Hey, hey, hey! How's everybody doin'? Stel here with the next installment of Demons Don't Cry! Everybody, grab your most comfortable chair, snuggle in with your favorite blanket. Because you won't want to leave once this party gets started! So anyway, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_
Chapter Seven: Beginning Again
Sesshoumaru glided through the air, driving straight for the transfixed Kagome, Tetsusaiga raised above him. He growled as he felt a surprising change in the sword . The blade suddenly become nearly ten times as heavy, transforming into the familiar fang of his father. It happened as soon as he started his swing, seemingly throwing his aim off on purpose. 'Perhaps this blade has a stronger will than I anticipated. I mastered the Toukijin,(sp?), I can master the Tetsusaiga as well! I always laughed at Inuyasha when he couldn't raise the sword. It is heavier then even I anticipated.' His conviction set, Sesshoumaru threw his weight behind the attack. Grunting he heaved with all his might. The fang came whistling down, destroying all in it's path.
At last the sword became still, buried a foot deep in hard earth. Dust wafted around it, encasing the moment in silence. When the haze settled, Sesshoumaru slowly looked down into the eyes of Kagome. She stared back, untouched. The blade rested a few millimeters from her feet. She stood frozen in shock for the longest time, until she remembered to breathe. Numbly, she released Rin and took a step back. Holding up her hands, she studied them, not believing her own eyes.
"I'm ALIVE." She said slowly, in disbelief.
"I'm really still alive..." At last realization dawned on her, filling her with a sense of overwhelming relief. Jubilation flooded through her voice.
"Yes, we did it Rin! I KNEW he would fall for it, you were great!"
"Thanks Kagome-chan! You were really good too. But Sesshoumaru scared me. I don't think I wanna do that again." Rin replied, her small voice quavering. Kagome glanced down at the frightened child, regret and compassion showing on her face.
"I'm so sorry Rin. I didn't mean to frighten you, Sess-chan was just doing his job. He loves you, he was only trying to protect you. I hope you know that I would never mean to hurt you. You're my best friend here!" She enveloped Rin in a protective hug. Rin smiled up at her, then hugged back.
"There now, all better! You can go to the garden and play if you want to." Rin giggled and nodded. Quickly she skipped off, wasting no time in heading for beautiful wildflower filled meadows.
Kagome straightened to regard Sesshoumaru. He still stood, grasping the hilt of Tetsusaiga, unmoving in silent contemplation. He seemed every bit as amazed at what had happened as she was. Rooted to the spot, he could only glare in rising disbelief.
"You... You tricked me!" He finally managed to growl out.
"Of course I tricked you, and it worked too! You learned how to transform Tetsusaiga." Said Kagome rather smugly.
"How dare you, I should have slit your throat when I had the chance. However, you held to your end of the bargain, even risking your own life in the process." He let his voice warm with praise. "For this I must give you your honor... And my deepest gratitude."
"Your welcome." Kagome replied with equal warmth. "I apologize for deceiving you, but it HAD to be done. Now Tetsusaiga will transform whenever you have need of it. As for the Wound of the Wind, you will have to learn that yourself. I posses no knowledge of battle. As promised, I have taught you all I know."
Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding. That would all come in time. 'But what of Kagome? I want her to stay. I must think of a reason to keep her here soon, before she decides to leave.' Grinning at his brilliance, Sesshoumaru looked back up at the iron willed demoness.
"Kagome, we have both been satisfied by this partnership." He hoped his voice came off smooth and cold, not betraying the anxiety he felt churning beneath. 'Will she accept my proposal, will she stay with me?'
"So I have another deal for you."
Kagome felt her interest spike. She was still as determined as ever to teach this demon lord to love. She had been searching desperately for a reason to stay. Maybe this would be her chance. She nodded to him in encouragement, trying not to seem overeager.
"As you know, Rin is my human ward. However, she will not be able to remain here forever. Someday she will wish to go out and see the world, to live among her own kind. When she does so, I want her to have dignity, to have a place in human society, to be respected."
"I understand." Kagome said gently. "How can I help?"
Sesshoumaru paused. Kagome could see the conflict rising in his eyes. He loved that girl so, It must be hard to let her go. She felt a surge of gentle affection for the taiyoukai.
"Will you teach Rin how to be a priestess?"
Kagome blinked in surprise. That hadn't been what she was expecting. She was a Miko, sure. But she would only be able to teach Rin the very basics. Maybe Kaede would be willing to teach the her more. Besides, Kaede would be needing an assistant soon, as the old Miko was definitely getting on in years. After a pause of thought, she answered.
"I would be honored."
She saw the beginnings of a smile tug on the corners of Sesshoumaru's lips. Grinning wider, she studied those beautiful lips in fascination. 'So luscious, it just makes you want to touch them. He should smile more often.'
Sesshoumaru glanced at Kagome in slight confusion. She seemed to be mesmerized by something on his face. His grin turned into a full fledged smile of amusement. He almost laughed when he saw her eyes widen in amazement. Their eyes met as something joyous passed between them.
"In return, you may have anything you wish." He answered, surprised at his own sudden impulse of generosity.
"Teach me how to be a demon!" She replied instantly. "I want you to show me how to fight, defend myself. How to sniff and hunt and growl. Everything you know, I want to learn."
Sesshoumaru regarded her solemnly. He seemed to be calculating something behind those unreadable eyes. Kagome gazed up at him imploringly, silently willing him to relent. At last, he answered her plea.
"This will take dedication, Miko. Practice and HARD work. But I will teach you. It is a fair proposition. Do we have an accord?"
"An accord!" Kagome responded triumphantly reaching out to shake his hand. Sesshoumaru's hand clasped around her own, startling her with it's warmth and roughness. 'He must work very hard, I used to think his servants did everything for him. Maybe that's not the case. He will be a good instructor.'
Both Sesshoumaru and Kagome secretly marveled at their own cleverness. 'Now I can stay here as long as I want!' Kagome thought with glee. 'I'll crack through his cold exterior yet.' 'That silly girl, I managed to talk her into staying. So easily, too!' Sesshoumaru mused. 'Training her will be a pleasure.' He grinned at the prospect. Kagome gently cleared her throat. He glanced down at her questioningly before he realized he had let his claws linger over her own. Her fingers were so delicate. Fragile yet strong, like her spirit. He became lost in his thoughts again.
"I'll have to return to the village." Kagome said as softly as she could, cutting into his pondering.
"What!" He dropped her hands sharply, taking a step back. Perhaps his plan to have her stay here and live with him hadn't worked so well after all.
"It's only for a short time!" She quickly reassured him. "If I'm going to be staying here I'll need to pick up a few things, also I wish to visit my friends." 'And my family, I'm way overdue. I won't tell Sesshoumaru about the well though, he'd never believe me.'
"The ones that died? That monk with the void in his hand and the demon exterminator?" Kagome herd a slight sneer in his voice at that last comment. Apparently he didn't approve of them. But what could she expect? He certainly hadn't ever approved of Inuyasha. Although they had seemed to begin to come to an understanding in those last days, before he had died.
"Yes." She replied softly, hiding her pain. "You know of them?"
"I know everything."
Kagome looked at him. His expression was dead serious. If it had been anyone else, she would have laughed. But with Sesshoumaru you could never tell. For all she knew he was telling the truth.
"There is also Shippo." She said cautiously.
"The kitsune cub?"
"Yes, my adopted son."
Kagome studied Sesshoumaru closely. His eyes had narrowed slightly at her last comment, but that was the only response. She took this as a good sign.
"I was hoping he could stay here, with you and Rin. She needs some playmates and Shippo would make a good friend."
She paused to await his answer. He had gone quiet. His gaze trailed off somewhere in the distance, cold, unreadable. She wished she knew what he was thinking.
"Very well, the Kitsune cub can stay. Start packing. The sooner you leave the sooner you can return."
Kagome bowed her head and turned to leave. She knew a dismissal when she heard one. A little disappointed, the demoness headed for her room. Sesshoumaru hadn't sounded too excited about Shippo. The kitsune would need a father figure to replace Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru was her prime candidate. He had already proven to her that he was good with children. And he was strong, loyal, gentle, caring....
Sighing, she quickly packed and headed for the large entrance foyer to the fortress. Pushing open the huge double oak doors, sunlight flooded through the entrance, temporarily blinding her with light and warmth. She jumped when a deep voice whispered in her ear.
"Do you know your way?"
A tingling sensation went all through her body when she recognized Sesshoumaru. His breath tickled delightfully along her pointy ears. Calling up warm feelings hidden deep within her mind.
"Yes, I'll remember. I've traveled there many times before."
"Good, then I'll expect you back by nightfall. After that the gates will be closed. Have a swift journey and be safe."
With that he abruptly turned and left. Kagome stood alone in the stone entrance. 'Well,' She thought, 'Good-bye to you too!' She turned and leaped into the air, heading for Inuyasha's forest.
Kagome streaked towards the Bone Eater's well. Reveling in her demonic power. It felt so exhilarating to run, wild and untamed, tearing over the countryside. She felt something rise within her as she ran. Calling to be released. It awoke deep feelings within her, anger, passion, life and the desire to be forever free. The feeling became stronger, turning her eyes to scarlet. Kagome forced a control on herself. Pushing down her raging emotions. Being a demon was amazing, she was still getting used to her powers. Supersensitive hearing, night vision, able to pick up the tiniest of movements. It was almost as if she had been blind as a human.
The well was in sight. Laughing exuberantly, Kagome paused on the ledge, balancing precariously before leaping down, barely suppressing the excitement of finally seeing her family again. She landed on the ground with a hard thud and a squeak of surprise. Looking up she saw blue sky and clouds. It hadn't worked! Kagome jumped up and looked around in confusion. Shrugging, she jumped down into the well once more. And again, it didn't work. She stood on the bottom of the well and hopped up and down, screaming in frustration.
"What the hell is the matter with you well? Why won't you work!"
After several minutes of screaming curses and accusations, she climbed out and sat on the ground beside it's ledge. 'What's wrong? Why won't it work? Is it because the Shikon is complete, hidden away within my body? Maybe it disintegrated at last, Isn't that what was supposed to happen when the wish was pure? Now I can't get through the well. I'll never see my family again!' Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. However, before any could fall a flash of movement caught her eye. She thought she saw a glimpse of red, a hint of silver, a familiar shape. She jumped up and ran towards the tree line. When Kagome arrived, no one was there.
"Now that's funny, I could've sworn I saw...."
It whooshed by again, just behind her. She whirled around to see nothing but thin air. Her body tensed and all senses went on alert. She was not alone. Kagome was suddenly acutely aware that she was unarmed.
"Come out! I know you're there!"
"Kagome." A voice whispered. The sound seemed to wrap around her, confusing her senses. Kagome whirled once again, this time in fright. Whatever it was knew her name! She turned in all directions, seeing nothing but trees and leaves. She heard it again, this time it was moving. She jumped up in quick pursuit. A desperate chase ensued through the forest. If it knew who she was, she was damned if she'd let it run free.
Kagome gave chase with a growing sense of curiosity. Fear began to diminish as the demonic exhilaration of hunting captured her mind, holding it in thrall. Ahead she could catch an occasional glimpse of her mysterious antagonist. Then, as suddenly as it began, it stopped.
She paused for a moment to catch her breath and get her bearings. Kagome started when she recognized the familiar shape of the Goshinboku tree. The place always struck a special cord in her heart. There was movement in the branches, then someone jumped down, to land lightly in front of her.
Kagome gasped as she beheld the figure before her. He stood tall, with an arrogant smirk and a cocky tilt to his head. There was no mistaking his distinctive red haori or baggy pants. Silky white dog ears sat upon his head, twitching at the sounds of the forest. She could hear his breathing, so familiar yet unbelievable. Her own breath stopped as she took in his eyes. They were blood red, narrowed to barely discernible slits. Two jagged purple streaks marked his brow and fangs poked from behind his lips. He cracked his knuckles suggestively and let out a dangerously low chuckle.
"Kagome, I have you at last."
!@#$%^&*()_+!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!~@
Um... yeah. Another cliffy, but what did you expect? I'm really sorry it took me so long to update. School started and I'm trying to work on my other fic, a Trigun one that I'm co-writing with my friend. It might be a while before I can update again, but don't worry! I promise to stick with it. I finish all my stories! Hope you enjoyed! :)(: Stelmaria
A big huge gigantic thank you to all of my reviewers! You are the people that inspired me to get off my lazy butt and upload this next chappy! Yay for you guys!
Darkfluffy
Haze Zeikechitan
speedy2244
Sour Schuyler
Tsuki no Tenyo
Lil'misao
Girl-who-sings-the-blues
the hitokiri battousai himura
BabbleQueen
Seiyo-san
Lord Sesshoumaru (ahem, I dig the name!)
Yun Fei
Aira^o^
And thank you to anyone else who reviewed, if your name isn't up there, e-mail me!
~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_
Chapter Seven: Beginning Again
Sesshoumaru glided through the air, driving straight for the transfixed Kagome, Tetsusaiga raised above him. He growled as he felt a surprising change in the sword . The blade suddenly become nearly ten times as heavy, transforming into the familiar fang of his father. It happened as soon as he started his swing, seemingly throwing his aim off on purpose. 'Perhaps this blade has a stronger will than I anticipated. I mastered the Toukijin,(sp?), I can master the Tetsusaiga as well! I always laughed at Inuyasha when he couldn't raise the sword. It is heavier then even I anticipated.' His conviction set, Sesshoumaru threw his weight behind the attack. Grunting he heaved with all his might. The fang came whistling down, destroying all in it's path.
At last the sword became still, buried a foot deep in hard earth. Dust wafted around it, encasing the moment in silence. When the haze settled, Sesshoumaru slowly looked down into the eyes of Kagome. She stared back, untouched. The blade rested a few millimeters from her feet. She stood frozen in shock for the longest time, until she remembered to breathe. Numbly, she released Rin and took a step back. Holding up her hands, she studied them, not believing her own eyes.
"I'm ALIVE." She said slowly, in disbelief.
"I'm really still alive..." At last realization dawned on her, filling her with a sense of overwhelming relief. Jubilation flooded through her voice.
"Yes, we did it Rin! I KNEW he would fall for it, you were great!"
"Thanks Kagome-chan! You were really good too. But Sesshoumaru scared me. I don't think I wanna do that again." Rin replied, her small voice quavering. Kagome glanced down at the frightened child, regret and compassion showing on her face.
"I'm so sorry Rin. I didn't mean to frighten you, Sess-chan was just doing his job. He loves you, he was only trying to protect you. I hope you know that I would never mean to hurt you. You're my best friend here!" She enveloped Rin in a protective hug. Rin smiled up at her, then hugged back.
"There now, all better! You can go to the garden and play if you want to." Rin giggled and nodded. Quickly she skipped off, wasting no time in heading for beautiful wildflower filled meadows.
Kagome straightened to regard Sesshoumaru. He still stood, grasping the hilt of Tetsusaiga, unmoving in silent contemplation. He seemed every bit as amazed at what had happened as she was. Rooted to the spot, he could only glare in rising disbelief.
"You... You tricked me!" He finally managed to growl out.
"Of course I tricked you, and it worked too! You learned how to transform Tetsusaiga." Said Kagome rather smugly.
"How dare you, I should have slit your throat when I had the chance. However, you held to your end of the bargain, even risking your own life in the process." He let his voice warm with praise. "For this I must give you your honor... And my deepest gratitude."
"Your welcome." Kagome replied with equal warmth. "I apologize for deceiving you, but it HAD to be done. Now Tetsusaiga will transform whenever you have need of it. As for the Wound of the Wind, you will have to learn that yourself. I posses no knowledge of battle. As promised, I have taught you all I know."
Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding. That would all come in time. 'But what of Kagome? I want her to stay. I must think of a reason to keep her here soon, before she decides to leave.' Grinning at his brilliance, Sesshoumaru looked back up at the iron willed demoness.
"Kagome, we have both been satisfied by this partnership." He hoped his voice came off smooth and cold, not betraying the anxiety he felt churning beneath. 'Will she accept my proposal, will she stay with me?'
"So I have another deal for you."
Kagome felt her interest spike. She was still as determined as ever to teach this demon lord to love. She had been searching desperately for a reason to stay. Maybe this would be her chance. She nodded to him in encouragement, trying not to seem overeager.
"As you know, Rin is my human ward. However, she will not be able to remain here forever. Someday she will wish to go out and see the world, to live among her own kind. When she does so, I want her to have dignity, to have a place in human society, to be respected."
"I understand." Kagome said gently. "How can I help?"
Sesshoumaru paused. Kagome could see the conflict rising in his eyes. He loved that girl so, It must be hard to let her go. She felt a surge of gentle affection for the taiyoukai.
"Will you teach Rin how to be a priestess?"
Kagome blinked in surprise. That hadn't been what she was expecting. She was a Miko, sure. But she would only be able to teach Rin the very basics. Maybe Kaede would be willing to teach the her more. Besides, Kaede would be needing an assistant soon, as the old Miko was definitely getting on in years. After a pause of thought, she answered.
"I would be honored."
She saw the beginnings of a smile tug on the corners of Sesshoumaru's lips. Grinning wider, she studied those beautiful lips in fascination. 'So luscious, it just makes you want to touch them. He should smile more often.'
Sesshoumaru glanced at Kagome in slight confusion. She seemed to be mesmerized by something on his face. His grin turned into a full fledged smile of amusement. He almost laughed when he saw her eyes widen in amazement. Their eyes met as something joyous passed between them.
"In return, you may have anything you wish." He answered, surprised at his own sudden impulse of generosity.
"Teach me how to be a demon!" She replied instantly. "I want you to show me how to fight, defend myself. How to sniff and hunt and growl. Everything you know, I want to learn."
Sesshoumaru regarded her solemnly. He seemed to be calculating something behind those unreadable eyes. Kagome gazed up at him imploringly, silently willing him to relent. At last, he answered her plea.
"This will take dedication, Miko. Practice and HARD work. But I will teach you. It is a fair proposition. Do we have an accord?"
"An accord!" Kagome responded triumphantly reaching out to shake his hand. Sesshoumaru's hand clasped around her own, startling her with it's warmth and roughness. 'He must work very hard, I used to think his servants did everything for him. Maybe that's not the case. He will be a good instructor.'
Both Sesshoumaru and Kagome secretly marveled at their own cleverness. 'Now I can stay here as long as I want!' Kagome thought with glee. 'I'll crack through his cold exterior yet.' 'That silly girl, I managed to talk her into staying. So easily, too!' Sesshoumaru mused. 'Training her will be a pleasure.' He grinned at the prospect. Kagome gently cleared her throat. He glanced down at her questioningly before he realized he had let his claws linger over her own. Her fingers were so delicate. Fragile yet strong, like her spirit. He became lost in his thoughts again.
"I'll have to return to the village." Kagome said as softly as she could, cutting into his pondering.
"What!" He dropped her hands sharply, taking a step back. Perhaps his plan to have her stay here and live with him hadn't worked so well after all.
"It's only for a short time!" She quickly reassured him. "If I'm going to be staying here I'll need to pick up a few things, also I wish to visit my friends." 'And my family, I'm way overdue. I won't tell Sesshoumaru about the well though, he'd never believe me.'
"The ones that died? That monk with the void in his hand and the demon exterminator?" Kagome herd a slight sneer in his voice at that last comment. Apparently he didn't approve of them. But what could she expect? He certainly hadn't ever approved of Inuyasha. Although they had seemed to begin to come to an understanding in those last days, before he had died.
"Yes." She replied softly, hiding her pain. "You know of them?"
"I know everything."
Kagome looked at him. His expression was dead serious. If it had been anyone else, she would have laughed. But with Sesshoumaru you could never tell. For all she knew he was telling the truth.
"There is also Shippo." She said cautiously.
"The kitsune cub?"
"Yes, my adopted son."
Kagome studied Sesshoumaru closely. His eyes had narrowed slightly at her last comment, but that was the only response. She took this as a good sign.
"I was hoping he could stay here, with you and Rin. She needs some playmates and Shippo would make a good friend."
She paused to await his answer. He had gone quiet. His gaze trailed off somewhere in the distance, cold, unreadable. She wished she knew what he was thinking.
"Very well, the Kitsune cub can stay. Start packing. The sooner you leave the sooner you can return."
Kagome bowed her head and turned to leave. She knew a dismissal when she heard one. A little disappointed, the demoness headed for her room. Sesshoumaru hadn't sounded too excited about Shippo. The kitsune would need a father figure to replace Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru was her prime candidate. He had already proven to her that he was good with children. And he was strong, loyal, gentle, caring....
Sighing, she quickly packed and headed for the large entrance foyer to the fortress. Pushing open the huge double oak doors, sunlight flooded through the entrance, temporarily blinding her with light and warmth. She jumped when a deep voice whispered in her ear.
"Do you know your way?"
A tingling sensation went all through her body when she recognized Sesshoumaru. His breath tickled delightfully along her pointy ears. Calling up warm feelings hidden deep within her mind.
"Yes, I'll remember. I've traveled there many times before."
"Good, then I'll expect you back by nightfall. After that the gates will be closed. Have a swift journey and be safe."
With that he abruptly turned and left. Kagome stood alone in the stone entrance. 'Well,' She thought, 'Good-bye to you too!' She turned and leaped into the air, heading for Inuyasha's forest.
Kagome streaked towards the Bone Eater's well. Reveling in her demonic power. It felt so exhilarating to run, wild and untamed, tearing over the countryside. She felt something rise within her as she ran. Calling to be released. It awoke deep feelings within her, anger, passion, life and the desire to be forever free. The feeling became stronger, turning her eyes to scarlet. Kagome forced a control on herself. Pushing down her raging emotions. Being a demon was amazing, she was still getting used to her powers. Supersensitive hearing, night vision, able to pick up the tiniest of movements. It was almost as if she had been blind as a human.
The well was in sight. Laughing exuberantly, Kagome paused on the ledge, balancing precariously before leaping down, barely suppressing the excitement of finally seeing her family again. She landed on the ground with a hard thud and a squeak of surprise. Looking up she saw blue sky and clouds. It hadn't worked! Kagome jumped up and looked around in confusion. Shrugging, she jumped down into the well once more. And again, it didn't work. She stood on the bottom of the well and hopped up and down, screaming in frustration.
"What the hell is the matter with you well? Why won't you work!"
After several minutes of screaming curses and accusations, she climbed out and sat on the ground beside it's ledge. 'What's wrong? Why won't it work? Is it because the Shikon is complete, hidden away within my body? Maybe it disintegrated at last, Isn't that what was supposed to happen when the wish was pure? Now I can't get through the well. I'll never see my family again!' Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. However, before any could fall a flash of movement caught her eye. She thought she saw a glimpse of red, a hint of silver, a familiar shape. She jumped up and ran towards the tree line. When Kagome arrived, no one was there.
"Now that's funny, I could've sworn I saw...."
It whooshed by again, just behind her. She whirled around to see nothing but thin air. Her body tensed and all senses went on alert. She was not alone. Kagome was suddenly acutely aware that she was unarmed.
"Come out! I know you're there!"
"Kagome." A voice whispered. The sound seemed to wrap around her, confusing her senses. Kagome whirled once again, this time in fright. Whatever it was knew her name! She turned in all directions, seeing nothing but trees and leaves. She heard it again, this time it was moving. She jumped up in quick pursuit. A desperate chase ensued through the forest. If it knew who she was, she was damned if she'd let it run free.
Kagome gave chase with a growing sense of curiosity. Fear began to diminish as the demonic exhilaration of hunting captured her mind, holding it in thrall. Ahead she could catch an occasional glimpse of her mysterious antagonist. Then, as suddenly as it began, it stopped.
She paused for a moment to catch her breath and get her bearings. Kagome started when she recognized the familiar shape of the Goshinboku tree. The place always struck a special cord in her heart. There was movement in the branches, then someone jumped down, to land lightly in front of her.
Kagome gasped as she beheld the figure before her. He stood tall, with an arrogant smirk and a cocky tilt to his head. There was no mistaking his distinctive red haori or baggy pants. Silky white dog ears sat upon his head, twitching at the sounds of the forest. She could hear his breathing, so familiar yet unbelievable. Her own breath stopped as she took in his eyes. They were blood red, narrowed to barely discernible slits. Two jagged purple streaks marked his brow and fangs poked from behind his lips. He cracked his knuckles suggestively and let out a dangerously low chuckle.
"Kagome, I have you at last."
!@#$%^&*()_+!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!@#$%^&*()_+~!~@
Um... yeah. Another cliffy, but what did you expect? I'm really sorry it took me so long to update. School started and I'm trying to work on my other fic, a Trigun one that I'm co-writing with my friend. It might be a while before I can update again, but don't worry! I promise to stick with it. I finish all my stories! Hope you enjoyed! :)(: Stelmaria
A big huge gigantic thank you to all of my reviewers! You are the people that inspired me to get off my lazy butt and upload this next chappy! Yay for you guys!
Darkfluffy
Haze Zeikechitan
speedy2244
Sour Schuyler
Tsuki no Tenyo
Lil'misao
Girl-who-sings-the-blues
the hitokiri battousai himura
BabbleQueen
Seiyo-san
Lord Sesshoumaru (ahem, I dig the name!)
Yun Fei
Aira^o^
And thank you to anyone else who reviewed, if your name isn't up there, e-mail me!