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 17:  Anger of Betrayal

            They left the village that very same day, right after Kagome and Inuyasha returned.  In the beginning, both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were uncomfortable with the thought of traveling with two dragons; after all one had killed their father, but the two seemed so unthreatening that they soon began to relax.  Destiny and Kurama exchanged knowing glances while she and Shad managed to keep up a light-hearted conversation that included everyone.

            So where are we going now?  Shad asked.

            "Back to Kaede's village."  Kagome answered.

            Oh…  Why?  I thought we were supposed to be uh, shard hunting?  He replied.

            "Are you eager to continue on with the quest Shad?"  Miroku asked.

            Shad chuckled lightly and shook his head.  I am impatient Miroku.  I have never like long missions, too many things can go wrong.

            "Why would you say that Shadow?"  Silvon asked.

            Kurama, Shad, and Destiny all glanced at each other briefly and stopped walking.  Unlike the others they were well aware that while Destiny and Shad were on a mission the Dragon Clan never interfered unless they were fighting or if something really important came up and they needed to know.  "Heart-father, what is going on?  It's not that we're not happy to see you, but why are you here?"  Destiny asked bluntly.

            Coliath and Silvon looked on one another and the younger one looked at his king and said, "It's not my fault they're smart enough to see through you."

            Silvon sighed and shook his head.  "Everyone might as well get comfortable.  This is probably going to take awhile to explain."

            The three frowned at this but waited until everyone was settled down before seating themselves on the ground.  Kagome and Inuyasha were sitting beside each other just as Miroku and Sango were.  Kurama had pulled Destiny into his lap and held her in his embrace while she held Shippo in her arms.  Shad sat to the right of them and Sesshoumaru to the left.  The two dragons sat across from them, waiting patiently.

            Silvon wanted to sigh again but didn't.  He should have realized that his heart-children would have sensed that something was wrong.  In truth, he was actually surprised that they had waited until they'd all left the village before asking questions.  Still, he wanted to protect them from all the sorrow that they would have to face and was angry that he could not.  According to the ancient prophecy that his Clan had guarded for centuries, Destiny and Shad were the last Guardians, the last full-blooded Learians the universe would ever see.  Forever claimed by fate, and bound by the prophecy that had decreed their birth.  But… they had accepted their fate and the duties that went along with it, and as long as Silvon lived he would ensure the Dragon Clan's support for the two young Learians and their mates.

            "Father?"  Destiny called softly, snapping him away from his thoughts.

            "Oh, yes.  My apologies young ones."  He said a bit absently before directing his full attention to them.  "I'm sure that you are fully aware that no one should be able to summon you unless their family has a oath from one of you previous ancestors or you yourselves."

            Yes of course.  Shad murmured.

            "But the mortal that summoned us here had no such oaths."  Destiny stated.

            We would have known him if he had.  The mortal summoned us with a scroll that was made to bind us to him and serve as his minions or something.  He smirked arrogantly then and tossed his head a bit.  That might not have been so bad if the scroll hadn't been so corny.  I was quite insulted.  He added, causing grins to appear on all their faces.  Well, all but Silvon and Coliath anyway.

            "This is serious Shadow.  We… we have a traitor in our midst."

            "What!"

            What!  They exclaimed as one.  They knew there had been a traitor somewhere, but for Silvon to tell them such could only mean one thing.  It was someone they trusted indefinitely, a member of the Dragon Clan.

            "Do you know who it is?"  Destiny demanded and Kurama could feel her entire body tense.

            "Not yet."  Coliath answered and leaned forward a bit to look both her and Shadow in the eye.  "You two must be cautious and on your guard.  Protect those with you with utmost care, I can almost guarantee that the one who hunts you will try to use them, and most importantly, always watch your back."  He warned seriously.

            "That's what I'm for."  Kurama said icily, he was anything but happy with Silvon's news.  The Dragon Clan was both powerful and intelligent, and the fact that one had turned against their own adopted children made him want to snarl in anger, but he didn't.

            Do they want us dead or as slaves?  Shadow asked, his voice completely devoid of any emotion.

            "We believe dead."  Silvon answered.

            Well at least that's a switch.  He said sarcastically.

            "Wait a minute.  Why does everyone want Destiny and Shad so bad?"  Inuyasha wanted to know.

            "You didn't tell them?"  Silvon asked his heart-children sharply.

            The 'prophecy' is a blah point in our lives Father.  It doesn't particularly matter to us, so no.  We did not explain or tell any of it.

            "How can you say such disrespectful things?!"  Silvon growled.  "Twas that very prophecy which decreed and decided your birth!"

            Funny.  I thought that was left up to my parents.  He retorted angrily.

            "What prophecy?"  Sango cut in and Silvon's attention shifted gratefully to her.

            "It is written upon an ancient tablet that when the blood of the Learians is dwindling and the Forgotten Guardians begin to fade from memory, then two will be born as the last pure blooded Learians.  Also, are they to be the last of the Forgotten Guardians, born with a beauty that will enthrall all races, voices to make the angels weep, and power of such magnitude that none would be able to withstand them.  Yet, never will they truly be free.  Forever bound to fate's bidding will they be; destined to help those in need, they will stand for justice and truth."

            "Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder so you can exclude the beauty part."  Destiny commented.

            And make a note that what you heard was just a part of the so called 'prophecy' the rest contains warnings and foreshadowing's that makes less sense than someone speaking gibberish.

            "Shadow!  How can you be so callous of your birthright?"  Coliath demanded hotly.

            But now both Destiny and Shadow were getting riled up.  Neither of them believed that a prophecy would dictate the rest of their lives, each person was in charge of their own life and their own actions.  Just because someone had known they would be born did not mean that their future was written in stone.

            "You have been given everything anyone could ever want!  Power beyond imagination and-"  Coliath continued to rail but Shadow interrupted him.

            BUT AT WHAT PRICE?!  He raged while leaping to his feet, his voice ringing through their minds.  Our childhood?  Our freedom?  He continued and his emerald eyes began to glow with an unnatural light.  I have been a slave once Coliath.  Never again!  Never will we be chained as such again!  Be those chains made of steel or stone words they will never bind us again!

            Everyone was watching Shadow now.  Never had anyone, with the exception of Destiny, seen him so terribly angry.  In truth, he looked terrifying but he wasn't angry because of what Coliath and Silvon were saying about the prophecy.  He'd heard that from them for what seemed like forever and could ignore it quite easily; no, it was the fact that their new family was in danger that caused his anger.  And the fact that one of the Clan would hate them so much tore at his soul, and though it shamed him, he lashed out.

            "Enough."  Destiny said softly but clearly and stood up from Kurama's embrace and handed Shippo to him before she went to her heart-brother.  She understood his anger and placed her hand on his back to let him know silently that she was there.  "Father, please.  Give us time to come to grips with what you've told us."

            "You're asking me to leave heart-daughter?"  Asked the Dragon King softly.

            "For now milord."

            "As you wish then daughter."  He answered regretfully as he and Coliath began to glow.  "I love you both…"  He called out just before they disappeared.

            For one long moment all was silent and then Inuyasha demanded quite loudly, "What the hell is going on?!"

            And for absolutely no reason at all, his outburst made Shadow feel much better and the glow faded from his eyes.  However, now that he was paying attention he could sense that he had made Shippo, Kagome, and Sango afraid of him.  Even Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were watching him warily.

            Destiny?  He asked privately, silently asking for her to explain.

            She nodded and looked over at Inuyasha and smiled wryly.  "It's alright Inuyasha.  Silvon and Coliath were just delivering a bit of information to help us in your quest."  She said soothingly.

            "Right.  And why did he suddenly go ballistic?"  He asked carefully, not wanting to insult the Learian and have his temper to deal with.

            Destiny sighed and looked away for a moment and when she looked back at them her eyes held a sorrowful look about them.  "Betrayal is hard for us to deal with Inuyasha.  Centuries ago we destroyed our world and our people to save other lives.  The Dragon Clan were the ones who came to our aide then and helped us make it through such a painful time.  Ever since they've had our absolute trust and loyalty and now… now we must be suspicious of those who first treated us as members of a family.  But more importantly is the threat that was made against all of you."  She stopped for a moment to let her words seep in and looked all of them in the eye.  "We are fiercely protective of those we claim as family, and I think all of you have heard us call you either sibs, brother, sister, or son."  She said this last bit to Shippo and smiled at him before returning her gaze to the adults.  "Don't for a moment believe we take that lightly.  Blood tie or not, to us you all are a part of our family.  To threaten one of you is to threaten us."

            "Why?"  Sesshoumaru asked.

            "Why what, Sess?"  Destiny asked.

            "Why do you care what happens to any of us?  Why should family ties matter?"

            "Because that is what family is Sesshoumaru.  They're the ones who'll always be there to catch you when you fall, help you when you need it, and aide you when you have battles to fight."  She answered and held her hands out to Shippo.  Immediately he jumped into her arms and snuggled against her.  "Even this little one knows that."  She said and rubbed Shippo's back tenderly.  "Shouldn't we be going?"  She asked and smiled at all of them.

            Later on, when afternoon rolled around the group of travelers was much quieter.  Destiny was asleep in Kurama's arms and the silver kitsune appeared to be lost in his own thoughts, as did everyone else.  Inuyasha was still going over what Destiny had said earlier about all of them being a family and what family meant.  He and Sesshoumaru were brothers, by blood, and yet they'd always fought.  Why?  Inuyasha wondered to himself.

            He couldn't remember why they'd become enemies.  They hadn't always been… when he'd been a child he would often follow after his older brother when he got the chance.  I think it all began with the Tetsusaiga, after all, it is the sword that can kill a hundred youkai with one swipe but… why would Sesshoumaru need such a sword?  He does fine on his own…

*~*~*~*~*~*  Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

            "I do not hate you."  Sesshoumaru said.

            "Then why have you tried to kill me so many times for the Tetsusaiga?"  Inuyasha asked pointedly.

            "To challenge you so that you would not grow weak; I cannot have a little brother who would not live up to the great name of our father."

*~*~*~*~*~* End Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

            Maybe they could actually learn to be brothers.  They hadn't fought at all after the initial merging of the two groups.  Inuyasha looked out of the corner of his eye at Destiny and Shad and frowned.  It was because of those two that he was thinking such thoughts.  Still, he'd rather fight with Sesshoumaru as opposed to fighting against him.  Unless he was just bored of course.

            "Penny for your thoughts?"  Kagome teased.

            "What's a penny?"  He asked her curiously.

            "Oh I forgot that you wouldn't know.  It's a type of money back in my time."  She explained.

            "Ah."  He said and almost smiled at the perplexed look that flitted across her face.  He slowed his pace a bit and waited until the others were ahead and stopped Kagome by placing a hand on her shoulder.  "I was just thinking about a few things."  He explained and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip.

            Come on pup!  Wait till later!  Shad said privately to him, his mind voice teasing.

            Inuyasha seriously considered ignoring the Learian but in the end he did as he was bidden.  Mostly anyway, he wrapped his arm around Kagome's waist and kept it there.  He liked having Kagome by his side, her scent and presence were very soothing.

            Almost an hour later Shad was calling to Sesshoumaru to find a place to make camp.

            "So soon?"  He asked, puzzled.

            Yes.  I got little sleep last night and I'm tired.  Shad answered and looked right at the youkai while he told the outrageous lie.

            Why would he… of course!  The humans.  Sesshoumaru realized that Shad was watching out for the humans in their group.  Now that he was paying attention as well, he could see that they were all tired.

            "A good idea."  Kurama added after glancing at Sango and Miroku.  And that was that.  Five minutes later Kurama and Shad were setting up camp.  In another five Sango and Miroku had each crawled into their blankets and were fast asleep.  Kagome wasn't far behind them and Shippo cuddled up with her that night.

            And all the littlings are getting some well-deserved rest.  The bad side, I'm hungry. 

            "No you're not."  Kurama said and carefully lifted Destiny into his arms.

            You're right but I have to complain about something.  He replied and laid down, it was but six in the evening and he was used to eating at night, shortly after Destiny woke.

            "Who do you think betrayed you?"  Inuyasha asked after a moment. 

            Shad sighed and shook his head.  I do not know.  I never in a million lifetimes would have guessed that one of the Dragon Clan would seek our deaths.  I only hope that the traitor acted alone, or that Silvon's information is wrong.

            "But why would they turn?"  Kurama murmured, more to himself than to the others.

            "This makes no sense."  Inuyasha grumbled.

            I agree with you pup but such is our fate I guess.

            "I thought you didn't believe in that."  Sesshoumaru pointed out.

            Oh I believe that fate has a plan for all of us.  I don't believe that every action we do is because someone decided that's what we'd do.  Shad answered and grinned at the two inu-youkai.  But then you know this as well don't you Sesshoumaru?  After all, you probably believed that it was your mission in life to be alone but what now?  Do you still desire the loneliness of the wind to the laughter of your comrades?  Do you still wish that you were fighting your brother?

            "No."  Answered the youkai a bit coolly but truthfully.

            Shad nodded his approval and looked over at Kurama.  Don't forget Destiny's birthday.  He warned and settled down to take a nap, whatever happened next would be done without him.

            "He likes to ask questions and give half answers doesn't he?"  Sesshoumaru asked.

            "Unfortunately yes.  But it would be hard to find a truer friend."

            For a moment they were all silent and Inuyasha looked up at the sky.  "So what do you think we should do now?"  He asked.

            "Isn't it time to let your Clan know that you are brothers once again?"  Kurama asked Sesshoumaru.

            "Inu-youkai do not have Clans, we are packs."  Sesshoumaru corrected absently as he turned the thought over in his mind.

            "Wait a minute!  What are you saying?"  Inuyasha demanded.

            "I'm telling you what I think you should do now.  Let it be known that you and Sesshoumaru now see yourselves as family and resume your place in your pack."  Kurama answered.

            "But… are we brothers?"  Inuyasha asked quietly, seriously, and looked over to Sesshoumaru.

            Sesshoumaru heard all of the unasked questions and the unsaid hope in those four words.  Was he ready?  Was Inuyasha ready?  Could they finally put aside their differences and move on?  Yes.  They could.  He decided and his eyes locked with Inuyasha's as he answered, "Yes."

            Inuyasha nodded gruffly to his brother in acknowledgement and then he looked away.

            Kurama hid his smile and settled more comfortably against the tree he'd been leaning on.  Well-done pups.  He praised silently.  They were learning, and the next steps they took would be their own.

            Far away, a figure looked into a mirror and smiled evilly into the image he saw.  What he saw was power; power and glory that would soon be his.  As a laugh escaped his throat the minions around him looked up fearfully as they heard their master's laugh.

            "Ku ku ku ku ku ku…"

Shad – I don't like the way you're going with this.

S.D. - *leans back and stretches*  And why's that?

Shad - Sesshoumaru is the Lord of the Western Lands, that means snobby social meetings doesn't it.

S.D. – Aren't you the bright one?  *smiles evilly*

Shad - No way!  I refuse to play the 'royal prince'!

S.D. – Well if you can't handle it…

Shad - What!

S.D. – You heard me.  If you can't handle it I could always set you up on a date of some kind and get you off the hook.

Shad – *scowls*  That's like jumping out of the pot and into the fire.

S.D. – Each to their own fuzz ball.  Now for the reasons why it has taken me forever to update.  Well to make it short, sweet, and simple I had to replace the hard drive on my computer (this chick was not happy when I heard that) so I'm having to rewrite a lot of things that I lost.  *sighs*  Don't worry, I'll be updating regularly again.

Shad - Told you to save things to disks.

S.D. – Oh be quiet.

Shad - Touchy aren't we?  Now for my favorite part!  Thanking the reviewers!  Twin Star of Suzaku, I'm still you're favorite?  Good for me!  I'm cool!  smirks  I'm glad that you like mine and Destiny's heart-father (he's a lot of fun to play pranks on too!).

S.D. – You're such an egomaniac.  Next is Felix the Phoenix, I'm glad that you like my story so much!  As for Shad getting a "friend"…  *smiles wickedly and looks over at the wolf*  I can't think of anyone who'd put up with him.

Shad - Ha ha.  You're not funny.

S.D. – Truth hurts doesn't it?

Shad - Nope.  *grins*  Next up is Ash-chan, I remind you of your brother?  Hey!  Someone has a personality like me!  Ha!  Take that S.D.!  Wait a minute, you think Shippo is cuter than me?

S.D. – *laughing*  Aww…  Poor baby.  He's having to suffer a blow to the ego.  (Finally)  Umm, next is AzureDagoness.  I'm an authoress, which is probably why fuzz ball and I argue so much but anyway…  It seems like everyone is wanting Shad to have a love interest.  *looks over at the scowling wolf*  I don't know what's going to happen in that department but we'll just have to see what comes along.  But don't worry, he won't be alone forever!  Thanks for reviewing!

Shad - Hey!  I don't want to date yet!

S.D. – Oh hush.  I told you what happens, happens.  For now you don't have to worry.  Next on the list is Tori.  I'm glad you like my story so much!  I'm not going to ask what parts make you laugh since my friends usually do that when they come over to read what I've written.  (Poor babies, they hate reading things off the computer screen).  As for Shad being hilarious…  Well he is kinda funny looking…

Shad - Hey!

S.D. – Hi.

Shad – *growls*  I hate it when you do that.  Aisuru, hey it doesn't matter if you're married you can still have me!

S.D. - *hits him upside the head*

Shad – Okay maybe not since that goes against ethics.  Oh well…  But hey!  I'm still the best!  Thanks for reviewing!

S.D. – Next is The Twilight Rose, don't worry I'm going to finish this fic.  As for turning this into a lemon or not…  Well, I'm not planning on it.  I see what you mean when you say that some fics can become a little messed up after a lemon's been inserted into it but don't worry.  I'm having enough trouble putting in all of my ideas without that extra burden!  Thanks for reviewing!

Shad – Hey, you get to talk to Slice.  I get to eat the food!

S.D. - *shakes her head and turns her attention back to the reviewer*  I'll introduce the Dragon Clan, and bring them in more, as time progresses.  Silvon is very careful on how much he interferes with Destiny and Shad while they're in the middle of something.  Beginning or the end they're fair game but the middle is something to be cautious about.  However, they'll be showing up more soon so don't worry.

Shad - The next runner up is Keaira, who by the way thinks my family is cool.  *grins* And of course I agree a hundred percent.  I hope your story goes well and thanks for reviewing!

S.D. – Next is Jodie-chan.  Okay so you're saying you like Shad first and then my story?  *grins*  Just kidding.  Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter.

Shad - And last but not least is Neko.  This is a great story isn't it?  I hope you'll continue to read it and thanks for reviewing!  As for me telling half-truths uh…  I'm innocent until proven guilty!

S.D. – Change that to guilty until proven innocent and you'll have it right.

Shad - Not uh!

S.D. - *smiles and shakes her head*  Well I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.  Again I'm sorry it took me so long to get this chapter posted.

Shad - Don't forget to review!  Please?!