Chapter 45

Shura stood motionless for several moments as though caught in a trance. She was torn. The demon logic racing through her mind demanded that she ignore Charisma's cries. It reminded that battle ahead was the key to her future and to get sidetracked from it now would only prove disastrous. But the call of her heart was strong too. Personal feelings aside, to allow the suffering of a subordinate…a child, it was not acceptable for any healer, let alone any Queen.

After only a few short seconds of debate Shura threw up her hands in defeat. Her choice was obvious.

"I'm sorry, I have to." Shura muttered quietly. Behind her Shura heard her father sigh lightly with annoyance. She couldn't blame him. With such an important battle looming ahead it was a horrible time to succumb to a vulnerable conscience. Still, she hoped her family would a least humor her.

"Do as you will," Sesshomaru grumbled, acknowledging her decision with forced indifference. "Just keep in mind if you're not in the Arena for the start of the final match you'll automatically forfeit your position." The she-dog shuddered at the warning and gave a nod.

"I understand." Next she turned to Ukuri. The wolf-dragon was curled up tightly on Shura's bed but he flicked an ear forward when he saw his friend's gaze upon him. "Looks like I'll be needing those again." Shura remarked softly. For a second time that night Shura gestured for the object slung round Ukuri's slender neck. Obedient as always the wolf-dragon stretched to reveal the bag of healing tools Shura had asked him to guard. Gently, Shura lifted the pouch from around the animal's neck. The dragon meanwhile showed submission with a leisurely dog-like bow. Shura smiled slightly and offered the animal his usual scratch under the chin before turning towards the exit.

"Wait Shura," the she-dog heard Inuyasha voice just before she dashed out the door.

"What?"

"You might want to wear this…" Inuyasha advised briskly as he lobbed his blue formal robe in her direction. Shura caught the shirt and stared at it quizzically for a second. Then she blushed. In all the chaos she had completely forgotten that her clothes were in shreds and simple dressings were substituting in their place. Ignoring the heat on her face Shura scrambled into the fabric as fast as she could. Then, supplies in hand, she made a beeline for the door.

The air in the room was thick with the scent of blood. As she stepped briskly into the small chamber Shura felt her heart sink like lead. Charisma was lying on a bed by the far wall. Her eyes were huge and wild. Her mouth hung open, fixed it seemed, in a near-constant whine of agony. At Charisma's bedside Shura saw the girl's Father, Skybolt. He was clasping on of her hands in his and trying to offer some, any kind of comfort. But his efforts were in vain.

Then suddenly there was movement outside. Out of the corner of her eye Shura saw the second of the Sky dragon brothers charge up behind her.

"Get out! You have no business here mongrel!" He snarled threateningly. Shura whirled around just in time to see the scar-faced dragon make a grab for her. Shura dodged backwards avoiding the dragon's claws by mere centimeters.

"Take it easy!" Shura addressed Charisma's Uncle in the calmest voice she could manage. "I only want to help!" But it was no good. To her plea of concern the dragon only narrowed his eyes.

"Impudent welp! Back in the Arena you gladly raised a sword against my niece and now you expect me to trust you with her life! What kind of idiot do you take me for?"

The dragon lunged for her again, fury raging in his eyes. It was a wild anger, exaggerated out of control by the dragon's short temper and vengeful heart. Shura could see it in his face. Skystrike's burning hatred was not meant for her but rather his true enemies—the dragons who had shamelessly wreaked havoc on his family and humiliated his followers—the Fire clan. And though, deep down, Shura realized Skystrike's grudge was only directed towards her out of convenience, that didn't make his threats any less dangerous. Even if she weren't his ideal target… he would kill her if he could.

Again Shura stepped back trying to avoid the fuming Sky dragon. But she underestimated his speed. Suddenly Shura found herself pinned against the nearest wall. Skystrike had hold of her shoulders and was bearing down with all his weight. But Shura kept her composure. For all his displaying and threats the Sky dragon wasn't nearly as strong as he boasted. Shura could tell from his increasingly angering expression. Even if she was pinned, the she-dog could overpower him easily with the right amount of effort, and both she and Skystrike knew it.

But as luck would have it, in the end, Shura didn't even need to waste her energy. A flash of light erupted from out of nowhere making both demons see stars. It was then that Shura felt a strong body wedge in front of her and force Skystrike away. Trying to regain her senses Shura's eyes eventually came to focus on Solar's familiar blond head of hair. Tensed into fighter's stance the young man was standing protectively in her path. He leered at Skystrike fiercely before growling with surprising fervor.

"Bastard! I'll kill you if you ever touch her again!" Skystrike staggered backwards, clearly surprised, and even more angry.

"You should mind your own business boy!" the elder dragon hissed through clenched fangs. "It's none of your concern." But Solar would not be detoured.

"I beg to differ. You see, Lady Shura has become my charge. So anyone who threatens her is most definitely my concern!"

Shura watched with growing restlessness as the pair of dragon's continued to banter threats. It was hardly the time for posturing.

"Charisma!" Skybolt's hiss of alarm sounded suddenly making even the feuding dragons' pause. The Sky lord's cry was followed immediately by an unnerving silence. Panic fluttered through Shura's heart and in the next instant she shoved past both Solar and Skystrike to reach Charisma's bedside. The she-dragon had stopped crying and her once wide eyes were heavily glazed and starting to close. Shura leaned in close and felt the girl's neck. Her pulse was weak.

"What's going on?" Charisma's panicked father could hardly get the words out fast enough as he twitched anxiously beside her. "Is she dieing?" Shura bit her lip. She wouldn't dare lie to the man.

"Your girl is in bad shape," she whispered softly "if she isn't treated now… you may loose her. " Now the sky dragon looked Shura hard in the eyes.

"Tell me… can you save her?" the she-dog let out a small breath and answered the only way she could.

"I can try." Skybolt nodded and stepped to one side. Taking the cue Shura set down her bag on a bedside table. Then, ever so carefully, she worked to remove the remains of Charisma's armor.

As the last piece fell away Shura felt her insides tighten painfully. Beneath the sturdy, bronze-colored armaments, the young dragon's body looked half crushed. Deep, fist shaped, buries were already starting to swell across her upper torso, arms, and face. Worst of all Shura found both of Charisma's legs had been badly broken below the knee. It was a devastating blow in itself, but for the fastest dragon in all the royal clans the long-term consequences seemed just plain brutal. Overall the girl's injuries were excessive, even senseless, for a battle that should have ended quickly. And as Shura studied her closer her suspicions were quickly confirmed.

Charisma's challenge to Phoenix had not been meant as a test of physical strength, but rather a political gesture. The message was simple: even if the odds were against them the Sky clan would neither be intimidated nor controlled by their long time rival. Naturally for the Fire clan this was an insult that could not be ignored. And so, rather then defeat Charisma swiftly, Phoenix chose to drag out her opponent's suffering. She beat her clan's retaliation into the young Sky heiress over and over again before finally shattering her legs—a final and permanent reminder that hers was not an authority to be trifled with. It was a disturbing situation and the idea of Phoenix actually getting away with it…

Shura tried hard to ignore her rising anger as she continued to inspect the young dragon. Gingerly Shura palpated the young girl's belly, silently hoping that the dragon's insides had fared better then the rest of her. A sharp howl of pain sounded from Charisma making Shura fan back her ears in alarm. It was as she feared. Forcing down a breath of air Shura turned her gaze back to Skybolt.

The dragon eyeballed Shura suspiciously from his post nearby but kept his fangs clenched tight even as his child screamed. Shura knew then. Even if he wanted to, Skybolt wouldn't question her.

"Milord, I need you and your brother to go and get some items for me." Shura informed. After a moment of hesitation Skybolt agreed. Then he gestured over his shoulder to his sibling to approach. Skystrike reluctantly obeyed. For all his stubbornness, it seemed, even he had enough sense to know when not to argue.

"What do you need?"

To Skybolt Shura rattled off a long list of herbal medicines and to his brother an equally lengthy list of supplies and tools. Both dragons listened intently and despite some rather suspicious sounding requests neither dared argue the orders. It was only after both dragons left the room that Solar politely interjected.

"Um… Milady, if I may…why send them to gather supplies? The servants could easily…" Solar started to argue but Shura interrupted him.

"I know. It was a distraction," she rumbled as she opened her medical bag and started to rummage through it. After a few seconds Shura had a handful of vials, each holding a different colored power. "Here," Shura gestured to the young sky dragon, "make yourself useful and hold these." Obediently, Solar came to Shura's side and took the vials. The sight of Charisma made him cringe hard.

"This is terrible," he muttered.

"These wounds are nothing. She's bleeding inside." Shura's voice had lowered to a stern whisper. "At this rate, even if I used a spell I doubt her body would be able to endure it…unless…" Shura's voice trailed off as an idea suddenly struck her.

Now Solar arched his eyebrows.

"Milady?" the dragon leaned in curiously and Shura turned to look him sternly in the eyes.

"Solar," she said softly "I need you to do me a favor."

Neither Skybolt nor Skystrike wasted any time. Within minutes both had gathered their list of requested items and raced, full speed, back to Charisma's chambers. As they stepped inside, however, both brothers froze just beyond the door. The space where Charisma was laying moments before was now bathed in different colored auras. One aura, a brilliant golden hue was distinctly familiar and clearly belonged to one of the Sun dragon clan. The other was an iridescent blend of silver and rainbow speckles. It was foreign to the brothers but it carried an aftertaste of strong sorcery.

"What is this?" Skystrike growled. Almost panicked he stepped forward ready to charge into the auras and rescue his niece at a moments notice. But Skybolt stepped in his path.

Gradually both auras faded to a dull roar revealing the outline of a silver incantation circle traced along the floor. Within the glowing ring of symbols Charisma's motionless form was still resting atop the small cot. At the she-dragon's right side, bathed in the soft, golden glow, Solar was standing with palms spread gently on her forehead and over her heartbeat. Shura was on the opposite side. From her hand posture she appeared to be summoning spiritual power. But it was not at all the kind used by monks or priestesses. This energy was definitely magical in nature. It swirled around her in elegant whips as she muttered the remains of an incantation. Then as Shura's last syllable faded the ring surrounding them faded and vanished. In the seconds that followed the Sky dragon brothers thought they saw Charisma's body glow silver. But the moment was too brief to tell for sure. Solar's golden aura dispersed quickly afterwards leaving the room quiet and dark once more.

Shura exhaled and slowly relaxed. The spell was a draining one. By all rights she should have been exhausted. But luckily for her, this time she had some help.

"Thank you Solar," Shura spoke softly to the dragon across from her. "With your power stabilizing her I was able to work much faster. She should recover well." Solar looked up with tired eyes.

"No problem," he replied. Though he tried to disguise it with a smile, Shura saw his breaths were coming hard.

"You should go rest. I can handle things from here." The dragon nodded in compliance. Then, wearily, Solar dragged himself to the door. Shura watched him closely. Only once she was sure he'd make it safely to a nearby bedroom did she turn to face Charisma's relatives. Skystrike looked ready to explode.

"What is the meaning of this? What did you do?" Before Shura could answer a soft whimper sounded making both brother's drop their armloads of supplies.

"Daddy?"

"Charisma!" Skybolt ran to his child's side. Tenderly he took the young girl's hand in his and squeezed it tight. "You're alright!" The young dragon gazed up at her parent with sleepy yellow eyes.

"I'm sorry I lost."

"Don't worry about it sweetheart. The important thing is that you're alive." Charisma nodded slowly. Next Skystrike came to her side and rested a reassuring hand on the girl's forehead.

"Hi Uncle…" the girl greeted with a small smile. For the first time that evening Shura saw the scar-faced dragon smile fondly in return.

"Hello dear. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine… never been better…" Charisma tried to joke but instead of a laugh she could only manage a pained wince.

In the meantime Shura had turned her attention to the menagerie of items the dragon brothers had left strewn on the floor. After picking out a few plants, a jug of water, and a knife, she returned to the bedside table and set to work cutting up the parts she needed.

"Your wounds may be mended but the strain has left your body very weak. You need to rest for at least a month, and that includes your powers as well." Shura instructed Charisma while she worked. Digging into her medical bag Shura removed her mortar and pestle and started to blend the ingredients into a fine paste. Once the mix was smooth she added the contents of the bowl into the water jug and shook it several times. Then she rummaged for a piece of parchment and a quill.

"I made this for after the spell wears off and you start feeling pain again. Take it in small sips and only use as much as you need." Shura glanced over to the young dragon as she scribbled a list on the paper. "Here's the recipe." Now Shura turned to the girl's family and handed the paper to Skybolt. "I'll be by in two weeks to check on her progress. In the meantime if you have any questions just send for me." Skybolt nodded in understanding.

Content that her instructions would be followed Shura hastily packed up her belongings. As much as she would have liked to stay and monitor the girl's progress she had a very important battle to prepare for.

Shura made it back in her room in record time. As she entered the lavish suite she was relieved to find her weapons resting neatly on her bed. Nearby she also discovered a selection of battle garments laid out in piles, along with a fresh basin of water and clean towels. Judging from the meticulous setup Shura didn't need to guess who had given the orders.

"Thanks Pappa, I owe you one," Shura thought to herself as she went for the basin. Shedding her bloodied clothes and dressings Shura scrubbed her body clean before climbing into a robe. Then, if only to calm her nerves, she took a warm towel to her face and ears. Very soon she would face Phoenix. The realization was both exciting and terrifying!

Suddenly Shura felt someone stir behind her. Forcing her eyes open Shura reached for her dagger and flung it without thinking. The object halted in mid air, caught between the fore and middle fingers of a familiar looking wind dragoness.

"You?" Shura gasped with surprise when the woman's face registered. It was Zaphyra, the elegant white-haired lady who seemed unusually attached to her father. "What do you want?"

Zaphyra smiled pleasantly. Then she lowered her arm to shift the tip of the dagger away from its previous location centered between her eyes.

"Lady Charisma dictated this and asked that I bring it to you." She informed. Then she extended her other hand reveling a folded piece of parchment. Shura eyeballed the dragon warily as she took the paper.

"Lady Shura," the note read. "I know my Father and Uncle were probably to proud and stubborn to thank you for saving my life, so I'm doing it for them. I've contacted a friend of mine. She will help you prepare for your match against Phoenix. Consider it a gift from the Sky clan. In the meantime I will work with my family. I'm not sure if I can convince them to support you should the future allow, but I will try. I owe you that much. Good luck! My thoughts are with you!

Yours, Charisma"

Shura stared at the paper quizzically.

"Something wrong?" Zaphyra asked.

"Charisma said she'd send somebody to help prepare for the match…. that wouldn't happen to be you would it?" Zaphyra smiled.

"That's right. Gather your things. We must move quickly."

"Where's Shura?" Kagome wondered aloud as she watched Phoenix pace the Arena floor below. "Shouldn't she have been here by now?" Beside her Inuyasha huffed lightly.

"She'll be here," the half-demon assured. Kagome looked worried.

"I hope so. The match is going to start any minute now…" The girl's voice trailed off suddenly as a strong gust of wind swept over the group. Then, without even a sound, Zaphyra appeared on the balcony ledge. The she-dragon's hair and garments danced gently in time with the wind adding an almost wild beauty to her already captivating presence. Lowering her posture the she-dragon submissively dipped her head to once again acknowledge everyone before stepping from the edge. All and all she seemed as stately and well mannered as ever. But as she returned to her place beside Sesshomaru a coy smirk betrayed a spark of mischief. The gesture made the dog lord arch his eyebrows.

"I know that look," the Sesshomaru spoke in a lowered rumble. "What have you done this time?" Zaphyra smiled wider and gave one of her silvery laughs.

"You'll see."

Meanwhile, on the ground, Phoenix's was starting to grow impatient. Shifting her attention to the Arena boxes she called to the watching diplomats seated safely above.

"Must we really drag this out any longer?" she wanted to know. It was Kayolin who finally answered.

"There is still time," he voiced calmly. But the Fire dragoness continued to protest.

"We've already been waiting half the night! The cowardly she-hound has obviously deserted…"

"Yeah you wish!" A voice echoed through the air followed by the familiar metallic groan of the main Arena doors as they shuddered open. All heads turned instantly as Shura stepped from the palace onto the Arena floor. She was difficult to spot at first. With the grounds lit only by torches and starlight the entryway was dark and shrouded in shadows. But as the she-dog continued to walk steadily forward the warm lights slowly revealed her for everyone to see.

In place of the elegant kimonos she usually appeared in Shura now sported a sleeveless cream-colored warriors top and matching knee-length skirt cut high on the sides. On top of this base cover was a light outer layer. It fell to Shura's ankles. This silky piece was also off-white and it was decorated with elegant chestnut embroidery. A matching ribbon-like belt that flowed half way to the floor held both layers snugly in place. Completing the look were pieces of dark olive green dragon-scale armor that rested snugly across torso, wrists, shoulders and paws. The fringes of the armaments, specifically those along the chest, forearms and feet were trimmed with matching white fur, a feature that nicely complemented the fur boa her father had given her. That token, like before, rested high along her shoulders. This time, though, it was joined by another sentimental gift. Held aloft in Shura's right hand Duroza's sturdy blade was also resting proudly across the curve of her shoulders.

"Lords and Ladies it's time for the final event! By the grace of our ancestors and all those witnesses gathered here may this battle decide which woman is fit to rule the generations to come!"

Kayolin was announcing dramatically in the background. But neither Shura nor Phoenix was paying attention. Their focus was only on each other.

"Well well, look who finally showed up. And here I thought you'd finally come to your senses and surrendered." Phoenix scoffed with a truly sinister edge. Across the Arena Shura only laughed dryly.

"And miss the chance to finally wipe that arrogant smirk off your face… I wouldn't dream of it." Phoenix snarled angrily, bearing her fangs. Then with a powerful motion of her right arm she lifted her mace from her belt and held it threateningly in front of her. Now it was Shura who snarled. Flexing her arm Shura lifted Duroza and pointed the tip of the blade towards Phoenix.

"Combatants ready?" Kayolin's voice reverberated around both demons like a general's war cry. "BEGIN!"

Author's Note: Sorry for the cliffhanger but I think it would be worse if I had to cut Phoenix and Shura's battle into two chapters. : P As for said chapter I have about 80 percent of the battle planned out already... it's just a matter of getting it written. I feel bad I haven't been able to update frequently like I used to but now that I graduated and am working full time it's hard to just sit down and write. Don't worry though; I've gotten this far in the story so I am determined to finish it!

Thanks for sticking with me!

HyperFerret