InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Deceit ( Chapter 33 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

By: ji-an

A/N. PLEASE READ THE ENDING AGAIN! IT'S BEEN LENGTHENED FOR YOU READING PLEASURE! THANK YOU!

^_^; @ DeathChildInuLover666: I had actually written about half this chapter BEFORE your review. Although I was thinking about cutting this part out, but hey I stand for the masses. So there!

By the way, anyone remember something that was taken from Narek? Yeah…I'm not reminding you for any specific reason! O_o

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha nor will I take credit for Romiko Takahashi's genius.

Part Thirty-Three: Deceit

Kagome stood by the window with her elbow on the sill and her chin in her hand. The house was so quiet. It had been four weeks since their meeting with Xander, and Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were out running around, escorting Kanna and the nightwalkers she'd brought with her to a safe place. The city was covered by nightwalkers. Whenever she'd go out into the town to practice she'd see more and more of them wondering around.

With the two brothers working to help sneak in their allies, Kagura and Rukiya were on patrol keeping a lookout for enemies, while Claire kept her ears open for news from Xander and Kouga's rogues. The family had appointed her to the task of gathering the information. Granted, Claire wasn't too happy about her role as courier, mostly because she would have to deal with Xander more often, but she never complained.

The only two people that weren't working were Lilliana and herself. It wasn't that the family didn't want her to do anything, but she was still learning and they didn't wish for her to be in danger. So that left Lilliana to watch over her and teach her. Kagome sighed when she thought about it. She wished she could be more useful but she knew sulking about it really wouldn't help anyone. Practicing her power and abilities as a nightwalker was important too. If she wasn't ready for the fights ahead, she would be even more of a burden. As though called by this train of thought, Lilliana opened Kagome's bedroom door.

“You're up this late?” She asked.

It was two hours past dawn and though Kagome would normally have been asleep by now, she had found that there were too many things on her mind to let her sleep. “I guess I never grew out of my insomnia.” She said.

“If you have time, could you come with me for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss.” Lilliana said.

Leaving her window, Kagome followed Lilliana down the stairs. “There's this book I had gotten from Claire that explained about nightwalker addictions.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Kagome asked. “I thought Inuyasha's addiction to me wouldn't matter now that I'm matted to him.”

“That's true, but there's something really interesting in here that I'd like you to see.” Lilliana paused in the living room and told Kagome to sit down at the table. She flipped a book that had been sitting open on the tabletop and then pointed to a picture. It was of a young nightwalker male and a female. Underneath it was a small passage.

“It says, `Between mates the venom shared becomes harmless, but between mates that have an addiction involved the venom becomes like life blood.'”

“What does that mean?”

“I'm not too sure. I wanted to ask you if there was anything strange happening to you lately? Or if you've noticed anything weird happening to Inuyasha?”

Other then the fact that he was strangely much easier to get along with there wasn't. “No. Nothing. Does this passage really worry you?” Kagome asked.

“Not really, but I thought it might need some looking into just in case. Although, this passage wasn't the only thing I wanted to ask you about.” Lilliana flipped through more pages. “This one. It says, `Reverse Tolerance: in a rare case that mates should feed from each other for an extended period of time, the addict while eventually un-learn to depend on the partner's blood.'”

Kagome gulped. “You mean my blood will eventually stop being uh…edible?”

“There's more. `Hence forth, the addict will begin craving the blood of others and the feeding cycle should return to normal. Though, in theory, the blood of the mate will always be the most beneficial to the former addict.' If what this book says is true, then Inuyasha will eventually be able to feed from others again. His addiction to you could stop.”

“Um, sure.” It was a relief to think that he wouldn't look at her like something to eat, but at the same time, Kagome wasn't sure why she felt this un-nerved feeling toward the idea that he would bite other women. And there was this other unwelcome thought. Will there be anything tying them together, other then the fact that they were mates, if he didn't need her blood anymore?

“Kagome. You're not happy?” Lilliana asked. Kagome gave her a smile but not before noticing the smirk on her face. “I'm fine. Really, I'm glad to hear that he'll be in a healthy feeding cycle again.” Wanting to switch the topic elsewhere, Kagome said, “But enough about me. How you been feeling better now that you're memories have returned?”

Since Kagome had accidentally unlocked all of Lilliana's memories, the nightwalker had been acting strangely. Although her character on the outside had in no way changed, Lilliana would wonder the house with an intense, thoughtful look on her face. When asked about it, she would simply brush it off. Other times, Lilliana was didn't speak unless spoken to, or her mind was so deep in thought that she sometimes didn't even respond to anyone when they called out to her. Rukiya thought Lilliana could just be upset still from the mark that haunted her chest, but Kagome thought her behavior ran deeper.

“I'm fine Kagome. It's just really weird to think that I didn't remember only a few weeks ago.”

“Does remembering not help you?”

“I'm not too sure how to answer that question.” Lilliana tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes again in deep thought. “Remembering has answered some questions. But I think it's kind of ironic. It was Natalia who wanted me to remember and when I do…ah never mind. We have a lot of work to do.” Lilliana suddenly stood, grabbing Kagome's wrist and pulling her up.

Surprised by her sudden change, Kagome couldn't help but follow as Lilliana dragged her back up the stairs to her room. “You should rest. Come tomorrow I'm going to be testing you again on your control and fighting ability. Sleep tight.” She closed the door behind her. Kagome stood with a bewildered expression in the middle of her room. There was definitely something she wasn't telling her.

Outside the door Lilliana leaned against the wall and let out a long sigh. Since opening her memory, she had become angrier then before. Thoughts of vengeance had doubled but along those thoughts a new emotion had risen, something she hadn't felt in years. The night Narek had bitten her, the night before she awoke with a mating mark on her chest, he'd said, “Good evening, Beautiful.”

If she were right, she wouldn't hesitate to kill him, but if she were wrong, she would try to talk sense into a man who had potential feelings for her. She just hoped that it wasn't the wrong decision.

Kagome's eyes flashed open when she felt her bed dip. She turned with her fangs bared but stopped when a familiar scent came to her nose. “Sorry,” said Inuyasha, the blanket still in his hand, “did I wake you?”

“No, it was the bedbugs.” Kagome huffed. When the adrenaline cleared she asked, “How have you been?”

“Tired.” He yawned. “I need sleep.”

As he pulled the sheets back, Kagome scooted away from his side of the bed and pulled the blanket over her head. Since her body temperature had risen, she refused to wear pajamas to bed. At first it made her nervous to sleep in the nude when she knew he would be sleeping next to her, but Inuyasha hadn't laid a hand on her once unless he wanted to feed. Not really in the mood to be too close to him, especially after her conversation with Lilliana, Kagome scooted as far as away from him as she could. Then the smell of blood made her spring to a sit, forgetting her state of undress as she looked at Inuyasha's waist. “You're bleeding!” She said.

He waved his hand saying, “It's nothing. While smuggling some more nightwalkers into the city a few enemies attacked us and one of them caught me off guard. All though,” he said with a smirk, “his advantage didn't last long.”

“But-”

“I'm fine.” Inuyasha said as he removed his shirt, revealing the slice of flesh that cut into his side above his right hip.

“It doesn't look like your fine to me.” Kagome said as she rose to her knees on the bed. Snatching Inuyasha's already bloody shirt, she whipped away the crimson from his side.

“Why isn't it closing?” Kagome asked as she dabbed the cloth against the cut.

Inuyasha hissed. “Venom I bet. The bleeding's stopped though.”

Kagome stood. “Aren't there any bandages in the house?”

Inuyasha shook his head. “It'll close. Don't worry about it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Shouldn't you be more worried about covering yourself then about my wounds?”

Kagome blinked for a moment before slowly pulling the blanket around herself. “Don't look at me like that. It's not like YOU don't sleep in the nude either.”

The red faded from Inuyasha's eyes as he forced his urges back down. “True. You think the heat is annoying now, wait until the summer.” He removed his pants.

“You're not getting into bed with an open wound are you?” Kagome snapped.

He paused with a knee on the edge and Kagome fought the urge to look downward. He could at least be a little modest, but then again, she was also nude. “It'll close eventually.”

“Is there anyway for it to close now?” Kagome asked sarcastically. The last thing she needed was to bite him in the middle of the day because the scent of flesh blood was so close.

“There is, but I'd rather not-”

“Well, what is it?” Kagome got her answer when a tiny spark of red flashed across Inuyasha's eyes.

“You need to bite me?”

Inuyasha closed his eyes, which had completely reddened, and turned his head to face the wall beyond her. “I can wait a few more days.”

Kagome pulled her hair off her shoulder. “Well,” she took a breath, “I'm waiting.”

Inuyasha looked at her and opened his mouth to protest, but Kagome stopped him with a glare. With a defeated sigh he crept closer to her and pulled her body against his chest. Kagome stilled, feeling his breath against her shoulder. Then the pain came as his fangs ripped through her skin. She held onto his shoulders with her arms, feeling light headed until he pulled away from her and took a deep breath. Remembering her conversation with Lilliana, Kagome wondered that if Inuyasha's addiction to her did stop, would she be spared from being bitten so often. Then Kagome couldn't help wondering whom he would bite in her place and if he'd enjoy that person's blood more then he enjoyed hers. Kagome frowned at the thought.

“Much better.” Inuyasha groaned.

“Glad to hear that.” Kagome stole a glance at his side, watching the cut close. With her head already spinning, all she wanted was to lie down and sleep. Sliding into bed, she moved away from Inuyasha as he got in and covered himself with another blanket. Before Kagome could put her head on her pillow he said, “All of our allies are now safely within the city and today Kouga told Claire that Xander contacted them.”

Kagome turned to face him while holding her blanket to her neck. “Does that mean he has information already? It's only been two weeks.”

Inuyasha stared at the ceiling. “They say he's the best informant out there. Claire's going to meet with him tomorrow to see what info he's dug up.”

Kagome was sure she should go with her. She didn't think Xander could be trusted with Claire alone. “What about Kanna and the rest of her family?”

“We're going to be meeting at Kouga's club tomorrow for plans. It's going to be a long night.”

“Then I suggest we get some rest.” Kagome turned over to the edge of her side of the bed but Inuyasha got hold of her wrist and turned her back around. Surprised, Kagome didn't struggle until she was lying on her side with Inuyasha's body pressed against hers. “What are you doing?” She stuttered, feeling her heart pound in her throat.

“I thought I told you I wasn't going to submit every time you want something from me.” She hissed and tried to get away from him again. She didn't have the strength or the right frame of mind for this now.

“I'm don't want anything from you. But can you stay still for a while. You're really warm.”

“You're acting strangely affectionate today.” Kagome muttered.

“And you're strangely resistant. We've slept like this before.”

“Yeah but back then we had clothes.”

“Kagome, is there a reason you're rejecting me?”

She heard annoyance in his question. “I'm not rejecting you!” She growled. Kagome wriggled till she was far enough to look straight into his face. Her eyes had blackened with her annoyance. “You can't tell that I'm shy? All this intimacy is still new to me you know.”

“Well I'm tired of sleeping next to a woman that treats me like I have some kind of disease.” Inuyasha countered.

“So I have to be your teddy bear instead.” Kagome clicked her teeth.

“No, but for once I'd like to hold my mate while she slept.” Kagome blushed as he tucked her head under his chin. All thoughts of getting away slipped from her mind. “You won't try anything will you?” She asked before snuggling closer to his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Not unless you want me to. Sleep well.”

“Are you sure he wants us to meet him here?” Kagome asked Claire. The four of them were standing in the middle of Third Street and Kagome was trying her hardest not to bite a very athletic street performer near by. Crowds of people were walking along the sidewalks, gathering in shops and restaurants, while performers, audiences, and shops lined the middle of the street. The smell of the ocean filled the air and almost made Kagome dizzy.

“I think it's a smart decision to meet here.” Inuyasha said.

“Smart how? I'm going nuts with all these people around.” Kagome huffed.

“Looks like this is a good place for you to practice then.” Lilliana smiled.

Kagome bit back a sarcastic reply. “Very funny. And you didn't answer my question.” She pointed to Inuyasha.

He shrugged. “With all these people around, it would be hard to overhear our conversation. And no enemy would attack here; there would be way to many witnesses.”

“Still,” Lilliana interrupted, “I have to agree a little with Kagome. All these scents are making my head spin.”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. “Try being a natural born with a heightened sense of smell. You three have it easy.”

“You look like the most laid back out of all of us and you expect us to believe that?” Claire snickered.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. “Sometime I really wonder if you are over fifty. Anyway, though I'd prefer to stay here and watch you three, I have to get back to Kouga's club. We'll be waiting for the news. Be careful.”

“Yadda yadda yadda, shoo already. It's bad enough that I have to deal with Xander again but if I have to hear you lecture us one more time, I'm going to go crazy.” Claire blew a hair out of her face.

Inuyasha looked like he was ready to hit Claire upside the head, but Kagome quickly stood in front of him with the largest smile she could manage. “You should go. Sesshoumaru is waiting.”

“Tch.” With a glare at Claire, Inuyasha turned and disappeared into the crowd.

“You really should lay off him more you know.” Lilliana said.

“Whatever, let's go. The sooner we find Xander the better. I don't want to spend anymore time near him then I have to.”

In a corner of Third Street, beside the dinosaur topiary, stood two men. Crowds passed by them, completely oblivious of how dangerous they were and of the importance of their conversation.

“What should I tell `em?” Xander asked Narek. He sensed that Claire and her two escorts were approaching.

“The truth.” Said Narek.

“You want me to tell your enemies exactly where the boss is? I don't get it.”

“The truth is the best answer isn't it? Even if they could enter the king's stronghold, they wouldn't be able to pass the twins. Besides, I believe I asked you to gather information for me, not to question my motives.” Narek replied.

Xander shrugged. “Whatever man, it's your call. Either way I save my own hide.”

“If you really worry for your own welfare, why don't you join the king?” Narek asked.

“Psh. I don't work for anybody unless it's for hire.”

“I didn't not just come here for information, I came with a warning. Eventually, you will be known by him and when that time comes you will be given a choice. Do you honestly think you can still continue this rogue charade?” Narek gave Xander a bored expression. Threats such as these were routine for him.

“And this is also a part of your scheme I bet.” Xander smirked.

“Scheme?”

“Oh please.” He rolled his eyes at Narek. “It's obvious. You're not the one giving me a suggestion here, someone else is.”

“Regardless, Claire and the others are approaching. You know the king's real location, tell them. I have what I came for.”

Xander watched him walk away. After he turned a corner, Narek was out of sight. Xander narrowed his eyes. The rogues knew Narek as the Death Blade. He was notorious for being almost as ruthless as the king himself. Why then did it seem like Narek was hiding something? Some secret even he couldn't decipher. He had worked with the Death Blade for years. Though he had a firm grasp on the man's character, there were many times Narek surprised him. Why was he willing to reveal to Claire and the others the true location of his leader? Even with his confidence, why dare to take such a risk.

Feeling that Claire was close, Xander pushed aside this suspicions. Even if he could ascertain Narek's actions, he would have to do so later. He composed himself to his usual, relaxed face and turned to search the street for the three nightwalkers that were approaching. Seeing Claire's colorful outfit, he raised a hand.

“Well, what have you got?” Claire asked when she reached him. Lilliana and Kagome watching him wearily, the looks of disgust on their faces.

“I've got good news, and bad news.” Xander said. “Good news is, I know exactly where the old king is.”

“And the bad news?” Kagome asked.

“His two bodyguards are on your trail.”

“Two? Don't you mean three? What about Narek?” Lilliana asked.

Xander hesitated. If Narek really had some ulterior plans, could he be counted as another of the king's bodyguards. Then again, Jeromaru and Kageromaru were the king's most trusted nightwalkers and, unlike Narek, they were both natural born. Even so, Narek was definitely one of the King's elite, but for him to be plotting something…

“I haven't seen the Death Blade.” Xander said.

“So where is `his majesty' anyway.” Claire clicked her teeth.

“He's hanging out in the mountains. Surrounded by his army of six hundred nightwalkers near Sequoia Park.”

“Really?” Kagome stared at Xander. “He's that close.”

“The nightwalkers that are in this city aren't only from the families you've brought here.”

“How did you know about that?” Lilliana hissed.

“Gathering information is my job.” Xander replied nonchalantly.

“You'd better keep your mouth shut about this, Xander.” Claire warned. Having gotten the information they needed, Claire gestured for Kagome and Lilliana to follow her and leave.

“Hey,” Xander called them suddenly.

Turning, Claire growled, “What?”

“I'd watch my back if I were you. There are things going on here that have even me anxious. A wise nightwalker could take the utmost caution.” He gave each of the girls a long stare and then turned to walk the opposite direction.

Once he was out of sight, Claire said, “That was weird. I've never seen him so serious. Guess even he's effected by the tension.”

“I don't know. He sure seemed different from the last time we met him.” Lilliana said.

Kagome couldn't help but agree with her. As the three of them walked out of crowded areas and began sprinting by roof back to Kouga's place, Kagome couldn't help but wonder about the conversation they had just had with Xander. In the first meeting with him, he was flirtatious and playful. His complete switch of character irked her. His distant, serious, and careful manner made her wonder if there was something hidden in the information he'd given them. Even his warning put her on edge. Why would he bother to tell them to take extra care?

Perhaps she should tell Inuyasha of her worry. Maybe they could have some of Kouga's rogues check if the King really was where Xander specified. The closer they approached Kouga's club, the more Kagome became anxious. The twins, the King's bodyguards, Jeromaru and Kageromaru, were also a threat. If Narek was also close to them, would they even have time to get to the king?

When they reached Kouga's club, Claire went straight to tell Sesshoumaru and the others of the news. Upon hearing that the king was close to their location, the three leaders, Kanna, Sesshoumaru, and Kouga, began discussing what to do with the opportunity. Standing in Kouga's office with the rest of her family, Kagome tried to hold her tongue, but couldn't help herself from speaking out of turn.

Everyone in the room narrowed their eyes at her. She had a feeling Kagura would scold her for this later. “What if what he told us isn't true? What if he's reporting to someone else?”

“Even so,” Kanna began, “this is the only lead we have for now. If the king isn't where we were told he is, the twins are indeed in town. Killing them would definitely be a blow to the king.”

“We cannot approach the bastard with those two guarding him anyway. And if one of us can break into their thoughts, perhaps we can find out if Xander's information is true or not.” Kouga mused.

“I have a feeling,” everyone looked at Claire, “that Xander was telling the truth. Always when the twins are somewhere, the king isn't far behind. Besides, I know for sure,” Claire clenched her teeth, “that he wouldn't dare to lie to me.”

“Attacking the king would be difficult.” Kanna continued as though the interruption never happened. Inuyasha, however, looked at Kagome as though he too felt that something was off. “Six hundred nightwalkers. We have over half that number on our side. We are greatly outnumbered. Our best chance would be to lure them into the city and lower their amount. Attacking the king with all of his soldiers guarding him is foolish.”

“I believe our plans would be better formed if all the family heads on our front gather together to make a solid battle plan. I don't believe the three of us have the authority to decide the fate of this upcoming fight ourselves.” Sesshoumaru stated.

“You are correct.” Kanna said. “It would be best if all the leaders meet and talk of our course of action.” She stood. “I shall speak to the other families I have brought with me. By tomorrow night I shall have the details of the meeting prepared.” She strode out of the room.

“Looks like we'll be meeting later then.” Kouga said.

“Take extra caution. We can't afford any casualties at this critical moment.” Sesshoumaru told him.

“I will.” Kouga was about to return the sentiment, but he did not have time to do so. Screams were heard from outside his office door. He jumped over his desk and burst into the other room. The family followed.

Outside, Kouga's family members were all facing the door that led to the club, where several men stood. One man was tall with silver hair, empty, black eyes, and a metal mask covering his mouth. The other was a shorter, without a mask, and had the same coloring as the taller man. The twins.

“Good evening.” Said the shorter one.

“You bastards. How the fuck did you get in my club!” Kouga snarled.

“You're friend at the entrance was kind enough to let us in.” Said the shorter twin. “Jeromaru,” he motioned to the older twin and Jeromaru threw, something, someone, across the room, to Kouga's feet. It was Ginta.

The nightwalkers around the room screamed and gasped, while Kouga, his face white, knelt down and held his comrade's head in his lap. Ginta's face was bruised and bleeding, but he was alive. “I'm sorry boss, they…”

“Shut up and save your strength.” Kouga told him before turning back to stare at the twins. “Are you bastards here for an execution? Because I'm more then ready to tear off your fucking heads!”

“Such arrogance.” Said Kageromaru. Jeromaru shook his head. “We did not come here on hostile terms.”

“Bullshit!” Inuyasha snapped, pointing to Ginta.

“I'd believe what they tell you Inuyasha.” Another man walked into the room behind Jeromaru and Kageromaru. It was Narek. “This is your family's last chance at survival.”

The nightwalkers in the room shivered at his appearance. It was not because of the danger he represented. Like everyone else in the room, Lilliana couldn't help but stare at Narek's face. Across Narek's brow was a scar that ran diagonally from his forehead to his left cheek and his left eye was only an ominous glass orb.

“His eye…” Kagome gulped.

“So your master came down on you pretty hard eh?” Inuyasha snapped at Narek. “Didn't like the fact that we beat the fucking shit out of you, did he?”

Narek's remaining eyes locked on to Inuyasha. How he didn't so much as flinch was beyond Kagome. Any time Narek looked at her, she became weak. Even now, with one eye gone, replaced by a glass fake and a brown scar, Narek's beauty was still flawless. To know that there was a monster behind that handsome face made Kagome feel like she there was a lump of lead in her throat. How could he still follow a man that pulled out his eye?

“On the contrary, this,” Narek pointed to his face, several people in the room shuddered, “is punishment to saving seven lives.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Inuyasha hissed.

“Narek!” Rukiya came forward. “Can you really still follow a leader that took one of the few things that were precious to you?”

Narek didn't answer. “Didn't you tell me your mother's eyes were all you had left of your past? How can you serve someone that cares not for your welfare?”

Narek's face remained stoic. “And how can you still try to sway my loyalty. I cut ties with you long ago. You're no longer my creator.”

Rukiya snarled. “Boy, I made. I can very well destroy you!”

Narek smirked. “I'd love to see you try.”

“Enough.” Kageromaru snapped. “We were not sent here to argue about old wounds.”

“I apologize.” Narek turned his back and stood behind the twins.

“Then what is the reason you have decided to grace us with your presence?” Sesshoumaru's eyes were red, but his tone was even. He motioned to Kanna to move back so that she wouldn't be first to be hit should the twins decide to attack.

“A warning.” Kageromaru said. “His Majesty is ready to declare a full on war. You have forty-eight hours to cease to fruitless rebellion and surrender. Otherwise we will hunt down all remaining enemies and rogues. There will be no place to hide.”

“What makes you think we'll just give up?” Claire snapped.

“Would you like a demonstration?” Kageromaru smirked.

Jeromaru turned and looked at Kouga's nightwalkers. In an instant he flashed across the room and back to his original position, only this time, he was holding a woman by the neck.

“Ayame!” Kouga shouted.

“Well, well, what a find.” Kageromaru said as he came to stand beside his brother. Ayame kicked Jeromaru stomach but the mute nightwalker responded by lifting her higher and tightening his fingers.

“Put her down NOW!” Kouga made a move to strike.

“Don't make a move unless you want to shorten her life further.” Kageromaru warned him. With a growl, Kouga stopped his advance. Then, to the shock of everyone in the room, he got down on his knees. “Please, let her go.”

“Now why is this girl particularly special to you?” Kageromaru raised his brow. With a chuckle he said, “Is it because she's carrying your child?”

“Kouga, you didn't!” Inuyasha screeched.

“You idiot! Do you know how much danger you're putting her and yourself in?” Kagura cried.

“She's right.” Kageromaru said. Jeromaru nodded. “Nightwalker children are forbidden. There's only one sentence for those that break this rule: death.”

“No, please don't!” Kouga got back up on his feet, just as Jeromaru raised his free hand to kill Ayame. Seeing it, Ayame screamed in fear. All the nightwalkers in the room screamed and then there was silence as everyone stared. Narek had shoved Jeromaru aside and was holding Ayame by the wrist while Kageromaru stared at him in shock.

“What are you doing?” Kageromaru growled.

“I would prefer not to see the death of a mother and child today. I'm not particularly in the mood.”

Jeromaru came back to a stand and stood beside his twin. He glared at Narek. “You dare to defy the law? Do you wish to lose that other beautiful eye for this defiance? Kill her!”

“I refuse.” Without looking at her, Narek let go of Ayame's wrist and pushed her away. Taking her chance to escape, Ayame ran across the room to Kouga. He grabbed and pushed her behind him while watching Narek and the twins intently.

“I simply wish to avoid this wanton violence tonight. I'll take whatever punishment is coming to me. However, I believe we were sent here to issue a warning. Besides, the king has given them forty-eight hours. If they refuse, you can return and kill her. If not, you still have the right, in the name of the King's `law,' to do so. Why not let them lick their wounds for a while? It's a win-win situation, is it not?”

“You're showing more and more signs of rebelliousness lately. I suggest you figure out exactly where your loyalties really lie. You'll regret crossing me.” Kageromaru's eyes became black and his snarl revealed several rows of red teeth, but Narek's face was unaffected. “In any case, you are correct. We have accomplished what we came to do. You should count yourself lucky. We've given you plenty of time to say your goodbyes.” He pointed to Ayame.

“You have forty eight hours.” Kageromaru and Jeromaru turned and left the room. Narek spared a glance at Ayame before he turned to follow.

“Spacie!” Lilliana called. Narek paused. The family watched as Lilliana said something in another language. They looked at Narek's reaction. He raised a brow and said, “And why should I?”

Lilliana didn't answer, giving him a hard stare. “Qa spacem.” Narek said before he left.

With the enemies gone, Kouga quickly stood and took Ginta to his private rooms to heal. He them came back down and escorted Ayame as well. Meanwhile, Kanna and Kagura made haste to calm the other nightwalkers. Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and Rukiya suddenly launched into a debate on what to do next. If, in forty-eight hours, the King decided to launch an assault against all of them, then they lad less time to prepare. Would it be better to retreat or to fight head on?

In the midst of all this chaos, all Kagome could do was stare at Lilliana and wonder why? Why had Narek stopped Jeromaru from killing Ayame, even if it meant losing his other eye? And what had Lilliana asked him before he left? His confusing actions had created burning feeling of anxiety in the bit of Kagome's stomach. She could only hope that her worries didn't lead to any future cataclysms.

Now you know what the king took. All I can say is ouch. I hoped you liked it. This chapter felt a bit choppy to me, and I do plan to go back and fix it. But right now, I think I need sleep. Why do I always write at night? Aw well, to bed! Jian out!