Hello, great people of the fan fiction kingdom, in which reside in the very castle which we refurbished with wonderful stories of pure imagination! The 23rd chapter of Vampire Destiny is now underway! Seeing as how this story is a big hit, I'm dedicating this chapter to my great reviewer, kilnorc. Thank you so much for reviewing my fan fictions, and being there for the many flamers that scorched me so. Anyway, what will happen in this war between half demon, vampire, duelist, and servants to the Orichalcos? Read onward and find out!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story. Thank you.

The group proceeded towards the castle at breakneck speed, Inuyasha creating dust as he ran. Joey tried very hard to keep up, but he had to stop occasionally to catch his breath. Finally, at the very base of the cliff on which the castle was located, Joey burst.

"Alright, that's it!" he yelled, startling Shippo so much, that it caused the kitsune to fall off of his father's shoulder. "I'm not running or climbing anymore! I'm sick and tired of bringing up the rear when we're searching for someone!"

"Fine, Joey," Yugi teased. "Your loss. We'll just proceed without you." Joey just scoffed, and crossed his arms like a toddler, his lower lip trembling with anger. The rest of them began their climb, leaving Joey behind. It was then that the blonde just realized his mistake, and quickly began his climb.

"Wait for me, guys!" he screamed, digging his nails into the rocky surface. He placed his hand onto the edge of a standing point, and hoisted himself upward. The rest of the gang were already there. Joey panted heavily, as though that was a long climb.

"Guys," Inuyasha whispered, pointing up at the sky. "Look. Winged demons that might swoop down at us. We can't be noticed, or we'll die." The others nodded, and used stealth to get up to the castle. Inuyasha, Seeshomaru, and Shippo went up first, followed by the others.

"Well, I thought that you would arrive, Pharaoh," hissed a voice when they got up to the bridge. Kairi was standing at the opposite side, grinning from ear to ear. "I thought that the half demon would come here to rescue his mate, so that's why I made it difficult for you to win this time." She slowly walked across the drawbridge, the Pharaoh staring hard into her crimson red eyes. She circled the group, eying them, including Inuyasha with great hatred.

"You see, you can't win this war even if you tried," she laughed. "Since all of you are the challengers, you get to decide where the war will be held. Although, only one of you will decide. Choose wisely." The group chose between Inuyasha and Yami. The Pharaoh wanted it to be in the desert of Egypt, while Inuyasha wanted it to be in a large, rolling field. Finally, Yami gave in, and chose the field. Kairi smiled, and ran inside to inform Dartz, Brian, and their newest member, Kagome.

"The war begins," she hissed, laughed as a bright light surrounded their and the gang's troops. (The gang's troops are their Duel Monsters, whereas Kairi's troops are vampires and her pet wolves.) Soon, everyone found themselves in a grassy field, the wind whipping around them. The two wolves appeared from the grass, leaping out at the group, snarling. Inuyasha placed Shippo down, and pulled out his sword, Yami doing the same.

"Now, may I introduce my master," Kairi whispered, bowing. "Meet Master Dartz!" Dartz appeared from thin air, grinning, his yellow eyes glowing in the darkness of the night.

"Nice to see you again, Pharaoh," he chuckled, Yami glaring at him. "Let's get this battle over with, shall we?" He snapped his fingers, and Brian and Kagome stepped out of the tall grass, eyes glowing like rubies.

"Kagome, snap out of it!" Inuyasha shouted at his former wife, but the woman didn't say a word. She just stood there, smiling wickedly.

"What's wrong, Pharaoh?" Brian mocked. "Kitsune got your tongue?" Shippo was insulted at that remark, as was the Pharaoh. "Are you upset that your former Guardian and your love have turned against you? What about you, half demon? Can you feel the rage flow through your blood like a fire? Kagome is now under the Orichalcos!"

"Don't listen to them, brother!" Seeshomaru shouted at Inuyasha, who just stood there in shock.

"The war begins now!" Kairi yelled, laughing as she, Brian and Kagome took to the air, the Seal glowing on their foreheads.

What will happen as the war presses onward? Will Kairi and Kagome be saved from the power of the Orichalcos? Find out in chapter 24, The Shadow War, Part III.

Review please!