Times of Change

Disclaimer:  Inuyasha and all of its characters don't belong to me.  Neither does Kurama (he's from the cast of Yu Yu Hakusho).  I do claim all original characters though, even the bad ones.  Well that about wraps it up, let me know what you think at the end!

Learian Words and their translated/loosely translated meanings:

Kreelie- idiot

Tione- sister

Tionto- brother

Eliree- lover

Lireeh-tionto- Heart-brother

Lireeh-tione- Heart-sister

Lonii- Son

Lanii- Daughter

Ceriee- Mother

Cireen- Father

Chapter 13:  Gaining a Family

            Ghost in the woods could mean a lot of things.  But at night it was usually a term for people who were either thieves, assassins, or spies.  Technically, Destiny was all of these as she'd been forced to receive the training, and other types as well, but this night she was the spy as she scouted around for what could have slaughtered the horse youkai so cruelly.  She stopped as she came upon a lake and looked at the moon's reflection pensively.  Cruelty, all knew what it meant but unless one ever felt its lash they could never understand the hatred it could breed.  She and Shadow had once suffered so much that they hated even themselves, although they could not hate one another, perhaps that was what saved their souls from darkness in the end.  They'd been forced to think as adults shortly after they turned four if they wanted to live and for nine long years they fought to stay alive yet prayed for death at the same time.  Even after they'd been brought back to their guardians when they were thirteen they still could not be the children they should have been.  Their childhood was lost forever but they'd learned to laugh again and to love life and all it's joys and sorrows.

            Destiny shook her head lightly and silently undid the tie on her cloak and it fell to the ground.  With a small smile she headed towards the lake and used her powers to keep herself on top of the water.  She needed to get a sense of the area around her, perhaps that would provide a few clues.  When she was at the very center of the lake she stopped and gracefully raised her hands toward the star filled sky and she allowed her body to change.  Suddenly, brilliant silver white wings sprang from her back and through shirt slits that had previously been hidden by the cloak; her wings continued to grow in length until they were a little past being twice as long as her body length.  This was Destiny's truest and most powerful form, but it was also the one that she was the most uncomfortable with.  She changed in this form, became more enticing and beautiful on the outside yet stayed the same on the inside.  Also, her power was more obvious and she could feel it radiating from her.

            "First things first."  Destiny said aloud and very carefully probed the campsite and the area surrounding it as she checked on her companions.  A frown made its way to Destiny's face as she checked over the campsite once again; someone was missing…  Just then she felt an all too familiar presence behind her.  Ah little one.  She thought with a sigh and turned around to see Shippo staring at her.

            "Are you an angel?"  He asked in awe.

            She laughed softly and shook her head and began to walk towards him.  "Not hardly, little one."  She answered affectionately and picked him up in her arms.  "Now then, why aren't you asleep?"  She asked and smiled at him.

            "This is the night my parents died."  He answered quietly.

            "I'm sorry littling."  She said sympathetically and rubbed her cheek against his while rubbing the back of his neck with her hand.

            "It's okay.  I just feel lonely on this night."  He replied, content to stay in the warmth and safety of her arms.  Destiny reminded him of his mother, calm but playful, strong but kind.  Heck she was even going to marry a kitsune!  "You're an orphan too right?"

            "Hmm…  I never thought about that but yes, I am."

            "Do you ever miss your parents?"  He asked her.

            "Oh Shippo."  She said softly and began to bring her wings into her back.  Once that was done she sat down on the grass so that she could still hold Shippo and be comfortable.  "I don't really remember my parents.  True, I have my mother's memories and from I have some memories of my father but they aren't mine."  She stroked his hair softly and gazed out over the lake.  "I think of my parents fondly, especially my mother, but growing up I never thought of them.  Other things seemed to be more important at the time."  She answered carefully.

            "Do you think I should just forget about mine?"  He asked quietly and looked up at her.

            "No."  She replied and looked down to meet his gaze.  "Hold those memories in your heart.  Remember all of the good things and how much you loved your parents and they'll be with you for forever."

            "But they're dead."  He said and looked down in sorrow.

            "Do you know what immortality means?"  She asked and tilted his head up so that he was looking into her eyes.

            "It means that you don't die, that you live on and on and no one can kill you."  He answered.

            Destiny smiled and nodded at him.  "Men and youkai alike have always sought after immortality, usually those who searched were bad and corrupt in their hearts.  But a few who were, good and kind to their people, found true immortality."

            "What do you mean?"  He asked; he could sense that she was telling him something but he couldn't quite grasp it.

            "No one can live forever, although some will always believe so."

            "Like Naraku?"  He interrupted.

            "Yes, like Naraku."  She replied and mussed his hair playfully.  "But true immortality doesn't mean that you live forever, it's being remembered by those you've left behind.  And as long as you remember your parents they'll live forever, in your heart."  She said and he jumped up and threw his arms around hr neck and hugged her tightly as a few tears leaked out of his eyes.  Destiny stroked his hair soothingly and began to softly sing a calming lullaby.  And Shippo cried for his lost family, one he would never forget, but he would also have to move on.  Through it all Destiny held him while she sang, weaving a spell of security and warmth around the young kitsune. 

When he was calm again Destiny used her sleeves to wipe his tears away and smiled gently at him.  "Feel better now?"  She asked and he nodded.

"Can I ask you something?"  He questioned softly and looked up at her.

"Of course."

"Will you be my mother?"  He asked and succeeded in surprising her completely.  For a moment she was too stunned to even think and very nearly said yes but then her brain kicked in and brought up a few annoying questions.  What are you going to do when you leave Destiny?  Take him with you away from everything he's ever know?  But as she looked into his trusting eyes Destiny knew that she had lost, she could not tell him no, but she could warn him that she wouldn't be here for long.

"Shippo, we won't be here long.  I don't know if you'd want a ceriee for such a short time."

"You mean that you don't want to be my mother?"  He asked and his whole body seemed to drop.

"No little one, I would be honored."  She corrected with a smile, although she had a feeling the little kitsune had manipulated her a bit.

"What's a ceriee?"  He asked curiously.

"It means mother in my language.  Cireen is father."  She told him.        

"Why would I need to know Cireen?"  He asked.

Destiny smiled and ruffled his hair.  "I do have a mate you know."  She teased.

"Do you think Kurama will want me?"  He asked. 

Destiny smiled and stood up with him in her arms.  "Let's go ask him shall we?"

"Umm…"

            A very short trip later they were back at the camp.  Everyone was pretty much asleep except for her and Shippo.  Destiny silently made her way over to where Kurama was sleeping near a tree a short distance away from the others and knelt down beside him.  "Kurama."  She said softly and placed her hand on his shoulder.  He turned over immediately and took instant notice of the kitsune cub in her arms and the worried look on her face.

            "What's wrong, eliree?"  He asked.

            Destiny smiled slightly and replied in Learian, "how would you like to become a father?"

            "What?"  He responded in her language.  There was no way she could mean what he thought she meant, plus she couldn't be pregnant.  "Whose?"

            "Shippo's."  She answered and he visibly relaxed and sat up a bit so he could lean back comfortably against the tree.  Then he took his sweet slow time studying Destiny and the little kitsune.  He couldn't say that he was really surprised by her request.  Destiny had the oddest habit of picking up all sorts of people and adopting them; however, this was the first that she'd ever claimed a child as her own.  He looked at Shippo then and saw a mixture of hop, anxiety, and fear before turning his gaze back on Destiny.

            "Stop looking at me like that.  You know I can't tell you no anyway."  He grumbled, no longer using Learian and held out his hand invitingly.  Destiny smiled as she layed down beside him and used his shoulder for a pillow after she placed Shippo on Kurama's chest.  At first the kitsune seemed a bit afraid of the older, silver colored kitsune but relaxed when Kurama placed his hand on his hand briefly and then nudged him gently towards Destiny so that he could sleep on top of him and next to her.  When his new-formed family was settled Kurama pulled his blanket up and covered all of them.  Shad, who was sleeping a foot away from Kurama on his other side looked up for a moment and then settled back down to sleep.  So he now had a nephew, tomorrow was going to be interesting indeed.

            When Shippo woke the next morning it was to the sound of four masculine voices discussing what was to be done when they reached the village.  A moment later he realized that they were moving and that Kurama was carrying him.  After a moment he sat up a bit and the silver kitsune, his new father, looked down at him.  Although he didn't smile his eyes fairly gleamed with good humor at Shippo.  "Good morning lonii."  He said drawing everyone else's attention.

            "What does lonii mean?"  Miroku asked curiously.

            Son.  Shad answered before Kurama could.  Kurama, when Silvon arrives don't tell him that Shippo is your adopted son.  Let the old man freak out a bit.  He added and his mischievous laughter rang through all of their minds.

            "Idiot."  Kurama said and shook his head in exasperation.

            "You mean Shippo's your son now?"  Kagome asked with a smile on her face.

            "Yes."

            "That's perfect!  Especially since both of you are kitsunes!" 

            "Who is Silvon?"  Shippo interrupted.

            "My future father-in-law."  Kurama answered with a bit of a scowl.

            No worries though.  He's really just a big push…  Hey Destiny, what the hell is that?  After that Shad completely cut off communicating with them and Kurama could hear him racing through the woods to get to her.

            "What was that all about?"  Inuyasha asked.

            "Wait a moment and we'll find out."  He answered.  Sure enough, Shad reopened his min-link to all of them and they could all hear him again.

            Hey Kurama, they've got some really big, ugly, and weird looking insects here.  He said in a bit of an annoyed tone and this time Destiny's laughter could be heard over the mind-link.

            Poor baby, you'll live.  She teased and then directed her attention towards the others.  You'll be hitting the village in about ten minutes.  Shad and I are almost back to all of you.  And five minutes later they did, arguing, but they did come.

            "Momma?"  Shippo asked curiously and the others stopped as well when they saw how heatedly the two were arguing in what they guessed was their natural language.

            "Try ceriee."  Kurama suggested quietly when neither Shad nor Destiny responded to the soft call.

            "Ceriee?"  He called this time and received an automatic response when Destiny and Shad both hushed and she turned to smile at him.

            "Good morning Shippo."  She said while walking over to them and Shippo playfully leaped into her arms .

            "Must you two argue about everything?"  Kurama asked her and pulled a lock of her hair gently to get her attention.

            Destiny grinned and exchanged an impish look with her heart-brother before answering, "yes." 

            "You two are weird, you know that?"  Inuyasha asked in annoyance.

            I am not weird.  Shad stated.  I'm perfect.  Destiny on the other hand…  He drawled off.

            "Your delusional is what you are."  Kagome teased and he looked at her in mock hurt.

            Kagome!  You have shattered my very heart and pride with those words!  I think I may die from such feelings of loss!  He cried dramatically. 

            "We're wasting time."  Sesshoumaru interrupted them.

            "Cheer up Sess.  We'll get there soon enough."  Destiny said and placed Shippo back on the ground and swung her pack around and pulled out a cloak and a set of clothes.  The clothes she tossed to Shad, who in turn caught them in his teeth and turned to disappear into the forest.  Destiny had quickly braided her hair and wrapped it around her head and used a few pins to keep it there.

            "That was fast."  Sango said in surprise.

            "I've had a lot of practice since a few overbearing males refuse to let me cut my hair."  Destiny said and glared over in Shad's general direction as she put on her cloak.

            "You know you love me."  Shad said as he came back out of the woods, just now slipping his shirt on.  Hearing a gasp from Sango he looked up and saw both her and Kagome blushing.  He frowned slightly and took his shirt off and looked down at his chest, arms, and then turned his head and tried to look at his back.  "Hey Kurama is there something wrong with my torso or something?"  He asked and slipped his shirt on again and began buttoning it.

            "They're not used to men being so immodest."  Kurama answered in a bored tone.

            "Ugh, say no more."  Shad pleaded and shook his head.  Miroku studied Shad curiously; he and Destiny both often seemed to forget that there was such a thing as modesty until reminded and both seemed a bit exasperated by the idea.  Interesting…

            It was disturbing to say the least about the village.  The huts were all made from a dark wood that gave the whole place a dark foreboding look.  "Such an inviting place wouldn't you say?"  Miroku asked.

            "Not likely."  Inuyasha answered and unconsciously gripped Tetsusaiga's hilt.

            "I agree with Inuyasha."  Shad stated, just as uneasy about this place as the rest of them.  Even the people here dressed in dark clothes somber clothing.  Their faces, seemed so blank and lifeless; almost as though something were steal their very life forces.  Not a pleasant thought at all…

            As they entered the village they split into two groups, one consisting of the girls and the other guys.  Before they parted though Destiny hugged Shippo and kissed him on his forehead before giving him over to Shad.  "Be good you two."  She said and received two innocent grins in return.  She looked over at Kagome then and could tell that the girl wanted to tell Inuyasha goodbye but was embarrassed to do so in front of her friends.  Destiny grinned as she sort of sashayed up to Kurama and wrapped her arms around his neck.

            "What did I tell you about starting what you can't finish?"  He asked but still placed his hands on her waist and pulled her a little closer.  Kagome and Inuyasha both stared at them for a moment and then looked away in embarrassment.  Their eyes caught one another's then and they moved to the other and talked quietly for a moment before saying their "see you later's."  However, both of them heard Destiny's sassy reply, as did the others in their group.

            "That I can do so whenever I want as long as I finish it in five years."

            "Try again."

            "Why should I when I'd rather have you kiss me?"  She answered and be obliged her quite willingly.

            "Those two are so cute."  Kagome whispered to Inuyasha and muffled a giggle with her hand.

            "Almost as much as you are."  Inuyasha said quietly and when Kagome tilted her head up to look at him he very gently pulled her to him and kissed her.

            Off to the side Miroku and taken hold of Sango's hand and was stroking it softly with his hand.  "Ah Sango, such romance in the air makes me think of-"

            "Oh no you don't."  Shad stated and pulled Miroku from Sango and pushed him over to where Sesshoumaru was waiting impatiently, although a bit of amusement could be seen on his face as the Learian turned his attention of the other two couples.  "Destiny, Kurama, break it up before I get sick from being exposed to the two of you all the time."  He said and then he looked at Kagome and Inuyasha with a wicked glint in his eye.  "Inuyasha, Kagome, carry on at your pace."  He said, startling the two enough that they jumped away from each other, blushing hotly.

            "Shad!"  Destiny scolded but her eyes danced with suppressed laughter and Kurama had a satisfied smirk on his face.

            "I know, I know."  He said impatiently and kissed her quickly on the forehead, pushed her towards Sango, and then grabbed Kurama and Inuyasha before they started anything else up.  Ugh!  Who knew matchmaking could be so boring to watch?

Shad - You know, you really shouldn't write anything when you're sick.

S.D. – Who asked you hairball?

Shad – Oh that was just a bit of free advice.

S.D. – Yeah, sure.  Anyway, I hope this chapter isn't too disappointing, like fuzz ball said I'm sorta kinda sick.  I would have posted this yesterday but I lost this chapter and the next one when the power shut off and had to retype the whole thing.

Shad – I resent that fuzz ball remark.

S.D. – You'll live, now be a good wolfie and thank the nice reviewers.

Shad - *growls and glares at S.D.*  Let's start with Artemis, we're still taking bets on whether or not Sess and Inuyasha are ever going to become true brothers.  So far the ratio of bets is about 4-5 but hey!  You never know!  As for Inuyasha being insulting, there's actually nothing really wrong with that as long as it's being done in a teasing manner to those you care about or in a serious manner to those you don't like.  *looks over at S.D. who raises an eyebrow*  Okay Dest!  You're turn!

Destiny – Next is Twin Star of Suzaku, you know it's really funny about how you commented on us making great parents and how we ended up adopting Shippo..

Shad – You do know that Silvon is going to go haywire?

Destiny – We'll worry about that later, oh yeah you're also her favorite character.  *smiles*

Shad – Well I did tell you I was perfect.

S.D – And here we go with the ego again.

Shad – You're just jealous.

S.D. – Of what?  Not having dog breath?  I don't think so.

Destiny – Umm…  Next is niasdreams.  Wow, you reviewed quite a few times, very cool. 

Shad – She thinks I'm awesome!

Destiny – Shadow!  Wait a moment.

Shad - But!

S.D. – What Destiny was trying to say is thank you for all of the compliments that you've given and I'm glad that you like this fic so much even though it has other characters besides the original Inuyasha cast.

Shad – Hey!  Slice reviewed again!  Thanks and don't worry, we'll make S.D. write more soon.  Next is crystal-chan, hmm…  I'll take the steaks and chicken but leave you the pork chops. *smirks at S.D.*  See someone loves me!

S.D. – And next is AzureDragoness, I'm glad you're enjoying reading this story and I hope you'll continue to do so and leave lots of reviews.  *grins*  I'll be sure to keep writing, I wouldn't want another dragon mad with me (Silvon is going to be more than enough!)

Kurama – Demonblade, Thanks for keeping up with S.D. and approving off the "Inuyasha learning" methods.

S.D. – Last but not least is Fire.  I'm glad you're enjoying this fic so much.  I love having new reviewers.  As for Destiny and Kurama not being able to get married, hmm…  I guess I better explain that better eh?  As for putting myself in one of my stories…  *shakes head*  That'd be weird writing about myself and as for Shad and I in the romance department-

Shad – No how!  Now way!

S.D. – My sentiments exactly fuzz ball.  But back to the point; since Shad's true form is that of a wolf he can't bond with a human as he could never mate with one.  *grins over at Shad*  Coming up with a romantic interest for him should be fun.  If anyone has any ideas let me know.

Destiny – Well that covers it.  Please remember to leave a review and according to S.D., the next chapter is going to be very interesting (we won't get to know what it's about though till it's over).

~ A/N – The above is just me being silly but thanking the reviewers at the same time.  If this bothers anyone then let me know and I'll switch back to what I had been doing.  As always read and review!  Oh yeah, the title for the next chapter is Entering the Darkness, hmm… I wonder…~