Once Upon A Time...

By: Demonsaya

Chapter 4: Feelings Reflected

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Inutaishou heard the rumble as well. He stopped, turning and lifting his nose into the air. He could smell smoke, fire, hear screams, the footfall of people trying to escape. And a voice, achingly sweet, yelling orders in a voice filled with soft-spoken authority. He turned on his heel, beginning to move back towards the palace where his princess resided. He didn't hear her blow the whistle, but he had a nagging suspicion that many were angered by her decision that day.

He reached it and saw there was a scurry of soldiers and many of the innocents inside the burning trap were probably dying. He pulled out Tetsusaiga and looked down into the crowd. He could see Izayoi was among the soldiers, holding a katana, fighting as well as the best soldier. Another faucet of her personality shone through and he almost smiled.

The sword, now transformed seemed to pull him in the direction he needed to go. He sprinted forward, doing a full turn before sending many of the enemy soldiers flying. They were closing in on her princess. His eyes narrowed and he urged himself a bit faster, feeling the sting of arrows striking him.

Izayoi was beginning to get overwhelmed. She was tired as well. She had gotten no sleep the night before. She closed her eyes, feeling the katana slip from her hand and expected her life to end only moments later.

Instead, a warm arm wrapped around her, holding her off the ground. She wanted to look. She wanted to see if it was really him. She felt herself transfered to the grasp of another and reached towards the creature she loved. "Inutaishou-sama..." She whispered, before finally passing out.

He stood infront of the general who had her protectively in his arms and glared at the soldiers that would have killed her if he hadn't interceded. His fury was rapidly rising beyond the level of his control. She was HIS! They had no right to touch her! He lifted his sword, bringing it down. It crashed into the oncoming army and he glanced back at the general, whose expression held nothing but contempt. "Get her away from here." He said evenly. "Inside the wall. Take the rest of your soldiers and get the rest from inside the house."

Takemaru wanted to object. But he realized the futility of it when the demon raised is sword, sending another blast into the attacking army. He hesitated just long enough to catch the demon's notice.

"GET HER OUT OF HERE!" He snarled. "Do you want her to die!"

The human was sent into action. He scooped her into his arms, running towards the entrance. "Get inside the wall! Everyone! NOW!"

Inutaishou listened to them and slowly turned, looking at the oversized army. There was not just one army here. He skimmed across the heads. There were at least five. He raised Tetsusaiga, glaring at the approaching army. "Hear me." He announced, making his voice boom for effect. Sometimes, a little was enough to cause humans to turn and run in terror.

The entire army froze.

"This palace is under my protection...This is your last opportunity to leave and never return, or I will kill you all." He said evenly.

There was some nervous laughter, and a voice shouted out above it.

"Please, what can one demon do!"

Inutaishou saw the armor of the man and almost smiled. "You are one that leads these armies?"

A haughty nod.

He laughed, slidding Tetsusaiga into it's sheath. Slowly, he raised his hand to the sword on his back. "You are a fool." He sneered, hearing the sword urging him to use Gokuryuuha. He drew it from it's sheath, raising it high in the air. "Like I need your advice, bakemono." He snarled at it, bringing the sword down hard. He shuddered as the ougi blasted from the sword. It always felt like a small piece of his imortal soul was used whenever that happened.

The army watched as the giant red ball approached them. The demon had turned it's back, headinging through the wall of the palace, as if this would be enough to stop the entire army. They only thought that for a short time, as it washed over them, leaving every one of them dead in it's wake.

Inutaishou saw the great fear in everyone's eyes as he walked into the compound where the palace had once stood. Many were dead, equally as many were dying. He slid the evil sword back into it's sheath, looking at the poor souls. He reached to draw a different sword, one he rarely used, as it could only be used to bring the dead back to life. He closed his eyes, seeing every dead and dying person in his mind. He felt energy swirling around the sword and almost smiled, opening his eyes and giving it a simple wave, destroying all the pallbearers, come to deliver them to Emma-o.

Everyone stared at him in shock as people were instantly healed, those that they believed dead woke and began hugging their loved ones.

He kept a stony expression on his face and looked towards where the palace had once stood. This was one thing he could not fix, unfortunately. He did not have a magical sword that could repair their homes. He turned towards the mat the princess rested on. He began walking towards it. He saw she was still unconsious and was relieved that she did not have to see the carnage he had just created. He knelt besides her, placing two fingers upon her wrist, feeling her pulse was erratic, yet strong. Soon, more people gathered around the princess, concern covering their features.

"Izayoi-sama!"

"Princess!"

He heard the worried cries as he rested her hand against her chest. He smiled just a bit, not enough to be noticed by the humans. "She is fine." He said evenly. "Her body is physically exhausted, so she was unable to remain awake." He felt the eyes on him and he stood. "I suggest rather than gaping at me, you weigh your options and make an attempt to put a new home up." He turned towards the entryway and felt a hand on his wrist.

He froze, wondering what human dared touch him. He turned, seeing a small girl, with tears in her eyes. He stared down at her in shock as she threw her arms around his knees, hugging him tightly, tears falling down her face. "Thank you for saving everyone, mister!"

He was rendered unable to move. He sighed deeply, dropping to one knee and resting a hand on her head. Something about her made him feel weak. Her eyes were big, brown, her hair was tied up messily, her lower lip trembled. There was a strange feeling in his chest at her softly whispered words. He felt more rewarded than when he had aquired his sword, Sounga. More rewarded than when he had become the great demon of the west.

When had he become so weak when it came to humans?

Izayoi.

He glanced towards her and noticed her stirring. "Your princess wakes, young miss." He said softly. "Go greet her." He felt her release him and took his opportunity to leave while everyone else surrounded the princess.

He stood outside the palace wall, taking a shuddering breath. Why? Why did it feel good to protect humans? He heard cries of joy and knew Izayoi had finally opened her eyes. He began walking towards the forest and heard a voice stop him. He glanced behind him and saw the general. He frowned at him.

"Demon, what is your interest in Izayoi-sama!" He demanded. His dark grey eyes were angry.

He turned, looking at the man. "I do not feel the need to explain myself to you." He said evenly, his eyes dark. "You should be thanking me as that girl did. I saved your princess. I succeeded where your small army would surely have failed."

"Inutaishou-sama..."

The whisper-soft voice caused his eyes to dart back towards the entrance. He saw Izayoi standing and he looked at her, his eyes softening. How had this girl melted his heart? He saw her walking towards him and felt his muscles becoming rigid. Don't do anything stupid in front of these men that hate demons. He prayed.

She stopped directly in front of him. She felt his eyes skimming over her, finding the superficial wounds that marked her and making note of them. "Thank you, my lord. You saved our lives..."

He paused, looking down at her. He took a deep breath, noting the humans had gathered, watching them. "I must speak with you." He said softly, his eyes trying to convey the meaning of his words.

She saw the soft look on his face and nodded. "I will be there." She said softly.

He wanted to reach out, brush the wild strand of hair back, but that would do no good. Not here. Not now. He slowly, hesitantly turned from her, disappearing once again into the forest.

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Izayoi saw to her people first. She watched as the soldiers threw together quick lean-to's for the families, small tents for them to reside in until the manor could be rebuilt. There had been a strange look in the demons eyes and she knew that something would happen that day. The sun began to rise over the horizon and she looked around, watching them go into their private tents till only she and Takemaru remained.

"My lady-"

"Takemaru, watch over them..." She said evenly, moving towards the exit.

He took a deep breath. "Are you going to see it?" He saw her pause and felt an ache at the strange expression on her face.

"Yes."

He stared at her in shock. "Izayoi-sama, I must implore you, do not go to it. It is a demon, a monster-"

"I love him, Takemaru." She said softly.

He froze, his pupils dialating. "What?" He whispered.

She looked at the ground, slowly leaving her childhood friend to go be with the creature she could not get out of her mind.

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When she arrived at their usual meeting place, she saw him sitting beside the water. His back was to her, but she knew that he knew it was her. She moved, sitting on the grass beside him.

He turned toward her. "Izayoi..." He said softly, his gaze softening. He opened his mouth, but her soft finger silenced him.

"Let us merely sit for now." She said softly. She felt him touch her hair, and smiled, enjoying his silent company. She knew he was right, she didn't just want him, she needed his presence. He was her livelyhood. He made her less afraid. He was her comfort, her home.

He watched the play of expressions on her face and reached down, taking her soft hand in his. He could feel there were sturdy, he knew from the way she'd weilded her sword, as though she had held one before. He smiled at the idea. "You were very skilled with a sword, my lady." He said softly.

She blushed. He had been watching her fight? She lowered her eyes demurely. "My father taught me when I was a girl. When my mother and brother died, he decided that he should teach me how to defend my home so I would not fall to the same fate."

"He would be proud." He said softly. He had never met her father, yet he knew the statement to be true. For any human woman to hold her own against hardened soldiers, it was an incredible feat, and he felt a twinge of pride in himself for picking such a woman to be his. Even if she didn't belong to him yet.

She blushed darker. His fingers traced small patterns on her hands and she hesitantely lifted her eyes to his. He wore a contemplative expression on his face, his golden eyes darkened slightly with need. A strange fire errupted in her and she dropped her eyes to the cold ground.

He silently traced his name onto her hand over and over. He wanted to make her his, but he would wait. He sensed that when she was in fact ready to be his, she would come to him. Then and only then, would he take her, mark her, mate with her. He traced her soft pink lips with his eyes and smiled slowly. "Izayoi..." He said softly. Her blushing face lifted and dark brown eyes met his. "You are very precious to me." He admitted, brushing her hair back carefully. "I want for you to be careful on your way back to the manor. If people knew..." He lowered her gaze. "what you were to me, they would attack you...that would kill me."

She stared at him silently. "You wish to have my body." She said softly, her heart throbbing. She would not give him just this. He would not touch her if it was her body alone.

"I want you to be my mate." He said softly, releasing her and looking into the water. "I would not have you and cast you aside. When I make you mine, you will be mine." He said softly.

When, not if. She stared at his profile then she looked into the water. "Aren't you taking a bit for granted, my lord, you are assuming that you will have me, when I don't recall having blew the whistle yet."

He smiled, looking towards her, his eyes almost glowing. "Not yet. But I believe you will."

"How can you know for certain?"

He cupped her face in his hand, forcing her gaze back to his. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle, coaxing kiss to her lips. He felt her hands go to his face and smiled a bit, tapping his tounge to her lips, requesting entry. The soft petals parted easily, giving him all the permission he needed. He felt a growl rumble through his chest and slid his arms around her, pulling her into his lap, deepening the kiss.

Izayoi felt as though she was on fire. He was caressing her lovingly, possessively through her kimono, his lips leaving hers, trailing down her neck, making her whimper as they found her pulse, kissing it, licking it. She gasped when he nipped her collarbone lightly. She had to pull away, he had to put some space between them, lest her resolve weaken and she begged him to make love to her. Yet, she couldn't find it in herself to do so.

Inutaishou felt himself reaching the brinks of his control and gently pushed her away, looking into her lust filled eyes. He felt a stir of triumph and smiled at her. "I am certain..." He said softly, caressing her face gently.

She saw the triumph in his eyes and felt humiliated. He had proven to her how weak she was in his presence. She lowered her gaze, tears welling in her eyes. She fought to will them away, but her will had been shattered. She put her hands to her face, beginning to cry.

Inutaishou froze. Why was she crying? He felt all of his arrogance flee him and he caught her by her arms, looking into her tear-filled eyes. She looked so miserable, humiliated, his heart bled. He began to gently brush them away. He kissed each tear, feeling as though his heart was clenching. "My lady, please, I beg of you...do not weep..." He saw the sadness on her face and felt her arms go around his chest suddenly, and her face was pressed into his shoulder.

"You're so cruel!" She whispered fiercely. "Forcing me to remember how powerless I am in your presence..." She felt his hands gently soothing her back and smiled weakly. "Forcing me to realize how little I can resist your kisses..."

He embraced her as she cried into his shoulder. "I am sorry..." He whispered.

"I love you." She whispered, feeling him stiffen and wondered idly if she hadn't ruined it. If he would leave her here, broken and needy.

Her softly spoken words caused him to stiffen. How could this be? He knew she wanted him, he new she cared, but this? He moved his hands to her shoulders, pushing her away so he could see her eyes. He searched them, seeing fear, exhaustion, and...there it was...warmth, love, compassion. He closed his eyes, smiling faintly. He gently brushed the remaining tears from her cheeks and kissed her chastely. "Do not fear, Izayoi..." He murmured. "I shall not cast you aside because of the depth of your feelings." He said softly, caressing her face.

She stared at him in amazement and saw, for the first time, the love that she felt for him reflected in his eyes. She trembled, and a teary smile turned up the corners of her mouth.

His eyes suddenly became very serious. "My lady, you must tell no one of your feelings for me, other humans would not understand."

She looked down. "I am afraid I already let it slip to...Takemaru." She admitted, shyly. "He was trying to stop me from coming to you..." She looked up at him, blushing. She saw worry in his eyes and tilted her head to the side. "My lord?"

He searched for words to explain his thoughts. "Izayoi...I have seen what becomes of humans and demons that mate and let the world know. I have seen how the world treats the hanyou that comes from the union..." He lowered his head. "Before I met you, I thought demons mating with humans was unnatural...Humans find it sickening, and the child..." He took a deep breath. "My lady, the child will be treated cruelly by those that are not like him." He paused. "That is why we must keep our feelings unknown to others." He said softly. "And when we do mate, you must be hidden until the child is born."

She searched his eyes. "Can't we run away, my lord?" She asked softly. "Can't you and I just disappear?" She saw the futility of it and a tear rolled down her face. "Why can't we?"

He gently brushed the tear away with the pad of his thumb. "Because, my lady, as much as I need you and want you, right now, your people need you more." He said softly, brushing the hair from her face. He stood. "I must go, but I shall return." He promised. He paused, seeing the whistle just barely under her slightly rumpled kimono. His eyes softened and he pulled her to her feet, straightening the kimono carefully. "Remember, my lady, when you are ready, when you want me, use it, I will be at your side as fast as I can."

She looked at him, her hands shaking. "My lord..."

He stepped back, looking up at the bright sun. "Be careful." He said softly. "Some men have a hard time letting go of the things they care about." He caressed her face one final time and turned from her.

She backed away from him slowly, and then walked from the clearing, leaving him alone in the clearing.

He listened to her leave and felt an ache in his heart. Why did he have to meet her now? Why when many go their whole lives without finding the one they're meant to be with? And more importantly, why a human? He put his head in his hands, taking a shuddering breath. Why now, when both of them stood the risk of losing everything, when he could lose the one thing that he would die to protect?

Her.

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AN: Not over by a long shot. I think there are going to be a few more chapters in this. You know, I almost had them mate in the last chapter. I think It's better this way. For those of you who have seen the third movie, or at least the opening scene, you have a clue of what progresses after this, but I'm not going to elaborate. I figure there may be four more chapters after this. Hope you've enjoyed everything to this point.