Unexpected Meeting (Rebirth)

The sun was high, and the sky was clear above the city of Tokyo. Many people traveled by car, bus or train in this beautiful city of tall buildings, as well as unique ones with slanted roofs. At the present time, Kagome had begun to walk home from her after-school session with her friends. A heavy sigh escaped her as she slowly made her way home. Kami, was she ever tired. And it had only been a day! A single day in her time was more tiresome than the time she spent on the other side of the well. With heavy steps of her feet, Kagome let out another sigh as she made her way up all those steps; leading up to the shrine in which she resided with her family. Feeling eyes on her suddenly though, she gave a quick look around at her surroundings; but only the wind accompanied the curious gaze on her features. She turned to look behind her but saw no one. Was she perhaps losing it? Turning on her heel to get home, she bumped into something sort of... soft. Before she could fall back a clawed hand reached out to take her hand, to keep her from falling down the steps, or otherwise.

"Kagome..." came a voice so familiar to her now, but what shocked her somewhat was the softness within it.

Looking up, she was met with the gaze of two amber eyes, but the owner of those eyes did not seem all like himself at this moment. Concern gripped at her suddenly, especially in seeing him so... sad and maybe, concerned, too? Was this about Kikyou? She lowered her gaze to their hands, with a sad look about her features. Was he going to tell her straight that he was going to choose to follow after the undead priestess?

"It's... It's Sango"

Kagome's deep chocolate brown eyes grew wide the moment her dear friend's name was uttered from his lips. She rose her head and looked him directly in the eye, with tears slowly stinging at her sight. InuYasha was startled at what he saw, and so suddenly. His ears drew back against his skull, as the overwhelming feeling of regret tug at his chest. Kagome on the other hand, felt so terrible. What if Sango had gotten ill? What if she was hurt? Or worse. She closed her eyes, as her thoughts went over the various ways Sango could have gotten ill, hurt or even... No! She wasn't going to let that thought come to mind again. Her friend and considered sister was strong and courageous, with a warrior spirit. Then she felt warmth around her. Kagome blinked away the tears to see red. Red, like InuYasha's kimono. Then realization struck at her, he was embracing her! A heat rose up on her cheeks then, coloring them red. She stood there with arms around her middle, as a faint breeze passed their frames. Another realization, he was seeking to comfort her yet that did not stop her heart from beating so rapidly. Kagome would have smiled shyly at the notion, perhaps... If it wasn't for the fact that Sango could potentially be hurt or ill or even...

"InuYasha, what happened to Sango?" she asked quietly into his fire rat robe.

With his ears still flattened against his scalp, InuYasha slowly let her go once he was sure that her footing was fine. With his own amber ones, he looked into her big, brown eyes. She would be upset if he told her, that much he was sure of. But if he didn't and she found out at a later time, by their friends back in his time then... He'd be in big trouble either way and he knew it. Slowly, InuYasha with a heavy heart and a huff, averted her gaze.

"She fell through the well. I thought she was with you, but when I got here..."

InuYasha immediately felt the familiar feeling of being glared at, though he refused to look; for he knew it's owner well enough to know what was coming. Yet, nothing happened. He dared to look at her yet, she was gone. Either of his ears rose up and looked around. Sure enough, her form was heading right for the well.

Meanwhile, back in the past, Sango was still being carried over Fujinki's shoulder even after hours had passed. She'd since long before stopped fighting against him and just remained there with arms over her bust, a sigh escaping her once in a while. She needed some sort of plan. Without the aid of her trusted weapon Hiraikotsu and her trusted companion, Kilala... That would not go well for her. Especially considering these two particular demons looked quite strong. A huff escaped her, and a small chuckle escaped Fujinki at that.

"I am aware that you humans need food and rest more than us. However, we should arrive to the Lord's second home shortly"

Sango's only response was to huff though Fujinki did not chuckle this time, he did indeed smile as he continued on his cloud of youki. Kyaru was another matter, she was far from amused that they had taken the girl and are now leading her into their Lord's fortres, but she would not be vocal about it. Instead, she watched as the female took a chance to look around for the hundredth time. The forest was filled with mass greenery, birds flying about and critters in search of food or other such things on the ground below them. Sango noticed that there were fewer openings and smoke as they traveled. This worried her. Where were they even heading anyway?

Suddenly, Sango felt the movements from Fujinki stop, and one look at Kyaru indicated that they had arrived. Finally. Fujinki glanced over to Kyaru who huffed out her frustration, then gave him a stare. He only smiled at her and placed the demon slayer down on her feet. Sango blinked several times before taking her first real look around. There before the trio, stood a gate and walls of stone that could very well be about ten feet high, if not more. Two guards were standing on either side of it. The demon slayer blinked as the guards offered a light nod of their heads, at the motion that Fujinki had given them. Upon the wooden gates being opened, Sango gasped as she entered with the other two. Her chocolate brown eyes wandered around the area with surprise and awe.

Standing tall and proud sat a Goten stretching from right to left for several dozen feet, with two stories. A garden to the right lay stretched along the side, as well as a koi pond was found to the left. Both outstretched under a wooden bridge all the way down. What caught her attention next was the Tenshukaku that stood as tall and proud as the Goten ahead of it. This was their Lord's home?

"You will be meeting with him."

Snapping from her thoughts, Sango turned on her heel to look over at Fujinki, who kept his red eyes on her as if to gauge her reaction. Kyaru turned her head away before crossing her arms beneath her bust. The demon slayer came to the realization that they would bring her to him, whether she would like that to happen or not. With a defeated sigh, she turned her head to look over at the garden and the many flowers that were there. Somewhat pleased by that, the tall demon approached her to which Sango looked up at him.

"Good... Follow me, little rabbit"

"It's Sango" she said sternly with a glare.

Finally, they had her name. Fujinki was pleased by this and gave her a nod before turning to enter the Goten. Their Lord's home. Sango was a little hesitant but even so, she followed when the tall demon paused some, just a few steps from her current rooted spot. The demon led her down a hall decorated in pure white walls and little else, save for that one elegantly carved wooden table at the end of the hall; adorned by a single flower within a purple and blue vase. As they passed a few shoji doors, he halted at a particular one and gently slid the door open. Fujinki moved aside and let her enter, to which she did with wide eyed wonder. There was an elegantly carved desk at the center of the room, with a cushion on either side to kneel onto; or even to sit comfortably. To her right, sat yet another elegantly carved table by the window, where two cushions lay on either side. The desk was left somewhat empty, save for the few papers that littered it. To her left, she saw portraits along the wall. Looking them over one by one, she took steps closer with unbelieving eyes. One of the three portraits on the wall made her think of one particular demon whom she wasn't quite sure about, but she believed she knew him.

Fujinki watched her with a bit of a curious glance, as they waited for his Lord to arrive. He'd silently ask Kyaru to fetch him from wherever he may be. Speaking of... Light footsteps were fast approaching along with another set of heavy steps. He was arriving. Fujinki stepped from the door away in time, to see The Dog General approaching with Kyaru in tow. The male offered a light bow for him, to which their Lord nodded.

"Report"

"Yes, Sire. I went to your people to attain what you've asked of me however, I came across a very... interesting little creature. Mind you, I use that term lightly. But she is in fact human, my Lord. She states that her name is Sango and where I have found that little rabbit, as strange as this might sound, was in a well."

The Dog General lifted a thick brow in question before entering the room in which was his office, of sorts. Once in his office, molten gold stared at her within narrowed eyes. She seemed normal. No hair nor clothes seemed to be drenched, so that only left one thing: The well was dry. If that was the case, had she injured herself? No... There was no scent of blood in the air, nor the slightest sign of injury to her person. When she turned to face him, time seemed to have slowed. Either of his molten golden eyes grew wide, and her hair slowly fell against her back, once she'd fully turned to face him. She, on the other hand, stared at him with wide eyes and found herself taking a step or two back. The Dog General turned his head to Fujinki, and with a nod, the male left with Kyaru once the door was closed; keeping Sango from a possible exit.

Sango watched cautiously as he moved to the table nearest the window. For a short time, he looked out without a word to her. This silence was killing her, once she got over the initial shock of seeing the father of InuYasha and Sesshoumaru in person. Taking one more glance at the portraits behind her, she noticed that one was missing... InuYasha. That could only mean one of two things to her. Before the demon slayer could think further on the subject, his voice shattered through her thoughts.

"Sit" he stated a second time, since her mind had wandered elsewhere. His eyes met with her own dark chocolate colored hues once again.

There was some hesitance in her actions when she moved to sit, yet he remained patient, watching with his eyes as she took a seat across from him. A prolonged pause came between the two, and it was more or less making her nervous, especially with that stare he was giving her. Sango looked at him for a moment before lowering her gaze at the table, seemingly more interested in the patterns. For a few moments longer, there was silence and then... His voice came again, strong and stern yet there was something beneath the tone...

"My trusted advisor tells me that you were found in a well"

"Yes..."

The Dog General narrowed his eyes at her again, but his face remained the same otherwise. Slowly he leaned forward a little, as once again silence reared its head; causing Sango to fidget slightly under his stare. Sango felt so much more vulnerable without her weapons, so much so, that she recalled what she'd told her brother before: It wasn't their strength alone that made them strong, but their numbers. His voice came again.

"Sango" he said sternly, while a claw repeatly tapped on the table.

Once again, Sango's thoughts were interrupted and her eyes grew wide as she rose her gaze towards him. He was seemingly losing his patience yet remained as he always was. No movement to snap or attack, though his right eye was seen twitching once or twice.

"I will have to ask you that you not... Lose yourself when I speak to you"

"Lose myself?"

"Yes, it is twice now that you look as if you're lost in thought."

Sango stared at him for a short moment or so, turning her head to look at the portraits. She couldn't very well share future events leading up to InuYasha's birth and further, could she? Not that she knew all the details however, she did know that InuYasha was born, and that his father had perished. Though, she did not know exactly how. After a longer pause, the slayer returned her sights on the Dog General, who by that point was staring at her with a slight bit of annoyance.

"I'm sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now."

So, she finally spoke out. Perhaps being in this particular castle, especially it being in the sky as it was, didn't sit well with her. For a moment or so, he thought on this subject and nodded to himself, inwardly.

"I suppose your being in this castle doesn't fit well with you and so, I've decided that I will have Fujinki bring you to my home. My true home. Where you will be treated as a guest by my underlings, I will ensure that. Fujinki and another will be assigned to your needs, and you will..."

"Now wait just a minute! Are you planning on keeping me around?" Sango asked, or more like shouted at a fairly strong demon.

For a few long moments, they were at a bit of a stare down before the Dog General's lips rose an inch, revealing somewhat of a smile; which in turn had Sango turn her head away. His smile grew, it would appear that he was the victorious one here. Standing on his feet, he turned to reveal that long twin white fur-like mokomoko along his back, that was likely held that way with the armor. Or perhaps not...

"You will be well treated so long as you behave, Sango."

The demon slayer rose her eyes to the back of his head; as if to glare a hole there, but knowing that was futile. She had a feeling welling up within her, making her feel edgy... Trapped.

"Fujinki!" He barked aloud, so loud in fact, that Sango had jumped at the tone.

Shortly after his servant's name was shouted, his boots and armor were heard coming closer. It took just another moment for him to open the door, with a wide-eyed expression. Fujinki immediately asked what was wrong and if there was, to which his lord turned to face him with a shake of his head.

"It would seem our friend is not comfortable here and so, I will have to ask you to bring her to the main home of the West"

"Are you positive, sire?"

One glare from the Dog General was enough to quiet Fujinki down, and make him obey his orders. With a nod, the dark-haired youkai set his sights on Sango and approached her, yet her sudden outburst caused either men to stop in their tracks.

"Why are you bringing me to your home? What about me, what about my home? Don't I get a say in this?!" she shouted, standing and leaning against the wall that stood at her back.

Inu no Taisho narrowed his eyes at her, and her slight scowl would have been sort of cute, if it wasn't for the fact that she'd shouted a second time. Sango turned her head to the side, realizing that he was telling her to keep quiet; and behave. As much as she hated being treated like a prisoner; she'd have to find a way to get to the castle and with some luck, familiarize herself with whatever was there. Such as possible paths of escape, and when to go through with that escape. Seeing as these were demons, it would not be easy at all to execute a plan that would normally work against humans.

Once the details were exchanged between Fujinki and Inu no Taisho, he and Sango exited the castle and Inu no Taisho followed them. He watched with his arms crossed, as Fujinki carried her off to his Western fortress. Only when their forms were naught but a speck in the sky, did he return to his office-like room in the sky castle. It took Fujinki about a day and half to get to the fortress, the great Western Castle. Looking down in his arms, he noticed she'd fallen asleep after all that shouting; all that worry over herself. He couldn't very well blame her for that. She was after all, surrounded by demons; strong ones at that, with little to defend herself. Then... a thought occurred. What if those two were at the castle? One of those two, was more of a worry than the other. A sigh escaped his lips.

"Oh dear, you'll be in such hardships, little rabbit."

By morning, Sango stirred in her sleep. With the feeling of silk touching her skin, and cracking open just one of her eyes, her vision was met with white sheets. Her breathing momentarily stopped before shooting up in a sitting position, clearly panicking. What her vision was met with, was not what she expected. Ahead of her stood a table, with a fairly large mirror to its left. On that table, sat a single vase with one single flower within it. To her right was the shoji door, which likely lead to an outdoor garden; seeing as the water could be heard. And finally, to her left stood another shoji door, which opened up to reveal a woman with shoulder length midnight black hair, and large eyes of the color blue. She wore on her person a dark green yukata, and within her hands she carried a wooden tray, with food all delicately made.

"Pardon me Sango, but I've brought you breakfast. Lord Touga was very specific about bringing you a very fine breakfast." the demon girl stated, as she approached the bedside, setting the tray down.

Sango carefully watched the girl before looking down at the food with a furrowed brow.

"Are you not satisfied?"

"No, it's not that at all."

"Good. I was informed to bring you your breakfast and then lead you to the garden, where Lord Touga will await your arrival. After I help you dress, that is..." she begun saying, taking the cup of tea to hand it to the demon slayer.

Dress? For what? And speaking of dressing... Sango looked down to her person to notice that her attire was changed. What she wore now was a pink yukata, with white floral patterns along the left shoulder and the bottom of the skirt. How did this happen? And sure enough, as if the girl was reading her mind, Sango received her answer.

"I took the liberty to change you, I did not have the heart to wake you. If that's upsetting for you, I apologize."

Sango looked at the girl with some bit of surprise. Sure, it was awkward in knowing that she was changed in her sleep, but not all that upsetting. At least she didn't think so...

"That's alright..."

The demon girl nodded at her with a smile before moving to stand, but the voice coming from the demon slayer stole her attention.

"Um... What's your name?"

There was a short pause between the two females, before Sango asked if everything was okay. The girl turned to her with a smile.

"My name is Nari, and I was assigned to care for whatever needs you may have, and Fujinki was assigned to protect you."

Sango took in that information and perhaps she could befriend Nari, to get information, not only on the castle but the people within it. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Nari spoke out.

"I shall return in about ten minutes, please enjoy your breakfast." Nari stated, turning on her heel to exit the room.

After she left, Sango sighed out and looked over at the tray of food, before the growling at the pit of stomach convinced her to eat. As promised, Nari returned with something folded over her hands. The demon slayer looked at her, with a mouthful of food as she approached.

"Please put down your food, and I shall prepare you to meet Lord Touga."

Unfortunately, Sango had to play along for now. She set down the bowl and laid the chopsticks over it, moving to stand and Nari was immediately at her side. Sango held up the yukata even as Nari tried to remove it.

"I can dress myself, thank you!" she shouted, her cheeks taking on a bit of a blush.

Nari rose her eyes to the demon slayer, suddenly smiling. She nodded and turned under the directions of Sango and soon enough, she was dressed in the white yukata, and aided in putting on the kimono provided. The colors were white with silver and pink flower patterns along the sleeves, with gold trimming throughout. She had to put on a pair of white socks and a pair of zori. Nari had Sango sit down and relunctantly she did, yet the demon slayer was not very pleased when her hair was touched. Taking a breath, she remained still and calm while Nari pulled her hair back into a bun, held together with a pair of silver hair pins. With all of the items she had to wear, she felt like... like a princess.

"There, I believe you are ready. Come along." Nari stepped out of the room and awaited her.

Sango let out a sigh as she regarded herself in the mirror. This was so... Awkward.

~~ I'd like to apologize ahead of time if the description of some things are, for the most part, lacking. But I am trying, I really am. With that said, Soul was once again kind enough to revise this chapter, and readproof it as well. So thank you Soul, I appreciate your hard work! :D ~~