A/N: Hope you liked the last chapter. Quick note, I changed Sylis a little. He now has grey eyes instead of blue. I went back in previous chapters and edited this. On to the next!
Previous Chapter…
"Inuyasha…" She lowered her head, her eyes hidden in the shadows of her bangs. "Everything you just said… Did you mean it?" Inuyasha looked down at her, slowing tilting her chin up, his amber eyes filled with one single emotion. He gazed into her beautiful brown eyes.
"Kagome…" She waited for his answer, her mind hoping for the answer of her dreams. "I meant every word… Kagome, I love you." She cried tears of joy, as they pulled each other into a tight embrace. Their lips met, sending a wave of sensation through out their bodies. They could feel the softness in each other's lips, the sense of passion. Their tight embrace helped them ignore the cold. When they finally broke the kiss, Kagome rested her head against Inuyasha's chest, his chin resting on her head.
"Inuyasha… I love you. With all my heart."
A carriage being pulled by horse skeletons made its way through the forest. It was being driven by a man in a white baboon outfit. The carriage was like a cage, holding a man with long light purple hair, his mouth was covered by a metal mask, while his body was held with restraints.
"Juromaru, we will be there soon." Naraku let out an evil laugh. "You shall take care of those half-demons." The light purple haired man remained silent, only breathing loudly.
The Hearts of a Mortal and a Half-Demon
Chapter 8: The Wounded Dog and Blinded Fox.
"Damn snow… It's slowing us all down!" Inuyasha growled, expression his anger quite publicly. Kagome patted him on the back.
"It's ok Inuyasha, but it's something we have to live with." Inuyasha only responded with a grunt. Kagome let out a sigh. He'll always be like this. The group continued to walk, until they came to a figure in purple and white kimono. The figure rolled over revealing the face of a sleeping raccoon-dog. "Hey, it's that…"
"Hachi!" Miroku walked over to the raccoon-dog, who was snoring loudly. A sweat drop appeared on Miroku's head, he brought his foot back, kicking the raccoon dog hard.
"Ow! Wha! What's going on?" Hachi quickly got into a sitting position, seeing Miroku. "Oh, it's you Miroku."
"What are you doing here Hachi?" Miroku questioned.
"What did I look like I was doing? I was trying to sleep!" Miroku gave him a quick punch in the head.
"What did I say about raising your voice to me?" Miroku dusted his hands off. Sylis just shook his head while the monk and raccoon-dog continued to argue. Suddenly his ears twitched, making his head jolt in another direction. Sango saw this, looking at her half-demon friend.
"Sylis, what's wrong?" Sango recognized the look on his face. Something was near.
"Naraku." Inuyasha growled, looking at the clearing ahead. Everyone watched as a carriage appeared, Naraku hopped off of the driver's position. He laughed.
"Inuyasha, so you heard about my plans huh?" Only a smirk could be seen. Suddenly the side of the carriage opened up, the man with light purple hair jumped out. His restraints were broken, and the mask no longer covered his mouth. "Juromaru has enough power to take care of you." Suddenly, Juromaru sliced off Naraku's head, letting it fall to the ground. Only the evil laughing of Naraku remained, slowly fading. Sylis and Inuyasha both unsheathed their swords.
What's with this guy? Inuyasha glared at him, as he only seemed to glare back. He quickly charged the creature, landing a punch with his free hand. Juromaru just landed on his hands and feet, staring at the half-demons. Inuyasha charged him again, but he suddenly felt a pain in his side, he grabbed his side, yelling in pain.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome ran to his side, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"What the hell was that?" Inuyasha felt a hole in his side, like something ran right through him.
"Your inners were delicious." A small creature with the head of Juromaru, a snake like body, and two arms that resemble scythes. He smiled, licking his lips. "My name is Kageromaru, and I live inside of Juromaru. He only obeys me." The little creature laughed.
"Thunder Saber!" Sylis' Twilight Blade came crashing down by Kageromaru. Got him.As soon as the dust cleared, a shocked face overcame Sylis. Damn, I missed. He began to look around, his eyes carefully scanning the area while he held his sword in his right hand. While Sylis was searching for the smaller of the two creatures, Inuyasha returned to his feet.
"Wind Scar!" Inuyasha yelled, hitting Juromaru with his Wind Scar, instantly killing him. He braced himself with Tetsuaiga, his gaze returning to Sylis. The fox half-demon kept dodging nothing, but slash marks kept appearing at his legs and arms. His blood was scattered around him, his legs and arms were coated with crimson. His ears twitched, as he continued to search around him.
"You're too slow." A voice said. Sylis began to turn around when Kageromaru appearing in front of Sylis' face, slashing the fox half-demon across the face, across both of his eyes. Sylis screamed out in pain, dropping his sword to the ground. Both of his hands quickly found their way to his eyes, gripping his head tightly. He fell to his knees, his face looking to the ground. Quickly, blood began to drip in between his fingers, falling to the ground and forming a pool of crimson. His breathing was very heavy, he almost fell forward, but he stopped himself by placing his right hand on the ground.
"Sylis! No!" Sango ran towards the injured fox half-demon, but he brought his hand up, telling her to stop. He brought his head up, blood covered his eyelids, continuing to drip down his face. He brought his left arm to his eyes, covering them.
He is still near… Sylis continued to breathe heavily, his ears twitching. Suddenly his right hand jolted out, grabbing Kageromaru who appeared out of nowhere. Sylis' hand wrapped around both of Kageromaru's arms, so he couldn't attack.
"What?" Kageromaru had a look of shock on his face. "There is no what you could-" Kageromaru head was severed from its body by Sylis' left hand claws. Kageromaru's body became limp, Sylis threw it to the ground. Slowly, Sylis fell back, his right hand returning to his eyes. He began to gasp for air, his body generated a loud thud as it came in contact with the cold snow. Lilly and Sango ran towards him while Miroku, Shippo and Hachi ran to Inuyasha and Kagome to help them. Inuyasha was on his feet, leaning against Kagome for support. The others slowly made their way to Sylis, who was breathing heavily and growling.
"Sylis! You have to let me look at it!" Lilly said, trying to pry his right hand away from his face. She sat by his left arm, Sango knelt by his right arm. Sylis continued to growl, keeping his hand to his face, covering his eyes. Sango slowly placed her hand on his right hand. Sylis let out a small gasp, sniffing the air. He detected a calming scent, his growl subsided. Sango slowly pulled his right hand away from his face, holding it tightly in her own hands. She placed it in her lap, rubbing it slowly. Miroku quickly looked at Hachi.
"Hachi, we need to get to the nearest village."
"Right Master Miroku!" Hachi hit his chest, transforming into a giant, yellow blimp like creature. With the help of Kirara, Inuyasha and Sylis were lifted on to Hachi's back. Once they were airborne, Hachi headed for the nearest village. Kagome had already started wrapping up Inuyasha's stomach, while Lilly and Sango were still trying to deal with a stubborn Sylis. Sylis was in a sitting position, Sango holding him up while keeping a strong grip on his right hand. Sylis was still breathing heavily, his eyes still closed. Lilly took a damp cloth, wiping the blood away from his eyes, though it was replaced by fresh blood.
"Sylis, can you open your eyes?" Lilly said, a concern look on her face. Sylis growled, his eyelids twitching. Finally he slightly opened his eyelids, revealing his grey eyes. Lilly held up two fingers. "How many fingers am I holding up?"
"… Everything is black… I can't see." Sylis could feel the grip on his hand becoming tighter, Sango gasped softly.
"Sango, hold him still." Lilly brought a hand up to Sylis' eyes. He sniffed the hand, detecting Lilly's hand. "It's ok Sylis, I'm just going to try my spell." Lilly closed her eyes, her right hand began to glow light blue. "Ao Dall." The light quickly subsided. She opened her eyes, looking into Sylis'. "Ok, How about now?" Sylis' eyes moved, looking back and forth.
"It's not dark anymore, I can sense light… I still can't see…" Sylis closed his eyes, wiping away the blood with his left arm.
"Well it's a start… It might be a few days before your eyesight returns." Again, Lilly brought her hand up to his eyes. She glanced back at Kagome. "Kagome, could you help us?" Kagome nodded. She turned to Inuyasha, rubbing his back and speaking to him in whispers. She ran over, her medical supplies in hands. Lilly had finished casting an Ioc spell on Sylis, to stop the bleeding from the wound. "Wrap his eyes. We have to make sure it doesn't get infected." Slowly, Kagome took a long strip of bandage, wrapping it around Sylis' head many times. He sat there, unable to sense the light anymore. Sylis' breathing had calmed down, he slowly laid down, letting his body rest. The entire time, Sango sat by his side. Kagome and Lilly continued to treat the rest of his wounds.
Night had fallen at a small village. Miroku and Lilly spoke with some villagers, while the others waited by the village's front gate. Inuyasha had his red haori back on, hiding his bandages. He and Kagome stood by each other, Shippo in her arms. Sylis stood with the help of Sango, she supported most of his weight. Hachi and Kirara sat next to each other. They watched as Miroku bowed to the villagers, he and Lilly walking back to the others.
"They have agreed to give us shelter and food if we take care of a water demon that has been destroying their crops." Miroku said, coming to a stop.
"By the sound of it, it is something Miroku and I can handle." Lilly shrugged her shoulders, letting out a half smile. "Should be fun."
"For now, it would be best if turned in for the night." Miroku headed for the building that the villagers had prepared for them, with Lilly beside him. Inuyasha wasn't slowed down by his wounds, Kagome and Shippo followed him. Sylis pushed himself off of Sango's shoulder, slowly making his way to the same path. He began to stubble, but was caught by Sango. Sango whistled for Kirara, who transformed and ran up to the two. Kirara nuzzled her head under Sylis' left arm. Sylis, with the help of Sango and Kirara, made their way to the hut. Once inside, Sango slowly led a limping Sylis to an empty corner of the hut. The others had already prepared a bed spread for Sango, but she gave it up for Sylis.
"Sylis, lay down here, alright?" He did not say a word, but complied. Slowly he let his body fall against the soft material, Sango knelt down next to him. After a moment of silence, Sango stood up. "I should let you rest." Before she could move, Sylis lifted his head, his right hand reaching out to Sango. To him, he was reaching for something in pure darkness, his hand swayed back and forth until it touched the soft fabric of Sango's kimono.
"Please… Don't go…" Sylis' voice was soft, unlike his usual tone. A small smile came across her face, as well as a shade of red.
"Sylis…" She sat against the wall, Sylis' head in her lap. She slowly ran her fingers through his purple bangs, his hand held a tight grip on her kimono, as if he feared the world itself would disappear if he let go. Lilly and Kagome glanced over at the two.
Weather she knows it or not. Lilly let out a smile. Sango is slowly helping him cope with the painful events in his past, heal his scars. Kagome let out a soft giggle.
Don't have that kind of relationship, Ha! Who is she trying to fool? It's obvious that Sango likes him. Kagome and Lilly looked at each other, both smiling.
One by one, all the others fell into a deep sleep. Sango remained awake, petting Sylis' head. They had not moved since they had entered the hut.
It's getting late… Sango glanced towards the night sky, the stars shining brightly. Her gaze fell back on the sleeping half-demon in her lap.
"Sango." She was surprised by the sound of Sylis' voice, having no idea that he was awake.
"Sylis, you startled me." Sango took a deep breath.
"Sorry…" A silence fell upon them, Sango continued to pet Sylis. The peaceful moment lasted a long time. "Sango… About Kohaku… I'm sorry." Sango was taken back by the statement, but she kept listening. "I understand… what it is like to have little or no family left."
"Do you have any family left?" Sango's hand stopped, finding its way to his shoulder. Although his face remained the same and his eyes could not be seen, Sylis let out a feeling of darkness, loneliness.
"From what I know… No. My father is dead. My mother… I do not know her whereabouts, so she is most likely dead as well." Sango could feel her eyes tearing up, listening to Sylis' story.
"I'm so sorry." Sango's tear fell onto Sylis' cheek, he placed his hand on top of hers, giving it a soft squeeze.
"I've been alone since I was a child… I have accepted this. You don't need to feel sorry for my sake."
"Sylis, I've told you before." Sango laid down next to Sylis. "You're not alone." She rested her head against his chest, her fingered entwined in his hand. Sylis was surprised, at first he did nothing, but soon, his fingers entwined with hers. His free arm found its way around back. Sango closed her eyes, falling into a calm slumber. Sylis soon followed.
Miroku felt the warmth of the sun shining on his face. His eyes fluttered open, realizing it was already morning. With a yawn, he stood up and stretched his stiff body. He walked a few steps to Lilly who was still sleeping. His knelt down, and shook her shoulder.
"Lilly." He spoke in a whisper. The green haired mage stirred, rolling away from the monk.
"Just five more minutes…." Lilly smiled, enjoying the dream she was still in. Miroku let out a sigh, shaking her shoulder once again. Her eyes fluttered opened, seeing a man in black and purple robes in front of her. She blinked a few times. "Your hands better be where I can see them…" She looked at her shoulder where one of his hands resides and at his staff which was in the other. Her tired eyes gazed back up at the monk. "What do you need Miroku? Can't you see I'm," she let out a quick yawn, "trying to sleep?"
"I understand, but I felt it would be best if we took care of the demon as soon as possible." Lilly nodded, scratching her head and standing up. Miroku and Lilly left the hut very quietly, heading to the area where the water demon sightings had taken place. During their walk, Miroku stays close to Lilly, but his 'cursed hand' was on good behavior. He glanced over at the green haired mage. "Lilly, I've been meaning to ask you." She looked to her left.
"Yes Miroku?"
"You're healing powers… Are you a priestess by chance?"
"Yes, I guess you could say I am. Back in Temuair, I am a Priestess of Deoch." Miroku had a look of confusion on his face.
"Deoch?"
"It's a very long story to explain… Perhaps another time. As for my magic skills, I was trained in the art of both elemental and light magic. Light magic is what I specialize in. To you, it may seem more like 'Holy' magic." Lilly smiled, explaining about her skills.
"I see… Very interesting…"
The others were now awake. Sylis, Sango, Kirara and Shippo were sitting under a group of cherry blossom trees in the village, Hachi had made his escape after Miroku had left.. They listened to Inuyasha complaining about Miroku and Lilly taking so long while Kagome yelled at him about having patience.
"If I had went out there, I would have killed the damn demon and been back by now!" Inuyasha grunted.
"You're hurt! I wouldn't let you go out there!" Kagome yelled.
"I'm not weak like you humans are!"
"Sit boy!" Inuyasha was sent into the ground, his body in a crater. The others let out a sigh, watching Kagome storm off, Inuyasha following her after dusting himself off.
"Do they always fight like this?" The blindfolded Sylis asked.
"I'm afraid so…" Sango replied, petting the sleeping Kirara.
"Sometimes I think I act less childish then those two." Shippo said, his arms crossed. Sylis placed a hand on Shippo's head, roughing up his hair.
"Well, you're still a kid. Don't worry about it too much." A small smile appeared on Sylis' face, but vanished as soon as it appeared. "Enjoy your childhood, don't let it slip away." Sango quickly changed the subject.
"Sylis, your arm is probably healed up." Sango shifted closer to him, she slowly rolled up his right sleeve. "We can take these bandages off." Sango slowly unwrapped the bandages, revealing his healed arm. Hmm… Only a few scars, it's healed prett- "Huh?" Sango stared at strange markings in Sylis' arm. I've never noticed these before… They aren't scars, almost like body paint… The brown tattoos formed a triangle within an arrow on his shoulder, several zig zags on his upper arm. The exact same as the markings on the sheath of the Twilight Blade. "Sylis." His head turned towards Sango, sensing her presence. "What are these markings on your arm? They aren't scars."
"Markings? What do they look like?"
"They match the markings on your sheath." Sango looked up at Sylis. He let out a gasp, grabbing his head. "Sylis?"
An image appeared in his mind. A younger version of himself sat on a cold stone floor, chained to the walls of a damp cell. His body beaten, his eyes lifeless. The image changed quickly to the purple-haired youth surrounded by many figures in red cloaks and hoods. They chanted, while the half-demon cried in pain, marking his arm with odd symbols, the word "Chadul" could be heard many times. A dark aura overcame the boy's body, combining with him. The markings on his arms began to glow purple and black. The image suddenly ended.
Sylis was breathing heavily, the pain in his head slowly dissipating.
"Chadul…" Sylis said.
"Sylis, are you ok?" Shippo asked, poking him in the leg. Sylis shook his head, snapping out of his trance.
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?" Sango placed her hand on his, which caught his attention.
"What do you mean?" A tone of confusion could be heard in his voice.
"I mentioned something about the markings on your arm, then you looked like you were in pain. You mentioned the word 'Chadul', do you know what that is?" Sango asked.
"I did? Hmm… Chadul…" Sylis thought deeply about what he was told. "I have no idea what that means… I've never heard of it before."
"Sylis, what of your past do you remember?" Sango looked at him. Suddenly he stood up, walking away from the others. "Sylis?" Sango stood up, running towards him.
"Don't ask." Sylis' voice was stern and anger. Sango stopped in her tracks, letting Sylis blindly walk away.
Sylis…
The water demon roared, bearing its razor sharp teeth at the monk and mage.
"If you don't mind Miroku." Lilly stepped forward, a small grin on her face. "I'll take it down." She held up her right hand in the air, pointing to the heavens. It began to glow red, a dark aura forming. "Ard Cradh!" She aimed her open palm towards the demon, the red aura disappeared from her hand and wrapped itself around the water serpent. The demon was entangled, unable to move. "Now for the finishing move." Lilly held her right hand out, glowing light blue. She formed a triangle with her hand movements, then brought her hand to her left shoulder in a fist. "Ard Athar!" She brought her hand into the air, her open palm facing the skies. Black clouds formed out of nowhere, followed by loud thunder. Many lightning bolts came down, striking the water demon until it was nothing but ashes. Miroku stared in amazement as the clouds cleared.
"That was amazing!" Miroku said, walking to Lilly.
"Do you really think so?" Lilly smiled, her face turning a light shade of pink. "It's not that good."
"Well I think it is." Miroku placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's just say I am glad you are on our side." Lilly smiled, thought she knew the monk was going to do something else.
Soon, he is going to make a big mistake… Miroku took his hand off her shoulder, turning away.
"We should probably head back." Miroku walked away. Lilly was left confused.
Hmm, maybe I have misjudged him. She smiled, following him back to the village.
Thanks to my reviewer…
Atlantis-Rob: Always leaving a review, Thanks again! Yeah I thought the talk between Kagome and Sango was good. I know, everyone always bashes Kikyo, but I can't help it! She is a total bitch! I hope you continue to read the story.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Stay tuned for the next chapter, Dark Lore of Temuair. Hope you like it!.
