Kisako Hakome: Okay!
hana sora (Dokuga): Maybe… you never know.
GomeMaru (Dokuga): One vote for Shippo!
Kimori Takahashi: Yes, Kagome will encounter Sesshōmaru (Other World), and if it's not this chapter, it will be the next chapter that will be adding people to Kagome's village.
LoveInTheBattleField (Dokuga & FF): I have never watched Sailor Moon, actually. But thank you for the reminder!
Bookfinder: Wow. That is a very astute guess. Or maybe you can just read minds over the internet? Or maybe, you could tell that's where I'm leading? *wide eyes*
Julia N SnowMiko: Kagome? Okay…
*scribble scribble*
Oh? So you wanna kill Masato? Sure! Just as soon as Sesshōmaru leaves me alone. No licking, no smiling, no speaking, no breathing, no undressing and no visual contact.
*ahem*
Anyways.
Yes.
Yes.
Maybe, that's actually a good idea.
That is coming up, sooner than I planned because that's basically all everyone asks for.
*crosses eyes*
I didn't, happy now?
TDANIEL (Dokuga) : I'm holding off Kagome's family in the future until I decide if I'm going to have them reunite with her. I'll probably do Inuyasha in a later chapter, but Sesshōmaru, Kagome, Toga, Winds of the Season and Sesshōmaru (Other World) will all be making an appearance soon.
Fumpkin: *bows* Thank you!
Ooo, I like you! Yuppers, you can most certainly vote for all.
Although, I think the Other World characters are going to win…
I'll put Rin at the end since we haven't heard from her in a while and the rest of the chapter should be set in the Other World.
Usually you see someone's name and you think, 'Oh, that's cool/cute/creative!', or whatever, but your name is like… Just so…so… adorable.
(*envious*)
Susi8 (Dokuga): Yay! I really like my story too! And yes, that has been on of the star moments that everyone is excited to see…
Oooo, seeing Toga first? That's something to think on.
*grins*
And thank you for reading this story! The reason I write is the reason you read!
fallingyuki: *depressed* I know… I didn't know who to fixate my writing on so I shoved the burden on my readers.
*tear*
But I have to say my idea for the parallel universe came from watching too much Doctor Who and the bucket load of feels that accompanied it.
Inutachi, huh? Okay!
*scribble scribble*
KairaB: O_O Apparently, people are looking forward to Sesshōmaru (Other World) and Kagome's meeting much more than I originally thought.
As for that, I've just had a BRILIANT idea while I was writing this response! Ah! Like, OMG THANK YOU!
*dashes off*
Avarianna: *blushes* Er… I'm honored… *laughs nervously* Wow… thank you. Like… I hope I don't disappoint!
*bows*
crazykenz: Kagome and/or Sesshōmaru (Other World)? Okay! I can do that!
Makimashi Misao F.D.S.S.L.A: Nooo! Don't die on me! You're a faithful reader and your reviews make me happy! Don't die!
I'll update quickly, so just don't die!
*sobs*
Serena530 (Dokuga): Oh, yay! Sesshōmaru's War is one of my favorites. And what's this? You want to read about what our dear and much loved Sesshōmaru does to the demon/human villages, and their occupants, who worship the much despised kamis and ect.?
*rubs hands together gleefully*
Okay! I can do that!
The peaceful morning quiet was shatter at the sound of a shrill, startled scream. As it echoed against rock, people looked up and towards the mountains that surrounded the nearby beaches and coves. Glancing at one another uneasily, they paused in their work. It didn't take long for another scream, more terrifying than the last, to bounce around the waters that lapped gently at the human's boats. Now, thoroughly afraid, they dropped their fishing nets, their oars and tools, making a break for the supposed safety of their homes.
Just in the nick of time, as the skies darkened and the frightful noise of wings beating the air sent the villagers cowering to the ground. Rocks crumbling, falling to the sand to make a dull thud, the men and women of this particular village knew exactly what was happening.
The bats had turned against one another. Those brutal, cruel beasts who sucked dry the blood from humans. Those bats who had terrorized the inhabitance of this town for hundreds of years until just recently, those detestable youkai!
Despite the very real threat to the lives of their families, each and everyone old enough to understand what was transpiring was praying the youkai would kill one another. Nevertheless, their prayers went unanswered and unheard as the unmistakable cry of a woman and child in pain, followed quickly by wood splintering, reaching their covered ears. But this merely added fuel to the fire as a male's enraged shout rang out, the sound ringing in human ears until they thought their heads would burst.
Then, with a sudden burst of wind that blew against the frail wooden walls of their hiding places, quiet reigned. For the more brave ones who could hear the fading shrieks in the distance, they ventured from their homes to look outside. The sight that meant their eyes was most puzzling.
Yes, there was destruction, it was true the skies were still darkened, yet there was no sign of the bats that had caused the devastation. Save for the unmoving and dismembered bodies of those obviously no longer in this world.
Looking around in bewilderment, the humans only took a moment to simply accept the unexplainable and the unknown before continuing on with their lives in their normal everyday manner.
"Toga-dono!"
Normally, on a day such as this, where the sun was shining and the wind was blowing pleasantly against his skin, Toga would be irritated at an interruption. But then again, on a normal day where the weather was a enjoyable as this, he wouldn't be playing against his son in a game of shogi*. Said person was sitting most relaxed, enjoying the game that he would undoubtedly beat his father at. So, just this once, the inu leapt at the chance to escape.
"What is it, Yuuto?"
The timid manservant, obviously hailing from a reptilian tribe of youkai, hurried forward and leaned down to urgently speak in his Lord's ear, not bothering to remember that as inuyoukai, daiyoukai at that, his hearing was exceptional, ever for a inu.
"We've re…sss...eived report...sss that tho...ssss...e bat…sss... to the sss...outh-ea...ss...t have attacked their leader, Ryota-sss...an! They've driven him to the an…sss...ient fore...sss...t that lie...sss near the border…ssss of the...sss...e land..sss!"
Instantly, Toga's eyes narrowed and his face went as still and cold, his jyaki flaring slightly around him in anger. While he was considered a fairly laid back and easy-going youkai, his anger was a thing to be feared. Even Sesshōmaru took on a calculating gaze as he observed his father.
"Ryota? Tsuyoshi's son?"
Internally flinching at Inu no Taisho's words and his anger, Yuuto nonetheless handed him a scroll, remaining steadfast in his place.
Gold hardened and burned as Toga silently read the report. Sesshōmaru, his personality being as it was, always kept his scent and aura under tight control. Toga was different, using both to his advantage in everyday life. So when the inu closed his eyes and carefully placed the scroll on the low rise table which he sat at, Sesshōmaru reached for his swords. In one fluid motion, Toga stood.
"It says the reason for the rebellion was Ryota mated and had a child by a human woman," the Lord said softly, opening one eye to stare at the now frightened snake, "Is that so?"
Dropping to the ground like a stone, Yuuto bared his neck while bowing his head, while avoiding the letter 's' in his answer.
"Correct, Toga-dono."
In the stillness that followed, Sesshōmaru slid a single sword into his sash before his sire spoke again.
"Yuuto, send Byakuya to my rooms. Immediately."
"Hai, Toga-dono."
Not wasting a second, the snake vanished out of the room. A clawed hand reached for the missive laying bound next to the shogi board. At the sound of paper rustling, Toga returned his attention to his son.
"Well, Chichiue, what do you make of this?"
Recognizing the look his sire sent him, Sesshōmaru clarified.
"What stirs your anger so, to the point of donning your armor and setting off personally? Is it perhaps the betrayal towards an old friend's son? Or perhaps, something more?"
Even as his tone was indifferent, Toga knew his son was interested in his answer. However, he only scoffed before strolling across the floor, his intention to depart quite clear. As he disappeared around the hallway, Sesshōmaru merely stood, his eyes fixed on the door. If another had been in the room, they would have come to the conclusion that the cold son of their lord was, perhaps, hurt by the apparent rejection of his sire. But, as people are wont to, their assumption are mostly based off their own feelings.
It didn't even take half a minute before Toga re-appeared in the doorway, his face a mask that hid any emotion, just as his son's did. A small break appeared as his lips twisted in a scowl.
"Do you really need an invite, pup? Or has your blade become dull from it's disuse?"
"Hn."
Ignoring his father's insult, Sesshōmaru fell into step beside him as Toga hurried towards his rooms where, no doubt, the Head General of the magnificent West was waiting. Soon, they entered the wing of the palace that housed the royal family's armors and weapons. Since the royal family consisted of Sesshōmaru and Toga, due to the death of InuKimi several decades earlier, also, the birth of only one pup, the family wing of the palace was empty. Thus, both father and son chose their rooms in this wing which was dedicated to the instruments of war.
The silence was broke the moment Toga stopped in front of his door, as he turned to shoot his son a glare.
"Not to mention, what is that sword anyways?"
Allowing himself a small smirk, Sesshōmaru only spoke the name of the lone sword sitting at his hip.
"Bakusaiga."
"Ho? Is that so?"
With apparently nothing more to say, Toga entered his room, his eyes gaining a feral light as he caught sight of his swords.
Tenseiga, the Sword of Heaven.
Tessaiga, the legendary sword that, with one swing, can destroy a hundred enemies.
Sō'unga, the Sword of Hell.
Turning and nodding at the large youkai in the middle of the room, Toga reached for his armor.
Several days had passed in peace since the departure of Ryota and Hairi. It was perhaps six weeks since Kagome had been thrown into this other world, and her heart's ache was lessening as the days passed.
Many times, her thoughts traitorously dwelled on her friends. If Sango was pregnant yet. If Miroku was still the same old lecherous monk now that he was married to the slayer woman. If Shippo was okay, if he was lonely.
Inuyasha would come next, but he would be followed by S-
It was always at that time that she forcible cut off her thinking. But her fingers would curl around that beautiful necklace that youkai had given her so long ago. It shined as bright at the stars in the glow of the moon, as she only took it out from under her clothes at night. More often, she found it in possession of her fingers with no recollection of reaching up to grasp the cool gems and smooth metal.
In an attempt to ease her pain, she suggested Keiko, Gin and Seiko all go exploring. In the early morning, armed with woven baskets (another gift from the trees) they set out.
It was late morning when Kagome first felt it. Her eyes immediately shot towards the sky, her brow furrowing in concentration.
"Kagome?"
Motioning Gin to be quiet, the miko stood, dropping the basket that had been sitting on her lap. Thankfully, Keiko noted with a sigh of relief, none of the yummy looking berries inside spilled. Turning wide eyes to look questioningly at Seiko, the girl blinked at his small shrug. As a pair of snowy white ears twitched back and forth, Keiko caught the stirring of the wind and suddenly tensed.
Just a few moments ago, the air was warm and gentle, the sky bright and clear as the sun shone down, yet it was no more. A sudden chill had everyone pulling their tops more firmly together as the wind stilled. In a blur of movement, at Kagome's nod, Gin grabbed a hold of Seiko and Keiko, leaving behind not a trace as he returned them to the safety of their camp.
Quickly gathering the baskets of herbs and berries, Kagome darted off, deep into the forest. While the place they were in was still considered a part of the forest, it was void of trees as flowers, bushes and grass covered both sloping hills and flatlands. The trees were the source of their protection, what prevented any evil thing from getting in. And so as she ran back to the beginnings of her small village, Kagome called the trees to her side.
As always, they formed themselves with leaves and flowers, riding on the wind to easily match her pace.
"You feel it as well, Lady?"
"No, not exactly. It's more like a premonition that something is wrong," she spoke in between breaths, "But you most definitely know what it is, so please tell me!"
Scarcely had the words left her mouth, then they were stolen by the suddenly heavy wind that literally swept her off her feet. With a whirling of petals, the forms of her friends were scattered to the four winds that carried her, much faster than Inuyasha could run, across the forest floor.
"Lady, this is most urgent. The man with his beloved, with the child of both worlds, they are in danger!"
It only took a second to realize the trees were speaking of Ryota, Hairi and Kou, as the next she was deposited next to Gin, who faced her with a grim look on his young face. Shoving her burden into the outstretched hands of Keiko and Seiko, Kagome snatched her bow while slinging her quiver on her shoulder. Her face was set in determination as she cut her eyes to the two half-bloods staring in worry at her.
"You two, stay here unless I call for you! Gin, come!"
Dashing to the tree line that surrounded the large clearing, the miko abruptly stopped. Turning quickly, she knelt down to eye-level of the younger ones. Tilting her head to the side, Kagome smiled warmly.
"Gin and I will be back soon, so don't worry , okay?"
Although both returned her smile, they retained their solemn gaze. With that, Kagome rapidly faded into the cover of the trees with Gin at her heels.
"What can you sense, Gin?"
She wasted no time in asking her companion. The expanding of his aura that sunk into and blended with the aura of nature itself brought a feeling of pride in how the fox had grown so much since the beginning.
"Anger, bloodlust, the desire for revenge is the most thickest, the feelings that stand out the most," he said tightly, "But in the midst of that, there are some whose desire is to protect, to defend. Even more faintly is-"
Gin stiffened, his green eyes widening. In a blink, he had vanished from her sight. Although, she didn't have time to dwell on this as the wind once again wrapped it's arms around her, carrying her swiftly through the trees.
"Lady, they have returned!"
Already knowing who it was the voices spoke of, Kagome quickly notched an arrow.
"I need to get above the trees so I can get a clear shot!"
"They approach, the fox-child goes ahead, up we will bring you!"
If not for the last few words, the miko would have been totally unprepared for the astonished force the wind exerted before she flew up into the sky. Her breath caught in her throat and the world spun in front of her. The was a whoosh~ and then the air cleared. The sight that meant her vision almost sent tears to her eyes.
There was a swirling mass of bats, all hell-bent on the sight of blood. They virtually blotted out the sun which was supposed to be almost overhead in the still clear sky.
She could sense Ryota with Hairi and Kou, and a small number of other bats who were fighting with their backs towards them. However, against a large number, reeking of bloodlust and glee were hacking them down as scream and shouts filled the air.
Her sadness was quickly followed by anger as she could have sworn she heard a child's cry. Sucking in a deep breath, Kagome yelled as loud as she could,
"Ryota! Down!"
Hoping the bat hear her, she let loose her arrow in a dazzling display of power. To her relief, she noticed a small handful of dark figures drop from the dark cloud of bats as her arrow streaked harmlessly above them.
But before she could see what her power did to the youkai, the wind caught her falling form, dumping her on the ground as it rose up in the air again. Tightening her grip on her bow, Kagome broke into a run, barely noticing as the trees rearranged themselves to allow her passage. She was panting in short gasps when she finally stumbled on to a clearing, already occupied by Gin. Panicking for an instant when she didn't see Ryota, the light shining from the parting of the trees was darkened, right before several bats touched down in the grass.
"Ryota!"
At the sound of his name, said bat looked up through white hair, violet eyes widening. With one beat of his powerful wings, he was towering over her. To his knees he went, unfolding his arms as her hands reached out. Hairi was tucked firmly into his side, her legs wrapped around his waist for support, with Kou nestled inside her kimono. When her mate's arms left her figure, she fell lightly onto the ground, gasping for a breath. Upon seeing Kagome's worried expression, her face crumpled as a tear streaked down her cheek.
"Kagome-sama! They- It was just- Why?"
It was the shaking, soft voice that pleaded for understanding that caused a tear to fall down her own cheek. Setting her arms briefly around the trembling woman, Kagome spoke gently.
"It's alright, Hairi-chan. They don't understand what it is they do. What you've done, it's enough."
Cutting her gaze to Gin, the fox handed her a small flower, as if he had read her thoughts. Cupping in the palm of her hand, she move it directly under the distraught woman's nose. Hurriedly throwing the flower to the side and out of sight, Kagome relaxed when she saw Hairi's closed lids and even breathing. Easing her down to lay on the thickly carpeted floor, an entirely different expression came to the miko's face as she grasped her bow with a firm hand.
"Ryota, are these men loyal to you?"
A single nod of his head as he glanced back to the eight or so bats that were standing off to the side, distrust evident in their posture. At his nod, the band holding his hair back, snapped and white cascaded down his shoulders, clad in a dark blue haori. Lowering her head until her bangs over her eyes, Kagome spoke normally.
"It hurts when something you never thought could be taken from you is so easily ripped away. When someone betrays you… that really hurts, too."
Lifting her head and straightening her back, she smiled bitterly at Ryota, before it faded and she repeated the words Gin had said merely a week ago.
"Your men are welcome in this forest, so long as they treat this Land with respect and wish to reside in peace. So long as their intentions are honorable, they will always be welcome in the forest."
Standing to her feet, she turned her eyes upwards. Her initial attack had forced the youkai back, but it had reach a good ten of them, purifying the Earth of their existence. The more smarter ones, were hanging a short ways from the forest, while the ignorant ones with no care for anything, save their next meal, were circling above. Notching another arrow, Kagome took careful aim, gathering her reiki to the tip of her arrow, before she released.
Until it clear the tops of the trees and came to the height of the lower youkai, there was no power at all. This was rectified as it encounter the combined jyaki of the bats. In a brilliant flash, a chorus of agony-filled screams, Kagome's reiki spread pink sparkles in the air along with the sharp smell of purity.
"Do you wish for the other's lives? To live or to die?"
She asked Ryota, who was staring at her with an unreadable expression. He slowly shook his head, his eyes fixated on her.
"There's no point to kill them. They now have nowhere to go, no pack, as you put it. They will wonder as there aren't any other clan that will take them in. You can leave them be," he said harshly.
Lowering her bow, she nodded a serious expression still present.
"Well, then. I suppose my offer was accepted?"
A small smile quirked the corners of the bat's mouth.
"We will graciously accept your offer, as it appears we have no where else to go," he said lowering his head ever so slightly.
"All are welcome, but they should get used to having humans and half-bloods around!"
Ryota laughed lowly, tension slowly easing from his previously tense body.
"Going to start a clan of your own, huh?"
As her blue eyes crinkled up, a smile spread across Kagome's face.
"Yup!"
Atop the heavens, the lay on a bed crafted of golden light, the kami who was know as Rika. However, ever those that knew her best were unable to find the proud, reckless woman of old in the almost hollow shell that was being over-taken by a destructive purity. A single mistake made in the character of a single human child had resulted in the near death-like state that this kami was currently in. Black lines covered the entirety of her exposed skin, stemming from the left empty sleeve of her sleeping gown. Sweat glistened on the skin of her forehead, her face lined and creased from long hours of agony and sleepless nights.
Slowly, her eyes cracked open and she shifted slightly to take in the person sitting silently by her bedside. A small smile cracked her dry lips.
"Hello, Katsuo," Rika spoke in a rough voice, the words barely managing to leave her throat.
Leaning back into the high back chair, the man returned her smile.
"Look who is finally awake. How do you feel?"
Her eyes slid closed and her body tensed as a bitter laugh attempted to leave her mouth.
"I am not dead, then again nor do I believe I will recover. Does that answer your question?"
Katsuo did not have a chance to answer before she spoke again, she hand reaching out with surprising strength to grab his own.
"Do not think I am as ignorant as the others. I know very well where your loyalties lies, why you seem to be many different people in one body. Why you are the only who watches over me."
Merely raising his eyebrows, Katsuo gently patted the woman's hand. Returning it to rest back against her stomach, he stood to his feet.
"Rika, despite your recklessness, your haughty attitude and your belief that everything should be handed to you on a silver platter, you do see more than the others. The question is," he continued lowly, "Is what do you make of me and what will you say to the others?"
She shook her head, pulling her only hand to cover her eyes. The voice she used next, was trembling and she sounded as if she was on the verge of tears.
"He was also so gentle. Patting my head when I was sad, ruffling my head whenever he needed to go. Yet I did nothing as Masato and Seira plotted and schemed. Over these millennia, I have always asked myself, why, why did not I do something?"
"Ho? So even you feel regret, remorse and wish to return to those days of long ago?"
Rika laughed hoarsely.
"I know as well as anyone, my heart has already rotted. But I distracted myself, playing the game until even occasionally I convinced myself I had done nothing wrong. Now, it's too late. I should just fade away into the darkness that pulls at me."
"Perhaps," Kastuo said quietly, "If you could see your reflection, you would be able to see the lie in your words."
She stilled. Carefully moving her hand to be placed over the wound which the miko had first shot her arrow. Her body was completely healed, save for the pain and black scars, also her arm was lost, something even the Golden Cloth could not restore. But there remained in her once cold and dead heart, a park of warmth. This time, the tears did fall.
"Why? Why did that woman…?"
"You should already know the answer. It's because no matter how much hate and anger dwells in her heart, there is a part of her that will always try to forgive and move on."
These were Katsuo's final words as he pivoted on his heel and strolled out of the healing room, leaving Rika to her miserable thoughts.
Flowers gently bowed their heads under the weight of a mild wind, as a lone girl sat in a small patch of blossoms. The sweet fragrance of magnolia trees, the willowy tentacles of the much loved sakura tree, all were present in this beautiful natural garden. To almost anyone this sight would bring peace, happiness, feelings of contentment.
To almost anyone.
Perhaps to one, this would bring back memories of those who were long gone, dearly departed, the ones who no longer walked on this world's lands. The lone girl was one such as this. Sitting by herself, a strange object made with strange material that someone had promised with this, they could always find her. But, no matter how many times this little girl pressed the buttons, spoke to it, pleaded with it to let someone hear her words, not a sound came from the other end.
It was a gorgeous day, with clear blue skies, a pleasant wind from the coast and the sun shining down. Yet the picture this girl made was one of sadness and mourning. Tear-streaked cheeks, trembling lips and shaking shoulders. And this is the sight that only four were witness to, standing a top a small hill.
The last of her kind, a demon-slayer woman, leaning against the tall form of a handsome monk. Clad in red robes, there also stood a half-blood, a small kitsune sitting on his shoulder.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Shippo asked softly, concern evident in his voice.
"Stupid," Inuyasha muttered, "Do ya think any of us are goin' to be alright?"
The kitsune fell silent.
"I hope so," he whispered.
"Then, ya have your answer," the half-blood said, crossing his arms firmly.
An awkward silence descended, a reminder of the pain of what they had lost since in the past, Kagome would have intervened. Sango sighed, taking a deep breath as she rubbed her stomach.
"Kagome-chan was the one who helped me over the grief of losing my family and my village. Now as we re-built the same village, it doesn't seem right that she isn't here," the slayer remarked.
"I agree, but Kagome-sama would not want us to be sad. At the least, we still have each other. Kagome may not have anyone," Miroku, always the voice of reason, pointed out.
"Keh, we know that!"
"Anyways, Inuyasha," the monk continued as if he hadn't been interrupted, "You should go talk to Rin."
"Hah? Me?"
"That's right, Inuyasha!" Shippo exclaimed, leaping down to point a clawed finger at him, "Sesshōmaru left her in our care in order to go on a killing spree and since it's your brother, you get to cheer her up!"
Both Miroku and Sango nodded in agreement.
"Shippo is right, Inuyasha. Besides, while we all love Kagome-sama, you're the one who life was drastically changed from her presence.," Miroku's speech ended in a whisper as his arms tightened around his wife and his gaze turned to the lone girl in the field.
Silence descended and for a moment no one spoke. Inuyasha sighed heavily, his eyes downcast.
"That ain't exactly true. Because of Kagome, we're all alive and we've got each other. And because of Kagome, we can live in peace, day after day," the oddly serious tone did not suit the half-blood, but everyone understood what he was saying.
Sighing again, Inuyasha slowly made his way down into the field. It didn't take long until he sat down next to Rin, both small figures at the distance which the others waited.
"It would be interesting," the kitsune suddenly said.
"What would be, Shippo-chan?"
Turning to stare at the slayer and monk, the fox smiled almost mischievously as he saw their questioning looks.
"If Inuyasha fell for Rin."
At his innocent words, a small smile stretched Sango's lips. Then, she began to shake before a short laugh escaped. Pulling up her hands to cover her mouth, she laughed, clear and loud as tears began to roll down her face. Even Miroku allowed himself a chuckle.
"Shippo, Rin is Sesshōmaru's ward. Like his daughter. Inuyasha is- well, Inuyasha is-"
The monk stopped, an expression much like when someone has reached enlightenment crossed his face.
"Inuyasha," he continued, "looks similar to her beloved Sesshōmaru-sama, but he's half human and much younger. What's more is, Rin is at the perfect age for her first crush!"
"Just think of it," Shippo said as his eyes, for the first time in weeks, lightened with amusement, "Inuyasha asking Sesshōmaru for Rin's hand."
The three exchanged looks, then gazing out to the far field where Rin had just thrown herself against Inuyasha and was apparently sobbing. The half-blood had, surprisingly, wrapped his arms around the small girl, holding her close.
"It could work," Sango said, awe in her voice.
"It could indeed work," Miroku agreed.
Shippo, placing his hand against his chin in the classic thinking pose, spoke as another idea occurred to him.
"Or maybe Sango'll give birth to a girl and Inuyasha will fall for her…"
The kitsune stiffened, hesitantly moving his eyes towards the source of the cold chill that had just raced down his spine. Upon seeing the look promising death on Miroku's face, he quickly placed his hands out in a defensive gesture.
"I was just kidding!" He said, faking a laugh and discreetly moving away.
The monk laughed scarily, as little by little the small group that had faced many hardships, many tragedies and finally grasped victory only to have their dear friend torn away, was moving forward.
A/N: Ah… There. Such a surprising development, huh? It seems the 'Evil Kami' all have hidden motives and actual feelings.Ah… I'm such a confusing author...
Anyways! Since I only had the votes from about 4 hours or so, I based this chapter off of the early reviewers. And, for curiosity's sake, here is the results of the voting (for the first 4 hours) [on both & Dokuga]:
Sesshōmaru's Life (Other World): 9
Kagome: 8
Evil Kami: 4
Sesshōmaru's War: 4
Shippo: 3
Toga: 3
Inuyasha: 2
Miroku/Sango: 2
Rin: 1
Winds of Season: 1
I didn't find the time to put Sesshōmaru's Life in (but that's because I'm going on a short trip [like Saturday] and will be in a truck for like hours {also I have to write the final chapter for Of Mikos Ayakashi and Demons and get started on the sequel}), but there's always the next chapter. To those who wanted Sesshōmaru to met Kagome (like everyone) that is coming up very soon. I promise.
*A game much like chess, which requires strategy to win. I'm not entirely sure of it's rules or whatever (since I can't do any research), but if you're ever watched 'Naruto Shippuuden, it's that game the lazy shadow dude (Shikamaru) plays.*