Saturday, July 23, 2005

Dancing In The Dark: Meridian
*episode 4*

Kagome wakes up to darkness. She is on some kind of bedding on a wood floor and she can’t see a thing. She turns her head until she can vaguely make out what may be the outline of a door. The light on the other side is very faint, no more then moon and starlight. Struggling to her feet, Kagome walks towards it. Or rather she tries to. She’s still weak and she’s half-asleep; but she knows that there is something she must do. When she tries to walk, the room begins to spin and she feels herself falling. Suddenly, she is caught by powerful arms which pull her upright. She begins to struggle against the arms; after all she has to find Inuyasha. The arms guide her to the door, and one pulls aside the curtain. Still being supported by the arms, Kagome walks outside and turns to look at the one holding her up. She is surprised and delighted to find that he is gone and that Inuyasha was behind her the whole time. Breaking free, Kagome reaches out to him and begins to fall again. This time while catching her, Inuyasha swings her legs up so that he is holding her. Content that he is now in reach, Kagome extends her arm to his face. Yawning, she says, “Inuyasha…I’m here now…it’s alright…I’m gonna take care of you.” He asks, “You’re gonna take care’a me? You’re the one who’s hurt.” Sluggishly shaking her head, Kagome says, “Nuh’a, you’re hurt. I saw. It’s ok now; I’m right he…r…” As she speaks, her head collapses against Inuyasha’s shoulder and she falls back asleep. Shaking his head, Inuyasha carries her back into the house and puts her back to bed.
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Friday, July 22, 2005

Dancing In The Dark: Meridian
*episode 2*

Inuyasha is sitting at the base of his favorite tree. While he could probably make the leap, being on the ground seems more in line with his mood. The sun is setting and he watches it deep in thought. He doesn’t notice the old priestess until she is standing right next to him. She says, “Inuyasha, we have need of more speech between us.” He asks, “Shouldn’t you be lookin after Kagome?” Kaede says, “I have left her to the care of a villager I trust. I still need to know more. Inuyasha, can thou describe the knife that struck ye?” He says, “I didn’t see it too good. Its handle looked gold, there were letters on it, and that’s about all I can say.” The priestess reaches into her robe and draws out a knife. “Might it have looked thus?” she asks. Taking the blade, Inuyasha turns it around and looks at with the point towards him. He says, “Ya, even the letters look the same. Hey, wait a minute! Where’d you get this?!?” Kaede sighs, lowering herself to sit beside the half-demon. She says, “I feared as much. This does not bode well.” Inuyasha asks, “You can help her; can’t you?” “Oh aye,” she says, “Fear ye not. Knowing this, Kagome will be better by dawn. But the meaning of it; that troubles me. This,” she indicates the knife, “is a special knife. Forged with holy power, only a priestess can wield it. This one was one of two powerful charms I acquired for fear that ye might one day awaken. The other is the rosary ye wear about thy neck. That was to subdue ye, although I doubted that I had the strength to use it. This blade, however, was forged to slay ye. It bears thy death upon its hilt. I admit, when ye had first awoke, I carried it with me day and night. Since then, I have put it aside. Had I call to use it upon ye, only a priestess with mightier powers than my own could have saved your life. If the blade that the demon used was truly of this type, then she has the powers of a priestess; and a strong one too. Aye, for one instant, Kagome was the stronger; but it nearly killed her to win this fight.” Inuyasha asks, “A demon priestess?” Kaede says, “Demons with holy powers are rare mind ye, but not unheard of. Mark me well, Inuyasha. If this incarnation of Naraku truly has priestly power so near to Kagome’s own; then she will be a formidable foe whom only Kagome can face.” Inuyasha says, “I know I can’t fight her. She used sit on me earlier; it would be like tryin to attack Kagome. But the others can.” Kaede says, “Nay Inuyasha, only Kagome. No demon among you might stand against such spiritual strength, mighty though they are, the demon slayers would also fail, and that leaves only the monk.” Inuyasha says, “Ok, so Miroku can handle this one.” The priestess sighs and says, “Sadly, he is the least capable of all of ye to stand against this demon. If she seems enough as Kagome to fool ye, then she would surely be enough like her to arouse the monk’s lust. Kagome is quite a lovely maiden and that is the monk’s greatest weakness.” Inuyasha says, “Well this demon ain’t no maiden. Not any more.” Kaede doesn’t ask for an explanation and Inuyasha doesn’t offer one. He turns away, lost in thought...
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Thursday, July 21, 2005

Dancing In The Dark: Meridian
*episode 1*

Under the watchful eye of the priestess Kaede, the villagers carry Inuyasha and Kagome back to the village. They are placed in Kaede’s house, the young priestess noticeably more gently than the half-demon. Inuyasha needs water to replace the blood he lost. He also needs twelve hours of sleep; so, naturally, he’ll be up in six. Kagome on the other hand needs medical care. Her body is covered in minor burns, most will fade, some will not. However, she is also clearly suffering from an affliction of sprit. The old woman cannot begin to treat that until she knows more. For once, it may be a good thing that Inuyasha will refuse to take the time he needs to heal. He maybe able to shed light on the happenings of the day. Their friends are not with them, and the priestess has no quick way of reaching them. This is a shame because the mere presence of the foxling would be a balm for Kagome’s soul and the monk might be helpful in her treatment. Kaede knows that, despite his questionable behavior, Miroku is a skilled shaman. For now, she will have to hope that her own knowledge and priestly powers are enough to dispel the magic. A quarter day later, almost as if on queue, Inuyasha awakens. He groans and reaches for his chest. Feeling the scar nicely healing, he sits up and rubs his head. Coming out of a daze, he snaps to attention and calls, “Kagome?!?” Kaede says, “Aye Inuyasha, she is here, and alive.” As his eyes come into focus, Inuyasha sees the old woman sitting next to where the young one lies. He tries to get to his feet and falls on his butt. Settling for crawling, he goes to her and examines her with great concern. He watches her breathing and listens to her pulse. As he reaches to touch the scorch mark on the side of her face Kaede grabs his wrist with a strength beyond what one would expect of a mortal of her age. Answering Inuyasha’s look, she says, “Best to let her be. Now sit ye down and tell me of her injury. There is precious little I can do until I know what sorcery is afoot here.” Settling back, Inuyasha says, “…Naraku.” The old woman nods, “I suspected as much. Few others could render ye both to such a state. Know ye how the spell was put upon her?” Inuyasha says, “It wasn’t. It was put on me. One of Naraku’s incarnations stuck a knife in me. The spell was on the handle. Kagome pulled it out; that’s how she got hurt.” Kaede says, “Hmm…Inuyasha, thine skill is far too great to be struck there with not but a knife. How was’t thou struck thus?” Inuyasha looks away. Finally, he says, “The incarnation she…looked like Kagome. Damn it! She didn’t just look like Kagome: she smelled like Kagome, she sounded like Kagome, she even cried like Kagome.” Inuyasha pulls himself to his feet and heads for the door. “Sit ye down.” Kaede says. “Ye need rest.” Inuyasha doesn’t even make a rude comment as he walks, slowly, out of the house.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 12*

The priestess Kaede leads a small group of the village children as she walks the forest, looking for herbs. One boy says, “Lady Kaede, we saw the half-breed leave your home earlier. He looked angry and more frightening than usual.” Kaede says, “Oh aye, Inuyasha has a foul temper; and his ire is raised when young Kagome must return to her home. But fear him not. With luck, soon Kagome will rejoin us. Then Inuyasha shall relax; mind you, not that there shall be peace. I fear those two will, as always, end up shouting at each other.” Pointing, a little girl tugs at the old woman’s sleeve, “Lady Kaede, she has returned, and he is relaxed, but they aren’t fighting.” Turning her eye in the indicated direction, Kaede steps in front of the children. “Avert thine eyes.” she commands. Inuyasha is lying on his back next to the well. Kagome is lying on top of him with her legs off to one side and her head on his chest. Kaede asks, “Do ye such things in the woods like a wild beast Kagome? From Inuyasha perhaps, but from ye I would have thought to see better.” Not getting a response, Kaede looks closer. She sees the blood stains on the strange giant withered flower pedal the two are on and the burns on Kagome’s clothes and skin. “Oh dear.” the old woman says, sighing. She turns to the first boy and says, “Run ye hence and fetch villagers, men and women both. I fear they will have to be carried.”
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Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 13*

Tattoimaru and Kyoubou sit outside Naraku’s cave. Completely expected, Naraku arrives. With him is his new toy, the one he was growing in the sealed room. Naraku says, “Tattoimaru, this is Da-ku Koneko. She will be with us from now on.” Da-ku asks, “Who’s this, a servant?” Naraku says, “He is my son; but I’d advise you not to try to be his mother. He killed her. Speaking of which, I have a rule to lay down. Tattoimaru, if you kill Da-ku, our deal is off and you will never be a demon. Da-ku, if you kill him I will kill you.” The boy asks, “Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? She failed; both of them are still alive.” Naraku asks, “Really?” Tattoimaru asks, “You didn’t know?” Naraku says, “No, but considering her other talents, I’m willing to forgive her failure; this time. We will discuses your use of the Saimyoushou later. For now, Da-ku and I have some things to do. We’ll be busy for the next eight or nine hours.” Da-ku asks, “Is that all?” Tattoimaru gives a disgusted and very displeased look. He gets his flame-cat up, with a kick to his side, and says, “Do what you want. But remember father, she could easily get you killed.” As the two walk off, Da-ku calls after him, sarcastically, “Don’t wait up for us sweetie.”
*The End*
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A note from the author
I leave what Naraku intends to be doing with Da-ku for the next 8-9 hours to your sick, perverted imaginations.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 11*

Pulling herself out of the well, Kagome hurries to Inuyasha. His eyes are open, but they aren’t moving. Either he’s unconscious, or he’s so paralyzed that he can’t even move his eyes. First things first, Kagome reaches for the knife. When she touches it, blue lightning dances up her arm, singeing her skin through her blouse. Pulling her hand back, Kagome lets out a shriek of pain. It is then that she notices the letters engraved on the hilt. They read, in kanji, “Kieuseru Inuyasha.” Clearly a powerful, if simplistic incantation. Kagome knows that the first thing she should do is get Kaede. The old priestess will undoubtedly know more about this kind of magic then Kagome does; which is nothing. But Inuyasha’s breath is beginning to rasp. Blood is pouring from the wound and Kagome knows that he can’t wait. Bracing herself, Kagome grabs the hilt and begins to pull. This time, the lightning wraps around her whole body. Everywhere it touches feels like coldfire is pouring into her veins. Screaming, Kagome pulls. The knife begins to give, but Kagome is hurt bad. If she doesn’t let go, she’ll lose consciousness soon. As the knife emerges, Inuyasha begins to move. He’s weak, but his eyes turn downward. They meet Kagome’s and they lock. For one moment, time stands still. Inuyasha sees Kagome facing horrible agony to save him and she sees him seeing her. In that moment, something in Kagome falls into place. In a glow of pink light, the dagger dissolves. The lightning crackles to a halt and Kagome smiles. Then she falls. She collapses with a content smile on her face. Her breathing fades and Inuyasha hears her heart beat fall to every couple of seconds. He reaches out to her and says, “…Ka…Kag…” Feeling himself slip from conciseness, Inuyasha settles for, “…Ka…”
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Monday, July 18, 2005

Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 9*

Eventually, Da-ku and Naraku return to a significantly weaker Inuyasha. Da-ku says, “With those puppy dog ears, you may know what we’ve been up to.” Naraku says, “He doesn’t need demon ears; we’ll be lucky if the old hag didn’t hear you in the village.” Da-ku, who still hasn’t entered Inuyasha’s range of vision, says, “We have nothing to fear from her. Her powers are as shriveled as her hide. She wouldn’t be able to remove the knife. And you know what else?” she says, addressing Inuyasha. “That little bitch of yours doesn’t have the spiritual strength to pull it out either. But she just might have the will power to kill herself trying.” Naraku asks, “What about the monk? Will your powers stand up to his?” Da-ku says, “I’m not sure. But he isn’t here; it would take anyone who is here days to reach him. This little doggy won’t last that long.” Inuyasha is still unable to move or talk; but in his mind he calls, “Kagome…”
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Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 10*

“…Inuyasha.”
Kagome thinks as she jumps into the well. If her family is safe, then her feeling can only mean that he isn’t. The mysterious pink light envelops her and she passes through the blue space before landing, lightly, at the bottom of the well in the feudal era. Immediately, she can sense Naraku’s demonic aura. Knowing that her fears were well founded, Kagome climbs out of the well. On they way up, she hears voices. One of them is Naraku; the other belongs to a woman. Kagome can’t make out the words, and they fall silent as she approaches the top. Cautiously, she pokes just enough of her head out of the well to see. The first thing she sees is Inuyasha. He’s lying on some kind of huge peach blossom, not two meters from her face. He’s breathing, but other than that he isn’t moving. His outer shirt is lying next to him and his white undershirt is soaked in his blood. When she sees the ornate dagger sticking out of his chest, she nearly gives up the element of surprise by rushing to pull it out of him. However, the next thing she sees makes her hesitate. Naraku is standing aloof watching Inuyasha, clearly enjoying himself tremendously. Next to him, with her back to Kagome, is…Kikyo? No, not Kikyo; but a priestess is standing beside the demon with her arm around his waist. But the weird thing about her, despite the obvious, is that where a Shinto priestess wears red, this woman wears black. Kagome has seen enough. She has no idea who the priestess is, but if she’s canoodling with Naraku, Kagome hates her; no matter how enviable a figure she has. Kagome raises herself up and braces so that she can use her hands. She draws her bow and aims for the neat, even ends of the girl’s silky, raven hair. One shot, through the priestess’s heart and into Naraku’s head. As Kagome pulls the bow taught, one of the stones in the well chooses the worst possible moment to give under her weight. Kagome’s whole body lurches as she struggles to regain her footing; and the stone clatters down the well. Naraku and the priestess both turn, having heard the noise. Having regained a stable footing, Kagome turns her attention back to the task at hand and…freezes. The priestess, who is now looking straight at her, has a face Kagome has seen everyday when she looks in a mirror. Kagome hesitates; but Da-ku doesn’t. “You!” she shouts, raising her arm. Da-ku launches a blast of sacred energy; only hers is dark purple. Reacting at the last possible second, Kagome releases her arrow. The two energies slam into each other and all present are treated to a fantastic light show. Eventually, each blasts cancels the other and Kagome’s arrow falls, limply, to the ground. Kagome rushes to reach another, but Da-ku is not about to wait. As she points her arm at Kagome’s face, Naraku says, “Da-ku, we’re leaving.” The incarnation turns to face him, “No! I will kill her now!” Softly sighing, Naraku reaches an arm around Da-ku Koneko’s waist. He grabs her, his arm stretches more then a little bit, and throws her over his shoulder. As the two fly away on a pillar of black smoke, Kagome hears Naraku scold, “What did I tell you about being patient? You have to learn to savior these things.”
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Sunday, July 17, 2005

Two Hearts: The last of the seven
*episode 8*

For nearly thirty seconds, there is silence at the table. Then Eri breaks it, “He killed her?” Kagome says, “No! He didn’t; it was…” Kagome is at a loss. But her brother’s words from the previous day ring clear in her mind, “I told him about Inuyasha, but I left out the weird parts…When he asked about something I couldn’t talk about, I made stuff up which fit.” Kagome says, “She’s been dead since before I met him.” Yuka says, “But you said…” Finally speaking up, Ayumi says, “As I recall, her exact words were, “He still isn’t over his old girl friend.”” The brainiack smiles and goes back to her fries. Encouraged, Kagome says, “He isn’t. He still loves her and he misses her terribly. At times, he’s even talked about dieing to be with her.” Yuka says, “You mean he’s suicidal?” Kagome says, “Well…he has been. But he’s better now.” Eri asks, “What about the violence? You said he tried to kill a guy?” Kagome says, “Look, there’s only one person he really wants to kill; the one who’s responsible for his old girlfriend’s death.” Ayumi says, “Kagome, why don’t you start at the beginning?” Kagome nods, “My guy and his old girl, her name was Kikyo, they were a couple for a long time and, from what I’ve heard, they were good together. Then this really awful guy came along. He’s mean and sadistic; he’s called Naraku.” Eri says, “Talk about ego. What’s his real name?” Kagome says, “Don’t know. Anyway, he wanted Kikyo. So he planted rumors about the two so that each of them thought the other was cheating on them. They had a huge fight and Kikyo dumped him. Then she…umm.” For a moment, Kagome’s inspiration falters. She looks out the window then turns back to her friends. “She was hit by a bus.” she says. “She was leaving him and…she was really mad…she wasn’t paying attention…she just stepped out…and, well that’s that.” Heaving a sigh of relief, Kagome settles back off the edge of her seat. She says, “It was only later, after we met, that he found out about Naraku. If my guy finds him, he probably will kill him; and you know what, I’d probably help.” Yuka asks, “Has you gone to the police?” “We can’t,” Kagome says, “Naraku is a despicable coward who never sullies his own hands. He gets other people to do his dirtywork; most of them don’t even know that they’re being used. There’s nothing to take to the police.” Eri says, “Kagome, it sounds like you’re into some pretty risky stuff. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Kagome says, “Well, it is dangerous; but we aren’t alone. We have friends, others who Naraku has hurt. I think we’re ok, my guy and me.” Deep in thought, the two loud mouths finish their meals. As they leave the restaurant, Eri asks, “Hey Kagome, we were going to go shopping; why not come along?” Kagome is about to accept when she feels a tingle running up and down her spine. She means to say that she’d love to, but she can only go for a couple of hours, but what comes out is, “Sorry, I don’t feel too good. I think I’ll go home.” Yuka asks, “Are you really going home, or do you have a date?” Kagome says, “No, I have a funny feeling, I need to go home.” When Kagome gets to the shrine, she rushes in to check on her family. Finding them unharmed, she races for the old well. She isn’t sure why, but out of all the things she plans to take with her, she only grabs her bow.
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