Chapter 32: Unforeseen Events

Sunlight trickled into the small castle room casting light on the wall in front of Alice while warming her hands that were burning with pain from the night's task of trying to unwind the rope that bound them together. Usually she would be happy to see the sunrise and its promise of a new day and experiences, but in this dark and lonely castle, happiness was far from what she felt.

Almost there…Just one more knot Alice thought as her nails tugged at the last knot that the rope held. She'd had little sleep that night due to the pain of the burns along her body but managed to get pretty far in untying herself.

The sudden sound of the door opening made Alice jump in her skin as she quickly stopped picking at the knot and hid her progress with her hands. Stepping into the room was Utsugi, closely followed by Kohaku who held a bowl of rice in his hands.

"Up I see," Utsugi greeted in her usual monotone voice, but this time Alice noticed there was a slight emotion in Utsugi's voice that she'd never noticed before.

Raising an eyebrow in suspicion, Alice warily replied, "What do you want? Cause I highly doubt you're here to wish your distant grandchild a good morning."

"I'm just here to give you food, nothing else. You have to eat sometime don't you?" Utsugi countered as she and Kohaku knelt down to where Alice sat.

Alice continued to look at the two doubtfully, wondering if what Utsugi said was her true motive for visiting her. Looking down at the bowl of rice in Kohaku's hands, Alice felt her stomach softly tremble. She didn't blame it though, it had been a full day since she last ate something and was starving.

"So are you going to untie me or just let me stare at it all day?" Alice asked, looking up from the bowl momentarily to glare at Utsugi.

If they untie me I can just grab the food and go, simple and easy. Utsugi won't know what hit her and Kohaku… Well, I'll just stun him if he chases me. After all he is Sango's little brother and I don't think I would be able to hurt him anyway Alice thought as she waited for Utsugi's answer.

"No, your hands will remain bound; we can't take any chance now can we?" Utsugi responded, earning her another glare of annoyance from Alice.

"Then how in kami's sake am I to eat?" Alice snapped, hunger making her more irritable than normal.

A slight spark of amusement flashed in Utsugi's eyes for a mere second as she replied calmly, "Simple, Kohaku can feed you."

"Humph," Alice muttered as Kohaku held out a spoonful of rice.

She was about to open her mouth to eat it when a thought hit her. What if the food is poisoned? I wouldn't put it pass Naraku to do something like that Alice thought as she eyed the food suspiciously, refusing to open her mouth no matter how much her body screamed for her to open it and get some food in her.

"It's not poisoned you know," Utsugi stated, as if reading Alice's mind, "What good will that do? I need you alive so poisoning you would go the total opposite way."

After giving the woman a doubtful glare, Alice slowly opened her mouth and let Kohaku poor the spoonful of rice in. The rice was flavorless and a little hard, but to Alice it was good enough to her empty stomach as she swallowed and opened her mouth again to receive the next awaiting spoonful.

Silence hovered over the room as Alice ate but she didn't mind it. I don't care if Utsugi doesn't wish to speak to me. She tried to kill me for kami's sake! And in no way am I going to let her forget that, even if she tries to make up for it with some petty speech on why she's doing it Alice thought as she swallowed and rolled her tongue to get the remaining bits of rice from her teeth.

She was then provided with a few sips of water and once done, Utsugi dismissed Kohaku, who silently picked up the dishes and walked away without saying a word the whole time. Moving her stiff neck around, Alice sighed before looking up at Utsugi.

"What, you're still here? Go away already. I don't care if you're my ancestor, all that you've done is tried to get me killed, and that alone should say enough about how I feel about you," Alice spoke up, looking into Utsugi's ice blue eyes which, for a second, betrayed a flash of pain which only added fuel to the fire of anger in Alice.

"Don't go feeling sorry for yourself! I did nothing to you but apparently that in itself is enough to have you hate me so much as to kill me. And for what? So you can live knowing you're descendent is dead by your hands?" Alice snapped.

"Stop, if you knew my motive for this then…" Utsugi began.

"Your motive? Yes I would like to know just why you want me dead, did you think I wouldn't care why someone wanted to kill me?" Alice retorted as she felt a mixture of pain and anger well up inside her.

The woman in front of her was trying to kill her, she knew that. But she was also Alice's ancestor who held promise to actually understanding her. No one, not even her parents held this potential but instead of helping her, Utsugi was trying to kill her, which for some reason, made Alice's heart break in half. One side wanting to get to know Utsugi, to have fun moments together like a normal family would do, while the other hated her for not even trying to bond with Alice but instead kill her for some unknown reason.

"Why? Why did you have to pick me? Isn't there someone else's life you could ruin?" Alice practically whispered as she let her bangs cover her eyes, hiding the obvious pain they held from view.

Silence followed and for a second Alice thought that Utsugi wouldn't reply but a light touch on her shoulder, that, by whatever means, didn't hit one of her sore spots, made Alice's head slowly rise to meet Utsugi's sympathetic eyes, "Your soul is the only one that can aid me in my task, no one else's but yours. Know that if there was a way I wouldn't have chosen to bring you here and threaten your safety, it just couldn't be helped this time and for that I'm sorry."

Alice's eyes widened, this was the first time she had ever seen so much emotion from the woman who looked identical to her. A part of her wanted to forgive Utsugi and say it was alright because she had no choice but another burned with confusion and anger to go as far as trying to apologize for killing her.

It was like someone saying to a dead corpse, 'Oh yeah, sorry I killed you. I didn't mean to but this problem I have is way more important than you. No hard feelings right?'

"That doesn't make up for what you're doing," Alice replied bitterly, eyes hardening while another flash of pain went through Utsugi's eyes, "What could be so important that you have to sacrifice your own flesh and blood?"

Utsugi shook her head wearily, as if the conversation between the two had took every ounce of her energy from her, "I cannot tell you for if I do it my ruin the success of me overcoming my problem."

Alice remained in silence, anger burning from within at Utsugi and her motive. The two stared at each other, ice blue met an identical ice blue before Utsugi tore her gaze away from Alice's and sighed while standing up. She quietly walked towards the door, sliding it open.

But before leaving, Utsugi paused, "If by some chance you escape from your bindings, Naraku's barrier will prevent you from leaving. But if you manage to destroy the crystal in the courtyard that is the center of the barrier, then it may be possible for you to escape. Your friends won't be able to break through the barrier and save you, so breaking that crystal is your only option for escape."

Not bothering to hear a reply from Alice, Utsugi closed the door and left Alice in solitude. What was that? It's like Utsugi wants me to get out of here… But that makes no sense, why would she go through all that effort in catching me only to practically tell me how to escape? Alice thought as confusion raged in her mind.

Ugh, never mind that. I can think about Utsugi and her motives later but for now… Alice thought as the ropes around her hand loosened and fell to the floor I need to find Rin and get out of here. Rubbing her sore wrists, Alice shakily got up and was met with a stab of pain throughout her body.

Wincing, Alice slowly caught her breath and took a cautious step forward towards the door, leaning on its frame for support. Wow that hurt whole heck of a lot more than I thought it would... But I can't let this pain stop me from finding Rin; I must endure it and move forward She thought as she quietly slid the door open to a crack, making sure the coast was clear, before walking out, closing it and swiftly moving throughout the halls.

I don't have the luxury of looking like Utsugi now, so I must be careful not to be seen Alice thought as she looked at the burns that spread out on her arm and her shredded clothes. Luckily for her, the red hakama she wore was shortened from the attack and she didn't have to worry about tripping over it anymore.

Her heart hammered in her chest as Alice wandered blindly through the dark halls, not knowing which way she was going. But the sudden sound of humming stopped her in her tracks. That humming, it's Rin! I'm sure of it!

Back tracking, Alice raced through the hallway she passed moments ago, only to come face to face with a demon. Swiftly, so the demon couldn't call out in alarm, Alice brought her hand, which glowed with blue Shikigami, down on the demon easily and silently dispatching it. Seeing the demon disappear in a cloud of dust, she ran forward and saw Rin sitting by a window, humming to herself.

"Rin!" Alice called out in a hushed tone.

The little girl stiffened at the sound of her name being said but quickly turned around and smiled to see Alice, "Sister! It's you, you came for me!"

Opening the bared door, Alice immediately grabbed Rin and hugged her saying, "Oh thank kami you're alright. I didn't think that Naraku was going to grab you while I was gone… I'm so sorry Rin."

"Sorry? What for?" Rin replied, looking at Alice worriedly.

"For this! If I hadn't left you there in the fields by yourself none of this would've happened. You'd still be with Sesshomaru and happy and safe, not here in this horrible place by yourself," Alice explained, hugging the girl tighter.

"Don't say that sister, I'm fine really," Rin soothed her as Alice felt Rin's hand rub her back reassuringly, "None of this is your fault, there was no way you could've known this would happen, besides Lord Sesshomaru is probably almost here to save us anyway, so cheer up!"

Alice nodded, though guilt still clung to her because in some part of her mind she knew that this was going to happen but did nothing to stop it. Looking into Rin's warm brown eyes Alice nodded.

"Great, then all we have to do is wait for Lord Sesshomaru to come okay sister?" Rin continued.

"Sister?" Alice repeated, blinking in surprise as she finally seemed to hear what the girl was calling her, "That's right I never told you my name did I? Well my name is Alice, Alice Kururugi. You can choose to keep calling me 'sister' but I'd think that you'd like to at least know what my real name is."

"Alice? Wow, that's a pretty name," Rin replied, eyes widening in wonder.

"Thank you," Alice chuckled before standing up and saying in a more serious tone, "Rin, I'm going to get you out of here, I know Sesshomaru is going to come for us but for now you have to do exactly what I say okay? We aren't out of this mess just yet."

Rin nodded, taking Alice's hand, "Don't worry I'll do whatever you want me to do sister."

"Great, for now we need to get moving. Stay close to me and don't say anything until I say it's okay," Alice started before saying more sweetly, "Just pretend we're playing hide and seek."

"Oh, hide and seek? I'm good at that game," Rin smiled brightly, warming Alice's heart at the fact one as young as Rin could remain to stay happy in situations like this.

Holding onto Rin's hand, Alice quickly moved out of the room and back down the endless hallways. Okay I've got Rin, now all I need to do is find that barrier crystal Utsugi was talking about and destroy it. After that we're home free Alice thought as she turned a corner and smiled at the sight before her.

The cobble stone edged dirt courtyard stretched before Alice's eyes as she led Rin down the steps into it. There wasn't much life growing in it except for the few shrubs and patches of grass here and there and a bush that grew next to a small pond to the left.

This didn't surprise Alice because she assumed that Naraku hadn't bothered taking care of the plants, not to mention the faint presence of miasma in the air that would kill any life it could. Checking the area to make sure the coast was clear; Alice brought Rin underneath one of the walkways they were just on.

Bringing a finger to her lips to warn Rin not to speak Alice whispered, "Rin, stay right here for me okay? I'll be back in a few minutes, but until then make sure you stay hidden. Don't come out for anything, not even if I'm in danger okay?"

Rin looked at Alice, worry flashing in her eyes as Alice continued softly, "It's okay, I promise I'll come back for you. Just think about that and that Sesshomaru is almost here and when we get out I promise we'll go and pick flowers again together."

This seemed to lift Rin's spirit as she nodded and scooted back further under the walkway, hiding herself even more. Warmth flooded into Alice at Rin's obedience and courage in the situation as she turned and cautiously looked around before stepping out into the courtyard.

If Utsugi's words were true, which I totally wouldn't be surprised if they weren't, then that barrier crystal should be nearby… Now all I have to do is find it and destroy it Alice thought before doubting herself for a moment. She was injured badly and this would be the first time she attempted to destroy a barrier without the aid of her sword.

What if I can't break it? Naraku is sure to hear the commotion and send someone… Alice thought. No! I will be able to break it, now's not the time to doubt myself. I can't let Rin down; I must break it for her safety.

Determination glowed in her eyes as Alice spotted the crystal and hurried towards it. This must be the crystal Utsugi was talking about; I can feel the essence of the barrier radiating from it. So she told the truth huh? Well I'll have to thank her later, if I remember that is Alice thought as her hands glowed green in preparation to break the crystal.

"Okay, here it goes," Alice murmured to herself, her hands glowing even brighter than before.

Alice jumped, forcing all her strength in the blow as her hand slammed down on the stone. Instantly, the stone cracked and began breaking apart, but not without pushing back on Alice with considerable force. The force itself caused Alice to close an eye in pain as she bit down on her lip to stop herself from crying out.

After what seemed like ages, the crack in the crystal spread until the crystal shattered into many pieces. Gasping for breath, Alice smiled at her accomplishment, "Fantastic, now to find Rin and get out of here before Naraku notices."

Turning around, Alice raced down the stone path back to the way she came. But just as she neared the place she left Rin, Alice heard the faint tap of footsteps on the wooden floor. Fear struck her as she looked over to where Rin was hiding to see her own shock and fear reflected in the girl's eyes.

Immediately, Alice rushed towards the cover of underneath the wooden pathway but as she was sitting down she let out a pained gasp as her leg scrapped painfully against the rocky ground. Praying that no one would notice, Alice looked over to Rin, holding out a hand to tell her to stay quiet and still.

The footsteps got louder, pounding above Alice's head. Rin looked on worriedly but remained silent where she was and Alice silently thanked kami for the young girl's obedience. Above the steps sounded closer and closer until they stopped, right above where Alice sat.

Rin's eyes widened as Alice heard Naraku's voice speak from above, "It appears that not only Sesshomaru but also Inuyasha and his companions are at the edge of the castle."

"What are you going to do about it?" Kagura's voice asked unenthusiastically.

Naraku chuckled darkly, "It doesn't matter whether Inuyasha is here or not, but instead of letting him come unchallenged, you will go and keep Inuyasha busy while I take care of Sesshomaru."

"You say it like it's not a challenge at all," Kagura muttered, "Well whatever, I'll go and meet up with Inuyasha and his friends."

The light sound of one set of footsteps above Alice trailed off, telling her that one person, Naraku most likely, remained above her not allowing her to grab Rin and leave. But other thoughts filled her mind, as she sat on her knees in silence, one arm supporting her as she stared down at the hand deep in thought.

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru are here? That's great, then all I have to do is meet up with one of the two and if that doesn't work then I can always stick to the first plan Alice thought as she contemplated her choices. But as she looked over to Rin she saw utter horror in the innocent girl's eyes.

Confusion shot through Alice as she stared back at Rin, wondering what had her so startled and scared when the sound of wood snapping into many pieces followed by a shower of wooden splinters rained over Alice. Before she could even defend herself from the onslaught of falling wood, a tentacle suddenly wrapped around Alice's waist tearing her away from where she sat.

A gasp of pain was ripped from Alice's throat as the tentacle pressed painfully on her scars. Closing her eyes to control the pain threatening to overpower her, she vaguely felt herself being pulled up before being slammed roughly against the wall.

Another gasp left her throat as the air from her lungs was pushed out by the action, opening her eye to a slit Alice glared into the crimson eyes of her captor muttering, "Damn…"

"I thought I heard something," Naraku stated, keeping Alice pinned to the wall, "Though it's no surprise that you escaped so quickly. It's a shame that you'd give yourself away before you could accomplish much though."

"I wouldn't say that, in fact, I think I've accomplished quite a lot. Your barrier was easy to break even without my sword and now there's nothing stopping Inuyasha and Sesshomaru from coming here, which if I know them, they'll be here any minute," Alice replied triumphantly earning her a glare from Naraku that would normally send chills down her spine if not for the pain her flowing throughout her body.

The tentacle holding Alice suddenly disappeared, causing her to gasp in surprise before the gasp was cut short by a hand grabbing her by the throat, keeping her pinned to the wall. Alice instinctually grabbed Naraku's arm trying to get it to release her, but the grip only tightened making breathing even more harder than before for Alice.

"You need to learn where your place is and stay there," Naraku warned darkly, raising Alice up the wall as she narrowed her eyes, struggling to catch her breath.

Black dots started to form at the edge of her vision as Alice struggled in vain against Naraku's arm that held her, but before she could do a thing a voice sounded behind Naraku, making him turn his head to the new arrival, "Naraku, so this is where you were hiding all this time."

Sess-Sesshomaru? Alice thought in surprise as she recognized the smooth voice of the demon lord, unfortunately she didn't have the time to wonder how he got here so fast because she was starting to feel herself fade away, lack of oxygen finally affecting her. Looking past Naraku, Alice met Sesshomaru's golden eyes for a moment before she closed her eyes and braced herself for the darkness of unconsciousness to take over.

But to Alice's surprise she could still clearly hear the conversation between the two as Naraku greeted, not softening his grip on Alice's throat the entire time, "Sesshomaru, you've arrived at last."

"Naraku, what is the meaning of this?" Sesshomaru replied, his voice unwavering from its cold collected tone.

"Hmph, I wouldn't have thought you cared for anyone, much less this girl. After all she did aid me in capturing Rin," Naraku responded contemptuously, "But then again you can't stand anyone to take away what is yours, no matter the case, thanks to that immense pride of yours."

Silence followed and Alice wondered what was happening. Was Sesshomaru angry at her for getting Rin captured? Was he going to let Naraku kill her or save her to kill himself? So many questions filled her mind that was slowly, but surely, fading with time.

"Naraku, unhand her," Sesshomaru's threatening tone made Alice's heart skip a beat. He was going to save her! But was he really going to let her live or kill her when all of this was over?

"Fine by me," Naraku replied as Alice felt herself jerked from where she was pressed against the wall and flung in the air.

Opening her eyes she saw she was headed straight towards Sesshomaru, but from behind she saw a cloud of miasma trailing behind her, ready to hit Sesshomaru once she hit him.

"Sesshomaru, watch out!" Alice rasped as she felt herself collide with the demon's hard chest.

No even a second later, Alice saw Sesshomaru draw his sword, swinging it down in front of Alice to create an air current that parted the cloud of deadly fumes to the side of the two. Once the wind ceased, Alice looked up into Sesshomaru's golden eyes and stayed where she was, pressed against his chest, for a few moments trying to catch her breath.

It was then that she realized how close she was to him that she felt her face flush and quickly backed away, looking everywhere but where Sesshomaru stood. Luckily for her the sound of Rin's voice calling to her and Sesshomaru eased the tension as Alice saw the little girl run up to the two, relief in her eyes.

"Sister, Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin called as she looked up at the two, "Thank goodness you're here."

Looking over at Rin for a second to see that she was safe, Sesshomaru returned his gaze to Alice and spoke, "So you helped her even after what you did?"

"Yes, but know this Sesshomaru, I did not help Naraku knowingly. I was careless and forgot about the situation, realizing it moments too late," Alice explained before adding stubbornly, "And for that I'm sorry."

Sesshomaru slightly nodded in acceptation to Alice's words while Rin added, "Yes my lord, Alice helped me to escape and find you."

Looking away from Rin, Sesshomaru looked over at Naraku, anger slightly present in his gaze, "So Naraku, you used Rin to get me to come here huh?"

"I doubt you'd have come if I sent you an invitation, so of course capturing your companion was the obvious way to get you to come," Naraku replied smugly.

Alice glared at Naraku for capturing and using someone as innocent as Rin to lure Sesshomaru out when he could've simply met the demon lord himself, saving her and everyone else the trouble. Always have to make things complicated huh Naraku? Alice thought.

"Fool, you think you can just go and take these humans hostage without facing the consequences," Sesshomaru responded in a threatening tone, and from where Alice stood she could see his grip on his sword tighten.

"Hmph, I knew you wouldn't sit back and let it happen, your pride wouldn't let you," Naraku stated, narrowing his eyes.

"What are you going on about?" Sesshomaru demanded as his gaze remained unfaltering as Alice's on the dark hanyou.

But instead of answering the question, Naraku's eyes widened slightly. This sparked confusion in Alice as he remained silent but nonetheless she spoke up in an annoyed tone, "Hey, baka we're still here you know!"

Alice raised her hand, which glowed with blue Shikigami, at Naraku in preparation for attack as Sesshomaru added, "Naraku, are you foolish enough to ignore me when I stand before you?"

Blinking, Naraku returned his gaze to the two saying, "Sesshomaru, a nuisance has appeared. So this conversation will have to wait until next time."

"What?" both Sesshomaru and Alice replied at the same time.

"Don't fret, we'll meet again, that is for certain," Naraku smirked as Alice narrowed her eyes as he continued, "But for now I have business to attend to."

Naraku then raised a hand and immediately a miasma filled the room, causing Alice to back up a step. Looking back she saw Sesshomaru swing his sword to part the poison while standing protectively in front of Rin who covered her mouth.

Seeing that Rin was being protected by Sesshomaru, Alice turned her attention to where Naraku stood. Gathering her energy, she jumped up onto the wooden pathway next to him. In a swift motion, she swiped her hand, trying to hit him with her Shikigami. But Naraku was ready and dodged each blow easily before retaliating with a blow of his own.

Missing getting hit by an inch, Alice jumped back in time to see the miasma dissipate around her and grinned saying, "Looks like you'll be staying a while longer huh?"

Naraku glared at Alice, anger clearly visible in their crimson depths, but before he could say a thing a familiar voice sounded from behind Alice, "Found you Naraku! Take this, Kaze no Kizu!"

Alice stared in shock as she saw Inuyasha swing his sword down, unleashing the devastating attack straight towards the two. At the last second, Alice jumped down from the pathway next to Sesshomaru while Naraku jumped back to dodge the attack.

When the dust cleared, Inuyasha growled at seeing Naraku unharmed, "Damn, missed him…"

Alice couldn't believe her eyes, in a swift movement she looked up at Inuyasha and glared at him while yelling, "Baka! Have you ever heard of warning someone? You could've killed me!"

Surprise flashed in Inuyasha's eyes as he looked over at Alice as he murmured to himself, "Those burn marks… So Alice was the one we saw in that vision…"

"What are you talking about?" Alice snapped, still cross at the hanyou for almost killing her.

Shaking his head Inuyasha recovered himself, "Keh, that's the thanks I get for coming all this way to save you?"

"Save me? Yeah right, says the person who almost killed me moments ago!" Alice retorted as Inuyasha huffed.

From behind Inuyasha, Alice saw Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo running up to Inuyasha. Happiness glittered in Alice's heart as she saw their familiar faces. They came for me! Naraku was wrong, they care about me, why else would they be here? Alice thought as she waved over at the group.

"Hey everyone, nice to see you're all safe!" She called out in a happier tone.

"Same here Alice!" Kagome replied happily.

Alice smiled before seeing Sesshomaru step out beside her, sword raised threateningly, "Leave Inuyasha!"

An eyebrow raised in surprise Alice looked at Sesshomaru quizzically as Inuyasha growled, "Shut up! Naraku's my prey, so you leave!"

"Don't get in my way Inuyasha," Sesshomaru warned as Alice sighed.

Seriously, you'd think that they'd work together instead of bickering like little kids she thought as she shook her head. Besides while they're busy fighting amongst themselves, Naraku could easily… Alice's thoughts were cut short as Naraku unleashed another cloud of miasma that easily enshrouded the group. Stepping back to protect Rin, Alice braced herself as the cloud of noxious air swept through the courtyard.

"Ugh, a miasma!" Inuyasha growled amidst the poison air.

"Sesshomaru, this fool has arrived and disrupted our conversation. But it can always wait until later," Naraku's voice spoke as Alice could vaguely make out his figure walking away from the group.

"Inuyasha, Sesshomaru! He's getting away!" Alice called out, unable to move since she was protecting Rin.

Beside her, Alice saw Sesshomaru jump up where Naraku stood moments ago, confirming that Naraku had left. As the miasma cleared, Alice stood up from where she held Rin and looked around, making sure everyone was safe.

"Fool I won't let you get away that easily," Sesshomaru stated as he raced down the hall where Naraku had disappeared from.

A tug at her sleeve made Alice look down to see Rin smiling up at her, "Thank you sister for saving me and bringing Lord Sesshomaru here. I would ask that you come with us but your other friends must be missing you so maybe we'll pick flowers later?"

Alice smiled, "Yes, I must stay with my friends, they need me, but I promise next time I see you we'll pick a thousand flowers and make hundreds of beautiful bouquets."

Rin nodded happily, excitement showing in her eyes, "Yeah, it's a promise! Until then, goodbye!"

With her farewell said, Rin ran past Inuyasha and the others in the direction Sesshomaru vanished in as Alice called out, "Stay safe Rin!"

"I will, don't worry!" Rin's voice sounded far off as Alice smiled, happy to have met the girl and got to know her.

Her moment of bliss was cut short as she felt Inuyasha's fist slam down on her head as she felt tears form at her eyes as he growled, "So mind telling us what in kami's name you were thinking?"

"Baka! What was that for Inuyasha?" Alice snapped as she held her head, as if her body wasn't in pain already, "And what do you mean what was I thinking?"

"Keh, don't tell me you've forgotten already!" Inuyasha replied, folding his arms into his haori's sleeves.

"Yeah, everyone was really worried about you because you just vanished without saying a thing to anyone," Kagome added before noticing Alice's burn marks and torn clothes, "Alice! What happened to you? Are you okay?"

Giving her a small yet reassuring smile Alice nodded, "Don't worry it's not as bad as it looks, honestly. But I'm sorry I left so suddenly, it couldn't be helped. Besides a lot has happened since we parted ways."

This seemed to lighten Kagome's mood a little as Miroku spoke up, glancing at Alice with a mixture of relief, happiness and some worry in his violet eyes, "All that matters is that we're all together again but from now on don't run off without saying anything to us, it's very worrying when you do that."

Alice smiled up at the monk and nodded saying, "Yeah, I'll try not to do it again."

Miroku chuckled, "Good, but that barrier sure was strong thought huh? I'd never thought that we'd get through until it started to dissolve before our very eyes. I'm surprised you got through so easily Alice, but then again you do have the help of your Shikigami so the task would be so much easier."

"Huh? Barrier? When did we ever have to go through a barrier?" Alice asked, tilting her head to one side in confusion.

"Don't you remember? We followed your scent to Naraku's barrier but you had already gone in before us," Kagome explained, "We were so worried about you the whole time we never gave up until we got through, and here we are now."

"Wait a second! I was separated from you guys back in Ayame Village with Koga and the other wolf demons remember? There were no barriers that we had to go through there, so what's this you're telling me now?" Alice questioned as her heart began to beat a little faster on its own will.

"What are you talking about? After Utsugi and Kagura got away you brought us here, don't you remember? We saw that vision and you talked to us about time Shikigami," Inuyasha stated, one eyebrow raised in disbelief.

"What are you talking about? I told you I left you guys back at the wolf demon forest," Alice repeated confusion growing, but deep inside her she felt her heart start to sway with grief.

They…They mistook Utsugi for me… But how? We're totally different. I know that we look alike but shouldn't they have seen the difference between us? Naraku could, or at least he told me he could, so why couldn't they? Couldn't they tell that Utsugi led them here not me? Was Naraku right? Is our bound so weak that they can't tell the difference between the two of us? Alice thought as she stared at the ground wide eyed, tears starting to form at the edge of her eyes.

"Alice, are you okay?" Sango's voice sounded, but it was like hearing it through layers of cotton.

Suddenly Alice felt very tired, as the day's events finally settled in. Her body ached from the pain of her burns while her heart ached at the fact the others mistook Utsugi for her. Slowly Alice felt her body start to fall forward as her eyes became soulless, caught in her own thoughts.

"Alice?" she heard someone call out worriedly but didn't have the strength to figure out who called her name.

"He was right…" Alice murmured to herself as she closed her eyes, letting the darkness swallow her.


Chapter 32 finished!

The group is reunited with each other after days apart, but to Inuyasha and the others it has been only two days not the actual four that had passed since Alice left them in the swamp. Their confusion of Utsugi as being her deeply hurts Alice as she remembers Naraku telling her they wouldn't be able to tell the two apart.

Next up, will Naraku escape? How will the group deal with this problem on top of Utsugi's identity which was revealed to them by Alice herself? But more troubling problems are lurking within the castle walls as an egg starts to hatch into something that is out for blood and will kill any in its way, even its creator.

Please read and review~