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Royal Dangers
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Chapter Fourteen
The Nightmare's End
A heavy knock interrupted the soft murmurs in the library, and four heads immediately turned to the opening doors. Kikyou entered, and before she began to speak Sesshoumaru sensed something was wrong. Hojo rose to his feet, concern etched in his features. "What is it, Kikyou?"
The young woman was pink in the face, her dark eyes troubled. "Kagome..."
"She has not disappeared again, has she?"
Kikyou assured him quietly that she had not, although the uneasy etched in her features did not waver. "No, your majesty. She requests your presence, yours and Prince Sota's. She says it is most urgent she speaks to you right away." The tutor spoke in low tones, knowing well the two Western heirs could hear her no matter how quietly she voiced her message. Sesshoumaru rose expectantly, but the young woman shook her head, the pink tint brightening. "She asked only for her brothers, my lord."
He heard the slight apology in her words, sensing the bewilderment underlying them. The demon nodded slowly, his brow furrowing unnoticeably as he thought. Why would she insist on such a thing?
Hojo and Sota glanced at each other, the latter rising as well. "I suppose we can spare a moment after the progress we made." They bowed at their guests. "We shall not be long." Both men exited past Kikyou, disappearing into the hall.
Inuyasha glanced at the older demon's face. "Something happen between you two?" Sesshoumaru shot him a look, but the hanyou merely rolled his eyes. "Come on, I'm sure everyone here knows, or at least suspects." The Western heir did not answer, but turned away, his silvery locks flowing behind him. "Why wouldn't she want you there? I mean, it has to be about the treaty; anything else could wait until morning. And if it is about the treaty, it could be information we need to hear."
The daiyoukai nodded slowly, his frown deepening. "Indeed. Something does not seem right." A timid cough interrupted their musings, and both turned to see the young tutor still standing at the door.
She brushed her hair back, her chocolate orbs filled with unease. "I think you are right about the princess. She would not exclude you if she were voicing a concern for the treaty. I fear it is something worse."
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Kagome stirred, hearing foggy voices. Moaning softly, she tried to lift her hand to her head, only to be greeted with a chuckle. "You are determined to stay awake for our meeting, aren't you?" the voice murmured, amusement lining every word. The princess forced her eyes open. The intruder's dark form crouched beside her, eye level with her own prone figure.
She summoned up the energy to slap him, but found her arms were fastened behind her back. "Go to hell," she whimpered, pressing her energy to good use by warming up her voice. Naraku rocked on his heels for a moment, his smirk widening.
"You are the second woman to say that to me."
"Then you should not disappoint," Kagome muttered coolly. The man only laughed.
"I have already been, my sweet, and I have no intention of returning until my work is complete."
Kagome's lips fell open, ready to retort, but he lifted a thin strip of cloth to her face. "You simply never stop," he muttered, tying the ends around the back of her head. Though she tried to resist him, the cloth eventually fixed in place, effectively denying her cries. Once satisfied, he rose to his feet. "Your brothers shall arrive any moment. I am sure your urgent invitation will not be overlooked, after all you've been through."
He disappeared from her sight, and Kagome began struggling with her bonds. Damn! Her fingers were just short of reaching the ropes. Not that I could loosen them anyway, she thought hopelessly, her eyes tearing. Why had no one sensed the intruder yet? The only two who could possibly help her were on the farthest side of the castle. Kagome's brow furrowed at this thought. Perhaps the distance was too great, even for the daiyoukai's senses.
Footsteps made her head snap up, and she focused her blurred gaze at her door. No! The oak door swung open, and a moment later her brothers entered the large chamber. Their gazes settled instantly on the tear-stained face of their sister, and Hojo rushed forward. "Don't!" she whimpered, but it was too late. The heavy entryway sealed with a boom, and the room's atmosphere immediately became thick magic.
"Foolish princes. I expected more from the elder heirs, but I see you are no greater a threat than your poor princess."
The men whirled. Their eyes lit upon the hanyou as he revealed himself, and each tensed. "Lord Naraku!" The hanyou merely smiled at their angry greeting, crossing his arms leisurely. Sota made to move forward, but Hojo held out his arm in warning. "What are you doing here? How did you breach our guard?"
Naraku raised a brow, his smirk widening. "Does that really matter now, dear prince?" His crimson gaze swept over the young man. "Your guard was nothing more than child's play. One might have thought the castle would tighten security, what with all that has happened." He glanced down at Kagome, who refused to look at him. "Isn't that right, sweetheart?" The girl cried softly as he jerked her head back, grabbing a fistful of raven hair.
Sota growled, reaching for his sword. "Release her!" The instant his hand unsheathed the weapon it transformed, the cold steel morphing into the textured scales of a snake. He dropped the animal at once, backing away in horror. The serpent slithered along the carpeted floor toward the dark lord, sliding into his outstretched hand, where it transformed back into its original state.
The hanyou laughed. "You hold no authority here, boy." He released the princess's tresses carelessly. With a wave of his hand, chains twisted around the two men, taking them off guard. Kagome could only watch in silence as Naraku forced both to their knees with another lazy flick. "Pity. I had hoped for more civil conversation, but I see you two are not in the mood."
The young men glared as another chuckle fell from his lips. "How is it you are still alive, Naraku? We were told you-"
"Were told I was dead? Slain by Lord Sesshoumaru?" Naraku sneered, his hold on the sword tightened. "As if that pathetic dog could dispose of me." Kagome mumbled an incoherent word, her face pink with anger. "I cannot be killed so easily, dear prince. Not when I have so many plans."
Hojo tested the cold metal around his arms. "And what do you plan on accomplishing, when our allies are so close? Have you forgotten them?"
Naraku chuckled darkly, his eyes flashing blood red once more. He stopped before the two princes, tapping the hilt of Sota's blade thoughtfully. "Your allies do not concern me. They will not interrupt a personal meeting with your sister, even if one of them has grown quite... close to the girl." His gaze flickered in Kagome's direction, and her brothers saw her face had turned rosier. "No, the Western brats will be no problem. It is you I am after. Or, your land."
Hojo shook his head, and Sota glared fiercely. "Our land will never fall into your hands." He met Naraku's even gaze as it turned back to his, refusing to back down.
The hanyou smirked, tilting Sota's chin up with the blade of his sword. "I do wish your responses were more original." He pressed the sharp end further, barely drawing blood. "Your kingdom shall be mine. It would have been much sooner, had I known of your father's misfortunate accident. How perfect, how easy it would have been..." He closed his eyes, the smile stretching along his face. Sota growled, but the steel against his neck forced him to silence.
Opening his dark eyes once more, Naraku grinned. "I must thank whoever was responsible. My job is much easier dealing with children." He took away the blade, eyeing the line of red along the prince's throat. "The Eastern lands shall be mine to rule, with the heirs all out of the way. Control will be easy to establish. As for this sweet flower..."
He turned to the princess and pulled her roughly to her feet. Kagome bit her lip as his hold tightened, bruising her flesh through the flimsy nightgown. "She has been more trouble than I anticipated. Yet the rewards I will reap from her..." He nuzzled his nose in her midnight locks, breathing in her scent. Her brothers growled, but the chains effectively held them still.
Kagome slammed her head back, hitting her captor's nose. With a loud curse he released her, only to send her to the floor with a stunning slap. Hojo and Sota yelled at the same time, but Naraku paid them no heed. "You still fight, when your situation is hopeless?" he spat, brow narrowed with fury.
The slap had loosened the cloth over her lips. Pushing herself up, she nodded, licking her split lip. "You have no idea who you have messed with." She kicked as hard as she could manage, aiming for his knee. Her blow only grazed his leg as he sidestepped easily. With a fluid motion, he seized her neck and lifted her into the air, letting her feet kick helplessly.
"And you seem to forget who I am, Princess." She gasped for air as her brothers yelled again, barely able to hear what they said as her heartbeat thudded in her ears. Chuckling, he threw her toward his other captives, and the young woman tumbled before them. The room darkened considerably, and the air thickened with purple mist. "My patience with you has worn out. Now you shall die with your pathetic family, just as your father before you." Kagome rolled onto her back, her head falling limply as she struggled to stay awake. Her eyes focused on Naraku as his eyes turned crimson.
She did not have time to scream.
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Sesshoumaru sat calmly, eyes closed. He tried to focus on Kagome's person, but his demon senses could only travel so far. Now the Eastern lords had disappeared from his range. He sighed inwardly, opening his golden gaze. The young woman watched him carefully, her brown eyes wide. "Well?"
He frowned. "I cannot focus here. These walls..." he did not finish, but looked at the library's doors. "We must trust the princess."
The tutor nodded slowly, sighing quietly. "I suppose. I just cannot shake the feeling something malevolent is going to happen. But we cannot interrupt a private meeting between the royal family."
Inuyasha grunted, crossing his red-clad arms. "Says who? If something's wrong, I don't think they'll hold it against us..." He suddenly drifted off, one of his puppy ears twitching. "Do you sense that? Someone is here."
Kikyou blinked. "You mean, one of the princes?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head, catching hold of the eerie presence. "No, it's different... demonic..." He stiffened, breaking eye contact. "Kagome." Without another word he bolted from the room, followed quickly by Inuyasha. The hallway flew by in a blur as they raced toward the overpowering magic. As the two rounded the final corner, the powerful presence rolled over their senses. The princess's door had black miasma pouring through the cracks. Without wasting a second, Sesshoumaru burst through the heavy door, not caring as the oak fell in pieces around him.
Kagome lay on the floor, her lips open as if ready to scream. Behind her, the young princes knelt, yelling at both the intruding rescuers and the dark form that now turned to face the daiyoukai.
"So, you have arrived." The demon narrowed his eyes as Naraku spoke, the red clashing against two sets of gold. "And the hanyou brat."
Inuyasha growled loudly, clenching his fists. "You revealed yourself to us, asshole! Big mistake for losing your temper."
Fury burned in the red eyes, deepening the color to an empty black. "A mistake I will clean up now." He swung an arm forcefully, throwing a large ball of energy at the younger inu. He ducked, and the destructive energy blasted a hole in the large table beside the door. A scream erupted, mingling with the yells and growls of the men. "The Eastern family will be no more after tonight."
Whirling, Sesshoumaru flexed his hands. "Release them." He did not wait for a response, but attacked, swiping his glowing claws at the intruder. Naraku hissed at the near contact.
"If you wish to fight, then let's take it outside." He snapped his fingers and disappeared, along with the three humans. Sesshoumaru did not waste a moment, but charged at the window and jumped out.
He landed far below in the gardens. Straightening, he glanced around, ignoring Inuyasha as the boy landed behind him. "Where is-" the hanyou began, but a ball of light flew at him, exploding thunderously. Both jumped aside, focusing their attentions on their foe. Naraku stood with a smirk on his face, his arms slowly crossing. The Eastern heirs were chained behind him, but there was no sign of the princess.
The youkai prince glared, reaching for the sword at his side. "Where is Kagome?"
Naraku grinned. "She is quite safe. But do not waste time concerning yourself with her whereabouts." He began to transform, towering high above the tense warriors. His lower body elongated into the grotesque spider form, his razor sharp legs stabbing into the ground. Inuyasha's eyes widened at the sight, but the older prince merely scowled as the evil form laughed. "I look forward to your deaths." The fleshy tentacles squirmed in the air, worming their way forward.
Sesshoumaru tightened his fingers around Toukijin's hilt. "Do not count on it."
With a loud cry, Naraku attacked, piercing the ground with thundering force. The brothers split up, dodging the pursuing tentacles that sped after them. "You will be a part of me, dog!" Laughing maniacally, he pounced, aiming once more with his sharp appendages.
Inuyasha tumbled to the side, brushing the dirt from his face. "Keh, is that all you got?" He unsheathed his own sword, grinning as the blade transformed into its demonic state. "Come fight me!" He rushed forward, hands tight around the hilt. The giant arachnid laughed wickedly, shooting a row of spikes at the approaching figure. Inuyasha swung the Tetseiga forcefully, cutting each piece with ease. "Stop fooling around and fight me!"
As he yelled, a burning sensation climbed up his leg. Glancing down in horror, the silver-haired hanyou saw the fallen pieces pulsing around his feet, fixing themselves to his person. "What the hell is this!" Kicking the pieces away, he nearly fell over. Sesshoumaru ran past, glancing over his shoulder.
"Do not waste time! Go help the princes!" He dodged a swipe from the spider's pincers and leaped high into the air, sending an arc of demonic energy at his opponent. Naraku roared in pain, the inhuman sound echoing in the expansive courtyard as his front legs were sliced out from under him. A moment later, he began laughing, his human shoulders shaking with mirth.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, have you learned nothing from our last meeting?" He raised his head, allowing his ebony hair to fall in waves down his back. "My body can regenerate faster than you can destroy it, I am afraid." The angular legs re-grew, stretching invasively toward the demon lord. Another bombardment of tentacles flew at Sesshoumaru, only to be cut down with a flick of his claws. "Do you not want to play, pup?"
The daiyoukai glared, golden eyes tingeing crimson. "I do not play with fools. Especially those who dare to waste my time." He kicked away a threatening piece of pulsing flesh and swung his blade once more. I cannot kill him until I know where Kagome is.
As the older demon fought, Inuyasha ran, circling around the distracted foe. He knew better than to ignore when his brother gave him an order, especially under circumstances such as these.A jagged piece of flesh flew over his shoulder, and he leaped over it, making a face as he watched it writhe like a wounded animal on the ground.
Reaching the men, he sheathed Tetseiga, focusing on the magical chains. "Where is your sister?" he demanded, making quick work of the metal links. Hojo shook his head as Sota revealed they did not know. "Damn it! Stay here!" Inuyasha turned again, but Hojo grabbed his arm.
"We will fight."
The hanyou grunted. "Not likely. No offense, your majesty, but you are no good dead." He saw the determined look in the heir's gray orbs. "If you want to help, look for your sister. We cannot kill the bastard until we know where she is." The two brothers nodded and ran, leaving Inuyasha to greet the arachnid again. "Let's dance."
Sesshoumaru did not look away from his target when the young inu stopped beside him. "Did you find her?"
Inuyasha swung his blade at an approaching pincer, separating it cleanly from the spider's body. "Not yet."
"Then what are you doing here?"
Inuyasha forced himself to not roll his eyes, but returned to the search. Sesshoumaru leaped backwards as Naraku spat a stream of his poisonous miasma in his direction, his silvery hair streaming rapidly through the air. I must end this soon.
"Focus!" Shaking his head, Inuyasha continued, relying on his senses to point him in the right direction. A loud roar caught his attention, and the hanyou whirled, his golden eyes focusing on the form of a large white dog snapping its jaws at Naraku. Damn, it's getting serious now. He knew his brother only used his demon form when absolutely necessary, as his prowess as a warrior was usually more than enough to halt any slight threat.
His sensitive ears twitched, and the boy jerked his attention away from the demonic creatures. There, just over the crashes and roars of battle, he could make out faint cries from the sakura tree. He ran toward the noise, silver hair flying behind him. A thunderous shriek interrupted him, and a bulbous tentacle shot at him, knocking the half-breed aside.
Inuyasha rolled several feet, spitting out dirt. "So, he doesn't want me close." Naraku's demonic eyes flashed red as he turned to the red-clad boy, now transformed fully into his arachnid state. Gleaming white fangs bared as he shrieked again, swiping a razor sharp pincer at the hanyou. A louder growl erupted in the air, and Sesshoumaru raked his claws over the distracted spider. His red orbs focused on the other Western prince, as if reminding him of his mission before sinking his jaws into Naraku.
Ducking another haphazard swipe of the spider's legs, Inuyasha ran to the large tree, circling around. "Princess!" A dismembered piece of bulbous flesh fastened over her mouth, strangling her cries. Rushing to her side, he seized the burning tentacle and cut it away, leaving Kagome to gasp as air poured back into her lungs. She held out her arms, and he swiped through the thin ropes easily.
"Where are my brothers?" were the first words out of her lips as Inuyasha lifted her off the ground.
"They're safe." She nodded, suddenly tired. "We have to get you out of here." Kagome did not object as he hoisted her into his arms and bounded back out into the battlefield. Almost immediately, blasts of energy exploded around them, nearly sending the two flying.
Naraku turned toward the half-breed, a smirk lining his face as he slipped back into humanoid form. "You are not trying to steal my prize, are you?" He stabbed a pincer down, successfully making Inuyasha drop the princess. "I will not be defeated this time!" Another jab landed deep in the ground, shaking the gardens with the effort.
Kagome tumbled through the air, falling several feet away from Inuyasha. Pushing herself up, she gazed up at the towering, bulbous form that slid toward her. Her eyes widened in terror, but no sound could escape her mouth. Kami, help!
A shiver ran up her spine as a snarl pierced the air, lower and even more terrifying than the apparition before her. She craned her neck back as a shadow covered her prone form, trying desperately to see. Even taller than Naraku, a large, solid animal stood protectively over her. Eyes glowed crimson, narrowly glaring ahead. The silvery white fur rippled in the light breeze, and pearly white teeth bared angrily. Kagome gazed at the dog's face, recognizing the magenta stripes on his cheek and the cerulean crescent adorned on his furry forehead.
A gasp escaped her lips. "Sesshoumaru." The animal's ears twitched, but he did not look at her. A low chuckle floated on the breeze, and Kagome gazed back at Naraku's smirking face.
"You are so predictable, Lord Sesshoumaru. You do so much to protect this human, despite the danger it places you in." The transformed daiyoukai growled. Kagome scooted back in the grass, unable to look away from Naraku's grotesque appearance. The hanyou chuckled wickedly, meeting her gaze. "Who would have thought the Prince of the West would have such weakness?"
He slid closer, the pulsing tentacles writhing as if of their own accord. As one slimy piece of flesh inched toward the princess, Sesshoumaru sliced it with his sharp claws, a low bark erupting from his powerful jaws.
A sour look crossed Naraku's handsome features, and he glowered. "Why do you insist on wasting your time protecting her? She is human."
Sesshoumaru growled. She is worth protecting. His gaze flickered to the young woman at his feet, wishing to wipe the fear from her bright eyes. And I protect what is mine. He snapped to attention as Naraku seemed to grow, his solid legs and fleshy tentacles rising underneath him.
A wicked chuckle rumbled in the evil man's chest. "You will not be able to protect her any longer."
The tentacle flew forward, the bulbous flesh ending in a spike as it aimed at the Western lord and the young woman. "Sesshoumaru!" She let out a scream as the large dog leaped forward, meeting the attack with one of his own. The tentacles hit flesh, ripping loudly. Drops of red flew in the air, floating in slow motion as another scream reverberated.
Kagome felt light headed as she watched the two demons fight, hisses and snarls erupting from who knew which one. Two arms grabbed her, and she found herself being whisked away by Inuyasha. "Put me down! Your brother needs your help!" She fought him helplessly, hitting the hanyou's red chest as he bounded away.
His golden eyes lit on her. "He'll kill me if you aren't safe first." Kagome could not object. The hanyou sped up and carried her inside where her brothers waited. Inuyasha hurriedly passed the princess into Hojo's arms. "Watch her." Then he was off, drawing his sword as he disappeared.
In the gardens, the fight was turning brutal. Dark red stained patches of Sesshoumaru's fur, though Inuyasha could not tell if it was his or his opponent's. Naraku continued to spray his poisonous miasma, shooting for the animal's eyes before stabbing a pointed pincer at the disadvantaged dog. Gritting his teeth, Inuyasha tightened his hold on Tetseiga's hilt. "Oi, spider boy!" The monster turned to him, shrieking with anger. "Taste some of this!"
He swung the transformed blade, expelling bright yellow energy as he yelled. The attack hit the spider head on, seeming to split him in two. As the dust cleared, a hand clapped onto his shoulder, and the half-breed whirled. Sesshoumaru returned to his original state, though his eyes still held an angry red around the edges. "Let us finish this."
Inuyasha nodded as his half brother unsheathed Toukijin, drawing the long blade out menacingly. Naraku's demonic form had slumped on the ground, the bulky flesh hissing as smoke poured off his wounds. He wore an expression of pure loathing, a scowl marring his features. "Your blade failed to slay me before, pup. Are you going to risk the same mistake?"
Sesshoumaru held out the blade, amber gaze narrowing. "I do not repeat mistakes." Without pause, he swung the sword through the air, lashing out a blue wave just as Inuyasha released another blast of yellow. The colors collided in the air as they flew at the villain.
Naraku's eyes widened as the blasts hit, creating a blinding white light that filled the entire gardens. Both Western lords held their stance, their silver tresses whipping around as the strong wind died down. When the light had dimmed back to normal, they watched the hanyou's black form fall to dust on the wind.
Without a word, Sesshoumaru turned on his heel and ran toward the castle, Inuyasha right behind him. As soon as they entered the stone walls, the smell of blood hit their noses. This only encouraged the demon prince to increase his speed.
Reaching the conference room, they stopped, bursting through the doors. Sota and Kikyou looked up immediately, their faces drained. Beside them, Hojo sat next to the princess, who was lain on the polished table. Sesshoumaru could only stare, his eyes widening the slightest bit. Inuyasha shoved past him.
"What's wrong?" It was then Inuyasha noticed the dark stain on her nightgown, blemishing the eggshell blue at her side. "How..."
"N...Naraku..." Everyone looked at the princess as she struggled to open her eyes. Kagome was very pale, her blue eyes already losing their brilliance. She winced suddenly, biting her lip to keep from crying out. Sesshoumaru was by her side in a moment. His golden orbs scanned the deep slice in her side, his fingers pressing gently to the wound.
Kikyou folded her hands and held them to her lips, moving in silent prayer. The daiyoukai pulled his bloody claws away, his face neutral. "This wound is grave." The stained fingers reached for his sword.
Sota grabbed his arm. "You cannot kill her!" he uttered, disbelief etched in his darkened face. "You have done so much to keep her safe, and now you wish to put her from her misery?" Sesshoumaru gazed sideways at the prince, still revealing no emotion.
"I am not going to kill her."
Inuyasha frowned, trying to unveil the demon's intentions. "He knows what he's doing," he murmured slowly, placing a clawed hand on Sota's shoulder and steering him away. Hojo seemed just as wary as Sesshoumaru continued, unsheathing his second sword. As soon as the blade was free from its sheath, it began to pulse. The tutor gasped, grabbing Hojo's hand.
The demon ignored her, blocking the other inhabitants from his mind. Golden eyes focused entirely on Kagome, aware of how shallow her breathing had become in the last few minutes. Just as he expected, the soul-bearers appeared, surrounding the princess's body. Tenseiga pulsed more urgently as they reached their shadowy hands at her prone form. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. You shall not take her from me.
He swung low, arching the sword precisely through the soul-collectors. The shadowy apparitions dissolved with silent screams, and the room seemed to brighten as he once more acknowledged the others' presences. On the table, Kagome suddenly gasped, arching slightly as she squeezed her eyes shut. Sota nearly jumped at her, calling "Kagome!" and "What did you do?" to the demon prince.
Sesshoumaru returned the healing sword to its sheath, gazing at the young woman's face. Slowly, she opened her eyes, meeting his. Her chest rose and fell at a normal pace, and already her cheeks began to color. Inuyasha leaned over her, glancing at the stained fabric. "The wound is gone!"
Kagome pushed herself up, examining herself with the same amazement as the others. She raised her gaze once more. "Sesshoumaru..." He moved closer, his eyes softening as he waited for her to finish.
"Princess."
She smiled lightly, faltering. "Is... is he gone?"
"Yes." Seeing the uncertainty on her face, he nodded. "He is truly gone."
With a relieved cry, she reached up and grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him down. "Finally," she whispered, before closing the distance between their lips. Hojo's eyes widened, unsure what course of action he should take, as Sota stumbled back, shocked.
It was Inuyasha who broke the tension. "Hey, I helped kill the bastard. Where's my kiss?" Sesshoumaru pulled away from Kagome's tender lips, growling. The young woman blushed, suddenly realizing what she had done. For a fleeting moment, she met Kikyou's gaze. The older woman winked, and she relaxed, switching her sight to her brothers. Hojo shrugged, a smile tugging at his mouth.
"Do as you wish."
Encouraged, she glanced back at the annoyed demon, tugging at his sleeve. Sesshoumaru broke off his glare, turning his attentions back on the young princess. Grasping her chin in his hand, he pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. "You do not have to worry any more, Kagome," he murmured, brushing against the rosy flesh of her mouth.
Kagome felt the corners of her mouth rise at his words. No, I don't. My nightmare is over. As they deepened the kiss, she sighed. I have my miracle right here.
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Kagome: How wonderful, Star, you finished the chap... um, where's Star?
Sesshoumaru: *reappears with author* She was hiding under the bed.
Star: Oh, um, hi, everyone... hehehe. *rubs head nervously* So, like the chapter?
Sesshoumaru: Where the hell have you been, woman?
Star: Well... *deep breath* Let's just say, life has been keeping me away. Sorry. There's just been a lot of randomness, makes my head spin. _
Kagome: Aw, poor Star!
Star: Yeah, well, I also have this Comp teacher who has been ragging on my writing... I don't know, I've been working so hard to please him and "better my writing skills" that I haven't spent much time on the story...
Sesshoumaru: Understatement of the century.
Star: *glares* But that is all going to change! There is only one more chapter here, and I am trying really hard to get it updated soon, to make up for my complete lack of work lately. ^.^ So, if you are happy I finally updated, and if you want the last chapter to appear soon, please leave me a little review! At this point, I don't even care if they are flames... well, yes I do. No flames, I haven't gotten my fireman's degree yet.