"There's nowhere for you to run!" One female in particular voiced as she and her other counterparts marched towards them.

Japas gulped and many of his people cowered away in fear. This was not good. What could they do to escape from them? Surely he couldn't fight back; besides, he didn't own a weapon, and there was nothing in the room to counter back with.

As the distance between them and the pirates lessened, Japas drew his people back and prepared for the worst. It would be better if his people just sacrificed themselves to the raging waters just outside, but then again, they were already in the process of being rescued…sort of…

Shippo, who had noticed the delay in their departure, pushed away from Japas and removed the blanket wrapped around him. Feebly, he jumped out of the close embrace and stood on wobbly feet before the pirates, although he was still quite dizzy. Trying his best to act tough, Shippo puffed out his chest and sent them his best glare.

Japas was beyond baffled, yet he said nothing as he watched the child take a leaf from his shirt. "What are you doing?"

"Transform!"

Perplexed by the sudden burst of smoke, no one had intended to see in the place of Shippo, a large beast with massive claws and horns upon its head. From the sight, everyone backed away, and that included the Zoras as they were unsure of what happened.

Frightened by the beast, the guards gulped. However, one pirate stepped from the crowd.

"I am the powerful Shippo! I won't forgive those that hurt my friends!" He roared, and the growl from his throat was enough to send a couple fleeing for their lives. "You've caused enough trouble! Leave now or suffer my w—wra—ath—ah-" Over taken by a sudden irritation under his nose, Shippo suddenly threw his head back, baring his sharp teeth to the women, who trembled thinking he was going to attack. As to be expected, a sneeze overtook him and a gust of wind blew from his mouth, followed by bursts of green slime…

Moments after the sneeze, the amazons found themselves coated with disgusting ooze and just as most girls, they screamed and took off in a mad dash.

Shippo returned to his natural form and collapsed onto the ground exhausted. He used too much energy and he felt the need to sleep. Before he succumbed to slumber, he saw the figures of the Zoras surround him and then darkness consumed him

OOO

Slowly, Link backed away, his eyes glued to the woman several feet away. Now that he held the septor within his grasp, he would finally put an end to the chaos happening in Great Bay. The fact that it contained great power baffled him.

"Little boy, do you wish to die?"

Link glared, but he didn't answer. Instead, he lifted the septor above his head and smirked when her expression soured. Without the least bit of hesitation, he brought the rod down, ready to smash the darkened orb upon the hard flooring; however, his attempt didn't work when Aveil threw herself at him. Link pulled back when she tried to take it back, but he would not let that happen so easily.

OOO

Miroku punched the offending women, although it hurt him deeply to do such roughness to such beauties. One by one, he and Inuyasha braved off the bunch, though it was not easy, considering that they were well armed. Fortunately, most of the women did not bother to attack but instead watched, wondering who would become victor.

"Give me my scepter boy!" Aveil shouted.

Link backed away, and made sure to hold the scepter out of her reach, but it proved difficult. As he had tried to smash it, she was too fast, and therefore he kept up his dodging until she grew exhausted, but she didn't seem to want to give up. After all Link had been through, he wasn't going to let her have it.

OOO

While the guys were preoccupied, a tiny little man, dressed in a tight one piece suit, sauntered in to the ruckus. He scratched his goatee, as his eyes searched the room. After Inuyasha made him out of bait, he was a little upset, but he had been of use at least. Right that very moment, he pondered on the location of his watch. Surely it was around here somewhere.

Passing a few of the distracted guards, Tingle noticed something across the room from where Link and a very beautiful pirate struggled over the scepter. There was a glimmer of copper resting on a pile of golden coins and rupees. Tingle gasped. Could it be…his…father's watch? Over joyed, he ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry him.

OOO

With a trick up her sleeve, Aveil managed to trip Link and as he tried in vain to rebalance himself, she snatched the scepter greedily. "Nice try boy, but you lost!"

Wincing at the pain coursing through his back, Link suddenly noticed a certain green man dart past with stars in his eyes. At the sight of Aveil and her distracted expression, Link watched in disdain as she smirked and raised her scepter and aimed it at Tingle. "No you don't!" Finally managing to pull himself to his feet, Link lunged at her, but with her free hand, punched him out of the way, while her weapon grew powerful with a menacing dark light.

Inwardly, she couldn't have felt more thrilled, now that she had her scepter back, she could create a decoy as she'd plan her escape, and this 'little' distraction proved well to her satisfactory.

Unable to do anything, but wipe the blood from his mouth, he hurried to Tingle's side, but it was too late. A black beam shot toward the little man, who looked over his shoulder baffled. The beam made impact, and an agonized scream vociferated in to the entire room. The fight, which Miroku and Inuyasha had been so caught up in, ended, and they watched with surprise, especially the guards.

After she delivered that attack, Aveil was yet again lunged at, and this time, she fell to the floor with Link above her, firmly concentrated on taking the scepter back. "Too late, fool!" She attempted to kick the boy off her, but he did not let go, and so, the two wrestled for the weapon.

OOO

With widened eyes, Inuyasha stepped back from the horrific sight before him and Miroku. There, standing before the two, was a massive, robust size of Tingle, only this one looked more menacing and more of an annoyance.

"Inuyasha…this doesn't look good…"

He growled. "Damn it! Just what we need!"

A power erupted from the scepter that rested tightly in Link's and Aveil's grasp. The magic soared through the room, and on account of this, the guys had difficulty dodging, and all the sentries dispersed to safety. One of the beams of magic knocked off two torches, and in the process, kindled a massive fire, even the curtains were ignited.

Clearly upset, Tingle rampaged the entire room, and in the process, knocked everything over. A few times, he nearly trampled Inuyasha and the monk. He was in a state of shock and grief; for whatever reason, it was unknown.

One of the beams hit Link straight on, and his grip on the scepter slackened. The attack hit his shoulder, and he felt the fabric there burn, but he didn't give up. He had to take the scepter back and destroy it before dreadful happened.

OOO

"Inuyasha! Inuyasha!" Tingle roared, blindly stomping. "Come out and fight!"

Miroku tapped the male on the shoulder. "Are you going to fight him?" He asked, and when he received a glare, he sweat dropped.

"Hell no! Does it look like this human body could withstand that!" He pointed. "If you had that wind tunnel of yours, then we could finish this easily!"

Astonished, Miroku couldn't help but gape at his friend. "Are you implying that you would want Tingle destroyed? I would think you'd know better than to want your friends demolished…"

"Friend? With that little pipsqueak?! As if!"

Tears fells from the enormous Tingle, and he raised his fist. "How could you Inuyasha?!" He bellowed, and before either Miroku or Inuyasha knew what to expect, a giant fist slammed in to the ground several inches away from them.

Miroku backed away and grinned helplessly. "Well…this is your fight Inuyasha…I wish you the best of luck." With that said, the monk fled for his life.

Flabbergasted, Inuyasha watched the male flee. "Hey! Don't leave me here with this thing!" When he turned to look up, he found vile eyes staring back at him, and he gulped. There had to be a way to take him down…but he was too big. "Damn it!" Inuyasha didn't even have his sword either.

Miroku, who had noticed the chained feline since his arrival, hurried over to her side and reached out to undo the chains, but unfortunately he was unable to. A spark hit him, and he drew away perplexed. "Not good…" He saw Kirara's pained expression. "Don't worry; we'll get you out of those chains."

Inuyasha dodged yet another attack aimed for him. How long would Tingle keep this up? He was growing irritated by it all. "Would you knock it off already?! What the hell is your deal?!"

Tingle sobbed and again raised his fist. "I thought you were my friend!"

He rolled out of the way, just as the teacher in Clock Town had instructed him, and strange enough, it was effective. Inuyasha couldn't believe the shit that happened to him in Termina, and he blamed most of it on Link and Shippo. If there was ever a time when he needed his sword, it would be now. Of course he wouldn't do any damage to the guy, but he just wanted to knock him out cold. "What the hell would make you think that?!"

The giant's shoulders shook. "But didn't you like Tingle's maps?"

Inuyasha stopped dodging and glared at him. "I didn't want any of your stickin maps! I told you leave me alone!"He shouted at the surprised Tingle."But, no you had to insist on being an annoyance!" Well, it was the truth anyways. How many times had he run in to that pipsqueak? Too many on his count.

Tingle's lip trembled."Is that what you really think of me?"

"Yes! Haven't you been listening?" Inuyasha pointed at the massive fire. "Now look what you've done! You've ruined everything!"

"But I thought…" He sniffed. "I was helping you!"

Golden eyes narrowed. "If you want to help, you should shut up and get out of the way!" Sheesh, it wasn't difficult, but no, he had to make everything problematic.

Put down and broken hearted, Tingle unleashed a wave of tears. He had wanted to get back his watch and help his friend that was all. Automatically, Tingle fell onto his rump and sobbed an agonizing loud sob. "I thought…Fuh fuh fuh fuh, you were my fuh fuh fuh fuh friend!"

To the sidelines, Miroku sighed at the damage his friend had caused. "I pity the fellow…such cruelness as always…"

With rage, Inuyasha half turned and glared at the stationary monk. "Shouldn't you be helping!?"

Miroku shook his head disappointedly. "Now, now Inuyasha, he's very fragile at this moment. Why not try being nice for a change and make up with the guy? He just wanted to help."

"Me?! Apologize to that?!" Inuyasha pointed to the massive fairy boy. "Not a chance!"

"Fuh fuh fuh fuh."

Inuyasha's ear twitched ever so slightly, and he glared at Tingle. "That's really getting annoying! Quit with that obnoxious sniffling already! Grow up! Are you a man or are a fairy?"

The tears subsided, and the sob lessened. While he rubbed at his eyes vigorously, Tingle stared down at the male and pondered. What was he doing getting all upset? There was no reason for him to think so little of his friend. After all, only a good friend would try to cheer him up. He smiled joyously and raised his arms above him. "That's right! I'm a fairy!"

Again, Inuyasha's ears twitched, only this time in stupidity. "That's not what I meant…"

"Good job Inuyasha! Way to get through to him!" Miroku shouted from a safe distance.

Inuyasha raised his fist to the monk. "Shut up Miroku! I didn't ask for your opinion!" He looked back at the enthusiastic giant. "Well, now that you've stopped wailing, just sit there and stay out of the way!"

Link called out to the monk. "Miroku! Get the weapons!" He yelled, and upon Miroku's baffled stare, Link clarified. "Over there, next to the throne!"

A smile graced his expression suddenly, and the monk darted across the room in the middle of the chaos. Once there, he found Link's sword, bow and arrows, even lady Kagome's light arrows. When he looked behind them, he found a familiar blue sword which belonged to a certain half demon. An agonizing noise reached his ears, and when he turned to look back at Link, he found his shoulder bleeding excessively. A pained expression laced his countenance, and he was exhausted. "Link!" Before he could run over, Link glared in his direction.

"Stay away!" He warned. Right now, it was too dangerous to even get near Aveil, and he didn't want anyone else hurt. Link was determined to end this.

Overhearing this, Inuyasha gritted his teeth. Just like the brat to not want help. Before he could throw a comment at the boy, something happened. Well…two things happened. For starters, Tingle fell down hard onto his rump and unleashed a furry of tears that gushed down his pitiful face. If that wasn't disgusting enough for Inuyasha, then it was the snot dripping from his red nose. The other thing that distracted his attention away from the green giant was the power that suddenly resonated from the scepter that Link and Aveil struggled with.

Realizing that Link might get himself killed, Inuyasha raced to his side, but he wasn't fast enough, nor was Miroku. "Link! You idiot! Get away from her!" He bellowed, but his warning was ignored.

Finally, for what seemed like a relentless struggle, Link seized full claim over the magic scepter and backed away from the exhausted woman. Finally, he would end this. He would put a stop to Aveil's wickedness and restore order in Great Bay. With the scepter raised high in the air, Link brought it down hard toward the floor.

"No!" Aveil cried out, but it was too late, the orb shattered immediately after impact, and all that was left was a useless rod and a vapor of purplish smoke. She glared at the boy who dared cross her path. The wretched fool!

The magic which had cursed Tingle, lifted, and in a bright light, he was his average small self again, only unconscious and worthless to everyone in the room. By his side, was a fallen watch which he had been so earnest to reclaim.

The darkened clouds which had hung over Great Bay diminished, and in return, was the blue sky with orange and reds off in to the horizon. Above the land was the eclipse with the same moon phase as before.

Kagome gasped when all of the mutants had stopped their movements. A blade, which had been so close to hurting the girl, was not a threat any longer. With widened eyes, she witnessed, as did the males, the obliteration of the mutants; all at once, they turned to ash, and their weapons fell to the ground in a clatter of noise. Thankfully, no one was fatally wounded and the children were safe. "We did it!"

Kauji, who had only suffered a slight scratch, grew overjoyed. He raised his sword above him, and with excitement filling his gills, he cheered; the rest of the Zoras raised their own weapons and couldn't be happier. "We've won!"

"K-Kagome!" A small innocent voice cried out. Meplin wrapped her arms around the woman with tears streaming down her face. "Are you okay?"

She hugged the child close. "Yes. I'm glad all of you are safe," Kagome indicated to the young ones that surrounded her and Kauji.

A smile tugged at the male's lips, and Kauji wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms, but he thought better of it. Something bothered him, and he knew that if he prolonged this, then the priestess would grow angry with him. While her attention was diverted to the young ones, Kauji slipped away.

The moment he reached his room, he walked over to the small container with a pink light fluttering inside, and he took the lid off. "I'm sorry. I only wanted her to fall in love with me…" He muttered.

Finally freed at last, Serena stretched her wings and looked at the saddened Zora who had imprisoned her for some time. "You jerk! There was no reason for you to put me in a bottle!"

"Again…I apologize."

"What have you done to Kagome and Sango?! Where's Link?!"

Kauji felt a headache emerge and waved his hands in front of him frantically. "I haven't done anything to them! I swear!"

Serena growled. "I overheard you and the other males gossiping! You two were going to try to keep the girls here for yourselves! Tell me that isn't sick?! For your information, you're not human! Kagome and Sango would never, NEVER, see you as anything else!"

It hurt, those words the tiny fairy shouted. She was right; Kauji was just a Zora, a water creature with the form of a human, but that was it. He didn't have the skin of a land walker, nor did he have outside intelligence as they did. As much as he really wanted Kagome to see him as something much more, he knew it was impossible, but he didn't want to give up.

He looked at the fairy whose light had dimmed down. "I suppose you're right…"

"Huh? So, you're going to give up on them? Wow, you're smarter than I first thought!" She replied sarcastically. "Don't try another stunt like that again!"

Kauji sweat dropped. "I wouldn't dream of it…"

OOO

Link fell back exhausted; he didn't have the strength to stand at the moment. However, he couldn't help but smirk at his achievement. He did it. He put an end to the destruction. Looking around the room, he found that Kirara was freed from her chains and mewing happily, and Tingle had transformed back in to his original form. Regrettably, he had another problem, and it stood over him threateningly. He eyed the red headed leader. What could she do now? She was outnumbered four to one.

"He was right when he said you were a threat! You and those people!" Aveil voiced. In her hand she held a long spear, its blade strangely sharpened. The woman towered over him menacingly. "I should have put an end to you from the beginning…Now, die!" She plunged the blade for his heart, and Link could do nothing but roll out of harm's way.

Link's shirt ripped in the process, but Aveil relentless attacks didn't end there. With each thrust, Link managed to barely dodge, and the fact that his legs wouldn't do as he wanted, he struggled.

A familiar looking staff blocked Aveil's spear, and a certain monk took charge, however, he was pushed back near the flames that now engulfed the room. Miroku went to stand, but Inuyasha took over Miroku's place.

"Can't you guys do anything right?!" With his sword in his hand, he charged at Aveil, who in turn did the same. Their blades collided, and each fought for superiority. Aveil wasn't merciless, and neither was Inuyasha in his human state. With each clang, the sword's mystical light brightened, and soon, Aveil was pushed back by the powerful force.

Picking himself off the floor, Link reached for his sword which laid absently on the floor, along with his and Kagome's arrows. 'Someone wanted me dead?' Link thought back to what Aveil said. It wasn't just that, but according to her, whoever it was, he had purposely wanted to put the gang in to a trap, and he and the guys fell for it and were lured to the fortress. 'No, we weren't lured'. Link wasn't a fool and neither was Miroku and Inuyasha; they'd been through many battles and even Shippo was wary of going in to such a terrifying place.

Noticing Link reach for his sword, Inuyasha groaned as he continued to overpower Aveil. "Just get back and let me handle this!" He yelled, and Link did not move, but rather he watched the sword's light engulfed Inuyasha just as before on the beach. A pulse resonated on his person, and Inuyasha decided to deliver the final blow. "Take this!" A fury of white and blue lightening soared from the blade and flew toward Aveil who watched with surprise.

The attack did more damage than anyone originally thought. As the fire spread closer to the individuals, a powerful discharge escaped Inuyasha's blade. Not only was the fortress caught up in flames, but now a crackling release of lightning from Inuyasha's weapon blew a hole in the ceiling.

Inuyasha smirked. "Took care of her! Now, to deal with you," he referred to Link, who sat there and watched as the male loomed over him. "Stop trying to play hero all the time!" He yelled. "We're all a team, and when you and Shippo ran off like that, do you realize how much danger you put yourselves in?!" He questioned, and upon Link's silences, he sighed. "Kagome would kill me if something happened to you guys…"

From the destruction of the fortress, a figure rose up from behind Inuyasha, baring a sharp blade which she readied to strike him with. "Don't think this is over!"

Not expecting this, Inuyasha looked over his shoulder with surprised eyes. 'What the?! I thought she was caught up in the blast?'

Link reached for his boomerang and threw it, careful of not hitting Inuyasha in the process. It soared at Aveil, and it collided with her shoulder, but she only winced, but that did not hinder her murderous attack on him.

Before Inuyasha or Miroku could do anything, a jar collided with the mistress's head, and the shards fell to the floor in a clatter. After that, Aveil released an agonized groan and collapsed upon the floor of the fortress.

Standing over the woman stood a replica of the same woman, only smaller and younger in appearance. "Finally! You guys were taking too long…"

Inuyasha pointedly stared. "You're that little girl!"

She smiled. "The name's Amber!" She introduced herself. "And thanks for all you've done!"

"Huh? Wait…aren't you on her side?" He was already confused.

Noticing the nearing flames, Miroku seated himself onto Kirara and shouted to his friends. "We'll discuss this later! Right now, we need to get out of here!"

After everyone, except Inuyasha, boarded the large feline, Inuyasha grabbed the child and grabbed onto Kirara's tail. In moments, they escaped through the opened hole in the ceiling, and flew through the sky.

Very soon they were above the beach, and it was there that they spotted the hostages and their friends waiting for them below. Even males were gathered around the beach, along with Sango, Kagome and Serena; there were two other figures down below, one which he recognized but the other he didn't. It was over. It was finally over.

Jumping off Kirara, Miroku ran to Sango's side and grasped her hands in his own. "Sango…"

A blush darkened her face. "Miroku…" When she spotted rips and tears in his robes, she grew worried. "You're not hurt, are you? Are you okay?"

He threw his arms around her, much to her surprise. "Now that I know you're alright, I couldn't be better, my dear, sweet Sango." His hand reached down and groped the slayer, though she leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed.

"M-miroku…" With a raised fist, she smacked him in the face.

Kagome ran to Inuyasha's side joyously though she didn't hug him. Thank god he and everyone else were okay. "You guys took forever!" When she looked around, she inspected his and everyone else's injuries. "Oh no! What happened?" The guys were a wreck.

Suddenly, a strange white glow emanated from Inuyasha, and in but a few moments of silence and staring, familiar dog ears and silver hair returned, and the human part of him diminished. "So now I decide to change back? Figures!"

Worriedly, Kagome ran over to Link, who was injured the most out of everyone else. "Link, are you alright?" She examined his injuries, and saw his burns, his new tunic ripped, and the burns upon his legs and shoulder. He even had a black eye, and Kagome winced. Whatever they went through must have been terrible. She placed a hand to his face, not noticing the blush he wore. "You're just a mess, aren't you?" A thought clicked in her head. "I can heal you."

Embarrassed, Link pushed her hand away from him. "I'm fine. There's no need."

"Just let me see it."

Link did not listen. "I said I'm fine." There was no reason for her to just heal his wounds. Besides, he had a red potion that would work just as well. Honestly, he didn't want her to use her powers too much on such a petty wound.

"It'll only take a second," Kagome explained. The priestess laid her hands upon his shoulder, and she eased the pain. Once that was taken care of, she healed his eye and the burns on his legs and shoulder. After that, she pulled away. "There! You're a new man!" She smiled, and at this, Link's blush darkened; he averted his eyes elsewhere.

Jealous, Inuyasha couldn't help but growl. Why was she giving Link the good treatment? He was injured too! "Hey! What about me? You never go out of your way to heal me?"

Not even sparing him a glance, Kagome explained, "Half the time you don't even want me to! So why are you complaining now?"

Annoyed, the half demon crossed his arms and turned away from her. "Just forget about it! I don't care!"

Joyously, Serena fluttered to her companions and circled him. "Oh Link, you won't believe what I went through while you were gone!"

"How are you feeling?" He asked and as the fairy landed in to his palm, he went on. "Do you feel dizzy or tired?"

The fairy grew quiet for a moment, and pondered. At the moment she felt fine, and she was not pained in the least. "I feel fine."

For now, Link believed her, but he was still worried since she almost died a short while ago. The drainage of magic was sapped from the Great Fairy and without her magic, she could not live; Serena, as all other fairies live by this means and without it…Link didn't want to think negatively. He wouldn't let his companion die on him.

OOO

Sango held the unconscious Shippo in her arms and frowned deeply. The Zoras had informed her that he had helped in their escape, and it surprised her, since Shippo wasn't feeling well. "He's still fevered…"

Miroku nodded. "I've already given him Lady Kagome's medicine from her world, so it should take affect soon. Right now, we should let Shippo sleep."

The fisherman and the old professor that had been kidnapped gave their thanks to the gang. Apparently, the Zoras who were locked up in the fortress, rescued by Miroku and Shippo, came upon the two men tied up. The minute they expressed their thanks, they departed back to their homes.

While the males and the females conversed and hugged, Kauji was the only male standing alone, and he couldn't help but gaze at the maiden several feet away from him. This would be the last time he would probably ever see her, though he wanted so badly to make her his own. Next to the woman, he saw the half demon from before watching her jealously. He knew that Kagome would most likely forget about himself, but he didn't want that…but he wanted her to at least remember him….no…he would make her remember. With an innocent smile, Kauji sauntered up the female, who turned to greet him happily.

"Kauji, thank you again," she smiled. "And thank you for finding Serena also."

He nodded. "I wish to thank you also, Kagome."

"Hm? Oh it's okay. I didn't do much, really." She laughed. Before she could shake his hand goodbye, she was suddenly pulled against his body, and a gasp escaped her. "K-kauji?" She felt his male features against her, and she blushed.

"Kagome…" He muttered before leaning in towards her face. He pressed the girl against him tighter, and he felt her soft breasts against his chest and the warmth of her sweet breath against his face. He was just about to kiss her on the lips, but thought better of it. Instead, he leaned his lips against her ear. "Thank you." With that, he kissed her on the cheek and then released her.

Serena's light turned red and she verbally shouted upon Link's shoulder. "Hey! What are you doing?!"

Dazed, the priestess couldn't help but blush at his forwardness. "Oh…t-thank you…Kauji."

If that wasn't a surprise for Inuyasha, he didn't know what. "You bastard! How dare you kiss her!" Inuyasha stepped forward to teach him a lesson, but before he could go anywhere, a certain voice halted him.

"Inuyasha…sit."

Miroku and Sango were just as perplexed by the scene as everyone else, but Kagome didn't look the least bit upset. Rather, she defended the Zora.

It was then Sango noticed a young girl standing beside Link, and puzzled she pointed. "Miroku, who is that?"

"Oh that's Amber." The monk explained to Sango that she was with the pirates, but she wanted Inuyasha, Link and himself to finish her off. "I'm guessing she didn't want to stay locked up in that place."

"I would like to thank you for your generosity and courage." An elderly voice explained suddenly, and everyone, including Inuyasha, looked upon the ruler of the Zoras, who had been standing amidst the crowd for some time listening and watching. He cleared his throat. "Finally, we can be at peace…oh and please take with you the pendant," he explained.

Kagome had almost forgotten. "Oh, you guys got it?"

Link suddenly looked dumbfounded, and so did Miroku and Inuyasha. The three had completely forgotten. They left before grabbing the necklace.

"Damn it!" Inuyasha cursed. "How the heck could we forget?"

Amber laughed and pulled a familiar looking necklace out of her shirt. "You mean this?" She asked, and at everyone's surprised expressions, she went on. "I took it from Aveil."

Baffled by this girl, Kagome eyed her clothing and her dark skin. "Who are you?"

"Who I am doesn't matter..."

The priestess blinked but then examined the pendant in the girl's grasp. A blue spear sat in the center of the artifact and she smiled happily. "We did it! Now we have two."

The eldest ruler smiled and walked forward. "I assume you're all on a journey? Then I wish you the best of luck."

Miroku thanked him, and after that, all of the Zoras departed in to the blue gray ocean where they returned to their domain. But there was one Zora who did not leave, but he looked back at Kagome before he followed after the others. Miroku scratched his chin. "Hm…"

With curious eyes, Amber looked at the boy standing next to her, whose eyes were currently focused on a certain priestess. 'This boy…' There was something mysterious about him but also somewhat familiar. Was this the boy that snuck in to the fortress some time back? It had to be. He was the only boy with blonde hair around these parts. With a smirk, she edged herself closer to him. "So…" She began, and when she had Link's baffled stare, she continued. "I just wanted to know why you and your friends wanted the pendant so badly. Is it so important?" She asked.

"Yes…" Link answered. Blue eyes narrowed at her. 'Wait…she doesn't know why it's so important?'

Amber paused and pondered before gazing up at the boy. "And here I thought you were only after the septor…" She held the pendant up to examine it. Honestly, she didn't see anything interesting in it.

Link held his hand out. "It's important that we take this."

A chuckle escaped the pirate. "You want me to just hand it over like that? What do I get in return? Huh?"

The young swordsman blinked. "What?"

A smirk spread across her lips. "If you really want it back, you'll have to give me a kiss," she declared. Amber leaned towards him with her eyes partially closed. "Come on…just one little smooch and you can have the dumb necklace…"

He took a step back, followed by another step. The result ended with Amber's arms thrown around his neck, and Link desperately trying to push her off him, all the while turning his head away. "Not likely…let go!"

"Oh come on! You're no fun!" Again she pressed herself against the boy, but he resisted.

"I said let go!"

Miroku laughed at the scene. "How sweet."

Inuyasha crossed his arms and observed the duo. When Sango and Miroku ambled up to him and Kagome, it was then that he took notice of Shippo gathered in the slayer's arms fast asleep. "Is Shippo alright?"

Sango nodded. "Yes. He'll just have to get some rest. He's completely worn out."

Miroku frowned. "I suppose I'm to blame for that…I shouldn't have let him take me back to the fortress…but then again," His eyes fell onto the half demon standing before him and Kagome. "you might not have…" When he saw Inuyasha's glare, he cleared his throat. "What I'm saying is, you would most likely have—"

"What the hell are you saying Miroku?" Inuyasha fisted his hand. "I was doing perfectly fine! As if a couple of girls could hurt me!"

Kagome looked back and forth between the two. "Girls?"

"Come on!" Amber shouted over the conversation, and when the group turned to look back, they saw Link on the ground, with Amber straddling him. Before Link, nor anyone else could do anything, Amber succeeded. Within seconds, the pendant laid atop Link's chest. "See, that wasn't so bad."

Link rubbed his cheek before he regained his standing; the pendant was grasped in his hand, and he eased away from the girl. He ignored Serena's tittering, and he made sure to keep some distance between himself and the strange girl.

Curious, Miroku approached Amber. "May I ask why you did that back there, the fortress I mean? I was under the impression you were one of them."

She raised her arms behind her head and frowned. "While it may not be any of your business, I'll tell you this. I've always wanted to leave that prison."

Miroku nodded. "What will you do now?"

Amber grinned. "I'm going to travel the world! It's always been my dream. For once in my life, I just want to make something great out of myself." She turned away from everyone. "This is not good bye." She glanced over her shoulder. "We'll see each other again." With that said, she left.

"I'm a little worried…You think she'll be okay out there?" Kagome asked aloud.

Inuyasha crossed his arms. "Why wouldn't she? She was born an amazon."

"So let me get this straight…were the pirates all women then?" She asked, and upon the guys' expressions, she assumed she was right. "But why? Weren't there any men?"

Miroku shook his head, and he ignored the suspicious stare looming from the slayer next to him. "For some odd reason, they hold a grudge against all men. I'm not sure why."

Inuyasha sweat dropped. "Perverts for example…you ought to know that Miroku."

A fire blazed beside the monk, and he did his best to ignore it. "W-what are you saying Inuyasha?"

"Miroku…" Sango began, and it was enough to send chills down the monk's back. "Don't tell me you were more focused on them than the battle..."

Miroku looked at Sango seriously. "Sango, how could you suspect such a thought?"

"Because it's you, Miroku." Sango replied. A twitch developed under her eye. "I find it hard to believe you kept your hands to yourselves after you left the domain."

Disappointedly, Miroku shook his head. "I'm hurt you think that way of me. I would never, especially at a dire time like this, take advantage of a woman. Do I honestly look like a liar Sango?"

Sango turned her head away from the monk and towards Inuyasha. "Is what he says true?"

Inuyasha blinked and then looked at the pleading monk and back to the suspicious slayer. Why was it always him? Miroku owed him for this one, but he knew that sooner or later his actions would be found out. "Miroku was too busy helping me fight off those amazons. I kept my eyes on him the whole time. There."

Kagome was dumbfounded. "Seriously? Wow…"

Miroku inwardly grinned. "See? And to think you had little faith in me…"

Sango eyed him again before she sighed. Somehow, she just didn't believe Inuyasha. Miroku wouldn't miss an opportunity to make a pass at a beautiful woman; and it certainly didn't matter what age or of what rank the girl was either.

A horde of red, orange, purple and many bright colors suddenly swarmed the beach, and it happened so fast, that no one knew what to expect. The colors turned out to be the dyed fabric of revealing clothes that the amazons wore. They each surrounded the monk, who in turn could do nothing but stand there quite stunned and at a lack of words.

"Oh we found you!" One of the girls shouted happily as she threw her arms around the monk's waist and squeezed him affectionately.

Another woman patted the man's back, not caring if her strength hurt or not. "Thought you could get away like that?"

"Did you forget your promise?" Another asked.

Miroku's mouth fell open in shock, and he dreaded what he had done. Although he knew that anyone in his place would have loved this, he knew that the outcome would end badly. He turned to each of the women, and smiled his 'I'm screwed' smile. "Ladies, I thought you all would have escaped and went on your ways by now…"

"Well we are…but we couldn't leave you behind," she winked, and pinched his cheek.

Miroku weakly laughed, and he couldn't help but notice the silent Sango standing a few feet away from him, wearing a passive expression. "I…I never dreamed you'd actually take me up on that…offer…"

They laughed.

"Usually we'd have killed you off for your stunts back at the fortress…but who could resist such a charming man?"

"And now that Aveil is out of the picture, we can do as we like, instead of sneaking out almost every night seeking a man's touch!"

Inuyasha turned away. 'I knew he would be found out…and did I not warn him before he asked them to bear his children?'

Aggravated, Kagome stormed herself up the monk. "Miroku! How could you?!"

One of the women, quite baffled by the priestess, examined her. "Who are you? His woman?"

Flabbergasted, Kagome stepped away and gasped. "What? Me? No!"

While her bangs covered her eyes, Sango's hands clenched and her shoulders shook. "You lecherous monk…you pervert…animal!" Threateningly, she marched past Inuyasha and Kagome, who could do nothing but move out of the line of fire. Instantly, she reached for her boomerang and threw it at the monk and the women.

"Sang—" Miroku threw himself to the ground as did some of the girls. When he saw her approaching figure, he backed away in a panic. "Sango, no! Please! I'm sorry!" With each attack, he ran from her. "Let's talk about this! Don't be rash!"

Kagome shook her head. "I knew it…if he keep this up, Sango will most likely move on…"

The girls stared at the scene and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. It seemed as if something was going on between that woman and the monk.

One of the girls turned to Kagome. "Is he in love with her?"

Kagome was surprised by this question. "Uh…well…yes…"

"I see…" She turned to her sisters. "Then we must take our leave." At her sister's complaints, she continued. "There are more men out there than we can count. Farewell."

One of the girls, who had been following her sister, stopped and turned around. "Wait…" Before anyone knew what to expect, she latched herself onto Link's arm excitedly. "What about him?! He's a cutie!"

The girls turned around and examined the boy from before.

Panicked, Kagome grasped Link's other arm and pulled him away. "You're not taking him!"

"Huh?" The girl glared at the ebony haired girl. "Why not? Don't tell me you're in love with him?" Upon Kagome's blush, she released the boy. "Oh well, sorry. I didn't know." She turned her back to Kagome and Link and marched away until she and the others disappeared from view.

After they departed from the beach, Inuyasha and Kagome sighed. Link on the other hand handed the pendant to Inuyasha, who took it without hesitation. Serena, who had remained quiet for a while, merely sat on her partner's shoulder, watching as the Slayer chased Miroku in the distance with her giant boomerang.

Kagome's blush did not falter. Out of nowhere, she had just reached for Link, desperate to pull him away from the stranger. She knew Link could take care of himself, but she didn't understand what came over her. 'Why did I do that? Come on Kagome, focus.'

"Get back here!" Sango shouted menacingly.

Out of breath, Miroku's legs did not waver. Eventually, he returned to Inuyasha's side. "Not a chance!"

Something underneath Sango's foot tripped her suddenly, and prepared to catch herself, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. It wasn't only her who was surprised, but so was everyone else, including the monk, who looked on with peculiar interest.

"That was a close call…" A deep masculine voice muttered in to her ear, and on instinct, Sango grabbed his arm and pushed him in front of her so that he landed in to the sand.

"You!" She glared. "What do you want?" She grasped her boomerang in case he might try something.

Minarv smirked and innocently regained his footing. "I only wished to catch you before you fell…I wouldn't want that beautiful face of yours to get scratched…"

Kagome blinked from the sidelines. "Hey…that's the guy who challenged Sango in the tournament!"

"Who?" Asked Inuyasha.

Miroku remembered. Minarv was the Zora that defeated Sango. "That's right…but I thought he returned to the domain…What could he possibly want?" Upon his close proximity to Sango, he narrowed his eyes.

Inuyasha shrugged. "Beats me, but doesn't he seem a little too close to Sango?" He asked, which immediately discomforted a certain monk.

Sango backed away with her glare still fixed firmly on her face. "What do you need?"

"I only wished to see you…" Before Sango could pull out of his reach, he grasped her readied arm and pulled her against his naked form. "Don't tell me you forgot our kiss?" He used his other hand to gently stroke her luscious brown locks.

Miroku, who was upset with his boldness, clenched his hands. "Hey!" He didn't understand what he meant by him and Sango…they kissed? Impossible! "Let her go!"

Kagome gasped. "What's this?" When had that taken place? Surely Sango wouldn't ever cheat on Miroku. The guy wasn't even human for goodness sake. It had to be a lie. Kagome knew Sango better than any of her other teammates.

Minarv glanced at Miroku curiously. "Oh…you're that human…can't you see I'm a little busy?" While Sango struggled in his hold, he couldn't resist lowering his hand upon her waist. "Why don't you become my mate? No one else is good enough."

"I told you..." Sango reached her knee up and kicked him hard. "to let go!" When he fell down and clutched himself, she aimed her weapon. "I don't want your eggs, and I certainly don't want you!"

Minarv reached forward to grab her, but he was suddenly pushed to the ground rather roughly from behind.

"Don't you dare lay another finger on my woman!" Miroku shouted. He raised his fist and hit Minarv over the head. "You hear me?!" He continued the assault on the defenseless Zora, while he voiced his complaints and shouted obscene names at the male.

Kagome's mouth curved in to a joyous grin and she clasped her hands together. Finally, Miroku said it. But now she wondered what Sango would do. Although Miroku was a total screw up when it came to women, he did have his good qualities.

Sango's eyes fell on the irate monk, and she couldn't help but blush at the 'woman' part. He wasn't serious, was he? She narrowed her gaze and turned back to the group, leaving a puzzled monk behind.

Kagome sighed. Figures, but she was on Sango's side completely. Of course she couldn't just change her feelings for the monk so easily, especially since he flirted and made empty promises to the pirates.

"Sango…" Miroku watched after her. He dropped the Zora and followed after her.

Once they were done with their task in Great Bay, the grouped headed onward. Sango, who walked beside Kagome, trudged a safe distance from the monk and also away from a lying half demon. Link and Serena walked a little behind the monk, but next to Inuyasha on their way.

Considering all the mishaps that occurred during their time there, Kagome couldn't help but smile a small smile. When she stopped, she pondered to herself. They got to meet the friendly Zoras and Sango even got to participate in the tournament. "This was sort of fun…"

Hearing this, Link, who now stood beside the girl, nearly had a whiplash moment. He stared dumbfounded at the priestess. "What?"

Kagome didn't answer, but instead smiled at him before walking on ahead, leaving everyone else to stare after her.

Inuyasha couldn't help but feel annoyed. "What the hell was so fun? We had to do all the work!"

Forgetting that he was upset, Miroku leaned in close to the half demon. "I don't believe she heard you, Inuyasha." Upon Kagome's merry little skip with her hands behind her back, he whispered in to his ear. "After what I have witnessed my friend, I am more concerned now of what kind of fun Lady Kagome is referring to…" He remembered how Kauji had suddenly kissed the girl, and Kagome didn't do anything but sit Inuyasha.

Also a little suspicious, Link couldn't help but agree, and Serena, who had seen the entire thing, looked at Link and then back to everyone else.

Perplexed and a little frustrated, Inuyasha ran after the priestess. "Hey! Kagome! What kind of fun were you talking about?!" When she ignored him, he grew irritated. "Hey!"

In mid-walk, Kagome turned on the half demon. "Sit!"

After the cloud of dust disappeared, Inuyasha stood before the angered priestess. "What was that for?!"

"For butting in to my business! Just who do you take me for anyway, Inuyasha?!" She asked.

Inuyasha growled. "Well you don't have to bite my head off, I was just wondering!" He turned his back on the girl.

A thought came to the monk suddenly. "What happened to Tingle?"

Suddenly distracted by the strange name, Kagome looked away from Inuyasha and all her eyes to settle on Miroku. "Who?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha shrugged. "Who cares?!"

Miroku ignored him. "A friend of Inuyasha's…"

Positively upset by that reply, the half demon growled. "Friend?! No way in hell!" Inuyasha declared.

Miroku mused. "It seems we forgot to ask for those maps he promised us…how unfortunate…" he muttered sadly. He then wondered if the little guy managed to escape from the fire.

For a moment, Inuyasha watched the mixed emotions cross his friend's face, and that was when he remembered. He reached in to his sleeve and held out a few parchments. "You mean these?"

Sango and Kagome examined the papers. "What are those?"

Surprised, the monk took the maps. "How did you come in to possession of these maps?"

"I took them from Tingle, what do you think?" he explained indifferently.

Kagome narrowed her gaze. "You mean you stole them? Inuyasha!"

Miroku sighed and shook his head with great disappointment. "It would have been best to ask politely instead of committing a theft…"

"What makes the difference?" Upon his friend's displeased stares, he grew frustrated. "Why do you think the worst of me?! I went out of my way to save your sorry asses, and this is the thanks I get?" So what if he stole them from the paunchy man while he was unconscious, at least he wasn't a pervert like Miroku.

Miroku retaliated. "Don't forget that Link and I also participated in the fight."

Besides the fact that Inuyasha stole the maps, Sango couldn't be any more pleased. "Then our journey will be much easier with these…"

The priestess nodded. "You're right."

The sun was setting off in to the horizon, and the sky darkened sky that signaled dusk would soon meet them. The eclipse still hovered above them, and while it was almost night, the ocean sparkled beautifully. Now that the second pendant was found, they would continue their journey in search of the next.