Disclaimer: Trust me, Takahashi updates waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay faster than I do
Myriadragon: Um...hi?
Readers: [throw cyberfruit]
Myriadragon: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry! [bows down on ground] Please don't kill me! It's only been a month or so...ack! [dodges pineapple] Iza-Kahuza, people, if I die you never find out what happens!
Readers: [grumble, then reluctantly drop produce]
Myriadragon: Thank you. I AM very very very very very veyrvery very vyer vyer vyer very vyer very vyer vrye veyrvyer sorry...heh. BUT I have been doing a lot since I last posted—posted the prologue of Ten Thousand Shades of Yellow, finished Cymbeline, went to Seattle and Victoria, rode the Empire Builder, went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, went to Irish Fest, went to a Brewers game (we lost. Who saw that coming? We're only the worst time in the history of baseball...[sigh]), saw Cymbeline at APT, posted a Cymbeline fic, got spacers, held a garage sale, registered for school, lost the spacers and gained braces (ow), started 10th grade, drove around half of Dane County looking for a football game that I MISSED...
Readers: [wave cyberfruit threateningly]
Myriadragon: heh, sorry. I think I know why this chappie took so long—in the original plot outline it was chappie 13! I have added in three other chapters but apparently that doesn't change the curse...oh and here are the review responses (including those from my earlier posting of this chappie).
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lady lilacks: Ah yes, the wonders of technology...we've all been there (although most of my problems come from a certain SOMEONE [glares at mother] deleting half of my stories 'accidentally'...). And yes, Wisconsin isn't the only place with crazy weather. But Minnesota is similar (trust me, I just took a train through both of them and the terrain is almost identical). Yeah, the romance is too early. I go back and read some of the earlier chappies and cringe...but in my other story they hate each other for all of Part I and then STILL don't get it together until the end of Part II, so maybe we can say it all balances out? And I guess this really doesn't count as hurrying...
TO YOUR OTHER REVIEW: Wow. Just...wow. You're very hyper, ya know that (then again so am I [sweatdrops])? I can't believe no one else has recommended your story—I really like it! And thank you for putting me in it! And thank you, I did have fun performing and in Seattle. I like it when people like me...(pretend there's a happy emoticon here. ff.n keeps deleting mine)
Obsessivekawaiigurl: yes, manga up the wazoo. The pool ball seemed to strange so I replaced it. And yeah, Kirara probably would object to lemons on her back but seeing as how I DO NOT WRITE LEMONS I think she doesn't mind [tries very hard to resist the urge to strangle thy fair person]. Dudette, I always ignore your insanity. And you just gave me 18 books yesterday...yeah, concrete shoeboxes. You got a problem with that? Higho to you too.
TO YOUR OTHER REVIEW: let's just say you've been wearing off on me. And I'm slowly getting into the world of fluff...it's hard to fluff without being pervy. And a pause can be pregnant—look, when you're pregnant you're expecting a baby, right? SO, when a pause is pregnant it means that the people are expecting something to happen. Yes, A B 3—Where did you go to school?
TO YOUR REVIEW ON THE CYMBELINE FIC: I am not going to dignify that with a response.
Kokuei: I'm glad you like my muses (although I'm not sure I should tell them that, they're egotistical enough as it is). And you're welcome for reviewing your story—hey, it's only fair, right? I mean you review almost every chapter...I guess I didn't really update soon did I...
Jojodacrow: Yay, you liked it! Although you probably hate me now...and trust me, you SHOULD be scared of where the sprites will take us. Puck's got this glint in his eye right now that I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaally don't like...
Animemistress419: Glad you liked the romance...and sorry I made you wait so long for this chappie.
Inuchick06: Thank you so much for liking it, and for wishing me good luck with this beast! I think I'm gonna need it [glares at Puck and Ariel]...
PinkTigerLilly: Well, not sure if you're here yet but anyway, I'm glad you liked it! And you're welcome for reviewing your fic. Which one was it again? It's been so long I can't remember...[sweatdrops])
Tievel Turiel: Yes, evil plots. And I KNOW faeries are mischievous...but, see, Ariel causes his mischief by wanting the opposite of what Puck wants. Then they start throwing Altoids at each other and I get caught in the crossfire...Yay, we made it through Cymbeline without anyone dying! And I totally agree with you...there is no way in Hells Sessho-maru would serve Inu-kun. I see your muses are as troublesome as mine...
TO YOUR REVIEW ON THE CYMBELINE FIC: Um...more of what kind of fics? Cymbeline ones? And as to Lear Boy...[heads for the hills, screaming in terror]. Yup. Doomed indeed...
Myinuyasha04: Done. You no kill me, I no kill you. [grins]. You're apologizing for a later review? After how late this chappie is? Yeah, maiming Koga sounds good...you can even take a few limbs if you wanna. I never really thought about it that way, but I suppose Inu-kun IS like Miroku—but hey, everybody has hormones (it's just how much that's important...muahaha...)
Tobias: Um...sorry...and actually when I posted that not it had only been two weeks, not two months. Of course it's been two months now...hey are you a guy? I mean, Tobias IS a guy's name...I'm just curious because that would make you my only male reviewer (I think). Actually, I think it's really cool if you're a guy because it means I can write for more people than just high school girls!
InuyashanKagomeForever: erm...glad you liked it...you're very dramatical, ya know that? Then again, so am I...and dramatical isn't even a word...You're welcome, although I'm not quite sure for what exactly...
TO YOUR OTHER REVIEW: Thank you so much! I tried really hard to make him more realistic...in most fics he's groping people left, right, and center even though he doesn't in the manga. [sighs] Miroku...sorry, I am currently obsessed with him. I'm used to him in the manga, and then I saw the anime episode where they see Midoriko and he explains the Four Souls in that deep voice of his...[sighs]
Bluecat/aoneko: assuming you're the same person...Sarah...yeah about the whole updating soon thing...and it's an AU fic, so I just decided to set it in Wisconsin. How's The Story We Have Not Named (Yet) coming?
TO YOUR REVIEW ON THE CYMBELINE FIC: Yes that scene is rather hellish. But I don't think goofy fluff was quite Shakie's style...ah well, maybe he could learn from me [grin]?
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Myriadragon: a few last things before I get started. NO ONE has reviewed my other story besides my BFF and Sarah and Sarah's the only one who counts since Oka-chan is required by law to review. I suppose you're all mad at me...but I AM updating now and I would really like even just a LITTLE feedback on that one...it's called Ten Thousand Shades of Yellow if you want to check it out. And the Cymbeline fic I did you might want to check out because you don't need to know the play to read it...It's just some fluffy romantic nonsense you might enjoy reading.
This chapter is dedicated to lady lilacks. I think she knows why.
On with the insanity!
Double O Demon:
Chapter 16: Things fall apart
Kagome walked into the briefing room the next morning, yawned, and blinked.
"Ah, good, ye be up. Come and sit with us," said K.
"Why are you all up so early?" asked Kagome, sitting and accepting a mug of tea from her. Kaede also had tea, while Miroku and Inu-Yasha nursed their usual coffee and Sango sipped her customary orange juice.
"P—p—plans," Miroku yawned. "For defeating Naraku."
"At 6AM?"
"No time like the present, apparently." Inu-Yasha shot a glare at K that would probably have killed her if Kagome hadn't distracted him with a good morning kiss.
"Mm...you really aren't a morning person, are you?" she asked, grinning.
"Morning people deserve to rot in Hell," he replied, sending K another death glare.
Kagome laughed. "All right, Mr. Grumpy, go back to your caffeine. I'll go plan with the other hellrot-deserving morning people."
"Are we sure rescuing her was a good idea?" he grumbled in response.
"Yes, Inu-kun, we are," Sango said with a laugh.
"Besides," Miroku said slyly, "With her here you can—"
"Finish that sentence and die, monk."
K cleared her throat impatiently. "Amusing as this be, we have more pressing business."
"So tell us what you've got," Sango said in her back-to-work voice.
"Not much," K admitted. "Naraku is still operating out of the warehouse dock in Door County—why, I'm not entirely sure."
"He still wants Kagome," Miroku interrupted, "and he knows we'll come after him. Why bother going after her when she'll come to him?"
"Maybe she shouldn't come with us," Inu-Yasha said seriously.
"But we need her powers to defeat him!" Sango objected.
"It's too dangerous! If he gets his hands on her again—"
"You all do realize that I'm sitting right here?" Kagome asked peevishly. "Can we at least pretend I have a say in the matter?"
"Sorry, Kame," Sango said. "K, why don't you finish and then we'll discuss it."
Kaede gave her a grateful look and continued. "So we know where he is—and why," she added with a nod at Miroku. "Even though he expects it, I think the best plan is to go after him there. All four of ye will go—and no amount of protesting from Agent Enkou will change my mind," she said as Inu-Yasha opened his mouth. HE sent her yet another death glare but made no comment. "We need Kagome's powers, as well as Inu0Yasha's strength, Miroku's skill, and Sango's intelligence. Ye three are responsible for getting Kagome to Naraku so she can kill him."
Kagome chocked on her tea. "K—kill? I have to kill him?"
Inu-Yasha blinked. "Yeah, Kagome, you have to kill him. That's how it works with demons—you kill them or they kill you."
"But..." Kagome said weakly. "Why do I have to...?"
"It is because of Kikyo that Naraku exists," K said quietly. "Is it not logical that she who began him is the only one who can end him?"
Kagome put her head in her hands. "I don't know if I can," she whispered.
"Oh for God's sake, Kagome," Inu-Yasha snapped. "It's not that hard."
"Well excuse me!" she exploded. "I'm not a demon, Inu-Yasha, I'm a human. I can't just kill without thinking!"
"And I can?"
"Apparently!"
"If we don't kill Naraku he'll kill hundreds of innocent people!"
"I didn't say I wouldn't do it, I just said it would be hard!"
"Which it shouldn't be!"
"I—b—Gah! You're impossible!" With that Kagome stormed off, throwing her hands in the air in disgust.
There was a pause filled only by Inu-Yasha's growls. Then Sango said, "Go after her."
"Why? Either she'll do it or she won't. Nothing I say will change that."
"Men are hopeless!" Sango said, exiting in a manner similar to Kagome's.
"I'd have to say I agree," K said with a sigh. "Well, I'll leave ye two to your hopelessness and go talk to Shippo about your gear. Ye leave in two hours. Oh and Inu-Yasha," she said, pausing in the doorway, "talk to Kagome before ye leave. The two of ye won't be able to work together if ye have this hanging over your heads."
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Of course, Inu-Yasha—being stubborn as a mule and twice as stupid—did not talk to Kagome. He still couldn't see what it was he'd done wrong. So all in all, it was a tense group that made its way North to Door County for the second in as many days. Kagome was sitting towards the front of their nekobus (AN: hee hee) with Sango, who (out of loyalty to her fellow woman) was pointedly ignoring Miroku. The two boys sat behind then, sulking and wondering what they'd done wrong [cough]mules[cough].
"This does not bode well," Kaede said with a sigh as she watched them fly off. Beside her, Shippo nodded. "This does not bode well at all...
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A few hours later our heroes found themselves back on the ground by warehouse 389.
"Alright, split up," Inu-Yasha whispered. "Miroku, you're with me. We'll go north." He left without instructing the other two.
"We'll just head south then, shall we?" Kagome hissed after him as Sango stifled a laugh beside her. "The silent treatment...honestly, sometimes I wonder if he made it out of elementary school..."
"Probably not," Sango whispered with a grin. "Come on. Southward-ho!"
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Inu-Yasha stifled a curse as he nearly fell flat on his face. "What in the hells is that?" he demanded of his monkish companion.
"A shipping crate, I believe," Miroku replied sagely. "Doesn't seem to be anything else here."
"Right, let's move on," ordered Inu-Yasha. "And what kind of idiot leaves a shipping crate in the middle of a dark room like that?"
"What, you mean the kind of idiot who puts wares in a warehouse and doesn't expect to have secret agents searching for demon supervillians in the dark?" Miroku asked innocently as they crept towards the next building (402).
Inu-Yasha wheeled around. "Miroku—"
He was cut off before he could finish his irate threat. "Save it for Naraku. That's why we're here, isn't it?"
The hanyou continued to glare at him for a moment, but eventually he dropped his gaze. "Yeah," he muttered. "Come on."
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"Ouch!" Kagome hissed. "Sango, I wasn't all the way out!"
"Sorry..." Sango said sheepishly. "I thought you were right behind me."
"Saw something that looked suspiciously like a crate of baboon skins (AN: ¬.¬...)—and those doors are heavy!"
"Sorry..." Sango said again. "Hold up." She threw an arm out to halt Kagome. Putting a finger to her lips, she crouched down closer to the building (376).
"...your men. I'm on my way to see him now. No, not about..." Koga's voice faded away as he and his companion passed them.
"Three guesses who 'he' is," said Sango grimly.
"Naraku," Kagome agreed. "Let's follow them."
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"Alright, Miroku, there's two doors on this one. You take the closer one and I'll go for that one over there."
"Miroku?" Inu-Yasha looked back over his shoulder for his partner.
"Um...hi?" Miroku said sheepishly. "This isn't very comfortable, ya know," he informed his captor in a peeved tone. "Some of us have to breath every once in a while."
Sessho-maru didn't relax his grip on Miroku's neck. "If you have air enough to waste on complaining then surely you are capable of breathing as well. You and the human will come with me," he added to Inu-Yasha.
"Like hell we will," he growled. His feet shifted into a fighter's stance.
"Not wise, little brother," Sessho-maru commented with a shake of his head.
A feathered dart sprouted from Inu-Yasha's neck. His eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped to the ground.
"Not wise at all..."
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"...found him. We should—" Kagome's voiced stopped abruptly. Her pause was followed by a thump.
"Kagome, what—" Sango began to turn around only to fall to the ground as well as someone dealt a careful blow to the back of her neck.
"So sorry about that, my dears," Koga said, standing over their prone forms. "Bring the miko to Naraku."
"What about the other?" his companion asked.
"Lock her in one of the warehouses. It's the miko Naraku wants."
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His hands were bound behind his back. Not good. Experimentally he opened his eyes, wincing as light hit them. No blindfold, then. His mouth was dry, but as far as he could tell that was a result of the tranquilizer, and not of a gag. He cursed quietly, confirming the gag's absence.
"Really, such a foul mouth," a voice said dryly. A man with black hair and red (or is it brown? I've read both. Maybe it's one in the anime and one in the manga?) eyes stepped into the light.
"Naraku," Inu-Yasha spat.
Naraku bowed. "The one and only."
"What do you want?"
"Right to the point, I see. I want what I have always wanted. The Shikon no Tama. And with your help, it can be mine."
"Like I'd help you," Inu-Yasha growled. Behind his back, he was having little success at removing his bonds.
"Oh, but you will," Naraku said silkily. "You will if you want to save your pathetic humans."
"What?"
"The miko, my dear boy, and the other two."
"You don't really expect me to believe you have them?"
"And why not?" Naraku stepped closer. "I have you—what is a human compared to one who is part demon?"
Inu-Yasha glared at him. "Feh," he grumbled, unable to think of a better response.
Naraku chuckled. "I have the girl. I have you. I have everything I need to get the Jewel."
"What does any of this have to do with me?" Inu-Yasha demanded. "You've got Kagome—can't you just take the Jewel?"
"No. I can't. But you can."
"What?!"
"The Jewel is held within this girl—Kagome, you say—in her heart." Naraku tapped Inu-Yasha's chest with a slender finger. "It would be easy enough for me to reach into her chest and pull it out—but that would kill her before I got the Jewel, and it would disappear, and I would have to wait until I found the next incarnation of Kikyo to get the Jewel out."
"I still don't get why you need me."
(AN: get ready for a long, hard to follow explanation)
Naraku sighed dramatically. "Patience, my dear boy, patience. A demon is the only creature that can reach into a miko and remove the Jewel. But because of its demon energy, it cannot do so without killing the girl, causing the Jewel to disappear. A human cannot reach into a person at all—but if it could, it would be able to remove the Jewel without doing the vessel any harm. As a hanyou, you have the demon's power of being able to reach into her, and you have the power to do so without killing her. You are the only person who can remove that Jewel from the girl's chest. Do you understand me?"
Inu-Yasha was silent a minute, trying to figure out exactly what Naraku had said. "So you need me to remove the Jewel."
"Precisely."
"Well, I'm not going to," Inu-Yasha said bluntly.
"Ah, but you are," Naraku said coolly. "If you do not, I will kill the other two."
"They would rather die then let you have the Shikon no Tama."
"Maybe. But what about the miko? Would she be willing to give her life for such a cause?"
Inu-Yasha snorted. "You would never kill Kagome. If she dies, you lose the Jewel."
"But if you refuse to remove it, I have lost the Jewel already. And if I cannot get the Shikon no Tama from her, what use is the girl to me?"
"Kagome would willingly give her life to stop you..." Inu-Yasha said hesitantly.
"...but you would not," Naraku finished with a smirk. "She is precious to you, is she not?"
Inu-Yasha looked away and didn't reply.
Naraku's smirk grew wider. "I rest my case. You would do anything to save her. And in this case, anything means removing the Jewel and giving it to me."
Again Inu-Yasha said nothing.
The grin left Naraku's face. "I grow impatient with your silence!" he growled. "Will you do it, or will I be forced to kill all four of you?"
There was a pause as they glared at each other. Inu-Yasha was the first to lower his gaze. "Yes," he said quietly.
"What was that? I didn't hear you." Naraku had his smile back now.
"Yes, damnit, yes! I'll get you the stupid Jewel!"
"Excellent."
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Myriadragon: I told you this wasn't going anywhere good.
And now I have a confession/plea to make. You see, I probably would have left this for another month or so without writing anything at all, if it weren't for one tiny thing: My BFF, aka obsessivekawaiigurl, has been writing an Inuyasha/Fruits Basket crossover, and she's driving me insane because she's thinking about changing the pairing to something other than InuKag. She's having people vote on what pairs they want, and if we InuKag fans don't get our butts in gear before she next posts it'll either be KyoKag or HaruKag. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! SO I need you all to do me a big favor and go read it PRONTO (it's called Youkai, Jubaku, and Miko) and review with a vote for InuKag or else I will be forced to kill her and then I'll be arrested and I don't think they have internet connection in jail so I'll never post again.
Of course now she's going to kill me for asking you all to do this but hey maybe this way she'll get more reviews? [hides from BFF, who is armed with a longbow]
Anyway, Remember the Elephants etc. etc. I'm too lazy to type the rest out.