Disclaimer: I don't own or claim to own the characters from the Inuyasha manga/anime. I do own the other characters though, as well as the plot. Please be kind and don't steal them. I would be very sad. :-( But I would love it if you enjoyed this!!!! :-)

Prologue: Fall of a Leader

Ten children ran together through the village toward the castle that stood before them, ignoring the looks of dislike that some of the cat-eared villagers gave them as they passed. Others, though very few compared to the ones the children ignored, smilingly waved and called out greetings such as, "Hello Princess!" or else gave kind warnings, "Don't run so fast, you might trip and hurt yourself!" Running along with the group of ten were two small wolf pups and five two-tailed demon cats, while a small black bird flew overhead.

The happy group of misfits ran, thirteen year old Kyerie at the front of the group, her blue-tinted black hair flowing along behind her, showing her pointed ears, as her turquoise cat-slitted eyes shone with the laughter that had overcome them all. They were nearing the castle now. Kyerie looked to either side of her: on one side was her human sister Rikku, all of eleven years, her brown-blonde hair flying, her green eyes sparkling, while on the other side was her brother Shuyin, a year older than Kyerie, his hair a slightly darker blue than his eyes, his ears pointed in the same manner.

"Uri," Kyerie said, while Rikku called "Kura" and Shuyin called "Ake." The three two-tailed demon cats immediately responded; Uri automatically seemed to burst into dark red flame and she took on her larger form, while Kura and Ake did the same, though Kura's flame was blue and watery while Ake's was green and leafy. Kyerie jumped onto Uri's back, Rikku onto Kura's and Shuyin onto Ake's, and together the two-tailed cats rose into the air and flew ahead of the rest of the group, the three siblings laughing as they looked back at their friends.

Red-headed and yellow cat eyed Mia, a year younger than Kyerie, jumped onto the back of Ara as she took her larger form, and fifteen year old Shin jumped onto the back of the larger formed Yatea, Shin's black hair and silver cat eyes shone with the reflection of the sun. They both lifted into the air and quickly caught up with the three siblings, the cat ears atop each of their two heads wriggling slightly. The five faced forward, still laughing.

"Hey, no fair!" came Yin's voice while Yu called, "Cheaters!"

Kyerie looked back and stuck her tongue out at the two fourteen year olds.

Minutes later the five two-tailed cats had touched down directly in front of the castle, their riders slipping onto the ground, and the cats all took their smaller forms yet again. After another minute their remaining friends ran up to them. The brown haired and bushy-tailed Yin bent over, hands on his knees, breathing quickly, while the auburn haired, bushy-tailed, fox-eared Yu stuck his own tongue out at the five who'd arrived first.

Oeshi also had a fluffy tail which was colored the same as his light brown hair, his ears elongated the same way as Yin's. Yumiko's hair was straight and flyaway and consisting of various shades of browns, greens and even some black, and her eyes were a deep brown. The two were both thirteen. Yoko, on the other hand, was twelve, her hair dark with pointed ears. Yoko's eyes were a dark yellow, her black pupils much smaller than the average person's giving her a bird-like appearance. The black bird, Unnie, that had been flying overhead landed on her shoulder. Ni and Sa, the two wolves, were at Yin's side.

"Next time you're going to cheat, let us know," said Oeshi, "then at least we can cheat too!"

Mia smiled. "We won fair and square! No one ever said that we couldn't use the cats to win."

Yin groaned. "She's right..."

"Well, next time we'll just have to make that clear," said Yu.

Yin nodded and then muttered to Yu. "And then we'll cheat." He and Yu broke into fits of laughter.

"Come on," said Kyerie. She turned and led the way into the castle.

The servants gave them small bows as they passed and then went on their way. Finally the group ended up in a large courtyard full of flowers and beautiful tall trees and cherry-blossoms everywhere. This was their courtyard, a place for the ten to go whenever they wanted without being disturbed by unfriendly glares. Onsai, Kyerie and Shuyin's father, had told them that himself.

Mostly, the ten didn't seem to be liked much by most of the Kyatto Clan, but were shown respect due to Onsai's word. The cat demons in the clan looked down on the group of friends because they weren't "truly" part of the clan. Kyerie and Shuyin were both half cat-demons, Rikku a human, Yin a wolf demon, Yu a fox demon, Oeshi a mix between a wolf demon and fox demon, Yoko a bird demon, and Yumiko a demon of nature who actually lived in the forest surrounding the large village. The only two full cat-demons were Mia and Shin.

The only reason demons who were not of feline decent were allowed to live amongst the clan in the castle was because of Kyerie, Shuyin, and even Rikku. Onsai had always had a soft spot for his children, had always loved Rikku as one of his own, and cared greatly for their friends. The stories of their pasts were all different and just as equally sad as the next but they wouldn't give up their friendship for anything.
"I hate the way they look at us," said Yoko softly as she climbed into a tall tree.

Yumiko sighed. "That's why I'd prefer to stay in the forest. It's so much easier being alone."

"But much more exciting being together," said Shin with a smile.

"True," said Yoko, her eyes on the cat demon, "but they don't look at you the way they look at us. You're one of their kind, we aren't." She paused. "They watch Unnie, too. It's like they think she's spying on them from the skies."

"They fear it, I think," said Rikku. "It's odd really, because father was always really close to your dad."

"Until he died," said Yoko softly, looking up at the sky.

"Don't worry," said Kyerie with a smile, "if we ever lead this place we'll make you in charge of the sky."

"They won't like that much," said Oeshi.

"All the more reason to do it," Shuyin said.

They all broke out into laughter at the thought of what the cat demons in the Kyatto clan would think if they suddenly found out a bird would be in charge of the skies above; it'd be like one of their worst fears coming to life.

"I think the ten of you are always laughing at something," said a woman's voice.

They all looked around. Three cat-demons had just entered the courtyard. The one who had spoke had been Ayamatsu. The other woman was Ukaiya, the man in the middle being Onsai. He bore the same eyes as Shuyin, his hair an extremely dark blue that at times looked nearly black. He, like the two women, had cat-ears atop his head.

"Well, there's always something funny to laugh about," said Yin.

The three adult cat-demons moved to stand closer to the group.

"How're Kotsu and Kumi doing?" asked Kyerie, her eyes on the demoness with dark brown hair and two silver streaks around the face that was Ukaiya's.

Kotsu and Kumi were five-year old children Kyerie and Shuyin had found in a village full of slaughtered humans. They were the only two alive. Kotsu was a demon, Kumi a human.

The demoness smiled. "Oh, they're doing fine now. They're enjoying playing with Yanku, and she's glad to have someone of her age around to play with as well."

Yanku was Ukaiya's five year old daughter.

"Good," said Rikku.

Ayamatsu swung her long dark hair around her and smiled. "It's a good thing you brought the two back. They'd have died if they'd have stayed there."

"I've come to tell you all I'd be leaving," said Onsai, his eyes moving with tenderness over them all. "I should be back in a few days, though."

"Where're you going?" asked Yu.

Had it been anyone but those in the courtyard to question Onsai about such things, the clan leader would have looked at the questioner coldly and not given an answer. Considering it was Yu, however, he responded.

"I'm going to visit an old priestess friend of Saya's called Kaede, and then I'm going to help an old friend of mine out about a demon named Naraku."

They all tried to pretend to not notice the pained expression that crossed Onsai's face when he talked of Saya. She had been Kyerie, Rikku and Shuyin's mother. Though she'd been dead for nearly six years her presence was still sorely missed.

After their goodbyes, Onsai left the courtyard with his two most trusted friends, Ayamatsu and Ukaiya, on either side of him and the ten watched him go. They'd miss him while he was gone. They always did.

- - -

Two nights later Kyerie was sitting on the large bed in her room, Uri lying in her smaller form beside the girl. Her father should be getting back any day and then he would tell them of the adventures he'd had while he'd been away. They were eager to hear of how he'd handled this Naraku and wanted to know of the priestess Kaede, though Rikku wanted to know of Kaede the most. Rikku, of course, was training to become a priestess just as their mother had been before meeting Onsai. Rikku was actually very powerful for such a young girl. Every new moon, when Kyerie became human, she and Rikku would sneak out into the forest together and train their spiritual power. Both of the girls could already shoot sacred arrows with efficiency, Rikku more so than Kyerie.

Uri sat up straight, her ears prickled up to listen. Kyerie watched the two-tailed cat and then turned her head, listening too. There were footsteps moving frantically toward her door. Several minutes later, someone knocked with urgency. I wonder what's going on. Kyerie stood up and walked to the door, pulling it open to see Yoko standing there looking frightened.

"Kyerie…something's happened," the girl whispered in a scared voice. "Unnie told me she saw…she saw…"

"What?" Kyerie asked her friend sharply. Kyerie had only ever seen Yoko look so afraid once before and that had been when Yoko's own father had died. Usually the girl had a breezy, calm composure.

"Your father," Yoko whispered. "He's come back but…but something's happened to him. There was blood and…and…and he looks really weak…and Ayamatsu and Ukaiya helped him into the castle…and…and…" Yoko looked near tears. "I think it's really bad, Kyerie…"

Kyerie stood still for a few seconds, the information sinking in. Then, calmly, she turned to Uri who seemed to be waiting for instruction.

"Uri, get Rikku and Shuyin."

Uri meowed and took off to do as she was told.

"Yatea, Kura." The two cats came running into view as if they'd been waiting to be called. "Go and get the others around the castle." The two cats took off. "Ara." She too came running into view. "Bring Yumiko here from the forest." The cat mewed and took off to fulfill her task.

Rikku and Shuyin came running into view half a minute later.

"What's happened?" Shuyin asked, looking from the watery-eyed Yoko to Kyerie.

"Something's happened to father," said Kyerie quietly. And with that she started sprinting toward the direction of Onsai's room. The other three followed behind at a pace just as quick as Kyerie's. Within minutes they had reached Onsai's room. Kyerie made to open the door but it swung open, Ukaiya standing in the doorway. The smell of blood hit the four of them simultaneously.

Ukaiya looked at the four children in surprise. "I was just coming to get you," she said before moving to allow them entry.

Kyerie led the way into the room, her eyes falling on her father. He was lying on his bed, blood covering him, his breathing shallow. His life is fading so quickly, Kyerie thought, What the hell happened?

The four moved to his side, though Yoko fell back slightly to let his children be nearest him. The others stopped short outside the still open door, breathing hard, looking in with wide, shocked eyes.

Onsai looked weakly at Kyerie, Rikku and Shuyin. When he spoke it was in a barely audible whisper. "My children. I'm sorry that I could not return to you safely. Forgive me."

"Don't be sorry, father," said Shuyin, his voice oddly calm, strong.

"Who did this to you?" Kyerie asked in a whisper.

"Naraku," answered Ayamatsu, her voice shaking.

"Isn't there any way you can help him?" Mia called from the doorway.

"We've done everything we possibly could," said Ukaiya, "His wounds are very bad and he's been affected by a poisonous miasma."

"How he made it all the way back here," Ayamatsu said, "I don't know…"

Onsai took a deep breath. "The three of you are in charge of the clan, once I am gone."

"Don't speak like that!" said Kyerie.

Rikku watched Onsai, tears running down her face. "Thank you, father," she whispered, "for treating me as if I were truly your child."

He gave her a weak smile. "You look so like your mother." And then, his eyes went blank.

No! How can this happen? Father's always been so powerful. How can he simply die at the hands of one demon? What are we going to do? Kyerie was shaking. She, Rikku and Shuyin turned to face the others. They were all shocked. They were all hurt. They all felt lost. Onsai had loved them all, cared for them all as if they were his children. And now he was gone…

- - -

Twenty minutes later they all made their way out of the castle's front doors, cat demons from the clan standing around, waiting. "What's happened?" called one. "We heard Lord Onsai was hurt!" called another.

"Lord Onsai is dead!" Ayamatsu said loudly so that all could hear.

There were murmurs all around at this. One cat demon called Nobu stepped forward. "What do you mean dead?"

"By dead I mean that he is no longer among the living," said Ayamatsu fiercely.

"And who will lead the clan?" Nobu asked.

"His children," said Ukaiya calmly.

"You can't mean them?" said Nobu, looking at Shuyin and Kyerie but overlooking Rikku altogether.

"Yes, I mean them," said Ukaiya speaking just as fiercely as Ayamatsu had. "You know the law. The children of the leader shall lead if the leader should fall."

"Ha!" said Nobu. "You expect us to follow two half-demons?"

"And a human, yes," said Ayamatsu.

Nobu looked infuriated. "If we let those two take Lord Onsai's place, our noble Kyatto Clan will become infested with some other breed!"

"Yeah, they already bring home every stray demon they can find!" called someone from the crowd. There were more murmurs at this.

"Next thing we know they'll be bringing our enemies in to live with us!" said Nobu, "Dog-demons will be mixing with our people!"

Ayamatsu and Ukaiya both crossed their arms in front of them. Ayamatsu spoke, her voice full of anger. "You will all do as you're fucking told by your leaders. If they want to bring in damned dog-demons then they have that right, because they're the leaders! If anyone of you goes against them in any way, I'll kill you myself." Her eyes flashed angrily and her hands dropped to her side, her clawed fingers flexing dangerously.

Nobu took a few steps backward, looking surprised. Apparently, no one had anything to say against Ayamatsu because all was silent. Ukaiya looked over at the three siblings.

"Now, I think it's time to hear what our new leaders have to say."

"Oh yes," said Nobu sarcastically, "let's see what our new leaders have in store for us."

Kyerie, Shuyin and Rikku glanced at one another and stepped forward from their own small group.

"Well," said Shuyin, his voice strong, "considering we're the new leaders of the Kyatto Clan, this is how things are going to be. You will address our sister Rikku as if she too were a cat-demon leader. If you show her disrespect, you'll die." Shuyin did not hesitate with this simple but effect threat.

"Ayamatsu, Ukaiya," said Kyerie loudly, "will remain in the castle, as will all of the others whom live there, whether of feline decent or not. And those closest to us will be given jobs as part of our council. Those put into our council will be treated with respect and if for some reason we are not in the village, our council will be in charge until we get back, along with Ayamatsu and Ukaiya. Those who oppose this will be killed."

Shuyin spoke again. "Yin and Yu will be in charge of weaponry, Shin and Oeshi in charge of warfare."

It was now Kyerie's turn to speak. "Mia will be in charge of protection of the village, with the help of whomever she chooses of course, Yumiko will be in charge of the forest's protection, deciding who can and cannot enter, and Yoko will be in charge of watching over," Kyerie paused, a smirk coming to her face, "the skies."

The crowd of cat-demons glanced around. The new leaders and their friends noticed with complete satisfaction that Nobu especially looked as if he'd just gone to hell.