Disclaimers: The characters and universe were created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Important: Any similarities that can be found to any other fan fictions or works are COMPLETELY unintentional.

Due to the enormous amount of InuYasha related fan fiction, I must put this to make sure it's clear I have not intended any cross over to any other fan work.

I'm sorry for any similarities. Please enjoy my work as a separate piece of fandom literature. :D

Chapter Two: The Beginning

Perhaps… it would be good to tell you the beginning.

I met my dearest just a little over a year ago…

"Lady Izayoi, you have nothing to fear. We should be there shortly," one of the men cooed from outside the carriage.

Even with his reassuring words I could feel nerves pulling over me. My fingers nervously fiddled with the silk of my kimono, almost to the point I feared a worn patch upon the fabric. "My lady, everything is fine, I promise," I heard my friend's voice say.

I glanced up at the guard, my friend Takemaru with a small and trembling smile. We were the only two in the small wooden carriage. He was dressed in his finest suit of armour, his helmet resting at his side so as to look at me with no distractions. His spear laid on the ground at his feet, secured by his foot. We were both dressed in our best. We were visiting one of the wealthy lords of the neighbouring region to the west, a land I had personally never gone. To be presentable, I was given my mother's most extravagant kimonos to wear. Even without my father's direct words, I knew what this was. I had been told that I was to be an ambassador for my father and his interests during their haggle for an alliance. I knew that could be true. However, I also knew that my father had no sons and my host had two eligible sons both of whom, if married, would provide a stronger alliance with their bride's family. I might be a woman of very simple pleasures but that did not mean I too, was simple minded. My father's alliance with these western lords would not be through weapons and men, but in a quick marriage.

"I know- I just- it's a big day. With everything that has happened over the past couple months- I just don't have any idea what's going to happen."
"Well- we're going to get you to Tattoi-sama's house and you'll be protected there."

Protected. Although I gave all my trust to Takemaru, I couldn't help but question the thought. I nodded and gently glanced down at my hands. There was a hesitation, one that Takemaru could undoubtedly see. I was overly cautious now- more reserved in my actions then I had been earlier in my life. I was supposed to make this journey to Tattoi-sama's estate several weeks ago. On the eve of my departure, a demon made its presence known. There had been rumours circulating the region about the demon but my father was too absorbed in his studies to truly take the whispers seriously. I remember very little about that night when the demon attacked, but I was told the morning after that Takemaru had sliced the demon's head from its shoulders. It had attempted to pull my spirit from my body and it was only with Takemaru's quick strike that it did not succeed. I was lucky for the man at my side, for my friend and ally. Even still- even with him so close I felt my nerves trembling. We were so exposed in this little carriage. We had been travelling for almost two days… once we were there, hopefully my nerves about wandering demons would subside.

The carriage was rather rickety, every small bump causing my heart to leap a bit in my chest. It was foolish, I know. I don't know what my heart was expecting to happen. I guess that a little demon would rattle the wooden containment. Takemaru seemed to note my constantly shifting eyes. He chuckled softly before reaching into a basket at his side. He withdrew a mirror which had been wrapped in a cloth to protect its shine. "One more touch before we get there my lady?" he asked, holding up the mirror.

It was enough to break me from my haunted musings. I glanced at him with a solemn smile, reaching into the folds of my kimono. I grabbed hold of a small compact, two small shells which had been pressed together to hold a soft red gel. I gently dipped my finger into it, examining myself in the mirror that Takemaru held up before brushing the lipstick over my lips. I pressed my lips together and met the eyes of my guardian. A genuinely sweet smile crossed his face, much like the ones I saw in our childhood together. "You look beautiful my lady," he told me putting the mirror back in its cloth containment and slipping it away.

"Thank you Takemaru," I replied softly, only hearing the soft chirp of voices outside the carriage which silenced me. The carriage slid to a halt and the mumbling of men could be heard outside.

"What is your business here?" an unfamiliar voice bellowed.

"We are here with Lady Izayoi, daughter of our lord in the south. Your master is expecting us."

I listened from within and could hear the horses snort as the gates were opened. We made our way into the estate. The door of the carriage opened and my eyes moved to Takemaru. He grabbed his spear from the floor and pushed through the threshold. He held a hand out to me, giving me a reassuring nod. I placed my small compact back into the folds of my kimono before slipping my hand into his and stepped from the carriage. He stood behind me as we were greeted. I met eyes with three individuals, one woman and two men. The woman was dressed in a elegant but simple kimono, obviously the mistress of the house. On her left was the oldest man present. He looked much like my father, older and distinguished. His eyes were worn, tired looking but even still he smiled at me. His dark chestnut hair was pulled back into a distinguished ponytail. He wore a kimono, something I didn't fully expect. I knew of his great military might. It was a strange sight, such a calm expression on the face of one of the strongest generals in the western provinces. His son, the single one present, was dressed very similarly to his father. His brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but was not long enough to look the same as his father. He was a boy, maybe fifteen. His smile was so bright that I couldn't help but smile back at him. He was rather cute, reminding me of some of the children back home, as if he was holding onto that image. Not longer a boy, but not yet a man. "Lady Izayoi, welcome to our home," his father spoke. I knew his name. My father spoke of few other men. Ebisu Tottoi - lord of the western regions, general.

My attention went back to him and I bowed my head. "It's a pleasure to meet you Tattoi-ue. Thank you for allowing me to come into your dominion. My father apologizes for not being able to come himself and I hope that my presence here is agreeable."

"Ah, do not concern yourself. Your father has written to me quite extensively. Since you are the oldest of your siblings, I have no concerns. Please, let me introduce my wife Kaori and son Kenjiro. My eldest son Takeo sadly could not be here for your arrival but you will meet him before the end of the day I'm sure."

I nodded, bowing my head deeply. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. You are aware of my name. My head guard," I gestured to him as he crept up behind to stand at my side, "is Takemaru."

The family gave a bow themselves to the two of us before Ebisu gestured towards the house. "Please, bring your things inside and rest from your weary travels. You shall eat dinner with us and afterwards we will begin our discussions."

There was another small bow but as some of the bundles were being pulled from the carriage, there was a bustling outside the large walls. I stood beside Takemaru as his hand gripped onto his spear instinctively. The gates opened and through it entered a handful of armed men on horseback as well as three or four others who walked on foot. One of the men, who was dressed in elaborate red armour, pulled off his helmet and tossed it to one of the servants on the ground. The man caught it and welcomed his master home. I looked at the gentleman as he dismounted, patting the horse's neck before making his way over to the small group of us. It didn't take me long to determine who this man was. He bowed his head to his father before his father addressed him. "Welcome home Takeo. No troubles in the forest I'm sure?" Ebisu began, patting his son's shoulder.

"No issues father. It is for the best I am sure. The demon slayers will be a surprise to that yokai. A tool he will not be expecting."

This caught my attention but I said nothing. He turned to me and bowed his head, "You must be the Lady Izayoi I have heard so many good things about. I am Takeo."

I returned the bow before Ebisu redirected Takemaru and myself. "Go inside my lady, rest and be well. We shall see you for dinner."

I didn't refuse his request. Although questions swam in my mind, I nodded and bowed my head respectfully one last time before entering the large home. I casually glanced behind me at our hosts, who stood together with these so called demon slayers. It would be a very interesting house visit.

Takemaru accompanied me to my temporary room on the estate, sitting with me as I watched them bring in the few trunks in which held my possessions. He put his spear down at his side. I watched him nervously bounce his knee. Apparently I wasn't the only one with questions. "Takemaru, you need to soothe yourself. You're making me nervous," I teased, causing him to snap from his thoughts. He put a hand on his knee, stabilizing it.

"Why would they not tell us of such a dangerous demon lurking around the estate's doorsteps?"

I couldn't agree more with my friend. I felt my fear of the yokai once more bubbling up. However- for the sake of the casually wandering ear passing by, I spoke up. "I'm sure they have it all under control Takemaru. They've brought in Slayers."

"That is precisely why I am nervous my lady," he mumbled.

"I feel we have swapped opinions from our talk in the carriage Takemaru," I told him softly.

"I didn't suspect there to be a demon so powerful so close to you my lady. It is unsettling to say the least."

I looked at him as he went silent. One of the servants, a nice older woman, brought in a pot of tea. I guess in my father's correspondence he had told them of my love for vanilla tea. The pot's fragrance instantly brought a smile to my face and soothed my nerves if only for a moment. My fingers wrapped around the warm pot once it was sat on the table. I poured myself a cup once the servant departed the room. "Explain yourself Takemaru. "

His eyes shifted to the mat in front of him, fixated on the texture of the rug. "These men are well trained, armed, with plenty of other soldiers at their disposal. They could handle the common yokai without much issue I imagine. Why would they need to bring in skilled professionals unless it was against something beyond their strength?"

Although he was right on all accounts, I sipped my tea. "You speak bluntly Takemaru," I told him.

"I am only concerned for your safety my lady, and as long as that demon they spoke of is loose, you're never entirely safe."

My brown eyes met his across the room. "Do not stray too far my friend. Your skills may be needed…."

We both shared a subtle and knowledgeable look. I could only help but think, 'Please do not let it come to that.'

[a/n: Chapter Two! I hope you guys like it now that we're going back to the beginning. w Please review, follow, let me know what you think!]