A/N: Ok, I'm trying to work as fast as I humanly can. Finally after about 3 days worth of thinking, I believe I've found a way to connect my story plot goal points. Anyways, without any further delay, let's have our disclaimer read by uh…Lee!

Lee: Arigatou, Aki-san, it is an honor.
Me: Uh sure…now hurry and read!
Lee: Aki-san does not own Inuyasha or Naruto. If she did all her wildest dreams would have come true. Inuyasha really would have a sister, and Neji would be real and he'd be married to Aki-san. Now Aki-san would like to answer her reviews.

Angie, I never said I didn't love Kouga-kun. Lol yes he is very adorable. His skirt's cute. Lol so do I…oh wait. I am. YAY FOR IN-GAME MARRIAGES ON RAGNAROK! Yes, Kagome-chan is pregnant. Yep, they're evil plotting guys.

Dragon Man 180, but you're lucky and it won't be a cliffhanger for long, seeing as you're my beta-reader and you get early updates. But that's not a bad thing either…because I'm your beta-reader and I enjoy getting to read your wonderful NTKH early, and help make it better than it already is. XD Yep, the pups are indeed cute. Yes, he got an ass-whooping. Yep, yep! Come it does! (I'm a little hyper right now…) Enjoy the chappie!

Kagome's Pup, (Slowly edges away) Come on, no more threats! That makes me scared of writing, for fear of being slashed to pieces for taking as much time as I need to hone each chapter to perfection! I will definitely try to update soon. Just for you.

Kitten, You're welcome. (Lol I know!) I'm definitely going to work on updating as frequently as possible. I'm glad to hear that. Now here's Ch. 14.

Riku, lol you can't die on me yet! The good stuff's about to start! Ah, you flatter me. I'm not that good. Lol, oh stop it! You're making me blush! And I'm starting to get bigheaded. Lol I try to keep details balanced, and only do loads of detailing on important things that I want close attention to be paid to, but thank you. Your reviews do me justice enough, so don't worry. Lol, exactly. She's his mate, so do not pity her. Awww, I miss Riku-kun. Yes, he's very muchly on everyone's hate list. And unfortunately for him, the list will just get longer. Lol of either that, I've just created such an asshole of a villain that you can't even consider defending him. Lol ok… (Who are we talking about? I seem to have forgotten… ;;;) Hai, I thought so too. I just couldn't imagine the wedding without them. Lol yeah, I cracked up when I wrote that. Yup I did. It's all setup for the introduction of a few more characters. Well thank you, I don't often think I'm the sharpest tool in the shed. Yay for the Cloud challenge! Yes, prevail you shall! OMG Cloud looks so damn HOT in the trailers for FFVII: Advent Children! Lol ok. What? I can't help it! My current desktop is KH, and he looks so sexy on my wallpaper. Lol, well you being the author should be able to find some way to deflate him. Lol poor Riku-chan. Well, anyways, here's Ch. 14. Enjoy.

Ohiowriter, Lol, why thank you! Just wait until you read the stuff I found on pregnancy! Boy that was "fun"! I'm glad you like the fic. That sucks! Now I feel bad because my band teacher told me that our first week of school is Thursday and Friday and then a 3-day weekend because of Labor Day, and then we start. ;;; But here's Ch. 14 to make you feel a little better about going back to school.

Inuyashagal, Even though you haven't reviewed, I'm still thinking of you! XD Enjoy Ch. 14.

Sanosa, I know you haven't reviewed yet, but eh, anyways…

John Bellamy, I'm glad you liked it, and cliffhangers are what I do! Lol. (I hate it also, but it's fun when you're the author. ) Well let me say that I am most definitely working on getting new chapters out quickly, seeing as my 2½ month long writer's block seems to have mysteriously vanished. Here's Ch. 14! Enjoy!

JediMasterAJK, Thank you AJ. Well, here it is. The next chapter! I also hope the same thing. Enjoy Ch. 14.

Eric3D2B, I know you haven't gotten the chance to review, but now you have Ch. 13 and this one now to read. Please enjoy both of them. XD

And now Ch. 14! A little note, quotation marks with italicized text "Like this for example." Will mean that the speaker in speaking in Ryuuyoukai. (Crap…a spoiler! Noooooo!) And also, the Ryuuyoukai language is very soft, and it's basically mouthing the words to something but you can just barely hear yourself saying them. The language is very quiet and Ryuuyoukai are the only ones who can really understand the language when it's spoken. Although it can be taught, it's hard for other youkai to master, because they must train themselves not to use their voice.

Alright, now you can read…sorry for all the pointless crap that you have to read! -.-"


Chapter Fourteen: Pain, Deceit, Truth, and Lies

"Aaah, it's so good to be home!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Don't get too comfortable yet. You do remember why we're here right?" Mei Lhi said.

"Oh. Right…" The miko replied with a downcast look.

"Hey, don't get sad about it! You should be happy, alright? Besides, it's not good for you if you do that so early in the pup's development. It'll think you don't want it, so it'll just go away."

Kagome turned to the hanyou girl, wearing an expression of surprise. "Since when did you know so much?" she inquired.

"Since Hana-chan and Megumi-san told me yesterday."

"You're not having a baby too, are you?"

"Oh, um…no. Not yet, anyway."

"There better not be any soon…" Inuyasha grumbled.

Mei Lhi faced her brother an expression of annoyance and anger crossing her features. "You have no say in what I do when it comes to pups. Understand?" she growled, her eyes narrowing, glaring fiercely.

The hanyou winced and nodded, Kyo sighed, slightly shaking his head. The four of them made their way out of the well, and up to the front door of the Higurashi house.

Upon opening the front door, they found the house was empty, but deathly cold, despite the fact that it was a particularly warm mid-spring day. Everyone removed their shoes and stepped onto the ice-cold floor, walking into the family room where an unknown someone sat in one of the chairs.

"Wait." Kyo hissed.

The unknown looked up at them, their face covered by their black hair. The unknown turned away before standing, and vanishing like dust being blown away in a breeze, the warmth in the room immediately returning.

"What was that?" Mei Lhi asked.

"I'm not sure…" Kyo replied quietly. "But I don't like the looks of it. Come on, they're gone. It's alright now."

Cautiously, the four of them made their way further into the house, deciding to sit on the floor and wait for Higurashi-san to come home.

-

"Did they receive the message?"

"In a way…I suppose they did…"

"What do you mean? Did you warn them?"

"No…there were others."

"That's beside the point! You should have delivered the message like you were told!"

"Keep in mind, that you have no right at all to order me around…"

"Yes, I'm aware of that, but you still were to have given them that message."

"I will do as I please. And if you do not like the way that I do things, then that is your own problem. So do not try to lecture me on orders. I specifically told you that I'd do it in my own way. It's your own fault you missed that when I told you. You are lucky that I even bothered to go out in the daylight to do it."

"Where is your teacher? I wish to have a word with him about your tongue."

"Master Haru is not here at the moment. Master Haru does not have full control over me. It's no use to try to bother him about it."

"You test my patience. But do tell your teacher I would like to speak to him when he returns."

"Very well. I shall give him your message. Master Haru should be back soon…if it's not too much trouble for you…perhaps you'd like to wait for him? Master Haru isn't very far away. He's helping all the ningen that are fighting the daimyo in the East. Putting each and every one of them out of their misery…well, those of them that are in misery already, that is."

"I do not wish to linger in this dreary place. I will return later. Have one of your creatures send for me when he returns. It would not be wise for me to linger in this place. I have already outstayed my welcome…according to that bastard, Ryouji."

"Don't speak of Ryouji-san like that."

"Ha. You don't frighten me."

"Know your place, Harukichi. Address your betters properly."

"And you are telling me that you, a little girl, are my better?"

"Don't make me use my voice."

"That is enough from you Harukichi. I would have thought one such as yourself would have known to behave. So please stop patronizing my understudy. She doesn't take kindly to such treatment. I thought I taught you better than that. After all, you are named after me, are you not? You, not Ryouji, were the one that I saw much more promising talent in. Do not let it go to waste."

"Master Haru, you've returned."

"Haru-sama, how is everything progressing? Have the Tora agreed with our plans?"

"They are most eager to start. The Neko are also interested in joining. They are still quite furious with Inutaisho and his sons."

"What did you tell the Neko?"

"I told them that they can join if they wish to, but they must obey our plans completely."

"And what did they say to that, Haru-sama?"

"Surprisingly, they agreed."

"That's wonderful news. When shall we rally the forces to prepare?"

"I'd say in about a month or so."

"Haru-sama, you are waiting far too long!"

"Actually, I am not. It is a technique called 'luring the enemy into a state of false security.' And once they are in that state, then we will attack with full force and crush them and any possible opposition. The Tora and Neko can then have their war over the Shikon no Tama, and we will withdraw, and leave them to their own devices. And I suppose that it is your wish to kill off the woman of Ryouji's son?"

"Yes. That bitch has tormented and tested for me for far too long."

"Master Haru, are you speaking of Kyo?"

"Yes, my apprentice. But the boy does not concern you, dear child. You need to focus on other things…like getting control over your voice. So that way you are actually able to speak without causing anyone harm…"

"But Master you can't kill off this girl that you speak of. It isn't our way."

"My dear child, you would think differently, if you knew what the woman was."

"Then what is she, Master Haru? Why does she deserve death?"

"She is a hanyou. A filthy half-breed. Imagine the kind of child that could be spawned from that thing!"

"Yes, thank you for that explanation Harukichi."

"Is being hanyou that bad?"

"You forget my child, in a way, you are also hanyou. You do know what I speak of, my child. When your darker side starts to gain control…when you're angry?"

"Hai…my apologies for my words Master. I must have forgotten. Please forgive me."

"It is perfectly fine. Now, why don't you go rest, dear child? That sunlight has probably affected your health."

"Thank you, my Master. I shall go now."

"Do you think she can be trusted, Haru-sama?"

"I trust her, and she trusts me…after all, I was the one that took her in after that terrible accident with her parents."

"Very well. But I have one question, Haru-sama."

"And what would that be?"

"What happens when she gains the full power of her rank? She surpasses you, does she not?"

"I shall deal with that problem when the time comes."

"That time will be soon, won't it, Haru-sama? She is excelling in all areas isn't she?"

"Hai, but I'm an old man. It's good that she's progressing. I'll have some time left to retire."

"But what if she were to dispose of you once she found out her true potential?"

"I don't think she'd do such things. After all, none of her powers could work against me. I am immune."

"If you say so, Haru-sama. Now, I must be on my way. If the others discover I was here, it will not bode well."

"We shall meet at another time, then. Perhaps a month from now?"

"I shall see you then."

"I look forward to it."

-

"Kagome! This is a surprise. I didn't expect you to be home!" Higurashi-san exclaimed in surprise.

"Um…well, here I am!" The miko replied, her smile looking just a little too forced.

"What's wrong, Kagome?"

"Mama, I-I need to tell you something."

"But before she does, let me explain something, Higurashi-san." Mei Lhi cut in. The woman turned to the hanyou girl. "It was Inutaisho's wish, well the wish of Nii-chan's, Sesshoumaru-Onii-san's, and my father that the Western Lands be divided in half. Our father ruled the West, and Sesshoumaru-Onii-san is currently ruling the entire West now. But you see, our father's will turned up recently, and like I said, he wanted the West divided, so Sesshoumaru-Onii-san would rule one half, and Nii-chan, Inuyasha, would rule the other. Both of them will get their own palace and armies which they will lead themselves. And because of this, Inuyasha needs an heir in the event that he is wounded in battle and he dies. If he doesn't get one, then we can't follow through with our father's wish, and all three of us would really like to fulfill that wish, because it kind of dishonors our father's memory if we don't. And since Inuyasha's mate is Kagome-chan, and she's on the pill, it won't be good at all. So…that's why uh…I told her to stop taking them. I even locked the rest of them away somewhere. They still haven't had enough time to take effect yet, and I got rid of them the moment I realized something earlier last week."

The Higurashi woman nodded in understanding, waiting for the hanyou girl to continue, only to see that the girl nodded at her daughter, who nodded reluctantly in return. What Mrs. Higurashi failed to notice was the expressions the others wore as their brains began to process the fact that Mei Lhi was taking all blame and hopefully having any anger the older woman might have directed at herself instead of at the woman's daughter.

"Mama, please don't be angry with me…but anno…I-I…" Kagome began, glancing to the hanyou girl, who gave her an encouraging look. "I'm…pregnant…" she finished, hanging her head, keeping her eyes directed at the floor, waiting expectantly for the yelling to begin. Only, it never came. The miko girl looked up curiously, expecting to see her mother glaring daggers back at her, only to find that a very different scene met her eyes.

It was at that moment, Higurashi-san fainted on the spot.

"Mama!" Kagome exclaimed.

-

"Everyone back up! She's coming around again! Give the woman some air!" Mei Lhi snapped at the others who had begun crowding around.

Higurashi-san sat up, the spinning in her head slowly coming to a standstill.

"How are you feeling, Higurashi-san?" Mei Lhi asked.

"Better now…" she answered, reaching up for the hanyou girl's twitching ear and giving a firm yank.

"Ow!" The hanyou girl yelped, quite startled.

"Oh, gomen Mei-chan. Wrong set of ears…" The Higurashi woman said, releasing the furry appendage from its imprisonment.

Mei Lhi vigorously rubbed her now-throbbing ear, Higurashi-san's words finally sinking in. "Oh kami-sama! Inuyasha, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" she yelled.

The hanyou didn't need to be told twice. He had already bolted out the closed window in a shower of glass, just as Higurashi-san came tearing after him with the broom.

"You broke my window!" Higurashi-san yelled, flinging the front door open.

"Well, the good thing out of all of this is that your mother isn't mad at you, Kagome-chan…" Mei Lhi said with a nervous laugh. "I'm sure Higurashi-san will calm down in a few hours, ne? She just needs a little time."

This time it was Kagome's turn to laugh. "Umm…I'm not so sure about that…"

"Oh dear god."

"So…should we help him or wait until he gets whacked around a bit?" Kyo asked.

The three of them looked out the window where the hanyou was running around the courtyard being chased by Higurashi-san and the broom. The hanyou got an occasional whack on the shoulder here and there, but after nearly two hours of running, Inuyasha was slowly losing speed. To his amazement, Higurashi-san didn't look the least bit worn out at all. It was this pause of amazement that led to his downfall. In that instant Higurashi-san began whacking every inch of the hanyou she could reach.

"Ow, ow, cut it out, woman!" Inuyasha growled.

Sesshoumaru, Hana, Megumi, and Ryouji just arrived at the top of the shrine steps to see the human woman pummeling the hanyou with a simple broom.

And then, Higurashi-san's broom hit a spot where no man wanted hard, long-handled objects to go. All of the men in the vicinity winced, while Inuyasha gave a startled howl of pain.

"Now, now, Higurashi-san, I think you've hurt him enough and he's learned his lesson. So let's put the broom away and go and talk over a nice, warm, soothing, relaxing, delicious cup of tea, okay?" Hana said, gently taking the broom from the Higurashi woman's grip.

Higurashi-san sighed and nodded, Megumi and Hana taking the woman's arms and steering her back into the house.

Once Kyo, Mei Lhi, and Kagome deemed it safe to go outside, they ventured out into the coming night where Inuyasha still lay sprawled on the ground moaning in pain, Sesshoumaru and Ryouji sending out silent sympathies to the hanyou.

"Imouto-chan, I'm going to kill you." The hanyou said when his sister was near enough.

"Nani! What did I do!" The hanyou girl exclaimed. "Besides, you shouldn't be complaining! Kagome-chan's going to have to go through hell and back to bring that pup into the world!"

"That's an understatement, Mei Lhi-Imouto-san…" Sesshoumaru said. "Hana-chan nearly threatened to kill me when Tsukimisou was born…"

"I remember that. It was uh…a rather interesting day, to say in the least." Kyo said, nervously laughing.

The Inuyoukai lord extended a hand and helped his still moaning half-brother up to his feet. Kagome took Inuyasha's free arm, together Sesshoumaru and the miko girl helped the hanyou back to the Higurashi house, far away from Higurashi-san and her broom.

-

The rest of that day went quite well and was very uneventful. Souta and Higurashi-jichan arrived later, Higurashi senior grabbing for his ofuda, preparing to plaster all the guests with the offending scrap of paper reading "Demon be gone" but his attempts were quickly quelled with sharp looks from his daughter and grandchildren.

The rest of that week also went well. Kagome, Mei Lhi, and Kyo returned to school, all three receiving much welcomed tutoring from Ryouji and Megumi. Hana helped Higurashi-san with things at the shrine, while Sesshoumaru continuously giving Inuyasha his lessons on being a taiyoukai. Jaken had been assigned the important duty of watching over the pups, which so far seemed to be going well, as the toad youkai hadn't come yelling to his lord about the impossibility of the children's behavior.

Actually, several good weeks followed and on the week of spring break, everyone decided that it was at last time to go back to the Sengoku Jidai.

Everyone jumped into the well, and arrived in the Feudal Era on the other side. Kagome stopped by to speak with Sango and Kaede-bachan, telling them the news of her child. The two women were quite happy for the miko and wished her the best of luck before Inuyasha and the others set off for the Western Lands once again.

By mid-afternoon everyone had arrived, retiring to their rooms upon their arrival, finding that the trip was most tiring.

-

"The time has come. Commence the attack!"

Tora and Nekoyoukai roared with cheers before falling into formation, rushing out to the West in a fast march.

Haru watched the scene with pleasure, waiting for Harukichi to arrive.

"Haru-sama."

"Harukichi. Wonderful to see you. Let's not keep the rest of the armies waiting. Did you bring our ryuu volunteers?"

"Hai. They'll be here shortly."

"Good…everything is going according to plan…"

-

The night had arrived at last. The moon however, did not. Inuyasha scowled as his hair darkened, grumbling about being defenseless. Kagome was asleep, and had been for quite some time. The trip seemed to have taken the greatest toll on her. The hanyou now human sighed, deciding that he should get some sleep as well, having been running all day for many miles without rest. And so, Inuyasha crawled into bed with his mate, sleep taking him instantly.

-

A lookout on the wall closest east gate paced, observing the ground below intently. Sentries below on ground level stood guard outside the gate. A few more were also stationed on the eastern wall.

A twig in the woods snapped under someone's weight.

"Oi, lookout. Check the woods. I just heard something." One of the sentries called.

The lookout surveyed the woods, his eyes catching movement of many things, his nose confirming that there were at least over one hundred Tora and Nekoyoukai, along with a few Ryuuyoukai. Immediately, the lookout knew their purpose.

"INVADERS!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. "INVADERS!"

Sentries from the West, South, and Northern gates clustered at the East gate, preparing bows in silence.

"Boy, run and warn the lord. We'll try and hold them off. Make sure the army is prepared." A sentry ordered.

The young lookout nodded, running for his life, as a volley of fiery arrows struck the ground he had been standing upon moments before.

-

"Sesshoumaru-sama! Please, this is important! Sesshoumaru-sama!"

The taiyoukai opened his door, meeting the white face of one of his lookouts.

"My lord, an army has come. They are at the east gate. There's hundreds. Torayoukai, Nekoyoukai, even a few Ryuuyoukai!"

"Assemble the army."

"Hai, it will be done my lord!"

Hana rose from the futon, approaching her mate. "What shall I do, anata?"

"Wake the pups…and Jaken."

"Hai. Anything else?"

"Get the others prepared for travel. I want the pups to be sent to Inuyasha's old village. They can stay with the ningen there. They can take Aun. Inuyasha will have to fend for himself. The kaze no ryuu most likely will take Mei Lhi-Imouto-san wherever he does. And tell Ryouji-san and Megumi-san to meet me at the wall. I want you to stay with the pups."

"I can't leave you here, anata! You're going to need me. And no matter what you say or do to try to convince me otherwise, I'll still stay here with you."

Sesshoumaru nodded, his mate giving him a quick kiss before she ran off to do as had been requested of her.

-

"Quickly, wake up Mei-chan! There's no time to waste! Kyo, you need to get up too, hurry up both of you!"

The two woke up groggily and slowly, wondering what was going on.

"What's happening, Hana-chan?" Mei Lhi asked sleepily.

"Youkai are attacking the east gate. You two need to get somewhere safe. I've already woken the others. Kyo, your parents are going to help fight against the army that's attacking us, so don't worry about them."

Kyo nodded as Hana ran out of the room, not wasting any time.

"Come on Mei. I know where we can go."

-

"Oi! Where are you two going?" Inuyasha demanded.

"Somewhere safe." Kyo replied.

"Keh. No where is safe anymore."

"Where are you taking Kagome?"

"As far as we can get away from here."

"You won't make it on foot. It's too dangerous, for both of you."

"You don't think I know that? We're wasting time that could be used running away! Kagome, let's go!"

The two ran off.

"Will they be alright?" Mei Lhi asked timidly.

"Inuyasha's strong. They'll be fine. Come on, we've got to go."

-

"Where are we going?" Mei Lhi asked, trying to be heard above the wind as she and her mate soared through the sky.

Kyo, now in his transformed state, looked up at the girl, before glancing down at the world below, making sure he was in the correct place before flying lower, and quickly transforming back into his human form. Mei Lhi let out a scream of surprise at the sudden free fall, but found herself quickly caught in the waiting arms of her mate.

"Don't do that!" she exclaimed. "You scared me!"

"Mei, did you really think I was going to let you fall? I wouldn't do something so reckless unless I was absolutely sure of what I was doing. You know that."

"Hai…I know…"

A large stone flat was slowly coming into view.

"Mei, promise me something."

"What is it Kyoshi-kun?"

"When we get there, stay with me always unless I say otherwise. And don't look around you either. Try not to make eye contact with the others."

"N-nani? What're you talking about, Kyoshi-kun! Where are we?"

"You'll understand when we get there. We're in the North."

"The North?"

The two of them touched down on the gray stone flat, and Kyo set Mei Lhi down, taking her hand and walking to the massive stone doors. With his free hand, he touched the doors which immediately began to open. They rushed inside, finding that the entrance hall was in too much of an uproar for anyone to notice.

Kyo ran down many corridors, turning through the maze of winding halls, before stopping to rest in an empty hallway.

"Mei, if anyone sees us together, you're not my mate, you're my cousin Reika, understand? I'll say that I'm leading us out of here, but we're really going to be looking for Hinoki-sama. Ok?"

Mei Lhi nodded in understanding, immediately knowing the seriousness of the situation.

"Now come on. We need to find Hinoki-sama."

"Hai!"

Kyo took her hand again and they began weaving through the corridors once again.

"Do you really have a cousin named Reika?" Mei Lhi asked.

"Yes, actually. She lives here. And we'd better hope that we don't run into her either." Kyo replied.

"Why's that?"

"Well, let's just say she's a Kyuu."

"She's a NINE! Isn't that the highest rank possible?"

"Yep. Now I'm not sure, but I know she lives either on this floor or the floor below, so we have to be careful."

"You there! Identify yourselves!" A voice called.

"Just a guard, don't worry." Kyo whispered in Mei Lhi's ear. "I am Kyo, Spirit of the Wind, and this is my cousin, Reika-sama."

"Very well. You may pass." The guard replied.

-

'What is this racket?' A dark figure, obviously a girl, thought angrily.

Highly irked, she rose from her bed, opening the door just in time to see a boy identify himself as 'Kyo, Spirit of the Wind' and call the girl 'his cousin, Reika-sama.' The girl's eyes narrowed and she stepped out of the room, her pale skin catching the light, making her body seem to glow white. Her deep violet eyes scanned the area, as the guard approached her.

"Your identification, miss?" he asked.

"Reika." She replied.

"That's impossible. The girl that just passed was identified as Reika."

"That girl is an impostor. I am the real Reika. Can you not smell that that girl is a ningen?"

"Then there is an invader in our palace! The rest of the guards must be warned."

"You will do nothing. I will take care of the intruder myself. Just continue on your rounds."

"Very well, Reika-sama."

Reika turned and followed after the two people who had just passed, her purple eyes glimmering in the light.

-

"Come on, we've got to hurry." Kyo said urgently.

"What's the rush, Kyo? How about we stay and chat?"

Kyo paused in mid-step and turned. "Reika-sama…" He went into a short bow.

"So tell me…who's the girl? I'm rather curious as to who it is that is supposed to be impersonating me. She's doing a rather bad job at it."

"This is Mei Lhi. She's my mate."

"I thought she was hanyou. Not ningen."

"She is hanyou. It's just her human night."

"I see. What are you doing here, might I ask?"

"We're looking for Hinoki-sama."

"She's not here. The moment she heard of the attack on the West she left."

"What! Why?"

"Because I told her who was leading the attack."

"You know who started it?"

"Of course I do. And I know the entire purpose of that attack."

"Reika-sama! Please, tell me!"

"Cut the formalities. We know each other. And I'll tell you, since you asked so nicely."

Kyo waited expectantly, Reika stepped closer to him, her violet eyes just barely visible through the curtain of midnight-black hair that covered her face.

"Harukichi and my master, Master Haru, are leading the attack on the West. They originally went to the Torayoukai and spoke with the Tora no Taisho. Then the Nekoyoukai heard of the plans and they wanted to join. And on top of that Harukichi promised a few Ryuuyoukai to go help with the attack, because he knew your parents would be there defending the West, which is why this place is so god damn chaotic. Anyway…the Neko and Torayoukai want one thing. They're looking for this human…Kagome, I believe she's called. They want the jewel she carries, the Shikon no Tama. And the Nekoyoukai still wish for revenge, so they plan to take it out on Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. As for Harukichi, well, he just wants to kill your wife. That's really all I got to hear before my master sent me out of the room."

"What are we going to do?"

"Go back to the West and help the others. I'll look after Mei Lhi."

"How can I be sure I can trust you?"

"Have I ever lied to you, Kyo?"

"No…I suppose not…"

"What's going on, Kyoshi-kun?" Mei Lhi asked.

"We're going to the West. They're after Kagome." Kyo replied.

"Eh? Nani?"

"They want the jewel."

"AGAIN? Do these people ever give up?"

"I guess not."

"Kagome-chan might as well just break the damn jewel again."

"Are you crazy? It'd take another two years to find all the pieces again and there'd be another Naraku on the loose."

"I wasn't being serious. So are we going or not?"

"Yeah. Come on."

"I know a faster way out of here."

Kyo looked at her questioningly, and she motioned for him and Mei Lhi to come towards her.

"Hold onto me, but don't touch my right arm or left hand."

After a brief explanation to Mei Lhi, everyone was ready. Reika stuck out her right arm, palm facing the floor, in a perfect horizontal line, while the fingers on her left hand made odd motions, and they fell right through the floor, and they kept falling before they suddenly stopped. Looking around, they saw they were standing in the court garden of the Western Lands.

A troop of enemy youkai spotted them and made their way to the three newcomers, brandishing their weapons threateningly. Reika made a sound halfway between a cough and a laugh, and grinned.

"Cover your ears now…I don't want you both dying on me…" she said.

Kyo took Mei Lhi's hands and covered the girl's ears, and created a small orb of wind that blocked out the sound, all that they could hear was a howling wind in their ears.

Reika turned, making sure that they wouldn't be able to hear anything, and turned back to the enemies, her grin growing wider.

"So…you think that you have the right to invade these lands?" she said loudly.

The youkai stopped and dropped their weapons, looking as if they were straining to breathe.

"You fools. You're not welcome here. You dare to step upon this land and destroy it with your filth!"

A few of the youkai fell down and did not move. The scent of death penetrated Kyo's senses and his eyes widened in shock. Reika could kill with the sound of her voice. He now knew why she always spoke in Ryuuyoukai. It was the only language she could speak without hurting anyone. The one language that didn't require a voice.

"You youkai are so weak. It makes me laugh. Obviously, you have never faced the Spirit of the Anti-Life. If any of you are still alive, which I doubt, do tell your chief that facing the powers of death should be in your training. All of your deaths were pitiful and quick. Oh well…"

All of the youkai had fallen dead right after Reika's first sentence. The girl looked at them all and shrugged, nodding the 'ok' at her cousin and his mate. Kyo released the wind orb, and let Mei Lhi uncover her ears.

"That was too easy." Reika said.

"You never told me your power, Reika." Kyo replied.

"Well, there's no need to ask, now is there? Besides, I didn't want to scare you."

"I guess not…"

"Shouldn't we be looking for Kagome-chan?" Mei Lhi interceded.

"Done. She's over there. Go get her before my master does."

Reika pointed off at a place behind her.

"How do you know that, Reika?" Mei Lhi asked.

Reika nodded at Kyo to translate for her before answering. "I have a special book, it tells me when, how, and where a person, animal, or plant is born or dies. At this current time a Nekoyoukai just got purified by a miko arrow shot by Kagome."

"What about my brother? Is he alright?"

"He's a little banged up, but he'll be fine. He's not in my book for 'death' any time soon."

The words offered Mei Lhi little comfort, but she kept the fact in mind that her brother was just wounded but not going to die. The three rushed over to the place where Reika had pointed earlier, seeing an arrow in the ground, and sure enough, there was Kagome and Inuyasha backed into a corner, facing a very old youkai clothed in dark clothing. He looked over and saw Reika and smirked.

"Hello there, Reika. Come to help me?" he said.

"No. I'm not here to help you, Master Haru."

"How dare you betray me!"

"You have no power over me, Master. I outrank you."

"By one rank, brat! After all I've done for you, this is how you repay your dear old master? After I took you in and raised you after you 'accidentally' killed your parents, and taught you everything I could to help you learn to control your powers! This is the respect I get in return? A double-crossing little snake! You can't even control the power of 'Koe no Shi.' How do you hope to excel in your powers? You can only speak Ryuuyoukai!"

"You underestimate me, Master. I have been practicing. Don't you see? I can speak…when I wish to. Look! The others aren't collapsing and suffocating are they?" Reika replied, her voice even.

Haru looked upon his student in shock.

"Well? Are they? No. They're not. Don't ever underestimate me."

"I imagine you're limited on how long you can speak, am I correct? Your new friends look a little out of breath."

Reika whirled around and sure enough, Mei Lhi was struggling to catch her breath. Kagome and Inuyasha were doing the same, while Kyo seemed slightly less affected.

Haru laughed. "Poor child, there's nothing you can do…you're still too weak. You haven't received enough training."

Reika glared at her teacher, anger overwhelming her. Her eyes flashed crimson (A/N: not like when Inu or Sesshy transform, it's more like Naruto, when his eyes turn red from Kyuubi, where it's just the iris of the eye that turns red, not the whites of the eyes.) briefly before taking a deep calming breath.

Haru seemed satisfied with Reika's reaction, assuming she knew she could do nothing, and once again advanced on Kagome.

"Now, where were we, girl?" he asked.

"Stay the fuck away from her!" Inuyasha snarled, standing protectively in from of his mate.

"Move out of the way, boy or I'll make you."

"You're gonna have to kill me first before I move!"

"Very well, if that is your wish…"

Haru shut his eyes briefly before opening them once more, a malicious grin on his face.

"Don't you dare." Reika hissed.

"And if I do dare, then what are you going to do about it, child?" Haru asked, glancing out of the corner of his eyes to look at her. Reika said nothing, and Haru smirked, preparing to strike. "You get to die like you wanted, boy. Taste my Shi no Ken!"

But instead of hitting Inuyasha, the attack hit Reika who had rushed in front. Her hands were up in front of her, where a black shield that was very reminiscent of Hana's had suddenly appeared.

"You won't be able to hit them without hitting me first. Besides, you said so yourself, our attacks won't work against one another. And I am a weak little girl, after all, aren't I?"

"Unlike you, I have something, or rather someone, who can attack you and probably kill you quite easily. In fact, I have just summoned for him."

"Kill me? I'm already half-dead. And so are you. But you are mistaken. I have miko power on my side."

"What good is a miko if she can't even fight?"

"There is more than one miko here, you know…" came Hana's voice.

"Ah, the famous Shimabara Hanajima, granddaughter of Midoriko, it is an honor to finally meet you at last. Harukichi has told me much about you." Haru said.

"I believe you called for me, Haru-sama?" Harukichi asked.

"Yes, I did. It's about time you arrived. Dispose of my understudy. Regrettably, your fears were correct. The little brat has betrayed me."

Harukichi smirked. "So, the new moon affects you as well, Inuyasha? I shall keep that in mind when we plan future attacks." The San Ryuu turned to Reika, who was still holding up the shield, his smirk growing. "Perhaps the sun shall rise a little earlier today…"

"Not if I can help it, Harukichi."

"And what exactly are you going to do?"

Reika dropped the shield and began to run forward, when a beam of sunlight stopped her. Several more beams of light began to shine through the hazy clouds.

"You idiot, Harukichi! Do you want to kill me too?" Haru yelled as he quickly dodged the light.

Reika was also dodging this way and that to avoid the light, when a stray beam caught her left shoulder and she fell, letting out a scream of pain, causing everyone but Haru to strain to breathe.

"Hurts…make it stop…it…hurts…"

"We're done here, Harukichi. Get what's left of those damned cats and get them out of here." Haru ordered.

"But what about the jewel?"

"Forget the jewel."

"You're concerned for that brat, aren't you?"

"She's my replacement, you imbecile!"

Harukichi growled, the light fading away, and he disappeared in a flash with Haru, and all sounds of fighting ceased.

"So who is that, exactly?" Inuyasha asked, pointing to Reika, where she lay on the ground shuddering from pain.

"My cousin, Reika." Kyo answered.

"My brother's daughter? I thought she went missing." Ryouji said, appearing with Megumi and Sesshoumaru.

"You've been away too long, Oji-san."

"What's happened to her, my son?" Megumi asked.

"Take a wild guess…" Inuyasha grumbled. "Who controls the sun, is a bastard, and won't leave us alone?"

"Harukichi-sama did this?"

"Keh. Who else?"

"Reika-chan, how can we help you? You're hurt very badly." Megumi reached out, but was stopped.

"No! Don't touch me."

"Then what can we do to help, Reika-chan?"

"I'll help myself…"

Reika pushed herself up off the ground, and stood quite unsteadily before she began to walk, in the same unsteadiness, before stopping a few feet away, extending her right arm and making the same odd gestures with the fingers on her left hand, her form, which everyone could now see, turned into ash and sank into the ground.

She was gone before anyone could even realize what happened.

And then, dawn broke on a very different day.


A/N: Whoa! This chapter's WAY longer than the one before. It's like, 17 pages I think. I just got a bit carried away…but for some reason I feel like I'm getting very repetitive. I mean, the West ALWAYS GETS ATTACKED ALL THE TIME! And I fear that the originality is quickly losing its touch. (Sighs) Oh well. You all like it, so I guess it's ok. But I think my ABSOLUTE favorite part in this entire chapter in its excruciatingly insanely long length was Higurashi-san and the broom of doom. Another one of my random ideas…and for those of you who noticed my incessant whining of introducing new characters, Reika and Haru are two of a couple more. Reika's been in the planning stages since about chapter 10, so she's been waiting for her big debut for a while. Anyways, review. Hope you enjoyed this much longer chapter. I've worked on it for two days straight, and I listened to LOADS of anime music while doing it, so I'm a little anime-pumped right now. Anywho, I'll shut up, and "Shi no Ken" means "Sword of Death/Death's Sword) and if anyone has any questions about anything, leave it in your review, and oh yeah, when I get my crappy-ass fic production sketches relocated and drawn, they'll be posted at h t t p / x a k i x (dot) d e v i a n t a r t (dot) c o m.(There's another / in front of the 'xakix' part, but the site is being stupid and won't display it.)I'm on that site all the time, so feel free to drop me a line over there, or you can yell at me to work on my chapters in case there's a post gap again. Alright, I'm off, most likely to get Ch. 15 planned out and ready to go. Ja ne until next time!