Author's Note: Hello, I'm back! ! Well, uh, for those who don't know me, let me introduce myself. I'm Candide Avedo, and I'm here to take a shot on Inuyasha fanfiction! LOL. I'm kind of excited, kinda nervous. Again. Well, my first fanfic was in the Beyblade section, but I think it went on pretty well. Now I hope you please give me some slack, I can't guarantee that they will stay in character, but I'm gonna give it my best shot.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope you enjoy! I really hope so.
Disclaimer: I, Candide Avedo do not own anything that has to do with Bey-I mean, Inuyasha. Whew. That was close.
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Chapter 1
Two Moons
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'Kagura'
'That wench, she needs to know her place.'
Naraku frowned in displeasure at the thought of Kagura's little tryst. She wasn't behaving as he had hoped, and he knew it wouldn't be very long before she tries to escape again. He replaced his clothes, which he had removed whenever the full moon would come out.
He sighed in frustration at the thought of his timely weakness. Being a half-demon was such a bother. Unfortunately, he's going to have to live with it until he gets that-
"Goddamn, jewel." Naraku muttered to himself, losing his patience once more. The jewel's completion was close, and he can't afford to let the half-dog and his 'friends' get to it before he does. He sat down, carving out wood for another kugutsu.
The castle was silent as usual, the dead remaining dead, with only the tiny patter of feet passing his door, no doubt coming from the almost-mute Kanna. Kagura should be keeping watch at one of the towers, her punishment he will think of later. Maybe he could....
Naraku paused, standing up, and dropping the block of wood and knife. Something in the air wasn't right, and he had a pretty good idea of what it was.
'She's here? She got through my defences?'
Kikyo's presence stuck out like a red spot amidst white.
Wondering what the miko could want this time, Naraku placed the items aside, then began to head outside.
'That dratted Onigumo.' Naraku hated it when the Onigumo within him interfered with his plans to destroy Kikyo, that he was afraid he wouldn't have enough power to destroy her. It was the human still inside that that kept him from what he wanted oh so desperately.
A jolt to his stomach sent him walking much faster than anticipated, all the way out to the courtyard in no time.
But he was too late. Kikyo's presence was gone, as though she had just dropped by in order to tempt him. Naraku was about to turn back to the castle when he spotted a small piece of parchment on the ground, no doubt bearing Kikyo's writing. Cautiously he scanned the area coolly, but she was truly gone.
He bent over, picking up the note, and turned it over.
'The fates warn that your end shall come within two full moons.'
"What is she talking about now? What nonsense is this woman of clay talking about? Or is it that they clay has finally gotten to her head?" Naraku chuckled at his little joke. What was her plan now? He doubted getting scared to death wasn't the answer, but he was willing to play along with her game. It be all the better for his victory.
"Kagura." he called to the wind user.
A sullen-looking Kagura appeared before him, getting down to one knee to await his commands.
"Master Naraku."
He narrowed his eyes, as she stared determinedly at the ground. She was upset, expecting him to report to her what her punishment for trying to running away would be. Her assumptions would have been correct, but for now, he had other plans in mind.
"I want you to follow Inuyasha, and report to me when they are unguarded."
Kagura bowed, before taking out her ornamental feather, and taking to the sky, her kimono reflecting the moonlight.
Chuckling to himself, he returned to his room to carry on with his work.
Kikyou had never been more wrong in her life. What could possibly put his life in danger?
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The full moon had passed a few weeks now, and the sun was fully up, beating hard on the group with no mercy. After a very persuasive Kagome, the group found a place to rest, and perhaps camp, hoping to take as much time as possible.
"Kagome, I'm hungry."
"What about it, Inuyasha?" asked Kagome, as they began to gather firewood for the following evening.
"Did you bring me anything?" Inuyasha dropped the pile of wood he had with him, and began to follow Kagome.
"No, not today," Kagome replied, as she rummaged in her bag. "Besides, you've had those noodles you've always wanted a few days ago."
"Kagome." whined Inuyasha, still following her.
"Why don't you go look for something to eat instead?"
"What if I say no?"
"Give me break, you haven't been doing anything all week!"
"We fought with Kagu-"
"That was a long time ago, Inuyasha!"
Kagome haphazardly threw down her backpack, and was now taking out some of it's contents.
"I don't feel like going. Can you just hurry up with the cooking?"
"Find your own food if you don't want to wait."
"Do I have to go and get it myself?"
"If you don't stop badgering me, yes!"
"Why, what are you gonna do, huuuuh, Kagome?" sulked Inuyasha, plopping himself on the ground, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes in a big huff.
Kagome dropped the bag, and placed her hands on her hips.
"Inuyashaaa!"
An eye opened, and he found himself staring at a very angry Kagome. Panic erupted like a volcano as he realized what was to follow his name.
"SI-"
"What's going on now?" Miroku emerged from the forest, and into the clearing that they were currently staying at, only to find Inuyasha rooted to the ground, awaiting his fate, and Kagome, whose eyes were threatening to burn a hole through him by the way she stared.
"Uh, Kagome?" asked Sango, who had emerged a few moments later, with Kirara and Shippo at her heels. "You might want to start that fire. It's getting to be dark pretty soon."
Kagome just turned to her, then sighed, taking out a box of matches. Inuyasha let out a puff of air, and strode off.
"Kagome, you okay?" Sango watched at Kagome's face eased up.
"Ya, Kagome, I still reckon you should've given him the 'Sit'." piped up Shippo.
"No worries Sango, Shippo." Kagome smiled, then muttered to herself. "He's just damn lazy, I wonder how Kikyo managed to stand it."
Sango heard it, and smiled. She knew that they truly loved each other, though they are still too stubborn to even admit such a thing. For now, those two had to settle in showing their affections by the usual "Sit!" and the 'normal' bickering that the two would throw out. That kind of love she could not understand. Then again, love came out in weird ways, and in unexpected places. Sometimes she'd wonder whether she was going to be in the same situation someday.
Absent-mindedly she patted Kirara's head, who mewled softly.
Ha. Perhaps not. She and Kagome were both very different people, from what she knew of. Kagome was strong, yet fragile. Aggressive, though gentle. Duh, of course, she was the reincarnation of Kikyo. She would have no problems controlling Inuyasha, who was like a do first and then ask questions type of guy.
Sango bit down a laugh as she imagined Kagome bringing Inuyasha to her world and introducing him properly to her mother. It would be a sight.
As for herself? What was her future with love?
There was nothing much to say, except that she was a warrior woman. Strong indeed, but she would fight with blood to blood, fire with fire. She could never imagine giving mercy to a demon that she was sent to destroy. That was what she was taught, and she was going to stick by it. She didn't have the time like Kagome had, either. A demon exterminator such as herself can't afford to risk other people's lives as well, just because she had some harboured feelings inside.
So maybe love was out of the question?
No. There was only one person that she could ever love, and that was Kohaku. It wouldn't be the love that she craved, but at least she had someone to love, and it was all that she could ask for. When he returns, it would all be okay.
SQUEEZE
"MIROKU!"
SMACK!
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"Ugghhhhh." Miroku placed a hand to his head, moaning softly, then patting a red handprint on his left cheek.
"That's what you get for sneaking up on Sango like that." scoffed Inuyasha. "You're lucky she didn't have her weapon."
"How many times, Miroku, and you never learn." sighed Kagome, as she handed the monk some food. All were now seated around the made fire, eating some cooked meat that Inuyasha had finally gotten.
"Yeah, well, she looked so deep into thought, who could resist?" grinned Miroku, as began to eat.
"Haven't you heard of another way of interacting with fellow human called 'talking'?" Sango said, placing down the last of her food, and giving a stretch.
"I am doing it right now, aren't I?"
Sango rolled her eyes. He can be too much sometimes. It makes one wonder how a man like that ever qualified to be a monk...
"I'm going for a walk." Sango decided, feeling the need to gather some fresh air.
"Hey, can I come too?"
The exterminator stared at the little kitsune, who was waiting eagerly for her answer.
"Alright then. We'll be back." Sango called, as they headed for the direction of the nearby stream that Inuyasha had mentioned when he returned from his hunt.
It was a beautiful sunset, striking colours dancing in the sky, so beautiful that one could even forget about things even for a few moments. Shippo and Sango walked silently for a while, until they came across the slow-flowing shallow stream, and sat among some rocks, and dipping their feet in gratitude as the water swam between their toes. Tiny fish swam out of their way, hiding in the water immersed bushes nearby.
"Sango, anything wrong?" asked Shippo, swishing his feet back and forth, and letting the cool wather hit his face.
Sango smiled at him. The little fox had grown so much, from having lost his father, to battling it out with many demons with the group. Sooner or later, he might even be stronger than Inuyasha. Then again, considering Inuyasha's experience, it might take quite a while.
"Sango?" repeated Shippo, a few moments later, and breaking Sango's train of thought.
"I just miss Kohaku, that's all."
Shippo looked at her, then stared up at the sky, his eyes bathing it'self in it's many colours.
"I miss my father too." he paused. "Sometimes I wonder what I'm still doing here, when all I've got is no one but myself."
Sango frowned. Yes, sometimes she felt the same way.
"Why do you still stay, Shippo?"
"Because then I think about you guys, and I don't feel lonely anymore, and those thoughts go away. I know my father would be proud if he knew how big and strong I've become."
"I'm sure he is proud right now, Shippo."
'He has grown up. A lot.'
"Hey, Sango, what's that?" asked Shippo, who was still staring up at the sky, but was now pointing at a small dot between some pink clouds.
She squinted in the direction he was indicating. It was getting larger and larger by the minute.
It looked quite fluffy.
With magenta streaks.
Black hair.
"Shippo, it's Kagura!" Sango shouted so suddenly, that Shippo slipped from the rocks, and falling into the water.
"What-what is she doing here, Sango?!" cried Shippo in alarm. He quickly jumped up, and hid between her legs.
"Come on, this doesn't look good, and even if she's not going to do anything, we still have to warn the others."
Sango picked up Shippo, holding him tightly against her chest. She grew breathless quickly, hoping that there would be enough time for them to get ready before Kagura arrived. One thing was sure, is that flying feathers were much faster than going on foot.
Bushes whipped by, and one hand had to work hard to keep low-hanging branches from coming at their eyes, but soon enough they burst into the clearing, where the group was now setting up their sleeping equipment, clearly getting ready for their sleep.
"Hey, Sango, what's wrong?" asked Miroku, who spoke up first. "Listen, sorry about the last time, no hard feelings, okay?" he patted her shoulder, but Sango was too breathless to even notice, or reply. Shippo jumped from her arms, and ran to Kagome.
"Kagome, Kagome! Hurry, we saw Kagura coming this way!" he shouted, alerting Inuyasha, who was perched on a nearby tree. Kagome gasped.
He jumped down, leering at the kitsune.
"What makes you say that, Shippo?" asked Inuyasha, but froze, and sniffed the air. "He's right. SHIT. I don't like the feel of this."
"Everyone better get ready. I don't think she's just coming here for a visit." said Miroku, grabbing his staff. "I guess we should've enjoyed this little peace we had while we could."
"Yeah, she must have been waiting for us to let our guard down, before taking us on." said Sango, taking out her hiraikotsu.
Kagome got her arrows ready, and Inuyasha positioned himself in front of her, watching the sky.
Sure enough, Kagura came down upon them, dropping gracefully down from her feather, and placing her feather back into her hair. She then straightened out her kimono before facing them properly, acting vicar.
"Kagura, what do you want this time?" asked Inuyasha, bearing his teeth at her in annoyance, and grabbing his sword by it's hilt.
Kagura gave a small laugh, tilting her head questioningly.
"Why the rest of your shards, of course. Why else would I be here? Oh yeah. On Naraku's orders, to destroy you all once and for all." she smiled.
"It's always been all talk with you, you've never been able to back it up." sneered Inuyasha, unleashing his sword.
Kagura's smile deepened.
"I'm afraid you're mistaken this time, Inuyasha." she swept her hands around the clearing. "You see, Naraku has a proposition, and he wants it to work out this time."
The group felt tense, as the forest around them felt thick, and-Kagura wasn't alone.
"Kagura, you've heard it once, were not letting you get to the jewel if it's the last thing we do!"
Miroku yelled, taking out his hand, and began to unleash his black hole, but Kagura smiled, as Naraku's insects appeared before her.
"I don't think so, monk. Not this time." Kagura nodded, and the group came closer together as demons assembled before them from all directions, blocking any way of getting away besides taking to the sky.
"H-how come we didn't feel them come?" said Sango, as the closest demon to her flailed it's tentacles, and gnashed it's teeth. Kirara changed into her much bigger form, and Shippo hid next to Kagome's ankles. Miroku who clearly looked frustrated withdrew his hand, and Inuyasha got into a fighting stance.
Kagura laughed again, enjoying the groups' expressions.
"Haven't I told you? Naraku has a proposition, and he wants it to work out this time, in his own way."
"What is it then?" asked Kagome, clutching her backpack, making sure the shards were still there.
"Naraku wants to have the shards by the next full moon, or he's going to destroy all of the nearby villages, and let me tell you something else. If you decided to interfere, you won't stand a chance." Kagura waited for their answer.
"That's not going to happen, Kagura, why won't Naraku just come here himself then, if he wants to get it?" asked Inuyasha.
"I wouldn't want to know, if I were you."
'Is she being serious about this?' thought Kagome, watching Kagura's unusually cool demeanor, and confident look. "Inuyasha!"
"Look, Kagome, I'm not going to buy into this crap, okay?" he charged at Kagura, who took out her feather just in time, and floated into the air, laughing merrily.
"Hahaha, alright then, I'll let these demons set the example of the defeat that you are going to be experiencing if you do not co-operate."
The sky had gone darker now, and the moon was already out. Visibility was going to be hell.
All at once, the demons charged, their heavy weight making heavy tremors in the ground, making it much harder to keep balance. They came in dozens, all in many different sizes, and colours. Inuyasha zig-zagged his way through a large beetle demon, cutting into another one's flesh mercilessly, getting his fingers tainted with blood without a second thought. Miroku, who couldn't use his wind scar was left only using his staff, which was still quite effective. Demon blood and remains fell like rain and snow, coating the ground with the ugly colour. Kagome couldn't let herself just sit there and watch all the fight, what with the large number size and all, so she began shooting at large demons who try to come at them from behind.
"SHIT!" Inuyasha shouted, as a demon managed to bite his leg, holding it in such a tight grip that Inuyasha's blood drenched it's mouth. With a big kick to it's eye, he managed to make the demon let him go, trampling around in agony.
Sango threw herself into a large incoming group, and slicing through them like knife through butter. The pace was quick, and one could find themselves in a terrible jam if they were to be distracted. It went on for a while, and the demon rampage didn't seem to be letting up. The numbers grew, and soon it was at least twenty to one, and the numbers were still growing.
She impaled the next demon with a blow to it's stomach, onto a branch of a tree, holding it there so she could finish it off. She caught sight of Kagome, who was working much harder than she had ever seen her work so far. The girl speared one demon after another, her shots getting more accurate with the passing time.
A flicker of dread tingled up her spine as she saw something move behind her friend.
"INUYASHA, GET KAGOME!"
Just as she said that, a new demon too the dead one's place, trying to slam it's body on her.
Sango panicked, as her warnings became unheard. They were too busy trying not to get themselves killed as well. She looked just in time to see Inuyasha dodge an attack from five demons, and charge back, and the weight of five demons fell to the earth as they were all decapitated. She couldn't move, not while the demon she was fighting lashed it's massive teeth at her arms. She could only watch as Kagome had the cat-like demon coming at her from behind. It's skin sickly red in colour, it's purple eyes deeply focussed on it's target, who was busy in aiding the others by firing her arrows at them.
"INUYASHA!"
It was still no use. She still couldn't be heard. There was too much going on for them to notice. Everyone was preoccupied, even Kirara, who had Shippo on her back. The demon was getting closer it's skill in stealth came as to of no surprise, and saw Kagome smile in triumph as the demon she was slaying fell before her feet.
SWIPE.
Sango ducked, as a large paw swiped attempted to clear off her head. Again it attacked, drops of saliva from it's mouth smearing her face.
'Kagome!' Sango thought frantically.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK!"
Her scream knew that they were definitely going to have to withdraw from this one. Kagome sounded like she was hurt, and bad.
"KAGOMEEEEEEEE!"
Inuyasha's voice rang throughout the clearing, forcing out his windscar, and slaying through hundreds of more demons, and without hesitation slaying the cat that looked as thought it meant to finish off Kagome with one more bite.
Sango stared at them for a couple of more minutes, as Miroku also made his way over to the pair, working on keeping the last of the demons at bay.
SMACK.
Crack. Crack.
She had forgotten about the demon that she was fighting.
Sango felt searing pain at her side, with two cracks indicating that she had broken two ribs. It suddenly felt painful to breathe, and she could feel her strength draining from her body. Visions were blurry, and she dropped her Hiraikotsu in all of her confusion.
SMACK.
Another blow, this time, at her feet, and the world came crashing down on her, as she fell, unconscious.
Was this her end?
Distantly, she heard Kagura's laughter overhead.
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C.A: Sooo sorry, but I have to make this quite long, I was meaning to shine this up to the best that I can do, but inspiration and time is so hard to come by! My updating pattern should be a week to once every two weeks. ; I do hope you don't mind. Busy times, really. Oh, and um, exams are on January the 29-30, so I might not be able to update in quite a while.
Um, lastly, please tell me if I'm getting this right! It would really help with the plot.
Oh, and thank you, Anariel, Sesshomaruluver, morelen, Queen123, christal-chan, Tigerlady105, and Katsumi-Sanata!! I really didn't expect reviews, but now that I did, you can rely on me continuing with this!
NeoBlaze- Sorriez about the long wait for the sequel to In Love and Trust, but I need some time to think about the plot as well, you know, as the conclusion that I'm going to make. Also, I need help...Um, how long should the story be?
Story length will help me determine the plot. Thanks!