Chapt 3: Tears, Love, Hatred, and a Necklace?

"Why are you leting me cry on your shoulder?" Aijo whispered wipping her eyes, but keeping her head on his shoulder. But when she got no answer she moved to look into his eyes. "You killed Naraku and feel bad huh?" She asked, she could see a flicker in his eyes so continued. "Or is it because you hate when girls cry? I hate to sound weak but I am not afraid to cry." She smiled when he nodded. "Thanks for leting me barrow your shoulder, your nice.. I don't know what made you kill my Father but its ok.. I feel no hatred.. I understand you must have either been betrayed by him or he hurt someone you love. " She said and hugged him, kissing his cheek before trying to get up. But found herself in a tight embrace. She smiled and held back, unknowing he was huging her because he was losing control. She let him hold her for a moment before making him let her go by pinching his side. He growled but looked away. Aijo smiled.
"I must be going." He stated and stood wincing inwardly. Aijo nodded.
"You are welcome to travel with us whenever Taiyoukai." Aijo stated and ran off to her camp, leaving a smirking Sesshoumaru in her wake.

"Inuyasha lets keep going, Kirara isn't tired and I think it will help to catch up to them!" Sango yelled as Inuyasha tried to look for a camp. He nodded to her and decided to run more, instend of finding camp.

Aijo stepped lightly into camp and was picked up by Kaugra. Aijo smiled when the Wind Sorceress set her on a branch of a nearby tree.
"What did he do to you?" She asked, worried for her friend.
"Well I told him that I know Naraku is watching from wherever he is. And I started crying, and he let me cry on his shoulder.." She explained, almost making the Wind Sorceress fall from the tree.
"He let you cry on his what!?" She asked in shook and a bit too loud. Aijo sighed.
"Shh.. On his shoulder.. I told him he is welcome to travel with us at anytime." Aijo shrugged as Kaugra regained her composer. Aijo yawned and leaned aginst her friend, making Kaugra blush but hold her friend, letting Aijo sleep. Aijo, didn't notice the blush and snuggled into Kaugra as she slipped into slumber.

"I sence the jewel!" Kagome yelled as she pointed which way and Inuyasha ran like hell toward it.

"Wake Up!" Kaugra hissed to the group, making everyone jump away. The sun had already begun to rise. As Kaugra awoke everyone. Aijo jumped from the tree as did Kaugra as they both smelled what was coming.
"Kids get behind one of the Adults!" Aijo commanded as her and Kaugra walked ot the front. Ai and Shion running behind their mom as Dai, Roku, Moegi and Asagi didn't listen and stood beside their mom as Kohaku, Kanna and Kikyou stood by them. As they got ready, Inuyasha and his pack ran out and growled.
"Inuyasha-niichan!" Ai yelled but then remember Naraku and hid more behind Aijo.
"Get away from those kids!" Inuyasha snarled, making Shion and Ai cling to Aijo in a death grip.
"Leave our Mother alone!" Dai growled. "We hate you now! You killed Grandpa!" He added in unision with Roku. Making Kagome look at Aijo.
"Its around her neck." Kagome whispered and Inuyasha charged. Kaugra was about to open her fan, that Aijo got her, when Inuyasha was thrown backwards with an extremly pissed Sesshoumaru standing infront of Aijo.
"Is Sesshoumaru allies with Aijo?" Sango asked, looking at Kagome, who shrugged.
"Thanks, but are you sure you wish to enter this fight Taiyokai? You still seem abit weak.." Aijo asked looking to him, Kaugra hissed and pushed Sesshoumaru away and did 'Dance of the Dragons' at Inuyasha's group. But they dodged it. Aijo was confused as Kaugra and Sesshoumaru began at it.
"Mama why are they fighting?" Ai asked, as if reading her Mother's mind.
"I have no idea.." She replied, even Inuyasha's group was confused. Aijo moved her gang to the fire and stocked it up. Kagome walked to her.
"Umm Aijo.. We need that neckalce.." Kagome stated Aijo shook her head.
"You'll have to kill me for it. You are welcome to sit with us untill Kaugra and Sesshoumaru get their heads on straight." She replied, not even bothering to look at Kagome. Sango slowly aproached Kohaku but got a deep glare while doing so. Kirara seeing this yawned and ran to Aijo and laid in her lap. Aijo just continued to stare at the fire. Kohaku noticed this and stood and walked to his Sister.
"Sister? Are you ok?" He whispered as he sat next to her. Ai over heard and looked to her Mother. Aijo sighed.
"Not exactly. I am just remembering stuff." She replied and actaully reached her hand into the fire and to everyone's surprize she pulled out a small stone. "It would seem Father is looking after us.." She added and looked at the fire stone laying in her hand. Kohaku nodded.
"It would seem that way.. Thats a fire stone.. One of the 7 stones. But this makes me wonder. If you now have the fire stone wheres the water, earth, light, air, mind and heart?" Aijo finnally looked to him.
"I believe he wants us to collect them." She explained and stood. "Ai, Shion, Moegi, Dai, Roku and Asagi. I want you to fallow me." She smiled. "We are going to bathe. Unless you two, Dai and Roku, want to bathe with Kohaku later." They nodded and Shion held his mother's hand as well as Ai. Asagi nodded and walked holding Ai's hand. But Moegi shook her head and laid near Kohaku. Kikyo surprized them all by fallowing to watch over Aijo and her kids.

"Why do you fight me Wind Sorceress!?" The Taiyokai roared. Kaugra hissed and made a barrier as he swung at her.
"You will not hurt Lady Aijo! I do not trust you with her heart!" She hissed louder at him. He stopped and put his sword away. Kaugra was confused by this.
"If you think I would hurt her you are mistaken. I have grown found of her, but I do not know why. But I will not let my Filthy Halfling Brother take one swing at her." He said calmly and walked off, leaving a very distraut Kaugra in his wake.

"Ai whats wrong hun?" Aijo asked as she helped Ai undress and get into the stream. Kikyo just sat under a tree and watched them.
"I heard you and Uncle talk.. Were you thinking about your old Mama and Papa? Not Naraku but you know.." Aijo smiled.
"A little bit. But I also thought alot about Grandpa Naraku." She whispered and Ai nodded as Shion walked to them and clung to Aijo as they all went in the water, Asagi fallowed behind them. "The water is abit cold. Are you all ok with that?" They nodded and Aijo let Ai and Shion go to play in the shallows abit. Shion pouted as did Ai as Asagi swam at Aijo's side in deeper water. So Aijo stopped and looked at them. "You two want to learn to swim?" She asked and they nodded. Asagi giggled.
"I'll take care of Ai Mother. You take Shion." Aijo nodded and she and Asagi swam to the littler ones. And as Asagi said Aijo picked up Shion as Asagi held onto Ai.
"Thanks Mama." Shion whispered. Making Aijo smile. But the foursum stoped immediately when Kagome and Sango walked into veiw with Kirara and Shippo.
"Sorry for bothering you guys.. But we wanted to know if we could join you." Sango said with a small smile. Aijo nodded as Shion hugged her tightly making her necklace dig in abit.
"I do not mind. As long as no cheap shots are taken." Aijo smiled as Shion held her tighter and Asagi and Ai came closer as well. Kikyo, seeing this stood and walked to the waters edge. Kagome looked sadly at her. But Kikyo never looked her way, she just sat at the water's edge and watched her friend and her kids swim. Kagome and her small gang undressed and entered the water to take a bathe. Shippo was the first to try to swim to Aijo but once in deeper water he started to go under. Aijo saw this and with Shion clinging to her side she swam and helped the kit to the surface. Asagi, carrying Ai, swam to her Mother.
"Thank you." Shippo said with a smile. Kagome and Sango looked to eachother and sat in the midshallows so that the water only went up to their shoulders. Aijo nodded to Shippo.
"No problem little one. Shion would you like to go play near Kikyo?" Shion nodded so Aijo swam, with Shippo and Shion holding onto her, and set the boys near Kikyo. Kikyo nodded, knowing Shion wanted near her. Asagi set Ai near Kikyo as well and then staied by her Mom to swim in the deeper waters. Shippo merly looked sad as Ai and Shion started to play splash with eachother.
"Can I play?" Shippo asked shyly. Shion and Ai nodded and the three kids played near Kikyo, splashing her sometimes to bring her into the game. Which worked for Kikyo jumped in with her clothes on and began to splash the kids as they splashed her. Asagi and Aijo watched as they swam, feeling left out they swam near the game and began splashing the kids as the game grew larger. Kagome and Sango smiled at them and smiled bigger as Kirara, who hated water, ran and stuck her paw in the water and swatted it at Shippo.

"Why is Kikyo traveling with you!" An angered Halfdemon growled at Kaugra. Kaugra merly ignored him and continued to chat with Dai and Roku. But Kohaku spoke up and anwsered him so he would leave his pack alone.
"She wanted to. Aijo asked her and she accepted. Now leave them be." Kohaku sighed as he laid on his back, looking at the clouds. Inuyasha huffed and walked away to try and find Kikyo. Unknowing he was being fallowed.

"That was fun!" Aijo sighed as she floated on her back. The kids nodded as well as Kikyo.
"Hai, it was Aijo. I thi-" Kikyo started but hissed as she pushed Aijo under so that nothing was showing then turned to Inuyasha. "Leave!" She commanded. Inuyasha held a blush as he saw all of the soaked and everyone but Kikyo naked. Kagome screamed the only word that came to her mind.
"Sit!" everyone sighed as Inuyasha fell face first to the ground. Aijo walked to the shore and shook to dry abit before putting her clothes on. Once she had her clothes on Inuyasha got up sence the spell wore off and growled. Aijo grabbed his hair and began pulling him away from the other females and her kids. Inuyasha began to growl and claw at her hand, even going as far as to cut her abit. Aijo let him go aways from the group and hissed at him as she licked the new cut. Inuyasha then got into a fighting stance. Aijo glared at him but before she could get into her fighting stance a white blurr ran inbetween Aijo and Inuyasha. Once it stopped Inuyasha's eyes got wide as Sesshoumaru stood, Tokijin at hand.
"You will not lay one more hand on Lady Aijo." He growled to Inuyasha. Inuyasha drew Tetsaiga. But before they could fight Aijo placed a hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder and shook her head. Sesshoumaru nodded, understanding her without words. Inuyasha growled as he ran at them. But Sesshoumaru was one step ahead and picked Aijo up and landed on a tree banch.
"Thanks." Aijo whispered as Sesshoumaru ran off to where Kikyo was.

Once they were at the treeline he set Aijo down and started off. Aijo smiled his way before walking into sight to find everyone dressed.
"Asagi will you come here for a moment?" Aijo asked as she kneeled down. Asagi nodded and walked to her Mom.
"What is it Mama?" Asagi asked with worry in her eyes.
"Well I want you to be vigilent. Shion will now carry the whistle again. I have a fear Inuyasha may now be out for blood. I can hold my own with him, but I know you kids wont be able to. And I fear he will come at you guys." Aijo told her eldest daughter. Asagi nodded and hugged Aijo.
"Ok Mama." Asagi said as she let her Mom go and walked to Ai.
"Shion." Aijo called and Shion ran to his Mom.
"Mama?" He asked as She pulled him to sit on one of her knees. Aijo smiled as she took the whistle out of her pocket and took a shred on her kimono and made the Whistle into a necklace, then put it around his neck.
"Remember what I told you about this whistle, Shion?" He nodded so she continued. "Ok. Then you know what to do. Lets go." Aijo told him as he stood, finguring the whistle. Kagome, Sango and Shippo over heard both talks with Aijo so they knew Inuyasha must have done something while Aijo was pulling him. They set off on Kirara to locate Inuyasha and Miroku. Kikyo overheard as well and sighed as she picked up a half-a-sleep Ai. Aijo held Asagi's and Shion's hands as both adults walked back with the children.

"It seems we must befriend Aijo to even get close to the jewel. And now that she does have the fire stone we have to be careful, if we fuel her anger she may send flames our way.. I believe we must get close to her and be her friends and convince her the jewel will corupt her so she will give it to us." Sango told her group of Kagome, Shippo, Miroku, Kirara and Inuyasha.
"Feh." Was all Inuyasha muttered. Kagome shook her head.
"Thats mean.." Kagome sighed.
"Its the only way Kagome-chan." Sango commeted.
"I believe Sango is right. We at least need to try." Miroku smiled softly. Everyone but Inuyasha sighed but nodded.

"I scence something in the East. About a mile from here... Kikyo, Kohaku watch the children. Kaugra you come with me!" Aijo commanded and ran to the East. Kaugra fallowed obediently.

"Its a Jikininki.. I don't think it will bring us much trouble.. But I have heard all Jikininki want to die.. I will talk with it. Maybe it knows something about shards of the Shikon Jewel or the stones." Aijo said, Kaugra nodded as the two females walked over to the Jikininki.
"Hello Jikininki." Aijo said with a smile. The Jikininki jumped and looked directly at Aijo, seemingly ignoring Kaugra.
"Who.. Are you Miss?" It said in an soft, scared female voice. Aijo bowed to it.
"I am Aijo, and this is Kaugra. We scenced your presence and came to ask you a few questions." Aijo explained. It nodded.
"I am Chochi. And what is your questions?" She asked with abit of excitment dwelling within her voice.
"Its about the Shikon Jewel, do you know where any shards are? Or any elemental stones?" Aijo smiled as she asked. Chochi nodded.
"There is a shard to the north of here. It is guarded by Leeno, he is Lord there. The only one he respected was Naraku. And I have no clue what an elemental stone is.. Well, I anwsered your questions.. Now I have a favor I wish you to do for me." Aijo nodded. "Kill me." It begged with sad yet hoping eyes. Aijo nodded.
"I will Chochi. Please may you rest in peace." Aijo said as she cut the demon in half with her claws. Chochi's face seemed to be peaceful as Aijo killed her. "Lets get back Kaugra. We will complete what father started and collect all 7 elemental stone. And all the shards." Aijo spoke with a sigh.
"I remember Leeno. He will comply to you. You are in fact Naraku's adoptive daughter. So It will be easy." Kaugra said with a smile as they started back to their pack.

"Ok Gang we will rest here and then we should head North. We will be meeting Leeno soon." Aijo smiled as her kids nodded and got into playing a game as Kohaku and Kikyo went to get wood. Kaugra left to do something on her own and said she would be back by dawn. Aijo sighed and she sat under a tree that was close by.
"Mama!" Shion cried as he and the others ran to her side. Aijo looked at them worriedly and then behind them. She saw Kirara but no one else.
"Whats wrong?" Aijo asked as her kids cuddled into her.
"Kirara is hurt!" Roku explained.
"Yea. Look!" Moegi pointed to Kirara's bleeding paw. Aijo nodded and made her kids stand so she could. Once standing Aijo hurried to Kirara who whimpered.
"Its ok Girl!" Aijo cooed to her as she checked out the Neko's paw to find out it wasn't her blood. "Whose blood is it?!" Aijo hissed. Kirara looked behind her and turned. Aijo, realizing Kirara wanted her to fallow, turned to her kids. "Come! We need to help the person who is hurt!" Aijo yelled, Ai and Shion were picked up by Aijo as the Twins and Moegi were picked up by Kirara. Asagi ran at her Mother's side as they all ran off.

"Its Kagome and Sango!" Aijo yelled.
"And Miroku-San!" Dai added. Aijo set Shion and Ai down as she rushed to the humans.
"There's no sign of Inuyasha-niichan!" Ai told her Mom. Aijo nodded.
"Thats good then." Aijo replied as she continuelessly ribbed long, thin strips of her kimono and began wrapping Sango sence she looked the most hurt, but she gave Asagi abunch of the strips and sent her to Kagome and gave the Twins some and sent them to the Hoshi.
"Mama, Your Kimono..." Shion started but Aijo shook her head.
"I can get a new one. Right now they are more important. We must always help those in trouble. Never let them go when you know you can save them." Aijo's voice was full of inner strength and pain, knowing her Blood Father had once told her that same thing. Shion nodded. Kirara roared softly as she whimpered to Sango. "She will be fine." 'Please Father help me..' Aijo thought as her hands began to glow. 'Huh? Wait its a healers glow, Kikyo uses this to heal.. Ha!.. THANKS!' She thought as she moved her hands slowly up and down Sango's body, then walked to Kagome and did her. Last she did Miroku.
"Wow Mama! You can heal like Magic!" All her children seemed to say at once. Aijo merly nodded.
"I guess I can.. So now I see what Kikyo ment back at the hut that day.." She mummbled so her kids couldn't hear her. Aijo sighed as she stood up. "Kids help me get the humans on Kirara. We will care more for them at camp. The others are bound to be back." So with that said they did as told and set off to camp.

When they stepped into camp they were met with two sets of confused, worried and shooked eyes.
"I now understand what you ment at the hut Kikyo." Aijo smiled as she, Kohaku and Kikyo helped set Kagome, Miroku and Sango near the fire.
"I see." Was all Kikyo said.
"Mama will you make a song up for us?" Ai asked as Roku and Dai sat on either side of Aijo. While Ai and Shion sat on her lap. Asagi just sat nearby to Kikyo with a smile, only having Dai between them. And Moegi sat on Kohaku's lap.
"Ya! Will ya mom?" Dai and Roku asked in unison, Moegi and Asagi just nodded.
"How can I say no?" Aijo said as she began to think of a song. "Hmm.. I got it." She said with a soft smile as she began to sing. Her voice soft and sweet like a soft wind in a medow.
"I know your heart is breaking. And your soul is cracking. But let me heal them. For you are my friend." Aijo took a breath a smiled as she saw the three humans, Kagome and Sango and Miroku, wake up. Then continued to sing.
"There will be times when the black is all you see. But let me be the light. I will guild you to the happier days. To a place were we can play until we pass into the other world." Everyone was amazed at her singing voice and just stared at her as she sang.
"I will be your friend when everyone else is running and hiding. I will be there for you and never leave your side. If only you say you'll be my friend too." Once done Aijo blushed lightly.
"That was amazing!" Sango exclaimed alone with Kagome. The kids nodded.
"Your the best singer I know Mom." Asagi smiled.
"I bet you are good to Asagi. Why not sing a song you know the best for us?" Aijo asked with a soft smile. Asagi started to shake her head but Dai and Roku spoke up.
"Why not sing 'Song of Mourning' for Grandpa Naraku?" The Twins asked. Asagi nodded slowly with a sigh.
"Fine. But only for Grandpa Naraku!" Asagi glared at the Twins and began singing.
"Father once told me 'Youkai are the hand that protects.'
Mother once told me. 'Humans are the hand that nurtures.'
When both hands are joined, the door will open.
From inside the crimson flames, thou are returned.
We, the children, are the light that defends...
That defends." When Asagi was done everyone but Kagome, Shippo, Sango or Miroku had their head bowed in respect. Even Kirara and Kikyo bowed their heads.
"I had wished never to have to sing that song again.." Asagi said and wipped her eyes. Shion fallowed suit as he started to cry, soon all the kids and Aijo were crying. Kikyo moved and sat behind Aijo and rubbed her back. Kohaku held onto Moegi and rocked her. Aijo held the twins, Ai and Shion as she continued to cry for her Adoptive Father. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku were at a loss.
"How can someone so evil be so kind and loving in their eyes?" Kagome asked Sango. But not only did Aijo hear this but so did her Halfling children. They all stood and growled at Kagome.
"I believe you have over staied your welcome Bitch. If you don't want to die I suggest you leave!" Aijo warned as her eyes grew redder by the minute.
"Yea! No one talks about Grandpa Naraku like that! He is nice, loving and He Protected Our Mother!" Asagi growled at Kagome, growing louder with each word.
"Yes He Sacraficed Himself For Her!" Shion screamed as he surprized everyone by running at Kagome, ready to kill her. Aijo was next to run fallowed by everyone else. Kagome's eyes widened but Kirara leaned on Sango, Miroku and Kagome so they would fall on her back then took off. "What did she say Aijo?" Kohaku asked. Kikyo looked as if she wanted to know as well.
"Nevermind." Aijo was in no mood. Neither were her kids.
"Mama I'm going to bed." Dai growled and laid under a tree. He was fallowed by Roku, Moegi, Ai and Asagi. Aijo smiled softly at them as she felt someone grab her hand.
"Well I'm going to bed as well. But I am going to sleep in a tree. Wish to join me Shion?" Aijo asked softly, Shion nodded so Aijo picked him up and jumped into the tree the rest of her kids were under and leaned aginst the trunk with Shion on her lap. Kikyo and Kohaku knew Kagome must have said something severe to make not only make Aijo mad but her kids as well. And very severe for Shion to have that much courage to attack. But they figured it would be better to ask again tomarrow so they laid by the fire and went to bed.

Everyone but Aijo was asleep within an hour. She just couldn't sleep. Her thoughts were on Kagome. 'How could she say that?! Naraku was trying to save me. He didn't even think about himself. He only thought of me.. He went aginst my orders to try to save me..' She thought as tears fell as she remembered what happened. Shion awoke to the smell of tears and looked to his Mother.
"Are you ok Mama?" He whispered. Aijo nodded.
"I am fine. Still mad but fine. Can you sleep?" She asked him but he shook his head. "I wonder where Kaugra is." Aijo said suddenly as she and Shion looked to the stars.
"She said she would be back in the morning.." Shion replied. Aijo nodded.
"I know." She sighed as she stroked Shion's hair. "I have a feeling we are not going to see the last of Kagome and her gang, Shion. Remember blow the whistle if I am not around and if you have even the slightest bad feeling." Shion nodded to his Mother as she reminded him. Aijo smiled and held her hardest to sleep. She sighed inwardly as she knew she would not sleep tonight. Her head was too full of thoughts that were racing so fast it was starting to hurt.

"Wake up everyone! Its dawn!" Aijo's voice was that of her normal self, soft and sweet. The others awoke with smiles as well. Even the kids. But unknown to everyone, Aijo never slept. "Shion. Want to help me potrol the area as Kohaku and Kikyo search for food?" She whispered as she saw Kohaku and Kikyo leave. Shion nodded, so she picked him up and jumped down. But as she walked away Dai, Roku, Moegi, Ai and Asagi fallowed the two. "You guys wanna come too?" Aijo asked with a smile.
"Yea!" Ai said exictedly. Aijo smiled as her and her Kids walked around for an hour aways from the camp.
'I can't sence Kaugra anywhere... Wait! Thats her!' Aijo talked to herself in her head. "Come on kids. I know where Kaugra is. Shes heading our way!" Aijo said excitedly, she still remembered last night but chose early in the morning to forget it and not to worry about it, or worse let her kids worry. The kids cheered as they fallowed their mom as they all ran.

"Kaugra!" Aijo and her kids yelled as she saw a white feather fly towards their camp. Kaugra hurried to land by Aijo and her kids.
"Hello. I thought I told you I would be back by dawn?" Kaugra joked as she was hugged by all.
"Your late. And plus we were checking our surroundings. I do not want enimies coming to close." Aijo said with a smile. Ai frowned and hurried behind her Mother as tears formed in her eyes. Shion fallowed suit as Asagi, Roku, Dai and Moegi growled and crossed their arms.
"Even more so we do not want Kagome near our Mother!" Asagi growled.
"Asagi, lets just forget about it. We don't have to worry everyone about it.. If she comes again I will not forgive her. Next time she will die." Kaugra growled this time.
"What the hell happened!?" She roared, Aijo sighed as her head fell. But she shook her head.
"Look. Its fine. You do not need to worry unless she comes back." Aijo sighed as she picked up Shion and Ai and started back to camp. Everyone fallowed at her side.
============================ ============================ Kagome-Grrrrr...

Sango-Kagome you need to calm down.. Its just a BIG Misunderstanding probablely.. So just calm it ok?

Miroku-Yea..

Kagome-*Pouts at her two friends*

Inuyasha-*Smirks*

Writer-Thank You Sango!*hugs Sango*

Sesshoumaru-*sweatdrops*

Aijo-*giggles*