Inurella

Chapter 17: Puppy Love

***At the ball, Kikyo's POV***

Naraku and Kikyo had somehow managed to get past the guards and ventured deeper within the castle. They found their way into a small room with a hidden staircase behind a bookshelf. They had gone deep within the castle and found their way to a dark hallway that led even further down.

Kikyo was pacing the hall back and forth dragging her fingernails across the elegant wallpaper that lined the entire room; making deep indents in the wood beneath. The anger and bitterness she felt was overbearing her, she wanted the prince and she wanted him right now. There would be no stopping her.

"K...Kikyo, stop that this instant! You are ruining perfectly good wallpaper! Naraku exclaimed in horror. He looked wearily around the room and glanced at his daughter. "We should head back!" He said trying to be firm.

"Silence Father!" Naraku jumped as she replied and dug her nails deeper into the walls out of frustration.

"We can't go back now, we've come too far. We will continue to go further down," Kikyo replied as if talking to herself. She peered into the dark chasm of the stairs that continued to lead them further in.

Naraku sighed. "What are we even looking for? It's filthy in here!" Naraku asked dusting off his shoulders, with a pained expression of disgust.

Kikyo smiled to herself. "I've heard rumours of a witch that lives deep in the castle. If I am to get closer to the Prince, I'm going to need some help," she replied rubbing her hands together.

Naraku looked confused. "And, we are looking for a witch becaaauuuse?"

Kikyo stopped pacing and turned around. "The Prince is nowhere to be found. The King and Queen hate me thanks to you. So, now I have use magic to get what I want."

Naraku thought for a moment. "We aren't going to hurt anyone, right? That was the deal Kikyo."

Kikyo scoffed. "No promises," Kikyo said seriously.

Naraku's mouth opened and shut.

Kikyo rolled her eyes. "Relax, I only want to prevent marriage. But if anyone gets 'offed' in the process, it's not my fault."

Naraku raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah it would be," he said to himself.

Kikyo huffed and walked hurriedly towards the stairs.

They had made their way deeper into the castle. They had come across many rooms with different uses and designs. Naraku had somehow managed to find a secret hallway by leaning on a statue of some kind. The wall moved and led to a staircase leading down. They continued to discover countless doors, one of which led even further down. Naraku protests of course, the further down they got the more dust accumulated. They finally found themselves in large room made of white stone.

There in the middle of the room was a giant fountain. Nothing fancy, but beautiful nonetheless. There was no door or opening leading out.

"Well now what?" Naraku asked irritated.

Kikyo leaned forward into the fountain. The water was clear but she couldn't see a bottom.

"There has to be something here!" Kikyo said determined gazing into her own reflection.

Naraku was admiring the stone structure that surrounded them. "How exquisite," he said as he ran his hand across the stone.

"Ouch!" Naraku screamed suddenly.

Kikyo turned suddenly "What? What happened?"

Naraku came running towards Kikyo holding up his finger.

"I have been severely injured! I need medical attention right away, I don't think I'll make it through the night!" Naraku exclaimed trembling. Holding his finger up to Kikyo's face. "I already feel faint from the loss of blood," he continued as he touched a hand to his forehead.

Kikyo who was still standing by the fountain took a look at his finger and squinted her eyes; only to see a little drop of blood coming from his finger.

She rolled her eyes. "It's just a tiny scratch you fool. Just wipe it off in the water, you'll be fine," she said as she glared at her father.

Naraku hesitated, but obeyed Kikyo's words. Naraku placed his finger into the pool of water. They both watched as the blood swirled around his finger and disappeared.

At that very moment, there was a sudden vibration that shook the room violently. Naraku and Kikyo both held onto the sides of the fountain for support.

"What was that?" Naraku asked still shaking.

Kikyo looked down at the fountain. The entire pool's contents was the color of blood. Kikyo's eyes widened in shock.

Naraku also looked at the pool of water. "See! I told you I was seriously injured, the entire fountain is filled with my blood!" Naraku exclaimed in horror ready to pass out.

Kikyo ignored her father.

Again, more vibrations overtook them. Their vision become blurry. They both keeled over into the pool of blood. Horrible visions of nightmares struck them, while wave after wave of pain and fear swept over them. The vibration continued as they slipped in and out of consciousness, choking on the bloody water that filled their lungs. In the murky blood filled water, they both drifted further and further down into the pool. inally, everything ceased and light came into existence once again.

A few moments later Kikyo opened her eyes. She sat upright and choked and coughed up the water she had swallowed. Gasping for air she fell back onto her side and concentrated on breathing. Kikyo's head was pounding and felt nauseous, but at least she was breathing.

She rolled over and opened her eyes again. She tried to focus on something, but her eyes were still buzzing from the visions.

Kikyo finally sat up and held her head for a few moments before she turned to see her father, who was still passed out. She could clearly see his chest move up and down. This relieved her, and she took a few more deep breaths in and out before trying to stand.

Kikyo looked around the room. It was dark, smelt of blood and had a lingering smell of a woman's perfume.

She slowly stood up, sliding her hand up against the wall to hold herself up, and to felt her way around. She lifted her head and again tried to focus on something…anything.

Kikyo squished her eyes again. Suddenly she could see light! As she went to step towards the light, hundreds of candles appeared before her. Kikyo jumped and fell back against the wall.

"Oh? What's this?" Kikyo heard a voice from the darkness.

"Who's there?" Kikyo asked as she scanned the room for the source of the voice.

"My, my! It's been awhile since someone has made it down here, let alone arrive awake." The voice said intrigued.

Kikyo continued to search the room. All she could see was the light of candles, and darkness all around. Kikyo stepped slowly towards the candles, but the candles continued to be just out of her reach.

The voice let out a deep chuckle.

"Don't bother, they are just an illusion," the voice said amused.

"Who are you? Show yourself!?" Kikyo demanded harshly.

The voice huffed. "Well, aren't you rude? You are in my realm my dear - you're the one who came to me!" the voice said annoyed.

Kikyo went to open her mouth, but nothing came out.

"Well don't just stand there girl, I won't bite. Well, not today anyways...I just ate," the voice said as she inwardly burped.

Kikyo gulped. Her voice sounded shaky, but tried to remain calm. "My name is Kikyo, now tell me who you are?"

"Very well, I shall reveal myself." The voice echoed, sounding pleased.

Beneath the darkness that surrounded her feet, a white snake slithered out of the shadows. It lifted its head and slowly morphed into a beautiful woman with long thick white hair, striking blue eyes. A small golden trinket shaped as a fan was placed on her widow's peak.

The woman bowed politely. "You may call me Tsubaki."

Kikyo took a step back. "What are you?" she asked surprised.

The woman became visibly irritated. "Do you only speak in questions child?" she said as she placed her fingers on the bridge of her nose. "I work for the King and Queen as a priestess, if you must know. However I am not who I appear to be. For I am something darker, much darker," Tsubaki said softly.

"So you're a witch then?" Kikyo asked excitedly.

Tsubaki's mouth flew open. "I beg your pardon child, but I am not a mere witch. I am a sorceress of the dark arts. I would hold your tongue if I were you before I snatch it out of your mouth," she replied harshly.

Kikyo stammered. "I, I'm sorry, I was just looking for someone with your…'talents'."Kikyo moved closer. "I had heard there was someone here who might be able to help me."

The woman cocked her head. "Oh? You need my services do you?

Kikyo went to answer her but Tsubaki interrupted. "Before we continue, I'd like to know how you two got in here. I took very special precautions to make sure people cannot just wander in here."

Kikyo thought for a moment. "I'm really not sure, my father pricked his finger somehow and…"

The woman held up her hand. "Say no more, the only way people can access my realm, is by blood." Tsubaki sighed. "I take it your father bled into the fountain?"

Kikyo nodded.

The woman placed a hand to her head in annoyance.

"That explains how you got in, but why are you here?"

Kikyo wasn't sure how to respond. "I want a certain man, to fall desperately in love with me," she said quickly and a little embarrassed.

Tsubaki scratched her chin. "That explains why you are still awake. Such strong emotions has kept you from passing out like your father." Tsubaki squished up her nose. "He does not bear the same hateful nature as you, and his need to be here is not on the same level as yours. He has no real reason to be here, thus he sleeps." Tsubaki explained calmly.

Tsubaki took a deep breath. "So you need a love potion do you? Who's this lucky guy?" she pressed as she clasped her hand together excitedly.

Kikyo stepped closer to Tsubaki and swallowed. Kikyo shuffled her feet uncomfortably. "The Prince," she replied, barely above a whisper.

Tsubaki spit out in amusement. "The Prince?" she continued to laugh hysterically.

Kikyo folded her arms annoyed. "Hey! I can go somewhere else to..."

This made Tsubaki even more amused. "To what? Where are you going to go sunshine? Who else can you turn to? Hmm?" she taunted playfully.

Kikyo flew her hands up in protest.

Tsubaki's laughter slowly faded into the background. While Kikyo crossed her arms and pouted.

Tsubaki cleared her throat and tried not to continue laughing. "You sure have your sights set on some big dreams kid. The Prince isn't any ol' guy. He's the Prince!" she howled.

Kikyo didn't think it was very funny.

Tsubaki held her hands up and continued to smile. "Alright, alright, I'll make the potion. But first...let's see what his highness has been up to, shall we?"

Kikyo looked puzzled. "Why do we need to know that? He's at the ball, isn't he?"

Tsubaki cackled again. "We shall see..."

Tsubaki motioned for Kikyo to follow her. The candles in the distance disappeared out of sight and vanished into nothing. She felt a light wind as the room before her morphed into a dark, cold, room. As she looked around the room, she noticed large beakers, glasses, and glowing green liquids that dripped down the sides of jars. In some glass containers, she saw various animal parts floating in a gooey substance that glowed in the dark.

Tsubaki walked over to a large spherical-like object. It was dark purple in color and had an ominous aura around it, which seemed to pulsate like a beating heart. It was sitting on a black pedestal with matching purple jewels on each end. It had been placed securely away from the rest of the room. Tsubaki swiftly removed a black velvet cloth when she neared the pedestal.

Kikyo clasped her hands together. "What is that?"

Tsubaki grinned evilly. "It's how I keep track of the outside world. It can see anyone or anything. Anything I wish to see I can do so with this." She smoothly replied, not taking her eyes off the sphere.

Kikyo's eyes widened and subconsciously reached out a hand to touch it.

SMACK

Tsubaki struck Kikyo's hand violently. "Watch it girl. You do not know the dangers of this device. If you had even brushed your finger against it, your life would literally be sucked out of your body in an instant," she cautioned snapping her fingers.

Kikyo gulped. "I'm sorry, it's just…the things I could do with this," she wistfully murmured, rubbing her hand that had been smacked.

Tsubaki turned her nose up. "That's too bad, because it's mine. It cost me an arm and a leg to get this in my possession. Well…not my own..." she crooned.

Tsubaki frowned and added. "If we are to continue, I need you to keep your pesky hands off my things. They protect themselves, if you know what I mean. So keep your hands to yourself!" She harshly warned again bringing her fist down onto the table with a thud.

Kikyo jumped and nodded enthusiastically.

Tsubaki sighed exacerbated. "Ok, let's begin."

Tsubaki waved her hand over the ball. "Show me the Prince!" she demanded as she continued to wave her hand.

The purple color of the ball slowly morphed into a picture. It was showing the Prince and…a girl on a giant flying cat-demon.

Kikyo leaned in closer. "It couldn't be..." She thought…

"Oh?" Tsubaki .taunted "There seems to be someone with him." Tsubaki smirked.

Kikyo's fists clenched. "It…it can't be…" she growled in disbelief.

Tsubaki cackled. "I take it you know this woman?" she grinned fiendishly.

Kikyo's eyes twitched. She clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her flesh, breaking her skin and causing it to drip blood.

Tsubaki looked down at Kikyo's bloody hands. "Excuse me! You're bleeding all over my floor!" she exclaimed, snapping her fingers. A pail of water with soap and a cloth appeared, moving on its own and cleaning up the mess on the floor Kikyo had made.

"Th…that's….my step sister, Kagome!" Kikyo screeched in horror, trembling with seething hatred.

"Blow her up! Blow her up now!" Kikyo screamed staring into the sphere with narrowed eyes.

Tsubaki face palmed herself and sighed. "Don't be ridiculous, you can't do anything to anyone from here you fool! Your best bet is the love potion. Besides, you don't want to blow up your prince do you?"

Kikyo bit her lip in frustration. "Fine, make me the potion," She spat.

Tsubaki returned the black velvet cloth over the sphere. "Well aren't you bossy," she exclaimed. "You know, I usually charge people for my services young lady. But since I haven't had a customer in years...I'll give you a freebie. But. Just this once." Tsubaki warned pointing her finger in Kikyo's face.

Kikyo nodded.

Tsubaki walked back over to the other side of the room and began to gather all the materials she needed for the potion. "Today is the ball isn't it?" she asked.

Kikyo nodded as she continued to watch Tsubaki rummage around a barrel full of animal parts.

Tsubaki sighed, "I, myself, have never been invited to a ball. Even though I have been a loyal servant to the King and Queen for hundreds of years!" Tsubaki exclaimed angrily and began smashing up the contents of what appeared to be an animal heart into a thick, red pulp.

Kikyo gulped and continued to watch.

Tsubaki steadied herself and wiped hair out of her eyes. "It's alright - I get my revenge on them from time to time. A family death...a sickness...a missing person...a little poisoning here and there..." She vented, stabbing a heap of flesh on her counter repeatedly in a violent rage.

"Remind me to never get on your bad side," Kikyo grimaced.

Tsubaki laughed hysterically.

Tsubaki was done with her concoction. She finished putting the contents into a bottle and put a quark on it. She leaned over the table and handed Kikyo the bottle, who took it without hesitating. Kikyo held it up and observed the contents. "It's a powder," she gasped in surprise.

Tsubaki nodded. "So it is. It's the easiest method to use effectively. All you have to do is blow it in his face, and he will fall madly in love with you. He will forget about your sister. Not only that, but he will obey all your commands and wishes!"

Kikyo's eyes widened and smiled. "How long will it last?" She asked excitedly, continuing to look at the powder.

"Hmm, a few hours. Enough time to get you declared as the woman the prince will choose to live with him in the castle." Tsubaki explained.

Kikyo pouted. "You couldn't make it permanent?" she asked disappointedly.

Tsubaki scowled. "Hey! I'm a dark sorceress, not a miracle worker! This is the best I could do with the ingredients I have!"

"Well, what I am supposed to do after that?" Kikyo exclaimed, protesting.

Tsubaki shook her head and crossed her arms. "Not my problem."

Kikyo threw her hands on the table in a loud thud. "Please! I need something stronger and more permanent. I want to get rid of Kagome at all costs! I will pay you anything!" Kikyo pleaded in frustration.

"Oh? How passionately evil you are. I dare say I like that about you." Tsubaki declared thinking to herself.

Tsubaki tapped her fingers on the table which was covered with a bloody paste. She lifted her fingers up to her mouth and licked her fingers. "Alright, I will help you. However this will cost you greatly."

Kikyo's eyes widened. "What do I need to do?"

Tsubaki thought for a moment. "First, I need time to collect the materials. Secondly, in order for this curse to work, I need something "personal" of hers. Her hair, saliva, or her panties even! Just something that has had direct contact with her physically." Tsubaki explained to Kikyo as she stared at her long fingernails.

Kikyo was getting excited. "What exactly will this do to her?" she asked smiling viciously.

Tsubaki shrugged her shoulders. "It is a curse that works on a personal level. No one will know what the curse is till it happens. Trust me, it won't be pleasant and the cure for it is extremely hard to accomplish." She laughed maniacally.

Kikyo huffed. "Well how do I know if it's what I want?" she asked angrily.

Tsubaki clenched her firsts. "Look lady! This is the best I can do! It's not like I have the blood of 100 innocent children or something more sinister."

Kikyo snapped her fingers. "Wait, there's an orphanage down the road where I live…"

Tsubaki blinked her eyes. "Wow, I was joking, but good to know you're willing to sacrifice children for your selfish desires," she replied a little unnerved.

Kikyo pouted.

"Do you want the curse or not?" Tsubaki asked in frustration.

Kikyo pouted again "Fine, I'll take it. It better be good though!" Kikyo thought again for a moment. "What about the payment? What do you want?"

Tsubaki smiled wryly. "I will tell you, all in good time". Tsubaki replied vaguely. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a lot of things to do."

Kikyo protested. "How will I find you again? How will I know it's ready?"

"I will come to you in a reflection of water or a mirror, anything with a reflected surface," Tsubaki explained.

Kikyo cocked an eyebrow. "Fine, I'll be waiting." She announced annoyed.

Tsubaki scoffed and waved her hand dismissively.

Kikyo and her father woke up in the room with the white stone and fountain. The water was now as clear as it was before.

Kikyo and her father stood up, recomposing themselves. "What just happened?" Naraku exclaimed holding his head in pain.

'I'll explain later," Kikyo replied excitedly. "Right now we gotta get back to the ball!" she announced as she grabbed a hold of her father's shirt and ran towards the stairs, dragging him behind.

Meanwhile…

Finally, after flying across town Inuyasha, Kagome and Kilala arrived at the castle.

Inuyasha jumped down and helped Kagome off Kilala. "We've got to hurry, it's almost midnight!" he urged worriedly.

Kagome nodded and followed Inuyasha.

Kilala ran along side of Kagome and poofed back into her kitten form.

Kagome let out a small gasp.

Inuyasha looked back and grinned. "Don't worry, that's the form she takes on most of the time."

Kagome blinked and exclaimed, "Oh! how cute!" Kagome exclaimed.

Kilala flew past Inuyasha and Kagome, and jumped into her master's arms.

Inuyasha stopped. "Sango? What are you doing here?"

Sango looked out of breath. "Inuyasha!" She took a moment to breath. "I was going to go and find you, it's almost midnight and…" Sango trailed off looking past Inuyasha to see a beautiful girl with a beautiful dress and big hazel eyes standing behind him. She clasped a hand to her mouth.

"You found her!" Sango exclaimed excitedly and grabbed Kagome's hands into hers as Kilala jumped down from Sango's embrace.

Kagome blinked in surprise.

Inuyasha interrupted embarrassed. "Sango, this is Kagome, Kagome this is Sango Kilala's owner," he awkwardly explained.

Kagome smiled widely at Sango. "It's so nice to meet you! And Kilala is amazing!"

She said beamed.

Sango blushed. "Thank you! Inuyasha has been searching all over for you! He never shuts up about you, and was always sulking around…"

Inuyasha abruptly cleared his throat.

It was Kagome's turn to blush, right along with a red faced Inuyasha.

"Where's Miroku?" Inuyasha asked, trying to change the subject.

Sango's face fell. "He's asleep in his chambers like you suggested, he was making a fool out of himself, as you know!"

Inuyasha scoffed. "Probably for the best," he nodded.

Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand. "Let's go, I want you to meet my parents."

Kagome gulped. This was all happening so fast! She needed time to gather herself and breath!

Sango, being intuitive to others feelings, she saw Kagome's distress. "Inuyasha, why don't you two relax a little? Take a few moments to get reacquainted. I'll let the King and Queen know you've decided on someone and I'll ask them to wait a few minutes. I'm sure they won't mind!"

Inuyasha felt Kagome's hand tighten on his.

Kagome spoke. "I could really use something to eat, I haven't had anything since this morning."

Inuyasha relaxed and smiled. "Alright, let's go get some food. I'm quite hungry myself," He admitted as he heard his stomach growl.

Kagome was relieved. She only wanted some time to gather her thoughts and speak to Inuyasha more. Kagome turned to Sango before she left. "It was nice to meet you Sango, you're really kind, just as Inuyasha said."

Sango smiled widely at Kagome. "I must say, you are exactly how Inuyasha described you. He really wasn't exaggerating when he told us how beautiful you were," Sango smiled kindly and ran off in a hurry.

Kagome blushed. "She's so nice! I hope I will get to see her again soon." She thought to herself

Inuyasha took hold of her hand and led her through the castle, avoiding everyone. They went through a side door and wound up in the kitchen.

Kagome's eyes widened as she peered around the room with amazement. "This is the kitchen? It's incredible! It's the size of our house!" Kagome exclaimed.

Inuyasha laughed. "Well, you'll be able to use it any time you wish from now on."

Kagome gulped at the thought of using the kitchen. She ran her fingertips on the beautifully polished wood, watching the reflection of her hand in the gleaming brown wood. It glided easily beneath her, and felt smooth against her skin.

Inuyasha lead her to a chair, pulling it out with a flourish and gestured for her to sit. The moment they had seated themselves, a man approached them. His belly was round and stuffed into a white shirt, which barely fit. The buttons pulled, clinging desperately to each other to remain closed. An apron had been tied around his waist, and a large chef's hat was perched atop his head. "Y-your highness!" the older man stuttered, bowing deeply. "Aren't you supposed to be at the ball? It's almost midnight!"

"I was hoping you could fix us a 'private' meal," Inuyasha nervously whispered, gesturing to the beautiful woman beside him with his thumb.

The chef glanced at her and then back to Inuyasha. "O-of course your highness! One meal for the two of you, coming right up!" he stammered, rushing off to prepare something fit for his Prince and his lovely female companion.

Kagome giggled and intently watched the chef expertly prepare two roast beef sandwiches and a cup of vegetable stew.

Kagome's eyes sparkled as the smell of the stew wafted to her nose, making her stomach squeeze and clench with anticipation. "This looks delicious!" she chirped as she peered down at her meal.

The chef clasped his hands together and blushed. "Thank you my dear, I hope you enjoy." He exclaimed before he turned around, and left to continue his kitchen duties.

After they finished eating, Inuyasha quickly lead her to a room that just beyond the ballroom doors. They could hear the dull murmur of people conversing, plates and utensils clanking and scraping. Beautiful instrumental music played soothingly in the background, setting the mood. They both stood together in silence, not quite knowing what to say.

Inuyasha sighed and grimaced, nervously reaching out and tentatively grasping Kagome's hand. "Is this really ok?"

Kagome curiously looked at him, her brow raising not quite grasping his meaning.

"I basically came to your house and kidnapped you," he elaborated, scratching the side of his head as he continued. "And now I'm forcing you to meet with my mother and father, who happened to be the King and Queen." He nervously laughed, shaking his head. "I've been really selfish...I...I didn't even stop to think what your feelings were...I suppose I just assumed you'd want to be with me..." he explained remorsefully.

Kagome smiled and placed a hand to Inuyasha's chest. She nervously bit her lip as she felt his heart beat quicken beneath his shirt at her touch. "It is true - any girl would jump at the chance at spending a fortnight with the prince." Kagome smiled timidly, looking down. "But, that's not why I want to be with you." She tightened the grip she had on his chest and squeezed. "After I met you at the market...I couldn't stop thinking about you. I really thought I would never see you again. And here you are! The prince!" she exclaimed happily gazing back up at him.

Inuyasha blushed and cleared his throat. "Well I can't say I blame you," he cockily laughed, puffing his chest out.

Kagome laughed and looked up at Inuyasha. "What I'm trying to say is, I have this strong feeling that I was meant to meet you. I don't even know if I belong in this world of yours." Kagome admitted as she looked around the extravagant room. "But I know I'd like to try." She decided, smiling as she gazed up at him softly.

Inuyasha gulped trying to loosen his collar. "That's all I needed to hear," he declared, clearing his throat and smiling down at her.

Kagome giggled as she loosened his tie. "That better?" Kagome teased softly.

Inuyasha nodded, a soft blush staining his cheeks.

"So there you are," a voice announced from behind them.

Kagome's eyes widened as she turned around. "K-Kikyo…what are you doing here?"

Kikyo sashayed over to Inuyasha and smiled coyly at him. Pushing Kagome out of the way with her right hand. "Ah we finally meet my prince!"

Inuyasha looked awkwardly at Kikyo and took a step back. "Who's this?" Inuyasha nervously asked Kagome while attempting to keep Kikyo at arm's length.

"That would be my step sister, Kikyo," Kagome explained as she frowned, crossing her arms.

Kikyo reached out a hand to touch Inuyasha's ears, but he hastily pulled away from her grasp.

Kikyo pouted.

Inuyasha looked awkwardly at Kikyo, then noticed the lines of stress etched into Kagome's face. "Um, Kikyo? Is it?" he began, trying to put some distance between them. "Kagome and I are about to attend the ball...So...if you'll excuse us..." He replied as he reached for Kagome's hand, but was bombarded with a plume of dust in his face. "What the…" Inuyasha exclaimed as he hastily pawed as his face and nose.

The last thing he heard was Kagome screaming his name and running towards him.

"Ka…go…me…" He whispered with his last ounce of strength.

Then, everything exploded into darkness.

A/N: First and foremost, as you probably have noticed this chapter has a lot more detail and is more beautifully worded than usual...ok well a lot more! That is because a good friend of mine who is a fellow Inuyasha fanfic writer (StrawberryGrasshopper). You may have heard of her and her fic: "Of Consequences and Redemption". She "unofficially" won 2nd place for The Feudal Association - Best Drama award, but we all know she "Officially" placed 1st in our hearts. *bites finger*. Yeah, and she just happens to be muh friend! *flips hair* Anyways she was kind enough to be my beta reader for the day and turned this chapter into something I can be proud of. So a freakin ginormous thank you to her and her hard work! You can always find her here on FF by the name StrawberryGrasshopper or Twitter: SBGrasshopperFF and Tumblr: which is the same as her FF name. I highly, highly recommend you reading her fic. I can say with 100% certainty, it really is the best Inuyasha fic that I have ever read. Please give it a shot! She is also very candid, friendly and loves to keep in touch with viewers, hence the social media! She keeps us all updated! I cannot recommend her enough!

A/N: So sorry this has taken me so long. Been battling depression and it's gotten worse and worse. Luckily I feel better today

A/N: Also I apologize for the un-interesting chapter. I realize it's not very funny or exciting, but it is all leading up to something big and comedic, so hang in there guys!

A/N: If you'll remember Tsubaki is the arch rival priestess of Kikyo. Tsubaki was not pure of heart and thus Kikyo was chosen to protect the Shikon no Tama. Tsubaki was jealous and bitter towards Kikyo, believing that she was more powerful than Kikyo. Tsubaki thought Kikyo was weak because she fell in love with someone (Inuyasha), and to Tsubaki, priestesses must not have feelings, or fall in love in order to be strong. So Tsubaki placed a curse on Kikyo. That if she ever fell in love, she would die a violent death. That came to pass when Kikyo died after pinning Inuyasha to the Goshinboku tree (or Tree of Ages). I am missing out some details, but if you'll like to know more about her. Just google "Tsubaki Inuyasha" that'll lead you to her Wiki page.

A/N: I decided to use Tsubaki with her white hair, because everyone else in my fic has black hair sooo yeah, wanted to change it up a bit, lol. If you read more about Tsubaki she originally had long black hair, then white after she makes a deal with demons to keep her youthful.

Thanks for reading! Would love to hear any comments!