Disclaimers Notice: The only thing I own is the way in which I chose to use the characters and setting (oh, and a few of my own creations…)
Authors Beginning Note: Laziness + extreme tiredness+ updating + minor virus one really late chapter.
On the bright side, I did get a new bed and I'm going to completely redecorate my room!
On an even brighter side, I know a battle you all have been waiting for is coming up really quickly, as soon as the next chapter! So stay tuned, and don't change that website!
Shout it outs!
Yami Chikara: More about Kagome's group will be emphasized! Have no worries!
AngelnoDarkness: Thanx 4 the review!
MoonKitii: I'm glad:)
Inuyashas hun: Well, a few people are going to die, who and how many is a mystery to everyone but me...as for what is going to happen to Rin/Jakan/ect. that will be soemthing you will have to find out for yourself!
Valese: Keio's vision will be expanded upon. You will see more. No doubts there. And you'll possibly figure more out accordingly. Next chapter especially.
Tanwen-Whitefire: 3 hours of just church sermons I agree is too much. Even for soem of the most diligently religious. As for what happens to Rin and that crew, you may have to hold your breath just a little longer to find out.
Inuyashafanficfan: I do try to update at least every other week. Sometimes...life just has other ideas however. But thank you for all the patience.
Golden Phoenix: Chances are I'll probably revert to hait and spelling it my usual way. LOl. Thanx for telling me though.
feyfaery: That was a creative review. :)
Rayame325: Everyone seems to be really involved int Rin & co.'s wellfare. LOL. I can't reveal anything though!
Chapter 65
Aphrodite Herself
Ayame grit her teeth. She was afraid, but she would not give in. Instead, she turned it into anger both at herself for being afraid, and at Naraku for causing her to be afraid. She was more alert of everything around her as a result. Natsuko and Mariko walked beside her, both ready to defend her at all costs.
I don't know…If I can do this…but I must try…I have to try…for honor…and for my tribe…hopefully what I do…will please the Kami's and atone for their actions…
Kouga, for all of his arrogant bravado and fearless faquad, was afraid himself-on the inside. Having been in many battles, and faced no war to this capacity, he was running head long into a mile of fire. He was at his peak, having trained with Ayame and many of the thieves, nothing now could prepare him more.
Naraku…that bastard…I will kill him…I will take revenge…even if I have to slay every last demon in my way…I will at least…die trying…and no one…no one can say…I Kouga, was a coward…a wolf who gave up…never…
They neared the battle, they could see it and hear all of the bloody cries. The clouds were dark and the rain pummeled down. Sometimes one would slip in the mud and that would be the death of you.
Kouga stopped the group. At his command, everyone ceased and tension rose. He turned and looked proudly upon them. There were demons, humans, even Hanyous', but they were all united. They had become his tribe, but more importantly, his friends and comrades. Every one of them wore a vibrant blue died rag somewhere visible, so as not to be hacked or sliced by their own.
"Remember our plan. Help those of us who are in need. Keep together and stay strong. Don't let fear get in the way of doing what you know is right. You chose this destiny, to back out would be to deny it. Now lets go!" His words rang out, both bold and filled with caution. All took them to heart. At his lead, they rushed down, all of them together as one large plague upon Naraku's army, attacking from a Northern angle.
Metal rang out and blood ran freely as the two groups merged into one.
He dodged and swiped. Missed and dodged. Swinging swinging…hissing poison…never missing…listen to, what will be done…Wizard darker than the night…with the singing of a sickle…will kill your light…
His white garments splattered with a fountain of blood as he lodged a weapon in the sternum of a dark ruffian, and pulled it out.
Miroku stopped and listened to the sad melody that lulled his nerves and calmed him. Following he stopped at a small clearing with a blue-gray pool of water. But most fascinatingly was the delectable woman who was seated at its edge. Her song ended and she looked up, tears in her eyes.
"My dear lady, what malady has befallen upon you to create such a harsh sight as a tear to fall from your angelic face?"
"I got lost in the mist. Can you help me?" She cooed. It was enough to make any man drool, but more than any man could take when she stood. Her curves were perfect and flawless, an hourglass figure. Loose fitting silk garments fell down, fitting her seductively. Her blond wispy hair fell to the back of her knees. She looked the part of a goddess. Aphrodite herself.
Miroku met her glossy black almond eyes, which were adorned by graceful arches above.
"I will try my best lady." She walked over and languidly gripped his arm and pressed herself as close to him as possible as they walked into the mist. Miroku wouldn't let any emotion pass his calm and pleasant face; even as he felt her cool breasts touch his arm as she crushed them closer.
"I'm so afraid. I can't see anything in this mist. It's dark and scary, who knows what demons lurk in here."
"I assure you that no harm will be in our immediate path."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I am a very powerful monk. I have Kami at my back." She smiled pleasantly.
They heard an unknown noise and the woman's nails dug into his arm. Miroku cringed and jerked himself away. He had not prepared for this.
Instead of screaming and running, the voluptuous woman walked to him, her hips swaying.
"I have a little present for you." She whispered in his ear. One hand caressed his hair, the other his cheek, her body trying to mold itself to his. Her face level and her rosy red lips dangerously close. Her moves were both bold and seductive.
Miroku was utterly frozen.
The woman how ever was not paying attention to anything else except the fun she was having, and was violently thrown into a tree by a large, razor sleek boomerang. Sango caught it on its return and glared at the witch.
She stood up, her face marred by her disgust.
"You woman, who are you and what do you want." Sango glared at her, not bothering to answer. The woman's nose stuck primly in the air.
"No manners? Very well. You won't live long anyway." Sango stood, ready for anything, steel, hands, or else wise. Instead the woman sang a strong clear note.
"Inuyasha, I don't see Kirara and the others." Kagome had been constantly looking up. The tree branches were thick, the sky was dull, and everything was cloaked in a dewy mist. Inuyasha didn't bother looking. Inuyasha smelt the air, but all scents were hidden to him in the damp moisture.
"I'm sure theycan take care of themselves." Kagome nodded. She rested her head on his shoulder, but still felt at a slight unease.
Sesshoumaru stopped. This was to be their last and he wanted all warriors to be at least slightly rested before they entered battle. He himself not needing the time for rest. The dark forest that was once there was almost completely destroyed, leaving only a thick ring. They could see all that was going on. This would be an all or nothing fight. Those who went down stayed down, there would be no in between. No rests. To stop would be to die. To tire or show weakness would spell the banishment of one's soul from his body.
Sesshoumaru was not afraid.
Touran stood stiffly, with Kauran at her left and Miyako at her right. Kauran shook her head; it was almost too much to think about. All the possible ways one could kill or be killed.
Miyako spitefully stood, seeming to look death in the eye and daring her to strike while she was at her peak.
Fighters milled about in solemn numbness. Some meditated or trained, and yet others looked on with dread. Hearts beating, pulses racing, palms sweating. But the more foolish and brash looked at it as an opportunity for glory. Thinking themselves too strong to be defeated, they fidgeted with impatience to make heads roll at their feet so they could be served on their platters.
In their travels, Sesshoumaru being wise in battle tactics and war had not let things slack and followers just follow. Instead he and a handful of other knowledgeable Youkai took counsel, discussing Naraku and how best to strategically place all of their warriors to the best of advantages. The once large encampment had been split into five, handing out titles such as general, colonel, and lieutenant. These groups were spaced out a great distance so as to take full advantage of their opposing rights. Now all that they were waiting for was Sesshoumaru's signal.
"Be ready." Sesshoumaru commanded. Though not loud, his words still had their effect. He unsheathed Tokijin from his side. Lowering it even with his sight he shot a bullet of power to the enemy lines. Whom he had killed, it didn't matter.
They all charged, the king of the Western land ahead of all of them, and thenbattle engaged. No mercy was spared to any who dared to face the Tai-Youkai.
The white clad enemy looked at one another. One in particular seemed to jump over to Rin. He looked at her with distrustful scrutiny.
"Don't you dare harm the human! Not a hair on her head less you should face the wrath of …" Jakan's mouth was readily shut with a rather rude shoved of a snowball into his mouth.
"Girl, did you mean Lord Sesshoumaru, the Tai-Youkai, and Lord of the Western Lands? First son of InuTaisho?"
"Oh, do you know Lord Sesshoumaru as well? Than there's no need to fight." Rin said cheerfully, suddenly glad.
"Why?"
"Because Jakan is Lord Sesshoumaru's retainer, though he is currently the temporary ambassador."
"And what are you to him?" Rin looked puzzled for a moment. What could she say? She wasn't his retainer, Jakan was, nor was she his servant. She knew he was her protector, but what did that make her.
"Rin is not fully sure herself. Rin simply follows Lord Sesshoumaru and he protects her." The creature laughed under its heavy coat. It was deep and screechy. Kohaku flinched.
"You expect me to believe that? Lord Sesshoumaru despises humans, why would he let one trail after him."
"Because Rin saved him once and ever since then Lord Sesshoumaru has let her follow him." The man stopped laughing and really looked her over this time. Jakan, his snow having melted, piped up.
"It's true! Oh woe is it to be that once Lord Sesshoumaru was actually in mortal danger, but this girl saved her! Though why he has kept her is a mystery but…" Another mouthful of snow was again shoved in his mouth. He twisted himself even more in the confined ropes, so full of injustice was he.
The large one before Rin stood in silence, snow whipping around. Finally he made a noise and all opposition to the four immediately ceased. They scuttled together, waiting for a trick to be had.
"If what you say is true, than killing you or taking you prisoner would mean the death of me and my people. We leave you know to do what you will." They all hopped into the air and dropped out of sight, as if they had jumped over a cliff.
"Wait! You can't leave us here! We're looking for the Hare Tribe or something like that!" Neelah cried. She was trembling in fear. Her knees shook, she was tired, and sore. Never had she been in such a position. The one who assumed leadership hopped back into view.
"And why do you make such a quest?"
"Because Lord Sesshoumaru's castle was taken over! Well, at least there was a big fight. Naraku had a crusade of demons attack and-and-" She lost control. She dipped to her knees and cried. She was a gentle, clumsy, caring soul, not used to the harshness of war.
"Naraku?"
Kohaku nodded.
"That vile demon! I wish I were with Lord Sesshoumaru right now. Then I could watch that monster die at his hands."
"Enough! Death is not something to wish upon any being. Not even those who seem most wicked. If I had my say, you would be welcomed to treat our tribe as a temporary haven until the Lord of the Western lands return, but it is up to the King and Queen to decide."
"Then let us at least try to persuade them to let us stay!" Neelah sobbed loudly. The garbed whiteling nodded.
"Follow me then." They quickly trudged through the snow to the best of their abilities, following behind the stranger's odd prints, Jakan in lead and Kohaku at tails end.
Sango felt her body sway. It was subtle, at first she didn't notice, then as the notes rose to a more rapid speed, Sango's Hiraikotsu fell to the ground and her feet jittered with an ache to move.
What…what kind of sorcery is this…I can't control my movements…
Sango's legs moved of their own accord. She spun and pirouetted in the air. Her steps were of grace and her body was fluid. The song was fast, an ancient village song of great celebration. One that might show of a daring warrior's travels and how he had vanquished all immense foes in his path. His moves rapid and stealthy, like a cat hunting his prey. His sword loose and ready to kill, his nerves barely under control as his blood drummed through his ears and in his body. This was a tale of an epic battle.
Kirara growled and lunged, appearing from nowhere. The woman's tune changed faintly and Kirara too was captured in the web of music. Her moves were of a ferocious lion being both hunter and hunted.
The deeper and more in depth the song became, the stronger and surer their movements. Soon, they were no longer themselves, but Sango a warrior and Kirara a ferocious beast.
She struck the last of them. A bolt of lightning haven been driven through its body; the open chest wound was clutched; the fowl demon fell with its wings tearing at every sharp catch of wind in its descent. Standing upon the tallest tower with her sword in her hand, Hosomi looked across the battle grounds of Sesshoumaru's castle. Sheathing Shishirite, she plunged into a free fall dive. Her hair whipped behind her like a hailing comet. Opening her iridescent wings she caught a draft and landed in front of the front castle doors with full grace and dignity.
Her nose caught the smell of something. Foul, evil, like Naraku, like the bird Yukai she had just from around the castle, close. Near. Odd, seing as how the battle hadn't been all that close enough for the smell of the war like happenings to permeate the air around the castle, never mind the slightly cold norhtern wind blowing northward.
So then…the question is where is it coming from...
She took to her wings and circled the castle and found a place of forced entry. Fear froze her insides and she quickly entered the path of destruction.
"Mistress Hosomi." A maid fervently jumped in relief from behind a large column of marble. Hosomi just held the dark shock of lightning she was prepared to let loose from her palm. She took a breath and lowered her hand to rest on the shaken maids shoulder.
"What is it Astraiya?"
"I fear that the girl, Rin, she is gone."
"Gone?" Hosomi sucked in her breath.
No…surely…surely the girl isn't …what purpose would be served…why her…almost as if Naraku had specifically come to attack her…
"She's just disappeared my lady. There is no trace or sign of her." Hosomi left the maid in panic, flying through the corridors, avoiding all obstacles until she came to Sesshoumaru's door. She stood, her breath forgone of her body.
No…no…how could this be…
She stepped in and looked at the mess.
"Lady Hosomi…"
"And the boy? Is he gone as well?" The maid nodded.
"The Retainer Jakan, is absent as well. I have a few servants searching about the castle, but not a trace of them."
"Bring me Anjou."
"Immediately." The maid bowed, glad to have a task. If she had a purpose, something to do, she would not have to think. Not about the gruesome bodies outside, nor the horrible possibilities of Rin's disappearance.
Hosomi stepped gingerly around the room, trying to pick up every scent.
Neelah…she was here too…brave Neelah…I suppose…she was fond of the girl as well…and would tend to her as best she could…
Hosomi closed her eyes, playing every possible event that may have happened.
"They were attacked." Hosomi opened her eyes and she nodded to the human looking Youkai.
"Other than the obvious?" He scanned the room, soaking in every detail with his aqua teal eyes. He stood still, with his arms crossed his muscled chest while leaning against the doorframe.
"Jakan used his staff of two heads. Then the boy attacked at a critical moment. Possibly saving their lives." He studied the scene in more depth, nodding at a few strands of Rins hair and a peel of Jakans dry skin innoted places.
"I think then, a combined attack was used. The demon was defeated and Neelah appeared. They all escaped down the chute, probably out of fear that more would be to follow."
"If I may, the chute leads down next to the river. Its where are the linens are done during the summer." Astraiya mustered. She being but a gentle soul, was not one fit for such great drama. Her job was merely to serve, and she was happy to do it. It was something she was good at, and something she could be confident in.
"Thank you Astriaya. If you would, find the cooks and prepare a meal for all of the warriors. They've deserved it. And healers too." Astriaya bowed, leavingas if she were a mere whispering shadow.
Hosomi walked over and shook her head as she stood looking down the chute. Too small even for her light of frame.
"Anjou, I leave the castle and its protection in your hands."
"Mistress Hosomi, are you sure it is wise for you to be leaving?" She turned, her shoulders squared, looking like a headstrong women given a mission. She walked to the doorframe, standing next to him, not glancing.
"It would be far more foolish to leave younglings to the mercy of what dangers they may have fallen into."
"And if the trail goes cold?" Anjou looked at her, almost glaring, daring her to leave. Wanting her to see things his way. Today was not the day for her to follows his steps. She would make a road for her own.
She walked out stoically, stopping only to give cold orders. She worked like a machine, so engrossed was she on her mission ahead. Anjou stared at her for as long as she stayed in sight.
"Maybe that is why she will never be mine." He pierced his lip, and then set about his duties. Calming him and letting his mind shove aside his accursed heart. After all, who had time in an era such as was dawning to ponder over unrequainted love.
Authors Ending Note: Now, if Kagome and Kikyo were to duke it out, what kind of action would you like to see?
Anyhoo, maybe a bit fast paced, but I really need to pick up the action and get things started here.