We were back on track, heading for the castle. I hoped that he wouldn't transform soon, otherwise we wouldn't get there. We had to defeat Amaya as soon as possible, or else, Inuyasha will...

I couldn't finish that thought. I only concentrated on our getting there.

When we arrived, I gasped at the sight of the castle. It was vast and huge. I couldn't belive the size of it. The design was ancient and artistic.

My thoughts were interrupted when Inuyasha suddenly spoke. "She's in the center of the castle. Her brother used to wait for me there, before a fight. I know the family well enough to know that they each take after one another," he said, putting me down.

"How come I have never heard of them before? Why dind't you tell me about them?"

"Because," he said, facing me. "It hasn't come up in over 50 years, and it didn't seem liek a good time to bring it up. I didn't want to worry anybody."

"So I guess she found out about when you where put under that spell?"

"Yea, I guess so, and now she knows that I woke up. So, here we are." He looked at me. "Are you sure that you want to do this?"

"You don't even have to ask." We went to enter the castle.

-----------

We walked cautiously, Inuyasha leading me to the place where I knew we would probably have to fight with Amaya. I was worried, but I was preparing myself as well.

"We're almost there," he said suddenly.

The castle was abandoned, it's halls completely silent and empty. I creeped me out, and I clung to Inuyasha to keep me brave. We were comming along this vast doorway with giant doors stretching at least 10 feet above my head. It was intimidating.

"Preapre yourself," he said, pushing me behind him and keeping an arm protectively next to me.

"I will. Oh, and Inuyasha?" I said touching his shoulder.

He turned to face me. "Yea?"

"Be careful. Know that I am here to help you in any way that I can."

His expression softened. "Yea, I know." He turned to open the towering doors.

I expected Amaya to be there, waiting for us, to lecture us about her plan and about how she wants to get rid of us. Either that, or she would just come right out and attack first thing. I was surprised to see that the room was empty, and Amaya was nowhere to be found.

"Er...Inuyasha? Are you sure she's here?" I asked, confused.

He kept his gaze foward. "I know it. She's here all right. I can smell her scent." He slowly advanced into the room, holding me by the arm.

"Where?"

"Just wait." He stopped in the middle of the room and started to turn to look around the gigantic room.

I looked too, trying to see what he was talking about. However, I didn't really see anything. The room seemed empty to me. All there was was a throne-type platform int eh back of the room.

Suddenly I heard a cackle, an annoying, high-pitched cackle at that. It echoed around the room, and it seemed to last forever. It hurt my ears.

Inuyasha quickly turned toward the back of the room. He put his hand to his sword.

"Inuyasha," the voice said. "Glad to see your in top form." I saw the speaker finally emerge from the shadows. Amaya. "I wanted this to be a good fight." She stepped down from the throne that stood against the back wall.

"Well then I guess you'll get one," Inuyasha said in a stern tone.

"Well then, shall we?" She moved a little closer to us. Inuyasha pushed me back as she moved foward.

"Yet again, you tie yourself down with a pathetic human girl. How amusing." She took another step.

"I don't find it amusing at all...in fact, I find it quite normal."

"I guess I shouldn't judge, at least, not until we fight." At that point she lunged at Inuyasha. He shoved me out of the way and whipped out his tetseiga. He blocked her attack just as she came in for it. She bolted backwards and then fowards again in another attempt, but Inuyasha was ahead of her. He took a swipe with his sword, forcing her to rebound back in defense.

I was on the side, yet again, watching them go at it. I kept my hands held tight at my chest, worrying about the outcome. I felt helpless.