B-M walks through the gate of her front yard and stops, staring in amazement. Running around her front lawn are Rin and mrs sessy, who are laughing like crazy as they cast spells on the Western soldiers.
B-M: Hey, don't wear them out!! I need them in a little while to help me rescue FireWitch1! (turns and walks inside)
B-M stops again as she looks around at all the ruckus in her office. In one corner stands Naraku, trying to convince MidnightMoonGoddess that he is much yummier than Sess and Inu. She turns her head and is shocked to see Rain sitting on the floor, talking to Marquel and the they're actually laughing. Beside them is Inuyasha, trying to stuff himself into the tiny suitcase that a laughing Tonomi is holding open. Before she can move, mgcmc comes rushing over, pulling on her arm.
mgcmc: B-M, can you tell me what those other sites are now? The ones where you have your stories.
B-M: (sighs) Look, I've been a really good girl and I've gone and fixed up all my personal details. So, if you click on my name, you'll find all the links there, ok?
mgcmc: cool. Can I use your computer (turns around and rushes off)
B-M: (opens mouth to protest then closes it again. She picks up phone and dials) Hi, AuroraNyte? It's BM here. Listen you mentioned locks in your review, so I was wondering if you know a good locksmith. You do? Oh great. (jots down the number) Thanks for that. Bye.
She frowns and then continues forward, looking around carefully.
B-M: Where is she?!! Sango!!! Come out here now!!!
Everyone looks at the cupboard.
B-M: (storms over and pulls the door open) Sango get out here now! I have something I want to ask you.
Sango: (walks sheepishly from the cupboard) Yes B-M?
B-M is just about to speak when there is a knock on the door. She turns and walks to the door, pulling it open. There stands a frowning reviewer.
ZephyrAeon90: I have a bone to pick with you. Or maybe two. Firstly, how could you be so rude to NoLife? (gets really angry)
B-M: (sighs then opens door wider and points to NoLife, who's still sitting on the floor, laughing with the others) See, she's just fine. Now what was the other bone?
ZephyrAeon90: The other thing is about your horrible abuse of Sango's name. What the hell's all that about?
B-M: (groans, then sighs) Come inside. I was just about to delve into that matter myself. (stands aside and allows ZephyrAeon90 to enter) So Sango, do explain to ZephyrAeon90 here, why you told me your name was Sangome.
Sango: Well...I ahh... I just wanted to be like Kagome, and I thought that Sangome made me sound like her twin.
ZephyrAeon90: Oh no, Sango how could you think that? Your name is so beautiful.
B-M sighs and turns to leave the office. Nobody notices.
Chapter 14: Rescuing The Shiiyon Stone
One hundred Western soldiers stood to attention, awaiting the arrival of the Shiiyon Warriors, who were at present in the tower. They all took their assigned weapons and armour from the various hooks that lined the walls. As Sango strapped her boomerang to her back, she glanced at Kagome's solemn face. She approached her quietly, watching her expression as she bent to fasten the strap of her armour.
"Shyra, does something trouble you?" Kagome turned to face her, a frown that marring her brow. "Is it the battle that causes you this worry?"
Kagome sighed as she stared through her, deep in thought. "It's not the battle you think that worries me Horinaskia."
"Then what my friend?"
Kagome opened her mouth to reply then closed it again, when the object of her woes entered the room. She stared at the handsome youkai, taking in his every feature. She quickly snapped herself from her trance and turned to find Sango's eyes upon her thoughtfully.
"Why does the King cause you worry Shyra?" she asked, curiously.
Kagome kept her face expressionless. "I did not say that it was he, who caused me worry."
Sango raised a brow and looked at her friend. "We have known each other too long for this Shyra."
Kagome sighed and looked back at her. After several seconds, she finally spoke. "I worry that he will insist on accompanying us."
"Oh" was Sango's only reply. This was indeed cause for worry.
Both girls stood a minute in silence, contemplating the thought. They watched as Sesshoumaru calmly crossed the room, ignoring their keen interest.
He stopped before the two swords and reached his hand for the Tensaiga. Once freed, he slid it into the sheath at his side. He turned and found Kagome standing in his path.
"I hope you do not think to accompany us."
She knew by the set look on his face that he did. She ignored her body's responses to him and concentrated instead, on the feeling of frustration that washed over her at his stubbornness.
"I am sorry, but I cannot allow it."
"And why not?" was his calm and emotionless reply.
"Why not?" Kagome asked incredulously. She tried to voice the reason as she but could not get her brain to function. His close proximity seemed to affect her strangely. "Be... because... you... oh!!"
Sango, sensing her friend's rising temper, decided to intercept. "Your Highness, as King of Earth, your wellbeing is imperative to all. There is absolutely no reason for you to embark on this unnecessary mission. It would be in everyone's best interest, for you to stay."
"I do not see why my wellbeing would be threatened by such an unnecessary mission."
They would not outmanoeuvre him. He focused on calming his rapidly beating heart, cursing the irritating creature before him for once again eliciting such a reaction. He deliberately kept his gaze on Sango as he spoke.
"And seeing that I am the King of Earth, my word is final."
The two girls watched his retreating back with a mixture of emotions. Sango could not believe the man's stubbornness and wondered why he was so adamant about accompanying them. This mission was well below his stature. He was the King, for goodness sakes. His role was attending to the matters state. This business was for the warriors and soldiers.
Kagome wanted to strangle him. How was she to keep him safe if he defied her attempts to do so? Short of making a scene, which they had no time for, she had only to accept his decision. Sighing heavily, she followed him down the stairs, to the waiting army outside.
Inuyasha's face was thoughtful as he took in his brother's stiff countenance. He wondered at his strange behaviour. He seemed to be always preoccupied and often, rather irritable. Now he insisted going along to Draglygin, refusing to listen to reason from any; and all had tried. Himari was the last to try talking sense into him. He also failed. Inuyasha sighed, wondering again of his brother's feelings for Kagome.
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Within a half hour, they were in the forests of Draglygin. Kagome and Kagura flew into the air and traversed quietly through the trees, towards the caves. Upon spying it, they settled into the leafy camouflage of branches in a nearby tree and observed the activities of the creatures from hell. As suspected, the creatures were few in numbers. Occasionally, a small group would exit and depart for their assigned destinations. The two girls said nothing. They both continued to observe every movement below them with trained and skilful eyes. They could sense the powerful presence of the Shiiyon Stone and its cry of pain at the misuse of its power. When opportunity arose, the pair lifted into the air and flew back to a safer distance for their rendezvous with the others.
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Sesshoumaru stared into the sky with worried eyes. They had been away a long time now. His stomach muscles clenched as he remembered the last time she arrived back from a mission, covered in blood. Was she now, battling the beasts alone? He struggled with the urge to charge forward, instead observing the group of warriors. They stood, faces oddly focused and their eyes in a trancelike state. Suddenly their gazes cleared and they looked at one another, nodding. The wolf demon left the group and walked over to him.
Kouga stopped several feet away from the frozen-faced youkai and relayed Kagome's instructions. They were to proceed quietly through the woods, following Rin's lead. He saw the expression on the Sesshoumaru's features, which portrayed his thoughts correctly. Kouga knew the man doubted that a child could perform such a task and proceeded to explain, for expediency's sake.
"Rin has a telepathic link to Kagome that is stronger than the rest of us. She will be the most efficient at leading us to our destination." Kouga felt a sense of satisfaction at the flicker of surprise that passed in Sesshoumaru's eyes. He turned and signalled Rin to proceed.
Sesshoumaru swallowed his amazement as he stared at the tiny figure that strode confidently at the front of the small group. She seemed quite comfortable taking the lead, despite her youth. He knew her to be the youngest yet when he looked into her eyes, past all the childish exuberance, he saw maturity beyond her short years. He collected himself and motioned to his soldiers to follow.
Rin weaved a trail through the dense undergrowth, constantly using her mind control to move obstacles out of their path. She focused on Kagome, seeing all she saw and feeling around her at the same time, for any possible danger.
Kagome and Kagura watched the group slowly approaching. Kagome motioned with her hands that two guarded the cave. She signalled to Miroku to come with her. The Western soldiers struggled to contain their surprise, as they watched the two Shiiyonians transform into the hideous beasts. Kagome looked at Rin. The girl nodded before turning and shaking a nearby by bush with her telepathic powers.
The guards at the cave's entrance, both turned in the direction of the noise. One left his post to investigate. Rin led him further into the forest with her lures. Kagome motioned to Sango and the warrior shimmered then disappeared. Seconds later, she appeared before the beast and drove her blade into its side. The hideous beast had no time to react to the swift attack and disintegrated into nothing. The other beast turned at the sound and took a step forward, stopping as it heard a noise in the opposite direction. It too, went to investigate, only to meet with the same fate.
Kagome gave a grotesque smile, commenting in a low voice. "It seems that the creatures do not possess great intelligence. Be sure to behave rather stupidly Illiarkan."
The other warriors chuckled quietly as the pair headed toward the cave's entrance. Sesshoumaru looked on incredulously. 'How can she joke a such a time?' He was completely baffled. 'She walks into a cave full of murderous beasts and she makes fun of it!' He wanted to scream out for her to stop but held himself in check, questioning the rising panic that gripped him. As if sensing his turmoil, Rin turned and graced him with a beautiful smile. For some reason that Sesshoumaru could not fathom, it instantly calmed him. His body relaxed and his mind slowly settled, though he still held fear for Kagome.
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The two hideous beasts, trudged heavily down the filthy passageway, carefully blending in with their surroundings. They concentrated on the Shiiyon Stone, which called to them. They walked with an air of purpose as they headed down another dirty walkway. They were almost at the room that housed the stone, when a loud command halted their progress.
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Outside, Rin's eyes cleared as she came from her vision. She lifted her hand immediately and concentrated, quickly producing a large fireball upon her open palm. She hurled it toward the entrance of the cave as the other Shiiyonians unsheathed their weapons and charged forward.
Sesshoumaru's heart stopped. This could only mean that the beasts had discovered Kagome and Miroku. With a rising sense of panic, he ordered his men forward as he raced into the cave after the warriors.
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The creatures that confronted the two Shiiyonians turned as a large explosion rocked the cave, sending dust raining down from the ceiling. They all struggled to hold their footing until the shaking stopped. Suddenly, the caves were a hive of activity as creatures appeared from all directions. A rather eerie sounding horn echoed through the multitude of small dens. Many of beasts rushed about, their marching footsteps adding to the existing noise.
Kagome and Miroku soon found themselves alone. "It seems as though our luck has changed."
Miroku looked at her quizzically, wondering at the strange expressions of the modern world. He had no time to reflect upon this further as they turned and resumed their pursuit of the stone. They moved, unencumbered, quickly turning the handle to push the door wide open. The beautiful red stone lit up at the presence of its protectors. Its power came to life and lent new strength to the two warriors.
Kagome concentrated, centring her energies and combining powers with the stone. She soon levitated it into the air, using great effort to release it from the crater. Her power grew as she manoeuvred it toward the doorway. They managed to make it as far as the end of the first passageway before they encountered resistance.
Miroku lunged forward, catching the entering beasts by surprise as he aimed his staff and released a mighty blast of fire, which consumed the enraged creatures. He followed quickly by slicing his sword to severe their heads. In the distance, the sound of a battle raged, echoing loudly throughout the cavernous interior. The two Shiiyonians continued to make their way toward the melee.
Kagome concentrated on moving the heavy stone through the long passageway. She heard the distant sounds of combat and knew they approached quickly the entrance. Breathing deeply, she called on all the energy the stone could provide her and divided her focus between moving it and preparing for battle.
Sesshoumaru looked wildly about the cave in between attacks. So far, there was no sign of either Shiiyonian. The worry grew inside him, spurring his movements. He made a quick path through the first main cave toward a back entrance where, his instincts told him, she was. His soldiers moved about him, making short work of the hideous creatures with their new Shiiyonian swords. Blood flew in spurts, quickly covering the area and everyone in it. The sounds of clashing metal continued above the roar of pain and death. As the Shiiyonian leader predicted, they met with little resistance and quite soon, the number of beasts they faced had halved.
Sesshoumaru spotted the large red stone levitating slowly toward them. His eyes dropped instantly, running over Kagome's form as a feeling of overwhelming relief took over him. The other warriors instantly surrounded her in a wall of protection, leaving her to focus on the motion of the stone. The creatures seemed to notice this and focused their attack on the small group.
Inuyasha leapt high into the air, turning a mighty wind tunnel on the unsuspecting beasts. They gave an anguished howl and disappeared into nothing. Below him, Rin brought her hands forward, sending one wave after another of pure energy to disintegrate the beasts where they stood. Kohaku brandished his chain of knives in deadly precision, dropping bodies with a quick flick of his wrist. Kouga yelled as he manipulated his nunchakus with such speed and precision that the beasts had little time to react.
Sesshoumaru's attempt to reach Kagome halted several times, due to one attacking creature or another. The defensive circle held, enabling her swift progress. He ordered his soldiers to make a path for her to cross and he worked to aid in this task. The flurry of movement became frantic when the beasts realised that the stone was near the entrance. The remaining few redoubled their efforts but the wall just tightened around the one manipulating the stone. They growled in frustration, attacking the impenetrable barrier with enraged movements.
'Finally!' Kagome starting breathing a little easier as she saw the forest a short distance away. She carefully manoeuvred the stone out of the opening, lifting it high into the air. She raised her hands to cup her mouth and released a call that could only come from the Phoenix. In reply, another cry filled the air with such force that everything within the clearing shook. All activity upon the ground ceased as every eye turned in amazement at the wondrous sight of the three Red Dragons, descending into the clearing. They stopped and hovered before the stone.
"Iehr nar kessi jiian, shin usula denne mikahne Shiiyon Winaveh. (We are once again, in your debt mighty Shiiyon Warrior.)"
The leader of the Red Dragons spoke as he reached forward with his huge claws to grasp the shimmering red stone. He opened his mouth to speak again but a sudden noise from the surrounding forest stopped him.
Kagome frowned as she projected her vision outwardly. A short distance away, large numbers of beasts were approaching rapidly and they were by far more hideous than the ones before them. The activities resumed, as the creatures began to feel hope with the arrival of their allies. She turned to the dragons.
"You must take your leave of this place Sahndron. Something much worse approaches."
The dragon nodded and flapped its gigantic wings as they lifted into the sky. Sesshoumaru stared in amazement. Kagome had mentioned that the dragons spoke but to actually hear it was still quite shocking. He turned suddenly as the new creatures rushed into the clearing, bringing him quickly from his thoughts. These were the larger variety they had encountered in the Eastern castle. The battle was once more in full swing as bodies jumped and dodged, with swords clashing.
Kagura took to the skies, allowing room to brandish her powerful whip. She drew back then flicked her hand forward, sending a blinding spark of lightening that cut through two of the giant beasts. Kikyou produced one arrow after another in quick succession, shooting them off to land with sickening thuds of purifying energy. Sango wielded her boomerang. She threw it across the clearing with great speed, and then shimmered to appear behind it after it ripped through four beasts, slicing them cleanly in half.
Sesshoumaru remained close to Kagome, watching constantly to make sure she was safe. He was actually amazed to see the smile that graced her lips. It seemed that she enjoyed this battle, throwing herself gleefully at the beasts in a taunting manner. Her sword flew in many directions, moving with such speed that the beasts had no time to see the coming threat before it hit them. Three large beasts distracted him and he lost sight of her. After making short work of them, he turned to see where she was. Across the clearing, she fought determinedly against two massive creatures that towered over her small form. Sesshoumaru headed in her direction but found his path blocked by more salivating beasts. He raised his sword, hacking at them furiously. For some reason, the melee around him thickened, making it impossible to move.
Kagome looked up in horror, to see Sesshoumaru swamped by a mass of bloodthirsty demons. She turned and yelled to the Western soldiers before signalling to her warriors. Immediately, they responded to her command and came to the King's aid. She had no time to think further as she braced herself for the next onslaught. She moved swiftly, dodging a near fatal blow and merely laughing at the beast's ire.
Sesshoumaru felt he could breathe once more. All the creatures turned away from him, now occupied by others. He quickly scanned the clearing trying again to locate Kagome. His eyes fell to a small group of beasts that stood to the side of the ruckus, deep in discussion. They looked at Kagome and nodded. Slowly, realisation dawned and Sesshoumaru knew what they planned. Attacking him was just a ploy to distract them all from their main objective, her. He watched in horror as they surrounded her. He rushed forward in hopes of reaching her side but another group of beasts appeared to block his way. 'Is there no end to these creatures?' Sesshoumaru hacked and sliced frantically but the mass never lightened. He looked with desperate eyes in Kagome's direction, seeing her dodging and slashing as more closed in on her. He redoubled his efforts.
Kagome faced the other five. Four already lay in a disappearing heap upon the floor. She smiled as they advanced on her, swinging her sword tauntingly before them. Suddenly, a small shiver of apprehension snaked up her spine. She turned warily to her left and saw several beasts advancing, one holding a rather strange crossbow. The creature took aim and prepared to fire at her. Kagome smiled and stilled mid-motion. She turned to face them, standing defiantly as she awaited the coming object.
To Sesshoumaru, time stood still. He watched with growing dread, as Kagome made no attempt to move from the line of fire. Instead she stood, smirking at the beasts in a taunting manner. 'Why does she do this? Does she enjoy bringing danger upon herself?' He tried to move, but found his feet frozen. Then he saw the hand rising to lever of the crossbow and all his senses rushed in at once.
Kagome watched the arrow, leaving its notch and waited in anticipation. Suddenly, a blurred movement caught her eye. Before she could prevent it, Sesshoumaru stepped in front of her, taking the impact of the hit. Her heart stilled as she heard the sickening thud of the arrow that pierced his body, sending him hurtling back into her. They both fell to the ground, Kagome bearing the weight of their rapid descent. It took her a moment to collect herself before she carefully slid from beneath him and knelt beside him. She ignored the surrounding chaos and the frantic beating of her heart, as she looked him over carefully, trying to determine the extent of his injuries.
Inuyasha turned to see Kagome on the ground, next to his brother's still body. Fear swept through him, rendering his body motionless. He walked haltingly toward them, paying no attention to the battle around him.
Kouga saw the beast lunge at the unsuspecting Inuyasha. With his lightening speed, he covered the short distance between them and pushed his friend aside, cutting the creature in two with his sword. He placed the sword back in its sheath and resumed the battle with his trusty nunchakus.
Inuyasha, having fallen to the floor, was now crawling over to his brother, not even registering the fact that Kouga had saved his life. His heart lay heavily within his chest, creating an unbearable pain. 'No!' his mind screamed out. He could not lose his brother too.
Kagome tried desperately to push down the fear that rose quickly within her, attempting instead to concentrate on healing the King. After several minutes of strained effort, she sat back panting. She wiped the sweat from her brow and frowned at his deathly countenance. As she suspected, the arrow contained a lethal poison created from black magic. Her healing powers alone would not be enough. Whoever mastered this scheme certainly knew his Shiiyonian history. The only option was to return to the Temple and use the ancient Shiiyonian magic. She hoped desperately, that it would be enough to counter the poison. Kagome's heart squeezed tightly as she stared at his deathly pallor and lifeless features. She looked up to see Inuyasha's concerned face. Neither noticed the wall of soldiers that surrounded them. She watched her friend's look of anguish and despair as he lifted his brother's head from the ground.
"I am so sorry Inuyasha, this is all my fault."
"Can you heal him?" his voice sounded hoarse from his emotions.
"I've tried, it's not working." Kagome swallowed, trying to fight back the panic she found reflected in his eyes. "It's dark magic. It will take much more than my powers to counter it. We must get him back to the tower immediately."
Inuyasha looked at her in surprise. He knew of a method and wondered why she did not use it. Before he could ask her however, she rose to her feet and pushed her way into the battle, yelling to him as she went.
"Look after him while we finish this up!"
With that, she disappeared. He looked back at his brother as he listened to the commands she issued forth to the fighting warriors. He knew this would end quickly now.
Many beasts gave startled cries as the warriors they fought suddenly shimmered and transformed. Rin's giant owl lifted into the air and perched above a group of beasts. Her large beak opened, giving off a loud string of hoots that formed a pulsing circle of energy. It came down to obliterate the entire group. She continued raining one attack after the other. A mighty lion roared fiercely and extended its claws. It ran swiftly at the creatures, suddenly leaping and raking its poisonous claws over many grotesque heads. Miroku landed on the ground several feet away and watched the creatures melting to the ground before he turned and pursued the next lot. Kouga's wolf ran swiftly about the clearing. With each step he took, his spirit multiplied until many deadly wolves covered the clearing, ripping into the screaming creatures. A beautiful black horse stood to the side, raising its hooves and pounding the earth. A large blast of energy travelled along the ground, totally obliterating a large group of beasts. Sango turned and faced another. Kagura's eagle swooped low, its wings extended wide from its body. From the tips of its wings, came two large blades of pure energy. They sliced cleanly through the creatures she passed. Kohaku stood on a small hill and roared, a huge ray of lightening energy flashing from his eyes. He turned his black panther's head slowly, disintegrating the beasts on impact. Another group of beasts gathered around a beautiful deer, laughing and jeering at the defenceless creature. The graceful animal stood still and allowed their approach. When they were within her reach, she released the energy she had stored and a large ring of light exploded from her body to engulf them. When the light vanished, the beasts were nowhere in sight. From out of the skies, the huge bird of fire swooped down. Its loud cries filled the air as it flashed through a huge group of beasts that entered from the forest path, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes in its wake.
It did not take long for the Western soldiers and Shiiyon warriors to dispose of the evil creatures. A grave atmosphere set upon the large group as they gathered the injured and made their way through the portal, back to the safety of the West.
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The night seemed deadly silent, lending to the tense air about the castle. Nobody celebrated this eve, for the news had quickly spread of the king's tragic injury. Even though many found him aloof, they still loved and respected him. Their hearts filled with sadness when the Shiiyonians' attempts to heal him failed. He now lay in some sort of deadly sleep, poised on the brink of death. Even the Shiiyonians felt the sadness, all refusing the trip to the markets. Kagome had felt relief at this. Her heart was too heavy to even pretend that she felt like going.
She now leaned against the balcony looking out at the gardens. Even the air was still this night as if nature too felt their grief. She sighed as her thoughts tumbled around, provoked by a multitude of emotions. Guilt dominated at present. She should have protected him. 'No' her mind yelled. 'He should not have been there at all.' Anger flared within her. 'How could I let this happen?' she felt tears welling in her eyes. 'King or not, I should never have listened to him.' She struggled to control her emotions. Kagome hated crying. It always made her feel utterly weak and helpless. However, she could do nothing to dismiss the tears. Once again, the powerful feeling of guilt swept in as she remembered Inuyasha's anger, earlier that evening. The tears continued to run unnoticed down her cheeks as her mind recalled the incident.
Inuyasha had found her sitting alone in the garden, deep in contemplation. He had guessed correctly at her thoughts.
"You cannot blame yourself for this Shyra. There was nothing you could do to prevent it."
"Yes, there was." She spat out vehemently, angry with herself. "I should not have let him go in the first place. Then this would never have happened."
Inuyasha sat beside her and grabbed her hand, turning her to face him. He knew her anger was not for him and felt a strong desire to rid her of the blame that she placed on herself.
"Kagome listen to me." He waited until she looked at him before continuing. "I am most certain that by now, you are aware of my brother's stubbornness. I tell you again, there is nothing you could have done to prevent this..."
"No, you are wrong Inuyasha!"
Kagome's anguished voice cut off his words. She looked as though she would cry, causing Inuyasha's heart to squeeze in sympathy. Shyra never cried and it gave him great pause to see her this way. He put his arm about her and pulled her close, resting his chin on top of her head.
"And what exactly, do you think you could have done to stop this?"
"I should have kept him here." Came her quiet response.
Inuyasha pulled back and looked down at her in surprise. He knew exactly what she referred to and felt shocked that she would even consider this option. "You know how my brother would react if you contained him Kagome. You would be in all sorts of strife afterward."
Kagome's heart tugged as she pictured Sesshoumaru before her, berating her actions. She sighed and swallowed a lump that rose in her throat. Her voice was a whisper as she replied.
"At least he would be about to rain his ire upon me."
Inuyasha took that as an opportunity to broach the subject that was troubling him. "Shyra, I really need to ask you something."
Kagome stiffened. She knew exactly of what he spoke. She had felt the curious stares of the other Shiiyonians more than once that evening and had eventually run away to her room, to escape the feelings of guilt they induced. She reached frantically in her mind for a way to distract him from the inevitable. A sense of dread filled her as he continued.
"We both know that there is a way for you to heal him. What I wonder is, why you have not done so."
Kagome's mind went blank. She had no explanation. She sat with a contrite expression, under Inuyasha's questioning stare.
"I cannot understand this Shyra. This is so unlike you. Never have I seen you hesitate to save a life."
He felt his anger rise when she merely pulled back and turned away from him, not saying a word. He was astounded. How could she refuse this? It was her duty, and they were discussing the King, after all. He decided to remind her of that.
"Do you forget Shyra, that we speak of the King of Ierten?"
Kagome turned to face him, a pleading look upon her face. "Inuyasha... please... I cannot..."
"No Shyra, I will not listen to this!" Inuyasha was now exceedingly angry. At this moment, he cared naught for her excuses. His brother's life was more important than any reason she could give. "I think it is time that you to put aside your personal feelings and do your job! As our leader!"
Kagome had not been able to endure any more of the guilt provoking lecture. For the second time that evening, she fled to the safety of her room.
For two hours, she had done nothing but think. The war of words that raged within her head, kept her from sleep. Now, standing on the balcony in the stillness night, she had to acknowledge the truth of Inuyasha's words. She had no choice. It must be done and soon. He had after all, saved her own life. Heaving a sigh borne of the fear at what was to come, she turned and walked back into her room. She headed straight for her door before her resolve could weaken. She must do this and do it immediately. She could no longer hide behind her excuses. Two hours was plenty enough time to prepare for the inevitable. Now she had to act. Taking a deep breath, she headed toward the room where the King of Earth lay, in his death-like sleep.
Back At The Office
AN: Phew! I'm glad that's over. I had a lil' problem getting it finished. (sighs) Well never mind, it's done now. I've managed to get rid of everybody, so I'm all by myself. Wow!! Oh and hey sorry Jazzy, hope I didn't ruin your day or anything. (winces and whispers to readers) I sent them all to her place. Told them all there was a party going on there. hehehe (clears throat and resumes in a normal tone) Before I start, I just want to apologise to the readers from Sesshoumaru's Fanfiction site. Just in case you're reading this and don't get a reply to your review, I apologise. But you must know of course that the site is down. (bawls) So sad. What a tragedy. Anyway, on with the show. I did get to read one review and that was from Tonomi.
Tonomi: thank you for your kind words and faithful reviews. Hope you're still reading.
Jasmine Fields: thanks for the review, and it's always a pleasure to provide you with entertainment. Oh and I love your story Jazzy. NOTE TO READERS; please go and read her story. It's called "To Perish Once More by Jasmine Fields. This is on fanfiction net. I would post a link here, but for some reason it won't allow it. Anyway folks, please take the time to read Jasmine's story. She's a wonderful writer, who's done a great job acquainting us with the characters of her story. And please review her. It's so nice when readers take the time to review a writer's work. Makes you want to write more. lol.
AuroraNyte: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. And I'm so glad that you like the way I portray the characters. That's always a worry to authors and its nice to know that you approve. (gives her a big hug) Oh by the way, thanks for the tip about the locksmith. (winks) They're coming around to fix my little problem right now. (laughs) Won't everyone have a shock when they come back. lol.
Zephyr-Aeon90: Please don't be mad. You've spoken to Sango and you know that it was all her fault. And you probably know that I live in Oz, so my humble knowledge is but limited in comparison to yours. And as far as NoLife is concerned, well... you've seen with your own eyes that all is well. So get over it woman!!! I mean for goodness sake. You should have seen the way NoLife was laughing when the soldiers carried her in. (shakes head at the memory)
AnimeAngelz: Welcome to the house of fun. lol. All are welcome. Thanks for taking the time to review me. (blows a kiss)
AngelMiko69: Hey girl, good to hear from you. I'm absolutely spewing ((silly aussie term that means angry)) because I haven't been able to get back and finish reading your story. And knowing you, there must be a million more chapters. lol. HEY READERS!! This is another of my gal pal authors, who has an excellent story, The Secrets And Hidden Truth Of Kagome by AngelMiko69. You'll find her under that name on both ffnet and animespiral. Please read and review. Also, Angel has invited me to work with her on her sequel story. I can't wait. (smiles) Hey girl, Inu's still smarting from that smack you gave him. I think he's got a bit of a crush on you. lol. Yeah, I figured you'd be hiding. Today I'm switched right off, just so I can finish and post these two chappies. lol. Anyway, I'll talk to you tonight, my time. When I finish reading. lol.
mgcmc: Thanks for the review, and you can find the links on my author's page. Just like I told you this morning in the office. hehe. Oh and unfortunately, as I mentioned before Sesshoumaru's Fanfiction site is down.
Ptbear: So good to hear from you again. Thanks for the review and sorry for keeping you waiting so long for the update. I've been busy getting my little but awesome crew together for the follow-up story to my one shot. (smiles excitedly). Anyway, hope you enjoyed the warriors adventure this day. lol. Let me know what you think.
mrs sesshy: so glad you enjoyed the fun. Hey don't complain, I gave you lots of action with Sess and Kag in When Two Paths Collide. How much more action do you need woman? Boy, talk about insatiable. lol. Seriously though, things will take a very, very interesting twist in the next chapter. (giggles wickedly)
Marquel: Hey Marquel, thanks for your ever-kind words. HEY FOLKS!! Marquel is another gal pal author, who has only recently gotten over her writer's block. YAY MARQUEL!! Unfortunately though, I haven't had a chance to see if you've even posted your story yet or what name you've decided to use, so I'll wait til next time to recommend you. Hey that holiday sounds dreamy. And I'm so happy to see you and Rain getting on so well. Surprised but happy. And don't worry about Sess. His ego is so swollen, that it could use a bit of bursting. Funnily enough, he's been avoiding the office. I think he knows that he's in strife with everyone. lol. I'll probably talk to you soon. Hey. did you work out a title? Hope the ideas helped. (smiles)
MidnightMoonGoddess: Hey girl, did Naraku manage to convince you that he's yummier? lol. He's dumbfounded as to how you can think that Inuyasha is hotter than him. hehehe. Thanks for the score. (beams happily)
Rain: Hello baby girl, do you know how warm and fuzzy my heart felt to see and Marquel getting along so nicely (pats Rain's head) Promise I'll chat with you soon. LISTEN UP FOLKS!!! Yes, Rain is another gal pal author. YAY!!! She is on animespiral and has a really hot story called, Rain Sayaka by rainthewolfdemon. I know you're all gonna be steamin if you read it. lol. Hey girl, don't you dare cry over that silly demon. We'll fix him, don't you worry. (suddenly frowns) Oh, by the way, I found the camera in my room, you naughty little hentai. Bet you were disappointed to see Naraku painting my toenails. Ah hahaha.
PrincessMaura: (also known as Adrianna) thanks for the reviews. lol. Still love what you did to Naraku. lol. Haven't stopped laughing since it happened. lol. ATTENTION FOLKS !! We have another winner. lol. See, told you, I can't stop laughing. Adrianna is the author of two stories. I've read one, and its really funny. It has called, Miko or Menace? by PrincessMaura And believe me, the name fits. lol. Please read and review. Encouragement is the greatest. Hey Adrianna, can't wait to read your other story. I'm home alone tonight, so hopefully I'll get round to it. And in answer to your question, I live south-west of Sydney, NSW. Actually, I'm about an hour away from Australia's capital, Canberra. I live in a south coast area. If you want more info, just contact me. (smiles)
FireWitch1: Thanks for your review. I'm so glad that the Western Soldiers and I were able to find you. Don't worry, when you want to get away from those creeps, be sure and come to my office. I'll have new locks on my door real soon. lol.
Last note: In case some of you haven't had a chance to catch it, I posted a one-shot called, When Two Paths Collide, which is a hentai's dream. lol. Please be sure to check it out and let me know what you think. I'm actually posting another chapter to it, to answer the demands that I've had to continue it. The chapter is in the form of a comical skit and is really a reply of sorts, to those demands. I leave you with two choices at the end and your votes, via reviews, will decide the outcome. So please read the story. I'm sure you'll like it, and let me know what you want. Well it's time to scoot. Off to post then do some r&r of my own. Ciao now. Babs