Hey everyone, it's the nineteenth chapter as promised! Now that it's the holidays it's sooooo much easier to get them up and everything (although this one took it's time actually getting to the internet because I was watching Minority Report and I do have dial-up, unfortunately) You must all love me, since I try so hard to get these chapters done for you ~_^.
My Christmas was great! I got the Escaflowne soundtrack 3 and 30 bucks to get the Inu-Yasha soundtrack for myself, since my parents are dumdums. Did you all have a good Christmas and did you get what you wanted? Thanks to all of you who read Snowflake, my lil' Christmas fic. I was just in a seasonal mood and wanted to have something up other than Guardian Angel. You al know what I mean, ne?
Shout outs to my fave and recent reviewers (*sniffs* where did you all go?) at the bottom of the chapter, for space balance sine I'm a balance obsessed person.
Disclaimer: Woot! Blorg! Randomization! I don't own it and never will!
On to chapter nineteen! (man the titles are getting harder to think of. I just got it, since two of our fave charas gets guests tonight! It just seemed appropriate…)
Chapter 19:
Guests
"It could be worse." Miroku said, watching the children play in the village's courtyard. Shippo looked at him questioningly. "Kagome almost died, then had her soul split in two and the other half is out there somewhere as the brought-back soul of the Guardian Kikyou and she's more than likely with Naraku, which is really bad news if he gets the Shikon no Tama too." The little kitsune rang off. "Not to mention that since then Inu-Yasha's been sulking and he always takes it out on me! How could it be worse?"
Miroku shrugged. "Kagome could have died instead of her soul splitting and Inu-Yasha could have gone on a wrathful killing spree. Or Naraku could have the Shikon no Tama and we'd all be hanging from our toenails above a fiery pit in Hell. Or – "
"Okay, okay, I get it." Shippo sighed. "Maybe we should go cheer Kagome up."
"I wouldn't recommend it." Miroku disagreed. "After all, Inu-Yasha is in a foul mood and could take it out on us. Besides," the monk added with a hint of sarcasm and a smile, "you know how sensitive he is in times like these." Shippo rolled his eyes in agreement.
"Houshi-sama?" They both turned to see Sango sticking her head out the door. She glanced back inside before leaving. She closed the door gently behind her and picked up Kirrara. "Things have not been going well." She sighed. Seeing the two boys' inquisitive looks she nodded. "Kagome-chan's asleep, exhausted. Inu-Yasha left some time ago, to go sulk for one reason or another." She sighed again, leaning against the wall and looking worn out.
"Sango-chan, you should get some rest." Miroku said, moving towards her. Sango eyed him suspiciously and straightened herself up. "I'm fine." She muttered. Miroku decided to go along with her, but he didn't believe it for a second.
"Figures that everything happens to us." The girl muttered.
"It's like a video game." Both mortals looked at Shippo as the fox-tailed angel sat on the tree stump in a thinking position. "You noticed?"
"Shippo, what do you mean?" Miroku asked curiously. Shippo looked at him in surprise.
"You know, the video games, RPGs, like the Final Fantasies." The little fox elaborated. "angels have them too, although not as much. Most tend to think they're brain rotters and we'll just end up like rocks or… or…"
"Couch potatoes?" Sango put in, with a slight smile.
Shippo nodded. "Yeah! That! Anyway, my point was that everything that's happened so far, from what I've gathered, is like a video game. Ever since Kagome died she's been in trouble and one by one, or two by two I guess, she meets us: first Sango and Kirrara then me 'n Miroku. After that she learns about Naraku and we all figure out that we're connected to Naraku at one point or another. Then there's the Reborn problem, and Kagome keeps getting kidnapped or hurt or both and it's like all the points of an RPG game. Everything's happening for a reason to this certain group of people because we have to save the world! It's like it was already written out or something and we're just little sprites to be moved around by a player!"
He received blank stares in response.
Shippo sighed and sat down again, having jumped up at some point in his tirade. "Nevermind."
Sango and Miroku smiled. "Shippo-chan, I think I made some sense of that." Sango said, patting the little angel on the head. "My brother used to play video games all the time."
"I've played every single Final Fantasy game, all the Nintendo RPGs and most of the Playstation ones." Shippo grinned proudly. "And when I get back after this mess is done and we've saved the world and all that jazz then I'm getting an Xbox and PS2 and I'm playing them until my eyes bleed!"
Miroku laughed. "A guardian angel that's a video game junkie. Who would've thought?"
Shippo eyed him suspiciously. "Excuse Mr. Starcraft but I happen to be a technical genius back at my home, especially since most angels are stuck in the old ways and don't even know which end of a toaster is up. You're lucky you got an angel like me so that you didn't have to sleep outside all the time after your death." Miroku just smiled.
Sango looked up at the evening sky curiously and smiled. "But still, your ideas have merit, Shippo-chan, if not a little far-fetched. I wonder if may-" she paused and looked down at her guardian angel, who was facing the woods and growling. "What is it, Kirrara?"
"I sense it too!" Shippo said, jumping up again. Quickly Sango and Miroku looked at each other and nodded, getting ready for battle as their angel's became more powerful by use of the rosaries. They could see Inu-Yasha now, jumping out of the forest with Tetsusaiga drawn and transformed, fighting a quick-moving demon. They were nearing the bottom of the steep hill and Sango got her boomerang ready while Miroku grabbed both his staff and the rosary around his cursed hand, and their angels prepared for the assault as well. Suddenly Kagome burst out of the building, nearly knocking Miroku over.
"Stop!" she shouted, grabbing Sango and Miroku's arms. "Don't hurt him!"
Sango looked at Kagome curiously, wondering if she was having another nightmare. "Kagome-chan, don't worry. We're not going to hurt Inu-Yasha."
"Not Inu-Yasha!" Kagome protested. "Kouga!"
"Kouga?" Everyone looked at Kagome and then back at Inu-Yasha and the demon. Now that the pair were much closer it was a lot easier to see that it was in fact that dark-haired wolf demon, trying to reach the shrine and avoid Inu-Yasha's sword at the same time.
"Dammit you cowardly wolf, get back here!" Inu-Yasha was snarling. Kouga nimbly dodged Tetsusaiga's swing and growled back at the half-angel.
"Listen puppy I don't have time to play." He said, swinging around a tree and kicking Inu-Yasha to the ground. Before Inu-Yasha could move the demon snatched up the old, rusted Tetsusaiga and swung it over his shoulder. "You screwed up protecting Kagome. Now it's my turn."
"Kouga-kun!" Kagome called down, nervous about down the steep slope. Kouga looked up, smiled and waved.
"Ah, Kagome!" In a flash he was up and beside the girl, bowing. "It is a great pleasure to see you again. It's quite obvious the puppy hasn't been taking proper care of you." he said with a debonair smile.
Inu-Yasha pushed himself up and growled. "I'd like to see you do any better, wolf."
Kouga smiled and stood up straight. "Really? Perhaps you'd like another match to prove this point?" he tossed Tetsusaiga back and Inu-Yasha caught it by the hilt, matching the full demon smile for glare. The insult was not past him and he sheathed the sword, still growling. "What do you want?"
"Ah, but to take Kagome away from you, of course." Kouga said, putting an arm around a stunned Kagome's shoulders. "For her angel you're pretty bad at it. I've noticed everything that's been going on around here and it disappoints me." He shook his head sadly. "When little puppies like you face up against the powerful Naraku it can only mean death."
Immediately everyone pulled out their weapons and pointed them at Kouga. The wolf demon looked around in confusion. "Wha-?"
"You work for Naraku, wolf?" Inu-Yasha nearly hissed as he surveyed the situation and tried to figure out the best way to get Kagome out of there. Kouga's expression changed completely and he clenched his free fist.
"Not a chance." The demon said in a dangerous voice. "That bastard nearly wiped out my clan the first time around and ever since he came back the rest of the scardy-cats won't leave the den unless it's the middle of the day. And besides," he said with a smirk but his eyes still gleaming, "you didn't save Kagome from his lackey because you were incompetent."
Inu-Yasha said nothing, knowing he wouldn't be able to argue on that subject. After a moment of the half-angel's silence Kouga smiled broadly. "See? I'm right, aren't I? You're a useless puppy; Kagome would be much safer with me."
"You stupid wolf, how the hell would you be able to stand up against Naraku, eh?" Inu-Yasha snapped. Kouga frowned.
"I don't." he said simply. "Naraku has the Shikon no Tama now, or at least Kagura does, and so I don't stand a chance against him alone. That's why my clan's staying put and I'm bringing Kagome with me. There's a lot of us, she'll be much safer there." He prepared to race off, while Kagome was deciding whether she should go with him, try to stay with Inu-Yasha or just faint and see where that led her.
"Hey! I'm not done with you yet!" The half-angel shouted. Kouga frowned, no longer looking amused. He put Kagome down and patted her head affectionately. "Don't worry Kagome. I'll be right back as soon as I'm done teaching this puppy."
"Who's teaching who?" Inu-Yasha snapped, swinging the sword. Kouga avoided it by leaping into the air and coming down behind the angel.
"Stupid!" he kicked his opponent in the back to emphasise his insult. "You almost hurt Kagome!"
"She's fine!" Inu-Yasha said, spinning around. "Now shut the fuck up and pay attention to me!" He lifted Tetsusaiga into the air as energy began to swirl around it. "Kaze no Kizu!"
Kouga quickly jumped out of the way of the main blast from the sword but got clipped at the side by the shockwave, knocking him to his feet. Inu-Yasha wasted no chances and sheathed Tetsusaiga to charge the wolf and knock him into a tree with a hefty punch. Kouga got up and rubbed the part of his face where Inu-Yasha hit him.
"Dammit puppy, that hurt!" He growled. Inu-Yasha smirked at the wolf and got into a ready stance. Kouga matched his smile and raced towards him. The half-angel ducked to the side to avoid Kouga's fist and aimed a blow at the wolf's midsection, only to find it missing.
"Up here!" Inu-Yasha looked up to see Kouga in mid air, coming down quickly with his foot aimed at his head. Inu-Yasha didn't have time to think when he was knocked a few feet into the forest. Kouga landed and laughed. "See, what'd I tell you? A little puppy." He wrinkled his nose. "Geh, I hate the stink of dog."
"Damn you wolf…" Inu-Yasha growled, standing up. "I'll get you for that one!" He charged Kouga, claws ready and slightly buzzing with energy. Kouga ran up to meet him, still grinning. "Haven't learned your lesson yet?" he asked, rather cheerfully.
"Inu-Yasha! Kouga-kun!" Kagome's voice interrupted their battle thoughts. Kouga blinked and ducked just as his opponent swung at him, then the wolf demon was beside Kagome again, holding her hands.
"I'm sorry Kagome for abandoning you like that." He apologized. "I suppose we should be away then…"
"Inu-Yasha!" Kagome broke free of her suitor's grip and ran up to her angel, who was panting for breath. "Are you alright?"
"I…. Uh…." Inu-Yasha blinked at her, then strengthened his resolve. "I'm fine. Hey you!" he pointed a claw at a shocked Kouga. "Aren't we supposed to be fighting?"
"Sit." Kagome said, arms crossed. Inu-Yasha immediately fell face first in the ground, muttering incoherent curses. Kouga couldn't help but smile as he looked over at the young girl. Kagome shook her head before the wolf demon could even open his mouth. "Sorry Kouga-kun," she said gently, "but I have to stay here for now. I just got over a bad… fever and Kaede-sama thinks I should stay here for a little while longer, plus we have to figure out about Naraku."
Kouga nodded, thought about this for a minute, then looked like he was about to talk again when another voice interrupted them.
"Hold it right there Inu-Yasha, and you too youkai. There's some things I want to talk about with you."
Everyone turned around to see Kaede walking up from the shrine, a serous look on her face. Kouga blinked, then looked around and realized where he was and turned a shade or two paler.
"My lady Ghost!" he said, bowing. "Sorry for intruding on your grounds. I was teaching a certain puppy a lesson or two about how to truly care for a woman." He glanced over at Inu-Yasha, who growled in return.
Kaede smiled slightly, nodding. "Yes, I saw and heard everything. That's why I'm here. Some things you said disturbed me, wolf, and I want to clarify them with you. Now did you, or did you not, previously claim that Naraku had the Shikon?"
"Sesshoumaru-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken stumbled through the corridors of the castle, clambering his way up the stairs and into the fourth Lord's main room. Sesshoumaru looked up from his work and the ever energetic Rin was busy playing Pop-Up-Pirate. Jaken leaned on his staff, panting from his long run up the stairs, dearly wishing they'd get elevators. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" he wheezed.
"What is it Jaken?" Sesshoumaru asked calmly, putting his work down. Jaken took in another deep breath and tried to compose himself.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, you have a visitor." He said, straightening up. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow but otherwise didn't react. He stood up and moved towards the door, nodding at Jaken. Jaken blinked, then straightened up and nodded. "Sesshoumaru-sama I… I…"
"Who is it?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice a little tight.
"Oh!" Jaken gulped. "I-It's the… the… the dead Guardian milord. She says that she wants to talk to you…"
Sesshoumaru brushed past his servant and began to walk downstairs. Jaken turned around to watch the Demon Lord's descent when Rin barrelled into him and they both tumbled down the stairs. The pair of them knocked into the feet of Sesshoumaru and if the demon was irritated he was showing no signs. Instead he bent down and picked up Rin, placing her on the step in front of him.
"Come Rin, we have a visitor." He said, moving her forward. Rin smiled.
"Really? I hope it's not a smelly one like the last one. Should I go make tea, Sesshoumaru-sama?" without waiting for a reply she raced downstairs and took a left into the kitchen, probably to torture the cook yet again. Sesshoumaru continued walking until he reached the bottom of the stairs and the front door.
"What is it?" he said, pressing a button on the side wall. A small screen light up, showing a pale face with messily done-up black hair and dark, burning eyes. The girl looked annoyed for a moment, then smiled.
"Fourth Lord Sesshoumaru I hope." she said. "This is an odd way to greet your visitors."
Sesshoumaru didn't bat an eye. "It is a security system, more or less. Is there something you want or should I, Sesshoumaru, just send you on your way?"
The visitor laughed. "Charming as ever, I see the power hasn't gone to your head." She again looked up into the camera, with a bit frustration that she couldn't see her host. "I want to talk."
"About what, you undead wr–" Jaken was cut off by Sesshoumaru, who issued a series of codes into a small panel hidden under the rock of the cold stone wall. The two large doors began to creak open slowly, revealing the lost Guardian in the dim, putrid light of the fourth Lord's domain. She looked a mess, wearing borrowed clothes that were too large and looking worse for wear from her long journey. But she entered the castle proudly, smirking at Sesshoumaru and glaring at the toad-like demon beside him. Jaken coward behind his master but still gave Kikyou a death glare. The angel walked into the building and looked around, trying to cover the amazement she felt.
"A lot's changed." She remarked. Sesshoumaru said nothing until the doors closed behind him. The demon walked up beside the angel and gave her a calm look.
"It's called technology." He said. "Sort of a joint production between the three existences, although I am forced to give the mortals most of the credit on it's part. It's meant to simplify life, but I use as little as possible to offer protection, get my work done efficiently and offer a few luxuries." He began moving towards the stairs. "If there is something you wish to talk about, I suggest we do it in my office. I'm certain you have useful information for me, Kikyou."
Kikyou looked around the technological-enhanced castle and smirked. She turned around and followed the demon Lord up the stairway, her eyes glinting darkly. "The pleasure's all mine." She answered.
Sesshoumaru led Kikyou into his main office, where she gave the laptop on his desk a curious look before ignoring it and sitting on the ground beside a small table. Sesshoumaru sat across from her, regarding her calmly but with a touch of interest and curiosity in his eyes.
They both looked up as Rin ran into the room, carrying a tray with teacups on it. She slowed as she saw Kikyou, sensing something wrong that she couldn't place her finger on with the angel, and skirted over to the side of the table where Sesshoumaru was. She placed the tray down and backed up a little, eyes still on the dead Guardian. She gave a quick bow and ran off silently, running down the stairs with a light patter that soon vanished altogether.
Kikyou watched where Rin had disappeared with curiosity and turned to look at Sesshoumaru with a slight smirk. "Mortal slaves? Is that also 'something new'?" she questioned, glancing back at the doorway. "She didn't appear to be dead."
"She's not." Sesshoumaru replied curtly, fixing his tea up to his liking. "I discovered her after a particularly messy demon attack on mortals, the soul survivor. Her guardian angel had been killed and she was half fazed into the immortal dimensions anyway, so I merely fazed her through completely and took her in."
"Hmm…" Kikyou said, still watching the doorway. She turned to Sesshoumaru as he lay a cup of tea down in front of her. "She looks familiar, doesn't she? Odd little girl, there's some definite mystery about her."
Sesshoumaru said nothing, taking a sip of his beverage. As he lowered the cup down he eyed Kikyou somewhat dangerously. "I assume you have a purpose for being here."
"Ah, right. That." Kikyou said, looking at her drink but not touching it. "I want to get back to the mortal plane." She said bluntly, getting straight to the point.
Sesshoumaru took a sip and calmly put the cup down again, seemingly in thought. Then, carefully and with purpose, he spoke. "I can't do that." He replied, taking another sip, his silence and manner daring the angel in front of him to try anything in his world on his territory. Kikyou's eyes narrowed but then she smiled.
"Why not?" she asked, putting a hand on her cup but not taking a drink. She smiled calculatingly, playing a mind game with the demon Lord.
"Because, simply put, you are not allowed to be in any of the planes, much less the weakest." Sesshoumaru said with authority, disliking such games. "This Sesshoumaru has no reason to argue or play with you. My answer is simple and clear: no."
Kikyou frowned. "And I suppose I'm to stay in Hell for the rest of my days?" she said dangerously. Sesshoumaru eyed her, unfazed.
"My dear Guardian," he said, putting his tea down. "You do realize what circumstances led to your coming back to life, do you not?"
Kikyou was silent for a moment. "Naraku." She finally answered.
"Not just Naraku." Sesshoumaru responded. "But a mortal as well, a Reborn, your Reborn. No doubt she was killed in the process to bring you back to life." He filled his cup again and took a calculating drink. "Interesting fact however that my nephew his her guardian angel."
"What?" Kikyou looked up, her eyes flashing. "Inu-Yasha… You mean he survived?"
Sesshoumaru shrugged. "Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it I suppose. Of course, I will have to kill him at some point to retrieve my father's fang Tetsusaiga; purely in the sense of tradition of course since I wasn't able to kill his father. I don't particularly care about him to tell you the truth."
Kikyou wasn't even listening to him any more. "And he's become the guardian angel of my Reborn?"
Sesshoumaru nodded, eyeing her carefully. "You don't recall any of this?" he asked. A distant nod from Kikyou as she thought answered his question. "Hmm…" Sesshoumaru thought aloud. "Perhaps the Reborn didn't die after all. Kikyou."
"What?" Kikyou looked up from her thoughts. Sesshoumaru rang a bell for service and looked at the dead angel in slight curiosity. "Any particular food you like?" he asked politely. "I wish to hear all about your processing of reincarnation and particularly your escape from Naraku; indeed as to how you escaped in the first place."
"So the whole reason why everyone wanted to get at Kagome was the Shikon shard?" Sango recapped. Everyone looked at Kaede and Myouga over to Kagome, who was sitting in between Kouga and Inu-Yasha and was slightly nervous about the two boys glaring at each other over her head.
Kaede watched the two boys to make sure they behaved and then nodded to answer Sango's question. "Yes, that would be the best explanation from what I've heard now. Kagome dear," she looked over at the young girl, who looked up at her. "Why didn't you tell anyone about this?"
"Well, I…" Kagome bit her lip, trying to think of the best possible explanation. "Well Kouga ki – uh rescued me first and I didn't know him well so I didn't say anything about it." she started. "And then after that I guess I just unconsciously tried to forget about it."
Inu-Yasha snorted. "Yeah, well every time I brought Kagura up you avoided the subject!" he accused. Before Kagome could respond Sango interrupted.
"Actually Inu-Yasha it was because every time the subject came up the subject of Kouga also came up and then you would throw a fit and change the subject yourself." She reminded. Inu-Yasha snorted again and leaned against the wall.
"It's alright child." Kaede comforted Kagome. "Don't worry about it, there was nothing you could have done. What matters now is that Naraku has the Shikon no Tama, which may be worst possible thing to happen to us." She looked serious. "We might have to venture to war."
End Chapter 19
Yay1 Another done!
Shout outs:
InuSammy: Thanks for the compliments! Since you read my story I'll be more then glad to read yours! I'm sure they'll be great, since you obviously have good taste *nudgenudge winkwink*
Imoen: More more more is coming! Wow, hold your horses you guys, I'm not a machine *laughs* I'll get them up every Monday, okay? And hey, if you're that excited get some… more sugar!
Fate: Very cool? Very cool? Really really really? Wow, that's great! Thankies! Oh so much! I love feeling loved…
Roganu-chan: Woah? That's it? (Am I that good to render you speechless or am I that bad?)
Catleya: Yay, sugar for Ama! Actually I've had so much chocolate for Christmas it's been driving me crazy! Crazy! You were lost in a civilization somewhere near the US? No internet? You poor child! *donates candy* Chocolate is a great stress curer! Just don't get fat because of me! (you may die of obesity and then I'll get sued) And my story's that great? Oh, I'll be sad to see it end. And I know what you mean ~_^
Invincible2: One of your fave fics, eh? Whee! That calls for candy for everyone! *throws it in the air*
Sunflowerobi: You bounce dude, you bounce. What's with the crazy name anyway?
Saiera: Yeah, it was a weird.. thing I had. I dunno. I needed to fix the past up with the present and Kagome was the only way of doing it. I did a pretty good job though, right?
Trunks Gal: Love the fic and hate Kikyou? *sighs* don't we all. I'm trying to make her more likeable, but it's not working. In fact, she's coming out even bitchier. Maybe I'll just have her die off, but of course I need her for the plot…
Vicious-wolf: Sorry I didn't get to you last time *sweatdrops* I must have missed ya when I was doing the shout outs. And yep, I based that little angel after Momiji from Fruits Basket ^_^ Couldn't help myself. I just love him so much, he might keep popping up in the story! Maybe even become a character! (okay, maybe not…)
Done for now! And hey guys, only nine reviews for one chapter? That's my lowest so far! You make me feel forgotten! Lonely! Sad! *sniffs* Ah, I'm kidding ya. You were all probably just busy, so you didn't have time to read it yet, or review. Right?
*grins* Ah well, I forgive since it is the holidays. Happy New Year everyone, year of the ram! I'm staying up late watching anime and playing Kingdom Hearts! I hope youall have fun too!
Best wishes,
~Ama (until we meet again and…
REVIEW! [had to do it])