~Disclaimer.....I don't own InuYasha. Jodea Moondreamer does. I do however have a new pet! And though I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! I do own Malik! ^_^
Nika: "Well, I should tell you what has happened. Fluffy realized his true feelings for me and asked me to be his mate, seeing as how I'm 75% demon. I agreed and we took a little vacation to the Bahamas. Well, unfortunatly the people at the airport freaked out at seeing a demon and darted him. He spent the entire two weeks unconscious in our hotel room! Seems animal tranquilizer has an increased effect on dog demons... Well, I wasn't about to waste the trip and headed down to the beach. There I met the most incredible bish ever! His name was Malik and we spent most of the trip together, torturing and killing innocent humans. heh-heh, yeah now you know my secret...I'M TOTALLY EVIL!!! Most fangirls are, you just don't know it til it's too late. Weeeeelll, Fluffy still doesn't know about Malik and we're back home. Now, I'm trying to catch up on my writing and Fluffy is in the kitchen, getting a snack.)
(Fluffy walks in with toaster strudel hanging out of his mouth)
Sesshoumaru: (muffled) What are you doing?
Nika: (with false cheeriness) Nothing! Just writing, Fluffykins! Why don't you go watch Baywatch til I'm done?
Sesshoumaru: (sitting down on the bed) What'cha writing?
Nika: (screams in terror) Not there!! Don't sit there!!
(A scream is heard from the 'pillow' that Fluffy had sat on)
Sesshoumaru: (jumps up) What the hell!?
(Fluffy throws back the covers and Malik jumps up and dashes, terrified and butt-naked, for the door, clutching the Sennen Rod)
Sesshoumaru: WHO THE HELL IS THAT!?"
(Nika bows her head at the inescapable carnage to come and Malik whirls around, forgetting his nudity)
Malik: Hah! No one can defeat the great Malik! (holds Sennen Rod over his head and it glows) You shall become my mind-slave!!
(Nika shakes her head as nothing happens)
Malik: ...huh..? What happened?
Nika: He's a demon. That won't work on him, and I suggest you run...
(Malik runs out the front door with Fluffy on his heels)
Sesshoumaru: I'll get you, you homewrecker! No one touches my mate!!
(Fluffy is now sniffing around the front yard, searching for Malik's scent)
Sesshoumaru: I know he's around here somewhere... WHY CAN'T I FIND HIM!!?
Nika: *sigh* Good thing I used that concealment spell on him.
(Nika tosses a shivering Malik his clothes, where he's hiding under the front steps. Unfortunately, this breaks the spell.)
Sesshoumaru: HA! There you are!!
(Malik drops his clothes and runs)
Nika: OHGOD!! Sess-chan!! NO!!! Run, Malik-kun!! RUN!!!
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Naraku had dismissed Kagura and was calmly awaiting Shizuka's arrival. Well, calmly hadn't worked, and he was now pacing in front of the throne. He still couldn't get the woman out of his head! He had thought his facination with her would go away, but it had only grown. And now it was becoming an obsession. He was considering going after her when he felt a strange force surround him. But it wasn't just him, it was his entire castle! He crossed the room and went to look out a window. That was when he saw a strange purple dome, completely enclosing the castle and it's surrounding lands. It blocked out the sun and completely cut off the outside world. Suddenly a dark wind blew in appearantly from nowhere and Shizuka appeared in front of him.
Her long black hair still covered her shoulder and her eyes had gone slightly black again. She had a wicked smirk on her face and said teasingly, "Miss me?"
He did not like her implacations, even if it was true. He would never admit it! "Of course not," he said coldly.
She, however, was enjoying her little game and said sweetly, "Are you sure?"
He was considering a response when a thought struck him. "Are you not worried about your sister?" he asked, "She is still suffering the effects of her spying on me. Should you not desire to stay by her side until she awakens?"
Suddenly, her face fell and her eyes lost some of their darkness. She said sadly, "No. If I were to stay with her, she would only be in danger."
Now he was thoroughly confused, as well as supremely intrigued. "Why?" he asked.
Shizuka spun around, her hair twirling about her and falling back into place. Although he couldn't see her face, he could hear the venom in her voice. "Because," she began, "She is pure and innocent, my complete opposite. I've already taken the first steps toward my doom, and I don't want to drag her down with me."
He couldn't understand what she was talking about. Yes, the child was exceptionally pure. And she obviously was not, judging from what he had seen and heard. He had so many questions running through his head, but didn't know what to ask her. Suddenly he remembered the magical dome. "What have you done to my home?" he questioned
Shizuka had been lost in her own despair when he spoke. She desperately wanted to be with her little sister, more than anything. She had been completly cut off from her for five long years. If they both hadn't have joined that ridiculus fanclub, she may never have seen her again. And now, she probably never would. She couldn't risk losing herself while in Asami's presence, and she only hoped that she would regain consciousness and return through the well, leaving her there, alone with her pain. When Naraku spoke, it was of something she had done in a darker moment. So, of course, it made sense that her darker side would take over to explain. Her eyes darkened again, the green fading slightly more, and she turned back to face him.
Her hair fell behind her, exposing her shoulder to him for the first time, and she said cooly, "I did not consider your defenses adequete, so I erected a barrier around this area. Nothing can penitrate it from outside. Nothing."
Naraku nearly gasped when he saw her shoulder. He no longer cared about the silly barrier and despritly wanted to help her in some way. "What did the miko's arrow do to you?" he asked, pretending not to be concerned by her plight.
She looked down at her wound and said offhandedly, "This?" She looked back at him and said, "This is nothing. Merely a revealing of myself. But if it disturbs you, I shall alter it accordingly."
Without moving she began to 'heal' her wound. Skin grew to replace the darkness of the void and her entire shoulder reformed itself.
Her tattered clothes hung from her body, nearly exposing her breast, and Naraku merely stared in amazement. She was definitely an intresting creature. To have healed so great a wound in mere seconds and to say it was nothing? Her power was unfathomable. But as he stared at her in facination, he noticed something disturbing.
"Why have your eyes not returned to their previous color?" he asked
Shizuka smiled and replied, "Because, their previous color was an illusion." She held out her arms to her sides and said, "Just as the physical form you see before you is mearly a vessel, containing within it something that will ultimately be unleashed upon an unsuspecting world."
She lowered her arms and cocked her head to the side. "Are you not the same?" she questioned. At his silence, she walked around him and plopped down arrogantly on his throne. She hung one leg over the arm and continued, "Are you not something that has chosen to remain in this form, for a time?"
He hated being reminded of his past, but he answered truthfully. "I am." he said. "This form is no more perminent to me than the countless others I have taken."
She smiled again and said, "Then you see, I am more than any creature this world has ever seen. Just as you are not what you seem, neither am I." She flicked a hand in his direction. "You look human, as do I. Yet you have great power, as do I. There is a deep darkness within your soul, yet something holds you back. Stops you from releasing it. I have that too. For me, the something is my little sister. For you, it is a perverse kind of love harbored by the part of you that was Onigumo for the undead miko, Kikyo." She chuckled darkly and said, "But now, I have rid you of that. And you are free to unleash that darkness." She leaned forward, closer, so they were only inches apart. "But there is yet something else holding you back. Do you feel it? Do you feel the fire, burning deep within your soul? Yes, even you have a soul, Naraku. One that is incomplete. One that pulls you, draws you uncontrolably toward your fate. Do you feel that fire?"
He had long since lost himself in the dark depths of her eyes, now almost completely black, empy and souless. "Yes," he whispered, "I feel it."
She lowered her voice, almost to a whisper and said, "That is your purpose, Naraku. Your reason for existing." She reached out and took his hand, placing it on her chest. "What do you feel?" she asked.
He was having trouble focusing on her words, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. *What a strange effect she's having on me*, he thought. But when his hand touched her chest, he instantly snapped back to himself. The warmth he felt went beyond body heat. It was like her soul was on fire, and he could feel it! He jerked his hand away and stepped back to clear his mind. "What are you!?" he choked. Then realizing that he was no longer speaking to the same woman who had originally entered that room, he said a bit quieter, "Who are you? You're not the same woman, are you?"
She sat back, unaffected by his outburst. She began twirling her hair around her finger and said tauntingly, "Now why would you say that? Is it because I'm no longer sweet and innocent? I assure you, it was all an act." She released her hair and became strangely still. "I have been buried away in this flesh for seven long years. It was too long."
He gave her a look of distrust and she said, "Well, you honestly don't think I left my family of my own free will, do you? No. That was my mother's doing. My mother wasn't Clan, so how could she understand? How could she know what she had given birth to?" She suddenly leaped forward and appeared not an inch from his nose. "Did you know," she began, "The Clan had been trying for nearly five hundred years to create me?"
He took a step back from her, but she seemed not to care and turned her back to him. She studied the birds outside the window, trying in vain to escape the dark prison suddenly forced upon them. She chucked to herself and said, "My father was ecstatic when he learned of my true idenity. Finally, the One had been born! The one who would cleanse this world of the foul creatures that inhabit it and return all life to the void from whence it came!" She chuckled again and lowered her head, shaking it slightly. "How disheartened he was when he learned I was imcomplete. That my power was only what came after...after the gates were opened. Hmph! And then my mother! Spitting on magic while using a powerful spell to seal me away. To bring out my light!" She whirled on him and said curiously, "How many people would you say you've killed?"
He stuttered and said, "I...I don't know. Hundreds? Thousands?" He didn't see why it would matter. And most importantly, he was beginning to see that having any contact with her had been the wrong thing. He was now beginning to fear for his life, and he had never been afraid for his life. But this woman was something that even he shouldn't have tampered with. And yet, he still felt drawn to her. As if he couldn't bear to be without her.
She sniffed and said, "Yes, I suppose. A few hundred. Not nearly enough. My own father scolded me for killing the court members. But they had been born for me, so their lives were mine to do with as I pleased. But, he was only human. And when mother took me away, I actually felt sorrow and regret for such actions taken. But now, thanks to you, my first half, I have been released. And now, the time is at hand!"
'First half' What was she talking about? He began to ask, but she stopped him.
"You're wondering what I'm talking about, right?" she said. "I shall tell you, but I'm afraid we may not have long to talk." She glanced over her shoulder, out the window and seeing beyond the barrier. *You're coming for me now.* she thought to herself sadly. *You're coming for me and the game is almost over.*
Meanwhile:
Kagome, InuYasha, Sango and Shippo were sitting on the floor of the hut watching Miroku, chanting over the continually unconscious form of Asami. They all wondered if Shizuka was alright, but she seemed quite confident in her ability to protect herself, and Asami required the monks attentions. So there they sat, trying to be calm and all shifting from side to side in worry. Miroku suddenly stopped chanting and they all leaned forward, fearing the worst. But then the long unconscious girl shifted and then sat straight up.
"Shizuka!" she cried.
Kagome jumped and rushed to her side, nearly knocking Miroku over. "Asami!" she said. "You're awake!" Then she hung her head, remembering the girls cry for her sister. "I'm sorry," she said. "Shizuka's not here..."
Asami's eyes were wide and she exclaimed, "I know! I've been dreaming of her. Though my body slept, my mind raced. While I slept, all was revealed to me." She looked from Kagome to InuYasha. Then from Miroku to Sango. And finally she said, "It's all coming together..." She took a deep breath and said, "Will you fight for the fate of all life?"
Each of those present looked at her in confusion.
She lowered her eyes and said softly, "This universe rests upon six pillars, each equal and opposite. Four for life and two for death. These pillars are beings that transcend all other creations. Throughout time they are reborn, over and over, into the bodys of mortal creatures. And each time they are reborn, they are drawn together and vie for domination. The four pillars of life must unite to overcome those of death, allowing life to continue. But should the two overcome the four, the universe will be plunged back into the eternal chaos of the void. The last time such a battle took place, the two were victorious and all life ceased to be. However, even while all life ended, the four survived and, using their love for each other, allowed the universe to be reborn. Now the time for battle has come again." She raised her eyes and said, "The pillars have been reborn and all life hangs in the balance."
Everyone was silent for a moment as they soaked in her words. InuYasha was the first to speak.
"Wait a minute!!" he yelled. "You expect us to believe that Kagome, Sango, that perverted monk and I ARE THE FOUR PILLARS OF LIFE?!?! And that your SISTER and NARAKU are the TWO OF DEATH!!?"
Asami blanched and said startled, "Actually, I'm surprised you managed to fit it all together so quick." She quickly corrected herself and managed to regain her composure. "Yes, InuYasha is correct. The four of you must fight to protect this world."
Kagome began waving her hands frantically and said, "Wait a minute! Wait a minute!!" She took a deep breath and said, "Why was your sister and I born into the future if the battle is supposed to take place in the past? That doesn't make sense. And another thing! How can Shizuka be one of the pillars of death when she's decended from Miroku and Sango!? Who are both pillars of life!!"
Miroku and Sango both blushed and Sango quickly said, "No one ever said she was both of our descendant! Just houshi-sama!"
Asami smiled slightly and said, "Actually, Kagome-sama is correct. Both I and my sister are direct descendants of both you and Miroku-san." Her smile faded and she continued, "And the reason you were not born in this time, is because time was needed to prepare mortal flesh to accept a pillar of darkness. Where a pillar of light actually bonds mortal flesh together, a pillar of death would tear it apart. Naraku is an exception. When the thief Onigumo gave his body to become more powerful, one of the pillars of darkness saw their chance and merged with what came from his dark desires. Kagome-sama, the truth is, you WERE born into this time. As the miko, Kikyou. But her coruption and premature death at the hands of one of the pillars of darkness caused your soul to flee to the future, where it would be safe. To be honest, I have seen not one, but two battles for domination of the universe in your future. One which is fast approaching, and one which will not occur for some time. I can't reveal anymore to you, for we have only hours in which to halt this appocalypse."
They all paled and Sango said quietly, "Tell us what to do."
Asami stood, followed by the others and said, "We must go to Naraku's domain. There we will all fight against, and destroy, Naraku and Shizuka."
Kagome put her hand gently on Asami's arm and said, "But, she's your sister. Isn't there some way to save her?"
Asami shook her head and said, "No, she's not my sister any longer. Nor was she ever, really."
But finally Miroku spoke, "Why are you not evil?" he asked.
They all looked at him in confusion and he explained, "Shizuka told us about how she is completely consumed by the wind tunnel, the void. Aren't you too?"
Asami once again shook her head and said, "No. I carry no sign of my family's curse."
Miroku said startled, "But, that's impossible."
Asami smiled and said sofly, "No, it's not. And I thank both you and Sango-san for that. If you had not done what you will, I would never have been born."
They all crooked an eye at her and Kagome suddenly screamed, "WILL YOU JUST TELL US WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!"
She began breathing heavily and glaring at the startled girl. But she regained her cool and said sheepishly, "Oops! Must be that kikyou thing... Heh-heh..."
Asami stared at Kagome stunned at her outburst, but just nodded as if she understood and said, "Very well. My ancestors one day cast a spell upon themselves so that when the pillar of darkness was born, a second child would be born that would be able to counter her power by leading the four pillars of light in their path. That's why I'm here, to lead you to my sister."
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(A/N) I know I haven't updated in a while, but guess what! I don't care!! That's right, I don't care!! I went on an extended writing hiatus and now I'm back! I've got three other stories I'm working on and none of them are going that well.. And not many people reviewed my fic, "Payback's Hell" It's really funny!! And my Malik-kun dances butt-naked on top of a car!! So do Seto, Jou, Bakura, a reluctant Ryou, Yami, Otogi... yeah, lots of bishys strip down and streak across a busy city street, stop traffic and dance naked on Yami's car!! Then they streak though the city after they lose their clothes and get caught on tape, chased by police, and put on the news!! It's much funny than this... And that was definately a plug for my other fic! So pay attention and go read it!! Doesn't matter if you even watch Yu-Gi-Oh! I've got pictures!!! If you don't know how bishy someone is, just email me and I'll send you a picture of them. Probably in the nude!! Ladies love nude bishys! ^_^
But I'm back now and I'm trying to finish this! I'm seriously thinking of making it a "and the world ends and everything is screwed up" ending. What do you think? Or it could all be nothing more than a dream had by a fangirl... or maybe it'll be a happily ever after ending? Don't know...and this is nothing like I started out to make it! Well, read and review! And if you have already read the other chapters, I suggest you go back and re-read them. I tried to make them better, but I doubt I succeded.
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Thank you to: SasamiKuwaii, hitomi, Anime-Nightcats-From-Hell, Amai Kaminari(also ANFH), Dragon Fire, MaytheVampirechick
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SasamiKuwaii: Thank you! Believe me, this fic WILL see it's end!! I'm not going to stop until it's completed!
hitomi: Wow, thanks! And...ugh! You have no idea how hard it's been to keep this lemonless. I've had sooooo many ideas for lemons. I even wrote one out! But I didn't put it in....*ahem*...it would have occured in this chapter. Most of them are Naraku/Shizuka lemons and are very dark...I'm probably going to post a NC-17 version at adultfanfiction.net.... No, I don't know Escaflowne. sorry. Yes, the Sake Sisters are real! As of now they consist of me, my cousin Lady Yuki, Jodea, Hakura, Sentara, Sara and lilhillbillie. We'll be coming to kidnap bishys near you soon! In my new fic, "The Great Bishy Abduction"! Oh, yes. There will be Jaken-bashing! Well, actually he won't survive for long. Let's just say Rin's dragon has a midnight snack! ^_^ The questions asked of Sess-chan will be a hundred times more humiliating than anyone could possibily think up! Well, maybe not that far...but they'll still be pretty good!! And actually I DON'T have spell check!! I just happen to spell this way! And sometimes I do mess up, I just wish someone would tell me when I do!! I've got five fics up and I'm working on four of them! So there's no way I'm starting a new fic now! *coughyeahrightcough* But I'm hoping to finish this one soon, and get a new chapter up on my others.
Anime-Nightcats-From-Hell.....or Amai Kaminari...whatever you call yourself: Sure, I guess you can be a Sake Sister, but you have to email me... I usually only let my friends join, that way I have a better idea of what they're like.
Dragon Fire: Fluffy: Chaos, I don't suppose you could help me with a little problem I seem to have developed? You see, Nika is spending quite a bit of time with that pathetic human named Malik. Honestly, I don't know how she can stand him...I mean, he's a HUMAN! But I digress... Well, she has forbidden me to kill him and has actually moved him in! He even sleeps in her bed! That spot should be reserved for me, HER MATE!!! *ahem* Well, I was just hoping you could help me fix this little 'problem'...discreetly. Nika: WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON MY COMPUTER!!?? GET AWAY FROM THERE!! Fluffy: Oops! Gotta go!! Nika: Bad dog! You sleep on the couch tonight! Fluffy: Oh, that's a surprise... Nika: Well, I'm glad you like my fics that much! Sure, print out all you want! Just make sure you give me credit!! ^_^
MaytheVampirechick: Um...thanks for saying that...but, well, annon's not so bad. She just kinda snapped! You'll notice I've removed my little 'rant' about her. Basically, think of her as a PMSing Kagome and I'm InuYasha. She went over the deep end and I just happened to be in her way... But thanks anyway!! Fluffy: Grrrrr.... no one messes with my mate! Nika: A little territorial, aren't we?
Nika: "Well, I should tell you what has happened. Fluffy realized his true feelings for me and asked me to be his mate, seeing as how I'm 75% demon. I agreed and we took a little vacation to the Bahamas. Well, unfortunatly the people at the airport freaked out at seeing a demon and darted him. He spent the entire two weeks unconscious in our hotel room! Seems animal tranquilizer has an increased effect on dog demons... Well, I wasn't about to waste the trip and headed down to the beach. There I met the most incredible bish ever! His name was Malik and we spent most of the trip together, torturing and killing innocent humans. heh-heh, yeah now you know my secret...I'M TOTALLY EVIL!!! Most fangirls are, you just don't know it til it's too late. Weeeeelll, Fluffy still doesn't know about Malik and we're back home. Now, I'm trying to catch up on my writing and Fluffy is in the kitchen, getting a snack.)
(Fluffy walks in with toaster strudel hanging out of his mouth)
Sesshoumaru: (muffled) What are you doing?
Nika: (with false cheeriness) Nothing! Just writing, Fluffykins! Why don't you go watch Baywatch til I'm done?
Sesshoumaru: (sitting down on the bed) What'cha writing?
Nika: (screams in terror) Not there!! Don't sit there!!
(A scream is heard from the 'pillow' that Fluffy had sat on)
Sesshoumaru: (jumps up) What the hell!?
(Fluffy throws back the covers and Malik jumps up and dashes, terrified and butt-naked, for the door, clutching the Sennen Rod)
Sesshoumaru: WHO THE HELL IS THAT!?"
(Nika bows her head at the inescapable carnage to come and Malik whirls around, forgetting his nudity)
Malik: Hah! No one can defeat the great Malik! (holds Sennen Rod over his head and it glows) You shall become my mind-slave!!
(Nika shakes her head as nothing happens)
Malik: ...huh..? What happened?
Nika: He's a demon. That won't work on him, and I suggest you run...
(Malik runs out the front door with Fluffy on his heels)
Sesshoumaru: I'll get you, you homewrecker! No one touches my mate!!
(Fluffy is now sniffing around the front yard, searching for Malik's scent)
Sesshoumaru: I know he's around here somewhere... WHY CAN'T I FIND HIM!!?
Nika: *sigh* Good thing I used that concealment spell on him.
(Nika tosses a shivering Malik his clothes, where he's hiding under the front steps. Unfortunately, this breaks the spell.)
Sesshoumaru: HA! There you are!!
(Malik drops his clothes and runs)
Nika: OHGOD!! Sess-chan!! NO!!! Run, Malik-kun!! RUN!!!
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Naraku had dismissed Kagura and was calmly awaiting Shizuka's arrival. Well, calmly hadn't worked, and he was now pacing in front of the throne. He still couldn't get the woman out of his head! He had thought his facination with her would go away, but it had only grown. And now it was becoming an obsession. He was considering going after her when he felt a strange force surround him. But it wasn't just him, it was his entire castle! He crossed the room and went to look out a window. That was when he saw a strange purple dome, completely enclosing the castle and it's surrounding lands. It blocked out the sun and completely cut off the outside world. Suddenly a dark wind blew in appearantly from nowhere and Shizuka appeared in front of him.
Her long black hair still covered her shoulder and her eyes had gone slightly black again. She had a wicked smirk on her face and said teasingly, "Miss me?"
He did not like her implacations, even if it was true. He would never admit it! "Of course not," he said coldly.
She, however, was enjoying her little game and said sweetly, "Are you sure?"
He was considering a response when a thought struck him. "Are you not worried about your sister?" he asked, "She is still suffering the effects of her spying on me. Should you not desire to stay by her side until she awakens?"
Suddenly, her face fell and her eyes lost some of their darkness. She said sadly, "No. If I were to stay with her, she would only be in danger."
Now he was thoroughly confused, as well as supremely intrigued. "Why?" he asked.
Shizuka spun around, her hair twirling about her and falling back into place. Although he couldn't see her face, he could hear the venom in her voice. "Because," she began, "She is pure and innocent, my complete opposite. I've already taken the first steps toward my doom, and I don't want to drag her down with me."
He couldn't understand what she was talking about. Yes, the child was exceptionally pure. And she obviously was not, judging from what he had seen and heard. He had so many questions running through his head, but didn't know what to ask her. Suddenly he remembered the magical dome. "What have you done to my home?" he questioned
Shizuka had been lost in her own despair when he spoke. She desperately wanted to be with her little sister, more than anything. She had been completly cut off from her for five long years. If they both hadn't have joined that ridiculus fanclub, she may never have seen her again. And now, she probably never would. She couldn't risk losing herself while in Asami's presence, and she only hoped that she would regain consciousness and return through the well, leaving her there, alone with her pain. When Naraku spoke, it was of something she had done in a darker moment. So, of course, it made sense that her darker side would take over to explain. Her eyes darkened again, the green fading slightly more, and she turned back to face him.
Her hair fell behind her, exposing her shoulder to him for the first time, and she said cooly, "I did not consider your defenses adequete, so I erected a barrier around this area. Nothing can penitrate it from outside. Nothing."
Naraku nearly gasped when he saw her shoulder. He no longer cared about the silly barrier and despritly wanted to help her in some way. "What did the miko's arrow do to you?" he asked, pretending not to be concerned by her plight.
She looked down at her wound and said offhandedly, "This?" She looked back at him and said, "This is nothing. Merely a revealing of myself. But if it disturbs you, I shall alter it accordingly."
Without moving she began to 'heal' her wound. Skin grew to replace the darkness of the void and her entire shoulder reformed itself.
Her tattered clothes hung from her body, nearly exposing her breast, and Naraku merely stared in amazement. She was definitely an intresting creature. To have healed so great a wound in mere seconds and to say it was nothing? Her power was unfathomable. But as he stared at her in facination, he noticed something disturbing.
"Why have your eyes not returned to their previous color?" he asked
Shizuka smiled and replied, "Because, their previous color was an illusion." She held out her arms to her sides and said, "Just as the physical form you see before you is mearly a vessel, containing within it something that will ultimately be unleashed upon an unsuspecting world."
She lowered her arms and cocked her head to the side. "Are you not the same?" she questioned. At his silence, she walked around him and plopped down arrogantly on his throne. She hung one leg over the arm and continued, "Are you not something that has chosen to remain in this form, for a time?"
He hated being reminded of his past, but he answered truthfully. "I am." he said. "This form is no more perminent to me than the countless others I have taken."
She smiled again and said, "Then you see, I am more than any creature this world has ever seen. Just as you are not what you seem, neither am I." She flicked a hand in his direction. "You look human, as do I. Yet you have great power, as do I. There is a deep darkness within your soul, yet something holds you back. Stops you from releasing it. I have that too. For me, the something is my little sister. For you, it is a perverse kind of love harbored by the part of you that was Onigumo for the undead miko, Kikyo." She chuckled darkly and said, "But now, I have rid you of that. And you are free to unleash that darkness." She leaned forward, closer, so they were only inches apart. "But there is yet something else holding you back. Do you feel it? Do you feel the fire, burning deep within your soul? Yes, even you have a soul, Naraku. One that is incomplete. One that pulls you, draws you uncontrolably toward your fate. Do you feel that fire?"
He had long since lost himself in the dark depths of her eyes, now almost completely black, empy and souless. "Yes," he whispered, "I feel it."
She lowered her voice, almost to a whisper and said, "That is your purpose, Naraku. Your reason for existing." She reached out and took his hand, placing it on her chest. "What do you feel?" she asked.
He was having trouble focusing on her words, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. *What a strange effect she's having on me*, he thought. But when his hand touched her chest, he instantly snapped back to himself. The warmth he felt went beyond body heat. It was like her soul was on fire, and he could feel it! He jerked his hand away and stepped back to clear his mind. "What are you!?" he choked. Then realizing that he was no longer speaking to the same woman who had originally entered that room, he said a bit quieter, "Who are you? You're not the same woman, are you?"
She sat back, unaffected by his outburst. She began twirling her hair around her finger and said tauntingly, "Now why would you say that? Is it because I'm no longer sweet and innocent? I assure you, it was all an act." She released her hair and became strangely still. "I have been buried away in this flesh for seven long years. It was too long."
He gave her a look of distrust and she said, "Well, you honestly don't think I left my family of my own free will, do you? No. That was my mother's doing. My mother wasn't Clan, so how could she understand? How could she know what she had given birth to?" She suddenly leaped forward and appeared not an inch from his nose. "Did you know," she began, "The Clan had been trying for nearly five hundred years to create me?"
He took a step back from her, but she seemed not to care and turned her back to him. She studied the birds outside the window, trying in vain to escape the dark prison suddenly forced upon them. She chucked to herself and said, "My father was ecstatic when he learned of my true idenity. Finally, the One had been born! The one who would cleanse this world of the foul creatures that inhabit it and return all life to the void from whence it came!" She chuckled again and lowered her head, shaking it slightly. "How disheartened he was when he learned I was imcomplete. That my power was only what came after...after the gates were opened. Hmph! And then my mother! Spitting on magic while using a powerful spell to seal me away. To bring out my light!" She whirled on him and said curiously, "How many people would you say you've killed?"
He stuttered and said, "I...I don't know. Hundreds? Thousands?" He didn't see why it would matter. And most importantly, he was beginning to see that having any contact with her had been the wrong thing. He was now beginning to fear for his life, and he had never been afraid for his life. But this woman was something that even he shouldn't have tampered with. And yet, he still felt drawn to her. As if he couldn't bear to be without her.
She sniffed and said, "Yes, I suppose. A few hundred. Not nearly enough. My own father scolded me for killing the court members. But they had been born for me, so their lives were mine to do with as I pleased. But, he was only human. And when mother took me away, I actually felt sorrow and regret for such actions taken. But now, thanks to you, my first half, I have been released. And now, the time is at hand!"
'First half' What was she talking about? He began to ask, but she stopped him.
"You're wondering what I'm talking about, right?" she said. "I shall tell you, but I'm afraid we may not have long to talk." She glanced over her shoulder, out the window and seeing beyond the barrier. *You're coming for me now.* she thought to herself sadly. *You're coming for me and the game is almost over.*
Meanwhile:
Kagome, InuYasha, Sango and Shippo were sitting on the floor of the hut watching Miroku, chanting over the continually unconscious form of Asami. They all wondered if Shizuka was alright, but she seemed quite confident in her ability to protect herself, and Asami required the monks attentions. So there they sat, trying to be calm and all shifting from side to side in worry. Miroku suddenly stopped chanting and they all leaned forward, fearing the worst. But then the long unconscious girl shifted and then sat straight up.
"Shizuka!" she cried.
Kagome jumped and rushed to her side, nearly knocking Miroku over. "Asami!" she said. "You're awake!" Then she hung her head, remembering the girls cry for her sister. "I'm sorry," she said. "Shizuka's not here..."
Asami's eyes were wide and she exclaimed, "I know! I've been dreaming of her. Though my body slept, my mind raced. While I slept, all was revealed to me." She looked from Kagome to InuYasha. Then from Miroku to Sango. And finally she said, "It's all coming together..." She took a deep breath and said, "Will you fight for the fate of all life?"
Each of those present looked at her in confusion.
She lowered her eyes and said softly, "This universe rests upon six pillars, each equal and opposite. Four for life and two for death. These pillars are beings that transcend all other creations. Throughout time they are reborn, over and over, into the bodys of mortal creatures. And each time they are reborn, they are drawn together and vie for domination. The four pillars of life must unite to overcome those of death, allowing life to continue. But should the two overcome the four, the universe will be plunged back into the eternal chaos of the void. The last time such a battle took place, the two were victorious and all life ceased to be. However, even while all life ended, the four survived and, using their love for each other, allowed the universe to be reborn. Now the time for battle has come again." She raised her eyes and said, "The pillars have been reborn and all life hangs in the balance."
Everyone was silent for a moment as they soaked in her words. InuYasha was the first to speak.
"Wait a minute!!" he yelled. "You expect us to believe that Kagome, Sango, that perverted monk and I ARE THE FOUR PILLARS OF LIFE?!?! And that your SISTER and NARAKU are the TWO OF DEATH!!?"
Asami blanched and said startled, "Actually, I'm surprised you managed to fit it all together so quick." She quickly corrected herself and managed to regain her composure. "Yes, InuYasha is correct. The four of you must fight to protect this world."
Kagome began waving her hands frantically and said, "Wait a minute! Wait a minute!!" She took a deep breath and said, "Why was your sister and I born into the future if the battle is supposed to take place in the past? That doesn't make sense. And another thing! How can Shizuka be one of the pillars of death when she's decended from Miroku and Sango!? Who are both pillars of life!!"
Miroku and Sango both blushed and Sango quickly said, "No one ever said she was both of our descendant! Just houshi-sama!"
Asami smiled slightly and said, "Actually, Kagome-sama is correct. Both I and my sister are direct descendants of both you and Miroku-san." Her smile faded and she continued, "And the reason you were not born in this time, is because time was needed to prepare mortal flesh to accept a pillar of darkness. Where a pillar of light actually bonds mortal flesh together, a pillar of death would tear it apart. Naraku is an exception. When the thief Onigumo gave his body to become more powerful, one of the pillars of darkness saw their chance and merged with what came from his dark desires. Kagome-sama, the truth is, you WERE born into this time. As the miko, Kikyou. But her coruption and premature death at the hands of one of the pillars of darkness caused your soul to flee to the future, where it would be safe. To be honest, I have seen not one, but two battles for domination of the universe in your future. One which is fast approaching, and one which will not occur for some time. I can't reveal anymore to you, for we have only hours in which to halt this appocalypse."
They all paled and Sango said quietly, "Tell us what to do."
Asami stood, followed by the others and said, "We must go to Naraku's domain. There we will all fight against, and destroy, Naraku and Shizuka."
Kagome put her hand gently on Asami's arm and said, "But, she's your sister. Isn't there some way to save her?"
Asami shook her head and said, "No, she's not my sister any longer. Nor was she ever, really."
But finally Miroku spoke, "Why are you not evil?" he asked.
They all looked at him in confusion and he explained, "Shizuka told us about how she is completely consumed by the wind tunnel, the void. Aren't you too?"
Asami once again shook her head and said, "No. I carry no sign of my family's curse."
Miroku said startled, "But, that's impossible."
Asami smiled and said sofly, "No, it's not. And I thank both you and Sango-san for that. If you had not done what you will, I would never have been born."
They all crooked an eye at her and Kagome suddenly screamed, "WILL YOU JUST TELL US WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!"
She began breathing heavily and glaring at the startled girl. But she regained her cool and said sheepishly, "Oops! Must be that kikyou thing... Heh-heh..."
Asami stared at Kagome stunned at her outburst, but just nodded as if she understood and said, "Very well. My ancestors one day cast a spell upon themselves so that when the pillar of darkness was born, a second child would be born that would be able to counter her power by leading the four pillars of light in their path. That's why I'm here, to lead you to my sister."
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(A/N) I know I haven't updated in a while, but guess what! I don't care!! That's right, I don't care!! I went on an extended writing hiatus and now I'm back! I've got three other stories I'm working on and none of them are going that well.. And not many people reviewed my fic, "Payback's Hell" It's really funny!! And my Malik-kun dances butt-naked on top of a car!! So do Seto, Jou, Bakura, a reluctant Ryou, Yami, Otogi... yeah, lots of bishys strip down and streak across a busy city street, stop traffic and dance naked on Yami's car!! Then they streak though the city after they lose their clothes and get caught on tape, chased by police, and put on the news!! It's much funny than this... And that was definately a plug for my other fic! So pay attention and go read it!! Doesn't matter if you even watch Yu-Gi-Oh! I've got pictures!!! If you don't know how bishy someone is, just email me and I'll send you a picture of them. Probably in the nude!! Ladies love nude bishys! ^_^
But I'm back now and I'm trying to finish this! I'm seriously thinking of making it a "and the world ends and everything is screwed up" ending. What do you think? Or it could all be nothing more than a dream had by a fangirl... or maybe it'll be a happily ever after ending? Don't know...and this is nothing like I started out to make it! Well, read and review! And if you have already read the other chapters, I suggest you go back and re-read them. I tried to make them better, but I doubt I succeded.
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Thank you to: SasamiKuwaii, hitomi, Anime-Nightcats-From-Hell, Amai Kaminari(also ANFH), Dragon Fire, MaytheVampirechick
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SasamiKuwaii: Thank you! Believe me, this fic WILL see it's end!! I'm not going to stop until it's completed!
hitomi: Wow, thanks! And...ugh! You have no idea how hard it's been to keep this lemonless. I've had sooooo many ideas for lemons. I even wrote one out! But I didn't put it in....*ahem*...it would have occured in this chapter. Most of them are Naraku/Shizuka lemons and are very dark...I'm probably going to post a NC-17 version at adultfanfiction.net.... No, I don't know Escaflowne. sorry. Yes, the Sake Sisters are real! As of now they consist of me, my cousin Lady Yuki, Jodea, Hakura, Sentara, Sara and lilhillbillie. We'll be coming to kidnap bishys near you soon! In my new fic, "The Great Bishy Abduction"! Oh, yes. There will be Jaken-bashing! Well, actually he won't survive for long. Let's just say Rin's dragon has a midnight snack! ^_^ The questions asked of Sess-chan will be a hundred times more humiliating than anyone could possibily think up! Well, maybe not that far...but they'll still be pretty good!! And actually I DON'T have spell check!! I just happen to spell this way! And sometimes I do mess up, I just wish someone would tell me when I do!! I've got five fics up and I'm working on four of them! So there's no way I'm starting a new fic now! *coughyeahrightcough* But I'm hoping to finish this one soon, and get a new chapter up on my others.
Anime-Nightcats-From-Hell.....or Amai Kaminari...whatever you call yourself: Sure, I guess you can be a Sake Sister, but you have to email me... I usually only let my friends join, that way I have a better idea of what they're like.
Dragon Fire: Fluffy: Chaos, I don't suppose you could help me with a little problem I seem to have developed? You see, Nika is spending quite a bit of time with that pathetic human named Malik. Honestly, I don't know how she can stand him...I mean, he's a HUMAN! But I digress... Well, she has forbidden me to kill him and has actually moved him in! He even sleeps in her bed! That spot should be reserved for me, HER MATE!!! *ahem* Well, I was just hoping you could help me fix this little 'problem'...discreetly. Nika: WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON MY COMPUTER!!?? GET AWAY FROM THERE!! Fluffy: Oops! Gotta go!! Nika: Bad dog! You sleep on the couch tonight! Fluffy: Oh, that's a surprise... Nika: Well, I'm glad you like my fics that much! Sure, print out all you want! Just make sure you give me credit!! ^_^
MaytheVampirechick: Um...thanks for saying that...but, well, annon's not so bad. She just kinda snapped! You'll notice I've removed my little 'rant' about her. Basically, think of her as a PMSing Kagome and I'm InuYasha. She went over the deep end and I just happened to be in her way... But thanks anyway!! Fluffy: Grrrrr.... no one messes with my mate! Nika: A little territorial, aren't we?