Review Replies

lunarcat12 : Tehe yes, I liked the dream too. I enjoyed writing it :)

Britt-sempai : Keep reading :)

llebreknit : That's what would happen if she can't decide; the dream is a result of her indecision and confusion.

Chapter 23 - Reinforcements

A growl escaped Inu Yasha's throat. His grip tightened on Tetsusaiga as the figure approached.

As the group watched apprehensively, the figure sheathed the sword. The hazy outline of the person came into focus as he or she stepped closer and the blood settled.

It was a woman.

She was several inches shorter than Inu Yasha and her skin was pale in contrast to her other features. She had long, elegantly fluid, black hair that shone with a strange bluish lustre and sported numerous silver highlights flowing from her roots to her tips. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail and extended well past her waist. Sharp grey eyes had bolts of sapphire shooting outward from her dark pupils to the edge of her irises. Her clothing was very similar to Sango's. It was skin-tight and black. It had intricate navy designs of swords entangled in vines embroidered on her heart and on her right ankle. Weapons hung at every available spot on the woman's body.

Inu Yasha growled again and pointed his blade at the female, "Who are you?"

She smiled. The smile was sincere. It held no hidden threat. "My name is Yue."

Miroku glanced up and froze when he saw Yue. 'She looks like Hao… I wonder if I should ask her about it…?' Thinking better of it, he kept his mouth shut and turned his attention back to Kayo. She'd finally stopped writhing and lay still on the ground.

The pain dulled and eventually was gone altogether. Kayo opened her eyes and found herself staring at a blurry scene. She blinked a few times to clear her vision and now, she was staring at feet.

Slowly, she pushed herself up. Warm hands helped her up and looped around her waist to support her whilst standing. Turning her head, she smiled gratefully at Miroku before gazing at the scene before her.

Inu Yasha stood with his sword pointed at a woman that she'd never seen before. When she realized that the woman's aura was pure, Kayo breathed a sigh of relief.

"What do you want?" Inu Yasha demanded.

Yue smiled again and gestured toward Tetsusaiga, "There's no need for this. I can assure you that I am no threat to you and your friends. I'm a friend not a foe."

Inu Yasha scowled untrustingly and didn't move Tetsusaiga.

The female continued, "My older brother, Hao, told me about you four." Her gaze flickered to Miroku, "He told me that you; monk; were the one to come to him and tell him of your predicament."

Miroku nodded, "He did not lie. I was the one who went to see your brother."

Sango placed a hand on Inu Yasha's shoulder and giving him a meaningful look, murmured, "I think that you should put Tetsusaiga away now."

Inu Yasha gave her a hard look but grudgingly sheathed the Tetsusaiga. He crossed his arms and glared at Yue, "How do we know that you're not lying?"

"You don't," Yue replied curtly. She was not impressed by his insolence or the dirty looks he kept giving her.

Inu Yasha's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to say something.

"Her aura is pure. We can trust her," Kayo interrupted.

Yue's gaze shifted to Kayo. Her lips turned upwards in a gentle smile.

Inu Yasha's gaze remained untrusting, "So… Tell me… What brings you here?"

"I'm here to help," Yue informed him.

Inu Yasha's brow rose, "Help with what?"

Yue gave him a look, "Please. Don't play stupid. Help fight in the war. What else?"

Making sure that Kayo could stand on her own, Miroku let go of her and stepped forward. "Maybe you ought to let me handle this?"

Inu Yasha glowered at Miroku but when Sango cleared her throat and Kayo coughed, Inu Yasha complied. He turned and went to stand next to Kayo.

Kayo noted that the half-demon's aura was thick with distrust and anger, but she kept quiet. Her hand found his and she squeezed it. His aura softened and Kayo smiled to herself.

"So Hao sent you?"

"Hai. He said that there are two possible outcomes to the war. One where Naraku would be killed and the world would be safe from danger and one where Naraku would win. The world would be a living hell if he won.

"So he sent me to help ensure that Naraku doesn't win. He sent me to tip the scales in our favour."

"But Yue… it's not a war. It's just a battle," Miroku said, his brow furrowing.

"It is a war. What is war but a series of battles that lead to one final battle that will determine the winner of the war? All the times your group has faced off with Naraku has been leading up to this. This is the final battle. It will determine the fate of the world. And if you lose…" She trailed off, leaving the rest to their imaginations.

'Brother said that Naraku would win. If the Inu brothers are not helped and the war is allowed to continue on the track it's headed down, Naraku is sure to win. There's no doubt about it. Inu Yasha will not reach Sesshomaru's castle in time and when he does… it will not be enough. Kagome's abilities will fail, she will die. Sesshomaru will die in an attempt to save her and Naraku will win. That's why Hao sent me. If Naraku wins the war… it will be a bad thing not only for us… but for the entire world. We cannot allow that to happen. That's why Hao, Jin and I going to help out.'

"So you're just here in case we lose?" Inu Yasha asked snidely.

"Hai," Yue answered smugly.

"Well we're not going to lose, so you can head on back to where you came from," Inu Yasha snapped.

Yue glanced at the hanyou and smiled sadly to herself, 'Ignorance is bliss young one.' Aloud, she smirked and retorted, "I'm not about to leave the fate of the world in your hands."

Before he could reply, she turned back to the houshi and said, "My brother is trying to find a way to transport us to Sesshomaru-sama's castle faster so that we can arrive on time."

"How did you know that…?" Sango inquired.

Yue smiled patiently at the demon slayer. "Hao can see the future remember?"

"Oh…" Sango's cheeks coloured.

"Hao requested that while we are waiting for him to arrive, we continue toward Sesshomaru's castle. Perhaps at a faster pace?"

"Hai, that makes sense," Miroku agreed.

Sango and Kayo murmured their agreement and Inu Yasha just scoffed and averted his gaze.

Yue smiled broadly and turning, began walking at a fast pace in the direction the group had been heading before they'd been sidetracked.

"Are you okay?"

A warm blush spread across her cheeks. "Hai, I'm fine."

Sesshomaru eyed the miko. An awkward silence ensued in which Kagome fidgeted under the demon lord's intense gaze and the latter seemed to be arguing with himself over something or other.

'Her headaches have been getting worse. What if this happens during battle? …I might not be able to protect her if it does. I cannot allow her to fight.' Sesshomaru's thoughts made him angrier and angrier; she absolutely could not be allowed to go into battle. How could she not see that she would be a liability? How could she not see that she was putting herself into danger?

Kagome noticed his expression becoming more and more serious, "What's wrong?"

"I cannot allow you to fight in this war," he said firmly.

Kagome's jaw tightened, "Why?"

"Because you are putting yourself in harm's way. It is not logical for you to go into battle given the frequency of these headaches."

"I promised myself that I would do this—that I would fight. I can't just back out now."

Sesshomaru's eyes hardened, but he remained silent.

"And besides, everyone else is fighting! You, Kiome, Kiara, Jin, everyone, even Jaken is going to fight. How is it fair that I have to sit here and do nothing but worry? I'm not going to stay behind and you can't make me," Kagome said, setting her jaw mulishly.

"We're all trained and experienced. You on the other hand, are not."

"Jin has been training me and I am experienced. I've fought with Inu Yasha remember? I've even fought against you. This fight is no less dangerous than any of those fights."

This had hit a nerve and immediately after saying it, Kagome regretted it.

Sesshomaru scowled and leaned over her. His silvery hair brushed her face and he growled, "This is not just a battle. This is a war. What makes you think that you'll survive a war?"

Kagome smiled. At one point of time, an angry Sesshomaru would've terrified her; not anymore. Her fingers reached up and tucked a few silvery strands of hair behind his pointed ear, "Because I know you'll protect me," she whispered.

Sesshomaru was shocked to say the least. His scowl softened and he opened his mouth to reply. Before he could though, he heard soft footsteps in the hall approaching the room. His expression became guarded and his mouth snapped shut.

Sesshomaru straightened and headed to the door. Standing in front of the door, he paused and cast a glance at a blushing Kagome before exiting the room.

The footsteps belonged to a servant that stopped in front of him and bowed low.

"My lord," the servant greeted.

Sesshomaru nodded to the servant and he straightened up.

"A reply has arrived from the Southern Lady." He produced a roll of paper from inside his robes and handed it to Sesshomaru. It sported the crest of the Southern Lands.

Sesshomaru took it and unfurled it carefully. It wasn't very long.

Sesshomaru-sama,

I am shocked and appalled by this news. What nerve! To attack the Lord of the Western Lands…that vile hanyou will pay. Due to your soldiers aiding mine in previous battles, I would be honoured to help you out in your time of need. My soldiers and I will arrive as soon as possible.

Sincerely, Aki

A smile planted itself on Sesshomaru's face. Aki had never been one for needless side talk. That was something her late husband enjoyed a whole lot more than she did.

Everything was falling into place.

Aki had agreed to fight with him and she would arrive within days.

Even if the other lords and ladies decided against sending troops, Aki's and his alone would be enough to secure a victory.

Unless Naraku's numbers were greater than he anticipated.

Forcing himself to not think about that, Sesshomaru thought about how the Eastern and Northern Lords would most likely provide assistance.

Sesshomaru smirked; Naraku would be no match for the greatest armies in Japan fighting alongside one another.

Finally, he noticed that the servant who'd delivered the message was still standing in front of him. The Western Lord looked down at him, "There's something else?" He asked.

The servant grew nervous under the scrutiny of his lord. He bowed again before speaking, "Hai. There's more. The squad leaders are ready. They are waiting for you in the armoury."

The corners of his mouth slipped up a notch and he said, "Dismissed."

The servant bowed yet again before scurrying off.

'Everything is moving along even smoother than I expected. Well… except for maybe Kagome wanting to fight… I can deal with her later.'

His mind already coming up with battle tactics, Sesshomaru made his way through his castle and toward the armoury where his soldiers were waiting for him.

A/N) Just so you know, Jin, Hao and Yue are siblings, got some confusion about that. :P

Is it just me or does Sesshy sound worried?