A/N: Hello everyone!

Long time no see, neh?

Gomen about that-- I've been really slow lately... And not just here, but on all my stories! It's getting to be a pain in the ass really, cause I can't get any fresh ideas in and when I do I can't write them anyway I like...

Anyway, I wish that I could say that this chapter was extra long to make up for the amount of time it's taken for me to update, but, well... that would just be a lie. It's not extra long. It's just the same old length. But hey, it's still an update, right? That's a good thing! It's more than some of my other stories have seen in a while...

Anyway, stuff that might help in this chapter:

Italics -- Thoughts or "Mind-Speech"

'' - Regular talking

Bold - The Ancient tongue (What Kashikari and Amaya will most likely be speaking in whenever they converse. Unfortunately I don't feel up to inventing my own language at the moment to use in this story, so just using bold is gonna have to do. )

Review Responses:

Are now at the bottom.

I don't know how well this'll work out, but I've been getting a lot of complaints on my stories lately that I talk to much and the review responses are in the way, so this way people can get easier access to them. Everybody's happy!

A Shift in the Shadows

Amaya allowed a soft sight to escape her lips as they passed through the wounded barrier, her dark eyes glittering faintly as she looked at the sky around them with as much nostalgia as she ever felt, and allowed some of the tension these past few weeks had caused to slide off of her.

The dark sky was as black as the sea at night, and no clouds or fog rolled in from the mountains to dim or hide it's glory. And, with no moon currently present, the stars were revealed in all their glory-- shining like crystals of ice against the jet-black night that they were suspended in in a way that they had not anywhere else for several thousands of years.

Behind her Gouka and Kaede travelled silently, and she could clearly feel the nervousness coming off of both of them.

After all, why not?

The air around here was thick with the presence of Kashikari, and his strength would be enough to make any creature tremble. It was not the sort of place one would want to wander in accidentally. Hence all the barriers they had just crossed through.

But Amaya did not feel any of the trepidition of the other's. She had been here several times before now-- she knew Kashikari well enough. She had no reason to feel fear anymore.

Glancing back at the horse youkai and his rider, she smirked at them a moment, before shaking her head, and turning to look back ahead, coming to a stop as they reached the edge of the cliff.

From here it was a who-knows-how-many-foot drop straight down with absolutely nothing to hold onto, into the branches of the ancient forest that created a sea of green in front of them. If you couldn't fly, or at least somehow survive a fall like that, there was no way you could make it past this point.

Water poured from just beneath her feet in the cliff, and fell down into a river that trailed off into a great sparkling lake that reflected the sky perfectly just before their final destination.

The great cliff at the other side of the barrier, and the large cave there.

'We need to get across here.' She said slowly, not bothering to look back at her companions as she pointed at the forest below. 'To there.' And here her finger raised up to indicate the douketsu. 'That is where Kashikari resides.'

She heard the soft tapping of Gouka's hooves against the stone as the horse slowly came up to stand next to her, glancing warily at the cave.

'Are you certain this is safe?' He questioned softly in her mind. 'This presence I feel... It does not bode well with me. I think we should turn back.'

Amaya frowned and threw a scathing look at the uma. 'If you are truly so frightened horse, then go back. But know that I will not take the hag with me. It will be your responsibility to get her back to her home. I am going on. With or without you.'

She could feel Gouka's anger swell slightly beside her. 'You ask me to follow you blindly to meet a creature that has an aura as powerful as this?' He questioned. 'And you leave me with the responsibility of a ningen miko that you requested I bear here for you. Do you not think you are assuming much to think I would take her back to the village?'

'Would you leave her here?' Amaya countered, staring out, her eyes honed in like a hawk's on the cave before her. She shook her head. This was taking too much time. Casting a dark look at the horse, she shrugged her shoulders. 'Do as you see fit.' She said. 'I have not the time to wait here for you forever.'

That said, she called her power, transforming herself into her bird form and, without a glance back, she pushed off from the cliff, her sharp claws tearing a great gash in it's ledge that allowed for more water to break free as she took to the air, leaving the horse and startled miko behind.

'I will not wait because you have lost your nerve, horse.' She called back. 'I will come and find you again when I have finished here. Hopefully I will not search with ill intent.'

That warning in place, she cut her mind off from the horse, and focused it instead on the cave she was drawing ever nearer to, knowing that Kashikari would have sensed her by now, even if he was not responding to her mind's calls.

She hadn't expected him to.

But it was still always a safe move to alert him that you were coming... after all, even if it wasn't possible, to risk taking him by surprise... well, it just wasn't a smart move, and it could easily get you killed.

The closer she came to the cliff, the stronger his presence was becoming, making even her instincts tell her it was time to turn back, but she ignored it. She had faced him several times before, and she was not about to turn away now.

Bracing herself, she extended her claws and landed sharply on the thick stone that made up the ledge outside the cave, pausing a moment and shaking her wings as she peered into the darkness before her with keen eyes, her claws clicking sharply against the stone as she turned toward the movement in the darkness of the cave.

Something incredibly large shifted, making the very mountain tremble beneath her feet as she instinctively spread her wings and puffed out slightly, falling into a defensive stance despite already knowing what was coming.

The sound of air being inhaled sharply in what she knew to be Kashikari scenting the air, and then another shift, before everything stilled in the shadows once again.

'So Amaya.' A deep voice called, flowing in the same ancient tongue she had spoken at the entrance to the barrier, rippling and meshing with the world around it as it fell on her ears-- awakening a sense of familiarity within her even as she backed up slightly.

Amaya felt her eyes narrow as, from the darkness, something shifted, and then the shadows were broken by a silvery glow cutting through the dark like the stars did in the sky, and a cat-like pupil shifting to focus in on her against the pale backlight of the ancient eye now fixated upon her, radiating it's knowledge and wisdom despite it being the only part of him that she could see, even as his great voice sounded again in the darkness. 'You have come.'

Glossary

Youkai - Demon

Douketsu - Cave

Uma - Horse

Ningen - Human

Miko - Priestess

Review Responses:

-Almandine-Azaleea - Okay, take a deep, calming breath. Lol, nope the beads aren't working anymore. Bet ya didn't see that one coming! Lol, I'm glad you enjoyed the ending, and that you like my short sentences. I've had a few complaints about them before in the past, so it's nice to know not everybody dislikes them.

-Punk Rock Miko2 - Lol, well I updated, but it wasn't soon, and I don't think this helped you in knowing what happened, neh? Lol, hopefully you enjoyed the chapter anyway.

-lunerfox - Lol, yeah, I do, don't I? Lol, well, actually I don't know if that's true, but you said it is, so... Although, I don't think everybody likes my cliffhangers... I've been getting numerous deaththreats on one of my other stories where I've left repeated cliffhangers, threatening to kill me if I don't update soon, so I guess they're not appreciated as much there. Lol.

-Inume-blue - Now I can't answer that-- that would be telling! And if I told I'd have no plot left to put the story too cause everybody would already know what was going on! Lol, nope, you're just gonna have to wait and see what's coming up next.

-Moonglow gal - Lol, mystery, suspense, angst, and all that other twisted stuff that I love so much! -- Sorry if the A/N threw you off, didn't mean for that to happen... -- Yeah... shudders I remember the ostriches. Lol, although someone on a different story said that they'd protect me from all deaththreats I've been getting lately, and they, apparently, have a good deal of expertise in dealing with ostriches (no idea why) so maybe I shouldn't be quite as worried now, neh?

-Bluer Sky - Lol, yes I have. Believe me, when you loose have the day to responding to reviews, you do notice. Not that I'm complaining! Hell no! Lol, I'm just trying to say that I have, indeed noticed. But you seem to have already gotten that, so I guess I'm really just rambling on with no real purpose now, neh? -- Lol, yeah, she does talk a lot sometimes. But don't worry-- other than the chunk of sanity at the top and bottom, I tend to read her reviews in the same way. It's interesting though, and I enjoy that bit of insanity that she provides. -- Mm, well, I can't speak for the other reviewers, but I have no idea why you'd feel like a stalker. I've read other reviews from time to time as well-- lots of people do it. Some people actually started having a conversation in the review pages on one of my stories one time, which was kinda interesting. Anyway, beside the point (and yes, for once, there was a point )-- The point is that it is a public area, and the reviews are out there in the open for you to read, so no one can complain if you do read them-- it's your right as a person who get the internet and comes to this site and reads this story! Lol, if they want privacy, then they can send me a PM review or something. But, in all honesty, I really don't think anyone cares that much. -- Lol, anyway, yeah it has been a long time, although technically I haven't been anywhere. Especially in Naraku's dungeon. Eyes Naraku for a moment I'd like to think that, if I ever did disappear, I'd be captured by someone more appealing that Naraku (say Sesshomaru or Inu? ). Either that, or I'd entered WPP to escape all the death-threats I've been getting lately. Lol, no, I've been right here, but I've been soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo busy lately, and whenever I do have a moment, I can never think of anything to write. It drives me nuts, cause I love updating just as much as you guys like reading them! Bleagh! sighs great, now I'm feelin depressed... Lol, okay, well not exactly, but...

-sourapple10000 - Lol, actually I think he's about to go into a state of absolute depression because he can no longer be slammed face first into the ground whenever Kagome gets angry at him. Lol . Well, I don't think this chapter would've helped you solve anything about the beads, Kagome's family, or just the plot of the story in general, but then again, I could be wrong... probably am too...

-Kuroi - Well, let's see, Kagome and Inuyasha came through the well, Kagome couldn't open the door so Inuyasha pretty much tore it off it's hinges, and then he and Kagome got into a bit of a snit and she tried to sit him and it didn't work, and then he carried her up to the window and they went into her room. I think that about covers it, doesn't it? Lol.

-Sexy Kat (aka sexy neko gal) - Hey! I most assuredly did not take my time! I've been pounding my brains out every single day, and giving myself writer's cramp as well! It's the damn muses that are taking their time! Stupid things won't do their jobs, and I can't write properly until they do... grumbles darkly -- Lol, okay, I'll be looking for reviews from you under your new alias then! (unless, of course, that really is your name... but that'd be kinda weird...)

-wolfygirl13 - Lol, yeah I've watched and own all but the fourth Inuyasha movie (but that hasn't been converted into english as far as I know, and I can't really listen to the Japanese actors without getting an urge to laugh, so...) -- Hm. Who would've thought Sess would have an obsession/fetish thing for ears like that? More importantly, who would've thought you'd have ears like that? Not me, that's for sure. But then again, this is the chocolate factory right? And with all the chibi's in it, I'm quickly learning that quite literally anything can happen. And it usually does. -- Well at least it's good to know that Sango's just tired and not suicidal. It'll definitely be easier to help fix the problem that way. -- Yes, I imagine rubber duckies, teddy-bears, rattles and any other number of little kids toys like that could be quite destructive when they've got an exploding rocket jammed inside of them. Although, I imagine the plastic stuff that makes up the outside of the rubber ducks might give them just a little bit of an extra kick... but then again, if a stuffed bear exploded, and one of those eyes popped off and hit you, that could be pretty painful as well... O-kay, I've officially given too much thought to this now, haven't I? Lol. -- Woosh! Panic in the air ducts! It can't be very safe to battle in such close quarters... And now Shippo and Rin are hurt! Oh no! They were the only bit of sanity left for the chocolate factory to cling to!... Hm... Although, now that I think about it... if Naraku's trapped in the air ducts... couldn't you like, I don't know flush him out somehow-- with tear-gas or something? Although, then again, that just might affect the taste of the chocolate you're making down there... -- Kagome forgot she could "sit" Him? Yeesh. Poor Inu. But at least she wasn't angry and intoxicated with caffiene, cause that would've been a helluva problem and-- oh. You're gonna turn me over to Kirara again? Lol, well okay, I guess I understand... having someone pet your ears can be very... erm... relaxing I guess? -- Hello Kirara! Nice to talk to you again... Only nekomata( -- is that right?) I know that can talk at all, so... but considering you're the only nekomata I know, maybe that's not saying much, neh? -- sighs Yeah, poor everybody. But I suppose it's their own fault (mostly). They just never learn, do they? Lol. Sounds like the queen and king soul-collector and hell-wasp are getting along alright though-- although I agree, the thought of them getting dressed up is a bit... weird. Albeit, not as weird as that video tape Naraku made, but... -- Hm. Rin and Sess into heavy metal. Now there's one for the record books! -- O-kay, and we're switching off again. Well this should be interesting... Sayonara Kirara! -- Konnichiwa Inuyasha! Well, it's good to know you're getting better at this, although, if Kirara's not careful, you might end up stealing her job, neh? Lol, well I haven't seen wolfgirl13's ears, so I can't really say, but I do have to agree- you're ears are great! Although, I don't know why you're complaining... wouldn't it... kinda freak you out if Sess came over and started petting your ears all the time? Besides, how would you ever fight or do anything of that kind if you always had an obsessed demon lord hanging off of your ears? Lol, it's probably better for you this way... And now you're leaving too. Woosh this is getting confusing. TTYL I guess inu... -- Lol, hi Shippo! Yeah, Kirara did mention something about you not being able to type english... although I agree, when you put it that way, it does make sense. My sister and I had a similar arguement the other day-- I couldn't figure out why she thought someone who could read the language couldn't speak it... But anyway... Hm. So that's what you said? Lol, the only thing I got was Rin ist wunderbar, but that's pretty easy considering it's very similar to english, so... Lol, don't worry, you got your point across, and don't worry about doing something nice-- a review is nice enough! -- Sorry to hear about your arm btw. Just don't scratch under the cast (if you have a cast)! Apparently that's a very bad thing to do, cause you can seriously hurt yourself that way... -- Oh, hello Rin! I'm doing fine! Everything's great (except my damn muses have escaped and are on the loose some where and I can't write anything till they get back), the weather's okay-- on and off, one minute it'll be sunny and hot as all hell, the next it'll be kinda dark and rainy (which is fine, cause I loooooooove the rain ), and don't worry, for the time being I'm not sick or hurt or anything else either. Still can't get anything new written though, and it's driving me screaming up the ding dong wall! -- Lol, sounds like you've got enough insanity of your own to deal with though, neh? Mm, yeah I suppose Kagura and Kouga could make a very nice couple... but if this is how they're like now, I can only imagine how they'll be once they're married, neh? -- Lol congrats on being flowergirl, although I do have to ask you to take it easy on Naraku. I need to keep him alive-- at least until I can have some time to finish my story. -- Lol, yeah, I wouldn't put it past Sesshomaru to plot something like that... although I don't know if he'd go to such extremes as this... eyes Sesshomaru and wolfygirl a moment Personally I find it a little creepy that he's so obsessed, but if it doesn't bother wolfygirl, then... Well, this is getting pretty long, and I've run out of things to say, so thanks for all your guys' great compliments and... well, that's just about it. Lol. phew

-RamblingPhilosopher - Lol, yes! Finally! As funny as it is sometimes, I get sooooooo sick of Kagome going out of her way to sit poor little Inu! glares at Kagome Oh well, at least now I've taken that power away, but I think you're gonna have to wait a little while before you can learn why, neh?

-cocoke5 - Lol, well if you keep on reading it, then I'll be here to keep on writing it! Well, until I reach the end, that is, because then I can't keeping writing, but...

-Clouds of the Sky - Lol, you and everyone else. Don't worry, I'll explain that sooner or later. Expect it later though, cause they are in present time now, and if Kags and Inu can't explain it, then who the hell there could? Lol, yeah... not only did you have to wait until this update, but now you're gonna have to wait until the next as well! Oh how purely evil I am, making you suffer so! -- Mm. Lol, believe me, I'm just as surprised as you at the length of this. When I first started (after I decided it was a one-shot) I was convinced it wouldn't make it anywhere near nor over chapter 50. Now I'm looking back and scratching my head and wondering how the hell did this happen? Lol. Although I think that, since my muses are on temporary vacation, it might be a little easier to believe... -- Lol, don't have such little faith. Believe you me, I'm just as impatient a person as you probably are (although I think I might be starting to get a better grip on it now ). You just never know what's gonna happen, neh? You might wake up a month from now, and find that you've got an eighty-something chapter story going on.

-AnimeMscInuKagLuver1425 - Lol, you're right about randomicity. Because, when you step back and take a look at it, every single subject going on in the world is completely random when it's compared to another subject from somewhere else. -- Yeah, I've never eaten Sweet 'n low. I ate cactus "milk" once, and that was really horrible. Not only does it taste bad, but it BURNS like all hell. I don't know how those stupid desert animals can stand it... Glad I'm not one of 'em. So, in other words, I am giving a very bad review and low recommendation for cactus "milk." If anyone offers you any, don't eat it. Not even the smallest bit of it. Though why the hell someone would be offering you cactus milk is beyond me... -- Did ya know that, despite what everyone thinks, the second toe on most people is actually longer than the big toe, and that one that is shorter than the big toe is actually just about as rare as a left-handed person? And apparently people with a shorter second-toe are better at sports like ice-skating, whereas a person with a long toe would be better at soccer. Fascinating huh?-- Lol, I actually think both those elbow facts might be wrong. I think that that guy on the guiness book of world records who fit through a tennis racket probably could do one of the two... and I saw this girl who could fold in half once, so... But I digress. Lol, actually I don't think I do, but it's kinda fun to say that anyway. -- Cat's don't have collarbones. I don't know if anyone's ever died from sneezing... I know I haven't, and that's basically as far as my knowledge on the subject extends. People have died from laughing before though... and you gotta admit, if there's gotta be a way to go, that's probably it. At least your last memories you will know you were having fun! -- Inhaling helium from balloons is bad for you, and can, if enough time passes and enough helium is inhaled, kill you. Oh, BTW, you said at the beginning you had some apple juice and it was god. Now, normally I don't point out spelling mistakes (because really, who gives a shit?) but that just seemed funny to me. Lol, I don't know, I'm weird. Damn proud of it too! "Everybody is somebody else's weirdo." -- That's my motto and I'm stickin' with it.

-Esk42 - Woosh! Just now? Man, that must've taken you a while, neh? It's only 71 chapters! Lol, still, it's good to know that you liked it enough to sit through them all! Lol, but, just like a told everyone else, you're gonna have to wait to find out what's going on... It's no fun for me after all if I can't get to keep you guys in suspense a little bit.

A/N: There, progress was made! HA!

SPECIAL THANKS TO: AlMaNdInE-aZaLeEa, PuNk RoCk MiKo2, LuNeRfOx, InUmE-bLuE, mOoNgLoW gAl, BlUeR sKy, SoUrApPlE10000, kUrOi, SeXy KaT, wOlFyGiRl13, RaMbLiNgPhIlOsOpHeR (Did the name thing again ), cOcOkE5, cLoUdS oF tHe SkY, aNiMeMsCInUkAgLuVeR1425, eSk42 -- You guys have been truly awesome thoughout the majority of this story! Thanks so much for sticking with me!

CMoC - Breaking the Habit - Linkin Park ( -- Had this damn song stuck in my head all day... ), So Far Away - Staind, Blurry - Puddle of Mudd, Unwritten - Natasha Beddingfield( -- Is this right? I can't remember if that's right...), Crush - Jennifer Paige, Life for Rent - Dido, Lies - Evanescence, Going Under - Evanescence, Fukai Mori (Deep Forest) - Do As Infinity, Deep Forest AMV - (This is sung in english, but I don't know who it is, so...), Grip - Every Little Thing and Mizu no Akashi (Token of Water) - Rie Tanaka ( -- This song is from Gundam Seed-- Lacus Clyne sings it in one of the episodes... I like both the english and Japanese versions, they're very beautiful, although I prefer the english one. Can't find it anywhere though, so... )