Sora: Konnichi Wa minna-san. Gomen nasai for taking so long. I finally found a place (well story really) that has given me the information I need of the Dark Tournament. The story is Cry For Me My Destiny by Sukera. I just want to give credit where credit is due, for I haven't been able to find anything that was descriptive enough to help with my story.

Well enough with my babbling, on with the story!

Quote: "I see dumb people....they're everywhere...they walk around like everyone else...they don't even know that they're dumb."

unknown

Chapter 7: Within the Shadows

The first month had passed in a flurry of fights and shard hunter for Kagome. Inyasha had improved in the past few weeks and had become, more or less, his usual irritable self. Still, Kagome felt that something was wrong, different and out of place, than before.

"Hurry up, Kagome!" called Inuyasha as he waited on a raise on the path. Grinning Kagome nodded and dashed forward, now was not a time to worry about that. They had to gather as many jewel shards as they possibly could before the Dark Tournament.

Once Kagome had told Inuyasha about the Dark Tournament that was all he could talk about. For once he was the one who was begging to go back to her time. She had to remind him several times that no matter how soon they went back the Dark Tournament would not start sooner.

They soon caught up with Miroku, Sango, and Shippo, the child jumping onto Kagome's shoulder as they drew closer. "There is a village not far ahead. Perhaps we should stop for the night?" Miroku asked quietly as they resumed their march.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. It is going to be night soon." Kagome looked ahead, peering into the distance at the tiny village. The sky was already darkening as the sun drifted further west, the tall trees of the forest casting long shadows upon the travelers.

With Miroku's infamous 'ominous cloud' they were able to find lodging in the village chief's hut (surprisingly his claims were actually true, a rat demon had taken to terrorizing the family).

It was past midnight when Kagome woke. The feeling that something was wrong had intensified from earlier that evening. Looking around she mentally checked off each friend as she saw them. Miroku was leaning against the wall opposite of the door, Sango was slumbering peacefully in her corner and Shippo was snuggled against her, moving slightly in his sleep. With those four accounted for she looked for her dear friend. He wasn't in the room, he probably preferred the forest tree's to the hut's floor.

Slowly she pulled herself free of her sleeping bag, using her training to be quiet as to not wake Shippo. As stealthy as a cat she crept past Sango's and Miroku's sleeping forms and out the door. She stood in the entrance, searching for Inuyasha's energy signal.

Following it she entered the forest. Something was wrong. This feeling wasn't like what had happened with Kikyo, it was different. . . it was darker and more forbidding. She quickened her pace to a run. The tall elegant trees blended together as she dashed by, trying to reach Inuyasha before something terrible happened.

As she drew closer to Inuyasha the light faded, as if she had suddenly entered a room with no windows and the door had shut behind her. The feeling of darkness increased drastically. This is the place. She slowed, searching the darkness for any sign of life. She found none.

"Inyasha?" She called out, her voice sounding weak in her ears. All that greeted her was silence. A silence so deafening that it tangible. Shivering, Kagome quickly continued. She had to find Inuyasha as soon as possible and get them out of there.

Wandering through that endless darkness Kagome began to lose hope, the feeling of the darkest evil pressing about her. She had lost track of time. Had morning come? Were Sango and Miroku awake and looking for them? Was Shippo still snuggled withing the folds of her sleeping bag dreaming of happy times? No! Kagome shook her head. Such thinking would only drag her down. Gazing back into the continuing night she pressed forward with renewed strength.

Finally, in the shadows ahead she heard a sound, a distant sound that was barely distinguishable. Kagome's heart quickened, Inuyasha! She stumbled forward, for somewhere along the way she had forgotten how to run in this dismal place.

"With you turned against her, Inuyasha there will be no one to stand in my way," a voiced hissed in the darkness. Kagome froze. That voice was so familiar and yet...so strange. Did she know this person? It wasn't Naraku. This aura was darker, more evil than even Naraku's could be. Gasping quietly, Kagome grabbed her chest, her heart beating like the wings of a caged bird. Taking a soft step forward she listened intently.

"That child is the only one who could defeat me and I will not let her!" The voice had taken on a poisonous edge. "Kikyo and Naraku had failed in controlling you. I will not. This curse shall be your bane. Without her you shall fail and without you she shall die." Kagome's eyes widened. Curse? Sesshomaru's words came back to her, like a clap of thunder.

He had been standing in front of the large ceiling high window, gazing out into the garden. "Yes, curse,"he sighed and looked to the child like woman who had become a sister. "I regret having to tell you this, we had hoped to find a cure to this curse before we found you. We did, but unfortunately the only cure we could find is to destroy the one who placed it on him. We haven't found any clues as to who this person is or where he is."

"So, I can't go near him or he'll try to kill me?" Kagome had asked quietly, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sesshomaru nodded. Looking out the window she had muttered quietly to herself, "Destroy the one who cursed him."

Sesshomaru turned a fierce glared toward Kagome. "Don't even think about it! History must stay its course. Anything you did could and would destroy this world we live in. That is why we refuse to tell you what happened in the past. You would try to change and prevent things from happening, things that must happen!" He sighed and his eyes softened. "I only tell you this so you will be prepared. As soon as you find out Inuyasha has been cursed, run. Do not try to face the one who cursed him. Run. We need you here, Kagome, alive. Do not through you life away. This curse will not harm Inuyasha or your friends, but if you died they would feel the greatest pain of all. Losing you."

A tear fell down her face. She had promised Sesshomaru than that she would run, run as fast as she could. But it hurt so much. Choking back tears she turned and fled. She needed to tell Sango and Miroku. Shippo should know as well. The darkness pressed around her, trying to slow her down, knowing what its master wanted. Growing through her tears she surged forward. She would not let this vile magic keep her from telling her friends and getting safely home.

Her chest burned and her side ached, but she couldn't give up. Dashing in between the ancient trees she began to notice how the light was starting to penetrate the shadows. This gave her courage. Sesshomaru had told her the curse wouldn't take effect immediately. It was one of his ways to conceal himself and hid in the shadows.

The village came into view and Kagome gave the last bit of her strength to reach the little hut in which they were staying. Gasping for breath she burst through the cloth covered door. Startled Sango looked up from her position by the fire and Miroku who was sitting by Shippo. "Kagome-chan?" Sango asked, worry evident in her voice.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome looked sadly at her dear friends, friends that she may never see again. Sighing softly she knelt down on the dirt floor and proceeded to explain about Inuyasha's curse. When it would take effect Inuyasha wouldn't be able to go within half a mile of Kagome, or he would lose himself and try to kill her.

Her friends faces change from curiosity, to fear for a friend, to worry. Sango gazed toward the open flap of the door. "Don't worry about us. You just get out of hear." She than turned her hunny brown gaze to Kagome. "Someday...someday we'll see each other. I promise." Miroku nodded in agreement, while Shippo cuddled into her stomach. "Take Kirara and go to the well. We'll explain to Inuaysha-kun."

Nodding, Kagome smiled. "I'm lucky to have such great friends." She wraped her arms around Shippo and murrmered her goodbye. Standing up she left the hut, followed by the small yellow neko-youkai.

Watching Kirara fade into the distance Miroku muttered, "Take care, Kagome-dono. Were counting on you."

An empty shell. That was what Kagome felt like. A hollow corpse that was walking around. She had known this would happen, but that didn't stop the hollow feeling from coming. This feeling that she had failed. For she had. She had failed to help her friend.

Sighing she pulled herself out of the well and shuffled to her house. The stars were unusually bright tonight. The moon was full, she would always hate the full moon because of this night.

Within the safety of her room, she aloud the tears that had threatened to fall from the beginning slid down her face. She had failed. Looking at the stars, avoiding the cursed moon, she vowed to herself, never again. I have failed now and that is enough. I will not fail again.

The next day she visited Sesshomaru. He hadn't been surprised to see her there, he had know that the time of Inuyasha's cursing was soon. When he had seen Kagome's stricken features he smiled gently and pulled out an envelope. "This if from Inuyasha, he said to give it to you at the right time. I believe this is that time."

Kagome excepted the letter, gazing at the letter with saddened eyes. Sliding a shaking finger through the sealed flap she opened the envelope and took the letter out. Slowly she unfolded the with paper. It read:

Dear Kagome,

It has been awhile since we have been able to see each other face to face, five-hundred years, in fact, for me. You don't need to worry about the others, none of them get terribly hurt, unless you count Sango-san nearly killing Miroku-kun for flirting with other women. You do what you need to do and I'll do what I need to do. Don't lose sight of the true goal Kagome. Me, Wimpy Wolf and Sesshy's mate are all looking for a cure, so don't worry about that. Someday soon, I promise, we'll find that cure and I will be able to keep my promise to you, to protect you.

Your dear Friend (at least I hope I still am)

Inuyasha

Kagome smiled sadly. The letter didn't sound like the Inuyasha she new, but that was to be expected. It had been five-hundred years since she had last seen him. Besides, Minako, Sesshomaru's mate, must have made sure he was somewhat mature. No one could stop Inuyasha from calling Kouga a 'wimpy wolf'.

"When will the armor be ready," she asked softly, folding the letter and putting it in her backpack.

Sesshomaru smiled. "Two weeks time. For now we'll resume your training." Kagome nodded, her face set. "Right," she muttered. There would be no time for self-pity. This time was to prepare for the future. Squaring her shoulders, Kagome followed Sesshomaru to the dojo. She had a tournament to prepare for.

The peaceful morning of the forest was nothing but an allusion. Deep within the shadows of the tall trees thousands of youkai waited for the time to dock the ship. All were eager to see the bloodshed and torment that the Dark Tournament would bring.

Among these youaki a small group stood off to the side. Kuwabara, Kazuma walked nervously back and forth between the trees, gazing down the pathway. Kurama stood patiently, leaning against a tall oak. "Kuwabara-kun, glaring at the path won't make Yusuke get here any faster," Kurama said.

"Leave the baka alone, Kurama-san," Hiei said as he jumped out of the tree. "It's much quieter this way."

"Hey!" Kuwabara yelled. When Hiei ignored him he turned back to pacing, with the added sound of his mumbling.

"Alright, everybody on the boat!" yelled a gandly old youkai as he looked down on the other youkai.

Kuwabara froze in horrified shock. "Wait!" he shouted, "Some of our teammates are missing!"

Laughter resounded through the small clearing. The youkai laughing amongst themselves. Some yelled out calling, "A human? What are pathetic humans doing here?"

"A team with humans?" they scoffed, "They wont even make it to the island!"

"Disgusting creatures!"

"What's with all the yelling?" asked a new voice. The youkai turned their black eyes to see who had spoken. Urameshi Yusuke stood grinning brightly wearing a pair of worn jeans and a red jackt, a light pack was thrown over his shoulder. "Sorry I'm late but this place wasn't easy to find."

"Is that our fifth fighter, Yusuke-kun?" Kurama asked, referring to the short figure that had come up beside Yusuke. He brushed off his yellow and white fighting outfit, it having replaced his pink school uniform.

The fighter was wearing a red fighting outfit. It was impossible to tell who he was, for he had a white cloth wrapped around his head, covering everything but his eyes. Yusuke nodded, "Yup, this is the Masked fighter."

"Detective," Hiei said walking up and eyeing him. Than without warning he unsheathed his sword and attacked. Yusuke wasted no time in reacting. Kuwabara gazed in shook, trying to follow their movements with his eyes. All he could see were flashes of red and black. The soon reappeared a distance away, Yusuke holding the flat of Hiei's sword between his forefinger and thumb. "I see you social skills haven't improved any. Yusuke joked, smiling. Turning away, Hiei sheathed his sword and smirked. Sighing, Kurama shook his head, smiling slightly at his teammates antics.

Giving a snort of laughter, Hiei walked toward the boat saying, "the Detective and I are the only ones needed to bet this tournament. Several youkai complained loudly, the implied insult infuriating them. They were far stronger than some pathetic human. Yusuke just shrugged his shoulders and followed the fire youkai onto the ship.

Yawning, Yusuke sat down and leaned against the ships railing. His eyes sagged and his head nodded. Soon he had fallen asleep, the long and hard training that Genkai had put him through finally catching up to him. The Masked fighter walked off to the side of their small group,

Kuwabara stared at Yusuke in horror. "How can he sleep on a ship full of youkai? He yelled, looking around fitfully. The youkai were milling about, sending dark glances in their direction.

Hiei stood to the side, glaring at the youkai around him. His right hand clenched the hilt of his sword. Luckily, or unluckily, for the other youkai a loud intercom burst on. It was the captain of the ship. The creaky voice explained one of the qualifications to getting to the island. Only one team would be able to compete in the Dark Tournament and to eliminate all those unworthy there would be a mini tournament on the ship. Each team would have their leader fight the other leaders, the victor would be the last one standing.

Marching up to Yusuke, Kuwabara grabbed him by his cloths and said, "That's you Urameshi!"shakinghim roughly "Come on! Wake up!" He continued to shake him until Kurama placed a restraining hand on his arm. Shaking his head, Kurama pointed to the arena. "Oh," was all he said. The Masked fighter had taken Yusuke's place in the ring.

Hiei watched with intense eyes. "Hn. Lets see what he can do." Kurama nodded in agreement, his green eyes shining with curiosity.

In the ring the Masked Fighter stood calm in the midst of his enemies. The youkai banded together, each wanting to get rid of the filthy human. At the sound of the bell they attacked. And the Masked fighter just stood there. In a flash of brilliant light the youkai were destroyed. He than turned from the arena and walked calmly back to his team.

The other youkai shouted angrly. "I'm not going to be beaten by a weak human," yelled a green skinned youkai.

"We shouldn't relie on others to win! We should each fight amongst ourselves to see who the true victor is!" Another yelled, much to the other youkai's pleasure. Snarling viscously they advanced.

Hiei smirked. "Much better," he muttered before unsheathing his sword. Kurama sighed, but pulled out his rose, this was better than just sitting around after all.

Each member of the Urameshi team took a section of the youkai to fight. Kuwabara charged clumsily towards the enemy. Having gotten his talent of fighting through street fights, Kuwabara had little to no trouble in defeating the low level youkai that attacked him.

Kurama had change the rose into his rosewhip and had started on his bunch of youkai. They were pitifully weak for being chosen as electives for the special team, what could they have possible done to earn that chance?

On his side of the boat Hiei was become frustrated. These youkai were far to weak! Hopefully those at the actual tournament would be more of a challenge. Cutting down the last youkai in his path he turned toward were the rest of the team was. Each were holding their own. When he turned back to his own fighting he heard Kuwabara yell something about Yusuke being attacked. Hiei sighed, it would not due to have the Detective killed before they even reached the island. He turned to help him when he stopped. Smirking slightly he turned back to his own youkai. The Detective didn't need any help.

Yusuke had jumped up and started attacking the youkai that had approached him. The youkai fell quickly beneath his fists. As he attacked Yusuke yelled, "Shut-up you stupid Grandma!"

When the fighting was over the others gathered around Yusuke, who was know laying on the ground. Kurama let out a soft chuckle, "He was asleep the whole time."

Kuwabara gave him a confused look, "But he was talking!"

"I think," Kurama replied, "he is reliving his training in his sleep. Quiet interesting really." He turned to look out at the ocean. "It seems we have arrived." In the distant, through the mist and gloom the shadowy outline of the Island could be seen.

A few minutes later the island's features could be made out clearly. It's tall mountains reaching out into the sky, covered in green, deadly forests. The boat slowly slide to a stop at the shadow covered dock. "Get Yusuke-kun, Kuwabara-kun," Kurama said, walking toward the ramp with Hiei.

"Huh? Oh, right!" Kuwabara said, than quickly grabbed his friend and ran to catch up with the two youkai of their team.

A small tinkle of laughter drifted on the wind and a quiet voice said, "I forgot how funny Yusuke could be." The tall figure next to the smaller one shook his head.

"Well," said another, "at least his not as bad as the mute." A slap across his head was his answer from the younger of the four.

A louder laugh followed and he said, "You should know by now that Okaa-san hates you insulting Inuyasha-san!" Soft chuckles flowed quietly through the woods.

"Let us go. We need to prepare," said a colder, more mature voice and the others nodded in agreement.

"This is going to be fun isn't it, Shippo-chan?" asked the quiet voice from before.

Shippo laughed. "Of course! I get to be here! What could be more fun?" The girl laughed happily as the continued down the docks. Yes, this was going to be very fun.

Sora: well thats it for now. I hope seven pages is enough. I hope you enjoyed it! Some places may not be very good, i was having trouble writing certain things. I was have some minor writers block.

Reviews:

Candycorn Anime: thats okay. It's the same for me ; he he

Duzzie: what are you confused about? I'm trying to be very clear on certain things, but others I want to be, well kinda like secrets.

shadow-mistress: O.o no Yusuke and Kagome are not related. They're just really good friends

Leiko-chan: i know of the honorifics, and i have to wonder if you got your information from just other stories. The english translation doesn't use honorifics (sadly) and translations suck! In the Japanese people are very formal. That is were the use of honorifics come in. So the ones i use may be a little different. See my profile. But for a brief description: I have miroku use -dono because it is the closest to 'lord' or 'lady' and in the english translation that is what he calls woman. He also uses honorifics for guys because its very insulting to not use a honorific unless you earned the right to. See the blank: on my profile. That is the same reason why i have inuyasha, shippo and kagome use honorifics. The honorific -san can also be used for enemies. And i guess i did slip on sango calling miroku 'houshi-sama' oh well. So just go look at my profile for a better description. I thank you for your review and hope that you wont mind me continuing to use the honorifics like i have been.

Cute Miko: Thanks, im glad you think my story's cool

IcyBetrayal: hehe ; sorry about the vague ears, There not inu or kistune, they are elven like ears. Like Jin's, kinda.

Shera of the Flame: O.o who does kags dad remind you of? In all honesty im trying to make her dad as original as possible. ;

Yusuke's Angel: Thanks!

to crazy to sleep: O.o no sleep? How sad! I love sleep! (Though i never get enough. Dang orchestra, making me get up early!)

psychopyro16: thanks! They do make a cute couple don't they?

Miki: hehe ; I'll try to be more descriptive. I have been sorely lacking in that department.

KitsuneKit7: Daisuke is kawaii! Thanks, though theres no fluff in this chappy uu but there will be sometime in the future! And its good that you still have some of your brain! I lost mine somwhere ;

Kagome1015: Sorry for not updating soon. I've had some major writers blocks for this chapter and i had to find information uu way to much stuff

fireangel: they never went home (well kagomes mom didn't notice till after kagome went to sesshomarus and he lives in makai (demon world.......did i spell that right?)) before leaving for the tournament. So you cant see the reactions just yet!

vampe freak: hehe...sorry! Ill try to write sooner!

kogas-mate05: Yey! ...O.o i don't know...........mystery.. I just have a head full of ideas for mysteries about this story! Well..I'll probably forget them soon. UU; i have a horrible memory. But this story will continue!

iyfanatic: ill update soon! (At least i hope i will)

chinadoll27: Thanks a bunch!

spice of Inu-Yasha: ? O.o ....KNIFE! GIMME GIMME GIMME! im not afraid of death! For i am (dramatic music) the cousin of Shinegami! Bwahahahahaha! me and my friends give each other names. My cousin got the name Duo from Gundam Wing and he's the 'god of death' or shinegami.

Twilight Fox Angel: ......sorry you have to wait a long time to find out what Atsuko and Mia have to say! ; you'll have to wait till after the tournament to be exact.

angel-demoness7: thanks! I updated! (Though its very late u.u)

Kill-all-flamers210: i dont think their dead. I haven't read or seen anything that would suggest that. i dont know yusuke's dads name, if i've heard it i've obviously forgotten it. oh well this is my story so i'll live! ;

Angel452: i cant tell you what will happen next, you have to read to find out! the dark tournament...read when i put the chappy up! ...; just read to find out. i cant say it'll ruin the story!

well, thank you all for reviewing and i hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Later