Readers--This is a short chapter, sorry! I'm getting chapter 13 done as quick as possible so I can do 14. Be prepared for another cliff hanger in this chapter, hehe. Only two more chapters people! And...if my fans would like, I could, possibly, write a sequel. What do you guys think? Yes, or leave it as is. I'd like to know so I could change the ending, cuz I have two planned. Enjoy! Stay tuned for shout-outs are the end.
Whyndancer sez:
Fight scene 'A' up and atcha.
Chapter 13: The Heart of the City: Brotherly Love
Sesshomaru charged at me faster than the blink of an eye. I barely blocked. And even through the blade didn't hit me, I was thrown back to the ground. Faster than even I could have ever imagined myself capable of, I was back on my feet and blocking once again with my sword. Those long buried instincts of self-preservation certainly come in handy when in a life-or-death situations.
"I'm impressed, little brother, you actually managed to stay alive longer then five minutes when fighting with me at full power." Even while in the midst of battle, he was still being a stuck-up asshole. Damn him. He would not win this. I could not lose! Not with so much on the line. I've never had anyone depend on me before, and I wouldn't let down the first people to fucking trust me! Not because of Sesshomaru.
"Fuck you Fluffy!" I yelled, pushing with all of my strength. I managed to push his sword away enough to give me a chance to breathe. It wasn't a long break.
Sesshomaru brought his sword up from beneath, whacking my blade back and forcing me to lose my footing. The second I stumbled back he was upon me, his sword slicing at my upper arm. I braced myself for pain, for the agony of the wound, but it never came. The force of the blow would leave a vivid bruise, but there was no cleaving of my flesh, no blood. I looked at my arm once Sesshomaru withdrew the sword. He looked down at my arm as well. It was still in one piece.
'Katia,' I thought with a smirk. Guess there was something to this corny armor after all. I took advantage of Sesshomaru's temporary distraction and used it in my favor. I brought my sword around, knocking him back, and stabbing him across the side. The armor that Sesshomaru wore around his upper chest cracked away under the force of my blow, and the edge of my blade cut into his upper shoulder. Bright crimson blood flowed freely from the cut, spurting out to splash my shirt. 'Fuck!' I thought. 'Can't any of my clothes stay clean? I hope this at least slows him down a little.'
But alas, no. Sesshomaru backed up a pace, but no pain registered on his face. He looked down at his wound and than looked back up to me. He pressed two fingers to the blood that was dripping down his once-white clothes, smearing it with his thumb as if not sure what this liquid was. His eyes flashed red at me, the only emotion I had ever seen him show me.
"I will end this, vile half-breed," he swore, rushing me with his sword poised for the kill. I dodged, rolling to block, but I wasn't fast enough. There is a reason people don't piss off my brother, and I was getting first hand experience in why it was avoided. The biting pain in my side was less than fun.
I rolled away, but the pain followed. Somehow, he had pierced my armor and stabbed me in the side. I pressed my hand to my side and felt the warm, sticky blood seep through my fingers. I looked up at Sesshomaru, he had his bloodied sword ready to strike at me.
I saw red. Not the blood red of my stained hands, but the red rage of anger. Pure, undiluted rage fed me as I surged forward, sword at the side. My speed, my strength, hell, even my fighting skill improved as I lunged at him. Sesshomaru was startled by my sudden assault, stumbling back a little as he moved to quickly block all of my attacks. But no matter how fast he is, my big brother is no match for the anger of a half-breed on a mission.
The clash of metal-against-metal echoed around the tower. Over the din I heard the shouts of people above us, Naraku's men. So the Tower wasn't deserted like the rest of the Heart. They were shouting orders to send help down to Sesshomaru. They could tell he was losing. But Miroku and Sango and Kagome were in the Tower. The reinforcements would come at them head-on. I had to get to them! I had to help them.
"I don't have time to play with you Sesshomaru!" I growled, slashing at him viciously. "I have work to do."
Our swords crossed, bringing our faces mere inches apart. Our eyes locked, amber on amber. Both radiating contempt. "I can not let you pass," he hissed, pushing me back forcefully. I regained my footing immediately.
"Why?" I yelled at him. "Why are you working under Naraku? You're too fucking proud to be a lackey Sesshomaru. Why the hell are you working for someone beneath you?"
He was still poker faced, shifting fluidly out of a fighting stance into that haughty picture of superiority. I bristled at the sight. God, I really wanted to kick his ass, but the sooner this is over, the better. And if I could somehow get away from him without a long, drawn out battle, then praise the lord. All that mattered was getting to Kagome.
"It's true that Naraku is truly low, even lower then you, Inuyasha, which is lower then I care to speak of--"
"Enough of the fucking insults, asshole, get to the point!" I snapped. This was neither the time nor place for a long, drawn out battle of wits. And if it ever came to that, I could totally kick his ass. No one curses more then I do. I smirked at him at my own thoughts. "Talk."
He sniffed, looking very unhappy, but he talked anyway. "I was backed into a corner. I had hoped to kill you at a time of my own choosing, but it seems that it has been rushed. I have no other options, little brother."
Then he came at me before I could react, throwing me to the ground, sword poised over my chest. With an even thrust, the point came down. I pulled up my sword, blocking the blow just in time, but got the blunt end of my own blade smacking down on my ribcage. Pain shot through me, but I was alive. And as long as I was alive, I could fight. I kicked up with my legs, pushing off the ground with my elbows and got to my feet in a smooth motion. Then pushed his sword back. My sensitive ears rang with the sound of scraping metal.
"Bullshit," I spat at him. "You were all too happy to grab a sword at the chance to slit my throat, but I warn you, Sesshomaru," I growled, readying my sword. "I will get past you."
We clashed once more, and this time I was the one to advance. Sesshomaru and I became locked in a tense battle of blade against blade. We attacked and countered so fast that the human eye could barely witness the movements. I blocked and struck, backed up and pressed forward. I was determined to get past him.
Finally, my chance came. Sesshomaru was caught off guard when I feinted to the left and struck upwards. I connected at just the right angle to release his grip on the blade, and I felt a surge of triumph. This was the first time in all of my life that I succeeded in disarming him. His sword clattered to the ground a few feet away. Sesshomaru looked me in the eye, still defiant despite the promise of death. But for all my hate, I couldn't kill the bastard. I can't even begin to explain why, I don't even know for sure. It just wasn't worth killing him when I had other people to save, an Naraku to kill.
"Why?" I asked again. "Tell me WHY!"
"One will do anything for love," he said quietly, almost like an afterthought. Love? My brother? Hold the fucking phone! Did I miss something....again?!?! I paled, lowering my sword a few inches, just openly staring at him.
"What the FUCK are you talking about?" I questioned, astonished.
"Naraku came to me, a few weeks ago, where I have been living outside the city. I did not really trust his scent, but I tolerated his presence when he said wished to make a deal for the use of my skills. I declined, but then he subtly mentioned what he could do if I refused."
"And what's that?" I asked, raising my sword again. He eyed the sword and me with distaste, as if not believing he was divulging such things to me.
"Her name is Rin," he said nonchalantly, eyes leaving me long enough to shift to the upper levels of the Tower before coming back to me. "He took her from me and said that if I valued her life, then I would do as he said without question."
I struggled to process this. Let's break this down, yes? My brother, Sesshomaru, the world's biggest hard-ass, the biggest bastard ever, the most frustrating, irritating prick that had ever walked the earth... was in love? He was being blackmailed to work for Naraku. My head hurt thinking about it.
"Let me ask you one question," I said slowly, venomously. This was the one thing that I had to know. "You were sent to kill me, but would you have killed her?" By 'Her' I meant Kagome and he knew that. He met my gaze levelly and was silent for one long, thoughtful moment. I swore to myself that if he said yes, I would run him through right here on the steps of the Tower.
"No," he said evenly. "I was sent to collect her, not kill her." It eased my mind a fraction. At least Kagome was safe from him, well as safe as she really could be considering she just entered the lion's den.
"If you want Rin to live," I said slowly. "Then I suggest you fight for her life. We're taking the Tower, whether or not you let us." I sheathed my sword and turned away from him, leaping up toward the entrance. "Think about it," I called over my shoulder. "Fight for her." Then I turned away and I didn't hear him follow me.
I sniffed the air once I entered the tower. The floors were bare, the rooms empty. It was like a crypt in here, dusty and unkept for. I found Kagome's scent, leading up the ancient staircase. Listening closely, I could heard her and Miroku's voice. Sango's shouts were not far behind. They were locked in battle somewhere between the third and fourth floor.
I raced off to aid them, taking the stairs several at a time. 'I'm coming,' I encouraged them mentally. 'Be strong guys, I'll be right there.'
I pulled my sword as I reached the third floor. As I made it to the fourth and beyond, I came into the thick of battle. A glowing arrow whizzed past me. I dodged just in time to see it strike a Golem demon in the chest, instantly destroying it in a shriek and a poof of dust. I heard Sango shout something and she sliced through the air, sword in hand, killing three demons before returning to the ground. Miroku was beating the shit out of a few other demons with that staff of his, and some martial arts moves. Maybe they didn't need me after all.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called, backing away from the battle and coming to my side. She looked from my face, to my bloody hands, to the bleeding wound on my side. "You're hurt!"
"Just a scratch Kagome," I assured her with a smile. "Nothing I can't handle." She didn't look too happy about it, but she nodded grimly and grabbed my free hand.
"We have to get out of here. Naraku is on the top floor, the thirteenth. Miroku and Sango said that they can handle the Golems while we go ahead." I nodded and let her led me through the battle and we raced up the stairs. Miroku and Sango nodded and smiled as we raced to the stairs, a hope for victory shining in their eyes. Kagome felt the same as me, as our eyes briefly met, that we deserved that hope. And that we were victorious.
"Good luck!" Miroku called, hooking down and pushing back with his staff to keep the next wave of opponents at bay. "Kill the fucking bastard!"
"Catch up when you can!" Kagome called to them.
"Be careful Kagome!" Sango yelled, killing another demon. Her eyes watered as we left.
We ran together up the flights of stairs. Fifth, sixth, seventh and beyond. Higher and higher we ran until I glimpsed a sign that read 12th floor. We entered the last staircase and I felt Kagome stiffen. This was it, the moment of truth. She was scared. Her fear filled the air as she proceeded one slow, stiff step at a time. I squeezed her hand reassuringly and she looked back at me.
"No matter what," I whispered. "I'm right here." She smiled and nodded, taking deep breaths as we went reached the door to the third floor. I kicked open the door and we separated. Kagome drew an arrow and notched it, quick as breath, and I drew my sword. There, in the very center of the room, stood Naraku.
His long black hair was pulled back in a long tail. His black eyes sparkled in triumph at the sight of Kagome, standing in his lair layer of what? *snigger* . There was a smug smile on his face, a sight that enraged me more then anything Sesshomaru could ever try to pull. I wanted to rip him to pieces where he stood just for laying his filthy eyes on her. His smirk widened as he spoke. "Welcome."
Okay, chapter 13, short and sweet. 14 is coming, and I'm having such a ball writing it! Expect a really, really shocking ending! Muhahahaha. Shout outs are a'coming'! Thanks to all who reviewed and remember to do so again. We're almost to the end everyone, thanks so much for reading and supporting me. Remember to check out my Rurouni Kenshin fic, Renegade, and my other Inuyasha fic, Tainted Blood. It's rated R for language and sexual situations, buwhahaha! It's not just a pointless angst-high school fic, it's got humor and stuff...blarg, just read it, okay?!?
Mustard Yellow Sunshine: Hehehe, I love cliff-hangers. They make me want to read what happens next all the more. This is the first good cliffy I pulled off, heh. Hai, I was going for evil-cliffie. Anywho, glad you liked the Miroku-Inuyasha guy-talk moment, hehe. I thought it appropriate to lighten the mood. Be ready, only 2 more chapters to go!
Reina1: I thought Inuyasha was cool with a little 'tude. Hehe. Yeah, I wanted a unique story idea. I think I pulled it off good here. And I'm happy you're loving it. I heard that my first chapter is boring, what do you think?
Jupiter's Light: It's sweet?!? YES! I have accomplished yet another dream! Thanks dude! And yes, read more. And don't forget to review! Thanks a bunch!
Eartha: Thanks, I think it's pretty good too. I hope you liked my fluffy/inu showdown. Not that great, I know, but I like Sesshomaru and I didn't want to kill him. And thanks, I never considered using the Rin-hostage thing before, but that helped me out of a corner! Keep on reading! Thanks!
hush: Sorry about the cliffie! Don't hurt me! *hides under the desk* Lol, honors history blows, I have it to. I'm glad you like to procrastinate by reading my stuff! Thanks for the review!
Jessica M: Muhahaha, I didn't think it was 'that' evil. Oh well, read on! Thanks for the review! *bows*
Dragons Maiden: If you think 12 was short, you'll hate me for this one. SORRY!!! Gomen ne!!! *hides some more* 14 is gonna be as long as I can make it, because it's dramatic and climactic! (using vocab words, lol) Anywho, I'm honored that you printed out my story and have it in Miroku's Holy Folder, lol. I too have a folder with my printed fanfics, though they aren't ones I've written...you get the idea. I want a Miroku folder! Oh, and I'm happy to be second after 'You Make Me Retch' I have read that story and love it to pieces! It's hilarious!!! I'm totally honored to be placed in the same room as that one, hehe. *bows deeply* Arigato.
pruningshears: So we meet again! Hehe, it's all my sarcasm really, just being funneled through Inuyasha. I was really nervous when writing Fluffy. I still don't think I do him justice. No one can do him that great, but I try. I would totally read your Kikyou stuff. Like I said, I have great respect for her because for all her Inuyasha-stealing ways, she does help people and I respect that. That incorporation just came to me and I was like, hey that would be so cool! So I wrote it, lol. No, Fluffy can't die. And Inuyasha didn't get impaled--exactly, just stabbed. I need him to help fight Naraku next chapter.
Jaded Hanyou Girl: Hi again! LOL, sorry for the cliff hanger. Everyone is chewing me up for it, lol. And I'm sorry I'm such a distraction. I don't mean to be. But you won't have to wait much longer because it's almost done. And yes, next chapter...Chapter 14....Someone dies!!!! I can't say who, you'll have to wait and see. No one will ever see it coming, muhahah. But, trust me, it's all good. So tell me, you think a sequel is a good idea?
Sesshomaru13: I'm so glad you liked it! I wrote this in hopes that you would like the rest of my fic too, lol. Wow, 5:15! You're either up really early or late for dinner! Hehe, thanks for reading and reviewing!
Hedi Dracona: Dear, dear Hedi, I'm sorry if the cliff-hanger scared you. This is also sort of a cliff hanger, but I want all my fans revved for chapter 14. It's a doozy, that it is. Thanks for the review, keep reading, ok? *hands you an air-sick bag* In case vertigo sets in, hehe!
funmaker: I'm glad you decided to give my fic a chance! Share the love man, tell a friend about my work! I'm also so happy that you like it! I'm updating, so I expect more praise, lol!
Reina1: I'm so happy you think they're cute. I think their cute too, even though I wrote them. My second evil head *cough-Inuyasha-cough* told me to make him a romantic, so I pulled off a fluffier side of the dough-head. I satisfied you're desire for Sesshy, but now I leave you with a tingly wanting of Naraku, buwahahah!
Okay everyone, thanks again for reading. Please remember to review and tell me whether or not you guys want a sequel, okay? Chapter 14 is with my beta and I hope to get it up as soon as I can! Thanks again!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Whyndancer sez:
Fight scene 'A' up and atcha.
Chapter 13: The Heart of the City: Brotherly Love
Sesshomaru charged at me faster than the blink of an eye. I barely blocked. And even through the blade didn't hit me, I was thrown back to the ground. Faster than even I could have ever imagined myself capable of, I was back on my feet and blocking once again with my sword. Those long buried instincts of self-preservation certainly come in handy when in a life-or-death situations.
"I'm impressed, little brother, you actually managed to stay alive longer then five minutes when fighting with me at full power." Even while in the midst of battle, he was still being a stuck-up asshole. Damn him. He would not win this. I could not lose! Not with so much on the line. I've never had anyone depend on me before, and I wouldn't let down the first people to fucking trust me! Not because of Sesshomaru.
"Fuck you Fluffy!" I yelled, pushing with all of my strength. I managed to push his sword away enough to give me a chance to breathe. It wasn't a long break.
Sesshomaru brought his sword up from beneath, whacking my blade back and forcing me to lose my footing. The second I stumbled back he was upon me, his sword slicing at my upper arm. I braced myself for pain, for the agony of the wound, but it never came. The force of the blow would leave a vivid bruise, but there was no cleaving of my flesh, no blood. I looked at my arm once Sesshomaru withdrew the sword. He looked down at my arm as well. It was still in one piece.
'Katia,' I thought with a smirk. Guess there was something to this corny armor after all. I took advantage of Sesshomaru's temporary distraction and used it in my favor. I brought my sword around, knocking him back, and stabbing him across the side. The armor that Sesshomaru wore around his upper chest cracked away under the force of my blow, and the edge of my blade cut into his upper shoulder. Bright crimson blood flowed freely from the cut, spurting out to splash my shirt. 'Fuck!' I thought. 'Can't any of my clothes stay clean? I hope this at least slows him down a little.'
But alas, no. Sesshomaru backed up a pace, but no pain registered on his face. He looked down at his wound and than looked back up to me. He pressed two fingers to the blood that was dripping down his once-white clothes, smearing it with his thumb as if not sure what this liquid was. His eyes flashed red at me, the only emotion I had ever seen him show me.
"I will end this, vile half-breed," he swore, rushing me with his sword poised for the kill. I dodged, rolling to block, but I wasn't fast enough. There is a reason people don't piss off my brother, and I was getting first hand experience in why it was avoided. The biting pain in my side was less than fun.
I rolled away, but the pain followed. Somehow, he had pierced my armor and stabbed me in the side. I pressed my hand to my side and felt the warm, sticky blood seep through my fingers. I looked up at Sesshomaru, he had his bloodied sword ready to strike at me.
I saw red. Not the blood red of my stained hands, but the red rage of anger. Pure, undiluted rage fed me as I surged forward, sword at the side. My speed, my strength, hell, even my fighting skill improved as I lunged at him. Sesshomaru was startled by my sudden assault, stumbling back a little as he moved to quickly block all of my attacks. But no matter how fast he is, my big brother is no match for the anger of a half-breed on a mission.
The clash of metal-against-metal echoed around the tower. Over the din I heard the shouts of people above us, Naraku's men. So the Tower wasn't deserted like the rest of the Heart. They were shouting orders to send help down to Sesshomaru. They could tell he was losing. But Miroku and Sango and Kagome were in the Tower. The reinforcements would come at them head-on. I had to get to them! I had to help them.
"I don't have time to play with you Sesshomaru!" I growled, slashing at him viciously. "I have work to do."
Our swords crossed, bringing our faces mere inches apart. Our eyes locked, amber on amber. Both radiating contempt. "I can not let you pass," he hissed, pushing me back forcefully. I regained my footing immediately.
"Why?" I yelled at him. "Why are you working under Naraku? You're too fucking proud to be a lackey Sesshomaru. Why the hell are you working for someone beneath you?"
He was still poker faced, shifting fluidly out of a fighting stance into that haughty picture of superiority. I bristled at the sight. God, I really wanted to kick his ass, but the sooner this is over, the better. And if I could somehow get away from him without a long, drawn out battle, then praise the lord. All that mattered was getting to Kagome.
"It's true that Naraku is truly low, even lower then you, Inuyasha, which is lower then I care to speak of--"
"Enough of the fucking insults, asshole, get to the point!" I snapped. This was neither the time nor place for a long, drawn out battle of wits. And if it ever came to that, I could totally kick his ass. No one curses more then I do. I smirked at him at my own thoughts. "Talk."
He sniffed, looking very unhappy, but he talked anyway. "I was backed into a corner. I had hoped to kill you at a time of my own choosing, but it seems that it has been rushed. I have no other options, little brother."
Then he came at me before I could react, throwing me to the ground, sword poised over my chest. With an even thrust, the point came down. I pulled up my sword, blocking the blow just in time, but got the blunt end of my own blade smacking down on my ribcage. Pain shot through me, but I was alive. And as long as I was alive, I could fight. I kicked up with my legs, pushing off the ground with my elbows and got to my feet in a smooth motion. Then pushed his sword back. My sensitive ears rang with the sound of scraping metal.
"Bullshit," I spat at him. "You were all too happy to grab a sword at the chance to slit my throat, but I warn you, Sesshomaru," I growled, readying my sword. "I will get past you."
We clashed once more, and this time I was the one to advance. Sesshomaru and I became locked in a tense battle of blade against blade. We attacked and countered so fast that the human eye could barely witness the movements. I blocked and struck, backed up and pressed forward. I was determined to get past him.
Finally, my chance came. Sesshomaru was caught off guard when I feinted to the left and struck upwards. I connected at just the right angle to release his grip on the blade, and I felt a surge of triumph. This was the first time in all of my life that I succeeded in disarming him. His sword clattered to the ground a few feet away. Sesshomaru looked me in the eye, still defiant despite the promise of death. But for all my hate, I couldn't kill the bastard. I can't even begin to explain why, I don't even know for sure. It just wasn't worth killing him when I had other people to save, an Naraku to kill.
"Why?" I asked again. "Tell me WHY!"
"One will do anything for love," he said quietly, almost like an afterthought. Love? My brother? Hold the fucking phone! Did I miss something....again?!?! I paled, lowering my sword a few inches, just openly staring at him.
"What the FUCK are you talking about?" I questioned, astonished.
"Naraku came to me, a few weeks ago, where I have been living outside the city. I did not really trust his scent, but I tolerated his presence when he said wished to make a deal for the use of my skills. I declined, but then he subtly mentioned what he could do if I refused."
"And what's that?" I asked, raising my sword again. He eyed the sword and me with distaste, as if not believing he was divulging such things to me.
"Her name is Rin," he said nonchalantly, eyes leaving me long enough to shift to the upper levels of the Tower before coming back to me. "He took her from me and said that if I valued her life, then I would do as he said without question."
I struggled to process this. Let's break this down, yes? My brother, Sesshomaru, the world's biggest hard-ass, the biggest bastard ever, the most frustrating, irritating prick that had ever walked the earth... was in love? He was being blackmailed to work for Naraku. My head hurt thinking about it.
"Let me ask you one question," I said slowly, venomously. This was the one thing that I had to know. "You were sent to kill me, but would you have killed her?" By 'Her' I meant Kagome and he knew that. He met my gaze levelly and was silent for one long, thoughtful moment. I swore to myself that if he said yes, I would run him through right here on the steps of the Tower.
"No," he said evenly. "I was sent to collect her, not kill her." It eased my mind a fraction. At least Kagome was safe from him, well as safe as she really could be considering she just entered the lion's den.
"If you want Rin to live," I said slowly. "Then I suggest you fight for her life. We're taking the Tower, whether or not you let us." I sheathed my sword and turned away from him, leaping up toward the entrance. "Think about it," I called over my shoulder. "Fight for her." Then I turned away and I didn't hear him follow me.
I sniffed the air once I entered the tower. The floors were bare, the rooms empty. It was like a crypt in here, dusty and unkept for. I found Kagome's scent, leading up the ancient staircase. Listening closely, I could heard her and Miroku's voice. Sango's shouts were not far behind. They were locked in battle somewhere between the third and fourth floor.
I raced off to aid them, taking the stairs several at a time. 'I'm coming,' I encouraged them mentally. 'Be strong guys, I'll be right there.'
I pulled my sword as I reached the third floor. As I made it to the fourth and beyond, I came into the thick of battle. A glowing arrow whizzed past me. I dodged just in time to see it strike a Golem demon in the chest, instantly destroying it in a shriek and a poof of dust. I heard Sango shout something and she sliced through the air, sword in hand, killing three demons before returning to the ground. Miroku was beating the shit out of a few other demons with that staff of his, and some martial arts moves. Maybe they didn't need me after all.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called, backing away from the battle and coming to my side. She looked from my face, to my bloody hands, to the bleeding wound on my side. "You're hurt!"
"Just a scratch Kagome," I assured her with a smile. "Nothing I can't handle." She didn't look too happy about it, but she nodded grimly and grabbed my free hand.
"We have to get out of here. Naraku is on the top floor, the thirteenth. Miroku and Sango said that they can handle the Golems while we go ahead." I nodded and let her led me through the battle and we raced up the stairs. Miroku and Sango nodded and smiled as we raced to the stairs, a hope for victory shining in their eyes. Kagome felt the same as me, as our eyes briefly met, that we deserved that hope. And that we were victorious.
"Good luck!" Miroku called, hooking down and pushing back with his staff to keep the next wave of opponents at bay. "Kill the fucking bastard!"
"Catch up when you can!" Kagome called to them.
"Be careful Kagome!" Sango yelled, killing another demon. Her eyes watered as we left.
We ran together up the flights of stairs. Fifth, sixth, seventh and beyond. Higher and higher we ran until I glimpsed a sign that read 12th floor. We entered the last staircase and I felt Kagome stiffen. This was it, the moment of truth. She was scared. Her fear filled the air as she proceeded one slow, stiff step at a time. I squeezed her hand reassuringly and she looked back at me.
"No matter what," I whispered. "I'm right here." She smiled and nodded, taking deep breaths as we went reached the door to the third floor. I kicked open the door and we separated. Kagome drew an arrow and notched it, quick as breath, and I drew my sword. There, in the very center of the room, stood Naraku.
His long black hair was pulled back in a long tail. His black eyes sparkled in triumph at the sight of Kagome, standing in his lair layer of what? *snigger* . There was a smug smile on his face, a sight that enraged me more then anything Sesshomaru could ever try to pull. I wanted to rip him to pieces where he stood just for laying his filthy eyes on her. His smirk widened as he spoke. "Welcome."
Okay, chapter 13, short and sweet. 14 is coming, and I'm having such a ball writing it! Expect a really, really shocking ending! Muhahahaha. Shout outs are a'coming'! Thanks to all who reviewed and remember to do so again. We're almost to the end everyone, thanks so much for reading and supporting me. Remember to check out my Rurouni Kenshin fic, Renegade, and my other Inuyasha fic, Tainted Blood. It's rated R for language and sexual situations, buwhahaha! It's not just a pointless angst-high school fic, it's got humor and stuff...blarg, just read it, okay?!?
Mustard Yellow Sunshine: Hehehe, I love cliff-hangers. They make me want to read what happens next all the more. This is the first good cliffy I pulled off, heh. Hai, I was going for evil-cliffie. Anywho, glad you liked the Miroku-Inuyasha guy-talk moment, hehe. I thought it appropriate to lighten the mood. Be ready, only 2 more chapters to go!
Reina1: I thought Inuyasha was cool with a little 'tude. Hehe. Yeah, I wanted a unique story idea. I think I pulled it off good here. And I'm happy you're loving it. I heard that my first chapter is boring, what do you think?
Jupiter's Light: It's sweet?!? YES! I have accomplished yet another dream! Thanks dude! And yes, read more. And don't forget to review! Thanks a bunch!
Eartha: Thanks, I think it's pretty good too. I hope you liked my fluffy/inu showdown. Not that great, I know, but I like Sesshomaru and I didn't want to kill him. And thanks, I never considered using the Rin-hostage thing before, but that helped me out of a corner! Keep on reading! Thanks!
hush: Sorry about the cliffie! Don't hurt me! *hides under the desk* Lol, honors history blows, I have it to. I'm glad you like to procrastinate by reading my stuff! Thanks for the review!
Jessica M: Muhahaha, I didn't think it was 'that' evil. Oh well, read on! Thanks for the review! *bows*
Dragons Maiden: If you think 12 was short, you'll hate me for this one. SORRY!!! Gomen ne!!! *hides some more* 14 is gonna be as long as I can make it, because it's dramatic and climactic! (using vocab words, lol) Anywho, I'm honored that you printed out my story and have it in Miroku's Holy Folder, lol. I too have a folder with my printed fanfics, though they aren't ones I've written...you get the idea. I want a Miroku folder! Oh, and I'm happy to be second after 'You Make Me Retch' I have read that story and love it to pieces! It's hilarious!!! I'm totally honored to be placed in the same room as that one, hehe. *bows deeply* Arigato.
pruningshears: So we meet again! Hehe, it's all my sarcasm really, just being funneled through Inuyasha. I was really nervous when writing Fluffy. I still don't think I do him justice. No one can do him that great, but I try. I would totally read your Kikyou stuff. Like I said, I have great respect for her because for all her Inuyasha-stealing ways, she does help people and I respect that. That incorporation just came to me and I was like, hey that would be so cool! So I wrote it, lol. No, Fluffy can't die. And Inuyasha didn't get impaled--exactly, just stabbed. I need him to help fight Naraku next chapter.
Jaded Hanyou Girl: Hi again! LOL, sorry for the cliff hanger. Everyone is chewing me up for it, lol. And I'm sorry I'm such a distraction. I don't mean to be. But you won't have to wait much longer because it's almost done. And yes, next chapter...Chapter 14....Someone dies!!!! I can't say who, you'll have to wait and see. No one will ever see it coming, muhahah. But, trust me, it's all good. So tell me, you think a sequel is a good idea?
Sesshomaru13: I'm so glad you liked it! I wrote this in hopes that you would like the rest of my fic too, lol. Wow, 5:15! You're either up really early or late for dinner! Hehe, thanks for reading and reviewing!
Hedi Dracona: Dear, dear Hedi, I'm sorry if the cliff-hanger scared you. This is also sort of a cliff hanger, but I want all my fans revved for chapter 14. It's a doozy, that it is. Thanks for the review, keep reading, ok? *hands you an air-sick bag* In case vertigo sets in, hehe!
funmaker: I'm glad you decided to give my fic a chance! Share the love man, tell a friend about my work! I'm also so happy that you like it! I'm updating, so I expect more praise, lol!
Reina1: I'm so happy you think they're cute. I think their cute too, even though I wrote them. My second evil head *cough-Inuyasha-cough* told me to make him a romantic, so I pulled off a fluffier side of the dough-head. I satisfied you're desire for Sesshy, but now I leave you with a tingly wanting of Naraku, buwahahah!
Okay everyone, thanks again for reading. Please remember to review and tell me whether or not you guys want a sequel, okay? Chapter 14 is with my beta and I hope to get it up as soon as I can! Thanks again!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~