Part 25 the truth about Shelani
She forced herself to focus on Inuyasha. He was saying something. She couldn't hear him. She tried to say something but she was so tired.
Inuyasha stopped talking when he saw atria's ears droop. He looked at Sesshomaru questioningly. Sesshomaru looked concerned
"Atria," he said
Inuyasha saw her head rest against Sesshomaru's chest. He came up and looked at her eyes. They were dull green.
"something's wrong with her," he said
A second later Shelani came bursting through the trees. She came running up tot atria.
"there's something wrong," Inuyasha said
A flood of pictures washed through his head
"What?" he asked
Shelani did a little sigh and disappeared. In Shelani's place appeared a woman kneeling.
"What?" Inuyasha asked
"I'll explain later," the woman said
"Sh-Shelani?" Atria said softly
"Yes dear. Try and stay awake," Shelani said
Shelani held atria's chin up so she could see her face.
"Count the stars," Shelani ordered
When atria didn't answer Shelani smacked her. Inuyasha started to yell, but one thought had him quiet. Shelani looked at atria.
"I said count the stars," Shelani said.
Sesshomaru removed his arms so Shelani could work. He placed Atria on the ground sitting against the rock. Shelani crouched in front of her. When atria's head started to droop Shelani smacked her again.
"NOW!!," Shelani said, "Count the stars."
Atria slowly and quietly began counting. She would pause every now and then. If the pause was too long Shelani would smack her again.
"Inuyasha we need to get her back to the cavern. Now," Shelani said, "And keep her awake."
Inuyasha picked her up and went to the cavern. Shelani turned to Sesshomaru
"you'll need to do me a favor," Shelani said
She explained it to him then quickly followed Inuyasha. Sesshomaru set about doing as she asked
Atria felt a sharp pain in her cheek
"I said count the stars," Shelani ordered
Atria felt herself being moved. She suddenly realized what was happening. She tried to fight the tiredness. She lost considerably. She came to a little when Shelani smacked her again.
"NOW!!" Shelani said, "count the stars."
She slowly began counting. Whenever she paused too long Shelani would smack her again. Atria was slipping deeper into the black dizziness that was wrapping around her and pulling her down. she was fighting a losing battle
Inuyasha burst into the cavern. He set atria down by the fire.
"what's wrong?" Kagome said
"I don't know, but we have to keep her awake," Inuyasha said. He propped her up against the wall. She stared into space her ears limp. She had her eyes half-way closed. Inuyasha snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. When nothing happened he smacked her.
"Miroku, Shelani will be here soon help her," Inuyasha said
He turned back to atria frantic for anything to distract her. Kagome handed him the jewel fragments she had. He looked at her but she just shrugged. Inuyasha held the fragments out in front of atria's face. He saw them start to glow.
"Atria focus on the jewel. Focus on the Shikon Jewel," he said
He saw her eyes gain a little color back as she looked at the jewel fragments. Her eyes started closing. Inuyasha grabbed her wrist and squeezed. Her eyes opened. He represses a sigh of relief when Shelani arrived.
"hey, I'm losing her," Inuyasha called
Shelani rushed over. She had something in her hand. She threw it at Inuyasha. When he caught it she took his place.
"Good idea," Shelani said when she saw the marks on her wrist
"who's this," Kagome asked
"Shelani, explain later," Inuyasha said quickly.
"Miroku get some water fast. Sango I need you over here. Kagome you too. Inuyasha take that and go find Sesshomaru. He'll know what to do," Shelani said in one breath.
She didn't wait for answer. She took the jewel from Inuyasha.
"this won't work, she's too far gone. I should've known this would happen," she said
Kagome sat down on atria's left and Sango on her right. Shelani squeezed atria's wrist quickly causing Her ears to twitch very slightly.
Inuyasha found Sesshomaru with his arms full of stuff.
"what on earth," Inuyasha said
"never mind. Did you bring it," Sesshomaru asked
Inuyasha held out the little bag. Sesshomaru dropped the stuff her held. He took the bag and drew out a crystal. He laid it on the ground in the moonlight. He crouched down and rummaged through the pile of stuff. He picked up a few leaves, examined then and handed them to Inuyasha
"chew them," he ordered.
Inuyasha began chewing the leaves. He almost spit them out but forced himself not to. Sesshomaru was also chewing leaves. He continued to rummage in the pile. He picked up a few nuts. HE crushed them. Kirara appeared with Shippo who had a bowl. Shippo gave it to Sesshomaru and left. Sesshomaru spit the goo, from the leaves he was chewing, into the bowl. Inuyasha did the same. His tongue tingled but he ignored it. Sesshomaru dropped the crushed nuts into the bowl.
He added a few more leaves. Kirara showed up again this time with Miroku. he had water, a strip of cloth, and a small bowl of what looked like blood. Miroku sat these down and left. Sesshomaru added a few more nuts and began grinding the mixture together. Inuyasha was growing impatient but he kept it in check.
Sesshomaru picked out the big chunks and then added some water. He mixed it with his hand quickly.
"do exactly what I do. Ask no questions," Sesshomaru said
Sesshomaru bared his left arm. Half way between his elbow and wrist he made a small deep cut. He held his arm over the bowl. When he deemed enough was in there he had Inuyasha tie the wound with a piece of cloth. Inuyasha then copied him. When Sesshomaru nodded and tied his arm he figured that he had given enough. Sesshomaru dumped the blood from the bowl into the mixture. HE did not use his hands this time. He used a stick to mix it. Then he picked up the bowl and with a glance at Inuyasha he picked up the crystal and ran to the cavern
Shelani was running out of things to do. Atria was slowly slipping away. Shelani knew what Sesshomaru was doing took time, but Atria was rapidly running out of time. Shelani had sent Miroku and Shippo on errands while Sango and Kagome lent her their energy to keep atria awake. She had sent Atria's blood with Miroku and hoped she had timed it right. Kagome and Sango were rapidly losing strength. She had to send them to rest. The jewel would have to do.
Shelani held it up before Atria's blank eyes. She knew atria could see noting, but it's power might draw her out a little. Shelani made a noise of disgust and dropped the jewel. It'd have to be complete to do anything now. All she could do was keep atria from slipping completely away.
"atria listen to me. Dear are you listening," Shelani said
She saw a tiny flicker in atria's eyes.
"you have to fight it. If not for yourself then for them. they need you and losing you would hurt them very much," Shelani said
Atria's eyes closed. Shelani almost cried out but they quickly opened again. this time with a bigger flicker
Atria was floating in space. She didn't know which way was up or down nor did she care. She just wanted to sleep to be rid of her horrid life.
"...Fight it," she heard
She tried to ignore it, but something about the voice called to her.
"for them.....losing.....would hurt them very much," she heard
Her mind suddenly screamed
'No I will not hurt them anymore.'
She renewed her fight being more determined to win. She would gain a bit then lose it. She was getting no where. She needed help.
Sesshomaru arrived with Inuyasha close behind. Sesshomaru handed the bowl and crystal to Shelani.
"sit beside her both of you. One on each side," Shelani directed.
Sesshomaru took the left side, Inuyasha the right. Shelani sniffed the mixture and frowned.
'something's missing,' she thought
She frowned when she realized what it was. She picked up Atria's arm. She cut it in the same place as last time. She added some more blood. She had Inuyasha tie it off. She mixed the blood in with her hand. She quickly sniffed it again and nodded satisfied. She set the bowl down long enough to put the crystal in atria's hand.
"okay here's what's going to happen. The stuff in the bowl is going to start to bring her out of this. the crystal she'll use in her own way. The only way this'll work is if she wants to come back. That's were you come in. You two need to make sure she comes back," Shelani explained
She started to feed the goo to atria. Inuyasha had to keep himself from gagging for he knew what was in the mixture. HE felt something within atria stir like a sleeping animal awakening slowly. He took the hand with the crystal and held it. Sesshomaru took her other hand and squeezed it
Atria felt a sudden wave of energy flow through her. She noticed she had something in her hand. Her sword was with her. She began her battle again. She began growing tired. She was weary from the on going attack. She stopped to rest and was immediately pulled back. She was about to give up when she felt Inuyasha pulling. Sesshomaru joined him. They were calling her. She would win.
Shelani fed Atria some more of the mixture. Atria sighed then closed her eyes. Inuyasha looked at Shelani alarmed. Shelani examined her eyes and smiled.
"all is well. She's back. She'll be awake shortly," Shelani said
Shelani took what was left in the bowl and threw it into the fire. It flared up then died back down. Sesshomaru stayed by atria while Inuyasha went to get something to eat. Sango and Kagome came back from their forced rest and sat down by the fire. They kept looking at Atria anxiously.
"she'll be fine," Shelani said
"so your Shelani," Sango said
"Yes. I will explain when she is awake," Shelani said
Sango nodded as Kouga walked in. He had just returned from the errand Shelani had sent him on. He handed Shelani something then went to see that Atria was indeed just asleep.
"So what happened," Miroku asked
"that too will be explained when she is awake," Shelani said
Kouga made a noise behind her. Shelani turned to see atria awake. She was confused. She had not been aware she had been moved. Much against kouga's protests Atria stood up using the wall for support. She walked over to the fire. She looked at Shelani and sat down.
"so, that time wasn't a dream or delusion. it was real," Atria said
"yes, but later I have some explaining to do," Shelani said
Shelani beckoned everyone to the fire. Once the last few had come over she began.
"I am Shelani. I am a Kitto Kitsune. Atria's mother is the priestess who trained us. She found us by the bone eaters well when she was on one of her journeys. She took us in and taught us all she could. While she taught us she also learned. My race is normally in the form you saw me in/ Their animal form, but sometimes we take on human form. We maintain our mind abilities, but we lose some powers.
Once every ten years and koroi kitto kitsune is born. They are special for they hold power deep inside of them. They seldom live long enough to release it though. there was always someone after us. Atria's mother placed us in the care of her loyal friend. He passed his responsibility down through his family. His great-great grandfather was the care taker of my mother. When he walked in and found you and I together that day, he knew that I was to be your companion.
When you were captured again he found me for training. The odd times when I could find you and you escaped I tried to help you. The time you speak of was after I had finished my training. you had grown ill or was poisoned I was not sure. I knew not to trust anyone so I had to change. You were feverish and having delusions so I had no worries about revealing my secret too soon," Shelani said
"So what just happened?" Shippo interrupted
"I'm getting to that. Atria's had a barrier blocking certain memories from her. I noticed it. SO I Started to slowly test it to see if I could break it. I only made it weak here and there. You guys did most of the work when you followed her and told her about what her mother was it broke a hole in it. She slowly started to remember then something I didn't count on happened. There must have been something on the barrier that triggered a defense. basically she started withdrawing into her own mind," Shelani said
"will it ever happen again?" Inuyasha asked
"until it's completely destroyed more then likely," Shelani said
"So how do we destroy the barrier," Kagome asked
Atria sighed. Shelani looked at her. Atria nodded.
"we have to go to her mother's village. That's the only way I can think of. And we need to do it fast. Each time this happens it will get stronger and stronger till eventually we won't have any chance to save her," Shelani said
Atria hugged her knees to her chest. She rested her forehead on her knees. After a moment she lifted her head.
"sorry for causing problems," she said
"don't even start," Shelani said
Atria just put her forehead on her knees again. Shelani looked at her sadly and turned to Sesshomaru
"would you watch her for a while," She asked
When Sesshomaru nodded she turned back to everyone else.
"Myouga do you know where it is?" Shelani asked
"I have a general idea," he said
"okay here's the plan. We go ahead and find the village. Sesshomaru and atria will travel a day behind us. When we find the village on of us will find them and lead them there," Shelani said
"Why are they traveling a day behind?" Miroku asked
"the more interaction Atria has with all of us the more likely She'll have another attack. Truthfully I'd like to send her either by herself or with probably Shippo, but she'll need someone who'll know what to do if it happened again," Shelani said
Atria was ignoring them. Shelani snapped her fingers. Atria's head snapped up. Shelani looked at her and continued.
"now that I think about it, it might be better if we switch off watching her. That's best. Whoever is watching her needs to check ever now and then. The first sign would either be her eyes or ears. If her ears are unusually droopy that should be a sign. Although right now I would said you should go by her eyes," Shelani said
"don't you think it's a little rude to talk about her as if she's not here," Shippo asked
"she knows she has nothing to do with this and she's not concerned," Shelani said
"How do you....oh," Shippo said remembering she could talk in her mind
"she's right," Atria said through her knees
"I'll stay in this form till this whole thing is past," Shelani said
"I'll watch her first," Sesshomaru said
"No," Atria said
"Shelani looked startled for a minute then she frowned.
"She's right. I completely forgot, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru aren't allowed to be near her. They are the biggest triggers for memories. How could I forget something so important?" Shelani said
"you were eager to solve the problem," Sesshomaru said
"I shall watch her first then," Sango said
Atria raised her chin to her knees to look at them.
"I'm s-," She started
"NO!!" Shelani yelled
Atria winced
"it is not your fault so don't even think about blaming yourself. Doing that won't help. It will just make it easier to slip," Shelani said
Atria just looked at her. She sighed then jumped.
"Now remember that," Shelani said, "Okay let's go, Sango wait till noon then follow, Shippo will leave a trail."
"Shelani stood still as Myouga jumped to her shoulder.
"remember to check often," She said as they left
Atria was tired, but a regular tired. She was afraid to go to sleep. Every time she slept she'd remember something. Sango would come over every now and then and look at her.
'I can't believe it. I've caused so much trouble,' she thought
She was jolted by Shelani.
'I'm not out of range yet dear,' Shelani thought to her
Sango was looking at her. Atria smiled weakly. Sango walked over to her and sat next to her.
"it's not your fault. You were not able to choose what happened to you. You shouldn't blame yourself," Sango said
Atria gasped and held her head. A sharp pain had raced through it. A flood of quick memories flashed before her eyes. She was stock still. Sango was worried. She called Shelani. A moment later the pain and the memories were gone leaving atria panting, and Shelani had arrived.
:What is it," Shelani asked
"I'm not sure," Sango said
"Pain, then memories," Atria said between pants
Shelani tenderly touched atria's mind. She saw what happened and withdrew. Atria winces at Shelani's presence in her mind and winced again when she left
"the hole just widened. We have to watch her very carefully now. Atria don't try to access the memories. Just try and keep your mind blank/ If you try to access them you could get attacked again," Shelani said
Shelani addressed Sango
"we can't wait any longer," she said, " we have to go now."
Shelani pulled atria up. Atria stood, but only with help.
"this is going to be difficult. She's only a little weak, but with her mind distracted as it is she's as helpless as a baby. I know you hate being helpless atria, but there's not much you can do about it?" Shelani said
Sango took atria's arm and steadied her as Shelani gathered her stuff. Atria took a few breaths and looked around. Shelani got her attention.
"let's go. you okay for now?" Shelani asked
"for now," Atria said
"Sango go ahead and tell them the new plan. Send Kouga back He okay?" Shelani asked atria
"should be" Atria said
"then Kouga. Okay Sango? good then go," Shelani said
Inuyasha was worried. He didn't like the idea that atria's mind was under attack. He had just found out she was his sister, now he risked losing her. He was distracted so when he tripped he was annoyed.
"inuyasha's really worried," Miroku said to Kagome
"I know so is Sesshomaru," she told him
Sesshomaru had left to do something. He would show up periodically frowning. Kagome could tell that everyone was worried.
"Myouga are we getting closer?" Inuyasha asked
"Yes," the flea replied from miroku's shoulder
Sango came running. She stopped them and told then the new situation and then told Kouga it was his turn. Inuyasha stopped him and growled something at him.
"protect her," Inuyasha growled so only Kouga could hear it
Kouga nodded sharply and ran back to Shelani. Kagome looked at Inuyasha. She walked up to him and hugged him. Inuyasha started when she did. Then he just stood there. Eventually he pushed Kagome carefully away.
"we need to keep going," Sesshomaru said
they all nodded. Epic hung back a little to talk to Baal. Baal looked up from helping Shippo.
"we need to find that village. Any idea's," epic asked
"just one," Baal said
They sent Shippo on ahead and continued talking.
"I know a few demons who are very fast. they could search while we're searching, just in different areas," Baal said
"sounds good where do I find them?" Epic asked
"they are on those mountains just over there. Tell them you need their help as a favor to Baal. They'll help you. Go fast," Baal said
Epic nodded and left. Baal hurried to Shippo to help him lay the trail.
She forced herself to focus on Inuyasha. He was saying something. She couldn't hear him. She tried to say something but she was so tired.
Inuyasha stopped talking when he saw atria's ears droop. He looked at Sesshomaru questioningly. Sesshomaru looked concerned
"Atria," he said
Inuyasha saw her head rest against Sesshomaru's chest. He came up and looked at her eyes. They were dull green.
"something's wrong with her," he said
A second later Shelani came bursting through the trees. She came running up tot atria.
"there's something wrong," Inuyasha said
A flood of pictures washed through his head
"What?" he asked
Shelani did a little sigh and disappeared. In Shelani's place appeared a woman kneeling.
"What?" Inuyasha asked
"I'll explain later," the woman said
"Sh-Shelani?" Atria said softly
"Yes dear. Try and stay awake," Shelani said
Shelani held atria's chin up so she could see her face.
"Count the stars," Shelani ordered
When atria didn't answer Shelani smacked her. Inuyasha started to yell, but one thought had him quiet. Shelani looked at atria.
"I said count the stars," Shelani said.
Sesshomaru removed his arms so Shelani could work. He placed Atria on the ground sitting against the rock. Shelani crouched in front of her. When atria's head started to droop Shelani smacked her again.
"NOW!!," Shelani said, "Count the stars."
Atria slowly and quietly began counting. She would pause every now and then. If the pause was too long Shelani would smack her again.
"Inuyasha we need to get her back to the cavern. Now," Shelani said, "And keep her awake."
Inuyasha picked her up and went to the cavern. Shelani turned to Sesshomaru
"you'll need to do me a favor," Shelani said
She explained it to him then quickly followed Inuyasha. Sesshomaru set about doing as she asked
Atria felt a sharp pain in her cheek
"I said count the stars," Shelani ordered
Atria felt herself being moved. She suddenly realized what was happening. She tried to fight the tiredness. She lost considerably. She came to a little when Shelani smacked her again.
"NOW!!" Shelani said, "count the stars."
She slowly began counting. Whenever she paused too long Shelani would smack her again. Atria was slipping deeper into the black dizziness that was wrapping around her and pulling her down. she was fighting a losing battle
Inuyasha burst into the cavern. He set atria down by the fire.
"what's wrong?" Kagome said
"I don't know, but we have to keep her awake," Inuyasha said. He propped her up against the wall. She stared into space her ears limp. She had her eyes half-way closed. Inuyasha snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. When nothing happened he smacked her.
"Miroku, Shelani will be here soon help her," Inuyasha said
He turned back to atria frantic for anything to distract her. Kagome handed him the jewel fragments she had. He looked at her but she just shrugged. Inuyasha held the fragments out in front of atria's face. He saw them start to glow.
"Atria focus on the jewel. Focus on the Shikon Jewel," he said
He saw her eyes gain a little color back as she looked at the jewel fragments. Her eyes started closing. Inuyasha grabbed her wrist and squeezed. Her eyes opened. He represses a sigh of relief when Shelani arrived.
"hey, I'm losing her," Inuyasha called
Shelani rushed over. She had something in her hand. She threw it at Inuyasha. When he caught it she took his place.
"Good idea," Shelani said when she saw the marks on her wrist
"who's this," Kagome asked
"Shelani, explain later," Inuyasha said quickly.
"Miroku get some water fast. Sango I need you over here. Kagome you too. Inuyasha take that and go find Sesshomaru. He'll know what to do," Shelani said in one breath.
She didn't wait for answer. She took the jewel from Inuyasha.
"this won't work, she's too far gone. I should've known this would happen," she said
Kagome sat down on atria's left and Sango on her right. Shelani squeezed atria's wrist quickly causing Her ears to twitch very slightly.
Inuyasha found Sesshomaru with his arms full of stuff.
"what on earth," Inuyasha said
"never mind. Did you bring it," Sesshomaru asked
Inuyasha held out the little bag. Sesshomaru dropped the stuff her held. He took the bag and drew out a crystal. He laid it on the ground in the moonlight. He crouched down and rummaged through the pile of stuff. He picked up a few leaves, examined then and handed them to Inuyasha
"chew them," he ordered.
Inuyasha began chewing the leaves. He almost spit them out but forced himself not to. Sesshomaru was also chewing leaves. He continued to rummage in the pile. He picked up a few nuts. HE crushed them. Kirara appeared with Shippo who had a bowl. Shippo gave it to Sesshomaru and left. Sesshomaru spit the goo, from the leaves he was chewing, into the bowl. Inuyasha did the same. His tongue tingled but he ignored it. Sesshomaru dropped the crushed nuts into the bowl.
He added a few more leaves. Kirara showed up again this time with Miroku. he had water, a strip of cloth, and a small bowl of what looked like blood. Miroku sat these down and left. Sesshomaru added a few more nuts and began grinding the mixture together. Inuyasha was growing impatient but he kept it in check.
Sesshomaru picked out the big chunks and then added some water. He mixed it with his hand quickly.
"do exactly what I do. Ask no questions," Sesshomaru said
Sesshomaru bared his left arm. Half way between his elbow and wrist he made a small deep cut. He held his arm over the bowl. When he deemed enough was in there he had Inuyasha tie the wound with a piece of cloth. Inuyasha then copied him. When Sesshomaru nodded and tied his arm he figured that he had given enough. Sesshomaru dumped the blood from the bowl into the mixture. HE did not use his hands this time. He used a stick to mix it. Then he picked up the bowl and with a glance at Inuyasha he picked up the crystal and ran to the cavern
Shelani was running out of things to do. Atria was slowly slipping away. Shelani knew what Sesshomaru was doing took time, but Atria was rapidly running out of time. Shelani had sent Miroku and Shippo on errands while Sango and Kagome lent her their energy to keep atria awake. She had sent Atria's blood with Miroku and hoped she had timed it right. Kagome and Sango were rapidly losing strength. She had to send them to rest. The jewel would have to do.
Shelani held it up before Atria's blank eyes. She knew atria could see noting, but it's power might draw her out a little. Shelani made a noise of disgust and dropped the jewel. It'd have to be complete to do anything now. All she could do was keep atria from slipping completely away.
"atria listen to me. Dear are you listening," Shelani said
She saw a tiny flicker in atria's eyes.
"you have to fight it. If not for yourself then for them. they need you and losing you would hurt them very much," Shelani said
Atria's eyes closed. Shelani almost cried out but they quickly opened again. this time with a bigger flicker
Atria was floating in space. She didn't know which way was up or down nor did she care. She just wanted to sleep to be rid of her horrid life.
"...Fight it," she heard
She tried to ignore it, but something about the voice called to her.
"for them.....losing.....would hurt them very much," she heard
Her mind suddenly screamed
'No I will not hurt them anymore.'
She renewed her fight being more determined to win. She would gain a bit then lose it. She was getting no where. She needed help.
Sesshomaru arrived with Inuyasha close behind. Sesshomaru handed the bowl and crystal to Shelani.
"sit beside her both of you. One on each side," Shelani directed.
Sesshomaru took the left side, Inuyasha the right. Shelani sniffed the mixture and frowned.
'something's missing,' she thought
She frowned when she realized what it was. She picked up Atria's arm. She cut it in the same place as last time. She added some more blood. She had Inuyasha tie it off. She mixed the blood in with her hand. She quickly sniffed it again and nodded satisfied. She set the bowl down long enough to put the crystal in atria's hand.
"okay here's what's going to happen. The stuff in the bowl is going to start to bring her out of this. the crystal she'll use in her own way. The only way this'll work is if she wants to come back. That's were you come in. You two need to make sure she comes back," Shelani explained
She started to feed the goo to atria. Inuyasha had to keep himself from gagging for he knew what was in the mixture. HE felt something within atria stir like a sleeping animal awakening slowly. He took the hand with the crystal and held it. Sesshomaru took her other hand and squeezed it
Atria felt a sudden wave of energy flow through her. She noticed she had something in her hand. Her sword was with her. She began her battle again. She began growing tired. She was weary from the on going attack. She stopped to rest and was immediately pulled back. She was about to give up when she felt Inuyasha pulling. Sesshomaru joined him. They were calling her. She would win.
Shelani fed Atria some more of the mixture. Atria sighed then closed her eyes. Inuyasha looked at Shelani alarmed. Shelani examined her eyes and smiled.
"all is well. She's back. She'll be awake shortly," Shelani said
Shelani took what was left in the bowl and threw it into the fire. It flared up then died back down. Sesshomaru stayed by atria while Inuyasha went to get something to eat. Sango and Kagome came back from their forced rest and sat down by the fire. They kept looking at Atria anxiously.
"she'll be fine," Shelani said
"so your Shelani," Sango said
"Yes. I will explain when she is awake," Shelani said
Sango nodded as Kouga walked in. He had just returned from the errand Shelani had sent him on. He handed Shelani something then went to see that Atria was indeed just asleep.
"So what happened," Miroku asked
"that too will be explained when she is awake," Shelani said
Kouga made a noise behind her. Shelani turned to see atria awake. She was confused. She had not been aware she had been moved. Much against kouga's protests Atria stood up using the wall for support. She walked over to the fire. She looked at Shelani and sat down.
"so, that time wasn't a dream or delusion. it was real," Atria said
"yes, but later I have some explaining to do," Shelani said
Shelani beckoned everyone to the fire. Once the last few had come over she began.
"I am Shelani. I am a Kitto Kitsune. Atria's mother is the priestess who trained us. She found us by the bone eaters well when she was on one of her journeys. She took us in and taught us all she could. While she taught us she also learned. My race is normally in the form you saw me in/ Their animal form, but sometimes we take on human form. We maintain our mind abilities, but we lose some powers.
Once every ten years and koroi kitto kitsune is born. They are special for they hold power deep inside of them. They seldom live long enough to release it though. there was always someone after us. Atria's mother placed us in the care of her loyal friend. He passed his responsibility down through his family. His great-great grandfather was the care taker of my mother. When he walked in and found you and I together that day, he knew that I was to be your companion.
When you were captured again he found me for training. The odd times when I could find you and you escaped I tried to help you. The time you speak of was after I had finished my training. you had grown ill or was poisoned I was not sure. I knew not to trust anyone so I had to change. You were feverish and having delusions so I had no worries about revealing my secret too soon," Shelani said
"So what just happened?" Shippo interrupted
"I'm getting to that. Atria's had a barrier blocking certain memories from her. I noticed it. SO I Started to slowly test it to see if I could break it. I only made it weak here and there. You guys did most of the work when you followed her and told her about what her mother was it broke a hole in it. She slowly started to remember then something I didn't count on happened. There must have been something on the barrier that triggered a defense. basically she started withdrawing into her own mind," Shelani said
"will it ever happen again?" Inuyasha asked
"until it's completely destroyed more then likely," Shelani said
"So how do we destroy the barrier," Kagome asked
Atria sighed. Shelani looked at her. Atria nodded.
"we have to go to her mother's village. That's the only way I can think of. And we need to do it fast. Each time this happens it will get stronger and stronger till eventually we won't have any chance to save her," Shelani said
Atria hugged her knees to her chest. She rested her forehead on her knees. After a moment she lifted her head.
"sorry for causing problems," she said
"don't even start," Shelani said
Atria just put her forehead on her knees again. Shelani looked at her sadly and turned to Sesshomaru
"would you watch her for a while," She asked
When Sesshomaru nodded she turned back to everyone else.
"Myouga do you know where it is?" Shelani asked
"I have a general idea," he said
"okay here's the plan. We go ahead and find the village. Sesshomaru and atria will travel a day behind us. When we find the village on of us will find them and lead them there," Shelani said
"Why are they traveling a day behind?" Miroku asked
"the more interaction Atria has with all of us the more likely She'll have another attack. Truthfully I'd like to send her either by herself or with probably Shippo, but she'll need someone who'll know what to do if it happened again," Shelani said
Atria was ignoring them. Shelani snapped her fingers. Atria's head snapped up. Shelani looked at her and continued.
"now that I think about it, it might be better if we switch off watching her. That's best. Whoever is watching her needs to check ever now and then. The first sign would either be her eyes or ears. If her ears are unusually droopy that should be a sign. Although right now I would said you should go by her eyes," Shelani said
"don't you think it's a little rude to talk about her as if she's not here," Shippo asked
"she knows she has nothing to do with this and she's not concerned," Shelani said
"How do you....oh," Shippo said remembering she could talk in her mind
"she's right," Atria said through her knees
"I'll stay in this form till this whole thing is past," Shelani said
"I'll watch her first," Sesshomaru said
"No," Atria said
"Shelani looked startled for a minute then she frowned.
"She's right. I completely forgot, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru aren't allowed to be near her. They are the biggest triggers for memories. How could I forget something so important?" Shelani said
"you were eager to solve the problem," Sesshomaru said
"I shall watch her first then," Sango said
Atria raised her chin to her knees to look at them.
"I'm s-," She started
"NO!!" Shelani yelled
Atria winced
"it is not your fault so don't even think about blaming yourself. Doing that won't help. It will just make it easier to slip," Shelani said
Atria just looked at her. She sighed then jumped.
"Now remember that," Shelani said, "Okay let's go, Sango wait till noon then follow, Shippo will leave a trail."
"Shelani stood still as Myouga jumped to her shoulder.
"remember to check often," She said as they left
Atria was tired, but a regular tired. She was afraid to go to sleep. Every time she slept she'd remember something. Sango would come over every now and then and look at her.
'I can't believe it. I've caused so much trouble,' she thought
She was jolted by Shelani.
'I'm not out of range yet dear,' Shelani thought to her
Sango was looking at her. Atria smiled weakly. Sango walked over to her and sat next to her.
"it's not your fault. You were not able to choose what happened to you. You shouldn't blame yourself," Sango said
Atria gasped and held her head. A sharp pain had raced through it. A flood of quick memories flashed before her eyes. She was stock still. Sango was worried. She called Shelani. A moment later the pain and the memories were gone leaving atria panting, and Shelani had arrived.
:What is it," Shelani asked
"I'm not sure," Sango said
"Pain, then memories," Atria said between pants
Shelani tenderly touched atria's mind. She saw what happened and withdrew. Atria winces at Shelani's presence in her mind and winced again when she left
"the hole just widened. We have to watch her very carefully now. Atria don't try to access the memories. Just try and keep your mind blank/ If you try to access them you could get attacked again," Shelani said
Shelani addressed Sango
"we can't wait any longer," she said, " we have to go now."
Shelani pulled atria up. Atria stood, but only with help.
"this is going to be difficult. She's only a little weak, but with her mind distracted as it is she's as helpless as a baby. I know you hate being helpless atria, but there's not much you can do about it?" Shelani said
Sango took atria's arm and steadied her as Shelani gathered her stuff. Atria took a few breaths and looked around. Shelani got her attention.
"let's go. you okay for now?" Shelani asked
"for now," Atria said
"Sango go ahead and tell them the new plan. Send Kouga back He okay?" Shelani asked atria
"should be" Atria said
"then Kouga. Okay Sango? good then go," Shelani said
Inuyasha was worried. He didn't like the idea that atria's mind was under attack. He had just found out she was his sister, now he risked losing her. He was distracted so when he tripped he was annoyed.
"inuyasha's really worried," Miroku said to Kagome
"I know so is Sesshomaru," she told him
Sesshomaru had left to do something. He would show up periodically frowning. Kagome could tell that everyone was worried.
"Myouga are we getting closer?" Inuyasha asked
"Yes," the flea replied from miroku's shoulder
Sango came running. She stopped them and told then the new situation and then told Kouga it was his turn. Inuyasha stopped him and growled something at him.
"protect her," Inuyasha growled so only Kouga could hear it
Kouga nodded sharply and ran back to Shelani. Kagome looked at Inuyasha. She walked up to him and hugged him. Inuyasha started when she did. Then he just stood there. Eventually he pushed Kagome carefully away.
"we need to keep going," Sesshomaru said
they all nodded. Epic hung back a little to talk to Baal. Baal looked up from helping Shippo.
"we need to find that village. Any idea's," epic asked
"just one," Baal said
They sent Shippo on ahead and continued talking.
"I know a few demons who are very fast. they could search while we're searching, just in different areas," Baal said
"sounds good where do I find them?" Epic asked
"they are on those mountains just over there. Tell them you need their help as a favor to Baal. They'll help you. Go fast," Baal said
Epic nodded and left. Baal hurried to Shippo to help him lay the trail.