Happy fourth of July!  Isn't it great?  Anyway, I wanted to say happy independence day and all, so I am.  This is part of my major update, and it's gonna be good.  This story is coming to a close soon, and this is the chapter that helps it get there.  So sit back and enjoy.

Disclaimer:  I bought Inuyasha volume 13 this weekend!  It was great!  It was cheaper!  And now I'm in debt again.  Oh well, it was worth it.  I was talking to the guy at the register, since he agrees that it's great the manga is less expensive now, but he doesn't like the yellow binding and the fact that they still haven't flipped it.  I agree completely.  Anyway, I don't own Inuyasha.

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*When destiny calls for you, you have to go with it.  If you pass up your destiny, you are passing up the one chance you have at changing your future.  If you don't accept it and just pass it up, then you will die.  Fate has written it as such.  Without destiny, we have nothing.  We're just walking a path that has already been set for us, but then how do you know when destiny calls if you can't tell the difference?  It's simple.  You have to live your life the way you want to and make your own decisions.  Don't let people decide your life for you, because you are the only one who is allowed to do that.  You have to believe and have faith and never think about what might happen if you pick the wrong choice.  There is no right or wrong, no good or bad, it's just how you look at it.  Instead of looking at right and wrong, look at the consequences and choose carefully, because you have to live with your decision.  Destiny has not been written yet.  Only you can write it with the choices you make and the paths you follow, so don't take any chances.*

It was late now and the forest was dark.  The shadows seemed to be watching as the bat like youkai watched the crackling fire with interest.  She found comfort in the flames, but she wasn't sure why.  There was something that she wanted to remember, but it meant going back through all of it, and she wasn't ready to relive her memories.  The youkai who had once been known as the devil of the hateshi was now standing watch over a human girl.  Yuki slept soundly, curled up on the forest floor.  Cycil never slept much, so staying up and keeping watch was nothing to her.  She drifted off into her own world.  She was watching her surroundings, but her eyes didn't see anything.  However, she could probably hear a pin drop and be ready in an instant.  She had trained herself for moments like this.  She was completely aware, but her mind was somewhere else.

"I wonder how long it will be before this is all over," she said to the flames of the small fire.  "It feels like it's been forever, but in reality, we've only been after them for a few months.  The Inuyasha-tachi…there's something different about them…something that I haven't seen for a while…something that I haven't seen since…since…Anjerasu died…."  Cycil's eyes widened in realization.  "Is it possible?  Could Yume really…"  She shook her head, erasing the thought.  "Iya.  Yume wouldn't lose to them like that.  There's nothing special about Inuyasha and his group…nothing at all."

******

"Yume," said Siria, getting the attention of the hateshi.

"What is it, Siria?"

"What's next?  What should I do next?"

"Well, since Cycil isn't here, I'll have you do it.  The next person you need to go after is that miko, Kagome-sama."  Siria felt her heart twist and she cringed inwardly.  However, she had no choice.  It had to be done.  'If fate has written it as such, so shall it be,' she repeated to herself.  Yume was going against her will, so Siria had to do so as well.  It was fate.  It had to happen.

"Wakaru, demo…"  Siria hung her head low, not wanting Yume to see her face.

"Doushitano, Siria?"

"N-nandemo…nandemo…I'll do it."

"Good.  Please go now.  It's time to take care of this.  After you kill Kagome-sama, kill Inuyasha-sama.  After him, kill Miroku-sama, Shippo, Kirara, and then…kill Sango-sama."  Siria could sense the pain in her voice when she mentioned the taijiya.  Yume wasn't able to have friends unless she could give them kiseki stones.  The kiseki did more than they could possibly imagine.  It allowed them to live outside of fate.  Cycil and Siria were independent factors in fate.  They didn't follow any path, so they had the ability to defy it if they so wished.  However, neither one knew it, and neither one cared.  They would follow Yume's orders until they died.  Siria bowed.

"Wakaru, Yume.  I'll go now."  Siria lifted her head and began to walk away, back into the darkness.

******

The Inuyasha-tachi was going to spend another day waiting, since they had nothing else to do.  If they didn't find Yume, they might not live long.  The rip in space was their only clue to her ware bouts, so they were going to wait for it to appear.

"Myoga-ji-chan, is there anything else you can tell us?" asked Kagome.  Myoga seemed to be thinking.

"I seem to recall reading about something called a slip in fate."

"A slip in fate?" asked Shippo, getting into the conversation.

"Hai.  It's something that happens when fate is defied."

"But how can fate be defied?  We don't have control over it," said Kagome.

"It's hard to explain.  There's fate and then there's destiny.  Some people are fated to do things and other people are destined.  Then there are people who aren't either, people like Yume and the people who have kiseki stones.  People who are destined can often have their destiny mistaken for fate.  That's not always a good thing.  However, a slip happens when destiny is mistaken for fate.  A dream weaver plays off of fate, but they can't tell the difference between destiny and fate.  A slip will happen when they try to act on destiny, thinking it's fate.  In that time, the hole will open.  We have to find a way to cause another slip."

"But how can we?  We can't tell the difference either," said Sango, joining in the conversation.

"That's why we need to stay here.  A slip is bound to happen eventually, but they aren't very common.  It could take a while."

"We don't have a while!" shouted Inuyasha, jumping down from his tree branch.  He had heard the whole thing.  "Have you forgotten about our other mission?  What about the Shikon no Tama and Naraku?  We can't just ignore them and wait around for some dumb slip to happen.  We don't have time for that!"

"Inuyasha, this is a little more important than the tama.  We might die before we ever get the chance if we don't stop Yume first," informed Kagome.

"But Naraku is important.  Have you forgotten one of the reasons as to WHY we are going after him?"  They thought about it and they all came to the same conclusion.  Sure, they all had personal reasons, but their second reason was for a certain houshi.  The kazaana was eventually going to devour him, and they weren't sure when it would happen.  They all wanted to save him from such a fate, and they would stop at nothing to destroy Naraku to save him.  They were all silent until Sango stood up.

"I'm going to go find him," she said as she began to walk off towards the small stream they had found.  She walked quietly through the forest until she reached the small stream.  Miroku was standing in it, soaking his soar and injured ankle.  Sango walked towards him and he turned around.  She stopped walking and just stared at him.  They held each other's gaze until Miroku smiled at her, causing Sango to look down to the ground.  She had forgotten why she had gone out to find him.

"Why hello, Sango.  What brings you out here?" he asked.  Sango lifted her head.

"I just came to make sure you were alright, that's all."

"I see."  Sango looked at his ankle and at the gash that ran down it.  It was down half his leg, but she couldn't see that much.

"How's your leg?" she asked.  He just looked down at his injury and then back up at her.

"It's alright.  What about you…how's your injury."  She could feel his cheerful demeanor fall slightly when he mentioned her injury.  'He must still feel guilty.'

"It's fine.  It's basically healed now, thanks to all of the medicine Kagome-chan gave me."  Miroku smiled again.

"That's good."  He walked to the bank and then got out of the stream.  His robes were slightly soaked, but he didn't seem to mind.  "Come on.  Let's return to where the others are."  He walked passed her, but not before letting his hand wander.  Sango's face turned bright red as she felt his hand on her backside.

"You hentai!" she yelled as her hand connected with his face.  In no time at all, he was down on the ground.  "I don't know why I even bother!"  Sango stormed off angrily, leaving Miroku to think about his predicament.  The houshi sat up, a bright red handprint sitting on his face.  He rubbed it slightly and then looked down at his cursed hand.  'Sumimasen, Sango.'  And with that thought, he got back up and began to walk after her.  She had most likely gone back to where Inuyasha and Kagome were.  However, when he got there, she was there, but Kagome was missing.

"Where's Kagome-sama?" he asked.

"She wanted to go for a walk," said Inuyasha.  He turned his head away and looked down the trail she had gone.  Miroku decided to sit down and rest for a while.  It was going to be another uneventful day.  Suddenly, Inuyasha stood up and began to walk away.

"And where are you going?" asked Miroku.  Inuyasha just staggered a little, but didn't bother answering.  He continued to walk away from them.  Miroku smiled.  'He's going to find Kagome-sama.'

******

Kagome was walking through the forest, not really having a destination.  However, she wasn't alone.  In the shadows of the treetops, a figure sat, watching the mko.

"Can I really kill her?" asked Siria to no one in particular.  She grabbed the hilt of her sword and drew it.  "I have no choice.  I have to do it.  Yume's orders are final.  I won't disobey her.  Not now, not ever."  She positioned her sword to swing it, but she was till incredibly high up and away from the miko, who was walking towards the tree that Siria was sitting in.  The blade pulsed and began to glow an eerie red color.  The wind began to pick up and she swung her sword, sending a blood red sickle right towards Kagome.  The miko looked up and froze.  The blade was coming right at her and there was no way she could dodge it in time.  It was too large and too long to avoid now.  Kagome closed her eyes and awaited the impact.  'This is it.  I'm going to die!'

"Kagome!" shouted a familiar voice.  Inuyasha leapt in front of her and drew the Tetsusaiga.  He swung at the red sickle and destroyed it.  Kagome opened her eyes and smiled at the figure that stood in front of her.

"Inuyasha!  Arigatou!" she said happily.

"Kagome, daijoubu?" he asked.  She nodded and he turned his attention to the forest.  "I know you're out there!  Come out!"  Siria didn't budge from her hiding place.  'I have to kill Kagome-san, then Inuyasha.  I need to lead him away.'  Siria jumped down silently from the tree, rustling only a few of the branches and then made a run for the tall tree on her left.  Inuyasha watched the shadows shift and move.  "There you are!"  He began to run after it, leaving Kagome on the trail by herself.  Siria watched the whole thing as she ran.  She then jumped up into another tree and then jumped into another, going back the way she came.  She moved silently and quickly.  She was soon back at the clearing where Kagome stood.  'I have to do this now.  I won't get another chance.  Forgive me, Kagome-san.'  This time, Siria flipped her sword around and held the handle like you would a spear.  She pulled back and threw it, sending the sword hurtling at Kagome.  The miko saw it, but wasn't able to do anything.

"Inuyasha!" shouted Kagome.  Just when the blade looked as if it was going to hit her, Inuyasha jumped in front and took the blow.  It pierced through his shoulder.  Siria stood in shock.  Her kiseki pulsed.  'Kuso.  Not again.  Another slip?  I don't get it.  This is insane!'  Siria stayed where she was.  She wasn't about to leave her sword.  Inuyasha pulled out the Toukengai and stared at it.

"Siria," he said quietly as he tossed the sword aside.  The crimson haired warrior jumped down from her hiding place and walked towards them.  Kagome was standing by Inuyasha, who was holding his injured shoulder.  Since the blade was so big, it had not only cut into his shoulder, but slightly into his chest too.  His hands were now stained with black, crimson blood.  Siria said nothing as she walked towards her discarded sword.  She bent down and picked it up.  Inuyasha was glaring at her and Kagome seemed sad.  "Temee!" growled Inuyasha.  "I should kill you right now!"

"During a slip, no one can die," said Siria as she picked up her sword.  She stood up and looked at both of them.  "Remember that.  Even if you try to, you won't succeed.  Go back to your friends.  I'm done here."  She turned around and began to walk away, but soon stopped and glanced back at them.  She reached towards her stomach and removed the kiseki stone.  She then turned fully around and tossed it to Kagome, who clumsily caught it.

"Use it now.  It can heal wounds."  Kagome nodded and placed the stone near Inuyasha.

"Who said I wanted her help?!" he yelled.

"Inuyasha, just be quiet," said Kagome.  The stone began to radiate and Inuyasha's wound slowly closed up.  Kagome then tossed the stone back to Siria, who put it back where it was supposed to be.  She then began to walk away, still holding her sword.  Kagome and Inuyasha just stood there and watched her go.

"Kuso!  Why did you let her walk away like that?!"

"Because there's no need to kill her right now.  She just helped you, so leave her alone."

"Kagome!  Inuyasha!" shouted Shippo.  They both turned to look as the kitsune came running up to them

"What is it, Shippo-chan?"

"You've got to come see this!" he shouted with both excitement and surprise.  He began to run back towards the camp area and they ran after him.  It didn't take long to get there.  When they arrived, both of them were shocked as to what they found.  In the middle of nowhere was a hole that seemed to lead to another world.

"What is that?" asked Kagome.

"It's the hole I was telling you about.  It appeared just a little while ago," explained Myoga.  "I'm sure that if you go through there, you'll find the dream weaver, Yume."

******

"Look!  The village!" yelled Yuki.  She began to print across the small valley that led into her village.  Cycil walked behind her, a little nervous.  Children were one thing, but adults were another.  "Hurry up Cycil!  I want you to meet my village!"  Yuki ran back over to her and then took her hand, leading her to the village entrance.  Two people stood there, waiting.  One was a woman who resembled Yuki and the other was a man who seemed worried.

"Okaa-san!  Otou-san!" she shouted happily.  The adults looked to her and smiled.

"Yuki!" they both shouted.  Yuki released Cycil's hand and ran over to the two people.  They wrapped her in a loving embrace.  Cycil just stood there and watched them.  They seemed so happy.  She felt a smile cross her face.

"Okaa-san, Otou-san, I want you to meet someone."  Yuki looked over at Cycil.  "This is Cycil.  She helped me get here."

"Where were you?" asked her mother.

"In the flower fields."

"On the other side of the forest?" asked her father.

"Hai."  Both adults seemed shocked.  They then looked to Cycil.

"Arigatou," said Yuki's father.  "We really owe you one.  That forest is dangerous and you must have had a hard time getting here."

"We're very grateful to you for bringing Yuki back to us."

"It was no trouble at all.  I was happy to do it," responded Cycil.

"Your hands…" started her father.  Cycil cringed.  She was sure he had noticed her claws.  "Your nails are so long.  They're claws, aren't they?"

"So then…you're a youkai?" asked her mother.  Cycil just lowered her head and tried to hide her hands.

"Hai."

"Well, why don't you stay with us for a while?" suggested Yuki's mother.  Cycil looked up in complete shock.

"Nani?" she asked.  "Aren't you afraid of me?  I'm a youkai!"

"It doesn't matter.  You saved Yuki.  Youkai or not, you still saved her, and we are eternally grateful.  Please stay with us."  Cycil thought it over, but her kiseki pulsed and she knew she couldn't stay with them right now.  Another slip had happened, and she was sure that Yume would need her.

"Gomen ne, but I'll have to decline for now.  There's something I have to do first.  But when this is all over, I'll come stay here for a while, alright?"

"That sounds great!  Bye Cycil!" shouted Yuki as she waved.  Cycil smiled and then unleashed her wings.  She took off into the skies and began to head back in the direction she had come in.  'Yume!  I'm ready to come back now!'  And with that, she disappeared from the skies.

******

The members of the Inuyasha-tachi prepared themselves for the upcoming trials they would face.  They weren't sure how long the hole would be open, so they had to go in now, or they might never get the chance again.

"Well, are we ready?" asked Kagome.  The group nodded and then looked towards the hole.

"I can tell you right now that this won't be easy.  Beyond there is Yume's world, and it's completely different and independent from ours.  You may face things you never thought possible.  Remember who you're dealing with.  Yume is incredibly powerful.  Beating her won't be easy.  Not to mention that Siria and Cycil will be there as well.  It may take a while to get to Yume, and if the hole closes before then, you might not be able to return," explained Myoga.

"So we basically have to do this quickly," said Inuyasha.  A smirk spread across his face.  "No problem.  This'll be a piece of cake.  Yume can't be all that strong if she has to use those two to take care of us."

"That's not it.  Yume isn't physically strong, but her powers are.  The hateshi were known for their spiritual powers and their ability to manipulate the mind.  You may see your own worst nightmares in there.  Be careful."

"We will be," said Sango.  The Inuyasha-tachi turned to face the portal.

"Well, let's go!" shouted Inuyasha.  And with that, they all walked in, disappearing into the darkness.  None of them knew what they were getting themselves into.  The only question was if they'd be able to handle what they'd see in Yume's world.

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Ha!  Another chapter done!  And now that I'm done, I wanna say that this is very fun to write.  More will come soon, since they're aren't that many chapters left.  In the next chapter, things will get interesting.  Yume's world is VERY different, and Yume is quite powerful.

Nandemo –it's nothing

Wakaru –I know, or, I understand

Sumimasen –another way of saying sorry

Well, until the next chapter, see ya!