Loyal Fans--I'm sorry it's taking so long for me to update, I've just been busy! The other two fics I have going right now were for the most part, already written. This I'm writing as I go! I had wicked writer's block all week, even though I know what I'm trying to say! Ever get that feeling...like you're about to sneeze but it just won't come out? That's what this is like! The chapters are my sneeze, they just won't come! *sigh* Thanks for putting up with me though. I'll really try to get out the next two chapters as quick as I can. Stay tune for shout-outs at the end!
Whyndancer sez:
Anno… Is there such a thing as editors block? Or maybe it's just life.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, I would use him to kill my pre-calculus teacher. It's all her fault that I have so much homework and no time to write!
Chapter 12: The Heart of the City--Let the Battle Begin
I woke up with Kagome in my arms. My internal clock had gone off early, just as the sun began to rise. I felt the change coming over me as I once more, became a half demon. It's not a painful change, it's just a tingling that shoots through my body like a bat outta hell. Fast and kind of numbing. But there is no pain. There used to be, when I was a child, but now my body is used to it. I heard the cracking of my bones as they set into demonic place once more. My claws retracted, then grew out. My ears once again forming on my head. My hair changing from jet-black to silver-white once more.
I blinked a few times, getting used to the advanced eyesight once more. I sniffed, training my nose to ignore all the scents that threatened to over-power me. I winced as my super-sonic hearing began to pick up on things all around me, until it quieted down. So many things ran through my mind and my senses, I couldn't have sorted them out if I'd wanted to. It's an uncomfortable feeling. Like everything on your head and everything you feel isn't really being felt by you, it's someone else's. I'm two different people, inside and out. My heart is my heart, the same in both bodies, but my head and body changes with the cycle of the moon. The curse of every half-breed.
Thoughts of yesterday swirled through my hazy mind. I felt high, stoned. It's wasn't a drunken feeling, more of a dazed out-of-it moment. Kagome shifted in my arms and I was drawn away from my thoughts, trying to focus solely on the creature laying next to me. I never believed that I could be lucky. I mean, it seemed that all the world, apart from my perverted business partner, was out to get me. And yet, I saved this girl from a bunch of thugs on a street corner one night, and she ended up saving me just as much. If not more so.
I settled back in, resting my head along the curve of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin. We had until sunset, so I would be content to just lay here for the rest of the day. Not even Ramen could make me move, and that's saying a lot. Kagome yawned and snuggled closer to me as I fell back to sleep.
When I woke up for the second time, I was alone. Blinking and sitting up, I caught a whiff of Ramen and bounded to my feet. Okay, maybe Ramen could make me move. But only because Kagome was cooking it. I padded over, mouth watering already. She smiled at me her most brilliant smile and handed me the Ramen.
"Enjoy," she quipped, sitting at the table to eat her own. I promptly did the same. "So when do you think Sango and Miroku will get here?"
"I don't know, soon possibly. If Miroku can drag himself out of bed that is." Kagome smiled a little sadly. "What's the matter?" I asked her, Ramen abandoned.
"I'm feeling guilty again."
I sighed, getting up and kneeling down next to her. "Kagome, no matter what you do, we will follow you. Sango and Miroku and Me. Stop worrying! It will all be okay."
"I'm not so sure it will. I have this...feeling. I know to trust my feelings, especially when it's something important like this. I know something horrible will happen." She was troubled, her dark eyes looked haunted by a thought or feeling that I couldn't begin to fathom. I leaned up, wrapping my arms around her. Offering comfort in the only way I could, trying to take whatever darkness was hurting her. It was true that I too felt some impending disaster, but that was what war was. It couldn't be avoided. We had a job to do, it wouldn't do to dwell too much on anything that might distract us from the goal at hand.
"I'm sorry Kagome," I whispered to her. "But what we do has to be done, even if it ends badly." She nodded against my shoulder, understanding the words that I said were true.
After a while, we drew apart and finished out food. It wasn't long before a knock at the door came and a very melancholy Sango and Miroku entered. They were dressed and ready for battle, armor and weapons ready. I dressed alike, as did Kagome. It was still early afternoon, but we started to head for the Wolf Den. It was slow going, all of us were quiet and somber. Kagome and Sango had both taken off on Kirara for a little 'girl-talk' out of my hearing range, so me and Miroku got a chance for some guy-chatting.
"So tell me," I commented lightly. "What did you and Sango do last night?" I tried to make my voice casual, as if I were commenting on the weather.
""Nothing really," he replied, matching my tone. I saw a faint blush creep up his neck and knew a little more then 'nothing really' had happened. So, wonderful friend that I am, I prodded him further.
"I sure hope you used protection." Miroku looked up at me, dumbstruck. I only smiled.
"Y-y-you c-can't seriously mean...you think we...you ANIMAL!" he yelled, whacking me over the head with that staff of his.
"FUCK MIROKU!" I yelled, rubbing my skull, making sure I wasn't bleeding. My poor ear was crushed...
"Serves you right. You've got a seriously dirty mind, my friend." I scoffed at his comment. Miroku, the most perverted man in the enter city, was lecturing me?
"Yes, and you're Mother Theresa, right?"
"I never said that! I just meant that because a man and a woman are alone together...it doesn't mean we're just going to suddenly have sex. Come on man, I do have a little honor...."
"She wouldn't put out huh?"
"Stopped me dead in my tracks," he sighed. I laughed. Figures that after all his talk of honor and prestige, he only wanted to cover his pride because he didn't get any. "Well, what about you and the lovely Kagome?" His inquiry was nonchalant, but I saw the glint of revenge in his eye. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"What about us?" I answered. A question with a question is a safe way to go when speaking about such things.
"What were you up to without a proper chaperone?"
"Oh, you know the drill. Drugs, alcohol, cleaning our hand-guns. Then there was some wild sex in a bath tub of Ramen." Miroku stared at me, thinking I was serious. I laughed in his face. "Christ man! You think I have a sick mind? I was 'kidding'. We didn't do anything of the kind."
"I sure as hell hope not! If you did, Sango would fully kick your ass. I can tell right now that both girls are having the same exact conversation as we are." I looked up to see Sango and Kagome laughing together while riding Kirara, throwing glances our way.
"I get the feeling that you're right." We walked in silence for a little while more, when I asked, "Hey Miroku?"
"Yeah Inuyasha?"
"Let me ask you something. When this is over, the war with Naraku and all," I began tentatively. If I rushed into the topic too much, it might make it harder for him to answer. "When all is said and done, where does that leave us? You know, you and me and the girls. What's going to happen with you and Sango?"
Miroku was silent and thoughtful. My best friend, lecher that he was, was a very brilliant man. I watched the emotions and thought play across his face as he tried to come up with an answer. For a minute, I was afraid he was going to brush me off with one of those 'we'll see what happens' answers.
"For the first time in my life, Inuyasha, I'm in love with a woman. Just one. It's never happened before. When I'm around Sango, it's like there are no other women in the world. She's just so...special to me. When all this is over, I want to be with her, if she'll let me. And as for you and me," he said, meeting my gaze and flashing an evil grin. "You and me won't change. Our operation might, you know, turn honest now that we're with women. But you and me, Inuyasha, we're brothers. That'll never change." I smirked and he smirked back. I was stupid to think that having women in our lives would change us too much. And what he said was true, Miroku was the closest thing to a brother I ever had in my life, that will never change. I felt calmer now, some of my irrational fears set to rest. "What about you and Kagome?" he asked. "When this is over, where will that leave you?"
I looked up at the girl riding on the demon cat with her best friend. The wind caught her raven hair, and I could just hear the sound of her laughter from where I was standing. When this was over, where would it truly leave us? She'd go back to her grandfather and brother, back to being the Guardian of the Jewel. I would stay here I guess, still be a pick-pocket half demon. But I loved her, and she loved me, so that counted for something, right? I smiled to myself and looked back at Miroku. "I'm going to marry that girl," I said, stunning him into silence. We walked the rest of the way in silence.
Kirara, Sango, and Kagome landed with us when we got to the Wolf Den. The entire area around the building was swarming with humans and demons. On the rooftops of all the surrounding buildings silently sat the Ravens. All faces were hidden behind feathered mask, eyes watching everything that happened on the ground. They were as still as statues. The Foxes and Wolves practiced with their weapons, or sat around, or spoke among one another. They were all tense for battle. The scent of fear, excitement, and anger was assaulting me from the air. The Death Dealers stood around silently. They stood as statue still as the Ravens, but allowed themselves to show life at Kagome's arrival. They were the respectful ones, bowing to Kagome as she passed.
Katia, Nyla, Skyris, and Kouga waited for us in his chambers. The four gang leaders were discussing patterns of attack and the like when we arrived. "I didn't know you'd be coming so early," Kouga said when he let Kagome in. "Sunset isn't for another few hours."
"I know, but sitting around was only making me nervous," she replied. "Are we ready to go soon?"
"We have our battle plan mapped out," Kouga confirmed. "Me and the first battalion of my wolves will attack the border first. The foxes and the rest of the pack will come after. Once the army heads toward us, the Ravens will begin an aerial assault. The Death Dealers will lend their aid if things begin getting out of hand. Hopefully we can have it in check and buy you four enough time to accomplish the goal."
"Remember not to flank the walls Kouga," Sango said, stepping forward. "The last time we faced the Golems, they tried to sniper from the rooftop and walls, stay away from anywhere that they could use for a hiding place. Stay in the open if you can." Kouga nodded, his eyes thanked Sango for the tip. I remembered that she had told me a while ago that she had often fought alongside the Wolf Pack. The day Kagome was attacked, she had been fending the Golems off with Kouga.
"Kouga," Katia said, stepping forward. She laid a hand on Kouga's shoulder. "You should begin the formations. They wolves and foxes are nervous." Kouga bowed and went to do as she said. Nyla followed him without being told; the foxes were her people after all. "Skyris, you too should assemble your Ravens." He bowed and left through the open window. That left our little group and Katia.
The Death Dealer leader was no longer dressed in her flowing black robes. Today she was in a leather body suit, with a long black trench coat and boots. Her long black hair was held back and her face was pale and plain. She was ready for battle. Katia smiled at me, at all of us. "I wanted to wish you luck," she said, hands clasped in front of her. "Please sit, I wish to speak with you further."
I opted to stand next to Kagome as the other three sat on one of Kouga's plush couches. Kirara untransformed and curled up in Sango's lap. Katia sat on the floor in front of us, legs crossed in a meditation-like position. Her garnet eyes looked us over, a faint smile playing at her lips. "For five centuries, I have walked this earth, the last half of which I have spent in this very city. When I was a child, long ago, there were stories and legends told about a group of people who traveled around a distant land, trying to assemble a shattered artifact and banish an evil demon."
I got the feeling this was going to be a long story, so I settled in on the armrest of the couch, eyes never leaving that of the 500 year old woman who was speaking. "They say these heroes battled many demon foes, and saved the lives of countless innocents. Over time they each grew, matured, and evolved into better people." Her garnet eyes fell upon each of us as she spoke the titles. "There was the half-demon warrior, the wise young monk, the lady demon exterminator with her cat demon companion, and the beautiful priestess." I couldn't be sure where Katia was going with this story, but it was beginning to sound a little eerie. "You see, these people were bound together by a common enemy, the demon who coveted the artifact they were dispatched to collect."
"The half-demon warrior was seeking revenge and retribution against the demon for the murder of the woman he loved, as well as to avenge all the evil deeds that the demon had commited across his land. The young monk was seeking to destroy a curse that was placed upon his family by the demon, a curse that claimed the life of his father and grandfather, a curse that would eventually claim his own life if the demon was not destroyed. The lady demon exterminator wished to avenge the lives of her village, who were slaughtered by the demon, and for the life of her brother, who the demon had enslaved. And the priestess wished to redeem herself for the shattering of the artifact, and to assist the pain of her companions. You see, the priestess had no true tie or cause to kill this great foe, except that he had hurt the people she loved, and she could never stand for such a thing."
"You speak of the shattering of the Jewel, don't you?" Kagome asked. "When my ancestor broke it while slaying a demon." Katia nodded, smiling slightly once more.
"Yes. All the legends of these companions were true, not only for the fact that you, Kagome, are descended from the priestess. I was there when the War of the Jewel raged then, and I am here to see the War continue. You four are descended from those who reclaimed the Jewel 500 years ago. You were all destined to this fate."
"But how can that be?" I asked. "How can we be reliving something that started 500 years ago? The Jewel is still whole, and Naraku isn't five centuries old!"
"No, he is a reincarnation of the dead beast. You must understand, the Jewel itself is creating this scenario. It began the same way, when the Jewel was first formed. It happened again 500 years ago, and it's happening the same today. As long as the Jewel survives the centuries, it will continue to reenact its creation over and over again."
"So what you're saying," Miroku mused aloud. " Is that unless we can destroy the Jewel, even if we defeat Naraku now, he will be reborn again, like us?"
"Precisely," Katia said. "But the real challenge is to destroy Naraku. He has grown stronger then he was in the past, drawing off of the dark energies that have become commonplace in this new millennia. He will not be easy to destroy."
"Do you know how we can kill him?" Sango asked.
Katia shook her head. "That is something that only you can do." Katia sighed, getting to her feet. "I have foreseen that your journey will be perilous, but I can offer you some assistance, if I may?"
"Any help you can give us will be gratefully accepted, Lady Katia," Kagome replied, standing with her.
Katia smiled, her red eyes scanning over us. "I was entrusted, 500 years ago, to guard a few objects. They were used by the four companions, and were told to be given to them, had the demon ever arisen again." Katia turned and walked to a small table, were a variety of things were laid out. "Sango, would you please come here?" she called.
Sango placed Kirara on the couch and went to Katia's side. The Death Dealer held in her arms, a small sickle-like weapon with a chain and a weight. "This belonged to the brother of the lady demon exterminator. Should your own weapons fail you, rely upon it's power." Sango took the strange weapon in her hands and bowed. I watched with interest, wondering what she'd give to me.
"Miroku, you're next." He walked over cautiously, unsure of what she'd give him. He already had a weapon, a good know-how of fighting skills, and some Buddhist powers that he'd harnessed thanks to the training of his late father. Katia handed him a string of prayer beads and Miroku frowned. "These belonged to the young monk. They were used to harness the power of the air void that occupied his hand. There is great power stored in those beads. Should you find yourself failing, look to them for renewed power." Miroku bowed, wrapping the beads around his wrist and returning to the couch.
"Inuyasha," she called, garnet eyes catching mine. "Would you come here please?" I was never one to disobey such a polite request, especially from a 500 year old woman who looked no more then twenty. When I got to her, she handed me a folded pile of clothes. I raised an eyebrow at the red material. It was surprisingly light for what looked like heavy cloth, and it was rather odd looking. "These are the kimono robes worn by the half demon warrior. They are woven from the fire of demons, and are stronger then any armor of this world." I bowed, accepting the weird looking outfit. I'd change in a minute, and god help Miroku if he makes any remarks.
"Kagome." Katia smiled as Kagome went to her side. "I give you this." Katia handed Kagome an arrow. It looked like any other arrow at first glance, wooden shaft, feathered end, iron head. But I could sense power in this arrow. "This is a blessed arrow, one used by your ancestor. Her power will become your power, so use this arrow wisely." Kagome nodded, bowing low. Then, she hugged Katia. The Death Dealer smiled, returning the embrace. "Be careful child," she said. "Be careful, all of you."
We all nodded, somber and ready for whatever was to come. Now, the sky was dimming. The sun would set within a matter of minutes. The four of us readied ourselves, mentally and physically. I dressed myself in the red clothing-armor, and whacked Miroku for poking fun. I felt idiotic, but Kagome said I looked cute. That made me feel a little better. So we left the Wolf Den for one final meeting with the leaders and their gangs before we left to take our place for the infiltration of the border of the Heart of the City.
Kouga looked longingly at Kagome as she stood at my side. I would have commented, but I figured that it might be the last time the guy ever saw her. He could look, dream, or drool, it didn't really matter. She was already mine. I could smell the fear rising from her, and I put an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me. That relaxed her slightly. She broke away long enough to hug Kouga, wishing him luck and making him promise to be careful when entering battle. He promised, of course, because no one can refuse Kagome. Then she came back to my side. Miroku and Sango were also standing with us. It was time to go.
"You better bring her back alive dog-face," Kouga growled at me. I smirked at him and didn't reply. We just walked away from the den, heading to our own position of infiltration. I heard Kouga's shouts for the first wave of wolves to attack the border. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon of buildings. The strike had begun.
Shouts and screams met our ears as our party moved away from the border, toward the small break in the line where we could sneak through undetected. The smell of blood, demon and human alike, wafted to my sensitive nose on the evening breeze. Kagome looked ready to burst into tears, but held her head high. Sango was at her side, holding her hand in a vice grip as they walked. Miroku and I couldn't help but admire them.
We moved father away from the fighting, finally reaching the destination to enter the Heart of the City. We all paused, looking at it. I adjusted the sword at my hip, shifting it to an easily drawn position. Kagome hefted her bow, pulling an arrow from her quiver. Sango adjusted her sword, and raised that huge boomerang she carried on her back. The weapon given to her by Katia hung at her waist. Miroku's staff jangled slightly as he moved it from his left hand to his right, an easier fighting position.
"Everyone stay alert," Kagome said. "There might be enemies anywhere past this border. We don't want to be caught so early in the game." We all nodded.
"The Heart of the City," Miroku said, looking at what lay before us. "The one place in the world no sane person wants to go, and the one place we're about to enter."
"No sense delaying the inevitable," I said, stepping across the border first. "Let's move out." Everyone else fell into step behind me.
We could still hear the fighting in the distance as we walked on, three miles around the circle of the Heart of the City. The howls of the Wolf Pack sent chills to my bones. The cries of the Ravens echoed through the sky, and the calls of the Foxes left little to the imagination. In the city, guns were rare. Demons preferred to rely on their own strength. It surprised us when shots were heard of in the distance. There were also the echoes of metal weapons clashing.
We had no encounters with the enemy as we made our way toward the tower, but we had to be wary. Naraku's minions could lay around any abandoned corner, could be hiding in any nook or cranny in any run-down building. Kagome walked behind me, looking alert and tense, her arrow notched and ready to be loosed at the first thing that moved. Sango and Miroku flanked her, also poised for the attack. I twitched my ears, swiveling them to find a single sound. There was nothing, the path that was routed before us was empty of all resistance.
This had a conflicted effect on me. On one side, I was overjoyed that we didn't have to battle before we came face to face with the bastard himself. The other half of me was wary. Why would they leave the path open for us? Unless...unless they knew were we coming. Something in my gut, the instinct buried so deep in my soul that when it screamed I knew never to ignore it, that little voice was telling me that Naraku knew we were coming.
But before I could contemplate too deeply on the fact that we might be dead before we even had a chance, we reached the Tower. But of course, nothing ever goes that smoothly. Nothing is ever easy for me. And, true to form, just when we were nearing the stronghold of the bastard himself, the staircase that would lead us to his hideout, a familiar scent wafted to my nose. I tensed. Had I really forgotten him? Was I really dumb enough to believe he wouldn't have been involved? I guess so because there he was, and he was blocking our path.
The sickening sight of his smug, arrogant face was enough to make me snarl like an animal. He stood there so casually, the wind tossing his long silver hair. His face was masked, but that cocky son of a bitch had the audacity to look inconvenienced by my presence. Kagome, Miroku, and Sango came up short behind me, looking up to see what I was staring at. Kagome gasped slightly, placing a hand on my arm.
"I'm surprised that you came up with such a strategy, little brother," Sesshomaru commented. "You were never smart enough to plan something as complex as a battle, so I assume the woman is responsible for it?" I didn't answer, only moved my hand to my side and drew my sword. "It was really quite ingenious to hit the border at it's weakest point, to draw all the forces away from the Tower. I knew my dim-witted brother could never think up such a scheme."
"Do you 'ever' shut up?" I asked, sick of hearing the sound of his voice. To my ears, it was worse then nails on a chalkboard. And with hearing like mine, nails on a chalkboard fucking HURTS!
"I only thought you would enjoy a few more minutes of breathing, Inuyasha. But since you seem in such a rush to die..." Sesshomaru withdrew his own sword, holding it poised for a second.
"Kagome," I whispered fiercely to her.
"What Inuyasha?" she responded, eyes never leaving my brother. I felt her tense, ready to shoot an arrow if needed.
"You and the others get out of here. Continue into the Tower, I'll catch up when I'm done here."
"No! I'm not leaving you alone with this...this...bastard!" I glanced over at her and saw that her eyes were fiery and defiant.
"Kagome, go, I'll be alright. I'll meet up with you as soon as I can."
"But--"
"I can't fight and worry about you at the same time. Go!" She met my eyes for a few seconds, then nodded. Sango grabbed her arm as she and Miroku made a break for the Tower. As soon as they moved, Sesshomaru rushed me. Striking so fast with with blade that I had to dodge and block faster than I ever had to before in my life. But I would not be taken off guard. I would not die at the hands of my brother, not now. Kagome still needed me and I'd be damned if I let my self die before I finished helping her.
I saw my three friends enter the Tower and sighed to myself. I was now on my own, facing Sesshomaru. He was the greatest opponent I had ever faced, but I would not lose to him. The sword in my hands began pulsing like it did the last time I faced him, and it transformed into the great fang it had before.
"I'll make this quick," I told him. "I've got places to be, bastards to kill, you know how it is. I know how much you love keeping me all to yourself, but you really need to learn how to share." Sesshomaru snarled, rushing me again. I blocked, and even forced him back.
"It is I who should say that this will be brief, Inuyasha," he said venomously. Then the fight really began.
Hahahaha! I finally achieved the cliff-hanger I'd so been wanting to write! *dodges a few flying projectiles* Hehe, kudos to all those who guessed Sesshomaru from my little preview in the last chapter. I love Sesshy, he's so much fun to write. It's almost as fun probing his skull as it is probing Inuyasha! (For all those curious, I only probed Miroku once, and what I saw still gives me nightmares to this day) Stay tuned for the next chapter, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru showdown! Okay, now for the shout-outs:
Mousas: You guessed it! Fluffy 4-ever as you young folks like to say, lol. I updated soon as I could, hope you stick around for the final chapters. Survivng a City is winding down!
Mustard Yellow Sunshine: Not only do you have a cool pen-name, but you like my fic! *hugs you* Thanks! I'm glad you find my story to be good. And yes, I purposely try to make it funny. But you know the weirdest thing? Whenever I try to make it funny, it sounds lame. When I just write it like I think it in my sarcastic little head, it ends up being funny. Weird huh? Hope you like this chappie!
Sesshomaru13: Sorry, I'm just a bad-ass writer who likes to torment the readers, hehe. I hope you like this chapter, and the rest of the ones I write. Sorry again for making you wait!
Jaded Hanyou Girl: I love doing the shout-outs. It makes me feel special to go over a list of people who reviewed my work! *gets teary eyed* And yes, I had to toss in the fact that I think Miroku is a virgin. I just thought that would be funny and a nice break from the seriousness.
Trina3: I rock! YES! My lifelong dream has been fulfilled! Thanks so much! *flurishing bow*
Dragons Maiden: I love all of my reviewers, you guys are the best! I'm glad you think 11 was cute, I was attempting cute. I'm really bad at writing romance and I don't think that it came out that bad, huh? *pats self on the back* Enjoy !
Hedi Dracona: Nope, never thrown an actual person off a bridge, only in my stories. I've jumped off of bridges before, but only a little one in the park by my house, not like a car bridge or anything. LOL, I'm a freak, I know. I just think it's cool to get thrown off a bridge. I'm torturous to my characters!
pruningshears: Ah, my most frequent reviewer! *bows* You reviews always bring a tear to my eye. Alright, in regards to the final chapter...I would do it in Inuyasha-mode except I can't. It just...wouldn't work out how I want it to if I were to do it in first person. The last chapter will encompass all of the characters feelings in a better way if I did a third-person narrative, you'll see what I mean after you read chapter 14, okay? I'm also so happy that you're reading my other fics too! Oh, and I have heard about the law of him getting impaled...God I love that show! LOL, nothing says lovin' like a little carnage, am I right? And yeah, Inuyasha can beat up Kouga, but I still love my wolf-boy role model! Now, as for Kikyou, you are absolutely right. You see, I think her character is very important to the actual story. I respect her character very much, but I don't have a liking for her as I do for the rest of my characters which would make her very hard to do justice for. I can't probe her because my personal feelings of dislike would get in the way. I also think it's pointless to put her in a fic just for the sake of putting her there. She's not really evil and I don't want to make her into a skanky hoe just because I can't think of anything else. I have a bit of tact. Yes, I think I've addressed all the main points. *nods firmly* Any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer!
Okay, that's all for the shout-outs of chapter 11! Please remember to check out my two new fics. Tainted Blood is out and chapter 2 is up! This is an Inuyasha high school angsty-dramatic fic, but I also add my little humor to it (Justin Timberlake bashing *cough*) and there will be action! As I have said, I can not write a fic without some action, so be ready! And Renegade, my Rurouni Kenshin fic has begun, Chapter 7 is up and 8 will be out as soon as I stop being lazy and type it up. (I write it out in a notebook first, I'm strange) So please, please, please read and review them! And remember to review this too! I love you all, and your reviews really, really make me happy! Well, I'm off to howl at the moon!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Whyndancer sez:
Anno… Is there such a thing as editors block? Or maybe it's just life.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, I would use him to kill my pre-calculus teacher. It's all her fault that I have so much homework and no time to write!
Chapter 12: The Heart of the City--Let the Battle Begin
I woke up with Kagome in my arms. My internal clock had gone off early, just as the sun began to rise. I felt the change coming over me as I once more, became a half demon. It's not a painful change, it's just a tingling that shoots through my body like a bat outta hell. Fast and kind of numbing. But there is no pain. There used to be, when I was a child, but now my body is used to it. I heard the cracking of my bones as they set into demonic place once more. My claws retracted, then grew out. My ears once again forming on my head. My hair changing from jet-black to silver-white once more.
I blinked a few times, getting used to the advanced eyesight once more. I sniffed, training my nose to ignore all the scents that threatened to over-power me. I winced as my super-sonic hearing began to pick up on things all around me, until it quieted down. So many things ran through my mind and my senses, I couldn't have sorted them out if I'd wanted to. It's an uncomfortable feeling. Like everything on your head and everything you feel isn't really being felt by you, it's someone else's. I'm two different people, inside and out. My heart is my heart, the same in both bodies, but my head and body changes with the cycle of the moon. The curse of every half-breed.
Thoughts of yesterday swirled through my hazy mind. I felt high, stoned. It's wasn't a drunken feeling, more of a dazed out-of-it moment. Kagome shifted in my arms and I was drawn away from my thoughts, trying to focus solely on the creature laying next to me. I never believed that I could be lucky. I mean, it seemed that all the world, apart from my perverted business partner, was out to get me. And yet, I saved this girl from a bunch of thugs on a street corner one night, and she ended up saving me just as much. If not more so.
I settled back in, resting my head along the curve of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin. We had until sunset, so I would be content to just lay here for the rest of the day. Not even Ramen could make me move, and that's saying a lot. Kagome yawned and snuggled closer to me as I fell back to sleep.
When I woke up for the second time, I was alone. Blinking and sitting up, I caught a whiff of Ramen and bounded to my feet. Okay, maybe Ramen could make me move. But only because Kagome was cooking it. I padded over, mouth watering already. She smiled at me her most brilliant smile and handed me the Ramen.
"Enjoy," she quipped, sitting at the table to eat her own. I promptly did the same. "So when do you think Sango and Miroku will get here?"
"I don't know, soon possibly. If Miroku can drag himself out of bed that is." Kagome smiled a little sadly. "What's the matter?" I asked her, Ramen abandoned.
"I'm feeling guilty again."
I sighed, getting up and kneeling down next to her. "Kagome, no matter what you do, we will follow you. Sango and Miroku and Me. Stop worrying! It will all be okay."
"I'm not so sure it will. I have this...feeling. I know to trust my feelings, especially when it's something important like this. I know something horrible will happen." She was troubled, her dark eyes looked haunted by a thought or feeling that I couldn't begin to fathom. I leaned up, wrapping my arms around her. Offering comfort in the only way I could, trying to take whatever darkness was hurting her. It was true that I too felt some impending disaster, but that was what war was. It couldn't be avoided. We had a job to do, it wouldn't do to dwell too much on anything that might distract us from the goal at hand.
"I'm sorry Kagome," I whispered to her. "But what we do has to be done, even if it ends badly." She nodded against my shoulder, understanding the words that I said were true.
After a while, we drew apart and finished out food. It wasn't long before a knock at the door came and a very melancholy Sango and Miroku entered. They were dressed and ready for battle, armor and weapons ready. I dressed alike, as did Kagome. It was still early afternoon, but we started to head for the Wolf Den. It was slow going, all of us were quiet and somber. Kagome and Sango had both taken off on Kirara for a little 'girl-talk' out of my hearing range, so me and Miroku got a chance for some guy-chatting.
"So tell me," I commented lightly. "What did you and Sango do last night?" I tried to make my voice casual, as if I were commenting on the weather.
""Nothing really," he replied, matching my tone. I saw a faint blush creep up his neck and knew a little more then 'nothing really' had happened. So, wonderful friend that I am, I prodded him further.
"I sure hope you used protection." Miroku looked up at me, dumbstruck. I only smiled.
"Y-y-you c-can't seriously mean...you think we...you ANIMAL!" he yelled, whacking me over the head with that staff of his.
"FUCK MIROKU!" I yelled, rubbing my skull, making sure I wasn't bleeding. My poor ear was crushed...
"Serves you right. You've got a seriously dirty mind, my friend." I scoffed at his comment. Miroku, the most perverted man in the enter city, was lecturing me?
"Yes, and you're Mother Theresa, right?"
"I never said that! I just meant that because a man and a woman are alone together...it doesn't mean we're just going to suddenly have sex. Come on man, I do have a little honor...."
"She wouldn't put out huh?"
"Stopped me dead in my tracks," he sighed. I laughed. Figures that after all his talk of honor and prestige, he only wanted to cover his pride because he didn't get any. "Well, what about you and the lovely Kagome?" His inquiry was nonchalant, but I saw the glint of revenge in his eye. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"What about us?" I answered. A question with a question is a safe way to go when speaking about such things.
"What were you up to without a proper chaperone?"
"Oh, you know the drill. Drugs, alcohol, cleaning our hand-guns. Then there was some wild sex in a bath tub of Ramen." Miroku stared at me, thinking I was serious. I laughed in his face. "Christ man! You think I have a sick mind? I was 'kidding'. We didn't do anything of the kind."
"I sure as hell hope not! If you did, Sango would fully kick your ass. I can tell right now that both girls are having the same exact conversation as we are." I looked up to see Sango and Kagome laughing together while riding Kirara, throwing glances our way.
"I get the feeling that you're right." We walked in silence for a little while more, when I asked, "Hey Miroku?"
"Yeah Inuyasha?"
"Let me ask you something. When this is over, the war with Naraku and all," I began tentatively. If I rushed into the topic too much, it might make it harder for him to answer. "When all is said and done, where does that leave us? You know, you and me and the girls. What's going to happen with you and Sango?"
Miroku was silent and thoughtful. My best friend, lecher that he was, was a very brilliant man. I watched the emotions and thought play across his face as he tried to come up with an answer. For a minute, I was afraid he was going to brush me off with one of those 'we'll see what happens' answers.
"For the first time in my life, Inuyasha, I'm in love with a woman. Just one. It's never happened before. When I'm around Sango, it's like there are no other women in the world. She's just so...special to me. When all this is over, I want to be with her, if she'll let me. And as for you and me," he said, meeting my gaze and flashing an evil grin. "You and me won't change. Our operation might, you know, turn honest now that we're with women. But you and me, Inuyasha, we're brothers. That'll never change." I smirked and he smirked back. I was stupid to think that having women in our lives would change us too much. And what he said was true, Miroku was the closest thing to a brother I ever had in my life, that will never change. I felt calmer now, some of my irrational fears set to rest. "What about you and Kagome?" he asked. "When this is over, where will that leave you?"
I looked up at the girl riding on the demon cat with her best friend. The wind caught her raven hair, and I could just hear the sound of her laughter from where I was standing. When this was over, where would it truly leave us? She'd go back to her grandfather and brother, back to being the Guardian of the Jewel. I would stay here I guess, still be a pick-pocket half demon. But I loved her, and she loved me, so that counted for something, right? I smiled to myself and looked back at Miroku. "I'm going to marry that girl," I said, stunning him into silence. We walked the rest of the way in silence.
Kirara, Sango, and Kagome landed with us when we got to the Wolf Den. The entire area around the building was swarming with humans and demons. On the rooftops of all the surrounding buildings silently sat the Ravens. All faces were hidden behind feathered mask, eyes watching everything that happened on the ground. They were as still as statues. The Foxes and Wolves practiced with their weapons, or sat around, or spoke among one another. They were all tense for battle. The scent of fear, excitement, and anger was assaulting me from the air. The Death Dealers stood around silently. They stood as statue still as the Ravens, but allowed themselves to show life at Kagome's arrival. They were the respectful ones, bowing to Kagome as she passed.
Katia, Nyla, Skyris, and Kouga waited for us in his chambers. The four gang leaders were discussing patterns of attack and the like when we arrived. "I didn't know you'd be coming so early," Kouga said when he let Kagome in. "Sunset isn't for another few hours."
"I know, but sitting around was only making me nervous," she replied. "Are we ready to go soon?"
"We have our battle plan mapped out," Kouga confirmed. "Me and the first battalion of my wolves will attack the border first. The foxes and the rest of the pack will come after. Once the army heads toward us, the Ravens will begin an aerial assault. The Death Dealers will lend their aid if things begin getting out of hand. Hopefully we can have it in check and buy you four enough time to accomplish the goal."
"Remember not to flank the walls Kouga," Sango said, stepping forward. "The last time we faced the Golems, they tried to sniper from the rooftop and walls, stay away from anywhere that they could use for a hiding place. Stay in the open if you can." Kouga nodded, his eyes thanked Sango for the tip. I remembered that she had told me a while ago that she had often fought alongside the Wolf Pack. The day Kagome was attacked, she had been fending the Golems off with Kouga.
"Kouga," Katia said, stepping forward. She laid a hand on Kouga's shoulder. "You should begin the formations. They wolves and foxes are nervous." Kouga bowed and went to do as she said. Nyla followed him without being told; the foxes were her people after all. "Skyris, you too should assemble your Ravens." He bowed and left through the open window. That left our little group and Katia.
The Death Dealer leader was no longer dressed in her flowing black robes. Today she was in a leather body suit, with a long black trench coat and boots. Her long black hair was held back and her face was pale and plain. She was ready for battle. Katia smiled at me, at all of us. "I wanted to wish you luck," she said, hands clasped in front of her. "Please sit, I wish to speak with you further."
I opted to stand next to Kagome as the other three sat on one of Kouga's plush couches. Kirara untransformed and curled up in Sango's lap. Katia sat on the floor in front of us, legs crossed in a meditation-like position. Her garnet eyes looked us over, a faint smile playing at her lips. "For five centuries, I have walked this earth, the last half of which I have spent in this very city. When I was a child, long ago, there were stories and legends told about a group of people who traveled around a distant land, trying to assemble a shattered artifact and banish an evil demon."
I got the feeling this was going to be a long story, so I settled in on the armrest of the couch, eyes never leaving that of the 500 year old woman who was speaking. "They say these heroes battled many demon foes, and saved the lives of countless innocents. Over time they each grew, matured, and evolved into better people." Her garnet eyes fell upon each of us as she spoke the titles. "There was the half-demon warrior, the wise young monk, the lady demon exterminator with her cat demon companion, and the beautiful priestess." I couldn't be sure where Katia was going with this story, but it was beginning to sound a little eerie. "You see, these people were bound together by a common enemy, the demon who coveted the artifact they were dispatched to collect."
"The half-demon warrior was seeking revenge and retribution against the demon for the murder of the woman he loved, as well as to avenge all the evil deeds that the demon had commited across his land. The young monk was seeking to destroy a curse that was placed upon his family by the demon, a curse that claimed the life of his father and grandfather, a curse that would eventually claim his own life if the demon was not destroyed. The lady demon exterminator wished to avenge the lives of her village, who were slaughtered by the demon, and for the life of her brother, who the demon had enslaved. And the priestess wished to redeem herself for the shattering of the artifact, and to assist the pain of her companions. You see, the priestess had no true tie or cause to kill this great foe, except that he had hurt the people she loved, and she could never stand for such a thing."
"You speak of the shattering of the Jewel, don't you?" Kagome asked. "When my ancestor broke it while slaying a demon." Katia nodded, smiling slightly once more.
"Yes. All the legends of these companions were true, not only for the fact that you, Kagome, are descended from the priestess. I was there when the War of the Jewel raged then, and I am here to see the War continue. You four are descended from those who reclaimed the Jewel 500 years ago. You were all destined to this fate."
"But how can that be?" I asked. "How can we be reliving something that started 500 years ago? The Jewel is still whole, and Naraku isn't five centuries old!"
"No, he is a reincarnation of the dead beast. You must understand, the Jewel itself is creating this scenario. It began the same way, when the Jewel was first formed. It happened again 500 years ago, and it's happening the same today. As long as the Jewel survives the centuries, it will continue to reenact its creation over and over again."
"So what you're saying," Miroku mused aloud. " Is that unless we can destroy the Jewel, even if we defeat Naraku now, he will be reborn again, like us?"
"Precisely," Katia said. "But the real challenge is to destroy Naraku. He has grown stronger then he was in the past, drawing off of the dark energies that have become commonplace in this new millennia. He will not be easy to destroy."
"Do you know how we can kill him?" Sango asked.
Katia shook her head. "That is something that only you can do." Katia sighed, getting to her feet. "I have foreseen that your journey will be perilous, but I can offer you some assistance, if I may?"
"Any help you can give us will be gratefully accepted, Lady Katia," Kagome replied, standing with her.
Katia smiled, her red eyes scanning over us. "I was entrusted, 500 years ago, to guard a few objects. They were used by the four companions, and were told to be given to them, had the demon ever arisen again." Katia turned and walked to a small table, were a variety of things were laid out. "Sango, would you please come here?" she called.
Sango placed Kirara on the couch and went to Katia's side. The Death Dealer held in her arms, a small sickle-like weapon with a chain and a weight. "This belonged to the brother of the lady demon exterminator. Should your own weapons fail you, rely upon it's power." Sango took the strange weapon in her hands and bowed. I watched with interest, wondering what she'd give to me.
"Miroku, you're next." He walked over cautiously, unsure of what she'd give him. He already had a weapon, a good know-how of fighting skills, and some Buddhist powers that he'd harnessed thanks to the training of his late father. Katia handed him a string of prayer beads and Miroku frowned. "These belonged to the young monk. They were used to harness the power of the air void that occupied his hand. There is great power stored in those beads. Should you find yourself failing, look to them for renewed power." Miroku bowed, wrapping the beads around his wrist and returning to the couch.
"Inuyasha," she called, garnet eyes catching mine. "Would you come here please?" I was never one to disobey such a polite request, especially from a 500 year old woman who looked no more then twenty. When I got to her, she handed me a folded pile of clothes. I raised an eyebrow at the red material. It was surprisingly light for what looked like heavy cloth, and it was rather odd looking. "These are the kimono robes worn by the half demon warrior. They are woven from the fire of demons, and are stronger then any armor of this world." I bowed, accepting the weird looking outfit. I'd change in a minute, and god help Miroku if he makes any remarks.
"Kagome." Katia smiled as Kagome went to her side. "I give you this." Katia handed Kagome an arrow. It looked like any other arrow at first glance, wooden shaft, feathered end, iron head. But I could sense power in this arrow. "This is a blessed arrow, one used by your ancestor. Her power will become your power, so use this arrow wisely." Kagome nodded, bowing low. Then, she hugged Katia. The Death Dealer smiled, returning the embrace. "Be careful child," she said. "Be careful, all of you."
We all nodded, somber and ready for whatever was to come. Now, the sky was dimming. The sun would set within a matter of minutes. The four of us readied ourselves, mentally and physically. I dressed myself in the red clothing-armor, and whacked Miroku for poking fun. I felt idiotic, but Kagome said I looked cute. That made me feel a little better. So we left the Wolf Den for one final meeting with the leaders and their gangs before we left to take our place for the infiltration of the border of the Heart of the City.
Kouga looked longingly at Kagome as she stood at my side. I would have commented, but I figured that it might be the last time the guy ever saw her. He could look, dream, or drool, it didn't really matter. She was already mine. I could smell the fear rising from her, and I put an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me. That relaxed her slightly. She broke away long enough to hug Kouga, wishing him luck and making him promise to be careful when entering battle. He promised, of course, because no one can refuse Kagome. Then she came back to my side. Miroku and Sango were also standing with us. It was time to go.
"You better bring her back alive dog-face," Kouga growled at me. I smirked at him and didn't reply. We just walked away from the den, heading to our own position of infiltration. I heard Kouga's shouts for the first wave of wolves to attack the border. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon of buildings. The strike had begun.
Shouts and screams met our ears as our party moved away from the border, toward the small break in the line where we could sneak through undetected. The smell of blood, demon and human alike, wafted to my sensitive nose on the evening breeze. Kagome looked ready to burst into tears, but held her head high. Sango was at her side, holding her hand in a vice grip as they walked. Miroku and I couldn't help but admire them.
We moved father away from the fighting, finally reaching the destination to enter the Heart of the City. We all paused, looking at it. I adjusted the sword at my hip, shifting it to an easily drawn position. Kagome hefted her bow, pulling an arrow from her quiver. Sango adjusted her sword, and raised that huge boomerang she carried on her back. The weapon given to her by Katia hung at her waist. Miroku's staff jangled slightly as he moved it from his left hand to his right, an easier fighting position.
"Everyone stay alert," Kagome said. "There might be enemies anywhere past this border. We don't want to be caught so early in the game." We all nodded.
"The Heart of the City," Miroku said, looking at what lay before us. "The one place in the world no sane person wants to go, and the one place we're about to enter."
"No sense delaying the inevitable," I said, stepping across the border first. "Let's move out." Everyone else fell into step behind me.
We could still hear the fighting in the distance as we walked on, three miles around the circle of the Heart of the City. The howls of the Wolf Pack sent chills to my bones. The cries of the Ravens echoed through the sky, and the calls of the Foxes left little to the imagination. In the city, guns were rare. Demons preferred to rely on their own strength. It surprised us when shots were heard of in the distance. There were also the echoes of metal weapons clashing.
We had no encounters with the enemy as we made our way toward the tower, but we had to be wary. Naraku's minions could lay around any abandoned corner, could be hiding in any nook or cranny in any run-down building. Kagome walked behind me, looking alert and tense, her arrow notched and ready to be loosed at the first thing that moved. Sango and Miroku flanked her, also poised for the attack. I twitched my ears, swiveling them to find a single sound. There was nothing, the path that was routed before us was empty of all resistance.
This had a conflicted effect on me. On one side, I was overjoyed that we didn't have to battle before we came face to face with the bastard himself. The other half of me was wary. Why would they leave the path open for us? Unless...unless they knew were we coming. Something in my gut, the instinct buried so deep in my soul that when it screamed I knew never to ignore it, that little voice was telling me that Naraku knew we were coming.
But before I could contemplate too deeply on the fact that we might be dead before we even had a chance, we reached the Tower. But of course, nothing ever goes that smoothly. Nothing is ever easy for me. And, true to form, just when we were nearing the stronghold of the bastard himself, the staircase that would lead us to his hideout, a familiar scent wafted to my nose. I tensed. Had I really forgotten him? Was I really dumb enough to believe he wouldn't have been involved? I guess so because there he was, and he was blocking our path.
The sickening sight of his smug, arrogant face was enough to make me snarl like an animal. He stood there so casually, the wind tossing his long silver hair. His face was masked, but that cocky son of a bitch had the audacity to look inconvenienced by my presence. Kagome, Miroku, and Sango came up short behind me, looking up to see what I was staring at. Kagome gasped slightly, placing a hand on my arm.
"I'm surprised that you came up with such a strategy, little brother," Sesshomaru commented. "You were never smart enough to plan something as complex as a battle, so I assume the woman is responsible for it?" I didn't answer, only moved my hand to my side and drew my sword. "It was really quite ingenious to hit the border at it's weakest point, to draw all the forces away from the Tower. I knew my dim-witted brother could never think up such a scheme."
"Do you 'ever' shut up?" I asked, sick of hearing the sound of his voice. To my ears, it was worse then nails on a chalkboard. And with hearing like mine, nails on a chalkboard fucking HURTS!
"I only thought you would enjoy a few more minutes of breathing, Inuyasha. But since you seem in such a rush to die..." Sesshomaru withdrew his own sword, holding it poised for a second.
"Kagome," I whispered fiercely to her.
"What Inuyasha?" she responded, eyes never leaving my brother. I felt her tense, ready to shoot an arrow if needed.
"You and the others get out of here. Continue into the Tower, I'll catch up when I'm done here."
"No! I'm not leaving you alone with this...this...bastard!" I glanced over at her and saw that her eyes were fiery and defiant.
"Kagome, go, I'll be alright. I'll meet up with you as soon as I can."
"But--"
"I can't fight and worry about you at the same time. Go!" She met my eyes for a few seconds, then nodded. Sango grabbed her arm as she and Miroku made a break for the Tower. As soon as they moved, Sesshomaru rushed me. Striking so fast with with blade that I had to dodge and block faster than I ever had to before in my life. But I would not be taken off guard. I would not die at the hands of my brother, not now. Kagome still needed me and I'd be damned if I let my self die before I finished helping her.
I saw my three friends enter the Tower and sighed to myself. I was now on my own, facing Sesshomaru. He was the greatest opponent I had ever faced, but I would not lose to him. The sword in my hands began pulsing like it did the last time I faced him, and it transformed into the great fang it had before.
"I'll make this quick," I told him. "I've got places to be, bastards to kill, you know how it is. I know how much you love keeping me all to yourself, but you really need to learn how to share." Sesshomaru snarled, rushing me again. I blocked, and even forced him back.
"It is I who should say that this will be brief, Inuyasha," he said venomously. Then the fight really began.
Hahahaha! I finally achieved the cliff-hanger I'd so been wanting to write! *dodges a few flying projectiles* Hehe, kudos to all those who guessed Sesshomaru from my little preview in the last chapter. I love Sesshy, he's so much fun to write. It's almost as fun probing his skull as it is probing Inuyasha! (For all those curious, I only probed Miroku once, and what I saw still gives me nightmares to this day) Stay tuned for the next chapter, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru showdown! Okay, now for the shout-outs:
Mousas: You guessed it! Fluffy 4-ever as you young folks like to say, lol. I updated soon as I could, hope you stick around for the final chapters. Survivng a City is winding down!
Mustard Yellow Sunshine: Not only do you have a cool pen-name, but you like my fic! *hugs you* Thanks! I'm glad you find my story to be good. And yes, I purposely try to make it funny. But you know the weirdest thing? Whenever I try to make it funny, it sounds lame. When I just write it like I think it in my sarcastic little head, it ends up being funny. Weird huh? Hope you like this chappie!
Sesshomaru13: Sorry, I'm just a bad-ass writer who likes to torment the readers, hehe. I hope you like this chapter, and the rest of the ones I write. Sorry again for making you wait!
Jaded Hanyou Girl: I love doing the shout-outs. It makes me feel special to go over a list of people who reviewed my work! *gets teary eyed* And yes, I had to toss in the fact that I think Miroku is a virgin. I just thought that would be funny and a nice break from the seriousness.
Trina3: I rock! YES! My lifelong dream has been fulfilled! Thanks so much! *flurishing bow*
Dragons Maiden: I love all of my reviewers, you guys are the best! I'm glad you think 11 was cute, I was attempting cute. I'm really bad at writing romance and I don't think that it came out that bad, huh? *pats self on the back* Enjoy !
Hedi Dracona: Nope, never thrown an actual person off a bridge, only in my stories. I've jumped off of bridges before, but only a little one in the park by my house, not like a car bridge or anything. LOL, I'm a freak, I know. I just think it's cool to get thrown off a bridge. I'm torturous to my characters!
pruningshears: Ah, my most frequent reviewer! *bows* You reviews always bring a tear to my eye. Alright, in regards to the final chapter...I would do it in Inuyasha-mode except I can't. It just...wouldn't work out how I want it to if I were to do it in first person. The last chapter will encompass all of the characters feelings in a better way if I did a third-person narrative, you'll see what I mean after you read chapter 14, okay? I'm also so happy that you're reading my other fics too! Oh, and I have heard about the law of him getting impaled...God I love that show! LOL, nothing says lovin' like a little carnage, am I right? And yeah, Inuyasha can beat up Kouga, but I still love my wolf-boy role model! Now, as for Kikyou, you are absolutely right. You see, I think her character is very important to the actual story. I respect her character very much, but I don't have a liking for her as I do for the rest of my characters which would make her very hard to do justice for. I can't probe her because my personal feelings of dislike would get in the way. I also think it's pointless to put her in a fic just for the sake of putting her there. She's not really evil and I don't want to make her into a skanky hoe just because I can't think of anything else. I have a bit of tact. Yes, I think I've addressed all the main points. *nods firmly* Any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer!
Okay, that's all for the shout-outs of chapter 11! Please remember to check out my two new fics. Tainted Blood is out and chapter 2 is up! This is an Inuyasha high school angsty-dramatic fic, but I also add my little humor to it (Justin Timberlake bashing *cough*) and there will be action! As I have said, I can not write a fic without some action, so be ready! And Renegade, my Rurouni Kenshin fic has begun, Chapter 7 is up and 8 will be out as soon as I stop being lazy and type it up. (I write it out in a notebook first, I'm strange) So please, please, please read and review them! And remember to review this too! I love you all, and your reviews really, really make me happy! Well, I'm off to howl at the moon!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~