Ok so this took me a really, really long time. I wrote this chapter five
times before I decided this one was the best I could do. Somehow I'm just
not quite happy with it but I can't tell what is lacking where. I don't
know why I had such a hard time writing it I just did. Anyway please
comment if you see anything you think needs improvement.
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate -- that's my philosophy. Thornton Wilder:
Chapter 8
Uneasy Beginnings
Nonixcia led everyone down a path in a forested area. She stated simply and quickly that this was the fastest way to the castle and that was their destination. After that she and Hakuya separated from the group walking several paces ahead of everyone else.
For the most part everyone traveled in silence. Every now and then Miroku and Sango would exchange words, but they were hushed and brief. Shippo could feel the unease of the group and stayed silent. He walked next to Inuyasha holding Kirara in his arms.
Inuyasha was desperately trying to deal with the pain brought on by his fight with Taku. His pain tolerance was higher than most people and usually he could push the pain aside and focus on something else. However the injuries Taku had inflicted on him were like none he had ever felt before.
He looked down at his wounded arm. The wounds had stopped bleeding and were turning a blackish color and had swollen quite a bit. The pain seemed to come in waves. One minute it was simply uncomfortable, the next it felt like his blood was on fire and burning him from the inside out.
Whatever Taku had done to him was also setting him on edge. With each wave of pain came a mix of anger and disorientation. The pain came longer each time before it was washed away to the dull throbbing ache that had consumed his entire body.
Trying to find something to keep his mind occupied Inuyasha forced his attention on the girl in front of him. He began to study her appearance and her movements. The longer he did this the more she seemed to remind him of Kagome.
The similarities were there. The midnight black hair, which fell down the small of her back, defiantly the same color as her mother. Her scent was a mixture of himself and Kagome, despite her wounds from the battle she also smelled of water and flowers. She smelled fresh which meant she probably shared her mother's affinity for cleanliness.
They also shared common interest in clothing it would seem. Nonixcia wore a short kimono coming a few inches above her knees. It was a light purple in color. On top of that was a long outer haori which fell just above her ankles, and was died a purple shade much darker than the under kimono. It was opened in the front with short elbow length sleeves. Despite her injured leg she even walked like her mother too with a slight swagger and quick movements of the arms.
He saw slight traces of himself as well. Obviously there was the ears, two black triangles peeking out from her hair. The anger and attitude she showed in the fight with Taku were obviously inherited from him. And the light violet color of her eyes matched his on the night of the new moon.
He kept looking for familiar things in her, something he could recognize as a part of him. Somehow when he thought about the twins he had pictured little children. Helpless little versions of himself and Kagome trapped somewhere with Naraku. Children who needed his help and protection. Nonixcia obviously didn't need his protection. She had saved him for god's sake.
Somehow he just couldn't understand how this woman could be his daughter?
****************************
Inuyasha had no memory of his father's home. All his mother ever told him about the place where he was born was that it was a large castle sounded by many towns and full of people. She would smile and describe how kind his father had been and how he had protected all those living on his land. His mother never talked long though without crying and he hated to see his mother cry. For that reason he learned not to ask about his father or the western lands.
As the group broke from the forest they could see a large building on the horizon. It looked like some parts were made in the old style they were used to. Other parts looked newer and were made in an unfamiliar style. Unlike most buildings this one had multiple stories. It looked to be about three but it was to far to tell.
As they neared it became obvious they were entering the castle from the back entrance, as they had to walk through a large garden. It was filled with neatly trimmed hedges and flowering trees. Plants and flowers littered the landscape, all colorful and extremely beautiful. Stone paths wound through the garden and led to the castle gateway.
As they approached the castle a woman came running out to them. She was human, taller than most and had light yellow color hair which stood out in contrast to her black kimono. "Lady Nonixcia I'm glad to see you came back so soon and...are you bleeding?"
Nonixcia waved her hand. "It's nothing Okami, don't worry about It."
Okami ran back to the doorway and shouted. "Reiki! Lady Nonixcia is injured come quickly." She turned and rushed over to Nonixcia and examined her injured arm. Okami sadly shook her head "You really shouldn't fight with your brother like this. And after the fight you had last week, I swear one day you two will kill each other."
Nonixcia batted the older woman's hands away. "Gee I come home bleeding and the first thing you think is that it's Taku's fault."
Hakuya laughed "well who else could give you wounds like that? Not many people can use purifying energy as a poison you know."
Okami glanced around at everyone. The concern she showed a few moments ago over Nonixcia's injures seemed to melt away. She flashed the group a bright smile and clasped her hands together and brought them up to her chin. "You didn't tell me you were bringing home guests. If I had know I would have had Kousou cook a larger dinner."
Nonixcia walked over to a small stone bench and sat down. "They were unexpected." She said and wearily began rubbing her temples.
Okami bowed before the group. "Welcome to castle Taisho. Please give me a few minutes to prepare a receiving room." As she rose her eyes fell on Inuyasha. "Good sir those wounds.....did you battle with Taku as well?"
"It seems the whole family was in on this one."
Everyone turned their attention to the castle doorway where a old dog demon now stood.
Descending the steps he walked froward and cast a sideways glance at Nonixcia. She took no notice of him and continued to rub her head. He said nothing to her and looked directly at Inuyasha. "It is a pity you had to fight your own son is it not Inuyasha?"
Despite his weakened state Inuyasha was not about to let some old man insult him. He glared at the elderly demon. "Who the hell are you? How do you know me old man?"
The old demon shook his head in disappointment. "I had hoped to receive better treatment out of you than I did your brother. Seems I was wrong."
Inuyasha lunged forward. "Don't you compare me to that asshole."
Hakuya stepped between the two and pushed Inuyasha back. "That's enough! We have more important things to do. Nonixcia is badly wounded and so are you. Reiki please take them inside and treat them."
Inuyasha growled at Hakuya. He didn't like having someone tell him what to do and he certainly didn't like the way this boy was trying to control the situation.
Hakuya's lips curled up in a snarl but he managed to force back the growl that should have accompanied it. "Please calm down and do as Reiki asks."
Reiki turned and walked back towards the castle. Once again he paused in front on Nonixcia. "Do you need help walking little koinu?" Nonixcia glared up at the old demon. "No, and don't call me that."
Reiki let a smile cross his wrinkled face before he continued towards the doorway. "Come with me both of you."
Hakuya walked away from Inuyasha and over towards Okami. "Okami, please show our guests to a comfortable room." As he moved past her he whispered. "And keep an eye on them. Don't let them out of your site." She nodded her head softly and smiled at Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. "Please follow me honored guests."
Miroku followed a bit to eagerly. "Excuse me miss but how would you like to bare...." A very red faced Sango smacked him upside the head.
Okami turned and smiled. "You certainly are a lively bunch. Please come along."
As the others left Hakuya took Nonixcia's arm. He helped her to her feet and walked her into the castle.
After a few moments Inuyasha followed them inside. While Okami had led the others down a hallway to the left, Taku and Nonixcia had taken the hallway to the right. Even though he was reluctant to separate from the group he knew he had no choice. He caught up with them down the long hallway. Hakuya glanced behind at him. "How do you feel?"
Inuyasha glared at the man in front of him. "What do you mean how do I feel?"
Hakuya glanced at Nonixcia. "It's the purifying energy, that's what wrong with her, it makes you feel groggy and weak. I assume it's doing the same to you. You did receive a high dose of it after all. See, when the stuff gets into your blood it seeks out Youkai and starts destroying from the inside out. If you were a full demon you would be dead by now."
Nonixcia suddenly pulled her arm free from Hakuya's hold. "Let go of me! I'm not an invalid I can walk by myself!" She stumbled a bit and regaining her balance, she quickly walked down the hall and into a room to the left. The two males stood silent for a moment before following her.
The room they came to was quite large. There were several futons set up on the floor. Tables lined the walls, many cluttered with potions and herbs. Above the tables where shelves each one lined with rows of books. On the far wall were two doors that opened into a flower filled garden and allowed the warm summer breeze to flow in.
Nonixcia lay on her back on one of the futons, her eyes closed. Reiki was busy at one of the tables grinding something in a mixing bowl. "It will take me a moment to fix an antidote. Hakuya you may leave now."
Nonixcia opened her eyes and glared at the old demons back. "I don't think he has to leave."
Reiki kept his back to her and continued to prepare the herbs "Well I don't think he really needs to stay."
Nonixcia sat up. "Yeah well I'm the lady of this land so I think that what I think is more important that what you think."
Reiki laughed. "And I think that poison has gone to your brain. You can't even talk right let alone think straight, and you're being as rude to me as Inuyasha."
Inuyasha plopped down on a futon next to Nonixcia. "Watch your mouth old man."
Hakuya wasn't about to argue with anyone and was more than curious about what those travailing with Inuyasha had to say. He knew Reiki would find out where Inuyasha had been if this was really even Inuyasha. There was always the possibility this was a trick set up by Naraku. Hakuya had learned never underestimate Naraku. "Look I'm going to go check on everyone else. I'll be back shortly." He started to leave and then turned around. "And Nixcy try to behave yourself."
Nonixcia crossed here arms and made a small noise, if Inuyasha didn't know better he would have sworn she just feh'ed. The two sat in silence while Reiki crushed and mixed herbs.
Nonixcia fidgeted a bit and shifted around uncomfortably. "So, where have you been?"
Inuyasha looked over at her. "Huh?"
She turned away from him and faced the garden. "Everyone thought you were dead. But here you are, alive and well. You must have been somewhere all this time.
Inuyasha scratched his head and his ears went flat against his hair. He really wasn't sure how to answer her. Would she even believe him if he told her the truth? "Well, that's a long story and I really don't know where to start."
Reiki turned around still grinding herbs, the mixing bowl held in the crook of his arm. "Myouga came here after the battle with Naraku and said you disappeared. He believed you to be dead. "
Inuyasha's ears picked up in surprise. "Myouga!? I thought he ran away long before we reached Naraku."
Reiki turned back to the table, picked up a blue jar and sprinkled the contents into the bowl. "He came here badly wounded. He told me that you had fought Naraku and that Naraku had imprisoned you in some kind of force field. Kagome tried to save you and your companions but the force field disappeared and you with it. Kagome then fought Naraku. Both Kagome and Myouga were injured in the fight. Myouga came here hoping to get help from Sesshoumaru and save Kagome. Quite a brave act for such a cowardly flea. He died for his efforts."
Nonixcia rolled her eyes. "And of course Sesshoumaru could care less about some human."
Reiki turned around, bowl in hand. "Don't sound so bitter Nonixcia. Inuyasha please remove your haori so I can treat your wounds."
Inuyasha did as he was told. He would have been more shocked by Myouga's death but it seemed like everyone he'd known was either dead or dying. "How do you know so much about me and Kagome? I've never seen you before in my life."
Reiki moved and sat next to Inuyasha. "I'll have you know I was the first person you ever saw young man. Now hold still this will hurt a bit." Reiki pushed the herbal mix into Inuyasha's right forearm. He gritted his teeth against the searing pain. After a moment it was over and the pain died down to a slow throbbing ache.
Reiki bandaged the wound. "I was your fathers most trusted friend and adviser as well as his healer. I mended his battle wounds, and cured his ailments. I also delivered your brother and you. I cared for your mother when she was carrying you. If it wasn't for me you might not have ever made it into this world. As to how I know so much about you, Myouga kept me well informed on all your travels."
Reiki finished wrapping Inuyasha's arm and begin mixing the treatment for the other. Inuyasha absentmindedly rubbed his bandaged arm. "So that's were he ran off to all the time. Why didn't he ever tell me about you?"
Inuyasha winced as Reiki rubbed the treatment into his left arm. "First of all as I understand you really don't like talking about your family do you? And secondly Sesshoumaru was so against you ever even coming onto the western lands that it would only have endangered your life."
Inuyasha barred against the pain once more. "Good point I guess." As Reiki bandaged his other arm Inuyasha glanced over at Nonixcia. The girl was still looking out the doors. She had been quiet the whole time he and Reiki were talking. Inuyasha knew she was still waiting for an answer to her question.
Inuyasha loudly cleared his throat hoping to get the girls attention. "Myouga didn't really know what was going on during that battle with Naraku."
Inuyasha looked at Nonixcia out of the corner of his eye. She had turned her attention back into the room but still was not looking at him. "During that battle Naraku did trap me and the others in a force filed. What Myouga didn't know was that Kagome took the shinkon no tama into herself. She couldn't break the force field so she cast a spell to send us somewhere safe. The only place she knew would be safe was her time, which would be now I guess. Only now, everything is different then where she came from. When we reappeared here, a friend Koga, found us and explained everything. He told me about Taku and Nonixcia and told me where to find her."
Inuyasha looked over at Nonixcia. She still wasn't looking at him. "I know it's hard to believe but that's the truth. If I had been here I wound have never let Naraku anywhere near you or your mother and brother."
Reiki moved over to Nonixcia and began treating her wound. Nonixcia kept her eyes trained on Reiki. "I know you're not lying I could tell if you were."
Reiki dabbed the medicine on her wound. "Well at least we have an explanation of that little trait of yours. Your mother having such a powerful object in her while she was pregnant with you probably transferred the power into you and Taku."
Inuyasha put his under shirt and haori back on. "What power?"
Reiki bandaged Nonixcia's hand and then stood. He straightened his back, his old bones creaking in protest. "Nonixcia can feel others' intentions. She could tell if you were lying or telling the truth."
Nonixcia stood and turned to Inuyasha. "I didn't even know what the shikon no tama was until I came here. Naraku destroyed any records of what happened before he took power. He wrote his own history and passed it off as truth."
Reiki began tiding up his worktable. "Yes and Naraku's view of history is anything but accurate."
Inuyasha finished dressing and stood. "Do you know where Kagome is?
Nonixcia's eyes shifted to the floor. She rubbed her hands together nervously and a sullen look came over her face. "I guess you wouldn't know about what happened." She looked at him sadly. "Kagome died after I was born, Naraku kill her."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, I don't believe that. Koga said she is still alive."
Nonixcia crossed her arm in front of her chest. "What? Who is Koga anyway and how would he know if she was alive or dead?"
Inuyasha silently wished the girl knew more so he wouldn't have to explain all these details to her. "Koga is the leader of the wolf tribe that died protecting your mother. He promised her he would find me and the others when we came through the time spell. He said he had someone who kept him informed of Naraku's activities. That person said that Kagome was still alive somewhere. That Naraku couldn't kill her so he kept her hidden."
Nonixcia through her hands up in the air. "That's ridiculous, no one in their right mind would betray Naraku."
Reiki cleared his throat and glanced at the girl. "Oh and what are you doing dear? Complying with him?"
Nonixcia rolled her eyes. "I guess you have a point. So there is a snitch huh, I wonder who could..." her eyes suddenly grew wide. "So that's where she went. I'll be damned. She was always sneaking off. She never had a good reason. Now it makes sense." Nonixcia looked up at Inuyasha.
Inuyasha stepped closer to the girl. "You know who it is?"
Nonixcia smirked. "The wind witch, Kagura."
Name notes
Okami - mistress, landlady, hostess, proprietress
Reiki - healing method
Kousou - spice used for cooking
Koinu - puppy
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate -- that's my philosophy. Thornton Wilder:
Chapter 8
Uneasy Beginnings
Nonixcia led everyone down a path in a forested area. She stated simply and quickly that this was the fastest way to the castle and that was their destination. After that she and Hakuya separated from the group walking several paces ahead of everyone else.
For the most part everyone traveled in silence. Every now and then Miroku and Sango would exchange words, but they were hushed and brief. Shippo could feel the unease of the group and stayed silent. He walked next to Inuyasha holding Kirara in his arms.
Inuyasha was desperately trying to deal with the pain brought on by his fight with Taku. His pain tolerance was higher than most people and usually he could push the pain aside and focus on something else. However the injuries Taku had inflicted on him were like none he had ever felt before.
He looked down at his wounded arm. The wounds had stopped bleeding and were turning a blackish color and had swollen quite a bit. The pain seemed to come in waves. One minute it was simply uncomfortable, the next it felt like his blood was on fire and burning him from the inside out.
Whatever Taku had done to him was also setting him on edge. With each wave of pain came a mix of anger and disorientation. The pain came longer each time before it was washed away to the dull throbbing ache that had consumed his entire body.
Trying to find something to keep his mind occupied Inuyasha forced his attention on the girl in front of him. He began to study her appearance and her movements. The longer he did this the more she seemed to remind him of Kagome.
The similarities were there. The midnight black hair, which fell down the small of her back, defiantly the same color as her mother. Her scent was a mixture of himself and Kagome, despite her wounds from the battle she also smelled of water and flowers. She smelled fresh which meant she probably shared her mother's affinity for cleanliness.
They also shared common interest in clothing it would seem. Nonixcia wore a short kimono coming a few inches above her knees. It was a light purple in color. On top of that was a long outer haori which fell just above her ankles, and was died a purple shade much darker than the under kimono. It was opened in the front with short elbow length sleeves. Despite her injured leg she even walked like her mother too with a slight swagger and quick movements of the arms.
He saw slight traces of himself as well. Obviously there was the ears, two black triangles peeking out from her hair. The anger and attitude she showed in the fight with Taku were obviously inherited from him. And the light violet color of her eyes matched his on the night of the new moon.
He kept looking for familiar things in her, something he could recognize as a part of him. Somehow when he thought about the twins he had pictured little children. Helpless little versions of himself and Kagome trapped somewhere with Naraku. Children who needed his help and protection. Nonixcia obviously didn't need his protection. She had saved him for god's sake.
Somehow he just couldn't understand how this woman could be his daughter?
****************************
Inuyasha had no memory of his father's home. All his mother ever told him about the place where he was born was that it was a large castle sounded by many towns and full of people. She would smile and describe how kind his father had been and how he had protected all those living on his land. His mother never talked long though without crying and he hated to see his mother cry. For that reason he learned not to ask about his father or the western lands.
As the group broke from the forest they could see a large building on the horizon. It looked like some parts were made in the old style they were used to. Other parts looked newer and were made in an unfamiliar style. Unlike most buildings this one had multiple stories. It looked to be about three but it was to far to tell.
As they neared it became obvious they were entering the castle from the back entrance, as they had to walk through a large garden. It was filled with neatly trimmed hedges and flowering trees. Plants and flowers littered the landscape, all colorful and extremely beautiful. Stone paths wound through the garden and led to the castle gateway.
As they approached the castle a woman came running out to them. She was human, taller than most and had light yellow color hair which stood out in contrast to her black kimono. "Lady Nonixcia I'm glad to see you came back so soon and...are you bleeding?"
Nonixcia waved her hand. "It's nothing Okami, don't worry about It."
Okami ran back to the doorway and shouted. "Reiki! Lady Nonixcia is injured come quickly." She turned and rushed over to Nonixcia and examined her injured arm. Okami sadly shook her head "You really shouldn't fight with your brother like this. And after the fight you had last week, I swear one day you two will kill each other."
Nonixcia batted the older woman's hands away. "Gee I come home bleeding and the first thing you think is that it's Taku's fault."
Hakuya laughed "well who else could give you wounds like that? Not many people can use purifying energy as a poison you know."
Okami glanced around at everyone. The concern she showed a few moments ago over Nonixcia's injures seemed to melt away. She flashed the group a bright smile and clasped her hands together and brought them up to her chin. "You didn't tell me you were bringing home guests. If I had know I would have had Kousou cook a larger dinner."
Nonixcia walked over to a small stone bench and sat down. "They were unexpected." She said and wearily began rubbing her temples.
Okami bowed before the group. "Welcome to castle Taisho. Please give me a few minutes to prepare a receiving room." As she rose her eyes fell on Inuyasha. "Good sir those wounds.....did you battle with Taku as well?"
"It seems the whole family was in on this one."
Everyone turned their attention to the castle doorway where a old dog demon now stood.
Descending the steps he walked froward and cast a sideways glance at Nonixcia. She took no notice of him and continued to rub her head. He said nothing to her and looked directly at Inuyasha. "It is a pity you had to fight your own son is it not Inuyasha?"
Despite his weakened state Inuyasha was not about to let some old man insult him. He glared at the elderly demon. "Who the hell are you? How do you know me old man?"
The old demon shook his head in disappointment. "I had hoped to receive better treatment out of you than I did your brother. Seems I was wrong."
Inuyasha lunged forward. "Don't you compare me to that asshole."
Hakuya stepped between the two and pushed Inuyasha back. "That's enough! We have more important things to do. Nonixcia is badly wounded and so are you. Reiki please take them inside and treat them."
Inuyasha growled at Hakuya. He didn't like having someone tell him what to do and he certainly didn't like the way this boy was trying to control the situation.
Hakuya's lips curled up in a snarl but he managed to force back the growl that should have accompanied it. "Please calm down and do as Reiki asks."
Reiki turned and walked back towards the castle. Once again he paused in front on Nonixcia. "Do you need help walking little koinu?" Nonixcia glared up at the old demon. "No, and don't call me that."
Reiki let a smile cross his wrinkled face before he continued towards the doorway. "Come with me both of you."
Hakuya walked away from Inuyasha and over towards Okami. "Okami, please show our guests to a comfortable room." As he moved past her he whispered. "And keep an eye on them. Don't let them out of your site." She nodded her head softly and smiled at Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. "Please follow me honored guests."
Miroku followed a bit to eagerly. "Excuse me miss but how would you like to bare...." A very red faced Sango smacked him upside the head.
Okami turned and smiled. "You certainly are a lively bunch. Please come along."
As the others left Hakuya took Nonixcia's arm. He helped her to her feet and walked her into the castle.
After a few moments Inuyasha followed them inside. While Okami had led the others down a hallway to the left, Taku and Nonixcia had taken the hallway to the right. Even though he was reluctant to separate from the group he knew he had no choice. He caught up with them down the long hallway. Hakuya glanced behind at him. "How do you feel?"
Inuyasha glared at the man in front of him. "What do you mean how do I feel?"
Hakuya glanced at Nonixcia. "It's the purifying energy, that's what wrong with her, it makes you feel groggy and weak. I assume it's doing the same to you. You did receive a high dose of it after all. See, when the stuff gets into your blood it seeks out Youkai and starts destroying from the inside out. If you were a full demon you would be dead by now."
Nonixcia suddenly pulled her arm free from Hakuya's hold. "Let go of me! I'm not an invalid I can walk by myself!" She stumbled a bit and regaining her balance, she quickly walked down the hall and into a room to the left. The two males stood silent for a moment before following her.
The room they came to was quite large. There were several futons set up on the floor. Tables lined the walls, many cluttered with potions and herbs. Above the tables where shelves each one lined with rows of books. On the far wall were two doors that opened into a flower filled garden and allowed the warm summer breeze to flow in.
Nonixcia lay on her back on one of the futons, her eyes closed. Reiki was busy at one of the tables grinding something in a mixing bowl. "It will take me a moment to fix an antidote. Hakuya you may leave now."
Nonixcia opened her eyes and glared at the old demons back. "I don't think he has to leave."
Reiki kept his back to her and continued to prepare the herbs "Well I don't think he really needs to stay."
Nonixcia sat up. "Yeah well I'm the lady of this land so I think that what I think is more important that what you think."
Reiki laughed. "And I think that poison has gone to your brain. You can't even talk right let alone think straight, and you're being as rude to me as Inuyasha."
Inuyasha plopped down on a futon next to Nonixcia. "Watch your mouth old man."
Hakuya wasn't about to argue with anyone and was more than curious about what those travailing with Inuyasha had to say. He knew Reiki would find out where Inuyasha had been if this was really even Inuyasha. There was always the possibility this was a trick set up by Naraku. Hakuya had learned never underestimate Naraku. "Look I'm going to go check on everyone else. I'll be back shortly." He started to leave and then turned around. "And Nixcy try to behave yourself."
Nonixcia crossed here arms and made a small noise, if Inuyasha didn't know better he would have sworn she just feh'ed. The two sat in silence while Reiki crushed and mixed herbs.
Nonixcia fidgeted a bit and shifted around uncomfortably. "So, where have you been?"
Inuyasha looked over at her. "Huh?"
She turned away from him and faced the garden. "Everyone thought you were dead. But here you are, alive and well. You must have been somewhere all this time.
Inuyasha scratched his head and his ears went flat against his hair. He really wasn't sure how to answer her. Would she even believe him if he told her the truth? "Well, that's a long story and I really don't know where to start."
Reiki turned around still grinding herbs, the mixing bowl held in the crook of his arm. "Myouga came here after the battle with Naraku and said you disappeared. He believed you to be dead. "
Inuyasha's ears picked up in surprise. "Myouga!? I thought he ran away long before we reached Naraku."
Reiki turned back to the table, picked up a blue jar and sprinkled the contents into the bowl. "He came here badly wounded. He told me that you had fought Naraku and that Naraku had imprisoned you in some kind of force field. Kagome tried to save you and your companions but the force field disappeared and you with it. Kagome then fought Naraku. Both Kagome and Myouga were injured in the fight. Myouga came here hoping to get help from Sesshoumaru and save Kagome. Quite a brave act for such a cowardly flea. He died for his efforts."
Nonixcia rolled her eyes. "And of course Sesshoumaru could care less about some human."
Reiki turned around, bowl in hand. "Don't sound so bitter Nonixcia. Inuyasha please remove your haori so I can treat your wounds."
Inuyasha did as he was told. He would have been more shocked by Myouga's death but it seemed like everyone he'd known was either dead or dying. "How do you know so much about me and Kagome? I've never seen you before in my life."
Reiki moved and sat next to Inuyasha. "I'll have you know I was the first person you ever saw young man. Now hold still this will hurt a bit." Reiki pushed the herbal mix into Inuyasha's right forearm. He gritted his teeth against the searing pain. After a moment it was over and the pain died down to a slow throbbing ache.
Reiki bandaged the wound. "I was your fathers most trusted friend and adviser as well as his healer. I mended his battle wounds, and cured his ailments. I also delivered your brother and you. I cared for your mother when she was carrying you. If it wasn't for me you might not have ever made it into this world. As to how I know so much about you, Myouga kept me well informed on all your travels."
Reiki finished wrapping Inuyasha's arm and begin mixing the treatment for the other. Inuyasha absentmindedly rubbed his bandaged arm. "So that's were he ran off to all the time. Why didn't he ever tell me about you?"
Inuyasha winced as Reiki rubbed the treatment into his left arm. "First of all as I understand you really don't like talking about your family do you? And secondly Sesshoumaru was so against you ever even coming onto the western lands that it would only have endangered your life."
Inuyasha barred against the pain once more. "Good point I guess." As Reiki bandaged his other arm Inuyasha glanced over at Nonixcia. The girl was still looking out the doors. She had been quiet the whole time he and Reiki were talking. Inuyasha knew she was still waiting for an answer to her question.
Inuyasha loudly cleared his throat hoping to get the girls attention. "Myouga didn't really know what was going on during that battle with Naraku."
Inuyasha looked at Nonixcia out of the corner of his eye. She had turned her attention back into the room but still was not looking at him. "During that battle Naraku did trap me and the others in a force filed. What Myouga didn't know was that Kagome took the shinkon no tama into herself. She couldn't break the force field so she cast a spell to send us somewhere safe. The only place she knew would be safe was her time, which would be now I guess. Only now, everything is different then where she came from. When we reappeared here, a friend Koga, found us and explained everything. He told me about Taku and Nonixcia and told me where to find her."
Inuyasha looked over at Nonixcia. She still wasn't looking at him. "I know it's hard to believe but that's the truth. If I had been here I wound have never let Naraku anywhere near you or your mother and brother."
Reiki moved over to Nonixcia and began treating her wound. Nonixcia kept her eyes trained on Reiki. "I know you're not lying I could tell if you were."
Reiki dabbed the medicine on her wound. "Well at least we have an explanation of that little trait of yours. Your mother having such a powerful object in her while she was pregnant with you probably transferred the power into you and Taku."
Inuyasha put his under shirt and haori back on. "What power?"
Reiki bandaged Nonixcia's hand and then stood. He straightened his back, his old bones creaking in protest. "Nonixcia can feel others' intentions. She could tell if you were lying or telling the truth."
Nonixcia stood and turned to Inuyasha. "I didn't even know what the shikon no tama was until I came here. Naraku destroyed any records of what happened before he took power. He wrote his own history and passed it off as truth."
Reiki began tiding up his worktable. "Yes and Naraku's view of history is anything but accurate."
Inuyasha finished dressing and stood. "Do you know where Kagome is?
Nonixcia's eyes shifted to the floor. She rubbed her hands together nervously and a sullen look came over her face. "I guess you wouldn't know about what happened." She looked at him sadly. "Kagome died after I was born, Naraku kill her."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No, I don't believe that. Koga said she is still alive."
Nonixcia crossed her arm in front of her chest. "What? Who is Koga anyway and how would he know if she was alive or dead?"
Inuyasha silently wished the girl knew more so he wouldn't have to explain all these details to her. "Koga is the leader of the wolf tribe that died protecting your mother. He promised her he would find me and the others when we came through the time spell. He said he had someone who kept him informed of Naraku's activities. That person said that Kagome was still alive somewhere. That Naraku couldn't kill her so he kept her hidden."
Nonixcia through her hands up in the air. "That's ridiculous, no one in their right mind would betray Naraku."
Reiki cleared his throat and glanced at the girl. "Oh and what are you doing dear? Complying with him?"
Nonixcia rolled her eyes. "I guess you have a point. So there is a snitch huh, I wonder who could..." her eyes suddenly grew wide. "So that's where she went. I'll be damned. She was always sneaking off. She never had a good reason. Now it makes sense." Nonixcia looked up at Inuyasha.
Inuyasha stepped closer to the girl. "You know who it is?"
Nonixcia smirked. "The wind witch, Kagura."
Name notes
Okami - mistress, landlady, hostess, proprietress
Reiki - healing method
Kousou - spice used for cooking
Koinu - puppy