Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I wish I did but I do not. However, any OOC that is brought into this story belongs to me.
Author's Note:Hello everyone! I am back with another chapter. I am sorry for the late update. I lost my muse for a good minute because this chapter was so hard for me to write. There was so much to tell to get the plot moving again. Every time I wrote out this chapter it seemed off. After many drafts and edits, I believe I got. However, you all can make the final decision.
Note: I will be doing some flashbacks in this chapter. They will be in italics. Thoughts will be in bold italics.
Anyway, if you choose to flame me, BRING IT ON, but I would prefer constructive criticism. Thank you for all the reviews. It is wonderful to know that people are really digging the story. :: offers cake and ice cream ::
Anyway, sit back and enjoy the next chapter of Regaining Time Lost.
Chapter 8: The Beckoning Voice & Tales of the Past
Inuyasha's ear twitched as he listened to the pitiful how traveling on the wind. It sent shivers up his spine. He heard it before when he was a pup. It was the howl for help and when he lived on his own the sound of death quickly followed. He did not know who howled but he deduced that it had to be Kagura after seeing Sesshomaru. It seemed Kagura could not escape trouble even in her new life.
"Inuyasha, wasn't that Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.
"Yeah, it was," Inuyasha replied.
"But Kagura wasn't with him and he was going in the direction of Koga's pack," Kagome said.
Inuyasha paled at the information. Was Kagura howling because she finally had a run in with Koga? He knew the mangy wolf had every right to be upset with Kagura. She did nearly kill all of his pack but that was the past. Everything was different now. He would not, could not allow Koga to seek his revenge on Kagura. Everyone made mistakes and Kagura had done enough to redeem herself. She gave her life to help them all. Kagura had paid for her crimes.
"I have to go," Inuyasha stated.
"I am coming with you," Kagome said.
"No," Inuyasha said firmly, "You need to stay here and look out for Rin and Kaede."
"Sango and Miroku can do that. I am coming with you," Kagome stated, "Let me just tell Sango and.."
Inuyasha grabbed her shoulders to keep her from walking away and said, "You can not go. Koga does not know you're back, baka. I don't know what is going on and I will not let you put yourself in danger."
"Does it even matter? He is mated to Ayame now," Kagome said. She couldn't see why Koga would still want her. He mated Ayame. That must mean he loved her. Anyway, Koga was destined to be Ayame. She was the perfect match for him. They were stubborn and didn't take no for an answer.
If only things were that simple, Inuyasha thought. He didn't want to risk Koga having lingering feelings for Kagome. He didn't want to have to kill the idiot wolf. "Baka. I'll explain everything later. Just stay here," Inuyasha stated.
Kagura felt his weight lift from her and she took the chance to spin over on her back. Her leg shot up and hit Norio in his unprotected crotch causing him to fall over. Out the side of her eyes she saw the wolves closing in around her. Kagura crouched with her eyes glowing red and her teeth barred at the wolves. One lunged at her and she caught it by its throat with her hand. She slammed it hard on the ground. She was ready to deliver the final blow and she was snatched back by her hair.
Norio was enraged that the bitch had hit him. He did everything he could to not make this experience painful. Norio didn't want this any more than she did. He did not want to take his mate in front of the whole pack. Norio didn't even want her as his mate. He didn't know her nor did he want to. Norio had to obey his Alpha though. He didn't have a choice in the matter. Norio could hear Koga yelling at him about finishing this.
Kagura was pressed back down in the dirt. She could feel dirt entering the wound on her ankle which caused her to struggle more. She had the opportunity to get away but she blew it. Was this her fate? Was it her fate to forever be controlled, abused and hurt? It wasn't fair. She paid for her crimes by not being amongst the living for years! What more did she have to give up?
Kagura could feel him at her entrance. She gritted her teeth as tears streamed down her face as she felt him push forward. Kagura used every ounce of her strength that she had left to dislodge. Then all of the sudden, Norio's weight on her disappeared. Norio had been thrown back and away from Kagura. His back hit the ground hard and he dug his claws into the ground to keep from sliding even more. A demon was standing next to Kagura. He looped his arm around her waist and pulled her up. He was wearing an armor that of someone of high nobility. He quickly snatched the remains of Kagura's tattered kimono to conceal her as much as possible.
"Tell us Myouga. What did you mean by Inuyasha's father did not only leave him a sword?" Kohaku questioned.
"We will wait for Kagome-san," Myouga replied. He was perched upon Sango's shoulder watching Kagome interact with Inuyasha. Myouga would divulge the forbidden information to them only once. He would surely be smashed to smithereens if Sesshomaru knew he had been spying back then and now talking about it freely without his permission. Myouga gulped at the horrid things that Sesshomaru could possibly do to him. He was glad Inuyasha was gone as well. He had no doubt that the young hot headed lord would confront Sesshomaru about the information and what an utter mess would come from it afterwards.
"Sango, how is Rin?" Kagome asked as she came back over to the rest of the gang.
"She is much better now. Most of the poison is out of her system. I am sure she'll be awake by the morning," Sango replied.
"Where has Inuyasha gone? He seemed like he was in a hurry," Miroku questioned. He had seen Sesshomaru in the sky briefly but did not alert the others. It did trouble him that he did not see Kagura with him but he was reassured that Inuyasha left afterwards. He was sure that Inuyasha would handle whatever the issue was. Miroku knew there was an issue.
"He went to handle some things. He said he would return and that we should camp here for the night," Kagome stated. She gave Miroku a look that told him not to ask any more questions. Inuyasha said to stay. She didn't need Miroku and Sango worrying and trying to aid Inuyasha. "Where is Myouga?"
"I am right here, Kagome-san," Myouga said as he hopped to the ground.
"Myouga you said that Inuyasha's father did not only leave him a sword. What did you mean by that?" Kagome asked.
"Well, Inuyasha is the son of Inu no Taisho. He has noble blood running through his veins even if he is a half breed. Inu no Taisha, before his untimely end, split the Western Lands in half. One half would be governed by Lord Sesshomaru and the other by Lord Inuyasha," Myouga explained, "Inu no Taisho left him a castle."
"Does Inuyasha know about this?" Sango asked.
"Not exactly. Lord Inuyasha didn't care to know much about his father due to his rough relationship with Lord Sesshomaru as a child. Now that things are more stable, it would be good time to reveal this information to Lord Inuyasha," Myouga explained, "However, it is not my place to give him what is rightfully Inuyasha. Lord Sesshomaru took control over the Western Lands because he believed Lord Inuyasha was not fit to rule which was true back then. I am hoping now that Lord Sesshomaru would reconsider his statement."
"Do you think that he would? He was very cruel to him from what Inuyasha told me," Kagome asked.
"No. Lord Sesshomaru was not cruel. Harsh but not cruel. Lord Inuyasha did not know the rules of the Inu youkai because he grew up amongst humans. Everything Lord Sesshomaru did was for Lord Inuyasha's benefit," Myouga explained.
"Is that what you meant by that Inuyasha would have not survived on his own without Sesshomaru?" Miroku asked.
"Yes, partly. I think you should sit down for this tale. Maybe even brew some tea," Myouga replied, "What I am about to tell you should not be revealed to anyone else not even Lord Inuyasha himself unless you want poor Myouga to move on to the next life earlier than expected."
"This must be some tale indeed. I shall get the tea ready," Miroku stated.
The adults had been conversing for some time now. They had become oblivious to she and the twins. They hadn't bothered to check on them since Myouga started talking. It was around that time when Inuamaya began hearing a voice in her head. It was soft at first, calling to her. She couldn't make out the words. But as time passed, the voice became louder and more urgent to the point that Inuamaya couldn't sit in Kaede-san's lap anymore. The voice was driving her mad. Whoever it was, whatever it was needed help and she was going to help them. Something about the voice didn't seem evil to her but something else told her that the adults wouldn't understand if she told them about it. They would probably force her to stay and she would surely go insane from the maddening voice.
Inuamaya set out to find the source of the voice after checking on Kaede-san one final time. She was deep in sleep. The scent of death was still upon her. If it was thicker, she would have stayed by her side but Kaede-san still had time on this realm. Inuamaya would be back in her comfortable position on her lap before they even noticed. She was confident in that no one would notice. Inuamaya did this many nights when Inuyasha was too exhausted to notice. If he did notice, her rump would be sore for half a day.
"Ya-chan, what are you doing? Kagome-san said not to leave camp," Akane said.
"I have to find something," Inuamaya stated, "Go back. You'll get in trouble."
"You'll get in trouble too! We can help you," Akemi replied.
"You're too loud and Otou-san said I can't protect you two from danger. So go back now," Inuamaya retorted.
"But you did. You led the snake youkai away from us," Akemi responded, "If it wasn't for you, we would've been eaten."
"We're wasting time talking. Quicker we find whatever we are looking for, the quicker we can get back," Akane said.
"Fine," Inuamaya stated, "But you better do what I say."
"We know, we know. What are you looking for anyway?" Akemi said.
"I don't know," Inuamaya muttered. The scent of blood assaulted her nose. It caused her to dry heave. It was human blood. Why would any humans be this far out in the forest? The hair on the back of her neck stood up. The voice in her head was getting louder now.
"What do you mean you…what's wrong?" Akane asked.
"Ssh," Inuamaya hushed her as her ears swiveled back and forth on her head to detect the slightest noise. Something was off. She couldn't hear any animals now. Not even the chirping of a cricket. Every fiber in her body told her to turn around and flee but she couldn't help but follow the scent of the blood. Akane and Akemi were holding hands now. Even they picked up the change of atmosphere. They did their best to step lightly and stay very close to Inuamaya.
Inuamaya, Akane, and Akemi came to a clearing that Inuamaya was sure they had never seen before. They were backtracking the way they came from the village. Where did the clearing come from? There was a hollowed out tree. Something was shimmering in the moonlight within it. The scent of human blood was stronger now. Inuamaya made her way to the hollowed out tree and gasped at what she saw.
"Ryu?"
Sesshomaru walked slowly through the forest. That putrid woman and that half breed spawn of hers lived on the outer edge of the village. He hated them both for being the reason why his father perished. But out of honor, he would protect them if they need said protection and if he was in the vicinity. The woman's village was out of his vicinity but the smell of blood had brought him here. He did not know why he came. The scent of human blood never intrigued him like some of the lesser demons who craved it. This time, however, the blood called to him.
Sesshomaru came to a river but held back and out of sight when he saw two women at the river's edge. One was on her knees before the other while the other was kicking her feet in the water. It was very apparent that the woman on her knees was the one that was bleeding. Sesshomaru could tell now that the blood belonged to Izayoi, the human whore that lured his father away from his mother.
"You humans are so gullible, so stupid. It's amazing that we haven't wiped you all out yet," the woman said as she kneeled in front of Izayoi and gripped her chin to make her look up at her, "You would risk your life for someone who was disgusted by your very existence. How terribly stupid,"
"You would not understand you pitiful creature. You have no honor," Izayoi replied.
"Honor? Hah! Honor has nothing to do with this. This is about survival. He cares nothing for you. Would you want to leave your only son an orphan? I don't think so. You're such a caring mother. All you have to do is answer my question: where is the Inu No Taisho's eldest son?" the woman responded.
"I will not tell you," Izayoi said firmly.
"So much spirit! I can see why the Inu no Taisho mated you. Now, explain this absurdity to me before I put you out of your misery then. Explain to me why you will not reveal his whereabouts. I am sure a lady of such high class would like to educate someone as lowly as me," the woman said mockingly.
"It is simple. The Inu youkai are unlike most youkai. They are more honor bound than any youkai than I have knowledge of. They believe in family because family means everything. He may hate me. He may despise my very existence but despite how he feels I know he would come for me and for Inuyasha if we needed him. That is why I will never betray him,"Izayoi stated.
"Words of a fool! Do you not think his nose has not caught the scent of your blood? He will not come for you, " the woman said and scoffed, "It is no matter. I will get what I want in the end," the woman said.
Izayoi watched the woman walk on top of the water to the other side of the river. She disappeared within the trees. When she was no longer in sight, Izayoi, finally, let out a moan as she gripped the wound on her chest. How could she have been so stupid to trust that woman? She should've known better. She should have been wary when the woman befriended her. It was very unusual for anyone to be friendly with a woman who gave birth to a half breed but she was lonely and needed someone to talk to.
Izayoi cupped some water and tried to rinse the blood away. It only caused the wound to sting more. She gave a sigh and tried to stand.
"Do not move woman. It will cause the poison to move more," Sesshomaru said as he finally made himself known.
"Sesshomaru-sama," Izayoi stated.
Sesshomaru glared at the woman. She was a fool indeed for obviously being ensnared by that demon. He was surprised, very surprised that she defended him. He had not expected those words from her mouth. It did not change the way he felt about her at all though. She may have pride but she was still a whore that broke apart his family. Sesshomaru watched Izayoi stand slowly on her own. Her strength and courage for a human was admirable.
"I do not expect you to help me Sesshomaru-sama. I would not ask for it," Izayoi said, "But I do expect you to be there for Inuyasha when he needs you."
"This Sesshomaru will do no such thing," Sesshomaru replied, "You will not tell this Sesshomaru what to do."
"You are as stubborn as he said," Izayoi stated with a weak smile, "That woman…remember that scent Sesshomaru-sama. There will be a day that you and Inuyasha will be true brothers and on that day I beg of you to be there for him when he needs you because you both will need each other in the end."
Shippo stopped for a second to catch his breath. He had been running for hours now and he still hadn't tracked Kirara down. Where the hell was she? Shippo was worried and he needed to return to Inuyasha and the gang as well. They needed everyone for this trip. Shippo felt as if this was not the time to be separated. He hadn't felt this way since Naraku was running loose killing and destroying lives. That feeling only escalated his worry.
What if Naraku was back?
It was absurd for him to think of that. Inuyasha and Kagome were sure that they had destroyed him and the Shikon Jewel but back then it seemed like Naraku always found a way to regenerate. Maybe this time it just took him years to do it. Shippo hoped not. He was sure they all could handle him now but they had more on the line now. Their pack had grown. There were pups to look after and pups were a weakness when it came to battle. The enemy would exploit them just to get to the adults.
Shippo was brought out of his thoughts when he saw something stir out the side of his eye. He brought his arm up to block the blow from a sword. The sword bit into her forearm and blood trickled down. He growled at his attacker and pushed him back before unsheathing his sword. His attacker was a cat youkai and from his clothing a noble.
"You've been following us for miles. What do you want fox?" Kazuki said. He had been aware of the fox presence for hours now. He at first thought it was just a coincidence but then he realized that the fox was tracking his scent. Kazuki couldn't help but react negatively. He was being protective of Kirara. She was a strong female and could take care of herself. But she was projecting a scent that any male without restraint would go crazy over and Kazuki didn't need any male youkai propositioning her especially not a young fox.
"I haven't been following you. I've been…" Shippo started.
"Lies!" Kazuki hissed cutting Shippo off. He lunged into attack and Shippo went into the defensive. Shippo was blocking his sword with his with as much force as the cat was dishing out.
"Listen! I am not here to fight! I am looking for someone!" Shippo yelled.
"ENOUGH!" Kirara snapped as she dropped down from the tree she was perched in. She watched the whole scene play out. Kirara would be lying if she said she didn't like males fighting over her. Kazuki surely was fighting for her but the fox, on the other hand, certainly was not. When she heard him speak, she knew immediately that it was Shippo. The kit had grown up to be a fine looking male. He even handled a sword very well.
"You know this fox?" Kazuki asked. He was hesitant to sheath his sword just yet.
"That fox is named Shippou, adopted pup of Inuyasha and Kagome," Kirara replied. Kazuki nodded and sheathed his sword. He had made a fool of himself by fighting the fox. Kazuki would not apologize. He did not know him and had to be sure that the fox was friend and not foe.
"Kirara?" Shippou asked, "Is that you?"
"Yes it is. I see you're no longer a pup now. It's good seeing you again Shippou-chan," Kirara replied.
"How, when did you get a humanoid form?" Shippou asked. He was confused, very confused. Kohaku didn't say anything about Kirara obtaining a humanoid form. He would have never recognized her. She was beautiful. Her hair was the color of her fur: blonde with black streaks. She had a tall, lithe body that was built for power and speed. Her red eyes stared at him full of warmth and care.
"Explanations later," Kirara replied, "Why were you trying to find me?"
"We are left Kaede's village to go to Sesshomaru-san's castle. Strange things have been occurring. We need to discuss it with Sesshomaru-san," Shippou stated.
"Do you speak of the poisonings?" Kazuki asked, "My people have been plagued with a strange illness."
"Yes," Shippou answered, "I can explain everything but we need to get back to the rest. I feel as if something evil is brewing."
"As do I Shippo. Lead the way," Kirara responded.
This was getting out of hand. It was apparent that Norio didn't want to do this. His hesitation in obeying Koga was challenging him. He couldn't allow this not after he had finally cemented his place as Alpha again. Koga didn't need another uprising. He and Ayame had already killed too many of their wolves to stay in control. Koga would have to act and act now. He could already feel eyes upon him.
Koga unsheathed his sword and advance upon Norio and Kagura. Before he could do anything he was thrown back by immense power. There was a blinding pink light and where Norio was standing was another demon that was holding Kagura close to his body. Koga wrinkled his nose in fury as he snarled. Who the hell was this bastard? How dare he enter his territory without invitation?
The unknown demon unsheathed his sword and raised it. A blue aura swirled around his sword. Before the demon could deliver his attack, a blur of red caught his attention before he turned back to the unknown demon.
Inuyasha made it just in time. Everything he had feared was happening. Kagura's blood, her fear was on the wind. It infuriated him and if it infuriated him he knew Sesshomaru was probably insane with anger. It took almost all his strength to keep Sesshomaru from using Bakusaiga. It seemed that Tetusaiga canceled out Bakusaiga because both swords reverted back to their passive state.
Bakusaiga was forced into submission, Sesshomaru thought and frowned. His eyes narrowed at his brother. "What are you doing standing in this Sesshomaru's way?"
"I am here to stop you from making a big mistake," Inuyasha answered.
"This Sesshomaru never makes mistakes," Sesshomaru responded.
"Keh,. You're about to now," Inuyasha replied as he sheathed his sword, "He didn't know."
"And that is supposed to keep him from being punished? Have you entirely lost your mind brother?" Sesshomaru growled out. He noticed the wolves were advancing on them now. Sesshomaru turned his back to Inuyasha to fight the wolves advancing on them all the while keeping Kagura safely between he and Inuyasha.
Nobu was in his hut with Norio when the attack began. He felt it coming for he knew that woman was no good. Nobu didn't know how he could see the evil in her heart but he did. He tried to warn the villagers but they were all too dumb or maybe brainwashed to see it. Nobu didn't want to give himself away, so he acted as if he was in cahoots with Lady Hikari like everyone else. He tried to warn Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san but they had left before he got to them. Nobu was glad that they did. They were good people and he couldn't understand why the villagers did not remember what all they did for them.
Now, Nobu had a chance to repay them for his kindness. He received a gift from Lady Kikyou many years ago when she was a walking corpse. Nobu believed that she was a spirit returning to him in his dreams but when he awoke to see a bundle lying next to him he knew that he was not. Lady Kikyou warned him of this day. He warned him of a woman talking of good wishes with powerful elixirs would come to this village looking for something. Nobu was warned to never allow it to fall into her hands.
Nobu had kept it hidden for years and now the woman was here. He wasn't sure as first that it was her. Then when he knew he had tried to give the bundle to Kagome-san but everyone was always watching. This was his last chance to do as Lady Kikyou said.
Ryu stood frightened in his hut as he listened to the screams of pain from outside and the howling laughter of that woman. He couldn't move from his spot. He didn't hear his father talking to him until he felt the sting of his father's slap.
"You need to leave now," Nobu said as he shoved the wrapped bundle into Ryu's arms, "You need to find Kagome-san and give this to her."
"Otou-san, what about you? We'll escape together," Ryu stated.
"It's too late for that. Go my son," Nobu said as he pushed Ryu towards the back entrance of the hut. While he was doing this, a snake youkai slithered into his hut. Nobu grabbed a clubbed and readied himself. He was going to die. Lady Kikyou told him that he would but he would die fighting.
"
"Inuyasha never said anything about Sesshomaru-sama being acquainted with his mother," Kagome stated.
"He doesn't even know," Myouga said, "Lord Sesshomaru was very private about this matter. Some would say he was ashamed that he failed Izayoi."
"Ashamed? I can not believe that. Sesshomaru-sama despised humans then," Sango stated.
"Lord Sesshomaru didn't despise humans. He despised Izayoi because he believed that she broke up his family. He would learn years later that that was not true," Myouga said sipping his tea.
"What do you mean Myouga?" Miroku asked.
"It was not the Inu no Taisho that strayed from his union. It was Lord Sesshomaru's mother," Myouga responded.
"His mother? His mother cheated on the Inu no Taisho?" Kagome exclaimed.
"Yes, yes, it was a very distasteful event but it could not be helped. It was arranged marriage and it was obvious that Lord Sesshomaru's mother did not love the Inu no Taisho," Myouga said, "She held the truth from Lord Sesshomaru as well. When he found out, it was too late. Izayoi already died."
"That is terrible," Kagome said.
"Yes, terrible indeed," Myouga stated, "but this tale is not over just yet."
Ryu couldn't run anymore. His body hurt all over. He tried to do what his father asked of him. He had no idea how he survived being attacked by the snake youkai. It had to be divine intervention that he was able to hurt the snake youkai to get it to release him so he could continue running. Ryu didn't know where he was running to but he couldn't stop. They were chasing him and stopping would mean death for him. He had to deliver this, whatever it was to Kagome-san.
Ryu couldn't hear his pursuers anymore and he slowed down. He dropped down to his knees as he tried to breathe. The wound on his ribs was weeping blood. Ryu couldn't bring himself to stand. All he wanted to do was sleep. Ryu fell forward into the dirt and he closed his eyes.
Get up.
Ryu eyes opened slowly to see a woman standing in front of him. She held her hand out to him for him to grab it. She was smiling down at him.
Take it. I will lead you to safety.
Ryu reached up to grab her hand and everything became a blur. He felt himself moving but he could not see where. Then he heard a voice, calling to him, screaming to him. His eyes opened to see golden eyes staring down at him.
"RYU!" Inuamaya yelled at Ryu. She shook him trying to get him to wake up. He had lost so much blood. What happened to him? Why was he out here on his own in the dark? It wasn't safe. He needed to wake up. If he didn't wake up now, he probably never would. When his eyes opened, Inuamaya sighed inwardly with relief.
"Ryu what are you doing here? What happened to you?" Inuamaya questioned.
"Must give this…to Kagome-san," Ryu managed to say as he pushed the wrapped bundled into Inuamaya's hand before slipping back into unconsciousness.
"What is it?" Akane asked.
"I don't know. We can't worry about that now. We have to get him to safety before any demons smell him," Inuamaya replied.
"Too late,"
Akane and Akemi jumped in fright at the voice. They ran to hide behind Inuamaya who was now turning away from Ryu to stare at the woman before them. Inuamaya had seen this woman before in passing in the village. She never spoke to her and never got that close to her but she always felt like something was off about her. "Who are you?" Inuamaya asked.
"Lady Hikari," Akane and Akemi said in unison. They knew of her. She had always beckoned to them when they were done playing and heading home. Both had believed she was a ghost or maybe a figment of their imagination because they never saw her during the day always at night. Obviously she was real.
"Correct. You were very wise to stay away from me all those times before," Lady Hikari said while petting her snake youkai. "You fell right into my trap."
She snapped her fingers and the clearing dissolved around them revealing the regular forest. It had all been a well displayed trap. She hadn't expected the boy to escape her but he worked right into her favor. How would she have known that he would have led her right to Inuyasha's family. What was even better was that he even lured out Inuyasha's daughter. Her day was getting better and better. She didn't need Inuyasha nor Sesshomaru now.
"What do you want?" Inuamaya asked bravely.
"Your soul to be exact. I have come to collect a debt that your father's family has been been avoiding expertly for centuries. Now there is nowhere left to run," Lady Hikari replied.
An arrow whizzed past Lady Hikari's head barely missing embedding into her skull before finding itself implanted in the hollow tree. Lady Hikari turned around angrily to see Kaede standing with her bow and arrow. Lady Hikari scoffed. It was the old dying woman. She was almost afraid that it was that miko whore. It was laughable seeing the old woman ready another arrow.
"Ye leave these children alone," Kaede said. Something had roused her from her sleep and she immediately realized that the children were gone. Kaede did not have time to warn the others as she raced off to retrieve the children. She didn't expect to see that woman nor the snake youkai. The evil woman was not human like she had feared.
"I don't think so. I am still a little hungry. I think the four of them will fill me up nicely," Lady Hikari stated with a laugh.
Put the necklace on. Put it on. Put it on.
"Ye will not harm them," Kaede said.
"As if you could stop me," Lady Hikari stated. When Kaede let loose another arrow, Lady Hikari moved. She threw dagger that hit Kaede in the chest with a sickening thud. The arrow hit its mark which was Lady Hikari's shoulder. She casually pulled the arrow out before smirking at the old woman crumbling to the ground. "You should not try to play with the youth, old lady."
"KAEDE-SAMA!" Akane and Akemi exclaimed as they rushed to Kaede's side. Inuamaya stared in horror as she watched Kaede drop to the ground. This was all her fault. If she had never left, this wouldn't have happened. A sharp pain went through her head and she cried out.
Put it on. Put it on.
The voice in Inuamaya's head returned louder than before, screaming for her to put the necklace on. Inuamaya looked down at the bundle in her hand. She removed the cloth revealing a necklace. Her hands shook as she touched it. The voice in her head was drowning out all other noise. Inuamaya put the necklace on as Lady Hikari rushed towards her and everything went black.
Author's Note: CLIFFHANGER! I hope you all enjoyed. I decided that this chapter would be a long one since I have been M.I.A. for awhile. Thank you all for reviewing. Please review and stay tuned for the next chapter of Regaining Time Lost.