Author's Notes: Oh I have not updated in forever. Last time, Kaede was back in touch with her youthful side. Everyone else is happy with the changes so why isn't Inuyasha? Thank you to all that reviewed and I apologize for the wait. Thank you to the following for reviewing: Brues, ahanchan, BC1, vic, Willow Evenstar, Xuki, Secret2, and Regrem Erutaerc . Check out my C2 at www. fanfiction. net/c2/4/0/1
Disclaimer: I still do not own Inuyasha. Thank you Rumiko for your wonderful work!
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Split Kaede
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The scent of a young priestess at her peak of power was more than just enticing to the young wolf prince. Her smell was alluring, but he felt drawn to the power in such a youthful body. Whoever this woman was, she smelled of he old priestess Kaede, but she could not possibly be the same. The old hag that tended to the wounds and ailments of the villagers in the forest of Inuyasha was the younger sister to the walking dead Kikyo. He had heard tell of the mystical powers she possessed. The only priestess even close to matching her in skill was young Kagome, and even she was still an untrained miko. He wanted to use the woman to help resurrect his dead clansmen.
The young wolf hopped from cliff to cliff, basking in the beauty of nature. If he could somehow get the woman to aid him with his dilemma he would be able to rebuild his pack. That coupled with the fact that Kagome would most likely be present was more than enough to encourage him. Unfortunately that bastard mutt would be present as well, but they would have to settle their differences at a later date. For now, he wanted only to ensure that his tribe would not die out. He knew of ancient spells witched could bring back the dead, and he did not even need that mutt's half brother to do it.
Kouga had wisely saved the remnants of his comrades' body parts, preserving them in a mummified state. He could only pray that their souls had not been reincarnated. He sniffed the air, suspiciously. She was nearby, but was danger approaching. He did not like the scent of other demons in the area, which were probably enticed by the smell of her power. Of course, they were fools for even attempting to come in contact with demon purifier of her caliber. What did this say about him? Was he not also a fool for wishing for what most would call a pipe dream? He pushed forward, running through craggy cliffs, and grassy plains. He had to get there soon, before any of the others. Overhead he could see a giant vulture swooping down for a meal. Seeing the hideous creature, made him recall the very reason why he sought out the priestess. Those bastard birds of paradise killed his men, and now his tribe would most certainly die out.
He smelled the dogface, and the rest of his small pack. They were only a few miles ahead. He slowed down his run, preparing for what would surely be a fight with the annoying dog pup. The annoyance in question jumped down from the canopy of trees with his Tetsusaiga read. Kouga stopped on his heels, crossing his arms angrily. He had no time for the pup, and he wanted nothing more than to see Kaede and ask for her assistance. The demon slayer and the perverted monk watched him warily, anxious to see if he would fight. The only real challenge was the dog pup anyway, although for humans Kouga could admit their skill. Kagome smiled at him slightly, holding the little fox cub tightly. Kaede thankfully was within the village grounds.
"What in the hell are you doing here you wimpy wolf? 'Cause if you want to fight then let's get started!"
Kouda sighed, his attention momentarily drawn to the beautiful Kagome. A small smile of pleasure broke upon his face, before he recalled his mission. There would be time to socialize with her later, for now the very fate of his tribe hung in the balance. As much as he would not mind beating the hell out of Inuyasha, there were more important things at the moment. Kouga could see tell that the silver haired hanyou had mastered the Tetsusaiga fairly well. Kouga grudgingly gave his arch rival a smidgeon of respect, knowing full well that the giant sword was difficult to master.
"I don't have time for you muttface! I have business to take care of. I'll talk you later Kagome, goodbye! Stay out of my way puppy!"
Kouga yelled, sidestepping Inuyasha. Perhaps if he ran faster he'd be able to catch the priestess before encountering anymore interruptions. His luck apparently changed because no sooner had he left Inuyasha and his pak did he run into the very person he was seeking. He had to brace himself, for at his speed he could have killed the woman. He caught her before she fell, noticing her physical changes immediately. Her body was well sculpted for a woman her age and her skin was definitely softer and smooth. She would definitely be considered pretty or attractive by both demons and humans alike.
"Good day Priestess. I see that your countenance has changed greatly. I smelled your scent from my den. Now that you are once more at your peak of power, I seek your help. Will you aid me in my endeavor?"
"Why should I help you young prince? What would ye be needing me for?"
Before Kouga could tell her of his plight, Inuyasha swooped down with Tetsusiaga blowing the two apart. Luckily, Kouga lifted the surprised priestess in his arms and guided her to safety. Once he was assured that the woman was safe, he a growl emitted from his throat. The priestess was his insurance. He needed her to bring back his deceased brothers and sisters and that annoying half demon nearly killed them both. He crouched into a fighting position ready to challenge the moron that dare stand in his way.
"You dare you attack me unprovoked?! You nearly killed the priestess and myself you ignorant mutt! I told you before that I don't have time for you right now! However, if you are so intent on losing your life so quickly, so be it!"
Kouga was just about to attack Inuyasha when Kagome sat him. He smirked as he watched his rival fall to the ground. Satisfied that the mutt was temporarily out of commission, he thanked Kagome.
"I appreciate the help Kagome, but I don't need you to keep that idiot in check. I actually need to speak with Kaede."
"What business do you have with Lady Kaede?"
The monk asked with a suspicious gleam in his eye. Rolling his eyes, he jumped on a nearby rock, looking down at the group. Would it be alright telling them about his entire mission? They were not exactly friends, but they were not enemies either.
"I need you to help me revive my dead comrades. Those whose lives have not been reincarnated must return to our pack. I have the remnants of their bodies. Our clan is dying and I need my brothers and sisters again. There are very few women left and only three males. We need our legacy to continue. I am willing to make an arrangement with you if necessary."
Inuyasha disliked the wolf's smell, but more than his scent, he did not trust the wolf at all. The wimpy wolf's sudden appearance and especially his wanting to see Kaede was suspicious enough. In a matter of seconds his Tetsusaiga was underneath the wolf's chin, and a guttarl growl filled his throat. Kouga slid back slightly, ready to take on the hanyou anytime.
"Just what exactly does a wimpy wolf like you want with the old hag? You'd better answer truthfully, or it's your neck!"
Kouga was ready to begin his assault, as was Inuyasha, but they were both stopped by the priestess power of Kaede. Both young men flew back into nearby trees, knocked unconscious by the sleeping spell that was mixed in with the subduing charm. Kaede, seeming to glide on air, stood between the two foes, tapping her fingers against her arms like an impatient mother. Even the most magically challenged could see the woman emanated with power. The two young men stared dumbfounded at the diminutive woman before them knowing that this youthful more powerful Kaede may not be the same as her normal passive self. In the distance, another figure felt the same. This new power was dangerous, and could prove to be a nuisance.
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Footnotes: Thank you all for reading and reviewing. Please review! I do promise not to allow such a long stretch of time to elapse, so expect quicker updates. Next time, Ginta and Hakkaku appear, and Kikyo begins to plot. See you next update.