Heart blood and soul

Alright, now that I have configured stuff and done all this interesting things, hopefully my html will work, if not well then we will all learn to deal, correct? Good.

Ok, before I grace you with a huge apology for making you wait so long, let me just say that the reviews make such a huge difference. Inutaisho was only suppose to have a very brief appearance. But, as you can tell that didn’t happen. He’s now become a semi-important character. It’s amazing.
Now for the groveling... GOMEN NASAI!!!! Especially to you Toby-kun! I had NO clue that you were waiting so patiently for this chapter. I didn’t even know you had finished with the 18 chapters. *Hugs Toby* Anyway, onto the next chapter!!!
Oh… and forewarning, my beta is under extreme punishment i.e. she is banned from the computer, therefore she will not be able to beta, so hopefully with the spelling and grammar thing on here, as well as extra read-overs this chapter won’t be terrterrible.

Thank you GothicBlacre, SsinurnSolen, Crystal Reene, Leomae, InuYashaGurl_14, Mellie, and atlas-86 for reviewing.

atlas-86: I leave your question’s answer all to the fact that this story’s first genre isn’t romance, and since that’s the case people won’t go looking for anything else, since the romance section itself is so freakinrge.rge. Also I update sparingly, if you can’t tell, but who knows. Luckily as long as I get one review I’m happy and I continue writing. But anyway, thank you so much for the review. I am really happy to see that there has been enough of a change in my writing that my readers notice. And hopefully the end of the story will be up to your expectations.

Chapter 18 -The calm before the storm-
Maeko’s eyes shot up as her hand landed where her heart should be, her mouth going dry as she felt a part of her soul leave her. The monk sitting next to her looked at her with concern as her other hand went up to cover her brown eyes, catching the tears that fell from them.

“Maeko-san, what’s the matter?” The monk asked, laying a hand on her shoulder.

Maeko brd thd the hand off her shoulder as the pain shot through her heart again. “I need, fresh air.” She muttered, walking out of the temple.

When she reached the outskirts of the village she broke into a run. Her kimono though slowed her run to a very slow jog. Maeko looked up from the ground where she had been staring at all throughout her run and blinked right before she collided with the demon in front of her.

The strong arms of Inutaisho wrapped around the clay body before he lifted her up bridal style and carried her off to where Aran was.

Maeko, extremely frightened by what was occurring, started to struggle in Inutaisho’s hold. “Who are you? Where the hell are you taking me?8;
Inutaisho remained impassive as one of her flailing arms hit his cheek. Then in a low voice he spoke. “I am the former lord of the Western Lands. I am the one who came to your mate in his sleep to help Kaida and Ookami. Your mate is injured-”

Maeko growled softly, stopping her struggle as his explanation set in. “I know my mate is injured. I can feel it. Why is he injured?”

“He fought a very strong spawn of Naraku called Baka. He finally managed to kill the demon, but it took lots of time and energy and the wounds that Aran suffered might become fatal if not treated in time.” Inutaisho then went silent, merely gazing ahead.

Maeko gasped in surprise, tightening her hold on Inutaisho’s armor as he picked up his speed, jumping into the trees before lag atg at a cave’s entrance. Inutaisho put Maeko down and nodded to her that it was safe to step into the cave.

Maeko took a step forward, squinting her eyes to adjust to dim light the dawn sun was giving off. Her foot dragged forward, hitting something hard, before dragging back. She ld bad back at Inutaisho for reassurance, and at his nod she bent down, resting her hand on the cold and damp flesh of her mate.

“He’s-he’s- he’s cold..48; 48; She whispered, looking with helpless eyes to Inutaisho. “Help him... onegai.” With that she fainted.
******
Kagome watched as her daughter shifted closer to Ookami, nestling into the wolf’s chest. Kagome smiled slightly before she turned and walked out of the room, shutting the door only to meet the contemplating looks of her mate and Kouga.

“Inuyasha, do you think that what Ookami said was true? Naraku really isn’t going to hold anything back?” Kagome asked, stepping up to her mate.

Inuyasha shook his head, not knowing how to answer that question. “I’m not sure mate. I’m not at all sure. I will not put it past him though. He wants the jewel and he will stop at nothing to get it. Naraku has already done enough to get this far, waiting 300 odd years. His patience has probably run out.”

Kouga nodded his agreement. “I guess we should train some more.” The wolf stretched, casting glances at the pair. “I haven’t done that since Tama left I suppose.”

Inuyasha shook his head again. “Wolf, go back to your pack. Your mate is pregnant and you know you won’t be able to think without her being there. Go home.”

Kouga glared at his friend’s proposition. “What is it you're saying puppy? That I’m not focused? You will need all the help yon gen get in this battle. You heard what my son said; Naraku is holding nothing back. What good would it do for the battle if I were sitting up there in my cave watching over my mate!”

Kagome sighed, stepping between the two arguing canines. “Kouga-kun, I have to agree with my mate. You aren’t that focused on the task at hand. But I promise that if we need you, we will call for you.”

Kouga was about to protest but then he looked into Kagome’s blue eyes pleading for him to go to his mate and he relented. “Fine, but only for you Kagome. Tama better not chew me apart for abandoning you in the time of battle. I feel no better then I’m sure the future Ookami felt. Running away from a battle at a time like this.” Kougghedghed and he turned heel. “Tell Ookami where I am, and that I’m not running away from this battle. Got that, inu-koro?” <A/N: I think that’s how you spell that. I usually don’t use tapanapanese that I’m not sure about the spelling but... it just sounds better than dog-shit, am I right?>

Kagome nodded, laying a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder to stop him from retorting to Kouga’s jest. “I’ll tell Ookami when he wakes up.”

Kouga nodded. “Thanks Kagome, I would drag the pup with me... but I sense that he would murder me if I left Kaida behind in this mess. Hopefully Tama will understand.” Kouga visibly shuddered. “That woman can extract the claws when she’s pregnant. I’m sure you get what I’m saying, right Inuyasha.”

Inuyasha nodded, looking fearfully when Kagome shot him a glare. “Yeah... as you can tell.”

Kagome rolled her eyes, her angry demeanor leaving. “I swear Inuyasha, you stare down the most fearsome youkai, but put you against your pregnant mate and you cower in fear.”

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome with a raised eyebrow. “Well have you ever seen yourself angry? Seriously, it’s freaky.”

The fire in Kagome’s eyes lit back up andga sga sighed. “I believe it is called foot in mouth disease, and Inuyasha, my friend, you seem to be fluent in it.” Kouga turned heel and walked away, intending on catching up with Sesshomaru to explain why he goi going to leave.
*****
Inutaisho for once was in total and absolute silence as he ran back to his castle. He had returned Aran back to the village, having to carry both Maeko and the injured neko because Maeko refused to leave her mate’s side. He was now running back to his castle so that Maeko could ask Sesshomaru to use the tenseiga to save her mate.

Inutaisho had to pry the distressed woman away and tell her it was pressing that they return to the Western Lands and ask Sesshomaru to use tenseiga. So now he was running to his son’s castle, cradling the distraught woman to his chest to ensure the up most speed.

Inutaisho narrowed his amber eyes, making the far off castle much more clearer to his vision. He was only about 3 miles away now.

“Maeko-san. Make sure you are awake. We will be arriving at the castle shortly.” His voice was sharper than he had intended but he didn’t try to think on it too much, knowing doing so at a time as crucial as this moment would not be good.

The brown haired woman nodded, adjusting herself so she could take in her surroundings as they passed by in a flurry. “I am awake, Taiyoukai.”

“Inutaisho.” He corrected softly.

Maeko stiffened at the name, not understanding why. “What did you say?”

Inutaisho did not answer her question as he picked up his speed. “We are almost there Maeko-san. Only a short minute or so.”

Maeko nodded, her mind becoming over loaded with images of Aran and his condition. Her mind did not even return to what Inutaisho had mentioned before. And for that reason the former lord was happy.
*****
Naraku watched his newest creation start to take form around the dark magic. His plan of attack was set, all the strategies laid out. He knew all of his opponents’ weaknesses and he was ready to confront each weakness. And if anything, his newest creation would stop them in their tracks.

He had known that the neko would kill Baka; the demon had not been thatthat strong. The purpose of the beast had been served, and now he almost had his two most powerful creations at his beck and call.

Naraku knew that the first fighter, Rin, rested in her chambers; the liquid he had Makato slip into the lady’s drink would make her sleep until he awoke her. Makato had been the first creature he had created once he had Kikyo by his side. She was much like Kanna, and just as faithful, unlike her sister had been.

The second fighter was being created from pure genius. He was a pure creature made out of dark magic. This fighter’s appearance would be the turning point in this upcoming battle.

Naraku felt the coldness of the room as Kikyo stepped in from her bath, the robes falling from the reborn miko’s body in a clean sweep. He paid his mate no mind as he heard the crinkle of silk and linen, knowing Kikyo was just making a show sprung from impatience. He would play his mate’s game until she spoke her dislike for his time consuming plots and plans.

Kikyo gave a heavy sigh, dropping next to Naraku with a light thump and draping herself across his chest. “Naraku. I am growing tired of your insistence for patience. If you do not strike soon then they will find where we are residing and instigate this fight!”

Naraku chuckled lightly, cupping Kikyo’s chin. “But Kikyo-koi, I have already instigated the attack. I did so when I sent Baka after Kaida and that bastard Ookami. The wolf, Kouga and his mate will not be fighting, her being pregnant. Neither will Aran, the cat demon. Therefore the only one’s I must worry about are Inuyasha and his mate.”

Kikyo raised a delicate eyebrow. “Why only those two? Are others not fighting as well? What about those hanyou brats, or that annoying kitsune? Or even Sesshomaru?”

Naraku chuckled evilly. “In good time my mate. In good time.”

Kikyo glared at him. “When is ‘in good time?’ And if you can not tell me then at least give me some hint as to what you plan to do to the148;148;

Naraku again just chuckled evilly. “In good time is when I decide that it should occur. They are in my hands; I am not in their hands. And I say that this battle will start soon.”

“But how soon?” Kikyo was on the verge of whining and Naraku just shook his head.

“Give me a week at the latest. They will all be dead before the week is over.” Naraku said pecking a kiss on her lips.

Kikyo moaned lightly for more. “Why must you be so mysterious about your ideas? I guarantee they will be genius.”

Naraku did nothing but smirk. &;It ;It doesn’t matter, my mate. They are of no concern to me tonight. Maybe later on, but not tonight.”
***** <Why do I always do that. I swear it wasn’t supposed to turn out like that, but I think it went over very well in the long run. Anyway, onwards!>

Sesshomaru and Kouga looked up from where they were discussing the arrangements that would be made if Kouga needed to be contacted. Sesshomaru tilted his nose up and sniffed the air delicately. “My father has brought someone with him.”

Kouga nodded. “Should we go and greet them?”

Sesshomaru said nothing as he stood, walking out of the room, knowing Kouga would follow him out of curiosity. When the reached the outside borders within the castle Kouga and Sesshomaru were met by the curious Ryu, Shippo and Inu-Kana. All three boys looked up as their grandfather seemed to sail down from the other side of the castle wall, a woman clutching his robes tightly.

Sesshomaru stepped forward, silently telling everyone else to take a step back and not interrupt. “Father?”

Inutaisho looked up after he had placed Maeko onto her feet. Ryu and Shippo involuntarily took another step back, wondering who now inhabited the dead miko’s body. Inutaisho took no notice of their behavior as he gave Maeko a pat forward, indicating her her to tell Sesshomaru what she wanted him to do.

Sesshomaru looked at the shivering girl with a lazy expression. It was obvious to him that she was afraid to ask him to save her mate. He never truly saw himself that intimidating but he decided to allow her to ask him the question so that it was perfectly clear as to what she wanted him to do. “And how in anyway does it concern this Sesshomaru?”

Sesshomaru inwardly winced at the language he used to address the poor woman. He had long ago abandoned the habit of talking in the third person. Rin’s habit of doing the same thing when she was younger had taught him how silly it sounded. Now he only used it during diplomatic disputes, and even then it was a rarity.

Maeko, to her credit, didn’t wince as much as she wanted to at the cold tone that the lord used. She didn’t like his aura nor was she in anyway emotionally stable at the moment. As she tried to speak, her words fumbled before the tears came and she fell to the ground in a state of emotional distress.

Immediately Kagome was by her side, having finally become curious as to who was inside the clay body that Inutaisho had brought back. Inuyasha hung back by his sons, looking on with dulled interest as his mate comforted the poor woman.

Kagome helped Maeko to her feet and when the woman fell back to the ground she sent a glance to Inuyasha asking him to carry her. Inuyasha did so, lifting Maeko up and following Kagome into the castle, drawing the mob to follow them. Sango met them at the entrance, looking perplexed for a moment before her maternal instincts kicked in as well.

The men watched with mild interest as the two females calmed the hysterical woman down enough to understand a fair amount of the story. After Maeko had fallen asleep, which didn’t take too long, Kagome stood up and walked over to where the men were standing. She noticed that Ryu, Shippo and Inu-Kana had all left, but Kouga still remained. That was of no concern to her though, as she walked up to first Inutaisho and then Sesshomaru, slapping each of them squarely across the face.

Neither inu-youkai said anything as Kagome glared at them, before she went off on her lecture, Inutaisho being her first person to attack. “How could you do that to her? The woman had just almost lost her mate! She is distressed and only desires to be by her mate’s side, and you forcibly pulled her away from him.”

Kagome then turned to Sesshomaru, her blue eyes filled with rage and her ears twitching madly. “And you! You, you pompous ass, had the gull to intimidate the woman. You knew she wasn’t mentally stable and you intimidated her! You questioned her motives! I’m not asking that you had been empathetic, or that you should have been even sympathetic. I just would have hoped that you would be nicer to the woman. Now I expect both of you to go to her village, return her to her mate’s side, and Sesshomaru, you better damn well heal him or else I will hunt you down.”

Sesshomaru and Inutaisad sad stood as still as statues since the moment Kagome’s palm had connected to their cheeks. They didn’t know what to say. The aura Kagome exuded was far different from her usual angry aura, this one demanded attention.

Both youkai knew that to argue with the “alpha female” was dangerous, and even though Kagome followed a different branch of the “pack” she still held leverage over them, being that she was female and part of the over all family.

Inutaisho was the first to turn away, motioning his eldest son to follow him. Sesshomaru, however, did not do as his father commanded. Instead he looked Kagome square in the eye, and though he knew he could not physical harm his brother’s mate, he could answer her coldly and show no disrespect which would cause harm to the obvious instinct drive she was on.

“I meant no disdain to the woman. She did not make it clear what my part was in the death and resurrection of her husband. Was I to kill him and then bring him back to life with the stroke of tenseiga? Or was I merely to wait for the neko to die, which could have taken however long. We are short on time, Kagome-san, if you do not recall. When I return from saving this woman’s mate, I expect to see the wolf gone, and everyone else training. Naraku is going to attack soon. When he sent that demon to kill Ookami and Kaida it was like a declaration of battle. I give Naraku a week’s time before he shows himself. And he will show himself through the most likely place.” Sesshomaru did not finish, leaving the unanswered question hanging in the air.

As the demon lord turned away he saw his father walking out with the woman within Kikyo’s shell held in his arms. Sesshomaru nodded to his father until his eyes met with the taijiya that followed after him. Sango raised an eyebrow at the lord’s cold glare and Sesshomaru shot Kagome a glance, before shifting his gaze back to Sango. And then both demons were gone.
*****
Kaida looked up from where she lay, looking around the dim room. She felt Ookami breathing beside her, and noticed that he still slept. She realized that she was still tired; her energy not returned yet from the soul exchange that she had participated in with Maeko. Her body still felt new, and she didn’t feel connected with it at all, much like that clay body Naraku had imprisoned her in.

She felt two arms wrap around her waist, Ookami was starting to stir because of her activity. “What are you doing awake Kaida-koi? Aren’t you still tired? I know I am.”

Kaida giggled lightly, moving to rest her hand over Ookami’s. “I know Ookami, but something woke me up. Like something was calling to me.”

This admission woke Ookami up, his tiredness getting overridden by his fear for Kaida. “Who would be calling you? Did it sound like Naraku?” Ookami tightened his hold on her waist, pulling her squarely against his chest. “Answer me Kaida-koi. Did it sound like Naraku?”

Kaida sighed, leaning her head back to gaze into Ookami’s brown eyes. “I don’t know exactly who it was.”

“It’s gotta be that little shit. He’s gotten a lot more powerful. He must be trying to get you back under his control.”

Kaida shook her head, standing up only to fall back down. Her legs were still too weak to handle her weight at the moment. A yawn escaped her and as she laid her head back on Ookami’s shoulder, the need for sleep over took her again. She felt the darkness come over her, pulling her in, and she accepted it. Ookami watched as Kaida fell back asleep, knowing that sust ust still be exhausted.

The wolf sighed, adjusting his hold on her. Ookami pressed a kiss to Kaida’s temple and laid back down on the futon, falling asleep instantly.
*****
Sango looked up from where she was training with Matsu; someone was calling out to her. She didn’t know who it was, it was a familiar presence, one that brought fear but also a sense of hope and need.

Matsu noticed his grandmother’s hesitation and he too stopped trying to feel the aura that caused her to hesitate in her training. The darkness of Naraku surrounded him and for a brief moment he watched helplessly as Sango’s maroon eyes went blank; her body under Naraku’s control again.

And then it was gone. The evil aura and feeling of fear, it had disappeared without a trace. Matsu turned to see if Sango had noticed the change, and watched as the taijiya seemed to shrug off the fear. And for the first time, he questioned if what an elder did was the right thing to follow.

End Chapter

Ok, first off, GOMEN NASAI!!!!!! I am so sorry for the late update, but luckily I finished this chapter. The actually ending will be coming up within the next 5 chapters or so, and then an epilogue along with maybe one closing chapter before the epilogue. Hopefully some of my reader’s will stick with me until that time. And if you didn’t know, I am making a deadline. By the end of this summer I will have this story complete. Because if I don’t, not only will I feel like complete crap, but I won’t be updating at all next school year, and if I do it will be even less often than I do now. My year will be that terrible.

So until next chapter, which will be soon I hope. Two weeks will be the limit, I promise!!! So please REVIEW!!!! It truly makes my day, and let’s me know what you like and don’t like.