Konnichiwa, everyone! I'm back with chapter 29...finally. I'm so sorry that it took so long. I had to write my damn term paper, so that took a lot of my time up, but that's not really an excuse. It was over John Lennon, so I knew most of what I was writing anyway, and finished pretty early. This chapter is kind of crappy, but the events of it are pretty good. They made me happy, my writing does not, LoL. Sorry if it sucks, everyone. Well, I hope you enjoy it just the same. Toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Disclaimer:
Abbey: Interview time again! This time, it's Mina-chan, Shippou's girl!
Mina: I'm not Shippou's girl! (blushes)
Abbey: (rolls eyes) Yeah, right, sure. You were the girl in the dream, right?
Mina: Well, yes, but-
Abbey: It's so kawaii! (hugs Mina)
Mina: You're crushing me!
Abbey: Oh, hehe, gomen-nasai!
Kagome: That's okay, I always do that to her, see? (crushing hug)
Mina: Crushing…lungs…
Kagome: (grins) such a sweet girl!
Abbey: (O.o) I think I should just end here. I don't own InuYasha, so don't sue me, evil lawyers! MUHAHAHAHA!
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Thanks to all of you with your reviews! I could hug you all...but I don't want to scare you. Anyways...
SPaZin-Person: Hi, Gabby. Sorry this chapter took so long to come out. Yeah, I didn't get run over by a bus or eaten by like...killer monkeys or something. I know, I thought that the last chapter would be fun if it was cute too. The one after this is going to be a fun one. I don't do so well with comedy, but I'm going to try for it...Anyways, hope you like this chapter too!
dd-inuyasha76143: It's too bad that you've been having computer problems, I'm sorry. And, yes, ice cream is yummy! Now I want some too, grrr. Anyways, it's okay that you haven't reviewed in awhile, you don't have to apoligize about that. Hope you like this chapter!
Katty-kat: I'm almost healed from the beat down you gave me a couple chapters ago. I might get a hit for this chapter, but I doubt it. It's so nice to not be brused! Yay! Anyways, so sorry I haven't updated in so long. And I know exactly what I want to write for the next chapter in my other story, so hopefully, it'll be up fairly fast. Too bad I haven't started on it yet. (sweatdrops) Hope you like this chapter!
Air-Faerie45/Wai Kiki: AF! I'll have to send you an email soon. Glad you like what's beengoing on in this story lately. And my heart bleedssince yours hasn't been updated in awhile. Though, it's taken me awhile to update too, sorry about that. I hope your computer gets fixed soon, because I wanna talk to you again! That was fun! Anyways, hope you like this chapter. Auf Wiedersehen, AF!
Sango131: So sorry it took me so longto update! I feel like such a hypocrite whenIreview your story and I'm like, "Oh yeah,update really soon!" and then I don't update for a long time! Glad you liked the last chapter. And don't worry about being weird, it's fun. Hope you like this chapter!
DEATH TO YOU:Thanks for reviewing and hope you like this chapter as well!
Dragon of Spades: I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update! I'm glad you likewhat I've written, and hope you like this chapter as well!
Mornings Light: I am very sorry that it took me forever to update. And thank you, that's one of the bestcomplements I can get, when someone says Ikeepeveryone in character pretty well. It truely is difficult to do.About Miroku...I can't really give anything away, I'm sorry! I like to keep up an element of surprise. Glad you like this story, and hope you enjoy this chapter!
Anime-fan444: Yeah, I think those two are so cute! And I'm also very sorry that it took me so long to update. I hope you like this chapter!
Fluffy's Lover: Yes, unfortunately, Sesshomaru is shared among a whole lot of people. Big boo for that. I have read Silver. It's really an awesome story. What part is similar? That's one of the stories that I would like to read a second time. Glad you like this story, and hope you like this chapter!
Fluffy's Daughter: Yeah, I'm sure that Fluffy will be strangling me sometime soon. And I'm sorry for almost making you cry on chapter 27! Thanks for saying that I'm a good author. I really appreciate that. Sorry I didn't update in so long and hope you like this chapter!
Jewel Of Souls: Oh, thank you very much! I'm glad you like my story! I tried to make it so it had many different things going on, as far as the romance, horror, and so on goes. I just thought the name Battousi would fit perfectlywith this character. I just changed the spelling around. That would be a surprise to have Kenshin pop out though...a very nice surprise, LoL. I'll try to keep it as interesting as I can and sorry that it took me forever to update. Hope you like the chapter!
Inuyasaha'smistress: I know, I feel bad for doing this to Miroku too! Yeah, Kagome's kind of like a magnet for trouble. I thought that everyone would suspect that Kagura would be Battousi's new reason for living, so I thought I'd change it around. Sorry I didn't update for awhile and hope you like this chapter
LadyRedEyes/Kagome-chan/Marisa: I have to hurry up and write this. Grr, you, carpal tunnel syndrome! Anyways...crap...don't really know what else to say, gomen, imouto-chan! Yes, yes, we all hate Lita, that isn't a news flash. Whelp, I guess I better go update now...yeah. I know you can't wait for the next chapter, LoL.
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Well, thanks to everyone who read, even if you didn't review. I'm getting closer to 300 reviews! Yay! That makes me so happy! You all are the nicest! Whelp, I'll just let you all read now...
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Sesshomaru's Red Eyes
Chapter 29:
The Rescue And The Return
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"Sesshomaru?" Sango asked softly.
"Hai?"
"I know that you must think that recent events will cause me to be unfaithful to you."
This caught his attention. Raising his head slightly to look at her, he answered, "Perhaps."
"I can assure you now, I wish to stay with you. I'm not going to say that I haven't thought of changing my mind, but I've decided. I shall stay with you, I can promise you that. But please, Sesshomaru, understand that it would be almost impossible for me to forget about Miroku, after all, we were married, and we did have Sakura. I ask that you be patient with me, for it will take me awhile for those feelings to leave me."
"They may never leave you."
"I know that. I just want to know if you're okay with that. You have my loyalty and faithfulness, Sesshomaru. You have my love. I just thought I would tell you, to reassure you. I am yours and yours alone." She had a small smile on her face. She was certain she had made the right decision. She felt such a strong need to help Sesshomaru, to let him feel the emotions he'd deprived himself of. She wanted to see him smile. And not only this, she also loved him. She felt the deepest sorrow for Miroku, but she tried to numb it by thinking the houshi would succeed in finding someone better than she. The thought of it hurt, but all she wished for was the safety and happiness of both Sesshomaru and Miroku. That was all she wanted.
"Sango," Sesshomaru said softly. He then kissed her gently on the lips, taking in her scent as he did so. He rested his forehead on hers, and looked into her eyes. The taijiya went scarlet.
She cleared her throat loudly to draw his attention away from that, "Don't you have to do some work?"
He raised an eyebrow playfully, "Do I now?"
"Yes, you do," she said, smiling.
"Hm, I suppose you are right." Sango nodded in agreement.
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Mina was in the library, where she had been reading a book for a little while. It was a book about sorcery, something that interested her greatly. Perhaps she could learn a few spells in addition to her powers. Something was really been bothering her lately, and she felt as though now was the perfect time to act on her impulse. 'If I wish to be an honorable daughter, and a powerful future taiyoukai, Father, I implore you, let me do this task. Only if your assistance is absolutely necessary will I ask for you.' With that, Mina left.
"Who are you?" Naraku asked, completely bored by the small girl who had just seemed to drop into his midst. They were a short distance away from Naraku's hideout.
"I am Mina, the South, and daughter of Battousi."
"Is that so? Battousi created an incarnation of himself, how fitting."
"Yes, and you are Naraku, filth of the earth.'
Naraku smiled. He was going to make sure, through this girl, that Battousi would dare not think to betray him. He chuckled wickedly.
"Tell me, Naraku, how long do you plan to imprison my cousins?"
"Children should be seen, not heard, Young One."
"Not this child. I think you shall come to find that I can handle myself particularly well. As for your taunts, my stature demands respect, just as that of my father's."
"You presume to tell me what I shall call you? That is simply not done."
"The incompetence in which you compose yourself is startling, Naraku."
He smirked and began to circle her, "Forgive me in thinking, Young One, that you may act as though you have grown up, but you appear to not pose any threat."
"Looks can be deceiving." Mina braced herself. She knew what Naraku was thinking, what he wanted to do. Being able to read minds had made her smarter, faster than any child of her age. She had seen it all already, war, death, murder, rape…all in the confines of Battousi's mind. It hardened her. So she stood unflinchingly, waiting.
"Is that so?"
A sharp pain burst from the back of the little girl's head, where Naraku had undoubtedly struck her. She fell forward, feeling her consciousness slip away. 'No child deserves to be kept from the warmth and security of their parents. My cousins, I promise to help you. This is my first test.' She fell face down into the grass. Naraku stood over her and chuckled approvingly. He was no fool. Battousi had deep feelings for Kagome, feelings that would eventually cause the man-slayer to betray their pact. He would ensure Battousi's loyalty with bribery. He picked up the limp little girl and held her hastily in his arms. A whirlwind of miasma flew up and Naraku was gone, having taken the southern heir with him.
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Kagome couldn't shake this feeling. Somewhere, something had gone wrong. Kagome was walking outside, letting a breeze tug at her hair, tangling it slightly.
"Kagome!" She suddenly felt something crash into her legs, and she wobbled a bit. She looked down to see Shippou and Rin, who were staring up at her with wide eyes.
"Hi, guys, what's up?"
"Do you know where Mina is?" Shippou asked, blushing slightly.
"We want to play hide and seek!" Rin exclaimed, "But Mina-chan is not here."
"I'm sure if Mina read your minds, she would know that you were looking for her." Kagome thought hard on this for a moment. "Where have you looked for her anyways?"
"Only everywhere," Shippou answered.
Kagome's eyes widened. Of course, her bad feeling. Where was Mina? This didn't sit too well with her. "Shippou, Rin, I want you to go inside today, okay? You can play in there. I'll go find Mina."
"Can't I come with?" the kitsune asked, looking hopeful.
"I'm afraid not, Shippou. Just go in, and I'll bring her back soon."
"Come on, Rin, let's go," he said, a bit dejected.
Once Kagome had seen them enter the safety of the castle, she set off for the forest. Sincerely wishing she had sacred arrows with her, she made her way through to a patch that was scarcely covered with trees. A little more light shone down on the path.
A wind blew ominously down on her, getting more violent all the time. Then, Kagura appeared to her, nodding to acknowledge her. "You're looking for Battousi's incarnation, I take it?"
"Where is she?" Kagome asked a bit fearfully.
"Naraku has captured her. She held captive at his lair even as we speak."
"Battousi hasn't done anything about it yet?"
"I should think not."
Kagome thought about it… "That's Battousi all right. He's giving Mina a chance to take care of herself. To prove her own worth. I bet he even planned this himself. Kami, does he ever need some tips on parenting," she said, rubbing her temple. "Well, if he's not going to help that poor little girl, then I am! Kagura, can you take me to her, please?"
"Why should I?"
"Well…wouldn't you care if Kanna was in trouble?"
"That emotionless puppet of Naraku?" Her eyes narrowed, "Very well, I shall take you to them."
"I know Battousi won't approve of this, but too bad for him." Kagome nodded once in determination. With that, Kagura lifted them on her feather, and they took off, high into the sky…
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Kagome woke up later, her body sluggish from the miasma. She found an outer kimono had been used to prop her head up, kind of like a pillow. This kimono though…it was black and red, as well as very small. Mina. Kagome stood up, her legs barely holding her weight. Obviously, the excessively toxic atmosphere around Naraku's castle had rendered her unconscious. Kagome blinked a few times, for her vision was a tad foggy at first. She began to look about the room, which had a heavy barrier around it. Off to one corner was a bed mat, and on that mat sat Mina, Toshiro on one side of her, Sakura on the other, both swaddled in heavy, thick blankets.
"Mina-chan, you scared me to death!" Kagome scolded lightly as she went over to the mat.
"Gomen-nasai, Kagome, but I had to do this, I felt it my responsibility to bring my cousins to their rightful home."
"Couldn't your father do this? Mina, you're just a little girl, you can't do this on your own! That's why I came to help you!"
Mina's head lowered. Her eyes were covered by her bangs. "Arigatou for your assistance." Being referred to as a child bothered Mina a little. She had all of these wonderful powers, and she was matured, but not taken seriously.
"So I see that you are awake, Kagome."
Kagome wheeled around to see Naraku, Kagura, and Kanna; all staring at her from the other side of the barrier. Kagome disliked it greatly. It was like she was some sort of strange, rare species of animal at a zoo. Naraku was prying his ugly nose in on her, making her feel uncomfortable and scared. "Naraku, let Mina, Sakura, and Toshiro go. I'll do whatever it takes to get them out of here!"
Naraku chuckled, obviously amused, "Kagome…you know what my answer shall be."
"I don't care!" Kagome retorted, standing up and stomping a foot on the ground.
"If you insist upon erecting a barrier, then we shall have to break it."
Naraku's smile widened further still, "You, break my barrier? I think not."
"Sure we can!" Kagome stated confidently, "Just watch us!" She rose a fist in the air, mimicking something her mate would do, "We're going to get out, Naraku, just you wait!"
The hanyou rose a skeptical eyebrow, and then looked over at the little girl. Battousi's incarnation was glowing red, her body completely consumed by a bright red light. "Trying to be like your father, are you, Young One?"
"Do not call me that. I'm in a class of my own! I, Mina, am nothing like my father!" She let her light go, and it struck against the barrier. It only caused the barrier to ripple slightly, and then go back to standing strong. Kagome went up to the barrier, and put both hands on it, letting her miko powers purify it. Mina repeatedly hit the barrier with her light, letting it flow out of her hands.
"You won't win, Naraku!" Kagome shouted, as the barrier made her hands increasingly more raw, "No chance!"
Naraku looked down at Kanna, "Kanna, go, retrieve the children of the taijiya, and bring them to me." Kanna looked from her master to the babies that were confined inside the barrier. "Why do you hesitate, Kanna?" Naraku asked. His eyes widened. The barrier was nearly broken.
Mina wobbled on the spot. She was using all of her energy to break this barrier. She could not use up anymore. Eyelids drooping, she fell to her knees, and then to her side.
"Mina!" Kagome yelled, and left the barrier to pick her up with her reddened palms.
"Gomen-nasai, Kagome."
"No, no, don't apologize. You were wonderful, Mina. And so powerful too, just like your father."
"I'm not him!"
Kagome's eyes widened a bit. Mina kept saying that, she didn't want to be like Battousi. Then it caught her, she must have seen everything that Battousi did with her mind powers. She witnessed every bad deed. Kagome held Mina closer to her, cradling her in a motherly way, "You poor baby, I'm so sorry." Mina's eyes widened. Never before had anyone spoken so kindly to her.
Naraku walked through his barrier, and looked down at the two, eyes narrowed with malice. Kagome looked back at him fearfully. "I WON'T let you hurt us!" Kagome yelled.
"Naraku, that is quite enough." said Battousi, who had just teleported there. He was standing at the other side of the room, looking very serious.
Naraku smirked. He bent down and picked Kagome up by the scruff of her neck, and Mina up by hers, using his other hand. "I'm sure you've heard of this, Battousi," Naraku stated, "It's called an ultimatum. Which would you have die first? Your whore or your incarnation?" His smirk widened. His claws dug into the back of their necks, and fresh blood began to ooze from the wounds. Kagome grimaced in pain while flailing her arms around to try and hit Naraku. Mina was giving him a very angry look, and began to glow red again.
"Battousi," Kagome said, "Please, your daughter, choose Mina. Get her out of her, and if at all possible, Sakura and Toshiro too." Father and daughter made a quick decision, using their mind powers to communicate. "You've got to save your daughter. Please, Battousi."
Naraku's eyebrows rose, "What is your choice, man-slayer?"
"Fool, that name carries no meaning for sensei anymore!"
"Silence, shoujo. Now, Battousi, what do you choose?"
"The answer is quite obvious, Naraku. I choose neither." Mina teleported away, grabbing Kagome's hand before she did so. That way, they could both get away at once. Battousi teleported in front of Naraku, and gave him a strong punch in the gut, sending him backwards.
Kagome smiled, 'He really is like his brothers in a way,' she thought, dwelling on the fact that he had punched Naraku first.
"Our battle shall take place at a different time, Naraku. We are now enemies." With that, Kagome, Battousi, Mina, and the babies left.
"I fully respect that you wish to prove yourself, Daughter," Battousi began, "But you must become stronger first. I let you have an attempt. In the future, however, you may not be so rash until you have gained more power. Is that clear, Mina?"
Mina looked down, frustrated that she couldn't do it on her own. Was it this weak body of a child that was preventing her from becoming any greater? "Hai, sensei."
"At the same time, I must also praise you. Naraku's barrier is powerful. You almost broke through it."
"I had help," Mina said coldly.
"Even so, you did well, Daughter."
Kagome smiled and nodded, "That's right, Mina. I was really surprised with how strong you are." They walked out of the forest around Sesshomaru's castle.
"This is as far as I go. I do not wish for problems to arise during what should be a joyous time for my brother, the huntress, and the houshi. You may remain if you wish it, Daughter."
Mina nodded and Kagome said, "Thanks for your help, Battousi. I can't wait to see the look on their parents' faces!" She smiled down at Sakura and Toshiro, both of whom she was holding. The man-slayer nodded in response and then disappeared.
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Sango felt strange. She looked Sesshomaru's way; he was still at his desk, still writing. She gulped and licked her dried lips, moistening them. Her throat felt so dry. "Sesshomaru?"
"Hai," he responded, not even lifting his head.
"I don't know. Do you…sense something?"
He turned around, "I do not."
"I feel…happy."
"Happy?" he repeated, "What do you speak of?"
She stood up and began to pace around the room, making her way to the window, "It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining."
"Are you well, Sango?" She didn't answer him. "Sango?" He went up behind her and turned her around. Her eyes were filled with tears. "What has happened to you?"
Sango smiled and nodded to the window, "See for yourself." Sesshomaru turned to look out the window, and Sango ran to the door. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in shock. "Can you believe it, Sesshomaru?" A small smile came across the taiyoukai's lips before he turned to face Sango. He nodded, and with demon speed, scooped her up and exited the castle out the nearest door.
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Miroku was outside, leaning against a tree as he watched Shippou and Rin play. He smiled sadly. "Hey, look!" Shippou shouted, "Miroku, come and see this! It's Toshiro and Sakura!"
"Nani?" Miroku got up and looked in the direction Shippou indicated. He immediately began to run, abandoning his staff on the ground.
As chance would have it, all three parents reached their children at the same time. Sango burst into happy tears, and Miroku's eyes were shining with them. Sesshomaru allowed himself to smile slightly. "Oh, I'm so glad you're home, my babies," Sango choked out through tears. Sesshomaru wrapped an arm around her shoulders. And Sango rubbed noses with her children, making Mina go completely scarlet. And speaking of…
"Mina? You went after Naraku?" Shippou asked.
"I had lots of help," she stated, "Especially Kagome. She helped me the most."
"Come on, Mina, you're making me blush. I didn't do much, besides, we would've been toast if Battousi hadn't come to help us."
"What did you say?" Sesshomaru said dangerously.
"You know what I said."
"He better not have laid a hand of them."
"Calm down, he didn't. And even if he did, if it weren't for him, we would've never gotten Sakura and Toshiro out!"
"You think so, do you?"
Sango put a hand on Sesshomaru's arm, "What does it matter how they're back, as long as they're here, and safe. Could you please let this go?" The taiyoukai looked down at her considerately and then nodded once. "Good," the taijiya said, smiling.
Rin pulled on Sesshomaru's sleeve, "Sesshomaru-sama, Toshiro and Sakura look a lot bigger!"
"You're right, Rin," Sango agreed, "they have done a lot of growing." Toshiro grabbed onto her finger.
"Aw, how kawaii," Kagome said, "Look at those cute little demon claws!"
"Just like his father's," Sango stated proudly, smiling at her "mate." "It looks like they're going to be walking soon." She placed them both in the grass. Toshiro began trying to stand up, but fell down easily. His mother knelt down and began to bounce him very lightly on his feet.
"What's that for?" Shippou asked.
Kagome explained, "Bouncing a baby on their feet helps get rid of the natural curve in his feet. It helps flatten them so that he can walk."
"Ohhhh, I see. Hey, look," the kitsune exclaimed, "Sakura's crawling over to me!" He grinned and stretched out his arms, "Come on, Sakura! Come to me!" Sakura made it to him, and then reached up an outstretched hand…and pulled hard on the bow around Shippou's pants…which then fell down. "HEEEEYYYYYYY!" the kitsune screeched and pulled his pants up. Rin screamed and shielded her eyes. Mina went red and looked down, trying to stifle her giggles.
Miroku picked up his daughter, "Hmm, you haven't even been around me, and you're already picking up on my traits?" His face cracked into a grin, "That's my girl!"
"Miroku," Sango said dangerously.
"Hehe," the monk smiled nervously.
One task completed, the group turns to the future, which begins and ends with Naraku's defeat. That is their main goal.
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Oh, wow. I can't believe I'm almost at 30 chapters! I have determined that this story is going to be 51 or 52 chapters for sure. And then, after the story's done, I'll post a preview of the sequel, yup (I'm doing a sequel) and it'll have characters profiles on it too. Just because I'm odd. Oh yeah, and I've also realized, that pretty soon I will have had this story on for an entire year. The next chapter is going to be a fun one that is completely random. How I love it! Whelp, I guess I'll just talk to you all in chapter 30. Please review if you can, or I'll be sad! Toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Preview of the next chapter…
"Let's make things more interesting, InuYasha," Miroku challenged, "I dare you that I can hold my alcohol better than you can." He pulled out a bottle that was quite full, and quite strong.
"I don't think that's a very good idea, Miroku," Kagome said, looking at the bottle with great distaste.
"I second that, Kagome. It seems very foolish to become intoxicated like that," Sango agreed.
"Are you scared, InuYasha?" Now he'd done it.
"Feh, I'll take you on anytime, monk, get ready to lose!" He snatched the bottle from Miroku's grasp and took a long swig of it.
"It's a good thing I brought a bottle for each of us," the houshi stated, getting out three more.
"InuYasha, don't do that!" Kagome said, appalled.
Miroku rolled a bottle to each of them, "Drink up, ladies."
"I don't approve of it."
"Come on, Sango, Toshiro and Sakura are asleep, and Shippou, Rin, and Mina are in a room playing. I thought you never backed down from a challenge."
"I don't, but…"
"What could happen?" he coaxed.
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Next Chapter:
Happy Hour
TTFN!
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