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 21:  Dream Warnings and Night-time Visits

            As Kagome walked back to Inuyasha she tried to put together all of the reasons why Inuyasha would suddenly act so moody today.  It's not like he has PMS or anything.  She thought to herself and nearly hit herself because of her own stupidity.  Tonight's the night of the new moon!  No wonder he's so testy you idiot!  She continued to berate herself mentally and walked straight into Inuyasha and would have fallen but he caught her.

            "Kagome, are you alright?"  He asked, worried that she hadn't paid attention.

            "Hmmm…?  Oh yeah, I'm fine."  She answered and remembered Shad's advice.  Shake him up a bit.  She also remembered something Destiny had said to her.  The best way to unsettle someone is to get into their personal space.  Kagome decided to do both and she wrapped her arms loosely around Inuyasha's waist.  "Thanks for catching me."  She said softly.

            Inuyasha blushed faintly and cleared his voice discreetly before answering.  "You shouldn't be so clumsy."  He muttered and would have let her go but Kagome reached up with one of her hands then and laid it gently on his cheek, keeping his eyes locked on hers. 

"Tonight's the new moon isn't it?"  She asked softly.  For a moment Inuyasha's eyes flashed with anger but he quickly calmed under her worried and tender eyes.

"Yes."  He said with a long-suffering sigh.

Kagome tilted her head to the side and frowned at him.  "Why didn't you say something instead of snapping at me?"  She wanted to know.

Inuyasha growled a little bit and probably would have stalked away then and there if she hadn't moved closer to him.  "Ka-"

"I'm waiting for an answer Inuyasha."  She interrupted.

He raised an eyebrow and looked down at her for a long moment, studying her…  "I don't like turning human."  He muttered finally.  "It's a weakness."

"Why do you say that?"  She asked curiously. 

"Because I'm weak then and I can't protect any of you!"  He finally yelled and turned his face away from her.  "It's bad enough that I'm a hany-"

"Stop that!"  Kagome growled angrily as she placed her hands on his face and made him look at her.  "Stop saying that you're worthless and that you're just a hanyou.  I.  Love.  You.  For.  Who.  And.  What.  You.  Are!  Do you understand Inuyasha?  I love you and I would love you if you were human or youkai but you're neither.  You're something a lot more special and you know it!"  She cried, wishing that he could see himself as she saw him; strong, fearless, stubborn, over-protective, gorgeous, sweet, honest, rude…  He was all of these and more.  They were the traits that made up his personality and who he was, and she loved him for that. 

Inuyasha sighed softly and touched his forehead to Kagome's.  "Kagome, I…  He stopped then and wrapped his arms around her and held her against him tightly.  "I love you too."  He said quietly.

Shad watched the two young ones for a moment longer and then turned around and headed back towards the village, thinking of how to get Sango and Miroku together…

            Miroku stood quietly beside the deep river.  He was taking this time to think about all that had happened to their once small group.  He had a feeling that neither Kurama, Shadow, nor Destiny ever expected to become the role-model leaders for their group but they filled the position well.  It was probably because Destiny and Kurama had already become comfortable with the fact that they were mates, and would one day be parents.  Such an example was very good for Kagome and Inuyasha.  Another interesting thing was the close relationship between Shadow and Destiny, they had a strong sibling love for one another and didn't hesitate to add any of the group into that brother, sister love.  And again it was another good example, this time for Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha though.

            But why are they helping us?  What do they have to gain?  Miroku wondered to himself.

            Have you ever considered that maybe you think too much?  Or too loud?  Shad complained as he walked up to the young monk, a half-hearted glare in his eyes.

            "What do you mean?"  Miroku asked.

            Shad laid his ears back a bit and frowned at him.  You mortals think too loudly.  It's a good thing that there are few who are able to pick up other people's thoughts otherwise I don't believe your race would have lasted very long.

            "How are you able to read my thoughts?"  Miroku asked defensively.

            Trust me, it's not intentional.  If I'm far enough away from people I'll lower my shields and try to 'tune' into what's going on around me.  It's during those times that we're more likely to pick up on someone's thoughts because we're not shielding our minds from yours.  Shad explained.

            "Fascinating.  So if you and Destiny didn't shield your minds at all you could read our thoughts?"

            Yes…  But it's rare for us to lower our shields around people because most of you yell out your thoughts and it hurts one's mind after awhile.  The other way to read someone's mind or thoughts is to actually probe into their mind but that is a breach of privacy.  Not something either of us likes to do.  He answered and laid down on the ground.

            "Have you ever wanted to know what someone was thinking about?"  Miroku asked softly.

            There've been a few times.  Shad answered wryly.  Why?

            "I would like to know what someone thinks of me if I had such a gift."  He answered honestly.

            Sango eh?  Why don't you tell her that you love her and quit playing the part of a lech to keep women from truly liking and getting to know you?

            "How did you-"

            Shad snorted and interrupted.  Do I look like an idiot to you, Miroku?  It's quite obvious to anyone who's had to stay and baby-sit you and Inuyasha that you like Sango a great deal but constantly act like a lecher to make her think you're not serious or just toying with her feelings-

            "I've never toyed with Sango's feelings!"  Miroku cut in hotly.

            I'm not finished yet, pup.  Shad reprimanded him sternly.  Now, getting back to what I was saying.  The only reason that I can come up with of 'why' you do this is because you're afraid that either you'll die in the battle against Naraku and leave Sango alone, or you're afraid of being consumed by the curse Naraku placed in your hand and will again leave Sango alone.  When Miroku scowled and looked away Shad nudged his cursed hand and said, I do not mean to cause you heartache, Miroku.  But if you never take advantage of the chances and time that fate gave then you will never live!  And in the end, when you're all alone in the darkness of your own thoughts and emotions, you'll regret passing up those moments; for that's all that life is really made of.

            Miroku glanced down at him and placed his cursed hand on Shad's head.  "Have you ever been in love before Shad?"

            No.  He answered honestly.

            "Then how would you know of such things?"  Miroku questioned.  "You are younger than I, have never been in love and yet you still seek to give me advice…"

            Wisdom is not based upon age, Miroku.  He scolded and tossed his head up to nip at his hand teasingly.  Besides, Destiny and I are both old in ways that I can't explain to you so I'll give my last bit of advice and then go find Kaede and annoy her.  He said that last bit smugly.

            Miroku looked at the wolf in amusement and replied, "alright."

            Don't expect her to wait for forever.  Love while you can.  He answered and then rose to leave.

            "Shad?"  Miroku asked softly, halting the wolf.

            Yes?

            "Would Destiny have waited for Kurama?"

            Shad looked into the tormented eyes of the young priest but still decided to be honest with him.  No, she wouldn't have.  To stay and wait on him would have meant that she was placing her own desires, needs, and wants above those who need our help to survive…  Shad sighed and shook his head.  I wonder sometimes about our future.  We are the last of the Forgotten Guardians, yet we will one day die but we are to forever answer the call of those in need if they summon us.  Shad moved his gaze away from Miroku's and softly quoted, We are what we are.  Cursed.  Blessed.  It means the same thing after a time…

            Miroku heard the unspoken sorrow in his friend's voice and privately wondered what was the cause of it.  "What would you wish for Shad?"  He asked instead.

            That I may always have the heart to face the day.  He answered seriously and began to walk away.

            Now what does that mean…?  Miroku wondered to himself.  Then he got up and went to look for Sango.

            Sango, lost in her own thoughts, was sitting on a gently sloping hill near the village when she heard the jingling of Miroku's staff.  She tensed when he sat down beside her, waiting for the groping hand that would soon make its way towards her… it never came.  They both sat there for nearly ten minutes before she realized that he actually wasn't going to grope her.  "Are you feeling well Miroku?"  She asked hesitantly. 

            "Yes, Sango.  And you?"  He replied.

            Sango tilted her head slightly to the side and studied him for a moment before answering him.  "Today would have been my brother's birthday…"  She answered softly, pulling her knees up so that she could rest her chin on them.

            Miroku looked startled at that and although he wasn't sure if he should, he reached out and laid his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.  "I am sorry, Sango, for all that you have lost."  He said sincerely.

            Sango nodded and wiped away the tears that leaked out of her eyes.  "Why does Naraku do this Miroku?  What does he hope to gain?"

            "Besides power I don't know.  We know so little beyond the fact that he is power hungry and pure evil."  He answered.

            "That's no excuse!"  She cried, wanting to lash out at the world.  Miroku, understanding the pain that was brought on by the memory of her brothers birthday, took her into his arms and for once he didn't have a perverted thought as he concentrated on the deep pain that echoed throughout Sango's body.

            "I know Sango."  He said quietly and kissed her forehead for a brief second and then tucked her head underneath his chin.  "It's not fair but life so rarely is.  We must go on…  For if we do not then who will be left?"

            "But what if it's all for nothing?"  She whispered.

            Miroku closed his eyes as he finally understood what Shad had been telling him.  "Life is made up of moments, Sango.  Some are joyful and lasting, others are sad and fleeting, but it is we who chose to live in which moment."  He said softly and looked down to see her tear filled eyes looking back into his.  "Please don't cry, Sango."  He whispered and used his cursed hand to wipe away the tears that spilled down her cheeks.

            "Miroku."  She whispered back and because she suddenly seemed so vulnerable he slowly dipped his head down and kissed her.  Not a kiss from which blazing passion raged but a gentle one that spoke of untold love and dreams.  It ended all too soon, for both of them.

            "Sango, I – " He started to explain but she gently placed her finger on his lips and shook her head.

            "I know."  She said softly and he enfolded her tightly in his arms, wishing he never had to let go.

            "There are those who say we should not exist…"

            Afraid they were…

            "Why don't we ever try to take over the universe…?  Life…"

            Such a precious gift…

            "Do we ever forget an oath…?  No, once given it stands forever…  Even beyond the grave…"

            Forever bound to fate…

            "We are mostly forgotten…"

            We were betrayed…

            "Born to live, born to die…"

            Sorrow, everlasting sorrow…

            "It used to be that when we cried, our world cried with us…"

            To protect others at all costs…

            "Hunted we once were, by men who wanted our powers…"

            Fight to protect…

            "Beware child that you do not fall, trust your instincts and never look back…"

            The darkness… it writhes…

            "Born in hate, raised in greed, fed on sickness; the creature watches from the darkness waiting, watching…"

            It seeks to consume all those who oppose it…

            "Stand firm seeker or turn back forever…!"

            It seeks you and those you protect…

            "Stay if you can, stay if you dare…"

            Are you strong enough…

            "Save your tears, now is not the time to mourn…"

            Can you hear the cries…

            "Turn down no requests for help unless they are false…"

            Cries for justice…

            "May your honor stay firm and your word be true…"

            How long will the innocent suffer…

            "A time to live, a time to die, which will it be…?"

            Which will you choose…

            "A war to start, a war to end, which is right…?"

            Beware, lest you too be betrayed…

            "Hope is fading fast…"

            Destiny jerked upright in her sleep and let out a soft sigh at the familiar darkness of the hut.  Silently, she slipped out of the bed and tucked the covers more securely around Shippo.  After he sighed and snuggled more deeply into the covers she kissed his forehead softly and left the hut without a sound.  Automatically she searched for Kurama and Shad and found them both practicing a few miles away from the village, well more like Shad was training Kurama but it amounted to the same thing.  Tonight here was no moon, a fact that worried her for some reason.  Restless… she headed to the river and stepped into the chilly waters, hoping to calm her soul.

            Her dream… it had been the voices of past Guardians.  Destiny sighed again and was more than a little surprised when her comfortable sleeping pants and shirt suddenly transformed into a silver dress, embroidered with the Learian crest upon the bust.  "Silvon?"  She called out, thinking it could only be her heart-father.

            "Look well, last High Princess of Lear.  Look well into the darkness…"  Echoed a voice upon the wind.

            Why am I being warned?  Destiny wondered uneasily and felt around for her other companions and breathed a sigh of relief when she confirmed that they were all safely in the village.  She breathed in deeply and then let her senses go farther as she searched out the danger that her ancestors thought so imperative for her to stop.  Mile after mile in all directions was searched and then she felt it, a cold icy presence that was tainted with revenge and hatred.  Oddly enough the soul within the creature felt stolen, she could hear it's unspoken cry to be free so that it could return to where it belonged.

            How odd…  She thought to herself and waited silently for the creature to come to her or she would have until she sensed Kagome and Inuyasha heading towards her as well.  And as she was well aware of Inuyasha's current distrust of her, she decided to disappear from the scene so that she wouldn't disturb the two young lovers but still be close so that she could help protect them if need be.  Why Inuyasha would need my help is beyond me since he is very powerful as a hanyou.  She thought wryly and cast a small spell upon herself that rendered her invisible.

            If there are any faults that come from Learians, or any who share their blood, it is an unnaturally intent curiosity, an overpowering need to protect those they cared about, and a natural assumption that people are good until proven otherwise.  So, like a foolish child, or one who was unaware of Kikyo, Inuyasha, and Kagome's relationships with one another, she did nothing to stop the confrontation.  Still, nothing could have prepared her for a dark-haired Inuyasha with no dog-ears and violet eyes.  Inuyasha?  A human?  Destiny wanted to ask but while her mouth did drop open, no sound came out…

            Because it was so dark that night and both he and Kagome were tired of sitting inside, Inuyasha and Kagome had both wanted to take a small walk so that they could talk and not have to worry about the villagers gawking at Inuyasha.  "I think Miroku and Sango are getting along better."  She said and glanced down at their linked hands for a moment and then back to his face.

            "Feh.  It's probably because Miroku quit groping her and any other female he saw."  Inuyasha said dismissively.

            Kagome smiled and her eyes turned thoughtful.  "That's true…  I wonder why he stopped."  Then seeing the look that Inuyasha gave her she glared at him and said, "not that I'm unhappy about it but he's always tried to grope women."

            Inuyasha grinned slyly and shook his head.  "You weren't here when Kurama and Shad decided to beat some manners into both of us."

            "What?!"  Kagome half yelled.

            Inuyasha smiled and brought her hand up to his face and nuzzled it for a moment.  "It's okay, Kagome.  Kurama and I needed to figure out what our places were in our group."

            "By beating each other up?"  She asked dryly.

            "No, it's more like testing your skills of strength, intelligence, and determination against one another."

            "And Kurama beat you?"  She asked curiously.

            "Yes and no.  It's hard to explain.  Right now Kurama's taken the place as the temporary alpha male."

            "So you're his second in command then?"  Kagome asked thoughtfully.  "No, you said he was only the temporary leader so does that mean he's getting you ready to be the alpha male?"  She asked.

            "That's the basic idea."  Inuyasha answered.

            Kagome nodded and then grinned mischievously at him.  "So what's Shad's position?"

            "Babysitter."  Inuyasha answered promptly, causing Kagome to laugh softly and for a moment it seemed like the very air around them shared their amusement.

            "Inuyasha."  Called out an all too familiar voice, abruptly ending the happy mood.  It was Kikyo, standing across the river but she was swiftly making her way towards tem on the back of one of her soul gatherers.  "Have you turned human for me Inuyasha?"  She asked when she was on the same side as Inuyasha and Kagome.

            "Kikyo."  Inuyasha said softly, stunned.

            "Are you ready to keep your promise to me, Inuyasha?"  She asked and looked deeply into his eyes, drowning him in the darkness of her being and creating a spell that wove between them.

            "I can't."  Inuyasha protested softly, somehow aware deep down that she was trying to blank out his mind, yet he still took a few steps closer to her.

            "Help me, Inuyasha."  Kikyo pleaded.  "Help me be rid of this girl who would steal both my soul and you from me."

            Inuyasha heard Kagome's gasp and his mind screamed out at him to protect her yet his body and mouth would not do as he wished.  What the hell is going on!  Inuyasha raged mentally as he heard himself answer, "I will, Kikyo, for you…"

            "Inuyasha…"  Kagome breathed fearfully and started to back away from both him and the un-dead priestess.

            "What's the matter soul-stealer?"  Sneered Destiny's voice, as it echoed all around them.  "You can't find your own man so you place a spell upon one that doesn't belong to you so that he becomes your slave.  How pathetic."  She taunted.

            Kagome was about to call out to her but she felt Destiny's calming presence in her mind warning her to wait, but in that brief contact Kagome felt a very hostile anger and hate coming from Destiny that was directed at Kikyo.

            "Who are you?"  Kikyo called out.

            "Interesting question at the moment.  Normally I would give you my name but you see I very strongly dislike soul-stealers."  She answered and then suddenly appeared in the shallows of the river, watching Kikyo with eyes that burned in anger and hate.  "And I absolutely hate creatures that threaten members of my family."  She continued and walked out of the river to stand beside Kagome.  "Oh, and one more thing."  She added and touched Inuyasha's arm, breaking the spell that held him paralyzed.  "I don't like people who manipulate others."

            "What are you doing here wench?"  Inuyasha snarled.

            Don't push me Inuyasha, not this time.  One of my ancestors fought against a soul-stealer and from her memories and her Companion's, Shad and I both have a very strong hatred for them.  This one is especially dangerous because she wishes for Kagome's death yet you trust her.  Why is that Inuyasha?  I don't have your nose but even I can smell the earth and ashes that make up her body.  The smell of a grave and the taint of evil she carries with her.  I…  I don't understand…

            Inuyasha was silenced then, unused to Destiny ever admitting to something she didn't know.  Kagome, sensing the older girl's confusion about all of their attitudes, touched her arm in an effort to soothe her as she had Kagome a few moments ago.  Then she looked at Kikyo and her eyes grew hard.  "Leave here, Kikyo.  There is no welcome in this village for you."  Kagome said clearly and firmly.

            "Inuyasha must keep his promise to me."

            "Kikyo, I can't!  I love Kagome… and I always will."  Inuyasha half yelled.

            "And what of your promise to me, Inuyasha?  You promised to protect me?!"  She screamed as her eyes narrowed on Kagome in hatred.

            "The dead have no claim on the living, unless the living are willing to allow them that."  Kurama's voice carried over to them as he leapt nimbly beside Inuyasha, not in front of him but beside, showing that he fully supported him.

            And even then the dead are to remain dead.  They have no place in the land of mortals save as memories that will dim in their intensity.  Shad added as he stood on the other side of Inuyasha.  Miroku, Sango, feel free to join at any time.  He called out to their other companions who'd been watching silently from the shadows, and they came and stood behind Inuyasha.

            It was more than just a show of arms though, standing together as they were spoke of their loyalty and love for one another as a family, as lovers, and as friends.  And like any close family, they would be there to support one another, no matter what.

            "I will leave."  Kikyo announced.  "But I will return.  Inuyasha, you will keep your promise to me."  She said and before any of them could do anything her soul stealers gathered together and took her away.

            I don't like people like that.  Shad stated.  And I really don't like the fact that we had to let her go simply because we're not allowed to interfere.  He grumbled and then looked up at Inuyasha in pure confusion.  Why are you human?  Why did you let a soul-stealer place a spell on you?  Did she try to do anything?  Did-

            "Shadow!"  Destiny, Kurama, Sango, and Miroku all interrupted. 

            What?!

            "Hush."  Kurama scolded lightly and looked at all of the weary faces around him.  "We'll talk about this in the morning." 

            "But Kurama-"  Destiny began only to have him interrupt her.

            "In the morning, Destiny."

            But Kurama-  Shad also tried only to be cut off as well.

            "No."

            How the two Learians ever managed to look so curious, annoyed, and accepting all at the same time was a puzzle to the others but it did make them laugh at their expressions.  Destiny, they're laughing at us.  Shad pouted, and they both glared at Kurama, who just looked back at them calmly and raised a single eyebrow.

            "You know," Destiny said thoughtfully to Shad.  "I bet we can take him easy."

            I'd wager on that as well.  Shad agreed.

            Kurama replied to them in Learian and whatever he said caused Destiny to blush and Shad to roll his eyes.  But they said no more and the group walked back to the village, unaware of the figure in a baboon suit that watched them from the shadows…

~ Wow this is one long chapter!  Again, Shad and I aren't going to answer to the reviewers, (hopefully in the next chapter!).  Everything in my family is okay now, things have settled down and while my writing will still be limited I'm finally beginning to see the end of this fic.  *grins*  But…  that's not to say this is the end…  I also want o thank all those wonderful people who've reviewed and kept me encouraged!  You're all wonderful people and I hope you like this chapter as well.  The dream sequence that Destiny has may be little confusing so if it's needed I'll explain it.  Well that should be about it!  Please review!  Silver Destiny ~