This is an old story I wrote forever ago. I realize there are issues in the plot, etc. I am simply posting it for some to read on the side of my normal updates. I am posting it unedited, from when I wrote it so long ago, so expect random issues, either in plotting, spelling, grammar, who knows. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Someday I would love to go through and edit it, but right now I am still focusing on my newest story.

Although this was written a long time ago and I don't plan on editing it now, I still welcome all reviews, especially constructive criticism!

Thanks! Enjoy.

3 Tiff

Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and all of the OCs are my own creation.

Chapter 1

"Lady Kitai!" Kei called for me as he ran up the large hill to where I sat. As he reached the top I turned to see his shirt was ripped a little. Immediately I expected something had happened, something bad.

"What is it Kei?" I asked as I gathered the excess fabrics of my kimono that flowed a few feet behind me on the ground. I took a glance over the hill at my village but nothing seemed wrong.

He led me down the hill quickly and explained as he did. "Well, Arai, some other kids, and me were playing at the big waterfall. We dared Arai to jump since she was the only one who knew how to swim. She did it and-and, " He stuttered, trying to control tears that were coming to his eyes. "Well she jumped in but she never came up-" At that moment I cut him off, not by saying something but by running full speed to the waterfall he was talking about.

Arai was 10 and watched over the kids a lot. She was a very responsible girl and would be the next Lady of our village if she lived. Sadly I had always known of her sheer adventurous side taking dares made her feel well daring to say the least.

As I reached the waterfall all the kids were surrounded by it. I let my satchel fall to the hard ground and ripped off my kimono from the thighs down, jumping in as soon as I could.

I swam to the bottom, traces of red in the water. I was about to cry but controlled myself and continued further down. Finally at the very bottom I saw her fragile body laying there, clearly she was unconscious.

Almost out of breath, I grabbed onto her arm, pulling her up as quickly as my long legs would let me. When I reached the top all the kids helped to pull her out. I climbed out, drenched and ordered for all of them to back away.

"Lady Kitai, Is she alive?" One of the small girls asked. I ignored her as I checked for any sign of a pulse. The water was freezing and I could tell by her slightly blue face. Her head had a large gash in it and blood was still dripping out.

Silently I shook my head, picked her up, and walked towards the village. Kei grabbed my satchel then ran up by my side, while all the other kids were trying to diminish their cries, failing in the end. Kei was trying to be strong, which was an odd coincidence since his name meant strong. He was 10 in a half and very close to Arai.

As I walked into the village everyone was gathering to see what was going on. I kept a stern face and did not answer any questions of theirs. Soon I arrived to a medium sized cabin looking home. I knocked on the door twice, my head bowed in sadness.

"Lady Ki-" It was Hoshiyo, he was a couple years older than me and Arai's older brother. He stared for a few moments at her lifeless body, then to me. "What happened Kitai?" He called me by just my name, no title included.

"She jumped of the waterfall to land into the lake below. She hit jagged rocks. I could be of no help to her I am so sorry." By now there was a crowd around the door as I kneeled, laying her by his feet. I stayed there, praying for her and her family.

Hoshiyo also knelt down. "I understand. I will call for you when my family is done." Carefully he picked her up and retreated inside his cabin, calling for his parents.

I turned to the crowd. Our village was a bit small so most everyone was out there, silent. "No one is to go near that waterfall again. If I ever find anyone there they will be severely punished. It is now titled The Forbidden Lake of Arai." I announced and started to walk towards my home. Kei was the only who followed, which I did not mind, for he was my younger brother. He naturally did not say anything. With a death the whole village went silent for the family.

Once we arrived at the door to my family's large home I finally spoke. "Kei I am sorry this happened. I know you loved her very much." I knew the two were greatly in love, even at a young age. Arai once confessed to me that Kei had promised her he would marry her as soon as he could, which would be when Arai was 17.

We entered the house silent and I sent Kei to his room as I explained what happened to my father and mother. They nodded mostly, silent. I was alone in ruling this village, no mate to support or help me. It was better that way was what my mother said. In times of death it was hard though, she had no idea.

After explaining to my parents I went upstairs to my room and changed into an all black kimono with a black obi. My long auburn-colored hair was brushed out, reaching my calves.

I could hear a soft knock downstairs and walked down the stairs with slow strides. Most of the time it was for me so no one else would answer it without my consent. Hoshiyo stood in the doorway. He was dressed in all black as well. A sword was sheathed and placed neatly in a belt on his lower stomach.

Most of the time I did not carry a weapon but when I did it was only two small daggers and under my kimono. "Will you take a walk with me Lady?" He asked with a hushed voice, as if not to disturb the silence of the village.

"There's no need addressing me Hoshiyo." I said as I stepped out and shut the door. We took a walk and I knew where he was leading me. Some of the kids seemed to realize too because they were gasping and some started to follow until their parents pulled them inside.

There was no conversation the whole walk until we reached the water-fall. My ripped kimono threads were still there in a heap. He stood for a while, just staring at the water. "She was so young and pure. How could this happen to her?" He asked, a tear escaping from his eye.

I sighed softly. I knew she did not have it coming. That was harsh to even think. But what I did know it was not unpredictable. She was always getting hurt doing dares, it just finally reached its end. I touched his hand softly. "I should have been with them. Maybe then-"

He cut me off with a harsh glare and spoke in a fierce tone. "Don't go blaming yourself Kitai. I understand what happened and know that even if you were there she would have still done it and the same thing probably would have happened. Sharp rocks are all that the bottom of that lake is made of. None of the kids knew that and that's why it happened, lack of knowledge. The mistake will be learned from."

I took my hand from his and he seemed to regret how harshly he spoke to me, trying to grab it again. I kneeled down and dipped it into the cool water. The other kids could not even swim, if they were dared to do that same thing, I wonder what would have happened. I thought of Kei. He had never learned to swim and probably felt the most helpless out of all the kids.

Hoshiyo did the oddest thing then. He took off his shirt and pants and it took me a minute to blink away, thankfully not catching a glimpse of his body. He dived in the water as I was covering my eyes and I wondered what he was doing. He stayed down there for an awfully long time and I started to get worried until I saw he was starting to come back up, bubbles forming at the top of the water. I looked away as he climbed out and I heard no shuffling for his clothes so I just stay turned away.

"My dad once said 'All things happen for a reason'. What do you think the reason was for her death?" He asked. It was a good question. I grew up friends with Hoshiyo and his dad always seemed to say that when something bad happened. I always brushed it off, saying he was just a very optimistic person.

"It's a good question" I answered but before I could finish my thoughts Hoshiyo's parents walked towards us, Arai in Itoshii's, Hoshiyo's father, arms.

"You can take her now. We would like her ashes to be set free in the wind. She was always a wild spirit and we think she would enjoy that" He tried to manage a smile but failed. I stood and when I noticed Hoshiyo, he was dressed. I guess he was quieter than I thought.

Hoshiyo's mother, Namiko, looked at me with hope in her eyes. "Can we be there when it happens?" I was so close to this family. It was hard to say no but I knew what I did would not be understood by them. Well maybe Hoshiyo and his father but I and all other Ladies are the only women to really understand it.

"I am sorry I cannot make any exceptions and it would be to devastating to you Namiko." I answered and bowed one more time. Hoshiyo was just looking at me holding Arai. I could see the begging in his eyes. Not begging to witness the ceremony, but for all of this not to have happened.

Simply walking away, I heard Namiko crying softly. I walked up to the hill and lay Arai with her head pointing to the village below the large hill I had been sitting on only a few hours ago.

My power is a strange one and no one knows how I came upon it. I am full dog demon but I have mage blood or something like that. Some in the village call me the Elemental Goddess for I have control over all of the elements. Well, almost. I can control the wind and fire, water and earth I have yet to master.

I beckoned for the wind to speed up and it did. Then I held my hands high above Arai's cold body. I was crying now but quickly held back the rest of the tears as I set her body afire. I sped the fire up and soon I had the ashes in the form of a ball in front of my face. The wind sped up unnaturally towards the village and I let my hold of the ashes fall. I watched as they flew off with the wind.

"What did you just do?" I heard a voice ask somewhere behind me. I was angered greatly that someone had watched the ceremony in secret. I never allowed anyone to watch, except Arai but that was only because she was to be the future lady and needed to know how to understand these things.

I spun around, my face holding a cold expression as my pale green eyes stared at this man fiercely. He was a dog youkai. I could sense it, and a very powerful one at that. He was dressed in a white kimono with a few small designs on it, armor over that, and then this long fluff thing over that.

"Who are you? You should know not to dare watch upon a ceremony of this sort!" I demanded.

His eyes flashed red in anger but returned to it seemed his normal amber colored eyes. "I am Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands, and you, wench, are on my lands!" He said, just as fiercely as I had looked upon him. "And who are you?"

"I am Lady Kitai, of the village below." I bowed in despite then returned to my standing position. "I did not know we were on your lands My Lord. I am sorry for my disrespect but what you saw was a private ceremony for the dead, no one is supposed to witness it." I controlled myself, knowing this man could easily kick all of us off his land.

"I am looking for a girl. She got lost I am sure, possibly finding your village." He stated simply as if I should know exactly who she is and point her out.

I nodded, kneeled, and prayed one more time as I looked over the village. Then I got up and led him down the hill. As we reached the silent village I saw some kids surrounding a girl.

I flashed the man a strange look when I sensed the girl was human, but he ignored it and walked over to the many kids. He towered over them and just gave them a glare. "Go home children. I don't want anyone outside for the rest of the night unless it is urgent." I said kindly to them. They nodded and ran off. I walked a little closer to the small girl that was left a little shaken.

She ran up to the man and hugged his leg. He nodded a little at her. "Are you hurt Rin?" He asked quietly, looking her in the eyes.

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama. I tripped when I was running through the forest." Hearing this I walked up to the girl, smiling pleasantly. Oh how she reminded me of Arai when she was that age.

Sesshoumaru was glaring downwardly at me as if thinking I would harm her. "How about you come to my home and I will get you cleaned up." My voice sounded tired, even I could notice, but I would help the Lord out with his - well whatever she was I would help. I stood up and then looked at Lord Sesshoumaru. "I can give you a place to stay for the night as well, since I am sure you are far from your castle."

"Oh! Rin would like that very much!" The girl said enthusiastically. Sesshoumaru hesitated but did not go against the young girl's word. He simply nodded and I led them to my home. Once we reached it I noticed my father and mother had gone out for the night. I vaguely remember them saying that they had something to do that was planned a few weeks ago.

Knowing that, I knew it would be safe to call for Kei through the house. "Kei! Come help me please!" I called as I picked up Rin and sat her on the top of the family room table. "Let's see what we have here" I mumbled as I slid her kimono up a little.

Kei came down. Most of the time when I called him when I came home I would need my satchel so I was not surprised when he came down the stairs carrying it. "Who are they Kitai?" He asked suspiciously looking at Sesshoumaru oddly.

"This is Lord Sesshoumaru and Rin. Rin is a little cut up and I offered them two beds for the nights." With that Kei bowed to Sesshoumaru out of respect and smiled as best he could to Rin. I knew she was reminding him of Arai.

Once he handed me the satchel I saw a tear escape his eyes as Rin spoke to him. "Hi! My name is Rin, what's yours?" She looked confused, not sure if she did something or not.

"Go to your room Kei, I understand. I thought the same thing." I said quietly to him. He just shook his head. "Kei! Now. I don't want any more tears shed. For all we know her family could be on their way over for a late night talk and would see you crying. We all know they would start at it to and I can't take the risk so please brother, go." I needed to say no more and I watched as he walked up the stairs after bowing a little to Sesshoumaru.

Soon I was done working on Rin's small injuries and showed her to my room where she could sleep for the night. She had asked where I would be sleeping but said I wouldn't sleep at all that night.

When I was about to show Sesshoumaru to his room he just shook it off. "I will be fine in here with her." He said and got comfortable standing in a corner off to the side of the room.

"As you wish" I said then left and went to Kei's room where he was crying himself to sleep. I rubbed his back and leaned down, hugging him tightly. "I would like you to stay away from the girl. It will only bring back memories of Arai and although I know you will never forget her it is bad to think too much of her in your state."

"Yes sister. She had the same hair as Arai, although Arai's was lo-" I cut him off, letting go of him as well.

"Go to sleep Kei, and rest. If you do not wish to come out of your room tomorrow I understand." I said softly, got up, and left. I almost screamed as I saw Sesshoumaru standing by the door but caught myself.

"What is wrong with him? He scared Rin a little." His face held no emotion and I wondered what a human would be doing with him. I shrugged it off for now to answer his question.

"Come downstairs, I'd rather not disturb my brother and I am sure you would like the girl to also remain undisturbed." He simply nodded and I led him downstairs into the sitting area.

He did not sit, just looked around the room. "The girl, Rin, she is very much alike with another girl. The one you saw me perform a ceremony on. Her name was Arai and my brother was well I suppose in love with her. Rin reminds both of us of Arai." I did not want to say any more as I sat on the soft couch, looking down into my lap.

"How many years have you and your village been here?" It kind of annoyed me how he was asking so many questions. I sighed softly before I spoke and motioned for him to sit down.

He did so hesitantly, his hand on his sword. "Many. Very long ago I assume. No one keeps a record I guess." That was a question many pondered but no one really took the time to figure it out.

"And You are full dog youkai? I can smell it. But you-" I cut him off, no need for him to repeat a question I was oh so familiar with. Sesshoumaru seemed angry as I did this but I waved it off, acting like I did not notice.

"Yes, full dog youkai. Yet I have odd blood? It smells sweet is what many tell me It's mage blood. The villagers call me the Elemental Goddess. That is my power, control over the elements. Except water and earth, I have never approached them, just fire and wind." I finished, hoping for no more questions. I was a little relieved when I heard a knock on the door.

Sesshoumaru was eyeing me strangely and I stared back with question in my eyes. He simply looked away and I got up, walking to the door. As I opened it I saw Hoshiyo and his parents behind him. "Are you busy Lady? We were hoping to just talk a little." Itoshii asked, his arm protectively around Namiko who was wearing a loose fitting black kimono.

"Oh of course not. Here let me introduce you to Lord Sesshoumaru." I said and turned to look at him from the door to make sure he would not mind the company. He wasn't there. I looked at the stairs and I saw him climbing them and disappearing into my room. "Never mind." I said softly, allowing them all to come in.

Hoshiyo was looking at me with suspicion. "Who was he Kitai?" He asked, almost angrily.

"That is Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands." I said as I led them to the sitting area, sitting down, Hoshiyo walked up the stairs. "Hoshiyo!" I said harshly. "Get back down here."

"No, I am going to introduce myself, like any man should when in someone else's home." He knocked on the door to my room then walked in. Sesshoumaru stepped out quickly in his way, shutting the door behind him so Rin would not be bothered. "Who are you?"

Sesshoumaru was glaring at me and I stood. Itoshii and Namiko just sat there wondering what had gotten into their son probably. "Lord Sesshoumaru, of the Western Lands, and who are you? Some common demon I can tell, a villager perhaps?" Sesshoumaru was keeping a cool voice, provoking Hoshiyo. I knew Hoshiyo had a short temper and I was worried.

"Hoshiyo, stop this now!" I demanded, coming up to the stairs and pulling on his arms. I reached up to his ear, whispering harshly. "Do not make me use my power on you. Lord Sesshoumaru is my guest, please leave him alone. You will wake the children."

Thankfully he allowed me to pull him down and out of the house where I looked up angrily at him. I glanced around once to see that no one was around. "What was all of that about Hoshiyo?" I asked angrily.

"I told you already, I was introducing myself. It's unusual to see an unfamiliar man in a friend's home, especially one with your status" He said impatiently.

"And what exactly do you think we were doing?" I asked questionably. I waved it off, wishing that would not have been said since I saw the anger in his face. "He was with a human girl, she got lost and came upon the village. He found me up on the hill an-" There was my biggest mistake I realized.

"What! He witnessed the ceremony! That good for noth-" I did not hear the rest because of his mumbling and I was pushed gently out of the way as he walked in the house.

I sighed, trying to make my decision, then sadly did. I summoned my strength, using the wind to bring him back out, letting him hover leisurely over the ground. He was just folding his arms, glaring at me, but also giving in.

"I am sorry Kitai but it's Arai. I get out of control, you know that. I am sorry. It would help if I would be allowed to stay with you for the night. I don't trust the man." He requested as I let the wind fall to a mere breeze. I nodded.

At that moment Itoshii and Namiko walked out. "I think it best we head home. I am sorry we could not have a talk but Namiko here is tired. G'night Mi' Lady, Hoshiyo." Itoshii said softly, bowed, and left.

Hoshiyo and I walked into the house and sat down in the sitting area. He was being very quiet, thinking a lot to himself probably. "Why don't you have a mate Kitai?" He asked and I thought that a random question to ask in such a time.

"It is easier to do my job without one." I said, although I knew it was a lie.

He chuckled softly, his eyes staring at me intently. "Alright now that I have heard your mother's words, tell me your own, Lady Kitai" In some ways that he said my title it bothered me. Like he was mocking me or something.

"My mother does not want me to, and I try, most of time at least, to abide by her wishes." I answered, the actual truth. I leaned back my eyes closed.

"When will you make decisions completely based on what you want Kitai? All your life you have done what others have wanted of you. I barely ever see you do things for yourself." I opened my eyes a little looking at him.

"What is with all the questions today Hoshiyo? You, the Lord as well asked many of me." I said thoughtfully, zoning out from this world and envisioning something of great pleasures to me, the rain. I always enjoy being in the rain, sitting in the soft grass and thinking, or practicing my abilities. I was trying to remember when the last time it was that I did that. I couldn't.

Sesshoumaru was walking down the stairs now, almost silent. He was giving a slight glare to Hoshiyo but I did not blame him. "Lord Sesshoumaru, this is Hoshiyo. Hoshiyo this is Lord Sesshoumaru." I said, formally introducing them, then looked up to Sesshoumaru. "Is there something you need Lord?"

I am not sure if I imagined it or not but a look of lust flashed through his eyes. Then I knew it happened when Hoshiyo rose to his feet. I swiftly used the air against him and held him down with it.

"Rin is cold." He said quietly. I nodded and climbed the stairs to get an extra blanket, keeping my hold on Hoshiyo. I grabbed a blanket, walked in my room and gently covering Rin. As I turned Sesshoumaru was in front of me and I was startled a little, almost falling but catching my balance at the last moment.

"Is there anything else?" I asked. He just shook his head, moving aside to let me by.

Before I was completely out of the room he spoke. "Is that man going to be here all night?" He asked in a harsh tone.

"I believe so. Honestly since he does not know you, he has no reason to trust you Lord. It is just his way." I said calmly, my back faced to him, waiting for anything else.

"Yet you trust me?" He asked, in a seemingly amused voice.

"I trust all I meet until they prove to me in some way to not trust them." I said, then left, closing the door behind me so I would not be with anymore questions. I saw Hoshiyo laying on one of the small couches.

I smiled a little and walked over to him, crouching down and touching his soldier. "What are you doing Hoshiyo? You asked to stay here to make sure I am 'safe', yet you are falling asleep." All of a sudden he reached his hand up and gently held some of my hair, letting his claws run through it. (He is also full dog youkai.)

As I stayed silent I noticed his steady breathing, his eyes still closed. He reached up and kissed my cheek. "Good night Kitai." I stayed still, confused to why he just did that.

"Good night" I said and got up, turning to walk up the stairs and check on Kei. I noticed thick shadows at the other end of the hall. I ignored it though and turned the other way. At that moment I heard soft footsteps, a door open, and finally a door close. Odd how Sesshoumaru was, well, spying.