Strange Interlude
Chapter 8b
*
+++Sesshomaru's POV+++
This battle is pointless, now that I have what I desire.
My foolish brother. Why does he battle when the situation is hopeless? For his arrogance I will destroy him.
I was about to accomplish just that when an arrow struck the Tetsusaiga, transforming back to its worthless state.
It was that human of InuYasha's. She looked like any other mere human, so why was she able to conjure a miko's Sacred Arrow?
Another arrow whizzed by. The fool of a human was actually trying to hit Lord Sesshomaru. She will pay for that.
I was deciding just how to dispose of her when something caught my eye. There was a girl, another human, kneeling some twenty feet behind my target. She looked like that human, Jennifer, that I have.
Upon a closer look, it was determined that it was she. But why did she travel all this way? I suppose her human curiosity got the batter of her. No matter. She will not interfere.
***
After almost having a near-death experience, Kagome had run to help Miroku, Shippo accompanying her.
Jennifer eyes were averted from the bout of brothers to watch Kagome and Shippo's act of friendship. She sighed. Why couldn't she have friends like that? She looked over at Sesshomaru who was quickly dodging InuYasha's lunges for him.
{Some friend he is,} she thought. {I'm practically his prisoner. All the times I ever imagined myself into the Takahashi's Feudal Era I had more of a role than this. This is hopeless...I should've never come down the well...}
Sesshomaru used his light whip to keep InuYasha at bay, but soon InuYasha was able to dodge them. InuYasha was finally able to get himself close enough to attack Sesshomaru with his Iron Reaver, but before even one word could be uttered, InuYasha's demon brother prevented the attack by knocking him to the ground.
Another arrow whizzed by and hit Sesshomaru's shoulder armor, breaking it. Again all eyes wandered in the direction of the arrow and sure enough found Kagome at the bow.
"Kagome!" InuYasha in translation saying, 'I though I told you not to get involved! Now he might attack you again, and I can't let that happen because I really care for you!'
"InuYasha," Sesshomaru warned, "make her stop. Half-demon though you are, the blood of a demon runs in you. Be proud of that. Do not accept human aid, even in death."
Jennifer's eyes widened, {What am I then?} she silently pleaded. {If what he said is truly what he believes then why am I here? That just proves my worthlessness to him. He practically said I have no use so why can't I just go home?}
InuYasha tried to convince Kagome to quit, but Kagome fired her third arrow. Sesshomaru caught this arrow and dissolved it in his hand.
"You had your warning. Now I will put an end to your interference."
Sesshomaru then released what was at that time the Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack upon Kagome.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" Jennifer mumbled as she tried to scramble away from his attack. InuYasha and Kagome were hit, sending a shockwave at Jennifer, flinging her several feet away.
"Ow," Jennifer muttered grasping her head. She blinked the dirt from her eyes and looked out at the destruction.
InuYasha and Kagome lay on the ground. InuYasha had tried his best to shield Kagome from the blast, but she was knocked unconscious.
+++Jennifer's POV+++
I watched all this as if it were straight from the anime. Sure the dialogue was off in a couple of places and they sounded different, but it was pretty much everything Rumiko Takahashi had created: Kagome falling unconscious, Miroku trying again to use his Wind Tunnel, and InuYasha convincing him to take Kagome instead.
By this time Miroku and Shippo had grabbed Kagome and were quickly escaping.
I turned to Sesshomaru, waiting for him to do something--like I knew he would. He stood there for the longest time and I was beginning to wonder if he had even seen them leave. He just stared at InuYasha, pointing his partially transformed Tetsusaiga at him.
Sesshomaru's eyes darted over to me. We locked eyes for a second. I blushed and ducked out of sight. Quite unnecessarily too because I had obviously been seen. Nothing happened, so after a second or two, I looked back up.
When I did, Sesshomaru had used the Wind Scar against his brother... This is getting awfully boring--just sitting here. I wish I could do something. But what could I do?
I could head off Miroku, Shippo, and the unconscious Kagome and prevent them from escaping...but I'm not necessarily "loyal" to Sesshomaru or anything, so why would I help him? Sesshomaru himself said all I was to him was a "good luck charm." But after thinking about it, I didn't have a reason to help InuYasha either.
Grr. This is so helpless. Sighing, I continued to watch...and wait.
A complexly fast battle ensued between Sesshomaru and InuYasha; one that I could not follow. It ended in the space of a minute with Sesshomaru as the victor. But the win was not without consequences: Sesshomaru had lost his human left hand and "his" precious sword.
When it was all over, and Sesshomaru could no longer take the Tetsusaiga, he turned away from the battlefield. A strange swirly smoke appeared below his feet and began to lift him high into the air. Jaken had suddenly shown up and followed. Even the Saimyosho came out from hiding and joined Sesshomaru and Jaken in their flight.
They were leaving.
Were they leaving me?
Was he just going to forget me?
I'm pretty sure he knew where I was.
Then without warning I began to float into the air. A strange smoke, much like theirs, formed beneath me, and I rose straight into the air.
My cloud sped up to trail behind the others'. I looked down through the darkness at InuYasha and them for what I was sure would be the last time. Miroku and Shippo had run over to InuYasha and were trying to wake him. Kagome stood a couple feet back staring at me.
I, of course, panicked at being seen, but soon realized that Kagome couldn't possibly recognize me as that "villager" who was watching the fight. I dismissed it and turned my attention to what was in front of me.
My wispy, smoke-like cloud had joined up with Sesshomaru's. He didn't turn around or acknowledge my presence, so I tried to sit still. This was hard because we had a swarm of Saimyosho behind us.
***
+++Kagome+++
I woke in Miroku's arms.
What? Where am I? I remembered almost getting hit by Sesshomaru when InuYasha--
"InuYasha!" I said aloud.
I jumped out of the monk's arms and began to run towards all the flashing lights and sounds that I could only assume to be InuYasha and Sesshomaru.
Miroku grabbed my arm before I was able to get too far.
"No, you can't! He wants to do this by himself."
As much as I hated it, I couldn't argue. No matter how much I hurt when InuYasha tried to act tough and fight alone, I couldn't interfere. If I did he would hate me for it.
I couldn't see a thing. InuYasha could've been dying, and I would never know. If only I could do something to help him!
A high-pitched yell echoed through the darkness causing me to jump. It sounded like InuYasha. He is hurt. I knew it! Oh InuYasha, let me come to you!
Miroku seemed to hear this, my most inner thought, because he said:
"Let's go to him now, Kagome."
I half-smiled and nodded. Shippo jumped into my arms and we all ran back to the battleground.
Sesshomaru and Jaken were standing on a thin gray cloud that shimmered and billowed beneath their feet. They were lifting higher and higher, the poisonous insects close behind them.
We were close to InuYasha now. He was lying unconscious in a lake of his own blood.
I covered my hand over my mouth and looked away. What if he died? What would I do? I realize I sound like I love the guy, but I'm just really scared about the idea of losing a friend--especially like this; covered in so much blood.
I tried to take my mind off the thought of it by focusing on the black sky overhead. There was a strange, little gray cloud of smoke rising quickly into the air close by. Floating on the cloud was what seemed to be a dark-haired woman. As I peered harder, I noticed that I had seen her before. It was that weird villager who I had run into when I was coming back with Miroku's medicine. The cloud continued to race across the sky toward a larger cloud--the one that held Sesshomaru.
What was that villager doing hanging around with Sesshomaru? Did he kidnap her? No, he would have no reason to. Plus, she didn't look scared. Could it be that she's a demon? But then why didn't I sense it?
They soon disappeared from sight. I decided to pass the village girl off as a figment of my imagination. Besides Miroku's friend, Hachi the takuni, had arrived to carry us all home so, I couldn't waste any more time on the phantom village girl.
***
+++Jennifer+++
We floated around for a while, the Saimyosho buzzing all around us. They were seriously annoying me. I looked up at Sesshomaru, hoping he would do something to make them go away.
He looked down at me with cold eyes. I'm sure he was thinking something like, "Pathetic human." He said nothing but was deliberate in turning his eyes away.
Jaken, it seemed, had grown tired of the annoying insects as well, for he had started complaining five minutes ago and has still not shut up.
"Be patient," Sesshomaru told us. "Ultimately it is the jewel they're after. Surely they are waiting for me to discard the arm."
He lowered his shirt and ripped off the flaming human arm.
Oh my...look at him. Isn't he good-looking!
My cheeks grew hot. I quickly averted my eyes for reasons I knew but didn't want to admit. Before I could look back and sneak a peak at Sesshomaru's well-defined chest, he had fixed his shirt.
I noticed the cloud slow and eventually stop. Sesshomaru leaped from it and floated in mid-air. Turning to Jaken he beckoned, "come," then looking at me he ordered, "stay."
They immediately left and headed into the forest below.
***
+++Sesshomaru+++
"So Sesshomaru, you are not as ignorant as you look," Naraku's voice sounded from the trees above.
I narrowed my eyes. He dare insult me.
"Yet you are still unaware of certain things. You still do not understand the circumstances of your fate."
What was this lower demon babbling about?
***Flashback***
Sesshomaru's body was rapidly turning to stone. Basoni watched menacingly and sneered at the now helpless demon.
"Poor pathetic youkai. You still do not understand the circumstances of your fate."
"Bwhahahahaha..."
***End flashback***
"Bwhahahahhaha!" Naraku's laugh echoed through the trees. Or more appropriately:
"Basoni..."
"Now you understand. It was I, Naraku, that so easily deceived you and sealed you in stone."
I clenched my fist and smelled the air. Maybe I could sniff the villain out and rid myself of his wretched soul.
Yet he perceived me, "Orukana, do not think you can kill me so easily. I am already far from here."
A sudden wind blew past us, and he was gone.
***
+++Jennifer+++
I had been sitting by myself for quite a while now and was beginning to wonder what had happened to Jaken and Sesshomaru. The sky was lightening in the east, signaling the approach of dawn. Which of course meant that I was going to get zero hours of sleep.
I continued to complain to myself when it suddenly became very cold. Then there loomed a sinister voice behind me.
"So, my Saimyosho were correct in saying that Sesshomaru-sama carried a human with him."
I looked around frantically, but I saw no one or thing.
The voice continued, "How very amusing it is to see the son of the Great Dog Demon keep company with such a creature."
Who was this guy? Naraku?
"I may have a use for you."
A cold gust of air blew past me and then there was silence.
"Well that was weird," I spoke to no one, "That very well could've been Naraku, but what did he mean by 'having a use for me'?"
I couldn't continue my thought because Sesshomaru and Jaken had returned. Sesshomaru seemed very upset so I said nothing to him.
"Did anything happen?" he asked me sharply.
I looked up at him in shock. I wasn't too sure what had happened myself, but if it had anything to do with Naraku then he would be sure to want to hear it.
I opened my mouth to speak, but I never got the chance to utter any words because Sesshomaru had turned from me and the swirly smoke beneath us began to move forward.
"Good," he said.
There was silence most of the way home, until Jaken began talking about the conflict between Naraku. I listened intently because it was unfamiliar to me. Jaken kept asking Sesshomaru questions, but he remained silent.
+++Sesshomaru+++
Naraku is a fool to have deceived me. I had felt that Basoni had not died. I smelled Basoni on Naraku when first we met. Then why did I not act on the impulse to kill him? That demon has used me for the last time. Basoni or Naraku, whoever you truly are, you will pay with your life. Because of your impertinence, you will feel the wrath of Lord Sesshomaru.
~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+!@#$%^&*()_ +~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+!@
A/N: I'm apologizing for the slight repeat in this chapter. I tried to avoid it as much as possible and tried to use the different perspectives as a way around the monotony of the repeat. I understand your grief, but that was the last time it is needed. The story picks up from here and it's all original!
I also apologize for this being so late. I'm sure it's been at least three weeks since I've updated. This was a pretty long chapter to type and I've been burdened with lots of homework. ALSO I had planned to post last Saturday but my computer got a virus that spread to both our main and spare hard drive. So my dad had to scrap the whole thing and re-set up our computer from scratch. Everything's fixed now...so yay!
I also have an exciting bit of news. I've had another one of my fanart pictured in a national magazine. This time it was in Animerica, an American magazine that talks about new anime and has stuff about conventions, interviews with creators, etc. They have an Art Gallery in every issue and have a different theme each month. The theme I submitted to was Witches, (in honor of Halloween), and I drew a picture of Kagome in Hogwarts garb turning InuYasha into a frog. The title is "Kagome's new version of Sit," and I think it looks really cool! My first pic featured in a magazine was one that had Bra and Pan on it for a Dragon Ball Z magazine. Pretty cool! Or at least I think so anyway.
It's Fall Break and I have a FIVE-DAY WEEKEND! Whoo! I'm going to visit Washington University in St. Louis on the 16th and 17th, so I plan to write a lot. And while my computer was down I had time to type Ch. 9, so expect an update pretty soon!
Anyway...That was a really long a/n. Uh...yeah! If you have any questions, PLEASE ASK! I know some of the story seems kind of confusing but I can't help you unless you tell me what's up. It should all be coming together fairly shortly, but if you do have any pertinent questions about plot, characters, whatever, please don't hesitate to ask.
There! Done! Now all I need is to upload it! Then I have to go type the next chapter...grumble, grumble, grumble.
*
Random Question: What's a cool Japanese boy's name?
*
Chapter 8b
*
+++Sesshomaru's POV+++
This battle is pointless, now that I have what I desire.
My foolish brother. Why does he battle when the situation is hopeless? For his arrogance I will destroy him.
I was about to accomplish just that when an arrow struck the Tetsusaiga, transforming back to its worthless state.
It was that human of InuYasha's. She looked like any other mere human, so why was she able to conjure a miko's Sacred Arrow?
Another arrow whizzed by. The fool of a human was actually trying to hit Lord Sesshomaru. She will pay for that.
I was deciding just how to dispose of her when something caught my eye. There was a girl, another human, kneeling some twenty feet behind my target. She looked like that human, Jennifer, that I have.
Upon a closer look, it was determined that it was she. But why did she travel all this way? I suppose her human curiosity got the batter of her. No matter. She will not interfere.
***
After almost having a near-death experience, Kagome had run to help Miroku, Shippo accompanying her.
Jennifer eyes were averted from the bout of brothers to watch Kagome and Shippo's act of friendship. She sighed. Why couldn't she have friends like that? She looked over at Sesshomaru who was quickly dodging InuYasha's lunges for him.
{Some friend he is,} she thought. {I'm practically his prisoner. All the times I ever imagined myself into the Takahashi's Feudal Era I had more of a role than this. This is hopeless...I should've never come down the well...}
Sesshomaru used his light whip to keep InuYasha at bay, but soon InuYasha was able to dodge them. InuYasha was finally able to get himself close enough to attack Sesshomaru with his Iron Reaver, but before even one word could be uttered, InuYasha's demon brother prevented the attack by knocking him to the ground.
Another arrow whizzed by and hit Sesshomaru's shoulder armor, breaking it. Again all eyes wandered in the direction of the arrow and sure enough found Kagome at the bow.
"Kagome!" InuYasha in translation saying, 'I though I told you not to get involved! Now he might attack you again, and I can't let that happen because I really care for you!'
"InuYasha," Sesshomaru warned, "make her stop. Half-demon though you are, the blood of a demon runs in you. Be proud of that. Do not accept human aid, even in death."
Jennifer's eyes widened, {What am I then?} she silently pleaded. {If what he said is truly what he believes then why am I here? That just proves my worthlessness to him. He practically said I have no use so why can't I just go home?}
InuYasha tried to convince Kagome to quit, but Kagome fired her third arrow. Sesshomaru caught this arrow and dissolved it in his hand.
"You had your warning. Now I will put an end to your interference."
Sesshomaru then released what was at that time the Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack upon Kagome.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" Jennifer mumbled as she tried to scramble away from his attack. InuYasha and Kagome were hit, sending a shockwave at Jennifer, flinging her several feet away.
"Ow," Jennifer muttered grasping her head. She blinked the dirt from her eyes and looked out at the destruction.
InuYasha and Kagome lay on the ground. InuYasha had tried his best to shield Kagome from the blast, but she was knocked unconscious.
+++Jennifer's POV+++
I watched all this as if it were straight from the anime. Sure the dialogue was off in a couple of places and they sounded different, but it was pretty much everything Rumiko Takahashi had created: Kagome falling unconscious, Miroku trying again to use his Wind Tunnel, and InuYasha convincing him to take Kagome instead.
By this time Miroku and Shippo had grabbed Kagome and were quickly escaping.
I turned to Sesshomaru, waiting for him to do something--like I knew he would. He stood there for the longest time and I was beginning to wonder if he had even seen them leave. He just stared at InuYasha, pointing his partially transformed Tetsusaiga at him.
Sesshomaru's eyes darted over to me. We locked eyes for a second. I blushed and ducked out of sight. Quite unnecessarily too because I had obviously been seen. Nothing happened, so after a second or two, I looked back up.
When I did, Sesshomaru had used the Wind Scar against his brother... This is getting awfully boring--just sitting here. I wish I could do something. But what could I do?
I could head off Miroku, Shippo, and the unconscious Kagome and prevent them from escaping...but I'm not necessarily "loyal" to Sesshomaru or anything, so why would I help him? Sesshomaru himself said all I was to him was a "good luck charm." But after thinking about it, I didn't have a reason to help InuYasha either.
Grr. This is so helpless. Sighing, I continued to watch...and wait.
A complexly fast battle ensued between Sesshomaru and InuYasha; one that I could not follow. It ended in the space of a minute with Sesshomaru as the victor. But the win was not without consequences: Sesshomaru had lost his human left hand and "his" precious sword.
When it was all over, and Sesshomaru could no longer take the Tetsusaiga, he turned away from the battlefield. A strange swirly smoke appeared below his feet and began to lift him high into the air. Jaken had suddenly shown up and followed. Even the Saimyosho came out from hiding and joined Sesshomaru and Jaken in their flight.
They were leaving.
Were they leaving me?
Was he just going to forget me?
I'm pretty sure he knew where I was.
Then without warning I began to float into the air. A strange smoke, much like theirs, formed beneath me, and I rose straight into the air.
My cloud sped up to trail behind the others'. I looked down through the darkness at InuYasha and them for what I was sure would be the last time. Miroku and Shippo had run over to InuYasha and were trying to wake him. Kagome stood a couple feet back staring at me.
I, of course, panicked at being seen, but soon realized that Kagome couldn't possibly recognize me as that "villager" who was watching the fight. I dismissed it and turned my attention to what was in front of me.
My wispy, smoke-like cloud had joined up with Sesshomaru's. He didn't turn around or acknowledge my presence, so I tried to sit still. This was hard because we had a swarm of Saimyosho behind us.
***
+++Kagome+++
I woke in Miroku's arms.
What? Where am I? I remembered almost getting hit by Sesshomaru when InuYasha--
"InuYasha!" I said aloud.
I jumped out of the monk's arms and began to run towards all the flashing lights and sounds that I could only assume to be InuYasha and Sesshomaru.
Miroku grabbed my arm before I was able to get too far.
"No, you can't! He wants to do this by himself."
As much as I hated it, I couldn't argue. No matter how much I hurt when InuYasha tried to act tough and fight alone, I couldn't interfere. If I did he would hate me for it.
I couldn't see a thing. InuYasha could've been dying, and I would never know. If only I could do something to help him!
A high-pitched yell echoed through the darkness causing me to jump. It sounded like InuYasha. He is hurt. I knew it! Oh InuYasha, let me come to you!
Miroku seemed to hear this, my most inner thought, because he said:
"Let's go to him now, Kagome."
I half-smiled and nodded. Shippo jumped into my arms and we all ran back to the battleground.
Sesshomaru and Jaken were standing on a thin gray cloud that shimmered and billowed beneath their feet. They were lifting higher and higher, the poisonous insects close behind them.
We were close to InuYasha now. He was lying unconscious in a lake of his own blood.
I covered my hand over my mouth and looked away. What if he died? What would I do? I realize I sound like I love the guy, but I'm just really scared about the idea of losing a friend--especially like this; covered in so much blood.
I tried to take my mind off the thought of it by focusing on the black sky overhead. There was a strange, little gray cloud of smoke rising quickly into the air close by. Floating on the cloud was what seemed to be a dark-haired woman. As I peered harder, I noticed that I had seen her before. It was that weird villager who I had run into when I was coming back with Miroku's medicine. The cloud continued to race across the sky toward a larger cloud--the one that held Sesshomaru.
What was that villager doing hanging around with Sesshomaru? Did he kidnap her? No, he would have no reason to. Plus, she didn't look scared. Could it be that she's a demon? But then why didn't I sense it?
They soon disappeared from sight. I decided to pass the village girl off as a figment of my imagination. Besides Miroku's friend, Hachi the takuni, had arrived to carry us all home so, I couldn't waste any more time on the phantom village girl.
***
+++Jennifer+++
We floated around for a while, the Saimyosho buzzing all around us. They were seriously annoying me. I looked up at Sesshomaru, hoping he would do something to make them go away.
He looked down at me with cold eyes. I'm sure he was thinking something like, "Pathetic human." He said nothing but was deliberate in turning his eyes away.
Jaken, it seemed, had grown tired of the annoying insects as well, for he had started complaining five minutes ago and has still not shut up.
"Be patient," Sesshomaru told us. "Ultimately it is the jewel they're after. Surely they are waiting for me to discard the arm."
He lowered his shirt and ripped off the flaming human arm.
Oh my...look at him. Isn't he good-looking!
My cheeks grew hot. I quickly averted my eyes for reasons I knew but didn't want to admit. Before I could look back and sneak a peak at Sesshomaru's well-defined chest, he had fixed his shirt.
I noticed the cloud slow and eventually stop. Sesshomaru leaped from it and floated in mid-air. Turning to Jaken he beckoned, "come," then looking at me he ordered, "stay."
They immediately left and headed into the forest below.
***
+++Sesshomaru+++
"So Sesshomaru, you are not as ignorant as you look," Naraku's voice sounded from the trees above.
I narrowed my eyes. He dare insult me.
"Yet you are still unaware of certain things. You still do not understand the circumstances of your fate."
What was this lower demon babbling about?
***Flashback***
Sesshomaru's body was rapidly turning to stone. Basoni watched menacingly and sneered at the now helpless demon.
"Poor pathetic youkai. You still do not understand the circumstances of your fate."
"Bwhahahahaha..."
***End flashback***
"Bwhahahahhaha!" Naraku's laugh echoed through the trees. Or more appropriately:
"Basoni..."
"Now you understand. It was I, Naraku, that so easily deceived you and sealed you in stone."
I clenched my fist and smelled the air. Maybe I could sniff the villain out and rid myself of his wretched soul.
Yet he perceived me, "Orukana, do not think you can kill me so easily. I am already far from here."
A sudden wind blew past us, and he was gone.
***
+++Jennifer+++
I had been sitting by myself for quite a while now and was beginning to wonder what had happened to Jaken and Sesshomaru. The sky was lightening in the east, signaling the approach of dawn. Which of course meant that I was going to get zero hours of sleep.
I continued to complain to myself when it suddenly became very cold. Then there loomed a sinister voice behind me.
"So, my Saimyosho were correct in saying that Sesshomaru-sama carried a human with him."
I looked around frantically, but I saw no one or thing.
The voice continued, "How very amusing it is to see the son of the Great Dog Demon keep company with such a creature."
Who was this guy? Naraku?
"I may have a use for you."
A cold gust of air blew past me and then there was silence.
"Well that was weird," I spoke to no one, "That very well could've been Naraku, but what did he mean by 'having a use for me'?"
I couldn't continue my thought because Sesshomaru and Jaken had returned. Sesshomaru seemed very upset so I said nothing to him.
"Did anything happen?" he asked me sharply.
I looked up at him in shock. I wasn't too sure what had happened myself, but if it had anything to do with Naraku then he would be sure to want to hear it.
I opened my mouth to speak, but I never got the chance to utter any words because Sesshomaru had turned from me and the swirly smoke beneath us began to move forward.
"Good," he said.
There was silence most of the way home, until Jaken began talking about the conflict between Naraku. I listened intently because it was unfamiliar to me. Jaken kept asking Sesshomaru questions, but he remained silent.
+++Sesshomaru+++
Naraku is a fool to have deceived me. I had felt that Basoni had not died. I smelled Basoni on Naraku when first we met. Then why did I not act on the impulse to kill him? That demon has used me for the last time. Basoni or Naraku, whoever you truly are, you will pay with your life. Because of your impertinence, you will feel the wrath of Lord Sesshomaru.
~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+!@#$%^&*()_ +~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+!@
A/N: I'm apologizing for the slight repeat in this chapter. I tried to avoid it as much as possible and tried to use the different perspectives as a way around the monotony of the repeat. I understand your grief, but that was the last time it is needed. The story picks up from here and it's all original!
I also apologize for this being so late. I'm sure it's been at least three weeks since I've updated. This was a pretty long chapter to type and I've been burdened with lots of homework. ALSO I had planned to post last Saturday but my computer got a virus that spread to both our main and spare hard drive. So my dad had to scrap the whole thing and re-set up our computer from scratch. Everything's fixed now...so yay!
I also have an exciting bit of news. I've had another one of my fanart pictured in a national magazine. This time it was in Animerica, an American magazine that talks about new anime and has stuff about conventions, interviews with creators, etc. They have an Art Gallery in every issue and have a different theme each month. The theme I submitted to was Witches, (in honor of Halloween), and I drew a picture of Kagome in Hogwarts garb turning InuYasha into a frog. The title is "Kagome's new version of Sit," and I think it looks really cool! My first pic featured in a magazine was one that had Bra and Pan on it for a Dragon Ball Z magazine. Pretty cool! Or at least I think so anyway.
It's Fall Break and I have a FIVE-DAY WEEKEND! Whoo! I'm going to visit Washington University in St. Louis on the 16th and 17th, so I plan to write a lot. And while my computer was down I had time to type Ch. 9, so expect an update pretty soon!
Anyway...That was a really long a/n. Uh...yeah! If you have any questions, PLEASE ASK! I know some of the story seems kind of confusing but I can't help you unless you tell me what's up. It should all be coming together fairly shortly, but if you do have any pertinent questions about plot, characters, whatever, please don't hesitate to ask.
There! Done! Now all I need is to upload it! Then I have to go type the next chapter...grumble, grumble, grumble.
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Random Question: What's a cool Japanese boy's name?
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