Saturday, April 16, 2005

   Ok, Here's My Second Fanfic
Deep Wounds: An Inuyasha & Kagome Story
*episode 1*

Wave after wave of Naraku’s demons pour down the mountain. They don’t even try to attack, their only intent is to overwhelm their master’s foes. Despite their numbers, they fall before the forces arrayed against them. To the right, windscars rip through their ranks. Next to these demons are more of their kind being plowed through by sacred arrows. Beside them the Hiraikotsan leaves a rain of destruction in its wake. The wind tunnel has already cleared the central section. To the left of center, a living tornado is forcing its way uphill. Finally, some distance farther to the left, the Tokigin clears a path for its determined lord as the staff of two heads mops up the survivors.
It is a warm summer evening in Feudal Japan and Naraku’s enemies stand united against him. The demon stands at the summit and smirks down on his adversaries as he sends pawn after pawn to lure his prey further into his grasp. Below him stand his lieutenants. A boy holds a blade to the neck of a terrified yet defiant young girl, a woman dangles an unconscious fox-child by his tail, and between them another girl stands holding a mirror. Farther down the slope are his reserves, hoards upon hoards of low caste demons waiting to be unleashed.
Suddenly the demons stop coming and the attackers stop and glare up; sixteen eyes holding all the hatred felt for all the evils the world has ever known, turn to face the dark one. He can feel his own demise hanging in the balance and a malicious laugh bubbles forth from his throat. “NOW ALL OF YOU, DIE!!!” At his words the mountain trembles. The rock face splits, and a beast emerges, like a devil clawing his way out of the deepest hell. It towers over all, forty feet in height. Its body is armored and shielded by great wings. Half of its height is clearly hidden underground. Chains rise from the abyss, restraining its great force. Its face is a hideous mask and its eyes answer the stares of those who would harm its master.
After a moment to assess this new foe, the eight move as one rushing to attack this monstrosity. Miroku unleashes his most powerful sutras, Kirara caries Sango to attack from above, Koga begins to work his way up the torso looking for a weak spot, Jaken advances desperately trying to keep up on his tiny legs, Kagome draws her bow again and lets fly with all her anger and hatred, and the brothers, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, both wield their swords in great leaps converging on the beasts heart.
A great scream shatters the night and the reluctant allies go flying before a wave of demonic energy. The humans gather several hundred feet down hill and mount Kirara. With Koga beside her, the great flame-cat returns toward the foe. The siblings both manage to land behind the demon and move to rescue the hostages. No one notices Jaken who is still rolling down the hill, desperately clutching the staff. Before the dogs can reach their goals, the gargantuan demon strikes wildly at them sending four demons, two humans, one half-breed, and both of the great swords flying. In the ensuing tumble, Inuyasha catches Shippo, Sesshomaru gets hold of Rin, and Kagura takes her sister and Kohaku and withdraws. Unfortunately, the swords find their ways to the wrong masters. Inuyasha is to the monster’s right not twenty feet from a blade forged to kill him and his brother and his brother’s ward land to the left within arms reach of the Tetsusaiga. After a moment of indecision, the beast strikes to its left. The injured lord bends his body to shield the girl and his hand falls upon his father fang of destruction. The others arrive just in time to see the blow land and a great cloud of dust form where the two had been. The beast unleashes a second energy wave. Inuyasha, Shippo, and Koga go flying, and Kirara just barely manages to hold her riders.
The creature prepares to strike again…and collapses forward with the transformed Tetsusaiga extruding from its back. The humans and demons turn to see the one who threw it. He bends to pull his companion to her feet with his one arm. He walks past the corpse and toward the others who still stare at him in shock. All but Koga, who misses the significance of what has transpired. “Damm him! Naraku’s escaped.” he says. Sesshomaru takes the Tokigin and begins walking away with the young girl following. “Did I just see what I thought I just saw?” asks Miroku. “You did.” says Sango. “But I thought he couldn’t…” says the monk. The slayer cuts him off, “I know.” “Wait! My Lord!” calls Jaken as he pursues his master.
Inuyasha, having just recovered his sword, goes to protect Kagome from Koga’s shameless flirting. The two quickly begin to bicker until Kagome cuts them off, “Stop it you two! Can’t you ever…” she collapses coughing. Despite Koga’s speed, it is Inuyasha who catches her. His nose tells him what the humans have failed to notice, she is coughing up blood. “Kagome” call several voices at once. Inuyasha looks at Sango, “I’m taking Kirara. I’m going to get her home.” “Now wait just a minute.” the wolf says. Inuyasha gives him a look which stops the demon in his tracks. Then the two are on the cat’s back headed off into the distance. As she fades from consciousness, Kagome’s last thoughts are, “I’m safe here, in his arms…”
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Friday, April 15, 2005

   I want to thank everyone for liking my story. I got two more in the works, so if any of you were just trying to be polite, stop me now.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005

   ...for this too shall pass…
Lost and Found

Episode 8
*Suichichi’s perspective*
I am not having a good day. The man has been chasing me around the fifth cave, unleashing pulse after pulse of energy. Thanks to the recuperative powers of the serpent amulet he now looks forty years younger and moves like a man of twenty-five. I managed to dodge most of his attacks, but I’ve taken some pretty bad damage, and the last one sent me reeling. Before I can do more then get to my knees, he is standing over me gathering a final energy wave. But suddenly, a noise shatters earth and heaven and the amulet’s power turns to defend against a new foe. The Hammer speaks again, and Marlene buys me the extra seconds that I need to act. I pull a single thorn from my rose and throw it just beside the man’s neck, shattering the amulet’s chain. As the amulet falls, The Hammer roars once more and this time, without the amulet, the man is ripped in two. I’m about to pass out, but before I do there is one more thing to be done.

*Marlene’s perspective*
That guy was dead, but Suichichi wasn’t doing too good. “Set the C4,” he said, “two minute delay. Kirara, the amulet.” I began setting the charge as Kirara got the amulet. Meanwhile, Suichichi pulled a small device from his pocket and spoke into it, “Boton, now!” To make a strange story short, a girl with blue hair appeared out of nowhere and somehow got us all out of there. She took us to an apartment, she said it belonged to a friend of Suichichi’s, only she kept calling him Kurama. She did something to him with her hands, there was a brief glow, and she said she had healed him. She insisted on giving me the same treatment, and my ribs stopped hurting so maybe she was telling the truth. She took the amulet, stopped to scratch Kirara’s ears, and left. Anyway, Suichichi (Or is it Kurama? I’ll have to ask him.) is still sleeping on this guys couch with Kirara curled up at his feet, and I’m sitting here watching him, and thinking about Yuji. Everything reminds me of him. Fighting, not fighting, being asleep, being awake, but most of all feeling alive. It’s odd, but as I watch this young man sleep, I do feel alive and I think of Yuji. Only it doesn’t hurt so much, thinking of Yuji while I look at Suichichi. Maybe I’m worn out, maybe I’m getting use to the pain, or maybe, as I watch him sleep, I feel something else, something good…

*Kirara’s perspective*
Well that’s over with. We all made it out alive and in relatively good condition. The amulet is safe, and the human race will see another sunrise. It’s not that I don’t feel a great sense of accomplishment, but after the first time, saving the world stops being so exciting. Anyway, she’s sitting there realizing that she’s still alive and her old guy isn’t and that it’s not the end of the world if she moves on. As I said, I’d seen it all a thousand times before any of you were born. As for whether or not they live happily ever after, I’m not really sure. I guess that’s what makes life interesting…

*The End*
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Wednesday, April 13, 2005

   The Penultimate Episode
Lost and Found

Episode 7
*Suichichi’s perspective*
I walk through the ancient rooms alone, conscious of the fact that they have already been awakened from their long slumber. There is a sentinel at the top of the stairs to the lower level. This demon is far more formidable then the ones I faced earlier. By the time he sees the plant growing along the wall and up his arm it is already too late. A second guard meets a similar fate on the lower level. However, the guard at the entrance to the cave will not go down so easily. This is an older demon, a more experienced fighter. As soon as I sense him he senses me, and he attacks before I can lay any traps for him. He is easily the stronger, though not the swifter of us. After an intense melee I walk away bruised but not broken, and he doesn’t walk away at all. I go from one chamber to another and find no one. Finally in the fourth cave, I smell demon’s blood. I run to the entrance to the final chamber and see two demons lying dead on the chamber floor. Beyond them stands their killer, a shriveled, ancient human with his back to me. When he turns to face me, the first thing I notice is that his eyes glow. Then I see that he wears the serpent amulet. In a deep, unnatural voice he says, “You are too late fool! Now die!” He extends his arm towards me and I am hit by a wave of energy…

*Marlene’s perspective*
The first wave was clearly meant to be canon fodder. Lots of muscle and no brain. I didn’t even waste a grenade on them, I just opened up with the automatic pistols and Kirara took any who got through. After we dealt with them we fell back to another junction. Two floors, both automatic pistols, seven grenades, four clips of APRs, all but two shotgun shells, and a whole lot of dead bad guys later we reached the third cave. We took up flanking positions on the entrance and waited for the next wave. We didn’t have to wait long. Three monsters, two meters tall without their horns, I’m going to call them Ogres, stomped in. I tossed my last grenade at the Ogre on the left as Kirara charged the one to the right. That left me with one Ogre headed straight for me. I emptied my last APRs into his gut, but he kept coming. I grabbed the shotgun knowing that it wouldn’t do any damage where armor piercing ammo hadn’t. I can’t say why, but I had a feeling that I should keep The Hammer in reserve. I turned to my combat experience and borrowed a tactic from fighting another kind of monster. As he closed the final meters between us I fired straight into his face, twice, at point blank range. I dogged out of the way as the blinded monster ran right passed me and collapsed against the wall. Kirara was just finishing her opponent and we headed together toward the rear of the chamber.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2005

   Lost and Found

Episode 6
*Marlene’s perspective*
Suichichi’s contact had a good selection. I walked away with a combat grade shotgun, two automatic pistols, five clips worth of APRs for my sidearm, night vision goggles, Kevlar armor, eight enhanced shrapnel grenades, enough C4 to level a city block, and an Israeli made anti-tank gun inscribed with the name “The Hammer”. What he couldn’t provide me with was an armored vehicle, air support, and a platoon of trustworthy infantry men. We offered the assault rifle in trade and Suichichi paid cash for the rest.
Suichichi explained our situation. The city had grown around a castle which was destroyed in the nineteenth century. While the castle was no more, its catacombs survived and could be reached through the sewer. The lowest level of the catacombs connected to a limestone cave. The amulet was in a shrine in the fifth chamber of the cave. Suichichi would proceed ahead while Kirara and I stayed behind to hold off the syndicate’s men. We would gradually fall back deeper and deeper into the tunnel system stalling them while Suichichi got the amulet. When I asked him how we were going to get out he just smiled and said, “I’ve got it covered…

*Kirara’s perspective*
Well I had to accept her. We needed a third fighter and Kurama would never have forgiven me if I said no. Still, this is the first time I’ve fought beside a mortal woman since she died. This woman, with her fair hair and her array of guns is a far cry from my dearest friend and her Hiraikotsu. But still, I can see some of Sango in Marlene, in the way she stands and the way she fights. Maybe there’s something to this whole reincarnation thing after all.
Any way, here we are at the point where the sewers meet the catacombs. We weren’t the first one’s here. I can smell six fresh scents, five demons and one human, leading downward. I made sure Kurama knew before he went. He can take care of himself. Lots of demons and humans are coming. We’re going to be in for quite a fight…

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Monday, April 11, 2005

Lost and Found

Episode 5
*Suichichi’s perspective*
I took us to a spot I had found earlier against the possibility of discovery. It was on unoccupied high ground, difficult to approach but easy to leave. When we got there, she asked me the questions which anyone would ask in her situation. “Who were those people, which of us were they after, and why?” So I began to explain. “I’m part of a four man team that deals with supernatural threats in the mortal world. We recently became aware of two problems which required immediate attention. The larger of the two is being handled by my comrades in another city, but the less significant one also had to be dealt with at once. You see we received information about an amulet that was hidden in this city centuries ago. This amulet contains terrible power and, to use a cliché, must not fall into the wrong hands. Unfortunately our source was an informant in the local crime syndicate who was discovered and eliminated shortly after telling us what the syndicate already knew. The syndicate uses demons as enforcers and assassins, they clearly have no qualms about using non-conventional tools in there arsenal. In short, they are the wrong hands into which the amulet must not fall. The men who attacked us worked for the syndicate. They know I’m trying to stop them and they finally caught up to me.” I put my hands in my pockets and gave a small shrug. “So you have to find out where the amulet is before they do?” she asked. “Not exactly.” I said. “I already know where the amulet is hidden, but I also know that I’m being watched. I have every confidence in Kirara and my abilities but I’m not sure we can take everything the syndicate has to throw at us on our own. I was waiting until one of my friends could be spared to back us up. Unfortunately, I no longer have that option. There were materials in the apartment which will lead them to the amulet, so I have to act now. I have a contact in the black market, not a syndicate affiliate. He can get you out of the city, then Kirara and I can go after the amulet.”
“This friend of yours, does he deal in military grade weapons?” she asked.
“I never said he was my friend, but I think so. Why?”
“You saved my life, now I’m going to return the favor.”
“I can’t allow that.”
“You can’t stop me.”
“No, I suppose I can’t. Kirara, what do you think?” Upon hearing her name, she got up, walked over to Marlene and began rubbing against her leg. “I guess that settles that.” I said. “But you must realize that the enemy we face includes far stronger opponents then the creature you faced earlier.”
“A good soldier can kill anything, with the right weapon.”
“You’re in the military?”
“No, but I used to be.”
“Well then soldier, let’s move out…
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Sunday, April 10, 2005

   Before we begin I’d like to ask, what do you think of guys with earings?
Lost and Found

Episode 4
*Suichichi’s perspective*
I was meeting with a small, unpleasant man who dealt in second rate black market weapons and semi-reliable information. He had contacted me earlier saying that he had found the information I was looking for and would tell me for a very reasonable price. He chose a market in a less respectable neighborhood, one in which Rats were not necessarily confined to the alleyways, as our meeting place. He was even more nervous than usual, stalling and trying to sneak sideways glances. Of course I knew he was up to something, but the stupid simplicity of his ruse caught me off guard. Two large men, who I had tagged as being too obvious and conspicuous to be accomplices, came up, one on either side of me and looked at the merchant for direction. He gestured at me, “Him Him you fools.” he shrieked. A pair of horns emerged on each man's forehead and they underwent a muscular transformation which might have impressed a small child. I recognized them of course, a simple class of demon whose only skill is dumb brute force, and not even much of that. One said to the other, “We kill?” The second one's response was, “Ugh ” The first one said, “Mitsu kill cat?” His articulate companion replied “Ugh ” Far more quickly than either one could react I drew my whip and decapitated them both. The little man tried to run, his death was quick but most unpleasant. I immediately departed and hurried home. I knew that Kirara could easily handle half a dozen of their like, but I also knew that they would not be working alone. I found myself acutely concerned for Marlene's safety as well…

*Marlene’s perspective*
From the instant the apartment door was rammed in there were less than two seconds before I was up, armed, and at the bedroom door. I opened the door and saw Kirara struggling with a strange, large man. I put two bullets in the base of his skull, or I would have had they pierced the skin. Instead they flattened against his neck and he didn’t seem to notice. I pulled the clip and shoved an armor piercing round into the breach. My next shot took away a large part of the man’s skull. As he fell, I realize that he had horns. I only had two APRs left. Kirara nodded at me then walked out of the apartment, I followed. When we got to the top of the stairs, two armed men without horns reached the next downward landing. These two responded to bullets in a more conventional fashion then the first man had. When we got to the main door to the building, someone outside opened up on us with a fully-automatic assault rifle. I dodged for cover and started looking for an alternative exit, when the firing was suddenly cut short. I heard some one approaching the door, and got ready to pounce. It was Suichichi, walking calmly carrying a red rose dripping with blood. I nearly blew his head off. “We had better leave.” He said. “Just a minute.” I said, walking toward the dead attacker. I grabbed his gun and checked the ammo. It was a good weapon, it looked military but I didn’t know the model. The man I took it from was lying on the ground in several pieces. I took the gun and turned to Suichichi. He was straddling Kirara and gestured for me to join him. I did and what happened next took my breath away. I had expected the cat to run, so I was greatly surprised when she leaped into the air and didn’t come back down. I held tight to Suichichi’s waist and tried to tell myself that it was no different then riding a shuttle…
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Saturday, April 9, 2005

   Next Episode
Lost and Found

Episode 3
*Marlene’s perspective*
I had told him I was going to sleep for six hours, but I think it was more like ten. When I woke up the pain had dulled; so I got to my feet and opened the door. On the other side I saw a huge cat with two tails and massive fangs. I drew my gun and the cat moved into an aggressive stance. Just then, I heard Suichichi’s voice from another room, “Ladies, if you need to fight could you please take it outside.” The cat gave a disgruntled growl and burst into flames. In a moment, when the flames died, I was shocked to see that another, much smaller cat, also with two tails was standing where the beast had been a moment before. This new cat leaped onto a couch along one wall and began grooming herself. Just then Suichichi walk out of what was apparently a kitchen carrying two bowls of something steaming. He placed them on a small table and gestured me to a chair. After several large mouthfuls I said, “Thank you.” He flashed a small smile and said, “I expect you have a few questions.”
So I began, “Where are we?”
“We are in an apartment near the old district of the city.”
“Why did you save me?”
“Do I need a reason?”
“So what do you do here?”
“I'm searching for something, or should I say,” he nodded to the cat, “We are searching for something. This is Kirara, my partner and an old friend.”
“Friend.”
“Speaking of which, do you have someone you need to get in touch with? You mentioned a name earlier. I think it was Yugi.”
“Yuji, and no. You can't contact him he's dead.”
“I'm sorry. Listen, you will need somewhere to rest while you heal. So, if you don't know anyone in this town, you’re more than welcome to stay here.”
“Thank you, again.”
“You should get some more rest now. I'll be out here for a couple of hours, so if you need anything just shout. Then I have an errand to run, and you're welcome to help yourself to anything here.” I got up and walked towards the door. “Sweet dreams.” he said…

*Kirara’s perspective*
Great, he's done it again. Every time he sees one of those humans in trouble he has to come to the rescue. I'm not saying protecting humans is a bad thing, but he takes it to the point of being an obsession. Don't get me wrong, Kurama is the best friend I’ve had since the warring states era and I wouldn't change him for the world. But the trouble he gets into because of humans, especially that moron Kuwabara, really tests my patients sometimes. But something's different about this one. It's in his eyes when he looks at her. Yoko Kurama would never have gotten into this situation. It's only happening because he became half-human. I've been watching boys fall for girls for nearly a millennium, and my friend has fallen and he's fallen bad. Males are so pathetic…

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Friday, April 8, 2005

   Thanks
I’d like to thank you for your positive feedback on episode 1. I think I made a mistake in introducing it. When I said characters from three animes I meant eventually. Other then some goons, the first sequence only had two characters. But anyway, here for your enjoyment or distain, is the next scene.

Lost and Found

Episode 2
*the blonde’s perspective*
I am floating in darkness. I feel nothing except the same ach between my ribs, it never stops. I’m rising now; I feel other pains, different kinds of pains, physical pains. After I feel the pain I begin to feel the parts of my body which hurt. There’s a tear in my gut, the back of my neck has been sliced into, I have a number of other cuts, and if that isn’t a cracked rib then it’s a good imitation. My military training goes into automatic; I reach to stop the bleeding in my side and…and feel a bandage. A quick check of my other wounds shows that they have all received similar care and that there is a splint on my ribs. This contingency wasn’t part of the training so I wait for my mind to wakeup. I open my eyes and see a ceiling. I look down and I see that I’m lying on a bed under a blanket in a dark room. I reach for my gun only to find that it’s no longer there. I stop and try to begin to put together what I remember. I had just got to a city I had never seen before…a living city. I was attacked by a dozen men and then…then…just then a door opens and the light from the other side blinds me. As my eyes adjust, I see the outline of a man. Then I see his red hair. “…Yuji?” my own voice startles me. “I’m sorry, but no.” a strange voice says. “My name is Suichichi and you’re in my apartment.” “Where’s my gun?” I snap. He walks over to a dresser, “It’s right here.” he says walking toward me. He drops it on the bed and steps back. I check the clip then slip it back in and train it on the man. I try to sit up only to collapse backward in pain. “Careful,” he says in a concerned voice, “those injuries will take time to heal.” “How did I get here?” I ask, relaxing my grip on the pistol. “You were attacked by a group of thugs called Rats.” he says. “I saved you, took you to my home, treated your injuries, and then gave you your gun knowing full well that you would point it at me. If after all that you can’t feel any trust toward me then maybe I wasted my time.” I lower my gun, but keep my hand on it all the same. “I can give you something for the pain.” he offers. “I don’t need any drugs.” I reply. “Then what do you need?” he asks. I tell him, "Six hours sleep and then something to eat.” “Of course,” he says, “but might I ask your name?” “Marlene…

*Suichichi’s perspective*
I walk out of the bedroom and see my roommate sitting on the sofa; she gives me an inquisitive look. “She will be fine.” I say. By the way my companion cocks her head her question is obvious. “Her injuries will take at least three days to heal, probably longer and I intend to let her stay here until then.” She shifts her position. “Well, I can sleep on the couch,” I say, “and you will sleep wherever you want to. You always do.” She fixes me with a cold stare. “Please, not another lecture.” I say. “I know that we have work to do.” My partner looks at me accusingly. “How could I like her more than I like you?” I ask. “I only just met her. When was the last time I told you that you are as possessive as you are beautiful?” I ask stroking her head. “It will only be for a week Kirara, I promise.” She raises her chin and lets me stroke her neck while telling me that she doesn’t know why she puts up with me, but she’ll let me have my way, this time…

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Thursday, April 7, 2005

   I’ve decided to try writing a fanfic.
Hi everybody. I’ve seen a bunch of you writing fanfics so I decided to give it a try. I’ve never done this before so I want you to be honest. If it’s no good, I want to know. This story draws characters from three animes so far. I’m not telling you who they are right away, but you can find them all on my site. I am still working on the story so the title is only provisional.

Lost and Found

Episode 1
*man’s perspective*
A lone figure in a black, shapeless, hooded, wind breaker walked out of the railyard. He picked a side street and started walking with the air of someone pretending to know where they’re going. After several blocks, he proved that he has never been in this city before. He stepped into an alleyway, a mistake few people live to regret. In this city, the alleys are the domain of the Rats; ruthless bands of ruffians of indeterminate origin. I’m not sure which is scarier, the possibility that they are demons or the possibility that they’re human. It is dangerous to go into Rat territory with half a dozen skilled fighters beside you; to go in alone is suicidal. I’ve been told in the past by people who know me that one day; my curiosity will get me killed. They’re probably right. Anyway I walked to the entrance of the alley and saw what was to be expected. 10 Rats were attacking the stranger, they struck first and they had the element of surprise. The first blow left a deep gash in his side and in succession 5 more cuts and an elbow to the solar-plex left the man reeling. The 8th blow would have severed the neck, but he dogged at the last second and lost only his hood…her hood. At that moment it became obvious that this was a woman, stunningly beautiful with blond hair to her shoulders. In the next instant 3 of the rats were dead and a 4th was down with a broken leg. However, although the warrior was clearly a master of hand to hand combat, she had lost too much blood and more Rats were coming. She turned to run and saw me. Before she could take a step the Rats had her. In that moment my green eyes locked with her deep blue eyes and I saw fear, anger, and above all sadness. I have a rule against taking in stray cats…I never follow it, but I have it anyway. I reached behind me, there was a flash of red and green, the Rats who had been holding her clutched at their severed hands, and the girl and I were gone…

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