A1969: hey everyone! Thank you all for the reviews, and for putting this story on your favorites and alerts. Oh, and for reading—let's not forget that. You guys really warm the cockles of my heart.
Kagome: someone's being dramatic.
Sango: guys! C'mon, Sesshoumaru and Kouga are about to fight! Still time for bets!
Kagome: well, you bet on Sesshoumaru, so I'll just have to go with Kouga.
Kouga: hey!
Inuyasha: I bet they both knock each other to the moon—and never come back.
Sesshoumaru: *glare*
Miroku: what about you, author dear? Bets?
A1969: I bet on Loki!
Kagome: what? But…he's not even from this series!
A1969: isuhfnewiuhvrehfoerusfjskldfnoieste! Losieueaskldkhe!
Kagome: okaaay…this one's obviously seen Thor 2, and is in rabid fangirl mode. Anyway, enjoy the story!
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-Chapter Forty-Four-
.:More Than Anything:.
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Sesshoumaru
Suffice to say, I was most surprised.
It was rare for Mother to leave the confines of the palace—she usually sent her servant, Shizune, to relay messages to me. This would mean that she sought me out regarding a matter of utmost importance.
Or, perhaps…
"My, Sesshoumaru, you don't look happy to see your mother," she said, raising an eyebrow. I could feel the tension from Inuyasha and his companions as they regarded Mother warily. "Smile a little, won't you?"
I gave her a flat look.
She scoffed. "Still lacking any charm," she said, sighing. She suddenly smiled, and glanced over my shoulder. "Do you not agree, Clara?"
I felt Clara stiffening behind me. I glanced at her from over my shoulder. She was looking up at me with a hesitant look in her sapphire eyes, and a light tinge on her cheeks.
"Er…sorry but, no," she said.
I felt somewhat smug as I turned back to Mother. She raised both her eyebrows at me, thoroughly amused. "You would say that, wouldn't you?" she said. She chuckled lightly, her eyes glinting with mirth. "Well, Sesshoumaru?" she went on. "Stand aside, I wish to see the girl whose ensnared you."
The tension in the air seemed to increase. Behind me, I could hear Clara's heartbeat quickening in apprehension. I suddenly felt a strong desire to keep her out of Mother's reach—a protective instinct, if you will.
I did not move.
"Really, now, Sesshoumaru," Mother said, sighing. "I merely wish to greet her formally. Frankly, after seeing you reject demoness after demoness, I was starting to wonder whether or not you preferred men."
Inuyasha's laughter was explosive. I was all too aware of the chuckles Inuyasha's companions were trying to suppress. Even Jaken let out a small snort, before he hastily silenced himself. I shall deal with them later.
Had she been anyone else, Mother's head would have undoubtedly fallen to the ground. I glared at her.
"You may not have inherited your Father's charm, but you certainly have his odd love for humans," she said. "Well, stand aside."
I still had no desire to move. However, I felt a light hand on my arm. I looked down to see Clara smile reassuringly at me. I frowned slightly. Her heart was beating quite fast. No doubt, she was nervous.
"It's fine, Sesshoumaru," she said. She squeezed my arm gently. For a moment, I held her hand in my mine, before I stood aside.
Clara stood beside me, and Mother smiled as she regarded us with amusement. She raised an elegant hand, and beckoned for Clara to approach her. I could feel Inuyasha and his companions tensing again, laughter suddenly gone. Clara hesitated, before she took a step towards Mother.
"I appreciate a human who does not cower at the sight of a daiyoukai," Mother said as Clara stopped several feet away from her. She bowed from the waist, and straightened, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground.
Mother suddenly reached out, and took Clara's hand in her own. Clara looked up, her eyes widening in surprise at the contact.
"My, quite tense, aren't you?" Mother said, smiling with mirth.
I frowned at her. Admittedly, I was puzzled. If she truly did wish to 'greet her formally', why not send a summons and receive us at the palace? Hn.
I watched, wary, as Mother raised a dainty hand, and brushed it lightly against Clara's cheek. I was quite proud of the way Clara—despite being on edge—stood her ground. Mother was a most intimidating woman.
"You are quite unexpected, aren't you?" Mother asked, cupping Clara's cheek. "The last time I saw you, you were nothing more than a timid little human. I see you now, and it's quite surprising." She smiled, though there was nothing reassuring about it.
Clara hesitated. I could not tell what she was thinking, but, whatever it was, she raised her eyes with determination. "You're looking quite well yourself, my lady," she said, her voice steady. I noted that her heartbeat was going down.
"Of course," Mother said, scoffing. "Until my son weds, I am the proud Lady of the Western Lands. And I am pleased to say, I am more than suited to the role."
My frown deepened. What was she thinking?
Mother suddenly reached out, and held Clara's face in both her hands. Though I was confident she would not harm her, I felt wary.
"Are you, Clara?" Mother asked quietly. "Are you worthy of my son? We'll see, won't we?"
Clara let out a small gasp, before she suddenly fell.
My eyes widened slightly as Mother caught her, holding her against her. "Tired, wasn't she?" Mother said, brushing Clara's fringe from her face.
Inuyasha and his friends let out small exclamations of surprise. I did not move—I needed to check my temper. The only thing stopping me was Mother's relation to me.
I let out a breath as I carefully made my way towards Mother. It took every ounce of self-control I had to unclench my fists. Mother smiled as I approached her.
"You needn't worry, Sesshoumaru," she said as I lifted Clara from her arms. "It appears that she's merely fatigued. See how she sleeps?" Her smile was one of amusement.
I looked down at Clara. Her expression was indeed serene, her breathing even. If I did not know any better, I would have thought she had indeed fallen asleep. However, when it came to Mother, appearances were deceiving.
"What have you done?" I asked her. I held Clara closer, keeping my claws preoccupied.
"As I've said, she's only sleeping, Sesshoumaru," Mother replied. She looked down at Clara, her eyes gleaming with a look I could not discern.
Mother's hands fluttered to the Meido stone round her neck. Holding it in the palm of her hand, she arched an eyebrow in amusement as she stared into its black depths. She looked up at me, smiling.
"I've no doubt her dreams are quite pleasant," she said.
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Clara
I felt something warm on my face.
My eyelids fluttered. I could hear the gentle twittering of birds around me, could hear the soft rustle of leaves from the trees. I slowly opened my eyes.
A pair of familiar golden eyes was looking down at me.
I gave a small start of surprise when I realized that my head was lying on Sesshoumaru's lap. "You're awake," he said simply. I felt my face warming as he brushed his thumb against my cheek.
"Sesshoumaru, what…what happened?" I asked. My head felt a bit foggy. "The last thing I remember was talking to Lady Hayomi…" I carefully sat up, and raked a hand through my hair (a habit I'd developed when I started waking up to his eyes).
"Exhaustion took its toll on you," he answered, regarding me with a cold, analytic look.
I frowned, confused. "Exhaustion…I don't understand. I felt perfectly fine this morning." I vividly remembered waking up in the Modern Era in the same manner I'd woken up here—to the sight of his eyes, with my head on his lap. I'd been far from exhausted.
"Or, perhaps," he went on. "Mother's presence had far too great a strain on you?" The corner of his mouth twitched in amusement.
I was indignant. "Are you saying I got so scared of your Mother, I practically fainted?"
"Even my great Father did not wish to cross her," he said matter-of-factly.
I didn't know whether to be embarrassed or annoyed. Embarrassed, I think. I mean…Who, in their right mind, would faint because their boyfriend's mother was intimidating? But, then again, Sesshoumaru's mother was a daiyoukai.
"Wait...where is everyone?" I asked, glancing around. We were still in the clearing of the well, but there was no one else in sight. I could have sworn everyone had been here before I...fainted.
"Inuyasha and the others have left," he answered. "They thought it best if we wasted no time searching for the other two shards."
I frowned. "Why would they leave without us?" I asked.
"I did not wish to wake you," he said simply. He tucked a tendril of hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing lightly against my cheek.
I blushed. For a moment, I completely forgot what I was about to ask him. I shook my head. "But where are Rin, Kohaku, Jaken, and Ah-Un?" Why did I have to swoon earlier? Ugh.
"They are in the village," he said. "They are to remain there until we return."
My eyebrows rose. "So...it's just going to be you and me looking for the other two shards?"
Admittedly, the thought sent butterflies through my stomach. Truth be told, I didn't want to leave the others in the village—it just felt a bit off, somehow. But then again, it would be better to keep Rin and Kohaku out of danger.
"Does this not please you?" He raised an elegant eyebrow at me.
"No, I don't mind," I said hastily. I smiled at him. "I like spending time with you. It's just that...I couldn't imagine Jaken was pleased about being left behind to babysit."
Amusement flashed in his eyes, before they turned cold again. "He will manage." The 'Or else' was heavily implied.
I smiled again. "Anyway, why didn't we just go with Inuyasha and the others? They did mention that the last two shards were with that friend of theirs."
Sesshoumaru frowned. "I do not wish to travel with Inuyasha," he said dispassionately. "That fool is most intolerable."
I raised an eyebrow at him. "C'mon, I'm sure you care about him. Deep, deep, deep, deeeeep down."
He gave me a flat look, and I giggled. Okay, so maybe it would be a while before he admitted that. Or maybe more than a while. Or maybe even never.
"But, anyway, Sesshoumaru, how are we going to find the other two shards without Kagome and the others?" I asked.
"The wolf demon, Kouga, is in possession of the shards." He stood and held my hands as he helped me to my feet.
"If they're friends with Inuyasha and Kagome, we really should have gone with them," I persisted, as I let go of his hands.
"Are you doubting me?" Sesshoumaru asked, arching an eyebrow.
"No, of course not," I said quickly. "It's just that it would have been—"
Before I could finish, Sesshoumaru suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him, unsheathing Bakusaiga with his other hand in one fluid motion. "Sesshoumaru, what—?"
"Did you think you could hide from me?" Sesshoumaru said, a dangerous edge to his voice.
"Who said anything about hiding, Lord Sesshoumaru?"
My eyes widened in surprise. A girl was sitting on the branch of a tree across the clearing. She looked to be in her early teens, with short dark hair that fell to her jawline, and pale skin. Her eyes…they were probably the most unnerving eyes I've ever seen—completely blacked out, as though she had two black holes in her head.
"Shishinki's servant," Sesshoumaru said coldly.
Eh?
"Shishinki?" I asked.
"A lowly demon I've dispatched to the netherworld," Sesshoumaru said, his eyes never leaving the strange girl.
The girl frowned, tilting her head at him. "You are cruel, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said.
She suddenly leapt from her branch. As she fell towards the ground, she seemed to grow taller. Her hair grew longer, the color fading to a silvery sheen similar to Sesshoumaru's. Her eyes lightened until they were the same shade of silver as her hair. Her clothing seemed to grow into a beautiful ivory kimono.
No longer a girl, the woman landed gracefully on her feet. She smiled at us, a malicious glint in her silver eyes.
Sesshoumaru didn't seem surprised. But then again, he seldom looked surprised.
"It took me a while to track you down, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said, tilting her head playfully at him.
"A vanquished foe's subordinates are none of my concern," Sesshoumaru said loftily. "Leave."
The woman covered her mouth with a slender hand as she chuckled. "Oh, you have a sense of humor," she said. She lowered her hand, and her smile widened.
"I am no mere subordinate, Lord Sesshoumaru," she went on. "I am called Lady Miyabi. I was Shishinki's mate, before you saw fit to 'dispatch' him."
She smirked as she held out her hand. A sphere of glowing light flared in her palm. It grew and stretched until it took the form of a spear, its sharp blade glinting in the noon sun.
"You took my husband from me," Miyabi said, her tone both playful and menacing. "And now, I will take that girl from you."
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Kagome
This was getting strange.
Or scary, depending which way you looked at it.
We watched as Sesshoumaru carefully laid Clara's inert form against the base of the Sacred Tree. He knelt on one knee beside her, golden eyes fixed on her face. Beside me, I could feel Rin gripping my skirt tightly, her expression worried.
"Master Jaken, is Clara tired?" Rin asked.
Jaken sighed, not really knowing what to say. What was going on? Clara looked as though she was merely sleeping, but, judging from the expression on Sesshoumaru's face, I doubt that it was as simple as that. I turned to Jaken.
"Jaken, I think you should take Kohaku, Shippou, and Rin back to the village," I suggested.
The toad looked up at me, his eyes bulging. "Who do you think you are, ordering the servant of the great—"
"Jaken."
Jaken visibly flinched as Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder, glaring at the toad. "Y-yes, Milord," he stuttered. He turned to Rin and Kohaku. "You heard Lord Sesshoumaru, back to the—"
"Will Clara be all right?" Rin interrupted, looking up at me with worry.
"—village! Rin, are you listening to me?"
I smiled reassuringly at Rin. "I'm sure she's just tired, Rin." I hope.
Rin hesitated, then broke out into a big smile. "You're right! Lord Sesshoumaru will take care of Clara, I'm sure of it!" She ran to where Kohaku and Shippou were and tugged on their hands. "Let's go back to the village, Kohaku, Shippou!"
"Take Kirara with you," Sango offered. Kirara immediately hopped from her shoulder, transforming with a burst of flame as she landed on the ground.
Sesshoumaru watched as Kohaku carefully helped Rin onto Kirara, before he bodily lifted Jaken and Shippou. "Hey!" they snapped as Kohaku settled them between him and Rin.
"Tell Kaede we'll be back, Kohaku," Sango said, smiling at her brother.
The boy nodded. "I will. I'll see you soon, Sis." Sango's smile grew gentle.
We watched as Kirara flew off. When they were nothing more than a speck in the distance, I turned back to Sesshoumaru and Clara.
Sesshoumaru's mother had remained silent, her eyes observing the scene with the same poker face her son inherited. Sesshoumaru stood, and turned to her.
"What have you done?" he asked again.
His mother did not answer. Instead, she made her way over to the Sacred Tree and sat on one of its overgrown branches, beside Clara. She looked down at the sleeping girl, pointedly ignoring her son's glower.
"You are my son," Sesshoumaru's mother said, after a lengthy pause.
"I am well aware," Sesshoumaru said. Though his tone was apathetic, I could make out the slight hint of impatience in his expression. Inuyasha caught my eye, and frowned.
"You've thrown aside one demoness after another," his mother went on, eyes still fixed on Clara. "All of them were powerful, all of them quite suited to you. I should be surprised that you decided to settle for a mere human girl."
"That is none of your concern," Sesshoumaru said coldly.
"As I've said before, you are the only son of my blood," his mother said, her tone equally cold. Uh-oh…I think I knew where this was headed. "A daiyoukai of great power. I am merely concerned whether or not you're making the right choice."
"You're testing her," Sesshoumaru said quietly.
Eh?
From the corner of my eye, I saw Inuyasha's frown deepen. "I don't think it's any of your business whom Sesshoumaru wants," Inuyasha said abruptly, eyes fixed on Sesshoumaru's mother.
Miroku, Sango, and I gave him surprised looks. Sesshoumaru's mother turned her gaze to him, a small smile curving her lips. In the blink of an eye, she was suddenly in front of Inuyasha and me.
I let out a gasp of surprise as Inuyasha and I reflexively took a step back. Okay…Sesshoumaru definitely gets it from his mother.
"That mouth of yours," the demoness said, tilting her head at Inuyasha. "Wherever did you get it from? Certainly, neither my lord husband nor the princess had such a mouth."
Inuyasha quickly recovered. "You knew my mother?" he asked, his jaw tense.
"Perhaps," she replied, her smile mocking.
Inuyasha growled. "You—"
"Enough."
Sesshoumaru's mother turned back to her son. Sesshoumaru was now sitting beside Clara, his arm resting on a bent knee. "Are you angry, Sesshoumaru?" his mother asked.
He answered her with a poker face.
The demoness made her way back to him. She sat back down on the Sacred Tree's gnarled root, eyes falling on Clara. She smiled as she held her necklace in the palm of her hand, her golden eyes peering into it.
"Well then, Clara, show me how worthy you are of my son," she said, chuckling.
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Clara
Sesshoumaru's mane of silver hair was all I could see as he stood protectively in front of me, Bakusaiga clutched tightly by his side. I placed a hand on Shinsei's hilt—no way was I letting him fight that demoness on his own.
"Don't interfere." Sesshoumaru's voice was both curt and cold. He didn't look at me.
"But, I can't just—"
"Don't interfere," he repeated.
I bit my lower lip. "Oh, quite the protective dog, aren't you?" The demoness, Miyabi, sounded mocking.
Tentatively, I peeked around Sesshoumaru. Miyabi was smirking at him, her eyes narrowed in malice. "It's very unbecoming!" Miyabi suddenly charged towards Sesshoumaru, and he rushed towards her, meeting her head-on.
Miyabi brought her spear down on Sesshoumaru, and he easily parried her strike. As I watched them fight, I bit my lip, my hand inching towards Shinsei's hilt. Sesshoumaru, that idiot…
"How pathetic!" Miyabi sneered as she dodged Sesshoumaru's Bakusaiga. "To think a demon of your caliber would go and mate a human! It thoroughly disgusts me!"
The clang of steel against steel echoed throughout the clearing as their blades clashed and locked, sending sparks into the air.
"You talk too much," Sesshoumaru said. He pushed her back, and Miyabi leapt gracefully into the air. She landed several yards away from him and smirked.
"Tell me, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said derisively. "How is it that a demon such as yourself, whose claws were once perpetually bathed in human blood, came to care for those creatures?"
She suddenly pointed her spear at me, and I quickly drew Shinsei from its sheath. "Do you intend to fight me, little girl?" Miyabi sneered. "You're three thousand years too young!"
Quick as a flash, Miyabi rushed past Sesshoumaru, and towards me. I raised Shinsei, ready to parry her blow, when a white blur suddenly appeared in front of me.
Sesshoumaru easily deflected Miyabi's blow. "I am your opponent!" he hissed.
Despite the gravity of the situation, I was a bit annoyed. "Sesshoumaru, I had her!" I protested. I get that he wanted to protect me, but I didn't want to be dead weight to him—I wanted to fight with him.
He ignored me as he sidestepped Miyabi's spear. He brought his sword down on her, aiming straight for her neck. Miyabi quickly jumped back, narrowly avoiding Sesshoumaru's blade by inches.
"It just goes to show, doesn't it, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Miyabi said, smirking. "How dishonorable it is for a pureblood demon to consort with humans!"
"Silence." Sesshoumaru pointed Bakusaiga towards her, and the blade suddenly glowed with a black light. Miyabi's eyes widened in shock. "Meido Zangetsuha!"
Miyabi leapt high into the air, dodging the Meido. There was a loud crash as the Meido struck the trees on the opposite side of the clearing, throwing dust and rubble into the air.
"How dare you?!"
My eyes widened in surprise when I suddenly felt a strong demonic aura flare to life—from above. I spun around just as Miyabi landed gracefully in front of me. I swung Shinsei towards her, but she sidestepped. With lightning speed, she reached out and grabbed my sword arm.
I muffled a scream as she twisted my arm, forcing me to drop Shinsei to the ground. Miyabi drew me close and spun me around to face Sesshoumaru. For a moment, Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed with rage, before he immediately schooled his expression.
Dammit—this was definitely something Sesshoumaru would call 'foolishly stupid'.
"You dared!" Miyabi was breathing heavily, her rage evident in the way her voice shook. "How dare you use my husband's technique, you filthy mongrel!"
The tip of her spear was suddenly at my throat. My eyes widened. Sesshoumaru was frowning at us, his cold eyes calculating, thinking...
I couldn't let him do all the work, could I?
I grabbed Miyabi's spear-arm and sent a blast of holy energy through her—
What?
Nothing happened. No flash of white, purifying light, no warm glow as I used my holy energy.
Why?
Across from us, Sesshoumaru had seen my gesture. He frowned at me. His eyes were unreadable, and I bit my lip. Had he known I planned to purify Miyabi? Could he guess that my spiritual energy was close to waning completely?
Miyabi growled and tugged her arm away from my hand. "Eager to die, aren't you, filthy human?" Miyabi hissed, her breath against my ear. "Don't fret...you'll die soon enough."
"Release her," Sesshoumaru said, eyes narrowed dangerously at the demoness. His tone was cold, and his grip on Bakusaiga's hilt tightened.
Miyabi smirked. "If I asked you to take your own life, right in front of my eyes…would you?" she asked him. "Would you end it honorably, if it meant I let this girl live?"
My eyes widened in surprise. "NO!" I shrieked, struggling against her hold. "Sesshoumaru, no!"
There was no hesitation in Sesshoumaru's eyes as he looked at me. "If you release her."
"NO!" I screeched. In that moment, I felt truly desperate. He wouldn't…he shouldn't! "Sesshoumaru, no! Please, no! Don't listen to her!"
"Then, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Miyabi said, her tone malicious.
I watched, horror-struck, as he held Bakusaiga horizontally in front of him. No…he really wasn't going to…was he?
"Sesshoumaru, stop!" I shrieked, struggling with renewed vigor. Dammit, I needed my spiritual energy! At that moment, I hated Midoriko with a passion.
"Be quiet," Sesshoumaru said, eyes narrowed at me. I blinked as he turned to Miyabi. "Give me your word," he said quietly.
Miyabi suddenly let out a loud of peal of mocking laughter, her voice echoing throughout the deserted clearing. "Oh, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said, the tip of her spear pressing lightly against my throat. "Did you honestly think I would give you such a mercy as an honorable death?"
He narrowed his eyes. "You—"
Pain suddenly radiated through my left shoulder. My eyes widened in shock when I realized that Miyabi had plunged her fangs into my flesh. White hot pain suddenly radiated from where she bit, like sharp tendrils snaking beneath my skin. I bit my lip, trying to stave off a scream, and whimpered.
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened slightly. A fraction of a second later, he charged towards, Bakusaiga aimed at Miyabi's bent head. Before he could reach her, Miyabi suddenly pulled away from me, simultaneously pushing me away.
Sesshoumaru caught me before I could fall against the grass. He lowered me carefully to the ground. I couldn't even see his expression of concern—I was too preoccupied with the pain that radiated from my shoulder, too preoccupied with the way the pain seemed to creep slowly through my body…
I held on to Sesshoumaru's shoulder as the pain spread, like white-hot knives searing through my skin. He lowered the sleeve of my haori, and frowned as he stared at the wound Miyabi had inflicted.
He gripped my other shoulder, his eyes narrowing. There was such a dangerous expression on his face, I inwardly flinched at it.
"You poisoned her," Sesshoumaru said, as he stood.
Poisoned?
Miyabi threw her head back and laughed. "I am quite proud of my venom, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said, smirking, a forked tongue flicking from between her lips. "More potent than yours, and with no cure…Well, except maybe…"
She withdrew a wooden vial from her sleeve, her smile sadistic. "In a few more minutes, she'll be dead," she said, chuckling. "It would be quicker, if she wasn't a priestess. No matter…You're going to watch her die slowly, Lord Sesshomaru, tormented by the fact that help was so close, yet so far."
Sesshoumaru rushed towards Miyabi, and their weapons clashed, sending sparks into the air. I placed a hand on my injured shoulder—the pain was intense! I panted, closing my eyes. I could feel Miyabi's venom spreading slowly, almost mockingly.
"Dragon Strike!"
I forced myself to open my eyes, just as Miyabi leapt gracefully into the air to avoid Sesshoumaru's blast. She landed, chuckling, on her feet. "I can feel your desperation, Lord Sesshoumaru!" she taunted.
He glared at her. "Don't fool yourself." He charged, and their blades locked again.
"How ignoble of the Dog Clan, don't you agree?" Miyabi said, as she struggled to push Sesshoumaru back. "Sinking so low as to align themselves with the pathetic humans. You are probably the most dishonorable of the lot—Midoriko's reincarnation, no less!"
"Silence."
Sesshoumaru's other hand suddenly darted out. The sound of flesh tearing and bone snapping reverberated through the clearing as he thrust his clawed hand into her chest.
Miyabi's eyes widened in shock as her spear fell from her hand. "You…bastard," she stammered, as Sesshoumaru's poison slowly coursed through her. She smiled tauntingly as blood dripped from her lips. "Your poison isn't potent enough."
"No," Sesshoumaru agreed. "But my claws are."
There was a sickening crunch of bone snapping, and Miyabi's eyes widened even further. Sesshoumaru's eyes were cold. "Die."
Miyabi smirked. Quick as lightning, she drew herself closer to Sesshoumaru, his claws digging deeper through her flesh.
"Sesshoumaru!" I shouted, as Miyabi's fangs pierced into his arm.
I could hear the sound of blood falling as Sesshoumaru shoved Miyabi away from him. He was holding something in his claws—her heart, I realized, with a jolt of shock.
Miyabi smiled at him as he stood over her. "You'll watch each other die—isn't that wonderful?" she whispered.
Sesshoumaru's claws glowed green. As his poison dissolved her heart, Miyabi seemed to disintegrate along with it. Her body slowly turned to ash until nothing but her clothing remained. A strong gust of wind blew through the clearing, scattering her ashes.
For a moment, the vicious way he had killed her completely stunned me. For a moment, I forgot about the pain that was creeping through my body. The only thing I could think of was the blood on his claws, the snapping of bone, and the tearing of flesh…
Sesshoumaru approached the heap of clothes—all that remained of Miyabi. He knelt, and drew something from the pile of silk. Eyes fixed warily on me, he came closer and knelt beside me.
Miyabi's beating heart suddenly flashed through my mind.
"Clara," Sesshoumaru said, his tone somewhat careful. "Are you frightened?"
I realized I was shaking—I couldn't tell if it was because of pain or fear. The moment I thought of it again, the pain became more pronounced, spreading slowly from my shoulder, to my neck, to my chest…
I bit my lower lip as beads of sweat began dotting my brow. My eyes met Sesshoumaru's—I couldn't tell what he was thinking. He was clutching Miyabi's wooden vial in his bloody hand.
Not waiting for an answer, he held out the vial to me. It was as though he didn't want to touch me. Or…was he being cautious because he thought I was frightened. Was I frightened of him?
My eyes fell on his left arm. "She…she bit you, too." I gingerly reached out, brushing my fingers against his arm. The vial he held was small. Good for one person, I realized.
"Her venom is impotent against me," he said tersely.
Ignoring him, I stared at his arm. Miyabi's venom had burned a whole through the sleeve of his haori, and the edges of the wound were raw red. I didn't even want to see what my own wound looked like.
I looked into his eyes. "You're lying," I said. I gripped my shoulder, gasping, as the pain rocked through me—it was worse.
He reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder to keep me from falling. With his other hand, he flicked the vial open and held it out to me.
"No," I said, shaking my head. "You should have it."
He glared. "Her venom does not—"
I suddenly fell, shaking from the pain, and he caught me in his arm. He leaned me against his knee. He frowned as he looked down at me, golden eyes narrowed.
"You're a liar, you know," I whispered. I tried to suppress a shudder of agony. I smiled at him, but I think it was more of a grimace than a smile.
"And you are a stubborn human." He held the vial to my lips, but I kept them firmly shut. He narrowed his eyes dangerously. "Clara."
I shook my head. If one of us had to kick the bucket, I'd rather it was me than him. My life at the price of his own was something I would never buy.
"You will do as I say," Sesshoumaru said, his tone imperious and his eyes narrowed.
"I don't want you to die, Sesshoumaru," I said quietly. "Not for me."
"Don't be ridiculous," he scoffed. And he was calling me stubborn.
Pain suddenly racked through me, and I gasped, gripping his arm tightly. Too late, I realized my mistake—in that small instant, Sesshoumaru took advantage, and tilted the contents of the vial into my mouth. My eyes bugged out as he pressed his hand over my lips, keeping my mouth shut. The liquid tasted bitter.
It took everything I had to keep from swallowing it. With Herculean effort, I kept my face straight as I leaned against Sesshoumaru's knees.
He let out a breath as he brushed a tendril of hair from my face. "You are something I need to protect," he said, his voice low. There was a flash of warmth in his cold eyes, and I blinked, taken aback.
Protect…
But…
I smiled at him. I struggled to my knees, cupping his face in my hands. He turned his head sideways, his lips brushing against my palm, his breath warm against my skin. I blushed, and leaned towards him, quickly pressing my lips to his.
…I wanted to protect him, too.
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in surprise when he realized what I was doing. I tightened my grip on his face as I felt the bitter fluid flowing through my lips, and into his mouth. He made a move to push me away, but I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself closer to him.
He easily pried my arms away from him, holding me away at arm's length. "You fool," he hissed.
I grimaced as pain shot through me again. The edges of my vision were growing blurry, darkness slowly creeping in. Any moment now, darkness would be all I would see.
Sesshoumaru drew me closer. I couldn't tell if he was angry or upset. In any case…the human outsmarted the demon lord. I felt smug at that.
"Are you angry?" I whispered. I reached up and cupped his cheek with my hand.
He held my hand against his cheek. His eyes were narrowed—I really couldn't tell if he was angry or not. "Why?" he said eventually, his tone glacial.
I smiled at him, stroking his cheek with my thumb. It was getting darker…
"I've told you before, haven't I?" I whispered. My voice sounded low, even to my own ears. "I love you, Sesshoumaru. More than anything."
I couldn't hear what he said as the darkness finally closed over me.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Sesshoumaru
Mother's eyebrows rose as a look of disbelief flickered across her features. Inuyasha and his friends were seated at the opposite edge of the clearing, silent and wary. My gaze fell on the girl sleeping beside me.
For an instant, I wondered what Clara was seeing, what illusion Mother was forcing upon her. As much as I disapproved of Mother's actions, once they had begun, they must end on their own course. Such was the nature of her sorcery.
A smile of amusement suddenly curved Mother's lips. "I will never understand humans," she said, sighing, as she lowerd her Meido stone.
My gaze flickered to Clara's face. Her eyelids fluttered, and, a moment later, I found myself staring into a familiar pair of sapphire eyes.
"Clara." I placed a hand on her cheek.
A look of confusion passed through her features. "Sesshoumaru?" She placed her hand against mine. Her eyes suddenly widened in realization. "You're alive! Thank goodness!" She suddenly flung herself off the ground, and into my arms.
I held her close, mindful of the dratted spikes on my armor. "You are being nonsensical," I said tersely, burying my face in her hair. For an instant, I wondered what she had dreamed.
Inuyasha and his companions stirred. "Clara's awake!" Kagome said jovially, as she and the others approached.
I ignored them, my attention fixed on the girl in my arms. "But...I don't understand," she said, thoroughly bemused. "Why am I alive? And why is everyone back? Did you get the Sacred Jewel shards?"
I stared at her. What had Mother made her see? What had her gaze witnessed?
"Did you have pleasant dream, Clara?"
We looked up as Mother stood from the gnarled root she sat on. She smiled, amused.
"Dream?" Clara said.
"You were sleeping," Inuyasha said, frowning. "For a while. Someone"—he glared pointedly at Mother—"said you were just tired." He scoffed.
Clara stil looked confused. "I don't understand," she said, clutching my arm. "How have I been asleep? Sesshoumaru and I fought this demoness—she poisoned us both."
Frowning, I turned towards Mother. She was peering into the Meido stone, a smile still on her lips. I could not tell if she was amused or derisive.
"A bit slow, aren't you?" she said, turning to Clara and I.
There was a flicker of comprehension in Clara's eyes as she stared at Mother. "It...was a dream?" she said, turning to me.
I gave her a curt nod. "You...?" Clara turned back to Mother.
"Human, demon, I really do not care anymore," Mother said, sighing. She let the Meido stone drop against her chest as she turned to Clara. "So as long as you give me powerful grandchildren."
I glared at her.
Clara blinked, her cheeks flushing.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Inuyasha guffawed, startling his companions.
The monk nodded pensively. "Certainly, the line, 'Give me powerful children' has a ring to it. But I rather like, 'Will you bear my children?' better."
"Straying off topic, aren't we?" the demon slayer said.
Mother shook her head. "I've lived for so long, yet I will never be able to understand humans," she said dismissively. She turned towards the trees, then glanced at me from over her shoulder. "Sesshoumaru, your Mother needs to speak with you."
I frowned at her. "Don't be such a spiteful child," she admonished.
Inuyasha sniggered. "Child, she called him," he said. I shall deal with him later.
Clara, still somewhat confused, let go of me. "Go on," she said.
I stood just as Kagome and the demon slayer approached Clara. Mother turned towards the trees, and I followed behind her. Once we were out of Inuyasha's earshot, she stopped and turned to me.
"A human," she began.
I remained silent.
She sighed dramatically. "You are your Father's son, after all," she said. For a moment, she looked into the leafy canopy of the trees, her gaze somewhat reminiscent. "Though I'd rather you mated a demoness, I suppose a demoness could not give what she so readily gave."
I arched an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "What did you do?"
"Why, nothing," she said, suddenly frivolous.
I stifled a sigh. If she did not wish to reveal something, it would be pointless to ask again.
"By your leave, then, Mother," I said, as I turned away.
"Wait."
I stopped, and glanced at her from over my shoulder. "That girl...does she truly make you happy, Sesshoumaru?" she asked.
"I wish to protect her," I answered.
She smiled. "You will have your hands full, I suppose," she said dismissively.
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"She is one of those types," she said, a slight frown on her face. "The kind of human I find the most difficult to comprehend—the martyr kind. The overly compassionate ones, who put others' safety above their own. However, when it comes to you, Sesshoumaru, her instinct for self-preservation seems to be non-existent."
I narrowed my eyes as understanding dawned on me. I was all too aware of Clara's gentle nature, her propensity for risking her safety for others. I had a suspicion it began on the night Kikyou died, augmented further by Takeshi's demise.
"Be that as it may," I said quietly. "I will protect her."
Mother smiled again. "Well, then, do what you like," she said. She abruptly turned her back on me, gaze fixed on the sky.
I watched as she flew into the air, transforming into the colossal silver dog that was her true form. As she vanished amidst the clouds, I turned on my heel towards the trees.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Clara
"I can't believe it was all a dream," I said.
We were sitting beneath the Sacred Tree, waiting for Sesshoumaru and Lady Hayomi to return. Kagome and the others had just told me what happened while I was asleep. I had yet to tell them about the dream I had—I wanted to tell Sesshoumaru first.
"I mean, it seemed so real," I went on. I looked down at my hands, resting on my lap, and flexed my fingers, wondering whether or not I really was awake.
Kagome suddenly leaned over and pinched me on the shoulder—hard. "Ow!" I yelped.
"Don't worry, you're awake," she said cheerfully, as though reading my thoughts.
"Gee, thanks," I said sarcastically, rubbing my shoulder. Funny…this was the shoulder that Miyabi had bitten. I paused, frowning. "I still don't understand why, though," I said.
Miroku cleared his throat. He raised a finger. "Obviously, Sesshoumaru's Mother was worried about whether or not you were a good match for her son," he said knowingly. Sango rolled her eyes.
I blinked. I had a feeling it was something like that. I was suddenly nervous. "Do you think his Mother liked me?" I blurted out.
Truth be told, I don't think Lady Hayomi liked me much, the first time we met (it seemed so long ago now, actually). Maybe her opinion changed? Urgh…for a moment, I regretted not perusing those relationship magazines found on every coffee table in the world (Sesshoumaru and his Mother may be demons, but the fundamentals have got to be the same, right?).
"Don't worry about what she thinks," Inuyasha said, scoffing. It was Kagome's turn to roll her eyes.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "If I recall correctly, you looked pretty scared when Kagome's mom threatened you," I pointed out.
"I wasn't scared!" Inuyasha snapped, as Kagome giggled. Miroku and Sango chuckled at Inuyasha's flustered expression. "Shut up you idiots—aargh!"
A pebble suddenly whizzed through the air, striking Inuyasha on the temple. Good thing he was a half-demon. Judging by the sound, it looked as though it would have cracked his skull open.
Inuyasha fell sideways. He quickly sat up, clutching the side of his head, and growling at the trees. "Sesshoumaru, you bastard!" he snarled, immediately leaping to his feet.
Sesshoumaru emerged from the shade of the trees. His gaze lingered on me, before he turned his attention to Inuyasha, who was glaring daggers at him.
"If you refuse to silence that mouth, I shall do it for you," Sesshoumaru threatened as he made his way over to me.
Inuyasha looked as though he wanted to retort, but Kagome let out a long sigh—a warning. Inuyasha must have realized this, because he sat back down beside her, pouting, as he crossed his arms.
"Spiteful child," Inuyasha said, glaring at his brother.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.
"Okay, I think we should get back to the village, now," I said, clearing my throat. "Before someone loses their head."
"It ain't gonna be me," Inuyasha growled.
"Of course not," Sesshoumaru said coldly. "You have already lost it."
. . .
I sighed as the late afternoon wind blew around me.
I was sitting on the slope of the hill overlooking Kaede's village. I had my notebook open on my lap, a pencil held in one hand. A little farther below the slope, Kohaku, Shippou, and Rin were running around, trying to catch Kirara, who darted between their legs. Their shouts echoed all the way up towards me.
I smiled. We'd decided to spend the night in Kaede's village, before setting off to find Kouga tomorrow. I wasn't really sure if we would be travelling with Inuyasha and the others. Sesshoumaru had already made it clear that he didn't want to travel with Inuyasha ("The feeling's mutual, pompous jerk," Inuyasha had scoffed).
I sighed as I let my mind drift back to the dream. I looked down at my hand clutching the pencil. In the dream—it was still hard to believe it was a dream—I'd tried to purify Miyabi, but I hadn't been able to.
On an impulse, I willed purifying energy to flow into my hand. I watched as my hand glowed with a faint light, nearly lost in the afternoon sun.
Weaker.
My spiritual energy was getting weaker.
An innate sense of fear suddenly gripped me. Did this mean that I was…closer to dying?
I suddenly felt someone standing behind me. Surprised, I glanced over my shoulder just as Sesshoumaru sat behind me, keeping me between his legs. I blushed as he wound his arms around my waist, drawing me closer to him. As I felt his chest against my back, I suddenly realized that he wasn't wearing his armor.
"Studying?" he asked tersely.
I blushed when I felt his breath against my ear. What did he say again?
Right. "Not really," I said, lowering my eyes to the blank page in front of me. "I was actually trying to compose a song for Eri's play."
"The foolish tale," Sesshoumaru said.
I take it, he didn't like the story of Demon and Tamara. "I thought it was pretty sad," I admitted. "And kind of touching, actually."
He scoffed.
I giggled, doodling spirals on the blank page. "I take it, you hate the romance genre," I pointed out. "Eri did say she planned on changing the ending."
He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned his chin against my shoulder. I blushed. Well...this was distracting. Not that I minded. I mean, distraction was good, right?
"Why are you frightened?" he suddenly asked.
"Frightened?" I turned my head, blushing when I realized how close he was. Was he referring to the way my heart was pounding? "I'm not frightened."
Sesshoumaru held my gaze for a moment, before he closed that small space and kissed me. I closed my eyes, and raised a hand to his cheek.
He slowly pulled away, leaning his forehead against mine. "Sometimes, I do not understand humans," he said quietly, eyes closed.
What was he thinking about? "You don't have to," I said softly. I let the tip of my finger trace the markings on his cheek.
He opened his eyes. They were cold, calculating...What was going through his head?
"Your word," he said suddenly, pulling away from me. He tightened his arms around my waist.
I blinked at him. "My word?"
"That you will not endanger yourself for my sake," he went on, his eyes narrowed.
I stared at him. Had Lady Hayomi told him about the dream? What I did? Had she told him about my weakening spiritual energy?
"I can't promise that," I said, turning my gaze to the notebook on my lap. From the corner of my eye, I saw him frown at me, not the least bit pleased with my answer.
"Clara."
I ignored him. I became aware that the shouts of Rin and the others had grown faint. Had they gone back to the village?
He suddenly gripped my chin, turning my head gently so he could look into my eyes. His gaze was imperious. "Your word," he repeated.
"I told you, I can't promise that," I said stubbornly.
He glared. "I do not need your concern," he said coldly.
I sighed. I didn't want to fight with him, not over something like this. Keeping my fingers crossed, I smiled at him. "Thinking the human can't be of much help, are you?" I chided. "Fine. I promise."
His eyes flickered, with what, I couldn't tell. He was silent for a moment, as though thinking about what to say. Well, there's something new. "I do not wish to lose you," he said eventually.
I felt my eyes widening. I suddenly felt very guilty about keeping quiet regarding my dwindling spiritual energy. For a moment, just a moment, I considered telling him...But...I didn't want him to do anything drastic, not for me.
I smiled, placing a hand on his cheek. "I love you, you know," I said, blushing. "More than anything."
Sesshoumaru didn't answer. Instead, he kissed me softly. I closed my eyes, as he deepened his kiss. His arms tightened around my waist, pressing me closer to his chest.
My notebook fell from my lap, falling to the ground with a rustle of paper. From the corner of my eye, I saw something fall from the pages.
Reluctantly, I pulled away from Sesshoumaru. He growled softly, not pleased. Ignoring him, I turned my attention to the notebook. A photo had fallen from its pages, face down. Picking it up, I turned it over, and my breath hitched.
It was a photo of me and my father. We were sitting at the piano, looking down at my hands as my fingers flew over the keys. I remembered this shot—my father had been teaching me a hard piece (I think it was Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata), and my mother had snapped the picture.
I smiled to myself. I'd forgotten that I placed this here.
"What is this?" One of Sesshoumaru's arms let go of me, and he tugged the picture from my hand.
"It's a photograph," I explained. "It's like a painting taken with a small machine. But it's much faster than a painter, and more realistic. I'll show it to you later."
"Hn. Peculiar," he said. He tilted it, so the glossy paper caught the sunlight for a moment. The one arm around my waist tightened as he stared at the picture. "This is you," he mused, eyes intently scanning the picture. "And this man?"
"My father," I said, turning my head to face him. I smiled. "He was a very good pianist, and he taught me how to play. He…died a year after this picture was taken, when I was fourteen. Just last year, actually."
He paused. "The reason?"
I hesitated. "You've seen those cars, right? Those strange machines on the road that humans in my era use to get around?" He nodded curtly, and I sighed. "We lived in Manhattan then, on another country called America. We'd just watched the premier of a movie—The English Patient—and we were on our way home, and…the driver of the car headed towards us was drunk."
I looked away from him, my eyes fixed on my lap. I didn't like thinking about it—whoever did?
"He hit our car head on, and I blacked out from the impact. When I woke up in the hospital, they told me my father had died—the car had caught fire somehow. They also told me that a bystander had pulled me and my mother out, before the car burned. But he couldn't help my father in time."
My eyelids fluttered rapidly, as I blinked back the tears—I did promise Sesshoumaru I wouldn't cry anymore.
Sesshoumaru was silent for a moment, before he dropped the picture onto my lap. He wrapped both arms around my shoulders, holding me flush against him. He was quite warm against my back.
He leaned his chin against my shoulder, silver hair spilling across my arm. "I am sorry," he said, after a moment. There was no ice in his voice—only sincerity.
"You are actually apologizing?" I asked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
He raised his head and gave me a flat look. I smiled at him. "I am sorry," I said stoically, trying to mimic him.
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Be quiet," he said as he kissed me again.
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Kagome
The morning was overcast and somewhat chilly as autumn settled in. Pushing aside the bamboo mat that hung over Kaede's doorframe, I stepped out, stilfing a yawn. It was still a bit early. Sango, Clara, and the children were still asleep, but Miroku and Inuyasha were already awake. Miroku was inside, but Inuyasha had gone off earlier.
The village was slowly starting to stir. I stretched my arms, yawning.
"Humans!" a voice suddenly squawked.
I jumped, surprised to find Jaken close to me. Huh...I didn't even see him. Jaken must have amazing powers of camoflauge.
"Er, good morning, Jaken," I said hesitantly. He and I never really talked much.
"I don't need your greeting!" he huffed, waving his arms.
I shrugged. "I was just trying to be polite," I said.
"Well, save it for someone who appreciates it!"
"Jaken."
Jaken winced as he and I spun around. Sesshoumaru was sitting on the roof of Kaede's hut, arm resting on a bent knee. He was glaring down at us, every inch an imperious lord.
He could be really scary, at times.
"Milord!" Jaken said, immediately falling to the ground in a bow. "Forgive me, milord!" I doubt Jaken even knew why he was asking for forgiveness.
Sesshoumaru remained silent. Huh...had he been there the whole night? He'd removed his armor, but left his fluffy pelt on. I can never get used to seeing him without the armor.
I suddenly realized I was staring. "Er, good morning, Sesshoumaru," I said hesitantly. This was awkward.
"That's Lord Sesshoumaru to you!" Jaken snapped, looking up from his bow.
"Hn," was the only reply. Well, I guess that was better than a glare.
"By any chance, have you seen Inuyasha?" I asked.
His gaze shifted to the forest just beyond the village. Well...he was definitely the silent type. I wondered if he was just as silent with Clara?
The bamboo mat over Kaede's doorframe suddenly swung aside as Clara came out, covering her mouth with one hand to stifle a yawn. She saw me and smiled, still somewhat groggy. Speak of the devil.
"Morning!" she said sleepily. Her hair was still somewhat mussed up.
Sesshoumaru promptly leapt from the roof, landing gracefully in front of her. Startled, Clara gasped, taking an automatic step backward.
"Sesshoumaru!" She smiled at him, suddenly alert. "Good morning." She ran her fingers through her mane of chestnut hair. Her smile was sweet.
Jaken and I caught each other's eye. We both turned our backs to them, not wanting to be the awkward observers. It looked as though Jaken wanted to squawk in protest. I wanted to laugh at the expression on his face, but…
I glanced discreetly over my shoulder. Sesshoumaru held a tendril of Clara's hair in his long fingers, as she continued to smile, a smile meant only for him.
I frowned as I turned away. A part of me was thrilled with the way they showed their affections for each other, but the other part was worried.
Hadn't Clara sensed Sesshoumaru's demonic aura earlier? I recalled the startled expression on her face as he landed in front of her. No, I don't think she did. Why? With a jolt, I suddenly realized—her spiritual energy was getting weaker.
It would only be a matter of time, before…
"Sesshoumaru, what's wrong?"
Jaken and I turned behind us. Sesshoumaru was glancing over his shoulder, eyes narrowed at something only he could sense. Clara was looking at him, confused and worried.
"Kagome!"
Surprised, I turned towards the village. In the distance, I could make out the red of Inuyasha's Fire Rat as he emerged from the forest. It looked as though there was something slung on his back.
A moment later, several wolves burst through the trees after Inuyasha. I was about to shout a warning, when I realized that there were two other demons accompanying the wolves. Wait, that couldn't be—
The few villagers who were awake let out screams of fear as the wolves raced through the village, hot on Inuyasha's heels.
"Don't worry, they won't bite!" one of the wolf demons said, as he ran after Inuyasha. Ginta?
Halfway through, Inuyasha leapt into the air, landing in front of us. There was something slung across his back. No, not something…
Someone.
"Kouga!" I said as Inuyasha carefully laid the wolf demon on the ground. He was covered with blood—a lot of it. I felt my stomach churn as I rushed towards him, kneeling beside him.
"Those two brought him here," Inuyasha said, just as Hakaku and Ginta arrived with their wolves. They were panting with the exhaustion of running, but their eyes were wide with panic and worry.
"What happened?" I asked as I quickly assessed Kouga. There were deep gashes on his arms, across his chest, and on his legs. They were bleeding badly. Wait, on his legs…
"His jewel shards are gone!"
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
A1969: and it was really awesome, and my life changed, and it was like I achieved enlightened, oh my god, Loki was awesome dsfgtre gsdfsf! Gffg dhdfsd!
Kagome: he isn't even in this series!
Sango: let her get over it. Anyway, look! Sesshoumaru and Kouga are at it!
A1969: have you seen the way he smiles?! So devilishly charming! Sdf dsrwerwe! Sdfsdfsfs!
Inuyasha: can it, Amaterasu, I'm watching Kouga getting whipped!
Kouga: you wish, puppy! *dodges Sesshoumaru*
A1969: and the way he says, "Ta-da!" Oh my god, I have to watch it again. Blah Blah Blah Loki Blah Blah Loki.
Miroku: anyway…since she's currently a rabid fangirl, I'll do it for her—don't forget to review!