IMPORTANT Is it just me, or do all the crappy, same-plot, PG-13 stories get all of the reviews? It's not rated R for Sexual stuff! It's gonna get violent!

Chapter II, Part I
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The shard. Elrond said, reaching into his robe, and taking out a small leather pouch. I've kept this safe for years, hoping that one day you would save us all, Kagome.

Kagome hugged her father one last time before she wiped a crystal tear from her shining eyes. The rest of the Fellowship waited for her, talking quietly amongst each other.

Good bye, poppa... Kagome said shakily.

Kagome? What's going on? Souta said, walking from the palace. Who are these people?

she said, kneeling down, and beckoning for him to come to her. I'm going on an adventure, Souta.

Kagome... can't I come? He asked from his sister's arms. You know I can fight just as well as you can...

Kagome glanced at her father, This journey will be more dangerous than even I may survive. I cannot permit you to come along.

But Kagome! I can help! Souta's blue eyes teared up.

Kagome, I don't think that he would be that much of a distraction. I give you my permission, Souta, but you still have to ask your sister. She is very important in this quest.

Kagome... Please... let me go with you... Souta begged. A tiny child came beside him, and sat on his large tail.

I wanna go too, lady. The boy said.

Shippo! I thought I told you to stay inside! Miroku said, running forward, and snatching the kit up. I'm terribly sorry, milady. He is very...

They can both come. I'm sure a Kitsune fox will be helpful. Kagome said, standing up, and brushing off the knees of her armor.

Thank you! Souta cried, clapping his hands together. Where are we going?

Kagome smiled, and ruffled his hair.

The two boys packed their bags, and received small knives to fight with from Kagome's mother. She wiped tears from her brown eyes, and hugged the two children.

Stay safe, you two.

The group of people headed out of Rivendell, waving grimly at the small crowd of elves. Some of them shed bitter tears seeing their princess becoming a warrior. Kagome kept her head bent, and willed the tears away. She would not cry, not when she needed to be as strong as she could be. Someone walked beside her, and she looked there instead of her peoples' faces. It was Lord Inu-yasha.

I can't believe I'm finally leaving Rivendell. I've waited all of my life for this moment. Her voice woke him from his thoughts. Her voice was deep, but not manly. She held many secrets of the past, and he was eager to learn.

What do you mean, milady? he asked politely. Damn, he hated being polite.

I mean... She looked away, and forced the lump in her throat away. I've been trapped inside this place since I was born countless years ago. I'm so old, yet I've not aged. Sometimes I wish that I could grow old and die like any other human.

He had suspected her to be a couple thousands of years old, but ageless was... old.

What was the world like before now? He asked her. They were just passing the last gates of Rivendell, and her eyes widened.

We... we're leaving! Souta! We finally get to see the outside! Souta! Kagome cried to her younger brother, who ran to the front of the party.

I can't wait! Why aren't we on horses? Whenever father went anywhere, he always took horses! Souta asked, pulling on Inu-yasha's cape.

We are getting horses when we enter the Shire. They are harder to find, you'll see. All of the people there are very wee. Inu-yasha made a face, and put his thumb and finger closer together. Souta laughed. Not as beautiful as Kagome's music, but it was magical all the same. When they had exited the gates, the group formed a circle.

Sango, I take it you still have Kirara? The old woman asked. You, Miroku and Kikyou shall travel on the beast. Miroku, summon that raccoon imp of yours, he can carry a couple people. Souta, Shippo, Kouga, my self will use the raccoon.

They nodded. Yes, Keade.

That leaves Lady Kagome and Inu-yasha. Inu-yasha, you shall carry Kagome on your back. This way she can have a personal protector. We will meet on the Last Bridge over Mitheithel. From there, we will follow the East-West road to Bree.

Yes, milady. Sango said, bowing her head curtly. I shall summon Kirara immediately. She reached into a pouch at her wrist, and brought out a glimmering red stone. Kagome had read about those. The binding of a slave imp to it's owner. Sango held the stone on her hand, and blew lightly on it. Kagome saw embers rise high into the sky. While Miroku did the same with his green stone, Kagome looked around her at the scene. The countryside was beautiful, wide open fields, forests in the distance.

Lord Inu-yasha...? What are those trees over there? Kagome pointing to a large group of trees. They look so evil. I've never seen evil trees before.

That's the Trollshaws woods. We will be passing through there.

She looked around some more, and for the first time saw Rivendell from the outside. It was beautiful, like a city made of angel's wings. Behind Rivendell, Kagome saw what she guessed were the Misty Mountains.

A loud roaring noise shook Kagome's chest, as a large shadow passed over them. Inu-yasha and the other's dropped to the ground immediately, covering themselves with their Elven cloaks that mother had made for them. Kagome looked around at the apparent stones. The creature above them shrieked. It made Kagome's soul feel as if it were going to shatter.

Down here, fool! Inu-yasha said harshly, grabbing the angel's hand, and pulling her under his cloak.

What's going on?! she asked, nervous at his nearness. He had tucked her under his arm.

Shh! Naz-gul! He said urgently, breathing down her neck. He smelled like forests.

Kagome felt her skin warm up slightly, and Inu-yasha threw the cape off them.

It's gone. We must be extra cautious when traveling through the air. I see Kirara. Let's go. Keade said, brushing dirt off of her wizard's robes.

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Nazgûl. That's what he had called the wretched creatures. The ones that sucked the very happiness out of your soul. Kagome shuddered, and clutched onto Inu-yasha's shoulders. His back was so warm, it made her feel comforted in this evil wood.

She heard the trees whisper as they sped past them, stirring up leaves. Their whispers turned to cries of agony as they headed toward the center of the Trollshaws.

Lord Inu-yasha... Why is it so evil here? Kagome asked her guard.

I don't know, milady. You could ask them yourself. His voice held a hint of annoyance that Kagome picked up on immediately.

Fine, then I will. Kagome replied sharply. Inu-yasha winced. When the Lady was angry, the world would crash. Her words were like needles on his skin.

She closed her eyes, and tried to ignore the man below her. Becoming one with the trees, Kagome found deep inside their wooden hearts a dark secret.

Inu-yasha! This woods is not safe! There is a beast! Kagome cried to him. A beast that roams blindly, seeking revenge!

So that's what I heard earlier. He said quietly. Her Elven ears picked this up.

You knew there was a danger lurking in this darkness?! Again, her angry words struck him. When elves got emotional, it was terrifying.

We're nearly out! If anything comes our way, I will smell it. Please just be quiet.

How dare you! Kagome felt like she was becoming more an more resentful towards the bullheaded hanyou. He did not reply to her complaint, and focused on the space ahead of him.

A terrible pounding in Kagome's ears commenced, making her cry out. It approaches! Be prepared for battle! She jumped gracefully off of his back, and withdrew her sacred blade. It shone bright blue. He followed suit, pulling out his own demon sword. The rusted Katana transformed into a huge fang. Kagome stared. But her attention was taken off the blade to the demon that came crashing through the trees. Kagome winced as she heard them cry out to her.

[Kill it! Kill it!]

Kagome nodded, and lunged at the hideous creature. It let out a howl, and swiped at her with monstrous fists. She dodged the blow easily, rolling to the left, as Inu-yasha sprang for a jump-attack. Kagome crouched low, and charged for the beast. It was too busy swatting at Inu-yasha like a fly. Kagome sprang up in the air, and for a moment she froze there, gazing into the tiny, hog-like eyes of the demon.

She cried, bringing the blade down on it's ugly head. Her Mist Sabre sunk deep into the creature's brain, cutting it's life. Kagome quickly withdrew the scythe and sheathed it. The demon roared, thrashing in it's blind death. It was dying, and it was desperate.

Inu-yasha grabbed the blood-covered girl by the wrist, threw her on his back, and raced the bleeding creature out of the wood. It's thundering footsteps were no longer heard, and Kagome glanced behind them. She saw it swaying on the spot, then hitting the ground with a ground-shaking thud.

It's dead. Kagome said, wiping blood from her hands.

I know. What did that mean? What you said? It seemed to have an effect on the hideous beast.

It means farewell. All creatures understand Elven. It is the language of nature, of earth. That was a giant, I think. Kagome said. I read a lot about those.

No... it didn't smell like a giant. Giants are much bigger, any way.

Kagome shook her head. I don't know. I've never been outside of Rivendell. Look! I see a river! Is the water always sparkly like that?

The two had been traveling nonstop for two days. Night had been terrifying for the inexperienced Elf, and she had stayed beside Inu-yasha. His presence was very comforting.

Do you think I could wash up in that water over there? I'm covered in Ogre blood. Kagome asked, trying to wipe the sticky substance on her armor.

Do not go swimming, milady. There's no telling what lives there. Inu-yasha said, making a sharp turn, and running full-speed to the river. He bent down so that she could jump off, and sat. Even a hanyou needed to rest his legs after two days carrying an elf. He watched the bloody angel dip her slender hands into the crystal blue water. He kept his ears cocked in her direction, scanning for any sign of danger.

Inu-yasha! I see the bridge! Kagome said, standing up, and pointing north. This must be Mitheithel! Her distinct accent on the name made it sound twice as beautiful than if any person read it.

We will continue up stream. Do you se the others?

Kagome gazed open-eyed in the distance.

That's right. Elves have eagle-vision.'

Yes! I see Kirara's flame! She cried. We must hurry! I do not want them to worry.

Yes, let us go. He crouched low to the ground, and she climbed onto his back. He sped off, letting his youkai senses guide him. This is what he prided himself most in. His running and jumping abilities were better than any human's. The closest that something came to it would be an elf.

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What do you see, Souta? Sango asked the Elven Prince.

I see them! They are quickly approaching. He replied, standing at his full height, and letting the wind sweep past his hair. Usually elves keep their hair long, but young prince's were not allowed. Souta always wanted long hair like his father, however.

I smell blood! They had a battle. Kouga said, sniffing the air, his aqua eyes closed. If he hurt her majesty, he will have to answer to me. Kouga said through clenched teeth.

Souta, are they nearly here? Sango asked, looking into the distance.

Yes, about two miles. They should be here in five minutes. The group sat on the bridge, and waited patiently for the two most important members of the group. She had the shard, he had the ring.

We have arrived. Kagome said, stepping with grace from Inu-yasha's back.

Mistress! You are covered in blood! What happened? Sango asked her dear friend, checking her arms for wounds.

I am fine, dear Sango. We ran into an Ogre. The beast gave us quite a hard time. Mist Sabre finally has tasted blood. Kagome said, standing to her full height.

I see. Now that we are all accounted for, we shall continue on. Kagome and Inu-yasha, you shall switch with Kouga and Kikyou. He is slightly faster than you, Inu-yasha. You shall rest upon Kirara with Sango. Let us hurry. It has already been two days, and we only have one shard. Keade said, leaning on her wooden staff. We shall meet again at Amon Sûl.

Aye. Inu-yasha, Lady Kagome, this way please. Sango said, throwing a leg over her precious cat imp. Kagome climbed onto the creature, and Inu-yasha behind her. The beast jumped into the air, and Kagome tried her best to stay on. For the first time in her life, she was tired after just sleeping. She had never done anything more strenuous than lift a heavy book. Fighting took the life out of her, and she leaned against Inu-yasha's chest.

He felt her go limp, her breath tickling his sensitive nose. Inu-yasha wrapped his arms around her so that she would not fall and perish. If Lady Kagome died, it would be the end of all of us, and The Gaia Falls would destroy the world.

The journey to Amon Sûl was about one hundred miles, and it took them several days. Kagome was eager to get down to the ground again. She wanted to fight. Her highness found flight very boring, and wished to be exploring the woods that they passed. Finally, they landed at Weather Top. The wolf and Kikyou had already arrived, and were foolishly making a fire.

Idiots! Do not build a fire! They will spot us! Sango cried, stomping out the flames.

Sango, milady! We were but making a frugal meal... Kikyou said, holding her hands open, palms up.

The Nazgûl see in shadows. For the creatures that they astride can see, and they use men and beasts as spies. They do not see the world as we do, but our shadows cast images in their minds. Only the noon sun can destroy their sight completely. Do not make light for them to see us by. We will have to eat our food cold.

We need to see to be able to fight, Lady Sango. the wolf said humbly. She rounded on him.

After five hundred years of training, Lord Kouga, I have learned to hear my enemies. All nine of the Nazgûl carry shards, so we are hunted until we hunt them.

What is it that they want? Mistress Kagome asked. Surely they are not after the shards.

Sango stared at her. Your father wanted me to keep this from you, but you are The Mistress. The legend that you are ties together with the shards. They are after you.

Kagome gasped, and covered her mouth. You... You don't mean...

Yes, milady.

Kagome's eyes shone in the dark. I accept my fate. What ever is to come shall come.

The group looked up suddenly as an inhuman shriek pierced the night.

They have come! Everyone on their guard! Sango said, pulling out her Katana. Kagome reluctantly pulled her sacred blade from it's sheath. The Mist Sabre gave the scene an eerie glow. Three shadows, tall as trees stood over the five. They sucked the joy from Kagome's innocent heart, and it was hard not to burst into tears. She blinked, and a flash came over her. She could see each of the shards.

Left! Shard in right arm! Kagome cried, lunging at the shadow. The demon pulled a long thin blade from it's side, and parried the attack easily. The creature spun, and slashed the blade down over her head. She blocked the attack, and slid out of the strength-match. Never had she had a more difficult opponent. The clashing of swords could be heard, and she continued the graceful dance with the darkness.

Ai laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
yéni únótimë ve rámar aldaron! Kagome made the quick prayer to nature, to the trees, to the stars. The shadow before her screeched, and swung the sword more violently.

It is weakening...' Kagome thought to herself, dodging another careless swing of the sword. Kagome saw an opening, and she prepared for the finishing blow.

Namárië lumbilë! She cried, and made a cut. It's arm was severed near the shoulder. The Mortal Man dissolved in air. Kagome crouched down out of sight, and carefully cut the shard out of cold flesh.

She stood up, and tucked the shard into her pouch. The two other shadows had were outnumbered two to one, but were holding up all the same. Kikyou and Sango were battling the middle Nazgûl.

It's in his head! Kagome cried, jumping in to help her friend. Kikyou slashed at the creature's stomach. As it dodged, it pulled out a knew blade. Almost a needle, it was long and thin. Kagome knew what that blade was.

But she watched in awe as the creature stabbed Sango in the shoulder. Kagome cried, running to her friend's side. She was filled with strife unknown to her.

Crying out, Kagome lunged, faked a blow to the gut, and made a swift up-cut, slicing the demon's crowned head in half. It let out a bloodcurdling cry, and evaporated, the blue shard falling to the stone with a tinkle. The third Shadow sunk away, leaving Inu-yasha and Kouga with their swords drawn.

Kagome cried, rushing to her friend's side. She had turned a sickly purple color, and it brought tears to the elf's eyes. With trembling hands, she unbuttoned the neck of her friend's armor, and slipped it over her shoulder. The wound was small, but Kagome could see where the poison had turned her blood black.

Someone! Fetch me Athelas! Kagome cried, looking over her shoulder. The group gave her a blank look. Inu-yasha! Take me to the foothills two miles from here at once! This is a poisonous wound. She took off her Elven cloak and wrapped around Sango.

Someone stay near her and warm her. Kagome said, leaving her dear friend's side, and climbing onto Inu-yasha's back. She saw Kikyou give her a disgusted look.

As he set off in the direction she pointed, he spoke to her. How is it that you know where everything is?

I have studied many maps in my own quest to discover exactly what the shards were. Two more were extracted from the Nazgûl. I think I killed Elbereth. She said, pointing him farther west.

Ha! Milady, you can't kill Nazgûl! Inu-yasha snorted. Those Shadows are still out there, they are just no one, they are deteriorated from the inside. You have stolen their soul. The only thing that made them into the evil beings that they are were the shards that they possessed. They were once great Kings.

I know, I read about the Mortal Men. There! Can you smell it?

I smell a lot of things, woman. He said rudely. She ignored him.

That smell... like medicine... Here, stop. She said, jumping off his back, and sniffing through a patch of clover-like plants. This is it. Help me pick as much of it as we can carry. The two got out a small pouch, and stuffed the leaves into the bag.

Let's go. He said, holding out his hand. She smiled, took it, and they headed in the direction of Sango.

Is she going to be all right, Inu-yasha? Kagome asked, uncertain.

I was going to ask you. He said. After that quick exchange, they traveled in silence, finally arriving at Weather Top. Sango was still in the same position that she was when Kagome left her. Kouga was by her side, praying.

I have the leaf! Kagome said, rushing to her friend's side. Her eyes were open, and she was looking nervously around at the strange people.

Kagome leaned over her friend, and drew the leaves from the bag. She pressed the leaf to the wound, as she chewed the others, biting back the tears that came with the bitterness. She spit the chewed leaves back out onto her pale palm, and pressed the green substance into the wound itself. Sango shuddered, and cried out in pain. Then she relaxed, and began moving her arm slightly.

What was that...? She asked slowly, careful not to slur her words. It makes the pain go away.... With the cold.... She said, trying to sit up. Kagome held her down.

We need to get you to safety. The others are late. Kouga and I will take you to Bree early. They will have healers there. Inu-yasha and Kikyou will tell the others where we have gone. Kagome stood up, and took the drawstring bag from her belt. I leave the shards with you, Inu-yasha. I trust you will take excellent care of them. She said, managing a weak smile. She and Kouga lifted Sango off the ground, and Kagome helped Kouga sling the limp girl onto his back.

Summon Kirara, Kagome. Inu-yasha said, reaching for Sango's own drawstring bag. Kagome nodded, and dug into her bag. She pulled out the slightly warm stone, and blew embers into the dark sky. She watched them drift lazily far into the distance. A roar was heard, and the gigantic cat-beast appeared at their side, nuzzling Sango's still body.

Kirara, take us to Bree please! Quickly! She'll only last a few days! Kagome cried to the Catlike creature. It growled loudly, and allowed them to slide onto it. In a flash, it was gone. Inu-yasha watched the fire at it's feet disappear into the night.

Many long and dark hours later, the rest of the fellowship arrived.

Where is my sister? Souta asked, looking around. Is she hurt?

Calm yourself, young prince. She has gone with Lady Sango to Bree. Sango was harmed in battle, and needs healing as soon as possible. Kouga went with them. Inu-yasha said gently to the worried boy. We do, however, have very good news.

What's that, Inu-yasha? Keade asked the young Lord.

Kagome retrieved two shards from the Nazgûl. Inu-yasha said.

Inu-yasha! I am not young! Souta said, for he had been waiting for a chance to speak, I am far older than you!

Ah, but you are young at heart. Inu-yasha said, tapping the kid's nose. Another two thousand years, and he'd be an inch taller. Damn, Elves aged slowly.

Let us set out as soon as possible! The end is close at hand, and we still have sixteen shards to collect.

Something else happened, Keade. Kagome cried out the location of the gems.

This is news to my ears... I did not know that they emitted any energy except when they were whole. Naraku's spies are searching more forcefully than ever. Keade said, gazing into the sky, while leaning on her staff.

We should probably be on our way. Miroku said quietly. If we are ever to catch up with the women. The group agreed, and they set out again, Kikyou on her lover's back, and the rest on the back of Miroku's faithful servant.

The journey to Bree took less than two days, after all, the pair were fast, and the group were airborne. The valleys and hills of the South Downs indicated that they were nearing Bree at last, and they could only hope that Sango and the others were waiting for them.

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End of Chapter II, Part I