Chapter 9
Another Past
OMG! I'm so sorry about the wait on this, time seems to just fly. I hope the length and chapter itself is alright as a make up. Please R&R! Here are your replies…
Sisana: I hope Kira isn't throwing off the flow of the story to much. I can't seam to get her character just right some how. I hope the more I write this, the more constant her personality will be. Please let me know what you think about her in this chapter. (If I can get that far without making this chapter to long! If I don't, tell me in the next chapter!)
ArwenRivendell: I'm sorry about my spelling errors. I always feel like I need to hurry to get the chapters out, so please excuse them. I went back and corrected the mink and monk, and a few other things. Please let me know if there are any other major mistakes like that in any other chapters! Thanks for your review, and hope to hear from you again!
Kush kush: thanks for the review, here's another chapter.
InusGirlD: I hope her/my story is ok, lol, let me know alright?
Inuyashas hun: here's more then.
Disclamier: I still don't own any Inu-Yasha characters, or Ashura. Again, Bad Luck Novelist owns Ashura. I do own Kira, Sorano, Taka-Mikoto, Assarishita, Nenriki, and Kouseki, so please don't sue me. OK, on with the fic…
((Chapter 9…))
"He was a youkai prince. She was a young Miko in training. They were never destine to meet.
"It was a cold night, and her fire had gone out and she was out of wood. Her master was away on business, and she was all alone. She sat in a corner, the one furthest away from the door, her body quaking with cold as the blanket she clutched to her small form seemed to do nothing.
"The wind seamed to suddenly howl louder as the small hut creaked. Her heart skipped a beat as the curtain like door suddenly moved aside and a figure blocked the doorway. She didn't know why she was so scared, she had the power and training to protect herself, but something about this visitor didn't feel right.
"She didn't move as he slowly took a step forward. Her breath didn't seem to even pass her lips as his eyes searched the room. Everything froze even more than the ice outside, as his crystal red eyes fell on her. Neither one moved for what seemed an eternity.
"Her mouth slowly unfroze, and her voice found its way back to her throat. 'Who are you?' She finally whispered.
"His stare continued for a second before he answered. 'They call me Taka-Mikoto. And who is it that I have stumbled upon?' He questioned back. Her voice seemed to leave her again. Taka-Mikoto, what an amazing name. His eyes never left her face. 'Have you forgotten?' He added, a hint of playfulness in his tone.
"His voice seemed to bring hers back. 'Oh, um, my name's Kouseki.' Her face was suddenly on fire. 'What has brought you to my small dwelling?' She asked quietly, her eyes darting to her feet.
"He laughed lightly as he walked further into the hut. 'In case you didn't notice, the weather has picked up. I was on my way home when I saw your little shelter.' He slowly looked around again. 'I was hoping to get warm for the night before going on.' His eyes connected with hers again. 'But it seems there was already someone who had the same idea.' A smile danced in his eyes. 'So why is there no fire, and a shaking woman instead?'
"She looked away again. 'I am out of fire wood, and have no way of getting more.' She didn't know why she was so apprehensive of this man. Her eyes widened as there was a soft, warm touch on her chin. Her face was slowly lifted and her vision fell on the lightly tan face of the young man.
"He smiled ever so lightly at her. 'I would be happy to get you some wood to keep you warm until the storm is over.'
"Her heart pounded at his words. 'Th—thank you…' She stammered. His hand moved to her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He didn't say another word as he silently got back to his feet. He glanced at her once more before going back out into the snow covered world.
"She sat silently shaking. Now her body shook from the cold, while her spirit shook in anticipation. She had no idea who he was, other than his name, but something seemed out of place without his presence.
"She didn't have to wait long for him to return, his arm full of wood. She quickly got to her feet, the small blanket falling to the floor, as she rushed to help. 'Let me make a fire for you. You must be frozen.' She took some of the wood out of his arms and quickly began to restart the fire in the middle of the room.
"As she bustled about, he carefully set the rest of the wood next to the door. He turned around silently to watch her work. He couldn't believe how beautifully she moved. The long, tight orange skirt she wore made every movement visible, while her loose white top seemed to flow like water all around her. Her deep brown eyes locked with his as she almost whirled to a stop across from him. 'There isn't much to eat here, but if you're hungry…' She trailed off and her eyes darted away from his, as she slowly sat down next to the fire.
"His spirit fell slightly as her face turned away. He let out a breath slowly as he walked to the slowly growing fire. 'No, thank you. I am not hungry, just the fire is kind enough.' His eyes danced with a mix of laughter, sadness, and orange fire. 'May I?' He asked, motioning to the floor next to her.
"She seemed surprised at his request. 'Of course.' He said as she nodded, sitting down on the floor. She watched as he lowered himself next to her.
"The two sat silently, both staring into the warm fire. 'So, why are you here, all alone, in the middle of a forest?' He finally broke the silence. She blinked as she looked away from the fire, and to him.
"She watched in awe as a small smile spread across his lips while he continued to stare into the fire. She blinked back to reality as she realized that she was staring. 'I am in training, my master was called away.' She said looking away from him again.
"He lifted his head to look up at the ceiling. 'Will your master be coming back any time soon?' He asked quietly.
"She quickly looked back up at him. 'Of course she will be coming back!' Her voice dropped along with her eyes. He lowered his face and watched her carefully. 'She will be back when she has finished her business.'
"He smiled lightly as he reached a soft hand out to rest on her chin. 'I'm sure she will be.' He whispered as he pulled her face back up to him. His eyes seemed to dance as he stared at her.
"She was confused by the look in his eyes, 'Mikoto…?' She breathed in question.
"He slowly drew near, his eyes now filled with light as well as fire. 'It's Taka.' He whispered. His eyes pulled her closer as his lips met hers. Her breath seemed to freeze, and her heart stop, at his touch. His teeth nibbled on her lower lip as she slowly melted into his arms. His tongue begged her for entrance, and she slowly allowed it.
"Her eyes suddenly opened and her body went rigid. He pulled away slightly, his eyes locking with hers. There was fear in those beautiful orbs, and it made him angry. 'T—Taka… What are you doing?' She whispered, looking away.
"His heart seemed to jump as he lost her gaze. 'Please,' he started kindly. 'Please don't look away.' A gasp left her lips as he finished.
"Her head lifted and she once again locked eyes with him. 'What? What do you mean?' Her voice was soft.
"His eyes danced again as his arm slowly wrapped around her waist. She stiffened slightly as he pulled her closer to him. 'Don't be afraid.' He soothed. Her body melted as his lips placed butterfly kisses down her jaw bone. Her breath became ragged as he found her neck, kissing and sucking softly. She didn't even notice as he picked her up effortlessly and moved her to the mat in the corner.
"She gasped in pleasure as his hands moved lower, and his breath warmed her chest. 'Is this alright?' He whispered, something in him needed her approval.
"She smiled lightly and touched his cheek. 'It's wonderfully alright.' She whispered back. He grinned, satisfied, and moved into her again. The wind seemed silent to the sounds coming from the small hut that night.
((The next morning))
"The young girl sat shaking, her legs pulled up to her chest, as she watched the man in front of her. 'I c—c—can ma—make a fi—fire.' She stammered.
"He turned to her and grinned playfully. 'Really,' he said matter of factly. 'I'd like to see you move off of that bed first.' He watched as she frowned at him, and then a sharp laugh left his lips. He got to his feet and walked to the bed, kneeling in front of her. 'Are you hungry? When did you last eat?' He asked brushing her still slightly damp hair off of her forehead.
"She smiled slightly. 'Are you offering to make something?'
"He grinned darkly, a hint of his game hidden in his eyes. 'Would you trust me?'
"She looked thoughtful for a minute, playing along with him. 'Well, since you've made it so I can't move from this position, I guess I'll have to trust you.' She giggled slightly, unable to keep a straight face any longer.
"He smiled softly and leaned up to her, his breath caressing her cheek as he spoke. 'I will be back.'
"Her heart fluttered as he got up and walked to the door. She watched him walk out into the now calm, white world. As the door closed again, a deep sigh escaped her lips. She shifted her weight slightly and winced. He had done a number on her alright. She stopped moving as she thought about the night before. She had never imagined how painful, yet pleasurable being with a man could be.
"She suddenly gasped. That reminded her, he wasn't just a man. He was a youkai, as she had learned last night, and a prince at that. Would he even remember her when he left? Would he leave? Of course he will, she told herself He'll leave and forget about me. Her head lifted as the door opened again. He was fast.
"She watched as he stepped back into the hut, his large pair of wings folding again and resting against his back. He shook his head lightly, his burnt brown hair dancing. He stopped and lifted his head to look at her. A slight smile played at his lips. 'I hope rabbit is ok.' He said moving to the fire after taking off his boots.
"She nodded slowly. 'That would be nice, but, how did you catch a rabbit in this weather?' She questioned.
"He turned to look at her again, getting back to his feet. 'Getting game is no problem for me,' he knelt in front of her, taking her shaking hands into his own. 'Even in this weather.'
"She smiled at his words. 'I should have known.' Both fell silent, the smile fading from her face. 'What about Sensei Assarishita?' She finally asked.
"His head lifted and his eyes locked with hers. 'What about her?' He questioned back.
"She looked away restlessly. 'Sensei will not be happy with me.' She whispered. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about her master's disappointment. A soft hand rested on her cheek and pulled her now wet face back up.
"His eyes smiled at her as his thumb wiped away her tears. 'Don't worry, I won't let anything happen.'
"She swallowed and stopped her tears. 'Do you promise?' She whispered.
"He lightly kissed her lips. 'I promise.' He whispered as he pulled away slowly. His body begged for her to come closer, so he wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her tight against his chest. She nuzzled her way closer, taking comfort in his warmth and embrace. He would stay with her; love her. His wings wrapped silently, strongly, warmly around her whole body, holding her even tighter.
"She would be his, and he hers.
((9 days later))
"She woke to his warm, soft wings wrapped around her. It had become a comfort. She smiled and took a deep breath before slowly letting it out. The uneven rise and fall of his chest under her told him that he was awake as well. 'Taka,' she whispered, knowing his youkai hearing would make her voice clear. He moved slightly, tightening his grip on her shoulders and waist. He was listening. 'Can you let me up, I don't fell very good.' She muttered into his bare chest.
"His body froze for a second. 'What's wrong?'
"She tried to smile at him as she wiggled out of his hold. 'Nothing's wrong. I'm probably just getting a cold.' She replied. He sat up and watched her run out of the shelter with her hand covering her mouth. He should have known. The woman was pregnant. She carried his offspring, and the next in line for the thrown. The only problem with that was that it would be a hanyou, a mixed blooded mutt, unworthy to uphold the family. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed slowly.
"What now?
"She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as she slowly stood up. Her body shook slightly as she looked around. The snow was slowly beginning to melt, and the sun was warm against her face. 'Sensei should be back soon, and then what?' She whispered.
"She jumped as arms wrapped around her waist. 'Are you hungry?' He asked, ignoring her spoken worry.
"She shook her head as he put butterfly kisses down the side of her neck. 'No, thank you.' She turned around in his arms. The sad look on his face surprised and worried her. 'What is it?' Her hand touched his cheek softly.
"He tried to smile. 'Seki, I don't know of an easy way to tell you this.' He looked away for a second and sighed slowly, almost silently. 'You're not getting a cold, you're going to have a baby… mine.' He said softly.
"She didn't know what to say. 'What…? A baby… Me?' Sure, she had wanted a family, but now? She was only sixteen after all.
"His voice brought her out of her shock. 'I'm sorry, I couldn't ask you to carry a youkai's child—'
"Her mind raced. That's what he was worried about? 'That has nothing to do with it!' She laughed, cutting off his words. 'Kami… a baby…' She breathed.
"He stared at her in surprise. 'So… you're not mad?'
"She laughed. 'Mad!' She pulled him into a kiss, one that quickly heated up. She pulled away, the breath barely passing into her lungs. 'Do you—love me—Taka?' She gasped.
"He stared again, trying to catch his breath too. 'More than life itself.' He finally answered. They smiled. 'And what about you, do you mind a youkai as a mate?'
"She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. 'I don't know how it happened, but I don't think I could keep on living without you.' She whispered.
"The two stood silently, he just stroking her hair, she just holding onto him for strength. 'You should get some rest.' He breathed in her ear. She slowly nodded as he lifted her into his arms. She lay in his embrace, overwhelmed with so many emotions.
"As he reentered the shelter, he laid her down on the bed softly. As he began to pull away, he placed a light kiss on her lips. 'Just relax, I'll be right back.' He smiled softly. She nodded again as a reply and he got to his feet.
"Just as he pulled the door aside, she sat up. 'What about Sensei?' She asked.
"He slowly turned to face her again. 'Don't worry about a thing. Right now you need to rest. Youkai will sap your energy quicker than any human child.' With that he turned again and left the hut.
"She slowly lowered her eyes to her flat stomach, and rested a hand on the spot. 'What am I going to do…?' She could already feel her energy fading, so she laid back and closed her eyes with a slow sigh.
((5 months later))
"Her eyes shot open and she sat up. Her dark orbs searched the hut around her quickly. She was alone. Her breathing was shallow; something was coming. She couldn't feel his presence. She was all alone, and in no condition to defend herself. She carefully got to her feet. She had to find someway to protect her child. Her eyes darted around again. There was nothing to use as a weapon.
"She jumped as the door was pulled aside. Her eyes widened as she locked stares with a woman. 'Master Assarishita…' She breathed.
"The woman stepped into the shelter, dropping the curtain behind. 'Kouseki… What's wrong with you?' Sensei asked.
"She blinked in surprise at Sensei's words. 'What do you mean…?'
"Sensei tilted her head slightly. 'Your energy has changed.'
"She glanced away. 'Oh, yes…' She muttered. 'Master, I—' She stared.
"Sensei interrupted her. 'Don't give me excuses. I can sense him, what is a youkai doing here?' Sensei snapped.
"She wanted to defend him, needed to defend the father of her child. 'Taka is more that just a youkai, Master!'
"Sensei was shocked. 'You know his name? How long has he been here?' She didn't get a chance to answer because a cry stole her words. She looked at her bed and then quickly turned back to Sensei. The look on Sensei's face would have been funny, except for the situation.
"Sensei pushed past her lightly. 'Master, wait!' She tried.
"Sensei stopped in front of the bedding. 'What have you done?' Sensei reached for the small, still crying child. Sensei's hand stopped suddenly. 'This is your doing.' Sensei said straightening up.
"He stood in the doorway, watching Sensei's movements. 'Get away from my daughter.' He growled. She whirled around to face him, worry on her face. Sensei slowly turned to face him as well.
"She was scared. 'Master, please,' she started, turning back to Sensei.
"Sensei walked toward him. 'Your daughter?' She could see the anger in Sensei's eyes.
"He stepped forward, ready to defend his family. 'That's what I said, woman.' His voice was dark.
"Sensei turned back to her. 'You have become impure. You've given yourself to a youkai.' Sensei said, turning away from her.
"Her eyes filled with tears. 'Master, please—'
"He interrupted. 'You left Seki here, alone, for six months.'
"Sensei's eyes danced with anger at his words as Sensei turned to him. 'A test, I will not always be here.'
"He got closer to Sensei. 'And why not?' He growled through his teeth.
"Power began to flare out with Sensei's anger. 'Kouseki needs to learn to rely on herself alone. She will never survive otherwise.'
"He glared at Sensei before turning to her. 'Come with me Seki, I will keep you safe.' He smiled with his eyes alone. She glanced at Sensei and then at the baby still lying on her bed. She nodded once and quickly scooped her child into her arms. She moved her his side.
"Sensei fumed as he lifted her into his arms carefully. 'You will not be welcomed back here, ever.'
"She looked at Sensei softly. 'I know.' She whispered. He turned around and pushed through the door. His wings opened wide and he lifted into the sky. Her hand clutched tightly to his shirt for strength, tears filling her eyes silently. 'I love you…' She whispered. His arms tightened around her in agreement.
"I grew up under my Father's rule, as he took over my Grandfather's thrown when I was three. It was shortly after my eighth birthday that Father began to keep me closer to his side. Mother would no longer allow me to sit on her lap, and slowly her stomach began to swell with child again.
"My younger brother was born healthy and strong. Father was so proud, and it showed. I was just as happy as Mother as she laid the small bundle into my arms. I remember smiling down at him the night before he was killed. The bloody scene still haunts my dreams, even now. Mother was crushed, and Father outraged.
"Father locked himself and Mother in their room, and not even I was allowed in for over a week. The castle seemed to thin as Father threw one servant after another out of the castle for the murder of his son. I was on my way to dinner when I learned of the reason my younger brother had been killed.
"I stopped as raised voices met my ears. They were coming from Mother and Father's room. 'Your subjects, My Lord, are not happy. They are still angered at your decision to take a Miko as your mate. It is hard for them, still, to cope with the first—hanyou—the second was unbearable.' I was shocked at this visitor's rudeness toward my Father.
"Mother was the first to speak. 'You had my son killed because you have a problem with me?' She fell silent. 'I believe you would be in the wrong, not me or my child.' Her voice was dark, and it scared me.
"I jumped slightly as Father took over. 'My subjects, Nenriki, have no power to take action without my approval. Now, I have no idea who told them different, but the law has not changed.' My breath was like knives stabbing into my throat and chest at their words.
"Nenriki's snicker ripped through my mind. 'You are right, Sire, but if I recall, a child such as yours may not rule from the throne. That is, if we follow the unchanged law.'
"I waited silently for a reply. When Father's voice came, it was soft. 'Nenriki, do you believe that I am stupid? Do you believe that I am unfit to hold the crown?'
"The silence stretched on again. When Nenriki spoke again, his voice was filled with respect. 'My Lord, it is not you that your subjects despise.' His voice was suddenly harsh again as he finished. 'It is the slut and her little bitch that anger the others.' Father began to speak, but his words never met my ears as my mind whited out.
"I woke up to Father holding me close to his chest, and Mother talking in a mix of fear and worry. Both were rushing down the hall. I tried to ask what was going on, but my body was frozen. Fear raced through my blood.
"Father stopped suddenly and Mother opened the door to my room. 'Get a bath ready, quickly.' Father whispered urgently. Mother nodded. I shook with cold and Father's red eyes fell on my face. 'Kira? Can you hear me?' He asked. Mother turned back to us, shock on her face. I was able to nod slowly. Father smiled slightly. 'Seki, don't worry, everything's fine, go get some water.' He said, looking up at Mother. She nodded quickly and left to do as asked.
"My mind spun as the smell of blood began to overwhelm my scenes, but who's blood? The spinning room was making it hard for me to concentrate on anything but Father's face. 'Pa—Papa…?' I moaned as Father laid me on my bed. His strong embrace folded around me again.
"He sat on the bed, holding me on his lap. 'You were listening then koi.' Father sighed slowly as he held me close. We were silent until Mother returned.
"She slowly took me from Father, and helped me out of my shirt, which was now covered in blood. I let Mother lay me on my stomach on the bed. I couldn't control the shaking the grabbed my body. Without Father's strong grip, I again was freezing.
"Mother touched my back lightly and pain shot up my neck. I let out a small gasp as tears filled my eyes. 'Seki, don't touch it yet.' Father said softly. Mother's hand moved away. Tears continued to sting my eyes as my back began to throb. 'Would you go get an ankooru, Seki?' Father asked. Mother nodded and left again.
"Father seemed in a trance. 'Father?' I whispered.
"He didn't turn to look at me as he answered. 'I guess it has started, Kira.' Father's voice was quiet. Both of my parents' voices scared me, for I had no idea what had begun.
"I learned later that I had been attacked by a servant while I had been listening in on Father, Mother, and Nenriki. Father began to always keep me in his sight, while Mother began to train my Miko power that quickly appeared. Then there was those three days out of the month when Father and Mother kept me locked in their room. It was always the day and night before, during, and after the full moon.
"When I turned fifty in human terms, Mother died of natural causes, I told Father that I needed to leave. I promised that I would return when I found my own destiny. I became a traveling Priestess, moving on so that no village would notice that I didn't age like them. I was just beginning to leave the last village as I was called to help you." Kira finished.
The group around her was silent. Inu-Yasha suddenly "feh"ed under his breath. Everyone turned to look at him. "You still haven't told me why you tried to kill me." The Inu-Hanyou said, straightening up off of the tree. Kira searched his face quietly.
"Inu-Yasha," Miroku started. Kira got to her feet.
"You are right, Inu-Yasha. Forgive me for not telling you completely." The Taka-hanyou replied calmly.
"Does that mean another story?" Inu-Yasha muttered. Rolling his eyes.
'Hey, you asked.' Kagome sighed. The only one to hear her muttered something under his breath.
"I'll keep it short, Inu-Yasha." Kira muttered, crossing her arms and leaning against a tree trunk. "When it gets close to the full moon, the Miko and youkai blood in me fight. It doesn't take much to set off my youkai blood, and your insults and throwing me aside pissed it off." The Taka-hanyou said with a slightly playful growl. "Which is why Father made sure I was never around the other youkai when it happened. The attack on my life awoke my youkai blood."
"Well—" Inu-Yasha started.
"Kira,' Miroku cut the Inu off. She turned her gaze to the monk.
"Yes?"
Miroku got to his feet before going on. "How old are you, exactly?" Kira blinked once at his words.
"How old? Well, I guess I'd be about 193 in your terms…Why?" The Taka-hanyou blinked again. Miroku cleared his throat.
"No reason, I just thought keeping Inu-Yasha quiet was a good idea, though, you do look quite good for you age."
"What?" Inu-Yasha growled, clenching his fist and glaring at the monk.
"I have a question, Kira." Sango said, ignoring the now fighting men. The Taka was slow to turn toward the slayer.
"Yes?" She whispered.
"If your father was Taka-Mikoto, why do you have fangs and no wings?" The slayer asked, also getting to her feet. "For Kami's sake!" She muttered, pulling the two boys out of a ball of dust. "Can't this wait?" Her dark eyes glanced from Inu-Yasha to Miroku. The two seemed to shrink at her tone.
Kagome laughed. 'Good old Sango.'
Feh, Inu-Yasha replied.
"Now," Sango said, turning back to Kira, "you were saying?"
"Oh, yes, my fangs. Father doesn't know why I have not inherited the Taka youkai traits, he once thought it had something to do with Mother being a Miko." She shrugged slightly. "It doesn't bother me."
"Why did you hide that you were a hanyou, Kira?" Shippo asked, suddenly jumping onto the Taka's shoulder. Both women turned to look at the youkai.
"Wouldn't you, Shippo?" Kira replied with a smile. The kit tilted his head slightly.
"Yeah, but I'm still little. You couldn't hide the hanyou that you are for the same reason as Inu-Yasha, he's not strong like you are." Shippo replied thoughtfully.
"What was that gaki?" Inu-Yasha growled, hitting the kit on the head.
"Wahhhhh!" Shippo cried, holding his head.
'Inu-Yasha! SIT!' Kagome yelled.
"Kagome!" The Inu shouted back as the rosary he wore glowed before making him eat dirt and grass. Kira's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wha—" The Taka-hanyou stuttered.
"I'll explain later." Sango said with a sigh. Inu-Yasha lifted his face out of the ground to stare at nothing.
What the hell was that for? He growled, getting to his feet slowly.
'You've been getting off way to easy since… well, you know.' Kagome replied. The hanyou was silent at her words.
Kagome, are you alright? He finally asked.
'Yeah… I'm fine Inu-Yasha…Really.' The priestess replied quietly. There was a silence that hurt their ears.
"Inu-Yasha!" Someone shouted. The Inu-hanyou turned his attention back to the world around him.
"What—?" His words were cut off by something hitting his side. Kagome screamed his name as the sound of bones cracking reached his ears. Not again… Inu-Yasha muttered as his world went dark.
((Author Notes))
Again, I can only beg your forgiveness on the wait for this, but please review for me! I need all of the support I can get. The teachers have been piling the homework on, and I've been trying to write in my seconds of spare time. Anywho, review, let me know how this is, and I'll shut up and get to work on chapter 10. Later!
Myst