Disclaimer: I suddenly realized I don't really own anything cool. So that means Inuyasha isn't mine. Dammit!
Note: This chappie might seem long and a little boring but I need to explain who Ryu is. To start off with he is a complicated character to explain, so give me time. He will be further revealed as the story goes. The chapter after this is going much better. I promise.
Chapter 5
"Who the fuck do you think you are!" Inuyasha stood mere inches from Ryu's face, sweat beading on his brow. Ryu stood quietly, gazing comicly back at Inuyasha, without any signs of exertion from the fight between a half demon, demon slayer, and an amorous monk.
"I am Ryu. I thought Aya already introduced me during our little disagreement," Ryu was being too smart for his own good and Inuyasha's near nonexistent patience was beginning to slip.
"You son of a....."
"Lets not fight please! Can we just sit down and we can explain everything!" Aya stepped in between Inuyasha and her dark friend. Fearing further conflict, she gestured to the campfire where Kagome was applying a cold pack to a rather large lump on Miroku's abused head. Ryu sat next to Aya, with Rune in her arms. Rune stared blankly at Ryu, the commotion seemingly not fazing him. Inuyasha slumped down by Kagome, his eyes never leaving Ryu. He didn't trust him. He didn't like him. Sitting down and explaining everything was not going to settle the fact that he threatened to hurt Kagome and kicked him in the back. No, Inuyasha didn't like him. He didn't like the smell of him either.
"Well, what was with that whole violent act?" Aya decided to begin the conversation, since the rest of the group was sending death glares toward Ryu. All save Shippo, hiding in Kagome's lap, and Rune, still staring at Ryu.
"Doing my duty. Again, so sorry about the whole business that occurred. Duty." Ryu sniffed. He wasn't much at explaining himself. He is just as he is and does as he does.
"Your duty?" Kagome all but squealed. She could still feel the cold touch of steel upon her neck, no matter how much she rubbed her still intact flesh.
"My duty is to protect the lord's son," Ryu watched as Kagome touched her neck. "I am very sorry for causing you any pain. I didn't know who you were," Ryu stated, in hopes she would find consolation in his explanation.
"That brings up an interesting topic. Who are the two of you exactly? Who is this child and why is Naraku after him?" Miroku questioned, the ache in his head beginning to clear but the lump ever present.
"To start things off I do not know this Narkau nor do I know why he wants Rune. This Naraku attacking us was as much a surprise to me. I can explain who I am," with those word Ryu stepped over to the monk. Ryu set his right palm upon Miroku's wounded head and set his midnight shrouded eyes upon the monk's. A low white glow appeared from beneath Ryu's palm and even before it appeared, it was gone.
Ryu returned to Aya's side. Aya looked to Ryu, who only gazed upon the fire. Miroku's eyes widened as he felt his head to find no traces of any injury. He tried to find a way to explain it to himself but he could only find three words, "You healed me." The others looked astonishly at Miroku and then back at the dark stranger by Aya's side.
"You better explain this," Sango spoke in a hushed tone.
"Best to explain where I am from," Ryu's eyes never left the fire as he began his story, which he explained very bluntly. "I am very old. I might not look it but I believe I am at most a little over thousand years old. I was born far west of here, further than I can recall. I was banished from my home and I took to wandering. I have walked many miles in many lifetimes, so to say. I eventually made my way east along the trade routes into a country called China. There, I met up with a merchant who spoke of islands to the east in the sea. So, I came here to Japan with the merchant who brought me to his lord, a demon in the north. I began to work for him. He soon learned my skills in combat and my abilities in various crafts and spells, which he put to his use. He trusted me with the protection of his son in the occurance of his death. So here I am, so to speak."
"He's not the story-telling type, I take," steamed Sango.
"That's more than I have been able to get out of him" Aya stated, staring questioningly at Ryu. "Ryu, what happened to you after we were attacked. I mean everything. Anything besides a demon couldn't have survived what I saw," with uncertainty in her words, Aya needed to know the truth. She wouldn't settle for Ryu's blunt answers.
"I owe it to you, I suppose," Ryu began his recollection on his battle with Naraku.
***flashback***
Ryu lead Aya by the wrist through the density of the forest. She frantically tried to keep up with her companion while trying to hold onto a crying Rune. She looked back through the trees they had passed, her panic rising. "Its coming closer. I can hear it!" Aya cried over Rune's screams.
Ryu didn't bother looking back. He kept his eyes fixed on the path ahead of him. Searching for any means of escape for the demoness and child he was dragging through the forest. He held up his arm to keep the branches from ripping at his travel-worn face. He quickened his speed as he spotted a large clearing ahead of them. Perhaps if he couldn't escape their persuer, Ryu would face him. Possibly he could buy Aya some time to get Rune safely away.
They broke free from the forest and entered the tall grass of the clearing. After gaining a few yards from the edge of the clearing, Ryu let go of Aya's wrist and pushed her ahead of him. Aya looked at Ryu in shock, as he turned to face the oncoming threat behind them. "Go on, Aya! Get Rune out of here!" Ryu cried as he cast his cloak aside, exposing the black leather armor binding his chest and arms. He reached behind his back, pulling out his sword, preparing for the fight to come.
"Are you crazy! I can't just leave you here!" Aya clutched Rune to her chest, whose cries ceased after hearing Aya's voice raise in anger.
"We don't have time to discuss this. Just go!" Ryu ordered. It was, however, to late for Aya to gain any distance from their persuer. The trees cracked and parted as three tentacles shot forth, reaching for Aya and Rune.
Ryu lept to their sides. With two swings of his sword, he severed the deformed limbs. The tentacles reattached and pulled back into the darkness they emerged from. Ryu turned to Aya once more, pushing her to the opposing side of the clearing. He let out one last order for her to flee but was cut off from Aya's shriek as their persuer stepped out into the clearing.
The persuer approached them in a slow stride. The wind blowing at the white baboon fur he shielded himself within. He let out a hollow laughter. "Give me the boy and I will make your deaths quick," Naraku spoke, his tone hiding the menance in his threat.
"Fuck you!" Ryu hissed. He caught Aya's eye as he whispered, "Run." Ryu then charged at Naraku, dodging and swinging at the root-like mass that erupted beneath Naraku. Ryu moved swift on his feet as he tore at Naraku. His movements slowed as he watched Naraku become whole again and burst forth new attachments.
"It is no use fighting me," Naraku chuckled as a limb shot forward, grabbing hold of Aya's leg. She screamed as it dragged her to Naraku, tearing at her flesh as she struggled to remove it. Ryu called out her name as he ran to the source of the screams. In one swing, he freed Aya. She didn't find need in questioning Ryu when he ordered her to run once again. She held Rune closer and she pulled her wounded leg into a sprint.
She lost all reasoning as she approached the forest. She had to get away. She had to get herself and Rune away from that monster. She was pulled back into reality when she heard a cry of pain. Aya turned to look back, searching for her companion. She shrieked as she watched Ryu's body lifting into the air. A tentacle piercing through his back and exiting through his abdomen. Tears filled her eyes, watching Ryu mouth fly open in pain. Through his cries, Ryu called out to Aya, "Run!"
***End Flashback***
"After you had fled, I mananged to fight off Naraku. So, I came looking for you two and thats where we are right now," Ryu finished in a coy smile. Aya glared at him, unsatisfied in his explanation. He mananged to leave out many details that she would like to be explained but, knowing Ryu, she knew she wouldn't be receiving anymore worthwhile information on their past events.
"Why aren't you dead, then. Aya told us you had died fighting Naraku. Not to mention, you should be in two pieces after the hit I gave you," spat Inuyasha.
"I won't die that easily," Ryu returned.
"You're a demon then?" asked Sango.
"No, he is human or was," Miroku answered for Ryu. He looked approvingly at the monk, his intuition very close to on target.
"Why can't you die! You're human, not demon. Dying should come very easy to you!" the conversation beginning to perk Inuyasha's temper.
A smirk crossed Ryu's lips, "I have learned many strange arts in the west and on my journeys but none of the skills I learned are like what I was born with. I have always had the ability to heal myself, remarkably fast I might add, and others. What would kill any other "human" never even seemed to scratch me. Through some of the arts of the west I have discovered how to enhance this skill, unfortunately now I can't age nor die."
A short silence fell over the group. They all were equally confused with their new company. He seemed to be avoiding answering their questions, like there was more than he was willing to say. "Then tell us about that mark on Rune's arm, the three stars," Kagome demanded. She watched Rune stare at the dark stranger, she felt uneasy at the baby's quietness near Ryu.
"It's a spell, so to speak. A holding spell. It is a way to control his demon blood per a request from his late father. He is too young and the strength of his demon blood would destroy him. So, I contained it. The spell keeps things hidden when they need to be."
"Does the spell make it glow?"
Kagome's question seemed to shock Aya, "What do you mean? It doesn't glow." Kagome was taken back, she could have sworn she seen it glow red. She looked down at Rune, his eyes still fixed upon Ryu. Ryu's eyes left their fixation upon the fire to study Kagome, shock never crossing his features.
A shiver rolled down Kagome's back as his eyes stared into hers. They were lifeless, cold and chilled her with only a simple glance. "Why are your eyes so black?"
"Doesn't your culture say the eyes are the gateway to the soul? Some say you sell your soul for the arts I follow. Perhaps mine isn't there anymore or maybe it is.... in some way or another," Ryu's features fell placid as the flames reflected their dance upon his solid black orbs.
// // // // // //
"He gives me the creeps. Did you see how Rune just stared at him. Aya keeps saying that he is their protector but I keep feeling he isn't who she says he is," Kagome shivered as she watched the retreating figure of Ryu. He didn't wish to sleep near the fire, much to the relief of the rest of the group. They still didn't trust him, despite Aya's reassurances.
Inuyasha stood protectively beside Kagome. He wanted to be sure Ryu was a good distance away before returning to his spot next to the fire. Inuyasha was certain he wouldn't sleep tonight knowing that Ryu was nearby. "I don't like him and I don't trust him, either. He doesn't smell right." Kagome looked away from the darkness that had swallowed Ryu, turning her attention to the half demon standing beside her. Inuyasha's eyes could still see him, walking out into the woods he emerged from. "I can't smell him. It's like he isn't even there."
// // // // // //
Out of sight and sound from the others, Ryu leaned against the rough skin of a tree. Looking up to the star-studded sky, he let out one lone breath that smoked in the cold night air.
"You are to easy to find, Ryu," a woman's voice weaved it's way through the trees.
"And you are not easy to lose," Ryu answered. He watched as the voice's master emerged from the darkness.
The woman stopped to stand in front of Ryu. Sensing his uneasiness, she let out a humorless laughter. "What troubles you. You are not one so easily stirred."
"I don't like this," Ryu answered.
"What don't you like?"
"She must know or she will soon. She can see it glowing."
###################################################################
Eek! To many words spinning in head right now! I feel like my head is going to burst. I have reread, rewritten, and added so much to this chapter I think I will just have to stop while I am ahead. Next chapter will be up soon. Read and review. Thanks----Sorascry
Note: This chappie might seem long and a little boring but I need to explain who Ryu is. To start off with he is a complicated character to explain, so give me time. He will be further revealed as the story goes. The chapter after this is going much better. I promise.
Chapter 5
"Who the fuck do you think you are!" Inuyasha stood mere inches from Ryu's face, sweat beading on his brow. Ryu stood quietly, gazing comicly back at Inuyasha, without any signs of exertion from the fight between a half demon, demon slayer, and an amorous monk.
"I am Ryu. I thought Aya already introduced me during our little disagreement," Ryu was being too smart for his own good and Inuyasha's near nonexistent patience was beginning to slip.
"You son of a....."
"Lets not fight please! Can we just sit down and we can explain everything!" Aya stepped in between Inuyasha and her dark friend. Fearing further conflict, she gestured to the campfire where Kagome was applying a cold pack to a rather large lump on Miroku's abused head. Ryu sat next to Aya, with Rune in her arms. Rune stared blankly at Ryu, the commotion seemingly not fazing him. Inuyasha slumped down by Kagome, his eyes never leaving Ryu. He didn't trust him. He didn't like him. Sitting down and explaining everything was not going to settle the fact that he threatened to hurt Kagome and kicked him in the back. No, Inuyasha didn't like him. He didn't like the smell of him either.
"Well, what was with that whole violent act?" Aya decided to begin the conversation, since the rest of the group was sending death glares toward Ryu. All save Shippo, hiding in Kagome's lap, and Rune, still staring at Ryu.
"Doing my duty. Again, so sorry about the whole business that occurred. Duty." Ryu sniffed. He wasn't much at explaining himself. He is just as he is and does as he does.
"Your duty?" Kagome all but squealed. She could still feel the cold touch of steel upon her neck, no matter how much she rubbed her still intact flesh.
"My duty is to protect the lord's son," Ryu watched as Kagome touched her neck. "I am very sorry for causing you any pain. I didn't know who you were," Ryu stated, in hopes she would find consolation in his explanation.
"That brings up an interesting topic. Who are the two of you exactly? Who is this child and why is Naraku after him?" Miroku questioned, the ache in his head beginning to clear but the lump ever present.
"To start things off I do not know this Narkau nor do I know why he wants Rune. This Naraku attacking us was as much a surprise to me. I can explain who I am," with those word Ryu stepped over to the monk. Ryu set his right palm upon Miroku's wounded head and set his midnight shrouded eyes upon the monk's. A low white glow appeared from beneath Ryu's palm and even before it appeared, it was gone.
Ryu returned to Aya's side. Aya looked to Ryu, who only gazed upon the fire. Miroku's eyes widened as he felt his head to find no traces of any injury. He tried to find a way to explain it to himself but he could only find three words, "You healed me." The others looked astonishly at Miroku and then back at the dark stranger by Aya's side.
"You better explain this," Sango spoke in a hushed tone.
"Best to explain where I am from," Ryu's eyes never left the fire as he began his story, which he explained very bluntly. "I am very old. I might not look it but I believe I am at most a little over thousand years old. I was born far west of here, further than I can recall. I was banished from my home and I took to wandering. I have walked many miles in many lifetimes, so to say. I eventually made my way east along the trade routes into a country called China. There, I met up with a merchant who spoke of islands to the east in the sea. So, I came here to Japan with the merchant who brought me to his lord, a demon in the north. I began to work for him. He soon learned my skills in combat and my abilities in various crafts and spells, which he put to his use. He trusted me with the protection of his son in the occurance of his death. So here I am, so to speak."
"He's not the story-telling type, I take," steamed Sango.
"That's more than I have been able to get out of him" Aya stated, staring questioningly at Ryu. "Ryu, what happened to you after we were attacked. I mean everything. Anything besides a demon couldn't have survived what I saw," with uncertainty in her words, Aya needed to know the truth. She wouldn't settle for Ryu's blunt answers.
"I owe it to you, I suppose," Ryu began his recollection on his battle with Naraku.
***flashback***
Ryu lead Aya by the wrist through the density of the forest. She frantically tried to keep up with her companion while trying to hold onto a crying Rune. She looked back through the trees they had passed, her panic rising. "Its coming closer. I can hear it!" Aya cried over Rune's screams.
Ryu didn't bother looking back. He kept his eyes fixed on the path ahead of him. Searching for any means of escape for the demoness and child he was dragging through the forest. He held up his arm to keep the branches from ripping at his travel-worn face. He quickened his speed as he spotted a large clearing ahead of them. Perhaps if he couldn't escape their persuer, Ryu would face him. Possibly he could buy Aya some time to get Rune safely away.
They broke free from the forest and entered the tall grass of the clearing. After gaining a few yards from the edge of the clearing, Ryu let go of Aya's wrist and pushed her ahead of him. Aya looked at Ryu in shock, as he turned to face the oncoming threat behind them. "Go on, Aya! Get Rune out of here!" Ryu cried as he cast his cloak aside, exposing the black leather armor binding his chest and arms. He reached behind his back, pulling out his sword, preparing for the fight to come.
"Are you crazy! I can't just leave you here!" Aya clutched Rune to her chest, whose cries ceased after hearing Aya's voice raise in anger.
"We don't have time to discuss this. Just go!" Ryu ordered. It was, however, to late for Aya to gain any distance from their persuer. The trees cracked and parted as three tentacles shot forth, reaching for Aya and Rune.
Ryu lept to their sides. With two swings of his sword, he severed the deformed limbs. The tentacles reattached and pulled back into the darkness they emerged from. Ryu turned to Aya once more, pushing her to the opposing side of the clearing. He let out one last order for her to flee but was cut off from Aya's shriek as their persuer stepped out into the clearing.
The persuer approached them in a slow stride. The wind blowing at the white baboon fur he shielded himself within. He let out a hollow laughter. "Give me the boy and I will make your deaths quick," Naraku spoke, his tone hiding the menance in his threat.
"Fuck you!" Ryu hissed. He caught Aya's eye as he whispered, "Run." Ryu then charged at Naraku, dodging and swinging at the root-like mass that erupted beneath Naraku. Ryu moved swift on his feet as he tore at Naraku. His movements slowed as he watched Naraku become whole again and burst forth new attachments.
"It is no use fighting me," Naraku chuckled as a limb shot forward, grabbing hold of Aya's leg. She screamed as it dragged her to Naraku, tearing at her flesh as she struggled to remove it. Ryu called out her name as he ran to the source of the screams. In one swing, he freed Aya. She didn't find need in questioning Ryu when he ordered her to run once again. She held Rune closer and she pulled her wounded leg into a sprint.
She lost all reasoning as she approached the forest. She had to get away. She had to get herself and Rune away from that monster. She was pulled back into reality when she heard a cry of pain. Aya turned to look back, searching for her companion. She shrieked as she watched Ryu's body lifting into the air. A tentacle piercing through his back and exiting through his abdomen. Tears filled her eyes, watching Ryu mouth fly open in pain. Through his cries, Ryu called out to Aya, "Run!"
***End Flashback***
"After you had fled, I mananged to fight off Naraku. So, I came looking for you two and thats where we are right now," Ryu finished in a coy smile. Aya glared at him, unsatisfied in his explanation. He mananged to leave out many details that she would like to be explained but, knowing Ryu, she knew she wouldn't be receiving anymore worthwhile information on their past events.
"Why aren't you dead, then. Aya told us you had died fighting Naraku. Not to mention, you should be in two pieces after the hit I gave you," spat Inuyasha.
"I won't die that easily," Ryu returned.
"You're a demon then?" asked Sango.
"No, he is human or was," Miroku answered for Ryu. He looked approvingly at the monk, his intuition very close to on target.
"Why can't you die! You're human, not demon. Dying should come very easy to you!" the conversation beginning to perk Inuyasha's temper.
A smirk crossed Ryu's lips, "I have learned many strange arts in the west and on my journeys but none of the skills I learned are like what I was born with. I have always had the ability to heal myself, remarkably fast I might add, and others. What would kill any other "human" never even seemed to scratch me. Through some of the arts of the west I have discovered how to enhance this skill, unfortunately now I can't age nor die."
A short silence fell over the group. They all were equally confused with their new company. He seemed to be avoiding answering their questions, like there was more than he was willing to say. "Then tell us about that mark on Rune's arm, the three stars," Kagome demanded. She watched Rune stare at the dark stranger, she felt uneasy at the baby's quietness near Ryu.
"It's a spell, so to speak. A holding spell. It is a way to control his demon blood per a request from his late father. He is too young and the strength of his demon blood would destroy him. So, I contained it. The spell keeps things hidden when they need to be."
"Does the spell make it glow?"
Kagome's question seemed to shock Aya, "What do you mean? It doesn't glow." Kagome was taken back, she could have sworn she seen it glow red. She looked down at Rune, his eyes still fixed upon Ryu. Ryu's eyes left their fixation upon the fire to study Kagome, shock never crossing his features.
A shiver rolled down Kagome's back as his eyes stared into hers. They were lifeless, cold and chilled her with only a simple glance. "Why are your eyes so black?"
"Doesn't your culture say the eyes are the gateway to the soul? Some say you sell your soul for the arts I follow. Perhaps mine isn't there anymore or maybe it is.... in some way or another," Ryu's features fell placid as the flames reflected their dance upon his solid black orbs.
// // // // // //
"He gives me the creeps. Did you see how Rune just stared at him. Aya keeps saying that he is their protector but I keep feeling he isn't who she says he is," Kagome shivered as she watched the retreating figure of Ryu. He didn't wish to sleep near the fire, much to the relief of the rest of the group. They still didn't trust him, despite Aya's reassurances.
Inuyasha stood protectively beside Kagome. He wanted to be sure Ryu was a good distance away before returning to his spot next to the fire. Inuyasha was certain he wouldn't sleep tonight knowing that Ryu was nearby. "I don't like him and I don't trust him, either. He doesn't smell right." Kagome looked away from the darkness that had swallowed Ryu, turning her attention to the half demon standing beside her. Inuyasha's eyes could still see him, walking out into the woods he emerged from. "I can't smell him. It's like he isn't even there."
// // // // // //
Out of sight and sound from the others, Ryu leaned against the rough skin of a tree. Looking up to the star-studded sky, he let out one lone breath that smoked in the cold night air.
"You are to easy to find, Ryu," a woman's voice weaved it's way through the trees.
"And you are not easy to lose," Ryu answered. He watched as the voice's master emerged from the darkness.
The woman stopped to stand in front of Ryu. Sensing his uneasiness, she let out a humorless laughter. "What troubles you. You are not one so easily stirred."
"I don't like this," Ryu answered.
"What don't you like?"
"She must know or she will soon. She can see it glowing."
###################################################################
Eek! To many words spinning in head right now! I feel like my head is going to burst. I have reread, rewritten, and added so much to this chapter I think I will just have to stop while I am ahead. Next chapter will be up soon. Read and review. Thanks----Sorascry