Author's note: This chapter was originally titled something else, but in the process of writing it, this little bit snuck in. I decided to include a brief snippet of the next chapter to come at the end of this one. Call it your "sneak peak". O.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Lady Death, character or story-wise. Inuyasha is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and her affiliates, as Lady Death is owned by her creator, Brian Pulido, and Avatar(tm) Comics. This story, however, is an original created by my Pantheon of Muses and myself. I'm receiving no $$$ for this; it's for entertainment only. Your reviews are my payment. As always, Enjoy!

Chapter 14:

Thru the Void

The night of the full moon was upon them now. A little over two weeks of a crash-course in sword training, body developing, and mind stripping had led Inuyasha and his pack to this moment. The moment when the visitor from an unknown realm would have a first hand viewing of what Shard hunting and collecting was all about.

It had been decided between Lady Death and Inuyasha that the best vantage point for viewing the anticipated creatures was within a farmhouse nearest to the crops. If the creatures stood true to what the farmers said, then that is where they should be.

The evening meal that night consisted of more Ramen. Kagome had secured ones that already had curry flavor within them for the White Goddess, as she relished its flavor. Inuyasha made sure to stay clear of his sensei while she indulged.

Earlier in the day, Lady Death had mentioned that she was going to survey more of the area. She seemed edgy and overly guarded, but wouldn't disclose why. Sango and Kagome had picked some wild rice from the nearby paddies to go along with the Ramen, while Shippou, Miroku, and Kilala caught more fish. Inuyasha had spent the day with the twins, Roku and Dai, and Shion from Horai Island, showing them how to cut down a tree for more wood. He even showed them the techniques he had learned in the process, now that they were second nature to him.

"Brother," Roku began, "what or who is this evil… person, that I hear you guys talking about? The one who is trying to steal the pieces of the Jewel you are looking for?"

The hanyou stopped his woodcutting, leaning forward onto the axe handle. He took in a centering breath, letting it out with a popping sound. I didn't wish for it to come to this moment. They should not be involved…

"He is a most tempestuous, vile, and wicked creature, young one. Pray tell that you shall ne'er meet him." The voice of the Goddess announced as she came thru the tree line not far adjacent to the field.

"Oh, hi Lady!" the three kids chimed.

"Where the Hell did you get off to?" Inuyasha nodded his head in slight annoyance.

"Over protective of my fare now, aye?" The Goddess raised an eyebrow. She stopped by her charge and surveyed the scene. Glancing up at him, she motioned for Inuyasha to walk with her a bit away. They walked out of earshot of the three kids before she spoke.

"From what I have seen, the way into the fields here is from a path just beyond those trees there. Since we all have a strong feeling that the creatures will hold true to what Lady Nanoka has said, then it would be most well of us to remain in the closest dwelling nearest to the fields. The element of surprise will be with us, as the full moon will rise above those mountains behind us there."

She motioned over his right shoulder. He glanced over it, and turned back her way. "How do you know this?"

"Call it an instinct, Poppet. Does not the full moon affect you as well?" She lowered an eyelid questioningly.

"In a way, yeah… I guess. Not so much as it does on the new moon night." He twisted his brows thinking.

"Oh? Pray tell, then, so I am not surprised." She didn't like the feeling of any secrets kept, no matter how small they might be.

"Ahh, heh, heh. Well…" he stammered, scratching his ear. The Goddess' face went icily cold, as she knew he was trying to brush something off.

"Normally, nothing much happens really. My blood seems to be a bit more… how would I say it… charged? More energy seems to flow thru me than any other night."

"Could it be because of your youkai half? It would hold truth to me, as it does for me." She divulged.

"What do you mean?"

"The full moon has many unknown powers over many creatures, Poppet. You and I are no different. We are both half demon. I would think me, in the events of the new moon having the power to turn you human, that the opposing effect of the full moon would hold true for your demon side as well."

He gasped. He had never thought about it really until now, but it did make sense. "And Kagome's coming into heat as well. Shit."

He had a slightly panicked look on his face, and he absently fiddled the loose trappings of Tetsusaiga's hilt. "So, what happens to you, if anything?"

The Goddess eyed him. "You do not wish to know."

"Oi! Come on! I've showed you mine, now you've got to show me yours!" he teased. "You said the same holds true for you, now what is it? Do you turn into a hideous beast?" He lowered his voice an octave and raised his claws in a mock gesture.

She smacked his hand away. "Do not mock things you do not understand."

"Well, what is it then?" There was a pause as the two stared each other down. Before long, Inuyasha knew that she was holding something in, and he remembered the slight changed in her scent, the way her brow knitted just so above her eye as she scrutinized him in return. He had her now.

"It was you yourself, Sensei, who said that we should not hold any secrets amongst us, so long as I was in your charge. Is it not so?" He straightened.

Oh Gods Death… he has me at an advantage now. Fie! Her features soften. "Aye, 'tis true."

"Please? Whatever it is it can't be all that bad?" He turned on his puppy-dog charm.

She huffed, and waved him off. "We do not have the leisure for this." She stepped passed him to head towards the house.

"Oi, wench! If you're to be part of my pack, then you'll—"

FWASH! A blinding wave of Chaos energy shot towards him.

FWOOM! CLANG! He was prepared for her to do such, Tetsusaiga meeting Apocalypse with its own surge. Underneath the two connecting blades, the owners stared each other down.

"MUST you INSIST on these ridiculous mind plays? Is your brother as the same?" she spat.

"Who—Rat Bastard? Naw, I'm more open." He snickered. "We don't need to spar over it, just tell me what it is."

The White Goddess disconnected her blade, letting it power down. She stepped back a bit, locking her aura around her tightly. I do not think so. Just try and…

"You're shutting yourself off. Don't do it. I can read you, Sensei. I know your subtle signs. The slight changes in your scent, your facial features, even your aura, 'cuz you're doing it right now." He sheathed his blade.

She started. What? She let her aura loosen slightly, and sheathed the Chaos blade.

Inuyasha walked calmly towards her. "You know, there ain't a need to be stubborn towards me. Someone else already has that title. If I can place my trust in you, then you must do the same, hai?" He noticed the attention of the kids was drawn towards them. He smirked. "Plus, we don't wanna fight in front of the kids, now, do we?"

Her eyes flicked to the three. Shion clearly looked concerned, while Dai and Roku looked anxiously on, waiting for a good brawl.

"Inuyasha! Nozomi! Dinner's ready!" Kagome called from the farmhouse.

"We will speak of this later. And you will NOT speak to me in that manner again, or you WILL find your tongue upon the ground!" She hissed at him.

"Hai, Sensei." He chuckled. "C'mon you three! Let's get to the stream quick and clean up!" he called to them as he trotted off, leading the way.

… and his brother is worse? Gods death! Have I forgotten that Poppet is part dog? Or have I truly spent enough time amongst his company for him to indeed be able to read me even now?

She shook her head, refusing to believe the more than obvious truth. Inuyasha had indeed learned all that encompassed her. He would equal her power in no time, and they would be ready to take on Naraku. But they could not do it alone. She planned to strengthen Kagome's skills with the bow and arrow, maybe show her the sword as well?

I must give this more thought. If Mistress Kagome proves better with the bow than the sword… wait! The kit! He could do well by the sword. He is of the same size as a page. A small sword would do for him.

She snapped her fingers, and her Shard appeared within her palm. She stared at it for a few moments, and then curled her fingers around the Shard, making it disappear once again. Hmm…

The last vestiges of Helios' Chariot gave way to Night's cloak, and with it, Selene began Her ascent.

A few hours into the night, and the moon had reached its zenith. The entire area was bathed in an ethereal glow so bright that torches would not be needed. Crickets rivaled for the attention of the moon's magic as it danced upon the ripples of the stream with the light breeze blowing. Only fireflies shone brighter as they glided along the edge of the forest.

A pity that the Island trio had forgotten they had nightly lessons, and had to return to their own shack.

Inuyasha and Lady Death had taken up their usual spots nearest the door and the weapons. Both seemed to be on edge, and took turns evaluating the other over their dinner. Shippou was on his stomach, feet up in the air bouncing back and forth, and had his nose in a coloring book Kagome had given him. Lost in thought—his usual spot. Sango had set to work looking over the Hiraikotsu, checked the straps, its edges, testing its balance. She would grab a polishing rag that set in her lap from time to time, working over some of the well-used areas. Miroku sat, meditating; his staff perched at an angle across his lap, while Kagome poured over her Calculus book.

The night was peaceful, but it was tense in the body of Lady Death. She had never known a peace like this. It was too quiet, and she found herself glancing quickly out the door too often, sending her senses out into the air for any oncoming threats. Inuyasha rebuffed her tension by letting out a sigh and reclined, propping his head onto his bent arm. He drummed his claws against his leg, glancing at his sensei.

The skulls in the middle of her top gleamed with the moonlight, and he soon had to look away, realizing just what he was looking at. Glancing up, he noticed her attention was once again out into the world.

"Relax, would ya? You know that saying about a watched pot…"

"I am relaxed, Poppet." Her gaze continued outside.

"Huh—could've fooled me. Your aura's so thick around you at times I could cut it with my sword, then it shoots away like one of Shippou's tops! Be still! They will come."

"Inuyasha, Nozomi might not have had an opportunity to truly be within a peaceful night such as this. Remember, she is not of our realm, and she's had to fight every day of her known life…" the monk intervened.

"Yeah, yeah, I remember. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that she has all this pent-up energy that she needs to expend on something. Y'know, come to think of it, my Rat Bastard half brother acts the same way sometimes as well… huh." He worried his chin with his hand as the Goddess slowly turned his way.

"Truly, you jest as to suggest that I am like this brother of yours…"

"Half brother, and yeah, you are. In a lot of ways."

PTAH! The Goddess turned her attention out the door again and listened. She did her best to shut him out.

Inuyasha grinned, and sat up. "Let's see… you both love swords; well, not that THAT'S anything major… you both have this 'lock it down and away' part about you when you think anyone is going to pry into what you call private,"

"As it should be." She said.

"Whatever. You both have a never-say-die way in your mannerism that it will be to the death, if either one of you meet the other,"

"He will kneel at my feet before I will at his." She smirked, and remembered her battle with Asteroth during the Judgment War.

"Doubtful. You two are too evenly matched. I'm the only one that might ever have a chance of beating him."

"You have not beaten me, Poppet. Not yet. As far as I observe, the only advantage you may have is your sword…" Her attention was back to him.

"And that's exactly what he would say too! You two are perfect for each other!" he whooped.

"Inuyasha, aren't you forgetting something here? Sesshoumaru's a full youkai… Nozomi is, for all intents and purposes, a half demon that looks human? And you know how he feels about you, what makes you think he would ever be anything different towards her? Or even like her? What are you getting at?" Kagome questioned.

"Oh come one, Kagome! Haven't you been watching all this time? The way she works her sword? Her mannerisms? If you take away the markings, put on a skimpy black whatever-it-is outfit and a pair of boobs, and change the gender, it's fucking Sesshoumaru as a woman!"

"Poppet, clearly you are depriving some village of its idiot. And I know not what you suffer from, yet I think me it is hard to pronounce."

"BWAHAHAHAHAAA!!!" Inuyasha rolled into a fit of laughter. Shippou looked up from his coloring book and stared blankly. Kagome turned towards Miroku and Sango, blinked, then all three looked at Lady Death. The Goddess stared.

"Is he always as such?"

Kagome answered. "Actually, no. Usually on the night of the full moon, he gets really protective around me. I've never seen him like this before."

"That's because your scent is so strong right now it's driving me crazy! It's all I can do right now to not react on my instincts." He got up onto to his hands and knees and inched his way over towards her. She bolted into a sitting position.

"Inuyasha? Are you okay?"

"Never better, and I'm just making fun." He grinned as he breathed in deep of her scent, closing his eyes. A low rumble echoed from his throat. Kagome looked at his eyes when he opened them, and a slight gasp escaped her throat. They were tinged slightly with bright red, and a slight impression of his youkai stripes could be seen. She started to back away, and could hear Sango and Miroku on their guard.

He held up a clawed hand, the claws being an unusually longer length, and spoke low to Kagome. "I'm fine, don't worry. It's just the full moon. But ya have to admit, knowing that it affects me, as a half demon, then it is affecting her, as a half demon as well." He shifted his eyes towards his sensei's direction.

Lady Death wrapped her cloak around her, her attention still outside. Kagome watched as her aura came into focus. "She looks so tense."

"She just needs a good… workout."

"Inuyasha!" Kagome mock-shoved him, setting his balance off.

"Urrrrr… playful are we? I'll remember that." He crooked an eyebrow and grinned.

There was a fast movement at the doorway, and Kagome's attention snapped forward. Sango and Miroku stood up, having noticed it too. Inuyasha turned around.

Lady Death had quickly shot into a crouching position, her hand reaching behind to secure her blade, releasing the peace-tie on Apocalypse. Her gaze was fixed out of the door, her balance upon her sword hand.

"They're here."

The group quickly but quietly worked their way out of the farmhouse, the White Goddess being the last one. The element of surprise would not be with them if the Shard-bound creatures noticed her first. It was bad enough that she would glow under the moonlight.

Sure enough, there they were. Two boars, and three wolves. One wolf being larger than the others. The boars set about rooting thru the fields as soon as they arrived while the wolves circled around the livestock. The oxen started to low, sensing the danger.

"Kagome, which one has the Shard?" Inuyasha whispered. She focused her gaze on them as a whole, stretching out her senses. The Goddess did as well, if she held one of these things, perhaps they reacted when around one another?

They both focused on the larger wolf. "That one, over there." they said in unison. Kagome glanced over her shoulder at the White Goddess, suddenly remembering that she too, held a Jewel Shard. Not only that, but she could sense mystical auras as well.

"Well, glad to know that you both are on the ball." Inuyasha chuckled.

"Are you going to be okay? With all this… energy you have?" Kagome questioned.

"Yeah, I told you. Don't worry about me. Let me worry about you. You do whatever you can, but stay safe. Sensei?"

"I am well, Poppet. I think me I shall take on the larger wolf."

"And leave me out of all the fun? No way." He argued.

"Shhh! They'll hear us! It doesn't matter, so long as we get the Shard." Kagome suddenly felt like she was babysitting, without getting paid. It seemed to her that the reinvention of "pack dynamics" was going on, now that Inuyasha was comfortable with Lady Death as part of his "pack".

Lucky for them, Shippou stayed inside with Kilala to guard him, too afraid of the larger wolf to join them in the quest. The element of surprise would not have worked otherwise.

The White Goddess and Inuyasha decided that since the wolves posed the worst threat, it would be better for the two of them to fight together. Lady Death had her own ways formulating on how to obtain the Shard, and she hoped that Inuyasha would not just kill the wolves outright.

Wolves held a special place in her heart. She missed her Nameless Wolf, and shook the image out of her mind as she tightened her aura around her to keep from detection.

But these weren't ordinary wolves, or boars. Normally, the two groups wouldn't travel together, as wolves are predators and find boar to their tastes. Nor did either one of the four-legged animals walk on four legs. They all walked upright, and had seen the advantages in working together as a unit. The boars were experts in digging under fences with their tusks, and finding fresh crops, where the wolves had keen eyes, sense of smell and hearing that could detect dangers the boars could not. Wolves also brought in delicious flesh that they gladly shared in exchange for the boars' tenacious nature in fending off weapons with their tusks.

Being around the Shard for just the short amount of time had given them all extraordinary powers as well, especially the wolf that held the Shard. As the larger wolf swung his head around to scout the area, Kagome knitted her brows when the full wave of the Shard's presence hit her, it reacting to Lady Death's piece. She glanced at the Goddess, whose attention as on the wolf. Does she know as well?

The boars' tusks were as long as an elephant's, Kagome noticed, and were bigger than they had imagined. She was certain Inuyasha could handle them, but what about Nozomi? Had she come across things just as large and frightening in her realm?

While Inuyasha and Lady Death crept towards the livestock and the wolves, Sango and Miroku worked their ways around the two boars, careful where they stepped, lest something give way and alert the quarry. They stopped short when one of the wolves suddenly shot its head up and looked around. The larger wolf, the alpha, looked in their direction, and growled. Inuyasha froze, his eyes flicked towards the Goddess. The boars now alerted as well, sensed Sango and Miroku. Squealing loudly, they charged.

The two subordinate wolves rushed forward and split apart, one after Inuyasha, the other after the Goddess. Snarling with teeth bared, the one after Lady Death leapt into the air, readying its claws for her throat. She stood her ground.

Inuyasha's sword flared immediately from its sheath, and he smacked his wolf away with the broad side. His attention flashed towards his sensei, concerned.

"What are you doing? Draw! It's coming right at you!"

The Goddess raised her hand. A bolt of blue-white shot out, knocking her attacker back. She continued walking toward the alpha wolf.

Inuyasha's wolf attacked him again, but his reaction was too slow. He swung Tetsusaiga at the wolf's jaw, which bit down upon the blade, and jerked. The sword flung from his hands and away, transforming back.

"Let's see how well you fight without that, shall we, half-breed?" it snarled.

Damnit! He flexed his claws, and silently thanked the full moon for their slight elongation. "Bring it on!"

Sango threw the Hiraikotsu at one of the boars, leveling its tusks. Miroku narrowly escaped being shredded by leaping above the other's tusks. Upon coming down, he forced the rings onto its head, purifying it.

"One down, four to go." He panted as he rushed to help Sango.

The alpha wolf spied Kagome as an easy target, who was readying an arrow. She has no real damaging weapons, save for her bow and arrows, which can't kill me. I have a Shard of the sacred Jewel! He rushed at her.

"You, woman, look soft and weak. You will feel good digesting in my gullet!"

I can't fire an arrow! He's too fast! She screamed.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled. He would not reach her in time, being in a battle with his own opponent. He shot his head towards the Goddess, her eyes on the fast approaching alpha.

Lady Death's reaction was lightning fast. She grabbed Apocalypse and threw.

THOCK!

Landing into the ground before Kagome, the sword flared into a wave of fire as the unsuspecting wolf came down seconds after. The alpha hit Apocalypse's barrier hard, and howled. "What manner of weapon is this?"

While her back was turned, the wolf she had knocked away seized another chance, and threw itself at her back. It dug its teeth into her neck and locked its jaw. Its claws gripped around her chest and stomach and ripped out. The Goddess' blood flowed.

Inuyasha set loose his claws upon his wolf, gouging a deep slash across its face. The wolf swung its balled fist and connected with his jaw.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango's weapon sliced the wolf in two, it disappearing into dust. Inuyasha ran for Tetsusaiga, and stopped.

There before him was his sensei, being ripped by her attacker. The Goddess reached behind her, grabbing a handful of fur, and pulled forward, dislodging the wolf from her back. She held her attacker by the scruff in front of her.

"Do you like the taste of my blood?" her eyes flared.

The wolf grinned. "That's just the be—" His sneering cut short. "Aaahhh! AAH! AAAAAHHH!!" His hide started to smoke, his skin bubbled, and he writhed in pain. Blue-white energy shot forth from openings created within.

"I'm on fire! Brother—help me!" But it would do no good. In a matter of seconds, all that was left was a gurgling mass of bones and hair. The Goddess shook her hand and clumps fell.

"Give my regards to the void." she said. She focused on the last two targets, and the Shard. Inuyasha ran to her side, and readied his sword. The other boar quickly joined the alpha wolf's side, bewildered at the strange sword that still flared a wall of flames in front of the young miko as the forms of Sango and Miroku joined on either side, surrounding the two enemies.

"Stand back! I'll finish them off." Inuyasha yelled, raising his blade for the Wind Scar. A hand grabbed his wrist.

"Stop. It will not be needed." The Goddess said, her gaze still at the alpha.

"What are you saying? They're demons—corrupted by the power of the Shard! That one especially tried to kill Kagome!"

"They cannot touch her. Apocalypse will not allow it." She let him go, and continued walking to retrieve her sword. She stood in front of Kagome, sheathing her blade.

"Give up the Shard, and your lives will be spared. If not, you will face the same fate as your companions."

"HA! What can you, a mere woman with a flaming pig-sticker do to me? Witness now the power of the sacred Jewel Shard!" The alpha turned over its shoulder to its ally. "Ready?"

"Ready." The boar said. The two demons turned into each other as the alpha slammed a fist into his forehead. The Shard reacted in a flash of brilliance, and covered them in light. When it subsided, there stood before them another threat.

"By the Abyss!" The Goddess said.

The two had merged. A wolf with tusks, claws in the front, and cloven hooves in the back. It laughed in bravado at them.

"Rush them!" Kagome yelled, and fired an already notched arrow. It flared to life with pink energy, and sunk into the demon's side, burning a small hole. The demon snarled and yanked the offending arrow out, instantly healing itself.

Sango threw her weapon, which was easily batted away. The demon shot a blast of energy from its mouth at her. Miroku jumped in front, thrusting his staff into the ground at the last minute. The blast hit his sacred barrier and deflected off.

"WIND SCAR!" shouted Inuyasha, releasing the blaze from Tetsusaiga. The demon raised its claws, and shredded the wave of energy.

What? The Goddess noticed a familiar feeling. No being, enhanced by extraordinary powers or not, can shred energy waves like cloth. Unless… She felt her trinket pulse in reaction to the piece within the demon. Of course!

"He is using Chaos energy." She muttered. "That must be what makes up part of the Jewel, in it's corrupted form." She drew Apocalypse from her side, and the blade flared with gold waves. The attention of the demon focused on her.

"Ahh, nice trick, wench. But no mere fire-blade can harm me, so long as I have the power of the Shard." It threw its claws towards the Goddess, razored and aimed for her already opened flesh. Inuyasha charged.

"HYA!" Lady Death swung her sword with full force. It connected the claws with a loud clang, slicing one off. The demon backed off to be hit in its side by Inuyasha's blade. It grabbed the hanyou, blade and all, and squeezed.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled, and fired off another arrow. It sunk into an unprotected part of the demon's belly and flared. The demon roared. It turned towards the miko, its claws spread.

"Oh no you don't!" Inuyasha shouted. He mustered enough strength to turn the point of Tetsusaiga down and slammed into the demon's wrist. The hide cracked, but no blood flowed. Oh shit…

Miroku threw sutras into the already open area of the demon's belly. The wound spread more. Lady Death leapt in front of the demon's claws, putting herself between Kagome and razored points. She aimed for the underside of the wrist and slashed, her aim true. Apocalypse bit the demon's flesh, and a black vapor rushed out.

"Miasma!" Sango yelled. "Quickly!" She ran with Miroku and grabbed Kagome. Looking over her shoulder, she called.

"Lady Death! It's poisonous gas!"

"Get out of there! You'll get killed!" Inuyasha yelled at his sensei.

"Like Hell I will!" she retorted. She launched herself skyward, while the wrist of the demon flayed, spraying its toxic fumes randomly.

"You can't handle it!" he tried again at her, ramming his sword's point into the gripping wrist that held him. The hide broke open and more miasma flowed. He held his breath as the hand loosened its grip. Dropping to the ground, he glanced over his shoulder to make sure the others were safe. He coughed a bit.

Lady Death joined his side. "Neither can you, Poppet." She clutched her side pressed hard, causing her blood to flow.

He flinched. "Are you all right?"

"Heh. Certainly. This demon is using the energies of a Shard corrupted, and I am well familiar with them." She said.

"What do you mean?" he blinked. The demon laughed, and he froze.

"He is using Chaos energy. The same that makes up Apocalypse." Lady Death divulged. "My blood, combined with the blade's power… why are you like stone? Can you not move now?"

"No, that's not it. I know that laugh."

They turned towards the demon. It broke apart at its wrists, revealing tentacles. As more of the body fell away, it revealed white hair, and a simian head.

"Naraku." Inuyasha sneered.

The Goddess started. She readied her sword, but was stopped. She stared back at her charge, whose eyes focused on the squirming mass.

"Inuyasha, I see that you have a new addition to your… litter. How charming she is, and how lucky you must feel."

"Lucky? Shut your mouth, bastard! What are you spouting?" he shouted. Sango, Miroku, and Kagome gathered around.

"A pity you won't be needing this." He held out his hand containing the Shard. A small swarm of saimyoushou came forth and carried it away.

"Enough talk!" the Goddess shouted. She leaped upwards, her bloodied hand smearing her essence along the blade. Apocalypse's fire blazed like the Red Barrier of Tetsusaiga. She focused her power thru the blade and her blood and swung. The tentacles reared, but were shredded by the Goddess' power. She slammed the blade into the heart of the pelt covering, and it exploded.

"AHAHAHAA!!! Foolish woman! It will take more than a bloodied sword to kill me. But I will welcome the challenge, the challenge to break you and make you mine!"

"Bastard! You shall have nothing but your death from me!" She fired her power thru the sword, but too late. All that remained was a small wooden carving wrapped with hair.

"That's not Naraku. It's a demon puppet!" Sango said.

"A puppet? By the Abyss!" The Goddess strode over towards the figure. She bent low and picked it up, letting her fingers work over the rough cuts and the bits of hair, imprinting it. "He is more clever than I had first thought. Kagura is not like him, nay?"

"No, Kagura is but an incarnation. A tool, like what you hold in your hand. A puppet to the master." Miroku explained.

A master of lies, like Lucifer. She fumed, gripping the figure. Her power flared, and turned it to ashes. "He is a coward to not face his battles."

"What's that crap about making you his? What the Hell?" Inuyasha spat. She didn't reply. Something within her seethed, and her mind raced with the images of long thought dead memories.

"Inuyasha, think about it. Why else would he want Nozomi?" the monk asked.

"Because of her powers, duh!" he mocked.

"Nay, 'tis not that." She replied. Turning around to her bewildered friends, she clarified. "Or, more precise, 'tis not the only thing."

"What? What are you talking about?" Inuyasha asked.

"He desires more than my powers, Poppet. He desires not only to unite the Jewel to whole, he seeks to use it in a full state of corruption. To become a god." But I sense that is not all he desires.

The group gasped. "How do you know this?" Inuyasha quirked a brow upwards.

"Imprints, from his hair. Energy will hold in an object until it is released, either by the owner, or one who knows how to feel it."

She walked a bit away from the group, drawing her sword. "It is time that I call forth your full power once again." Raising it high above her, the sword surged in a gold flare. A rush of wind formed, surrounding her. The group ducked low, avoiding the currents, and watched.

The White Goddess raised her powers forth. Lightning shot out from the blade as the flare grew. Gripping the hilt in both hands, she cried out.

"Apocalypse, I call upon you! Open the gate between worlds! Open to me!"

She swung the blade into an arc in front. There was a sound unlike anything the group had heard before. To some, it was like a scream. A scream of primordial voices, crying out as their thin barrier was razored apart. The wind rushed forth into the forming void.

"What is that?" Inuyasha gasped. He stared into the center of it, but all he could see was blackness. But, he could sense something just beyond the precipice. Something that stirred images dark, ominous, and frightening. The Sou'unga blade!

He watched as she stepped forth to the edge of the void and stop. Rushing forward, he yelled. "Where are you going?"

She stood at the edge, her eyes closed. "It is time that I claim what is mine, as Hell's rightful ruler, and put an end to this one who thinks to overpower us."

She faced her charge and opened her eyes at him. "He believes he can become immortal? I shall show him immortality." The void snapped with powers so ancient, to try and fathom it would be to go insane.

"The Sou'unga blade will be mine." She turned her head into the void, placing one foot inside. A loud whoomp noise ushered forth.

Inuyasha grabbed her hand. "Don't do this! We can defeat Naraku without Sou'unga!"

She stopped, and turned her head towards him. She flicked her eyes down towards her hand, clutched by his dog-like claws. "Release me."

"You don't know what powers that blade has! I do! At least let me come with you!" he pleaded.

"That is a chance I alone must take. I am the only one who can. Do not try to follow me. Hell is not a place for you." She turned her head again towards him, the rest of the group slowly formed behind, gazing in awe at the vortex.

She tried to pull away, but he held fast. "Lady Death—Hope—please! No good will come of this!"

"Inuyasha,"

He started. She had said his name. For the first time since she had met him, she had not once called him by his name.

Until now. "You must stay, and protect Kagome. Release me. We both know I must do this." She focused behind him as he slowly let her go.

"Nozomi…" Kagome whispered. Inuyasha slowly backed away from the void, and towards his pack.

The Goddess placed her once held hand into the void, and another noise came forth. There was no feeling inside, only the sensation of being pushed forward by the wind. She turned to the group once again.

"I shall return. You have my bond, as a warrior, and by the blade that is my life." She gave them her smirk.

Tightening the grip upon Apocalypse's hilt, she stepped fully within, and disappeared.

(Preview of Chapter 15)

She hadn't though that the short time she had spent in the slide-dimension of Feudal Era Japan would have been enough to make her forget the very place that birthed her. It was insulting, to be here, amongst these sights and sounds; the thought that she once was the epitome of everything this place stood for, it made her seethe with disgust.

"Now there is a face that I thought long gone from your thoughts, Hope."

What? She snapped her mind clear and in front. The voice was a dry rasp, a whisper upon cobwebs as it slipped from its host and lighted into the mind of Lady Death. As she focused thru the smoke, a figure in dark came to form.

Very familiar form.

"You…"

TBC...