Entwining of Destinies ~ Dragonia - Chapter 7

Chapter 7:

An Unexpected Ally

(Opening: Yura Yura - Every Little Thing)

The next morning, the group was walking silently... the words Kikyou had said to them the previous night were still echoing in their heads, and they were obviously apprehensive about the whole situation.

- 'Things are getting rather dire… between Naraku learning about the Crystal and with him targeting Kagome to use her powers… what should we do now?' – thought Gerardo as he barely put any attention to where he went. However, this turned out to be a mistake when they were walking through a mountain road, as he continued walking right until he was standing at the very edge…

- "Gerar, where are you going!?" – said Gabriela when she noticed her brother was about to fall off. The others turned to see, and got greatly scared.

- "What are you doing!?" – shouted Inuyasha.

- "Gerardo-kun, stop!" – said Sango.

- "Don't take one more step!" – said Kagome.

Gerardo woke up from his trance-like state, with a foot already on the edge of the mountain, as the others ran and shouted at him. However, the border crumbled away below his feet at that moment and he began falling down. He managed to get hold of a ledge before he fell completely… but the place he was grabbing on was beginning to crumble too.

- "Gerardo!" – shouted the others. They stopped running from the shock when he fell, but they began doing it again when they noticed he was still holding on. However, it didn't seem they would be able to get to him in time.

- 'Damn, this happens because I'm so scatterbrained… even if I transformed in to dragoon form, it'd be too late to save myself…' – thought Gerardo as the border finally collapsed and he fell from the mountain… however, someone took him from the hand, pulled him up and threw him into the rocky ground as they jumped up and disappeared. He landed on his stomach, and while he got some bruises from this and his clothes all covered in dirt, he was at least safe.

- "Gerar!" – said Gabriela as she ran and knelt at his side with her eyes filled with tears.

- "Are you okay?" – asked Kagome worried as she gave him her hand in order to help him stand up again when they reached the place where the figure left him.

- "Idiot! How could you be so much of a klutz to even fall off from a mountain like that!?" – shouted Inuyasha as he gritted his fangs.

- "I'm very sorry… I was thinking a lot about some things and I wasn't paying attention…" said him as he looked at the ground and absentmindedly dusted himself off.

- "Calm down now" – said Miroku as he put himself between Gerardo and Inuyasha – "What's important here is that we're all safe and that nothing happened to Gerardo-kun" –

- "Gerar…! I thought you'd die!" – said Gabriela as she threw herself into her brother crying after he was back on his feet.

- "I'm sorry, Gaby. There, there… I'm okay…" – said Gerardo as he stroked her head in an attempt to calm her down.

They let Gabriela cry on his chest for a little longer. When she calmed down enough, they continued their way. After a while, they began descending from the mountain and finally reached a river that had several trees growing at both of its shores.

- "Hmmm, looks like a good place to test out my powers over water!" – said Gerardo excitedly as he ran to the river's shore.

- "What? Are you gonna splash about on the river or something?" – said Inuyasha mocking him.

- "Oh, you just wait and see. I'll make you swallow these words. Ochis meya, hydrast, iarae sos zyola..." – said Gerardo as he clapped his hands together and concentrated. He began moving his hands around; getting out a relatively large mass of water from the river that he gave the shape of a snake.

- "Whoa, impressive!" – said Kagome as she looked at what Gerardo was doing.

- "Keh, it isn't anything special" – said Inuyasha crossing his arms and turning his head in an arrogant way.

Gerardo then began moving it around himself with some efforts, as he still didn't have experience manipulating water in this way. However, he ended losing the control over it and caused the snake to collapse into a mass of water over Inuyasha. This made everyone begin laughing…

- "Damn you… how you dare to get me wet!?" – shouted Inuyasha furious as he dashed to Gerardo while still dripping water.

- "Ah! Shiazeae!" – screamed Gerardo as he raised a hand and looked at other side surprised and scared. For a second it seemed like Inuyasha was going to get to him and make him mincemeat, but in the end he was stopped by a small arc-shaped barrier that had a blue shining color.

- "I'm sorry, I didn't intend to invoke that Water Barrier! And sorry for throwing you all that water, it was an accident, I swear!" – said Gerardo as he put on a foolish smile while the barrier disappeared. He then clapped his hands again, moved them in Inuyasha's direction and snapped his fingers twice, making all the water that had Inuyasha drenched evaporate and leaving him dry in an instant. This calmed him down, as he merely crossed his arms again and stopped trying to attack Gerardo.

- "You look better as a wet dog, Inuyasha…" – said a familiar inexpressive voice.

- "Who said that!? Sesshomaru, are you there!?" – shouted Inuyasha upon recognizing the voice and odor as he looked around, unsheathing Tessaiga in case he had to fight. They then saw that Sesshomaru was going closer to them from behind.

- "Sesshomaru, what the hell are you doing here!?" – shouted Inuyasha as he pointed Tessaiga at him. The others had also drawn their weapons in preparation for anything that could happen.

- "Stop barking in vain, Inuyasha. I am not here to seek a fight with you…" – said Sesshomaru.

- "Sesshomaru-sama! Sesshomaru-sama!" – they head some voices behind him getting closer to them, and a few seconds later, Jaken, Rin and Ah-Un were at Sesshomaru's side.

- "Rin! And Jaken the toad-man too!" – said Gerardo surprised when he saw them, which made everyone burst in laughter when they heard how he called Jaken.

- "Agh! How dare this human to refer to me like that!" – shouted Jaken as he stomped the floor – "Sesshomaru-sama, allow me to teach him some manners!" –

- "Jaken, shut up…" – said Sesshomaru, which made everyone laugh even harder.

- "Urgh… very well, Sesshomaru-sama…" – said Jaken very distraught as he fell to his knees while Rin patted him on the head.

- "Oh, poor Jaken-sama…" –

- "So, to what do we owe the honor of your visit, Sesshomaru?" – inquired Gerardo employing an attitude similar to Sesshomaru's own, which paralyzed everyone else's laughter, and left Inuyasha and Kagome looking at him perplexed.

- "How do you dare call Sesshomaru-sama without honorifics and in such an informal tone!?" – screamed Jaken as he hit the ground.

- "Jaken! Are you meaning to disobey my orders?" – asked Sesshomaru as he made one of his scary smiles.

- "Aghh! Please forgive me, Sesshomaru-sama…" – said Jaken scared as he stepped back with Rin at his side.

- "So, why did you come here?" – asked Gerardo.

- "I have come to join you for the time being… I am very interested in finding about what makes you so strong… and what is that strange aura surrounding you…" – said Sesshomaru looking at him with suspicion, though his gaze then fell on the sword Gerardo had at his hip – "As I can see, you have found yourself a sword of your own…" –

- "Forged by the same blacksmith that made the Fang Swords. And we'll allow you to travel with us, under two conditions…" – said Gerardo.

- "What you think you're doing!?" – asked Inuyasha.

- "I think he could turn out to be a great help for us, and besides… a new friend wouldn't be a bad thing to Gaby…" – said Gerardo with a sarcastic smirk.

- "Tell me then, which are the conditions you want to place upon me in exchange for allowing us to travel with you?" – said Sesshomaru inexpressively.

- "First, I want you and Inuyasha to refrain from fighting each other all the time unless it is for training, which will be under the supervision of us all… And second, relinquish the thought of trying to take the Tessaiga by force…" – said Gerardo.

Everyone was left astounded when he finished saying that.

- 'No way… is he really talking to Sesshomaru like that?' – thought Kagome.

- 'Impossible… I thought no one would be able to say these things to him without getting their heads ripped off from their bodies…' – thought Miroku.

Inuyasha could only gape in shock from this.

- 'How insolent! That human has no right to talk to Sesshomaru-sama like this… but if I try saying anything… the master's going to…' – thought Jaken irritated, but he then gulped upon thinking about what Sesshomaru would do to him if he disobeyed his orders.

- "So these are your conditions… very well, I accept them…" – said Sesshomaru finally, which made the jaws of everyone present there fall to the ground: they thought they couldn't be any more surprised – "But first, show me the powers you possess now…" –

- "Understood… I'll comply with your wishes" – said Gerardo as they both drew their swords. Inuyasha was about to object to this, but Kagome interrupted them…

- "Wait! I can feel the presence of a Shikon shard, and it's getting close!" – said her as she looked in the direction behind them.

- "Are you sure?" – asked Inuyasha. This made the duel that Gerardo and Sesshomaru were about to have to disappear from their minds.

- "Yeah, I don't know how… but this shard feels different from the others…" – said Kagome worried, as she wasn't sure how to explain it.

- "Looks like we'll have to leave our duel for later…" – said Gerardo, and feeling something was coming behind him, he swiftly slashed with his sword behind himself, killing off a wolf youkai.

- "Keh! These youkai are no more than trash!" – said Inuyasha seeing the remains of the creature, but they didn't have any time to do anything else, as a swarm of these youkai instantly began coming after them.

- "Where are these things coming from!?" – said Shippou as he jumped on Kagome's shoulder to seek shelter as the others avoided or blocked their bites and lunges.

- "I don't know, but they're all carrying Shikon shards!" – said Kagome noticing the glimmer of the shards, but… - "It's impossible, as there aren't supposed to be more shards out there anymore… and they have a weird color" –

A wolf youkai tried to lunge at her, but Inuyasha instantly jumped in front of her and killed the youkai with a swipe of his Tessaiga – "Don't just stay there!" –

- "Thanks, Inuyasha!" – said Kagome with a smile as she also aimed at one of the wolves and shot a Sacred Arrow, eliminating it.

- "And what did you mean with these shards having a weird color?" – asked Miroku as he whacked two of the wolves with his shakujou.

- "They don't have any of the colors the Pearl is supposed to have in its different states of purity and pollution… it's black… and darker than even what Naraku has stained it…" – said kagome as she trembled a bit from it.

- "Rin, stay back…" – told Sesshomaru at the young girl. Rin nodded and stayed back with Jaken and Gabriela, so the others could protect them from the youkai.

- "Anyway, looks like we'll have to speed things up a little… everyone, stay away from me for a little!" – said Gerardo while he and the others keep themselves busy avoiding the attacks from the wolves to then counterattack.

- "Wait… aren't you trying to say that you have an attack similar to my Kazaana, right?" [- said Miroku as threw a trio of ofudas to the wolves, managing to paralyze one of them and allowing Sango to finish it off with her Hiraikotsu..

- "No, but it's a bit dangerous, so please stay back until I'm done… Olpla siat, hakisa milla siraekalt ika sos!" – replied him as he created a rope of water and rolled it between his heart and index fingers – "Water Whip!" –

As soon as everyone put some distance between him and themselves, excepting for Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, he began swinging the water rope around himself, which made small cuts on them as it made contact.

- "Come on! Don't you want some fresh meat?" – said Gerardo in a mocking tone to the wolves, which roared enraged and jumped at him. Upon seeing this, Gerardo began spinning like a top, and as the wolves turned themselves into easy prey for his attacks, they fell down dead in a few seconds. Inuyasha didn't receive damage thanks to his clothes, while Sesshomaru didn't even flinch when the whip touched him, so it was impossible to know if it was causing harm to him or not.

- "That attack was like…" – said Inuyasha as he looked at Sesshomaru through the corner of his eye. As for Jaken, he was left speechless upon seeing the water whip.

- "Yeah, it's similar to the whip Sesshomaru makes with his poison claws. The difference is that mine is made from water, but due to it lacking that powerful poison, it isn't as strong as his whip of light…" – said Gerardo as he allowed the whip to dissolve and fall to the ground as plain water – "Anyway, that isn't important right now" –

They then began looking at the shards the monsters had dropped upon their death, but they didn't seem to be Shikon shards…

- "Are these even Shikon shards?" – asked Sango as she looked at them with suspicion: they had their same shape, but were completely black – "They have such a strong evil presence flowing out from them…" –

- "No, they can't be shards from the Shikon Pearl…" – said Kagome as she tried to grab one of the shards. Gerardo made a gesture to stop her, but it was too late: Kagome took it between her fingertips, but it gave her a small discharge that made her scream in pain and forced her to drop it as soon as she touched it.

- "Kagome, are you okay?" – said Inuyasha as he and the others ran to check on her.

- "I'm fine but… these things contain so much demonic energy inside themselves that I can't touch them, much less purify them… And I even doubt that Kikyou or Midoriko could purify these evil shards…" – said Kagome a bit frightened as she caressed the hand she had used to try picking up the shard: it had left something similar to a small burn in her fingers.

- "I think these are… shards from the Crystal of Shadows…" – said Gerardo in a serious tone – "That's the objective of our mission" –

- "These are the shards you have to seek?" – asked Miroku as he put his hand in his chin and his eyes narrowed.

- "Yes, they are" – said Gerardo as he checked the inner pockets of his kimono. He took out something that seemed like a bag made from leather with silver parts that emitted a soft light, and covering his hands with it, he grabbed the shards and dropped them inside the bag – "This item I just used is a Satchel of Light, and we have to use them in order to put the shards away. As you have noticed, they are harmful to the tact, and they can corrupt the souls and minds of people if exposed to them for a long time" –

- "They sound kinda similar to the Souunga" – said Inuyasha crossing his arms, which made Sesshomaru throw him an unpleasant glare in response.

- "Make sure to not mention that accursed sword in my presence, Inuyasha" – said Sesshomaru in an irritated tone, though soft enough to pass off as his normal expressionless voice. Inuyasha just scoffed.

- "Anyway, I'd say that they are even worse: they can also affect hanyou and youkai. Additionally, they have the property of nullifying and stealing the powers of miko, monks and even Seirei Magic users through the discharges they release on contact" – said Gerardo with a worried expression.

- "I should be more careful…" – said Kagome looking a bit sad.

- "Rather, I'm sorry for not explaining it before" – said Gerardo with a sad smile.

- "HAND OVER THESE SHIKON SHARDS!" – shouted a voice out of nowhere, and upon looking in its direction, they saw that a large brown red-haired oni was running toward them.

- "Another piece of useless, low-level youkai trash… it isn't even worthy of my sword…" – said Sesshomaru as he merely launched a stream of poison at it with his poison claws, but it didn't affect it – "What…?" –

- "I'VE GOT A SHIKON SHARD! YOUR ATTACKS CAN'T EVEN SCRATCH ME!" – roared the oni as he tried to attack Sesshomaru, but he merely side-stepped to avoid the attack as if it was nothing.

- "Kagome, does that thing have a Shadow fragment?" – asked Gerardo as he readied his sword and shield.

- "Yes! It has it right on its forehead!" – said Kagome when she noticed the place in the oni's body where the black aura was seeping out from.

- "Hey, that's my line!" – shouted Inuyasha holding Tessaiga aloft as he looked at Gerardo enraged.

- "Hey, I didn't want to try stealing your line! And what else were you expecting me to say!?" – said Gerardo in the same enraged tone as Inuyasha.

- "You would do better to leave that childish fight for later, unless you plan on finishing it in the afterlife…" – said Sesshomaru as he unsheathed Tokijin and used it to slash at the oni. Sango and Miroku were also concentrated in trying to attack it while avoiding its tackles and swipes.

- "Neither my Hiraikotsu or Kirara's bites are doing anything to it!" – said Sango upon seeing that the small scratches their attacks caused disappeared instantly.

- "My ofudas can't do anything to it either!" – said Miroku as he tried doing it again: the ofudas fixed to the monster for a couple of seconds and released a small discharge of spiritual energy, but the burst in flames and burned away immediately after that.

- "Looks like the shard increased the powers of that thing too much…" – said Inuyasha as he clenched his fangs.

- "Sesshomaru, don't attack it with Tokijin! Anything that has these fragments absorbs and gets healed by attacks that have the Shadow element, and that sword happens precisely to use it for its energy blasts!" – said Gerardo upon seeing the auras emitted by Tokijin and how the oni was feeding on them.

- "Keh! First time I see Sesshomaru being useless during a battle!" – said Inuyasha with a mocking smile, which made Sesshomaru look at him in irritation. Inuyasha then jumped in front of the oni and swung his sword downwards in its direction – "Kaze no Kizu!" –

But the Kaze no Kizu didn't do anything to the oni aside of a couple of gashes, which healed immediately. Inuyasha then was swatted away by one of the oni's swipes and crashed into a nearby tree.

- "Inuyasha!" – screamed everyone except for Sesshomaru.

- "Damn you!" – said Gerardo as he covered his Ryuuga in energy and swung it upwards, in the inverse direction of how Inuyasha did it – "Watsa ya, hydrast xyaza cezet paewat ika, yst hakisa tastsaks ika... Water's Scar!" –

The wave from the Water's Scar had the same effect as the one from Inuyasha's Kaze no Kizu: it merely scratched it. However, these attempts to attack the monster gave Gerardo an idea…

- "Inuyasha, how are you holding up over there?" – asked him to Inuyasha when he saw he was standing up again.

- "I'm fine! But shouldn't you focus on bringing that thing down!?" – said Inuyasha annoyed.

- "Listen, I've got an idea. Let's try combining your Kaze no Kizu with my Water's Scar, as I think we'll be able to hurt it if we do that!" – said Gerardo.

- "Let's do it then! Kaze no Kizu!" – said Inuyasha as he launched the attack once again.

- "Watsa ya, hydrast xyaza cezet paewat ika, yst hakisa tastsaks ika... Water's Scar!" – said Gerardo pronouncing the invocation spell as fast as he could and launching the wave. Both waves clashed and mixed with each other in their road to the oni, but as they were going in the same direction instead of going against each other, they formed a whirl of green energy that crashed into the oni, severely harming it and causing it to fall down to the ground as it roared in pain.

- "Great, we'll call this technique the Destruction Vortex!" – said Gerardo fist pumping

- "Hey, that's a nice name!" – said Inuyasha smiling.

- "Heh, thanks!" – said Gerardo blushing. However, they couldn't continue celebrating for much, as the oni stood up again with a roar while its wounds healed.

- "GRAAAGH! DID YOU THINK YOU'D BEAT ME LIKE THAT!?" – it shouted.

- "Damn, talking about a persistent annoyance… looks like it's time to raise the level…" – said Gerardo as he took out his Seirei Crystal out from the holder.

- "What are you going to do?" – asked Sango.

- "Are you going to…" – began Kagome, yet Gabriela ended finishing the phrase for her:

- "…use your powers?" -

- "That's correct… Ist Garsse OschmeRe Iadlast Kiabze Pawatz Zosph, Phaph Myya Zosph Phiaphz ical. Iadlast Pawatz! Dragoon!" – he repeated the whole transformation sequence he did for his parents, and a few instants later, he was enclosed in the blue bubble. It burst almost immediately after, and he emerged from it wearing his dragon armor.

- "That's…" – said Inuyasha surprised.

- "The Power…" – said Miroku.

- "…of the Dragon…?" – said Sango with a very soft voice – "That's the same armor he wore during his fight with Sesshomaru…" –

Everyone, including Sesshomaru, were surprised when they saw him wearing his dragon armor, as well as the face filled with decision he had. His Ryuuga also changed from a katana into a long sword that had a blade shining in a soft blue, while his shield seemed to have gotten reinforced.

- "Ist Garsse, Likarom Aozublai Iadleizalle Dea Halket, Zosph Leizalle Oli Haliadl Thafz Ical... Hydrometeor!" – he threw his sword up and shot a water sphere at it. He then flew up to it, grabbed it by the handle and swooped down as he covered himself in a watery aura. He ended crashing into the oni, ripping it in half.

- "UAGG! THIS WON'T KILL ME!" – roared the monster, though it was also audibly groaning from pain

- "We'll see about that…" – said Gerardo as he smiled. However, the next instant he heard a voice chanting a spell in Dragonian…

- "Ikuyu poak lay lusya wiras sos couyuu, yst sos royawfle hakaisa tast ika... Light Arrow!" – a arrow covered in a white aura whizzed right in front of them and struck the oni in the forehead, right in the point where Kagome said it had the fragment. It then exploded with a white light as the monster let out a terrible roar.

- "Whoa, what was that!?" – said Shippou behind them. When they turned around, they saw Gabriela with a concentrated face and holding her bow as if she had shot an arrow: it was obvious who had used the light arrow a moment ago.

- "It's remarkable that such a young child could use a powerful ability like that arrow," – said Sesshomaru – "Maybe that was why I felt I had to eliminate her…" –

- "Sesshomaru-sama… did you try to kill her…?" – asked Rin scared.

- "Forget about that at once, and keep yourself hidden…" – said Sesshomaru in a sharp tone. Rin just nodded.

- "Gaby's really powerful," – said Gerardo impressed upon seeing what she did – "But even so, it looks like we still have to strike the final blow on this thing…" –

He then surrounded himself in water as he began chanting. On the other hand, the monster had begun regenerating, though it seemed Gabriela's arrow had slowed it down.

- "Ist Garrse, ah... Leiya Iadlast, VulualwaeSa Zosph Wihatslag, Oli Quieralm Zosph Valzat... Water Charge!" – he the used the wings as propels in order to tackle the monster, and the residual energy he left behind himself alongside the little bits of aura he released by beating the wings once he finished did the rest: the monster stopped roaring and it exploded into bits of flesh.

- "Whoa, that was… amazing…" – said Kagome looking at what Gerardo and Gabriela had done.

- "These two are really strong…" – said Inuyasha.

- "Inuyasha, Kagome! Don't just stand there! You've gotta keep the oni from regenerating so we can pick up the fragment!" – shouted Gerardo as he stepped on the ground again and ran to the bits of flesh, which were beginning to move on their own and tried to gather themselves in a single point.

- "Ah… on it!" – said them both snapping out of the surprised state in which they were since Gerardo transformed. Kagome began shooting Sacred Arrows at the larger mounds of flesh that had begun forming around the fragment to disintegrate them, while Inuyasha wiped away swaths of the smaller ones with the Kaze no Kizu.

- "Ok, I think that's all…" – said Gerardo as he picked up the fragment and put it away into a Satchel of Light. Once he did this, the last remains of the monster turned into dust.

- "Wait a moment… how did you pick up the fragment directly without getting shocked?" – asked Miroku an instant later.

- "It's because the gauntlets of my armor are protecting me. However, I can't continue wearing it for long because it feeds on my mental energy…" – said Gerardo in a tired tone – "By the way, may I try to heal you all? I see you got some wounds during our battle…" –

He said so because they were all covered in scratches and bruises from the scuffle with the wolves and the oni.

- "It isn't necessary, we can heal up just fine with medicinal herbs…" – said Sango a bit embarrassed they were causing him problems.

- "Oh, I'm aware of that. But healing wounds through magic is more effective and faster. That aside, it's no problem for me to do it" – said Gerardo with a smile.

They looked at each other and thought they had no reason to disagree, so they just let Gerardo to heal them.

- "But I could heal them with my Healing Light song too," – said Gabriela pouting – "Plus, you're tired from the battle…" -

- "I know Gaby, but let me take care of this" – said Gerardo winking at her. He then began swinging his sword in circles above himself, as if he was amassing air, and formed a dark blue sphere – "Ist Garrse ah... Leiya Iadlast, VulualwaeSa Zosph Wihatslag Oli Zosph Ulyaar, Oi Quieralm Walzet Zosph Phiapz Ical..." –

Everyone began getting scared from this, to the point even Sesshomaru showed a look of worry…

- "No way… you're trying to use the Gokuryuuha!?" – said Inuyasha alarmed. However, Gerardo didn't have to reply.

- "Healing Rain!" – he shouted as he stopped swinging the sword and used it to cut the sphere in half, which released several water droplets that removed fatigue and healed wounds on contact. However, far from being thankful for this, everyone but Sesshomaru and Gabriela faceplanted when he finished using the skill. Gabriela just laughed at this, while Sesshomaru returned to his unexpressive face.

- "That was all!? You made so much show of it for a little rain!?" – shouted Inuyasha.

- "Hey sorry, but I can't amass the water and create the healing rain if I don't do that" – he said as he began gasping – "And I'm about to reach my limits, so better cancel the transformation now…" –

He placed his hand over the circular plate with the water symbol over his chest: - "Ist Garsse Pawatz Nyulasst" –

Gerardo then began shining in blue, and the next instant he was again wearing his blue kimono, while his sword and shield returned to their typical shape. However, before he could do anything else, he stumbled and fell to the ground unconscious.

- "Gerar…!" – shouted Gabriela as she ran to him.

- "GERARDO!" – shouted the others trying to get him to wake up.

Gerardo didn't regain consciousness until night came and everyone had set up the camp to rest for the day. When he awakened, he found himself in the middle of a glade with a bonfire burning near him and Kagome mixing the content in a pot that was placed over it.

- "Ah, great! You've come to!" – said Kagome cheerfully as she looked behind and noticed he was awake.

- "Where am I?" – asked him a bit disoriented – "Whoa, it's night already?" –

- "Yeah. As you were unconscious all the afternoon, we decided to camp here while you recovered" – explained Kagome.

- "I see… and what are you making for dinner?" – asked Gerardo as his stomach began grumbling, which made him blush - "Sorry about that…" -

- "Hahaha, don't worry!" – said Kagome laughing as she continued stirring the pot – "We'll have some stew, though I think Sesshomaru's not going to eat anything…" –

- "Okay, but… where did the others go?" – asked Gerardo noticing that Kagome and him were in the camp as he blushed a little.

- "Inuyasha and Sesshomaru went to hunt for some food; Rin, Shippou and Gaby-chan are playing around here while Jaken watches over them; and Miroku-sama and Sango-chan went to watch the stars together…" – said Kagome looking at the left, prompting Gerardo to do the same. The three kids were playing tag and ran around in a glade illuminated by the stars and the moon, while Jaken just looked at them with boredom and irritation.

- "Hey, you can't catch me!" – said Gabriela cheerfully.

- "No fair, you're taller than me!" – said Shippou angry.

- "Hehe, Shippou-chan can't catch any of us" – said Rin.

- "Looks like Gaby got along with Rin pretty well" – said Gerardo with a smile.

- "Well, they're both very good girls, and friendly too" – said Kagome smiling – "It's no wonder they turned into friends so fast" –

- 'Too bad I can't let Miko come out for now…' – thought Kagome a bit sad about the presence that was sleeping deep inside her.

- "Hmm, why that sad face?" – asked Gerardo a bit worried.

- "Huh? Ah, don't worry about it!" – said Kagome after she was taken out from her thoughts by Gerardo's words. Gerardo looking at her a bit confused, but decided to not touch the topic – "Oh, Miroku-sama and Sango-chan are over there" –

They turned to the opposite direction, and saw how Sango and Miroku were snuggled up to each other as they looked at the skies.

- "Hmph, Miroku's surely going to do what he always does to Sango. That wouldn't surprise me coming from him" – said Gerardo as he laughed.

- "I don't think so. They looked very serious, and Miroku-sama wouldn't be so stupid as to ruin the mood they've both gotten going" – said Kagome angry.

- "Okay, sorry about that" – said Gerardo sighing.

Sango and Miroku continued sitting and looking over at the stars above.

- "Houshi-sama, you haven't forgotten about the promise you made me… right?" – asked Sango as she looked at him in the eye.

- "Of course I haven't, my dearest Sango. I promised you that once we defeated Naraku, I would marry you and we would start a family together…" – said Miroku embracing her.

- "But… what are we going to do about Kohaku?" – asked Sango worried.

- "We'll think up a way to release him from Naraku's control and to reassemble the Pearl without having to kill him…" – said Miroku gently.

- "Houshi-sama… thank you…" – said Sango as she blushed.

Meanwhile, Gerardo and Kagome had fallen silent, but the stillness on the campsite was broken a little later when they heard some movement in the bushes behind them. It was Inuyasha and Sesshomaru.

- "So how did the hunt go?" – asked Kagome having an idea from Inuyasha's face and how Sesshomaru was carrying a dead boar on his arms.

- "Keh! We didn't manage to find much. Looks like the odor left by the blood of the youkai we killed scared all the animals that were around here. And when I finally managed to find a prey, Sesshomaru stole it from my hands!" – said Inuyasha in a very bad mood.

- "Well, we know Sesshomaru hates human food. Let's just leave it like this" – said Gerardo shrugging his shoulders, which made Inuyasha and Sesshomaru turn to look at him.

- "So you have finally awakened…" – said Sesshomaru with his inexpressive voice.

- "Keh, was you full afternoon nap good?" – said Inuyasha in a mocking tone.

- "We'll discuss that during dinner. I don't like getting told that I was lazing around while everyone else was busy" – said Gerardo annoyed.

- "Well, dinner's ready. Could you go call the others?" – asked Kagome.

- "On it!" – said both Gerardo and Inuyasha.

Inuyasha went to call Sango and Miroku while Gerardo went to call his sister, Shippou and Rin. After a few minutes, everyone excepting for Sesshomaru and Jaken were eating the stew Kagome had prepared.

- "Well, we had a great battle today… and besides, we got seven Shadow fragments in just one day!" – said Gerardo excitedly as he ate from his bowl.

- "Yes, it was a great victory for us. However, I'd like to know why you collapsed when you cancelled your transformation…" – said Miroku as he continued eating.

- "That was very strange, now I think about it" – said Kagome thoughtfully as she paused eating for a moment.

- "It must be because he is a weak human!" – said Jaken as he burst into laughter. However, he ended paying a high price for it: Gerardo handed his bowel to Gabriela for a moment and took Jaken by the collar – "Ahh, Sesshomaur-sama! Save me!" –

Sesshomaru acted as if he didn't heard anything while Gerardo dragged Jaken away to some nearby bushes.

– "Agh, no!" – they heard Jaken scream from that direction. Then, Gerardo brought him back with him as he went back to the place where he was sat and Gabriela gave him his bowl again. Jaken had now the head covered in bumps: looks like Gerardo retaliated by punching him on the head several times, which made everyone laugh.

- "Hehe, Jaken-sama needs to learn to treat others better" – said Rin smiling.

- "Now that issue has been settled, I'll answer your question, Miroku" – said Gerardo a bit embarrassed after he returned – "It's because it was the first time I used my powers to such an extent, and since I ended exceeding my limits a little, I spent so much energy that I ended up fainting" –

- "Using these powers must be tiring…" – said Sango.

- "Hihi, and just wait until you see the more advanced forms of the dragon powers" – said Gabriela laughing mischievously.

- "So well, anyone's in the mood for some music?" – said Gerardo as he opened up the music player of his Dragtemn.

- "Yeah, but what kind of song it's going to be this time?" – asked Shippou.

- "Oh, just a little piece that was made for our guests, excepting for frog man there" – said Gerardo, which made everyone look at him with curiosity, but also causing a little laughter and a couple of anguished sobs. He then made the song play.

- "I hope you liked it" – said Gerardo smiling. Sesshomaru didn't seem to mind it much, but Rin was really happy.

- "I really liked that song, Gerardo-sama" – said Rin as she smiled.

- "I'm glad. And please, don't add the honorifics. I rather dislike being treated in a formal way" – said Gerardo with a smile.

- "Hmm, it's okay if I call you Gerardo-nii then?" – asked Rin.

- "Well, I don't mind it" – said Gerardo a bit embarrassed.

- "Yeah, but always remember I'm his only little sister" – said Gabriela a bit annoyed.

- "Hehe, looks like we got some jealousy going on" – said Kagome laughing as Gabriela blushed a little – "By the way, what was the title of that song?" -

- "It's titled Sesshomaru to Rin" – said Gerardo, which cleared up the reason he chose it as the song to put to play that night – "And on another topic, why do you say about taking a break tomorrow? As we got so many fragments on our first travel day…" –

- "Hmm, it wouldn't be a bad idea" – said Kagome with a smile, which the others also shared excepting for Inuyasha.

- "Wasn't that mission of yours very urgent?" – asked Inuyasha as he looked at them irritated.

- "Yeah, but given we made so much progress today, we could rest a bit… especially given that our route for tomorrow goes pretty close to a beach…" – said Gerardo as he opened a map of the region on his Dragtemn and marked the route.

- "Oh, that changes things! I better go back home, as I need to get some supplies. Could you and Gaby-chan come with me?" – said Kagome cheerfully.

- "Well, we better get going then" – said Gerardo as he and Gabriela stood up – "Inuyasha, are you coming with us?" –

- "Yeah, I can't leave Kagome alone at any time. We don't know what that bastard Naraku might be plotting…" – said Inuyasha as he stood up.

- "Sango, can you lend Kirara to us for a while?" – said Kagome as she looked at the small two-tailed cat.

- "Of course. Just make sure to come back soon" – said Sango with a smile as Kirara skipped to Kagome's side.

- "We'll be waiting for you here" – said Miroku as he tried getting his hand close to Sango, but she put some distance between both as soon as she noticed.

- "And don't worry, I'll make sure Miroku doesn't try to play anything on Sango!" – said Shippou trying to look mature in front of them.

- "And I'll help Shippou-chan with that!" – said Rin cheerfully.

So Kirara transformed into her larger form to let Kagome ride her while Gerardo and Gabriela transformed into dragoon form. They noticed how Gabriela's transformation buble was white and her armor was white with silver borders, while the circular plate on her breastplate had the emblems of light and moon. They then set off to head to the Bone Eater's Well: Kagome was riding Kirara, Gabriela and Gerardo flew using the wings of their armors and Inuyasha ran at full speed below them. After a few minutes, they reached the well, so Kagome dismounted Kirara while the siblings cancelled their transformations, thought they both began gasping as soon as they did.

- "Why didn't you want to ride on my back?" – asked Inuyasha when they were about to enter the well.

- "So I didn't bother you, so stop complaining already!" – said Kagome

- "You'd do better to leave your eternal couple quarrels for later" – said Gerardo in bad mood.

- "Don't butt in! Sit down!" – said Kagome, which made Inuyasha and Gerardo crash into the ground.

- "I think you shouldn't have done that…" – said Gabriela in a teasing tone as she looked at Kagome.

- "Ah, sorry!" – said Kagome embarrassed.

- "Kagome…" – said Inuyasha from the ground – "Why did you do that?" –

- "Sorry, my tongue slipped!" – said Kagome as she played with her fingers.

- "You should mind your words a little more" – said Gerardo as he stood up and dusted his clothes off. He then adjusted his glasses a bit.

- "Well, forget about it and let's hurry going into the well!" – said Gabriela excitedly as she jumped up and down.

- "You're right" – said Kagome doubtful – "But, will the well let you go through to my era? As it only works with Inuyasha and me…" –

- "We won't know until we try" – said Gerardo, to which Inuyasha replied with only making a mocking gesture with his face: he thought it was a waste of time to even try it.

So they still jumped in, and still the portal appeared for all of them, though the light vortex from it seemed to be a bit dimmer than usual.

- "How's it? The well let us pass!" – said Gabriela cheerfully when they found themselves in the shed in the present.

- "But how!? The well didn't let anyone but Inuyasha and me to go through!" – said Kagome amazed.

- "Maybe it's because the combined power of the Shadow fragments and the Shikon shard…" – said Gerardo as he looked at the pocket where he had the Satchel of Light that kept the fragments in check.

- "Keh! Then that's even more a reason to keep them away from Naraku's clutches!" – said Inuyasha with an unpleasant air of superiority.

They ended the conversation there, so they exited the shed and went to Kagome's house. After leaving their shoes in the entrance, Kagome announced she had returned and went into the dining room to see her family, alongside Inuyasha. After they greeted Inuyasha, Kagome called Gerardo and Gabriela to introduce them.

- "They're our new friends, Gerardo and Gabriela!" – said Kagome cheerfully.

- "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Higurashi-san" – said Gerardo as he and Gabriela bowed before her.

- "The pleasure is mine" – said Kagome's mother with a smile – "Are you two from the Warring States Era too?" -

- "No, we're westerners from this era, but we thought we'd fit better with these clothes!" – said Gabriela cheerfully.

- "Hehe, and you're such a cute girl" – said Kagome's mother – "I hope you and Kagome are getting along well" –

- "Hehe, we are" – said Kagome with a smile as she and Gabriela winked at each other – "Well, let me explain about how we met…" –

Kagome, alongside her new friends, explained everything that had taken place thus far to her family. In the end, Kagome's mother was a bit enthralled with Gabriela because she reminded her of Kagome when she was little, while Kagome's grandfather wanted to explain to Gerardo a lot of Japan's customs and legends due to his interest on them, but he was so tired he wasn't in the mood for it at the moment. Souta was also looking at both siblings with interest, seeing how well they got along, and feeling like he wanted to exchange places with Kagome to see how it would feel.

- "Well, if you need to stay here tonight, Gerardo and Inuyasha can sleep in Souta's room, while Gaby-chan can stay in Kagome's" – said Kagome's mother with a smile – "I'll get a couple of futons ready so you can go and rest" –

- "Thank you very much!" – said Gerardo and Gabriela. Once the preparations were finished, everyone wished good night to each other and went to sleep.

(End of Chapter)

(Ending: Dearest)

Entwining of Destinies ~ Dragonia - Chapter 6

Chapter 6:

Making Preparations for the Journey

(Opening: Grip!)

The two following days to Gerardo and Gabriela's return were a bit stressful, as while they finally obtained the powers they had dreamt with for so long, they had realized they couldn't make use of them until they went back to Inuyasha's world, as it could be very problematic if the people in their world learned about them.

As soon as they returned, they spent a while with their mother, as she had been very worried about them…

(BGM: Nukumori no Kioku – Card Captor Sakura)

- "Mother… Mom!" – screamed Gerardo as soon as they saw their mother upon getting back to their world, and they both ran to hug her.

- "Mommy…!" – said Gabriela.

- "Gerar, Gaby… my dears…" – said their mother shedding tears of happiness as she hugged them back.

- "Mommy, we missed you a lot… We wanted to be with you again…" – said Gabriela a she sobbed.

- "You don't how much we've missed you…" – said Gerardo as he cried.

- "I've been very worried about you two, but I'm so glad to see you're safe and sound…" – said their mother, and they continued crying, embracing each other.

Once they calmed down, both siblings began telling her about their adventures in the other world.

- "And so, I somehow used magic to defeat Sesshomaru and save Gaby" – said Gerardo excitedly.

- "Yup, and then I healed him because we didn't want to see him die" – said Gabriela joining her hands.

- "You had quite a hard time, right? However, I'm very proud that you protected Gaby so much, Gerar. However, I have to say that I don't really like that you two got involved in something so dangerous" – said Mrs. Gallucci with a worried face.

- "Well, it's not like it could be helped" – said Gerardo.

- "And at least everything ended well, right?" – said Gabriela with a smile, which made the three of them laugh.

They then had to deal with the fact that their father had returned from his work, which meant having to endure a good scolding for their sudden disappearance. He did the best he could to endure it, as well as explain their exchange with Kagome and Inuyasha had been only a trial project that only lasted a couple of days.

However, the true problems began the Sunday, as he had still to explain to their parents that they needed to go back to that world, and that it was a life or death matter so no one else could handle. Luckily, neither of them had to go to school since they had returned during the Friday afternoon.

- "Agh… no matter how much I think about, I can't find a good way to explain this to my parents" – said Gerardo irritated as he looked at the roof of his room as he lied on his bed. He was wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and black pants.

- "Maybe I could help you with that" – said Kagome's voice seemingly from nowhere.

- "Kagome!?" – asked Gerardo as he sat up on the bed and began looking around in all directions – "How are you talking to me?" –

- "You should know it. Did you forget what we were given during the ceremony?" – asked Kagome with a teasing voice as she giggled.

Gerardo then looked at the Dragtemn he had on his wrist, which was lighting up intermittently, so he touched the screen, which showed he was receiving a holo-call from Kagome, and pushed the button to answer it. This made the intermittent lighting to stop and made a small holographic projection with Kagome's appearance appear over the crystal screen.

- "I'm feeling kinda stupid. We got told about the Dragtemns back then and I didn't even notice you were calling me" – said Gerardo smacking himself on the forehead.

- "Oh come on, don't be so harsh on yourself. Anyway, these devices are pretty handy!" – said Kagome with a smile.

- "Oh, have you figured out how they work in full?" – asked Gerardo impressed.

- "Yeah! I've been reading the manual they have in the menu, and I've learned about their communicator function, their teleporter and the best part, that you can store things in them! Now I won't have to carry my backpack all the time!" – said Kagome cheerfully.

- "I'm glad you've found it useful," – said Gerardo smiling, but his face then returned to a serious expression – "But do you really think they'll let me go just like that?" –

- "If you let me talk to them, I'm sure I can make them understand" – said Kagome – "Or is it that you don't trust me?" –

- "Well, I have no other choice if you put it that way" – said Gerardo with a smile – "Please help me with this, Kagome" –

He then left his room and walked the hallway that separated it from the master bedroom: it was time for his parents to know about the recent events and about his mission.

- "Dad, Mom!" – said Gerardo as he opened the door and went into the bedroom – "I have something important to tell you!" –

- "What is it, Gerardo?" – asked his father, who was lying on the bed alongside his wife watching TV.

As a way of replying, Gerardo showed him the Dragtemn with Kagome's holographic projection over it.

- "And what's this?" – asked his father as he looked at him confused.

- "Oh, nothing special. It's a friend from another dimension" – replied Gerardo as if it was as normal as talking through a cellphone.

- "My name is Higurashi Kagome," – said Kagome bowing slightly toward him – "Pleased to make your acquaintance" –

- "Is this some kind of new toy or recent technologic thingamajig?" – asked his father beginning to get annoyed about this, as he thought Gerardo was trying to play a prank on him, even though Gerardo never did that sort of things.

- "No," – replied Gerardo's mother as she looked at her husband – "That girl is real. I've met her while you were in your business trip and she's a very good friend of Gerardo. And while it sounds a bit strange, she is actually from another world" –

- "Wait a second… Kagome? Like the little girl that came here as an exchange student for our Gaby?" – asked Mr. Gallucci very weirded out about this, to which his wife replied by nodding her head. He then used to remote to shut down the TV and turned to face Gerardo again – "Well then, what is that important matter you need to discuss with us?" –

Gerardo then began explaining them, helped by Kagome, about everything that had taken place from the day they returned: about the dragon powers and about the mission he had to accomplish in the other world. When they finished, Mr. Gallucci had been left speechless and with the eyes the size of saucers.

- "Well, that's the gist of it… that's why I and Gaby must go to the other world as soon as we can…" – said Gerardo as he looked at the floor.

- "So you didn't go to Japan, but rather to another dimension…" – said Mr. Gallucci amazed. However, his expression went back to a serious one – "But what are you going to do about school?" –

- "Actually, I've got a solution for that" – said Kagome answering the question for Gerardo – "I can request at my school for them to let Gerardo study in it as an exchange student, and also do the same in the school where my little brother is for Gaby-chan. That way, they can continue studying while they're there" –

However, Kagome privately thought they wouldn't really have to worry about it because they were in the middle of the summer break over at her world.

- "And how will you help us with the chores here at home?" – asked his father.

- "I'll come back every now and then to talk with you both face to face and to help here. Besides, I'm going to be calling you every day through the Dragtemn" – said Gerardo extending the arm where he had the device so they knew what he was talking about – "As this watch has a communicator that can work through dimensions, and as if that wasn't enough, the gateway to the other world is located in the window of my room" –

- "I can't let you go there!" – said his father standing up from bed and going in front of his son – "It's too dangerous and you don't even have any weapon to defend yourself with! You have no experience in fighting or traveling either!" –

- "You'd be surprised if you knew that I've got a friend making me a sword in the world, that I'm not bad at all at fencing, and that this will help me a lot about the world too… and besides, I'm a Dragoon!" – said Gerardo very annoyed as he took out his Seirei Crystal from within his shirt. Before he had to obey the dispositions of his father, but now he had these powers, no one was going to get on the way of doing what he needed to do.

- "What's a Dragoon?" – asked her mother.

- "I used the term a little ago, while we were talking about everything that took place in the other world" – said Gerardo – "That's the name given to those that can use Seirei Magic and the power of the Dragon" –

- "If that's the case, I won't let you go until you show us these powers you're talking about" – said his father.

- "I'll comply with your wishes then…" – said Gerardo closing his eyes.

- "Gerardo…" – said Kagome a bit worried.

Gerardo then took out the Seirei Crystal from the holder around his neck and pressed a button on the Dragtemn that made its crystal screen open in half. He then placed the crystal inside of it, and then the elemental marks and dragon emblem appeared over him again…

- "What is this!?" – said Mr. Gallucci.

- "Ist Garsse OschmeRe Iadlast Kiabze Pawatz Zosph, Phaph Myya Ical Zosph Phiaphz... Iadlast Pawatz! Dragoon!" – said Gerardo. Upon saying this, his Dragtemn separated from his wrist as the magical circle appeared at his feet,which formed a blue bubble around him. After a few seconds, the bubble burst, revealing him wearing armor identical to the one he wore during the battle with Sesshomaru, though the decoration in the breastplate was missing and there was a hole in its place. The dragtemn then floated and inserted itself in the hole, which closed up with a metal plate. The plate then shone in blue and a water droplet appeared over it, completing the transformation.

- "Saf sieral omedaites hydrast ika iaraelia sos zyola..." – said him concentrated, which made a little flow of water come out from his body, which he could control as if it was part of himself. After moving it around for a few seconds, he returned it to his body, leaving his parents surprised.

- "Well, is this demonstration enough for you, dad?" – asked Gerardo with a smug face.

- "I guess so… You can use magic and speak in a language I've never heard before, so I don't have any reason to stop you. I just want you to be very careful out there" – said Mr. Gallucci as he looked at his son impressed.

- "Very well… Ist Alttyaok, Pawatz Nyulasst!" – said Gerardo, which made him flash with a blue light. When it dimmed again, Gerardo was again wearing his normal clothes and the Dragtemn had reappeared on his wrist.

- "Whoa! That was impressive!" – said Kagome from Gerardo's Dragtemn. He then looked at his parents straight on the eye and smiled at them.

- "And you won't have any problems with me bringing Gaby with me, right? She has similar powers to mine, and I'll be taking care of her regardless" –

- "We know, and while we don't like the idea, I'm sure you both will be fine out there"- said his mother saddened – "Please, do the best you can for this world to be safe" –

- "However, there is only one condition we have to you going: bring your travel companions here so we can meet then before you depart" – said his father.

- "No problem, I'll take care of that" – said Kagome as her holographic projection disappeared from Gerardo's Dragtemn.

- "Looks like she cut the call. But okay: you'll meet them when it's time for us to go" – said Gerardo.

So they spent the rest of the day making preparations for Gerardo and Gabriela's departure. Kagome sent Gerardo a message saying that everyone would come for them next morning so their parents could meet their friends.

And thus, the next morning came…

- "Okay, we're ready…" – said Gerardo as closed up his backpack and put it inside his Dragtemn. For the occasion he was wearing the blue kimono the Dragons Gods had given him, as well as a couple of black shoes, so it would be easy for anyone in the Warring States Era to mistake him for a noble.

- "These clothes look pretty good on you, Gerar" – said Mrs. Gallucci as she entered the room and looked at his son from up to down.

- "Thanks, mom" – said Gerardo blushing.

- "And I see you're ready to get going…" – said her mother very saddened.

- "Yup! We are!" – said Gabriela entering the room, who herself was wearing the miko-like white and silver kimono, and was wearing tabi and zori on her feet. She had also finished packing some things into her Dragtemn.

- "Okay, I hope everything goes well…" – said Mrs. Gallucci.

- "Same for us… Now, we only have to wait until the others arrive for you to meet them…" – said Gerardo as he and Gabriela began getting sad, but this was interrupted because the window lit up and the purple portal appeared over it – "Looks like they're here!" –

There was a flash of white light, and Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Kirara and Shippou appeared on the room.

- "So this is his Gerardo-kun's house?" – asked Sango as she looked around, surprised from all the things she had never seen before.

- "Yeah!" – said Kagome cheerfully – "We had been here before, but it feels better to come as a guest!" –

- "And it seems to be of around the same size as the house of a noble or village leader" – said Miroku as he looked around with interest.

- "Welcome to my humble abode" – said Gerardo as he stood in front of them and bowed.

- "Thank you, Gerardo-kun" – said Miroku as he softly hit the floor with his shakujou and made a gesture of thanks – "Oh, and who could this beautiful lady be?" –

Everyone present opened their eyes as much as they could from the shock, as they noticed Miroku was talking about Gerardo's mother. Inuyasha and Kagome also gasped when they heard him say that. Gerardo just stood in front of him and made the most threatening face he could.

- "She's my mother, and if you dare to do any of your perverted things here, there won't be any words to describe the suffering I'll deliver you" – said him in a voice that sounded like a roar.

Miroku just began laughing nervously, as Sango was also throwing him killer glares while the others were looking at him with displeased faces.

- "Okay, let's go to the living room, as we won't be able to go if I don't introduce you to my parents…" – said Gerardo as he led them out of the room.

After they finished the introductions in the living room…

- "So you're going to travel alongside a demon exterminator, a monk, a girl with powers and a boy with dog ears?" – asked his father with a serious face.

- "Yes, that's right…" – said Gerardo upon noticing the disapproval tone on his father's voice.

- "But well, they look like very nice and trustworthy people, so I hope you won't cause them much trouble" – said Mr. Gallucci.

- "Don't mind it. He isn't going to be a problem, rather, I'd say he's going to be a great help" – said Sango with a smile.

- "Okay, take care out there" – said his father hugging him – "And make sure to get yourself a girlfriend!" –

- "Hey, that last part wasn't necessary!" – said Gerardo blushing and dying from embarrassment. The others just laughed at this.

- "And you too, Gaby… Listen to your brother and be a good girl" – said Mrs. Gallucci to her daughter, who nodded with a smile.

- "Don't worry, we'll be okay" – said Gerardo as his eyes began filling with tears.

- "See you later, daddy, mommy…" – said Gabriela as she began sobbing. Everyone then went back to the room and raised their hands in direction to the window, which opened the portal. They crossed it, and as soon as they had arrived again at the clearing with the Bone Eater's Well in the Inuyasha world, the portal closed itself again. Both siblings wiped the tears off their eyes after all this.

- "If you wanna turn back, do it. We won't stop you" – said Inuyasha.

- "Forget it, we've already taken our decision, and we aren't changing it now!" – said Gerardo showing his determined face.

- "I guessed you'd say that… so here you go" – said Inuyasha as he gave to him a slender sword that was more or less Tenseiga's size sheathed in a scabbard that had several dragons drawn on it and had its name written on it in kanji (竜牙).

- "Is that… my sword?" – said Gerardo amazed as he unsheathed it. Everyone was amazed upon seeing it: its silver blade, which had the Elemental Seal engraved on its center, its gray ornamented hilt, which had a sapphire embedded on center, and ended in a dragon's head that held a sapphire sphere on its mouth.

- "Whoa, Totosai really outdid himself with this sword!" – said Gerardo impressed swinging it to check how it behaved on his hands: it felt light and resistant – "It even looks just like I imagined it'd be!" –

- "Totosai told me that when he put in the items the dragons gave you into the blade after he melted it, both the blade and the hilt began shining, and took that form" – said Inuyasha as he cautiously eyed it.

- "Well, I'd like to give it a test run alongside my powers in a battle… How about sparring a little?" – he asked Inuyasha.

- "Of course! I wanna check out your skills with that thing!" – said Inuyasha as they went a bit farther from the others.

- "Inuyasha's as excitable as ever, huh?" – said Kagome as she looked at them and smiled.

- "Hihi, but Gerar was also looking forward to that a lot too!" – said Gabriela giggling.

- "Let's just hope they won't be taking things too far" – said Sango as she looked at how they were taking battle stances.

- "Okay, I want you to come at me with everything you've got!" – said Gerardo as he pointed to Inuyasha with Ryuuga.

- "You asked for it!" – said Inuyasha unsheathing and transforming Tessaiga, to then take his battle stance. However, right before they began, Ryuuga's sheath began shining. Gerardo took it with his left hand, and it opened itself to the sides, taking the shape of a shield, which from down to up had the Elemental Seal, the Dragon Emblem and the Elemental Mark of Water drawn in gray over a blue background.

- "Hmm, Fuuinryuu wanted me to use it too…" – said Gerardo as he looked at the shield.

- "That's the name of that sheath… err, shield thingamajig?" – said Inuyasha a bit weirded out.

- "Yeah, but don't mind it. Anyway, I'm ready now. Let's begin!" – said Gerardo as he drew a circle with his sword and held it over his shoulder with both hands – "Watsa ya, dragyuu raga torowas tastsaks ika... Dragon Wave!" -

He then stabbed the center of the circle with the sword, launching several dragon head-shaped waves at Inuyasha.

- "Whoa!" – said Inuyasha as he jumped to the side to avoid the waves – "Not bad, but let's see you deal with this! Kaze no Kizu!" –

- "I'll show you! Watsa ya, hydrast xyaza cezet paewat ika, yst hakisa tastsaks ika..." – he moved the hand where he was carrying Fuuiryuu over his sword as if he was applying something to it, and he then swung it in a way contrary to how Inuyasha had done it to use the Kaze no Kizu – "…Water's Scar!" -

He launched an energy wave identical to the Kaze no Kizu, just that it was blue in color instead of gold. When both energies clashed, they coiled into each other and scattered into the wind, vanishing as if they had never existed.

- "Looks like they nulled each other out" – said Gerardo upon seeing this.

- "You can't be serious… you can also use the Kaze no Kizu with your sword?" – asked Inuyasha surprised.

- "Nope. Mine is the "Water's Scar" and it's created from the energy I focus into the blade of my sword" – explained Gerardo in a calm way – "On the other hand, your Kaze no Kizu is made when you cut the rift that gets created in the wind when your energy clashes with the opponent's, right?" -

- "Yeah, but they look so similar… anyway, let's continue fighting!" – said Inuyasha as he ran to Gerardo and tried to slash him, but Gerardo blocked him with his shield.

- "Now it's my turn!" – said him as he tried to slash Inuyasha, who avoided it. Both continued exchanging attacks for a while, until Inuyasha covered Tessaiga in diamond…

- "Kongosouha!" – he screamed as he sung his sword to launch a volley of diamonds.

- "Ochis meya, vacras sos aeria paf viartra… Quickslash!" – Gerardo ran as fast as he could, slashing the air with his sword. Before Inuyasha noticed, Gerardo was right behind him, and the diamonds he threw him were suspended into the air. A few seconds later, they trembled slightly and fell to the ground.

– "What did you do!?" – asked Inuyasha divided between surprise and irritation.

- "I just ran at a great speed and struck your diamond lances in the process with my sword…" – he said shrugging – "Well, we better finish this already… Ist Altyyaok, ah... Leiya Iadlast, Clyezet Pawatz Ical, Oli HalkeiZa Myallade Ical" -

- "What the hell are you doing?" – asked Inuyasha confused, as Gerardo had turned Fuuiryuu into a sheath again and put away Ryuuga – "Singing at a time like this?" -

As Gerardo continued singing, he raised his right hand, as if he was ordering something to rise up, which created a large water pillar in front of him. He moved his hands as if he was opening and closing something, creating a large wall of water. He then made a movement that seemed as if he was pushing the wall, which formed a great wave that was about to crash into Inuyasha.

- "I'll admit you surprised me with that song, but you made a large mistake!" – said Inuyasha with a mocking expression on his face as he raised his sword – "Bakuryuuha!" –

The wave coiled itself into a hurricane and went back to Gerardo. He was a bit shocked from this, but immediately he stuck Ryuuga still in its sheath into the ground as he made a gesture with his hand.

- "Ochis meya... oh, lay paewat dat dragyuu... ah, lay rillal dea dragyuu, Fuuiryuu... protasec sos biosat, yst biosat dat sos felanso pears ika. Dragon Barrier!" -

This created a circular blue barrier around Gerardo that had the Dragon Emblem drawn in gray over it, which the Bakuryuuha couldn't pierce through.

- "No way… was that Ryuura's Jiryuu Fuuin!?" – said Inuyasha with his mouth left open in surprise.

- "You're wrong. This is the Dragon Barrier, and while it isn't as strong as Ryuura's skill, at the least it lets me survive attacks of the Bakuryuuha's level…" – said Gerardo sighing in relief, but when he saw how his barrier was, he added: - "And it was a good thing that your attack didn't last longer or was more powerful, as my barrier wouldn't have been able to withstand it…" –

It couldn't be any less accurate, as the barrier now had a large crack in the place where the Bakuryuuha struck it, and it extended through the rest of the translucent dome.

- "Well, I think it's enough…" – said Gerardo gasping as he dismissed the barrier and put his sheathed sword into his obi.

- "Yeah, you're right" – said Inuyasha as he returned Tessaiga to its katana form and sheathed it – "This was tiring…" –

- "Well, I hope I was a decent opponent to you. At the least I think I could give you some workout if we fought for real" – said Gerardo as they walked back to the others.

- "Yeah, you weren't bad at all…" – said Inuyasha smiling – "I never thought you'd have abilities like these" –

- "I guess that means we're friends now, huh?" – said Gerardo.

- "Well, I think so…" – said Inuyasha crossing his arms.

- "Come on, that isn't bad for us at all, now that we're gonna be traveling together a lot… But I wonder… what were the others doing while we trained?" –

When they went back, they saw Gabriela manipulating a line of light with her hands, but upon noticing they had returned, she let it vanish and ran to them.

- "Hey, welcome back!" – said her with a smile.

- "Oh, Gaby. What were you going? Practicing your Seirei magic?" – asked Gerardo a bit surprised.

- "Yup, I wanted to try 'em out!" – said Gabriela cheerfully – "Though I didn't get to transform…" -

- "I also took the time to practice a bit of archery," – said Kagome pointing to a nearby tree: it had a few arrows stuck on it, though some of them seemed to be made of white wood - "Hehe, as you see, Gaby-chan also tried practicing with me" –

- "I see. So how well did it go?" – asked Gerardo with interest on how well they were handling their bows.

- "Well, I managed to get most of them stuck on the tree,"- said Kagome – "On the other hand, Gaby-chan got around half of her own arrows in it, while the others…" –

She pointed to the sides of the tree, and on closer look, they noticed there were several white arrows lying around on the ground.

- "Yeah, I need more practice" – said Gabriela as she patted the bow she had on her back.

- "Anyway, you got off to a good start" – said Kagome smiling at her – "As you both know, I wasn't really good with the bow when I first began traveling with Inuyasha" –

- "Yeah, but you've improved a lot" – said Inuyasha with a smile – "Otherwise, you'd continue being a burden in battle"-

Kagome sighed: - "I know it's true, but it hurts a little…" –

- "Anyway, let's get going. We should make some progress traveling before it gets late" – said Sango as she walked to them. The others nodded in response and began walking.

After a few hours, in which Gerardo and Gabriela were delighted with the sights of the countryside and the purer air, the sun began setting, and they decided it was time to set up camp and rest for the night, which they need near the shore of a lake surrounded by trees. Once they finished getting everything ready and were sitting around a bonfire…

- "This is the first time I've slept outdoors" – said Gerardo as he looked up at the sky filled with stars – "I really like the forests and mountains, as well as looking at a starry sky, and since I live in a city, I don't get many chances to do so" –

- "Are stars so hard to see where you live, Gerardo-kun?" – asked Miroku with curiosity.

- "Yes, and it's the same in my era" – said Kagome – "There are so many sources of light in the cities where we live that they eclipse out the stars. The sight we have right now is only possible in our time in places that are too far away from the cities" –

- "I see… I know you've got a very advanced technology in your time from the things we saw at your house and the ones Kagome brings every now and then" – said Sango – "But it feels pretty sad to not be able to see the stars like we can…" –

- "We know. The sky's so pretty like this" – said Gabriela in a dreamy tone.

- "Oh by the way, Gaby… I'd like to give you this…" – said Shippou as he handed to her a flower crown.

- "Shippou's at it again?" – whispered Sango at Miroku.

- "It seems he's always waiting for a good chance to do it" – he replied back.

- "Hehe, calm down…" – told Kagome to Gerardo upon seeing the murderous aura that was seeping out from him.

- "I'm sorry, Shippou. It really makes me happy, but you're not my type, so I can't accept your proposal" – said Gabriela giggling, which made Gerardo sigh in relief.

- "Whaaa!? I've failed agaiiiin!" – cried Shippou as he ran to Kagome's side.

- "Hahaha, looks like she got you before you even made the first move!" – said Sango laughing.

- "Keh, no girl would ever fall for that if they knew what Shippou's like" – said Inuyasha with an evil smile.

- "Come on, don't be so mean to him" – said Kagome as she tried to calm the crying Shippou.

- "Waaah! Kagome'd really love me if she was little again!" – screamed Shippou.

- "Looks like he completely forgot about how badly she shot him down…" – said Miroku with an incredulous face.

- "Yeah. And in fact, part of me is still angry at how he treated Inuyasha, but I can't continue dwelling on that all the time. So sorry Shippou, I guess I can only be like a big sister to you" – said Kagome with a smile. This made Shippou fall silent from the shock.

- "Hehe, that's the most epic way to get rejected I've ever seen!" – said Gerardo laughing.

- "Yeah, and not only once, but twice in a row!" – said Inuyasha laughing.

- "Shippou will have to learn to better understand the girls. Otherwise, his failures will continue piling up one over other" – said Miroku amused at this.

- "Then you should strive to be a better role model for him, don't you think, Houshi-sama?" – said Sango eyeing him with suspicion.

- "Though I feel a bit sorry for him…" – said Kagome as she patted Shippou on the head, who was still as if he was petrified.

After the laughter died down and Shippou had recovered, they began preparing dinner.

- "What do you say about relaxing a bit while we wait for dinner to be ready?" – said him as he pushed a couple of buttons in his Dragtemn, and then, a song began playing from it.

- "That song is…!" – said Kagome recognizing its melody, which also caught the attention of all the others

- "Isn't that one of the songs that were heard in the other world when Kagome appeared on that box?" – asked Inuyasha.

- "Yes, you both recognized it from the episodes you watched, I see. It's titled Toki wo Koete – Kagome, and as you can guess, it's your theme song" – said Gerardo with a smile. They then continued listening to the song until it ended.

- "I couldn't really listen to it well when we watched the tapes, but I really liked it. It's so beautiful…" – said Kagome a bit embarrassed.

- "It really fits you, Kagome" – said Sango with a smile - "Though I also wonder if we also have songs with our names, and how they sound like" –

- "The music is so peculiar though… I've never heard such rhythms or instruments before…" – said Miroku thoughtfully.

- "It's making me sleepy…" – said Shippou drowsily.

- "We better hurry up with dinner then" – said Gerardo – "So what are you making?" –

- "We prepared some roasted fish, so if you like, go ahead" – said Sango as she gave them a stick with a roasted fish on its end.

After a while, they had finished eating and were getting ready to sleep, but none noticed that a strange figure was observing at them.

- "Well, I'm getting out one more song before we go to sleep…" – said Gerardo yawning as he made the Dragtemn play it.

- "Ah, that song is…!" – said Gabriela excitedly.

- "Hmm, I don't recognize it… maybe it wasn't in any of the episodes we watched…" – said Kagome deep in thought.

- "But I wonder… is it a theme song for anyone?" – asked Sango.

- "Yes, it is. However… err… it's titled Hiun no Miko…" – said Gerardo a bit lost for words when it came to explaining who it was for.

- "It's Kikyou's theme!" – said Gabriela with a smile, which made Gerardo's face go from a normal color to a deathly pale in question of seconds.

- "Kikyou's?" – asked Inuyasha surprised to then look at the ground saddened – "I see…"'

- "Inuyasha…" – said Kagome saddened too.

- "Ugh, Gaby… why you had to say it?" – said Gerardo a bit scared – "I was still trying to find a way to break it out to them. Now we're gonna have them fighting…" –

- "Well, it's your fault for choosing it" – said Gabriela pouting.

- "I chose it because it's relaxing, despite its sadness…" – said him grinding his teeth.

- "Anyway, we better go to sleep. We'll have a long day tomorrow…" – said Sango, which Gerardo was greatly thankful to her for.

Gerardo and Gabriela began going to their sleeping bag while Kagome did the same thing with her own, but before they all had finished getting ready to sleep, Gabriela felt a partially human presence, but it was filled with sadness and hatred. This made her begin shivering.

- "Everyone… there's someone here!" – said her at the border of tears as she got out her bow and readied an arrow. The others prepared their weapons at the direction Gabriela was aiming. However, the next moment the owner of the presence entered everyone's vision range, and they saw it was…

- "Kikyou! What are you doing in this place!?" – asked Gerardo as he pointed at her with his sword.

- "Who are you? How do you know my name?" – asked Kikyou in a distrustful tone as she aimed at him with an arrow she had in her bow.

- "Kikyou... It's a surprise to see you here…" – said Inuyasha with a very soft voice, while Kagome looked away from them.

- "Inuyasha… I see you've made new friends…" – said Kikyou with an inexpressive voice.

- "Kikyou-sama… why are you here…?" – asked Gabriela to the dead miko, which caught her attention.

- "Hmm, both this child and that boy have very strange presences…" – said Kikyou as she put away her weapons, which the others also did. She then focused her attention on the siblings and the rest of the group – "And everyone in your group is now wearing some strange artifacts…" –

They immediately understood Kikyou was talking about the powers Gerardo and Gabriela could use, as well as the Dragtemns they all were carrying.

- "Kikyou, please answer her question. Why are you here right now?" – asked Inuyasha.

- "I've come to warn you that Naraku has a new scheme in preparation… he has found a new form to increase his powers…" – said Kikyou while she looked through the corner of her eyes to the rest of Inuyasha's group, all of which were paying close attention to each of her words.

- "What do you mean by that?" – asked Miroku.

- "That he learned about an accursed jewel that can increase his powers beyond the limits of the Shikon Pearl, and that can't be purified…" – said Kikyou, but when Gerardo heard these words, his face paled instantly. The others also tensed from this.

- "No…! Naraku must have learned about the Crystal of Shadows!" – said Gerardo grabbing his head while Gabriela held on him scared.

- "So that is the name of that jewel? However, that isn't important right now… I've also found out that he is planning to use Kagome: using her powers in a certain way, he can darken that accursed jewel, and he in turn can use it to stain the Shikon Pearl with even more evil… if he manages to do so… nothing in this world will be able to stop him…" – said Kikyou as she looked at Inuyasha and the others with horror.

- "But how!? Kagome's role is purifying the Pearl, and she will never yield to Naraku's will!" – said Sango.

- "And anyway, why aren't you being targeted? You and Kagome have the same powers, Kikyou, so I would think they would be after you too" – said Miroku with suspicion.

- "They haven't targeted me because my soul is now stained, so my purification powers can't be distorted in the way Kagome's can, as well as Naraku still fearing and being unable to kill me. However, I don't know the specifics of how they will plan to use Kagome's powers for this, but don't lower your guard under any circumstances…" – said Kikyou as she turned away – "Inuyasha… that song I heard a while ago was quite beautiful… but nothing has any meaning to me now…" –

She then disappeared deep into the trees.

- "Why do you think she came to warn us about all this?" – said Gerardo while he walked with Gabriela to their sleeping bag and both settled inside it, as the others also prepared to sleep. The relaxed environment that had been reigning while they were dining and listening to the music had been replaced by an atmosphere of anxiety and anguish: their faces were all filled with worry and fear.

- "I don't know… I can only say that now that Naraku has learned about the Crystal of Shadows, things are going to get much harder… that is quite a disturbing thought" – said Miroku as he leaned against a tree.

- "Not to mention what she said about Naraku wanting to use me to darken the Crystal and stain the Pearl even further…" – said Kagome from her sleeping back.

- "But I won't let him get close to you! I'll die before that happens!" – said Inuyasha determined as he rolled a hand into a fist and he sat beside Kagome to sleep.

They continued being worried by a while, but in the end sleep won them over and they fell asleep.

(End of Chapter)

(Ending: No More Words - Ayumi Hamasaki)

Entwining of Destinies ~ Dragonia - Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

The New Chosen Ones

(Opening: Natsu Kikyuu)

(BGM: Ryuu no Hokora)

As soon as they stepped inside of the temple, they all were even more surprised upon seeing its interior: the entrance hallway was lined with dragon statues, its floor was covered in checkered black and white tiles, and after they walked for a bit, they began seeing precious stones shining in six colors: blue, red, green, yellow, white and blac; embedded in a few of the walls and columns, which decorated the white marble with their shine.

- "This temple is even more marvelous than I thought..." – said Miroku with a voice that pretty much stated he was about to faint from the impression.

- "It's beautiful…" – said Kagome as she took Inuyasha's hand, making him blush.

- "Kagome…" – he began looking around so no one else would notice it.

- "Gerar…" – said Gabriela – "Is this place what I think it is?" –

- "I think so, Gaby" – replied Gerardo.

- "By the way, now I think so… our countries speak completely different languages, right?" – said Kagome – "Then how can we understand each other like this, with no problems?" –

- "Maybe it's some kind of magic" – said Gerardo shrugging his shoulders – "Otherwise, I don't think we could understand what we're both saying" -

They continued their walk through the hallway until they reached the main room of the temple: it was a large and beautiful circular room, with a dome-shaped roof that was so high it was hard to see it. It also had several doors leading to other rooms, each of which had a symbol above: a blue droplet, a red flame, a yellow cracked rock, a green whirlwind, a white sphere, a black sphere, a purple thunder, a green leaf, a light blue crystal, an orange sun, a silver crescent moon and a golden four-pointed star. There also were other statues near the walls, but these had the shape of men and women wearing armors similar to the one Gerardo had during his fight against Sesshomaru: they looked like typical knight armors, but with dragon head-shaped helmets and wings. All of the statues had solemn expressions and were carrying different weapons in their hands: swords, spears, naginatas, bows, javelins, bos, staves, shields; among others. In the very center of the room there were two sets of stairs that led to a large altar that had the shape of the hexagonal emblem that they saw carved in the temple's entrance, which was suspended above a pool of crystal-clear water. There were also several hexagon emblems with a dragon taking off and roaring inside being drawn at several parts of the room. The whole place was illuminated by the light pouring from above due to the dome being transparent, as well as there being several lamps that seemed to be made from crystal emitting a white light.

They continued standing still at the entrance of the room, admiring its beauty and magnificence, until…

(BGM: Garden of the Gods)

- "And well… have you finished admiring the place?" – asked a voice.

Everyone was startled from this, and when they looked at the direction they came from, they noticed a shining dragon was flying towards then, but it was green instead of blue this time.

- "Hmm, we have four people here with a great potential, though we still have to check if they are worthy of it…" – said the dragon.

- "Okay, enough already!" – said Inuyasha impatiently – "Who the heck are you and what is this place!?" –

- "Inuyasha!" – said everyone.

- "Time for questions, is it?" – said the dragon letting out a roar that sounded more like a laughter – "I am the Dragon God of Wind, Kiols, and you are right now inside of the Temple of the Dragon" -

- "Dragon God of Wind?" – asked Kagome – "Who was the dragon that greeted us outside then?" –

- "Oh, that? That was Iadlast, the Dragon God of Water" – said Kiols closing its eyes.

- "Kiols-sama… then, what reason did you have to call us to this place?" – asked Miroku.

- "To see if you worthy of being bearers of the holy power" – said Kiols.

- "You said the holy power?" – asked Kagome.

- "Yes, young one. The holy power fueled by the emotions and the heart: the Seirei Magic and the Power of the Dragon" – said another dragon that appeared at Kiols' side, but this one had a more serious and solemn appearance to it, and was of a white color – "Please excuse my intromission. I am Illyusea, and my role is being of Dragon God of Light" -

- "Ah! I recognize its voice, Gerar! That's the voice I heard when I began singing that song!" – said Gabriela jumping up and down excitedly.

- "Really!?" – said Gerardo about to faint from excitement – "This is amazing… I've been waiting so long for this to happen…" –

- "Oh, but are you worthy of it?" – asked other dragon that was flying above them. This had a rather irritated and fiery appearance to it, was of a bright red color – "Oh yes. I am Pyrazsyec, the Dragon God of Fire" -

- "Wow, amazing… the element I like the least questioning my abilities now…" – said Gerardo in a sarcastic tone as he crossed his arms.

- "Gerar!" – said Gabriela in a reproaching tone.

- "Well…" – said another dragon of bright yellow color as it emerged from the floor, though it had something of a sleepy feeling to it – "The only way to know for sure is carrying out the ceremony right. And if I am allowed to introduce myself, I am the Dragon God of Earth: Tiarrashe" -

- "Agreed. Otherwise, it shall always remain a mystery" – said one last dragon emerging from the few parts of the room that weren't reached by the light. It was of a black color, though its scales shone when the light reached them beautifully and had eyes like pearls: it seemed very mysterious, yet gentle – "I am the Dragon God of Darkness, Phinambrea" -

- "So, what does this ceremony entail?" – asked Kagome as she began feeling nervous.

- "It's nothing dangerous or complex: just climb the stairs to the altar and stand on its center" – said Iadlast as it came out from the pool below the altar – "I apologize for my lack of manners, but I had no time to introduce myself when we met outside. I am Iadlast, Dragon God of Water" –

- "Well then, what will you do?" – asked Illyusea as he looked at Inuyasha, Kagome, Gabriela and Gerardo – "Will you carry out the ceremony, or would you rather leave without even trying it?" -

- "Of course we're doing it!" – said Inuyasha angry.

- "And won't that be dangerous?" – asked Kagome as her face filled with worry.

- "Hmm, I don't think so" – said Sango looking around – "This place doesn't seem dangerous at all, and the ceremony doesn't sound like anything life-threatening from the explanation they gave us" –

- "Okay! Let's do it already!" – said Inuyasha excitedly.

- "But who'll be going through it?" – asked Shippou.

- "The siblings, the miko and the hanyou…" – replied Tiarrashe.

Acknowledging Tiarrashe's words, Inuyasha, Kagome, Gabriela and Gerardo aligned themselves in a line in front of one of the stairs leading to the altar. Inuyasha was the first to step into it.

- "So? What I've gotta do now?" – asked Inuyasha impatiently.

- "You just have to grab the crystal floating in front of you" – said Illyusea as it made a small shining object appear in front of him.

- "This one?" – said Inuyasha as he looked at the object: it was a small gray sphere of glass, which had a very realistic depiction of a dragon's eye on its inside.

- "Yes. If you are worthy, that Seirei Crystal will accept you, but otherwise, you will expelled from the temple…" – said Phinambrea in a warning tone.

- "Meh, how easy!" – said Inuyasha as he extended a hand to grab the crystal.

When he did so, the hexagonal mark drawn in the altar began shining in the points of the hexagon that corresponded to the elements of Fire and Wind, making pillars of green and red light rise from them. The crystal in Inuyasha's hand took a red color while the pupil of the eye inside became green.

- "Looks like I'm worthy!" – exclaimed Inuyasha, however, both the crystal and the magical circle with the hexagon mark stopped shining the next instant, and then the entire altar was filled with an energy that expelled Inuyasha from it. However, his fall was slow and he landed on his feet next to Kagome as if nothing had happened.

- "What the hell was that!?" – asked Inuyasha angry.

- "Are you okay, Inuyasha?" – asked Kagome worried.

- "Yeah, I'm fine, but…" – said Inuyasha turning to look at her briefly, but he then turned back in the direction where the dragons were.

- "Apparently, the powers accepted and rejected you at the same time" – said Phinambrea in a severe tone.

- "What!?" – asked Inuyasha weirded out upon hearing this, which also confused all the others.

- "What does that mean? How could the power reject him if it had accepted Inuyasha in the first place?" – asked Miroku.

- "It is because he has a pure heart and that should allow him to handle it. However, given the special nature of his blood and heritage, it rejected him" – explained Iadlast as it shook his head to the sides.

- "This means that even if you have a pure heart, you won't be able to wield these powers if you're hanyou…" – said Gerardo with his hand in front of his mouth, deep in thought, as he looked at Inuyasha.

- "Keh! I'm strong enough as I'm right now anyway…" – scoffed Inuyasha.

- "Then you'll continue trying to become a full youkai?" – asked Kagome with bright eyes while she took Inuyasha of the hands.

- "Of course not, you fool!" – said Inuyasha as his face turned race and he violently pulled his hands away. Kagome just sighed in exasperation, and knowing this wasn't a good occasion for sitting down anyone, she walked up the stairs to the altar.

- "Grab the crystal now" – said Kiols annoyed. The crystal Inuyasha tried to grab had been replaced with another one.

- "Okay, I'll do it" – said Kagome as she closed her hand around the small glass sphere. Similarly to Inuyasha, the Elemental Seal began shining, this time with the points corresponding to the elements of Light and Water, making pillars of blue and white light rise from it, while the crystal took on a white color and the eyes turned blue.

However, a pink and blue light came out from Kagome's body, making her let go of the crystal as if it had burned her hands, and this in turn caused the seal to stop shining.

- "W-what happened?" - asked Kagome scared. She checked her hands to see if she had gotten burned, but they hadn't even gotten red: the burst of light didn't do anything to her.

- "Looks like the powers you hold are incompatible with the ones we are trying to bestow upon you…" – said Illyusea in a sad voice.

- "My miko powers don't allow me to receive these powers?" – asked Kagome disappointed.

- "Looks like that is the cause…" – said Iadlast closing his eyes.

- "Just great: neither hanyous nor mikos can handle these powers… will we even be able to do it?" – said Gerardo worried.

- "Oh well, I better step down and let the next one try it…" – said Kagome feeling dejected as she walked the stairs down while Gabriela went in the opposite direction.

- "And what's gonna happen now? The brat will get to use these powers?" – asked Inuyasha

- "While I don't like how you said it, I've got to agree here. She's too young to handle that burden" – said Gerardo as he looked at his sister in a mocking manner.

- "SIT DOWN!" – said Kagome and Gabriela at the same time, making both crash into the floor with double the strength. They couldn't stand hearing these words, and adding to that Kagome's irritation for Inuyasha's attitude, they decided to disregard formalities. All the other people present here, including the Dragon Gods, sweatdropped from seeing this.

- "WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?" – screamed both when they managed to get back on their feet.

- "For your cruel comments! Inuyasha, you should treat children better! And you Gerardo, you should have more trust in your sister!" – said Kagome feeling slighted. Inuyasha just crossed his arms and turned away his head, while Gerardo just apologized. However, they instantly turned around to look at the altar when they noticed a flash of light coming from it.

Gabriela had taken the crystal, and to the surprise of everyone present, the circles that lit up this time around in the Elemental Seal was the one corresponding to the light, and also, one of the points of the triangle located in the center of the emblem: these corresponded to the Attributes, the strongest elements. The point that lit up was the one representing the element of the Moon, making the seal release pillars of white and silver light, while the crystal had turned white with the eye colored silver.

- "Either she's gonna get thrown out from the circle or getting rejected by the power" – said Inuyasha with a mocking smile.

But unlike him and Kagome, a string appeared alongside a metal holder around the crystal, and it floated to Gabriela and tied itself around her neck. Then, a smaller copy of the Elemental Seal appeared at Gabriela's feet while the cry of a dragon was heard throughout the room. In her forehead appeared other copy of the seal, while a Dragon Emblem appeared over her chest, right in the spot of her heart. Finally, a white circle with the emblem of the Light appeared on her right hand, while a silver one appeared on the left with the emblem of the Moon, while cut-in-half versions of both them superimposed appeared in her palms.

- "Ist Alttyaok Zosph, Gabriela, Fyatusepth Lyacchi Pawatz cChia Gyalaz Zosph" – said Gabriela as if she was in a trance, and at the next instant, her body shone intensely in a white and silver light.

- "Welcome, Gabriela! New bearer of the Seirei Magic and the Power of the Dragon, chosen by the essences of the Light and the Moon!" – exclaimed Illyusea – "Now, please choose your weapon" –

Illyusea then summoned a group of floating weapons so Gabriela could choose whichever she wanted.

- "I want this!" – said Gabriela grabbing a bow, which upon turned white and its bowstring silver when she touched it. The bow itself had the Elemental Seal embedded near the nocks, while the arrow rest was shaped after the open mouth of a dragon and was made of silver.

- "You can go down now" – said Phinambrea in a tone of satisfaction – "There is still one more we must test" –

Gabriela bowed in response, and began walking down the stairs to allow her brother to go into the altar. Once up, another crystal had been brought in and was waiting for him.

- "Go ahead" – said Tiarrashe.

- "Very well" – said Gerardo as he closed his hands around the small crystal, feeling excitement, joy, anxiety and fear at the same time.

The crystal began shining, as also did the Elemental Seal, but unlike all the others, the only point of the hexagon that was shining was the one corresponding to water, creating a pillar of blue light, while the rest of the emblem shone in gray. The crystal also took on a blue color while the eye turned gray.

Then, like with Gabriela, a dragon's cry was heard throughout the room, and the same emblems that appeared over his sister: the Elemental Seal on the floor and on his forehead, and the Dragon Emblem over his heart, appeared on him, though with a different color. The Elemental Marks also appeared over his hands as also did their cut-in-half forms in his palms, but while the one that appeared on his right hand was the emblem for Water, in his left appeared something no one was expecting to see: a gray circle enclosing a strange symbol (?).

- "Ist Alttyaok Zosph, Gerardo, Fyatusepth Lyacchi Pawatz Chia Gyalaz Zosph" – said he in the same tone of voice as his sister when she received her powers while his body shone in blue and gray. After the light faded away, he looked at the marks that appeared on his hands.

- "What does this mean?" – he asked confused at Illyusea while he showed it his left hand.

- "Unknown, huh? It means that it was impossible to determine your second element" – replied the dragon – "Most likely, it will be revealed later on, so you will have to continue like this until that happens. Therefore, we won't be able to provide you with a weapon, but at the least we will supply you with the necessary items for creating one. So, what kind of weapon do you want?" -

- "A sword" – said Gerardo as he stopped looking at his left hand and fixed his eyes on Illyusea.

- "Very well" – said Illyusea as it made appear a small brown sack and made it levitate to his hands – "This sack contains one of Iadlast's fangs and some of his scales and claws, as well as some elemental crystal dust" –

- "But what about the blade itself?" – asked Gerardo.

- "You can use the decorative sword you have in your house" – said Illyusea.

- "How did you know about it?" – said Gerardo surprised.

- "Remember we are the Dragon Gods: the Wills that created Dragonia and maintain its existence. You shouldn't be surprised for something as simple as that" – said Illyusea as it laughed at Gerardo's surprise.

Gerardo just smiled at how he didn't think about it, and walked down the steps to reunite with the others. The marks that appeared on him and Gabriela then disappeared.

- "Now, we will explain the reason we had to summon you here" – said Pyrazsyec impatiently as he looked at Gerardo and Gabriela – "Are you both familiar with the legend of the Crystal of Shadows?" –

- "Perfectly, in fact" – nodded Gerardo.

- "Very well, that speeds up things and allows us to skip the boring exposition" – said Pyrazsyec – "Well then, the fragments of that crystal have arrived to this world, and we need your help to keep Tenebross from coming back to life" –

- "And why…" – began Inuyasha, but Gerardo raise a him to make him shut up as he shook his head side to side and muttered in a very low voice: – "I'll explain everything later" -

- "Understood. We'll do everything we can to prevent its resurrection" – said Gerardo with a soft but very determined voice.

- "I am glad to hear that. Now, before you depart, we must give you some items that will surely be of help to you in your quest" – said Iadlast with pride as some lights flew from behind it and fixed to the wrists of everyone. After a few instant, they took on the shape of circular wristwatches that had a circular crystal screen with six risen parts on the rim around it – "These devices are called Dragtemns, and they serve as a communication network you all can use to talk to each other regardless of how far you are from each other, and they take their colors from your elements. Additionally, the bearers of the Power of the Dragon will require them to even be able to use their powers, so make sure to take good care of them" –

Gerardo's wristwatch had a blue screen with a gray rim, Gabriela's was white and silver, Kagome's was white and blue, Inuyasha's was red and green, Sango's was yellow and red, Mirou's was green and black, and Shippou's was green and light green.

"But how is it that we have elements if we didn't take part in the ceremony or receive the test?" – asked Miroku disconcerted.

- "Because you have been in contact with those that were tested. While they are worthy of this honor, unfortunately our powers couldn't become one with them due to unforeseen circumstances"- said Phinambrea in an enigmatic tone – "And you have also become friends with the two that did become chosen ones" –

- "And that reminds me… Gerardo and Gabriela, please take this" – said Tiarrashe making two kimonos appears out from the thin air – "You will need these clothes, as I am afraid the people of this place and time doesn't take kindly those that have an appearance outside of what they consider normal" –

- "Tiarrashe-sama's right about that…" – said Kagome saddened.

Gerardo was given a blue kimono that was very similar to Inuyasha's, with the difference that the sleeves of its haori were a bit longer and also had characters in a strange language sewn into its sleeves and collar. On the other hand, Gabriela's kimono was very similar to the traditional outfit of the miko, but with the hakama in a silver color instead of red and that the entire outfit was decorated with white spheres and crescent moons; and similarly to Gerardo, it had characters sewn on its sleeves and collar. When they touched them, the screens of their respective Dragtemns shone and absorbed them, while a notification saying "Item Stored!" appeared on their screens.

- "Whoa, it can also store items!?" – said Gabriela surprised.

- "That sure is gonna come handy!" – said Shippou surprised. However, Gerardo looked at Gabriela, and both knew what they had to do now.

- "Thank you very much for everything" – said Gerardo and Gabriela as they knelt down before the Dragon Gods in the same way a medieval knight would in front of their lord.

- "Now you should get going" – said Illyusea – "The temple will disappear once you have left it, so we won't be able to see each other for some time. However, we will always be watching over you all" –

They all left the temple in silence. As soon as they did, the temple disappeared as if it never had existed in the first place. They then sat down in the grass, expecting Gerardo's explanation.

- "Okay, kid" – said Inuyasha impatiently – "Now spit it: what's that Crystal of Shadows and who is that Tenebross whatever?" –

- "It's funny you call me like that when I'm your senior physically speaking," – said Gerardo in a resigned tone, making Inuyasha scoff and the others laugh – "But oh well. I'll explain things with this legend: long ago, only the Chaos and Nothingness existed, but at some point, six essences rose out from the Chaos, took the shape of dragons and they became the Dragon Gods. They created the elemental crystals, and thanks to that, the world of Dragonia was born. It was a peaceful and beautiful world, but then, an evil being was born from the Nothingness, and taking the shape of a shadowy dragon, it began causing destruction and havoc everywhere it went. The name of this evil shadow is… Tenebross" –

- "And what happened then?" – asked Kagome a bit scared but interested in hearing the rest, like all the others.

- "The Dragon Gods challenged it to a battle at the peak of the highest mountain of Dragonia, but as they were unable to defeat it, even uniting their powers, they decided to seal it away. They weakened it using their strongest spells and attacks, and then used magic to imprison it into a crystal, which they called the Crystal of Shadows. Then, to make sure it wouldn't return, they broke the crystal into hundreds of fragments and scattered them throughout Dragonia. However, Tenebross used the evil influence it still had to create monsters to search for these fragments, so it could be revived and become able to destroy the world" – ended Gerardo with a sigh. He was out of breath.

- "It sounds similar to the story of the Shikon Pearl" – said Sango surprised.

- "I guess so. However, none of the monsters in search of the Shikon Pearl compare to Tenebross: that evil creature is capable of annihilating entire dimensions, so if it comes back, it'll be the end of all worlds…" – said Gerardo with a terrified face.

- "I see… our searches are very similar in several aspects, but they also have a great difference" – said Kagome thoughtfully.

- "If Naraku learns about this, things could get ugly…" – said Shippoy scared.

- "Yeah. That goddamned bastard would like to use the evil energies from that crystal to increase his powers beyond what he intends to do with the Shikon Pearl" – said Inuyasha as an irritated expression appeared on his face and he flexed his claws.

- "I think the reason why we were called to this world was because we have a very strong emotional connection to it" – said Gerardo thoughtfully.

- "But how do you know these things about Dragonia?" – asked Sango – "You aren't from that world, right?" –

- "Nope! Gerar knows all these things because he had dreams about it lots of time, and I also did!" – replied Gabriela cheerfully.

- "Hmm, it does make sense then. I have to say that it's quite surprising to hear that something from a dream became real in such a way, though" – said Miroku amazed – "Well then, what are we going to do now?" –

(BGM: Pietro Skip)

- "First we've got to return home to get ready for this journey" – said Gerardo excitedly.

- "Okay, then I'll do the same and begin getting ready!" – said Kagome cheerfully.

- "Go ahead, I've gotta talk something with old man Totosai" – said Inuyasha bitterly.

- "Huh? For what?" – said Gerardo surprised, as Tessaiga didn't seem like it needed reforging or repairs.

- "So he can make you a sword, stupid" – said Inuyasha as he took out another sword aside of Tessaiga: it seemed to be just a decorative katana which had eastern-styled dragons carved in the guard and drawn on the scabbard.

- "Where did you keep that hidden?" – asked Gabriela surprised.

- "Didn't you notice I had it on the belt when I was wearing the uniform, or that I had it behind Tessaiga?" – said Inuyasha with a mocking smile.

- "Looks like I need to watch out better for details, as I didn't notice it even while we were changing…" – said Gerardo a bit dejected.

- "Anyway, I took it from your house before we returned here, and you better give me the things that dragon gave you" – said Inuyasha at Gerardo.

- "Okay, here you go" – said Gerardo giving to him the bag containing the fang, claws, scales and crystal dust, which he had on his hands all this time – "Just tell Totosai that if he doesn't make a good sword with it, or if he ruins its decorations, I'm gonna beat him up as badly or even worse than you do… Oh, and by the way… I've decided that my sword will be called Ryuuga!" –

- "Hmm, not too shabby for a name!" – said Inuyasha surprised.

- "Yeah. It wasn't easy deciding on a name for it, but I settled down on it" – said Gerardo with a smile – "Well, I just hope you bring me back that sword in one piece" -

- "By the way… why do you have a sword?" – asked Kagome confused.

- "Because they are the only weapons I really like, and I had to save up a lot of allowance to buy it" – said Gerardo proudly.

After a while, they were ready to go: Gerardo was holding Gabriela by the hand next to the portal which Kagome made appear again with the Shikon shard she had, Kagome herself was carrying her backpack preparing to set off with Miroku, Sango and Shippou, and Inuyasha was at Kirara's side, which had transformed into her larger form.

- "Okay, see you in two days!" – said Gerardo crossing the portal with his sister.

- "Bye-bye!" – said Gabriela waving with her hand as she went in.

- "See you! Take care!" – said the others.

- "Okay, time to go home" – said Kagome as she began walking away with the others – "See you later!" –

- "Okay!" – said Inuyasha.

They four began walking away while Kirara took off with Inuyasha on her back, carring him to Totosai's lair.

(Ending: Sakura Mioka - Local Bus)