Shigeru

Jayman: See? I didn't forget you!

"I thought I told you NOT to interfere!" Inuyasha snarled at Kagura.

If the wind sorceress was intimidated, she kept it well hidden. "Is that any way to thank the one who just rescued one of your friends?" Kagura smirked, matching Inuyasha pace. "Besides I don't take orders from you!"

Kirara let out what could best be described as a growl of annoyance. The trio had been exploring the Dreamworld for what seemed like hours (made all the more intolerable by Kagura and Inuyasha's constant bickering) only to come up empty handed. Kagome was nowhere in sight, and the only thing to greet the group was the vast wasteland with thick clouds of crimson that pulsed like bodily organs. Tempers were beyond flaring as adrenaline and anxiousness quickly gave way to rage, and with no Shigeru to fight all that anger was being directed at one another.

"Must you continually grumble so loudly!?" Kagura hissed. "Shigeru can probably hear you coming!" Inuyasha was in her face in a flash.

"If you don't like it your welcome to leave!" was Inuyasha's retort. "And Shigeru is more than likely hiding because of your smell!"

Kagura balked. "A-Are you saying I stink!?! How dare you! If anyone stinks around here it's you, mutt!"

"Bitch!"

"MONGREL!"

"FILTH!"

They were nose to nose, and tension hung so thick in the air that the Wind Scar probably couldn't pierce it.

"Get any closer and I'll have to think you wish to kiss me!" Kagura slurred with a wicked smirk.

"Oh, I bet you'd love that!"

Kirara sniffed at the air, the unmistakable scent catching her attention. She growled her discovery to the others.

"I just dare you to try!"

"Oh, get over yourself!"

Kirara snarled. Those two argued like an old married couple! With a single sweep of her tails both Inuyasha and Kagura found themselves tripping over one another.

"Irritating vermin!"

"Damn it Kirara! What the hell is wrong with you!" The rage that clouded Inuyasha's senses dispersed long enough for him to pick up the scent Kirara had already detected. "K-Kagome? She's close! I can smell her!"

Groaning, Kagura rose from the ground. "Smell her!? Look around you!" She motioned to the scorched earth that stretched on for an eternity. "How can she be close?"

Eyes flashing in understanding, Inuyasha grinned. "Don't always believe what your eyes see, Kagura." He unsheathed the Tetsusaiga, channeling the needed energy that gave the blade a red glow. "You broke the first barrier....now IT'S MY TURN!!!" He brought the sword down, tearing through air and leaving deep rip that bled indigo mist. Hairline cracks ran their course amongst the wasteland until the barrier shattered altogether, and in its place stood a village that stretched out for miles in all direction. An ancient castle stood at the village's center, and the clouds above groaned out as though they truly were alive. "Thanks, Kirara." The fire cat nodded in response.

Fan at the ready, Kagura scowled. "Something is here with us!"

Inuyasha felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. She was right. His hold on the Tetsusaiga tightened.

"Inuyasha," the hanyou froze. There was no possible way that voice should be here in this place. Kagura and Inuyasha both spun in its owner's direction. "This Sesshoumaru has allowed you to live for far too long." Inuyasha's half brother replied in his matter-of-fact tone. He held Tokijin at the ready. "A mistake that shall soon be rectified."

"Impossible," Inuyasha muttered. This had to be another of Shigeru's illusions.

"KAGURA!" roared an enraged Kouga from the rooftops. "I've finally found you! Time to die you despicable wench!" Claws bared, the wolf demon grinned sadistically. "No amount of begging will spare you from my wrath!"

Kagura cursed under her breath.

Naraku, Kanna, and Kohaku emerged from a cloud of miasma. "Heheheh...Inuyasha. I'm going to enjoy watching you be torn apart and Kagura's demise will be dessert."

And the demons continue to pour out of whatever abyss they'd come from. Goshinki, Kaguya, Ryu-Kotsusei, The Band of Seven, Princess Abi, and countless more. The trio now found themselves surrounded by every villainous being ever encountered.

Kagura swallowed nervously, edging away until she was back to back with Inuyasha. "Curse my kindness! If I die here remind me to throttle you in the afterlife!"

Inuyasha smiled grimly. "You may have to wait in line." ~Kagome must be close for Shigeru to pull out all the stops~ "Hold on Kagome....I'm coming!" He brought his sword down with as much force as he could muster.

"WIND SCAR!!!!"

~~~~~~~

Jayman: Sorry for the wait. I know this is shorter than usual. Trying to get my mojo back. Perhaps a ton of your kind reviews will embolden me.

;-p