Hi! Two chapters for you this week - i only had two exams last week so i was able to write these two chaps. However, i may not be able to update next weekend as everyday this week i have exams that need to be revised for. So yeah, enjoy these chaps and we'll see whether i get to update or not next weekend.

Don't be scared to review either - i like to hear how i can improve! - plus it's nice to know there's people reading.

Disclaimer:I do not own Inuyasha but i do own all OCs.

Chapter 20

"Oh dear. It looks like it's gonna rain." She looked at the darkening sky before searching her surroundings for shelter. The closest thing was a cave and that didn't seem all that inviting.

A droplet of rain fell upon her cheek, causing her to forget her doubts as the heavens opened. She ran into the cave quickly, trying to keep as dry as possible.

"Who's there?" A dark voice caused her to freeze. Someone - or something - was already using this cave. She shuddered as she thought what could be using this type of place to keep sheltered. 'Oh, yeah.... I'm stood in here as well aren't i?'

"I'm sorry to intrude." She bowed her head before turning to leave – as a hanyou it could be quite dangerous to stay somewhere with something you couldn't see, she'd learnt that the hard way. Her hand went unconsciously to her acorn necklace in a bid to calm down. Ivaline paused at the very mouth of the cave – the rain was a never ending sheet outside so once she took a step out, she would become wet through. , Sighing softly, she took a deep breath then ran out into the rain, not once looking back at the lost shelter. She wouldn't stop running until she found another place to get shelter.

Once the cave was quite far behind her, the owner of the voice stepped out and began to follow her, his dark eyes glowing in thought.

------------------------------------------------

"Ivaline..." She stopped still as she heard her name. Someone was close by and from what she could sense, they were not good company. Glancing around in quick jerks of her head, she noticed she was stood in the middle of a small clearing, with nothing to hide behind – and then there was some form of predator near her, remaining unseen.

"W-w-who's t-t-there?" She stood trembling, her clothes soaked through due to the rain, the voice calling her creeping closer.

"You don't remember me?"Her stalker stepped out into the rain, and her face lit in recognition.

"Onii-san!!" She smiled happily before noticing the array of weapons could be seen on his body – daggers, bow and arrows, a sword and many more.

"Ivaline... I've been looking for you for a while now..." He stepped closer to the shika, unsheathing a curved dagger as he moved.

"W-w-why?"

"That night – you were the only one who survived – why?" Her brother looked up at her, thumb caressing the blade of the weapon he held.

"I thought you knew... there was another there..."

"Nani? Another what?"

"An Inuyoukai! She rescued me but it was too late for our parents!" Ivaline wrapped her arms around herself in a bid to calm down as her brother began to glare at her.

"I knew that to have an hanyou as a sister would bring misery to our family. Now no more!"

"Iie... Onegai onii-san..." She slipped in the mud and caught herself from falling completely on the boggy land.

"Goodbye Ivaline." She stared in horror as he moved towards her, the dagger clenched tightly in his hand. Her eyes shut of their own accord, unable to watch the end swiftly approach....

A scream shattered the forest silence...