InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Reverse ( Chapter 25 )

Last chapter was dedicated to my sister for saving the chap on her computer before I had lost all ten pages completely. This chapter is dedicated to my Dad. I don't know how he did it, but within a few days, he got my good ol' laptop up and running with all my music and chapters! I'm back BABY! Whohoo! And it's a good thing Dad got the old bolts going again because I had a burst of energy to write this chap! So thank you DAD! I love you, old man!

 

The chapter several of you have been waiting for is not far off. As to what I'm referring to, I won't tell. Use your imagination, huhuhuhu! Lots and lots of foreshadowing in this chap, will you pick up on a few things?

 

Plus, this chap is LONG! And I mean long. This is probably the longest chapter I've ever written, and among the hardest, for Nightwalker. I really hope you like it!

 

Also let me say,

I have some hints,

A riddle and a clue,

To help you,

Not seen but known,

Not described but heard,

Implied…

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, nor did I have the genius to come up with him like that of Romiko Takahashi. Seriously, I can't come up with something THAT amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

Part Twenty-Five: Reverse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The street's only light was the one working lamppost that flickered every now and then. For the man who had cornered the woman close to the small alley, this was the ideal place for a robbery and perhaps something more. The woman struggled, but her screams were muffled by the man's large hands. She looked about frantically for a savoir, her heart aching when no one was in sight.

 

As though summoned by her will, a shadow appeared from under the light. He walked down the sidewalk toward them. His step was graceful and he strode their way without once acknowledging them. She bit down hard on her attacker's hand and only had a second to shout for help before he silenced her again. The man paused on the sidewalk, watching them without a word.

 

The attacker spat at him, aiming a gun at the woman. “Walk away buddy. This doesn't concern you, unless you want this girl's head to roll.”

 

The young man didn't remove his hands from his pockets. He shrugged and said, “Very well.”

 

The woman felt burning tears roll down her cheeks, as he seemed to smoothly pass them. She closed her eyes in terror and a second later, felt her attacker flinch. The youth had grabbed the collar of the attacker's shirt from behind and thrown him across the street.

 

As though this feat was nothing, he pocketed his hands again. “Best be on your way.”

 

He walked off in his powerful stride; she rushed away from the wall and called out a thank you. “Can I have your name?”

 

The young man turned his green eyes at her and smiled before continuing the pathway. Soon he was beyond the woman and in the darkness, he leaned his back against the stone of the inner alley walls. “Good evening.” He said to the shadows. One would think he was out of his mind, but that was before the shadows spoke back.

 

“Your report?”

 

“The effects were just as I had expected. They are tied together.”

 

“Then it's almost time.” The other voice said.

 

“What's your decision?”

 

“To have the treat taken away. It's time I see what's so special about this morsel.”

 

“Very well.” The young man prepared to leave.

 

“One moment.” The voice said. “I believe it's time to bring the insurgents to your attention.”

 

“Insurgents?”

 

“There's a traitor among my followers. Find him and squash whatever rebels he's controlling.”

 

“As you wish.” Narek stepped out of the alley, and vanished into the darkness of the night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome opened her eyes as the sun began to head west, signaling that it was after midday. She sat up on the bed, feeling as though the approaching darkness was mocking her. For two agonizing weeks, Kagome had watched the family mournfully fight onward. The air was thick with the salty smell of tears and heartbreak. Even with the loss, the family kept going. In the days she'd spent back at their hiding place in Sequoia, Kagome had not spoken to anyone while the cut she'd received from Narek healed.

 

Now with her shoulder closed, yet still tender, Kagome had a pressing force on her shoulders. Thoughts about her current disadvantaging situation plagued her.

 

With a mental vigor, Kagome reluctantly separated herself from the bed. To think that months ago, her primary concern was getting enough time to study for exams, but know it seems she was more worried about her survival and that of the family's. Pulling on some clothes, she excited into the hallway.

 

She wondered where Inuyasha and the others were. The men of the family left on business from time to time, mostly checking to see if their area is safe. Kagome could see the logic behind it, yet every time someone left the house, she felt a wave of anxiety in her stomach, like a cat trying to claw its way out. She hated not being able to do anything to help, to protect the family. She also took great displeasure in the mounting sense of guilt that had weighted down on her back like ten tons, making her slouch slightly.

 

It was silly to think such things, yet Kagome couldn't help but feel that the desperate predicament she and the family found themselves in was her fault. If she had been more decisive, braver perhaps, maybe she could have found someway to get away from Narek and keep him from discovering yet another weakness of Inuyasha's, or even been able to warn the family of his presence. She knew regrets didn't help her, but they made the remorse bearable.

 

Kagome passed by an open door, picking up a pair of voices that made her pause.

 

“Inuyasha, can I talk to you?” Said Lilliana's voice. Kagome found it strange that she was speaking. Since Inuyasha had found her the night Albier was killed, Lilliana had barely come out of her room. Kagome had caught her several times washing her face as though she wanted to scrub off her own skin. Was it because she wanted to get rid of the memory of seeing a family member die? Kagome wasn't sure.

 

Curious as to what Lilliana could want from Inuyasha, and slightly disgruntled, Kagome pressed herself against the wall, stretching her ears into the room.

 

“What is it?” Inuyasha's voice asked. He sounded drained.

 

There was a long silence. “Is it true that I'm not really a member of this family?”

 

“What?” The amazement in his voice either meant that it was silly question or a bothersome one.

 

“Is it true that Rukiya wasn't the one that made me? I've always wondered. She's a woman and she only bits men.”

 

“What gave you that idea?”

 

Lilliana drew her assumption from his tone. “It's true, isn't it?”

 

Inuyasha must have nodded because Lilliana asked, “Then who made me?”

 

“It doesn't matter.”

 

“So it was Narek.” Lilliana concluded. “I'm one of his, not Rukiya's.”

 

Kagome gulped. “No. Narek is third generation.”

 

“What?”

 

“A second generation nightwalker is someone who was changed by a natural born. Third generation is someone who was changed by a second. The ability to turn a human into a nightwalker thins after the human is bitten, and when it's passed to a third, the ability to change someone dies out. Narek couldn't have turned you into a nightwalker even if he wanted to.”

 

“And even if he did, you belong with us. Just because you weren't changed by one of us, doesn't mean that we don't care about you, or that we look at you a different way.” Kagome bit her lower lip. Did that statement count for everyone in this house? She didn't know if it was the fact that Inuyasha was saying such heartwarming things, or if it was the idea he presented, but Kagome's heart was giving her a powerful thump.

 

“I suppose that makes sense.” Kagome heard Lilliana's steps and she bounced several paces away from the door as Lilliana came into the hall. She spared Kagome a brief glance, nodded with a forlorn expression on her face and then turned down the corridor. Kagome didn't expect Lilliana to spare her a word.

 

Tentatively, she stepped through the door. Inuyasha leaned against the foot of his bed with his head back. He opened a slit eye when Kagome came forward. “How long were you standing in the hallway?”

 

Kagome stopped in her walk. “You knew?”

 

“I know where you are almost most of the time.” He answered.

 

“Is it true that Lilliana is not one of Rukiya's?” Kagome didn't know she had asked the curiosity fueled question till after Inuyasha gave her a long stare.

 

“Yes, Rukiya isn't the one that changed her.” He said finally.

 

“Then who did?”

 

Kagome waited for him to answer. Her mind went through potential creators. From what Inuyasha had said about third generation, it couldn't have been Bill or Christiano. More importantly, if Rukiya wasn't the one that changed Lilliana, why didn't the family tell her who was her real creator?

 

“I did.”

 

Kagome blinked.

 

“I changed Lilliana.” Inuyasha repeated.

 

“Why don't you tell her?”

 

“I may have been the one to change her, but it was Rukiya that found her and Rukiya that asked me to save her. Lilliana is one of mine, but Rukiya was always the one that looked after her. She's more Rukiya's then she is mine.”

 

Kagome sat down across from him. She analyzed his reasons for keeping this secret from Lilliana, and then pushed it aside as none of her business. Instead, she asked, “How are you feeling?”

 

“How are you feeling?” Inuyasha countered.

 

“Better.”

 

“Then so am I.”

 

Kagome fidgeted, bending her knees under her. Inuyasha had been busy at work, even with her wound on his shoulder. It had been his venom that had made the cut close as fast as it did. Kagome was certain that if he had not been there to inject the venom into her, she would have died from blood loss.

 

“Thanks.” She said suddenly.

 

“For?”

 

“For saving me.” Inuyasha smiled and then his features dropped. “What's wrong?” She asked when she noticed his blank face.

 

Inuyasha closed his eyes again. “Tired. There's so much going on, it's like I'm stuck in a crowded room with all kinds of arguments around me, and I don't know which one to address.”

 

“Sounds tough. Want to talk about it?” Kagome pressed.

 

Inuyasha let out a sigh. “So much to worry about. Even with…them gone, everything has to keep going. If it wasn't bad enough that we have the terror three already on our tail, the nightwalker king has made an appearance.”

 

Kagome felt as though a bee was trapped in her heart, thumping against its walls. “Where is he?” She asked.

 

“Sesshoumaru is guessing, that by the increase of enemy nightwalkers in the area, the bastard is close. Luckily, we haven't been discovered yet. Funny that we are retreating and the place we are hiding is near nightwalker king's current stay.”

 

“What about Fenrir, Hakudoshi and the others?” Kagome couldn't bring herself to say Narek's name. It made a thousand volts course through her spine.

 

“They are most likely with the nightwalker king. Something is not right.”

 

“What's that?”

 

“Why haven't we been attacked yet? Are they trapping us? We're so close and it's as though the king's armies have no idea we are here?”

 

“Maybe someone is planning a coup in the army?” Kagome suggested.

 

“It that were the case, we'd see more signs of rebellion. This is so fucking tiring.” Inuyasha covered his eyelids with his hand. “First Christiano, and Albier, and now this. I don't know what's going on anymore. We haven't heard from Kanna since she moved her family into South Africa to recruit other nightwalkers. And to top is all off I'm-” Inuyasha closed his mouth as though he caught himself about to say a dirty secret. He looked at Kagome out of the corner of his eye. His line of vision focused on her shoulder.

 

Kagome caught what was running through his mind. “Our weird body connection bothers you too.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “I knew you were a weakness before, but…”

 

“What does it mean?” Kagome said aloud.

 

Inuyasha shook his head. “I'm just as lost as you are. That bastard said something about `second-generation blood ties.' I wish I knew what it meant. Maybe it has something to do blood compatibility.”

 

Kagome raised a brow. “What's this about compatibility?”

 

When Inuyasha finished explaining, Kagome was mute for a while. “You're kidding. I don't know how long you've lived or how many people you've bitten but that still sounds so-”

 

“Farfetched. I know, and I didn't believe in it until this happened.” He pointed to his clavicle. “There's no other explanation.” He growled. “This is so fucked up. As if we needed another factor to put you in more danger. If the enemy were to get their hands on you again…it's like they'd have something even more valuable to bargain with.”

 

Valuable. The work echoed in Kagome's mind and wouldn't go away no matter how much she was trying to push it out. Kagome straightened her face. Had she been grinning?

 

“So what is the family going to do?” She asked, trying to distract herself.

 

“Lay low for a while. Sesshoumaru, Bill and I will guard the area.”

 

Kagome wanted to protest, but the words vanished from her lips. What could she possibly say that could deter them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was until late night that Inuyasha and the others prepared to go about checking their surroundings. Kagome stood in the foyer with mixed feelings as the three of them readied themselves to leave. Part of her wasn't sure what to do, the other was about to speak when Claire had come hurrying down the stairs and grabbed Bill by the middle.

 

Almost as though he'd sensed what was troubling her, Bill told Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru to go ahead. “Wait!” Claire called, but the brothers had already gone through the door.

 

Bill kneeled till he was at his sister's level. “Claire, I have to go.”

 

“No.” Claire shook her head. “What if something happens?”

 

Bill sighed. “This isn't just about me is it?”

 

Claire's eyes filled but she didn't let the tears fall. “I don't want to do this anymore Bill. Can't we leave? Let the king have his way? I don't want to see anyone else go.”

 

Bill patted his sister on the head. “We can't do that Claire. I know it's hard, but running away would make Chris and Al's death mean nothing.”

 

“But I don't want to see something happen to you or anyone else. What if-”

 

“Life in itself is already a struggle. Come on sis. You're always so positive. Give me a smile.”

 

Claire looked at the ground. “I wish you guys didn't have to go.”

 

Bill gave her a hug. It was like watching a bear embrace a small rabbit. “I have to. Be strong for me.”

 

“Y-you bet.” Claire sniffed. After Bill had gone through the door, Claire had hung her head and left the room.

 

She'd beaten her to it. Claire had the bravery to say what Kagome couldn't. Why did they keep going? Why did they have to leave?

 

Kagome's thoughts switched to Sango and Miroku. She hadn't seen them since Narek removed them from the police building in Hong Kong. Were they still alive, or did Narek go back to finish the job? Kagome couldn't stop the spasm that ran across her muscles. What had Narek really done to Christiano and Albier? Would Sango and Miroku disappear when Narek decided to be rid of them? Kagome felt that it would be better to know they were dead. At least then there would be closure, at least then their bodies could be put to rest. Was everything he did even crueler then the last?

 

“I find myself agreeing with that statement.” Rukiya said as she walked into the foyer. “Forgive me for hearing your thoughts. It's hard to keep my power under control when I'm stressed.” She said as she walked closer to Kagome.

 

Kagome shook her head. “That's okay.”

 

“He really is a monster, isn't he?” Rukiya noticed the color drain from Kagome's face. “Sometimes I regret saving him.”

 

“What was Narek like before he betrayed you?” Kagome couldn't help but ask.

 

“When he wasn't plagued by his vengeful thoughts about humans, he was very charming, intelligent. I wonder, if I could have spoken with him more, tried to calm his heart, he wouldn't be like this; he wouldn't be a killer. I blame myself for Christiano and Albier's deaths.”

 

“I think Narek deserves the blame not you.” Rukiya must have taken a big risk in asking Inuyasha to save Lilliana. After Narek betrayed them, did they suspect Lilliana would do the same because she came from a similar background? Kagome suddenly thought back to when the nightwalker hunter base had been under attack. Lilliana had stepped between her and Narek at the time. She'd never forget the rancor he directed at Lilliana.

 

“Rukiya,” Kagome began, “why do you think Narek hates Lilliana the most?”

 

Rukiya's brows came together. “Most? He hates the whole family.”

 

“But when he saw Lilliana he had the such loathing on his face.” Kagome muttered.

 

“I don't know why Narek would hate her. In fact, I never really knew his innermost thoughts. He would lock his mind from me. But if I were to guess,” Rukiya cupped her chin, “it would be because Lilliana experienced similar atrocities. Perhaps Narek hates that she doesn't take revenge on the humans like he does.”

 

That would explain why Lilliana seemed to run into Narek more then the others in the family. Was he torturing her? Albier and Christiano had come in contact with Narek and he had disposed of them. Lilliana on the other hand, had run into Narek twice in Tokyo, once at the nightwalker village, and again back in Hong Kong, yet Narek had only left her with warnings and injuries. His last meeting with her had left the most gruesome wounds Kagome had seen by far. Was Narek savoring killing Lilliana? He had said that he wanted to cut the flower's thorns and leaves. At the time, Kagome thought he meant killing the family. Did he really mean that he planned to cut her to pieces?

 

Kagome grew tired of trying to conjecture Narek's thinking process. She was no closer to predicting his moves then she was to getting her human life back, and thinking such troubling thoughts made her feel downhearted. She bid Rukiya a farewell and went back to her room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Kagome turned the hallway to open her door, she caught sight of Natalia. She strode down the stairs with a distant look on her face. Natalia's kind nature had dropped. When she wasn't silently grieving, she paced around the house, rage mixing with the air around her. Finding out that Narek had killed her mate had caused a temptation for revenge that was almost as cold as steel. It must have been the hardest for her. She lost the man she loved as well as a family member. Kagome wondered whom she wanted to grieve for more.

 

Turning back toward the hall, Kagome bumped into Lilliana. “Sorry.” She said hastily and then found herself confused as to why poised Lilliana would run into her.

 

“It's fine.” Lilliana waved it off. Her shoulders were slumped and she looked morose.

 

“Are you okay?” Kagome asked.

 

Lilliana shook her head. “No, actually.” She leaned against the wall and slid to a sit on the floor. Kagome was reminded of Inuyasha and how he was sitting with his eyes closed earlier.

 

“Want to talk about it?” Kagome probed, not really interested, but wanting to distract herself from the weight pressing down on her.

 

“What's to talk about? Christiano is gone. Albier is gone…and I couldn't do anything to save him.”

 

Kagome held her breath. Lilliana had not spoken a word about what really happened the night Narek had killed Albier. It had taken two days for her shock to subside. Though the family was too kind to pester Lilliana for details, it was clear that they wanted the information. It seemed anything about Narek could lead to future advantages.

 

“I'm such a coward.” Lilliana said under her breath.

 

“Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? It might make you feel better?” Kagome tried consoling her.

 

“I'm fine!” Lilliana barked.

 

Clicking her teeth, and biting back her remark, Kagome turned to leave.

 

“I didn't see him do it.” Lilliana said suddenly.

 

Kagome stopped. “So then why were you so…” She trailed off, deciding against remembering the sheer terror on Lilliana's face that night.

 

“I heard Albier call for help, but when I got there…” Lilliana pulled her knees to her chest. “Narek smelled of him. It's cruel. He didn't even leave the body intact. He makes it so they never existed.” Lilliana shivered, hiding her face in between her arms. “I almost killed Narek. I don't know what came over me. All I could think about was seeing him dead at my feet. Narek injured me, but I didn't feel it. I just wanted his blood. I kept fighting, and he kept deflecting me. Then he attacked me with his power and I snapped out of my rage. He weakened me, gave me a cryptic statement and left.”

 

“What did he say?”

 

Lilliana sobbed and then whispered. “ `Just like me.'”

 

Kagome didn't reply at first. She kneeled down to sit next to Lilliana and shyly wrapped an arm around her. “All I could think of was feeling Narek's blood on my hands. What if I really am like him? I even look like him! I don't want to be a monster!”

 

“You're not-”

 

“But what if I see another family member die, and I become a beast again! What if I kill someone I care about without meaning to!” Lilliana shook.

 

Kagome didn't know what to say. She hugged Lilliana closely, listening to her crying. Her wails became low sniffles after a while. Hiccupping a thank you to Kagome, Lilliana gave a weak smile seconds before she flashed to her feet, her eye wide.

 

“What?” Kagome asked. The pump in her chest began speeding.

 

The water in Lilliana's eyes ebbed as though her entire body lost its moisture. “Enemies.”

 

A booming sound of a crash came from downstairs, making the entire house shake. Lilliana grabbed Kagome by the wrist and rushed her down the hall. In seconds, enemy nightwalkers, leading dozens of drones, blocked their path. The rubble and holes in the walls told Lilliana and Kagome of their way inside. With her claws out, Lilliana charged, slicing through the drones.

 

Kagome ducked as a drone came her way, aiming for her windpipe. She grabbed him by the hand, spun him, hitting other stupefied drones with his feet before hurling him to a group that had been advancing. They fell like bowling pins. Distracted with fighting the drone in front, Kagome didn't see one come up from behind and wrap an arm around her neck. Clawing at the suffocating limb, Kagome began to see patches of white break into her vision when suddenly the arm was pulled away from her.

 

Before she could even breathe, Lilliana, who hacked and slashed her way through nightwalkers and drones, was pulling her through the crowded halls. Kagome felt her throat blister with her fast breathing, and the next moment, Lilliana hoisted her onto her back and jumped over the stairs, heading toward the foyer. Drones attacked them from all angles and Lilliana panted with the effort of fighting and keeping Kagome out of harm's way at the same time.

 

“Look out!” A nightwalker came flying out from behind. Something colorful slammed into him and knocked him to the side.

 

“Blue, you're okay!” Claire shouted as she stood and began repelling the hordes.

 

Kagome jumped off Lilliana's back and kicked a drone in the nose. “Where are the others!” She huffed.

 

“They're, move!” Claire grabbed a drone by the arm, twisted it, and swung the drone like a baseball bat, bashing others back. “They are trying to open a way out through the front door! Get to the foyer!”

 

Pushing and shoving with a great force, the three girls somehow managed to get to the designated room, the battle making the short walk an eternity. As she kicked a drone in the stomach, Kagome spotted Rukiya and Kagura back to back, shredding enemies. “Kagome!” Natalia created a crater of drones when she landed near the three of them. “Are you guys all right?” She screamed over the punches and battle cries.

 

“We would be if we weren't smacking jackasses!” Claire snapped. A sudden gust of wind whipped through the room. Claire sniffed and hit the ground, covering her head. Before she could comprehend where the powerful breeze had come, Lilliana had pushed Kagome down on the floor as well. The tempest subsided as fast as it came. When they stood, the enemies had been pushed into the walls as though a giant pair of hands had come down, parted and swept them to the sides.

 

“Get over here!” Kagura called.

 

“Are you girls okay?” Rukiya puffed when they regrouped.

 

“Alive and kicking! I'll show these creeps what I'm made of!” Claire threatened with intensity blazing in her eyes.

 

“Enough talk! We have to leave now!” Kagura ordered. “My wind won't bind them for long.”

 

“Indeed, but what an impressive show of power.” The girls whirled around. Hakudoshi stood in the open doorway with his arms crossed.

 

He was met with immediate hostile glares. “Come back for another thrashing?” Claire brought up a shaking fist to stress her rage.

 

“Hardly.” Hakudoshi snapped his fingers and the drones peeled off the walls.

 

“We've come here for your lives.” A nightwalker among the drones bared his fangs in glee.

 

“We'll then, we'll just have to deny you're offer!” Kagura clapped her hands together and another wave of air slicing wind swept through the room, this time, cutting anything it touched. Jagged slices appeared in the walls and several drones fell while nightwalkers dodged the assault. In the midst of the confusion, Kagura yelled.

 

“Get Kagome out of here! Rukiya and I will hold them off!”

 

Lilliana, Natalia and Claire, smashed through the walls that separated them from the outside with a combined push. The wall crumbled like a cracker. Claire locked hands with Kagome and dragged her outside. They raced through the giant trees, only stopping when Kagome needed to catch her breath.

 

“Have we been followed?” Natalia asked Claire.

 

“I don't know. I don't smell anything. Blue, are you okay?” Claire came forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 

“No,” Kagome heaved, “I am not okay.”

 

“Catch your breath and I'll carry you the rest of the way.” Natalia advised.

 

“No.” Kagome wheezed.

 

“Blue?”

 

“Why do you guys keep protecting me?” Kagome's hands became fists. “Is it because of Inuyasha? When he puts himself in danger either way. I hate not being able to do anything. I hate being protecting and feeling weak! Why don't you leave me behind!”

 

Kagome's face snapped to the side. She gaped at Lilliana, bringing her hand up to her cheek. “Don't be stupid! This goes beyond protecting you for Inuyasha's sake. I may not like you that much, and I might be a beast, but that doesn't mean I will leave you behind to die. I would never do such a cruel thing! Saying that we protect you for one reason alone, a selfish reason, is like comparing us to the enemy! Stop being so melodramatic! We do what we do for a reason!” Lilliana's livid face faded as she took steadying breaths. Calming herself, she said, “Let's keep going.”

 

“I hope Inuyasha and the others are okay.” Natalia said.

 

“I'd be more worried about yourselves.”

 

Lilliana pushed Kagome behind her and Claire barred her bran new fangs at Hakudoshi. “You stalking bastard.” She roared.

 

“Watch your mouth.” Hakudoshi snapped his fingers again, and drones dropped from the trees.

 

“Damn it!” Before Claire and Lilliana could combust into battle, Natalia pushed them and Kagome out of the circle that the drones had trapped them in. “Keep going!” She demanded.

 

Lilliana tried to stay and help, but Claire tugged her away and again they sprinted through the forest.

 

They hadn't gone far when Hakudoshi caught up and lunged forward to grab Kagome. With a scream, Claire leaped in front of Kagome and deflected Hakudoshi. He landed on his feet some distance behind her. “Lilly, take care of Blue.” Claire called as she whizzed forward to begin the battle with Hakudoshi. Gritting her teeth, Kagome was yanked away from the danger once more that night, but unlike earlier, Lilliana stopped moments after she'd taken off. Without turning to look at her, Lilliana said, “Kagome, keep going.”

 

“What about you?” Kagome demanded between breaths.

 

Lilliana shook her head. “I won't leave them behind. I can't.” She pointed to a tall sequoia tree. “There's a river in that direction. Head toward it to hide your scent!”

 

Kagome watched Lilliana turn and go. She was right about one thing. She couldn't leave them behind. With a resolve that manifested deep within the boiling blood in Kagome's heart, she rushed after Lilliana once again.

 

When Kagome caught up to the clearing, she saw Claire and Lilliana jumping and charging with their fangs and claws. Hakudoshi nimbly evaded their blows, countering whenever the chance came. Claire's black and white stockings were stained red from the cut on her leg. Kagome could see the sweat in their faces. Without thinking, she reached for a stone and hurled it into the fighting. For the briefest moment, the three nightwalkers paused, wondering where the intruder had come as it flew between them.

 

Then Hakudoshi sniffed and jumped, slashing the tree that Kagome had been hiding behind. Kagome scrambled out of the way as it began to fall. She ran through the trunks. Hakudoshi chased after her and she could hear Lilliana's and Claire calls as they ran after him. The tree Kagome had just run under began to fall. She dived out of the way, landing in the dirt, the air being swept out of her lungs from the fall.

 

“No where to go.” Hakudoshi sneered behind her, towering over her.

 

Kagome held her breath, feeling her lungs ache in protest, as Hakudoshi lifted his clawed hand. A flash and then Kagome felt something heavy fall on her legs. “Claire!” She cried, turning the hurt girl over.

 

“You bastard!” An enraged Lilliana caught up and forced Hakudoshi away from Claire and Kagome. Her eyes a blackish green, Lilliana fought with violent vengence.

 

Kagome turned Claire over. The large two rips on the skin of her stomach were red around the edges and the pink of internal organs could be seen. Claire's chest rose and fell, telling Kagome she was alive. Anger flared and spread through Kagome's body like lava. Her skin burning, she picked up a stick and ran toward the two nightwalkers that were now wrestling on the floor, Hakudoshi on top.

 

Kagome shrieked when she neared. Hakudoshi drove his hand into Lilliana's chest. Blood squirted up like a fountain and dripped down her chin. Without thinking, Kagome drove the pointed end of the stick through Hakudoshi's back. She felt the resistance of bone and muscle, the stick bent and snapped, but Kagome grabbed onto the end that stabbed inward, and pushed with all her might while her hands splintered from the wood.

 

Hakudoshi arched his back and yelped. While he reached to pull the stick out, Lilliana roared and stabbed him through the heart with her hand. Her claws skewered his heart. With a final grunt, Hakudoshi's eyes rolled into his head and he collapsed on Lilliana. Kagome suppressed her screech and fought against the bile that churned in her insides. She grabbed the dead nightwalker and threw him off Lilliana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lilliana hacked. More blood rose in her throat as her chest heaved. She could barely hear Kagome's frantic calls for help. It was useless, the venom was getting to her heart and once it did, her life would end. Everything blurred as though she were underwater.

 

“Come on, Lilliana! You have to keep your eyes open!”

 

She somehow managed to move her throbbing head to see Kagome's face. There was already tear tracks from the human's eyes. “Don't cry for me.” She said, her voice nothing but a bare whisper

 

Kagome's eyes filled even more. “Please don't die.”

 

Lilliana gave her a weak smile. “You can never have everything you want.” She said.

 

Kagome opened her mouth to say something but averted her gaze suddenly. She stood, looking past Hakudoshi's body to the new enemy that emerged. No, her mind cried, not here, not now! As if hearing her thoughts, he looked up at her. Kagome looked at the dying Lilliana and then back to Narek.

 

“You'll have to go through me if you want to kill her.” She said as she stood on paper legs, bringing her shaky fists up in warning.

 

Narek's eyes widened and he threw his head back laughing. That handsome voice of his, threatening and musical, made Kagome wince. “My, so the human wants to play hero. Laughable.” His smirk became a devious stare.

 

“Utterly laughable.” He growled darkly.

 

Kagome felt her knees rattling as Narek came closer to her and by a whip of his hand, he was holding her aloft by the throat. “You're in my way.” His eyes pierced through her and Kagome felt her heart skip a beat. Her body slowed. Narek opened his fingers and Kagome's unmoving body fell to the ground. “Kagome.” Lilliana croaked, unable to yell.

 

“She's alive…for the time being.” Narek answered, monotone.

 

She heard his feet pad over to her, before feeling him kneel down. How painfully ironic that she would see Narek, the very man she hated, right before her death. “Are you here to finish me, Narek? Make it quick.” She whispered.

 

He did not reply, but stared into her face with an unreadable expression. “Or are you here to curse me, laugh at me, condemn me for not joining you? For refusing to act the fool?”

 

“You already are a fool.” He said, his hand reached out to touch her face.

 

Lilliana recoiled from his touch. “Then can you grant this fool one last wish? Don't kill her, or Claire.” She pleaded.

 

Narek closed his eyes, not replying and Lilliana's heart broke for Kagome. Then he nodded. That was enough. She was sure that the family could protect Kagome even if Narek planed to kill her in the future.

 

“You always wanted to be the one to kill me. Here's your chance.” She croaked sarcastically. Narek glanced stoically at her for what felt like an eternity. He leaned in and Lilliana felt his lips on her forehead.

 

Then she heard the sound of fabric ripping and felt the cold air on her chest. The sharp sting of two fangs ripped into her breastbone, and Narek sent his venom straight into her heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narek stood. With a sinister gaze, he walked toward the human girl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAMN! I can't believe I'm done! So much drama in this chap! I can't believe I actually packed all this in here! I dropped a lot of hints about Kagome's feelings…toward a lot of stuff, about the family's feelings, about Narek and about the king. I know I'm evil and I bet you're wondering about Lilliana and what Narek plans to do with Kagome this time. Please don't hurt me, but you'll have to wait until the next chapter. Please review!

 

Oh and I will do my best to repair any spelling/ grammar. (Stupid typing!) But right now it's almost four in the morning and I need sleep!