Hello everyone! Well, the last few weeks have been hectic. At work, we're finishing up our project, thankfully, and it goes out next week. We're still fixing minor things here and there, but only minor stuff. I think we're pretty good to go, so for now, more testing until next week arrives, in which we'll deploy to production. I'll be glad when it's all done. It hasn't been highly stressful to me like this summer's project, but it's been interesting to see how things kept progressing. Also, we lost our secretary at work, so that should make things interesting. Luckily, our phones have been reconfigured, so when someone calls in, they must dial our extensions if they want one of us individually. Otherwise, it rings for everyone. Hmm, home life is not too bad. My mate and I haven't been doing much honestly other than the usual stuff that I'm sure people don't want specifics on, hehe. We are looking into possibly purchasing a house this spring, which should be good fun. By good fun, I mean a real pain in the ass… But I can't wait somewhat. We won't have to deal with rent any longer, so good times. Lol, I was with my grandfather the other day when he was sleeping and was listening to him and had a hilarious, but sad thought. He sounded like Darth Vader in his sleep, hehe. It was just scary how similar it was that I began chuckling to myself. Don't know why, but I did, lol. Next week should be loads of fun… I say that with such enthusiasm since it is Thanksgiving week, which is chucked full of family visits. I'm going to see my step mom's family Monday, then I get a break Tuesday, Wednesday I see my grandparents, mom, sister, and her fiancé (almost said boyfriend, but that story is entirely different), then Thursday is my dad's family, followed up with possibly my mate's family. I kind of thankful that this year's dinners are not stacked up on top of one another in the same day, although if my sister has any say in it, Thursday may become that way… Speaking of her, she's decided to quit work and go back to college. I don't mind that, but the only thing is, classes don't start till January and she quit in October… It seemed pointless to me to quit that early, especially since she'll need money most likely to get through school. (/sighs\) Plus I've slowly come to realize that the two of us are so very different. Meh, I shouldn't go into it. We're very different in many ways, end of story.

Writing wise, things are going well. I managed to squeeze out a two part story for Yugioh GX entitled Second Best. I already put one half of it up and intend to do the other half next week, probably Monday or Tuesday. Other than that, still writing away like always. Ah yes, one important thing. There are only two more chapters left after this one ends, meaning this story ends in December. What will happen after this is done, well, no idea, yet, lol. I'll get back to you all on that.

And now, time for reviews!

Espada Zero: Thanks. Actually, there is no war between the four lands. Things are somewhat peaceful, other than Iya and Lilly being targeted by The Army of The Thirteen, hehe. The real Kenshin Himura? Ah, a twin you say. Sorry to disappoint, but there are no twins there for The Thirteen. All of them, with exception of Tsunade, are dead. There is no coming back from that, sadly. Unless you have a sword that can revive the dead, but not likely that Sesshomaru will be doing anyone any favors by reviving a threat to his lands, hehe. Thanks for the review!

kattana: Yep, congrats to Inuyasha and Kagome. They're well on their way to having children. That should be entertaining, hehe. So true about Inuyasha surviving for so long without a family. Well, he had one, but one that didn't want him for the most part. But at least now he has one and is starting one as well. Good question about what will happen if Sesshomaru meets up. Thanks for the review!

Well, that's that. Thanks to both of you for reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Anyways, I'm done for this round. Would go on to comment about the reviews, but not this time around. Thanks to both reviewers once more. I hope you all like this new chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Racing along towards the outskirts of the village up ahead of him in the evening light, Iya allowed a small smile to appear on his weary face. Reaching out with his senses, he picked up the scent and aura of his mate easily, but soon found two other familiar scents and auras mingled in the air near her.

"That's Inuyasha and Kagome… Hmm, I suppose the message Sesshomaru sent out must have reached them. I only wonder how late there were." the dog hanyou mused.

Shrugging off his thoughts, the dog hanyou focused his senses on the open area before him. Finally coming into sight of the hut that his mate resided in for the time being, he picked up his pace and soon came to a skidding stop not far from it. Seeing his brother and his mate sitting on the roof while both Quincy sat on the side of the hut, the dog hanyou moved silently towards them.

Standing up, Inuyasha leapt off of the roof and landed gracefully onto the ground before his brother, grunting out "Well, well, you finally showed up."

"You're one to speak of being late." Iya teased.

Stuffing his hands into his kimono's sleeves, the silver haired hanyou muttered "Feh, I couldn't help it. Kagome forced me to bring…"

"Sit boy!"

Watching his brother slam into the ground with a loud thud echoing throughout the area, the black haired dog hanyou shook his head. Leaning down so he was just barely above his brother's head, he whispered "You may want to learn to watch what you say around your pregnant mate, little brother."

Pulling his face out of the dirt, Inuyasha grumbled before grunting out "Feh…"

Hearing his sister-in-law land on the ground nearby, Iya looked up at Kagome and softly smiled. Moving to her, he embraced her, saying "It's good to see you again, Kagome. I see you two have been busy."

Releasing her embrace, the female dog hanyou blushed slightly, mumbling "I suppose we have been."

Picking up the sound of someone moving about within the hut, the black haired dog hanyou couldn't help but smile as his mate stepped out of it. Her emerald eyes instantly lit up at the sight of him, causing her to race towards him and pull him into a tight hug. Burying her head into his chest, she inhaled his scent of woods and cinnamon while holding tightly to him, as if he would vanish.

In a tender tone, he mumbled "I see you missed me."

Looking up at him with shining emerald orbs, the neko snaked her arms around the dog hanyou's neck and crushed her lips against his. Allowing his mate to control the kiss, he felt her emotions flowing through the kiss. A few moments passed before they broke apart with her returning her face to snuggling into his chest. Warmly smiling down at his mate, he inhaled her scent of raspberries before wrapping his arms around her and holding her tighter against his body.

Sensing a bit of distress within his mate, Iya released his embrace of her grudgingly before glancing at his brother and sister-in-law. "Could you two watch those three while we leave for a short time? It won't be long, I promise."

"Whatever." Inuyasha muttered in reply while looking away.

Coming up next to her mate and elbowing him in the ribs, Kagome politely smiled and warmly said "We don't mind. Take as much time as you like."

Nodding in reply, the black haired hanyou smiled back at the pair before scooping his neko mate up into his arms. Getting a small 'eep' of surprise from his mate, the dog hanyou ignored it before taking off towards the outer limits of the village.

Reaching an area where he was sure that there was no one nearby, he came to a stop and gently set his mate down onto her feet. Turning her to look at him, he reached out and carefully cupped her cheek with his clawed hand. Moving forward, he pressed his lips against her soft ones, noting that her emerald eyes fluttered shut before he closed his own muddy brown eyes. Leaning more into the kiss, he asked for permission into her mouth with his tongue rubbing against her lips, which he was given without a moment of hesitation.

Snaking her arms around her mate's neck, the neko slowly felt herself being pressed more firmly against his body. Kissing back against the dog hanyou, Lilly felt herself becoming lost in the sensations that Iya drove up within her mind and body.

Picking up the scent of his mate's arousal, Iya groaned inwardly. "I don't want to stop, but I know something is wrong with her."

Slowly, he broke up the kiss before placing his forehead onto the neko's. Both were slightly panting and each had a pink tinge on their cheeks. At last calmed enough, the dog hanyou drew back to look into his mate's emerald eyes.

"Lilly, did something happen while I was gone?"

Casting her eyes down at the ground, the neko pulled away and turned her back to her mate. Taking a few steps, she suddenly came to a stop with her tail twitching slightly before it wrapped itself around her body.

In a quiet voice, she whispered "He hates me."

Frowning at the words, the dog hanyou moved in behind his mate and placed his hands onto her shoulders, asking "Who hates you?"

"My father…" Lilly whimpered. Snapping back around to face her mate with shimmering emerald eyes, she sobbed out "He still doesn't believe that I'm his daughter!"

Staring into the saddened eyes of his mate, the dog hanyou suddenly enveloped his mate into a tight embrace. Placing her head onto his chest, he softly stroked her hair and whispered "I'm so sorry for you to have to go through this again Lilly."

Sobbing for nearly ten minutes, the neko finally quieted and pulled away. Using her kimono sleeve, she wiped away the remainder of her tears. "Look at me, I'm so silly for crying over something you warned me might happen. I was so naïve to believe that my father would accept me when I became hanyou, but I should have known he would never do so. You must think that I'm such a weakling mate."

"Lilly, what did I tell you that night when I let you mark me?"

Looking into her mate's muddy brown eyes, the neko couldn't help but note how intense his gaze was and what it seemed to do to her body. It was like an emotion that put her heart at ease.

"I told you that night that I don't want you to change, that I love you just the way you have always been. True, I warned you that this may happen, but I did so to guard your heart. I never wanted to see you hurt in that way ever again."

Reaching forward and wrapping the neko hanyou into a tight embrace, Iya quietly said "I know you are the only mate I ever want, and that no matter how others view you, you are perfect to me. I don't see signs of weakness when I look at you. I only see the woman I fell in love with who I took to be my mate. It's those qualities in you that make me love you even more."

Pulling back, the dog hanyou noted tears were silently rolling down from his mate's eyes still. Gently, he wiped her tears away with his thumb. "As for you thinking you are naïve, at times, I believe that, but I also think that you see things so much clearer than I ever can. You see things so much better than I do, probably due that I have lived for three-hundred years and have seen the good and the bad that people have within them, yet you can see past that."

Kissing her forehead, he smiled kindly at her, saying "Never lose that trait. It may cause pain from time to time, but it is something that makes you very special."

Smiling back at her mate, the neko hanyou settled her head onto her mate's chest and inhaled his scent. Releasing a contented sigh, she quietly asked "Can we just stay like this for a while?"

"I think the others will be fine."

An hour later, both the black haired dog hanyou and the neko returned to the hut with the sun just sinking below the horizon. Welcomed back by both Quincy and hanyous, the two mates sat down by the fire that was in their camp. Upon being seated, the two were offered some dinner, which they took. Once consumed, the group sat in silence.

"Iya, Myouga sought us out after leaving you during your battle. Care to explain yourself?" Inuyasha questioned in a firm tone.

Staring into the fire that had been built, the black haired dog hanyou released a heavy sigh. Glancing up at the others, he felt his jaw become clenched and hesitation beginning to fill him.

Without warning, he felt his mate's clawed hand entwine with his own. Casting a sideways glance at her, he saw her looking at him, seemingly trying to encourage him to speak up. Letting out another sigh, the dog hanyou raked his free hand through his hair for a moment before looking across at the others.

"I suppose it's time I told all of you the truth about my past. It's something I'm not one bit proud of, but should be known due to the situation. This all began due to the actions I took when I was only fifteen years old…"

Finishing his tale, the black haired hanyou glanced from face to face of the group that sat in silence. Noting most of the group's eyes seemed to be swirling with an array of emotions, the dog hanyou awaited the critical words that he figured he would receive.

Speaking up, Kagome softly asked "That hanyou in there then, he is yours and Kaia's son?"

Nodding in response with his ears slightly drooping, Iya quietly responded with "Yes, Yukio is our son. That's why I couldn't bring myself to kill him in our battle and why I asked that both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru spare his life…"

"If he had succeeded, I don't know if I could have." Inuyasha bluntly remarked. "I think I understand the anger he feels, but at the same time, to murder your own father with no remorse, that's crossing the line."

Silence enveloped the group once again, with Uryū breaking it. "What do you intend to do about him, Iya?"

Releasing a heavy sigh, the dog hanyou stared down at the fire. With flames reflecting in his saddened muddy brown eyes, he softly muttered "I intend to let him go on his way once he is fully healed."

"You realize he won't quit trying to kill you, right?" the silver haired hanyou pointedly asked. "He'll hunt you down again, and next time, he may take full advantage of your night of weakness. If he does, I doubt you'd survive."

"I know…"

Angered by his brother's sorrow filled words, the silver haired hanyou fired back "Then what the hell are you letting him go for!? You know for certain he'll never stop till you're dead, yet you're fine with it!?"

"Inuyasha, stop it!" Kagome hissed.

Casting an agitated look at his mate, Inuyasha firmly replied "No Kagome, he needs to know what will happen if he stays this course of action!"

Taken back by her mate's words for a moment, the female dog hanyou slowly nodded with concern and worry reflecting in her honey colored eyes.

"Iya, I can't stop you from making this mistake, but I can assure you, if he does succeed one day in killing you, I won't hesitate to do what you could not. I don't care if he's your son or not, I will avenge your death with his own!"

Staring downwards at the ground still, Iya quietly replied "I understand Inuyasha, but I implore you, please, do not take vengeance on him. It's my fault for what happened …"

"I know you feel responsible and guilty for what happened all those years ago, Iya, but you yourself know that it wasn't your fault. It was your demon blood that took over and made the decision to rape Kaia, thus getting her pregnant. You had no control over that situation." Kagome countered.

Gripping her mate's clawed hand tightly, the neko spoke up, saying "Iya, I love you very much, but I agree with them. Yukio will not give up so easily."

Remaining silent for a moment, the black haired dog hanyou released his hold on his mate's hand and proceeded to stand up. "I realize all of you think I'm making a mistake that will eventually cost me my life, but this is the only thing I know to do to atone for the pain I brought Yukio. He may hate me and continue to come after me, but as his father, I can't kill him. I've only known of his existence for the last few days, but in that time, I've learned what it means to have love for your child. Even though he hates me, I still care about him. He is my son, and I can't change my feelings towards him."

Looking up at her mate with saddened emerald eyes, the neko quietly stood up and softly said "I may not agree with your decision, but I will stand by it."

"However," Lilly added in a low tone, "if he endangers your life, I will not hesitate to protect you with by any means necessary."

Nodding slightly, the black haired dog hanyou turned towards his brother, seemingly expecting an answer. Noting that, the silver haired hanyou crossed his arms and turned his head to the side, grunting out "I won't kill him, for now. Should he one day kill you though, don't expect me to take pity on him."

Letting out a small sigh, Iya nodded before saying "I understand."

"Iya, I have one question."

Finding it was the elder Quincy that spoke up, the dog hanyou gave him his full attention. "Do you honestly believe that those three will leave peacefully once they are able to?"

Staring down at the ground for a moment, the black haired dog hanyou slowly said "I want to believe that they'll retreat for the time being. All three had somewhat serious injuries, and though they will be fully healed when they leave, they may wish to retreat and formulate a new plan of attack. My only hope is they'll leave this village be. I don't want any blood spilt. Secretly, I hope that they'll give up on killing me also, but I doubt Yukio will."

"I believe we should be ready for anything that they may try." Sai chimed in. "With you hurt Master Uryū, they may try to take advantage of the situation."

Pushing his glasses back up on his nose with his right hand, Uryū casually replied "I doubt that Sai. Even with me injured, the odds are stacked against them. There are four powerful hanyous here, plus yourself. Besides, I'm not too injured to where I could not fight, so I could be added into that equation. However, I surmise they will most likely wish to leave."

"At any rate, two of them have no weapons any longer. Sanosuke's sword was destroyed while Yukio's was cut in half, but it's being repaired." Iya added after a moment.

"You're unarmed yourself." Inuyasha pointed out.

Sitting back down with his mate at the same time, the dog hanyou chuckled slightly, saying "True, but I'm powerful enough without Ketsaiga to handle myself. I'll only be without it for a few days anyways. Totosai said he would bring it and Fenrir back in three days time."

"Still, you should be careful, Iya." Kagome commented. "Without Ketsaiga, you're in danger of losing control of your demon blood."

Once more chuckling, the black haired dog hanyou shook his head. "I've learned since long ago how to keep my demon blood in check. Yes, Ketsaiga does help me with it, but when I underwent my father's training to learn to use more of my demon powers, I was taught how to control myself without Ketsaiga."

Snorting while crossing his arms, the silver haired hanyou grunted out "Figures you'd have an easier go of it."

"From what I gathered, little brother, your demon blood is much easier for you to control too since you mastered Tetsusaiga, so don't complain."

All of the group couldn't help but chuckle at the expense of the silver haired hanyou, who only glared at his half brother. The laughter soon ended, with the group lapsing into a silence.

Soon enough, the silence was interrupted as all four hanyous' ears began swiveling. Both Quincy were about to ask what they heard when each heard the same sounds. The sight of torch light approaching the small group soon became visible, causing all six to stand and move towards the approaching light.

The entire group soon saw a crowd of what looked like all the male villagers approaching. All of them appeared to be carrying some sort of weapon, whether it be a farming tool or a practical weapon.

Leading the group at the front was Headman Tarja, followed closely by some of the guards who protected the front gates.

The approaching crowd was letting out yells and loud noise, making each of the hanyous pin their ears back to push some of the sound out. Moving before the small group of hanyous instantly were both Quincy.

Holding up his hand to silence the mob of villagers, Uryū called out in a loud and demanding voice "Why are all of you here?"

"To rid our village of those things!" Tarja fiercely fired back. "I asked you to rid us of them, but instead, you allowed more to come into our village and further defile it with their wickedness! Master Quincy, I implore you, rid us of them, or we will do it ourselves."

In a calm and level tone, the elder Quincy replied "And I told you, Headman Tarja, that I will not do so. Both Iya and Lilly Taisho protected this village from outside attackers. I find no fault in either, nor do I find any in the other two hanyous that have come. They simply arrived to help aide in the fight."

"It doesn't matter!" one of the villagers shouted.

"They're nothing but beasts that will kill us all!" another called from the mob.

Without warning, Sai suddenly took a step towards the crowd and yelled "What is wrong with all of you!? Are all of you blinded by your senseless prejudices that you can't see that these four have no desire to hurt any of you!? Two of them put their lives on the line only a few nights ago to protect this village, and yet all of you do nothing but threaten their lives!"

"It was their fault in the first place!" one of the guards beside of Tarja fired back. "They brought those demons here!"

"Stop it, all of you!" a loud voice cried out.

The crowd, along with the opposing group, soon found the figure of Miralla walking over to before the group of hanyous. Turning to face the crowd, she firmly said "Go home, all of you. If our protector, Quincy Master Uryū, trusts all four of these half demons, then so should all of you. No one has questioned his judgment before, and now is not the time to do so."

"Miralla, know your place and get back over here." Tarja barked out.

Hesitating for a moment, the older woman shook her head, saying "I've always stood behind you before, Tarja, because it was my place, but what you and the villagers intend to do to our daughter is not right. You may not believe her, but I do."

Turning to look at the neko hanyou with a small smile, she warmly added "I know this is our daughter. I was blinded by the same fear and prejudices that you and the others are right now all those months ago, but I no longer allow them to bind me. Just staring into her eyes, I know it's her."

Returning her vision to her husband, she hardened her expression. "Master Quincy Uryū has never lied to us before, so I believe him. He told us this is our daughter. I take him at his word, thus I cannot stand behind you and allow this to continue."

Growling lowly, the headman spat out "I will deal with you at home. As for those monsters, they will leave or be killed."

The mob instantly shouted in cheer of the headman's words with some clutching their weapons more tightly. Some trembled with anticipation while others seemed unsure of themselves.

Near the back of the mob, one man carrying a bow drew it back on the arrow he had loaded. Being careful not to reveal himself, he raised the bow so that the trajectory of the arrow would place it within the crowd of hanyous. Drawing back his bow till it was at full strength, he released the arrow, sending it flying into the air towards the small group of unsuspecting hanyous.

Hearing the sound of an arrow whistling through the air, both Iya and Inuyasha looked up, trying to spy the arrow that had been released. Both hanyous' eyes widened when they realized it was nearly to the crowd.

"Watch out for that arrow!" Iya yelled quickly.

Coming down, the arrow was off course for hitting any of the hanyous, but on course towards the unsuspecting older woman who had joined them. Not knowing where the arrow was, the woman frantically tried to find it in the moonlit sky, but to no avail. Her human eyes were just seemingly unable to find the small piece of wood that was sailing towards her.

At the last second, before the arrow could hit her, the neko hanyou jumped before the older woman and protectively shielded the woman with her back to the arrow. The sickening thud of the arrow sinking into the hanyou's back soon filled the air, along with a gasp of pain from her.

Eyes widening, but then slowly beginning to fill with red, the black haired dog hanyou turned towards the crowd and soon found most of it had dispersed away from the man who had shot the arrow. Clenching his hands till his claws dug into his palms and caused them to bleed, the dog hanyou lowly growled and began to move towards the man, only to be stopped by the voice of his mate.

"Don't Iya." Lilly commanded, causing her mate to look at her with eyes that were slightly filling with red. "I'm alright."

Stepping forward and pushing her mate back with a single hand, the neko continued forward a short distance before coming to a stop to stare at the man who had eyes of hatred set upon her. He had short black hair that was pulled into a small ponytail and dark coal eyes. His skin was tanned from where he worked in the fields daily, while his hands had many calluses covering them. His clothing consisted of simple worn out gray cloth that formed both a kimono top and pants.

Locking eyes with the man, Lilly firmly said "I never expected someone like you, Chikao, to do something like this. You seemed to always have such a sense of honor, even when it came to fighting."

Seeing a touch of surprise in the man's eyes, the neko continued on, saying "You knew me when I was a child living here in the village. I'm sure like many of the others in the village, you don't believe that I'm truly Lilly Takashi, but I don't care if you do or not. I will always have the memories of my life in this village, and I have not forgotten what you did for both Sai and myself so many years ago."

"When Sai and I were only seven years old, we were out playing near your fields. I remember it clearly, for on that day, you were out plowing up the ground of your fields and readying them for planting. We were careless and paying no attention, which allowed a demon to sneak out of the forest and come darting after us. It was upon us before either of us could even think of running."

Noting an astounded look in the man's face, she pressed on. "We were both going to die there that day. Two small children against a demon was definitely not a good match up. But instead of dying that day, we were saved by you. You rescued both of us by taking the hit that the demon had attempted to land on both of us. I know you still have the scar from it, where the demon's teeth sank into your skin on your right shoulder. Luckily, you managed to get it off before you lost your shoulder and killed it. Immediately, you checked on the two of us, not caring about your own pain."

"The one thing I remember most from that was what you told us. You told us that no matter what, life was meant to be lived with honor and respect. That was how you had lived your entire life and planed to do so until the day that you died. I still remember those words to this day. Not long after you had spoke them to us, my father had caught up with you and thanked you for protecting both of us."

Hearing the words of the neko, the headman lowered his head slightly. "No one but Lilly, Sai, Chikao, and myself know of what transpired that day. It would be foolish for a demon to watch our village that long. Then that must mean…"

Grimacing slightly in pain, Lilly angrily said "Chikao, why you've done something so underhanded, I don't know. It's so unlike you. I can remember several occasions when demons were spotted near your lands, yet you didn't act. You commented that until they caused harm, you would not fight with them."

With angry tears filling up in her eyes, the neko called out in a demanding voice "Why are you fighting without being provoked!? Does just seeing me offend you that much!? I know I'm no longer human and don't look quite the same as I did when I was, but that doesn't mean I'm not the same person on the inside. You taught me that one shouldn't fight unless necessary, nor to kill for the same reason. So tell me, why!"

Dropping his bow to the ground, Chikao stared down at the ground, his mouth seemingly dry and ceased up. Unable to speak, he slowly raised his gaze to look into the neko's emerald eyes, but instantly felt guilt by doing so.

"All of you, return to your homes."

The mob all quickly realized the one that had spoken the words was Tarja. Many left without a word, but a small group of men remained behind, each of them carrying swords and casting angry and hate filled glares at the hanyous.

Angered, one of the men remaining screamed out "What are you doing cowards!? You let the words of a half breed sway you that easily!? We came here to rid ourselves of these vile creatures, so let's do so!"

Unable to sway the people leaving, the man growled and drew his sword out of it's sheath. Without hesitation, he charged towards the neko hanyou, who stood completely still as the man neared her.

Before he could even reach her, a flash of light blue energy struck the top of the hilt of his sword, breaking the tang of the sword off and allowing the blade to fall to the ground effortlessly. Shocked, the man began to speak, only to be cut off by a clawed hand grabbing a hand full of his throat and lifting him up in the air by it.

Squeezing the man's neck so that his claws pricked his skin, Iya darkly said "I should kill you for raising your blade against my mate."

Looking down to find the eyes of the hanyou were nearly completely red with his muddy brown irises changing into a blue-green color, the man tried to scream out, only to find his voice was cut off. He gripped the wrist of the hanyou tightly, trying to break the hold, but to no avail.

Gripping the hilts of their swords, both of the other two dog hanyous began to move towards the dog hanyou holding the man in the air, but each stopped when they saw the man flung away from the black haired hanyou.

"I promised Uryū I wouldn't kill anyone here in the village. Unlike some, I am a man of my word, so you shall live."

Revealing his eyes to the man, Iya showed that they had returned to their normal muddy brown color. Turning away towards his mate, he took a step towards her, only to stop before he glanced over his shoulder with a glare that could pierce anyone. "But if you ever threaten my mate again, you may not be so lucky next time. Now all of you leave."

Getting to his feet and leaving his broken sword behind, the man and his cohorts quickly fled from the area back towards the village. Snorting at this, the black haired hanyou approached his mate and reached out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Quietly, Iya asked "Are you alright?"

Staring intently at the man who had dropped his bow, the neko meekly nodded before quietly walking towards the man. Reaching him, she sadly smiled at him for a moment.

"You were right, Lilly…"

Barely picking up the words of the man, the neko watched him raise his head with tears filling his eyes. "I taught you those things so long ago, yet here I am, going against the very teachings that you took to heart. I should have known when you showed up all those months ago, claiming you were yourself that it was truly you. We all failed to believe you, yet you hold no hate in your heart against us."

"I could never hate any of you. I do admit, I was angry with most, but my anger was over the frustration that no one would believe me." Lilly commented.

"I should have listened… I just couldn't believe it, that you had come back as a hanyou instead of a human. Like all the others and your parents, I believed a demon killed you and took your clothing and tried to pass herself off as you. That's why… that's why I fired that arrow. I thought… I just thought that if I could avenge your death, then maybe it would make your parents happy again."

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he softly said "But even though I wasn't going to hit you, you did the right thing. You protected your mother from harm."

Bowing his head once more, the man hid his face from the neko. Ears perking up, she heard the sounds of something dripping to the ground and the scent of salt in the air. Knowing he was crying, she did the only thing she could think to do.

Suddenly feeling someone reach forward and embrace him, the man looked up to find it was the neko, who was faintly smiling. His saddened eyes brightened slightly, though a few more tears squeezed out.

Breaking apart, Lilly apathetically said "I forgive you for what happened. Just try to remain on the path that you once walked, okay?"

Receiving a nod in reply, the neko watched the man pick up his bow and begin trudging in the direction of the village. With him nearly gone, she turned away, only to find her mate standing there.

"We should get that arrow out of you."

Meekly nodding, the neko turned her back to her mate once more. Gripping the shaft of the arrow tightly, the dog hanyou kept his muddy brown eyes focused on it for a few long moments. At last, he jerked the shaft hard, causing his mate to hiss in pain as the arrow was pulled from her body. Holding it up to look it over, he noted that the head of the arrow was still attached and coated in the crimson life force of his mate. Catching the scent of her metallic smelling blood, he felt his inner demon stir but was quick to quell it.

Snapping the arrow in half, he threw it to the ground and returned his attention to the back of the neko. Seeing a small blot of red forming in the spot where the arrow had been removed, he glanced behind himself at his nearby sister-in-law.

In a calm tone, he asked "Kagome, can you heal her wound? It isn't too bad, but it should be healed up nonetheless."

Agreeing by simply nodding her head, Kagome instantly came over to the back of the neko and reached out to place a palm onto her back. Sliding her honey colored eyes shut, the female dog hanyou called forth her miko energy, causing pink energy to immediately eradiate from her palm. The energy slowly began to fill up the wound, effectively sealing shut the damage and knitting the skin back to how it once appeared.

"That should do it." the female dog hanyou commented as she opened her eyes and the glow on her hand receded.

Turning, Lilly smiled at her sister-in-law, saying "Thank you, Kagome."

Hearing ragged and shallow breaths, the neko scanned the area for the source, but quickly found it. Standing in the spot he had been in earlier was her father, who had his eyes focused on her alone.

All at once, he suddenly fell to his hands and knees as tears began falling from his face to the ground, staining it with the scent of salt. In a sorrow filled tone, he whispered "I can't believe what a fool I've been."

Picking up the words of her father with her sensitive ears, Lilly stared at him for a long moment before quietly padding over to where he had collapsed onto the ground. Falling to her knees gracefully, she noted that he seemed to have picked up on her presence almost instantly.

Looking up at into the face of the neko hanyou, he released more tears and quietly said "I am truly sorry for everything, Lilly… I should never have doubted you, but… but…"

Unable to finish his words, Tarja let his face fall so that he was looking back down at the ground while more tears poured out. Without warning, he suddenly felt a warm hand touch his cheek, forcing him to look up once more to see it was his daughter that was touching him. All at once, the headman felt himself pulled up against his daughter and into a warm embrace.

Holding her father tightly, Lilly released tears of her own that she had been holding back for some time. Listening to her father sob, she quietly said "It's alright Poppa."

For several minutes, the two remained on the ground in an embrace, with Tarja repeating in a whisper "I'm sorry." Most of the group dispersed, giving the family some time to themselves. Sai, Miralla, and Iya, all three remained close by, watching father and daughter seemingly reconcile.

At last, after nearly twenty minutes, the two released one another, each with tears still staining their faces. Together, they stood up, with the headman suddenly wrapping his daughter in another tight embrace.

Releasing the neko after a few more moments, he stared into her emerald eyes and sadly smiled. "Can you ever forgive this old fool?"

"Poppa, it's alright." Lilly tenderly said.

Reaching out and taking hold of her hand, Tarja brought it up and kissed it. Glancing over at the three waiting figures, he returned his vision to his daughter before saying "I missed so many months of your life because I was such a fool. For that, I am truly sorry my daughter. I never should have doubted you."

"It's alright." the neko commented. "We have time to catch up now."

Nodding, the headman and neko walked back towards the other three. Once there, the headman looked at the black haired dog hanyou for a few long moments. In a hesitant, but calm tone, he said "Thank you for protecting my daughter."

Remaining silent, Iya bore his muddy brown eyes into the coal colored eyes. Sensing no ill intent within them or in the man's scent, the dog hanyou grunted out "Hn."

Accepting the response, the headman returned his attention to his daughter. "Come Lilly, let us go home."

"I can't …"

Cutting off his mate, Iya softly spoke up, saying "Go ahead with them."

Looking to her mate with surprise, she saw him flash a small smile at her. Remaining silent for a few long moments, she finally nodded in reply. Once she had, she walked over to him and pecked his lips.

In a whisper so low that only his sensitive ears could hear her, the neko said "I'll be back later tonight."

"And I'll be waiting." the dog hanyou whispered in return.

Stepping away from her mate, the neko returned to her family. A moment passed before all four left the lone hanyou.