any." She narrowed her eyes when the man smiled a bit too widely and offered her to goblet again, stating that he did not want her to suffer dehydration. "I said that I did not want any!" her eyes flashed red briefly, overshadowing the blue color her glamour spell provided.

The Prince was about to scold the man for trying to force Ankoku to drink when she clearly did not want any, but a sudden wave of dizziness overcame him. He doubled over and wrapped his arms around his abdomen and groaned rather loudly in pain. What was going on? Why did he feel sickened all of a sudden? The pain was almost like his innards were melting.

"Zannanza-sama!" Ankoku shoved the man out of her way as she knelt next to the crumpling Prince. She saw the bluish tint that was spreading over the bridge of his nose and growled. 'Chikuso! That scent was poison!' She rose to her feet when darkness began to gather around her and blood splattered on her face. Lifting her eyes, Ankoku witnessed the mass slaughter of the weakened soldiers by five defective men. "Might I ask what are you doing?"

"We bare no grudge against Prince Zannanza or you, Holy Ishtar, but you have to die!"

Ankoku smiled pleasantly when the man charged at her. She lifted her hand as the man neared her and he impaled himself on her claws. "You were saying who had to die?" she whispered in his ear as she twisted her hand around in his stomach, churning his intestines around. The miko demoness closed her hand and yanked it out, bloody innards clutched between her fingers. "Zannanza," she said without looking at him, "Stay down. I will handle these traitors." With a gentle tap of her finger against the man's forehead, he fell to the ground dead.

Thrusting her right hand out, her scythe materialized into her open palm. Ankoku twirled the long shaft between her hands and behind her back before brandishing it at the attackers. "Who wants to die next?" Her next victim was a man with dirty brown hair. He raised his sword in effort of slicing through her side, but was blocked by her blade. Ankoku allowed her glamour spell to fall, revealing her true nature. "So, you wish to go second?" Lifting two red-tipped fingers, she shoved them into his skull, shattered the bone and plunging into his brain. She wriggled her claws around, relishing in the feeling of blood coating them before kicking the dead man away. His blood splattered out and struck her cheek.

Zannanza let out a choked gasp as he clutched his stomach even tighter. Ankoku looked back at him and in a soft voice said, "Just wait a little bit longer. I only have three of them left."

"Hehehe." a traitor with longish black hair chuckled as he held his sword steady. "The queen's poison works well. Even if you succeed in defeating us, the poison will kill the Prince." His taunting ended when Ankoku threw her scythe into his chest and he coughed up blood. It was then that he saw what Ishtar truly was. She was a beautiful demon with exotic markings.

Ankoku slowly walked over to the man she had thrown her weapon at and was slightly surprised to find him still living. "So, Nakia is behind this?" she said calmly, a bit too calmly; almost as if she was talking about the weather. "Does she not realize that if Zannanza does not reach Egypt that there would be war among the Hittites and the Egyptians?" She leaned into her blade, pressing it deeper into the wound she created, but stopped before she pierced his heart. Ankoku smiled. "How about you have a taste of my poison?" She removed her weapon quickly and laughed when the man instantly began to claw at his flesh while screaming in agony.

Zannanza reached up and grabbed Ankoku's arm. "Run from here." he said in a strangled voice. "Return to Brother and tell him what's happened?"

"I am not leaving you." Ankoku snarled. "I am more than capable of taking out these men." It was true. Ankoku was overflowing with the darkness that was gathering that she felt like the one in control over this body. But she could still feel a thin line of Kagome's reiki collared around her neck, signalling that the miko was still controlling her body.

The Prince summoned up the most menacing glare that he could in his current state, his voice strengthening enough to yell out, "Go! Only you and Kagome can advert a needless war! Brother is dedicated to peace and so am I!" The shock from her Prince's argument caused the darkness in Ankoku's body to leave as the purity of his aura wrapped around her demonic one. It forced Ankoku into submission and brought Kagome forth. Zannanza blinked when he saw that transformation, but continued. "Please, Kagome. This is also another reason why I chose to go to Egypt." Without waiting for her answer, he picked Kagome up, whistled for Raion and placed her on his saddle.

Before he could send the beast away, the remaining two traitors, who were in hiding from the scary version of Ishtar, emerged with bow and arrows. They shot at Raion, hitting the stallion in the side and the horse fell with a pained cry. When Kagome was recovering from the fall, an attacker charged at her with a spear. "Die Ishtar!"

Kagome looked up in time to see the glint of the spear in the sunlight and the next thing she saw was darkness. She gasped when something warm and wet slid on her face. Tears filled her eyes when she saw that Zannanza had protected her from the attack, shielding her with his body. "Zannanza-sama?"

The metal tip of the spear poked out of the Fourth Prince's chest, blood staining the silvery blade. Zannanza managed a weakened smile as he reached to stroke her hair gently. "Kagome, I must send you back to Brother." His hand fell from her locks to hand limply at his side as his once bright hazel eyes went dull and slid shut. Zannanza drew in one last breath and it rattled in his chest.

Tears pooled into the priestess' eyes. "No..." she whispered, pain settling in her chest. Zannanza could not be dead. He could not! "Zannanza!" Kagome screamed as something in her snapped. A golden light covered her and the deceased Prince as her eyes began to glow silver. Kagome's hair grew to unimaginable lengths and the warrior symbol of Ishtar glowed brightly on her forehead. The Goddess seemed to have taken control of the miko's body.

Ishtar shifted her liquid silver eyes at the man who had slain the prince, her painted lips turned down into a frown. "You dare slay a man of honor!" she said, her voice filled with power that made the black-haired man cower in fear. "This man was destined for great things and yet you took his life! For this you shall be punished!"

The man tried to plead for his life, but he was paralyzed with fear when a golden sword floated from the heavens and into Ishtar's hands. She set the Prince down gently on his side, not to disturb the spear protruding from his chest. "I do not want to hear the pleas for your scornful life!" Ishtar commanded as she raised her glowing sword above her head. But before she could deliver her punishment, pain spread down her spine. Looking over her shoulder, she spotted a redhead with a bow in his hands. It was then the Goddess knew that she had been shot. Slowly, the heavenly light faded from Kagome's body as her hair fell back to its normal length. "You dare shoot a Goddess?" Ishtar's spirit was lifted from the miko as Kagome slumped over, falling to the ground next to Zannanza.

"That was scary, eh?" the redhead said as he walked over to his comrade. "But anyway, I've killed both the Prince and Ishtar! I'll live as a King!" His dark eyes narrowed when his buddy claimed that he was the one who took Zannanza's life. Removing his sword from his sheath, he sliced a long wound across his comrade's chest. "Sorry, no hard feelings. But the queen commanded me to kill all witnesses." He laughed smugly as he climbed onto his horse and raced off.

Kagome groaned in pain. Both her right shoulder and head ached. What happened? Shifting her head, the miko saw the arrow protruding from her flesh. "What the hell?" She ignored the burning agony that flared from the wound as she struggled to raise to her elbows. "I must save Zannanza-sama. He has to go to be King of Egypt." A sudden wave of dizziness struck her and Kagome realized that the arrow must have been dipped in poison. "Kuso...I'm getting sleepy..." she fell back on the ground and darkness clouded her vision as she lost consciousness.

A sandstorm began to pick up.

Far from the scene of the massacre, the traitor rode proudly back to Hattusa. He used his sword to cut shallow wounds over his body, so that they would have time to dry before he reached the city. "I killed both Prince Zannanza and Ishtar! Queen Nakia will reward me handsomely for this!" A nasty sneer twisted on his lips, "So what if it leads to war!" He lifted his hand when the wind began to blow harshly, sand flying everywhere. "A sandstorm. What perfect timing. The sand will bury the evidence."

Back at the site of the murder, the sand began to swirl around the deceased bodies of the fallen soldiers, blanketing them. Kagome moaned in pain when the grainy texture of the sand, rubbed against her wound and making it burn. 'Chikuso... The sand is covering us. But I'm so tired..."

"No!" Ankoku shouted from within Kagome's consciousness. "We have to save Zannanza. Even though I do not wish it, he's to become King and bring peace to this land. The sand won't bury him!" With a guttural roar, Ankoku took control over and rose to her feet. She ignored the burning pain that shot down her spine as she moved to scoop Zannanza in her arms. "Raion?" she whispered.

Raion's ear twitched at the sound of his mistress' voice and struggled to his feet. Once he was standing, he looked at Ankoku with pain in his deep brown eyes as he trotted over to her. He knew what she was going to ask of him. Carrying her would be hard on him, but with the added dead weight of the prince, Raion would be struggling. He leaned into his mistress' hand when she placed it on his neck and snorted softly before nudging her with his nose for her to mount him.

Ankoku smiled as she placed Zannanza's body over Raion's back. Her smile faded just a bit when the stallion buckled and was about to remove the prince when Raion snapped his teeth at her. "Thank you, Raion." she lifted her leg over his back and took her place. "Let's get out of here." They travelled far from the place that would have been their burial site as the sand covered their fallen comrades.

Once they were several miles away from the place where their entire party was slaughtered, Ankoku tugged on Raion's mane for him to stop. "I want to heal your wounds." she said softly as she slid off his back. At that moment, Raion collapsed to the ground, tired and weary from traveling so far and long while injured. Ankoku gave him a weak smile as she pulled Zannanza's body off the horse's back. "You did well, my loyal steed." the demoness then stroked her fingers along the cold cheek of the dead prince. "Zannanza, I'm sorry. If only I had found them sooner, you'd still be alive." She sighed when Raion's pained whinny filled her ears and she placed the Prince down gently on his side. "Here, allow me to alleviate your pain."

Ankoku closed her eyes and searched deep within herself to find her resting miko abilities. She was so used to calling upon her youki, that it had became second nature, but her more pure parts of her powers were harder to control. So when her hands began to glow a soft pink, a smile tilted at her lips. The miko youkai pressed her palms against Raion's body and let her ki flow into the stallion. She did this for a few minutes until the poison coursing through her veins began to be too much for her to handle. "I'm sorry, Raion. I can't fully heal your wounds yet, but the pain should lessen."

Raion nuzzled his mistress's face gently as she stroked her fingers down his long neck. The demoness smiled lightly before shifting somber eyes over to her beloved Prince. "I haven't failed you yet, my Prince." she reached for the broken spear that protruded from his chest and eased it out slowly. Ankoku winched at the slow, steady flow of blood that leaked from the wound. After the dizziness cleared from her head, the miko youkai then placed her hands on Zannanza's chest and tried to call on the power of the Shikon. "I call upon the celestial strength of the Shikon no Tama! Answer my call and heed my wish!"

"The Hittite Prince and his party still haven't arrived?" An Egyptian nobleman with a balding head and long white beard exclaimed with an annoyed look. He crossed his arms and gazed out into the vast land at the edge of the city. "We've journeyed all the way from Thebes to receive them!" He listened to the angry cries of his fellow noblemen, thinking that the Hittite Emperor had deceived them and won't send their Queen on of his sons.

An Egyptian with heterochromatic eyes, one gold and one sepia, glared over at the men and scoffed, resting his sword against his shoulder and placing his other hand on his hip. "What are the ministers whining about now?" he grumbled. "Don't they realize what a disaster it will be to have a foreigner sit on the throne of Egypt? I'd be happy if this Zannanza never showed up."

"Commander, you're speaking too loudly." A soldier grimaced and looked worriedly behind him at the ministers to make sure they didn't hear. "As commander of the Hittite Prince;s escort, you."

The Commander cut his subordinate off with a wave of the hand. "My feeling are no secret. Whoever assigned me to this was a fool." He rolled his shoulder as he walked over to a pale brown horse and climbed up on its back. "They say the Nomad Women around here are quite comely." he said when his men questioned where he was going. "I intend to discover if that's true."

"But you mustn't, sir." the soldiers pleaded with the heterochromatic man. "We'll all be in trouble if they find you've left!"

Gold and sepia eyes bore down at the men evilly as he lifted his lip in a snarl. "Tell those peacocks I've gone looking for the Prince. I can't stand this boring place another moment!" With those final words, he snapped the reins and the stallion sped off into the distance.

"Commander!" the soldiers cried out desperately before sighing dejectedly. "Should we let him go?"

The other gave his partner a strange look. "How can we stop him?" He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against one of the pillars. "Our commander believes that Egypt should only belong to Egyptians. And he's been vocal in his opposition to a Hittite King." He rubbed the back of his head, "Should he actually run into the Hittite Prince and his party, he might use the opportunity to kill him."

A nervous laugh left the other man as he slapped his partner's arm. "You're not serious. Are you?"

"Halt! How goes there?!" Two Hittite guards raised their spears to stop the intruder from entering the lands of Hattusa. They lowered their weapons when they saw it was one of the men that accompanied their Fourth Prince. He was clearly injured from all the dried blood and he was laying limply across his horse.

"That man is one of the guards who accompanied Prince Zannanza!" The men said as they looked at one another before rushing over to grab the reins of the stray beast. "What's he doing here?" As they led the man back to the gates, Urhi appeared from the darkness, his hand placed over his chest.

"I'll take care of him." he offered. "Go report this to the Emperor."

The soldiers bowed before the holy priest. "Forgive the inconvenience." they said as they handed Urhi the horse's reins. "But, thank you, sir. Let's go!"

Urhi watched the guards leave until they were no longer within earshot. He shifted his sky blue eyes over to the panting, sweaty man and a slight smile curved at his lips. "Welcome home. You know what to do now?"

The redhead lifted his head and smirked. "Yes, sir. I'll tell them the Egyptians did it."

"Good." the priest's smile turned sinister as his eyes took on an evil gleam. "Your word may not be enough." Urhi reached inside his cloak and pulled out an arrow that had a wide metal tip. "This is an Egyptian arrow. Present this to his Majesty as evidence."

"What!" The Emperor boomed loudly. He felt shock, anger, and hurt at what was just told to him. "Zannanza's party was attacked by the Egyptians?" He rose to his feet and walked closer to the man who brought him the information. "Are you certain that my son was killed?"

The traitor bowed his head and lied easily through his teeth. He even allowed his voice to crack as he spoke. "Yes, your Majesty. Most cruelly by an Egyptian soldier's spear." He crossed his arm over his chest and bowed his head even lower. "I am sorry to bring you such unhappy tidings."

Suppiluliumas slammed his staff against the floor, making a loud cracking sound. "Damn!" he cursed, "This means war! They tricked us! Just as I thought they would!"

"Father!" Kail called out as he rushed over to his angry father. He placed his hand on his sire's shoulder, trying to pacify him with his words. "Please wait, King Father, We should investigate this matter carefully."

The redhead snicked under his breath as he pulled the arrow from its hiding spot in his tunic. "Your Majesty, look at this!" he lifted the arrow above his head, presenting it to Kail with a hidden smile. "I brought it back as evidence. It's one of the arrows the Egyptians soldiers shot at us."

The emperor did not need to see anything else. He had all the evidence he needed to rage war on Egypt for the murder of his son. "That is an Egyptian arrow! How dare they deceive us and murder my son!" His face was beginning to turn red from his rage. "Damn Egyptians, they'll pay dearly for this! I shall lead our armies myself! The Egyptians want war and they have have it!"

The real murderer of the Fourth Prince smirked at all the angry comments of the other soldiers. He'd done his part and now it was time for him to collect his reward from the queen. Then perhaps, he'll move to another city and live out his riches in private. He moved to sneak his way out until a silky tenor voice stopped him.

"Is it true that my brother and all those with him were slain?" the Third Prince asked calmly,although his ocher eyes were lit with an angry fire.

He spun around and quickly dropped into a deep bow. "Prince Kail. It is true, I'm very sorry." Bowing once more, the redhead made his escape. "Pardon me, your Highness, I must prepare to leave with the expedition."

Hadi covered her face with her hand as her sibling gathered around her. "All of them were killed?" She felt tears gather in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her little brother.

Tito buried his face into his elder sister's chest, his tears spilling down his tanned cheeks as he choked out, "Even Kagome-sama?" Tito sobbed even louder when Kikkuri shook his head solemnly.

Ryui and Shalla hugged Tito as well as their greyish-green eyes shined with unshed tears, "I can't believe it..."

Kikkuri balled his hands up into tight fists, his face red with hate and anger. "I'll ready our ar gear, Prince Kail!" as the brunette began to leave the room, the voice of his prince stopped him momentarily so that he could hear what Kail was saying.

"Strange." Kail said as he paced the room with his arms behind his back. "How do you suppose he made it back when everyone else was killed." he ignored Tito when the child called out his name as his eyes glowed with a burning fire. "If what that man says is true," Kail began in a dark voice, "I'll destroy Egypt with my own hands!" He left the room in such a hurry that the purple speckled cloak he was wearing flew off his shoulders. "But first, I want to confirm his story. I'm going to Emesa!" 'Kagome and Zannanza dead? I cannot believe it. Ankoku would not allow any harm to come to them. It has to be some mistake!'

Kagome moaned as she felt a pounding headache forming in the back of her head. She blinked when she saw that the world around her was pitch black and that their was a cold weight on her lap. Looking down, she saw that it was Zannanza's body lying across her legs and tears pooled in her eyes. "Where am I? Am I inside the jewel? I did not call upon it."

"I called the power of the Shikon no Tama." Ankoku's voice filtered across the area. She stepped out of the darkness clothed in her usual attire, her scythe in hand. "Higurashi Kagome, you wish to save that man?"

"Of course I want to save him!" Kagome said before lowering her eyes. "But that would be a selfish wish. I cannot allow the jewel to be tainted by my selfish desires to save Zannanza-sama."

Ankoku rolled her eyes as she walked over to the priestess and the fallen prince. She reached out and stroked Zannanza's cheek delicately, almost lovingly. "Look, Lady Kagome, I'd be lying if I were to tell you that saving Zannanza wouldn't put a taint on the essence of your soul which the jewel is born from. But..." She trailed off as she looked back down at the paling prince on Kagome's lap. 'I'm begging you to ask the jewel to save him. I...I...I've fallen in love with Zannanza. Perhaps, I can speak with the youkai within me to deliver a lesser consequence than you being tainted. Please, Lady Kagome?"

Kagome knew that Ankoku was very fond of Zannanza, but for the miko youkai to be in love with the Fourth Prince? "You would ask the youkai not to taint me? I thought your very existence was corrupt me so that you can take over my body?" She asked skeptically, not totally trusting the demoness.

"While that is my main goal, I cannot just let the man I love die." Ankoku said as she knelt down to run his clawed fingers along Zannanza's cold cheek softly. "Please, Lady Kagome. Save the man I love."

The miko lowered her eyes down at the prince laying heavily on her lap and saw the tender way Ankoku was stroking his cheek. It was almost how Kagome would touch Kail's face during their private moments. "Okay. I'll sacrifice a portion of my purity to save Zannanza." Kagome said, grabbing the miko youkai's hand. "But, I am doing this for Kail's sake. Go and call forth your demons."

Ankoku nodded and rose to her full height. She then cupped her hands over the dark jewel-shaped tattoo over her chest and began to chant. "I call upon the dark and evil souls as well as the pure and holy souls that are housed within me. Come forth and serve your faithful advisory." The moment she finished speaking a brilliant light shot out of her chest and slowly started to manifest into a body.

Long, wavy black hair, soul piercing red eyes, lips pulled up into a twisted smirk. "Hello, miko."

Kagome narrowed her eyes as she hissed out. "Naraku. How did I not know that you'd be the one to come forth from the Shikon's evil side?" A glint of silver caught her eye. "What form did the pure side that? Show yourself!" Her dark blue eyes widened at the being that emerged from the shadows. "Sensei?"

Sesshoumaru took his place next to Naraku, a soft smile on his lips as he looked down at Kagome from the tip of his nose. "Hello, Kagome. What is it that you desire of the Shikon?"

The priestess swallowed dryly. There were so many questions she wanted to ask Sesshoumaru. How was Shippou? Were Sango and Miroku expecting their first child or had that already had it? Was Inuyasha still waiting for her return? How was it that he was the pure side of the Shikon? But those questions would have to wait. "I, Higurashi Kagome, ask of the Shikon no Tama to restore the life of this fallen prince of the Hittite Empire, Zannanza Hattusili."

Naraku narrowed his deep ruby colored eyes. "And why should we do that? The Shikon is not a plaything for a child such as you."

"As I recall, a child such as me, killed you three years ago." Kagome growled, her eyes flashing silver with her purification. She turned her eyes to her old master and friend, " Sesshou-sensei, will the Shikon grant me this wish? I will gladly give up anything to save this man's life."

Golden eyes that seemed to pierce right through her narrowed slightly before the inuyoukai spoke in a deep timbering voice. "It will, but there will be consequences, Kagome. The Shikon will forever have a taint on your soul..."

"Wait!" Ankoku blurted out, moving to stand in front of Kagome. "This wish was not of Lady Kagome's doing! I begged her to save this man because I've fallen for him." She ignored Naraku's harsh glare as she continued to speak to the lord of the Western lands. "I ask that the purity of the Shikon forever burn my soul to give Lady Kagome a lesser punishment."

Naraku growled out in frustration. How could a creation that he spawned fall for a mere mortal! Ankoku was supposed to let this taint stay on the miko's soul to aid her in taking control. With the purity burned into her soul, it will be easy for Kagome to suppress Ankoku. "Are you sure you want to do this? You were created to taint and gain control over the miko's body."

The miko demoness nodded. "Yes, I am Naraku-sama."

The kumo youkai snarled as he waved his hand to grant his side's permission for the life of Zannanza to be returned. "So it will be." He then disappeared in a flash of dark light, the light shooting back into Ankoku's chest.

"The Shikon will take something of value from you instead." Sesshoumaru said as he began to lift his hand to give his permission.

"Wait! Sesshou-sensei!" Kagome blurted out. "Will I ever return home? How is that you're the pure form of the Shikon?"

The silver inu paused, his hand mid raised. "Little one," he called her by his old pet name for her. Sesshoumaru looked Kagome directly in the eyes and said, "You are to remain here. You have finally found happiness. I regret to inform you that Inuyasha has taken a mate and has pupped her." He frowned when the miko suddenly took on a sadden look, tears beginning to swell in her eyes. "But he thinks of you often and wishes for your happiness. I have taken your kit as my ward and have began his training to be a daiyoukai. Miroku and Sango have wedded and have three children; a set of female twins and a son. As for why the Shikon has taken my form, well, let's just say Fate had a hand in it."

Kagome wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt before smiling brightly up at her master. He was the only one who could use the word fate around her without stirring up feelings of anger within her. "Thank you for telling me this, Sesshou-sensei. Now, I can dedicate my love to the man who deserves it. My prince, Kail." She walked over to the inu and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I miss you, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru wrapped one arm around the miko. "And, I you, little one." He then raised his hand to grant his permission for the wish. "The Shikon grants life back to Zannanza Hattusili, Fourth Prince of the Hittite Empire." With those words said, Sesshoumaru vanished in a flash of bright white light that shot itself back into Ankoku's chest.

"Thank you, Lady Kagome. But even I do not know what the item of value will be..." She paused in her sentence as a burning sensation spread down her body. Ankoku opened her mouth and let out a guttural wail as she began to claw at her chest. It was the purity of the Shikon no tama, it was burning its way through her dark soul, trying to cleanse her the inside out. "Damn!"

"Ankoku!" Kagome said worriedly. "What's happening to you?"

"It's the purity of the Shikon. It's trying to purify me from the inside."Ankoku opened her aura to battle against the purity, sending her youki to form a barrier around the speck of light in her dark soul. She sighed when the burning lessened some, but this was her punishment for falling in love. If only she could be with Zannanza and stay by his side. But that could only happen if she were to gain full control over Kagome's body since the miko was the eternal guardian of the Shikon no Tama. "I'm fine. Come, my prince awakens."

Kagome opened her eyes and shot up with a gasp. She heard Raion's startled whinny as he reared up at her voice. Quickly she rose to her feet to calm the beast, once her stallion was calm, she turned around and scanned her surroundings. The miko jumped when someone wrapped their arms around her waist, pulling her back against a solid chest.

"Guess who?" a silky voice whispered in her ear, laughing when she turned around and hugged him tightly.

"Zannanza-sama!" she squealed, hugging him tightly. "I'm so glad that you're okay."

The blond frowned as he noticed the arrow sticking out of her right shoulder. "I wish I could say the same for you." he gently brushed his hand down her arm gently. If only he had not stopped Ankoku from finishing off the other two men, Kagome would not have gotten hurt. "My brother will have my head."

Kagome laughed off the pain that traveled down her spine when Zannanza touched her arm. It had gone slightly numb from arrow piercing her shoulder. "It's fine. I've been shot in the same place before." She waved her hand to dismiss the conversation of her wounds. "Zannanza-sama, you must go to Egypt and stop the war that's going to happen with Hattusa."

"Yes, I know that, but I cannot just leave you here." His eyes shifted over to Raion. "And the only horse here only allows you to ride him."

The miko sighed. She knew that she would have to ask the jewel for a means of transportation for Zannanza to reach Egypt in time to stop the war. While, Kagome did not want to risk having her punishment for such a selfish request being furthered, she had no choice. "I'll have to ask the jewel to bring your stallion."

Zannanza's eyes widened. "Can you really do that?"

"Yes." she nodded as she took a few steps back. "Now, please do not be alarmed." Upon closing her eyes, Kagome recited the chant that would draw the Shikon's presence to her mind. To Zannanza it sounded like she was mantaring in an ancient language. Once she was back in the realm of the Shikon, she was slightly surprised to see Ankoku standing in front of her with her hand thrust out. Kagome tilted her head to the side in confusion and held her palm out to the demoness. When Ankoku dropped whatever it was in Kagome's hand, she vanished without a word. The miko looked down at her hand and saw that it was a dark crystal similar to the one she gave Tito. It was Ankoku's tear. Kagome woke with a gasp. "Zannanza-sama!"

"I'm right here, Kagome." he was at her side the instant she woken up. "Were you able to bring my horse?" Zannanza blinked when the miko simple grabbed his hand a placed a purple, tear-shaped gem into his palm. "Is this?"

Kagome nodded. "It's Ankoku's tear. With this you'll always be safe and will have a connection to her. Just hold it close to your heart and whisper, "Come to me. The dark essence of the Shikon, Ankoku." And she will help you with anything you need." She motioned to the crystal. "Go on, give it a try."

Zannanza nodded and closed his fist over the gem and held it close to his heart. In a flash of dark violet light, Ankoku appeared beside him, her arm crossed over her chest. "Hello, my Prince. What is it you require?" the demoness gasped when she was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace and her lips were captured in a passionate kiss. Quickly recovering from the shock, Ankoku purred into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I see you've been waiting a long time to do that." she chuckled throatily when they broke apart.

"You have no idea, my dark Princess." He dropped another kiss to her forehead before moving away. "I need to get to Egypt to stop a senseless war with Hattusa. Can you take me there?"

"A simple task." the miko youkai said as she flashed him a smile. Thrusting her right hand out, her scythe materialized in her palm. Slamming the hilt of the weapon into the sand, she conjured up a dark spell. The pale dirt slowly rose up and began to take on a solid form. A shrilly whinny sounded as the sand became a peach colored stallion, decked in full royal attire. "For you, my Prince, The creature will last until you reach the Egyptian border."

Zannanza moved over and wrapped the demoness in his arms. "Thank you, my lovely dark Princess." He kissed her lips softly before going over to Kagome and giving her a tight embrace. "Please be safe." He then dropped a light kiss to her lips before pulling away and climbing on the sand-stallion. "I will always love you, Higurashi Kagome and Ankoku, Ishtars of the Hittites." The Fourth Prince then snapped the reins, startling the beast into a run.

Kagome and Ankoku both waved. "May the Goddess' blessings be with you, my Prince." Once Zannaza was out of eyeshot, Kagome turned to the miko youkai. "Why did you save me from furthering my punishment."

"Because I was told what they were going to take from you." Ankoku said as she started to feel her form fade away. "The jewel is going to take a product of true love from you..." she whispered as she disappeared and Kagome felt her presence back inside her mind.

'A product of true love?' Kagome thought as she slumped to the ground, her body going numb from the poison that was laced with the arrow shot into her body. She could not move even a finger. 'Damn you, Nakia...' She heard Raion whinny angrily and lifted her head to see him bucking up at a man riding a pale brown horse. "Raion, steady." she whimpered at the rawness of her throat. Ankoku must have been holding most of her injuries in her body. "Please? Help me."

"What's a woman doing here?" a deep voice said with curiosity before it turned bored sounding. "She doesn't look like a Nomad."

Kagome gazed up at the man, her eyes tired and glazed. "Please?" she said once more, struggling to hold her head up. "I was accompanying the Hittite Prince, Zannanza-sama, but our caravan was attacked." She forced her muscles to fight against the poison coursing through her blood to lift her arm as she whimpered, "Please help me. I must report this in to Hattusa."

The man's heterochromatic eyes widened a bit before he burst out in loud chuckles, his head thrown back. "The Prince's party was attack?" he repeated, holding his sides. "Good! How embarrassing it must have been for the Hittite soldiers to be defeated by mere bandits?" He snapped the reins of his stallion, turning away from Kagome.

"Wait." the miko said, trying to make her voice sound strong, but it came out in a meek whisper. "Take me with you."

"You are none of my concern, girl.'

Kagome felt her anger blaze within her as she narrowed her eyes venomously at the man's back. "You bastard!"

The Egyptian stopped at a nearby oasis to water his horse and clean his skin of the grainy sand. "If the Hittite Prince is dead, what wonderful luck!" He cheered as he tugged off the cloth headdress he wore to block the sun's rays, his short golden hair glittering. "I doubt our Queen will try to marry a foreigner again." he splashed some of the cool water from the spring on his face, droplets sliding down his neck. "Now, I can finally go home to Memphis. I'll return to my troops tomorrow and wrap up this pointless mission."

The young man blinked when he was suddenly held prisoner by his own blade, the sword pressed tightly against his throat. Looking up, he was surprised to see that it was the woman he'd left a few hours ago. "You will take me to Hattusa." she said in a deadly voice, eyes flashing golden-orange.

"The woman from the desert." he muttered, watching her carefully.

Kagome swayed on her feet, the poison making her dizzy and the pain from the arrow causing her breath to come out in harsh pants. Coupled with going to visit the Shikon, the miko was visibly worn out. "I have to go Hattusa. Otherwise, war will..."

The man narrowed his eyes. 'This woman is amazing. I wasn't able to sense her presence at all." He growled as he quickly grabbed her arm and swung her to the ground on her stomach, remembering the arrow stuck in her back, taking his sword from her in the process. He chuckled down at her. "What an audacious woman you are to threaten a soldier when you can barely stand. Why don't you just give up?" He asked as he turned his back to her. "It seems to me that you're fated to die here." The Egyptian paused when something grabbed hold of his ankle.

"I refuse to die here!" Kagome growled when he said the one word she hated the most. "I will not die here!" She despised anything that dealt with who has a say in her fate. It was hers to control, not anyone else's! She lifted herself off the ground, grabbing the bronze chain hanging from the man's neck. "I will place a curse on your soul if you leave me here to die." Ankoku's voice filtered through his ears as Kagome's eyes flashed golden. "I have to get back to Hattusa! I will not allow myself to die here!"

The Egyptian stared wide eyed at the young woman as she dragged him down to the ground with her as she passed out from exhaustion. "What manner of woman is she?" He gazed down at the arrow protruding from her back and sighed.

Kagome slowly felt the darkness that clouded her mind ease away as a man's hand gently placed her on a soft cloth. 'Kail? No. Kail is in Hattusa. Who is touching me?' Her dark sapphire eyes snapped opened as the sounds of her shirt being sliced filled her ears. "Get your hands off me, Hentai!" she screamed as she quickly, lithely sprung up and slipped behind the man and wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. She groaned in pain when the movement caused the arrow to shift, sending the last remnants of the poison into her body.

"I was only trying to tend to your wound."

The miko gasped as she looked up at the strange, yet handsome Egyptian man in front of her. She felt Ankoku stir restlessly within her conscious. "Let me guess," she grumbled. "You want him as well?"

"You know me so well, my lady. His eyes are very sexy." Ankoku purred. "I have a thing for blonds, it seems."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be in love with Zannanza-sama?" She shook her head. "Nevermind." the miko then looked into the man's eyes and Ankoku was right. They were sexy. One was golden, while the other was sepia; they were heterochromatic. He also had glittering blonde hair that glistened even in the moonlight.

"Hold still." he said, holding his hand out for her. "Let me pull that arrow out for you. If I don't now, it will be much more difficult later because your flesh will harden." He placed his hand on her arm, trying to guide her back to the cloth he'd placed her on earlier.

"I don't care." Kagome snapped as she slapped his hand away. "Keep your hands to yourself, Egyptian." Everytime he touched her, Ankoku would whisper the dirty things she wanted to do the man. 'Shut up, Ankoku. And here I thought you had changed when you told me you were in love."

"I have changed, but Zannanza has that part of me with him." she giggled. "You will always be stuck with my lustful side."

The Egyptian looked down at the woman and narrowed his eyes while frowning. "You little wildcat. You held onto my leg and threatened to curse my soul and now you tell me not to touch you?'"

Kagome narrowed her eyes too. "I don't need you to treat my wounds." she snapped. "Just take me to Hattusa or at least nearest town with a Hittite governor. I must get in contact with Prince Kail or war will break out between the Hittite Empire and Egypt." she intentionally omitting telling him that Zannanza was alive and heading to Egypt because of what the man had done during their first encounter.

"War?" He said as he walked over to Raion and, after he calmed the beast down, started pulled the broken remains of arrows from the horse's side. "Tell me what happened. The Hittite Prince was murdered? Who killed him."

The miko rolled her eyes at the Egyptian. He was a curious one. "I cannot tell you that." she said darkly, voice filled with anger. "Just know that if I do not get in contact with Prince Kail, they will be tricked into thinking the Egyptians did it."

The tanned soldier flashed the young miko a smirk, his different colored eyes twinkling. "I see. There's a feud within the Hittite Royal Family, eh? That's a familiar tale." he took note of her short jerk as he locked eyes with her. "But I would welcome war. War allows us soldiers to win honor and fame." He turned back to Raion, taking a small jar out of his skirting and began to rub a salve into the entry wounds. "Anyway, the rulers of Egypt and the Hittite Empire are all corrupt. I hope they kill each other."

"Kail is not corrupt!" Kagome snapped at him, her eyes flicking from silver, to blue, to golden orange. "I am the only one who truly knows why Zannanza-sama decided to go to Egypt. I won't let this war destroy his dream!"

-the following morning-

"Oh, how kind am I." the Egyptian grumbled out sarcastically under his breath. "I could've been enjoying myself with several beautiful Noman women in an oasis by now." He complained a little louder. "So, why am I travelling through the desert with a small woman with an arrow in her back?"

Kagome shot him a glare. "Stop complaining, Ejiputo Heishi." She smirked when he gave her a strange look when she called his title in her native tongue. "No one likes a whiner."

His brow ticked with anger. 'What did she just call me? I could leave her here?' He looked back at her, seeing her breathing was harsh and laboured. The arrow in her back must have been poisoned. 'She's a strong one to have survived this long with a poisoned arrow shot through her shoulder.'

"Ne, Ejiputo Heishi..." she whined, smiling secretly at the growl he let out. "Talk to me otherwise I'll faint."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're a pain?"! he growled out, eyes narrowed. "Stop calling me that, my name is..."

Kagome waved her hand at him, dismissing him. "Don't tell me your name when I'm too dizzy to remember it, Ejiputo Heishi." she grinned at him when he bared his teeth at her. "Something wrong, Ejiputo Heishi?"

The man grit his teeth in irritation. This young woman was seriously annoying him. A thought traveled through his mind and a faint blush spread over his cheeks. "By the way, I heard a woman believed to be Ishtar was accompanying the Prince." he said, his timbering voice echoing through Kagome's ears. "Was she very beautiful? Seeing her was the only thing I was looking forward to on this assignment."

The miko smiled secretly. She was wise to have bound her breasts and hips tightly before leaving on the caravan. Seeing the dejected look in this man's eyes when he found out that Ishtar was a pretty, but boyish looking woman would be worth the arrow in her back. "Yes, she was on the caravan." she said quietly, hearing the man's breath pick up. "I am her."

"What?!" the Egyptian cried out. "But I heard she was the Third Prince's concubine."

"That's correct." Kagome said, her secret smile growing wider as she lowered her head so that her bangs hid her amused eyes.

"But they say the Third Prince could have any woman he desired."

Kagome rolled her eyes. While that used to be true. Kail's heart belongs to her and only her. "Yes, he could, but there's only one Ishtar and that's me."

The Egyptian threw his hands in the air. "You must be lying?!" he exclaimed.

The miko had to hold back the laugh that bubbled in her chest when she felt the depress coming off the man as his image of Ishtar shattered away to reveal her. Yes, the look on his face was well worth the arrow in her back. It was priceless. She failed to hold in a soft giggle, but she managed to muffle the sound with her hand.

'She is Ishtar?' the Egyptian thought as he stole a glance at the woman, taking in her exotic features. 'Actually, when she isn't showing her fangs, she's more like a young desert gazelle than a wild cat. And she has such exotic features to make up for the lack of bodily features.' An unreadable expression cloaked his tanned face as he sighed. 'At any rate, little woman, your Hittite Prince and I have different taste in women. I perfer my women with curves. Nice and vouluptous.'

Kagome huffed, "Will you quit dawdling, Ejiputo Heishi." She caught sight of something moving up ahead. "What's that? the miko said as she pointed in the direction of what she saw.

He looked in the direction of her slender finger. "They're Bedouins. They seem to be on the move." The Egyptian explained, his hand coming up to rest on his chin thoughtfully. "That's strange? They normally don't travel during this season." He snapped the reins, guiding his horse over to the man wearing a black cloak, signalling he was the leader. "Ho! What's happening?"

"War!" the man said in an urgent voice. "There's going to be a war! The Hittite Armies are coming! And the Egyptians are preparing to fight back!"

Kagome's eyes widened. Zannanza still hasn't made it to Egypt? She has to get to Kail and soon or else... "No! I have to stop this!" she grabbed Raion's reins from the Egyptian's hands. "I have to get to Kail!"

"Easy now!" the tanned man yelled as she placed his hand on her uninjured shoulder, holding her tightly. "You're still injured! Take it slowly!"

The miko fell against the man's chest when he grabbed her shoulder, yelping at the pain when the arrow moved deeper into her flesh. "Itai!" she shot him a glare when he muttered an apology. "I have to stop this senseless war!"

Tito reached for the aquamarine gem hanging from the golden chain around his neck. "The Hittite troops have formed to the north of the town and the Egyptians to the south." He muttered quietly. This was the first time since Kagome had come to this world that he was allowed to leave the palace. His sisters wanted him close by in case war did rage. "In a situation like this, anything could happen."

Ryui brought her knuckle to her lips and worried it with her teeth. "Will there be war, Kikkuri?"

Kikkuri grit his teeth as he shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know, Ryui. Today's talks will decide that."

I changed things up quite a bit from the original "Where the Sky and Red River Meet." Ankoku will now have a slightly bigger role now that she has been split. Her love going with Zannanza, while leaving her lustful side with Kagome. You'll just have to keep reading to see what I have planned out for our time travelling warrior miko. Oh and I'm terribly sorry for the long wait! I took up summer school and then fall quarter right after, I just could not find the time to work on my stories! But, now that I have a week and five days of break time, I'll be updating my top four (As Fate Would Have It, One Jewel, Two Souls, The Sacred Alchemist, And Darkness Becomes Her)!

Until next time!

~Kirei Ai Tenshi

~Special Thanks~

tapionwarrior: You really think so? Thanks so much! Unfortunately for me, I have no artist friends. Do you know any who would? I would love to see my story drawn out!

itachisdbzgurl: Thank you for letting me use some of your ideas! I hope you like how I put them in the story. And I hope I answered a few of your questions about Ankoku. In a way she is separated from Kagome and not at the same time. Keep reading to find out what I have planned next!

kakashixangela: Well now you that Kagome has chosen to be with Kail. Sesshoumaru has indeed knocked some sense into her. Just wait until she and her prince are reunited. It's going to be so much fluff, maybe a little smutty; you never know with me! You'll have to keep reading to see what else I have in store for Zannanza!

DragonFire Princess: Soon everything will fall into place, but if you've read the original "Anatolia Story" You'll see that there's drama stirring up around every corner.

awsmpup: I couldn't kill him off because he was relevant to the plot later on (no matter how much he deserved death for trying to force himself on Kagome) And here's that Sesshoumaru moment you've been waiting for!

dxlmao: I could never kill off Zannanza! He was such an awesome character, yet I do realize that he was supposed to die because the person he was based off died in real history... But! My fanfiction! My rules! I control the pencil here! I say who dies and who lives in this story!

Crystalove09: I'm so sorry for making you wait so long for this chapter! I will try to have the next one up as soon as I can!

Infinities Loves: I will be updating my other very soon. Just keep reading and reviewing!

tohru78: As you have seen, Sesshoumaru was the catalyst in Kagome's ultimate decision to stay! Keep reading and reviewing to see what happens next time!

Meeshkla18: Oh, you've read Where the Sky and Red River Meet! When I'm using it as a guide for this story, I cringe at my old writings! I've improved so much over the years! Although I would love to make this a harem, Kagome(in this story) would not allow herself to be greedy by taking on two or more men in her life. It would go against her shinto ways.

scene-kagome: Her's that chapter you've been patiently waiting for! Thanks for taking the time to review! It means so much to me!