A Class Apart
Chapter Six: Fruition and Fortuity
By: Merayna
Author's Note: Yo! I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to update! Er...five months. cough cough... I have no enthusiasm for this story anymore! I don't know why. Well, I guess that's not completely true, as I just updated!!!... Anyway, suddenly I just had an idea. Before, I was just pulling random crap out of my...butt. Yes, I know, bad mental picture! Anyway, enjoy this chapter. (It's still pretty random.)
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Kagome shrieked desperately, convulsing and struggling, hair flying wildly around her white face. Her glossy hair seemed to frizz, creating a dark cloud around her paling features. Her mouth gaped as she struggled for air.
InuYasha stared in horror, limbs seemingly in temporary paralysis. Kagome struggled, surrounded by a strange and pulsing pale blue light. Her slight figure fought wildly, suspended in midair, completely immersed in a transparent azure sphere that crackled with bright flashes of pure light.
Arms thrashing, Kagome kicked vainly, eyes glowing, pupils disappearing in a myriad of rainbow colors. Thin beads of sweat seemed to trickle for ages down the sides of her colorless cheeks. She seemed to scream, eyes bulging, but there was no sound. Flailing about, yet making no progress, she suddenly began to glow. The searing white light made the sun seem paltry and lifeless, dazzling InuYasha's eyes, making them tear and water. Raising his arms over his eyes, he gasped silently in pain.
Lowering his arms slowly, he grimaced. Kagome hung limply, sagging in unseen bonds. The light cobalt blue orb had grown, leaving Kagome a tiny dot in its center. Gracefully, the globe began to rise, almost seeming to revolve in slow, deliberate circles. InuYasha staggered, his bunched muscles suddenly springing into action. Falling to the ground, he coughed as the powdery dirt coated his mouth. Spitting ferociously, a particularly nasty clump of mud shot out onto the ground in a glistening mound.
Staggering, his eyes widened as a crackling scarlet globe floated gently toward him. Eyebrows wrinkling, he glanced toward Kagome's limp form, licking his lips nervously. Fighting would be useless. A bright edge of crimson light brushed his muscled arm. Flinching, he closed his eyes, willing his heartbeat to slow.
Calm and peace permeated throughout his mind. Flicking his eyes open, he studied the inside of the rising orb. It seemed as if he were floating in an enormous tank of jelly. Sighing, he settled into a comfortable position, tugging the brim of his rumpled black hat over his eyes. Might as well get some sleep.
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Kikyou gasped in pain, willing the air to reach her lungs. Her swollen lips parted agonizingly, tears dripping down her cheeks. Struggling weakly to rise, trembling hands pulled on torn and shredded clothing, dark stains spreading over the rumpled cloth. Everywhere hurt. She gave a soft intake of breath as she sat up, hands gently massaging bruised legs. Her once slender and lily-white legs were now mostly purple, large and angry smudges contrasting with pale patches of soft skin.
Dressing slowly, she bit her lip as pain shot up through her legs and torso. Looking over her hands, she noticed they were scratched and swollen. She felt filthy and disgusting, a whole week spent soaking in a bath would not cleanse her! Wringing her hands slightly, she dissolved into tears, curling into a small ball. The dirtiness and helplessness seemed to invade her very soul. She just wanted to die right then and now. How could there be a God if He let things like this happen to people? Sobbing, she felt sick. It felt as if there was a layer of filth all over her skin. She was nasty, wretched. She wasn't worth spit, or even worthy to live! It hurt so much...
"Oh, InuYasha...why can't you be here?" she whispered.
Suddenly, something cool and comforting brushed against her bruised and damaged arms. Raising a tear-stained face, she smiled faintly. Sighing, she closed her eyes, frail body going limp. The pale rose sphere rose gently, carrying its injured cargo tenderly.
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Sango sighed tiredly, yawning in exhaustion. Raising a pale hand with newly forming skin to her mouth, she smacked her lips and stretched her arms energetically. Shaking her head vigorously, she wiped a hand absentmindedly across her eyes, her other hand busily dragging a sopping wet rag across a dented wood surface. Ears perking, she caught the fragments of a conversation.
"-must be exhausted, the poor thing. She's been working non-stop ever since that fire. Why don't we just lend her some money? She can pay us back later. You know she needs it for all those repairs and everything."
"Hon, this is why women don't own anything. You females are too softhearted. It's her choice to push through fatigue. She'll make it. She's a good lass, for all her stubbornness."
"But Horatio, dear, if she keeps on pushing herself like this, she'll fall down and never get back up. What about Kohaku?"
".........All right, for Kohaku. Don't tell anyone, though. I don't want anyone to think I'm getting soft."
There was a small chuckle and the rustle of cloth.
Sango felt the corners of her mouth tug unwillingly in a small smile. For all his gruff appearances, Horatio was a good man and a real softie, for all he denied it adamantly. Wiping the table one last time, Sango dropped the rag into the large, wooden bucket. Plopping into one of the chairs, she leaned luxuriously, promising herself to rest her eyes for only a moment. Soon, she was snoring softly, head nodding in the throes of deep sleep.
She didn't even notice as an unearthly green light suddenly appeared in the room, gathering her gently into its emerald depths.
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InuYasha watched interestedly as they traveled over the worn streets of Surrey. From what he'd seen, nobody could see the eerie floating globes. He'd never seen the city from up above. Wrinkling his nose, he wasn't sure if it was such a great opportunity.
From above, the decay of the various buildings was made obvious by the sagging walls and holes. Even in the darkness of night, the misshapen lumps of stone were unpleasant to the eye. Dark piles of waste dotted the crooked streets; their toxic fumes almost visible. Though the pale orbs masked their passengers from sight, the smell of the streets was strong and completely unmasked. InuYasha wrinkled his nose in distaste, glad that he wasn't down there, at least.
A small jolt went through him to his left. Turning his head sharply, he gave a soft gasp. The broken figure of Kikyou lay crumpled inside a pale sphere. The crackling red of his own orb permitted him to see only various shades of crimson. Squinting slightly, he decided that her light orb was pink. Mouth twisting with worry, he glanced away quickly.
'Kikyou.........'
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Miroku grunted at his reflection, violet eyes gazing worriedly at a small cut on his forehead. He was desperately trying to decide whether it made him look dashing or hindered his attractive features. No need for modesty was his motto.
His wooden door suddenly exploded into splinters. Lips pursing, his brain worked sluggishly, trying to remember if he'd offended anyone dangerous in the past few hours.
His brow furrowing, his handsome features melted into a look of concentration, which, he was proud to say, had many women sighing over its amazing serious calm. He liked to call it his "serious calm face." It was a perfectly good name. He didn't see why a certain dog-eared fellow thought differently.
He gulped as a glinting steel pistol was pointed at his throat, a stern- looking woman glaring at him. His head tilted curiously. He was sure he had never seen anyone like her in his life, and he never forgot a pretty face. Though.........this one was pretty serious. He laughed silently at his own pun. He'd have to tell it to someone later.
She had bright red eyes and short-cropped ebony hair tucked severely under a navy blue hat. Her bright red rosebud lips were in a thin, serious line. Dangling green earrings hung from her delicately pointed ears.
Grinning apologetically, Miroku raised a slender-fingered hand, bright lavender light suddenly bursting out of his palm. Concentrating the light into one finger, he whistled softly.
The young woman had only time for one look of surprise before she slumped onto the floor, a small indigo mark fading from her forehead.
Sticking his head out of his doorway cautiously, Miroku let an amused smile play about his lips.
Swarms of men were stomping about with no consideration for people trying to get some needed beauty sleep. Serious faces were set in identical scowls, all clad in empire-issued navy blue uniforms. Long, thin rifles gleamed dangerously by the flickering torchlight as they barged into rooms without protocol.
Glancing toward the Lord's suites, concern painted his features. How was the great Houjo faring? Sighing, he darted out of his nice, safe room, muttering under his breath.
Hopefully, his brash lord hadn't transformed. He was completely uncontrollable in that state, and Miroku needed all the control he had to push Houjo in the right direction. Houjo needed to be unaware that Miroku was guiding him faithfully, or else he would definitely revolt against his patient, all-knowing advisor. Hm...more like "omnipotent, wise advisor." Miroku made a note to write that down somewhere.
Hurrying to the suites, Miroku kept to the heart of the shadows, worry making his step quicker.
Hopefully, he wouldn't have to interfere in his Great King's plans. Houjo was key, though. He was key.
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Houjo growled threateningly at the whimpering soldier whose hands were clenched tightly around a puny rifle. Blood splattered Houjo's muscular chest, crimson droplets dripping from his lengthened canines. His face was coated with the sweet liquid, matting his hair, as well. Reaching a clawed hand, drenched and dripping with soldiers' lifeblood, he raised and prepared to feast on this sweet, sweet flesh.
A bright, lavender light suddenly shone throughout the room, blinding his overly sensitive eyes. Grunting, he threw an arm over his eyes, whimpering in pain.
As he slowly cracked open his eyes, he came face to face with a furious pair of blazing violet orbs.
Growling in the back of his throat, Houjo swiped at the insolent human, regretting somewhat in ruining such a flawless face. He rumbled in surprise when his claws only met air.
Suddenly, pain exploded in the back of his head. Stars appeared in his vision, tinged with an edge of blackness. Then the pain came in lesser amounts, but all over his back, pummeling him relentlessly.
Roaring, he turned toward the perpetrator in rage. The slender man with purple eyes blinked in dismay. Howling, Houjo threw himself at the source of all the pain, rage coursing through his veins.
Lashing out with an upward swipe at the man's head, he smiled slightly when he met air, shooting out his leg at the last moment. The violet man gasped in pain, tumbling to the ground, clutching his ankle
Jumping at the prone figure, suddenly a blast of brilliant azure light slammed into him, smashing him violently into a wall. Staggering upright, he snarled, jaws dripping with a mixture of saliva and blood. The toxic mess steamed as it hit the floor, burning through the thin carpet.
The slender figure pushed himself to his knees, shaking. As he got to his feet, he shot a blazing, lavender glare towards the snarling demon, limping somewhat. The two men slowly circled each other, both aware of each step the other took. It was as if it was an intricate dance. A step here, a slight move here, a small shift in position.
Houjo, rumbling angrily, lunged toward the violet, slender man. Kicking toward the other's wounded ankle, he missed, tripping onto the ground. A sudden blow to his side sent him wincing and shrieking in fury. Struggling to get up, he fell to his knees as a merciless blow to his back sent shivers of pain all throughout his body. Tears coming to his eyes, he gave a last whimper before darkness claimed him.
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Miroku panted heavily, sweat streaming down his forehead. Raising an arm, he wiped the gleaming moisture from his face.
The clatter of boots came his way. Turning his head slowly, he regarded the woman who burst into the room gravely.
The female blew out air heavily, bent over with her hands on her knees. Looking up, she frowned at Miroku ferociously, thin lips pursed unattractively. Suddenly, recognition bloomed upon her pretty, freckled features. Mussed black hair flying, she gave a glad cry as she ran toward Miroku's shocked figure.
"Mr. Miroku! Mr. Miroku! Don't you remember me? It's Koharu!"
Miroku regarded the girl with her arms around his waist with a confused expression. He smiled slightly as she buried her face into his chest.
"I'm sixteen now. It's been three years since you've seen me! I can bear your child now."
Miroku felt tears prick his eyes, a glad smile stretching his lips. Suddenly, the flashing image of blazing cinnamon eyes, smeared with magenta, was thrust into his vision. Sighing regretfully, he slowly detached the young woman's arms from around his waist, lifting her head from his chest gently.
"I'm sorry Koharu. While I would like nothing better than for you to bear my child, I must attend to other business. I offer my humblest apologies, and if ever you need my services, you need only to go to the central building in the middle of Surrey Square."
Koharu glared at him indignantly, lips curling into a sneer.
"You forgot. I'm in the Imperial Army. I can arrest you right here," she spat.
Miroku rolled his eyes upward, sighing. Turning his gaze toward her twisted features, he mouthed, 'I'm sorry.' Lifting his palm, he shot out his finger, a thin stream of lavender light coalescing in the middle of her forehead. Eyes rolling to the back of her head, Koharu dropped like a stone.
Wiping off unseen specks of dust, he whipped out a tiny oval mirror. Inspecting himself intensely, he meticulously arranged a strand of hair, wiped off some invisible smudge, and smoothed out his eyebrows. Giving a satisfied smirk, he beamed into the small looking glass, admiring his smile.
Sighing, Miroku tucked the shiny oval into some small fold in his robes. Regarding the prone figure of the blood-splattered man at his feet, he pursed his lips thoughtfully. Now what was he going to do with his Lord now? Tilting his head slightly, he tapped his lips with a finger, eyebrows quirked endearingly into a thoughtful pose. Flashing a small smile, he crooked his finger slightly. Houjo's still form silently followed him as he walked down a blood-coated hallway. Tucking his Lord's figure into some shadowed yet noticeable corner, he strode away swiftly, a satisfied smile in place.
As he sauntered down the hallway with an air of confidence, he squawked as a pulsing amethyst sphere suddenly appeared in front of him. Inspecting it curiously, he gave an indignant gasp as he was suddenly pulled into it. Struggling, a shuddering jolt of pain went down his spine. Face scrunching into excruciating pain, he gave a silent scream. As the waves of pain finally passed, his vision finally cleared. Floating limply in its center, he regarded the insides of the globe with interest bordering on fascination.
A small bump diverted his attention toward even more globes. They all seemed to be different shades of purple.
Wrinkling his nose, he thought, 'Wait, EVERYTHING seems to be in different shades of purple!"
Looking at the other globes with unguarded curiosity, his eyebrows rose as he recognized the still figures. There was that rich girl Houjo was stuck up on. Very pretty, going by the name, what was it, ah, yes, Kagoma, or was it Kagome? That disheveled looking girl looks like that girl crushing on Dog-boy. He grinned slightly as he noticed said boy. Tears actually came to his eyes as he recognized the last form. The cinnamon angel had come as well!
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Kaede stared at the sky pensively, deep hazel eyes glittering. Something was happening. She could sense it. Her small features were set in a serious expression.
Putting down a pale doll with falls of glossy black hair absentmindedly, her eyes were glued to the dark velvety folds of the sky. Four large orbs, glowing softly, floated gently across the sky.
Somehow, Kaede knew that her sister was in one of them. Raising her doll to her chest, she hugged it tightly, crooning comforting words to it. Lightly caressing its cheek, she kissed it softly on the forehead. She would make sure her sister was all right. Gazing at the doll, a small smile graced her small features. It really did look like Kagome.
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Kagome stirred slightly from her hazy sleep. She felt herself enveloped into a warm hug overflowing with love. She gave a small, satisfied sigh as she felt a loving touch to her cheek. The soft kiss on her forehead sent her drifting happily into sleep with the safe feeling of being protected.
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The Sorceror gazed silently at the clear orb of white light throbbing in his palm. Suddenly, his lips were pulled into a ferocious grin. Everything was coming to place. This time, nothing would go wrong, and the bastard would finally die.
END CHAPTER.
Author's Note: Who's the bastard?? Ooh...suspenseful, don't you think? Hm...I wonder if I'm actually going to get any reviews for this chapter. I doubt it. Oh well. Anyway, on to replies. I'm aware that I didn't reply to those reviews for chapter four, either. Maybe I can incorporate them here?
Whiterose03: Thanks for reading! Just for that, I award you with a medal. I also appreciate you thinking it's a great storyline. Nice boost to the ego! MASH THE EGO! MASH THE EGO! beats it with a bat
H.M.T: Thanks a lot for reviewing. I bet you noticed I forgot to review the rest of YOUR chapters, so I really appreciate it! If you give me a few more months, I might actually move my fingers to type out your reviews!
t3h Fawnlander: I'm glad you were aware that I updated! Hopefully you'll notice this chapter. Of course, since I just updated in five months, I highly doubt it.
Riath: Yes, yes, I know, it DID need details! Of course, by then, I started getting bored, so...I admit, I RUSHED! I CONFESS! sobs
Josie: Hahaha! I've kept you wondering for FIVE MONTHS! I'm so sorry! Thank you so much for still reading. Hopefully, you'll continue...?
Drow goddess: You didn't review chapter five. For that you must pay! BUT you reviewed chapter four, so you are forgiven! They cancel each other out, I suppose.
Okay, no more reviews. ::sigh:: Oh, well. Actually, that's quite a few for little old me. Maybe I'll actually update soon! ::raises eyebrows:: Nah. I'm just evil and lazy like that! Oh, make a note of this: I completed this at 11:58 PM Central time on July, 7, 2004. Okay, got it? Good.