Yeah, I know, I took forever to update. You can blame it on the wonderful people who enjoy creating viruses to infect and destroy computers. I'd like to smack them around a little, myself.
Suki, Crescent Angel, RK, vampireluv: Thank you! Here's the next chapter!
Kirsten: I actually don't use spell check now that I write using Notepad, which shows in some of the typos here and there. Thank you for reviewing! I have been trying to make sure the characters stay the way they are in the anime, I'm glad they come over well. Anyways, here goes another chapter.
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The punch landed sharply, smashing into bone and tender facial muscles. No reaction registered upon the face of the one who received the blow.
"Feel better?" The dark haired demon gazed placidly down at the white haired hanyou. "Hit me again, if you believe it will help in saving Kagome." Chikara's face showed no sign of anger or aggravation as he watched the irate dog demon before him. He had the advantage in height, and his figure seemed to tower above Inuyasha's.
"If you hadn't shown up, this never would have happened to her! Now she's gone, in the middle of the forest, alone! Who knows what could happen to her?!," Inuyasha raged.
"It would have happened eventually, regardless."
"How do you know? There's never been another miko with demon powers before. It's your fault!" Inuyasha glowered at Chikara. He was angry beyond belief, all due to his fear for Kagome's safety. All he wanted was to have her safe beside him, where he could protect her and help her through what was happening. But now she was gone, and he had no idea how to find her.
Shippou burrowed his face into Sango's neck, tears staining his cheeks. Sango put a hand on his head in an effort to soothe him, and Miroku tried to calm Inuyasha. Kaede stood nearby, looking as though she had aged ten years during the past day.
After Kagome had disappeared, Inuyasha had returned to the village where everyone was anxiously waiting. When he had told them of her disappearance, mayhem had broken out. Shippou had burst into hysterical wailing, and when Chikara came out of Kaede's hut, Inuyasha had attacked him.
"Inuyasha, fighting Chikara will not bring Kagome back. We need to organize a search," Miroku said, trying to be the voice of reason amidst the madness.
Inuyasha's golden eyes reflected the turmoil inside him. He finally took his glare away from the tiger demon and nodded in reply to Miroku's statement.
"Fine. You guys take Kirara and try to cover as much area as you can. With as fast as she was moving, who knows how far away Kagome is by now. She was in a complete panic; she might have fallen or gotten hurt somewhere," Inuyasha said, jaw clenched with worry. He remembered the sheer look of terror on her face...
"We should try to bring her back here, if we find her. If she's injured, Kaede will be able to help her," Sango said, still holding Shippou close. He sniffled and looked around, seemingly glad to see that a plan was forming to find and help Kagome.
"Let's get going then. And Kaede, you old hag!," Inuyasha yelled over to where the old miko was sitting.
Kaede's raised her eyebrows. "Yes, Inuyasha?"
"Don't worry about Kagome. We'll find her and bring her back," Inuyasha said with confidence. Kaede replied with a smile and a nod. "I be expecting nothing less," she said, glad to see Inuyasha's usual cocky attitude.
The group, filled with people concerned for the safety of Kagome, departed from the village and began their search. Chikara quietly watched them leave, then entered the forest on his own. A distinct frown marred his features.
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In the midst of tall mountains, carefully etched into the ancient rock, a grand palace stood. Its tallest spires reached into wisps of cloud, and its gardens dominated the landscape. The well-tended gardens were home to exotic species of plants and animal life, and all its flowers seemed to be in bloom. Marble fountains sent sprays of water into the air, and created the soothing sound of the ocean. Tall maples and elms gave shade to carefully constucted paths that wound their way through the lush gardens and ended at the grand entrance to the palace. The entry was decorated with finely sculpted marble, and the ceiling rose high above the head of any who entered. Luxurious carpets and tapestries covered each room, and the many gas lamps gave off a soft glow.
This was the home of a powerful demon.
A swift-footed fox demon made his way quickly through the palace halls, a parchment paper clasped in one hand. His servant robes flowed nearly to the floor, making no sound as they billowed behind him. Green eyes glanced with curiosity down to the papers he was delivering, then back up when he reached his destination. Tucking a wisp of cinnamon red hair behind a slightly pointed ear, he reached out and gently tapped on the heavy oak door before him.
"Come." The reply came through the door.
The fox demon turned the knob and pushed the door open, quietly making his way into the room. He stood in a very comfortable den, furnished with fine oak and a fireplace crackling against one wall. Shelves full of strange artifacts the fox knew better than to inquire about decorated another wall, and a tapestry depicting a tiger in motion hung against another. The tapestry always gave the fox pause; the yellow eyes of the predator seemed to be hungrily watching his every movement.
The master of the palace was standing by the window facing the gardens. He was an imposing figure, a tiger demon with long white hair and a penetrating gaze, his expressions always seemed to pierce through to the soul. He turned that gaze on the fox demon waiting patiently by the door.
"What is it, Ryu?," the soft voice queried.
"I have a message that was delivered for you, for your eyes only, Lord Haburi," Ryu replied, bowing slightly. He stepped forward and presented the carefully sealed roll of parchment.
Haburi considered the paper for a moment, then took it. His glance returned to Ryu.
"By whom was it delivered?," he asked.
"Arata's crow demon brought it, and appeared as if it had flown without stopping," Ryu replied.
A slight frown creased Haburi's features as he broke the seal and opened the letter. Ryu waited as his master read, and then re-read the letter. Haburi then crumpled and tossed the letter into the fire, watching as the flames licked hungrily at the paper. Within moments it was reduced to ashes.
"Ryu, you must depart at once. You have a package to pick up and bring to me, as fast as possible." Haburi went to his desk and quickly drew out a map. "You will be receiving the package here," he said, marking the spot on the map before handing it over. "Speed is of the essence."
Ryu bowed once more before turning on his heel and exiting the den. His padded feet made no sound as he made his way quickly through the palace halls, knowing better than to ignore the orders of his master. He could only wonder what could possibly be so urgent as to warrant sending the highest ranking servant of the palace on an errand. Normally, Ryu stayed at the palace and attended to more pressing matters. What sort of package could be so important?
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Phew. Another chapter complete. I'm going to try and get my new story up within the next couple of days. Also, I glanced at the last chapter and noticed that I didn't put a link to the Star Trek story I asked you guys to read and review, if you happen to like Star Trek. It's under my Favorite Stories. See ya next time, thanks for reading!