A Place In Their Hearts

by Dreaming Hearts

Link embarks on a journey with new friends, to rid the world of an ancient evil threatening to destroy everything. Four pendants emerge, a connection with the Goddesses, and only the True Hero can save Termina. (AU) (Ao3)

33. Locked Up

Aveil, who had been quietly musing, noticed a stirring several feet away. Apparently her retainers were slacking on their duties in order to catch a glimpse of the males. Bothered by the bickering females, Aveil stood up and silently crossed her arms. The sudden motion easily alerted them that she was very much displeased. "There is nothing to see here!" she said suddenly. "Get back to work!" she ordered.

Startled by her sudden demand, many of the servants hustled out of the room, and in the process, shoved one another. After Amber finally found a good spot to observe quietly, the sudden shift propelled her forward, and with great alarm, she saw the floor close in on her. "Ah!" Groaning, she pushed herself up on her knees. Feeling an awkward quietness settle around her, she hesitantly raised her head. To her dismay, everyone was staring at her, and she was alone.

Gulping slightly, she found herself gazing in to deep sapphire eyes. A sudden shock swept through her, and she felt her heart jump loudly in her chest. On closer scrutiny, Amber beheld the boy standing before her. Golden locks fell partially over his mysterious eyes, though slightly wet since he was somewhat drenched, he held himself strong. What was this feeling that abruptly overwhelmed her? Who was he? Flushing under his attentive gaze, she shifted her attention.

At the sight of the pitiful child, Aveil felt the urge to roll her eyes. "Amber," she called, easily earning the child's attention, and upon the fright in her stare, she continued. "Am I to believe that you fell victim to this man?" she indicated to Inuyasha, who remained silent as if to observe the scene.

Gulping, Amber held back from growling at her. In a manner of deep respect, she lowered herself to the floor. "Forgive me," She pleaded.

Arching a brow, Aveil relaxed in to her throne, though her attention did not leave Amber. Silently, she grasped the scepter near her throne and fingered the crystalized orb. "It seems as though no matter what punishment you receive, you only continue with your antics…" She replied and raised her eyes. "If I'm informed of another mistake on your part, I will not hesitate to give you a far greater punishment. Do you understand?" She asked.

Amber nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Leave my presence."

Obediently, she picked herself off the floor and left the room not once turning back. If only she were older, then Aveil wouldn't boss her around. The only reason she acquired rule over their lives was because of her popularity among the women, and also due to her unrivaled beauty. One day, she wouldn't be so tough, because Amber planned to do something about it.

Sighing dramatically, Aveil shifted her gaze on a far more important matter. The question was what would she do with them? As of the moment, they were beneath her. Pondering for what seemed like the fifth time, she decided on what she would do with the intruders. "Place them in the dungeons," she waved her guards away dismissively, as if the situation were quite boring.

"But, my lady…"

She looked upon the guard. "Do not fret. By sunrise tomorrow, I want their corpses burned."

Pleased by her mistress's demand, the guards didn't hesitate as they forcibly seized the boy garbed in green and the not so pleased older man.

However, a certain dark haired male did not abide by such cruelty and persisted in struggling, all the while his complaints everlasting. "Get your hands off me!" He barked. Twisting and turning in two of the guards grasp, he managed to kick the one behind him hard in the stomach, and although her grip lessened, the others were quick to react. Not a second later, Inuyasha found himself subdued and carried off by four amazons.

Link, who had also resisted, glanced at Aveil, and while he could escape any time he wished, he decided that it would be in his best interest to allow things to run its course. In the end, he was the most cooperative of the captives.

Clearly upset by these turn of events, Shippo, who had remained in hiding for some time, felt the urgency to seek help from the others. Besides what could he do to help them? The boy watched helplessly as his friends were taken away, and the moment the door closed, he decided to take action. Gulping, he carefully raised himself from his hiding place, cautious of raising suspicion. As he moved to turn the corner, a vociferous feminine voice sent him running for the exit. Not a moment later, he heard the rushed footsteps chasing after him.

OOO

Meanwhile, Sango strolled alone, searching for the missing monk, who had vanished a short time ago after the event. On her way past a small section near a watery space, she noticed that the size of the Zoras on guard had doubled. They were standing near a small body of black sea, watching it carefully as if expecting something sinister to occur, while the others merely took turns pacing to and fro in a repetitive fashion.

Rounding the corner, she took to the long incline next to her. Not until after managing the steep walk, Sango rejoined the monk, who sat upon the cliff, gazing down at the spring as if concerned. "Miroku?" She called, earning his attention instantly. "I've been looking for you. What are you doing?" she asked kneeling beside him.

"Sango…" he voiced. "How is she?" he asked. By her expression, he knew something must have happened, or that is to say already did. A moment ago, he had just been thinking quietly about the Feudal Era and what kind of mischief Naraku was up to, until he saw Sango and Kagome sitting near the spring below him.

She shook her head, recalling Kagome's expression when she had brought it up. "Kagome is still bothered. I'm not sure what to do. I thought if I sat down and talked to her…that maybe…" Sango fell short and sighed. "I might have upset her only further."

With reassurance, Miroku placed a hand upon her shoulder. "I'm sure she'll be alright." Looking off towards the spring, he saw her sitting there with her knees raised up to her chest, her head hidden from view. "What she needs right now is some time alone," he explained.

Sango nodded. "You're right."

OOO

Sitting alone by the spring, staring blankly ahead, Kagome reflected on all that had happened since their coming to Termina. Her thoughts lingered on her friends and family, as well as her previous situation. With her head in her arms, she closed her eyes, trying to shut out everything around her. How long was it since she had time to think alone? She wasn't sure. At the moment, she wished for nothing more than for time to start over, but that wasn't possible. Why was that? She could already time travel, was that not enough?

A sigh escaped her. Briefly she wondered how her family was. Were they well? How was her little brother doing in school? Was her grandfather still up to his old tricks? Was her mother still smiling? What about her friends? An image of Yuka, Eri and Ayame suddenly appeared in her thoughts. Most likely they were wondering why she was absent from school for so long, and there was no doubt her grandfather was making up more excuses about her strange ailments.

Of course, it wasn't only about missing those that she loved, but also about her relationship with a certain half demon. What were they right now? Obviously he still loved Kikyou, and Kagome knew there was no possible way to separate them, not that she would. Not long ago, they both shared a kiss; this was during the time when they were fighting against Kaguya. Vividly, she remembered the way Inuyasha had held her and the adoration in his eyes as he stared in to her eyes. Was he seeing Kagome then…or was he merely thinking of Kikyou? Did he not feel anything from the kiss? Perhaps her feelings had been unrequited and she had wasted pouring her heart and tears onto to something she could never have.

Sighing yet again, Kagome held her knees tightly against her and closed her eyes. In his eyes, he probably saw her as only a friend. Of course there had been a time that he only thought of her as a jewel detector, but after all the problems and challenges they faced, they managed to become good friends. Perhaps she would talk with Inuyasha the first chance she got and sort out everything and then just move on with her life. Kagome just couldn't ignore this.

Another thought swept across her mind, and the image she thought of was a certain boy garbed in green. Throughout their quest, Link proved himself as a capable fighter, risking his own life in order to save hers. While he did possess an ample amount of courage to brave dangerous tasks, Kagome also wondered if he were maybe trying too much. Although he was a year younger than herself, she did marvel at his speed and expertise with his sword and arrows. Although he was quite good in battle, there was something about him that seemed…odd. Never once had she seen him smile or open up to them. Right now, it seemed as though they were still strangers. Did he not trust them entirely? Link baffled her. Next time for sure, she would also talk with him, and she intended to figure out why he kept his distance.

While most of her thoughts tended to settle on the negatives, and from them they only went downhill. Not only had she managed to get captured and raped, but she also lost the Jewel of Four Souls. After setting foot in to Termina, she'd only been a burden to everyone. Right now she was stuck sitting again because she lost her Light Arrows that the Great Fairy had given to her. What use was she without her weapons?

"You seem troubled," A husky voice startled Kagome.

Looking up, she gazed in to emerald green eyes of a certain Zora, and she frowned. "I was just thinking…" she replied somberly.

Arching a brow, Kauji rubbed the back of his neck. This was a first actually seeing the young maiden so distressed. Clearing his throat, he decided to get right to the point. "I see. There is some troubling news I need to present to you and your friends."

Perplexed, Kagome blinked. "What kind of news?" The priestess noted the seriousness in his voice and his narrowed eyes.

"It seems the storm has picked up again and from that is an ominous sign." He took a few steps behind her and stopped, indicating to the noise around them. "Our men are preparing for the worst and we believe it would be beneficial if you and your friends were to stay with the other females."

Kagome picked herself off the floor and looked around the room. Several young Zoras were running around with panicked alarms, trying to gather their weapons. "I have to find Serena," she suddenly said, baffling Kauji.

"Serena?"

She nodded. "Yes. She's a little pink fairy. She was with us a while ago, but she disappeared."

Kauji mused. He knew exactly where the fairy was, but he wasn't so sure about telling Kagome where. Why? Well the girl would practically grow irate, and that was something he wasn't willing to do. "Well, if you like, I shall search for her," he offered.

OOO

Thunder echoed and lightning lit the darkened sky, and a downpour fell upon Great Bay yet again. The waves tossed and turned and a harsh wind blew ominously. The eclipse that lingered over the land was concealed behind the massive dark sky.

Miroku frowned at the scene before him and Sango. The tribe was terribly unsettled, and they had been ushered to move in to a secured room, though he and the Sango remained where they were, looking for Kagome in the sudden chaos. From outside, they heard the fierce storm and the might of the wind. Moments ago they overheard a conversation that discussed that something disastrous was about to happen, and Miroku pondered if this threat was more terrible than those strange mutants they faced a while ago.

"Miroku?" Sango clenched her boomerang tightly, noting that the monk also felt it. "Can you sense that?"

He nodded. "Yes…something is headed this way," he explained worriedly, also clenching his staff.

"MIROKU!" A strangled cry echoed throughout the cave, startling nearly all of the occupants in the room.

Sango turned her eyes away from Miroku and toward the exit where a few Zoras surrounded a small figure, their weapons ready for use. "That sounded like Shippo!"

Upon his sudden arrival back to the domain, he fell back when armored humanoid fish pointed their spears at him. Thankfully he managed to fly back, despite the sudden shift of weather. Sitting there exhausted and drenched, he looked up at familiar approaching figures. Still trying to catch his breath, he turned his troubled eyes to his companions.

Before the child could say a word, Miroku interrupted. "Shippo, what happened? Are you hurt?" he questioned.

Eying the child, Sango had a feeling something must have happened. "Shippo, where are the others?"

With sudden tears springing to his eyes, he stood up. "They've been captured!

Upon hearing this startling news, several of the Zoras in the vicinity grew upset. Many should have known that something like this would happen. The sudden hope they had was suddenly diminished.

"Did you hear that?" One of the males asked to his friend nearby.

The man in question nodded. "I wonder what happened?"

"Figures! I told you we shouldn't have trusted those land walkers!"

Ignoring the voices behind him, Miroku focused on the child. "What do you mean they've been captured?" He asked sternly.

Whimpering, Shippo rubbed at his eyes. "Everything was going just fine, but our cover was blown and then they were captured and if we don't do something they'll be killed!"

Realizing he should have stayed with the others, Miroku took towards the exit, with Shippo and Sango following behind. However, before he reached the opening, Sango grasped his arms, and he stopped mid-run and stared at her questionably. "Sango?"

"Without Kirara, if will be difficult to cross over the ocean," she explained. "And Shippo is too exhausted to fly back out there."

Upon hearing this, Shippo grew upset. "Hey! I can fly back no problem!" He pulled himself together, in the best way that he knew how, although he was still shaking and out of breath. "Let's go!" Just as he was about to march off, Sango took him in to her arms.

The slayer placed a hand to his forehead. "You're feverish. I don't know if it would be safe for you to use up any more energy than what you already have."

Despite her words, Shippo pushed away from her, surprising both of his friends. "I'm ok! We have to save them no matter what!"

Miroku frowned as did Sango. They never saw Shippo so determined before, and while he would normally just run at the scariest moment, he stood his ground, prepared for the worst. In their eyes, Shippo was growing up and taking risks.

Sango looked to the monk. "What do you think Miroku?"

He shook his head. "There's no use in staying. We'll head out."

"Miroku! Sango!" A feminine voice called, and they turned spotting a certain priestess running towards them. Not a second later, she was staring at the two with peculiarly. "Where are you two going?" she asked. As if not noticing right away, Kagome's eyes fell onto a familiar fox child in Sango's arms. "Shippo? What are you doing here?"

"Link and Inuyasha are in trouble! We have to save them!"

Kagome blinked. "Trouble? What happened?"

"They were captured. Miroku, Shippo and I are heading out to get them," Sango explained.

Miroku nodded. "We'll return soon."

Frowning, she watched as they turned their back, but before they could depart, Kagome stopped them, feeling anxious. "I'm going with you!"

Prepared for Kagome's stubbornness, Sango shook her head. "Kagome it would be better if you stayed here. Besides you don't have your bow and arrows with you," she explained.

Kagome's shoulder's dropped. Once again she was left to stay behind. Was she that useless? "But what if something happens?"

"Then we'll manage it like always," Miroku replied with a smile. There was no need for her to worry. They would bring the guys safely back and free those that were imprisoned.

Sighing, Kagome nodded. What was the use in arguing? "Alright. Just be careful."

For a second time, Sango and Miroku turned toward the exit; however their path was blocked by several Zoras, who were silently irritated.

"Excuse us, but we are in a hurry!" Miroku explained, though it was no use; they would not listen.

"I'm afraid that the woman must stay," A masculine voice explained next to Kagome, who turned with surprise. "But you monk and boy may proceed."

Annoyed by their prejudice of women, Kagome turned to Kauji. What right did they seriously have against the opposite sex? "What's wrong with girls not being allowed to fight?"

Kauji arched a brow at the priestess. "It is not my command but rather our temporary leader's. You may try to persuade him, but he will remain firm on his decision. If it were me, I'd have allowed you to leave. Considering the circumstances outside though, are you sure it's safe to be traveling out now?" he asked, carefully regarding their expressions.

"Whether you like it or not, we're leaving," Sango exclaimed before turning toward the guards, only to wound up in their clutches. "Let go!"

The monk felt the need to sigh. If this was how it was going to turn out, then he and Shippo would be better off on their own, though he was unsure if now was the appropriate time. Link and Inuyasha were imprisoned, and a sinister threat was heading right for the domain. He turned to Kauji. "Do I have your word that nothing will happen to Kagome and Sango?"

The Zoras smirked. "Rest assured. They are in safe hands. We shall protect them as one of our own," he replied, earning a nod from Miroku.

As Sango was released, she took hold of the monk's hands. "Miroku, are you certain about this?"

Miroku nodded before resting his forehead against her own, much to her embarrassment, yet she said nothing. "Yes. I will return soon with Link and Inuyasha. For now, stay safe, you and Kagome." Pulling away, he gazed in to her brown orbs before releasing her hands and disappearing through the exit with Shippo.

Saddened by his departure, Sango clenched her boomerang. Oh how she wanted badly to go with the monk, but apparently that wasn't going to happen. Then again, she supposed it would be wise to stay, just in case something was to happen.

OOO

Upon leaving the sanctuary of the cavern, Shippo and Miroku were subdued to the torrents of the ocean and the high winds facing them. They saw the lightening in the distances and the loud booms of thunder. At the moment, it was nearly impossible to tell which direction the fortress was in.

"Miroku!" Shippo shouted over the storm. "Get on!"

Noticing that Shippo had already transformed in to a large bird, Miroku seated himself and Shippo took to the skies, wary of the dangers lurking below the murky water and the threatening lightening above. 'We're coming!'

OOO

Leading the girls down a long hall, Kauji noted their expressions. Honestly he didn't understand why they fought in the first place. Women were to stay by their mate's side, while they did the fighting. A battle was no place for a woman.

"Where could Serena be?" Kagome thought aloud. "SERENA!" She called, but there was no answer.

"She was with us during the event, wasn't she?" Sango asked.

Kagome shrugged. "I can't remember. She was very quiet." Had the fairy gone off to help Link and Inuyasha? If that were the case, wouldn't she have told them before flying off? "SERENA!"

Kauji felt his ears ring from her loud shouts, and he felt the urge to clamp a hand over her mouth, but he refrained from doing so. "I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she's taking a nap somewhere."

Refusing to accept that, Kagome turned away and ran down the opposite path, baffling both Kauji and Sango. "I'm going to find her!" After all, she felt it was their responsibility to look out for her while Link was away. Serena had to be somewhere in the domain, and she was going to find her.

Deciding to also look for the fairy, Sango turned in the opposite direction, but not before telling Kauji first. She decided that she would walk up the long incline and if she was lucky, maybe she'd be able to spot the pink winged ball of light.

Before Kauji could chase after either of the determined females, he was stopped by a fellow Zora equipped with armor and ready for battle. The young male appeared out of breath, looking at him as if something had happened. "What's wrong?"

Taking another breath, the male pointed off towards the hall where many of the others were. "We've got trouble! They're trying to get in!"

Stunned by this, Kauji clenched his teeth and took the armor from the boy's hand and quickly dressed himself. He hadn't expected the enemy to arrive so fast. Obviously they were after the remainder of the females, but he and the others weren't going to make that easy. "Where's my sword?"

"Here!"

Taking the blade, Kauji rushed in to the battle, wary of the unexpected at any moment.

OOO

Aveil smirked as she waved her hand over the scepter. The crystal upon the staff darkened, and if one looked closely, they could make out the dark storm clouds hovering over Great Bay and the clash of lightening overhead the domain.

A sinister cackle escaped the woman and she threw her head back with delight. She had those Zoras trapped, not only by the acid sea but also by the mutants she had sent out to kill them. Once those creatures were out of the way, she would take the treasure lying at the bottom of their spring and add it to their own collection.

OOO

Drip

Drip

Connected tunnels and a large body of water surrounded the dungeon in which both Link and Inuyasha were imprisoned. An air of dampness pervaded their senses, and it was enough to annoy a certain black haired male. As if things couldn't have gotten worst, now there was that constant dripping which thoroughly irritated him.

Inuyasha scowled and continued glaring through the bars of the opposite cell where a certain blond youth stood leaning against the barred wall, his eyes closed in a nonchalant manner. It was enough to further his aggravation. Clenching the bars, Inuyasha's frown deepened. "I just don't get you…"

Upon hearing this, Link opened his eyes, staring at the male with obvious indifference. Of course he didn't even bother answering him, not that he cared to anyways. Instead he searched through his satchel, rummaging through it calmly. Unlike Inuyasha, he wasn't the least bit annoyed or upset. Link knew exactly where he was, but he understood that these surroundings were new to Inuyasha.

Noticing that Link was disregarding him, Inuyasha pulled away. "So what happened to that big plan of yours?" he asked, his voice filled with mockery. "Figures you get caught." His brown orbs searched his surroundings yet again, and he cursed. If only he still had his father's fang, then breaking out of this hell hole would be easy. The quietness unsettled him, so much that he turned back to look at the boy next to him questionably. "Hey! Where's the runt?"

Looking up from his search, Link looked the male in the eye. "His name is Shippo." Inuyasha had a lot of nerve, and it wasn't just Link that was captured. However he managed it, Inuyasha was also in the cell beside him.

Inuyasha crossed his arms. "I already knew that! Where the hell is he?" Come to think of it, he didn't see the kit when he was brought before that woman. Link had already been there, tied up and useless, but there was no sign of Shippo, at least, not that he remembered. "Don't tell me he's hiding…figures."

Shaking his blond tresses, Link returned to his satchel. "He's safe." After several times sorting through his satchel, Link noted that his rupee bag was still missing. Without that, he would have difficulty purchasing items needed for the quest. "Strange…my bag is gone…" he muttered.

Upon hearing his words, Inuyasha felt a light bulb function above his head. Immediately he took from his sleeve a small pouch full of many colorful rupees. "Oh you mean this?" He asked innocently. "Yeah, I took it when you weren't looking…" he eyed the strange gems, still unsure how they could be used as currency. However, he was sure one could sell them for a descent amount of REAL money.

For a moment, Link stared at him. How had he taken his bag without his noticing? So, Inuyasha's had it all this time? With annoyance, his frown deepened. Not only was Inuyasha rude and arrogant with a bad temper, but he was also a thief.

Noticing his disturbed expression, Inuyasha blatantly remarked, "No need to get all upset! I don't know why you're carrying so much on—"Words failed to form upon his lips as he found the cell before him empty. The door was open, yet there was no sign of the brat. Instantly, his eyes found the boy, standing just outside the bars trapping Inuyasha. "What the?! How'd you get out there?"

Looking up from his bag, Link arched a brow. Escaping from the cell was not a problem to him. Besides, he's managed to escape a few times in the past, and this was no different. Extending his arm, he showed the male a small piece of iron, narrow enough to fit in to the locks.

Realizing that the kid had some smarts, he smirked. "Great going! Now get me out and so we can—"Before he could finish, Link's back was already turned to him, and he was calmly walking away, deliberately upsetting Inuyasha. "Hey! Where the hell are you going!?"

Link felt his ears ring at the loud shriek. Turning around, he crossed his arms. "Yes?"

Inuyasha felt his blood boil at his reply. "Don't give me that! Get me out of here!" The nerve of the kid. Who did he think he was?

Holding the small iron in his hand, Link mused. Before Inuyasha informed him of his stolen rupee bag, he was willing to let him out if he cooperated, but seeing as how Link knew the truth, he would rather carry on just as before. Of course Link was somewhat acting unreasonable, he was still upset and annoyed by his teammate. "If I were to let you out, do you promise not to hurt Shippo?"

Surprised by the sudden mention of the runt, Inuyasha growled, though he didn't understand what Shippo had to do with him being locked up. "It's not Shippo I'm angry with! You led him in to danger in the first place, taking off in to that wasteland, and you did the same thing here!"

Accepting this somewhat, Link stepped forward, and when Inuyasha reached out to grab the piece in Link's hand, the youth placed it upon the cold, wet floor, a little out of reach of Inuyasha. Before continuing on his way, he glanced over his shoulder to stare at the surprised male. "You may leave only when you have reached it. I'm sure something so small shouldn't pose as a challenge to you, Inuyasha." After that was said, he sped up the stairs, ignoring Inuyasha's loud yells.

"Hey! Hey! Get your ass back here! Don't leave me here!" With several failed attempts, Inuyasha found that he could not reach the iron lying a few inches away from his outstretched hand. "Damn it! When I get my hands on him, I'll personally put him in his place!"

OOO

After successfully infiltrating the pirate's cove, both Miroku and Shippo managed to step inside without setting off any alarms. Shippo had taken the time to simply fly over just as Link had intended before their cover was blown dramatically by Tingle. Come to think of it, where did that little guy disappear to?

Glancing around the open area, Miroku grew puzzled. The storm was still brewing, and he found it difficult to see through the thick haze as well as the darkness. "Shippo, which direction did you say Link and Inuyasha were in?"

Squinting, Shippo couldn't see anything. The watchtower should have stood some distance away but he couldn't locate the structure. "Straight ahead, but it's too dark to see."

Voices nearby startled the two, and at the sound of approaching footsteps, Miroku and Shippo darted in the opposite direction in hopes of losing the imminent danger closing in on them. Upon noticing a large staircase before them, they immediately rushed up steps, distancing themselves from the guards below who had yet to notice anything out of the ordinary. After finally ascending the stairs, both males caught sight of a flickering light straight ahead, and considering it was the only light, they followed it.

Once inside, they found themselves in a small empty room. Two torches, on either side of a door, burned straight in front of them. Taking this as a reprieve, Miroku turned to the child standing next to him. "What sort of pirates are they?"

Taking a breath, Shippo looked in to his blue eyes. "They're girls," he stated, ignoring as the monk's eyes light up at the very mentioning of a female. "But they're really strong. Even Inuyasha and Link were no match to them."

Miroku scratched his chin. 'So this fortress is operated by a tribe of fierce women?' Did that mean that males were unwelcomed? "Interesting." Looking up, he saw Shippo cross the room, before calling out to him.

Stopping halfway, he turned to the static monk. "Come on! We have to hurry!"

Snapping out of his deluded thoughts, Miroku followed after the child, and just as they reached the door, he turned the handle. "It's locked…"

"Of course it's locked," A feminine voice replied.

Shippo jumped at the voice, and both he and Miroku turned. "Where did she come from?!"

"It takes courage to come thieving in the pirate's fortress!" A bronze woman with long cascading hair stood before them. Her attire was green, and in each hand she held curved swords, each decorated with the finest of jewels. Without so much as a warning, she charged at Miroku, and in defense, he held up his staff. She smirked. "Are you ready to die?" she asked, raising her other sword.

Dodging her swing, Miroku darted past her, careful of this new threat. But as he dodged, he could not help himself as his eyes roamed her curvaceous body and the outline of her breasts. He had to admit that she was gorgeous, but she was also their enemy. Swinging his staff at the woman, she suddenly did a back flip, and once again, she charged at him. "What have you done with the others?!"

Attack after attack and swing after swing, neither side gave up. The woman whom he fought was very skilled and quick on her feet, but so was he. After separating, he and the woman circled the room, watching the other carefully, not knowing when the other would attack.

She cackled at the monk before her. "It' been a while since I've fought a man…I have to admit, you're not half bad…"

Miroku glared. "Same to you…"

Grinning, she once again charged at him, but this time Miroku was ready. The moment she came within arm's reach, Miroku circled behind her, and with his staff, tripped her. Just as she fell to the ground, Miroku aimed his staff. Unfortunately, she was quick to react. Instantly, she rolled out of harm's way, back flipping from his constant swinging.

From the sidelines, Shippo watched, fearful that the woman would hurt the monk. Gulping, he decided he would help the monk out. Shippo took from his shirt a spinning top and quickly leaped in to the air, throwing the toy at the woman.

While she busily dodged and swung her twin swords, she took notice of the fast approaching, spinning top and she jumped away. Miroku who had also taken notice and leaped out of its path, just as it made contact with the ground between them.

Growing from size, the top spun and spun, and on account of the strange magic, the guard was suddenly distracted. She found that she could not look away as it somehow put her in to quite a spell.

Noticing his chance, Miroku darted for the oblivious woman and with his staff, he slammed it in her stomach. The attack wasn't enough to cause her great injury, but it knocked the breath out of her.

Grimacing, she fell on one knee, her swords still in her grip. After a moment of coughing, she glared. "How did I lose?"

Offering her a polite hand, Miroku kept his stern expression in place. "What have you done with our friends?"

Irritated, she slapped his hand away. "Hmpt! You're friends are most likely dead!" She held her stomach achingly. "Ugh…Don't think it ends here!" Suddenly, she took from her pocket a familiar looking seed and luckily, Shippo and Miroku managed to cover their eyes from the blinding light. This was the same trick Link pulled on him and the others when they first met.

After shielding their eyes, they found that the woman was gone, and Miroku sighed. Spotting a bronze key lying where the woman had been standing recently, he picked it up. "Let's hurry!"

Picking up his top, Shippo scampered after. He only hoped that it was not too late.

OOO

Kauji cringed at the sight of the disgusting beings. One after another, he defeated them, but no matter how many times he and his men attack, more appeared from the water. Without sustaining any injuries, he brought his sword down on another mutant, and he watched in disgust as its juices soaked his blade. Pulling the steel out of the punctured wound, he examined the rest of his tribe. Fortunately, many had only acquired minimal damage, and they were holding their own just fine.

"Kauji, they just keep coming!" One of the Zoras cried with disbelief.

He frowned. "Are you able to hold your own?" he asked, and when he received a nod, he took off. "Take charge. I'll be back soon!"

OOO

Kagome sighed. She checked nearly every room, but to her dismay, she could not locate the small fairy. Discouraged, she stopped near the spring, and after glancing in several directions, she decided to take the path to the right. There were two other rooms in which she hadn't searched in.

Opening the door, she was just about to shout Serena's name when she suddenly heard a high pitched cry, and alarmed, she stepped into the dark room, fumbling for a light switch or something to guide her inside. There was someone else inside, and from the sound of it, they were in pain.

"Stop! Please!" The voice panicked, and after groping through the darkness, Kagome spotted a light ahead before readying her arrows. "Ah!"

Kagome paused. Right before her, sprawled out in a shallow pool with candle's lit around its rim, were two male Zoras, their aquatic blue skin glistening with fresh sweat. One in particular towered over the other, his fingers caressing the Zora intimately; it was a sight the priestess had not intended to witness.

"Oh…Dalith…I don't think…we shouldn't…" The male voiced weakly. His body trembled from the rough touches of his male lover.

In response, a chuckle resonated in the room. The Zora, known as Dalith, slid his partner up against the wall from the shallow pool and climbed over his body. "How does it feel?" Slowly, he placed light kisses upon his neck, and his rough hands roamed the body of the male beneath him, touching him in places that elicited several moans.

Embarrassed at the show of intimacy between the two lovers, she ducked behind one of the furnished tables, with her hand placed over her mouth to stifle a small squeak, less she accidentally called attention to herself.

'Oh my gosh! They're…doing it…' And at a time when the entire tribe was in disorder! Kagome couldn't very well just call out for them to save themselves, knowing she'd been there the entire time watching like some creep…well she hadn't meant to stumble in upon them.

Hearing another moan, Kagome took another peek. If her friends, Eddie, Yuka and Ayumi had seen this, they would have jumped and squealed at the sight…What could she do? Kagome couldn't just get up and leave; they'd no doubt see her and then she'd be left standing and explaining herself.

Their position had changed, and this time the priestess got a rather nice view of their bodies. The dominate Zora had raised its significant other's legs and wrapped them around his waist before lowering his lips upon his bare abdomen before licking the flesh, causing the male beneath him to shudder. Chuckling, his hand gripped his submissive partner, fondling him as he performed upon him with his dexterous fingers. "Does this feel good?" He asked, whispering into his ear, and he was rewarded by kiss to his neck.

Kagome found herself unable to move from her spot. This had been the first time in her 15 years that she had stumbled upon such a scene and between two males at that.

"Harder…faster Dalith…ah…"

"You're so cute when you call out to me," The Zora replied before accepting, thrusting deeper and faster into the male he loved.

He arched his back, his mouth opening with as his instinctively drew him closer. "It…feels…great…"

"Does it?" He smirked.

Things had gotten intense, and from the look of the up and down hand motion, now between the two of them, Kagome found her heart racing and her breathing hitched as she clung to the table's leg. The sight of their hips pushing against the other in sync immediately caused her to grasp her nose, feeling a familiar warmth drip onto her fingers.

Pulling herself away, she didn't have the strength to walk, so instead, she crawled toward the door, where a small crack of light shined through, guiding her away from the stifled moans and heavy breathing in the room. What had she just seen? For some reason, she felt a little bothered and ashamed of herself for watching such a scene, and with the images still playing out in her head and hearing the stifled moans in the background, she felt a strange warmth flood through her stomach, and it didn't take a genius to figure out that she had been turned on by the sight…What was wrong with her?

Finally, after groping around, she managed to push open the door wide enough for her to slip out before closing it as quietly and as slowly as she could. After that, she sat against the door and held a hand to her chest; it felt as if her heart was pounding through her ears. What she had just viewed left her feeling slightly disgusted and yet at the same time quite bewildered. How long exactly was it since they were in the company of females? Feeling quite disturbed and awkward, Kagome, who was still at a lack of words, turned in a random direction, walking quite stiffly and still flustered. In truth, she felt a little dazed at the scene.

After shaking her head from the recent happening, Kagome found herself near the nursery, and a feeling of de ja vu swept over her. Peering inside the small room, she instantly noticed the familiar faces of the children whose innocence put a smile on her face. She remembered their names; the youngest was Meplin, the timid little girl, then there was Mikau, a polite youth, Eizel, the mystery one, and Ralif, the rough one.

After stepping inside, she walked up to the youngsters, realizing that they were completely alone in the room. "Where's Lulu?"

All at once, as if not expecting to see her, the children circled her, their eyes big with much to say. Meplin, as shy as ever, stood behind both Ralif and Eizel, whereas Mikau latched himself onto Kagome's skirt, tugging on it excitedly.

"Hey! What's going on?" Mikau asked. "The grownups are all acting weird."

Kagome patted their heads. "Don't worry. You're all going to be ok. Where did Lulu go?"

Eizel was the one who answered that. "She ran out of the room a short while ago and hasn't returned yet."

Ralif made a scary face at Meplin. "I bet she was Eaten by the monsters!"

In response to his ignorance, Meplin cowered, covering her face with tears falling from her eyes.

"Shut up Ralif!" Mikau said, patting the sobbing Zora girl on the back comfortably.

Ralif stuck his tongue out at him. "Well I'm just saying!"

Finding herself in the middle of a beginning dispute, Kagome sighed. Right now she didn't have time to mess around, and she decided to get straight to the point. "Have any of you seen a fairy?" she asked, but all she received was curious stares.

"What's a fairy?" Ralif asked, eyeing Kagome.

Kagome went on to explain. "Well, the one I'm looking for is shaped like an orb. She has a pink light and small wings. Have you seen her?"

The children shook their heads. "No."

Another sigh left her. Where had Serena disappeared to? Seeing as how the children were all alone, Kagome decided to take responsibility. First off, she had to get these kids someplace safe.

Before she could lead the children out of the nursery, Lulu rushed in, out of breath, her face flushed. Immediately after entering, she slammed the door shut, her back pressed against it as if to keep whatever trying to get in out. "We're not safe here!"

Kagome worried. "Lulu, what happened?"

"They've gotten in! Those beasts!" She explained, startling the priestess, as well as the children.

From beyond the door, a loud pound made impact, and Lulu panicked. The door shook with great force, and the poundings grew louder. All of a sudden, a blade cut through the door, directly next to Lulu's face.

Frightened, Lulu fled from the door and joined Kagome and the children. They were huddled together, watching for the evident crash of the door and the monstrous creature attack. It happened all too soon, and the door did indeed fall. Standing in the door way was the very mutant, its scaly body and sinister eyes locked onto its prey.

"Run!" Kagome shouted, taking the kids with her.

Lulu fled in the opposite direction. "Take the kids!" The young woman decided she would act as bait for the creature, if only to save the young ones.

Fearful, Kagome watched as the creature charged in Lulu's direction, and with great leadership, Kagome pushed the children towards the exit. "Quickly! Run to safety!" After pushing the children out of the nursery, Kagome searched the room, hoping to find some sort of weapon. When none sufficed, she picked up the nearest jar seated against the wall next to her.

Claws reached out for the huddled Zora, who looked on with fearful eyes. Satisfied with its easy prey, the beast licked its lips. Just before it could jump at the woman and feast upon her, something rather hard collided with its head.

"Run!" Kagome shouted, now that she had caught its attention. When the feral beast turned in her direction, she stepped away. "Come and get me!"

With indignation, the monster charged for the priestess, taking note of her exposed flesh and how she would taste moments from now.

After gaining its attention, Kagome ran out of the room, pleased that she had turned its attention away from Lulu. The only problem now was that she was unarmed. What could she use to hold back the monster? Hearing the fast approaching footsteps, Kagome quickened her pace, and rounded the corner, but when she did, she was grabbed and pulled back in to a dark room with a hand clamped firmly over her mouth. Immediately after falling in to the room, the door was kicked closed, and Kagome struggled.

From behind, she felt that whoever was holding her was holding her rather tightly. She felt the soft breathing behind her ear and nearly shuddered. A hand had wrapped itself around her middle and slowly landed upon her abdomen and a blush darkened her face. The hand that had covered her mouth fell away, but the hold on her remained. Kagome was just about to scream when she heard a voice near her ear.

"We meet in the strangest ways, don't we?" A husky voice asked, his lips touching Kagome's ear ever so slightly.

Instantly, Kagome realized that she was all alone in a room with a male Zora. This voice, however, sounded very familiar, and there was only one person or that is to say, Zora, that she could think of. "K-Kauji?"

"Yes?"

Trying to remove his arm, kagome turns her head so as to stare at him. "Thank you for saving me. We have to do something."

With a sigh, Kauji released the maiden and helped her to her feet. "You took off so suddenly, I had no choice but to search for you. It would be best if you were to stay here out of harm's way."

Kagome huffed. "I'm not going to just sit back while those monsters are on the loose! Besides, you all agreed to our help, and we're going to do just that!" With that, she turned her back to the male and attempted to open the door, however, she was stopped by a hand on her arm. Before she knew what to expect, her back was pressed against the door, and Kauji cornered her, his eyes quite strange to the priestess. "What are you doing?"

OOO

A deep frown found its way on the slayer's lips. She had searched high and low for the missing fairy, but there were no signs of her. The other rooms were completely emptied, save for those that stayed hidden out of fear for their lives.

"Strange, where did she disappear to?" She muttered to herself while distancing herself from the Zoras. She walked down a vacant corridor, but she stopped midway and frowned. "I've already searched this place…" Ready to turn around and try again, Sango didn't get very far when she found herself abruptly pushed against the wall quite forcibly. A male figure stood before her with menacing eyes. Startled, her weapon was flung to the side, out of reach, and she desperately tried to free herself of this Zora's clutches. "Let me go!"