Enchanted Orbs

Chapter 39 Death of the Body

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Aishi was perched on his knees upon the ground, his eyes were closed in attempt to meditate. He never enjoyed meditation, and he never really saw any improvement in his powers or abilities through this technique. But his lord insisted, so he did.

He sat, trying to concentrate, trying not to feel the wind against his face, trying not to hear the birds in the trees. But he wasn't succeeding, he could feel, hear, and know his environment. Aishi was not one to be able to completely block out his surroundings, which left one vulnerable.

Sesshoumaru watched from a few yards away as Aishi tried to do his bidding, but he was failing. The taiyoukai almost smirked at him. He knew of Aishi's contempt for this exercise, but he also knew it would be necessary for the general to hone his mind reading abilities and barriers.

But Aishi still did not wish to do so, and he was still failing at his meditations. Sesshoumaru took a few steps forward, and kneeled upon the ground as well. The lord had decided to test him. He was only a few yards from his general. Closing his eyes, Sesshoumaru concentrated on all the things he had seen in Kagome's land. The confusing structures and objects, the abrasive noises flooded his thoughts. The taiyoukai funneled these images into one huge mass of confusion writhing about his mind.

Opening his eyes, he saw Aishi begin to flinch, so he knew his thoughts were reaching his first general.

Aishi realized what Sesshoumaru was doing and attempted to close off his mind from his lord's attack, but he was still weak from the earlier mental scene. Suddenly, Aishi was enveloped in some sort of acid. His skin didn't burn, and he couldn't feel anything touching him, but he could smell it.

Harsh scents assaulted his nose and eyes. Aishi started to feel faint, but before he gave over complete control to the caustic scents, he realized this was Sesshoumaru's doing. Mentally, his lord was causing this.

Aishi gathered his strength around him and attempted to further his defenses. No longer concentrating on the mental world of acidic burn and potent scents, Aishi looked inward and found his center as he had been taught many years ago. This was a test his lord was giving him, and he would not fail.

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Kagome awoke before the sun rose. She thought this very strange on account of her extreme weariness and exhaustion, but she also considered herself lucky. The miko needed to do a few things before setting out again this morning.

Change. She was in desperate need of her spare change of clothing; Kagome could purify the threads of bloodstains, but she hadn't quite gotten the clothing-mending power. Not that she had really tried, but as accident prone as she could be at times, there was no way she wanted to try uncertain powers on her clothes in public. That was just asking to be named her most embarrassing moment.

She looked down at her ragged shirt. Gooman had done a number on it, and she really wasn't decent, but she hadn't cared last night. Kagome had been too tired to care about anything. It was unfortunate in the fact that she felt horrible, but it also kept her from being haunted by thoughts. Insecurities had staked their claim in her mind, and nothing short of death would wash them away. But the extreme exhaustion was helping.

And she really wanted the chance to take a bath, but she doubted she would be granted that luxury. A camp full of beings with demonic hearing, stealth, and unknown powers and abilities at their disposal was, in all likelihood, not the most conducive environment for privacy.

Kagome sighed, maybe this day wouldn't be as good as she had pictured last night on the verge of sleep. Quietly, she slung her pack over one shoulder and tiptoed to the edge of her barrier. Crossing her arms over her chest to hide from any sleepless demons, Kagome made her way to a nearby river after tossing a glance to Gooman's prison to ensure his presence.

When she came to the river, she scanned for any approaching auras; there were none, so she quickly stripped and dove into the river. She was extremely cautious to leave her next set of clothing within reach along with the easy access of her towel.

As she finished washing her hair, she felt someone approaching. She grabbed for her towel and covered herself as she hopped out of the river. No sooner had this occurred than Inuyasha dropped down from the limbs of a nearby tree. Kagome's eyes narrowed on him.

"Do you mind, hentai? Leave!" She hissed while twisting her body to try to fit most of it behind the towel.

Inuyasha snorted indignantly. "I'm not here to look at you; we need to talk, and you can't runaway when you're like this." He said as he turned his eyes from her.

Kagome's eyes flared when she realized he planned this. She had to refrain from growling because any moment now the sun would rise, and many youkai would start moving around. It was only a short matter of time before one of them stumbled onto the scantily clad Kagome trapped by the stubborn inu in front of her.

Kagome huffed. "Any moment now, they will start waking up, and I'll be stuck like this!" She stage whispered trying to ensure the continued state of rest of those around her.

Inuyasha smirked and spoke at a normal volume. "I guess that just means you'll shut up and listen faster, won't it?" He said arrogantly.

"Get on with it, then." Kagome growled still clutching her towel like a lifeline and glancing longingly at the clothing at her bare feet.

He looked straight in the eyes, careful to make sure they didn't stray anywhere else. "What happened last night?" His voice was firm and commanding.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "You know as well as I that I am not as weak as I used to be. Lord Sesshoumaru told me to protect Shouron, and that's exactly what I did."

He growled and took a step towards her. "That's not what I meant and you know it! You have changed Kagome. You would have never acted that way when we traveled together."

"Weakness isn't allowed in Sesshoumaru's house. That youkai was treasonous and deserved death." Kagome spoke dangerously, but something in her eyes spoke differently almost as if they were pleading with him.

Inuyasha broke eye contact and looked at the ground, shaking his head. "Perhaps, but you never used to think that way. Damnit, Kagome, you couldn't even kill Naraku the first time we met up with him even after knowing what he had done to Sango, Miroku, and I. Now you are ready to kill at the slightest offense?"

Kagome's voice trembled, but her tone remained hard. "As you said, I have changed."

"And that's not even the half of it." He spun and pierced her with his gaze. "You weren't going to just kill that guy. You were playing with him, toying with him like a cat would a mouse. Shit, Kagome, that's sadistic even for Sesshoumaru. That sounds like something Naraku would do." He narrowed his eyes at her.

She visibly faltered, but recovered after a second. Lifting her head to an arrogant posture, she stared him down. "Are you quite finished with me? I need to get dressed."

Inuyasha gave her a defeated smile, once again shaking his head. "Yeah, whatever." He turned his back to her and leaped into the nearest tree.

Kagome quickly dressed herself and returned to camp. Mokuso was kneeling before a still seated Shouron, and they were discussing something. Kikyou was trying to coax Inuyasha down from his tree. Glancing around, she saw many soldiers cleaning up the evidence of their campfires and adjusting their armor for today's travel.

Mokuso soon pulled her out of her thoughts when she walked up to the miko. "Kagome, I wanted to wish you well today. I will be seeing you soon." The scout said warmly.

Kagome's brow furrowed. "Are you leaving?"

The youkai smiled. "Yes, the Eastern Estate is only a day from here. I am going to run ahead and announce your arrival to Lord Dachi. It would not do for you to have to battle the army you are supposed to aid." Her copper eyes held the warmth she felt for the girl in front of her.

Blues eyes widened. "Of course, that makes perfect sense; I just hadn't put much thought to the arrival process. Thank you for all your help, Mokuso. Will I see you when we arrive?" Kagome asked hopefully.

They had not spent a great deal of time together, but the two had become fast friends. Mokuso had a calm demeanor that set Kagome's nerves at ease and a caring spirit that was nothing short of genuine. Kagome supposed the scout found something about herself as well because Mokuso seemed to desire her company as much as Kagome wished to be in the scout's presence.

"When my lord has no more need of me, I will come to you." She smiled at Kagome.

And Kagome returned her smile.

While this conversation was occurring, three brothers watched intently. Kariudo, Kento, and Kinzi observed the mannerisms of the strange human. They were curious; none had ever spoken to them of this woman, yet it was obvious she was deeply involved in their lord's plan. In addition, Lord Sesshoumaru had specifically sent her to protect Shouron in case of an uprising, so she must be considered trustworthy in the eyes of their lord.

Sesshoumaru's trust was not easily won. The brothers noticed her casual manner with General Shouron and the Eastern Scout, but that did nothing but raise more questions. And nothing irritated them more than unanswered questions.

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Sesshoumaru halted his attack. Aishi was breathing deeply; it seemed as if he had succeeded in his attempt to block out the confusion pounding at his defenses. Nodding his approval, the taiyoukai stood and retreated a few steps to allow his general to continue building his inner walls.

It was a setback in their timeframe, but the exercise was necessary. Aishi would be completely at the mercy of anyone with capabilities similar to his. The lord actually wondered how he had survived this long. There were many with emotions so much more profound than his. Then he remembered who he was thinking about, Aishi had a reputation of being fearsome and ruthless.

Apparently Aishi had just killed the one causing his walls to shatter so quickly he didn't have to deal with the intrusion. This would make him stronger and less vulnerable.

The lord had never given such personal attention to training anyone. Yes, he sparred with Kagome in his dojo, but those mornings were not to with the intent to help her. He was perfecting his defense. It had been centuries since his sensei had put him on the defensive, and ever since then, he had use offense as his best defense unless his opponent was drastically weaker than he. Then he could afford to dodge their haphazard attempts to instill their fear before their deaths.

But taking his time to instruct one as he did with his general? Never. He couldn't help but feel a bit proud of how well his general had done with the proper incentives under the taiyoukai's tutelage.

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Kagome released a sigh of relief when the Eastern Citadel came into view. She was beginning to get really sick of the rain. The only break she had from the dismal weather was during those few hours of sleep. It had been a long, boring day, and she was extremely sore from the four day ride.

She tossed a quick glance behind her to see Gooman floating harmlessly in his pink prison. The miko smiled at him only to receive a vicious glare in return.

There was an alternate reason for her relief. In addition to her irritation due to the weather and the aching in her muscles, Kagome felt ill at ease. There was a storm brewing behind them that had nothing to do with the weather. The miko could feel the youkai gathering at their backs to attack the East, and there wasn't much time to prepare. Time was of the essence.

Kirara began her descent to the ground and began running alongside of the other youkai soldiers. Kariudo, Kento, and Kinzi ran only a few yards from her, and she could see Shouron beginning to descend as well. He didn't look so great.

His clothing was askew; his eyes were bloodshot, and his posture was nonexistent as he slumped so far forward Kagome feared he would fall from his cloud. She sent a thankful prayer up to the heavens for allowing their group to reach the Eastern Lands with Shouron conscious. She feared for her friend; he was obviously struggling to maintain his state of awareness.

His night of rest had not allowed him the recovery he so desperately needed.

The forces of from the west reached the treeline and stepped into a huge moat-like clearing which surrounded the huge wooden gate defending the Eastern Manor. Watch towers sprouted from the top gate in evenly spaced lengths, and atop each one was a great bird watching their approach. All of the birds took flight and began circling the interior of the gate, and Kagome saw one dip and land behind the gate.

Shouron was now directly in front of his unit, but he still floated above the ground on a cloud. Rain still pelted the members of his unit; the threatening winds and blazing lightning flashes reached the eastern palace as well. He called for everyone to stop their approach when they were about fifty meters from the gate.

Kagome looked up to see one of the great birds flying towards them. It looked to be some sort of hawk-like creature, but the size was large enough to prey on cattle with no difficulty. It was unsettling to see such a large bird of prey, but Sesshoumaru's true form was larger than this, so Kagome tried not to stare at the sharp talons of the descending creature.

As it landed before Shouron, a great wind reeled over the company as the bird flapped its wings for the last time before coming to a complete halt directly in front of them. The raindrops beaded and rolled off his feathers. The bird stood calmly as his youki soared from beneath his claws, ruffling his brown and black feathers and pushing the raindrops back towards the sky above. No sooner than this occurred, Kagome saw a guard standing before her. His hair was the same sandstone color as his feathers, and his eyes were nearly solid black. Only a thin rim of orange around the outskirts of his eyes showed he did indeed have an iris instead of one overly large pupil.

The youkai bowed and spoke. "General Shouron, my lord is greatly pleased by your presence and is looking forward to greeting you personally. This way please." As he spoke the last line, the great gate opened allowing all passage through.

Once inside the courtyard hidden behind the gate, the guard turned once again to the western travelers. "General Shouron, if your soldiers would follow this path, they will come to the barracks designed for their comfort." It was the polite way to issue an order to men not under his control.

Shouron nodded slightly and all of his troops save the three brothers began to follow the path toward their current residence. The guard sent a curious glance to the youkai contained within a barrier that floated behind one of the human females, but he decided to ignore this for more pressing matters at this time.

The guard seemed ill at ease with so many still in front of him. Kagome, Inuyasha, Kikyou, Kariudo, Kento, and Kinzi all stood behind Shouron awaiting the next phase of entrance. Before the guard could voice his disapproval, Shouron's legs gave out. The storm faded from above their heads, and the general slumped towards the ground.

The brothers quickly surrounded him. Kariudo stood before his general in defense while the twins supported his weight by holding him, one by each of his arms. Kagome let out a worried cry as she knelt before him, checking for any remedy she could provide.

The guard stood shocked at the portrayed weakness of one of Lord Sesshoumaru's strongest warriors. Kagome turned to the guard with a sour face. "What are you waiting for? He needs rest now!" Shaken out of his stupor, he quickly called to two other eastern soldiers standing by the gates.

"Take him to the infirmary." The two tried to take Shouron, but Kinzi and Kento did not allow them to touch their general. Kariudo stood tense beside them. The main guard corrected his statement at that time. "As you will, Western soldiers, follow these two to the infirmary."

The three brothers turned to walk after the general. But Kagome called out to them. "Kariudo, I might be in need of your assistance. Will you stay to audience the Eastern Lord with me?" She asked him politely, but firmly.

The eldest brother sent a look towards his general, silently voicing his priority, but Kagome spoke up quickly. "Inuyasha, Kikyou will you escort Shouron to the infirmary along with Kinzi and Kento? I am certain Shouron will need no protection, but it would set my mind at ease if there are four ensuring his health." As she spoke to the inu and priestess, her eyes were set on Kariudo ensuring his knowledge that her words were for him as well. He nodded to her request as Inuyasha and Kikyou began to follow after the weakened general.

The guard was visably baffled, here was a human female giving orders to youkai, and they were following the commands without disapproval. "My lord has agreed to an audience with the General, not you. We shall wait until the general has recovered." He spoke and began to walk away, but he quickly found himself unable to move. His body was frozen in place.

Kagome walked around to face him. "The Southern and Northern armies gather in order to attack as we speak. There is no time to wait for Shouron's recovery. Speak to your lord and tell him that General Shouron's second in command along with Lord Sesshoumaru's advisor wish to speak with him immediately." The miko made her threat obvious and she released him from her power.

Kariudo's eyes widened with her words, but she set a hand on his arm to warn him not to react. Her words weren't a complete lie. Kariudo was Shouron's second, and Kagome had advised Sesshoumaru on one or two occasions. She never said that she was Sesshoumaru's official advisor, but if the guard assumed this from her statement, she wasn't about to correct him.

A suspicious glance was passed over Kagome by black pupils. "I will speak with my lord." He quipped before turning stiffly and entering the main building.

After the youkai had retreated from hearing range, Kariudo spoke to Kagome. "You take great liberties with your words." His eyes did not stray from watching the door the guard entered.

Kagome smiled and turned to look at him. "None of my words were lies. I have advised Lord Sesshoumaru on several occasions. Let him infer what he will." Kagome said with a confidant yet teasing tone.

Kariudo turned to her with a smirk. "Cunning."

Kagome's smile grew. "Indeed." She said bowing her head slightly in agreement.

The youkai now saw how Shouron and the scout could be so casual with this female, she was easy to talk to and intelligent enough to intrigue a deeper subject. But the smirk soon faded from his lips. "The northern and southern armies?" His voice spoke of his uncertainty regarding the subject.

Her smile faded as well, and she turned back to face the entrance to the Eastern Estate. "None of my words were lies." She reiterated solemnly.

"How long?" He asked slowly.

Kagome was silent for a moment. "One, two days. Two and a half, at most, if they desire stealth."

Kariudo nodded to acknowledge her words as the door opened once again. The guard stood before them at the entrance. "My lord has accepted your request. You two may enter, but he must stay here." The guard motioned to Gooman's still scowling form.

Kagome shook her head. "He is a subject I need to discuss with Lord Dachi. I can assure you, he is contained and cannot escape."

The guard glared at her, but stiffly nodded and allowed them entrance. The four walked down several hallways before reaching a grand set of double doors. They were magnificently illustrated with apainting of the night sky illuminated by a full moon with several white owls depicted in various poses above a snow covered ground.

Upon entrance to the room, Kagome saw a graceful figure seated on a dais. His skin was so white it seemed to radiate light to the area around him. His hair was the same shade as his skin, but sporadic wisps of black fluttered through the tresses. It was styled with his full hair framing his face, and drifting down his chest standing out against the ebony black silk of his garb.

His eyes were the same shade of gold as Sesshoumaru's with one difference. There was no white framing the gold of Lord Dachi's eyes, only a solid gold and a single pupil dangerously obvious against the snowy background of his face.

Kagome and Kariudo bowed before the seated lord, who nodded his head to acknowledge them. His voice carried across the room and echoed off the polished walls. "I extend my apologies as to your general's condition. My healers are tending to him as we speak."

Kariudo bowed once again before responding. "You are most kind Lord Dachi. We are grateful for your hospitalities." His voice was formal.

"As I am grateful for your aid." The lord responded. "I assume you have things which you wish to discuss with me." He invited them to speak their mind.

Kagome bowed, following Kariudo's lead. "We do, Lord Dachi." The lord nodded his permission for her to continue. "The creature behind me is known as Gooman. He is a traitor to Lord Sesshoumaru and attempted a mutiny in our travels to your land. We request a holding cell for him until Lord Sesshoumaru can pass proper judgment on his actions." She asked as formally as she could.

Kagome was intimidated by his stare. It was as if he could see everything, straight down into your soul his eyes bored. But she forced her voice to stay strong.

Dachi nodded once again. "Granted." He raised one of his hands and gestured towards Gooman. Two of his soldiers stepped forward and advanced on the barrier hovering inches above the ground. Kagome released him from his prison, and watched until he was restrained by the two guards.

Kagome turned her attention back to the lord before her, but her timing was awful. She and Kariudo bowed to the lord, just as Gooman broke through his restraints. Kagome opened her eyes as she raised her head and gasped as she saw the irate youkai inches from her.

Her defense attempts were in vain for he lunged past her, dragging a single claw across the tender flesh of her throat. The youkai smiled sadistically for one instant before falling victim to Kariudo's knife embedded in his forehead.

Blood poured from Kagome's severed arteries, before falling backward to the floor. All of this occurred in a matter of seconds, and the inadequate guards stood dumbfounded at the events that their mistake had caused.

Kariudo knelt beside Kagome and watched as the faint glow of Kagome's healing powers tried to heal her before her life fled, but her death came too quickly to be halted and the glow around her throat faded. He tried to reach for her, but his hand was burned as he neared her skin.

Pulling back, he saw a barrier encasing her body. He felt someone come to stand beside him, but he paid no attention. "She protects herself even in death." He whispered in awe.

A powerful voice echoed from above him. "The death of the body is completely different than the death of the soul." Lord Dachi spoke from his position beside Kariudo.

The western soldier looked up at the lord confused, waiting for him to clarify. "The body can be healed or replaced, the soul and its energy cannot." He spoke, still baffling the kneeling soldier, but the lord simply motioned with his head to where Kagome lay.

Kariudo look upon the fallen girl and gasped. She was no longer solid. Her form glowed the pink of a miko's power, but he could see straight through her to the floor she rested on. The blood that had spilled from her neck was now absent from her skin, clothing, and hair, and she shimmered weakly.

"Kagome?" Kariudo spoke weakly.

Lord Dachi placed a hand on his shoulder as he spoke. "She is rebuilding; give her time." The lord took a step back to allow for Kariudo to stand, which he did. He stood before the lord dazed with his confusion, and Dachi smiled gently at him. "The girl will be fine in a short time. Leave her be for now."

Kariudo glanced back at her again, but soon turned to follow the lord's command. He walked over to the dead traitor and ripped his knife from Gooman's skull wishing he could have given the bastard a slower and more painful death. It was too late now, so he was forced to settle for wiping his blade on the dead youkai's clothing.

Gathering his shattered composure, Kariudo turned to the Eastern Lord who stood only paces from him. "Please accept my humblest apologies for the disruption we have caused with our presence." The formality was pushed through gritted teeth because he was still anxious at Kagome's condition.

He heard the lord laugh softly. "There is no need to hide your discomfort, western soldier, I know of it already. You have my word that she will be fine; there is no need to worry. May we continue with your audience?" His voice was softer than it had been earlier to silently offer his condolences on the traumatic event.

Walking with the lord, Kariudo approached the dais at the forefront of the room. Lord Dachi elegantly ascended the stairs and took a seat once again, and Kariudo knelt on a pillow provided at the bottom of the stairs. The two began their discussion of the upcoming war.

Kagome opened her eyes, and blinked a few times. She was lying on the ground looking up at a polished black ceiling. It was deceiving. The color made the ceiling appear low, but the echo in the room proved the great height of the room. 'Echo?' Kagome thought when she registered the sound of two males discussing something to her side.

She turned her head to see Kariudo kneeling before Lord Dachi's raised dais. Then the prior events came crashing back to her. She quickly turned her head to see where Gooman was, but all she saw was a servant near her cleaning up a bloodstain that was only a meter or so from the place she had fallen.

'Did I die? Shouldn't I be dead?' Kagome thought, very disturbed that this was what the afterlife would contain.

Slowly she rose to her feet, and began to walk towards her companion. One foot slowly outreached the other as she shifted her weight, gradually regaining her bearing. She looked up towards her intended target, she was now close enough to see Dachi's less obvious features.

Black feathery stripes extended across his temples, beginning from the corner of his eyes to reach up into his hairline then curving around the edge of his forehead only to dip towards the bridge of his nose on either side. It gave him the appearance of wearing a mask. Kagome was immediately reminded of the pictures she had seen of owls in the powdery snow of winter on the doors to this hall.

She could hear Kariudo speaking, but she hadn't registered what he was saying. All she heard were the muffled voices until she heard Dachi's clear voice reach out to her.

"Lady Kagome, you join us at last. Please make yourself comfortable." He bowed deeply to her then gestured towards a pillow next to Kariudo who spun quickly to stare at her.

She was still dazed, but she could read his expression clearly. He was relieved but confused, and he quickly stood to help her sit down. She smiled at him softly and nodded her appreciation.

Her throat was tight, but she forced words through it. "Lord Dachi, there is no need to address me as such."

Dachi smiled gently at her. "Are you not the keeper of the Shikon no Tama?" He asked confidently.

Kagome gasped, and Kariudo was once again confused beyond limits. The miko quickly bowed her head. "I was formerly one of its protectors, yes, Lord Dachi."

"Then you shall be addressed as such, Lady Kagome." He spoke.

"But that role has passed with the passing of the jewel, milord. Please do not call me such." She requested.

Dachi closed his eyes. "Yes, the jewel is gone, milady. But you are still worthy of such title for bearing its burden as you have. I have heard many things of you, and I am pleased to see that none of those rumors are false." His eyes opened, and a soft smile formed on his thin lips.

Kagome sent him a puzzled gaze. "I don't understand, Lord Dachi."

He nodded again, expecting her response. "We have much to discuss, you and I, Lady, but first I believe we still have a discussion to finish on an upcoming war. Do we not?"

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A/N: Ok, its story time you guys…(yes, that means this is gonna be REALLY LONG).

Warning: I'm planning on going back and making adjustments/improvements to the first chapters. Why? Because they stink! A few of you noticed and commented on how different the first part of my story is from the last, it all has to do with the origin of this fic.

It started off as a dare. No, I had no intention of making this a huge epic fiction. The first chapter was in response to a "bet you can't do it" thing that I typed up one night when I couldn't sleep before an exam. I didn't even proofread it. Sigh Now I wish I had put much more thought into the beginning, but it really wasn't until around the fifth chapter when I started proofreading and conjuring my plot. So I intend to go back and fix things. I'm going to make a few minute changes to how Kagome got her powers, but nothing dramatic, so if you don't want to go back and re-read, you'll still understand what's going on. So don't get pissy if you see that my story has been updated, but no new chapter is present. K?

ALSO…….VERY IMPORTANT! I got many reviews commenting on Kagome's attitude/personality last chapter. Yes, I know that she is not so cruel, and that was very OOC for her. But guys, if you've followed my fic for the most of forty chapters, you should know that I don't do ANYTHING in my stories without thinking them through first. I have not given you any clue of what's going on in her mind except for the one conversation with Mokuso. Everything else is COMPLETELY hidden to you guys. It won't be that way for long, but PLEASE TRUST ME. Kagome is the hardest to keep in character for me, but I would never go off the deep end as I did last chapter without something to back it up with later.

Last note, I promise: I love each and every singly review I get from you guys. You are so Awesome, and I am Amazed at how Supportive you are of my fic. But there's no way I can continue answering your reviews as I have. I took me four hours to do so last time, and that was grouping the reviews that had similar questions and comments. Forgive me, but I cannot spare that much of my time anymore or I will fail my courses. So unless there are specific questions that I feel the need to answer personally, I really can't respond anymore.

I feel horrible because I really enjoyed doing it, but my schedule will not allow it anymore. pouts