Hi. I'm back. Sorry I took so long. My new computer is doing just swimmingly, but the bastards forgot to tell me that I'd have to purchase Word separately. I'm writing this on a library computer.
EDIT: I'm good to go. Review responses are about to commence, except for one tiny little thing. Remember before, I asked you if anybody could draw Tobias, the General, and Tybalt? Well, I said I'd email some people, but I forgot. I have a better idea: I'll just put their descriptions here. Anyone who can draw manga-type characters (serious ones, not funny-looking ones like Sailor Moon), read these descriptions and email me at I welcome any and all submissions, as long as you're serious about it. The best ones will be the "official" likenesses of them, and they'll be exhibited at the beginning. The rest will be shown at the end of the chapter.
Tobias's description: He's fairly tall, about as tall as Inuyasha is. He's lean, yet muscular, not overly built, but not wiry, either. He has red hair that sticks out in all directions...think Gene Starwind's hair from Outlaw Star. He has golden-colored eyes and fairly regular features. He's handsome but not dreamboat-ish. You should draw him smiling. He wears clothes that are kind of rumpled, but not baggy or excessively loose; long sleeves on the shirt and pants down to his ankles. He has many pockets, both in his shirt and in his pants, but these should not be obvious. His shirt is pale red and his pants are blue. He wears a bright red cape that flows down to his ankles, and it's fastened about his neck with an ornate brooch, patterned with a fireball. He also wears plate-mail armor, though not covering his entire body. The armor is black, with fancy designs (you decide what) covering it all over. [Important! If you draw both Tobias and the General, make sure that the patterns on their armor are NOT THE SAME.] He wears a breastplate, an armored belt, wrist guards, and shin guards, all with the same design. He wears greaves – armored boots; again, black. Ideally, he should be shown with his sword drawn. His sword is long, very long; not Buster Sword long, but quite a massive sword. Four and a half feet long is about it. Think a medieval greatsword and you have the idea. It has a tongue of fire patterned on both sides of the blade, starting near the hilt and going up about a third of the way. The hilt is wrought with gold and jewels, and the handle is tasseled with velvet (though not a lot may be seen of that, since he's holding it). He can hold it with one hand or both hands. He also wears a scabbard that is similarly decorated with fancy patterns, though not necessarily the same as those on his armor. I think that about covers it.
The General's description: When you're drawing the General, think "dignified", because he just oozes dignity from every pore. He's very tall, well over six feet. Unlike Tobias, he is very musclebound, with muscles bulging from his chest, arms, torso, everywhere. He is quite handsome, but not boyish. Like I said, dignified. He has a very serious expression at all times. His hair is blue and is more sedately styled. Think Legato Bluesummers' hair from Trigun, and you've got it. His eyes are brown, he has a smallish nose and a strong chin. He wears clothes that are kind of rumpled, but not baggy or excessively loose; long sleeves on the shirt and pants down to his ankles. His shirt is pale blue and his pants are dark gray. He has many pockets, both in his shirt and in his pants, but these should not be obvious. He wears a bright blue cape that flows down to his ankles, and it's fastened about his neck with an ornate brooch, patterned with a snowflake. He also wears plate-mail armor, though not covering his entire body. The armor is gray, with fancy designs (you decide what) covering it all over. [Important! If you draw both Tobias and the General, make sure that the patterns on their armor are NOT THE SAME.] He wears a breastplate, an armored belt, wrist guards, and shin guards, all with the same design. He wears greaves – armored boots; again, gray. He should be shown with his sword drawn and the tip in the ground, with one hand gripping the upside-down sword. The other arm, you can do as you wish, within reason. His sword is long, very long; not Buster Sword long, but quite a massive sword. Four and a half feet long is about it. Think a medieval greatsword and you have the idea. It has an icicle patterned on both sides of the blade, starting near the hilt and going up about a third of the way. The hilt is wrought with gold and jewels, and the handle is tasseled with velvet (though not a lot may be seen of that, since he's holding it). He also wears a scabbard that is similarly decorated with fancy patterns, though not necessarily the same as those on his armor. In a lot of ways, he looks like Tobias (his sword, his dress, etc), but his increased size, and the way he holds himself, should distinguish him. He has very good posture.
Tybalt's description: Tybalt looks very different from Tobias and the General, and in some respects, is easier to draw. He is taller than Tobias but shorter than the General. He's very lean, but not skinny; wiry would be an excellent word to describe him. He has yellow hair, and it goes everywhere; think Cloud Strife's hair from Final Fantasy VII. He has green eyes, a small nose, and a kind of boyish, playful look about him. He should definitely be shown grinning like a maniac. He wears, for clothes, a skin-tight black bodysuit that is seamless over him. Nobody knows how he gets in or out of it. On the chest of his bodysuit are emblazoned two crossed swords, both pointing downwards diagonally (handles on top, points on the bottom). These swords are katana-style. He carries two swords with him, and he should be drawn holding both of them. Either both held traditionally, or one held up and the other held in a dagger-grip, either way, but the second looks pretty cool. These swords are wakizashi-style, each about two and a half feet long. They have no special designs on them; the handles and hilts are black. He has two scabbards that he wears at his waist, but they're just plain gray scabbards. (Don't ask where he conceals his two guns, it's magic or something.)
Anyone who has manga-drawing skills and would like to see their art displayed for all should send in drawings, following these descriptions, to I'll choose the best to be the "official" drawings, shown at the beginning, and I'll show the rest at the end of the chapter. Send 'em in, folks!
Also, if you're really good, there are a few other bits I wouldn't mind for someone to draw them.
Reviews!1!!1!!11!1!shift one!
Ryguy5387: Cobalt...? You're on the right track, at least. ... Oh. I didn't know. Naraku's out of the picture, so it really isn't much of an issue, nyah? ... It's probably just me. I haven't been doing so well, lately; and whenever I go a long time without updating, I get depressed.
Valdimarian: No, no, I have another idea for that. Sooner than you think. ... It's been nearly four years. He's a resourceful guy. We'll all just assume that he got it back somehow and be done with it. ... Yes, but I don't use Japanese in my stories, if you've noticed. I figure, either straight English or straight Japanese. ... Does anybody? Except, well, him? ... Tybalt? No, he was around before, remember, he distracted Tobias while Kikyo snatched Kagome?
Kitsy: Yes, I'm an idiot. I've known THAT for a while now. ... Two "YAY!"s and two "GO TO HELL!"s...I've broken even.
Hanyou-demoness: It IS Tobias, but not the Tobias you know and love. He's been altered. ... I've flushed you out! Now review!
Mitsuki-kun: There's a difference between burning when you're on fire and burning like poison burns you. Or maybe he just forgot. Inuyasha never was that bright. ... Tybalt? Well, you must remember that he already WAS in the past, he ran into Tobias once before in the past! Remember? ... Sesshomaru? He's a bit busy at the moment. ... Toutousai?! Where are you coming up with this stuff? That's just crazy.
BryLiz: I tried to make it seem epic. After all, the General and Sesshomaru are both very, very strong. ... Not quite. He didn't really have a choice in the matter of his transfiguration...
lordkagome: It might be. Look ahead to find out. ... Everyone hates me. I've learned to accept it by now.
Kegger007: Sesshomaru has to live up to his reputation as a fearless fighter, and the General can't let himself lose. It was quite the trick, deciding the outcome. ... Yeah, even Sesshomaru can't really stand up to the General forever. The General is the biggest, baddest, strongest guy there is out there. Besides, what fun would it be if Sesshomaru killed the General now? The story'd be over before the big climactic end battle. ... You think he's cooler? He's supposed to be the infernal spawn of evil! If you think that's cool...(shrugs) ... I think you've guessed correctly. ... Darn shame about only two reviews. It really was excellent. Technically, you got three...my gushing review by email counts as well.
riversan: There are many reasons, many and varied, but we won't get into them this chapter. ... I'm glad it IS captivating, or else everyone would have wandered off by now.
japanime-01: Who do you THINK has two swords, and hates Tobias...? Think about it...
Sieg1308: I should be apologizing to YOU for the delay, not the other way around. Don't sweat it.
hersheykiss1012: I love a good cliffhanger, especially when I inflict it upon people instead of reading it myself. ... Battles, battles, battles. Muwahahahahahaha. ... I proportion the length of my replies to the length of the reviews. In essence, longer review = longer reply. So write long reviews!
Mr. Dark: You think so? What if Tobias...say...WERE to die? What then, eh? WHAT THEN? ... You were trying to write one like this? Go ahead, unless your character is named Toby and comes from a place called Anarion, I won't care a whit. Keep working on it. Never give up. Trust your instincts.
Mechant Guy: You don't like Sesshomaru? He's pretty cool...everyone usually likes him. Hence people's morbid fascination with Sess/Kag stories. (shudders) ... You knew the witch was coming? You're psychic! Or, I put foreshadowing in.
PNEK MEKS: Cruel? Yes. Unusual? Err...yes. ... You like the torture? You're not into S&M, are you? Or am I overreacting? Yeah, probably.
Jeanne-chan56: Everyone likes Sesshomaru without a shirt. That's the whole POINT. The guy's a beast. Literally. ... It's okay for not reviewing. I can understand how life would interfere...I just wish Kai19 would review recently. Geez.
Crazy Sprayer: A novel?? I don't think so...a long story, yes, but a novel is stretching it a bit, methinks. ... Of course I'll finish it! All my best ideas are being poured into the final battle! That's where I'll really shine. Remember that.
DemonSorceress: You just described half the characters in this story. But I think you get the idea.
Lunar Inuyasha: Yeah, I'm evil with the cliffhangers. ... I worked hard to make Tobias believable. Did I succeed?
Celestra: (Chapter 60:) Kagome has some backbone to her. She was never one to just give up and let things happen...she's active. ... Of course I've read the fourth Harry Potter book! All aspiring authors should read those books. Those and the Lord of the Rings series. ... Yeah, he's a bastard. He enjoys being a bastard. ... Wish the General dead? You're assuming the Shikon Jewel has enough power in it to do something like that. Remember, Midoriko was amazingly strong, but these swords have an ancient power instilled in them.
(Chapter 61:) Sesshomaru is strong, stronger than either Tobias or Inuyasha. That's been proven. But without a sword, as previously shown, he could not effectively combat the General. Now that he has Tokijin, he should be on his way. ... The witch might have to be nearby, but Tobias can teleport, remember that. So she might be further away than you think.
Story!
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Chapter 62: Ambush!
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The ground shook.
A massive beast, easily thirty feet tall, roared in frustration. Its skin was pure black, muscles big as boulders bulging all over his body. Its large head was covered with shaggy brown hair and a grimace. Angry red eyes glared at the world, set deep into its forehead.
"Where IS he?!" it bellowed. It smashed its anvil-like fist into the earth. "He should know better than to keep us waiting!"
"Calm yourself, Nanashi," a soothing female voice said. The beast glanced down to its side. A small cat-demon lounged on the grass next to him. She was very shapely, with bluish fur and seductive curves all over her body. Her white eyes glittered like diamonds, and the elaborate kimono she wore was patterned with precious jewels. "He will be here...has Lord Sesshomaru ever failed to appear at a meeting he himself called?"
Nanashi glared at the cat-demon before scanning the horizon. "You have such faith in him, Lady Misao," he rumbled. "I do not share your ideals. All I know is that if he does not make an appearance before sundown, I shall have a very difficult time accepting this...this proposal of his."
"I agree with Lord Nanashi," said a strange, echoing voice. A ball of mist, roiling and flowing, floated in the air across from the other two. It was off-white in color, and the very faintest impression of a face could be seen on its surface. Small wisps of fog curled off of it and dissipated into the atmosphere. "Tardiness is an inexcusable offense for someone of such great stature as him or ourselves."
"Oh, get off your high horses, you two," said Misao offhandedly. "Especially you, Suryiken. You're always so annoyingly formal."
If it was possible for a shapeless form of mist to look offended, it did. "I act as is befitting my status as the Lord of the Southern Lands. You should act more in accordance with your rank...after all, one does not become the Lady of the Eastern Lands by being informal."
Misao stood up, but at that moment, Sesshomaru entered the area. "Lord Suryiken, Lord Nanashi, Lady Misao, I thank you for attending this meeting which was so hastily called together," he said calmly.
Nanashi glared. "You did not show at the appointed time, Lord Sesshomaru."
"For that, I am sorry," said Sesshomaru. arose. Jaken, wait outside." The little toad-beast retreated from the clearing, sniveling. All present turned to Sesshomaru.
"Lord Sesshomaru...are you injured?" said Misao. Sesshomaru had a thick bandage running across his torso and shoulder like a bandolier, and the his right hand was swathed in bandages.
"As I " Sesshomaru walked to the middle of the clearing. "I am here because I must inform you of a threat, a threat that endangers not only the Western Lands but the entire island of Japan."
"Explain this threat," said Suryiken warily.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath. "I ask, my lords and lady, that you take me seriously in this matter. What I say to you, you may consider unbelievable, but I swear to you that it is the absolute truth." He paused for a second, looking around the area. "There is a man, a human, who is perhaps the most powerful creature I have ever seen in all my years. His name...is the General."
The name seemed to send a wave of shock throughout the group. Misao leaped to her feet, her fur standing on end. Nanashi reared backwards in shock, his massive eyes wide. Even Suryiken showed surprise; a startled ripple ran through his vaporous form and his color changed from white to a pale green.
"Is he very large for his species, muscle-bound and tall?" whispered Nanashi.
"He wears ancient armor and clothing of a sort not seen for millennia?" echoed Suryiken.
"And he carries a massive sword that will destroy anything?" breathed Misao.
"You have encountered the General, then, I take it," said Sesshomaru. "Then you know as well as I do that he is a very, very dangerous man."
"We have each met him in turn, Lord Sesshomaru," said Misao, her fur still pricked up. "He has inflicted terrible damage on each of our provinces."
"I attempted to defeat him," rumbled Nanashi fearfully, "but he has strength and speed beyond that of any demon."
"So you see the reason I come here," said Sesshomaru quietly. "I am a proud demon. Some of you..." His gaze lingered over Nanashi. "...might even call me vainglorious or arrogant. There is truth to these allegations...I would never ask for help unless I desperately needed it. You must know that me coming to you for aid signals that my need is most dire. I have taken steps already against the General, but I need more assistance..."
"What help could we give, Lord Sesshomaru?" said Suryiken. "Do you wish all four of us to attempt to defeat him together? I hardly think we would survive such an attempt, much less win."
"I require your martial strength, yes, but not on a personal level..." Sesshomaru leaned in close. "On a much grander scale..."
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"You know..." said Tobias slowly, "this really isn't the best time."
"It's a gift." The two swords withdrew with a squelch. Black mist seemed to be roiling from the two wounds as Tobias turned around to face his attacker.
Tybalt stood before him, swords akimbo, not striking any particular fighting stance. Tobias slowly shook his head.
"I'm kind of in the middle of something right now, Tybalt..." said Tobias, with a tinge of annoyance permeating his voice. "Could you give me, like, five minutes, and THEN I'll kill you. Deal?"
"I don't like either part of that," said Tybalt dryly. He rushed at Tobias, who vanished. He reappeared behind Tybalt, ready to strike, but Tybalt whirled around and scored a telling blow across Tobias's midsection.
Tobias stumbled backwards, and Tybalt smashed him in the face with his fist. Tobias recovered and lashed out with his sword, but Tybalt evaded the blow and scuttled up a tree.
Anger now clearly displayed on his face, Tobias swept his sword around and cut the tree in two. Tybalt leaped from the top, pushing off heavily with his feet, and landed opposite it. He grinned at Tobias.
"Timber," he said lightly. Tobias glared at him, but the effect was ruined somewhat as the falling tree – aimed by Tybalt – smashed down upon him.
For a moment, it was still, then the tree exploded into splinters. Tobias leaped from the wreckage and lunged at Tybalt. The other man danced over his head and sheathed his swords. In midair, he brought out his twin pistols.
As soon as he hit the ground, he opened fire on Tobias. He staggered under the relentless barrage, attempting to advance, falling to one knee. Tybalt's pistols ran dry. He stopped firing.
"You can slow me down, Tybalt, but you can't stop me this time around," he said, breathing heavily. Black smoke poured from the dozens of bullet holes in his body.
"I've been meaning to ask you about that, actually," said Tybalt. "Where'd you get that whole, dark aura thingy? It looks good on you. Brings out the color of your hair."
"You think so?" Tobias sheathed his sword and ruffled his hair. "I've been going for the whole 'spawn of darkness' look. I heard it's big with the ladies." Tobias winked at Kagome, who shuddered, her hand still clasped to her throat. "I had to lose the armor, though. Not like I need it now," he added conversationally.
"Really. Seems to me you'd be better off WITH it...you're not doing too well at the moment." Tybalt holstered his guns and brought out his swords. "Why, you haven't landed a single hit. That's uncharacteristic of you."
"And you've landed many, but they have no effect," remarked Tobias.
"Doesn't look like it. You're staggering and you know it."
"Try me." The two warriors charged each other, blades locking with a shower of sparks. Tobias leaped away and pointed his sword straight at Tybalt.
"This whole 'bathed in evil' thing isn't just for looks, you know," he said, more seriously. "There are some nifty tricks that come along with it." He vanished.
Tybalt turned quickly and struck at the air behind him, but Tobias was gone from there. He leaped from the top of a tree and hit the ground to Tybalt's flank. He rushed Tybalt, sword glowing an eerie black.
"Cruelest Cut." He swung mightily, but Tybalt bent over backwards and evaded the attack. Inuyasha quickly moved Kagome out of the way as the power of the attack ripped through the forest behind them.
"New attacks and all?" Tybalt scuttled away, bent over backwards on all fours, as Tobias jumped at him. "I'm impressed..." He did a backflip and landed on his feet, in time to score several powerful blows against Tobias.
Tobias stumbled. Tybalt lunged. Tybalt struck.
Tobias's head fell from his shoulders.
Kagome gasped. Inuyasha's eyes widened. Tybalt smiled.
Oddly, Tobias also smiled.
Tybalt's jubilation swiftly turned to confusion as Tobias's headless body, far from crumpling in a heap, reached down and began groping blindly for its head.
"Yes, that was it. I really was planning to mention this to you earlier, but you didn't give me much of a chance," Tobias's head said, calmly, as if they were merely sitting at a bar together. "The last – and strongest – effect of this dark possession is that I am effectively immortal. Fancy that, eh?"
Tybalt could do no more than soundlessly gape. Tobias's body located its head, picked it up, and placed it back on its shoulders.
Black energy shimmered at the wound, which seemed to be slowly healing itself. Tobias shook his head and blinked a few times. He smiled cheerfully at Tybalt.
"Though I live yet, you've sapped me of the will to fight. I mean, you cut off a guy's head, it's just proper etiquette that he concedes, you know?" Tobias grinned. "And with that, I bid you farewell." He vanished.
Tybalt stood for a moment, not saying a word. Then, suddenly, he sheathed his swords and turned to Inuyasha and Kagome. "Do any of you know what that was about?" he said.
"Err...sort of," said Inuyasha. "He mentioned something about how he couldn't die while he was all evil like that." Kagome's throat was still bleeding a little, so he leaned down and lapped at the wound. The cut closed up as his tongue bathed her skin. Satisfied that his mate was safe, Inuyasha stood up, Kagome right behind him.
"Shit," said Tybalt, annoyed. He looked around for a bit, as though expecting Tobias to come lunging out of the foliage. He sighed. "Well, I guess I'll just be running along, then..."
"Wait," said Kagome. Tybalt turned to look. "I've always wanted to ask you, you know...when you're not trying to kill us..." Tybalt arched an eyebrow.
"I'm not trying to kill YOU, I'm trying to kill HIM. Well...something like that," he amended hastily.
"That's just it. Why are you trying to kill him? What did he do to you?"
Tybalt looked awkward. "I...really can't say at the moment..." he said, uncomfortably. "All I can tell you is I'm at the behest of a very dear friend of mine." He unsheathed his swords and looked away. Inuyasha moved in front of Kagome, protecting her, but Tybalt only turned his head back.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I really must be going. See you again, whenever he shows up, that is..." He leaped into the trees and was gone.
Inuyasha stared blankly into the forest for a second, before turning back to Kagome.
"Are you all right?" he said, quickly. "How's your cut? Is it healed all the way?"
"I'm fine, but...what about you?" Kagome pointed, horrified, at Inuyasha's wounds. He glanced down...
The wound was growing steadily larger, and black mist was pouring out of it, the same way it poured out of Tobias's wounds. Inuyasha's eyes grew wide.
"That little shithead..." He scrabbled at the wound, trying to hold it shut, but it kept growing larger. "When I find him again, I don't care IF he can't die, I'll make him wish he COULD."
"Right now, we need to worry about you, Inuyasha...stop being so macho," Kagome said, worriedly.
"And we need to find the rest of them. Where the hell are Sango and Miroku and Shippo?" Inuyasha demanded.
"I don't know...we should go back to the town, it's only a few miles away. We need to get you some help."
"Before you go..." They looked up to see Tybalt standing at the top of a tree. "I didn't mention this before, because I thought you'd be mad," he called down. "But before you go anywhere, Kagome, I'd suggest you put your clothes on."
Kagome looked down, giving a startled shriek that – in the chaos of the battle – Inuyasha's kimono had fallen off of her, and she was now bare to the world.
"I mean, I appreciate the view..." continued Tybalt, even as Inuyasha lunged up the tree, Tetsusaiga in hand; "but I don't think you want anyone else to see that." A split second before Inuyasha reached him, he leaped away and was gone.
Inuyasha hit the ground, disappointed. "I wish, just once, that I could catch that guy," he grumbled, as Kagome hurriedly dressed herself.
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The General had retired to his room once more. He shut and locked the door behind him and immediately put a hand to his wound on his back.
"Deep..." he murmured, "but not nearly as deep as the one Inuyasha inflicted. Yet it is a danger, should I leave it untreated." His gaze flickered over to the bottle of sleeping potion the witch had given him. "Perhaps another sleep will do me well."
The General, mistrustful of any sleeping effect, had drunk only half the bottle when the witch had given it to him originally. Lying in bed and quaffing the other half, he found himself almost immediately drifting off.
His vision began to blur, his limbs felt weak, the sounds he heard were vague and echoing. Is this what dying feels like? he wondered bemusedly. The last thing he heard was one of his captains shouting "Hey! No disturbing the General while he's in his private room! Do you want me to report..."
He was back in Alarion. Fear gripped his heart as the memories rose up in his mind of his last encounter here...
He drew his sword and whirled, trying to get a glimpse of anything, but the darkness was like a heavy cloth pressed over his eyes. He could hardly see his own sword in front of him, even with its blue glow.
A terrible snarling laugh confirmed what he had feared – the nightmare creature was back again. The realization took on awful reality as he felt sharp claws pierce his skin. He was dragged off his feet and flung away by the force of the beast. He flailed out with his sword, in an attempt to harm the monster, but it vanished as soon as his sword drew near.
He stood, quaking with fear, only to see the beast descending on him from on high. His red fang glowed with an eerie power.
He felt it drive through his chest.
"Argh!"
The General arose and instantly drew his sword, unknowingly cutting a deep gash in the stone wall beside him. Instantly a demon was at the door, knocking.
"Are you all right, sir? Do you need any assistance?"
The General wiped his brow. His nervous panting began to subside as he collapsed back onto the bed. This dream...it is haunting me. I am lucky I do not sleep often.
"Sir??" The knocking grew into pounding. "Are you hurt?!"
"I am fine, Lieutenant," the General said, the calmness in his voice betraying the fear in his heart. "How long has it been since I came into this room?"
"Approximately seven hours, sir. Are your wounds healing?" The General glanced into a mirror behind him, to find that his wound on his back had completely healed over, as had his other scrapes he had acquired.
"Yes. That will be all." He could hear the demon walking away.
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There we go. Review!
And remember, send in those pictures to ! Send them! Seeeeeeeend themmmmmm!!!!! Must...have...accurate...drawings...of my OCs!