Okay so this is the prologue for the story 'the Dove and the Raven.' It is a remake of the original version which can be found on DeviantArt on me account there. I would really like some constructive criticism please. I'm trying to get better. =) Thanks for reading!

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The wind blew stingingly by as she leaned down farther into the silky, white fur before her. His movements were so smooth it almost seemed like his paws never touched the ground. The silent and chill night air fluttering around them whispered quietly in her rounded ears as his rhythmic panting almost lulled her to sleep. Struggling against the urge, Lady Izayoi said quietly above the roar of the wind, "We are close. I recognize the trees."

Demon Lord Inu no Taisho grunted in confirmation.

The great dog demon and his human mate traveled quickly down the trodden path towards the towering gates in the distance, the full moon glowing brightly in the night sky. Clutching the two bundles tightly to her, Izayoi hummed softly into the infants' ears to keep them asleep.

Another moment or so passed before Lord Inu no Taisho came to a silent halt. Izayoi, small yet elegant, slid smoothly from his glossy back. She placed the two bundles softly on the ground before returning to his side. The black sleeveless shirt and pants hid most of her well formed figure as she padded back to her mate. Her long black hair, which was tied back in a braided bun, glistened in the moonlight as she hastened to undo the straps that had held her in place a moment ago from around the dog demon's chest and stomach. When she was finished, Izayoi picked up the bundles and disappeared into the shadows.

Inu no Taisho, after transforming back into his humanoid state, followed her. When they were out of sight of the road and deep into the thick brush, the demon lord asked, "How are they?"

Shifting one bundle onto each hip, she glanced back between the two of them. "Inuyasha has not stirred since we left," Izayoi whispered, gazing lovingly down at her newborn son, "Melindriana woke several times along the way." Shifting her again in her other arm, the Lady held her daughter, Inuyasha's twin sister, tight to her chest. A little sniffle from the baby set a frown on Lady Izayoi's face. "Every time we stop moving, she cries. I don't understand."

Lord Inu no Taisho took the baby from his her arms. "We don't have much time, my love," he reminded gently, "Dawn is approaching faster than we'd like."

"I know, I know."

The two started up the path, Melindriana silencing immediately as her father's protective arms encircled her small body. Myoga the flea appeared from underneath his master's thick white hair saying, "The infant is quiet. You have a way with children, master."

Lord Inu no Taisho did not reply.

After a while, Lady Izayoi branched off slightly, angling towards the southern walls. Her mate followed silently. As they neared the walls, the three of them, Myoga included, could sense the dark eyes glaring down at them from above. The flea tried to ignore them, but all he could do was fidget quietly. The great demon noticed it immediately.

"Myoga."

"Yes, master?"

Nodding towards the baby in his arms, he said, "Hide in the folds of the blanket if you must. Your squirming is beginning to annoy me."

Myoga came to attention at that, his knees straightening in an attempt to seem brave. "Of course, master. Right away." Leaping from his perch on Lord Inu no Taisho's shoulders, Myoga found a thick crease in the cloth and hid away snugly.

After a while of going around the walls, Lady Izayoi murmured, "I found the place my brother mentioned. The lock should be around here somewhere…" She struggled to find it for a moment, before there was the quiet click of the passage opening. The two slipped inside like shadows. Darkness enshrouded them as they hastened, the cobblestone path cold against their hands as they followed the wall.

A second click sounded in front of them. Moonlight streamed in as the door opened for their admittance, bringing them through the walls and into the village. The one who had unbarred the side gate blocked their path. Shadows hid his face, but his voice was deep and thick as he instructed, "Leave all of your weapons here. We will keep them until your departure."

Glancing at Lady Izayoi, Inu no Taisho explained, "I have no weapons." An unbelieving glance from the man led him to explain further, "I have left my three swords in my servants' care. For now, I only have my claws."

The man hesitated. Lord Inu no Taisho's foreboding presence almost sent shivers down his spine. His long silvery hair, held back in a high ponytail, blew slightly in the wind. A spiked breastplate covered his large and muscular chest all the way down to his waist. Standing above six foot, he stared down at him unflinchingly. After a moment or so, the man turned to Izayoi, "And you, milady?"

Handing the baby Inuyasha to her the dog demon, she withdrew a slim katana from the belt at her waist, handed it to him, and said, "That is all I have."

"Very well. If you will follow me…" Gesturing ahead, he led them down a windy path, mostly hidden by trees, and towards the village center. They took back alleys and small side streets through the few outcropping of buildings to avoid anyone else who would be awake at this time of night, keeping to the shadows. As they reached a tall, cylinder-shaped building, Lady Izayoi tried to ask him a question, but the man silenced her. "Save your questions for later, milady," he explained, "I doubt I could answer them even if I wanted to."

She simply nodded.

He opened the door, let them slip passed him inside, shut it, and then barred it behind them. Lord Inu no Taisho whispered to her, "Why bother locking it? Does it serve a purpose?"

"It is locked when a council is in session," Lady Izayoi explained, just as quietly, "Unless there is an emergency, it is not unlocked until the council is finished. It is for security purposes, if I remember correctly."

The hallway the man had left them in was straightforward enough, no doors leading off to the side to confuse them. Taking the lead while clutching her son to herself for good measure, Izayoi padded softly down the wooden floor to the end of the hall, opened the sliding door, and entered into the council chambers.

"Welcome to Konohagakure, Lady Izayoi," the Third Hokage murmured from his seat at the far end of the large circular room.

Two large crescent-moon tables that met at the top loomed before the demon lord and lady darkly. the ninja, young and old, that were already there casted them hated looks. Stepping forward, remembering everything Izayoi had instructed him about the encounter, Lord Inu no Taisho bowed politely to the head of the table, "Good morning, Lord Hokage. Thank you for allowing my mate and I safe passage."

The Third Hokage, yawning loudly after probably having just woken up, mumbled, "Yes. What is your business here, demon?"

Lady Izayoi stepped forward with an elegant bow, "Honorable Hokage, it has been many years since I have seen you last. Are you well?"

"Hm. Lady Izayoi. Your silvery tongue will cause much grief for me this day, I suppose."

"Lord Hokage, you embarrass me!" she said, smiling sweetly, "It would wound me gravely if I caused you any grief, this day or any. I am only here to ask a much-owned favor from you."

The ninja seated murmured darkly, a few mentioning a few snide remarks that sent her blushing and her mate growling quietly in indignation. The Third Hokage sighed, bringing out his long pipe from underneath his red under robes. His white conical hat hid his face as he lit it with a match, puffed on it experimentally for a time, and thought in silence.

Lady Izayoi waited patiently for him to look up. Inuyasha snuggled farther down into the blankets before releasing a quiet wail. Everyone's head shot up to stare at the bundle in her arms. Lord Inu no Taisho was by her side in an instant. "What is wrong?" he whispered in her ear, gazing down at his son. The baby's white dog-ears twitched slightly as he let out another wail.

"He's hungry," she explained, a little frustrated, "I need to feed him."

A few dirty chuckles sounded from around them. The Third Hokage's hand silenced them. Looking up, he asked, "What is the favor then?"

Brushing a long strand of black hair from her face, she bowed again, "Thank you, Honorable Hokage. My plea is small. I request my daughter, Melindriana, be set up for adoption in the daimyo's household." She gestured toward the motionless bundle in her lord's arms.

No one laughed this time. All of the men simply stared at her in disbelief, their eyes wide. The only two who seemed unfazed was the Hokage, who simply sat there puffing at his pipe, and Hatake Sakumo, a legendary white-haired ninja in the sixth seat to the right of the Hokage. Blinking stoically, the ninja asked, "I never thought you were one to joke, milady…"

"I am not playing, Sakumo! I cannot care for her. It is far too dangerous in the upcoming years and I wish her to be well educated and respected. Why are you—"

Another loud yell from Inuyasha silenced her. Sighing, she bowed low again, "Excuse me, milord." Lady Izayoi went to the darkest corner of the room, turned her back to the crowd of men, and let her son drink. Many of the men tried to get a good look at her, but one death glare from Lord Inu no Taisho sent their eyes to the floor.

Still holding his daughter in his hands, he addressed only the Hokage. "Milord," he started, "My mate has done much for you. You have already done us much by simply allowing me near and into your village." His grip tightened around the bundle. "Please, Lord Hokage, permit this one selfish request from parents who wish only safety and well being for their child."

"What of the boy? Do you request the same of him?"

He shook his head, "No, milord. Izayoi will care for him until he is old enough to fend for himself. Then she will join me in Tridas'Core."

Sighing, the Third Hokage thought a moment.

Another man, one with coal-black hair and eyes, exclaimed suddenly, "You cannot be seriously considering this, Lord Hokage! The daimyo would never allow it!"

"Enough, Fugaku," he snapped, "Do not speak unless spoken to."

Silence descended, the only sound being Inuyasha's constant sucking and contented sighs. After a while, the Third Hokage spoke again. "Leave us and the council for now. We shall discuss this."

The demon lord bowed slightly. Without another word, he went to Izayoi's side, hid her from the men's eyes under the long cape-like fur on his back, and vanished out the doors. One of the two ninja on either side of the door followed them out. He directed them to a side room, using a passageway and combination, as he instructed, "Remain here until you are summoned. Knock if you need anything." Without another word, he shut the door behind them.

Lord Inu no Taisho glanced around the simple square room warily, satisfied that they were alone, and then let his fur drop. He led Izayoi to the single bench in the room, eased her down, and spat disgustedly, "How dare they! Do these men have no integrity?"

"It is all right, Inu no Taisho," Izayoi soothed, adjusting Inuyasha slightly. Murmuring mostly to herself, she said, "He certainly eats a lot."

"He is a healthy dog demon. He has to eat."

"Melindriana does not eat anywhere near that much…"

Inu no Taisho replied exasperatedly, "She is a girl. Baby girls don't eat as much as boys."

Blinking slowly in surprise, Lady Izayoi suddenly beamed up at him. The great dog demon cocked his head to the side confusedly. She then laughed. "What is so funny?" he asked, sitting down beside her, "Are you making fun of me?"

"No, no," she laughed again, reminding Inu no Taisho how beautiful she was. "I was only laughing at how fatherly you are at times."

Still not getting the point, he asked, "Is that a bad thing?"

"No, but I just wasn't expecting you to act…human about it."

His expression broke into a small smile. Brushing his long ponytail behind his back with his free hand, he repeated softly, "Is that a bad thing?"

Izayoi grinned, "No." Glancing down at her son, she sighed, "Finally. He's asleep. I thought he would never stop." Readjusting her black robes, she placed Inuyasha gently on the bench, knelt down before her mate, and gazed into his golden eyes. Inu no Taisho stared back lovingly, cupping her face in his hand.

Pressing his palm to her cheek, she whispered, "Do you think the Third Hokage will take Melindriana? I mean, what if he refuses? What will we—"

Squeezing the baby in his arms again, he interrupted, "We will think about that when the time comes. Until then, believe he has already said yes."

She only nodded. The two sat there in silence for a time, watching their baby girl sleep contentedly. Myoga slipped out from underneath the blankets, trying not to disturb his masters while doing so, and hopped over to Inuyasha to give them privacy. Izayoi wrapped her arms around him tightly, careful not to touch the baby, and cried quietly into his chest. Inu no Taisho shifted Melindriana onto one knee and, as she relinquished her hold around his waist, gripped Izayoi's elbows. Hoisting her up onto his lap as he would a child, he handed her their daughter, rested her head on his shoulder, and held her gently.

Myoga tried not to watch from his perch on Inuyasha, but he found it hard. It was a touching moment for them.

Minutes passed as the two lovers took comfort in each others presence. Suddenly, Lord Inu no Taisho mumbled, "Someone's about to open the door."

Sure enough, the latch on the door lifted, and light streamed in around a shadowy silhouette. Three ninja stepped into the room, all of which Izayoi recognized immediately. Brushing her tears away with the back of her hand, she placed Melindriana down beside Inuyasha, leaped to her feet, and ran into the arms of Sannin Jiraiya.

"I am so glad you're here!" she exclaiming, throwing her arms around his neck, "I thought you said you were on a mission."

"I was," explained Jiraiya, but the man at his elbow interrupted him.

"We returned early, Lady Izayoi," Orochimaru threw in, staring down at her with his own golden, snake-like eyes. Inu no Taisho stood slowly. Already he did not like this Sannin. The ninja shifted his gaze towards the two sleeping babies. "So these are the…pups I've heard so much about," hissed Orochimaru as he took another step into the room, "My, do they look healthy."

"Move out of the way." Heels clicking on the wooden floors, Tsunade shoved her teammate to the side as she swept passed him. Going to the fist baby she could get her hands on, she inspected Inuyasha. Lord Inu no Taisho, unsure of whether he should stop her, glanced towards Izayoi. She shrugged. Tsunade carefully unwrapped the infant, pinching a plump cheek experimentally before examining his legs. After a moment or so, she mumbled, "Strong little guy. He sleeps like a rock."

"Oh, Lady Tsunade and Lord Orochimaru. It's wonderful to see all three of you again," Izayoi greeted, bowing to the Sannin, "The mission was successful, I assume."

Jiraiya smirked broadly down at her. "Of course it was. We haven't failed a mission in years, right, guys?" Neither of them responded. Both were looking at the babies.

Tsunade, after tugging on Inuyasha's dog ears, said, "He has such beautiful hair." Glancing at Lord Inu no Taisho, she murmured under her breath, "He takes after his father." Wrapping the baby back up in the blanket, she gently snatched Melindriana from the bench and examined her as well.

Still looking at Inuyasha, Orochimaru asked suddenly, "Why does he have those ears?"

Inu no Taisho, who had been motionless until this point, met his gaze. His shoulder plates clinking slightly as he shifted, he explained, "It's because he is a half demon. If he was a full demon, he would have pointed ears like mine."

"Oh, yes. I can understand that."

Another knock sounded at the door. It creaked ajar just enough for the person to get their head through as they asked, "Um…sensei? My lord and lady? Sannin?"

Placing his hands on his hips, Jiraiya turned towards him, "Yeah, what is it, Minato?"

"May I come in?" mumbled the young Jounin in reply.

Jiraiya seemed a little impatient as he bopped Minato over the head exclaiming, "You idiot! The only ones who need to ask permission to enter or leave is Lord Inu no Taisho and Izayoi."

"Sorry, sensei…"

"Yeah, yeah. Get in here, twirp."

The teenager slipped in. His bright blonde hair seemed to glow in the dim light as his curious eyes flickered around the room, resting on Lord Inu no Taisho longer than was necessary. The dog demon returned his gaze unhesitatingly. They stared at each other for quite some time, neither wavering, until the sudden squeal of Melindriana drew their eyes away in an instant. Tsunade looked over her shoulder sheepishly at them. The baby was dangling upside down, one heel in Tsunade's grip, while the rest squirmed and kicked around.

Izayoi rushed over immediately, "Is that safe?"

"She's a strong kid, just like her brother and parents. I only have one question. How—"

The door was thrown open yet again, and Uchiha Fugaku stormed in along with two other ANBU in tow. "Come with me," commanded the head of the police squad, "Lord Hokage is waiting." He stepped aside to let them all pass, which Minato, who was closest to the door, hastily did, followed by Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya. As Tsunade was passing with Melindriana still upside down, Izayoi snatched her away faster than even the Sannin could react, crooning her softly back to sleep. She glared at the kunoichi's back as they went. Lord Inu no Taisho took Inuyasha, whispered to Myoga to stay underneath the folds, and stared down the Uchiha before he left. After a struggle to return it, Fugaku's black eyes fell, letting the demon lord pass.

As they entered back into the room, the Third Hokage, grim and puffing hard on his pipe, sat there motionlessly as the group shuffled around until Lord Inu no Taisho and Izayoi were in the front. Izayoi asked, a little shakily, "What have you decided, Lord Hokage?"

The older man blinked, "She has been rejected. The village will not accept her."

"What?" exclaimed the Lady and, surprisingly, Minato. All eyes turned to stare at the young Jounin, most in shock and bewilderment, as he grinned back timidly.

Lord Inu no Taisho brushed past her. "What?" he demanded, "There is nothing wrong with her by your standards. If not the daimyo, perhaps some other family can take her. Please, Lord Hokage! …I'm begging you." He finished with a dejected bow of his head, as if he had lost a large battle, and waited in silence for the powerful ninja to decide his daughter's fate.

The torches lining the room flickered softly as no one spoke. All eyes turned towards the head of the tables. The Hokage hesitated. Izayoi placed her hand on Inu no Taisho's shoulder reassuringly, understanding what it must have taken him to admit his desperation. When no answer was forthcoming, Minato shoved his way to the front passed the Sannin and even the Lord and Lady. Jiraiya tried to hold him back, mumbling, "Minato, wait. You can't—"

"Honorable Hokage," Minato cut off his sensei sharply, "Lady Izayoi has done much for this village. We owe her our lives. As ninja, we should repay her kindness with a form of our own."

Hatake Sakumo spoke up. "You are young, Namikaze," he chided, "You do not know our customs quite yet."

"A ninja becomes a man when he is given this headband," Minato responded, tapping the Leaf Village's symbol on his forehead, "I became a man long ago. I understood our customs long ago. I understood the bias of this council long ago as well." Turning to the Hokage, he continued, "But you, Lord Hokage, are the head of the council. You are wise and just." Sighing, he finished, "Please make the right decision."

Many of the council members appeared indignant as Minato's words sank in. Finally, the Hokage coughed loudly, hard and hoarse, before he murmured, "We will take her into the village." He rose suddenly, cutting off any form of exclamation from anyone. "This is final. Now," he spoke directly to Izayoi and Inu no Taisho, "take your son and leave us. Your daughter will be taken care of."

"By who?" they asked in unison. Izayoi's eyes shot down to Melindriana in her arms.

"Me." With a creak from the table, Fugaku rose from his seat. Heads spun to face him at the unexpected response. Even the Third Hokage and Sakumo seemed shocked.

Lady Izayoi immediately said, "No."

"No? Why not?"

"Because I don't trust you," she snarled, "The Uchiha Clan is nothing more than a miserable, little—"

"I promise you, Lady Izayoi," interrupted Fugaku smoothly, "I will take care of this child like I would any of my own. I have a son now, Lady. I would treat her as I would him."

Glancing back down at her daughter, Izayoi caressed her plump cheek and nose with her thumb before turning to her mate. Inu no Taisho was glaring unblinkingly at Fugaku until she murmured his name worriedly. Sighing, he shifted his gaze towards the Hokage. "Do you trust this man, Lord Hokage?" he asked.

"I do. With my life."

"Very well." Turning to Fugaku, the demon lord stated, "She is not to be become a shinobi. If she does..." His golden eyes narrowed dangerously and his voice venomous. "...I will be sure you are the first to feel our frustration." Fugaku nodded, silently wishing this encounter would end quickly. He continued with his instructions slowly, "Since you are a lord of the village, it should not be hard for you to teach her in etiquette and manners. Her heritage is of royal birth, and I do not want it tarnished by your hand."

Bowing slightly when he was sure he had finished, Uchiha Fugaku affirmed, "I will do my best, Lord Inu no Taisho."

One of the elders, who had been sitting quietly beside the Hokage, suddenly groaned, "Is there anymore business or family matters you would like to discuss, demon? Many of us would like to return to our uneventful dreams."

Others around him agreed. Hatake Sakumo rested his head on his entwined fingers, his black eyes calculating and cold. Izayoi shivered as she made contact with them, tightening her grip around her daughter again.

Is this really such a good idea? she asked herself the thousandth time. Can I trust my former home...?

A gentle hand on her shoulder shattered reverie. Gazing up into the eyes of her lover, she heard him whisper, "Give Melindriana to Lord Uchiha. The deal has been made."

Nodding numbly, Izayoi took step after step towards the man that she would entrust the fate of her only daughter to. Eternity seemed to pass in front of her before she felt the cold, callused hands of Uchiha Fugaku brush against her skin to take the child. For one single brief instant, she hesitated. Those eyes of his are bottomless holes of ambition, thought Izayoi as she stared into his weathered face. There is no compassion in him. How could I possibly give my daughter to this man? The moment passed, her fingers released their grip, and Melindriana was gone. She now hung loosely in Fugaku's arms.

Her arms fell down to her sides slowly. Her dark eyes, staring at her baby in the man's possession, glazed over as more worries and doubts clouded her mind. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her away. Holding her gently, Lord Inu no Taisho bowed to the Third Hokage. "Thank you, My Lord," he said, ponderously stepping away from the council chambers and towards the door. Izayoi followed obediently.

The three Sannin and Namikaze Minato shifted to the sides to let them pass. Worry etched across his young face, Jiraiya lightly touched Izayoi's bare arm encouragingly. "Watch over her for me, Jiraiya," she murmured as she walked by, "Guard her carefully."

"Sure," he bobbed his head in affirmation.

Myoga popped up from within the folds of Inuyasha's blankets to stare up at his lord. "It is finished?" questioned the flea, "Is she...?"

"Yes," Lord Inu no Taisho replied, just loud enough for Myoga alone to hear, "Melindriana is gone."

As they removed themselves from the room, the demon lord took one last fleeting look at his daughter. He was surprised to see her staring back at him. Fugaku was holding her in such a way that her face was directed towards the door and her large blue eyes were wide open. Her small chubby hands instinctively reached out for him, fingers extended as if to accept a hug, and a quiet wail escaped her small mouth. How...? The door slid to a close. She truly was gone. Good bye, my beautiful Melindriana, Lord Inu no Taisho thought as he walked down the long hall to the door leading outside, Grow into a fine young woman with no regrets or pain. Be strong. I love you...

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"That was surprising, Uchiha," Sakumo said as the door closed behind the demon lord and his mate, "I never would have suspected you would do something so...charitable to demons."

Before anyone could stop him, Uchiha Fugaku hit several points on the back of the baby's neck, let her crumple into unconsciousness, and practically slammed her onto the table. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Minato all lurched forward in shock.

"What do you think you're doing, you idiot!" hissed Tsunade, "You can't just do that to an infant her age. You could permanently damage her!"

"What do you take me for, Lady Tsunade? A fool?" Fugaku glared down at the child. Nudging it with his finger as he would a rotting carcass, he spat, "This beast should have been thrown out into the gutters the moment it arrived. It and its sibling. Be happy I didn't kill it..."

Jiraiya stepped forward. "You promised Lord Inu no Taisho, Uchiha," he reminded, enraged, "You swore to treat her as your own son!"

"And this is exactly how I would treat my son if he was a half-demon."

"She's not a half-demon," Tsunade came forward angrily and turned the baby's head towards the Third Hokage. "Did none of you notice? She has human ears unlike her twin brother. Also, there's not a single demon marking on her body. Melindriana is pure human like her mother."

"How is that possible?" demanded an elder.

"I don't know!" she admitted, her brown eyes narrowing, "I truly don't."

Fugaku tore the baby from the Sannin's grip yelling, "I'm slaughtering this wild animal before it becomes a nuisance. I will do it now."

The clock on the far wall above the door suddenly began to chime rather loudly. Standing and silencing the council before anyone could object, the Third Hokage stated, "It is four o' clock in the morning, lady and gentlemen. Fugaku-" His dark eyes turned to the Uchiha. "-war is brewing all around us. More shinobi are needed to protect the village. Perhaps we could train her."

"I refuse. After all," smirked Fugaku, "the Lord and Lady told us not to. It would be a waste of training anyway. With your permission, I would like to excuse myself, Lord Hokage."

He sighed, "You may leave. Take the infant and go."

Fugaku bowed again and hastily left the room. Minato tried to detain him by blocking his path, but the Uchiha simply shoved him out of the way with his free hand and took his leave. When the door finished closing, Minato spun on his heel to face the Hokage, bowed apologetically, and ran after him.

"You can't kill her!" the council heard him yell after Fugaku, "I won't let you...!"

His voice faded into the early morning breeze.