Thanks to all the lovely reviews regarding this fic. I know that some of you are wondering as to what in the world is going on, but bear with me a little longer. I do have this arc fairly well plot out, but just need to find the time and inspiration to sit at the computer to type it out. It may seem a little messy for now with the story apparently jumping about, but there's a very good reason. I've also realised that I'm itching to edit the entire thing from the beginning to standardise some things – blame my inner perfectionist for that. But don't worry, the story will still continue on. I just hope I have enough stamina to finish the marathon.
PS: I'm really touched that this story has been nominated for the Best Action/Adventure category at A Single Spark Fanfiction Awards. A big thank you to all who thought it was worthy enough to be ranked among the best writers out there.
Chapter 14: A Fine Balance
Territories of the Western Lands,
Late afternoon
Jaken huffed and puffed as he made his way through the thick undergrowth of the forest. Beside him, Toki kept pace but even she was finding the terrain draining. The two small youkai were hoping to reach their destination without being detected by Naraku's minions but it was becoming increasingly difficult. If they were caught now, their mission would fail and the entire Four Lands would be plunged into peril. As the way things stood, the loss of two of the Four Lords - Daikuma and Sesshoumaru - had severely weakened the resistance against Naraku's tightening grip over the Lands.
"Hurry, Toki," Jaken pleaded as he swiped at some of the more tenacious brambles with the Nintoujou. "We need to reach the northern boundary of the Western Lands to seek out Toutousai. It's only past this ridge."
"Hai, Jaken-san," the tired servant replied as she struggled to pull herself up past some boulders. "Surely you can proceed on without me? I'm only slowing you down."
Grunting with the strain of pushing his own tired body, Jaken only gave her a half-hearted glare. Toki smiled back slightly in response before focusing her strength on the climb. She knew that Jaken would insist on waiting with her instead of going on ahead. Jaken may be a pompous little youkai at times, but he had a streak of loyalty so wide, it would put the sea to shame. Sesshoumaru was greatly fortunate to have such a devoted retainer in the little toad youkai.
They finally broke through the rough terrain and overlooked the bleak, scorched land of Toutousai's domain. The earth appeared to be cracked in places and red-hot lava issued slightly from them. The heat itself seemed to sear them even though they were still a good three hundred metres from the nearest crack. In the distance, they could faintly make out the shape of a hill where a darker shadow indicated the presence of a cave. Giving each other a quick look, Jaken and Toki then made their way quickly down the incline and swiftly, if gingerly, began their trek across the heated plain to Toutousai's home.
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Naraku's Palace,
Boundary of the Northern Lands
"Where is that damned bastard?" Naraku growled to himself as he paced the length of his room. Kanna stood by the balcony, the rays of the setting sun eerily absorbed by the mirror she carried within her hands. Like the mirror, she too seemed to absorb the rays of the dying sun, only her thin shadow stretching into the muted light of the room.
Twisting round, he stared once more into the mirror's depths frantically searching for the elusive taiyoukai that plagued his nightmares. The Lord of the Northern Lands had been the first to fall in battle, thereby allowing Naraku to seize control of his lands and resources. The lords of the Eastern and Southern Lands were still putting up a fierce resistance but Naraku was confident that he would soon gain the upper hand. Honouryuu was old and not a very good leader or strategist, whilst was Akira at a disadvantage given the Southern Lands limited resources and territories under its control. They were not his real worry as Kagura would be more than capable of handling them.
The Lord of the Western Lands though, was another problem. Unlike the other three, Sesshoumaru was more ruthless, cunning and charismatic than the three lords combined. And until Naraku had that inu youkai's body at his feet and his bloody heart squashed in his hand, Sesshoumaru was the biggest threat to his existence. As Naraku's thoughts got progressively darker, the small jewel clutched in his hand glowed brighter with a sickly red-grey colour. As it caught his eye, Naraku lifted it slowly to his eyes and stared into its mesmerising depths. As though calming him, the jewel pulsed softly and Naraku smiled contentedly.
Sesshoumaru would make his appearance sooner or later, and Naraku would be more than ready to welcome him then.
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Boundary of the Eastern and Southern Lands,
Evening
Kagura gave a cocky grin as she sent a powerful wind in the direction of the attacking youkai. Its cutting power ripped through them and left a trail of severed body parts and other gruesome remains. Although Naraku had sent a swarm of low level youkai to back her up, the wind youkai was having a field day with the poor resistance that the youkai lords had mustered. The swarm that had accompanied her was now destroyed but the Saimyoushou was still largely active. They were making short work of those foolish enough to attack them directly.
However, Kagura's joyous rampage was quickly brought to a halt with the arrival of the wolf youkai Kouga. His unnerving speed and almost reckless assault threw her off-balance and Kagura was eventually forced to retreat. As she took off in her feather boat, she glared down at the smirking wolf and swore to get back at him soon. Like Naraku, Kagura hated to lose however, she lacked his patience and careful planning abilities. She made a good soldier but not a good general. Or perhaps on some level, she did not give a damn about anything but her own skin. Either way, it was a brief victory for the resisting youkai army.
"Have the wounded tended to," Kouga called out as he made his way to the embattled Southern lord's side. Bowing in deference to the dirt-stained kitsune, Kouga reached to pull out a small scroll bearing the seal of a wolf's paw print. Akira took it and breaking the seal, swiftly perused its contents. Smiling as he rolled it up, he reached to clasp Kouga's arm in a friendly salute.
"You have indeed come at an opportune time, Prince Kouga," Akira began. "The army is in dire need of reinforcements and I'm glad that the Grandfather has agreed to send in his best warriors to help us."
"No way, I'm gonna let that Naraku bastard tell us wolf youkai what to do!" Kouga said with a gleam in his eye. "We've agreed to a truce with the other youkai who are also fighting against Naraku, so we're able to leave our territories."
"I'm really glad to hear that," Akira replied, "It's strange how only in such adversity that we can somehow pull together. A pity that once the Four Lands are liberated, we'll go back to our usual way of life."
Kouga shrugged his shoulders. Unlike the more idealistic lord, he was more of a realist. Youkai in general did not like to live together in harmony, unless they were pack-oriented like the wolf clans were. Even then, it was strictly within 'family', so to speak. The Grandfather only claimed respect from the other wolf clans because of his wisdom, age and ruthlessness in all matters related to wolf clan lore. To cross him was to ensure one's death. But it was also known that he tempered his justice with mercy; any of the bitches or cubs left mateless or orphaned would then be taken in by the clan.
Akira paused in his speech when he realised that the wolf youkai's attention was drifting. Smiling slightly, he waved for his retainer. A small tanuki ran up and bowed low. Akira gave him his orders and sent him on his way. Turning to Kouga, he invited the wolf prince to join him for a quick meal before continuing with their battle plans.
"I heard that Sesshoumaru's missing," Kouga began. He noted the tightening of the kitsune's mouth at the Western Lord's name.
"So it seems," Akira replied slowly. "We had divided our forces in order to attack on four fronts believing that we were more than capable of defeating Kuromiko Tsubuki and her henchmen despite their feeble attempts to utilise the Magatsushi. We never expected to see Naraku making his appearance, although Sesshoumaru didn't seem too surprised."
"What happened then?"
"Simply put, all hell broke loose," Akira sighed deeply, rubbing a tired paw across his face. "Somehow, Kuromiko activated the jewel and it started to corrupt the lower level youkai in our armies. Daikuma and Sesshoumaru attempted to get it but Naraku and his followers showed up to further distract us. By the time we realised what was happening, Naraku had grabbed the jewel from Kuromiko. Daikuma charged him but was attacked by the female Kagura," Akira paused before giving Kouga a weak smile. "I believe you had the dubious pleasure of fighting her earlier."
Kouga's eyes widened. "You mean that crazy bitch is Kagura?" He grimaced and crossed his arms. "I'd heard of her but I didn't think she'd be that vicious. But then again, we're talking of that bastard Naraku." Kouga paused a moment and frowned once more.
"We need a way to take Kagura down if we are to have any hope of kicking Naraku's butt."
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Within the territories of the Western Lands
Sango released Hiraikotsu into the air as Kirara dodged an attack from below. The huge bone boomerang cleaved a bloody path through the swarm of youkai as it arched back towards its owner. On the ground, Miroku faced off against a group of oni and finally decided to use his Kazaana when the fighting became too heavy. The air trembled around the deadly hand momentarily before being sharply drawn into the unknown void. A few seconds later, the screams of the oni being sucked in carried through the air. Gasping lightly for breath, Miroku then swiftly re-wrapped his hand within the beaded glove he wore.
Sango had managed to clear the sky of the remaining youkai and together with Kirara landed a few feet away from the tired priest. Approaching him, Sango quickly looked him over for any signs of injury but Miroku appeared fine. However, knowing the priest's lecherous nature, she desisted from actually touching him.
"Are you well, Lady Sango?" Miroku inquired, his eyes sweeping over her form in an all too attentive manner.
"I'm fine, houshi-sama," Sango replied trying hard to keep her blush down.
His dark eyes were too probing and the way they lingered over her body was a little too intimate to be one of concern. But despite herself, she could not be angry with him. He looked drained and there were dark circles under his indigo eyes. Sango felt sorry for him. Aside from the constant battles they now faced, Miroku was also duty-bound to attend to the injured and those who needed the spiritual comfort only a priest could give. If she guessed correctly, the man was not sleeping or eating enough to sustain this continued exertion. Unlike her, Miroku was reliant not only on his physical strength but also on his spiritual one. And without a chance to recuperate, the demands on him would be too great.
"Let us find a place to rest, houshi-sama," Sango said.
She gestured to Kirara and indicated for the tired priest to mount up after her. Shooting a warning glance behind, she was vaguely surprised that Miroku's hands remained in place. Only when Kirara leapt upwards did he reach out to grasp her around the waist. But he kept it there and was strangely quiet during the ride. Worrying at the priest's continued silence, Sango risked a peek behind her only to notice that he had his eyes closed. His breathing was even, so he seemed fine. Perhaps he was simply using the time to take a quick nap.
Turning to look forward, Sango could not help but think that he looked adorable with his eyes closed in slumber. But even in her heart, she would never dare admit to the thrill of seeing his warm indigo eyes.
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Author's Notes: Okay, some may be wondering if I had skipped a chapter or two but I didn't. I was thinking of following the usual story-telling format but then decided, hey, why not mess things up a little? So here is the later chapter appearing before the earlier. Yup, I'm trying to be more than I should be - if that makes sense…
I plan to give a more detailed account of the battle and of Sess' time in Kagome's house over the next two or three chapters. Sort of like a multi-part flashback scene. It will tie-up some loose ends here and there, as well as to lead into the story proper. Pretty cool excuse for someone who suddenly realised that she kind of painted herself into a corner, isn't it? *nods head sagely*
In this story, Kouga has been naturally gifted with super-speed. After debating with my muse, we agreed to use the souped-up Kouga. Besides, I thought it would perhaps make for an interesting fight later on. I also want to broaden Akira's role a little more. However, that will have to wait. What needs to be resolved is the Flashback before the story moves on to the Naraku arc.
And I've finally returned to Sango and Miroku as well. I know they are intended as minor characters but I can't just forget about them. They'll pop up here and there but as to how their roles will play out, I can't and won't promise anything. I just want the story to unfold as it is and hope that I can complete it without too much trouble.
I hope the story isn't too slow (no, I'm not referring to the updates! =p). I've pretty much paced things out but I'm still not too sure. With my mind being split between my job and business demands as well as my fics [which I certainly plan to continue if just to escape from real life], I may get rather confused about things. It's only so much that you can do to edit your own work so hopefully, I won't screw things up too much. And I have to constantly re-read my earlier chapters in order to remind myself of what had happened before and where I intend to go and how to get there.
So drop your comments/reviews into the box below to let me know what you think. And until the next chapter, ja mata ne!