{Disclaimer: See chapter one, b/c it ain't here.}

Alee-chan, Shingami, DemonLady1, Suki1, Kagome-247, Ambarina, TLA, Artemis the Goddess, INUGIRL, Nightkid, Silver Phoenix7, Silver Mystic, WaterGoddessKasey, Rosemary, Blue Moon Gurl, and Mala Valvah: Thanks and I'm coming with more soon!

SF: {::walking on stage::} Hey you guys, have you seen my keyboard?

Kagome: {:as the rest of the Inu cast shake their head::} No, why?

SF: Because I need to write chapter thirteen. I can't find it anywhere.

Sesshou: {::coming onstage::} The weirdest thing just happened. Naraku ran past me with a strange lump in his pelt, laughing his head off.

SF: {::turning an interesting shade of white::} Say what?

Kagome: You don't think he-

Inu-chan: Has SF's keyboard-

SF: Do you…oh hell! We've got to find Naraku!

{::Inu-cast and SF run offstage, oblivious to the sound of laughter coming from behind the refrigerator::}

Chapter Thirteen:

Ambushed!

Kagome reached the center of the field and stopped. Rin gazed at her in concern as Kagome sniffed around the area. She followed the scent in a full circle, then stopped. She withdrew her sword, pushing Rin behind her.

"Come out, Naraku!"

The wind blew past her gently, the calm before the storm before Naraku appeared on the outer edge of the field, staring at her.

"At last koi. I was beginning to think I'd never find you. Let's go home."

"No." Kagome growled.

"What was that?" Naraku asked, menace dripping from his tone.

"I said no. Can't you hear?" Kagome reached down and put Rin on her back. Rin grabbed hold as Kagome retied the azure sash around them, holding Rin steady.

The owl on Kagome's chest plate turned its head.

"Don't make me hurt you, koi," Naraku warned, grinning. "Even though I want to."

"Go to Hell, Naraku. I said I'm not going."

"Oh well then," he sighed, motioning for his army. The youkai surrounded her, millions of them in the field at once.

"I guess I have no choice. Attack."

++++++

'Seishou-sensei, help me!'

Everyone in the group stopped, looking at each other in confusion.

"Did you hear that?" Inuyasha asked, looking around. Sango and Miroku nodded as Shorin and Keni'Chi consulted Sesshoumaru.

"My lord, did you hear it?" Shorin asked as she and Keni'Chi caught up to him and Shippou. Shippou was pale, whimpering slightly.

"Hai, Shorin. I heard," Sesshoumaru said, staring at a line of trees in the distance. They were nearly at the field at the base of Narasa's Mountain when Kagome's voice screamed in his mind. He thought he was the only one to receive the message but was quickly corrected when the others stopped.

And if her focus was scattered so badly, then she was in serious trouble.

Sesshoumaru made a motion to speak when Kagome called to them again.

'Hurry, I can't hold them all!'

Sesshoumaru turned and sprinted over the forest floor toward the tree line. Inuyasha caught up to him, concern shining in his eyes.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Kagome's powers are stronger."

"Who's Seishou-sensei?"

"Me."

They stopped at the edge of the field, unsure of the scene in front of them.

Thousands of youkai covered the field, all focused on one thing in the center. As youkai attacked it, the object fought back. Every now and again Sesshoumaru, Shippou, and Inuyasha saw a flash of blue, a glint of steel and a streak of white.

Sesshoumaru sniffed the air silently, testing it. He could smell Naraku, figuring that Inuyasha could too if his growl meant anything, and Kagome but he couldn't see her. The youkai attacked the center of the field at one time, leaping in a mass of bodies on the object. The pile grew and grew, burying whatever was under them. Sesshoumaru heard a small whimper, then someone sob his name.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, help Kagome and Rin!"

Sesshoumaru growled and moved forward. Shippou scurried down from his shoulder to a nearby tree.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha attacked the first youkai they saw, slicing it into ribbons as they made their way to the youkai mound. The mound exploded suddenly in a purple blast of light, youkai flying through the air only to be purified into ashes as they fell into the light. {SF: Think about that one fight scene Keanu Reeves has after he talks to the Oracle in 'The Matrix: Reloaded'} Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru could see what the youkai attacked for only a few seconds before another wave began, but it was enough to stop them in their tracks.

"Was that…Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, total disbelief on his face. Sesshoumaru regained his composure and began his assault on the other youkai. What he saw of Kagome flashed in his mind as he rained blow after blow on the enemy.

The Kagome he saw was totally different from the Kagome he knew. She was dressed like a warrior, the short tunic swirling around her like the wind as she whirled around. The black chest plate gleamed under the afternoon sun and the dark ponytail twirled above her head like a whip.

The amazing part was the sword she used.

The thing looked rusted beyond belief, but it still did the damage Kagome needed it to do. Sesshoumaru marveled at how much Kagome had improved in her absence as his fist smashed through a snake youkai's head.

+++++

Kagome whirled around again, her sword slicing off anything within reach. She dropped into a crouch as the youkai paused in their attack. They separated, revealing Naraku as he stood behind them. His baboon mask hid his face from view, but not his smile as he grinned at her.

"Ready to surrender, koi?" he asked, his voice light with amusement.

Kagome growled, her left hand fisted as her right tightly grasped the sword.

Naraku sighed. "Then you must be punished. Kill the child."

Kagome growled once again, her voice barely human as the youkai attacked them. She moved swiftly through them, her blade cutting through them like water. She jammed her fist into one youkai's ribs as she back kicked another behind her. She dropped into a split, then spun on her hands, kicking the feet out from under two more youkai. Kagome kicked one fallen youkai in the temple, then thrust her sword to the hilt in the other youkai's throat. She leaped to her feet, slamming her shoulder into another youkai's stomach. Kagome charged forward again, her power manifesting itself in her blade and her hands as she blazed her way to Naraku.

++++++

Kikyou watched as the others caught up to the taiyoukai and Inuyasha and began their own attempts to reach Kagome. The taiyoukai and Inuyasha were the closest, but weren't close enough to hear what Naraku said.

Kikyou smiled. "That's right, Naraku," she whispered. "You go right ahead and seal your own fate."

++++++

Narasa watched Kagome, pride shining in his baby blue eyes. 'Maybe she is my descendant,' he thought. 'After all, she's defending herself against the youkai without using much of her power. The armor protects her. But why isn't she using her true power?' He watched intently as Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha entered the field.

"Her taiyoukai. He is who the villagers call the Destroyer of the Circle of Life, just as I thought. What would connect her to him?" He watched as Sesshoumaru fought the youkai in front of him, his style merciless and quick. Narasa tapped into Sesshoumaru's thoughts, and was surprised when he heard

'I must get to them. They are too important to loose.'

Narasa chuckled under his breath. "So, the taiyoukai loves her. I bet she doesn't know. This should be interesting."

Kagome screamed, yanking Narasa's gaze from Sesshoumaru to her. He watched as she sank to her knees, a bloodied blue bundle in her arms.

++++++++

Kagome whirled around, embedding her sword in the chest of a cat youkai. She jerked her sword free then turned to face another. As she did, Rin was ripped from her back into a pile of youkai a few yards away. Youkai attacked her in an instant, her pitiful cries torturing Kagome's ears. She made a bee line for her, ripping through youkai with the sword and her bare hands.

'I have to save her,' Kagome told herself as she backhanded a youkai in her way. She carved her way to Rin, and gasped when she saw her. Rin's kimono was ripped to shreds, the flowers that were in her hair falling slowly to the ground. She was bleeding from wounds Kagome couldn't see. Kagome sliced through another youkai, then cradled Rin in her arms. Kagome smoothed her bloodstained hair away from her face, calling to the child softly.

"Rin, are you o. k.?"

"Rin hurts, onee-chan."

Kagome sniffed, tears streaming from her eyes as she tried to smile. "You'll be o. k. We'll get you to Sesshoumaru soon."

"Rin is sorry, onee-chan. Sorry," Rin whispered, her breath raspy in her chest. The rattling stopped, and her chest ceased to move.

Kagome called to her softy at first, repeating her name, trying to wake her. When Rin didn't respond, Kagome shook her, yelling for her to wake up, to not be dead. The youkai around her stopped, watching her as she madly cried over and over to the afternoon sky. Sango and Miroku stopped fighting, staring at their friend as she huddled over the child's body, screaming in a blind rage.

****

Thunk!

SF: {::standing over Naraku with her bow::} Jerk! {::grabs keyboard::} What is wrong with you? {::reads what Naraku typed::} You…killed…Rin! {::picks Naraku up and starts to shake him::} When Sesshou finds out he's going to freak!

Sesshou: {::snatching Naraku from SF::} I'm already here! {::procedes to beat the living hell out of Naraku with extreme prejudice::}

SF: {::sits down and wipes her brow::} Now to fix this mess.

****

'Little Feather,' a voice called to Kagome. She looked up, her face wet with tears. 'Where are you?'

'Look up, Little Feather.'

Kagome looked up, and through her tears she vaguely made out the picture of a man standing at the mouth of the volcano. His voice came to her again, soothing to the heartache inside her.

'It could not be helped.'

'I said I would protect her.'

'Yet you sit here crying. There is still something you can do.'

Kagome sniffed, rocking Rin in her arms. 'What are you talking about? Rin's dead, and soon everyone else will be, too.'

'Do you want to help her?'

'Of course.'

"Then call on your power.'

'I can't. I'm afraid.' The voice sighed in her head as Kagome glared at the approaching youkai. 'You must, Little Feather. Don't be afraid. Just a little will be enough until you're ready.'

"What do I do?" Kagome asked aloud, ignoring the questioning looks from Naraku and the youkai around her.

'Call upon your will to protect her. It will come.'

Kagome placed Rin's body at her feet before slowly rising. She glared at the youkai around her, stopping at Naraku's baboon-pelted face. She reached down and picked up the sword, it becoming a burst of white light in her hands. She raised it above her head slowly, the effeminate version of the angel of death as the wind swirled around her.

Kagome's eyes closed as she channeled her purifying energy into the sword, the purple of her magic mingling with the white of the sword's. She opened her eyes again, staring into Naraku's with contempt. She growled something nearly unintelligible.

If Sesshoumaru had been farther away he would never have heard the threat, nor have been able to understand the meaning of her words as she plunged the sword tip first into the ground.

"You don't know what you've started, do you?"

-----

SF: {::yelling at Naraku, who's still getting the stomp down by Sesshou::} I can't believe you! What's wrong with you? Are you cracked?

Naraku: {::trying to run offstage::} I can do what I want to!

SF: Not today! Go get him you guys!

{::Sesshou, Inu-chan, and Miroku go after Naraku::}

Kagome: {::sitting on the couch beside SF::} I can't believe he did that!

Sango: {::sitting down beside Kagome::} I mean really, he's evil but damn!

SF: Total agreement. Now I have a bunch of people that are ready to hang me by my toenails because of him. Not only that, but I have to fix the mess he started. Oh well. The preview, recommendation and the responses are below.

Chapter Fourteen: The Tosusaiga's True Master

Kagome watched them as they stood there watching her, and smiled.

"Is Rin o. k.?" she whispered, her voice like ice cream on a summer day. Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Good, because I don't think I can do that again."

She crumpled to the ground in a pool of white.

SF: And, as promised, I'm going to explain the prophesy in 'HttaT'. Can we see it one more time please, Hojo?

{::Hojo pushes brand new 52-in tv onstage, turns it on and sits on the couch beside Kagome. Kagome blushes and scoots to the other side of the couch::}

Hidden high below

Surrounded by liquid fire

Rusty to the naked eye

But only sleeping

When awakened, becomes moonlight

SF: Now, we all get the 'Hidden high below' part, right? High in the volcano, but deep in the cave. 'Surrounded by liquid fire,' is the lava inside the volcano. 'Rusty to the naked eye, but only sleeping. When awakened, becomes moonlight,' is the white light that emerges from the sword when Kagome finally decides to not only use her power, but decides in her heart that she can help Rin. Get it everybody? If not email me and I promise to explain.

RECOMMENDATION: 'Always Doesn't Last Forever' Story ID # 1047674

Ok, {::glances around sheepishly::} so I don't remember who wrote this. Sue me. No, not for real! I'm broke as it is! That's the last thing I need! {::clears throat::} Anyway, this story starts out with Kagome crying (big surprise there) about Inu-chan and Kikyot's relationship and how she never meant anything to him. A little encouragement from the Lady Fate prompts Kagome and Shippou to leave the other shard hunters behind. They soon cross paths and join up with the Sesshoumaru-tachi (somebody let me know if that's right) and come under the great demon's protection. As other players are introduced to the fic, Kagome slowly melts the ice around Sesshou's heart. Totally a must-read if you ask me, so do so and give her some love so she can update for the love of God! {::blushes::} Sorry about that. Sugar overload.

Responses:

{SF: Has anyone seen Em Starcatcher? If you have, {::sniff::} tell her that SF misses her. {::sniff::}}

Fluffy'slova4life: Thanks so much for telling me about it! I'm only guessing who the falcon youkai is! Sesshou gets in trouble with me all the time. It used to be b/c he'd leave his whiskey bottles beside the computer, but now its b/c he can't keep his hands to himself. {::sigh::} I'm going to end up hurting him when this is over.

Toxic Tears1: 'The Girl Named Mirai' huh? I'll get on it as soon as possible.

Steff: I'm going to update anyway, so don't worry. Don't feel bad. I've been in school since last Monday. Moving and school do not mix, I assure you.

Inuyashafan: It won't be, and the way he finds out is screwed too. Let's just say that chapter two of 'Trial of the Century' is really ugly.

Del_Kaidin: Yup, I think there's only three after this one. Sure, send them to me! I love pictures!

Nymph Demon: The parts of the fic that have these (*) in them are my favorite parts and parts that, at the end, could get someone chapter one of 'Trial of the Century' early. (Hint hint) But you'll see what I mean when 'Chosen...' ends.

Strawberry shortcake: He is in a way. He's more observing the scene than anything. He has no intention on helping unless he absolutely has to. Sesshou's coming, and I have a surprise for him when he gets there.

PasoLover: Yup, you'll have to wait and see. {{glomps PL::} Where have you been? I've missed you!

Jazzylady: I was in the band too! What do you play?

StarryEyedChick: You mean to tell me that all of your fics that are on mm are on ff too? Arg! {::thump head on computer desk::} Why didn't I check? What is wrong with me? I haven't read the newest chapters to Solitary Storm' or 'Leviathan' b/c of mm. I think I'm going to cry.

Fire Phoenix: Who said I'm going to kill Rin? {::turns to Inu cast::} Did I say that? {Sesshou gets up and turns tv to previous chapter::} Sesshou: That's what it says here. SF: But I didn't say anything about killing Rin. Why is that up there? Wait a minute...I'll figure this out after I finish FP's review. {::takes sugar cookies::} Thanks a bunch! Now I'm off to go look for something. {::walks offstage muttering to herself about the preview::}

Mistress Fluffy: 'Taltos' is good too. It's one of the Mayfair Witch chronicles. You'll find out who Narasa is in 'Trial of the Century'. Promise.

Ladyof the Dragons1: I live to torment Fluffy! It's the one thing I can do with my eyes closed! I'm going to make you wait, like a mean person. Shame on me! Oh well.

Rain of Stars: I'm glad you did! Inu-chan picked on me about it. I'm going to stop fooling with him and cancel any story with him in it! Inu-chan: {::grabbing hold of SF's keyboard::} Wait a minute SF. I'm sorry about that. Let's not be too hasty. SF: Alright, I forgive you. Ligeia is Edgar Allen Poe, but I'm thinking more on the terms of one of the movies of his works.

Aira^o^: Sorry! I feel you though! Wouldn't it be perfect? Thanks! {::takes back Naraku::} But I'm going to have to beat him again for the above chapter. Shame on you Naraku! Let me know if you want him back!

The Hirokiri Battousia: I know, I know. I goofed. I'll fix it soon.

Banana Flavored Eskimo: I'm not going to kill Rin! Why would I do something like that? Naraku: I would though! Kukukuku! As a matter of fact, I already did! Now the miko will be- Thunk! Sesshou: You're in enough trouble for the stunt you pulled in the above chapter. Do you really think you'll get away with that? Just wait until I get to you. I'm going to- SF: Do nothing. Sesshou: What? You can't tell me what to do bird! SF: Yes I can. Rin was Kagome's responsibility, so she has to fix it, even thought it wasn't her fault. So stop worrying and get back to doing what you do best. Sesshou: What's that? SF: Beating Naraku into a mud puddle.

Disturbed-Demon-Gurl: He is a little cutie! {::hugs Sesshoumaru doll::} Just look at him! And so helpful too! I'm glad you're doll is helpful too!

Dark Neko-Chan: Hey, I need his face intact for the next part of the series! Don't scratch him up too bad...but then again he did call you fat. On second thought, go ahead. I'll use make-up or something. Sesshou: You'll not use make-up on me! SF: Why not? You already wear eyeshadow. Sesshou: Get this over with half breed. SF: Fine fine. What a grouch. N-E-Ways-Sesshou has a dog house?! You never told me you had a dog house!

Spork or Foon: Don't feel bad. I've been in school for two weeks now and I'm still traumatized. Oh how I missed the days of summer, where I lived the life of Riley. Inu-chan: What does that mean? SF: {::shrug::} Got me. Anyway, thanks for coming around to reviewing. I love it anyway!

Say-Chan the Pyro: You're halfway right, but not all the way. See, I'm thinking of a movie, one of my favorites to be honest, and the star of the movie.

UniquePunk: I know! I'm still smiling! {::jumps up and down in front of tv screen::} I am going to need a little bit of help though. You see, I don't like the episodes with Inu-chan and Kikyot in them. They piss me off. If you know of anyone who can warn me as to when those episodes come on, please tell me so that I don't mess around and stick my foot through Moms' tv. If I do, I have to work overtime to get her another one and that means no updates for a while. So help!

Laina Inverse: Thanks! I love this stuff! {::hugs plushy::} And a plushy too! Aww, this will go great with my Sesshoumaru doll! Don't you think so Sesshoumaru-cutie? {::Sesshoumaru doll nods and grabs Rin plushy::} See, he likes it too!

Bikutoria: You know, I'll have to agree with you. My brother does some weird stuff sometimes. I remember when we were younger, I think he was 7 or something, and he thought he was a teenage mutant ninja turtle. He dressed in all green and walked around hitting stuff with the broom handle. {::shakes head::} I still don't know why he started that, or why he stopped. I never thought to ask for suggestions, that's a good idea. I'll have to do that during my two week lull between this one and 'Trial of the Century'. Ligeia is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, but I was thinking of the star of the movie. I watched a similar episode of Jerry Springer the night before I posted this, so that's where that came from. Inu-chan doesn't have a crush on me, it's just that he's trying to figure out something he asked me in the 'Play Time' chapter of 'To Bear Witness.'

139: I have a number one fan...wow! {::grabs Sesshou and shakes the living light out of him::} Did you hear Sesshou? I have a number one fan! Sesshou: {::shaking SF off::} I heard. I'm standing right here you know? And it's not like I care anyway. SF: Wa! I can't believe you just said that! {::runs offstage::} Sesshou: Oh great. I swear, that bird is over sensitive. Now I have to go soothe her over. {::turns to 139::} Excuse me for a moment.

Kayrin: Ligeia is a lot more than a talking volcano home. She's important in 'Trial' because she carries a special message for Kagome. But I'm not about to tell you what it is. If I did, it would ruin the story.

AkxTp: Ligeia is a poem by Edgar Allan Poe. It's also a movie staring Vincent Price. Now he was the scariest man alive, I swear. I loved him! If you wanted some recommended reading, you should have said so earlier! Of course I have some good ideas! Um, lets see...oh, here's one. It's called 'The Tale of the Body Thief' by Anne Rice. Very good book, but it's been a while since I read it. It's a part of the vampire chronicles, so it's bound to be good. Let me know if you like it or not. I have plenty more where that came from.

Niku: Thanks a lot! I'm glad the fics are going over so well! I almost don't want this fic to end, which may explain the writer's block on the last chapter. Oh well, it'll get done, like all good things.

Reiku Toukijin: I adore your name! So original! Does it really sound like an Inuyasha episode? Wow, thanks! True, you're right about the pocky thing, but I love snickers bars. I couldn't help but write them into the story. They appear twice.

Ruby27: You know, Moms asks me that all the time, right before she calls the nice guys with the white coats that make you hug yourself.

Ledophole: Over? Is it? Sesshou: Did you tell someone that the fic was over when it wasn't again? SF: Shut the hell up Sesshou. {::blushes::} Probably. Sesshou: {::sigh::} Look, this fic has at least 3 chapters left. Pay her no attention, she's an airhead. SF: Where did you learn that from? Sesshou: I'm not telling. SF: Excuse me, I have a dog to pound. {::glares at Sesshou::} ZAP! {::grins as Sesshou coughs up smoke::} There, I feel better now.

BeyondWords: I've dreamed that there were two huge snakes in the bed with me. One was a regular anaconda and the other was an albino. The albino was protecting me, while the other was trying to eat me. I told you, the dreams are strange. The slits in the armor are, more likely than not, what you think they are. Yup, school has started but this is my last year! I'm so glad!

Hiraikotsu Slinger: I thought for a while that you were mad at me! Glad you're not! Thanks for the love!

Namesake: They will be, but not until 'Trial..'. See, Sango, Shippou and Miroku have something inportant to find out and Inuyasha has something important to say. 'Trial' really revolves around Kagome, Shorin and Keni'Chi.