You and you alone can save me
Insight
By: Kuraii-chan
KK: Woo! I'm back (sorry about the wait, and vacation was fun but I missed my home) and with your next chapter:D Enjoy!
Annnd, this chapter isn't beta-ed. :D;;; Please don't mind any and all mistakes.
Author Notes: IMPORTANT! After this chapter there will only be about 3 more chapters, maybe four depending on how I break those chapters up. (Probably only three though.) And uh… please don't kill me? I figured it all out on the flight home and I partly blame the fireworks I watched on the fourth and my tired-ness. :D;;
And she at last had accomplished this task.
Spent, she released the ball and returned from her almost-detached state to smile weakly at Kiba before falling on her side, unconscious.
"Kagome-sama?" Kiba looked panicked, "Kagome-sama!"
His head snapped up as the sound of approaching footsteps reached his sensitive ears.He watched as Hotohori slid the door closed silently so as, despite her unconscious state, would not wake the young miko. Turning, Hotohori offered a wry smile. "She sure does have a habit of putting herself in undesired situations, does she not?"
Kiba blinked.
"Oh yes," the castle doctor chuckled softly, "I'd forgotten. You tend to isolate yourself; you see Lady Kagome has to back to this castle in worse states more than once. The first time was when Lord Sesshomaru rescued her from Yuki, the second when she was found out in the rain, and now this. I assure you it isn't your fault, she just tends to draw these kinds of situations."
Once again Hotohori laughed at the kitsune's expression. "I know, amazing. But then, she is a pretty amazing creature." With a grin Hotohori just shook his head, "Be careful not to fall for her however, Sesshomaru would be willing to fight you for her I'm sure."
To say Kiba was astonished… would be a grave understatement.
"He would fight… for a woman… who is not only a human… but a miko as well."
Hotohori smirked. "Hai. Now, about Lady Kagome…"
"Oh!" Kiba was at the doctor's side in an instant. "How is she?"
"Fine, she just a little overworked. I'm guessing that it was her first attempt to ever draw her power together, and as we all know, it's a draining thing to do. Most take weeks, even months before they are able to complete it. Do you know just how far Lady Kagome was able to get?"
Kiba shook his head, "Iie, but I'm willing to guess she was able to collect all of it in that ball, which would explain her enormous exhaustion and present state of unconsciousness. As you said earlier, she is an amazing creature. With great potential I might add, Sesshomaru was good to spot it before anyone else did. She could easily attract the wrong sorts of youkai to manipulate her, as Kagome-sama is kind to all and quite trusting to the point of naivety."
"I agree." The two turned sharply to face the Taiyoukai behind them.
"Milord!" Both bowed, but were waved impatiently by Sesshomaru. "What you say is true, Kagome is far too trusting for her own good and could quite conceivably be manipulated by someone such as Naraku."
"Impossible." Hotohori frowned, "Lady Kagome may be naïve at times, but I assure you that there is something in her that instantly alerts her of the nature of the person, or youkai, before her. She's trusting only to those who are good of heart, now they don't need to have a absolutely pure heart mind you, but if there is any trace of some good I think she can just as easily find it and bring that part of the person out. After all, she has done just this to both you Milord and Inuyasha has she not?"
Kiba nodded slowly… "Sort of like a miko's intuition I suppose, right?"
"I couldn't tell you if it was because she is a miko, or because that she herself is so pure of heart. Perhaps both which is why she is able to pick it up and feel it so keenly."
Sesshomaru contemplated this for a brief second, "It would make sense, but however we still cannot allow such a situation even a chance to occur. I will want Kyo at her side at all times, no matter what she is currently doing. As she learns more of her power and is able to tap into it she'll become stronger and her abilities will become well known and far easier to spot."
Both youkai shot the Taiyoukai a funny look, but Sesshomaru's intuition was never far off the mark. If he felt Kagome needed more protection, then it was most likely to become invaluable in some situation later on.
"Now," he commanded, turning to Hotohori, "You will tell me of Kagome's condition."
"She's currently quite unconscious, and when she finally awakes she'll be quite tired. Don't fret however she's merely overworked. Adequate rest is in order and I'll not have her up and about sooner than I deem it necessary."
Sesshomaru nodded, "I'll go in to check on her now. You shall come in to check on her as well every hour or so. We don't need anything happening to her before she should regain her ability to fight back against a possible assailant. Kiba, go find Kyo and send him here. He shall wait outside this door until I'm finished with my visit. Fill him in on everything. One of you shall inform My-Linh as well, but not Kagome's traveling companions, my half-brother, or Kouga. We do not need an uproar, and I've no time for their headaches."
"What about the kit Milord?" asked Hotohori softly, "I'm sure he'll want to be seeing his surrogate mother."
Kiba cast a confused look to Sesshomaru and Hotohori. Kit? Surrogate mother?
"Lady Kagome is the surrogate mother of a young kitsune. I do believe he goes by Shippou." Added the doctor for Kiba's sake.
"To bring him would cause a scene, and then the others would want to see her as well and wonder why only the kit could come." Said Sesshomaru.
"But that's his mother, he has a right to know! Besides, she's in no critical condition." Hotohori received a sharp look.
"Very will, he may visit tomorrow morning." And with that he entered Kagome's room, leaving the two to their assigned duties.
"See? Told you," whispered Hotohori with a nudge, "He's in love with her, and I'm quite positive she with him. Even saw them kissing in the hall just yesterday." He shook his head, "Who would have ever guessed? A cold-hearted ruthless killer Taiyoukai, and a sensitive caring naïve ningen miko?"
Kiba smirked, "Well they do say opposites attract, as such is with Yin and Yang. Perhaps that is just what they are to represent… either way, I'd better go get Kyo. You can tell My-Linh." The artic kitsune headed off, with Hotohori traveling in the opposite direction.
He approached her sleeping form and took in the pale face with slight concern. Hotohori had said earlier that her condition wasn't critical, had he not? Why hadn't he mentioned she was a bit on the pale side?
'Because she is simply drained of her energy and any fool would connect having no energy to being pale. He merely did not think that a Taiyoukai of your standing would be so incompetent as to such matters.'
Kami help me, must you appear?
'Why, am I interrupting something?'
Hai.
'Ooooh, like what?'
I do not recall my personal affairs being any of your business.
'Touchie… well calm down, I'll give you some time to spend with your unconscious miko. You know, pour out your heart, cry, that kind of stuff.'
But before he could retort he felt the voice and its faint presence in his mind disappear, alerting the Taiyoukai that the nuisance was gone… for the time being.
Immediately he was at her side, sliding her limp hand into his warm, firm one. Gently he brushed back the locks of raven silk from her forehead, relishing in the feel of her hair. He took in her soft mewl of satisfaction as she stirred lightly before falling back into her oblivious state of mind.
A wry smile tugged persistently at his lips, he could quite easily be in love with this fragile creature before him. After all, the signs were all around him. He enjoyed her scent of Jasmine and Vanilla far more than just an acquaintance should, he had already shared three kisses with her as where he had yet to share any with the female youkai he had bed from time to time because kissing was personal as was allowing one to see you sleeping, which Kagome had. In fact, she had even slept with him before which equally allowed him to witness her most vulnerable of all positions.
He enjoyed her person as a whole, held no desire to kill her despite the combination of her being both human and a priestess, whenever another male came too close to her he found himself holding back the urge to slaughter them, and unbearably the unmarked juncture of her neck and shoulder called to him.
And yet… could he truly be in this human emotion labeled as love? Was it possible for one so cold and one so obviously unevenly matched for him?
But still… he saw that where she was faulty he was strong, and the other way around. Somehow they were perfectly matched opposites; able to endure where the other could not. Was this some kind of sign? After all, his intuition had never been wrong thus far. Perhaps… just maybe there could be a future for the two of them after all.
His fingers intertwined with hers, "I'll always be there to catch you when you fall." He whispered softly before leaning forward to press a kiss against her forehead. If he could do nothing more for this deserving creature then he could at least promise this.
Reluctantly he removed his hand from her hand and other hand from her forehead. There were other matters that required his attention at present, and quite sadly they could not be neglected. He would return later to check on her condition however.
Just as he was turning Hotohori walked in and smiled, "Milord. My-Linh is on her way so it would be advisable to leave before she arrives and throws a fit." Sesshomaru nodded and was gone in an instant.
"Hori-chan!" called My-Linh in a half whisper - half shout, "Where is she?"
"In here." He returned softly. Instantly the artic kitsune was at his side, panting softly. "Did you run the whole way?" he asked incredulously. She nodded, leaning against him for support as she tried to regain her breath.
Neither seemed to be quite aware of how close they were, and how Hotohori's arm instinctively wrapped itself about My-Linh's waist to help her keep her balance… or so the guilty party would like to tell himself.
"Tsk," he admonished softly, "Lady Kagome isn't going anywhere, you needn't have run." He shook his head softly, smiling despite his serious tone. "Now, see? She is perfectly fine as well. All that's needed is some rest for exhaustion."
"What happened?" she implored, staring up at the doctor with a look of slight worry.
"Ah," He sighed, "Nothing of huge importance, Lady Kagome merely overworked herself during training. She was, however, able to gather all her energy together from what I hear, and on her second try nonetheless! So its quite possible that Lady Kagome is ever more powerful spiritually than anyone had first suspected."
My-Linh sagged against Hotohori with relief, "Is that all? I was worried something terrible had happened…" He chuckled.
"I told you it was nothing to fret over."
The artic kitsune smiled giddily, "Yes, well, we all know I'm not prone to listen to reason until I see with my very eyes." She sighed and closed her eyes. "I can't imagine what it would be like without Lady Kagome… I can only imagine how distraught Lord Sesshomaru would be as well…"
Hotohori blinked. "You thought why she was in need of rest was something life-threatening?"
My-Linh chuckled, "Well you can't very well blame me for that, she has a habit of getting into those kinds of problems."
The doctor nodded, "Hai, you have a point…" He smiled down at the kitsune, "But all the same she also has a habit of getting back out of those problems."
Gently he steered her away from Kagome's side and to the door. "We should let her rest now, how about I make us some tea?"
She nodded with a small grin, "Tea would be nice…"
He signed the letter and tucked it into a roll, setting it aside for a messenger to deliver later.
With a sigh the Taiyoukai looked blankly at his desk. Simply put, he just could not concentrate long enough to finish writing a letter… and that wasn't good.
The cause of his problems? Well Kagome of course, as she always was. He knew she was fine, that her condition wasn't dangerous and that she wasn't in harms way… and still he felt a need to stay by her side until she awoke from her deep slumber.
With a low growl, he pushed the image of her lying there away and opened another scroll, skimming though the contents before scowling and hastily writing a reply.
Once more he rolled up the paper and set it aside to be delivered later…
And still he felt the need to go see her.
Damn, but he couldn't concentrate on anything… fine. Then he'd go see her now, just to assure himself that she was fine, and return to his documents and letters and such.
Getting to his feet, he swiftly walked to the door and with a loud snap he was off to visit his miko.
"Milord, back so soon?" teased a relaxing Kyo. He had arrived just as Hotohori and My-Linh were leaving, was filled in, and now standing guard over the infamous miko.
"Hn." He strode to Kagome's side. "Any change?"
"Iie, gomen nasai." Kyo sputtered as Sesshomaru took Kagome's hand in his own, "Should I leave the two of you?"
"Iie. How much do you know about spiritual powers and the bodies they inhabit?"
"More than most would expect," Kyo shrugged, "I was raised by one after all. Why?"
"This Sesshomaru is not well informed of these matters. Explain everything you know." He turned to Kyo, giving the guard a look that clearly told he had no choice in the matter.
"Well…" Kyo blinked, "Where shall I begin?"
Sesshomaru stared, "Wherever."
"Alright, well miko are born with a form of spiritual power within themselves. Depending how strong that spiritual power is defines them and their status. Take Kikyou-sama for example. Her great spiritual powers and pure heart earned her the status as the protector of the Shikon no Tama. Midoriko-sama as well. Each miko with immense spiritual abilities has become well known in some way or another for their great deeds, what they've created, accomplishments, or what they guard. There are various ways for them to gain in social ranking.
Of course, should the power go unnoticed or untrained it is a threat to any and all things in the immediate area. Or course, should the power be accidentally unleashed it all depends on just how strong it is and how much is released to determine the destruction." He paused for a moment, considering carefully.
"Quite unlike anything else however, the selection of who has spiritual powers is not random. A miko cannot be bred and humans or youkai can. It is all a matter of the heart. There is not one miko that has been born without a pure heart, and no do not argue. Every miko ever born at least started with a pure heart. But all humans, all creatures actually, can be swayed. Greed, lust, gluttony, envy, pride, wrath, and of course sloth. The seven deadly sins, they are able to change the ideals and morals of any creature, you just must be strong enough to fight against all of that. In the end, some can't and fall prey to these things. Kikyou-sama did, as well as any other miko who has gone astray in the end."
"Like Tsubaki-san." Agreed a fragile sounding voice.
"Hai, the one who became a Dark Miko because of jealousy, envy, of not being chosen as the protector of the Shikon— Lady Kagome!" Kyo blinked. "You've awoken!"
Kagome grinned weakly. "Kind of hard not to, with you talking so loudly Kyo-chan." She looked over to Sesshomaru, down at their intertwined hands, and back up again. "Is there something you wanted?"
"To see you awake." He stared down at the bed-ridden girl.
Aww, that's so sweet Sesshou-kun! She squealed internally… until-
"After all, you are no use to me while unconscious."
Kyo winced, giving Sesshomaru a pitying look.
Kagome's eyes grew to the size of rice bowls as she stared, astonished… but not for long…
"How DARE you!" she cried, yanking her hand back as if burned. "I want you out of my room, NOW!" she pointed to the door, seething.
Sesshomaru retracted his hand and exited swiftly.
Only Kyo saw the Taiyoukai's smirk and look or profound relief.
… Hmm…
"That insufferable… rant rant… how dare he! Mutter mumble… I hope he chokes on a piece of rice… fitting end…"
Kyo smiled, enjoying the enraged grumbling. "Feeling a bit better I presume Lady Kagome?"
"Wha? Oh yes!" she chirped happily, "I hope I didn't cause too much of a fuss. How is Kiba-san? Oh I hope I didn't worry him too badly…"
"You did, Kiba was horrified at his carelessness, but never fear. It's all right. My-Linh nearly had a fit when she heard about what had happened, lucky Hotohori was able to calm her down. I believe they're flirting over tea about now…" he chuckled at Kagome's mischievous grin, "And it was decided not to tell anyone about your condition. Lord Sesshomaru didn't want Kouga and Inuyasha causing a fuss and creating headaches all around. You will be able to see your kit tomorrow morning however and you may tell him if he can keep from mentioning it to anyone else."
"Wait, but didn't Inuyasha leave?" Kagome frowned, she could have sworn-
"Hai, but he showed up right after you left to see Kiba. Something about not wanting to leave that 'damned wolf' alone with you…"
Kagome laughed softly, "Ah, of course. I don't suppose they'll be able to visit me, my friends I mean. I know Sango and Miroku wouldn't tell… and maybe I could keep Inuyasha from doing anything brash… sit him, and tell him that even Kouga didn't know about my condition… yes that'd quiet him down. And then after they've all left and I put up an air-freshener Kouga could come and we could tell him the same thing we told Inuyasha…"
She grinned sheepishly, "They have a right to know… and this way there won't be a fuss. Each will think he's been entrusted with something the other hasn't… it'll work out fine, trust me."
Kyo shook his head in astonishment, "Why Lady Kagome, I didn't know you had it in you."
"Kagome!" chorused everyone minus Kouga.
"Hi guys!" she chirped, and there were collective gasps.
"What happened?" Cried Shippou, launching himself at Kagome.
"Well…"
"WHAT THE HELL! KAGOME WHAT HAPPENED?"
She winced. "Inuyasha, quiet down. I have something important to tell all of you, and you'll have to listen. Even you Inu."
With a glower he silenced.
"All right. Today was my training session, and I did amazing apparently. Exceeding expectation. However, while I was able to finish something in part of it, most can't do that in two tries without previous practice. It exhausted me, and I fell unconscious. All I need is some rest and relaxation. From what I can tell however, is I'm healing a lot faster that it would have been believed so I should be fine in a day maybe two."
Inuyasha opened his mouth, ready to raise hell, but Kagome stopped him with a look.
"Now I don't want anyone making a fuss. I'm fine, but you cannot go about openly discussing this. If Kouga knew, well, the castle would be in shambles before the sun sets today. I'm trusting all of you not to talk about it, and to go without doing anything either. It's also quite possible, as pointed out by some guards, that there could be a spy somewhere in the castle for Naraku. Should he learn that I'm currently unable to defend myself… well it would be bad. So no speaking about it at all when you leave this room, I don't care where you are."
Our favorite hanyou looked ready to cause a scene anyways until he realized he was being trusted with something Kouga could not.
"If you're sure you're fine…" Sango looked rather unhappy about the whole thing, but couldn't protest the pleadings of her friend.
"I am." Reassured Kagome. "Really. You watch, I'll be up and ready to bring havoc to this castle by tomorrow… the day after at the very latest."
Everyone nodded. "Other than all this I suspect the training lesson went well?" questioned Miroku curiously.
"Oh hai! It was amazing… I never knew there was so much power within me… and that is was so squirm-ish. It tried really hard to avoid me…" She scowled, remembering the horribly uncooperative little balls of pink light.
The monk chuckled.
… Was it just her or did it seem like Miroku was more interested in her than Sango?
"I'm glad you're all right." Mumbled Shippou into her arms, snuggling happily closer to his surrogate mother.
"I'm glad that you got to come sooner than tomorrow morning. Which, by the way, feel free to visit then as well. I'd hate to have to eat my breakfast here all by myself."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Well I suppose we'd best be going…" said Sango reluctantly, "You need all the rest you can get Kagome-chan. We'll be here tomorrow for breakfast."
"Great!" she grinned, giving Shippou one last hug before everyone slowly filed out of the room.
… Little did she know as she settled back in her bed that as Kyo went to retrieve the air-freshener that an interruption would come sooner than expected.
"What where they doing here?" hissed Sesshomaru dangerously as he flung open the door, glaring at Kagome who squeaked in return.
"You mean my friends?"
"Yes. All of them. I though I made it clear to everyone that only the kit could visit you, and that would be tomorrow morning as it is?"
Kagome huffed, "I don't know when you decided you could dictate who sees me, or when but you don't. Only I can decide that, and I wanted to see them. I even came up with a way for Kouga and Inuyasha to not bring havoc to you and your castle, but next time I'll not be quite so considerate!" Angrily she threw a pillow from her side at his head. "Now get OUT!"
The Taiyoukai snarled, catching the pillow easily. "I decide because I am the head of this castle, and you are so graciously staying here free of charge along with your traveling companions. You are under my care, and therefore my rules as well."
Kagome blinked before narrowing her eyes.
"If I want you in a better condition before I allow others to maul you with their insufferable worry and hugs then they'll just have to wait."
Unable to squeeze in a word edgewise, Kagome was about to give him a piece of her mind… but suddenly as he's come he was gone. With a groan she closed her eyes.
"Kyo forgot to mention the worst of all the deadly sins…
… Hope."
"Hey Kagome… what happened?" Kouga looked alarmed. Quickly raising her arms she waved them frantically.
She explained everything to the ookami prince as she had to her friends earlier, and skillfully adding the part where he couldn't mention it for various reasons.
"So Inu-kuro doesn't know?"
"No, which is why I'm trusting you." Kagome smiled. "He'd create such a fuss without stopping to think first. Which is why I'm telling you instead. I don't want you to worry about anything because I'm just fine."
Kouga was about to rush forward when Kyo rushed in the room.
"You must leave!" he hissed to Kouga, "Lord Sesshomaru approaches and we can't have him knowing you have visitors!"
With a sigh, Kouga waved to Kagome. "Get well soon!"
And he was gone. Hastily Kyo ran about the room until he could no longer hear Kouga. "Ah, a job well done if I do say so myself…"
Kagome grinned. "Perfect. Thanks again Kyo."
"Anytime Lady Kagome!" Added the guard cheerfully, settling back in his chair. "I know how much you don't want him declaring long-winded speeches of love and loyalty. I'm happy I could help you out."
The two laughed, before settling to a peaceful quiet in which Kagome began her much needed sleeping.
Lightly, the two of them landed near the opening door, placed carefully in the shadows created by the sun.
There, they waited until the castle doors opened so someone could exit. The guards began to speak with the person, and the spawn of Naraku took this chance to slip in.
Carefully the wandered up and down the various hallways, waiting for some sign of Kagome to appear…
"I'm going to put Shippou to bed. Sango and My-Linh have permission to bash in the heads of anyone who starts or is involved in any kind of fighting." Declared a voice loudly.
With a hiss, Kagura yanked Hibiki into the first room available, leaving the door open just a crack to peer out with.
Sure enough, Kagome walked out of the room with a small kitsune in her arms.
Stalking down the hallway, it was quite obvious of her anger. Motioning to Hibiki, Kagura slipped back out of the room, following at a safe distance.
They were led though the twisting various halls of the grand castle until Kagome finally stepped though a door, closing it securely behind her.
It had to be her room… but she was only putting the kit down, so she's be back out soon. Scowling at this horrible burden of a task Kagura slipped into another empty room with Hibiki to wait until Kagome left her room.
After a fairly short period of time spent by gazing with little intrest around the room Kagura finally heard the soft sounds signaling the opening and closing of a shoji screen. With a grin, Kagura decided to wait a little longer before entering the room for the possibility of the kitsune seeing them.
They would, of course, wait everything out until morning in the safety of the closet.
Knock, knock, knock
"Lady Kagome? Lady Kagome its time to wake up." There was a sound like the door being opened and a sigh. "Lady Kagome?"
With a suppressed yawn, Kagura straightened, stretching as best she could with her limited space. She could see Hibiki just sitting there on the other side, unmoving… just listening to the conversation between Kagome and some male.
"Fine, fine, I'm coming." Kagome sounded rather reluctant and from what could be deducted, it sounded like the miko was finally getting out of her bed.
… "I'll just have to use my fluffy robe then."
That had been far to close. For a moment it had seemed like someone would venture to the closet and fine something suitable to wear… but no. Apparently someone usually set out the clothing for the human to wear for the day.
"I'll be out here when you are ready Lady." And the male left the room. There was rustling for a little bit, a few grumbles, before the girl spoke again.
"Could you open the door Kyo-kun? My hands are a little full at the moment…"
"Need help Lady?"
"Nah, I'll manage, thanks Kyo-kun."
The door slid shut and voices fell silent. Only the soft deep breathing of the kitsune was left and his sleep rambling about something called pocky…
Kagura carefully maneuvered her way out of the closet, waiting only for a second for Hibiki before leaving the room the same way the male and Kagome had.
"You were listening, did they say where they were going?"
Hibiki stared blankly at her, "To bathe and then for a lesson with someone by the name of Kiba."
Nodding, Kagura suddenly turned on heel and headed down the corridor in the same direction as Kagome's scent went.
Of course, the only place to hide without fear of being seen was in nearby shrubbery.
Of all the insulting jobs to be stuck with, sneaking around like a common thief is among the worst. Never have I had to resort to hiding in mere shrubs!
She could faintly hear the girl singing some sappy nonsense while bathing, the song being nothing she'd ever heard before.
And, while casting a glance to the guards, she noted that Sesshomaru was there as well.
… Interesting.
Thankfully soon enough, the bathing was done and Kagome met with Sesshomaru. Soon the Taiyoukai left, and then she spoke with that same male as before a bit more. Actually they spoke quite a bit before finally gaining some sense and leaving on their way.
For a little while the spying job was boring… just following the two up and down halls, waiting for Kagome to get dressed, and then walking again.
Finally they arrived and with a shout of greeting Kagome flung the door open… only problem being that no one was there.
The male laughed and informed her that this 'Kiba' would be awaiting her in a garden.
In the end, it was only an artic kitsune… the only good thing from this adventure being that they, Kagura and Hibiki, were able to witness the girl's impressive spiritual abilities with a bow and arrow, and see her fall unconscious.
… It would be an interesting report to Naraku indeed.
KK: Muahah. I've finally got it out! Now, I'm finally getting a computer in my room (YES!) and therefore cannot promise how soon I can get to writing the next chapter… :D;; Don't worry though, I won't forget about it.
The Squabbit: Haa, thanks I did. :D Sorry this came out so late…
Inlovewithsesshoumaru: Aw, careful. Such praise might just go to my head… o.o
Inuyasha Crasy: Aw, thanks. :D I'm glad you like it.
Hermonie: Haha, thanks. I'm glad you liked it… and I'm sorry I didn't get to and for the horribly long wait. :D;;
Punk10709: Why thank you! That's so sweet of you to say, I'm glad you like it!
Bunniculasama: :gaspth: So THIS is what it feels like to have an amazing writer you love review your story… Eek! Such praise! I'm glad you liked it… I did what I could off of experince. Which of course means I hurried, looked up how to meditate, tried it myself, and wrote based off of that.
Waxynixo: Haha, thanks! Fantazmik… can I steal this word?
CultKagome and Sesshomaru: Ha! Yes, it was Every Heart. Great job, and thank you my vacation was awesome. :D
Chichiri-sama: Oh you do not know how hard I laughed when I first saw this… it just looked so cute. xD Anyways, no need for panic here, so you may begin breathing again Princess Chichiri-sama of the Idiots.
AnimusPatronus: Aw, thanks! Such amazing praise, I'll need to be careful not to let it go to my head… :D
Miko Gurl: Wow… such a long review. :D Thanks! And yes, I'll keep my Nara-kun hidden for my use only in my closet. And yes, I know Kiba seems a bit off right now… its only because he tends to be more the way Kyo said when training his soilders and such. Kyo and Kiba never really have talked much, so that's the only side he's seen. Plus you just GOTTA be nice to someone held in such high esteem by everyone in the castle except for Tsubasa and Kira… And it was Every Heart, one of the ending themes for the anime. :D You can't see Hori-chan with My-Linh? Really? That's the paring most voted for at the moment, so… heh. And no, I don't think I should add another male character. I've got far to many characters in general as it is… o.o Heehee, I hope you didn't mind this chapter either!
Kari Konoko: Indeed. After not having it for… four years I was happy enough.. but then it returned. :sighs: Oh well, what can you do? Asthma? Ick. My friend/beta reader Raye-chan has asthma too… I was afraid I'd kill her with my down comforter when she stayed over not to long ago… o.o And uh… I don't care much for Ayame, trying to force herself on my poor Kouga-kun… so I'd be happy enough if Ayame was "accidentally" pushed off a cliff…
Dark Chaos Wolf: No I am not… but I know quite a few who have been known to do the same when without any of those hair ornaments… and I'd just as happily use a spork for my hair. Thank you for your concern however.
Vanya the Elven Maiden of the Valar: Of course, glad to help! I agree with out… they just seem better suited for each other, ne?
Ninja-Wizard: Yeah, I like him too. :D And I fully agree with you. I do believe it will be 27 chapters, possibly 28. No, there will not be a sequel I'm afraid, but there will be a epilogue. :D I rather like my idea for an epilogue too… and heh, you'll just have to wait and find out for that… And yes, it is automatic once they become mates. I'm glad you like it so much, and I hope you liked this chapter!
Lua Haunted: :sighs: Yes I have… I wonder why all of a sudden everyone is compairing the two stories? I'm glad you like my story so much!
Concerned and confused: Actually it all depends how much you ever paid attention the story and my added notes at the beginning and end of each chapter… If you actually want to know, you should probably go back and reread.
Fluffyscatdemon: Thank you, I'm sorry for the wait…
MacDuffyGirl: Haha, thanks. Inuyasha will be ending up with Sango I believe, My-Linh with Hotohori, Kouga by himself (but not really because I'M here!), and Miroku… with no one. :D;;; You'll see why soon enough.
Megan: Oh why thank you! I'm glad you like it so much. :D
Dolphin girl202: Here you are, I hope you liked it!
Amethyst eyes: Teehee! I wish I could taste his lips… :pouts:
Amethyst eyes: Haha, all right. I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last two!
Ayame Ito: No, I don't think so, but I'm glad you reviewed all the same. :D
Sparkleberrie: Haha, well that's never a bad thing… I'm glad you like it so much:D
KKSG: Ah, how kind of you to say. I have, thank you, and vacation was awesome. I hope yours was fun as well!
Inugirl: Here you are, I hope you liked it!
Gringo: Aw, thanks! I hope you liked this chapter as well… :D
WolfPuppy: Aw, how kind of you! Actually I'm sure, because I won't ever get around to writing that part… the story will end well before then so I suppose you can imagine all their kids. I'm glad you like it so much and I hope the rest met your expectations!
Kitty Mew 2005: I'm glad you like it so much… I'm not sure I could ever take a break from writing. :D;; I just love to far too much.
Yukina-chan: AIIEE! :glomps: A review from my beta reader:D Aww… fine then. :pouts:
YoukaiTenshi: Thanks, and so far that's what it looks like its going to be. :D
Lady Orchid: I agree, that girl needs to become less accident-prone… and uhm… please don't have died. O.o That would be horrible for my conscious you know… Thank you, my vacation was amazing and fun… but I missed writing far too much. I am feeling better as well, teehee! I'm glad you like my story… :D (And I agree… I do it all the time!) Yes, I do believe that's who she'll be with from the looks of things. And uh… I'm sorry that there isn't much left for you to review… but I do appreciate you review those last remaining chapters… maybe you'll even end up liking my next story once I finish this one:D
Sora chi Kaminari: aw, thanks. And I'm glad you like it so much! Teehee, your praise it wonderful… just be careful. It might go to my head.
AngelaStarCat: Why thank you! I'm glad you like it:D
Night Sins: Should I take this as a good whoa or a bad whoa?
Lady Samara: Ah… I'm afraid he's gonna be with Sango… :D;; Sorry. Aw, a master? I doubt this, but maybe some day… :D
Kate: Don't worry I won't… until it ends. :D Yes, but only in my imagination I'm afraid… and onee-chan means sister, and onii-chan means brother. I'm glad you like it!
Kate: Why thank you.
Demon Houseki: Well I hope it met your expectations. :D
SellenaSilvia88: Aww! Pocky? For meee? How sweeeeet:D I love you already. Ah, don't worry, she won't be alone. It looks like she is going to be with Hotohori. :D;; And you can find it at H-E-B, Walmart, and various other places I'm sure.
Mekahanyou: I agree, and this one probably wasn't either, but I assure you it will all pick up sooner than you could possibly imagine.
Love Me Princess Kagome: Wow, really? I'm glad it affected you so much:D And actually the untamed one poses a greater threat. Without control over her powers she could accidentally purify everything in the surrounding area (like him and the inhabitants of his castle). In short it could end badly without control over her powers.
KK: Wheeee. Now. Important announcements, so listen up.
In case anyone missed it earlier: There are only about three, or actually two, chapters left of this story and one epilogue.
Also: For the voting, Hotohori is currently winning. No one can vote more than once, so don't even try. I've already written down names for who has voted already.
For the sake of fairness as well, if you are not registered and logged in you may not vote unless you have a working email address to prove you aren't some same person trying to tip the voting in favor of your preference.
And: We're about to get a computer set up in my room (FINALLY!) but I've no idea how long all of it will take… I'll get to writing the next chapter as soon as I can however, so no mauling the writer at any time.
Shippou: Okay. Now… go review.