InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ To Begin the Fray ( Chapter 25 )

I know it's been a long time but I've been feeling really downhearted lately…Plus, I don't really have much inspiration to write these days. I know where the problem lies…but I doubt I could change it…

 

Despite the fact that this is my least favored story of the three, I find myself coming back to reading it. I guess I can't help being attached to my first story ever, even though my heart's not as much in it as it used to be. I remember being so mad when I first started. This was my first ever fan-fiction and I had three hundred visits but only two reviews! I felt so downhearted. Now as I get closer and closer toward the end of it, I kind of feel sad that I won't be writing it anymore, but happy that I'm completing it. Anyway, before I bore you with my author's reflection, I think I should get back to what you've been waiting for: the chapter itself.

 

Hope you enjoy.

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, nor do I have the brilliance to come up with him as Romiko Takahashi did.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Five: To Begin the Fray

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan said nothing as she moved about her task. In two and a half days time, their invasion would start and everything she had seen would occur, just as she was told. It was not enough that she had been mentally and physically preparing herself for the assault, she was already feeling the adrenaline from pre-battle anxiety. Everything that she had hoped against had come to pass…what would the future hold?

 

“What's the matter?” Pulled from her depressing thoughts, Jordan focused back to tending to Inuyasha.

 

“Are you ready for it?” She asked. He tilted his head to the side, giving her a curious stare. “Ready for what?”

 

“The invasion. I can't help myself, I try to keep my heart from speeding yet I cannot.” She sighed and then returned to removing the bandage from his arm. The white linen came undone, showing the darkened skin underneath. Jordan breathed in a sigh. “I can't stress how much I am against this, Inuyasha.”

 

“What are you talking about? It's our only chance.” Came his perplexed reply.

 

“I'm not speaking about the invasion.” Jordan pressed her two fingers into the skin of his arm and shoulder, feeling the abnormal pulse that was neither connected to his heart, nor his respiratory system in any way. “I speak about this.” She met his eyes and motioned to his arm.

 

He spared a brief glance at the infection. “The poison?” He asked.

 

Jordan gave a bitter glare. “Yes, the poison and this damned secret your keeping!”

 

“Not this again.” Inuyasha sighed, running his palm across his crown.

 

Jordan had not lost her gusto. She gave him a fully incriminating glower that made a shiver run up his spine. “I'm not letting this go. I'll gnaw at it and gnaw at it until your finally break and tell her! She deserves to know damn it!”

 

“You're a stubborn woman, I hope you know that.” Inuyasha clicked his teeth tiredly.

 

Jordan gave him another snarl before returning to her task. Obviously he wasn't going to heed her words so she told herself to push this confrontation with him aside. The wound in question was what she had to focus on for the time being. “I can only do so much. It's already in your bloodstream and it has spread. The only way to get rid of it for good is to get rid of all the infected blood, which will kill you.”

 

Inuyasha did not seem the least but surprised that she had given up so easily, but knew that she would urge him to reveal his secret again in the future. “I know that. It's incurable, I know.” He huffed. “How long?”

 

“Seven, nine, maybe ten years, if you're fortunate. I'm not so sure. The demonic poison will affect you even with your half demon lifespan. There will be no pain, only work on your insides.” Jordan pulled the bandages away and turned toward the table that was set next to the chair that Inuyasha was sitting in. She reached for a knife, taking off its sheath.

 

“You're positive there is no cure?” Inuyasha asked one more time.

 

Jordan shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately yes, it…” Jordan drifted off suddenly.

 

“What's wrong?” Inuyasha asked when her expression had become distant.

 

“I wonder…if we could find the black thorn of the briar, there might be a way to…but it's extinct…” She shook her head. “Never mind” She huffed before returning her attention to the knife in her hand.

 

“Sending healing power into your body can probably postpone your, well you know, by slowing the multiplication process of the poison but…”

“It won't stop it.” Inuyasha finished.

 

“Correct.” Jordan whipped the knife with a pungent liquid. Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at the staggering smell. “This will be painful.” Jordan came forward, pulling his arm. “Are you ready?”

 

Inuyasha turned his head to the side. “I've had a lot worse.” He said curtly. The moments following he grinded his teeth from the sting of the knife cutting into his arm as Jordan made quick work in opening a not too deep, yet deep enough to pierce through several layers of skin and muscle, line of flesh. He breathed in deeply when she stopped.

 

“Sorry.” She said as she pulled the knife from his shoulder.

 

“Forget it.” He growled. The pain was gone almost instantly as he felt the water like substance that was Jordan's healing ability slowly creep into his arm. It was cold, numbing and soothing. From the corner of his eye, he could see the dark spots on his skin lighten, but only slightly. Finished with pushing her power into his arm, Jordan closed the cut she had created and covered his arm in a fresh bandage.

 

“Done.” She said, leaning away from him as she stood.

 

“Thank you.” Inuyasha said flexing his arm. There was no doubt that the skin would remain darkened because of the toxic, he thought with a frown as he looked at the white gauze covering his wrist. He wondered if Kagome would eventually notice the covering and question him. How long did he really have?

 

“How is Silva?” Jordan asked, noticing his upset staring at his arm and changing the focus. She observed as Inuyasha paused for a moment. His eyes became laden with unhappiness but he turned his calmed face to Jordan and answered. “She's doing better, but she still wont believe me when I insist that her sister is gone.”

 

“Poor child.” Jordan sighed, a faint blush covering her cheeks.

 

“Yeah…” Inuyasha said mournfully.

 

“What about her relationship with Kagome?” Jordan tried changing the subject again.

 

“Kagome's good with kids. Silva seems really attacked to her. I feel a bit bad that my host has been hired as a constant babysitter.” He smiled slightly. “When this is over, I'm not letting Silva out of my sight.”

 

It must be difficult being a parent. Jordan reflected. Especially of a child that had been through so much in one lifetime. Silva was extraordinary. Sixty years she had spent in the same body yet still contained her young soul. To be able to control and move about with so much power was something a handful of adults were able to do. Jordan closed her eyes. If she hadn't been born as she was, could she have had a powerful child too?

 

“Jordan?” She looked at Inuyasha.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Are you all right?” He asked.

 

Jordan shook her head, smiling weakly. “I'm fine. Shouldn't you be spending you last two days with you daughter and Kagome?”

 

Inuyasha blinked a few times before grinning guiltily. “Get out of there, Inuyasha. I think we both know that you've had enough pessimism for one day.” Jordan watched as he smirked at her before standing and walking toward the door.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome sighed. She was anxious. Everything was set and ready for the invasion and all participators in the effort had the next two days to spend either preparing themselves or being with people they cared for. Silva had gone off to play with Rin, and Sango insisted watching them in order for Kagome to get some alone time, leaving Kagome with nothing to do but ponder and fret about what would happen in two days.

 

What if Naraku was expecting their move? What if it was a trap? What if Inuyasha got hurt? How would Silva take the news? So many questions were buzzing through her head. Kagome was sure that by the end of these two days, she would have an ulcer from all this worrying.

 

She was beginning to wish that Silva were here to distract her from her newfound plight. Yesterday, she was worried about staying in this world and the unexplainable dreams she was having. Now her consciousness wrapped around the invasion. She knew it was pointless to concern herself about something that she wouldn't be certain about till it happened, but she couldn't help it. If only Sango hadn't taken Silva off her hands. At least she would have something other to worry about.

 

“Kagome?” She turned her head from the view of the flower field to where the voice had come from. Rising from the rock she had been using as a seat, Kagome smiled as Inuyasha walked up to her from the trees behind.

 

“Isn't Silva with you?” He asked as he came closer.

 

Kagome shook her head. “No. Sango said she would watch over her for me today.”

 

Inuyasha didn't reply at first but then said, “I see.”

 

Kagome gave him a knowing look. “Do you want to go find her?”

 

To her surprise he replied, “No. Actually, I'd like to talk to you.”

 

Slightly confused and excited, Kagome nodded and made her way back to the boulder she had been sitting on, climbing on to it. She felt Inuyasha come to stand next to her seat, looking out into the field of flowers that he had led her to yesterday. It was strange that she would choose this place to come and sort out her problems just as he had.

 

“So,” Kagome began, staring ahead like he was, “what did you want to talk about?”

 

He took a moment to respond. “Are you nervous?”

 

Kagome raised her brows. “About what?”

 

“The invasion.”

 

She frowned. Typical “Inuyasha” question. “Who isn't nervous about it?”

 

“Miroku isn't.” Inuyasha said after a brief moment of thought. “I saw him a moment ago. The old pervert is as calm as ever.”

 

“Well old grumpy,” Kagome smiled, noticing him give a look at the new name, “how do you feel about the invasion?”

 

He shrugged. “I keep worrying that something may go wrong, but I guess I won't find out till the actual event, now will I?”

 

Kagome chuckled. Inuyasha's frown deepened. “What's so funny?”

 

She grinned, showing him her teeth. “I was thinking the exact same thing before you came.” She turned her eyes back to the view in front. “I think it doesn't matter what we think now. Nothing we worry about now will change what happens in two days.”

 

A small smile spread across Inuyasha's face. “You're right.”

 

Kagome laughed. “Actually I'm glad that you came. Otherwise I would keep thinking about it.” She slid off the rock, facing him. He looked at her with a weak smile. Kagome frowned. What was with that look? She wondered.

 

“Are you okay?” She asked suddenly. A look of confusion crossed his eyes.

 

“What do you mean? I feel fine.” He frowned.

 

Kagome placed her hand on his forehead. He didn't respond to her touch. “You don't feel warm. Is there something your not telling me?” Kagome narrowed her eyes, watching him.

 

His brows furrowed but he said, “No, I'm not.”

 

Kagome wasn't sure if she completely believed him but she pushed the thought aside, shrugging. “So what happens when this is all over?” Kagome asked him.

 

“If this is all over.” He corrected.

 

“Excuse me!” Kagome stamped her foot down in irritation. “You're supposed to be cocky and tell me that we are going to show them hell in two days, not wallow in negativity! You were so confident a while back, why so down on yourself now?”

 

Inuyasha blinked and shrugged. “I'm not down on myself.”

 

“Give me a break. You were so afraid to see your own daughter, putting yourself down about how you failed her when all she wanted was to see you. And now you're being a worrywart about the invasion. You're supposed to say that we're going to go in there and kick ass, not expect the worst.” Kagome huffed, and continued much calmer. “What happened to you? You used to be so confident, almost to the point of being annoying. I wish you would be more sure of yourself, Inuyasha.”

 

He crossed his arms. “So you want me to return to my heartless self?” He glared.

 

Kagome immediately rushed to the defensive. “That's not what I meant. I just wish you would lighten up a little. It makes me worry.”

 

Inuyasha looked to the side. “I have a lot of things to atone for.”

 

“AAH!” Kagome slapped her palm on her forehead. “Honestly! You got your daughter back and she forgives you. You don't have to feel guilty anymore. It's okay to be happy you know.”

 

Inuyasha clicked his teeth. “You don't get it. It's not just Silva. I couldn't save her sister; I couldn't protect my wife. I failed to protect Western Domain.”

 

“You didn't fail to save them.” Kagome watched as he stared at her wide-eyed, shocked. “What happened to Ayla and Silva was something you couldn't stop. And Kikyo, you said she died protecting Ayla and Silva while they were in hiding. You were in a war, trying to protect them, so that wasn't your fault either. And Naraku used Silva to distract you from helping the fight in Western Domain. If you carry all the blame on yourself, you'll break again. And it's not healthy to keep putting yourself down like this either.” Kagome added.

 

He didn't reply, looking at the floor with his fists clenched. “What makes you so sure?”

 

“Don't you want to get Naraku for everything he's done?”

 

Inuyasha looked back up, his eyes blazing. “I want that fucking bastard's head.”

 

“Then you can't win the battle if you don't have confidence in yourself! You have to face it head on.” Kagome beamed at him, hoping her enthusiasm would be infectious.

 

Inuyasha smiled, placing his hands on his hips and looking her over. “You know, you're not that whiny, helpless girl I found in the middle of nowhere months ago.” He laughed.

 

“Oh, that makes me feel good.” Kagome rolled her eyes.

 

“Thanks Kagome.”

 

“You're very welcome. Do you feel better?”

 

“Lots.” He replied.

 

“So, how do you plan to spend the rest of your two days?” Kagome asked.

 

He looked back out into the field. “I was going to spend time with Silva, but I guess I should let her stay with Sango for a little longer. There was something I wanted to ask you.”

 

Kagome shrugged. “Ask away.”

 

Inuyasha paused, bringing up a hand to brush the bangs out of his face. He took a deep breath. “Do you still want to go back to your own world?”

 

Kagome heart bounced. Why did he have to ask that! How could she answer when she didn't know herself? She'd been thinking about it all day and still couldn't make up her mind. It was such a touch choice. Half of her wanted to stay, the other wanted to go back, and the consequences were the same for each division: she would be leaving one world behind forever. Kagome kept telling herself that if she was going to choice, she would choose one of the courses without any regrets, but the more time she spent copulating a solution, the more daunting and draining her problem became.

 

“I don't know.” Kagome finally answered, her face downward. “Even though it's been fight upon fight, I really like it here, but I'd miss my family and my friends back home. I can't give you an answer just yet.”

 

Inuyasha stared at her for a long moment. “Okay.” He finally said. “You still have plenty of time to think about it, I guess.” A strange look covered his face, but he changed it and said, “Let me know when you decide.” Kagome heaved out a big sigh. That was easier said then done, she thought.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Two days passed by in a blur and before Inuyasha and everyone else knew it, it was time to prepare for the next morning when the soldiers would leave in the early hours and start the battle. Bidding his daughter what he hoped was not an eternal farewell, Inuyasha had left her with her uncle the night before heading back to make sure everything was ready for their departure with Kagome.

 

Jordan was slightly unnerved and said that she would like a moment alone to pray. She told Inuyasha and Kagome that she would see them the next morning and bid them goodnight. The hanyou and his host knew very well that Jordan was just as apprehensive as the rest of them and did not bother to try and console her. She was perfectly able on her own.

 

Having gotten tired of her headache causing choice, Kagome had pushed aside all her ponderings about whether she would leave or stay and decided to prepare herself for the struggle ahead. After she had spoken with Inuyasha, she wanted to spend some time to herself as well, practicing her host abilities so she would be at her best. Sometimes she would enjoy the company of Inuyasha and his daughter, but she wanted to let the two of them be alone for a little while so Inuyasha could get used to being near his little girl without her support.

 

Inuyasha on the other hand had dropped all concerns about the final war effort from his mind, spending the next two days in the presence of his child, who, unsurprisingly, was greedy for his attention and closeness. It surprised him that Silva did not get tired of having him nearby. She even asked him to teach her how to swim, just to keep him from leaving her with her uncle. Unfortunately, though Inuyasha had enjoyed those two days with Silva more then he could say with words, he patted her head and reassured her that Sesshoumaru will watch over her till he returned. Silva had held on to his hand in a vice-grip, telling him to promise he'd come back. Though he had already vowed to himself that he would never leave his daughter's side again if she needed him, Inuyasha gave her his word before returning to Kagome the night before the battle.

 

The pair of them had also spent a brief moment the night before the start of the invasion sitting in the garden and speaking with Sango and Miroku. Now, all of them stood under the dark, morning sky, waiting for the rest of their teams to assemble and the final call to be made before the start of the fray. Kagome could barely keep her eyes open as she stood by Inuyasha, who was surprisingly alert. She had difficulty falling asleep earlier that night, and was amazed that Inuyasha didn't show any signs of fatigue when waking early that morning. The moon loomed over them, blessing them with its silver light.

 

Miroku and Sango had been the first to arrive, the two of them looked weary, yet prepared. Sarina and Suzuna later appeared and called them into the desired area for the transportation. They gave Kagome and her party a small breakfast next to a large fire that stood in the middle of the clearing, illuminating the meeting ground. Soon, Jordan, Sesshoumaru and their warriors appeared.

 

Presently, Kagome stood by Inuyasha, waiting for Jordan and Sesshoumaru to begin their speech. “Are you ready?” She whispered to Inuyasha.

 

“As I'll ever be. It's now or never isn't it?” He answered.

 

“Any regrets?” Kagome asked just to keep talking so she could ignore her rampaging heartbeat.

 

“None.” Came his blunt answer. Kagome never got the chance to say her next question because Sesshoumaru and Jordan had begun to speak.

 

“Everyone here has something they wish to guard. Go into battle with the determination to safeguard whomever it is you are fighting for.” Jordan began.

 

“This is not just a confrontation to protect your nation. This is a fight to return our world to its original form, to make it so we can continue to live.” Sesshoumaru interjected.

 

“Failure is not an option and we will not fail. We will head into this conflict and return victorious.” Jordan continued.

 

“We will go into Eastern Domain and demonstrate our power and resolve.” Sesshoumaru finished. Many cries of enthusiasm and applause came from the solders.

 

“Our main objective is eliminating Naraku. However, that is the goal of one singular unit.” Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's eyes met, as though his elder brother was secretly ordering him not to fail in bringing Naraku to his knees. Inuyasha nodded.

 

“The rest of the assault units will enter the eastern territory, securing and providing the way for the assassination unit to get to the capitol. Take down any stray guard in your path. We can't have anyone returning to aid Naraku.” Jordan spoke.

 

Kagome looked around all their soldiers. There were many. Sorcerers, warriors, and demons from Northern and Western Domain had assembled. It was slightly shocking that so many arrived, but considering what they were attempting was an invasion, Kagome pushed that momentary surprise aside.

 

“By the end of these ten days, we shall return here with Naraku's blood.” Sesshoumaru finished the speech. Kagome clapped with everyone else, her heart thundering, for now it was time to head toward the battlefield. Inuyasha left her side, walking up toward Jordan and Sesshoumaru. He exchanged some words with them before unsheathing the dimension sword at his hip.

 

Closing his eyes and concentrating, Inuyasha ripped open the gateway to the border that led to Eastern Domain. He looked inside the portal, searching for enemies. When he did not find any, he nodded to Sesshoumaru and called fighters in, row by row.

 

“I know this goes without saying little brother,” Sesshoumaru began while Inuyasha was still calling people in, “but I already have a little girl to watch over. I don't think I'm prepared to handle another child. You had better return to her.”

 

Inuyasha's jaw dropped and he almost closed the pathway to the border, gaping at his brother over his shoulder. Those were the last words he had expected to hear from him. Granted it wasn't a heartfelt goodbye between loving brothers, for Sesshoumaru to tell Inuyasha to come back alive and take care of his daughter, was quite a step forward in their “brotherly” relationship. Nodding, he went back to his task of keeping the gateway open.

 

It wasn't long before Sesshoumaru removed his own sword and stopped time. As the last of the soldiers walked through the portal, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Jordan prepared for their final departure as well.

 

“I don't necessarily believe in this but best of luck to you all.” Sesshoumaru told his brother and his companions.

 

“Take care of Silva till I get back.” Inuyasha said.

 

“Consider it done.” Sesshoumaru replied, watching as the last remaining fighters vanished and the dimensional opening closed.

 

()()()()()()()

 

“The real fight begins now.” Jordan said, watching over the army. It had surprised Kagome how quickly she took action. Jordan began issuing orders the very moment her feet touched the sand. She gathered the leaders of each military unit, spreading a map and telling them which area they needed to secure by no less then five days time.

 

One by one, each group headed off into the desert of Eastern Domain. Soon it was time for Sarina and Suzuna to head off as well. Then Miroku and Sango left, leaving Jordan, Inuyasha and Kagome along with the remaining vanguard. Before dismissing herself, Jordan gave Inuyasha the location of the base that she would be setting up, advising him to head to there if he was injured. Jordan turned, taking her fleet of fighters with her.

 

“Shall we?” Inuyasha asked when only he, Kagome and their group remained.

 

Kagome nodded. “We shall.”

 

They slowly but surely made their way under the dark starry sky. It was cold and it wasn't long before they reached the first blockade. Inuyasha and his fighters looked out into the distance. A camp stood in the middle of their vision. Using his keen senses, he could smell only demon warriors in the distance. This was perhaps one of the smaller divisions guarding the border, he thought.

 

“It seems that there is a heavy guard around the area. The others should be reaching their first military base as well.” A female sorcerer said as she looked through a long telescope directed at the light off in the distance.

 

Inuyasha could already smell blood in the distance and he hoped that it wasn't of anyone he knew. He stared out into the blockade that they would eventually have to face. If he were alone, he'd charge in there, but he had other lives on his team to consider.

 

“So what's the plan?” Kagome asked.

 

“It looks like they are alert. I doubt that they won't notice us if we stay here too long. They would eventually catch our scent when the wind changes its path. It would be a good idea to have someone infiltrate it and find a way to distract them. Maybe I should go.”

 

“No offense Inuyasha, but you're too loud to be sneaky.” Kagome said. He raised his brows at her.

 

“You have a better idea?”

 

“Send me.” She answered without a second thought.

 

Inuyasha blinked at her. “No way.” He said.

 

“Come on, Inuyasha. I can get in without being noticed and you can communicate with me. I'll go in and mess things up a little and you can bring everyone else in with you.”

 

Inuyasha gave her a nervous glance. “Trust me.” When he didn't seem to show much confidence in her, Kagome sighed and decided to demonstrate her ability. Tapping into her host and miko strengths, she concentrated on creating a barrier around herself. The look of pure shock that spread on Inuyasha's face when she vanished into thing air made her burst with pride.

 

“What the? Where the hell did she-”

 

“Pretty cool huh?” Kagome reappeared.

 

“When did you learn to do that?” He asked her. Kagome smiled. She had neglected to tell him about how she had learned her little invisibility trick when she had gone to Southern Domain with Sarina and Suzuna.

 

It took some coaxing, but Kagome managed to get him to let her go. She was getting a tad tired of his over-protectiveness, but she decided to forget it for now. Casting her barrier around herself, she set out into the dark, her eyes on the settlement. As she came closer, she began recognizing the demons that guarded the place. Slowly, Kagome made her way through the first gate. The enemies didn't look at her and if they did happen to look her way, all they saw was right through her.

 

`How's it look?' Inuyasha asked in her mind.

 

“So far so good, no one has noticed me yet.”

 

`And the camp? What do you see?'

 

“There's a big bonfire in the middle. Lot's of guys walking around on patrol.”

 

`Can you get close to the bonfire?'

 

“Yeah. What do you have in mind?”

 

`Set fire on their tents.'

 

“You really want to shake things up don't you?”

 

`If that doesn't scream distraction, I don't what will.'

 

“Okay, I'll let you know when you can charge in!”

 

Trying her best to keep silent so that no one would hear her presence, Kagome made her way to the center of the camp. The large fire warmed her as she got closer while several men looked about. “Do you hear something?” One demon asked.

 

“It's probably just the sand. Ignore it.” Another replied.

 

Fools, Kagome thought as she walked behind them, pulling a branch from the fire into her barrier. “Inuyasha, anytime you're ready.” She called before setting the large tent behind the two men on fire. The reaction was immediate. They panicked and called for help, while a man she assumed was the leader shouted, “Put that out you fools!”

 

As several demons rushed to extinguish the flame, Kagome headed to the next hut, throwing a burning twig at it. The flame spread like a disease, engulfing the rest of the camp as Kagome heard a familiar battle cry. Smiling, she pulled her bow, watching from the inside of her barrier as Inuyasha and the others came in, taking the initiative and fighting those in the camp.

 

The surprise attack didn't last long however, and soon the tides became neutral. Changing her perspective, Kagome saw several men attack a lone warrior from her group. Pulling an arrow back, she fired at the closest of the men, hitting him square in the back, the light of her purification spreading and engulfing the other two. They yelped and as the light cleared they feel to the floor, harmless. Using the power of her invisibility, Kagome fired another arrow at an unsuspecting solder that had wounded one of Inuyasha's men. As soon as the tip of the arrowhead touched him, he imitated the two others Kagome had taken down earlier.

 

A scream was heard from behind her. Kagome spun around, her eyes narrowing at the soldier that had cut the young sorceress at her side. Concentrating, fighting at the fatigue that was suddenly rising, Kagome fired her arrow, watching as the man burned with her purification power.

 

Kagome panted. Holding up a barrier that hid her presence and scent was proving to be tiresome. She pushed back her weariness for the moment, rushing across the battlefield and aiding her allies from the shadows. Eventually her strength had waned and Kagome could no longer hold her barrier. The shield dropped, bringing with it the danger of the terrain.

 

The moment she was visible, a demon had charged at her with a sword in one hand and poisonous claws ready on the other. As quickly as her reflexes would allow, Kagome jumped backward, the sand dusted up her legs as she landed. The demon had already begun his counterattack, charging at her with speed and viciousness. One strike, two strikes, three strikes, he continued to lash at her, and Kagome found herself at the defensive trying to stay away from the top of his sword and sharpness of his nails.

 

Everything moved in flashes and Kagome heard a roar as the demon gave a ferocious lung at her, barely giving her any moment to prepare. Without even thinking, Kagome forced her legs to make her jump to the side. She brought the arrow in her hand up, and stabbed it as hard as she could on the demon's back before it could turn and attack her once more. Light from the tip erupted, surging through the demon. The sand spread around him as he fell to the floor, useless.

 

Barely recovering from that round, Kagome wasn't ready for he next soldier that had noticed her. Hearing him approach, he tapped into her powers, covering herself. The creature hit her shield, bouncing back into ground. The shield shattered like glass making Kagome grunt as another wave of exhaustion filled her. Still trying to catch her breath, Kagome forced herself to reach for another arrow. The creature stood just as she began pulling back the sting. It ran at her again, but stopped halfway, an arrow in its neck.

 

How long was this going to last? The entire nighttime scene was painted orange from the fire. Enemies had begun to use the flame to their advantage, throwing people into the inferno of twisting flares. An injured woman from their team was kneeling on the ground, holding her side. War screams could be heard everywhere. Unable to take the cacophony anymore, Kagome did what she hoped would end the battle. She reached into herself, finding Inuyasha's power and combining a bit of it with hers.

 

Pointing her arrow upward Kagome thought, I hope this works, and fired. The projectile shot up like burning water from a geyser, falling down like rain. The white tips of energy fell over her enemies, making them writhe as though it was acid rain. It touched her allies, falling over them like harmless mist. And as quickly as it happened, that battle was over. Enemies were purified and harmless.

 

Kagome's head throbbed and she fell to her knees, breathing in deeply. “Inuyasha? Where are you?” Kagome thought, heaving from the large amount of energy she had used.

 

`Close. I'll come to you.'

 

Kagome wheezed, feeling her lungs puff with air. She had never used so much of her strength at once. It had happened on impulse. She wanted the fighting to end. Seeing several members on her team wounded had made an angry, protective tiger rear up in her. Had it been the thought that if this battle wasn't survived, then there was no hope for them? Or was it just her sudden need to put an end to this struggle? She wasn't sure which it was. However, she was certain that this battle was just the chip of the ice-burg.

 

She felt her head clear somewhat as Inuyasha appeared, running up to her and kneeling down. “You okay?” He asked, grabbing hold of her upper arm and pulling her to a stand. Kagome wobbled a bit and leaned on him for balance, closing her eyes as she inhaled again. She rested her throbbing head against his chest, feeling rather heavy.

 

“I'm fine. I'll be okay.” She huffed.

 

“That was some stunt you pulled.” He said. Kagome didn't have the energy to be surprised. She had thought for sure that he would have been angry she had overexerted herself.

 

“You're not mad?” She couldn't help asking.

 

“No, I'm very mad.” His voice took an annoyed tone. “But yelling at you isn't going to solve anything. Besides, we don't have to worry about fighting anymore, thanks to you.”

 

Was that a complement? Kagome wondered. Her head didn't spin as much and she managed to lean away from Inuyasha without falling to her knees. She looked about the camp; well, what was left of the camp. Most of what was left of the tents were the frames that held them up. Smoke rose upward into the golden, orange sky. The sun must have been rising.

 

“Will people see this smoke in the distance?” Kagome thought aloud.

 

“I don't think so. The desert is very large and the camps are a fair distance apart. Besides, it's the desert. They might as well think it's a sandstorm.” Inuyasha answered.

 

Kagome's eyes skimmed the area around and behind him before speaking again. “How is everything?”

 

Inuyasha shrugged. “I'll check.” He turned and walked toward a fallen comrade. Kagome let him be, deciding that it was best that she take a moment to clear her mind before attending to the others. She took after Inuyasha, searching for injured fighters. The enemy demons had fled after being touched by Kagome's energy. With as much care as Kagome could manage, she aided the hurt people.

 

Fortunately, according to one of the scouts with them, there weren't too many casualties and no one had died. Several sorcerers from the North who had the ability to heal set up a small infirmary, tending to the wounded. The sun had arisen in the east, painting the sky red. With the wounded taken care of, Inuyasha had asked some of his soulders if he knew a way to contact their other battalions in the desert. One of his men proved useful. With his host on another team, they were able to contact and convey the news.

 

“How many more blockades do you think we'll have to take down?” Kagome asked when the sun had fully risen.

 

“I don't know. I guess for now we should check out the area and plan our next move. Remember that we have to reach the capitol so the sooner we move the better.” Inuyasha mused.

 

Kagome sighed, looking over the mess they had made of the camp. “I wonder how the others are.” Inuyasha was silent for a moment and Kagome wondered if he was secretly thinking about them too. Then he said, “We don't have time to worry about them,” and proved that she was right.

 

()()()()()()()

 

By midday, four scouts had returned to the camp, telling them that several enemy bases were up ahead. With Kagome included, Inuyasha and two of the most experienced fighters on their team sat under the blazing sun deciding how to go about the next wave of attacks. The demons of Eastern domain had the advantage of being unaffected by the heat so they planned their attacks to begin around the time the sun went down, which left daytime to be a period for rest, planning and scouting.

 

Whatever had been left in the camp was being put to use. They were luck enough not to have torched some sturdy tents, one of which was being used as a temporary infirmary. A few uniforms had been found in a storage tent and were currently being worn by some of the soldiers to create the illusion of an un-captured base from a distance. A large amount of water, which was exactly what they needed if they were going to stay in the desert for a few days, was also found stored in the same place.

 

“How far away is the closest base?” Inuyasha had asked one of the scouts that he had sent to look around earlier that day when the sun was getting closer to finishing it's arc across the sky.

 

“I believe it's about a few miles east of here. If we head out now, we might be able to get there just as the sun begins to set.” The man replied.

 

Inuyasha nodded and dismissed him before turning to Kagome as she waiting for his decision. “What do you think? Should we head out how?”

 

“I think we should let some of our group stay here in case anyone gets hurt. It would be a good idea to let some hosts stay behind.” Kagome replied. “And I don't mean me.” She added with a scowl.

 

Inuyasha smiled as though he had been caught, but quickly changed his expression again. “That's a good idea. I'll go gather the people we'll take with us.”

 

Kagome watched him leave, mentally preparing herself for another round. So far, things were proceeding smoothly, and Kagome and Inuyasha could only hope that this continued for the remainder of the invasion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yeah, shorter chapter, but I'm afraid that it's quite late and my strength has run out so I can't regurgitate more words. I may just come back and add on to this a little…

 

I really hope you enjoyed. Writing for this story is getting harder and harder, especially since it's getting toward the end and I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.