Inuyasha sat staring at the girl, her nightly transformations taking control. This was the first time he actually watched her transform, it looked rather painful even to him. She had been bathing and had lost track of time. The transformation was just an itch to her now after the years of going through it. Instead of his transformation from demon to human, hers was from human to demon. Her features changing, in the nude the skeletal structure changing could be easily seen by his sharp eyes. Her hair changing colors gradually from it's blonde to soft almost translucent white, her green eyes changing to a deep gold. Her body becoming slightly taller, her normal ears also left her, resulting in a pair of fluffy white ears at the tops of her head, resembling Inuyasha remarkably. Her breathing calmed and she managed to stand after the tiring chore of changing forms. She quickly glanced over her shoulder towards the half demon called Inuyasha. Her gold eyes glimmering in the dusk sun, She knew the whole time he was there. He managed to look away from the amber colored eyes, at least long enough for her to dress. She was dog demon at the time, same as Inuyasha. He wasn't peeping, he just had nothing better to do. Inuyasha jumped quickly from his tree perch and stood along the path way and quietly waiting for his comrade, although she was quite capable of being by herself, simple habit.

Sure she loved him but those things weren't said out loud. Inuyasha made a grumble as Rydia walked up beside him giving him an unsure look. Silently he turned as she followed him back to the village. Inuyasha and Rydia had been traveling together for nearly 8 months. Her stubborn personality eventually convinced the half demon to let her tag along, mostly when he saw her transformation, it reminded him of himself. Lonely. So he allowed her to tag along, almost like a younger sister. He could smell spring getting closer; he had to be careful during this season. Spring was the time every demon in the forest goes into heat including him. He didn't have a mate and controlling his urges would be difficult and if she went into her human heat, he might loose control and his demon side might take possession. He slowed his pace so she now walked in front of him. Rydia's long white hair wrapped softly around her curves and that smell, man, that smell. Something a lot like lilies or lilac. He may think her to be pretty but her attitude was another story. She grew up like him, alone, she had to fight her way through life; being female just made it much harder because of her stature. She belonged in a kitchen or bathing house, maybe even being a priestess. She didn't need to be out here in this. But she was tough and there was no way he was letting her off easy.

The village was quiet by the time they had returned, most had gotten used to Rydia 's changing each night. Inuyasha and Rydia stayed in a small hut by themselves near the edge of the forest. Rydia made dinner like usual wearing her normal kimono. It was a team and they always thought of each other as equals. It was never questioned though, a lot of times they did what Inuyasha said just because he had said it. The air was awkward tonight though, mostly because of Inuyasha watching the transformation. She sat quietly, not looking up he almost felt guilty. Almost silently as if not to be heard Rydia voice came out cool and calm

"Why were you watching me this afternoon Inuyasha",

"I was looking out for your well being", He was looking at the wall.

"You were watching me bath!" her voice rose.

"Was not!" Inuyasha growled back

"Was too!" She raised her voice louder despite the fact she sensed anger rising in his voice.

"It wasn't like that!" He said firmly grabbing her wrist pulling her close, his lips nearly touching her, "I was just watching" he whispered after a few moment. He slowly let go of her wrist looking into her amber eyes. They were startled but warm. I shouldn't it's too close to spring... "Don't let me kiss you, Rydia," he whispered under his breath. His lips met hers, and he embraced her in a strong kiss. Passion took over shyness; His lips had found they're way down her neck; Inuyasha knew he had to stop, but the taste and the feeling...uncontrollable. Rydia was unsure of what was happening but she didn't know rather to stop or go. The half-dog demon continued his kisses, but all in one movement; the demon slumped down, breathing heavily in front of his temporary mate. He stood quickly growling, and proceeded in running out the door.

Inuyasha was perched securely on a branch many miles away. He had run and ran until he could not smell her scent. He held his head in his hands cursing under his breath for lack of control. But no that's not what had gotten him. It was spring that had to be it. He had to leave her; he had to get as far away from her as possible. He looked up to the sky, just a sliver of the moon showing. He'd have to trust her on her own for the whole spring, the chance he may never see her again was far better than raping her. Hours past, the stars shifted, and Inuyasha became chilled; He decided that it might be wise to return to the hut, for the night anyway. How am I going to do this...then it occurred to him, he loved her. It was impossible, but all this did this time was to bring him deeper into sadness. Into the pain he'd never let anyone see. Quietly he walked back to the village, her scent finding his nose painfully. When he entered he found her sleeping, Her hands folded neatly against her cheek. Hours past and dawn was growing near.

"Rydia, I have to leave," He whispered kneeling beside her

She let out a quiet moan, "Inuyasha?" She opened her eyes and looked at him tiredly. "What's wrong?" she sat up but Inuyasha signaled for her to stay lying down.

"I can't stay here...with you, it's difficult. I'll be back in a few months though; you have to watch out for yourself, I wont be here"

Worry and anger sparked in her eyes, she managed a smile "Do you think I need you to protect me?" Her voice still slightly confused, but you don't question him sometimes and this was one of those times.

He let out a small grin, and stood up, walking to the door. "I'll be back"

Her face went blank as he ran out; She jumped up and watched him run out of sight into the forest. What just happened? She had never seen Inuyasha look like that before. Was she actually alone now? "Inuyasha..." she whispered to the early morning air.

The air flew past his face, his white hair turning silver in the moonlight, He was unsure of where he would go, He just knew he had to go, far, far away. Rydia was strong enough to take care of herself. You wont come back, she won't want you back, not after what you did, He tried to silence the voice calling to him. He ran for miles past villages, over rivers, through forests and he didn't stop until mid-morning, long after the sun had risen. He stopped to rest eventually, by a river. He sat down looking into the water, He was tired that's for sure, but he didn't want to rest, he just wanted to keep going. He took a quick drink of the water and he stood ready to go some more, when he heard a voice behind him, He turned quickly, to see a girl about 18, long black hair pulled back, she was wearing a red and white kimono, dark golden eyes stared fiercely at him, he then realized that she was pointing an arrow straight at his chest.

"What brings you here, demon, that you must trespass in my forest?" Her voice was firm, but somehow was warm.

"It's no concern of yours human." His glare was cold.

"If you are in my forest, its concern of mine" She pulled to bow tight,

"Who are you, demon?" Her question struck him strangely.

"My name is Inuyasha, and if you want to challenge me, bring it on." He growled darkly at her.

"Inuyasha? Why does that name sound famila-" She stopped mid sentence as a wolf demon jumped her from behind.

"YOU WILL BE MINE WENCH!" he hissed.

Inuyasha watched for a moment before deciding to help the girl, in one quick slash the demon had been injured enough that he had turned to flee. The woman was scratched but ok. She sat up quickly.

"You should learn to watch your back" Inuyasha gave her a mocking sneer.

"You would do well to watch your tongue demon," She glared at him. "None the less I owe you a thank you, now leave before I change my mind" she turned and walked away.

"Who are you?" Inuyasha wasn't ready to leave yet, he wanted more rest, and to annoy someone who thinks they're better than he.

"Kikyo, I'm the priestess in the next village."

"What if I were to say I don't wanna leave?"

The young miko looked at the dog demon and smiled. At that point a friendship was created. Inuyasha managed to stay near Kikyo without many problems. Before Inuyasha had realized it, 2 years had past, and he had almost completely forgotten of the half demon he once knew, he thought of her at night when he watched for Kikyo from the trees. He loved her and she loved him. Rydia had surely moved on and Inuyasha could not bear to leave Kikyo.

After Inuyasha had left that night, Rydia left the village. She decided to go east, questing for something. She just wasn't sure what yet. Weeks past and she became a hunter; she never stayed in one place for long. About 6 months after she had left the village, she had come across a large field, so long that it seemed endless. It was covered with flowers, and they smelled so sweet. She gently started across the field stopping almost in the middle for a rest. Her eyes caught just a sliver of something moving, she drew her sword. This would be no problem; she takes care of demons all the time. What arose was not a demon at all, or it didn't appear so anyway. It was a woman with dark black hair; so long it touched her feet. She was amazing.

"Why have you treaded on this land?" Her voice was icy and stale.

"I was only passing through, I meant no offense" She lowed her sword but still on guard.

"I know you, I have seen visions of you, you will exist long from now, in a world that's different...things will change and old friends will be united...You shall sleep!"

"wha-" Rydia froze as the woman pulled out a seal paper,

"In the name of the Earth, The moon, and the waters, Seal this child, so the will of the Gods be done. Seal this soul and body so they can fulfill the destiny! Tenyou!"

Rydia felt the seal fall upon her chest, instantly she fainted, falling to the ground hard, as she sunk into darkness.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Is it true! Are you really going to find that key?" A strange green creature hollowed at the figure walking away. The figure stopped and turned to the small demon. He had long silver hair cascading down his back, his skin pale, his eyes were golden but icy, 2 magenta strips across each cheek finished his beautiful looks. He looked only about 22.

"Yes Jaken, Stay here and watch after things, You should know better than to question me Jaken" Sesshomaru continued on.

"But...but master have I done something to anger you?!? If I have I give you my most humble apologies! Master? MASTER?" the small demon looked down at the ground disappointedly when he noticed that his Lord had left him.

The young man was nowhere near young; he was now around 150 years old. He sat high on his flying demon, best means to travel by. The events from earlier in the day had sparked this action along with his boredom.

Flashback

Sesshomaru sat at his table, waiting for the messenger that had come. He had mention his father, so he figured it might as well be worth hearing about the bastard. Instead, it turns out that the messenger had brought news of something greater.

"My Lord, news has come to me about a great treasure. I have been told it could be a key to a great power"

"Is this true, what would I have to do with such power? Do you think I have nothing better to do than chase after a trinket" Sesshomaru gave the man a hard glare.

Sesshomaru finally decided that since he had nothing better to do he mines well go after whatever it was that this man had told him. To the east? Something unknown to the world. Secluded. What mockery is this? I needed a break anyhow...

Sesshomaru eventually ended up at the eastern mountains and was getting rather irritated. He wasn't in the mood for such distractions. Saku was getting tired anyhow... "Land Saku" Sesshomaru figured he walk for some time. Once Saku had landed he stepped off gracefully and headed towards a small forest to the south of his position. I'll be damned if I'm gonna stay in the sun like this. He enjoyed being by himself sometimes. He after all was, a loner. He walked into the shade of the tall trees, his eyes inadvertently looked up to the soft canopy overhead. Smell of wild flowers reached his sensitive nose. He followed the scent to small grove, tall grass, flowers, and one large tree in the center. A sullen mix of Curiosity and boredom of course lead him to the tree. As he got closer he realized, that around the tree, were pray beads... This couldn't be...something as simple as this? His footsteps echoed in the calm surroundings. The sun didn't seem as harsh here as outside the forest either. Sesshomaru raised a clawed hand to read the seal "All ye that trespass here will find a irreversible fire" Fire? He disregarded the seal, ripping the beads from the tree, expecting something to happen...nothing did. Hm...must not be it...I see no fire...some weak miko playing games He turned to leave, irritated at the thought of someone tricking him. The edge of the trees laid ahead as his foot touched the grass, it fell through. The grass and trees around him disappeared into thin air. He fell what seemed like a short forever. Sesshomaru eventually landed roughly onto his knee and foot, He raised his golden eyes to see what had become of his surroundings. He found not the forest and not the mountains that were only a few miles away either. It was somewhat of a room, but only not. It was all white. For once in his life Sesshomaru could call himself...almost confused. He slowly turned looking around his golden eyes searching. Everything seemed...endless. He completely turned around and saw the most awkward thing. He saw a patch of grass and flowers, he could smell them from where he was...as he walked a little closer he made out the form of a sleeping human girl.