Shayril: Hey, everybody. I'm finally updating.
Kalika: YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shayril: Oh yeah, and Kalika is back.
Aliri: (Sarcastically) Oh goodie.
Shayril: Don't worry, Aliri. I'm keeping you on board as a permanent muse.
Kagome: Yay!!! I like Aliri.
Shayril: Anyways, sorry for the delay. I've been really busy. I had
midterms, I got a job a bakery, and a little depressed.
Kagome: Awwww. Why were you depressed?
Shayril: I don't really want to talk about it. Let's just say that
Valentine's Day is now my least favorite holiday.
Kalika: Aw, but why? Valentine's Day is such a great day. (Sighs dreamily)
It's such a romantic day.
Shayril: It was created by the candy and card companies in a conspiracy to
make money off of "love". That's not romantic.
Kalika: That's not true.
(Shayril glares at the prodigal leprechaun.)
Aliri: Cousin, I suggest you leave it alone. The VCR and restraint chair is
all set up. She's not in the mood for arguments today.
(Kalika pales and swallows.)
Kalika: O... Okay. I s... still wish I knew why.
Shayril: Well, I don't want to talk about it, so drop it. And now I'm too
depressed to continue talking. On to the chapter.
Chapter Twenty-Four – Joining Forces
"Naraku has an army behind him," Kagome began. "And as much as we'd like to think otherwise, you guys are not going to be able to hold them off while I'm fighting Naraku and Sonya by yourselves."
"Feh! Says you," Inuyasha said.
"Inuyasha, now is not the time for stubborn pride. I've been at your side for three years. Granted, you're a good fighter, but you're not you good."
Sesshoumaru spoke up. "What do you propose we do?"
"You bring in your army, Sesshoumaru. I've sent Akemi to the Sky Kingdom to enlist the Protectors."
Sango looked at her knowingly. "That won't be enough, will it?"
Heaven's Priestess shook her head. "No, it isn't. That's why we'll ask Kouga and Sesshoumaru's allies for help."
At the mention of Kouga, Inuyasha growled. "No way! I'm not fighting beside that mangy wolf."
"Now is not the time for grudges, Inuyasha," Miroku admonished. "We need all the help we can get."
"Yeah," Kero piped. "Besides, it's not like he still thinks Kagome- sama is his woman. She set him straight. Besides, she's Yue's mate now."
"Yes, he'll realize that," Sakura agreed with her guardian.
The hanyou looked away. "Feh! Fine, do whatever you want."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "I wasn't asking. I've already sent Shippou to find Kouga. He's also going to the Northern Lands."
"What's the Northern Lands?" Kero asked.
"Kitsune lands," Sesshoumaru told him. "They're my greatest allies."
"If they agree, they will be here in a week. We attack the day after."
Having discussed all they needed to, Kagome let them get to their respective duties in preparation for the battle to come. She immediately headed to the dojo. She needed to make sure she could beat Sonya. As she went to work on the dummies she was unaware of the fact that she was being watched. His eyes were full of love and sorrow. As much as he wanted to deny it, had hoped against it, he knew that he was going to lose her. The pain was enough to drive him insane. He could barely remember what it would feel like when he actually did lose her.
* * *
"Get him!"
"Come back here you little runt!"
"Get over here!"
He looked up with a frown at the shouts. His head was cocked to the side as he listened for a moment. Then he turned back to his maps deciding one of the younglings was causing mischief. A minute later a red blur streaked into the cave, soon followed by three of his men.
"What's going on?" he demanded.
One of the ookami pointed to the niche in the back wall of the cave.
"That kitsune was trying to sneak in here."
"I was not!" The boy's voice said. "I came to see Kouga."
"Kouga-sama has more important things to do than see a little boy," one of the others snarled.
"Why don't you let him decide that!"
Kouga was growing annoyed. "Why don't you all stop talking about me like I'm not here!" He roared.
The three ookami muttered apologies while the little kitsune huffed. The leader of the wolves turned in the general direction of the boy.
"Why'd'ya want, twerp?"
The kitsune jumped down. As he approached, Kouga couldn't help thinking that he looked familiar.
"I'm here to deliver a message from my okaa-san, Heaven's Priestess."
"Who?"
The kitsune handed him a rolled up piece of parchment and was gone in the blink of an eye. Kouga's nose twitched as he caught the very familiar scent of Kagome on the message. Suddenly, he recognized the kitsune as the one that was always hanging around her. He unrolled the parchment and quickly read the contents. It wasn't what he was hoping for, but it still pleased him. Finally, the abomination known as Naraku would be eliminated. He looked up at the three men still standing there.
"Get the men together. We're going to war, boys!"
* * *
"Look! Akemi's back!"
The shout spread through the courtyard and a royal welcoming committee was at the castle entrance in record time. Akemi landed in the courtyard and smiled warmly at the greetings shouted to her by the palace residents. The welcome party stepped forward and bowed to her.
"Welcome home, Guardian," the head of the group said.
"Save the welcome, Tobikuma. I'm leaving again tomorrow. Have the Protectors ready to move out by then."
Tobikuma looked at her in surprise. "My Lady?"
Akemi strode down the hall. "No time for questions. My mother needs those men as soon as possible. It already took two days to get here."
"Your mother? You've found Kagome-sama? What of Yue-sama?"
"They're together and they're going to fight the Battle again in five days. Now get the Protectors ready to move out after breakfast tomorrow."
As Akemi disappeared into her room the welcome guard quickly dispersed to do their job. By the end of an hour word of Heaven's Priestess and Heaven's Guardian had spread through the castle inhabitants. The Inner Ring had heard the news two hours after that. And by the time families were sitting down to dinner the entire Sky Kingdom knew that their beloved rulers had returned to life.
After breakfast the next morning, Akemi walked out into the courtyard ready to lead the Protectors to the final battle with Naraku and Sonya. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped in shock to see the courtyard and streets for miles were full of men and women armed, determined, and anxious.
"What is this?" she asked Tobikuma.
"Each house of the kingdom has volunteered one member to fight with Heaven's Priestess and Heaven's Guardian," he explained. "They're all determined to see that we do not lose them again."
Akemi grinned. "Boy, is Ma going to be surprised. All right, let's move out!"
The order spread in seconds and thousands of winged people took to the air. The sound of wings beating the air was thunderous like the waves crashing on the sea.
* * *
"Yasahiro-sama, there is a young boy here to see you," his servant said. "He says he's a messenger from Heaven's Priestess."
Yasahiro, Lord of the Northern Lands, had a thoughtful look on his face. "Send him in."
The servant bowed and scurried out of the room. Moments later a young kitsune boy wearing blue and a sort of tan color dashed up and bowed before him.
"What brings you here, young one?"
"I was sent with a message from my okaa-san, Heaven's Priestess."
The taiyoukai frowned. "Heaven's Priestess is a human. How can she be your mother?"
"Adopted mother, Yasahiro-sama. I was an orphan. And she's not human, she's an avariel."
He nodded. "What is the message?"
The boy scuttled forward and handed him a rolled piece of parchment. Yasahiro took the parchment and quickly scanned its contents. He had to reread it a couple times to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him. He gaped at the boy.
"Is she insane going up against Naraku alone?"
The boy shook his head. "We're not alone, my Lord. We have the aid of Kouga-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, and the Sky Kingdom. You will not be facing Naraku, anyway. You and our other allies will keep his army back while my okaa-san battles Naraku."
Yasahiro looked at him incredulously. "By herself? Is she suicidal?"
To his surprise, the young kitsune glared at him. "No! She is the most powerful person in the world. Now, what is you reply? My okaa-san waits."
* * *
She sat in the library going over her plans for attacking Naraku. No word had come from Kouga or the Northern Lands yet and she wanted to make sure she compensated for the lack of reinforcements in case they didn't come. She hoped they wouldn't have to use these backup plans. Suddenly the door burst open and in strolled Kouga with his familiar cocky grin. He was followed by irritated sun guardians.
"Hey!" young Kero shouted. "Show proper respect!"
"Yeah," the older chirped. "You're supposed to wait to be announced before entering the presence of Heaven's Priestess."
"Can it, stuffed animal. Kagome invited me."
"Kagome-sama," they corrected.
Kagome smiled. "It's okay, Kero-chan. Kouga-kun is a friend."
"But..."
"I think there's some pudding left over from last night," she said.
"Yay, pudding!" they shouted, flying out of the room.
She shook her head, chuckling as she turned to the ookami prince.
"I wasn't sure you would come after our last meeting."
"Naw. It's not your fault you don't love me that way. Anyway, at least we're friends. Besides," he grinned. "I want to kick the evil bastard's ass."
"Sorry, Kouga-kun, that's my job. You guys get to fight the fodder."
"Are you crazy? You can't fight Naraku alone. What is your mate thinking letting you do that?"
"He doesn't have a choice, it's my destiny to do this alone. That's what went wrong last time. He shouldn't have been fighting at my side."
Kouga was about to say something when a scent caught his nose. He sniffed again and frowned.
"Why did you bring the Lord of the Western Lands into this?"
"Because he has as much at stake here as the rest of us. Besides, we need all the help we can get. Hopefully, Yasahiro-sama of the Northern Lands will join us as well."
"Will that be enough?"
"With my Protectors it will be," Kagome replied.
A confused look crossed his face. "Your Protectors?"
"The Sky Kingdom's army."
"Well, at least we'll have a fair sized army," an unfamiliar voice broke in.
They both turned to see a man no higher than Kagome's shoulders standing in the doorway. Like Shippou, he had a foxtail, pointed ears, and fangs. However, the fur on his tail and hair on his head looked more brown than red and his eyes were a stormy gray. He looked to be middle-aged with a steady stride as he approached.
The ookami's eyes widened when the Northern Lord bowed to the young miko.
"My Lady, it's an honor to meet you. You are much talked about for your travels with the hanyou, Inuyasha, alone. But word has spread that you are the ruler of the Sky Kingdom and no one speaks of anything else."
She gave him a deep nod. "I am honored that you have joined us, Yasahiro-san. I welcome you as a friend and guest."
"I do hope our host is not put out by so many guests."
Kouga was surprised at Kagome's hardened gaze.
"I don't give a damn if he feels put out or not. He will house whoever I ask."
Yasahiro's ear twitched. "I get the feeling you don't much like our host."
Kagome snorted. "I loathe and despise him and the sooner I can get out of here the better."
At that moment Sesshoumaru showed up. Seeing that everyone was there, Heaven's Priestess began to lay out her plans for them. The four leaders spent hours in the library altering plans and making new ones. It was well after dinner before everyone was satisfied enough to put the rest off until the next day.
Shayril: Well, there ya go. I hope you liked it. Kalika: I did. I did. I did. Navi: She doesn't care if you liked it. She only cares if the readers liked it. (Kalika folds her arms and huffs.) Inuyasha: I can't believe you brought the wimpy wolf back. I was hoping he'd be gone for good. Kagome: Oh, get over it, Inuyasha. It's not like he's trying to kidnap me anymore. Yue: If he were to try I would make him regret it.
Kagome: (Sighs dreamily) I love it when you get all protective like that. Inuyasha: Feh! Sure you like it when he gets protective, but when I do it you go ballistic on me. Kagome: Well, you're not my husband, Inuyasha. Yue is. (Kagome and Yue start cuddling and kissing on the sofa.) Shayril: (A sad note to her voice) Well, please review. No flames, at least not this time. Flames will not be responded to, they will be deleted, because I need something to cheer me up, not tick me off. Ja ne.
Chapter Twenty-Four – Joining Forces
"Naraku has an army behind him," Kagome began. "And as much as we'd like to think otherwise, you guys are not going to be able to hold them off while I'm fighting Naraku and Sonya by yourselves."
"Feh! Says you," Inuyasha said.
"Inuyasha, now is not the time for stubborn pride. I've been at your side for three years. Granted, you're a good fighter, but you're not you good."
Sesshoumaru spoke up. "What do you propose we do?"
"You bring in your army, Sesshoumaru. I've sent Akemi to the Sky Kingdom to enlist the Protectors."
Sango looked at her knowingly. "That won't be enough, will it?"
Heaven's Priestess shook her head. "No, it isn't. That's why we'll ask Kouga and Sesshoumaru's allies for help."
At the mention of Kouga, Inuyasha growled. "No way! I'm not fighting beside that mangy wolf."
"Now is not the time for grudges, Inuyasha," Miroku admonished. "We need all the help we can get."
"Yeah," Kero piped. "Besides, it's not like he still thinks Kagome- sama is his woman. She set him straight. Besides, she's Yue's mate now."
"Yes, he'll realize that," Sakura agreed with her guardian.
The hanyou looked away. "Feh! Fine, do whatever you want."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "I wasn't asking. I've already sent Shippou to find Kouga. He's also going to the Northern Lands."
"What's the Northern Lands?" Kero asked.
"Kitsune lands," Sesshoumaru told him. "They're my greatest allies."
"If they agree, they will be here in a week. We attack the day after."
Having discussed all they needed to, Kagome let them get to their respective duties in preparation for the battle to come. She immediately headed to the dojo. She needed to make sure she could beat Sonya. As she went to work on the dummies she was unaware of the fact that she was being watched. His eyes were full of love and sorrow. As much as he wanted to deny it, had hoped against it, he knew that he was going to lose her. The pain was enough to drive him insane. He could barely remember what it would feel like when he actually did lose her.
* * *
"Get him!"
"Come back here you little runt!"
"Get over here!"
He looked up with a frown at the shouts. His head was cocked to the side as he listened for a moment. Then he turned back to his maps deciding one of the younglings was causing mischief. A minute later a red blur streaked into the cave, soon followed by three of his men.
"What's going on?" he demanded.
One of the ookami pointed to the niche in the back wall of the cave.
"That kitsune was trying to sneak in here."
"I was not!" The boy's voice said. "I came to see Kouga."
"Kouga-sama has more important things to do than see a little boy," one of the others snarled.
"Why don't you let him decide that!"
Kouga was growing annoyed. "Why don't you all stop talking about me like I'm not here!" He roared.
The three ookami muttered apologies while the little kitsune huffed. The leader of the wolves turned in the general direction of the boy.
"Why'd'ya want, twerp?"
The kitsune jumped down. As he approached, Kouga couldn't help thinking that he looked familiar.
"I'm here to deliver a message from my okaa-san, Heaven's Priestess."
"Who?"
The kitsune handed him a rolled up piece of parchment and was gone in the blink of an eye. Kouga's nose twitched as he caught the very familiar scent of Kagome on the message. Suddenly, he recognized the kitsune as the one that was always hanging around her. He unrolled the parchment and quickly read the contents. It wasn't what he was hoping for, but it still pleased him. Finally, the abomination known as Naraku would be eliminated. He looked up at the three men still standing there.
"Get the men together. We're going to war, boys!"
* * *
"Look! Akemi's back!"
The shout spread through the courtyard and a royal welcoming committee was at the castle entrance in record time. Akemi landed in the courtyard and smiled warmly at the greetings shouted to her by the palace residents. The welcome party stepped forward and bowed to her.
"Welcome home, Guardian," the head of the group said.
"Save the welcome, Tobikuma. I'm leaving again tomorrow. Have the Protectors ready to move out by then."
Tobikuma looked at her in surprise. "My Lady?"
Akemi strode down the hall. "No time for questions. My mother needs those men as soon as possible. It already took two days to get here."
"Your mother? You've found Kagome-sama? What of Yue-sama?"
"They're together and they're going to fight the Battle again in five days. Now get the Protectors ready to move out after breakfast tomorrow."
As Akemi disappeared into her room the welcome guard quickly dispersed to do their job. By the end of an hour word of Heaven's Priestess and Heaven's Guardian had spread through the castle inhabitants. The Inner Ring had heard the news two hours after that. And by the time families were sitting down to dinner the entire Sky Kingdom knew that their beloved rulers had returned to life.
After breakfast the next morning, Akemi walked out into the courtyard ready to lead the Protectors to the final battle with Naraku and Sonya. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped in shock to see the courtyard and streets for miles were full of men and women armed, determined, and anxious.
"What is this?" she asked Tobikuma.
"Each house of the kingdom has volunteered one member to fight with Heaven's Priestess and Heaven's Guardian," he explained. "They're all determined to see that we do not lose them again."
Akemi grinned. "Boy, is Ma going to be surprised. All right, let's move out!"
The order spread in seconds and thousands of winged people took to the air. The sound of wings beating the air was thunderous like the waves crashing on the sea.
* * *
"Yasahiro-sama, there is a young boy here to see you," his servant said. "He says he's a messenger from Heaven's Priestess."
Yasahiro, Lord of the Northern Lands, had a thoughtful look on his face. "Send him in."
The servant bowed and scurried out of the room. Moments later a young kitsune boy wearing blue and a sort of tan color dashed up and bowed before him.
"What brings you here, young one?"
"I was sent with a message from my okaa-san, Heaven's Priestess."
The taiyoukai frowned. "Heaven's Priestess is a human. How can she be your mother?"
"Adopted mother, Yasahiro-sama. I was an orphan. And she's not human, she's an avariel."
He nodded. "What is the message?"
The boy scuttled forward and handed him a rolled piece of parchment. Yasahiro took the parchment and quickly scanned its contents. He had to reread it a couple times to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him. He gaped at the boy.
"Is she insane going up against Naraku alone?"
The boy shook his head. "We're not alone, my Lord. We have the aid of Kouga-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, and the Sky Kingdom. You will not be facing Naraku, anyway. You and our other allies will keep his army back while my okaa-san battles Naraku."
Yasahiro looked at him incredulously. "By herself? Is she suicidal?"
To his surprise, the young kitsune glared at him. "No! She is the most powerful person in the world. Now, what is you reply? My okaa-san waits."
* * *
She sat in the library going over her plans for attacking Naraku. No word had come from Kouga or the Northern Lands yet and she wanted to make sure she compensated for the lack of reinforcements in case they didn't come. She hoped they wouldn't have to use these backup plans. Suddenly the door burst open and in strolled Kouga with his familiar cocky grin. He was followed by irritated sun guardians.
"Hey!" young Kero shouted. "Show proper respect!"
"Yeah," the older chirped. "You're supposed to wait to be announced before entering the presence of Heaven's Priestess."
"Can it, stuffed animal. Kagome invited me."
"Kagome-sama," they corrected.
Kagome smiled. "It's okay, Kero-chan. Kouga-kun is a friend."
"But..."
"I think there's some pudding left over from last night," she said.
"Yay, pudding!" they shouted, flying out of the room.
She shook her head, chuckling as she turned to the ookami prince.
"I wasn't sure you would come after our last meeting."
"Naw. It's not your fault you don't love me that way. Anyway, at least we're friends. Besides," he grinned. "I want to kick the evil bastard's ass."
"Sorry, Kouga-kun, that's my job. You guys get to fight the fodder."
"Are you crazy? You can't fight Naraku alone. What is your mate thinking letting you do that?"
"He doesn't have a choice, it's my destiny to do this alone. That's what went wrong last time. He shouldn't have been fighting at my side."
Kouga was about to say something when a scent caught his nose. He sniffed again and frowned.
"Why did you bring the Lord of the Western Lands into this?"
"Because he has as much at stake here as the rest of us. Besides, we need all the help we can get. Hopefully, Yasahiro-sama of the Northern Lands will join us as well."
"Will that be enough?"
"With my Protectors it will be," Kagome replied.
A confused look crossed his face. "Your Protectors?"
"The Sky Kingdom's army."
"Well, at least we'll have a fair sized army," an unfamiliar voice broke in.
They both turned to see a man no higher than Kagome's shoulders standing in the doorway. Like Shippou, he had a foxtail, pointed ears, and fangs. However, the fur on his tail and hair on his head looked more brown than red and his eyes were a stormy gray. He looked to be middle-aged with a steady stride as he approached.
The ookami's eyes widened when the Northern Lord bowed to the young miko.
"My Lady, it's an honor to meet you. You are much talked about for your travels with the hanyou, Inuyasha, alone. But word has spread that you are the ruler of the Sky Kingdom and no one speaks of anything else."
She gave him a deep nod. "I am honored that you have joined us, Yasahiro-san. I welcome you as a friend and guest."
"I do hope our host is not put out by so many guests."
Kouga was surprised at Kagome's hardened gaze.
"I don't give a damn if he feels put out or not. He will house whoever I ask."
Yasahiro's ear twitched. "I get the feeling you don't much like our host."
Kagome snorted. "I loathe and despise him and the sooner I can get out of here the better."
At that moment Sesshoumaru showed up. Seeing that everyone was there, Heaven's Priestess began to lay out her plans for them. The four leaders spent hours in the library altering plans and making new ones. It was well after dinner before everyone was satisfied enough to put the rest off until the next day.
Shayril: Well, there ya go. I hope you liked it. Kalika: I did. I did. I did. Navi: She doesn't care if you liked it. She only cares if the readers liked it. (Kalika folds her arms and huffs.) Inuyasha: I can't believe you brought the wimpy wolf back. I was hoping he'd be gone for good. Kagome: Oh, get over it, Inuyasha. It's not like he's trying to kidnap me anymore. Yue: If he were to try I would make him regret it.
Kagome: (Sighs dreamily) I love it when you get all protective like that. Inuyasha: Feh! Sure you like it when he gets protective, but when I do it you go ballistic on me. Kagome: Well, you're not my husband, Inuyasha. Yue is. (Kagome and Yue start cuddling and kissing on the sofa.) Shayril: (A sad note to her voice) Well, please review. No flames, at least not this time. Flames will not be responded to, they will be deleted, because I need something to cheer me up, not tick me off. Ja ne.