Warm-ice: phew! It's finally over!
Miroku: Awww, please don't say that, Warm-Ice-sama!
Shippou: that is so depressing!
Kouga: oh, stop kissing up to the authoress, you little suck up.
Shippou: what did you call me!
Sess: silence yourselves.
Everyone: (looking at sess weirdly)
Warm-Ice: what's wrong, Sess?
Sess: nothing.
Warm-Ice: Kag, what's wrong with him?
Kag: I think he has a headache.
Warm-Ice: a headache? Why?
Kag: he's starting to feel more emotions than normal and being him, he's trying to suppress it all.
Warm-Ice: emotions? About what?
Kag: about you and Haruko leaving us…
Warm-Ice: (blinks in surprise)…………………………….oh…. ARRGH! (clutches heart) the sincere kindness! It BUUURRRRNNNNSSSS!
Sess: just answer your reviewers, woman.
destinyheart15: thanks, darling! You've always been so supportive! I will miss you!
Shikabane-Mai: haha! Well, I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!
the amber dragonfly: oh, thank you so much. Inu, did you hear that?
Inu: (blushes) yeah, I heard! So what!
Warm-Ice: aw, you're such a cute little puppy!
Inu: keh!
Anime Lady PIMP: (LAUGHING LIKE A MANIAC!)
Kag: question; WHY IS EVERYONE PICKING ON ME!
TakaraDaiya: hehehe…
Kouga: (grinning madly)
Sess: (looking dangerously at you) what did you say…?
Midnight Walker: sorry, being Sesshoumaru, touching her was affectionate enough.
Sess: and yes, really. You may worship my undeniable beauty and bask in my ambiance.
Warm-ice: oh Kami, you are so full of it.
Kag: again; WHY IS EVERYONE PICKING ON ME!
xwishful-thinkingx: cookies!
Shippou: I want some too!
Warm-Ice: just because you're cute!
Shippou: yay!
Warm-ice: This chapter is the longest chapter I've done as of yet! It was hard but…for the last chapter, I'll do my best! (sigh) who am I kidding, I'm so freagin' tired.
Inu: damn it woman, come here!
Warm-Ice: (raises brow ad sits besides him) what's up—(stiffens when Inu puts his arm around her and pushes her head to lean on his shoulder.) w-what are you doing, Inu-yasha?
Inu: you work too hard sometimes so just rest for a while. (grumbles) women…
Warm-Ice: (clutches heart) ARRGGHH! THE SINCERE KINDNESS!IT BUURRRNNNSSS!
Chapter 30: Which One?
Stepping into the much larger hut, Haruko saw many smiling faces gathered around a feast. Suddenly, a big bouncy fur ball threw itself at her and she caught it in her arms.
"HARUKO-CHAAAAN!" Shippou squealed happily, hugging her warmly. Haruko was bewildered but hugged him back with a smile nevertheless. "Oh, I missed you so much! Imissedyou! Imissedyou! Imissedyou!" he went on wailing.
Haruko just giggled, cradling him comfortably in her arms. Sesshoumaru and Kagome stood at both her sides, and Sesshoumaru was first to speak.
"Zabu-san." He spoke, his voice still low but booming like thunder. Zabu stood and smiled zealously at the three who looked so very…right.
Kagome smiled pleasantly, "Thank you very much for giving us this feast, Zabu-san."
"We wish to introduce to you…" Sesshoumaru said with that ever so blank façade, "our daughter and the princess of the Western Lands, Haruko."
Zabu's eyes turned to the beautiful hanyou between the Taiyoukai and the ningen. Haruko gave a small smile and bowed her respect. Zabu's eyes twinkled and his smile brightened.
"Wah! How beautiful! If I had known we would be visited by a goddess, I would have shaved!" Zabu complimented.
Kagome giggled, Haruko blushed and smiled while Sesshoumaru smirked proudly.
"Come! Come! Join the festivities! After all, we did this for you." he said, presenting them to the table. "Everyone!" he called for their attention. Everyone was silent and they all turned to him. "I am honored to introduce to you the royal family of the Western Lands; his majesty Sesshoumaru-sama, her highness Kagome-sama, and their beautiful princess Haruko!"
Everyone cheered and clapped and welcomed them warmly. Haruko spotted Mila in the group and she was just about to smile to him when she remembered the last time they met. But to her surprise, Mila himself came forward and smiled to her. He introduced his new girlfriend to her, a pretty girl with short black hair named Sui.
Mila seemed to have lost his bashfulness now that he was with this assertive, fiery girl. She was glad for them.
Sesshoumaru and Kagome watched their daughter socialize with old friends before turning to each other. She smiled warmly at him and he gave her a small smile in return. They were finally complete.
As Miroku and Sango spoke with Haruko, she looked around, scanning the whole place. No, he wasn't there. Where was he then? Where could he be? She hoped he didn't leave without her being able to say goodbye. She had to see him before…
And there he was, passing by the group across from her. His eyes locked with hers for a single moment. But then, he looked away and was lost in the sea of strangers. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The way he looked at her… He didn't smile at her anymore. Where was his ever-present smile?
She excused herself from the conversation and followed Kouga as he went outside. Unknown to her, a set of emerald eyes gleamed with suspicion as she passed him by. Shippou frowned dangerously at the sight of Haruko following Kouga. What had happened between them? Was Kouga posing a threat?
As he walked far enough from the tents that the sounds of people's merrymaking was dulled, he stopped under the shade of a tree and turned around to face her, sensing her following him all along. She stood a few feet away from him, looking him in the eyes unsurely, her doggy ears flattened.
She was so adorable, he thought. At that, he managed a small smile. He shook his head and said, "You are just too cute, Inu-him—" at that he stopped himself and faltered. "Princess Haruko."
At that, Haruko knew that he was already told the truth about her. There was no use denying it now. She looked down, not knowing what to tell him.
"How come they didn't tell me anything about your fiancé?" he asked casually.
"They don't know." She answered meekly.
"So, let me get this straight. You're a princess from the future."
"Hai."
"And you came all the way back to the past to see your mother…Kagome?"
"Hai."
"And your father would be Sesshoumaru?"
"Hai."
"And Inu-yasha is what? Your uncle?"
"Correct." He scratched the back of his head and scoffed at his foolishness, remembering the shocked look on his face when Kagome explained everything to him while Haruko slept. It was pretty hard to believe at first but when he saw Kagome and Sesshoumaru together…they seemed right. He felt that Sesshoumaru was the one that belonged with Kagome. And he was usually right about these things, usually.
"And…they don't know that you're going to get married?"
"Hai."
"Care to tell me why?"
"…What I told them was not the whole truth. I…I took the potion the night before I would meet my fiancé." She averted her gaze guiltily. "I just…wanted to see her again before…" she couldn't continue.
"So you don't know who you're engaged to?" he asked in a low whisper as if the very thought sent his blood boiling.
"Hai…" she sadly answered.
"Why don't you fight back?" she looked up at him incredulously as if the very mention of it was appalling.
"What?"
"Fight back. Fight for your rights. Fight for what you believe in. Tell them you don't want to marry a stranger."
"No!" she said indignantly. "I would never disobey my Father!"
"Why not!" he asked irritably. "You have your own mind! You decide for your own future!"
"No!" she said. "This is the least that I can do for my country!" she said.
"Why! Why do you have to think that it's the least you can do for your country! Why can't you just think of yourself for once!"
"Because I can't!" she exploded. "People have been serving me hand and foot since I was a child! The least I could do is to give them a peaceful life! It's my responsibility as a princess! I was born for this purpose!"
"What purpose! To give yourself to a complete stranger just for—" but he couldn't continue. She had already walked up to him and slapped him right across the face. He slowly turned to her, seeing the silently seething look in her eyes.
"My purpose is to serve my country, my lord and my people. You, perhaps, don't understand that concept for you always only think of what you want and what you think will make you happy." Kouga watched as emotions swam in those sapphire eyes, mesmerized by the many emotions she was keeping inside: rage, sadness, pain, passion, care, strength, but mostly…loneliness. She was hurting. Deep down inside, he could see her waiting for someone to come and save her from the dark confines of her duties and responsibilities.
"But I have been taught nothing else but to serve these three purposes until my last breath and I intend to do so." But then she blinked, the emotions vanishing from her eyes as if coming back to her senses. She regained composure and stepped back, bowing her head in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry."
Silence ensued as birds chirped merrily above them, blissfully unaware of the scene beneath them.
She heard him scoff and looked up at him. He looked back at her with a small, soft yet bitter smile, "You know, I was really shocked when I found out about you? I thought we were just two years apart. Turns out we're actually twenty years apart. God that sucks."
Haruko giggled but soon caught herself and covered her smile with her fingers to her lips. The change of subject was a sign that he forgave her and was also a relief. She supposed he knew that already. That was also something remarkable about Kouga. They were so diverse and yet he knew exactly what she wanted, what she needed, what she felt. Even if she herself didn't.
Upon hearing her giggle, he smiled again and looked at her with gentle eyes; admiring her almost unbelievable beauty. She was so mature for her age. And yet with that maturity comes a price to pay. A lonely life filled with fear of the unknown. She was so afraid of failing and being wrong that her fear was the very thing that prevented her from going forward. He wished he could just somehow show her that.
He wanted to tell her, Dare to Fail. It's alright to get something wrong. She just had to learn from it. It's alright to take a risk.
"Would you have loved me if we had been under other circumstances…?" he whispered, making her freeze in place. He wasn't asking her that, he was just thinking aloud. And yet even if he did ask for her answer…she wouldn't know what to say.
She simply smiled wisely at him and said, "Would you have met me under other circumstances?"
Silence ensued before, "No…" he answered in a weak whisper. It was the sad truth. But he smiled despite himself, figuring that this was the way things were supposed to be.
"Haruko-chan!" Haruko turned around and her eyebrows rose in surprise at the sight of Shippou walking towards them.
"Shippou-sama." She said in surprise. He came closer and smiled brightly at Haruko.
"Kagome-chan has been looking all over for you. They said they have something important to tell you." He said brightly.
Haruko smiled politely and nodded, "Alright." But surprising still, Shippou bounded up to her, grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the gathering and away from Kouga. "Ah—S-Shippou-sama—I was—"
"You can talk to Kouga later. They said it's really important." Shippou casually waved off, continuing on his walk away from the wolf.
Haruko turned her head to look at Kouga apologetically. Kouga just smirked. She was so cute.
"I'll see you later, Inu-hime!" he yelled to her.
Haruko gave a small smile, reassured that he would stay until she properly says goodbye.
Shippou glanced back upon hearing Kouga and looked at him with narrow eyes. Something evil and green bubbled up inside of him at that. He couldn't find a name for it, but it was growing inside of him. And as they walked on, he tightened his hold on Haruko's hand protectively. If that wolf thinks he could get Haruko's heart with his 'boyish charms' then he better think again.
I'm the one who'll keep her safe. It's in my arms she'll be running to.
Later…
"Oh,Guys! Can you please wait until we get out before you do that!" Haruko yelled with a blush as she pushed a grinning Shippou out of her parent's tent. For a while they had been talking about the wedding plans. Kagome said they were planning to have a wedding with Kagome's whole family as a witness in Sengoku Jidai. Details were talked about and Haruko was fine with it all until they both got caught up in their own little world that they completely forgot there were two kids in the room.
Kagome's giggling could be heard and she said, "Gomen, Haruko-chan! Sesshoumaru, stop! That tickles!"
"And congratulations on your wedding! I just know it'll be a blast." She added with a small smile, turning away from the closed entrance of the tent.
"Haruko…" Shippou called. Haruko looked at him and smiled, waiting for him to continue.
"Hai, Shippou-sama?"
"Can we kiss like that one day?" he asked innocently.
At that, Haruko's eyes widened and a blush appeared on her face. A few years ago, she would have been delighted to hear that from Shippou. But she didn't want to be branded as a pedophile. She chuckled and said, "Gomen, Shippou-sama. Demo I think you're too young—er—I'm too young. I'm not even supposed to exist yet."
"Aw! Why not!" Shippou whined. He puckered his lips and made an adorable kissy face, "Kiss me! Kiss me!"
"No!" Haruko squealed as Shippou tried to lung at her with the kissy face and she dodged successfully. She squealed again and giggled as Shippou ran after her with the kissy face, saying,
"Kiss me! Kiss me!"
From afar—beneath the shade of a tree—watched Inu-yasha. His elbow was propped onto the tree bark, his other hand to his hip, as a small smile adorned his handsome face at the sight of Shippou playing with Haruko.
But then his ears perked up and he turned around slightly, only to see a smiling Miroku standing a few feet from him. "Miroku…" Inu-yasha acknowledged as Miroku came forward.
"How have you been, Inu-yasha?" Miroku asked with that ever-charming smile.
Inu-yasha, knowing the monk meant nothing but good, answered, "Better."
"Have you heard that Kagome-sama and Sess—"
"Yeah, I heard." He cut in.
"So what are your plans now, old friend?"
Inu-yasha looked back at his niece and said, "I'm gonna do my end of the bargain."
"Bargain, Inu-yasha?" Miroku asked curiously with a raised brow.
Inu-yasha didn't answer. All he knew was that he was going to do what he was supposed to do to fulfill his new purpose; to keep Kagome's family happy.
As the day went on, everything went peacefully. Haruko had a great time spent with her united family and her friends. And yet her thoughts kept returning, reflecting upon the times she had spent through the past.
As she lay on her bed, with Sango sleeping peacefully beside her and Kirara purring softly at their feet, she thought back to the time when she first saw her mother again for such a long time.
It was time. She was ready. Silently and gracefully, she sat up and got out of bed. She walked out into the cold night, passing by her parents' tent where she could just imagine them holding each other comfortably; speaking sweet words to each other, promises of love and fidelity.
She went further out into the forest, stopping at a small clearing a few feet away from the tribe.
With a small, accepting smile, she took out a vial of silver water from her sleeve and uncorked it, putting it to her lips and drinking in a ceremonious manner. After drinking what was left of the bottled silver water, she started making movements we once upon a rainy night saw her do. She closed her eyes and begun the ritual to travel back to her time. When the dance was finished, she brought her hands to her heart, her head looking up to the heavens. She waited…
"You're leaving?" she gasped as light flashed high above the dark clouds. Her eyes opened wide and she looked down only to see him standing there, merely a few feet out of reach, looking at her with such longing eyes.
"Kouga…" she said.
"I thought you were gonna say goodbye to me first." He said with a soft smile.
She tried to smile, "Gomen. I have to leave now."
"I love you." He suddenly said.
She froze but tried to maintain that smile. "I—hope you have a—peaceful life…" she said, ignoring his statement, her body trembling.
"I love you." He repeated, looking at her with the most honest eyes she had ever seen. She bit her lower lip.
Her smile faltered but she struggled to keep it in tact. "I—I thank you for your—"
"I love you, Haruko."
She looked at him with pleading eyes, wishing he would stop saying that for she knew that his love couldn't possibly be returned. She was to be married. She wasn't supposed to love. She couldn't…
Suddenly, a sparkling beam from the sky shone upon her frail form. Her grip on the spot where her heart should be tightened. She could feel her feet leaving the ground. Slowly and gently, the light brought her higher, up into the air. All this transpired and yet her eyes never wavered from his.
"Kouga…please…" she pleaded weakly.
But Kouga never shook, his will never weakened, his eyes shone with determination and a forbidden promise.
"I love you, Haruko, Princess of the Western Lands. And I will always love you." As a bright blue light slowly engulfed her form, she looked at him with deep sadness.
"You can't love me, Kouga…" she said.
"Forever!" he yelled, grinning confidently. She looked at him with surprise; not expecting nor understanding. "I promise I'll love you and only you! I'll be waiting for you! Even if it takes forever!"
Bump, bump, bump, bump…
There it was again. And this time she was sure. Her heart was beating loudly against her chest. And as the light engulfed her completely, all she could do was smile sadly and say…
"Thank you…Kouga…"
Thank you…for teaching me to trust again…
"Thank you…and goodbye…" with that; she was gone in a bright flash of light, leaving him in darkness, his confident grin melting into a small frown. Even until then, she couldn't bring herself to say she loved him. He wanted to hear it from her. And he was willing to wait forever to hear it come from her lips.
But within the darkness, emerald eyes shone dangerously. A frown marred the little child's once angelic face. Now he knew—he knew definitely…
Kouga was a threat.
In a large room drowned in darkness where the light of the moon cast shadows upon the quite space, there was a bright flash of light. Haruko felt her feet softly touch the floor. She opened her eyes slowly to find herself back in the dark confines of her chambers; her place of solitude and truth. The silent witness of her pains.
Upon realization, his voice came back to her.
"I'll be waiting for you! Even if it takes forever!"
Forever, he said. Forever, he promised. He said he'd love and wait for her…forever…
She fell to her knees, a foreign sound escaped her lips; a sob. Another sob came from her and her shoulders shook. She covered her ears and bent down so that her forehead touched the floor. His voice kept ringing in her mind. Forever, forever, forever!
Slowly, tears fell from her tightly shut eyes. Her soft sobs became more frequent. She cried softly, her heart clenching violently. For she knew that there was no such thing!
Forever…
Suddenly the doors flew open, Akito and Touya came in quickly and knelt to their obviously distressed princess.
"Lady Haruko …Lady Haruko …" Akito said with worry, bringing her up to look at her. She covered her face in shame, shaking her head in a vain attempt to tell them nothing was wrong.
"What is the problem, Lady Haruko?" Touya said in a troubled tone as Akito gathered her into his arms and he numbly held her close, loving the way her hair felt in his hands; reveling in the warmth of her body and the sound of her soft sobs. But this was not the time to think of such things. It was the first time they had ever heard their princess cry. And it was a very scary time indeed. What could hurt their princess so much that she would actually cry out loud?
She cried for a long while before she became too tired to go on and she was on the brink of sleep in Akito's comforting arms. All the while Touya had held her hand, telling her that they were both there for her no matter what. Her two true friends. The only people who would be ever so loyal to her until the end of her life. Not forever…
"There is no such thing as forever…" she whispered softly to herself.
Akito and Touya looked at each other with confused expressions, not knowing what had come over their Lady.
"Lady Haruko, are you—"
"Akito…Touya…" she said, catching both men's attention. "I will meet him tomorrow, won't I?" she asked bitterly yet softly.
They looked at each other again, knowing she was talking about her mystery fiancé.
She snuggled into Akito's arms and Akito furiously blushed. Since when had their Lady ever been so emotional and affectionate? Never had she ever allowed them to see her so fragile before and yet now… she had somehow changed.
"Please stay with me…only until I fall asleep." She asked weakly. Akito looked unsurely into Touya's deep green eyes. Touya nodded to him and Akito gave Haruko a small smile.
"As you wish, M'lady."
They brought her to her bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. They lay beside her on their sides and watched their princess with tender smiles. She was like a child again; back when she would still scream after waking up from a nightmare. They were always there—Akito and Touya—they grew up with Haruko and loved her the most, dedicating their lives and hearts to her and only her.
She had given them a reason, a purpose: to protect her frail heart of glass. She was their driving force. And one can only imagine how good it felt to have somebody to live for. After all, without purpose, existence is worthless. Without purpose, one would be lost.
But over the years, as she grew more and more beautiful, women became more and more jealous. Betrayal and bitterness took its toll and apathy ruled her. She put up a wall of ice to protect herself, not trusting anyone else but her family: maintaining a distance, wearing a mask. Both Akito and Touya were saddened by this yet said nothing.
But now…their beloved princess was back. Something changed in her and it made the wall of ice melt into tears.
"Thank you…" she whispered before her breathing became even and steady. Touya smirked, Akito noticed. They quietly sat up, Akito brushing the bangs away from her closed eyes with delicate fingers.
"Goodnight, m'lady…" Touya whispered as Akito opened the door and the two made their leave after one last glance at the only woman they had ever loved. For tomorrow, she will no longer be theirs.
The next day, as Akito and Touya escorted her towards her father's quarters (which used to be Kagome's quarters as well) she stopped at the hallway upon catching a glimpse of something out of the ordinary.
She looked up at the wall in wonder and Touya was first to ask, "What is the matter, m'lady?"
"That painting…" she said, pointing at the painting of her curled up in a bed of autumn leaves, wearing a white mask. "Where is it from…?"
Touya's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Do you not recall, Lady Haruko? That was a gift from the talented artist Mila who foresaw how you would become." Haruko's eyes widened in amazement and her lips slightly parted.
"Mila…kun…?"
"Lady Haruko…" she turned her attention to the kneeling form in front of her and found that it was Aki, the handsome and skilled youkai with forest green hair and blood red eyes. His head hung low in respect and he knelt upon one knee.
Haruko poised herself and faced her friend, bowing as well to acknowledge his respect. Aki stood and smiled coyly at Akito and Touya. The two men cringed after Aki's eyes left them and turned to Haruko. They didn't know why but neither of them liked this Aki person. He was nothing but friendly to them but they still couldn't help but feel a strange dislike towards him.
"Your mother told me to escort you to her room to prepare for your fiancé's arrival, m'lady."
Haruko froze. Was this a joke? This had to be! Her mother was dead a long time ago! "M-my…moth—er…?"
Aki raised his brow in question of her strange reaction, "Hai. Your mother."
"P-please lead the way." She said weakly, holding onto her chest where her heart beat rapidly. Her mother was alive? But how? How could she be? This must be a dream.
"Hai." Aki said, turning to lead the way. She followed him with hurried steps, failing a little to contain her great anticipation. As the doors to her father's chamber opened, her eyes widened and a bright smile appeared on her lips at the sight of her beautiful mother, sitting in front of the mirror, brushing her hair idly and humming a soft tune.
The soldiers bowed as Haruko entered the room gracefully, closing the door after their Lady. Kagome turned to her and Haruko quickly knelt on one knee. Kagome smiled at the sight of her daughter, a few wrinkles showing upon her still lovely face.
"Good morning, darling." Kagome cooed. Haruko stood and took her mother by surprise when she suddenly walked up to her and wrapped her arms around her mother. "Wah—! What's the matter, darling? You're acting as if you haven't seen me in years."
Haruko parted from her mother and turned around, wiping her eyes of the tears threatening to fall.
"Mama," she said, turning around to face her with a smile. "I am glad you are alive and well."
Kagome's eyebrows furrowed but she smiled nonetheless. "What are you talking about, darling? Oh, come here, I'll fix your hair." Haruko complied wordlessly and sat in front of the mirror in her mother's place.
Kagome stood behind her and hummed as she gently worked on her hair. As Haruko watched Kagome do her hair, she couldn't help but wonder…
How did this happen?
"Are you nervous?"
"Nervous?"
"Oh, what am I saying? Of course, you are. You're finally getting to meet your fiancé." At that Haruko stiffened, remembering Kouga's words.
Forever…
"But don't worry, darling. I guarantee you'll be surprised in a good way." Kagome smiled.
Her eyebrows furrowed. "In a good way?"
Suddenly, the doors flung open and the two women sharply turned their heads to see what the commotion was all about.
"Don't tell me you need to introduce me first! I don't care about your stupid bowing! Who the hell cares about curtsies and shit like that anyway!" he yelled as he stormed into the room, closing the doors behind him.
Haruko's eyes widened at the sight of him. How? How did he…?
"God, all this formal shit is making me wanna puke. It's a wonder I haven't killed myself just yet." When he looked at the two women, Inu-yasha grinned. "Hey, kiddo."
"I-Inu-yasha…?" Haruko softly whispered.
"Here, I got your half of the necklace." He said, taking a necklace out of his sleeve.
"Thanks, Inu." Kagome said, taking the necklace after Inu-yasha came to them and sat on the bed behind them. As Kagome put the necklace around Haruko's neck, Haruko watched Inu-yasha position himself to sit Indian style on the King sized bed. He propped his chin on his fist, saying,
"Damn, why'd you two have to hold such a big fiasco? This isn't the wedding yet, you know?"
Kagome giggled and answered, "Sesshoumaru said he wanted to give the Prince a…good introduction."
"Keh, as if he actually needs an introduction." what did he mean by that?
"There." Kagome said, stepping back and finishing.
Haruko touched the necklace hanging around her neck. It was the black half of a yin and yang, hanging by white gold chains. It contrasted greatly against her silver hair, white clothing and porcelain skin.
"Where is the other half?" she asked her mother.
"Your fiancé will be wearing it." Kagome answered.
"Keh! That is such a lame idea."
"Hey! I thought of that, you know." Kagome said, putting her hands on her hips and pouting back at Inu-yasha. Haruko smirked. Nothing had changed between them.
Inu-yasha must have changed something in the past. But what, she wondered. Whatever it was, it was for the better. She was glad he did.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang and people's screams could be heard. The three in the room became alert and they ran out the door to the gathering hall where they knew the celebration was being held. The guards followed them.
"Haruko, Kagome, stay behind me!" Inu-yasha commanded with a strict tone, telling them there would be no arguments to be made. Upon reaching the top of the stairs that led to the hall where youkais from all over Japan gathered, they slid to a halt.
Kagome gasped, Inu-yasha cursed, and Haruko's heart stopped.
The crowd had all stepped to the side, giving them a good view of the five people in the middle of the floor.
At one corner, there was Shippou, on the floor with Sesshoumaru's blade to his neck. Sesshoumaru looked at him with a strict and emotionless expression. The fox youkai glared menacingly across the room where there was an older looking Kouga, kept down to the floor with two spears threatening his neck, glaring back at Shippou with equal menace. She was surprised that he was actually there. Had he actually kept his promise?
It seemed that the two had been fighting, anyone could deduce. But the question was…
Haruko's eyes turned to the middle of the room, between the subdued Kouga and Shippou, where the white half of the yin and yang necklace lay silently upon the dark marbled floor.
Which one?
Warm-ice: THANK YOU ALL FOR THE UNWAVERING SUPPORT!
Whole cast: THANK YOU!
Warm-Ice: oh and take care! Watch out for my other stories; I might just do more SessxKags. And some might have more…daring scenes? Haha! Have a nice day!