Chapter 2

I awoke before the sun rose in the sky.

I looked around my hut I shared with Kaede and would never seen again. I knew I would either die or never return to this village. I left quietly and left a note to Kaede thanking her for her love and teachings. I would miss her the most. But I knew she understood deep down.

As I walked farther and farther back to the pond, I heard a noise that I knew didn't belong to the forest. Someone was close by.

"Gotcha yaaa!!!"

I turned and looked at the face of the boy I considered my friend and play mate.

"I believe the temple is further into the village. Not away from it."

I smiled.

"Kayada wanted me to get more medicinal herbs to take with me to the temple."

He smirked. He knew my lies as easily as I did his.

Kohaku had grown into a handsome young man that every woman in the village would love to graze or wish to have as a husband. His black hair and and pale skin made him look flawless and perfect. He had the biggest brown eyes and muscled body that trained almost every day since he was a boy. He was tall and fit and so strong, and deemed a protector of the village. He could have any woman in the village or a noblewoman of great wealth and beauty. But he only ever looked at me. A poor girl with no family or legacy. I sometimes questioned his sanity.

"Not a lot tend to grow especially next to ponds."

"That is why you are not a high priestess.

I winked.

He kept looking at me for what felt the longest of time.

I cleared my throat.

"Let me guess? Patrolling the path in case of any demons?"

He laughed. He laughed because he knew there weren't any.

"Wrong. I've been practicing early in the days so that I may complete my chores for the remainder of the day.

He lies. He trains with Kylala in the afternoons since Sango tends to her children. He feels the same way about chores as I feel about gutting fishes for supper.

"I won't disturb your practice then. I'll see you later today?"

"Actually... there was something I wanted to ask you"

No. Please no. Not now. Especially not here. Of all the places.

"Can't it wait? Kaede won't be happy if I'm late to the temple. I didn't go yesterday."

"I know. I went looking for you."

I knew that too.

He straightens his back and posture and looks as serious as if a demon was ready to fight him. I prayed a demon would appear if only to save him.

"I have known you for most of your entire life and have seen you grow up into the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Today is your birthday and I wanted to give you not only a gift..."

"Kohaku please! A gift is not necessary. Your friendship is enough. That is the best gift you have ever given me."

"Please let me finish!" he shouted

I stayed quiet.

"Many men from across the lands travel to seek your hand or to gaze at your beauty, but none ever make it beyond our road. And I am thankful for that."

That story again. Will it never end? The story of the girl and the demon. That my beauty was so captivating and unique that I captured the eye of the most powerful demon on earth. That I grew in beauty and grace. A queen fit for a king. Or even demon.

"I want to ask you today in this spot we're you find most happiness..."

If only he knew.

That if you would allow me to make you happy for the rest fo your life. Would you be mine?" In his hands laid the Shikon Jewel Shard.

I gasped

"Kohaku! How could you?!"

He removed the jewel from the temple! The jewel itself has no power left. It was used to make Inuyasha a full fledged human to live his days with Kagome and into the Niether world. The jewel remains at the temple as a symbols of purity and strength for the village. It is a symbol of power.

"The jewel itself had no power! And Lady Kaede said it belongs to you no matter how many times you reject it as you will become the next high priestess. I want to give you this as a symbol for my love and for you to wear now and forever. In hopes you would never reject it again."

If he truly knew me at all, he would know I was never going to be High Priestess of the village. I didn't know what to say to him. I never wanted to be in this position. I never wanted to be here at all! I just want to be with Lord Sesshomaru.

"Kohaku, I..."

A low growl traveled across the pond and behind Kohaku was a serpent demon drooling, it coil body about to attack Kohaku from behind and have his meal.

I pushed Kohaku aside before he could turn and slipped my dagger below it jaw and into it head before he could bite anyone. Blood down my arms and the snake collapsed.

I dragged my dagger across my kimono and looked at Kohaku.

"Are you alright?"

He stared at me and smiled

"I think feel in love with you more just now."

I lift my brown and tucked my dagger inside my kimono.

"Glad I taught you a thing or two about weapons."

"You? Or Sango?"

"Same thing."

It wasn't.

Lady Kaede and Kagome weapon of choice was always their bow and arrow. It was a very beautiful weapon to protect one self but I always found quite irrational especially if one were to run out of bows. Kohaku created and forged me silver daggers to keep and practice with. It was the most elegant weapon ever created. So sharp and exquisite. I would sleep with them under my pillow to keep me safe or to never lose them.

Kohaku spoked to me.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said you never hmgave me your answer."

Ohhhh. I had forgotten. I just hoped he had as well.

"I..."

The bell from the town rang loud and clear in as the sun rose in the sky. The bell rang four times. And my heart stopped. Someone was dying. Someone important in the village.

Someone like Kaede.

I gasped.

"No..."

We looked into each other and Kohaku grabbed my hand. We ran as fast as we could as if we were children again. This time it would not be for something good. But for something terrible.