Moriko's pointed ear twitched slightly, hearing the chirping of a bird. She came to consciousness, though she kept her eyes closed. She heard the bird once more, and noted that there was light behind her eyelids. The sun was out, a lone bird was chirping, and there was no immediate danger. Her body ached, every part of it. She did not wish to move, but to simply stay where she was and rest. That did not seem like such a bad idea, in fact, if it weren't for some rustling in the trees she would have done just that. But she opened her eyes slowly, blinking just once and saw she was on the forest floor. Her hair was in her face, so she was unable to see clearly what that lump was in front of her, but she appeared to be gripping a part of it very tightly.

And then she remembered what she was doing here. She had gone to save her pack from Kiyohime, only to fall into the bitch's trap and get flung away by her power and an erupting volcano. She had no idea what happened to the others, but she managed to grab onto somebody to try and save them. Her body ached from such a blast, and who knows how far she had come from where she was. But she had to get up. She willed herself to do so, letting go of the fabric in her hand and pushing her hair out of her face. She got herself halfway up, ignoring the dizzying effects of her head. She then noted that she had grabbed onto the strange monk, Miroku. She saw no sign of anyone else near her, she hoped that they were safe.

She pulled herself to lean against the nearest tree, looking on her person for some sort of compound she could make for herself and the monk. There was no way she was going to find the others if she couldn't move herself, and she wouldn't have the human slowing her down. As she put things together, she kept wondering what the end goal was with Kiyohime. Truthfully, the demon could have killed them all on the spot. But instead they had gone to a lot of trouble to bring them all together and then separate them again. What was the point of that? What was she planning? There was something else besides revenge going on here, and Moriko was going to figure it out. She would not allow anymore harm to come to her pack.

Judging from the sun she was sure it was early morning, which meant that she was out for a while or just for the night. She felt much better after her herbs, and was ready for when the monk would get up. She was lucky that she didn't have to wait very long, he began to stir just as she was finishing up her resting. He used his staff to pull himself up, trying to get his bearings. The wolf imagined that he was about as confused as she was about the whole thing, but she was silent, giving him the time that he needed. Finally, he turned towards her, blinking a couple of times.

"Who are you?" asked Miorku, rubbing his head.

"I truly hope that you do not have amnesia, I do not think I have anything that could help with memory loss," replied the wolf, handing him a liquid form of her healing herbs, "Drink this, it will help with your pain."

"Thank you," he responded, taking the medicine from her and taking a long drink, "I do not have amnesia, I just have never seen you before."

"I suppose you have not, yet. I am Moriko Chie, this is my demon form."

"I should have known by your eyes. Are there any others around here?"

"I have not yet had a chance to look. We all took quite the blow. I believe that Kiyohime has purposefully separated us, though for what reason I could not tell you."

"That's a good assumption, given that you and Sesshomaru were exactly where she wanted you to be."

"Yes, she was clever using my mate and Sesshomaru's hatred to draw us out. But she did not even try to kill either of us. I can only wonder why."

"As you said, she separated all of us. I do not think she intended for any of us to end up together."

"It is of no matter. I can find anyone so long as I have a scent. Your group does not tend to mask themselves, and I can trace the reiki and demonic energy of my pack. Sesshomaru, I am sure, will find me once again, when it is necessary."

"I thought he wanted to kill you."

Moriko's tawny eyes softened, "Those were his words... There are more important things at hand."

"There is a much deeper connection between the two of you than you let on. What really happened?"

The wolf sighed exasperated. She wasn't really interested in thinking about her past, let alone telling it to this monk. But she couldn't help but have the same suspicions as he did. That something much more happened back then. She watched as he took a drink. Despite something that was nagging at her, he seemed to be the most calm and rational of Inuyasha's pack. She supposed telling him would be the least of her worries among any of them, aside from maybe the miko, Kagome.

"It is really as I said. He kidnapped me, did not kill me, forced me on a journey that intrigued me as time went on. I once deceived a demon into letting me kill Sesshomaru in exchange for my freedom. But truth be told, despite the dog forcing my hand, I knew from the moment I saw him that he was who I needed to be with. I was too busy feeling sorry for myself at being caught that I could not focus on my real thoughts. I killed the demon that Sesshomaru was going to kill anyway, and then willingly continued on this quest. I did fall in love with him, and I know he cared for me. I never mated with him, but I know that I wanted to for the first time in my life. And I knew that he wanted to. But as I said, one day things were going well, and then the next they were completely opposite. All of a sudden he grew cold, distant, and hateful. I did not give up though, I knew that there was something still there. His eyes told me so, almost like they were sorry for how he was treating me. Like his hand was forced into it and there was nothing either of us could do about it. Finally, he forced that all away and threatened my life if I did not leave. Threatened to kill me if I did not stay away. So I turned my back on him, hurt, heartbroken as you humans might say, and I never returned," she recounted the tale with a heavy heart, "In many ways, I feel that I am responsible for how he behaved over the years until recently. A-un, his two headed dragon was the only friend he really had besides me. After I left, I kept tabs on him for a few decades, learning that he was even more cold hearted than when I had first encountered him. I caused him pain, and it is probably what drove him into the hollow life he lives now."

Miroku was silent, studying the wolf and turning over every word she had spoken. He recalled the fight between Sesshomaru, Moriko and Kiyohime, following as much of their movements as he could. He saw the hatred Sesshomaru carried for Kiyohime, and how protective he was of Moriko. The demon Lord definitely still had some sort of feelings for this wolf, but there was something he was hiding, "It almost sounds like you can't remember everything," Miroku chose his words carefully.

"It feels that way. Like there is a piece of the puzzle I am missing. I imagine it is what drives me to be near him still. I do not with to upset my mate, but I know there is more to this. It is no accident that I have come back here. My fate is closely tied with the Reikai Yogen, and I believe that this is part of some sort of smaller task to help complete it."

"Perhaps. You are a very strange wolf from the others that I know."

Moriko shrugged, "Different areas breed different wolves. The ones that you encountered around here used to be part of my pack in the Clan back where I rule. But when the plague hit lots of them were left behind. They of course, migrated down here where they could live in peace in the mountains. They felt abandoned and refused to return, and as a result, formed their own tribe with their own rules."

"Some things never change though, wolves mate for life, and I was frequently reminded of that when one of the wolves had his sights set on Kagome."

Moriko laughed a rich and throaty laugh, "I imagine Inuyasha was extremely happy about that."

Miroku chuckled, "They were almost best friends."

The two of them laughed again over their joke. The monk finished his medicine, then handed the wolf back her cup of leaves. She simply demolished them, not wanting to leave any trace that they were there. She stood up, no longer feeling any pain in her legs. She lifted her shirt, looking once more at her abdomen. Naraku's curse was still there, and it looked like it was getting worse. The dark purple of the poison had spread, probably a result of getting injured. The cut itself looked deeper, and the skin around it almost looked like it was dying. Still, she could feel no pain from it, and the poison did no affect her.

"That does not look healthy," said Miroku.

"I have never encountered a curse like this. But so long as it stays at bay I can manage it until I figure something out."

"I too, feel the lasting curse of Naraku," he spoke softly, holding up his right hand that was covered in prayer beads.

"What happens when that holy seal is broken?"

"It will open up a wind tunnel. The more I use it, the more it grows, slowly ready to take over my life. But it has its uses. I hate to admit, I was almost lost without it for the short time that I was free of it."

"Naraku spreads pain and grief among his trail. If I do not get the chance to kill him then perhaps you will be rid of him within his own curse. Though I would not be in such a rush to free yourself, it might be the very thing we need to finally dispose of Toguro. There is no coming back from a wind tunnel."

"Yes I had thought of that myself."

"Can you stand?"

He nodded, getting to his feet, "Whatever it is that you gave me has helped a lot."

"You'll still need a proper rest, but for now you won't be able to slow me down. I am going to change form and hunt down the others. You are too slow and I need the full use of my senses. Once I change, hop on my back and hold on tight, I am one of the fastest demons in Makai."

The monk nodded, as she slowly began her transformation into her wolf form. When she was done a bigger than normal wolf was in place. There was the mark of the bandit on her left shoulder blade, a blue and purple rose with silver pedals falling freely. Miroku could also see Naraku's curse on the wolf's belly, almost glowing against her white fur. He did, however, follow her instructions and carefully got onto her back. He braced himself as she took off at demon speed, following the scent of one of her pack mates.

...

Inuyasha felt rain drops on his face. It made him stir, grunting in pain as he came to consciousness. He put a hand to his head, sitting up slowly. The sun was going down, he had no idea how long he had been out in this tall grass. He looked around for Kagome and the others, but could only see the Keiko girl looking at him curiously. He supposed she was wondering if he was still alive. She did look worried, and he found it strange that she would worry about him.

"I'm so happy you're not dead," she spoke relieved.

"Thanks?" he replied, not really sure what to say, "Why do you care anyway? You don't even know me."

"If there's one thing I've learned over the years its that when you're part of a team you care about all of them. Even Hiei who constantly leaves always comes back to make sure we're all okay. Yusuke and San say you're part of the team and you're not a bad demon."

"They seem to go out of their way to hide the fact that you're a half demon," he wasn't quite sure how to react to her words.

She frowned, looking down, "I don't want to be a demon..." she spoke softly.

"Keh. What being a half breed isn't good enough for you?!" he crossed his arms.

"I used to be fully human. But... I didn't want to die so early that Yusuke would forget about me. I met a sorcerer in the seers village, and he infused a demon into me. I've only gone to my full demon form a couple of times, I have no control over it. And the others... they've done so much to try and help me. Kurama said that so long as no one knows that I'm part demon then they can't use me to their advantage."

"They're trying to protect you from the brutal world a demon lives in. You're lucky to have such good friends."

"I am. Are you hurt?"

"I'll heal. Let's get out of here and find the others. Who knows what that Naraku will do now that we're all over the place. I have to find Kagome."

Keiko nodded, standing up slowly. She waited as the half breed got to his feet, looking around him. He frowned, looking frantically for something. He searched a wide radius while Keiko stayed put, not really knowing what to do. He seemed to be getting angrier, clearly not being able to find what he was looking for.

"What are you looking for?" she asked carefully.

"My sword! It's gone!" he growled.

"I'm sure we'll find it."

His temper was very similar to Yusuke's. In fact, there were so many similarities that Keiko almost knew exactly what to do. Almost. She had to remain calm, she knew that his sword was probably his most prized possession. He wouldn't be focused on anything else until he got it back. And just as right, since she knew what it was capable of. She took a breath as she waited for him to stop moving. The sword was clearly not in this vicinity, it probably got blasted away like the rest of them. The sun was going down, it would probably be harder to find in the night with the rain.

"Hop on, I can't look if you're slowing me down," he spoke, turning his back to her.

Keiko slowly hopped onto his back, holding onto this kimono tightly. He took off at demon speed, towards the forest in what she assumed was the direction they had come from. She tried to keep her eyes peeled for the sword but wasn't sure that she would be much help. Twilight had set in, and she couldn't see so well in the dark. She was hoping that Inuyasha could, and that he knew where he was going. The moon had come out, and the two of them slowed down.

"Shit!" he yelled, letting Keiko down and taking cover in the trees.

"Are you okay?" she asked, walking cautiously towards him.

"I'm fine! Just go away!" he shouted, covering himself in shadow.

"Now hold on a minute! You can't just tell me to go away after you went through all that effort to get us here! Now stop hiding and tell me whats going on!" she commanded.

Inuyasha grumbled, then came out of the shadows. Keiko looked at him confused, wondering why he was hiding. He looked different, that was for sure. Instead of silver hair, it was turned black, and he no longer had canine ears. His eyes changed colour to, he looked quite human. Why would he want to hide something like this? What was so wrong with it?

"On nights of the new moon, I lose all my demonic powers and become a full human. It's only for a night, but I can't let anyone know. If Naraku found out..." he was hesitant, unable to look her in the eyes.

She was calm, not really sure what she should say. He was very vulnerable, and they didn't know each other that well. Nothing could have really prepared her for this. But she understood how he felt. He was all alone here with a stranger, how was he supposed to be okay with something that he perceived was a weakness? She didn't know really what to do. But if his demonic powers were indeed gone for the night, then it meant that she was the only one who could protect them. Fine, she wasn't going to be useless, she would make sure they got through the night.

"I won't tell anyone," she spoke softly, hoping that he would trust her.

He nodded at her, still shrinking away in the shadows. Keiko sighed, going to sit and lean against the other side of the tree. She kept her ears and eyes open, though she wasn't quite sure she knew what she was looking for. Her training with Jin wasn't much, and it wasn't in Makai. She wished she had more training, she never thought she would be in a situation like this. But Yusuke was so over protective of her, he didn't think that Reikai would be able to keep peace at the temple. He insisted that she come with him, and that only made her nervous because it made her a liability. With more training, she might actually be of some use to them.

"Have you always been a half demon?" she asked, not really wanting to sit in silence.

"Yeah. I was born that way. My mother raised me as long as she could," he spoke.

"How long ago was that?"

"Centuries. I spent a long time training," he shrugged.

"Is that really what demon life is? Fighting?"

"Yes. And it's worse for us half breeds. We're neither accepted by humans nor demons. It's the whole world against us, and the only way to survive is to fight."

"But there's got to be more to life than just fighting.. even in this demon world," her voice was soft, her brain calculating.

"It's how things are. If I didn't learn I wouldn't be here now."

"But Kagome and the others accept you."

"You can't see the struggle because you grew up a human. And even when you became a demon you were already part of a pack. You already had people there to care for you. It's not like that for half demons like me."

Keiko sighed sadly, "You're right of course. I'll never know how horrible it is to grow up the way you did. But you're with people that you care about. And those people care about you. And our team is there for you. The connections you've made as you've gone through your life is what you should focus on, not how hard the past was."

"Easier said than done. You said yourself you wish you were still human."

"Well according to Kurama and San I'll stop to think that way the more demon I become. I'll wish I was a full demon. Besides, there's this prophecy that they're following that says this was supposed to happen to me anyway. Apparently there's something only I can do and I can only do it as a demon."

"That sounds like a load of bullshit if ya ask me."

Keiko was about to reply when she heard something. She knew Inuyasha heard it to, because he was right there in front of her in an instant. So even without his demonic energy, he would still protect her. But Keiko promised herself that she would be useful. She kept herself on guard, just in case. She heard the human in front of her growl, he knew there was something out there. It was at that moment that Keiko wondered just how well his senses worked as a human. He was used to doing this at least once a month, and he managed to keep his secret safe. She could only assume he was used to this sort of thing. But then, how often were powerful enemies in pursuit of them? That was a question she felt she would never know the answer to.

It was then she could sense something. Her body tingled, like something was watching her. She stood up and looked in the direction it was coming from. She had to be sure though, she didn't want to have them expose themselves for nothing. She could only hear the sound of raindrops.

"I think there's something over there," she pointed West.

Inuyasha turned to look, and then nodded, "There's definitely something over there. Let's go."

She was about to protest but he was already walking. She had a very bad feeling about this.

...

thanks so much!