Chapter Four: Truth and Decision

In the middle of the forest Inuyasha and Saphira are huddling around a fire, trying to keep warm from the night's chilly air.

Noticing the sad, far away look in Inuyasha's eyes as he looks into the fire, Saphira looks down at the ground and says quietly, "You miss her don't you?"

Inuyasha gives her a confused look as he asks, "Huh, miss who?"

Saphira looks up at him and replies tentatively, "Kagome."

Inuyasha's confused face turns to a look of surprise, a slight blush crosses his face as he asks, "H-how do you know bout Kagome? I never told you."

Saphira replies with an embarrassed look, "I asked your friends back at the village. I was concerned bout you as you were acting different and that grave seemed to be the cause." She gives him and apologetic look as she adds, "Sorry.."

Inuyasha says nothing as he looks away, Saphira then becomes nervous and says with a sympathetic tone, "If it helps... I do understand how you feel."

Inuyasha turns to her and says angrily, "And what makes you think you know how I feel?! You weren't there!"

Saphira flinches slightly. Seeing her pained expression Inuyasha then realizes what he said and thinks to himself, "Dumbass of course she would she lost her family remember?" He immediately says to her in a apologetic tone, "I'm sorry, I didn't me-"

Saphira places a finger on his lips, silencing him as she says gently, "It fine. You spoke out of pain." She takes her hand away as she continues, "I understand she meant alot to you and her death hurt you deeply. Death of a loved one is hard on anyone. It feels like your whole world has crumbled to the ground and in you heart you feel nothing but pain. My family died in battle during a demon attack when I was a small child. I felt helpless. I would give anything to have them back but life does not work that way."

Inuyasha looks away sadly as he says, "Ya right she was everything to me. I wouldn't be alive right now and met you if it weren't for her. Fifty years ago my first love, Kikyo, pinned me to a tree due to thinking I betrayed her when in fact a demon named Naraku deceived us both in order to obtain the Shikon no Tama she possessed, it was a powerful jewel said to grant one's true desires. I myself wanted it so I could become a full-fledged demon but after spending some time with her I changed my mind and wanted to become human and live a peaceful life with her. Unfortunately she died after sealing me to a tree then after fifty years passed Kagome came along and freed me."

Saphira listens in awe as he continues, "According to the Kaede she was the reincarnation of Kikyo as Kikyo had taken the Shikon no Tama with her in death but the jewel was brought back inside Kagome from her world to ours through the Bone Eater's Well. She may have shared her powers and her looks but she was nothing like Kikyo. She accepted me for who I was when others did not. With her I realized I didn't have to change myself to fit in as I already had a place by her side and gained good friends. I was no longer alone. Her kindness and love for others made me fall for her."

He then gets a serious look on his face as he adds, "Demons soon came after the jewel and thus on accident she broke the jewel into millions of shards that spread all across the land. It was then up to us to collect them and return the jewel back to normal. We gained help along the way from Sango and Miroku. Unfortunately, Naraku learned of the jewel's return and sought to claim it for his own, plotting many evil plans against us and we sought revenge against all the wrong he had done to each of us. He restored the jewel first and used it to become a full-fledged demon. We managed to defeat him but the jewel was the real enemy all along as it intended to have Naraku and Kagome fight for eternity within it."

Sadness crossed his face once more as he looks down at the ground, "Kagome's wish destroyed it and we were seperated for three years due to the well closing. It then opened once more and we were reunited. We then lived together as a married couple for five years and were to be expecting a child but both she and the child died during labor. I promised her I would protect her with my life...yet I caused her to die. It's my fault. If she hadn't met me this never woulda happened."

Saphira cups his face with one hand, bringing his gaze back to her face as she says, "Inuyasha, look at me. You are a good person believe it or not. I have eyes and I know it to be true just as the Great Mother herself does. That woman loved you with all her being so I'm sure she does not blame you for her death and neither should you."

She reaches down and grabs Inuyasha's hands in hers as she continues with a small smile, "You have people who care for you all around you, myself included. Don't burden yourself like this all alone. We understand your pain. You can rely on us."

Inuyasha says softly, "Saphira.." He sighs then says, "I was so used to handling things on my own..but you're right. I shouldn't be making the others worry like this. I'll have to make it up to them."

Saphira releases his hands as she says softly, "I'm sure they'd like that very much."

They both stare back into the fire and silence grows between them. Saphira shivers slightly then feels something being draped over her shoulders. She looks and sees that it was Inuyasha's hoari.

Saphira looks at Inuyasha with a small smile and moves closer to him and drapes his hoari over the both of them.

Inuyasha gives her a look of surprise and she chuckles as she says, "Better us both be warm than freeze."

Inuyasha looks away embarrassed as he says, "W-whatever."

Without thinking, Saphira leans against his shoulder and Inuyasha stiffens slightly at her touch, a slight blush crossing his face, he then relaxes and leans against her as well and says softly, "Sorry for making you worry."

Saphira replies gently, "It's okay."

They stay that way for awhile, enjoying each other's warmth. Inuyasha then notices that the fire was getting low and says, "You stay here I'll go get some more wood for the fire. Keep this on til I get back. If demons arrive, yell."

Saphira nods as she says, "Nari si. (Be careful)." She then watches as Inuyasha leaves into the forest to gather more wood. She wraps the hoari tighter around her, taking comfort in Inuyasha's scent that emitted from it which smelled like musky and woodsy. She thinks to herself, "He's changed quite abit."

She thinks back to when they first met. He was quite foolish and seemed annoyed to have her around, but still treated her nicely. After awhile he had softened up and now enjoyed her company and so does she with his. Much to her surprise she found herself wanting more than just friendship but she was unsure of how he felt so she refrained herself. Maybe she could chance it at the festival.

She glances up at the full moon rising up in the night sky above the treeline and thinks to herself, "Hope he likes surprises. Just please don't leave me."

Meanwhile Inuyasha walked through the forest, a couple of sticks in his arms as he continued his search for firewood. Taking a break, he sits down under a tree and stares up at the full moon. He thinks to himself, "Is it really okay for me to move on?"

He didn't want to get hurt again but Saphira was a good woman and he had become quite fond of her. Her smile, her gentle but fierce spirit, and kind heart he had grown to love about her. The question was would she feel that way for him?

He smirks to himself as he thinks to himself, "Guess I'll just have to tell her at the festival and see what happens. Anyways I better get back as she did say last night that she wanted to show me something bout herself tonight."

As he gets up he suddenly feels a sharp pain in his neck as something strikes him and he winces. He pulls the objects out of his neck and looks to see that it was a couple of long, thin, needles. He then senses something about to attack him and dodges as a demon soldier comes out of the shadows and slashes at him with a sword. He then slashes at the demon soldier with his Iron Reaver attack, tearing the demon to pieces.

Inuyasha then hears a voice say, "Fast one aren't we?" He turns and sees a lizard-like demon come out of the shadows along with more demon soldiers. He thinks to himself, "How the hell were there this many around me? How did I not detect them?"

Inuyasha glares at the lizard-like demon and says angrily. "Who the hell are you? And why are you after me?"

The lizard-like demon grins as he replies, "Full of questions are we? Well I be more than happy to answer. I am Nukpana, servant of Lord Kalona. And you my loathsome half-demon are my assigned target to kill on his behalf. Though you won't remember any of this as you'll be dead soon and the girl will be ours."

Inuyasha growls at the demon's remark as he asks, "By girl are you referring to Saphira?" He draws his sword from his as he adds, "Cause if so, by my blade I'll make sure you never lay a hand on her. And as for Kalona he'll regret the day he ever heard my name."

Nukpana chuckles as he says, "Strong words coming from a pathetic half-demon. Come and get me then."

Inuyasha prepares to charge at Nukapana when he suddenly feels his whole body go numb. A look of confusion crosses his face as he says, "W-what the hell? My..body. I can't..move."

It then got hard for Inuyasha to breath. He falls to ground, dropping his sword.

Nukpana snickers as he says, "Ah it seems the poison brew from my needles is finally taking effect."

Gasping for breath, realization hits Inuyasha as he remembers the needles that were in his neck beforehand and he says weakly, "D-damn...you." As Inuyasha loses consciousness, Saphira's smiling face is the last thing he sees in his mind as he then blacks out.

Nukpana grins as he says smugly, "You think I was going to allow you to use that blade? I've seen what it can do. Besides this makes torturing you much more fun." He turns to the demon soldiers and says, "Bring him here."

As the demon soldiers prepare to bring Inuyasha to Nukpana a loud howl pierced the air, causing them to stop in their tracks, and a giant demon canine streaks out of the forest trees and tackles the demon soldier that was closest to Inuyasha and rips him to shreds with its jaws.

It then turns around and sees Inuyasha lying on the ground, not moving. A growl rumbles in it's black furred chest at the sight and it turns it's blue, white slit-pupil eyes at Nukpana and the demon soldiers and snarls at them, it's fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

Nukpana stares in awe at the creature before him. This was no ordinary canine demon..it looked more like..a wolf. He glanced up at the sky and sees the full moon. That meant only one reason as to why this creature appeared. It had to be the girl.

Nukpana turns to the demon soldiers and says sternly, "Well don't just stand there, capture it."

The demon soldiers charge at the giant wolf demon, who snarls at them again, it's eyes glow and a swirl of icy cold wind wraps around it then it sends the wind as a blizzard force at a few of the demon soldiers, hurling them back as it freezes them and they break into pieces as they fall to the ground.

Some of the demon soldiers attempt to attack the giant wolf demon from above but the giant wolf demon senses them and it's eye's glow again and spears of ice shoot up from the ground and impale the demon soldiers, killing them.

Then with lightning speed the giant wolf demon attacks the remaining demon soldiers who began to run in fear and rips them to shreds one by one with it's jaws.

The giant wolf demon then charges at Nukpana, who sees he is outmatched and attempts to fly away as a pair of wings sprout from his back. and

The giant wolf demon jumps into the air and clamps it's jaws around Nukpana's leg, bringing him down from the sky with it's weight.

Nukpana cries out in pain and unsheathes his sword. Instead of striking the wolf, he severs off the leg the wolf's jaws were on and quickly flies away again.

The giant wolf demon tosses the leg and watches in dismay as it's prey escapes. It growls then turns to look back at Inuyasha then it's body then glows and shrinks as it takes the form of a woman. She runs over to were Inuyasha is and kneels down next to his body.

She checks his body for injuries and seeing none she shakes him slightly as she says softly, "Inuyasha, are you ok? Say something."

Getting no response she starts to panic and says in a pleading voice as she shakes him alittle more, "Inuyasha...Ruxte titxen si...Piak si ngaya nari. (Please wake up...Open your eyes.)"

With no response still she lays her head down on his chest and listen for a pulse. She hears one but it was faint and growing weaker by the minute. She panics and inspects him again, noting how pale his was then sees dark puncture wounds in his neck and notices three small needles on the ground next to him.

She picks one up and sniffs it and gasps and she recognizes the smell and says fearfully, "Txum..(Poison..)"

She quickly returns her attention back to Inuyasha and places her hand on his neck where the puncture wounds were and she cries out, "I'm not letting you die on me ya hear? I refuse to lose anyone else! Zoslu! (Be healed!)"

A bright blue aura forms around her hand and touches Inuyasha's neck. The dark puncture wounds disappear upon it's touch and the color returns to Inuyasha's skin.

The woman cups his face with one hand as tears form in the corner of her eyes and she says softly, "Come back to me...please."

She then feels his pulse become stronger under her hand that was on his neck and a hopeful expression crosses her face as she says softly, "..Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha stirs and opens his eyes, his vision quite blurry and he thinks to himself, "..I'm alive? ..How?"

He then looks up and through his blurry vision he finds himself staring into the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen. He hears the woman say his name again and his vision clears.

He recognizes the voice and asks tentatively, "...Saphira?"

The woman nods, tears streaking down her face and smiling as she replies, "Srane tsal oe (Yes it's me.)"

Inuyasha slowly sits up and takes in her appearance. She looked the same except her eyes that were once gray were now a luminescent light blue. Her ears had become elf-like with tufts of black fur at the ends of them along with a long, fluffy black tail behind her. Her scent was that of a full demon.

Inuyasha then slowly says, "You..look different."

Saphira wipes away her tears with her sleeve and smiles shyly as she says, "Surprise.."

Inuyasha smirks as he asks, "I suppose this was what you were wanting to tell me bout yourself?"

Saphira nods and she replies, "Part of it at least. The other part of it I'm sure you remember."

Inuyasha gets an angry look on his face as he stands up and says, "I do. Not sure who this Kalona is but it seems he wants me dead. Care to explain?"

Saphira stands up and asks him, "Remember the demon attack that my family died from when I was a child?" When Inuyasha nods she continues, "It was him. He was the cause of their deaths."

She pulls back the left sleeve of her kimono, revealing the burn-like scar on her left forearm as she adds, "I was the last alive. Instead of killing me, he placed a curse upon me that sealed my powers and turned me human. It's power only weakens during the night of a full moon. By morning I'll be human again."

Inuyasha thinks to himself, "So that's how she survived." He then asks, "Any idea why he would do such a thing?"

Saphira replies, "From what I've overheard from many humans and demons that passed through my forest it seems what he seeks is power." She clenches her fists angrily as she continues, "He cares not for the life he destroys. He finds the most strongest warriors and takes their lives, devouring parts of them to obtain their demonic energy."

A pained expression crosses her face as she adds, "Our people were known as the Tipani Wolf Clan as it is what we named our clan for ourselves, and it was full of powerful warriors. My father was our chief and was the strongest out of all of us. But even they couldn't stop him. As to why he let me live I do not know myself. But I do know killing him might be my only chance to be free of this curse."

Inuyasha takes in her words carefully then asks, "If he's after strong warriors, why hasn't he come after me until now?"

Saphira thinks for a moment then replies, "Because of me I presume, I'm a threat to his plans after all he knows I seek revenge for what he's done hence he keeps an distant eye on me with his servants. By traveling with you he thinks you an ally of my cause. Though if it weren't for that I doubt he'd come for you due to your heritage."

Inuyasha clenches his fists as he says angrily, "To think there's someone worse then Naraku." He feels his blood boil as he thinks of all the pain Saphira went through. He then says to Saphira, "Any idea what he looks like?"

Saphira replies, "I've only seen him once but the most I remember is that he looked to be of dragon yokai origin." She then asks, "Do you intend to go after him?"

Inuyasha replies with a serious look, "Course I do. He'll pay for messin with me."

Saphira looks at him with surprise as she asks tentatively, "So..you'll stay with me?"

Inuyasha nods as he replies, "You don't deserve to suffer this way. If killing him is the only way to set you free then consider my blade yours." He then smirks as he adds with a scoff, "Leave you? Tch you're too good a person to abandon. How could ya think of somethin so stupid as that?"

Saphira stares at him in astonishment, then without thinking she runs over and embraces him in a hug, tears streamed down her face as she whimpers softly, "..Thank you."

Inuyasha was shocked at first then relaxes and wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer. Patting her head he says softly, "It's okay now so dry those tears. You're not alone in this anymore. We'll get your family vengeance I swear it upon my life."

Saphira pulls away slightly, sniffling as she says, "..Inuyasha."

She then blushes as she realized the position they were in and untangles herself from his arms. She wipes the tears from her face with her sleeve as she says softly, "..Sorry."

Inuyasha gives her a reassuring smile as he says, "It's fine." He then remembers the battle with Nukpana and asks, "So..forgot to ask but how'd you know I was in trouble? And how am I alive? I thought I was dead for sure."

Saphira replies, "I was attacked by some of the soldiers back at the campsite but I took care of them easily enough. I then went in search of you by scent and found you and killed your attackers though one got away. As to how you are alive I cleansed the poison from your body."

Inuyasha gives her a surprised look as he says, "Didn't know you could do that."

Saphira chuckles slightly as she says, "There are many things I can do. You will see in due time."

She walks past him and glances over her shoulder as she adds, "Let's head back to camp for there is more I wish to tell you."

Inuyasha smirks as he thinks to himself, "I'm glad she's finally opened up to me. Things are gonna get interesting from here on out." He then picks up his sword and sheathes it then tucks it in at his hip and follows behind her as they head back to their campsite.

Meanwhile at Kalona's castle, Nukpana was telling Kalona all about Saphira's rebellion against him when he was trying to kill Inuyasha.

Kalona listens to all of this and says, "So she's finally decided to take a chance at revenge against me has she? No doubt that half demon still lives if she was in that form. I heard her people excel in healing magic."

He turns to Nukpana, taking in his wounded leg and says, "This means you have failed me."

Nukpana quivers slightly and he says pleadingly, "Please my lord give me another chance. I did not expect her being in that form. I can still kill the half-demon."

Kalona smirks and lifts his arm, his palm facing Nukpana as he says, "I don't do second chances. And I have no need for damaged servants."

Flame spews forth from his palm and engulfs Nukpana, who screams in agony as he burns alive and crumbles into ashes.

Kalona then walks over walks over to a wall and takes down a large sword. He stares at his reflection within the blade and sighs as he says to himself, "If you want something done you must do it yourself."

He goes out onto the balcony of his castle and spreads his wings and smiles wickedly as he thinks to himself, "I'll be seeing you soon, foolish girl." He then takes off into the night.

Later on the next day in the afternoon, Inuyasha and Saphira are crossing a wooden bridge that was a above a river and lead to the other side of the forest they had spent all morning walking through. Inuyasha stares at Saphira, who was now in her human form, and recalls the events of last night in his mind.

He had been attacked by assassins, one by the name of Nukpana, who claimed to be sent to kill him by a dragon yokai by the name of Kalona. Before they could kill him however he woke to find Saphira hunched over him and to his surprise she was more than she let on and knew of Kalona and after finding out the truth decided to aid Saphira in her quest.

They had returned back to the campsite and huddled around the renewed fire Inuyasha had provided as Saphira answered whatever questions Inuyasha had for her.

"So..since your father was the chief of your tribe, that makes you a princess?" Inuyasha asked.

Saphira nods as she replies, "Yes it does but now that title is meaningless to me as I have no people in which to lead. My grandmother only survived the attack due to being away on a vision quest. Under her guidance I survived but I am now nothing more then a normal demon woman trying to get by in this world."

Inuyasha stares into the fire as he says, "To think you were a full demon this whole time." He then asks, "But if you become this way on a full moon night what did you for me not to notice for all those months we been traveling together? You weren't wearing any disguises."

Saphira chuckles slightly as she replies, "I hid my scent of course with a bath of herbs. I'd then wait til you went to sleep then climbed up into a tree as I felt the change begin. I remained up there though I did not sleep and kept watch over you til morning."

Inuyasha smirks as he says, "So that explains why I'd find you passed out in a tree every once in a while."

Saphira looks fondly at Inuyasha and says, "I want to thank you again Inuyasha."

Inuyasha looks at her as he asks with a confused look, "Eh? Thank me for what?"

Saphira replies shyly, "For staying with me even though you know the truth. Most would flee for their lives."

Inuyasha scoffs as he says, "Feh well I ain't no coward. Besides you deserve to be free."

Saphira smiles then says, "Tis ok to be afraid sometimes. For this battle will not be easy."

Inuyasha smirks as he says, "Well good I happen to like a challenge."

Saphira then lets out a yawn and says, "Well we should get some sleep. We need to conserve our energy for what lies ahead."

She then notices Inuyasha slowly stand up and turn to her but he seemed nervous and was looking away.

Wondering what was wrong, Saphira asks, "Somethin the matter?"

Inuyasha takes a breath then looks at her, a slight blush on his face as he replies, "I..um..was wondering..if maybe we could spend the night together..in a tree that is. But it's just to keep you safe I swere."

It was Saphira's turn to blush. She then takes the situation into consideration. It was cold and his body would be warm and it was just for protection. She then nods as she says, "I see..well, I suppose there would be no harm in that."

She stands up then turns to him and Inuyasha walks over to her scoops her up into his arms. He looks down at her as he says, "Hang on tight."

Saphira nods with a blush, and wraps her arms around his neck and buries her face into his shoulder as Inuyasha jumps up into the air and into the thick branches of the trees above them.

Inuyasha lands onto one of branches and sits down against the trunk of the tree with Saphira in his lap. Noticing she still had her face buried against his chest he says, "You're okay now. Open your eyes. The view is wonderful."

Saphira lifts her head up and looks around, taking in the beautiful scenery of clear night sky with mountains in the distance and the rest of the land covered with forest treetops in every direction.

She smiles and says, "You're right it is." She then glances up at Inuyasha and says, "Um..Inuyasha?"

He gives her a hum in response and she says, "I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess and for not telling you until now. To be honest I was scared of how you would react but now I see it was nothing to worry over."

Inuyasha smirks as he says, "Don't worry bout it. Now get some sleep for I'll keep watch tonight."

Saphira nods with a small smile and buries her face in his chest, taking comfort in his warmth. His scent relaxing her as she thinks to herself, "Thank you Great Mother for sending someone like him to me." She then falls asleep with Inuyasha keeping guard over her til morning.

Back in the present Inuyasha breaks from his thoughts and says to Saphira, "Hey, um..Saphira?"

Saphira stops and turns to look at him as she says, "Srane (Yes?)"

Inuyasha then says, "There's something I forgot to ask last night."

Curious, Saphira asks, "Oh? What is it?"

Inuyasha replies, "Um what kind of demons are you and your tribe?"

Saphira gives him a surprised look as she says, "I thought I mentioned it before but me and my family are of an ancient wolf demon species. Or so my grandmother says."

Inuyasha nods in understanding then asks, "Wolf demon huh, but wait what do you mean by ancient?"

Saphira replies, "My grandmother says our kind has been around for centuries. We may be wolves but we are much different from the ones that live here as we can transform into large wolves and wield elemental magic while they cannot." She then asks curiously, "Why? Do you not like wolves?"

Inuyasha instantly thought of Koga as he says, "Well..one in particular." The mangy wolf was always flirting with Kagome during their travels and it annoyed him to no end, but he was a good friend even though neither of them would admit out loud.

Inuyasha walks past Saphira, a small smile on his face as he says, "But out of the wolves I've met you I do like."

Saphira smiles slightly at his comment as she follows behind him, a small blush crosses her face as she says quietly, "Glad to hear it."

They walk together in silence for a few minutes as they reach the end of the bridge and go into the next section of forest. Suddenly they hear a voice cry out, "Well look who's back!"

They both stop and Inuyasha looks in the direction of the voice and on a tree a few inches away from them were two demon men.

Inuyasha gives the demon man a small wave in response and the second demon man shouts, "Took ya long enough we thought you were dead."

Inuyasha scoffs at the demon man's remark and says, "Feh, takes a lot more than some measly ogres to do me in."

Saphira looks from Inuyasha to the demon men then back to him and leans close as she asks in a whisper, "Friends of yours?"

Inuyasha replies softly, "Sorta. Just stay close to me from here on out okay?"

Saphira nods and moves closer to him as the two demon men jump down and land in front of them.

They both notice Saphira behind him and one of them asks, "Ah I see you have a human with you. Bring her as a snack or for pleasure? She smells and looks tasty enough."

A growl forms in Inuyasha's chest as he replies, "Touch her and I'll send you to your graves."

The two demon men back away slightly as one of them says,"Aite calm down I was just kidding. But you may wanna explain this to Sitka."

A steely male voice replies questionately, "Explain what to me?"

A raven-winged man then appears behind the two demon men with long black and and brown eyes. His skin slightly tan and had elf-like ears. He wore mercenary clothing upon his body.

The two demon man cower before him and one says, "Inuyasha has returned." The other nods as he replies, "Yeah and he brought a human with him." They then both take off running.

Sitka looks at Inuyasha and asks, "So I take it the task is complete then?"

Inuyasha nods as he replies "The ogres didn't stand a chance. The client gives his thanks and will send the reward soon."

Sitka nods then notices Saphira and he furrows his brows as he says, "I see what they speak is true. Do tell me why there is a human with you."

Inuyasha takes a defensive stance as he explains calmly, "There were complications after the mission. I got ambushed as a human and she saved my life. As for why she's with me I promised I'd help her with some demon extermination she's trying to do."

Saphira inches closer to Inuyasha, her hand posed near her dagger, ready to draw it to defend both herself and Inuyasha if it came down to it.

Sitka listens to all of this then asks, "I see but why would she help you?. Surely she has seen you as you are now. It makes no sense as humans despise our kind. Yours even more so."

It was then that Saphira comes put from behind Inuyasha and says with a steady look at Sitka, "Not all of them do. Some befriend them. Others love them. Besides I felt like it was the right thing to do. Wether you are a human or demon there is no difference in the value of someone's life."

Inuyasha smiles inwardly to himself at Saphira's words as he thinks to himself, "Her straightforwardness is one of many reasons why I love her."

Meanwhile Sitka stares in awe at Saphira then replies, "Interesting words you speak human." He turns to Inuyasha and says, "I will allow her presence here for the time being. Once you aid her in her quest she leaves, understood?"

Inuyasha nods as he replies, "Yes sir." He thinks to himself, "Though I have other things in mind."

Sitka spreads his wings as he says, "I'll be seeing you at the camp." He then flies away, heading north.

Saphira breathes out a sigh as she says, "Well that went better than I thought it would. I thought for sure we'd have to fight."

Inuyasha relaxes as well as he says, "Same. Though you took him off guard with your words. It was quite amusing."

Saphira shrugs as she says, "I was being honest. The truth is like a cool rain, carving channels in the mud. Most are overwhelmed by it due to ignorance."

She then gets an apologetic look on her face as she adds, "Though my presence caused that tension. Sorry bout that."

Inuyasha grins at her as he says, "It's fine. I expected there to be an issue when I first let you tag along with me. Ya don't have to worry bout em. I'll keep you safe, besides if I didn't ya grandmother would kill me."

Saphira chuckles slightly as she knew his words to be true. She then asks curiously, "So how did you end up working for this guy?"

Inuyasha replies, "Well he came to me as he heard rumors of my strength and wanted me to join his group of assassins. Since Kagome's death I just wandered the land aimlessly. This gave me something to do to pass the time and keep my mind off her. I am free to leave them anytime I wish or so he says."

Saphira listens to all this intently then she says, "I see..this explains why your were in my forest at such an hour."

Inuyasha nods then says, "Well better get going. There's something I wanna discuss with him."

Saphira nods and they both make their way towards Sitka's camp. When they arrive at the small campsite, the demon men and women gathered there that were chatting away with each other went silent upon Inuyasha's appearance.

Saphira follows closely behind Inuyasha as they walk through the campsite. She hears the demons whispering to each other and sees some of them giving her looks of disdain.

They come to a tent and Inuyasha turns to Saphira and says, "I won't be too long. I promise."

He then glances at the some of the demons who were giving them dirty looks and says with a growl, "Touch her and ya dead." As the demons fearfully look away, he then says to Saphira softly, "Wait here ok?"

Saphira nods then watches Inuyasha disappear inside the tent and she walks over to a nearby tree and sits under it. Her body was tense due to all the negative attention she was receiving. If it came down to it she could fight but being heavily outnumbered and having none of her demonic powers it wouldn't be easy. Wanting to leave she thinks to herself, "Please hurry Inuyasha."

Inside the tent Inuyasha stands in front of Sitka and says sternly, "I want out."

Sitka gives him a look of surprise as he asks, "Oh? May I ask the reason?"

Inuyasha replies, "I've just grown tired of it that's all. So I want to walk a different path."

Sitka's brows furrow as he says sternly, "By different path I presume it has something to do with that girl."

Inuyasha looks at Sitka steadily as he says, "Maybe, maybe not. As far as I'm concerned this path no longer suits my interests."

Sitka closes his eyes and sighs then says, "If you wish to leave us then by all means go."

He then opens his eyes and adds, "But let me just tell you some friendly advice, one man to another. You are only setting yourself up for suffering if you think you can live happily with a human. They are weak and will not live as long as we do. Do keep that in mind."

Inuyasha replies solemnly, "I am already aware of that. But know this, that girl is a lot more than ya think she is."

He then picks up a bundle of blue clothing and says, "I'll be taking this as a parting gift."

Sitka nods then says, "Farewell my friend. May the odds forever be in your favor."

Inuyasha exits the tent and looks around to see Saphira under a tree nearby. He walks over to her and hands her the bundle of blue clothing.

Saphira takes the bundle from him with a confused look on her face as she asks, "What's this?"

Inuyasha replies with a blush, "It's a kimono for you to wear at the Obon festival. You wanted to go so here's something for you to wear that'll help ya blend in." He then takes note of the setting sun and says, "We should hurry though as the main event starts at nightfall."

Saphira nods with a slight blush on her face as she says, "Thank you."

Inuyasha kneels down then looks at her over his shoulder and says, "Get on. We'll make it there faster if I carry you. You can change when we get there."

Eager to leave, Saphira gets on his back without hesitation and holds onto him tightly. Inuyasha braces her from under her legs with his arms. He then gets up and with lightning speed leaves the campsite and makes his way through the forest towards Kaede's village.

Sitka watches them leave a smirk on his face as he thinks to himself, "He must be out of his mind. But they say a pretty face can make you do crazy things." He then goes to retire for the night.