= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Author's Ramblings

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Forgive me if this bores you to tears, but knowing this is just me chatting for those who want to read it, you can pass it by! :)

First I want to say, thank you all so much for reading my little story. At times it took me too long to update each chapter, and I, too, got frustrated often. Several chapters I had to rewrite, not satisfied with how they sounded or the direction they seemed to head in. And then there were the distractions. There are too many other stories floating around in my head, and with the wonderful fics I've read over the past three months, it was truly hard to concentrate.

I had to go back and fix some of the grammatical errors (hopefully I caught them all) and tweak a few things. I changed Kaede's speech pattern from chapter two, and some of the words Inuyasha wouldn't use. All in all, I left the story as it stands, but did try to add a little clarity to some areas.

When I first started this story, I knew were I wanted to go. The ending I originally had in mind changed after I read Thunk's Beso. My ending would have been too close to how she ended hers. Thunk is too great a writer to attempt a second grade imitation. So, I re-thunk (ha!) where I was going and came up with this. It doesn't end the quest as I intended originally. But that's ok, it gives me a chance to write a sequel. J

Why a sequel and not continue with Heart? Well, the main focus of Heart was showing Inuyasha's divided heart (duh). How his love for both Kagome and Kikyou kept him from making solid decisions on who he should be with, and how he should act. Heart resolved that conflict; we can only hope Takahashi does the same in the manga. I highly doubt it though. I have a feeling Kikyou isn't dead, and will make another appearance before Naraku is finished off. A Common Enemy will focus more on Sango and Miroku's relationship. After their brush with death, what are they waiting for? Also, it will answer those nagging questions left open from Heart. It will bring all of Naraku's enemies together to combat him along the lines I think the manga will take.

To start, I'll apologize for those who are waiting for the sequel to begin right away. It's not going to happen. I want to finish other works I've got in the hopper - most specifically 'The Law and the Oath.' If I don't finish it, I want to at least get a few chapters completed before I begin another major work. I am also working with my good friend Saby-Chan on another major work, 'Seasons of Life'. This story is themed after Ecclesiates, from the Old Testament. For the first time, I'm having someone other than myself read my musings before I post them. It's working out well. Saby has been able to give me some direction on what might need to be tweaked to make the story better. Between us, we've got three chapters written, and the fourth almost done. I want to have a good many ready before I begin to post, so I'm not in that frantic hurry to get something out there. Believe me, I think it will be worth it.

That concludes the ramblings per se. Below are some of my works, and what I've deemed some of the best stories I've read off of FFN. It's not a complete list of what I consider excellent, and would recommend, so please, if I've left your story out, do not take it personally. If I were to list every fic I liked, I'd fill pages! As always, if you want to know more, want to chat, or just want to bitch at me, please email me. I always answer, if at times I'm a little slow.

Take care and thanks once again for reading!

~Kelly

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Snippet time:

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

From 'Seasons of Life':

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

She made an impatient noise. "You always say that!" She was so close, holding my hand, touching my face. I could smell her scent, feel her breath as she exhaled. "What can I say? What can I do to convince you he is only a friend? That you have nothing to be jealous about."

Her lips were scant inches from mine. "Become my mate." The words were out before I could stop them. I don't know whose face was redder or more shocked; mine or hers. Where the fuck that came from, I have no idea.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

From 'A Common Enemy'; sequel to 'A Heart Divided':

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Kouga looked at Inuyasha in disgust and anger. In a barely controlled voice he ground out "I should kill you now. Not only do you soil my honor, but you doubt the honor and love Kagome has for you…. If you ever hurt her again, I will kill you."

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

From 'Wanting More':

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

A myriad of expressions crossed her face before she settled on bemused curiosity. "Oh, you mean…" She paused as she realized why he was asking. "…that boy?" She quirked an eyebrow watching his face as he twitched. "He's just … a friend." she finally said.

She was lying. He could tell in the way her body jerked as she told him. Her body didn't lie. This boy, this friend, meant something to her. He was more than a friend. His eyes narrowed. This boy hadn't touched her the way he longed to touch her. The kiss had been as close as the boy had gotten to her, his examination provided the proof. He would have to teach this bitch, his bitch he didn't tolerate lies.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

** Hummm… I just noticed all three snippets are of the jealousy vent, and it's Inuyasha's jealousy at that! I wonder what's going on in my mind to come up with that! **

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Favorite stories from FFN:

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Caj-trixie wrote me a couple months ago telling me how my writing inspired her to pick up her pen (so to speak) and begin writing again. I can't think of a better compliment anyone has paid me. Her writing, while strange at times, is wonderful, and uniquely her own. This story is worth the head scratching (huh?) some chapters might cause!

Memories of the Present by caj-trixie storyid=1218305

When the Shikon shards go hay-wire and the well is sealed, Kagome's time becomes her home. What about Inu Yasha? Memories are brought to life, irony takes its throne, and love is the all around ruler. I/K, M/S romance/angst/humor
Inuyasha - R - English - Romance/Angst

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Drac writes with a flair for the dramatics. She spins a tale with many twists, leaving the reader in doubt of what's around the bend. This fic is a fine example of how she spellbinds her audience.

Starlight and Shadows by DracOnyx storyid=1201867

The InuYasha group gets a not so subtle kick in the right direction regarding their relationships with each other as events unfold around them and force them to deal. Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Angst/Romance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Want to get away from the usual? Want some fun in your life? Well, Dillirga has got a story for you! This little gem is full of life and spunk, and all the tongue in cheek you can handle! A quick word of advise, don't read this piece at work… unless your boss lets you read FFN there of course!

That's Why They Call Him Fluffy by DiLLiRgA storyid=1147921

Yeah, you'd best believe this is a SESSHOUMARU / RIN fic!!! (and one of the few) Shameless puns left and right. No Jakens were actually maimed during the writing of this story..not that I know of, anyway.
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Humor/Romance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Did you ever stop and wonder what would have happened if someone could have changed the outcome of events? If Naraku had never been 'made'? Well, Lara is attempting to answer that question in the following story. It is very well written, and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for more! This story has it all: Angst, Drama, Romance, Comedy (Sit Boy! -I still can't get over that one!) and who knows what else the writer has up her sleeve. Lara is weaving a truly remarkable story as never told (or I haven't read anyway) before.

Relinquished Destiny by LaraWinner storyid=1185291

Kagome is forced to make a heartbreaking choice. However, while dealing with the aftermath of her decision she learns that destiny will not be deterred. I/K
Inuyasha - R - English - Romance/Drama

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When approached to advise on possible plotlines for the following story, I was in a grave dilemma. I am a Kagome/Inuyasha pairing fan, and most Sesshoumaru/Kagome pairings make me sick. I don't like them. However, nothing keeps me from reading a great story, and this is THE best Sesshoumaru/Kagome pairing I've read. SilverQuick does an excellent job of showing why Kagome leaves Inuyasha. She avoids the propensity to shove Sesshoumaru at a hurting Kagome after she runs from Inuyasha's fickleness the majority of writers out there don't. White Dogs is still in its infant stages, but it is shaping to be one of the best stories on FFN.

White Dogs: Perversity by SilverQuick storyid=1243040

The waking world is a horrible place for one to be though Kagome finds it's easier to survive with a shoulder to weep on. Especially if that someone is 'Hitori'. She doesn't really know who he really is though, otherwise she'd probably have a cardiac arrest.
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Angst/Romance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A wonderful collection of one-shots shaping up to be an overall picture of how Teo sees Inuyasha and Kagome. Teo takes the characters as they are, and weaves them into snapshots one at a time, discussing the emotions of life, and where they are at. She brings to us Inuyasha's gradual awareness Kagome has come to mean more to him than he ever thought possible.

The Most by Teo storyid=1216826

IY/Kag. A series of conversations between Inu-Yasha and Kagome. Kind of WAFFY
Inuyasha - G - English - Romance/General

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While this theme has become a bit overdone, Quickening has mastered its story. She has taken a situation none, except Inuyasha of course, wanted to see happen, and showed us the true spirit and life of the characters. As a reader you can see Inuyasha doing the things he did, and see how his friends react. Truly a wonderful piece of work.

Broken by Quickening storyid=1118747

"She never realized how much she depended on that subduing spell-that one, insignificant little word-until it was suddenly, inadvertently taken away from her."
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Angst/Romance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You want to read a story with action? Drama? Character self-introspection? Chris has the story for you! I love this story! It is well thought out, bringing bits and pieces from all the characters into the open in a way I haven't seen before. While no-romance Chris doesn't write waff, he'll weave you a very believable story; relationships bloom between all our friends, in true manga fashion. Believe me when I say, this story will leave you demanding Chris hurry with the next chapter!

Settle the Score by Chri storyid=1136898

After Inuyasha kills two suspicious humans, Kagome and her friends step-by-step stumble deeper into the dark remains of Inuyasha's past.
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Drama/Mystery

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A three-fer!

Beso, Soledad and Venganza by Thunk

This trilogy is a well thought out masterful plan of story telling. Thunk picks up Takahashi's characters, and puts them into her situations, making you believe you are reading the manga, and in the end, wishing you had! While Beso is purely Kagome and Inuyahsa, the other two are couples you wouldn't have thought possible. Thunk makes it work. She makes you believe they will truly happen. While all three stories can stand on their own, reading them one at a time brings the story to a well-rounded close. Well, it will once Venganza is finished!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Okay, what can I say about the master story teller? Ookami-chan has written MANY wonderful stories (go check out her website!) and this one she's shared with her faithful fans on FFN. Turnabout is one of the first Inuyasha stories I read on FFN, and I read the first 56 chapters throughout the night and into the next morning. I couldn't 'put it down' as they say. It is definitely a page turner, full of humor, romance, action, adventure, angst, and mmm …sensuality, yeah, that's the word. It's no wonder this story is on most everyone's list of favorite stories! If you haven't read it, do so! It's worth the length.

Turnabout is Fair Play by Ookami-chan storyid=780431

When Kagome returns from her time, Inuyasha discovers something's different about her. As time and events play out in this multi-chaptered story, read of the couple's struggles to come to terms with one another, overcoming injuries, jealousy, mistrust, and unique changes. Inuyasha - R - English - Drama/Romance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kat is writing a beautiful piece on a character not often seen in the main role, Miroku. She has written him in a way to show another side to our lovable lecher. While at times this story is so full of angst and melancholy you want to smack someone, it is a wonderful story, telling of how the carefree Houshi-sama suddenly becomes burdened with being a daddy. Along the way, Kat develops relationships and shows her take on character insight that's as unique as she is!

Daddy Dearest by Xandra storyid=1130702

Miroku has had his share of experiences with women, but when one comes back with a three-year-old "gift" for him, how will it change his friends' view about him--how will it change Miroku himself?
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Drama/General

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I had to include this story as one of my favorites! This story is a spin on a transformed Inuyasha and how he behaves after giving into his demon blood. At one point, I almost thought the story lost its PG13 rating, but it didn't. J Aisuru's story telling keeps you coming back, and demanding more, more, more! One of the best Youkai Inuyasha stories I've read.

Once Upon A Time by Aisuru storyid=1035447

Rated for language, youkai Inuyasha, and licking? The shard hunters (and Kouga) end up stranded in a cave during a storm. Shippou talks Kagome into telling them a story. Chaos results.
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Humor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This has got to be one of the most riveting stories on the net. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't always comfortable with reading it, but Kayla wasn't aiming for comfort. As the summary states, this is a DARK look into youkai mating. As you read the story, you will think animalistic. Being human, you do not like how Inuyasha acts. But in the end, you understand. This is the most overt story of a sexual nature on my list. Please, as Kayla says, take the rating very seriously. As an aside, this story won the latest RoundRobin contest on Iridescent-Dreams website. Congratulations Kayla!

Wicked by KaylaChavi storyid=1102450

A darker look to a youkai's mating. Written for a contest. Please take the rating seriously.
Inuyasha - R - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 6

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Easily one of the funniest stories on FFN (and ID), Easy draws you in and holds you captive! The scenes between Inuyasha and Kagome as he tries to win her over are hilarity at its finest! He just can't seem to do anything right! And Kagome, though she doesn't want to admit it, fell for him at first sight, and really wouldn't want to be anywhere else. She just has to be stubborn! As an AU, Artemis leaves the basic premise of the characters alone, and adds touches of how they would be if in the circumstances they presently find themselves. I will say, though, Sesshoumaru is a bit odd. He is so well written, you forgive his ghostly appearances throughout the story!

Easy as 1, 2, 3 by ArtemisMoos storyid=1063775

*COMPLETE* AU (I/K) Not accepted by any demons but family, Inu has been alone all his life. Only mikos can live as long as a demon, but they are rare. So what does Inu do when he finds Kagome, but she doesn't like him because he...kidnaps her?!?! ^_^
Inuyasha - PG-13 - English - Romance/Humor - Chapters: 25