Hello again everyone! Chapter four a comin'. Once again I wanna thank
Ivan's Kitsune for reviewing my story. You ROCK ^-^! I'm afraid that before
this story can take on a happier tone, it's going to get sadder. Poor
Ayame, I'm putting her through so much grief, I must be evil. *Sigh*, but
it'll get better once she is back with Sess. After all who wouldn't be
happy at being with Sess? Well now since that's outta the way, on with the
story!
Disclaimer: *looks up at the sky and sees a star* Star light star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. I wish that.....I owned Sesshoumaru! *hears someone yell "Fat chance!!"* Who said that!?
Chapter 4: Enter Party of Five
Ayame had just strolled into the village, as the sun had now fully risen above the horizon. Scaning the surrounding buildings she found that most people were still inside, nice and warm with the ones they loved. Sighing to herself she briefly thought, 'That could be me, if I hadn't let him go.' She was interupted from her thoughts, however, when a pair of arms snaked their way around her waist and she was pulled backwards into an embrace. She briefly thought that it was Sesshoumaru, but after smelling the strong scent of pine, she dismissed that thought. "Hello Watari," she said sullenly. "Good morning to you too, beautiful." Rolling her eyes, Ayame slipped out of his grasp and continued on her stoll through the village. Watari wasn't fazed by her action or the mood she was in. She had been like this every morning for awhile now. He quickly jogged up next to her and confronted her. "You've been thinking about that bastard mutt again haven't you?" Ayame's eyebrows twitched together in anger and she balled her hands into fists. She knew that he was just trying to comfort her, but she hated it when he addressed Sesshoumaru in such a rude manner. 'After all it's my fault he left in the first place.'
Sensing her anger Watari tried approaching the matter in a different light. "How about you take today off and we go for a walk or something?" "I can't do that, I have too much to do around here today." Huffing in disappointment, Watari added, "If you say so. I better be going then." Before leaving though he finally said, "And try to be happy today okay?" Ayame turned her head to him and put on a fake smile, "Okay Watari, I'll try." He smiled back and then ran off into the forest. As soon as he was gone, her smile was replaced by a frown. 'The only time I will ever be happy again, is if I see Sesshoumaru.' She made her way towards the fields and found that, as usual, the farmers were already awake and tending to their crops. They waved to her as she walked up and she returned it. Then began to help them.
At around 11:00 a.m., she was wanted at the other end of the village. Something about a request for help from a neighboring village. She quickly made her way to the other end of the village, greeting some familiar faces on the way. Upon reaching her destitnation, she walked up to the stranger and listened intently to what he had to say. " Good morning Ayame-sama." "Please, just call me Ayame." "Very well. My village requests your help in the matter of exterminating a demon that has been running loose in the village and terrorising the citizens. We have heard of your kindness in the fact that you protect over this village, so we thought that you would be able to deal with the matter. We are also willing to pay you for your services. Will you help us?" Ayame took a minute to think it over. The area surrounding this village was clear of any demons, so it should be safe. Also the chores that she had to do could easily be taken care of by the villagers. "How far away is your village?" "It is a few hours away by walking." It would take her less than half the time if she were to run. "Very well, I will help you." "You are most gracious Ayame-sama." She ignored the sama that he had placed at the end of her name and turned around to talk with some of the elders of the village. She told them of the chores that needed to be done and they said it would be taken care of. She then informed them that she would be back within a few hours and that they would be safe since there were no demons near by.
Without further delay she once again spoke to the man. "Get on my back. We will arrive much quicker if I run there." Not exactly sure what to do, the man just nodded his head and obeyed. With the man now secure, Ayame took off in the direction that he had told her to go. The man was amazed at the speed in which they were traveling. Never had he experienced anything such as this. It seemed that within no time they were already at the entrance to his village. Ayame placed him back onto his own two feet and took a look around. The buildings were either collapsed or on the verge of collapsing and the crops were all destroyed. She turned her head towards the man and took in the scared state he was in. "Where are the rest of the villagers?" "They are in a clearing in the forest." Ayame followed his finger with her eyes to the direction that he pointed. Then turning her head back to the scene of destruction before her, she spoke, "Go join them. Don't let any of them leave. I will come and get you when the demon is gone." "Thank you and good luck." He then turned and hurridly walked in the direction he had just pointed to.
Ayame lifted her head and sniffed the air. She would have no trouble finding this demon, it's filthy stench was everywhere. The freshest scent was coming from somewhere at the far end of the village. She masked her own scent then made her way in that direction. Upon reaching the demon, she could hear it lumbering about in the forest. She sensed that it was powerful, but not as powerful as she. The demon came into view and she identified it as a bear youkai. A rather large, ugly, and smelly one at that. There was something else about this youkai though that seemed a bit off. That's when she noticed it, a jewel shard was glowing a soft pink from inside his right arm.(A/N I'll explain later on how she has miko powers). Not waiting another moment she lunged at the bear youkai and cut its stomach. It howled in pain, but regained its composure and glared at her. "Well well well, what have we got here? A little bitch huh?" Hearing the youkai's gruff sounding voice only made her want to kill it faster. "I'm gonna enjoy tearing you to pieces." Ayame only smirked at this and dodged the bear's swing of its claws. She landed behind it and made quick work of severing its right arm off. Then without hesitation, she cut its throat, silencing it for good. Stooping over the bear youkai she shook her head and quietly laughed, 'What happened to the whole tearing me to pieces part?'
Bending down over the bear's severed arm, she dug out the shard, which was instantly purfied in her hand. Then pocketing it she went in search of the villagers. She found them a distance away by a small stream. "You no longer have anything to fear. The demon is dead and will no longer bother you." There were some shouts of happiness and hugging between families. Ayame washed her hands off in the stream and viewed her reflection. 'I don't even recognize myself anymore. Amazing how something can change a person so much.' Her brooding was interupted when she noticed the reflection of the man from earlier standing next to her. She stood and turned to him. "We are in debted to you." He handed her a sack of money with a smile upon his face. Ayame shook her head, "It was nothing. Please keep that money and use it towards rebuilding your village." The man was over joyed and he couldn't help himself, he flung his arms around Ayame and embraced her. "Thank you, thank you," he muttered over and over again. A little surprised at the man's action, Ayame just softly patted his back. "Your welcome."
Removing herself from the man's embrace, she said her goodbyes and returned to her village. She arrived at the village at around 4:00 p.m. and was greeted by the smiles and laughter of the children. She smiled, a true smile, at their innocent faces. The one thing that truly made her happy and forget her troubles, were the children in the village. They all ran up to her and jumped up and down excitedly. "Ayame! Ayame! Your back! Your back!" they all shouted in unison. She nodded her head yes and bent down to their level. She was then enveloped in six different embraces, by six pairs of tiny arms. She laughed and the children all let go and then looked at her expectantly. "What is it?" She softly inquired. "Is it true that you went and fought a big scary demon?" One little girl asked. "Yes Sakura, it is true." "So then tell us the story! Was there blood and guts?!" One of the older boys of about ten asked. Ayame laughed again at this, "Maybe later, okay Takune." There were sounds of disappointment and Ayame found herself smiling once more. She stood up and shooed the children off.
She then went to one of the elder's houses and let him know that she had returned. He told her that all of the chores were finished and that she had the rest of the day to herself. She thanked him then left. 'The rest of the day to myself. Just what am I supposed to do for the rest of the day?' She returned to her hut and sat down inside.Then withdrawing the jewel shard from within her clothing she examined it. 'It's been awhile since I've seen one of these.' Her facial expression became one of anger and she closed her fist around the jewel shard. The corner dug into her skin and drew blood. She released her grip when she noticed red droplets fall onto the floor. She decided that she could use a bath. The stench of that bear youkai was still lingering on her skin and it sickened her. Placing the jewel shard onto the table she stood and headed for the hotsprings.
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*Meanwhile, some distance away from the village*
"InuYasha! We want to take a break! We've been walking for hours now and are all tired!" Yelled an angry Kagome to a stubborn hanyou. "Feh, you humans are weak." This was the last straw Kagome wasn't going to put up with his attitude anymore today. "Oh InuYasha," she sweetly called. InuYasha knew what that meant and also knew what would come next. "Si..." "Fine, alright we can take a break. Just don't say it." Kagome smiled and plopped herself down on the ground. InuYahsa just hopped up onto a tree branch, muttering under his breath. Sango walked over to join Kagome but was stopped by the all to familiar hand groping her. "Hentai!" She screamed as she swung around and hit Miroku on top of his head with her boomerang. Miroku hit the ground unconscious and Sango just smirked then sat next to Kagome. They were then joined by Shippo and Kirara.
Kagome had taken off her shoes and was now rubbing her feet. "Ouch, my poor feet are killing me!" Sango looked at Kagome puzzled. "Killing you?" Kagome looked at Sango and smiled, "Yeah, it just means that they hurt, A LOT." "Funny way of putting it." "Hehe yeah i guess it is." The group rested for an hour then started their walking again. They walked for a few more hours, when Kagome noticed that the sun was setting. "InuYasha, don't you think we should be setting up camp now?" InuYasha just kept on walking, seeming to ignore her question. "InuYasha!" Kagome yelled. "What is it wench!?" "The sun is setting." "What's your point?" "My point is that we should be stopping and setting up camp right now." "Feh. Calm down, we're almost there." Kagome looked at him confused. "Almost where?" "There is a village up ahead." "Oh." Kagome was thinking that she was finally going to be able to sleep in an actual bed. After all Miroku would probably pull his "There is a curse upon this house" act and they would get to stay at the best place in the village. That's when she sensed it. She stopped suddenly in her tracks. "Are you okay Kagome?" asked Sango, worry in her voice.
"Th...There's a jewel shard up ahead." At her comment InuYasha spun around. "What did you say?" "I sense a jewel shard up ahead. It must be in that village." Without another word the group raced off towards the village. Upon arriving at the entrance they were confused. In the fading rays of sunlight, they observed the village, but noticed that everything was calm. "Are you sure you sense one Kagome?" "Yes, positive." InuYasha called to a nearby villager. "Hey, old man!" The old man turned his attention to InuYasha. "Hello, can I help you young man?" "Yeah. Has there been any powerful demons through here? Most likely evil and sinister looking?" The old man began scratching his chin, "Nope 'fraid not. The only demon around here is Ayame and she's not evil or sinister. Quite the contrary, she protects us." Upon hearing the old man's words, Kagome became confused, 'Why would a demon protect a village of humans?" "Do you know where we can find this demon?" InuYasha asked. "Yep sure do. She lives about a mile out of town, that way." He pointed in the direction of Ayame's hut. "Thanks old man." "No problem sonny."
The group then made their way to Ayame's hut. The whole way there Kagome couldn't help but to keep thinking of reasons why a demon would want to help humans. They were now almost at the hut. InuYasha sniffed the air and registered the smell of lavenders. "Be on guard everone, just in case." The group nodded their heads then pressed onward.
Ayame sensed a group of five coming towards her. She walked outside and sniffed the air. 'Hmm...three demons and three humans traveling together?' She returned her attention to the path in time to see the figures appear. She suddenly stared wide-eyed at what she saw. White hair, amber eyes, 'Sess..Sesshoumaru..?' No it wasn't Sesshoumaru, he did not wear a red haori and he deffinatly would not be travling with humans. She sighed. Then looked up at the group once again. "Can I help you?" She asked them when they were close enough. InuYasha and the group stopped and stared at her. Kagome was the first one to speak. "Would I be correct in assuming that you are Ayame?" "Yes, you would." "Would I also be correct in assuming that you have a jewel shard in your possession?" Ayame narrowed her eyes. 'So she also has miko powers.' "Yes, you would also be correct in that assumption." "Well...I was wondering...ummm..." "We want the jewel shard!" Barked out InuYasha. "And if I refuse to give it to you?" InuYasha swung his sword at her. Not hard enough to hurt anyone, just hard enough to get his point across.
Ayame, however, just stood her ground and at the last second, caught the blade between her palms. "Now, now. There's no need for violence." She released the sword and InuYasha withdrew it. "InuYasha! Sit!" There was a loud thump, as InuYasha hit the ground face first. Kagome looked up at Ayame, " Sorry about that. We do not wish to start any violence. Please allow me to explain the situation." Ayame simply nodded then gestured for everyone to enter her hut. They all entered, the last being an angry hanyou with dirt on his face. Once inside they all sat down around the fire and Kagome began the story. (A/N I'm not going to put in Kagome's whole story on how she broke the jewel and how she and InuYasha are recovering the shards because I think everyone already knows that by now.).
After hearing Kagome's story, Ayame sat in silence for a few moments. She then stood and went over to the table and grabbed the jewel shard. She handed it to Kagome, "I hope that you succeed in your journey, miko." Smiling up at her, Kagome took the jewel shard, but noticed that it was already purified. "But...how?" "You are referring to the fact that it is already purified?" Kagome shook her head yes. Ayame smirked, "It seems then, that I too possess some miko powers." "How though?" Ayame stared into the fire and responded. "I inherited them from my mother. She taught me the basics before she died." "Oh...I'm sorry." There was a stretch of silence, in which everyone in the hut was in deep thought. Kagome was the one to break the silence. "I was wondering. Everyone in this village seems to trust you with their lives. Why do you protect them?" Glancing out the window, Ayame noticed how late it was. "I'm afraid that is a story best left until tomorrow. If you would like you all may stay here for the night." Everyone except InuYasha nodded their heads in acceptance. There was something about this demoness that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Everyone situated themselves about the hut and one by one drifted asleep. Ayame was the last one asleep and just the same as every night, the last thing on her mind was Sesshoumaru.
Woohoo chapter four done! Ayame will tell about her past in the next chapter. I know, finally you get to learn why she gets so depressed when she remembers the past. Also, either in the next chapter or in chapter six, get ready for some more sadness. After that though it should start getting happier. Unless I change something at the last minute. You all know what to do now right? Of course you do, since you're all so smart. Review! Welp, I have to go do homework now (oh yay so much fun *gag*). See yas!
~Aries
Disclaimer: *looks up at the sky and sees a star* Star light star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. I wish that.....I owned Sesshoumaru! *hears someone yell "Fat chance!!"* Who said that!?
Chapter 4: Enter Party of Five
Ayame had just strolled into the village, as the sun had now fully risen above the horizon. Scaning the surrounding buildings she found that most people were still inside, nice and warm with the ones they loved. Sighing to herself she briefly thought, 'That could be me, if I hadn't let him go.' She was interupted from her thoughts, however, when a pair of arms snaked their way around her waist and she was pulled backwards into an embrace. She briefly thought that it was Sesshoumaru, but after smelling the strong scent of pine, she dismissed that thought. "Hello Watari," she said sullenly. "Good morning to you too, beautiful." Rolling her eyes, Ayame slipped out of his grasp and continued on her stoll through the village. Watari wasn't fazed by her action or the mood she was in. She had been like this every morning for awhile now. He quickly jogged up next to her and confronted her. "You've been thinking about that bastard mutt again haven't you?" Ayame's eyebrows twitched together in anger and she balled her hands into fists. She knew that he was just trying to comfort her, but she hated it when he addressed Sesshoumaru in such a rude manner. 'After all it's my fault he left in the first place.'
Sensing her anger Watari tried approaching the matter in a different light. "How about you take today off and we go for a walk or something?" "I can't do that, I have too much to do around here today." Huffing in disappointment, Watari added, "If you say so. I better be going then." Before leaving though he finally said, "And try to be happy today okay?" Ayame turned her head to him and put on a fake smile, "Okay Watari, I'll try." He smiled back and then ran off into the forest. As soon as he was gone, her smile was replaced by a frown. 'The only time I will ever be happy again, is if I see Sesshoumaru.' She made her way towards the fields and found that, as usual, the farmers were already awake and tending to their crops. They waved to her as she walked up and she returned it. Then began to help them.
At around 11:00 a.m., she was wanted at the other end of the village. Something about a request for help from a neighboring village. She quickly made her way to the other end of the village, greeting some familiar faces on the way. Upon reaching her destitnation, she walked up to the stranger and listened intently to what he had to say. " Good morning Ayame-sama." "Please, just call me Ayame." "Very well. My village requests your help in the matter of exterminating a demon that has been running loose in the village and terrorising the citizens. We have heard of your kindness in the fact that you protect over this village, so we thought that you would be able to deal with the matter. We are also willing to pay you for your services. Will you help us?" Ayame took a minute to think it over. The area surrounding this village was clear of any demons, so it should be safe. Also the chores that she had to do could easily be taken care of by the villagers. "How far away is your village?" "It is a few hours away by walking." It would take her less than half the time if she were to run. "Very well, I will help you." "You are most gracious Ayame-sama." She ignored the sama that he had placed at the end of her name and turned around to talk with some of the elders of the village. She told them of the chores that needed to be done and they said it would be taken care of. She then informed them that she would be back within a few hours and that they would be safe since there were no demons near by.
Without further delay she once again spoke to the man. "Get on my back. We will arrive much quicker if I run there." Not exactly sure what to do, the man just nodded his head and obeyed. With the man now secure, Ayame took off in the direction that he had told her to go. The man was amazed at the speed in which they were traveling. Never had he experienced anything such as this. It seemed that within no time they were already at the entrance to his village. Ayame placed him back onto his own two feet and took a look around. The buildings were either collapsed or on the verge of collapsing and the crops were all destroyed. She turned her head towards the man and took in the scared state he was in. "Where are the rest of the villagers?" "They are in a clearing in the forest." Ayame followed his finger with her eyes to the direction that he pointed. Then turning her head back to the scene of destruction before her, she spoke, "Go join them. Don't let any of them leave. I will come and get you when the demon is gone." "Thank you and good luck." He then turned and hurridly walked in the direction he had just pointed to.
Ayame lifted her head and sniffed the air. She would have no trouble finding this demon, it's filthy stench was everywhere. The freshest scent was coming from somewhere at the far end of the village. She masked her own scent then made her way in that direction. Upon reaching the demon, she could hear it lumbering about in the forest. She sensed that it was powerful, but not as powerful as she. The demon came into view and she identified it as a bear youkai. A rather large, ugly, and smelly one at that. There was something else about this youkai though that seemed a bit off. That's when she noticed it, a jewel shard was glowing a soft pink from inside his right arm.(A/N I'll explain later on how she has miko powers). Not waiting another moment she lunged at the bear youkai and cut its stomach. It howled in pain, but regained its composure and glared at her. "Well well well, what have we got here? A little bitch huh?" Hearing the youkai's gruff sounding voice only made her want to kill it faster. "I'm gonna enjoy tearing you to pieces." Ayame only smirked at this and dodged the bear's swing of its claws. She landed behind it and made quick work of severing its right arm off. Then without hesitation, she cut its throat, silencing it for good. Stooping over the bear youkai she shook her head and quietly laughed, 'What happened to the whole tearing me to pieces part?'
Bending down over the bear's severed arm, she dug out the shard, which was instantly purfied in her hand. Then pocketing it she went in search of the villagers. She found them a distance away by a small stream. "You no longer have anything to fear. The demon is dead and will no longer bother you." There were some shouts of happiness and hugging between families. Ayame washed her hands off in the stream and viewed her reflection. 'I don't even recognize myself anymore. Amazing how something can change a person so much.' Her brooding was interupted when she noticed the reflection of the man from earlier standing next to her. She stood and turned to him. "We are in debted to you." He handed her a sack of money with a smile upon his face. Ayame shook her head, "It was nothing. Please keep that money and use it towards rebuilding your village." The man was over joyed and he couldn't help himself, he flung his arms around Ayame and embraced her. "Thank you, thank you," he muttered over and over again. A little surprised at the man's action, Ayame just softly patted his back. "Your welcome."
Removing herself from the man's embrace, she said her goodbyes and returned to her village. She arrived at the village at around 4:00 p.m. and was greeted by the smiles and laughter of the children. She smiled, a true smile, at their innocent faces. The one thing that truly made her happy and forget her troubles, were the children in the village. They all ran up to her and jumped up and down excitedly. "Ayame! Ayame! Your back! Your back!" they all shouted in unison. She nodded her head yes and bent down to their level. She was then enveloped in six different embraces, by six pairs of tiny arms. She laughed and the children all let go and then looked at her expectantly. "What is it?" She softly inquired. "Is it true that you went and fought a big scary demon?" One little girl asked. "Yes Sakura, it is true." "So then tell us the story! Was there blood and guts?!" One of the older boys of about ten asked. Ayame laughed again at this, "Maybe later, okay Takune." There were sounds of disappointment and Ayame found herself smiling once more. She stood up and shooed the children off.
She then went to one of the elder's houses and let him know that she had returned. He told her that all of the chores were finished and that she had the rest of the day to herself. She thanked him then left. 'The rest of the day to myself. Just what am I supposed to do for the rest of the day?' She returned to her hut and sat down inside.Then withdrawing the jewel shard from within her clothing she examined it. 'It's been awhile since I've seen one of these.' Her facial expression became one of anger and she closed her fist around the jewel shard. The corner dug into her skin and drew blood. She released her grip when she noticed red droplets fall onto the floor. She decided that she could use a bath. The stench of that bear youkai was still lingering on her skin and it sickened her. Placing the jewel shard onto the table she stood and headed for the hotsprings.
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*Meanwhile, some distance away from the village*
"InuYasha! We want to take a break! We've been walking for hours now and are all tired!" Yelled an angry Kagome to a stubborn hanyou. "Feh, you humans are weak." This was the last straw Kagome wasn't going to put up with his attitude anymore today. "Oh InuYasha," she sweetly called. InuYasha knew what that meant and also knew what would come next. "Si..." "Fine, alright we can take a break. Just don't say it." Kagome smiled and plopped herself down on the ground. InuYahsa just hopped up onto a tree branch, muttering under his breath. Sango walked over to join Kagome but was stopped by the all to familiar hand groping her. "Hentai!" She screamed as she swung around and hit Miroku on top of his head with her boomerang. Miroku hit the ground unconscious and Sango just smirked then sat next to Kagome. They were then joined by Shippo and Kirara.
Kagome had taken off her shoes and was now rubbing her feet. "Ouch, my poor feet are killing me!" Sango looked at Kagome puzzled. "Killing you?" Kagome looked at Sango and smiled, "Yeah, it just means that they hurt, A LOT." "Funny way of putting it." "Hehe yeah i guess it is." The group rested for an hour then started their walking again. They walked for a few more hours, when Kagome noticed that the sun was setting. "InuYasha, don't you think we should be setting up camp now?" InuYasha just kept on walking, seeming to ignore her question. "InuYasha!" Kagome yelled. "What is it wench!?" "The sun is setting." "What's your point?" "My point is that we should be stopping and setting up camp right now." "Feh. Calm down, we're almost there." Kagome looked at him confused. "Almost where?" "There is a village up ahead." "Oh." Kagome was thinking that she was finally going to be able to sleep in an actual bed. After all Miroku would probably pull his "There is a curse upon this house" act and they would get to stay at the best place in the village. That's when she sensed it. She stopped suddenly in her tracks. "Are you okay Kagome?" asked Sango, worry in her voice.
"Th...There's a jewel shard up ahead." At her comment InuYasha spun around. "What did you say?" "I sense a jewel shard up ahead. It must be in that village." Without another word the group raced off towards the village. Upon arriving at the entrance they were confused. In the fading rays of sunlight, they observed the village, but noticed that everything was calm. "Are you sure you sense one Kagome?" "Yes, positive." InuYasha called to a nearby villager. "Hey, old man!" The old man turned his attention to InuYasha. "Hello, can I help you young man?" "Yeah. Has there been any powerful demons through here? Most likely evil and sinister looking?" The old man began scratching his chin, "Nope 'fraid not. The only demon around here is Ayame and she's not evil or sinister. Quite the contrary, she protects us." Upon hearing the old man's words, Kagome became confused, 'Why would a demon protect a village of humans?" "Do you know where we can find this demon?" InuYasha asked. "Yep sure do. She lives about a mile out of town, that way." He pointed in the direction of Ayame's hut. "Thanks old man." "No problem sonny."
The group then made their way to Ayame's hut. The whole way there Kagome couldn't help but to keep thinking of reasons why a demon would want to help humans. They were now almost at the hut. InuYasha sniffed the air and registered the smell of lavenders. "Be on guard everone, just in case." The group nodded their heads then pressed onward.
Ayame sensed a group of five coming towards her. She walked outside and sniffed the air. 'Hmm...three demons and three humans traveling together?' She returned her attention to the path in time to see the figures appear. She suddenly stared wide-eyed at what she saw. White hair, amber eyes, 'Sess..Sesshoumaru..?' No it wasn't Sesshoumaru, he did not wear a red haori and he deffinatly would not be travling with humans. She sighed. Then looked up at the group once again. "Can I help you?" She asked them when they were close enough. InuYasha and the group stopped and stared at her. Kagome was the first one to speak. "Would I be correct in assuming that you are Ayame?" "Yes, you would." "Would I also be correct in assuming that you have a jewel shard in your possession?" Ayame narrowed her eyes. 'So she also has miko powers.' "Yes, you would also be correct in that assumption." "Well...I was wondering...ummm..." "We want the jewel shard!" Barked out InuYasha. "And if I refuse to give it to you?" InuYasha swung his sword at her. Not hard enough to hurt anyone, just hard enough to get his point across.
Ayame, however, just stood her ground and at the last second, caught the blade between her palms. "Now, now. There's no need for violence." She released the sword and InuYasha withdrew it. "InuYasha! Sit!" There was a loud thump, as InuYasha hit the ground face first. Kagome looked up at Ayame, " Sorry about that. We do not wish to start any violence. Please allow me to explain the situation." Ayame simply nodded then gestured for everyone to enter her hut. They all entered, the last being an angry hanyou with dirt on his face. Once inside they all sat down around the fire and Kagome began the story. (A/N I'm not going to put in Kagome's whole story on how she broke the jewel and how she and InuYasha are recovering the shards because I think everyone already knows that by now.).
After hearing Kagome's story, Ayame sat in silence for a few moments. She then stood and went over to the table and grabbed the jewel shard. She handed it to Kagome, "I hope that you succeed in your journey, miko." Smiling up at her, Kagome took the jewel shard, but noticed that it was already purified. "But...how?" "You are referring to the fact that it is already purified?" Kagome shook her head yes. Ayame smirked, "It seems then, that I too possess some miko powers." "How though?" Ayame stared into the fire and responded. "I inherited them from my mother. She taught me the basics before she died." "Oh...I'm sorry." There was a stretch of silence, in which everyone in the hut was in deep thought. Kagome was the one to break the silence. "I was wondering. Everyone in this village seems to trust you with their lives. Why do you protect them?" Glancing out the window, Ayame noticed how late it was. "I'm afraid that is a story best left until tomorrow. If you would like you all may stay here for the night." Everyone except InuYasha nodded their heads in acceptance. There was something about this demoness that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Everyone situated themselves about the hut and one by one drifted asleep. Ayame was the last one asleep and just the same as every night, the last thing on her mind was Sesshoumaru.
Woohoo chapter four done! Ayame will tell about her past in the next chapter. I know, finally you get to learn why she gets so depressed when she remembers the past. Also, either in the next chapter or in chapter six, get ready for some more sadness. After that though it should start getting happier. Unless I change something at the last minute. You all know what to do now right? Of course you do, since you're all so smart. Review! Welp, I have to go do homework now (oh yay so much fun *gag*). See yas!
~Aries