I am so sorry it is taking me sooo long to update. But I am revising the story and all my other stories and I am looking back at stories I had written before and deciding if I should move them to this site.

A Raging Storm

Chapter 4: Duty to my people but not to my heart ….

Ana remained on the hill glancing around at the small village her post never ending, children wandering away into demon territory and rouge demon attacks.

Speaking of which that demon who ran into Ana earlier was standing at the edge of the village staring up at her the same time she was looking at him seeming to be the predator he is. Eyes narrowed Ana takes a slight sniff her nose taking in his scent and memorizing it for later use. A strong hand claps on Ana's shoulder and the familiar aura reaches out toward Ana comfortably her shoulders relaxing into the touch. "What is the plan, Hatori?" Ana asks dully the strangers trekking their way toward their land.

"Well we let them stay." Hatori says softly then looks to Ana. "I have heard word of an attack approaching. Our village is a rich village when it comes to strength and resources. We may be expecting a battle." Ana looks up to Hatori solemnly then sighs submissively, "And it is my duty to protect my village." Hatori nods with finality and Ana turns away.

"I will help Xana prepare for our guests."

Hatori lead the strange group into the manor that is his home and introduced them to Xana and Ana. The table had been set and an early dinner was served for the guests, Hatori talking with InuYasha an Inu hanyou and the half-brother of Lord Sesshomaru of the west. Ana ate silently not starting conversation or interacting in the social hour that was being conducted around her by the newcomers and her pack.

"So I heard you came from the east. What do you think of the land out that way?" Xana inquires picking up some smoked fish with her chopstick.

"The terrain is rough. And some of the mountains are almost impossible to get through." Kagome, a girl who is strangely dressed and speaks loudly, too loudly for Ana's sensitive ears, says happily.

"Yea but the snake that controls the place might as well throw in the towel. The main village was burned a few years back and it still hasn't been built back up. The bastard built his castle over the dead lord's grave." Ana's uncaring, slightly slumped posture turns rigid at that news. "It's a mess out there the villagers might as well be dead with how badly they look." InuYasha says to Hatori his mouth stuffed with chopped rabbit.

Hatori gave a quick look to Xana warning her about the situation and how quickly it can go south but to his shock it was Ana who spoke.

"Does the lord not take care of his people?" InuYasha gave a snort, "No that ass doesn't even care. The only reason the humans are there is so he can eat."

Ana felt a growl try to work its way free but she swallows it down and turns her eyes to her food. "Why doesn't anyone overthrow him?" Xana asks slowly her eyes watching the group to see the discomfort that went around the table.

"The youkai lord is very strong. A very powerful dragon taiyoukai like him is capable of setting a whole village on fire without any pause."

"Yes, so we have seen." Xana says glumly her eyes darkening, "He was the one who burned the village all those years ago."

"Yea well the place doesn't look much better than before. I bet it looks worse than when it first happened."

Hatori looked to Ana to see if she was taking the information well and in return he found her eyes narrowed and face cold as stone. "I want to see the village." Ana says softly making Xana look to her wide-eyed.

"No Ana that is far too dangerous. Besides you have a duty to this village as its protector. You can't just walk off because you feel the need to see such a tragedy. There is a warlord coming and you wish to abandon your post. Do you wish for this village to be reduced to the same as the one you wish to travel to?" Ana gave Xana a cold glare making the older woman gasp with the intensity, the emotions felt in that one glare giving more than she has felt from Ana since she was a pup.

"Xana is right Ana; you will stay here and do as is expected. When the foe is defeated we will travel east." Hatori orders his voice strong leaving no room for argument. Ana stands from the table swiftly her jaw set like stone as she leaves the room slamming the shoji screens in her haste.

The room was deathly silent in Ana's absence; her temper had heated the room unbearably then in her exit deflated the room pathetically. "Why does she care so much?" InuYasha asks breaking the hanging silence.

"The east used to be our home. We lived in the village that is now reduced to ash and coal. In the fire many died, including Ana's parents. The fire would have killed Ana also if not for Hatori." Kagome took in that information a look of pity coming to her eyes.

"So why go back?" Kagome asks quietly, "Won't it hurt her to remember all of that pain?"

"It is home to Ana….It is where her life began and where all her memories of her parents remain. To her it is the connection she has to her past."

"Well…she could come with us! We could protect her and show her the way." Kagome says excitedly but gets glared at by InuYasha.

"No way! We're already way behind and we need to find more jewel shards!"

"Oh come on-."

"Ana has duties to attend to here. She cannot take them lightly."

….

Outside Ana sat on the roof of the manor glaring out at the village that now held her from her desires. 'Though it may be for the better….For years I have wanted to return to the village and see what has become of it but I am always held back. Now I am stronger than ever and I am still being held back. Hatori is right though, this village is my responsibility and I will do what I must to protect it. The warlord is close; I can smell the fire from where they are camping. He is only a half a day away….I have to prepare.'

Standing Ana jumps down from the roof and walks into the manor passing the dining room and stopping at the door, "Hatori." Ana calls their eyes meeting briefly then she walks to the study waiting for the seasoned warrior to join her.

Hatori excuses himself from the table with a bow leaving the others to talk and enjoy their meal. Wandering down the hall to the study entering to see Ana sat behind the large desk looking very much like her father and mother both in one shot.

"What is it you wanted?" Hatori asks closing the heavy oak door behind him.

"The warlord, the one the humans are talking about is close. He is a few hours away yet but his army is large. We will need to send out scouts. If I let this information out it would draw suspicions of my mortality. I want you to be in charge of our so called army, your experience will benefit those around you."

"When do you want all this to come about?"

"As soon as possible. There are families here and we can't risk anyone being injured in our lack of haste." Ana says with irrevocability and Hatori gives a nod leaving the study to do his lady's bidding.