UPDATE 7/12: Awww 100+ views in one day? Thank you readers! It means a lot to me! T-T
Now onward to Chappy 33!

DISCLAIMER: (Oh my kami I think I haven't put even one of these in my story so far O.O") As you people may have noticed I don't own Inuyasha (that wonderful right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi~) and Alice, I guess you could say, is the only character I own but she is based on the Kaname in the PS2 game. Thank you all my lovely readers and now enjoy the story!


Chapter 33: Retrace: Rising Problems

"What are you talking about? I told you I left you guys back at the wolf demon forest," Alice retorted, annoyance and confusion growing in her light blue eyes.

Inuyasha mentally sighed. How many times am I going to have to repeat myself to this dense girl! It's not like this happened two months ago. Did she forget or something? Inuyasha thought before the scars along her body caught his attention once more.

Those scars, there is no doubt that Naraku was the cause for them. Is that why she can't remember? Because she got hurt so badly as to get the memories ripped from her? Inuyasha pondered. Damn that Naraku, he'll pay for this…

Looking up with his amber eyes, Inuyasha saw Alice looking down at the floor, eyes wide in what Inuyasha presumed to be unwanted understanding. Her face got considerably paler than before and this struck concern through Inuyasha as he wondered if the damage from the scars were getting to her.

"Alice, are you okay?" Sango spoke up worriedly, taking a step towards the beaten up girl.

Silence answered her as Inuyasha looked in shock as the Shikigami user lowered her head as if in defeat and slowly fell towards the ground. Immediately, he felt himself reach forward to catch her before she hit the wooden floor, but the light sound of Alice's haunted voice reached his ears, making him stop in his tracks.

"He was right…" Alice whispered as she fell to the ground, only to be caught by Sango moments later.

What was that? 'He was right?' Who was she talking about? Inuyasha stared, puzzled, at Alice's unconscious form. Shaking his head, Inuyasha focused on the current situation at hand. I'll ask her about it later but for now…

"Alice!" Kagome called out running to the named person in Sango's hands, quickly followed by Miroku, Inuyasha and Shippo, who held onto Miroku's shoulder.

Sniffing the air around Alice, Inuyasha spoke up, "Her body's reeking of miasma. It probably got too much for her to handle with all that running around."

"I see, then I'll give her an antidote right away!" Kagome said as she pulled out a tiny pellet of herbs that she collected while the others were busy at destroying the barrier.

Giving Alice the antidote, the group looked on worriedly for her recover, not knowing if she would wake up in a few moments or a few days. In either case she's out of fighting for the day. I doubt she'll be happy about it when she wakes but it's for her own good Inuyasha thought as he knelt down next to Miroku, looking down on Alice.

"What do you think she meant by us parting ways in the wolf demon forest? I mean, it's not like we accidently took Utsugi with us right?" Sango asked, as she looked towards Miroku for an answer.

"I don't know, but there is a possibility that we might have. Both Utsugi and Alice are identical, so it would be hard to tell who is who," Miroku replied.

"Yeah, though Alice is probably right. Remember how different she acted on the way here?" Shippo put in.

"Your right, I can't believe I didn't see it before," Miroku stated, looking back down at Alice with sympathy in his indigo eyes, "And if this is true than that would mean she has been here with Naraku the whole time."

"How horrible!" Kagome gasped, "That's probably why she has these wounds now."

Grim faces nodded in agreement but before anyone could say a thing, a moan escaped from Alice, granting her the group's full attention. The girl in the tattered clothes wiggled a bit in Sango's grasp before slowly opening her eyes to see the group.

"Alice? You okay?" Inuyasha asked as he tilted his head to the side, worry flashing in his gaze.

"Inu...yasha?" Alice stated, her eyes narrowing a bit in confusion as she looked around the group, "That's right… You guys came for me."

Placing a hand on the ground, Alice attempted to get up but winced in pain while doing so. Instantly, Sango grabbed her shoulder and said, "Easy now, your body must be very weak from all that fighting."

"Heh, yeah," Alice huffed as she remained on the ground but in an upright position now, "But we must find Naraku before he escapes, this is the one time we can actually know for certain where he is and I won't let my pain stop us from defeating him."

"Don't worry about it, we'll find him and defeat him before he escapes," Inuyasha reassured as he looked around the group, proud at their combined strength.

Everyone smiled as their spirits were lifted, but Inuyasha could still see the haunted, sad look flowing through Alice's eyes. Her last words before fainting came back to him and more questions filled his mind but he once again decided to save them for a better time.

"Alright then, let's get going. Alice, you can ride on Kirara for now okay? I don't think it's wise for you to be moving around too much because of your wounds," Miroku stated as Sango and Kagome helped the girl onto the now transformed neko.

Alice looked as if she was going to object, sending a warm feeling through Inuyasha to see the girl's usual spirit still bright and stubborn as ever, but Kagome cut her off saying, "It's okay Alice, just rest for now. We can handle things here and we don't want you to get hurt any more than you already are."

A frown still remained on Alice's face but she offered no resistance and merely shifted her position on Kirara's back before saying, "Fine, but only for now okay?"

"Okay," Sango chuckled while Kagome added, "It's good to have you back Alice."

Smiling the three girls, along with Kirara, took the lead and began walking through the hallways. Inuyasha easily caught up to them and walked ahead, knowing that even though they were together again they still weren't out of trouble. And he couldn't have been anymore right as they came face to face with Utsugi as they rounded a corner.

"Utsugi!" Kagome gasped as Inuyasha growled, unsheathing his Tessaiga and standing protectively in front of Alice.

"Humph, and to think that the last time we talked to each other you had so much warmth and happiness in your voice. Some change of sides huh?" Utsugi replied, eyes hardening at the group.

"Shut up! It was a mistake and that's all," Inuyasha snapped as he pulled his sword above his head, "And not one that we'll ever make again!"

"Stop Inuyasha!" Alice's voice halted the hanyou's attack as Inuyasha looked back at the girl who had her hand held out to try and stop him.

"What is it now? Can't you see I'm a little busy?" Inuyasha growled, annoyed at Alice's sudden intrusion on his focus.

"You can't attack Utsugi!" Alice continued as she gained the attention of everyone in the hallway.

"And why is that?" Inuyasha snapped.

"Be-Because…Utsugi…Utsugi is my ancestor," Alice mumbled, turning her head to the side to avoid Inuyasha's shocked gaze.

"What? Your ancestor? Utsugi?" Inuyasha couldn't believe his ears.

"You mean Utsugi is your great great great grandmother?" Kagome gasped in disbelief.

Alice nodded a grim and somewhat annoyed look on her face. Inuyasha couldn't blame her though, this woman in front of them, Alice's ancestor, was out for blood, Alice's blood to be exact. And this fact that the two were somehow related only made matters worse.

"Great, this means that you're fighting against your own ancestor. Can't make it easy can you?" Inuyasha growled as he shot Alice a sympathetic look, saying he felt sorry for the girl, before turning back to look at Utsugi.

"Huh, believe me, if I could I would make it so she wasn't my ancestor but it seems like fate isn't so kind to me in that decision," Alice replied, smiling for a second to thank Inuyasha for his concern.

"A shame, it would've offered immense help if it was that way," Miroku agreed.

Turning their full attention back to the enemy in front of them Inuyasha growled, "No it's a shame her ancestor is working for the likes of Naraku."

"And what may I ask are you going to do about it? It was by my own freewill that I decided to side with Naraku, no one forced me," Utsugi spoke up, "But then again there isn't much you can do is there?"

"What are you trying to say wench? I could take you down in one strike," Inuyasha growled, his grip tightening on his sword, ready for battle.

"Inuyasha wait!" Kagome ran over to his side and grabbed his hand, making Inuyasha look into Kagome's chocolate eyes in confusion, "You must stop Inuyasha! If you kill Utsugi then Alice will disappear as well."

"Kagome's right Inuyasha, you must stand down. Without Utsugi Alice would never be born and cease to exist," Miroku agreed walking up to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha growled knowing that Kagome and Miroku were right as he reluctantly lowered his sword, hating how Utsugi gave him a slight triumphant look in her eyes. Alice herself looked ready to explode with anger as Inuyasha looked back to see the girl fuming from atop Kirara. Luckily she stayed put and Inuyasha mentally thanked kami that she listened to their order to stay put for once.

"That's right, now if you don't mind I'll be leaving," Utsugi said emotionlessly but Inuyasha could swear he heard a small smug note in her voice as the woman walked away right in front of the group's angered eyes.

"Damn, this is just perfect," Inuyasha growled as he replaced his Tessaiga back in its sheathe on his side, folding his arms in his haori's sleeves.

"I can't say this outcome is very good either," Miroku agreed, "This conflict with Utsugi is a no win situation for us."

"No kidding," Alice muttered, annoyance crystal clear in her voice.

"Yes, but let's put that behind us for now. We must focus on finding Naraku before he escapes. Alice? Do you know where Naraku might be if he's still here?" Sango asked as Alice thought over the possibilities for a moment.

Keh looks like there was an up to having Alice stay here for a while. We know the layout of the castle for the most part so we won't be walking around aimlessly Inuyasha thought as he himself wasn't able to pinpoint Naraku's exact location because the overflowing scent of his enemy that drifted throughout the castle.

"Yeah, I think I may know where," Alice answered, as she and Kirara took the lead of the group and slowly walked through the dark halls.

The further in the castle they went the more anxious Inuyasha became. His enemy was near and he could finally settle things if he could only locate and kill him. The short breaths from ahead alerted his sensitive ears to Alice in front of him as he frowned.

Just pointing out a direction is wearing her out. Are her injuries that great? We must finish this quickly before she does something reckless Inuyasha thought worriedly as he continued on in silence.

"Here…This is the place, I'm sure of it," Alice spoke in a light, worn tone as she stopped at a doorway.

Immediately Inuyasha took the lead and walked inside, his companions close behind. Almost instantly his gaze caught a dark figure in the room as Inuyasha growled and unsheathed his Tessaiga. Everyone was poised for battle, standing protectively in front of Alice, Shippo, and Kirara.

"Naraku," Inuyasha spat the name disgustedly as he glared into the blood red eyes of the dark hanyou.

"What Inuyasha? Why the angry face? I'd thought you'd be happy to see me," Naraku chuckled darkly, "Though you won't be around much longer."

"Shut up! You're the one who's going to die Naraku," Inuyasha growled before a sudden movement from beside Naraku caught his eye.

What the…? Inuyasha thought as his eyes narrowed suspiciously as the mass of squirming webs. Naraku, following Inuyasha's gaze, smirked causing Inuyasha's blood to boil at the smug expression. But the dark hanyou's attention wasn't directed at him or the mass of webs but from behind Inuyasha.

Turning his head, Inuyasha caught Alice's icy glare as she spoke coldly, "Naraku, what is the meaning of this?"

At any other time, Inuyasha would've shuddered at her cold tone but it didn't seem to have an effect on him, most likely due to the situation at hand as Naraku replied smoothly, "Come now, you should know what this is Alice, after all you have seen this before right?"

"Huh, what's that supposed to mean?" Sango inquired as she shot Alice a questioning glance.

The girl merely sighed before explaining, "That thing over there is Naraku's incarnation and by the looks of it I'd say we're about to meet it."

Inuyasha's eyes, along with the others, widened in shock as he returned his gaze on the bulging mass of webs thinking So that's what it is. A new incarnation huh? What kind of powers will this one possess?

"New incarnation? So that's all you had up your sleeve? I have to say I'd thought you'd try a little harder not to die," Inuyasha growled.

Turning his red gaze on Inuyasha Naraku smirked, "Oh I'm sure it'll be more than enough to end you and your bunch. But sadly you'll have to wait a bit longer for your demise," Naraku gave a smug smile as his gaze returned to Alice, "So Alice, were your eyes finally opened or are you still trying to close them to the truth?"

Confusion blotted Inuyasha's mind as he turned to see Alice's eyes widen in shock before she looked down dejectedly. At the obvious secret meaning behind the words, Inuyasha growled and glared at Naraku for whatever he had said or done to the once fiery girl behind Inuyasha.

"What the crap is that supposed to mean?" he growled.

Instead of replying or even looking at Inuyasha, Naraku narrowed his eyes triumphantly and laughed menacingly, "Looks like you finally see the truth, though not very surprising that you'd want to deny it. What, did you think that all truths in the world would be welcomed with open arms? As you may have figured out not everything in the world is kind dear Alice."

Once again Alice made no attempt to reply as she hid her eyes behind her bangs, refusing to look at anyone in the room. The mysterious words that only seemed to hold meaning to two of the seven people in the room seemed to affect Alice greatly as Inuyasha observed her visibly shake. Kagome had attempted to comfort the girl but it seemed like her efforts were to no avail.

"Enough Naraku, it's about time you do the world a favor and die," Inuyasha growled as he raised his sword high above his head, cold determination glowing in his golden eyes.

However, a second before he brought down his sword, a blinding light filled the room. The sudden event caused Inuyasha to lower his sword as a shield to the light. What now? Inuyasha thought as he blinked his eyes to adjust to the dying down flash of light.

Admits the light, Inuyasha could make out what appeared to be the skeleton of a rather big demon, easily towering over him, clothed in a simple blue outfit of the time. Kagome's gasp alerted Inuyasha that the others spotted the monster as well and Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, wary for any sudden movements.

But what happened next made his golden orbs widen in disbelief. The newly born incarnation turned its head and attacked, not Inuyasha or any of his companions, but Naraku himself. In one swift blow, the incarnation decapitated Naraku, sending his body and head to the floor.

"What the?" Miroku gasped as his violet eyes reflected everyone's confusion.

"Is-Is he dead?" Shippo stuttered fearfully as he hung onto Alice's sleeve from where he sat on Kirara behind the girl whose icy stare was wide and uncertain.

A laugh echoing through the room answered the question and the decapitated head of Naraku looked up at the incarnation from where it lay on the floor, "I set you free and this is my reward? How heartwarming."

"Wha-What is this? Shouldn't he be dead? He got his head cut off for kami's sake!" Alice gasped, fear and disbelief clearly evident in her voice.

"No, this is merely a puppet of Naraku's, not the real thing," Miroku explained, not taking his eyes off the incarnation for a second.

"Yes, Naraku uses them frequently to do his work for him and they can be quiet a handful at times," Sango added, her brown eyes narrowed in rage and frustration.

"Damn, all this effort to see a mere puppet?" Inuyasha spat, just as angry as Sango.

"Don't sound so disheartened, after all you'll get what you deserve. This incarnation of mine is strong enough to kill all of you without hesitation," Naraku sneered, "And even if it fails you'll never reach me alive."

"Shut it!" Inuyasha snapped as the boney form approached the group, claws ready to do to them what it did to its creator.

"Careful Inuyasha, it's coming," Sango warned as the beast lunged, causing everyone to scatter across the room.

Inuyasha and the demon slayer ended up in the far corner of the room, Kagome and Miroku were safely on the other side of the room where the incarnation was moments ago while Alice, Kirara and Shippo were to the left of the two. Inuyasha growled at the despicable beast as it turned its empty eyes to him and Sango, who was poised for battle with her Hirakotsu raised for attack.

The beast itself seemed unsure of who to attack, looking back and forth between the two groups. Glaring at the incarnation, Inuyasha felt his body scream to go and re-group with the others but he couldn't leave Sango by herself.

Even if the demon slayer was strong he couldn't risk her getting in harm's way and besides, Miroku was there right? The monk would protect Kagome and the others, Inuyasha was certain of this as he remained by Sango's side, waiting for the monster to lung.

And it did, but the action cause cold horror to run through Inuyasha's veins as it turned to attack the larger group who was just inches closer to it than Inuyasha and Sango. Miroku's indigo eyes reflected his surprise while Kagome let out a squeal of shock; however, Alice seemed to be in her own world as she stared blankly at the shredded remains of the puppet.

What the hell? It should've attack us since we're the smaller of the two groups! Inuyasha thought as he and Sango immediately rushed after the incarnation.

"Watch out!" Sango called as Inuyasha saw the clawed hand of the incarnation slam down where Miroku had been moments ago.

Swinging his sword down, Inuyasha growled angrily, "Stay away from them!"

Unfortunately his sword also missed its target, making the hole in the floor bigger than before. Cursing he swung at the monster over and over but to no avail as it dodged each swing. Jumping back defensively, Inuyasha looked to make sure everyone was okay.

Miroku's shock was still evident in his gaze but it seemed to have died down as Sango rushed over to check if he was injured. Kagome seemed to be scared but physically okay from where she stood between the monk and demon slayer. Alice, Inuyasha looked over to the named girl, hadn't moved an inch from the attack was still in her own world but looked up to meet Inuyasha's gaze.

Her own empty gaze made chills run down Inuyasha's spine. What's wrong with her? Where's her spirit? Inuyasha pondered. What happened to you Alice?

His thoughts were cut short as the incarnation once again lunged, this time at Inuyasha, who was ready this time and blocked the attack easily with his massive sword before retaliating. Sango and Miroku quickly joined Inuyasha in attacking it while out of the corner of Inuyasha's eyes he saw Kagome run over to where Alice and Shippo sat atop Kirara.

But he had no time to think more of it as Inuyasha's focus was pinned on the rabid demon in front of him. The incarnation was fast, he would give it that much credit, but eventually Inuyasha knew he would see a pattern in its movement and strike it down but for now all they could do was wait and dodge its deadly blows.

The battle raged back and forth and for a moment Inuyasha thought that he wouldn't be able to spot the weak point of the demon until it suddenly came. Instantly the three charged in for attack.

"Got you! Take this Kaze no Kizu!" Inuyasha yelled as Sango and Miroku chimed in with their own attacks.

In a seemingly useless effort, the incarnation raised its claws in defense as the attack ravaged its boney body. Inuyasha smirked in triumph as his golden eyes watched the attack hit its target dead on. But as the smoke cleared his smile turned upside down as he glared in annoyance at the still moving demon.

"Damn this thing just doesn't know when to give up," Inuyasha growled.

"Yes, but we still have the advantage. This'll just take a bit longer than usual," Miroku stated while using his staff to deflect a blow.

"Well it is Naraku's incarnation so that's to be expected right?" Sango added.

The demon made a growling sound as it looked between the three, taking a step backwards. The action cause triumph to fill in Inuyasha's gaze as he realized the battle may soon come to an end. But before anything could be said or done, the demon jumped over all three of their heads and lunged towards Alice and Kagome.

Disbelief and shock filled Inuyasha's gaze as Sango yelled, "Kagome, Alice watch out!"

Inuyasha bit his bottom lip and clenched his fist together as he realized he most likely wouldn't make it in time to save the two, so as a last ditch effort he yelled out, "Alice!"

The sound of his voice must've penetrated the young girl as she blinked free from the spell on her, eyes becoming clear and quickly focused on the fast approaching demon. From where Inuyasha was he saw her eyes widen considerably with shock before turning to see Kagome next to her.

What happened next seemed to pass by in slow motion in everyone's eyes. Upon seeing the situation she was in, Alice immediately got up off of Kirara, making Shippo fall off on the other side in the process, and shoved Kagome out of the way seconds before the sharp, unforgiving claws of the incarnation sliced down.

"Alice!" Sango and Miroku's voice seemed to echo around Inuyasha as his nose instantly caught the rusty stench of blood in the room mixed with the heathery scent that belonged to Alice.

The named person was on the ground barely conscious as she gripped her side in pain, blood trickling between her fingers. The incarnation towered above her, ready to finish off its prey, but before it could do a thing, the dull sound of an arrow sounded through the air.

In a flash of pink, the demon's raised arm was purified and it let out a loud yelp of pain. Turning its enraged boney head, the demon glared at Kagome, who stood her ground with another arrow already prepared to strike down the incarnation before her.

The incarnation, however, paid no heed to her arrow and curled its claws threateningly. This cause fear to sparkle in Kagome's brown depths and Inuyasha growled. There was no way in hell he would let the beast harm Kagome!

Before the incarnation could make a move, Inuyasha swung his sword down the middle of the incarnation's demonic aura and yelled, "Bakuryuha!"

Instantly Inuyasha's attack swirled towards the demon who yelled out angrily as it made contact. The attack ripped it to shreds, leaving no trace of it left in the room except a huge hole that cut across the whole castle. Using his sword as a crutch, Inuyasha leaned on it while he caught his breath from the attack. Once accomplished, he walked over to where Alice lay, now with the whole group looking on her.

"Alice, stay still you got hurt pretty bad," Kagome instructed as she placed a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder.

Alice did as instructed and Inuyasha flinched at the sight of her blood pooling around her injured side. Did she not have the strength to heal herself like the times before? Inuyasha wondered as he and Miroku gave the woman space to wrap up Alice's wounds.

"This is quiet troublesome," Miroku started as his violet eyes scanned the room.

"No kidding, Naraku got away again," Inuyasha growled as he saw Miroku nod in agreement.

"Yeah, I think that Naraku's intentions were for us and Sesshomaru to get killed today all at the same time," Miroku agreed.

"Humph, we're not dead but I wouldn't say we're all unharmed," Inuyasha mumbled as the two cast a glance back at the injured member of the group.

"Indeed, but for now all we can do is wait for Alice's recovery and go after Naraku once more," Miroku stated as Kagome and Sango helped Alice back onto Kirara's back.

"Yes, next time we'll get him," Inuyasha growled as Sango stepped in to the conversation.

"But the problem is where has Naraku escaped to," Sango started, "This time he left no clues to where he might've gone."

"You're right. But for now we should head back to Lady Kaede's village," Miroku instructed, "She may know something that can give us a clue of Naraku's whereabouts."

"Yes, besides we haven't seen Kaede in quiet sometime. She's probably worried about us," Sango agreed.

"Okay, then let's head back to Kaede's," Kagome instructed, taking the lead back to the old priestess' village, leaving behind the crumbling remains of the dark castle in a cloud of dust.


Okay so first off sorry for the long wait!
A lot of things have happened in the past few weeks making writing almost impossible.
But here's Ch. 33 for you all~
Inuyasha tells the story this time cause I guess I just felt like giving the hanyou another chapter to talk ^^

Please read and review~