Disclaimer: The characters don't belong to me, sadly. (Sighs) How I wish I had Inu to keep me warm at night...
wk: Okay. So, I was supposed to update "The Dogs, Spiders, and Wolves" first, but my muse for this story wouldn't let go of my ear. So this is the second to the last chapter. It kind of makes me sad when I think about it. However, there will be a sequel for this story, so don't worry too much guys!
Now, on with the story!
Chapter Sixteen
Final Attempt
Kagome was not in a good mood. She had come back over the shoulder of a slender man, much to Kagura's amusement. Bankotsu was smiling, his demeanor cold as he dumped Kagome unceremoniously at Kagura's feet. He went back out the door, undoubtedly to finish the game of poker he had been playing. Men were still men, after all.
Kagura sipped her coffee, smiling down at Kagome. "So. Doesn't this mean that you shouldn't try to escape again?
"It just means that I should wear less heavy clothing, and bring a tent," Kagome growled out, still sitting on the floor.
"You can't survive out there. Jaguars and that whole bit. The Amazon Rainforest is actually a dangerous place, despite the efforts to save it," Kagura said.
Kagome kept silent, glaring up at Kagura. Kagura got up, got another cup, and filled it with coffee. She sat again, bending to give it to Kagome. Kagome took it, blowing on it gently before taking a few sips and handing it back up to Kagura.
"So tell me why you live in the jungle," Kagome said.
"Rainforest," Kagura corrected mildly. "It saves a patch of the rainforest, which is good for Naraku's image should his secret ever come out, and it's secluded. Very secluded."
"So tell me another thing. How did you know about Inuyasha's secret?" Kagome asked. "Naraku told me that he paid someone to tell him. Who? As far as I know, there are only a few people that know of his job," Kagome said. Kagura's sly smile slowly crept up.
"We paid Sesshoumaru." Kagome sat there staring at Kagura.
"You paid Sesshoumaru? As in, Inuyasha's brother?"
"Half-brother," Kagura corrected again. Kagome waved it off.
"So Sesshoumaru told on Inuyasha? That big rat," Kagome hissed.
"We didn't have to pay him much. I was ready to pay him much higher, but it was like he didn't care at all what happened to his sibling," Kagura said, studying a spot on her nail. "Scratch that. He was unconcerned about Inuyasha. He even seemed to be amused."
"Was he—"
"That's enough questions," Kagura cut in. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to be following Naraku to another meeting of his. Oh, and you can try to escape again, but the other men of the Shichinintai might not be so… gentlemanly compared to Bankotsu."
"Whatever," Kagome muttered.
Kagura left, a sly smile on her lips. As soon as she left the room, Kagome went upstairs. The running had tired her out, and she wanted a nap before trying to escape again. This damsel in distress business was hard work.
Kagome lied down on the bright bed, her eyes shutting as her head hit the pillow. She was asleep within minutes.
"Yeah… Uh-huh… So you don't know anything either?" Miroku cursed as he hung up the phone. Sango came over with a cup of coffee.
"Anything yet?" Sango asked. Miroku shook his head.
"It's amazing, really. Naraku does business with so many people, and knows so many people, but so little know about him. He hides himself so well."
"I don't even know where to start. Myouga gave me his address book so I could call people in it, but the book is endless."
"You can't give up," Sango said fiercely as she began to massage his shoulders. He sighed, one hand coming up to cover one of hers.
"No, I can't. Otherwise, Inuyasha would kill me," Miroku said with a wry smile.
"Not before I kill you. Come on… There has to be someone in this population that knows something."
"Yeah… There should be. Now, to find him." Miroku worked endlessly, dialing different numbers in Myouga's book and in his own book. He called people he trusted, and never mentioned why he was looking for Naraku. Inuyasha had said not to tell anyone, that Kagome's life was on the line.
As he dialed an infinite combination of numbers into his phone for the nth time, he worried his lip until he tasted blood. Kagome, a new friend, had quickly grown on him and Sango, and he would be damned if he let anything happen to his newfound friend.
Inuyasha paced. The emotional outburst with Kagome's mother had helped a bit, but it did not quell the growing urge to kill in him. If he didn't get Kagome back soon—
There was a knock on the door. "Yeah?" he barked.
The door opened, and Ayame strolled in. "Uncle Inu?" she asked hesitantly as she closed the door behind her. The familiar face had him calming a bit. "Mrs. Higurashi let me in. How are you holding up?"
He gave a rueful laugh at her question. "How do you think I'm holding up?" he asked rhetorically.
"Not too good," Ayame admitted, moving closer to Inuyasha. "Uncle Inu, I brought some food for you. So you could eat."
Inuyasha shook his head quickly at the thought of food, and the bag she brandished. "No thanks. I'm going to throw up if I eat now," he said.
"You need to eat to keep your strength."
"I have enough. You know as well as I do that my demon blood lets me hold up a lot longer," Inuyasha murmured. Ayame sighed, giving up.
"So you can't call the cops?"
"No."
"Do you know if Kagome is okay?"
"She says she's…" his voice cracked. "She wants me to come and get her. But dammit, I don't know where she is! I'm stuck here," he said viciously, indicating the confines of the room with his hands, "until I have an inkling of where to go."
"Do you know anyone that would know where Naraku is?" Inuyasha turned to Ayame angrily at her question. Didn't she know that he had already considered the possibility? "Someone that called in on the show maybe? You never know what the dumbest people know," Ayame said quickly.
"No, I—" Inuyasha paused, then thought. He remembered Ryu, how he said Naraku had taken over his father's company. Did he know?
Fumbling, he dove for his cell phone on the desk. Putting in a few numbers, he dialed Miroku's number.
"This number is busy at—"
"Fuck!" Inuyasha viciously redialed the number.
"This number—"
Again. And again. And again. Inuyasha was going to strangle the monk when he was through with him!
"Inuyasha? Did you find something?" Miroku's voice finally came through. Curse later. Kill later. Talk now, Inuyasha thought.
"Yeah. You remember Ryu? On the show? His father's company was taken over by Naraku?"
"… Yes."
"Find out his number, and call him. See if he might know anything about the whereabouts of Naraku, then call me back."
"I'm on it."
Inuyasha hung up, and slumped in the chair. Ayame came to him, took his cell phone and laid it on the desk. "You remembered someone?" Ayame asked.
"Yes," Inuyasha said. He felt so tired and drained, but he knew he would be unable to sleep or eat until he knew Kagome was safe in his arms. Ayame saw the dark circles under her uncle's eyes, and knew better than to suggest sleep.
"It'll all turn out okay, Uncle Inu," Ayame said, feeling like crying herself. Still, her uncle needed her. She needed to be strong, at least right now.
Inuyasha, a person who didn't believe in false hope, found himself clinging to her statement like a lifeline. It was a lifeline.
If he didn't grasp onto it, he would crumble away and be left with nothing. Not even a heart left to love.
It was Kagome's second attempt. She wore shorts and a tank top, although she didn't think it would be enough to keep the heat away. Hoisting her tote onto her shoulder, she walked out the front door as if going to the market.
A hand went around her arm as soon as her feet hit the ground outside. She looked back, exasperated. "Couldn't you at least give me a head start?" she asked grumpily. It wasn't Bankotsu this time.
"Tsk tsk, dear. You should know better than that," a man said. Kagome thought it was a man. He looked like a man, but his pose suggested a more feminine… outlook.
"Well, Mr. ..."
"Jakoutsu."
"Well, Jakoutsu, you could at least have let me run to that tree." She pointed to a tree in the distance. Jakoutsu squinted, then grinned.
"Well, maybe next time, precious. Now, let's get you back inside. This heat really isn't good for the skin." Kagome went back inside reluctantly.
There was another man inside. He looked at her, and his impersonal gaze twisted to something Kagome wasn't sure she liked. He leered at her, and she decided that no, she didn't like it at all.
"This is Mukotsu," Jakoutsu introduced. "Mukotsu, this is the captive that Mr. Naraku has entrusted to us."
"Hm…" Mukotsu didn't seem all that interested in what Jakoutsu was saying. Jakoutsu didn't seem like he really cared.
"Well, Ms. Kagome. If you'll please return to your room…" Kagome turned and fled, not from Jakoutsu, but from the questionable Mukotsu. When she was inside the room, she grimaced. That man just creeped her out. He looked at her like she was something he could bite into.
Gross.
Kagome sat on the floor of the bedroom, frowning. What to do now? Naraku could at least have given her some reading material, but no… Naraku didn't give a rat's butt about her.
"This sucks," Kagome said to herself. Her question then was the question from before: What to do now?
Miroku waited while the phone rang on the other line. He felt the sweat run down his back, and Sango's comforting hand on his shoulder. Ryu was a tentative link, and most likely had no idea where Naraku was, nonetheless—
"Hello?" A tired voice answered.
"This is Miroku. You know, from 102.5 FM?" Ryu sat up in bed, glancing at the clock next to him.
"Ah… Yeah… Why is the radio calling people so late… Or should I say, so early?" Ryu asked, yawning.
"Well, I'm not calling from the station. You know Hanyou, don't you?"
"Of course."
"Well, his girlfriend slash future wife has just been kidnapped by Naraku," Miroku said in a rush. Ryu's back straightened.
"What?"
"Yeah. So do you have any idea about his where he lives? We're very sure he took her there."
"No… I don't have a clue," Ryu said, his voice concerned. Miroku grit his teeth. "But there might be a clue in my father's old papers. I haven't looked in them since he died, but I'll give it a try. I'll call you back, if I do or don't find something significant."
"Okay, yeah… Thanks." Miroku hung up, gave a quick prayer that Ryu would find something. He was there only lead so far.
After calling more people for at least an hour, his phone finally rang with Ryu's number.
"Hello?" Miroku answered tensely.
"I… I think I might have found something," Ryu mumbled. Miroku didn't say anything, and only waited tensely. "I found a map, and something scheduled into my father's plans. It's in his plan book, and there's a spot circled on the mini-map inside. It's in Brazil."
Miroku sat back, digesting this information. " Brazil?"
"Yes." Ryu gave them the general place it was in, within a fifty mile radius. Miroku knew that it would be tough for Inuyasha to track Kagome down in such a wide area, but it would have to do. Miroku thanked Ryu profusely, and hung up. Now to call Inuyasha to tell him the good news.
Inuyasha waited tensely for the return of Miroku's call. He didn't understand that it was taking Miroku time to find out Ryu's number. He didn't care. He wanted an answer as soon as possible, and Miroku was supposed to get it for him as quickly as possible.
"Dammit," Inuyasha cursed viciously. "Why isn't he calling back?"
"Calm down, Uncle Inu," Ayame said. If it had been anyone else, Inuyasha would have grabbed them by the neck and asked how the fuck he was supposed to calm down. "It'll take some time."
"Well, he shouldn't—" Inuyasha lunged for the phone when it started to ring.
"Talk to me," he snapped.
"Inuyasha!" Miroku said breathlessly. "I found out! Ryu didn't know, but he found some papers in his father's office, and—"
"Where?" Inuyasha asked sharply.
" Brazil. Amazon Rainforest. I'm coming with—"
"No. I'll go and bring her back myself. You stay here and make sure no one else knows and nothing else is going to happen. Have my back, Miroku," Inuyasha said. Miroku was silent for a moment.
"Okay," Miroku finally said. He understood Inuyasha's need to go alone.
"I'll find her. I'll call you for more details, so while I'm on the way there, make sure you find out all you can. I'll call you when I arrive." Inuyasha finally felt hope—real hope—burst inside of him. He was going to get Kagome back! "You stay here and support her family, all right?" Inuyasha told Ayame. Ayame nodded, following him as he went out of the room.
"I have a lead," he told Mrs. Higurashi. "I'll be back soon. Don't worry. I'll get her back."
"Listen here, boy—" Kagome's grandfather was rudely cut off by Inuyasha himself.
"I understand that you're mad Gramps, but I'm going to get her back right now. If you still have something to say to me when we come back, then you can say them. Not now." He rushed out without waiting for a reply, pushing in another series of numbers in his cell phone and dialing the number.
"Hello?" Myouga answered.
"Myouga," Inuyasha said hoarsely. "Hold off on the plan to give away the company. Stall Naraku, but make sure he doesn't find out. I think I found Kagome."
"Oh, did you now?" Myouga brightened. "I'll try to stall him as long as I can. Make sure you bring Kagome by safely, all right? Where is she?"
"Amazon Rainforest," Inuyasha said. "That's where I think she is." He got into his car and started the engine, wasting no time before peeling out.
"The Amazon Rainforest? Odd. Well, good… Uh… Er, Toutousai would like to speak with you."
"What? Okay, but tell him to make it quick," Inuyasha snapped impatiently.
"Come by over here," Toutousai demanded.
"No! That's wasting time!" Inuyasha shouted.
"I have something important to give you! It'll help you in getting Kagome back, I'm sure," Toutousai said.
"No. I have absolutely no time—"
"Listen to your elders for once, you stubborn pup!" Toutousai barked. "Now!" Inuyasha's emotions warred in him. He wanted to get to Kagome as fast as possible, but if what Toutousai had helped…
"All right!" Inuyasha shouted. "In the mean time, call the air lines for me, and book a ticket for me. I don't care who you have to oust."
"All right." Toutousai and Inuyasha both hung up simultaneously.
When Inuyasha arrived at the company building, he ran up the stairs, not bothering with the elevator. He also gave no concern to people he knocked over. He sped past a couple that were making out on the stairs as well.
When he got to Myouga's floor, he practically tore open the door and sped down the hallways into his office.
Toutousai was in the office as well, and he had a sword in his lap. Inuyasha growled.
"Please don't tell me you made me come all the way here for that." Inuyasha curled his lip at it disdainfully.
"Watch your mouth!" Surprisingly, Inuyasha found that Myouga had said this, and not Toutousai.
"This is a sword I forged long ago from your father's fang," Toutousai said calmly, handing Inuyasha the sword and scabbard.
"From Oyaji's fang?" Inuyasha asked in a murmur. He pulled the scabbard off, and gaped. "This is a piece of shit!"
"Just keep it next to you youngster! You might be surprised," Toutousai said. Inuyasha gave an angry scowl.
"Whatever. Give me your credit card so I can pick up my ticket." Wordlessly, Toutousai gave Inuyasha his card.
"Stupid chit," Toutousai murmured when Inuyasha ran from the office.
Instead of taking his car, Inuyasha went on foot. With all the traffic, a car would only take a longer time. He jumped nimbly from moving truck to moving truck, being a little more careful on the highway as he sped to the airport. It wasn't exactly legal, but at the moment, he didn't care.
His cell phone started to ring when he landed on top of a car gracefully. He heard the driver inside say, "What the—!" But he tuned it out.
"Hello?"
"Where does he live?" Sesshoumaru growled at him.
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Naraku. Where does he live?" Sesshoumaru asked again, controlling his voice.
"Why do you want to know?"
"He took something of mine."
"Yeah? What? The number of a bank account?" Sesshoumaru was silent a moment.
"Never mind. I can tell it's fruitless to try to talk to you," Sesshoumaru said before hanging up on Inuyasha. Inuyasha snorted unconcernedly, resuming his carhopping.
"Fucker. Why does he want to know where he is, anyway?" Inuyasha asked himself. Shrugging it off in his mind, he continued his trek to the airport.
When he arrived, he jumped off the top of the Greyhound bus. Other passengers seemed to be alarmed, and Inuyasha quickly dashed in. He retrieved his ticket, and ran as fast as he could to the luggage area. Since his sword was a weapon, he would have to send it through baggage claim. Taking care of that, he sped to his gate. He practically threw his ticket at the lady, and then walked in.
He took his seat, fighting not to be impatient as passengers continued to pour in. When the plane finally started to take off, Inuyasha had to bite his lip hard when he heard how long the flight was going to take.
Just hold on a little longer, Kagome. I'll be there soon, Inuyasha thought. As he looked out the window, he thought about when he found her. He would first spank her for going on that stupid walk, and then kiss her, and then take her away from there. He would fly them back home, whispering "I love you" over and over again to her, while he thought about the child they had made growing inside of her and the family they would make…
He tried to settle in for the long flight, his mouth set grimly as he thought he would never let her go after this.
"Don't you ever give up?" Suikotsu asked, smiling. Kagome liked this one the best out of the bunch. He seemed to be… human. She knew he cared about things, and didn't want to hurt anyone. At the moment, she was slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"I try to be tenacious, to try to wear you guys down," Kagome muttered into his back. Suikotsu laughed.
"It won't work. There's seven of us, one of you," Suikotsu pointed out.
"Like I needed that reminder," Kagome said glumly. "What is someone like you doing with people like them?" Kagome asked, curious. Suikotsu frowned, although she didn't see it.
"That," Suikotsu said curtly, "is none of your business."
"Are you being blackmailed? If you are, then maybe we can escape together and—"
Suikotsu laughed again. "Kagome, you really are outrageous. Please, don't try to escape again. It's completely pointless, and it only takes away your energy. It's not healthy for the baby."
Kagome felt a surge of panic rush through her, leaving her thrashing on his shoulder, denying, yelling, screaming. Then, she collapsed into tears, hanging limply on his shoulder.
"Please, don't tell them," Kagome whispered. "How did you know?"
"I used to be a pediatrician. Before I died. And don't worry, I won't tell them." Kagome acknowledged his last statement before concentrating on the other things he said.
"Before you… died?" Kagome repeated, wiping away her tears.
"Yes. Naraku brought us back to life. Since he did, we are indebted to him."
"How did he manage to that? As far as I know, demon magic can't do that," Kagome said, her eyes wide as he finally deposited her onto her feet. He sat on the front step, and Kagome sat down beside him.
"Instead of a heart," Suikotsu murmured, placing his hand over the place on his chest, "we have a strand of hair. We each have one where our hearts should be."
"A strand of… hair?" Suikotsu nodded, giving Kagome a dark smile.
"Your hair."
Kagome stared at him, then shook her head slowly.
"Nuh-uh. Shut up," Kagome said, her eyes wide. "My hair?"
"Yes. Your hair. We each have a strand of your hair inside of us. When each one of us is close to you, we each feel more alive, more human." Suikotsu explained.
"So you're sitting there and telling me my hair has the ability to bring people back to life?" Kagome snorted, and stretched out a leg. "Pull this one, too. It's dying to be pulled after that one."
Suikotsu merely gave her a look that had her amusement dying and she was sighing.
"Just figures. After all the stuff that has been happening, why not be bestowed with magical powers. Not on me, no. I'm not bestowed with powers, but my hair is. Give me a break," Kagome muttered.
Kagome sighed, got up. "Time to go back inside. You brought me back just in time for lunch."
Suikotsu looked up at her with amusement. He got up as well, but then he tensed as he looked towards the sky. Kagome followed his gaze, and saw Kagura's feather.
Kagura landed gracefully, and Kagome was surprised to see a small child in Kagura's arms. "What is that?" Kagome blurted, echoing Suikotsu's thoughts.
"Insurance," Kagura said simply. She deposited the child in Kagome's arms. Kagome nearly dropped the girl because she was startled. She was looking down at the sleeping girl, but looked up as Suikotsu gently pushed her inside.
Suikotsu gently took the child into his own arms, and carried her up the stairs. "I guess she stays in your room as well," Suikotsu said, opening Kagome's door and depositing the sleeping girl on the bed.
"I guess so," Kagome mumbled. "Thanks." Suikotsu nodded, and left the room. Kagome shook the girl gently.
"Hm… Just a few more minutes, Jaken-sama…" Kagome continued to shake her. "Rin wants to sleep a little more," the girl mumbled. She slowly opened her eyes, and sat up when she saw Kagome.
"Who are you? Where is Rin?" Rin asked, and Kagome didn't see fright in the little girl's eyes, but rather curiosity.
"You've just been kidnapped. Just like me," Kagome said, sitting back. Rin frowned.
"Rin was taking a nap in bed. Why did you take me?"
"It wasn't me," Kagome said. "I was kidnapped, too."
"Oh. So who did it?"
"Naraku."
Rin nodded, her forehead wrinkling in thought. "The bad man. Sesshoumaru-sama always told me to stay away from the bad man."
"Sesshoumaru… Inuyasha's brother?" Kagome asked, surprised. Then she remembered Inuyasha mentioning Rin when they had gone to the dance to Sesshoumaru. This little girl was who Inuyasha was talking about?
"You know Uncle Inuyasha?" Rin asked, delighted. "He makes me laugh a lot. Sesshoumaru-sama says it's because Uncle Inuyasha is… is… idiotic?" Rin struggled over the last word. Kagome smiled.
"Well, don't mention that to your uncle."
"Okay," Rin said agreeably. "How do you know about Sesshoumaru-sama and Uncle Inuyasha?"
"I'm your uncle's girlfriend," Kagome said. Rin gave Kagome a sly smile.
"Have you kissed him?" Rin asked in a conspiratorial whisper. Kagome chuckled.
"Yes." Kagome gave a little sigh as she remembered Inuyasha's kisses.
"What about cooties? Sesshoumaru said that if Rin kisses a boy, her face will become really ugly because she will get a boy's cooties on her face."
"Oh, if it's the right boy, then you won't get any cooties," Kagome assured the girl. She tried to imagine Sesshoumaru calmly talking about cooties to the little girl, and chuckled again. From what she had seen at the dance, Sesshoumaru was like a rock wall. Taking care of a child like this suggested he had a hidden layer of protective tenderness somewhere inside of him.
"Rin will have to tell Sesshoumaru-sama that," Rin said thoughtfully. Kagome laughed. Abruptly, she wondered why Rin had been kidnapped. Kagura had said, "Insurance."
Then, it clicked. They wanted Rin so Sesshoumaru would cooperate. Dirty.
"Rin, where was Sesshoumaru when you were taken?"
"Sesshoumaru-sama told Rin he had somewhere to be, and that Rin should take a nap before he came back," Rin said. "He didn't tell Rin where."
"Hm…" Kagome pursed her lips in thought. This would put a large damper in her plans. If she was alone, she would risk trying to run away, but now she couldn't leave, not without the little girl. "Are you hungry?" Kagome asked, trying not to let her tension show.
"Rin feels a little hungry," the little girl admitted.
"All right. Come down to the kitchen with me," Kagome said, holding the little girl's hand and tugging her off the bed.
"What is there to eat?" Rin asked as they walked out of the room.
"I don't know. We'll see," Kagome said. They walked down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Big house," Rin commented. Kagome nodded, and opened the refrigerator door. "Kagome, could Rin have a sandwich?"
"Sure," Kagome said, pulling out the items needed for a sandwich. She contemplated if she could carry Rin out of here. She probably could. The little girl probably didn't weigh much, and it wasn't as if Kagome was out of shape. "Do you want to get out of here?" Kagome asked, spreading mayonnaise on a slice of bread.
"No. It's comfortable here, and Rin likes being comfortable. Besides, Sesshoumaru-sama will come soon for Rin," Rin said.
"Don't you want to return to Sesshoumaru yourself?" Kagome asked. Rin gave her a stubborn look that reminded Kagome all too much of herself.
"No. Sesshoumaru-sama will come for Rin, and Rin is hungry right now."
Kagome wondered how a child had such blind faith in someone that was rumored to be as cold and ruthless as a knife blade.
At that moment, Kagura walked in. "I see that the child has put a damper in your plans. Well, you can try for yourself and leave her here. I don't think Naraku will do anything ot her," Kagura said calmly, having eavesdropped. Kagome stiffened. She knew Kagura spoke the truth, that she would have to stay here, and there was no way that she would leave the little girl behind.
"You want to leave Rin?" Rin asked Kagome, looking quizzically at the older woman. Kagome shook her head, smiling down at Rin.
"No. I won't leave Rin here all by herself." Rin nodded, satisfied that she wouldn't be alone.
"There's no way you can leave successfully. Sit back and relax," Kagura mumbled, so that ears outside the walls wouldn't be able to hear any of her words. "Inuyasha's already on his way, and Sesshoumaru is trying to find out where you are specifically."
"I thought you said that you were going to kill Inuyasha," Kagome said stiffly. Kagura shrugged.
"If Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru join forces, there's no doubt in my mind that they can kill Naraku and give me back my heart. There's no need to kill Inuyasha. In fact, this will be more for my benefit than yours," Kagura whispered.
"I'm sure he'll be happy to be in your service," Kagome said stiffly.
"Hm…" Kagura hummed in agreement.
"Don't worry, Kagome. The pretty lady says that Sesshoumaru-sama will save you and Rin," Rin said, grinning. Kagura seemed startled at being addressed as "the pretty lady". She made no comment about it, however.
"Good luck," Kagura said, leaving the kitchen. Kagome found herself grumbling under her breath as she watched Kagura leave. Was Inuyasha really on his way, or was Kagura luring Kagome into a trap of a false security? She wouldn't know with Kagura.
Kagome looked down on the counter, and saw a cell phone. Kagura's cell phone. She felt a grin start growing on her face. Now this is what she called lucky. Kagome dialed Inuyasha's number, and grew frustrated as it went straight to his voicemail. Next, she called her house.
"Kagome!" her mother cried out when she heard Kagome's voice.
"Mama," Kagome quickly cut in, "can you tell me what the number I'm calling from is?"
"It's a private number, sweetheart," Kagome's mother said after a moment or two. Kagome blew out a frustrated breath.
"Where's Inuyasha?"
"He's on his way there. He's gone to search the Amazon Rainforest," Kagome's mother said. Kagome gaped.
"He knows where I am?"
"No. He knows the Amazon Rainforest, but that forest can easily cover more than a few countries."
"Okay, Mama. Thanks." Kagome ended the call before her mother would start asking questions. She had to hurry. She had no time. Next, she turned to Rin.
"Rin, dear…" Rin looked up from her sandwich. "Can you tell me Sesshoumaru's number? His cell phone or home phone?"
Rin nodded. She rattled off the number that Sesshoumaru had made her memorize, and Kagome quickly punched in the numbers. She tensely waited while it rang.
"Hello." Sesshoumaru sounded the same, only more tense.
"Sesshoumaru, this is Kagome. Do you remember me?"
"My brother's current love interest," Sesshoumaru said. Kagome nodded.
"Yes. Good. Listen, Rin's right here, but we have no idea where we are. Is there anyway you can tell us?"
"How would I know?" Sesshoumaru asked mildly. Kagome grit her teeth.
"Can't you trace this number or something?"
"Unless it has a GPS tracker, no, I cannot. Cell phones are almost impossible to track," Sesshoumaru said. Kagome looked down at the phone, her eyes wildly searching. There!
"It has GPS!" Kagome shrieked. Sesshoumaru frowned at the phone.
"Good. Now, there should be a button…" he coached her through it, and she found herself looking at a map on the cell phone. Well, this would be handy, wouldn't it? Kagome told Sesshoumaru where she and Rin were.
"Are you going to come?" Kagome asked. The dial tone answered her. "How rude," she said, starting to dial Sango's number.
Sango's voice was wary when she answered. "Hello?"
"Sango! It's me!" Kagome said, grinning.
"Kagome!" Sango gripped the phone, and Miroku immediately came over. He was standing next to Sango, trying to listen. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"
"No, don't worry, I'm fine. Now listen. I'm going to tell you my location, and when Inuyasha calls, you have to tell him, okay?" She heard Sango's affirmative. "Inuyasha is going to call, right?"
"He said he would," Kagome heard Miroku say near the phone.
"Good…" Kagome told them of her location, and hung up. Now all she had to do was patiently wait. She put the cell phone back on the counter, the way it had been before she picked it up.
Patiently wait? She thought to herself. Shoot. She was practically vibrating with energy. She felt an urgent craving for ice cream.
She picked out the vanilla ice cream from the freezer, humming to herself. When Rin was done with her second sandwich, Kagome had a mouthful of cold ice cream, and she was finally happy, for once upon arriving at this hell hole. After Kagome gave Rin some ice cream as well, they headed back up.
"Rin, I think we're going to get away from here tomorrow, okay?" Kagome said to the small child. Rin grinned.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is going to be here tomorrow?" Rin asked. Kagome smiled down at Rin.
"I'm not too sure. I think he will be, though," Kagome said, remembering how Sesshoumaru had hung up on her as soon as she told him where she was.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is coming for Rin!" Rin sang happily, dancing on her tiptoes.
"Yes. Now, it's best that we get some rest before everything hits the fan…"
Inuyasha didn't think he could handle the tension. His muscles were screaming by now from being wound so tightly. He was tense, and the other passengers could feel it as well as they kept staring at him and shifting uneasily if he turned his gaze towards them.
When other passengers settled in their seats to sleep, he sat upright still, too energized to sleep. He felt the empty spot in his heart, and he knew he would go mad if he didn't get to Kagome soon.
"Fuck," he muttered to himself. The flight attendant was baffled by him. She tried to get him to eat, to rest, to just relax, but the hanyou refused to even acknowledge the woman. The passenger sitting next to him was pressed against the other side of the chair, making sure he made no contact whatsoever with Inuyasha.
When they finally arrived in Brazil, Inuyasha leaped up, shoving through the line with no qualms to other people. When curses were thrown at him and flight attendants tried to soothe him, he snapped, "It's an emergency, dammit!"
With that, he stumbled onto solid ground, and made his way through the airport. When he got outside the airport, he pulled his cell phone out, and turned it on. He called Miroku.
"Did you find out anything?" Inuyasha asked as soon as Miroku answered the phone.
"Kagome called."
"What! Is she okay? What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked, fear gripping his heart and making him tremble.
"Nothing's wrong. In fact, I do believe she's a genius. She's pinpointed the exact place she's at. Get a map, and call me back. I'll tell you where she is." Miroku hung up. Relief and happiness made Inuyasha light-headed. He gave a small laugh. He should have figured Kagome would take care of herself.
He went back inside the airport, heading over to one of the numerous stands. He bought a map of Brazil, and went back outside to call Miroku back.
"Yeah, I got a map. From the airport. Yeah. She's where? South of what?" Inuyasha memorized the exact location Miroku had pointed out to him. It was still a wide area, but Inuyasha could cover that amount of ground in at least an hour. At least it wasn't the whole damn country he had to search anymore.
He took a cab as far as it could take him, but quickly found out that the cab could only take him as far as the exit to the highway with his two dollars.
"Dammit!" Inuyasha swore as he realized he had not brought nearly any cash with him. Deciding to take the chance of getting arrested in a foreign country, he started to jump and run. This would take longer, however, because he would get tired before he got to Kagome's area. Grimly holding onto his stubborn nature, he continued to jump from car to car, making his way closer and closer to Kagome.
Kagome decided to go for a walk outside, and knew that at least one member of the Shichinintai would be watching her progress around the house. She had seen Kagura leave earlier, and some of the others had gone with her. Kagome didn't bother counting as they left. Kagome didn't know how many times she had lapped the house, Kagome's walking slowed to a shuffle as she grew tired. Suddenly, she ran into something hard. "Oof."
Kagome looked up to see Mukotsu, leering at her.
"Tired?" Mukotsu asked. "I'll see to it personally that you get all the rest you need," Mukotsu said. His leer said otherwise. Kagome stiffened as he reached for her, and she stepped back out of reach. He grinned, this time his hand too fast to avoid as it shot out and grabbed hr upper arm.
"Let go!" Kagome screamed as she struggled against him as he started walking towards the door, dragging her with him.
Kagome knew she was in trouble. This was the one that was always watching her, as if he was waiting for something. Oh, she knew what he wanted. It was easy enough to tell with the way he licked his lips if she was near. She fell to her knees once while being dragged, and it became bloodied.
"No!" Her strangled cry came from her throat as she fought to dig her heels in.
"A little feisty, aren't we? Now, be quiet or I'll poison you." Mukotsu continued to literally drag her as he headed towards the front door.
"No! No no no no!" Kagome continued to cry. "Help me!" She yelled at the house. She felt panic rise to her throat when she didn't see anyone come out the door.
"Rin! Suikotsu! Oh, hell, Jakoutsu!" Kagome rattled off names, even Kagura's. Mukotsu grew tired of flailing, and hoisted her over his shoulder, clamping an arm around her legs to avoid getting kicked too hard.
"Give up," Mukotsu said with a smile. "They all went out to meet with Naraku somewhere. I volunteered to stay behind to watch you two. And the little girl tried to come out to meet you, and I gave her a bump on the head to help her sleep."
Kagome screamed. She screamed profanities for the first time in her life. "You son of a bitch! Let me go! Let me go! I won't do this! You can't force me!"
Mukotsu laughed. "We both know that I can. Now, stop struggling." Kagome opted for another tactic.
"Naraku will kill you! He wanted me for himself!"
Mukotsu shrugged his one free shoulder. "What should it matter to me? I'm dead already anyways. I have a strand of hair for a heart. I might as well enjoy my life while I have one."
Kagome gave a choked cry as he started up the stairs. "Please," she pleaded. "Don't do this."
Mukotsu gave a mirthless laugh, moving towards her.
Outside his door, he carefully set her down, leaning forward a bit to open the door. Kagome took that opportunity to promptly turn around and knee him in the groin.
Kagome ran, going to the next closest room: her room.
Then, she remembered that her room didn't have any windows. "Dammit!" she yelled, locking the door as she heart Mukotsu give a yell as he neared the door. She stepped back from it, staring at the door. It didn't break down, and she moved to the bed where she noticed Rin was laying. She quickly checked the girl's pulse, and saw the discolored lump on the little girl's forehead.
Shit. Shit. Triple shit. She had led the outraged Mukotsu straight to the unconscious Rin as well. Kagome tried to shake Rin awake. While trying to wake Rin, she stared at the door, making sure no sudden movements occurred. Or even slow ones.
Why wasn't Mukotsu breaking down the door down?
Kagome heard a hissing, an ominous noise, coming from the bottom crack of the door.
"You're too much trouble," she heard Mukotsu's muffled voice through the door. "I'll tell Naraku you were too much trouble, and that's why I killed you. If he kills me, too, it does not matter." Mukotsu gave an insane smile, although Kagome couldn't see it. "Kagome, you have mere minutes to live. You and the child. If you agree to my options, then I will stop my poisonous gas from spreading through the room."
Kagome swallowed, struggling with the nausea she felt. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she realized what she had to do. "Okay!" She yelled out. "I'll do what you want! Just keep Rin out of it!" And my baby, Kagome thought mournfully, more tears falling. Her hand went to her belly, still flat. Immediately, the hissing stopped.
"Get out of the room, then. Hold your breath when you get near the door. Leave the girl. She will be fine. There wasn't enough of the poison to kill her or have any adverse effects on her." Kagome took a deep breath, swiping away the tears at her cheeks. She would not cry. Not in front of him. This was her choice.
Holding her breath, she opened the door and came out. She didn't release her breath until Mukotsu led her away. Mukotsu led her to the Shichinintai's room. She paused at the door, not wanting to go through. Mukotsu wrapped her hair around his hand, marveling that one strand of the thick substance had given him life. He pulled her in after him, and he saw her facial expression. Frozen. Stoic. No expression whatsoever. He tore at her shirt, and she stood, unmoving. He wanted her to struggle, to turn enraged, sparking eyes toward him.
"Smile," he ordered. He saw the strained mouth twist and curve upwards. Still, it did not reach her dead eyes. He was reminded of how he had died, when he had died. That he was, essentially, still dead. It made him angry. "Smile!" he snarled, twisting her hair and seeing her grimace.
"I am," she whispered. He tore off her shirt, and her smile disappeared to leave her trying to cover herself.
"What's all the noise about?" A gravelly voice asked from inside the room. Mukotsu dragged Kagome inside and she yelped as Mukotsu yanked rather harshly on her hair.
"I brought something we could share," Mukotsu said with a smile.
Kagome saw a repulsive giant of a man unfold himself from a sofa, a movie on the TV. Of course, the movie was something that men watched and wanted to indulge in. They, currently, wanted to indulge in those activities with Kagome.
"Kyoukotsu, isn't she sweet?"
Kyoukotsu merely stared at Kagome for a short while, his lips twisting to reveal revolting fangs, and Kagome knew she would be seeing that image in her nightmares for a while.
Kyoukotsu, however, suddenly jerked his head up, his head trained towards the door.
"There is someone here," Kyoukotsu said.
Mukotsu snorted. "Nonsense. They all went to meet with Naraku."
"Brother… I tell you that there is someone here. I'm going to see who it is." Kyoukotsu was gone, and Kagome didn't know how such a big man was able to squeeze his bulk into the doorway.
Mukotsu sneered after Kyoukotsu. "I do not care if there is someone here. I mean to have what I want."
"Smile!" he commanded once more. He saw revulsion in her eyes before she tried to quirk her lips upwards again. Enraged, he used her hair to drag her back out the room, and back to her room.
"If you would rather die," he spat out, "then maybe you should!" He threw her into the room, and shut it.
Kagome cried out, going to the door and trying to open it. Mukotsu's brute strength wouldn't let the door budge. Kagome heard the hissing again, and she instantly retreated. She ran back to the bed, gathered Rin into her arms before grabbing the blanket on top of the bed, and wrapping it around them. She tucked the sides and corners under their bodies, and breathed heavily as the air under the blanket began to get thick. They would either die from poisonous air, or lack of air. Kagome felt the sweat to form on her body as she thought she smelled a sickeningly sweet smell beginning to seep through the cloth of the blanket.
Is this how roaches feel when we spray them? Kagome thought in a panic. She let out a sob as she curled herself around Rin's body. My baby… Inuyasha… She felt as if hours, days had gone by underneath that stifling blanket.
Kagome thought she heard a voice that wasn't Mukotsu's outside the door, and then a choked cry of someone dying before it was abruptly cut off. Her vision started to get edgy as she gasped for air. Even in unconsciousness, Rin was doing the same. She didn't notice the pink glow of her own body purifying the poisonous air that was seeping through.
Too late. Too late… Kagome thought as she felt herself slide towards the darkness. Sorry I couldn't hold on longer, Inuyasha…
Kagome was gone.
wk: Okay! End of chapter sixteen. What did you think? Other than the cliffhanger, was it okay? Haha, did you like the cliffhanger? (Evil grin) Sorry. Couldn't help myself this time either. I tried to include the Shichinintai as much as I could, and I hope they're not too out of character. Well, I'm sure they were, but...
Anyways, I'm going to talk about the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs now. After I read a comment by one of my readers, I realized that I was spending too much time replying to comments. So, from now on, the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs is only going to include the reviews that need to be replied to. Sorry, guys, but I really need the time I spend writing reviews into actually updating. D Of course, not everyone has the problem of having too many reviews to reply to, so I thank you so much!
ReViEw oF rEvIeWs:
Viruses are horrible, Drake220. Thanks for your continuing support! And yes, Kagome's taste I thought would be dramatically different from Kikyou's. Meh.
Don't die yet, raven wings xx! And yes, I updated… I hope you liked it!
The word is spelled "patient", MoonlightHanyou. (Grins) Hope you read the new version before reading this chapter!
Sorry about that, none! We ended up having to do the same thing. Rebooted everything. Couldn't even save my writing 'cause of the damned virus. (Sighs) Oh well. It's fixed now, so that should be okay.
I think love should come over money… don't you agree, Keiko89? Ohhh, and I'm definitely going to cry on that episode too! Poor Inu… I'm here for you! Haha.
Hehe… I made Inuyasha very commanding in his usual gruff way… (Squeals) Don't you just love him, Wake-Robin?
Well, Kiala, it was called an author's note because… Well, it had an author's note. That chapter was a preview of chapter fifteen.
Oh NO, I would never quit the story while I have so many people urging me on. Even if I had to grit my teeth and have you all point guns at me, inuzgirl07! That would be like a kick in the nuts to some people.
Thanks, flip-x-fantasy!
Good luck with you fic, blkaginu48! Glad you liked my story! (Sighs) I'm gonna be in tears, too.
Hehe, thanks so much, Anonymous miss! I'm glad you like my story so much, and I thank you for telling me to take my time. I hope the cliffhanger hasn't killed you yet, because I had yet another one in this chapter to… to… well, to just utterly frustrate you. (Grins)
Hope you read some more, Ladelle!
Haha… It's funny, but most of my reviewers haven't threatened to kill me, but to kill themselves or die if I don't update soon. I just find that funny. Haha, thanks so much for your support, esther tan! I remember you've been there for my story since the beginning, and I really profusely thank you for it. Oh, and for your second review: And yeah… Kagome's grandfather is a bit more pigheaded in this fic. And yes, Sesshoumaru came to help! Well, he kind of accidentally helped… But you know. Oh well. And we'll see about your operation no. 2. (Grins evilly)
Yes… I would be having a meltdown if my boyfriend was kidnapped, too… If I had a boyfriend. (Wails and sobs) I live a pitiful life, and live vicariously through my fanfics. (Sighs) But, as always, I'm glad my readers (such as you, TriGemini) get much satisfaction from my fics. It gives me satisfaction in return.
Urgh. Those exams practically murdered me. But that's okay, because I still passed. (Sighs) When will the evil called school ever end, Valese?
Haha… Loved the "yay"s, wh00t!
Thanks for telling me not to update ASAP, CrytalTwighlight. I could weep on you for your consideration!
Thanks, Kathy! Your understanding and thoughtfulness makes me cry because I have realized that there are good reviewers out there in the world… (Grins)
HAHA. Love the "nuckin futs". I think I might actually use that in my daily activities now. And I am actually very grateful for the information you gave me about how people have me on their favorites lists… I could cry and weep from joy, xXlovablekdXx! I never expected when I wrote this fic that it would be so loved so widely. Thanks for being one of them!
Hope my update made you satisfied, gothic inuyasha!
I read other fanfics all day long, too Lonely Angel of Serene! It's just too much fun not to.
Hehe… Can't really blame the potty mouth though, Mew. He has just lost Kagome. Well, in the last chapter… and this chapter… Okay, so I'm a horrible person. And yes. That damn virus was part of a nasty conspiracy that was out for blood… My fic's blood. (Crosses eyes and attempts to shoot her computer)
Haha… purple like… the purple people eating monster? Funny image. And yes, it was coincidental… (Grins suspiciously) Haha, just kidding. My sister downloaded something off the net, and apparently, it had a nasty file-eating, computer-slow-down-ing virus. And yes. I had Inu cry several times in the last chapter, because I thought it was a bit fun. It's out of character, and I just wanted to show how much he actually loves Kagome. And that's "consolation". And yes! Damn technology to hell! I completely agree on that point, Sunrider22, although I just received a laptop, so while I'm still in the glow of having one, I can't insult it yet. (Grins) Hail waffles indeed!
I updated, theamazingd!
Don't die yet, anime-lover-forever2007! You can't die yet when the last chapter is almost out! And don't hate me… Or it might take me loonnngeerrr to update. (Grins evilly)
Thanks, Liz!
It's more and better (I think). Hope you liked it, Inu-Baby18!
Glad I got you hooked, because my bait was prime and the fishing line cost a bundle. It would be too late to try and return it… Anyways, now that I'm done with that stupidly idiotic pun, thanks Kawaii Saki-chan! And I'll try not to let exams and viruses get me down… (Sighs)
Thanks, InuyashaHanyoujajuama! And my story better kick ass. I designed it with combat boots! Yeah baby!
Haha, thanks, Foxy!
Thanks, punkgoddess, for both your support and patience!
Thanks, Inuyashas' Plaything! I can just feel my head inflating with all the compliments you gave me and the story. I'm so happy that you like it so much!
Haha, I love how your review was so quaint, StrawberryCream! And no worries. I think I can tell a flame from a good joshing. What's my name? whoknoez? Haha, someone made that joke to me, and it stuck. Maybe next time you'll remember it that way. (Grins)
Thanks, NightMiko for your understanding!
Thank you SO MUCH, Angel! And I'm not being sarcastic either. I love it when constructive criticism comes my way, because it only makes my writing better, not worse. I will try to take your advice on not getting too loose with my writing, but I can't seem to help it when the words are going from my brain, down the neck, across the shoulders, down my arms, and into my fingers. It all gets jumbled up, so I'm sorry if some of the story is like that. Still, I'm glad you still like my story enough to continue reading, and I would greatly appreciate it if you have more opinions to give me! Opinionated people make me happy. (Grins) And about your other reviews: Yes, that girl was actually incorporated into the fic because a reviewer wanted to be a part of the fic. I made up a name for her and voila! She was in as a hysterical caller. And I am so glad that you don't want to choke the life out of me anymore… I mean, you can't get the next chapter without me, right? (Grins nervously)
Thanks for loving my fic, Midget a la minion! It loves you right back, and Kanna did have something to do with the kidnapping, although Kagura was the one to physically do it. Anyways, I agree completely that Naraku needs a haircut. Makes him look greasy and just… dirty.
Thanks, Inukouleg! Hope you liked the update!
(Sighs) Don't worry about it, WindScar8. I kind of lost my temper with you. I'm sure you didn't mean it that offensively, and I only took it that way. I was having a bad day at the time, and I regret that I took it out on you. I sincerely apologize. Just be careful with your wording in the future, please.
I plan to keep writing, kawaii-inuyasha-riku! I'm glad you enjoy my writing so much!
Thanks so much for your understanding and support, SadPoet! Makes me feel all warm and special inside, and I love it that you're not trying to rush me… Thank you again!
Eh heh… (Sweatdrops) Sorry, Ryoko Ao Midori? I tried not to take as long…!
I'm trying, mirokusbabigurl! In the meanwhile, try to be patient, and the last chapter will be out soon… (Grins evilly)
Thanks so much for your compliments, hellokittychic! They've made my head grow bigger with ego, something I thank you for (Although some of my friends wouldn't agree—they say I have too big of a head). Wait for the next one!
Haha! Glad you liked my story so much, anim3-for3v3r! Your reaction to the story's end had me chuckling. It's like when you watch a series on TV, and you don't realize how quickly the time has passed by. (Grins)
Whew. I'm glad you appreciate my two conflicts in the story. When I first began the story, I wondered if I could incorporate those two conflicts into just one big conflict, but I think that according to my readers, I did it successfully. And there are no lazy drop offs because just like my readers, I really hate to end this one. It was a fun ride, and I'm just as reluctant to let the story go… But all things have an ending, neh? Hope you don't think I'm doing it now, Beebo Kai Evans, because no matter what, this fic is special to me, and I would never want my readers to think I somehow gave up on some of it.
There's MORE! Haha… (Winks at InuKagluver91)
It had lots of spelling and grammar mistakes, and most of them were typos… When I'm done with my fics, I'm going to go back and fix all the inconsistencies and boo-boos I made. Hopefully, that won't be too far off into the future. Thanks so much for your admiration, InuYasha258!
Haha! Aw, don't say that! I hope Mr. Suspense hasn't killed you yet, Toya's Gurl, although after this chapter I'm sure Mr. Suspense has stabbed you a couple more times… Hopefully, they weren't fatal blows because the next chapter's gonna be the last one. (Grins)
I have added Fluffy successfully! And I must say, I'm proud of the way I did it, too. Well, not too proud… Tell me your opinions, MizzKyuubi!
I updated, yumi-chan!
It loves you right back, Empty Spirit!
Haha… Here's a thank you in advance for the review for this chapter… That is, if you review, Angel8818. Hope you do! And I'm just glad you reviewed at all and took the time for it if you're in a hurry. (Smiles)
Eww… What a horrible way for a chapter to go… Eaten alive while you're watching. I sympathize with you, Initial A! Haha, and I took your advice to heart… I hurried and yet was patient at the same time…! And by the end of this chapter, you're probably locked in fetal position. Well, never fear, because the last chapter will be here!
Thanks so much, MarcellaRyoko! Glad I'm way up there with the good authors. And I review pretty regularly. I should be in the hearts of millions. Haha, just kidding! Hope you liked my update, and wait for the last chapter!
How'd you like my update, inuyasha-girl-17?
Haha… Wait… Psycho #2 is going to make Psycho #2 read it? …Well, other than being a bit psychotic… Haha, just kidding. And it had another awesome cliffy at the end of this chapter… Hope it won't kill off the Psycho #2 yet… Thanks for your review, a pair of psycos! It's managed to lift my day. Ohh, I just read your second review, with psyco #1! I… still kind of don't understand, but that's okay! Glad you both liked it!
Glad you liked it, Caitriona695! And I will definitely put more Ayame and Kouga into the last chapter. No worries! I'm either going to have one more chapter, or two. We'll see…
Thanks, Wolf Blossom! And… er… haha, the 7th level of hell sounds like fun… eh heh heh…
Normally, I wouldn't have Inuyasha cry so often or so openly, but I figured it would be fun to make him OOC. Hehe. And good luck with the fanfics, kayzer! I'm sure you'll do fine! I didn't think I was going to do good, and look at this fic! 790 reviews and nominated for best AU fic in the Inuyasha fanfiction guild. I'd say that's pretty damn impressive, if I do say so myself. (smiles smugly and gets shot) …anyways, wait for the next chapter!
She wasn't just letting Kagome go, ChibiKenshin6490. She just didn't want to get her hands dirty. She sent Bankotsu and his little gang to get her. But yes, Kagura wants her freedom very badly, but values her life. We'll see what happens to her in the next chapter or two. (winks)
Haha… Yeah, my review response section is pretty big… It actually takes me a couple days to write everything down… Well, Drake Clawfang, I think I'm going to shorten the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs after this story, because it does take up a lot of time.
Me no like Naraku neither, iris dreamer!
It did come easier to me, Inuyasha's Dark Angel! And yes, I have a new appreciation for the other authors out there. (Sighs) It's so hard sometimes, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't enjoy it. (Grins)
Don't fall off the chair, bloomz-baby!
Well, I thought this chapter was going to be the last, InuyashaMaster, but things took a turn while I was writing it… (Grimaces) So, we're looking at one or two chapters more. Either way, it'll be over soon, I promise!
Thanks so much for understanding, Aryante! And of course, dahling, I'll have to update soon. Would you care for some tea and crumpets while we wait?
Oh man! I want an Inuyasha plushie! Damn you, time traveling b1tch! And yes… Naraku does have a tendency to be predictable and yet remain mysterious…
Yes, Inuyasha was very close, wasn't he? And I thought that was always Kagura's attitude in the show. Why get your hands dirty if you just have to wash them for supper? Hehe. I hope you're not dead yet, AlleyWings, because we're not done yet!
I try not to make things too dark and angsty in this fic, Inuyasha-Is-My-Boyfriend. Makes it too sad. Thanks for reading, and I hope you're there for the last one!
Ohhh, no. I don't think I could handle all of the readers that would kill me… (Sweatdrops) Besides, I don't think I would be that cruel, Librachic. At least, I hope not.
I pulled a chapter out of my hat, Rubius, and a rabbit. What do you think of that! Haha.
Tuna, tvsweetie, is the essence of life. Maybe I just say that because tuna was the only thing my mom ate while she was pregnant with my me and my sister. Hehe.
Thanks, and I'll try, alejandra!
How do you think the baby should look, Nauriell? And there'll be plenty for Naraku as far as I'm concerned… Just maybe not now… (Evil laughter) You'll have to wait and see!
Thanks, MizticalDragon Nsi! Thanks so much for your support so far! Can you believe I'm only going to write a chapter or two more? (Gasps) It's almost unthinkable.
Yeah, you're only allowed to review once per chapter. A stupid rule, I say! Haha, thanks for the consideration in reviewing anyway, flip-x-fantasy! Haha, and I love how you put it. Yes, coming from Naraku, it's definitely… not that surprising. And we'll see about the showdown of ages… (grins evilly)
Hehe, sorry, SaiyoutheLover! And we'll see about Naraku dying a gruesome death. Hehe, you'll just have to wait for it, because you're right… I am evil. Mwahaha!
WHOOH! Oreos! Oh, now this is prime bribing, Commodore Fluffy! …I love it. Keep it up. (Grins)
Hope I didn't take too long in updating, LunarInuYasha! And yes, Kouga is still the stuffy, overly arrogant character he is in the show, but I think I'm going to make him mellow out in my sequel. Yes, you heard me! There will be a sequel!
Well, I'm glad you took the time to review now, MelonCoke! And yes, I definitely know that there are a lot of better writers than me, but the good thing is, I have something to work for and a standard to catch up on! Don't you just love it? And my knowledge of Inuyasha isn't that good, believe it or not. Just improvising as I go along. Hehe. Good luck with your fics, and thank you again for taking the time to read my story and review!
Wow. I read all of your reviews, InbredSuzy, and I must thank you profusely for all of your compliments. I'm glad you found me too! Haha. And of course, I am glad that you enjoyed my fic so thoroughly. Good luck with all of your fics as well, and I hope you continue to read this story. (Grins)
Hehe. Yes, viruses are nasty things. Thanks for waiting, Laura-chan! And good luck with your works of fiction! And no… I don't think I could stomach making Kagome lose the baby. That would kill me, as well as her. Well, at least in this fic… (Grins)
Thanks, and I hope I updated soon enough, SesshoumaruGal!
Bankotsu made a brief appearance, and I've already decided and planned that the rest of the Schiintoiajlaksjda (However the hell you spell that… I can never get it right! Schichintai? Something like that. I think it's in this chapter somewhere) will be in the sequel. And yes… the mini-army… OF DOOM! Hope you liked it, Fushigi Aoi Tenshi. Don't cry on this chapter! It'll end relatively well, I promise!
Oh dear… I hope I updated soon enough, kool-kcc! I tried to update as soon as I could to avoid the staking… (Crosses eyes in fear)
The greatness will continue… FOREVER! Haha. Hope you didn't wait too long for the update, Julie.O.
I love you, nataku245! The inconsistencies created in my chapters and in my stories were formed due to lack of brain cells on my part. If you find anything else confusing, please tell me! And I think I fixed some of the errors you mentioned. I will fix the rest of the errors when I sweep through the story and revise it later. Thanks again, and I apologize I made you so hopelessly confused… I kind of made myself confused as well. (Sighs)
Glad you like the dialogue between Kagura and Kagome. I always said kidnapees need a healthy dose of sarcasm… Unless they'll get their tongues cut out for it. (Winces) Thanks for your review, AngelOfDiamonds!
Is that physically possible, gopher-guts7? I don't think so… Hehe. Hope I updated soon enough for ya!
… omg, redrizen2hell…?
I'm sorry… What was the interesting revelation about Naraku, Newbie GK? Hehe… I'm afraid I don't know my own story as well as my readers do…
Thanks, InuKag Fan! This story loves you right back, and thanks for your review!
(Sighs) I updated as soon as possible, but I don't think it was soon enough for some people… for most people. Sorry I took so long, theladyofthenorth!
I don't have that much writing talent, although I am very thankful to you and many other readers who continuously tell me so, and have me slowly believing it, inukagobsession! And I would take the award and run, in case the better fanfiction writers out there hunt me down for it, as I'm sure they would.
Thanks, Yuri! And yes, I find now that so many people are reviewing my story, the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs takes up a lot of time… sometimes too much time. So after this story, the sequel and whatever story I write after, will only have necessary reviews. Thanks so much for your consideration! And, of course, your wonderful many compliments that you bestowed on me. (Smiles)
I'm all about the dot dot dot, baby! When I'm upset, I'm not dot dot dot at all though. I talk a mile a minute, Mizz Moo! And I'm still so grateful to you for asking me about the chloroform… and yeah… I have been taking an absurd amount of time in updating. Well, you know. Gotta brainstorm and junk. And lord knows I'm not all secret agenty. If I was… Well, let's say that I won't be alive for long. And don't you worry! You can never talk too much! Well, according to my mother, I can… but we won't talk about that. Love your cow!
I'm sorry… It's been so long… Why is the big day October 29th, shaid? Were you getting MARRIED? I don't remember… (Frowns in consternation and bashes self in the head)
Souta shouldn't be so hyper, but maybe I was thinking of my own sister when I was writing his character. Hm… I don't really know. Thanks for your review, kawiyuzumichan!
I think the ending of this chapter and the last chapter needs a lot of work, and I might change it later when I have the time, actually. I'm glad you enjoyed it though, and I hope you continue to enjoy it to the next—the very last—chapter. Of course, I'm going to have a sequel to this story, too, so maybe your enjoyment will continue, eh, The Forgotten Child?
I can't get over the amount of reviews either, InbredSuzy! And I'm delighted to know that you think I deserve them. And I do apologize for taking too long in updating. I hope your laptop isn't permanently attached to your hip. Glad to make your day!
No… you rock, Kyome Takashi!
Thanks, ladylatina! Sorry it took me so long to update… I'll try to put up the last chapter quicker! I promise!
Remember, Mizo Sakura… Curiosity killed the cat! And I suppose I could tell you one little detail… I'm going to have a sequel to the story, so don't get your hopes too up for a fairy tale ending, although it'll be pretty close to one. And you nearly made my heart stop when you said you thought the last chapter was horrible… Glad to also see that you enjoy my story so much. I'll have to go over it and fix it, of course, once I get the last chapter out. (Grins)
Thanks, crazySUICIDALpsycoBITCH! I like your name, by the way.
Thanks so much, kAekO-x3! Your consideration is much appreciated. I apologize for taking so long in updating anyway. (Sighs) Life was a-beckoning.
Haha… Being a woman myself, I thought men couldn't really understand a female's taste in style. Of course, I can't even understand some women's taste in style sometimes. And we'll see about the entry & exit hole, NefCanuck. (Grins)
I like the thought of someone kissing their fingertips for me, Midoriko-sama. How wonderful. Like an Italian chef that made an exquisite masterpiece. And I considered your idea of Inuyasha using the media as a weapon so much that I nearly changed the entire chapter after I had written it. But I figured Inuyasha wouldn't try it. Too risky. Oooohhhh… but the idea is still there, nagging away at the back of my brain, so I might change it again… We'll see.
Hope you're not too worried now, Kasha-TheInuFreak2! Don't worry. I'm not dead. Just lazy. (Grunts) Nah, I've been busy with personal things lately. Not to mention my computer has been just a little screwy after the virus. Hope you're still there!
Hope you're still alive and kicking, because we have only one more chapter to go, angel-tears-16! Ew… I remember having braces… It was like living in hell. But don't you worry! They'll be off in no time. Maybe you'll get fond of them, although I never did.
Thanks for checking up on the story, Lauren! Hope you're not disappointed by this update, and I hope you're still reading it!
Sorry I didn't update sooner, jenna! And yes, Kagome is a strong woman. I admired that in her in the show, and I'm trying to maintain it in the fic. (Smiles)
I wish I could update weekly, if only for the readers, sleep walking chicken and HAP, but the silly thing is, I actually have what some call a life. Who would have thunk it? (Groans) A job, personal obligations, other obligations… It's been hell for the past few weeks, but one particular roller coaster is over, and I will try to write while I'm getting strapped in for the next one.
I loved all the exclamation points, KoyomiMizuhara04! I'm so glad you like my story! And I love sarcasm! And I'm so glad you think this is really the best fanfic you've read! Makes my head real big, I can tell ya! And you probably could write like me, and better! Haha, I'm not making fun of you, or anything. I just love exclamation points too, and I wanted to try a whole paragraph with just exclamation points, like you did. I hope you liked my new update, and I also hope I'll see you for the next—the last—chapter.
I love that ring, but there's another ring that I thought was prettier… I'm gonna get my future hubby to by it for me… or else. Haha. Glad you liked the update, Gittelbug, and I hope you liked this one, too.
Thanks so much, lovablekittymew! But no… Naraku won't be getting his ass kicked yet. We'll see soon… Very very soon… (Cackles evilly)
Thanks, InuPrincess21! I'm so flattered that you think my fic is so good and original, compared to many others out there! My other stories aren't too good, though, since my writing style has fluctuated and changed greatly. (Sighs) I'm so glad I was able to tweak my writing on this site. It's helped me out a lot. And my story will be finished very soon… Just one more chapter…
Nahh... I don't think that's two words... I think it's just one long one, with a hyphen in between...Okay, whatever. Sorry you had to wait so long for this chapter, too, Miyumi-Chan!
Thanks, skitzoid! And don't worry... I'm sorry it took so long for me to update! And my life was hectic for a little while. I went out of state for a little while, too, which accounts for some of the missing chunk of time. And thank you for being so understanding. It's nice to know no one is really pressuring me to get out a chapter. And I'll try to keep it up!
Haha... Thanks, binkytingson! And yes, oil is a bit smelly... unless it's one of those scented ones.
Thanks, KatanaFoX! Glad you think this story is good! And I hope that you really didn't die from suspense... That would be a bit disappointing. Besides, if you died, you won't be able to read the LAST CHAPTER!
I truly loved your comment, ArtemisMoon, because you rarely find someone truthful and honest to come out and tell you, "Hey, this is wrong." And although you didn't really say anything was wrong, I do agree that the reviews responses is a bit long... It takes me nearly a week to write all of them down. So I am really taking your opinion to heart, and I will be shortening the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs. More story time, and less of me babbling on about how wonderful my readers are. Haha!
(Blinks) Wow. In one sitting? Really, White-flame-dancer? That's impressive. I tried to read my own story and I got bored. Doesn't say too much for my own story, does it? (Sighs)
Don't worry, The Only Way Out. I'm a loser too. We can be losers together! And thanks for thinking the story idea is going smoothly! (Grins)
I'm glad you risked trouble for me, Suaru! And I'm so glad you think this is one of the best! How really uplifting and honoring! And yes... Sanity is such a pain in the ass. Who needs it?
Thanks, Rinelwin! I'm glad you think my story is so original. (Grins)
I am incredibly sorry for the long wait, foxgem. I tried to update as soon as possible, but I had a problem with the chapter and I had to rewrite it. Haha... Again, sorry to keep you waiting so long, and I hope you liked this chapter!
So sorry I took so long to update, Initial A! I meant to update sooner, but... Well, you know that things get in the way. And I really am honored that you begged me to udpate, since it was your first time in two years. I feel really honored about that, no matter how foolish it sounds. And again, I'm happy to know this is your favorite AU story! If you continue to wait a little longer, I'll try to have the last chapter out before July.
Haha! I had to have some kind of evildoer in here, fluffy's girl! If it was all about Inuyasha and Kagome, it would have been a little more boring. Had to add a twist, you know?
Glad you think it has its own spin, EmChi! And it will be declared finished in one more chapter... Just one more to go...
Haha, glad you love my story, iloveinuyashaandsailormoon! And I'm sorry it took me so long to update!
Sorry it took me so long to update, shelly! I tried to update sooner, I really did!
Hm... We'll think about the ultimate battle thing... Personally, I would like Inuyasha to rip out Naraku's guts, wolf of raven, but I'm not too sure what I'm going to do... We'll see in the LAST CHAPTER, won't we? Mwahaha!
I know, right? I still can't get over the reviews... I've hit the 800 review marker! Incredible. When I first started the story, I didn't know I would be getting that much, InuHanyouMiko! And I'm glad you'll continue reading!
Your welcome, Inu-KagomeFan! And sorry I took so long to update!
Yeah... I've been slacking off on reading over it, Fujigawa. I'll try harder to look over my stuff, but no guarantees! I'll just have to fix it when I look over the story... (Sighs)
Um... I e-mailed you, Melannie, but I never got a reply. And I'm sorry it took me so long to update!
Haha... What a wonderful way to put it! "Don't whore off". I absolutely loved your phrasing, Daddy's Pixie! And that Mr. Right is as elusive as a comet shower. They only come like... every millenia or so. (Sighs) Where the hell is Mr. Freaking Right when you need him? And don't worry about the review being short. I'm just glad you took the time at all to review when you're in a sour mood. Lord knows I'm not exactly pink and pretty when I'm in a bad mood.
Sorry it took so long to update, InuyashasChic612!
Wow! I'm so happy to see that this was the first time you reviewed, Kiwi-Stardust! Makes me feel all warm and tingly inside! I'm glad that you liked my story so much, but there's only one more chapter I have to write... Oh, and there's going to be a sequel!
Wow! evilinupunk is actually none! Great! Awesome! Sorry it took me so freaking long to update! I'll try to be faster next time! I'm going to try to post up my last chapter in July, okay?
Sorry to keep you waiting, yashanfluffy. I'll try to have the last chapter out before July!
I'm glad to see it's still up and running too, Margaret Joan Reynolds! And I don't know if I'm back in fine form, but at least I'm there, right? Right? Well, anyways, sorry it took so long to update, and I'll try to have the last chapter out before July.
wk: Whoo! Okay. (Blows out a big breath) That was exhausting. I think half of this chapter was for ReViEw oF rEvIeWs. So, unfortunately, I am going to begin to cut them short. So if you find yourself excluded, it's because your review didn't really need a response, you know? I hope you all understand, but my fingers ache just from the review responses.
Still... I HIT THE 800 MARK, and I have all of you guys to thank... All the mushy stuff will come later, though, since the last chapter will be coming up soon. I'll try to have it up before July hits, okay?
Read and Review! Hope you enjoyed it!
P.S. Sorry for the cliffie, guys.