A Class Apart
Chapter Three; What the HELL is going on?
By: Merayna
Disclaimer: Yes, I have the legal expertise and knowledge to be able to negotiate the exchange of InuYasha from Rumiko Takahashi, and I have suddenly become a multibillionaire with money to burn. Yes, of course I own it.
Not really.::sigh::
A/N: Whoohoo, chapter three up, man!! I got five reviews!! ::dances:: I'm so happy! You people are just so nice. Can anyone tell me the best time to post fics? Not you Aeja, everyone likes you too much, so they check out your fics just because you wrote them. ::sticks out tongue:: Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. I'm not really sure where this is going. Man, I hope I don't get writer's block anytime soon; that would be really bad, wouldn't it? Oh, and SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! One word: school.
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Sango hacked into a hankerchief, chest heaving painfully. The air was running out fast and the flames were licking at her feet, glowing threateningly, orange red light casting flickering shadows. Heart thumping loudly, her eyes darted frantically for the hundredth time or so, but what she saw was exactly the same as all the other times: There was no way out.
Tears of frustration rolling down her cheeks, she hugged the unconscious Kohaku to her heart desperately. They had to make it. He had to make it. After they had worked so hard; it just couldn't end here. Heaving sobs, she wiped away the tears and tried to breathe slowly and softly; the air was running out. As the flames roared and the wood frame of the ceiling creaked warningly, Sango's eyes hardened, she had to jump. Hugging Kohaku one last time and carefully wrapping him in blankets and groping for a bucket of water, she doused him until he was fully soaked. Eyes blinking drowsily, he awoke, mumbling incoherently.
He didn't have time to scream as Sango scrunched up her eyes and her leg muscles bunched up as she sprang forward...into the flames.
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Kagome stared in cold anger at the girl, hands darting to and fro in a blur, blocking the girl's blows. Emerald eyes glittered in fury as irritation filled the girl's face.
Feinting to the left, Kagome fluidly slid to the ground and flipped onto her feet, facing the girl's back.
Grinning, Kagome darted forward.
Before she could do anything, two large, thick, strong hands tightened themselves around her waist, jerking her backward as she gave a sharp yelp.
The prickling anger that she had felt the whole fight slowly ebbed away, draining energy out of her very bones. Turning her head weakly to look at her captor, she hissed angrily, energy somewhat returning. It was ANOTHER guy! How many of these weird people were there?
Bright blue eyes regarded her curiously, set in a dark, handsome face. Wisps of black hair fell around his eyes, coming from his long ponytail. A fur headband circled his forehead as he tilted his head in curiosity. A warm hand went over her mouth forcefully as she sighed in defeat, slumping in his arms.
_Now_ what was going to happen?
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InuYasha flowed down the hallway, keeping to the shadows, not making a sound. His eyes glowed softly, but the rest was obscured by darkness.
Creeping silently up the hallway, he made a barely discernable gesture, and the soft rustling of movement crept behind him.
The false laughter and waltzing music drifted out the ballroom, light slanting out the doorway. The clink of glasses and the murmur of conversation accompanied the soft music.
InuYasha sneered at the sounds, his ears under his hat tweaking at every stupid sound. Walking forward, he stopped abruptly and motioned for someone to come forward.
A dark figure stepped out of the shadows, lips curled in a confident grin.
Project Noble Flame was under way. God, it was such a stupid name, just like Miroku to do that. Brothers of the blade...hah.
The soft chink of flint and steel sounded in the darkness and a small spark appeared before blossoming into a faltering flame. Its red-hued glow illuminated hundreds of faces, faces set in determination, hatred, anger, and frustration. A soft roar sounded out as the rosy flicker devoured a small torch.
Soon, hundreds of flickering lights grew in the darkness, casting twisting shadows on the marble floors, mutating the rebels' shadows into grotesque forms and shapes.
The soft whoosh of air as a single torch was thrown was the starting shot. The blossoms of red-orange grew in size as they greedily consumed the walls.
As the flames spread and grew higher, climbing up and devouring, screams and shrieks shrilled loudly in the hall. The pitter-patter of shoes on tile grew louder as the nobles shoved their way out the door...only to be greeted by the waiting rebels.
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Kagome's eyes widened at the sight of chaos that greeted her. Loud cries filled the air as dark figures grappled with each other, glowing flames roaring behind them, making their angered and hate-filled faces glow with an ethereal light.
The loud crash of china falling onto the marble floor and the strangled yells of the dying, accompanied with the loud clanging of metal on metal sang a complex song.
The hands around her suddenly went slack and she fell with a thump, pain lancing through her bottom. The loud clash of metal upon metal rang over her head as a noble tried to thrust his sword into another's. She looked at the man who blocked the blow and gasped.
It was Houjo.
Blinking in surprise, she stammered out, "L-lord Houjo?"
Deep hazel eyes glowing with anger turned onto her, before clearing into a haze of surprise.
"Kagome?"
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Sango cried out as pain seared through her whole body. As she landed on the other side of the fire, she screamed as she hit the ground. Her body was red and sore as flames licked at her ankles. Tears came to her eyes as the burning pain lanced through her legs, torso, and arms.
A small whimper came from Kohaku, his honey-brown eyes wide in fright. Grabbing his sodden blanket, he hurriedly wrapped it around her, her skin hissing with the contact. Suddenly, tears began to pour from his face as he gently hugged Sango's raw form, withdrawing as she gave a small hiss of pain. He began to sob, his shoulders heaving.
"Oh, S-sango! I'm so scared, I'm so scared."
Sango looked at him lovingly with pain-glazed eyes. Weakly reaching out an arm, she lightly pulled a lock of hair out of his face. She whispered quietly, "It's going to be all right, Kohaku, it's going to be all right."
She fell into the welcome relief of unconsciousness, as the strained sound of Kohaku's cries faded.
"Sango!"
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The sword thrust into Houjo's stomach as he gave a gasp of pain, eyes widening. Kagome's heart clenched in fear as Houjo slumped to his knees, an arm holding his stomach, blood staining his fingers.
A man stood above them, his red eyes glittering with hatred. A dark, wavy mane of hair surrounded his pale and nobly sculpted face. The sword gleamed with the firelight as it came down upon them.
Kagome scrunched her eyes shut, tear pricking the corners. So this was how she was going to die. 'God, please.'she thought.
As she waited for the blow to come..it didn't. She opened her eyes slowly and fearfully, only to come face to face with a fall of silky sliver-white hair. A man was holding the blade with his bare hands. He turned his head around to yell,
"Hey, Houjo, you all right there?"
Kagome was stunned by the man's face. His cheeks were smooth with youth, yet worn by time. Amber eyes glowed in a handsome face surrounded by a cloak of white and silver. He was beautiful.
His eyes widened in surprise as he saw her.
What the hell was going on?
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InuYasha grunted as he heaved the dark-haired man's sword away from Houjo. Wouldn't go very well if their leader died, now would it, especially to his own uncle, Lord Naraku.
That girl...who was it? She had seemed like Kikyou at first, but...there was something different about her. He just didn't know what. Her eyes had been a startling gray-ish blue. They had held so much emotion. She had been beautiful...not to say that Kikyou wasn't, but Kikyou had sort of regal beauty, like an ice sculpture. That girl had been like a rose.
The sword flashed dangerously close to his face and he growled in frustration. Now was not the time to be thinking. The glint of metal appeared in his hands as he deflected a shattering blow with a small dirk. Air whooshed around them as their hands became a blur and the blades but small glimmers of light. Their movements were fluid and graceful, their feet moving carefully. They seemed to be dancing, their steps graceful.
InuYasha's head jerked around as the thud of hundreds of feet pounded on the pavement outside. It was the Royal Forces. Heh.
Grinning, InuYasha leaped into the air above Naraku's head and gave a victory sign as his hand held on his hat steadily. His mouth moved,
"Hey, see ya later, I got to go! Fun playing with ya!"
He made a small gesture with his two forefingers and the rebels all either slid away from their battles or gave the killing blow.
They faded into the darkness as the flickering light of an army of torches and feet beat toward them.
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Kagome gave a muffled protest as a hand went over her mouth again and she was dragged away. She clenched Houjo's shirt tightly and held him to her protectively. He was panting slightly, blood trickling out of his wound. His face was a sickly pale and his eyes were slightly shut, hazel depths clouded. A hand gently tried to pry her hands from his shirt but she only gripped tighter, knuckles whitening. A small sigh sounded out and Houjo's body was lifted up along with Kagome. She looked at his bloodstained shirt and choked back a sob.
It was all her fault that he was hurt. She squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the tears of anger. Looking around at the small army filing out silently, she was plagued with one thought,
'What the HELL is going on?!'
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Sango hissed in pain as the rough cloth was wound around her leg. It had been three weeks since the fire and she had healed amazingly fast. Kohaku winced as she twitched under his ministrations.
His hands were steady as he carefully bound the edges of the cheap, thin brown cloth with a small, rusted pin. Sango smiled gratefully at her brother, drawing him into a large hug. He clung to her shoulders, silent tears streaming down his face.
Sango looked at him silently, whispering,
"It was not your fault."
He only dug his head deeper into her shoulder, shaking.
She barely heard his soft reply.
"It all was."
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InuYasha sighed in frustration, scowl in place and eye twitching. A muscle worked in his jaw and his arms were crossed in a pout. Kagome glowered as well, anger reddening her cheeks. They stubbornly refused to look at each other, noses pointed in the air.
'I'm not that vulnerable; I don't need a freaking guard! Especially not this guy...he's just so...pretty,' Kagome thought, lips twisted, 'Besides, I held my own against that redhead girl, didn't I?' She sighed. ' It's my fault that Houjo got hurt, though. At least he's being cared for now. But him leader of the rebels?'
InuYasha stared at the sky, brows furrowed, ' Why do _I_ have to be the one to baby-sit the stupid wench? I could be doing other things, like helping with the next battle plan. If she hadn't seen so much, I would've just left her in an alley or something. Well, not an alley, I mean, she is just a girl and her eye-... Stupid noble bitch, making me think stupid things like that.'
Kagome sighed irritably, leaning against the crumbling brick wall. Glancing toward InuYasha, her eyebrows twitched and she huffily turned around.
"So...what're we going to do today?" she grumbled.
InuYasha looked at her with hard, accusing eyes, "How would I know? Houjo said something about not letting you get into trouble. I guess I have to let you go back home, not to make it look suspicious." He sighed, "I'll have to stay near you for awhile and hopefully, Houjo'll assign some other poor bastard to be your fucking bodyguard."
Kagome curled her lip and muttered, "You don't have to sound so excited about it."
InuYasha sighed again and grabbed her arm. His grip was iron-tight, knuckles whitening on her reddening arm. Kagome stifled a hiss of pain. Damn, his grip hurt! Walking quickly, he shoved the jostling crowd aside, not sparing a glance at the people he pushed down. Loud yells followed in his wake as people sprang up from the dusty cobblestones. People selling their wares from underneath brightly colored sheets glared threateningly at his figure and people hastily stored their possessions in safe places, or, at least, as safe as they could. Nothing was safe from the Silver Blur, the fastest pickpocket in all of Surrey. Of course, Kagome didn't know that.
Kagome furiously wrenched her arm out of his grasp and heaved in a deep breath, a permanent tick seeming to be have developed in her brow.
"Stop doing that! It hurts! And second, how would you know where I live anyway?!"
InuYasha shot her a deadpan expression, eyes flat.
"Who do you think dropped Houjo off? God, the stupid man is so good, that he doesn't even want servants. It's not like I have anything else to do. Look at me now, for chrissakes!"
"Well, SORRY for being in the wrong place at the wrong time! S' not my fault I hate going to those stupid balls."
"Well, it's not my fault that you're such a bitch."
"Well, it's not my fault that you're such a bastard."
There was an uncomfortable silence where the two stubbornly refused to look at each other.
Kagome gave a small "oomph" as someone stumbled and slammed her to the ground, eyes widening slightly. A pretty girl about her age blinked apologetically in her face. She had warm, honey-brown eyes and her eyelids were strangely smeared with a magenta coloring. Her silky brown hair seemed charred at the edges and her face was red, as if rubbed raw. Smiling in apology, she offered her hand and got up. Turning around once, she began to walk away.
A hand shot out and grabbed the girl's arm, whom promptly jerked her head back in intense pain.
"S-stop!" she breathed frantically.
InuYasha glared at the girl and his hold loosened only slightly. His voice was deadly soft.
"Give it back."
The girl opened shaking hands to reveal a shining, glowing pink gem, shaped in a perfect sphere. It hung on a glittering, silver chain, slender, masterfully crafted leaves curling down its sides.
Kagome gasped and snatched it away from the girl's trembling fingers, holding it close to her and pressing it to her protectively. Her eyes glittered angrily.
"How DARE you!"
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Sango gasped in fright as the girl she had run into stepped toward her menacingly. A dark aura surrounded her, and the jewel in her hand glittered almost unnaturally. She had seen this before, in Deter. This girl had...magic?
Her eyes widened with the realization. This was bad. Of all the people she had to pickpocket, it had to be someone who possessed magic. What kind of twisted world was this?
Wincing, she turned her head slightly, preparing herself for an attack.
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Kagome quivered in fury. That girl had just taken away her father's last gift to her...before her family had come to Surrey. She had only been five at the time, but she remembered that day.
~~Flashback~~
His face was pale and ashy, his breaths coming in gasps. Glazed eyes, once a bright and cheery honey-brown, looked into her own. Struggling to raise shuddering fingers to her small pale ones, he cupped her hand around a smooth, round stone. Her innocent eyes had opened to round saucers as she looked at the small gem.
"B-but Daddy! You never go without your Shikon."
He had smiled slightly and said softly,
"Daddy can't take it with him to where he is going. Promise Daddy that you'll take care of it? Someday you can play with just like I can. Promise?"
With childlike innocence, she had whispered, "Promise." The warm, rough, and comforting hand she clutched slowly began to grow cold, going limp. His chest stopped moving, his ragged breaths coming to a stop.
A small whisper arose from his failing form.
"Love you, my little sorceress..."
Kagome had cried and cried that day, bright lights erupting from her and blending with her tears. The magic within her had overpowered her, exploding beyond her control. She had made the building collapse. People had died.
It was on that same day that she swore never to use magic again.
~~End Flashback~~
Kagome's chest heaved with the sudden tears that poured down her cheeks. Gods, she remembered. She had locked it away so tightly all these years, building a wall, making herself forget. But it had come back. Her fists tightened around the Shikon as a glittering, mosaic of colored lights surrounded her. It grew larger and larger, encompassing the entire street.
Sango backed away and began to run before the bright light shone into her wide, fearful eyes.
Then, a roaring red-orange light sprang up and began to dampen the majestic power.
Two gleaming lights struggled against each other amidst the screams of terror.
END CHAPTER
A/N: I enjoy cliffies. ::giggles:: Anyway, enjoy?? I hope you did. I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! I HOPE YOU DON'T HURT ME!!!! MERCY!!! Anyway, on to replies to reviews. ::glomps reviewers repeatedly::
ChristyKay: Thanks for saying its cool! I don't really know how to describe it, myself, but cool is a nice word. Yes, very nice. ::silence:: Can you tell I don't really know how to reply to your review? ::laughs sheepishly::
Hyperchica11: Um...sorry, I didn't really, well, update soon....huh? Anyway, the story that referred me was Aejavu's wonderful The Diet Goddess!! It's really great!! So, don't go forgetting its name anymore!! Anyway, thanks for your nice comment, I really love getting feedback. ::glomps again::
Twill: Hey, sorry about the confusing fight scene. Doubtless the one in this is even more confusing. Well, I'm pretty new at action. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! And, can you believe that you're the only one who noticed the cliffy?? I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!! ::hands bushels of roses::
Drow Goddess: Ergh, I updated reaaaaally slowly this time. SORRY! Thanks for reviewing!
Sugarhighs:P: Eh...again, with the updating. Oy vey. Anyway, Kagome didn't get to kick ass. I promise, I wanted her to!! REALLY! But my mind had other things in mind. Sucky mind. ::prods:: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter anyway!
Eshtarte Iris: You changed your name!! Anyway, you haven't updated! It really is cute. I hope you don't sue me...I'm really sorry for not updating! Time just flew by so fast! I swear, it just seemed like August a week ago! Well, thanks for the compliments, I really am touched by them. Thank you.
Aejavu: Ugh, this chapter not so good. Bleh. Me another Rosefire? Noooo, YOU another Rosefire! This is fun to write, though. Thanks for your comments, though. They really make me want to blush, but I just can't. Man, in any respectable anime or manga, the character would blush after reading what you wrote. I just can't. ::sobs:: There goes my dream of being a manga character. I'm joking, I'm joking. ::crickets chirp:: Shut up, I'm not pathetic.
Zephor: You were one of the first people to really like my story. (on favorites list) I thank you very much. I don't deserve all the praise that is being showered onto my head. I thank you very much. THANK YOU! ::gives uber glomp::
Well, that's it. Oh, and once again, I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! AND THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!! They really make me happy! I actually reached 13 by the second chapter! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! UBER GLOMPS TO EVERYONE!! ::glomps repeatedly::
Chapter Three; What the HELL is going on?
By: Merayna
Disclaimer: Yes, I have the legal expertise and knowledge to be able to negotiate the exchange of InuYasha from Rumiko Takahashi, and I have suddenly become a multibillionaire with money to burn. Yes, of course I own it.
Not really.::sigh::
A/N: Whoohoo, chapter three up, man!! I got five reviews!! ::dances:: I'm so happy! You people are just so nice. Can anyone tell me the best time to post fics? Not you Aeja, everyone likes you too much, so they check out your fics just because you wrote them. ::sticks out tongue:: Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. I'm not really sure where this is going. Man, I hope I don't get writer's block anytime soon; that would be really bad, wouldn't it? Oh, and SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! One word: school.
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Sango hacked into a hankerchief, chest heaving painfully. The air was running out fast and the flames were licking at her feet, glowing threateningly, orange red light casting flickering shadows. Heart thumping loudly, her eyes darted frantically for the hundredth time or so, but what she saw was exactly the same as all the other times: There was no way out.
Tears of frustration rolling down her cheeks, she hugged the unconscious Kohaku to her heart desperately. They had to make it. He had to make it. After they had worked so hard; it just couldn't end here. Heaving sobs, she wiped away the tears and tried to breathe slowly and softly; the air was running out. As the flames roared and the wood frame of the ceiling creaked warningly, Sango's eyes hardened, she had to jump. Hugging Kohaku one last time and carefully wrapping him in blankets and groping for a bucket of water, she doused him until he was fully soaked. Eyes blinking drowsily, he awoke, mumbling incoherently.
He didn't have time to scream as Sango scrunched up her eyes and her leg muscles bunched up as she sprang forward...into the flames.
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Kagome stared in cold anger at the girl, hands darting to and fro in a blur, blocking the girl's blows. Emerald eyes glittered in fury as irritation filled the girl's face.
Feinting to the left, Kagome fluidly slid to the ground and flipped onto her feet, facing the girl's back.
Grinning, Kagome darted forward.
Before she could do anything, two large, thick, strong hands tightened themselves around her waist, jerking her backward as she gave a sharp yelp.
The prickling anger that she had felt the whole fight slowly ebbed away, draining energy out of her very bones. Turning her head weakly to look at her captor, she hissed angrily, energy somewhat returning. It was ANOTHER guy! How many of these weird people were there?
Bright blue eyes regarded her curiously, set in a dark, handsome face. Wisps of black hair fell around his eyes, coming from his long ponytail. A fur headband circled his forehead as he tilted his head in curiosity. A warm hand went over her mouth forcefully as she sighed in defeat, slumping in his arms.
_Now_ what was going to happen?
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InuYasha flowed down the hallway, keeping to the shadows, not making a sound. His eyes glowed softly, but the rest was obscured by darkness.
Creeping silently up the hallway, he made a barely discernable gesture, and the soft rustling of movement crept behind him.
The false laughter and waltzing music drifted out the ballroom, light slanting out the doorway. The clink of glasses and the murmur of conversation accompanied the soft music.
InuYasha sneered at the sounds, his ears under his hat tweaking at every stupid sound. Walking forward, he stopped abruptly and motioned for someone to come forward.
A dark figure stepped out of the shadows, lips curled in a confident grin.
Project Noble Flame was under way. God, it was such a stupid name, just like Miroku to do that. Brothers of the blade...hah.
The soft chink of flint and steel sounded in the darkness and a small spark appeared before blossoming into a faltering flame. Its red-hued glow illuminated hundreds of faces, faces set in determination, hatred, anger, and frustration. A soft roar sounded out as the rosy flicker devoured a small torch.
Soon, hundreds of flickering lights grew in the darkness, casting twisting shadows on the marble floors, mutating the rebels' shadows into grotesque forms and shapes.
The soft whoosh of air as a single torch was thrown was the starting shot. The blossoms of red-orange grew in size as they greedily consumed the walls.
As the flames spread and grew higher, climbing up and devouring, screams and shrieks shrilled loudly in the hall. The pitter-patter of shoes on tile grew louder as the nobles shoved their way out the door...only to be greeted by the waiting rebels.
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Kagome's eyes widened at the sight of chaos that greeted her. Loud cries filled the air as dark figures grappled with each other, glowing flames roaring behind them, making their angered and hate-filled faces glow with an ethereal light.
The loud crash of china falling onto the marble floor and the strangled yells of the dying, accompanied with the loud clanging of metal on metal sang a complex song.
The hands around her suddenly went slack and she fell with a thump, pain lancing through her bottom. The loud clash of metal upon metal rang over her head as a noble tried to thrust his sword into another's. She looked at the man who blocked the blow and gasped.
It was Houjo.
Blinking in surprise, she stammered out, "L-lord Houjo?"
Deep hazel eyes glowing with anger turned onto her, before clearing into a haze of surprise.
"Kagome?"
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Sango cried out as pain seared through her whole body. As she landed on the other side of the fire, she screamed as she hit the ground. Her body was red and sore as flames licked at her ankles. Tears came to her eyes as the burning pain lanced through her legs, torso, and arms.
A small whimper came from Kohaku, his honey-brown eyes wide in fright. Grabbing his sodden blanket, he hurriedly wrapped it around her, her skin hissing with the contact. Suddenly, tears began to pour from his face as he gently hugged Sango's raw form, withdrawing as she gave a small hiss of pain. He began to sob, his shoulders heaving.
"Oh, S-sango! I'm so scared, I'm so scared."
Sango looked at him lovingly with pain-glazed eyes. Weakly reaching out an arm, she lightly pulled a lock of hair out of his face. She whispered quietly, "It's going to be all right, Kohaku, it's going to be all right."
She fell into the welcome relief of unconsciousness, as the strained sound of Kohaku's cries faded.
"Sango!"
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The sword thrust into Houjo's stomach as he gave a gasp of pain, eyes widening. Kagome's heart clenched in fear as Houjo slumped to his knees, an arm holding his stomach, blood staining his fingers.
A man stood above them, his red eyes glittering with hatred. A dark, wavy mane of hair surrounded his pale and nobly sculpted face. The sword gleamed with the firelight as it came down upon them.
Kagome scrunched her eyes shut, tear pricking the corners. So this was how she was going to die. 'God, please.'she thought.
As she waited for the blow to come..it didn't. She opened her eyes slowly and fearfully, only to come face to face with a fall of silky sliver-white hair. A man was holding the blade with his bare hands. He turned his head around to yell,
"Hey, Houjo, you all right there?"
Kagome was stunned by the man's face. His cheeks were smooth with youth, yet worn by time. Amber eyes glowed in a handsome face surrounded by a cloak of white and silver. He was beautiful.
His eyes widened in surprise as he saw her.
What the hell was going on?
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~
InuYasha grunted as he heaved the dark-haired man's sword away from Houjo. Wouldn't go very well if their leader died, now would it, especially to his own uncle, Lord Naraku.
That girl...who was it? She had seemed like Kikyou at first, but...there was something different about her. He just didn't know what. Her eyes had been a startling gray-ish blue. They had held so much emotion. She had been beautiful...not to say that Kikyou wasn't, but Kikyou had sort of regal beauty, like an ice sculpture. That girl had been like a rose.
The sword flashed dangerously close to his face and he growled in frustration. Now was not the time to be thinking. The glint of metal appeared in his hands as he deflected a shattering blow with a small dirk. Air whooshed around them as their hands became a blur and the blades but small glimmers of light. Their movements were fluid and graceful, their feet moving carefully. They seemed to be dancing, their steps graceful.
InuYasha's head jerked around as the thud of hundreds of feet pounded on the pavement outside. It was the Royal Forces. Heh.
Grinning, InuYasha leaped into the air above Naraku's head and gave a victory sign as his hand held on his hat steadily. His mouth moved,
"Hey, see ya later, I got to go! Fun playing with ya!"
He made a small gesture with his two forefingers and the rebels all either slid away from their battles or gave the killing blow.
They faded into the darkness as the flickering light of an army of torches and feet beat toward them.
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
Kagome gave a muffled protest as a hand went over her mouth again and she was dragged away. She clenched Houjo's shirt tightly and held him to her protectively. He was panting slightly, blood trickling out of his wound. His face was a sickly pale and his eyes were slightly shut, hazel depths clouded. A hand gently tried to pry her hands from his shirt but she only gripped tighter, knuckles whitening. A small sigh sounded out and Houjo's body was lifted up along with Kagome. She looked at his bloodstained shirt and choked back a sob.
It was all her fault that he was hurt. She squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the tears of anger. Looking around at the small army filing out silently, she was plagued with one thought,
'What the HELL is going on?!'
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
Sango hissed in pain as the rough cloth was wound around her leg. It had been three weeks since the fire and she had healed amazingly fast. Kohaku winced as she twitched under his ministrations.
His hands were steady as he carefully bound the edges of the cheap, thin brown cloth with a small, rusted pin. Sango smiled gratefully at her brother, drawing him into a large hug. He clung to her shoulders, silent tears streaming down his face.
Sango looked at him silently, whispering,
"It was not your fault."
He only dug his head deeper into her shoulder, shaking.
She barely heard his soft reply.
"It all was."
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~
InuYasha sighed in frustration, scowl in place and eye twitching. A muscle worked in his jaw and his arms were crossed in a pout. Kagome glowered as well, anger reddening her cheeks. They stubbornly refused to look at each other, noses pointed in the air.
'I'm not that vulnerable; I don't need a freaking guard! Especially not this guy...he's just so...pretty,' Kagome thought, lips twisted, 'Besides, I held my own against that redhead girl, didn't I?' She sighed. ' It's my fault that Houjo got hurt, though. At least he's being cared for now. But him leader of the rebels?'
InuYasha stared at the sky, brows furrowed, ' Why do _I_ have to be the one to baby-sit the stupid wench? I could be doing other things, like helping with the next battle plan. If she hadn't seen so much, I would've just left her in an alley or something. Well, not an alley, I mean, she is just a girl and her eye-... Stupid noble bitch, making me think stupid things like that.'
Kagome sighed irritably, leaning against the crumbling brick wall. Glancing toward InuYasha, her eyebrows twitched and she huffily turned around.
"So...what're we going to do today?" she grumbled.
InuYasha looked at her with hard, accusing eyes, "How would I know? Houjo said something about not letting you get into trouble. I guess I have to let you go back home, not to make it look suspicious." He sighed, "I'll have to stay near you for awhile and hopefully, Houjo'll assign some other poor bastard to be your fucking bodyguard."
Kagome curled her lip and muttered, "You don't have to sound so excited about it."
InuYasha sighed again and grabbed her arm. His grip was iron-tight, knuckles whitening on her reddening arm. Kagome stifled a hiss of pain. Damn, his grip hurt! Walking quickly, he shoved the jostling crowd aside, not sparing a glance at the people he pushed down. Loud yells followed in his wake as people sprang up from the dusty cobblestones. People selling their wares from underneath brightly colored sheets glared threateningly at his figure and people hastily stored their possessions in safe places, or, at least, as safe as they could. Nothing was safe from the Silver Blur, the fastest pickpocket in all of Surrey. Of course, Kagome didn't know that.
Kagome furiously wrenched her arm out of his grasp and heaved in a deep breath, a permanent tick seeming to be have developed in her brow.
"Stop doing that! It hurts! And second, how would you know where I live anyway?!"
InuYasha shot her a deadpan expression, eyes flat.
"Who do you think dropped Houjo off? God, the stupid man is so good, that he doesn't even want servants. It's not like I have anything else to do. Look at me now, for chrissakes!"
"Well, SORRY for being in the wrong place at the wrong time! S' not my fault I hate going to those stupid balls."
"Well, it's not my fault that you're such a bitch."
"Well, it's not my fault that you're such a bastard."
There was an uncomfortable silence where the two stubbornly refused to look at each other.
Kagome gave a small "oomph" as someone stumbled and slammed her to the ground, eyes widening slightly. A pretty girl about her age blinked apologetically in her face. She had warm, honey-brown eyes and her eyelids were strangely smeared with a magenta coloring. Her silky brown hair seemed charred at the edges and her face was red, as if rubbed raw. Smiling in apology, she offered her hand and got up. Turning around once, she began to walk away.
A hand shot out and grabbed the girl's arm, whom promptly jerked her head back in intense pain.
"S-stop!" she breathed frantically.
InuYasha glared at the girl and his hold loosened only slightly. His voice was deadly soft.
"Give it back."
The girl opened shaking hands to reveal a shining, glowing pink gem, shaped in a perfect sphere. It hung on a glittering, silver chain, slender, masterfully crafted leaves curling down its sides.
Kagome gasped and snatched it away from the girl's trembling fingers, holding it close to her and pressing it to her protectively. Her eyes glittered angrily.
"How DARE you!"
@!*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
Sango gasped in fright as the girl she had run into stepped toward her menacingly. A dark aura surrounded her, and the jewel in her hand glittered almost unnaturally. She had seen this before, in Deter. This girl had...magic?
Her eyes widened with the realization. This was bad. Of all the people she had to pickpocket, it had to be someone who possessed magic. What kind of twisted world was this?
Wincing, she turned her head slightly, preparing herself for an attack.
@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*
Kagome quivered in fury. That girl had just taken away her father's last gift to her...before her family had come to Surrey. She had only been five at the time, but she remembered that day.
~~Flashback~~
His face was pale and ashy, his breaths coming in gasps. Glazed eyes, once a bright and cheery honey-brown, looked into her own. Struggling to raise shuddering fingers to her small pale ones, he cupped her hand around a smooth, round stone. Her innocent eyes had opened to round saucers as she looked at the small gem.
"B-but Daddy! You never go without your Shikon."
He had smiled slightly and said softly,
"Daddy can't take it with him to where he is going. Promise Daddy that you'll take care of it? Someday you can play with just like I can. Promise?"
With childlike innocence, she had whispered, "Promise." The warm, rough, and comforting hand she clutched slowly began to grow cold, going limp. His chest stopped moving, his ragged breaths coming to a stop.
A small whisper arose from his failing form.
"Love you, my little sorceress..."
Kagome had cried and cried that day, bright lights erupting from her and blending with her tears. The magic within her had overpowered her, exploding beyond her control. She had made the building collapse. People had died.
It was on that same day that she swore never to use magic again.
~~End Flashback~~
Kagome's chest heaved with the sudden tears that poured down her cheeks. Gods, she remembered. She had locked it away so tightly all these years, building a wall, making herself forget. But it had come back. Her fists tightened around the Shikon as a glittering, mosaic of colored lights surrounded her. It grew larger and larger, encompassing the entire street.
Sango backed away and began to run before the bright light shone into her wide, fearful eyes.
Then, a roaring red-orange light sprang up and began to dampen the majestic power.
Two gleaming lights struggled against each other amidst the screams of terror.
END CHAPTER
A/N: I enjoy cliffies. ::giggles:: Anyway, enjoy?? I hope you did. I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! I HOPE YOU DON'T HURT ME!!!! MERCY!!! Anyway, on to replies to reviews. ::glomps reviewers repeatedly::
ChristyKay: Thanks for saying its cool! I don't really know how to describe it, myself, but cool is a nice word. Yes, very nice. ::silence:: Can you tell I don't really know how to reply to your review? ::laughs sheepishly::
Hyperchica11: Um...sorry, I didn't really, well, update soon....huh? Anyway, the story that referred me was Aejavu's wonderful The Diet Goddess!! It's really great!! So, don't go forgetting its name anymore!! Anyway, thanks for your nice comment, I really love getting feedback. ::glomps again::
Twill: Hey, sorry about the confusing fight scene. Doubtless the one in this is even more confusing. Well, I'm pretty new at action. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! And, can you believe that you're the only one who noticed the cliffy?? I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!! ::hands bushels of roses::
Drow Goddess: Ergh, I updated reaaaaally slowly this time. SORRY! Thanks for reviewing!
Sugarhighs:P: Eh...again, with the updating. Oy vey. Anyway, Kagome didn't get to kick ass. I promise, I wanted her to!! REALLY! But my mind had other things in mind. Sucky mind. ::prods:: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter anyway!
Eshtarte Iris: You changed your name!! Anyway, you haven't updated! It really is cute. I hope you don't sue me...I'm really sorry for not updating! Time just flew by so fast! I swear, it just seemed like August a week ago! Well, thanks for the compliments, I really am touched by them. Thank you.
Aejavu: Ugh, this chapter not so good. Bleh. Me another Rosefire? Noooo, YOU another Rosefire! This is fun to write, though. Thanks for your comments, though. They really make me want to blush, but I just can't. Man, in any respectable anime or manga, the character would blush after reading what you wrote. I just can't. ::sobs:: There goes my dream of being a manga character. I'm joking, I'm joking. ::crickets chirp:: Shut up, I'm not pathetic.
Zephor: You were one of the first people to really like my story. (on favorites list) I thank you very much. I don't deserve all the praise that is being showered onto my head. I thank you very much. THANK YOU! ::gives uber glomp::
Well, that's it. Oh, and once again, I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY!! AND THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!! They really make me happy! I actually reached 13 by the second chapter! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! UBER GLOMPS TO EVERYONE!! ::glomps repeatedly::