Guess what? My semester is almost over with! Yay! I've just got two final exams to take next week and it's all over with. :) But, that's kind of bad news for you guys, because I'll be going home. And when I'm home I tend not to write or post anything. But I'll make an effort to get something up for you! Regardless of what I get written, Chapter Fifteen will be posted next week! :)
Errr.. slight warning… the next several chapters have almost no action. :\ I'm just now getting to the point with Chapter Seventeen where something actually is going to happen. That's not to say that these chapters aren't important, because they have reveal some plot points. :) Anyways… read on!
Mage Raistlin: Thank you! I'm keeping up… hee hee ;)
Simply a Lady: And there won't be any more mean cliffies for a while. But that's not to say that they won't make a comeback! :)
KhmerGirl: Hope this was soon enough! (Well, it probably wasn't, my apologizes, but I had the whole Thanksgiving break to get through! :) ).
X5-452Star: Hee hee... I absolutely loved making Sesshomaru inferior like that! He needs to get knocked off his high horse sometimes! The only thing I didn't like was the name Moon Dogs, but I couldn't come up with anything better. Glad you liked it! And I'll try to work in more Darien protectiveness! ;)
Henio: Thankies!
Jabba1: Thanks. That's personally one of my favorite twists in this story. But of course... there are others! (One's coming up in this chapter, actually).
Sakura-ayame33: Oooh! I hope you're not grounded! Oh, btw, I'm a Michigander myself! :) I completely sympathize with the MI schools complaint!
slvrstarlight: Hee hee, glad I wasn't the only one. I'm still waiting for them to explain what that's all about. I mean, why does he just have a random moon on his forehead? LoL, there has to be a reason behind that!
CaraBera: Hmm, yeah I get what you mean. Inuyasha is really a softie when it comes to Kagome in the series, but at the same time they still have their squabbles. They just happen to squabble a few times in the beginning of my story. Don't worry, they stop fighting so much after Chapter Four. :) As for when the story takes place, I really can't decide. I'm just leaving that up to the readers to decide, I guess. Well, hope you enjoy the rest of the chapters!
Well… enjoy the chapter!! (Yes, I take some liberates with the story of the creation of the Shikon Jewel. Sorry, but I had to make it work with my plot.)
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The rest of the day was uneventful, although they had kicked up the pace a notch. They ate a quick supper and went right to sleep with an agreement to go at top speed in the morning until Inuyasha was able to catch Kagura's scent.
"All right Darien," Inuyasha said the next morning, "you said you could get you and Serena anywhere fast."
"No problem," Darien said. With a flutter of rose petals he was Tuxedo Mask, and a second later he was holding Serena in his arms, bridal style. "Lead the way!"
Kirara transformed into her larger form and Sango and Miroku climbed onto her back. Sango tensed up at first when Miroku wrapped his arms around her stomach, but soon settled against his chest. She even took the staff from his hand and held it across her lap, so that he could hold her tighter. Shippou perched on Miroku's shoulder and settled down to go back to sleep.
Kagome smiled at the two couples, for Serena and Darien too were enjoying the closeness to each other. Serena's arms were clasped around Darien's neck and they were sharing a quick kiss. Although there was a smile on her face, Kagome could not help but to feel a pang of jealousy.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha said, trying to get her attention. When she turned back around Inuyasha was crouching down waiting for her to climb on.
"Sorry," she said, climbing onto his back.
"Everybody ready?" he called back. Once he saw the nods he took off. He was interested to see if Darien could keep up.
Serena shut her eyes against the wind rushing by. She clung tightly to Darien, though she felt not fear. She trusted Darien with her life, and knew she was in no danger.
Darien was concentrating on keeping up with the two demons. One was flying along while the other was gliding along easily. He, on the other hand, was running full out.
Serena noticed that Darien was putting effort into his running. Every other time he had carried her it had been effortlessly. Then again it had been for short distances and across rooftops. Maybe that was it…
"Darien?"
"Hmm?"
"Try the trees."
He looked down at her for a moment, confused. Then he broke out in a grin once he realized what she was saying. A moment later they were soaring through the treetops just above Inuyasha. By using the tree limbs to push off Darien was able to glide through the air much easier, just like when he glided along rooftops back in Tokyo.
They traveled like that for almost an hour, and Darien started to get tired. He was thankful when Inuyasha came to a stop in a clearing that had obviously seen a battle. He set Serena down and let go of his transformation. As he tried to catch his breath he surveyed the scene.
Dozens of mangled skeletons were strewn across the field, yet the fight had been recent for there were smatterings of blood here and there.
Inuyasha sniffed around. "Kagura was definitely here," he said with confidence. "And… Kouga. This is Kouga's blood."
Kagome gasped, concern gleaming in her eyes. "Where is he?" she looked up at Inuyasha pleadingly.
For once he did not have any nasty comments about the wolf demon. Instead he used his nose to find the freshest scent of his rival. He found him almost buried beneath a pile of bones. Clearing away the bones he found the demon to be scratched, cut, bruised and unconscious, but very much alive.
"Over here!" he called out, and Kagome came running. The rest of his friends followed closely behind.
"Oh!" Kagome exclaimed when she saw Kouga's condition. She fell to her knees beside her friend and examined him more closely. "I think he's healing up fine. Who knows how long he's been here though."
"Does he still have his shards?" Sango asked.
Kagome furrowed her eyebrows in concentration and nodded. "I don't understand why though. He got beaten so badly, so why didn't Kagura take his shards?"
Everyone pondered over this, but Inuyasha shrugged. "Let's just be glad the stupid wolf didn't let his shards fall into Naraku's hands."
"I heard that... dogturd," said Kouga in a weak voice.
"Kouga!" Kagome said, happy her friend was okay.
"Kagome," Kouga said, smiling up at the girl. "I'm glad you're here."
Kagome took a battered hand into hers and gently squeezed. "Rest Kouga. You can tell us what happened later, okay?"
Kouga nodded before passing out again.
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "Could you move him? He shouldn't have to lay among all of this."
Inuyasha did not look too happy, but he picked Kouga up and threw him none too gently onto his shoulder. "Where to?"
She glared at him for the mistreatment of Kouga, but just motioned him to follow her.
Sango and Serena had already found a place to eat lunch away from the battlefield, so Kagome led Inuyasha there. Darien and Miroku were still looking for any more survivors. They soon joined them.
"I guess it was just Kouga here," Miroku said with a shrug.
"A lot of carnage for one guy," Darien observed.
"Yeah, but Kouga is pretty strong," Kagome said. Inuyasha did not seem too pleased to hear her say that, but Kagome did not notice because she was already working on bandaging Kouga's wounds.
By the time she was done, lunch was ready and she gladly ate her portion. It was while she was helping to clean up that Kouga finally came around again.
"Where the hell am I?" he said for his first words. Kagome was at his side in a moment.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him, concerned.
His eyes lit up seeing Kagome there. "All right, I guess. Did you do this?" he asked, holding up a bandaged arm. Kagome nodded, and before she knew it Kouga had kissed her cheek. The growling started a moment later.
"Listen you stupid wolf! Just because you're hurt doesn't mean I still won't kill you! So if you value your life, I'd suggest keeping away from Kagome!" yelled a seething Inuyasha.
"Sit," Kagome said calmly. After she had heard the satisfying WHAM!, she asked Kouga, "Do you feel up to telling us what happened?"
Kouga nodded. After situating himself into a more comfortable position, he began.
"I got here not long after I left you, probably not even half a day later. Kagura was waiting here. 'I knew either you or Inuyasha's group would show up here. So predictable!' she said. Right after that she attacked. She used her Corpse Dance, as you can see," he said, gesturing to the field of skeletons. "I held my own for a long time, of course, but she began to wear me down eventually. I was beginning to think that Kagura would actually get the best of me when she stopped attacking suddenly. Just went all ridged and said 'What the hell was that?'. She flew away right after saying that. Then I guess passed out." He paused for a moment and then looked at Kagome almost sheepishly. "How long was I out?"
"Almost three days, I guess."
Kouga looked surprised, but shook his head. "Well, do you have any idea of why Kagura ran off like that?"
"Uh, actually, I think I do," Kagome said. "Serena, kind of…" she turned to gesture to Serena, but she was not in sight. "Where's Serena?"
Everyone looked around, slightly embarrassed to not have noticed her wandering off.
Inuyasha noted the panicked look on Darien's face as he searched for Serena with his eyes and gave in with a sigh. "I'll find her." Darien looked at him thankfully, but he turned to Kouga. "Keep you hands off Kagome while I'm gone!" Without even waiting for a response he leapt off into the direction that Serena's scent went.
He did not have to go far. He found her in a field not far from where the rest of their friends were. She was kneeling in the grass in a praying position, crystal held between her hands. Her eyes were closed and she seemed oblivious to all around her. After sniffing the air to make sure no demons were lurking around, he went back to the group.
"Did you find her?" he was greeted with immediately by a worried Darien.
"Yeah, she's in the next field over. Looks like she's meditating with that jewel of hers," Inuyasha said, pointing in the direction where Serena was. Darien ran that way with a "Thanks!" thrown over his shoulder.
"So that new wench is the one that caused that surge of power?" Kouga was asking. Kagome nodded. "I knew that woman had power hidden in her!" Kouga then took up Kagome's hands and stared intently into her eyes, genuine worry clouding his features. "Kagome, with that Serena woman holding that power Naraku will be after you more than ever. You'll be in danger. Please, come with me. Let me protect you."
Kagome knew he was being earnest, but there was no hesitation in her answer. "I belong here Kouga, with my friends. We'll be fine - I'll be fine. You can come with us though," she offered.
Kouga ignored the offer and instead let go of Kagome's hands and turned on Inuyasha.
"And are you going to protect her? If it was a choice between saving Kagome or the dead bitch, who would you save? Huh?" Angry silence. "Answer me!"
Inuyasha just stood there, angrier than Kagome had ever seen him. Red was flashing in his eyes despite Tetsusaiga resting at his hip.
"Kouga," Kagome said softly, but the wolf demon did not look at her. "Kouga, Kikyo is gone. It happened the night Serena gained her power. Your question is an unnecessary one."
Kouga relaxed, shame flickering across his features, but he forced it back and tensed up again. Inuyasha was beyond placating, so angry was he. Kouga stood by, waiting to see what the half demon would do. He had his answer a moment later in the form of claws piercing his neck that was in the grip of Inuyasha's hand.
"Never accuse me of not protecting Kagome," Inuyasha growled out, his golden eyes flashing in his anger. "Never! I would protect her with my life if I had to. You got that?"
Kouga nodded against the force at his throat. It tightened a fraction before finally letting go. Kouga held a hand to his throbbing throat.
Kagome just stared as this went on. She was shocked. Inuyasha was angry because he thought Kouga was accusing him of not protecting her? She had thought it was because of the mention of Kikyo. She shook her head and was about to ask Inuyasha to release Kouga when he did it on his own. He glanced at her face for a moment before leaping up into a tree and hiding himself. She could not blame him. Even she was not sure of what to say after that outburst. She busied herself by preparing some lunch for Kouga, trying to keep her mind off of anything that had to do with a certain half demon. Serena provided the welcome distraction a few minutes later.
When Darien walked back into camp Serena was with him. Although they walked together, Darien seemed to be supporting her along the way. Kagome could see why, for Serena was as pale as the clouds that rolled by above.
"Serena! What's the matter?" Kagome said, jumping up to greet her friend.
"The damn crystal just saps me sometimes," she replied weakly.
Kagome cocked an eyebrow. "You've been around us too long," she said, referring to the swear word. Serena flushed red in embarrassment. "Don't worry. It happens to us all. Now come here and tell me what happened." Kagome sat down by the fire and patted the ground next to her.
"Uh, I do need to talk to you, but not here. Can we go somewhere else?" Serena asked, some of her normal color appearing under the still visible blush.
Kagome nodded and stood up. The two girls walked out of the camp and went back to the clearing Serena had meditated in. Once they had both sat down, Kagome turned to Serena and asked, "So what's going on?"
Serena was silent for a moment as she collected her thoughts. With a sigh she started. "The crystal called me while we were eating lunch. I got up and left - no one noticed, not even Darien. I can be sneaky sometimes," she said with a grin that Kagome returned. "Anyways, I came here and started mediating. Right away the crystal began to… uh, well it was like it was telling me a story. It told me how it was created and why. And why I can control it.
"The silver crystal came into being long before the Silver Millennium. It was born outside our galaxy, on another planet that was much like Earth. On this planet a war was being waged. Good against evil. There were many warriors on each side, but the side of good had the strongest of them all. She was a fierce warrior, but pure of heart. She was fair and merciful. And all those on the side of evil wanted her dead.
"It was years into the fight when the strongest of the evil got together to kill Aliana. The side of good was winning at that time, but the tide would be turned with the death of Aliana. The leaders knew that in order to kill Aliana they would have to attack her all at once. And so they did.
"The battle waged for a day and a night, neither side faltering, although Aliana did kill off many of those on the evil side. No one could touch her though. She was an ultimate fighter and had lasted the whole fight without a scratch. Yet the constant fighting wore even her down. So, at dawn on the second day Aliana pulled the souls of the evil beings into her own and expelled it from her body, basically killing herself. The result was the silver crystal, and inside Aliana's soul continued to fight the evil within the crystal.
"The side of good took the crystal and kept it safe from evil hands. Centuries passed and finally good won and evil was subdued. Yet the war still waged inside the crystal, and it longed to be set free. It - the crystal - made a journey to our galaxy. Don't asked me how, it did not deem it worthy enough to tell me about. Anyway, it ended up on the moon where it knew it was supposed to be. The princess of the moon found it and had it put into a necklace. She wore it for years as a decoration, but always wore it nonetheless. Until one day her fiancé was attacked by rebels from Mars - this was before the alliance between the planets. He would have died if it weren't for the crystal. She used the crystal's power to defeat the rebels and saved her husband-to-be. The fight was won inside the crystal that day and Aliana was finally put to rest. The silver crystal became the heirloom and the power behind the Moon Kingdom that day, and was passed on from mother to daughter since then."
Kagome had listened intently throughout the story, and had to hold back a gasp when Serena told her about the origin of her crystal. Kagome knew that Serena did not know about how the Shikon Jewel had come to be. Could it be just a coincidence?
Serena looked at Kagome and guessed what she was thinking. "The crystal told me one other thing, Kagome. Another jewel of power has been born and its master found. It's just waiting for her to put it back together."
Kagome gaped at Serena, not sure of what to say or what to ask.
"You okay Kagome?"
"Uh, uh, yeah, but who? I don't understand."
Serena was surprised that she actually understood what the stuttering girl was asking.
"I recall being told that you were born with the Shikon Jewel in your body, correct?" Kagome nodded. "And so there is the who. The why is because you have a pure soul."
"But, but Naraku was able to corrupt the shards so easily. Why?"
"When my crystal still had Aliana's soul in it, it had the ability to be controlled by anyone because the evil was there too. The Shikon Jewel has Midoriko and evil demons in it; hence the jewel can be pure or corrupt. Once it is purified Midoriko will win her fight and be able to pass on, and the jewel will be yours alone. Until you pass it on, of course."
Kagome looked truly shocked. Serena could tell she would need some time to process everything.
"I'm going back to camp, Kagome. I'll leave you here to think things over." All Kagome did was nod, so Serena left her to her thoughts.