Chapter 10: A Lord's Desire

Avalon awakens the next day in her tree with her thoughts in order. She walks to Kaede's hut moving the flap and walking right in. Seeing Jaken and Kaede asleep she walks over to Jaken leaning down and gently shakes his shoulder, saying in a gentle voice, "Master Jaken wake up."

Jaken wakes with her words, "What do you want onna."

Avalon wants to remind him, her name is Avalon but decides a fight isn't a great idea so she says, "Master Jaken I know Sesshomaru's dragon is in the forest, I need you to take him and get me a large chunk of ice." She places her hands together to beg. "Please Master Jaken I really need it for Hikari. Please please please please please please please please ple…"

"Alright, alright I'm going. "

"Oh, doumo arigatou Master Jaken. Please hurry."

"I'm going, I'm going." Jaken hurries out of the hut towards the woods to get the ice Avalon requested. He wasn't going to tell her, she didn't need to beg.

Avalon builds up the firepit in the middle of the hut to cook the food. She places the soup from last night on to boil. Kaede wakes with the scent wafting through the hut.

"Avalon ye are up early."

"Hai, I have sent Jaken for what I can't get in the village."

"What was that child?"

"Ice."

Kaede nods her head. She knows that the cold will soothe pain. Avalon scoops out some soup to give to Kaede and some for herself. They sit eating in silence, when Hikari bursts in holding a white puppy in her hands. Avalon focuses on the cute little puppy in her arms.

"Where did the puppy come from?"

Hikari thinks back to last night. She was laying in bed asleep with the other 4 children, when she felt her arm being lifted. She opened her eyes slowly and saw the demon Avalon came with. She was shocked into silence when Sesshomaru lifted his finger to his lips and then handed her the white little bundle of fluff. He said softly to her, "Call her Jaken and do not tell Avalon I was here." With that command he departed quietly, leaving her to cuddle with the little puppy. Avalon was right, petting a puppy wasn't painful.

"I found her in my arms when I woke. I named her Jaken."

Avalon's eyes narrow. She knows Hikari is lying. 'Why?' Her eyes widen, 'no, it couldn't be? He was listening?' Her cheeks turn slightly pink.

"Avalon are you okay? Your not getting sick are you?"

"Oh, no Hikari I'm fine." She shakes her head trying to clear her suspicions. "Can I hold her?" Hikari hands Avalon the puppy. Avalon puts her bowl down and holds the small puppy under her front legs looking in the little ones eyes. Gorgeous blue eyes. Avalon recognizes the breed as an Akita. The little pup starts whining so Avalon brings the little one to her chest and starts petting her. "Do not worry little one, you are safe." Avalon hands the puppy back to Hikari. "I'm glad you have a puppy. Jaken huh? Why call her that?"

"It just came to me."

Avalon nods her head. Another lie. 'He is sweet even if he doesn't want to admit it.' "So I sent Jaken out to get something we need for your foot. I'm going to go looking for a few things myself. Have you eaten?"

"Yeah."

"Okay that's good. Have you fed the puppy?"

Hikari shakes her head, "I wasn't sure what to feed her."

Avalon nods and walks over to the dried meat, grabbing a small chunk and handing it to Hikari. "She will want meat most of all but some vegetables are good too. No onions though."

Hikari nods and lets the puppy eat the meat Avalon handed her.

"I'm sorry Keade, I need to gather some things so I won't be able to train today."

"Hai, child I understand." Avalon walks around Hikari and out the hut. She heads towards the woods looking for sturdy branches and flexible vines. She needs to make a brace for Hikari for after she sets the ankle and she needs to make a crutch of some sort. After finding what she is looking for, she heads back. Kaede is gone treating villagers and Hikari is no where about. Avalon sits to get working on constructing the brace and crutch. Later Jaken walks in the hut finding Avalon bent over whittling away. "What are you doing?"

Avalon looks up, "Oh, hey, you get the ice block?"

"Hai."

"Arigato. I'm making a brace for Hikari's foot."

Jaken shakes his head as he walks back out of the hut. Avalon puts down her work to check and see what the ice block looks like. Stepping out of the hut, the dragon is right outside waiting with a large block of ice about 2 ft by 2 ft and a ft tall on his back. "

Hey you two." Avalon pets each head, "Arigato for helping get this ice." Avalon pulls the large block from the dragons back. She is surprised that it is so large. "Jaken how did you move such a large block?"

Jaken stops his steps to open his mouth not sure how to answer. Avalon shakes her head. 'Sesshomaru, you must be around you big softy.' "Never mind." Avalon struggles to drag the block into the hut. Once she is finished making the brace and crutch she is ready to set Hikari's foot.

Avalon goes out of the hut looking for Kaede. She walks among the villagers and asks as she goes. She finds Kaede tending a young man who has cut his leg. She just finished wrapping the injury as Avalon waits patiently, Kaede explains how to tend the wound. "Kaede-sama I'm ready to set Hikari's foot but I'm going to need the sake and a few strong men."

"Hai child, the sake should be there by now and I need only call upon the men."

"Alright. I'll go get Hikari."

"Avalon are ye sure ye know what ye are doing?"

"I do Kaede." She nods her head in a slight bow and sets off to find Hikari. Avalon sets off towards the small hut she has learned is used by the orphaned children. Avalon knocks on the side as she is met with little yips. "Hikari you there?"

Hikari pops her head out and quickly launches herself into Avalon's chest knocking her over screaming, "AVALON!"

"I guess that is my answer. You seem excited."

"You're here to get me so we can fix my foot right?"

"Hai, I have come to bring you to Kaede's. Kaede told me that Hinata will take care of the other children for a few days so you will be staying with us for that time."

"Okay, should I bring Jaken then?"

"I would think so." She smiles down at her. Hikari gets off her and goes in the hut to grab Jaken and then comes back out to follow Avalon back to Kaede's hut. They slowly make their way to the hut and see a barrel out front. Hikari looks at the barrel, "Avalon what's the barrel for?"

Avalon looks over at Hikari. "My guess? It's sake for you."

"Will I have to drink all of it?"

Avalon can't help but chuckle. "Ie not even close." They enter the hut, Kaede is there with 3 of the local village men.

"These men have volunteered to help ye Avalon, ye only need tell them what to do."

"Arigato. First we need Hikari to have some sake." One of the men walks out the door and comes back with a bottle and cup full of sake. "Here." He says as he hands it to Avalon.

"Arigato, what's your name?"

"Ren my lady." Avalon's cheeks flush being called a lady.

"And what about you two?"

"I am Sho Avaron-sama."

"Nobu at your service." Nobu bows his head.

"Have a seat Hikari." She motions to a raised area she prepared just for this occasion. Once Hikari gets into her seat Avalon hands her the cup of sake. "Here drink this." Hikari grabs the cup and takes a sip.

"Are you sure I should drink this it burns."

"I know kiddo, but yeah drink. It will help numb the pain."

Hikari drinks the cup and Avalon takes her cup to refill it. "Again."

"Should Jaken have any?"

Jaken looks up confused but answers, "I wouldn't mind some."

"Ie, Jaken should never drink sake. She should only drink water."

"Excuse me, I'm a male and I will drink sake if I wish."

"I never said you couldn't and I know your a guy. What's your point?"

Jaken shakes his head, "Have you already indulged onna?"

"Ie, I would never when I am doing something so delicate."

Jaken shakes his head completely confused.

Hikari starts laughing. "Jaken is funny."

"Yeah he is. How are you feeling?"

"Umm about the same."

"Are your lips numb?"

"Ie."

"Then you need to drink more." Avalon refills her cup.

After 2 more Hikari can feel her cheeks and lips are numb. "Avalon, I can't feel my cheeks."

"Good. Hikari now I'm going to have the men grab you but remember they aren't going to hurt you."

"Okay."

Kaede observes Avalon as she instructs the men how to hold Hikari.

"Ren, I want you to hold her shoulders like this." Avalon walks over to Hikari's head grasping her shoulders holding her down on the platform covered in furs. "When I start manipulating the foot she is going to struggle but I need her not to move." Ren nods and takes his place. "Sho you will need to be on her left here. You will be responsible to hold her arm and leg, just like this." Avalon grabs Hikari's wrist pulling it close to her hip and presses her other hand down on her thigh. "Nobu you take her other side and do the same." Both nod and take their place putting their hands where Avalon told them. Avalon walks over to be by her head brushing her bangs out of her face. "Hikari do you trust me?"

"Hai."

"This is going to hurt a lot so I want you to bite down on this." Avalon places a thick piece of leather in between Hikari's teeth. Hikari bites down. "I apologize for the pain in advance."

Kaede moves to get a better view of what Avalon is doing with Hikari's foot. 'Tis something I should learn if I can.'

Avalon goes over to her feet and hops up, then kneels over Hikari's knees with her back to Hikari. "Here goes." Avalon grabs Hikari's left foot and places her right hand under Hikari's achilles tendon and her left on the top of the foot. Holding the foot stable, she pushes with her left hand to push the ankle out of its current position.

Hikari starts screaming and thrashing about.

"Hold her still," Avalon commands and continues with pushing the foot away from her leg till she hears a pop and she moves the foot to the proper position. "Kaede hand me the brace." She points to the odd wooden contraption with vines.

Kaede grabs it and hands it to her. Avalon places the brace alongside Hikari and wraps rags around the ankle and then places the brace around Hikari's foot. She tightens the vines to keep the brace in place. She gets up and looks over at Hikari's. Hikari has tears streaming down her cheeks and patchy redness all over her face. Avalon knocks some of the ice off and crushes it up in her old t-shirt and sets it on the foot to help ease the pain. "I'm so sorry Hikari but the most painful part is over." She takes the strap of leather from her mouth. "You can let her go guys."

The men instantly released Hikari as Jaken stares in abject horror. He never knew Avalon could be so cruel. 'Perhaps I should be more courteous to her.' Hikari looks at Avalon and gives her a weak smile. The men help lift Hikari to the futon on the ground as Jaken Jr cuddles into her arms. The men leave soon after Avalon and Kaede thank them for the help.

Jaken slips out with the men. Avalon and Kaede tend Hikari as she rest for the night.

Jaken makes his way to the outskirts of the village still shaken from watching Avalon torture Hikari. 'The men just held her down, I have to tell Sesshomaru-sama right away.' Jaken searches for the dragon he knows will be around. Finding him, Jaken scampers up onto his back "We have to find Sesshomaru-sama." The dragons take off hearing the urgency in jaken's voice. Within a few hours they land and Jaken loses his footing rolling off the dragon. "Sesshomaru-sama, I have the most troubling news."

"Has something befallen Avalon?"

"Ie much worse. Avalon tortured Hikari and the miko watched while men held the girl down."

"What?" Anger seeps into his voice. He knew Avalon was twisted but why would the miko allow it? 'The child has experienced enough pain.' Sesshomaru leaps into the air flying to the village at a breakneck pace to save the girl. He lands outside the village limits and masks his aura. Sneaking into the village, he quickly tracks down Avalon by scent. He peers through the window watching as Avalon walks to the block of ice chipping away some, placing it in a rag then laying it over an odd contraption on Hikari's foot. He sees her tenderly brush the girl's bangs back as she pets the new puppy held in Hikari's arms. 'It doesn't look as if she is harming her.'

The miko sleeps on her futon. Avalon rises up after a time and grabs the rag setting it aside, then returns to watching the young girl. One thing Sesshomaru could tell for sure was Avalon looked worried. 'Why would she be worried? Did she make the leg worse?' He leaves unsure of what to think. He slips into a bush out of sight. He would wait and see what happens next.

When then sun rises the next day Avalon is still awake watching over Hikari and Jaken Jr. Kaede wakes as Avalon is moving about to start making a new pot of soup. "Have ye been up all night child?"

"Hai, I just want to make sure Hikari is okay."

"Ye need to rest. I will make the soup."

"Fine, just make sure to replace the ice on her foot every so often but don't let it sit for too long." Avalon goes to rest on her futon. Settling in to sleep as Kaede takes over watching everything. No sooner does she close her eyes, she feels as if she had opened them to the noon sun. "Oh my, I really must have been tired." She looks about finding Hikari is sitting with her foot up playing with Jaken Jr. "How are you doing Hikari?"

"I'm okay but it hurts a lot."

"I know. I'm sorry but it will get better."

"I know, are you okay Avalon?"

"I'm fine. How's our little friend?" Avalon slips out of the futon and crawls over to be next to Hikari.

"She's good."

"Hey, have you been out at all today?"

Hikari shakes her head.

"Well I think it's time to get out of here, then."

"But I can't walk."

"Who said you had to walk." Avalon gets down in front of her. "Get on my back."

Hikari wraps her arms around Avalon's neck and Avalon grabs her legs to wrap them around her being careful not to jostle her bad leg too much. She keeps her back bent forward so she would minimise the strain on her left shoulder and carried Hikari outside to sit under a tree. She carefully sets her down and turns around to sit in front of her.

"Can we do that some more."

Avalon frowns, "I wish I could carry you some more but my shoulder is injured so I have to be careful myself but we can play a game."

"Really."

"Yup. Have you ever played 20 questions?"

"What's that."

"Well you think of something and then I ask you questions up to 20 of them. They are yes or no questions or either or questions. If I can't guess it in 20 questions you win and I lose. You wanna try?"

"Sure."

"Alright think of something and I will ask the questions and you have to answer honestly."

"I got it," Hikari says.

"Living or not living?"

"Living."

"Is it white?"

"Yes."

"Is it Jaken?"

"Yeah. How did you know?"

"I didn't I guessed." Avalon smiles , "Okay my turn."

"Living or not living."

"Not living."

"What color is it?"

"That isn't a valid question. That isn't a yes or no and it isn't an either or. You could ask is it blue or green and I would answer that."

"Okay is it blue or green?"

"Neither." Hikari's face fell she was sure Avalon had given her a clue.

"Is it big or small?"

"Big."

"Is it close to us?"

"Yup."

"Is it brown?"

"Yup."

"Is it Kaede-sama's hut?"

"You got it Hikari!"

Sesshomaru listens as Avalon plays this 20 questions with Hikari. 'A child's game. The girl seems happy.'

Avalon soon gets up. "Hikari I will be right back." Avalon runs into the hut grabbing some more ice and comes back out to place it on Hikari's foot.

"Why do you keep putting ice on it?"

"It keeps the swelling down, so it will keep the pain away and it will help it heal quicker."

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

Sesshomaru stifles the need to snort, even he wonders why she would care for the child.

"What do you mean?"

"You pretty much ignore everyone so why me?"

Avalon sits back on her arms trying to figure out how to explain it to her. "Well hmmm I am afraid of getting hurt?"

"Who would hurt you other than that yokai? People are nice here."

"I…" Avalon huffs "It's not about them hurting me physically. I worry about getting attached and then something happening to them and then I have to mourn them. I tend to close myself off just so I don't have to deal with it. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to Sesshomaru-sama. I know nothing will happen to him."

"That's just silly."

'She knows nothing will happen to this Sesshomaru?' he ponders the idea then is repulsed because he knows how childish this infatuation with him is.

"Is it?"

"Hai."

"If you say so." She leans over and messes Hikari's hair up. The rest of the day is spent playing games to distract Hikari and talking about silly things. She would help Hikari go to the bathroom when she needed to, by carrying her and when the sun starts getting low Avalon carries Hikari back into the hut. Sesshomaru slips out of the village when Avalon and Hikari retired to the hut. Avalon spends the night over seeing Hikari.

The next day Kaede wakes and sees Avalon sleeping sitting up by Hikari with the pup laying in Avalon's lap. She shakes her head and put some of last night soup on the pit to boil. She sees the block of ice is getting smaller and frowns.'Soon there will not be enough to keep Hikari's ankle from swelling.' She looks over and sees Jaken asleep laying on Avalon's futon. Shaking her head she stirs the pot. Avalon's eyes crack open. Kaede seeing that says , "Good morning child."

"Kaede why did the men call me Lady?"

"It was a sign of respect. Ye were doing something none else could."

"But I'm not a Lady."

"They see ye as a healer."

Avalon considers and nods her head.

"Would ye like some soup?"

"Hai that would be great." Kaede ladles some soup in a bowl handing it to Avalon.

"We need to get back to training ye."

Avalon looks down at her young charge and replies glumly, "I know."

"She will be fine Avalon. We can bring her with to watch."

Avalon's face brightens a bit then falls again. "Kaede, she can't walk and I can't carry her. How can she come along?"

"One of the young men can carry her."

"Ie, that will not do. They have other duties to attend to and Hikari would feel uncomfortable with a man carrying her. Hmm I know Ah-Un!"

"Ah-Un?"

"Nevermind, please watch her. I will be back soon."

Kaede nods her head. Avalon sets the puppy down and runs from the hut leaving her food untouched. Kaede shakes her head. 'I never know with that girl.'

Avalon makes her way out of the village looking for the two headed dragon. She finds him lying in the shade resting. "Hey, how are you guys?" The two heads look at her and huff. Avalon goes to stroke their heads. "Can you help me out?" They look at her suspiciously. "My friend's foot is messed up, so would you guys mind carrying her?" The dragon gets up and groans. Avalon grabs the reins and leads the dragon into the village stopping in front of Keade's hut. "Stay here, I'll be back in a few minutes." Avalon walks into the hut. She sees Hikari, Kaede, Jaken and Jaken Jr enjoying some soup. "Hey everyone."

"Avalon come eat with us." Hikari calls

Avalon joins them in the meal and once everything is cleaned and put away. Avalon states, "So Hikari, how would you like to ride a dragon!"

Hikari looks over with wide eyes with wonderment and fear. "What do you mean?"

Avalon explains, "Well Kaede and I need to train but I won't leave you alone, so you can ride a dragon, to and from."

Hikari asks, "Where will the dragon come from?"

Avalon says with a smile, "He is right outside."

Jaken seethes, "What! You can't be talking about Sesshomaru-sama's dragon. That is not acceptable wench."

Avalon says tersely, "Jaken, it is already done." Adding softly, "the dragon was happy to assist."

Jaken says contentiously, "you can't."

Avalon answers resolutely, "I have and I did. Besides what's the harm?"

Jaken bemusedly stutters, "I...it...what..I mean-"

Avalon adds dismissively, "Don't worry so much."

Hikari asks apprehensively, "Is it safe?"

"Of course Hikari." Avalon smiles. "Come on, I'll introduce you."

Hikari nods. Avalon reaches out to help Hikari up. She places herself on Hikari's left side to help take her weight off her foot. Hikari hobbles out the door holding onto Avalon for support. Hikari freezes when she sees the large 2 headed dragon looking over at Avalon with horror filled eyes. Avalon looks down to her and smiles. "There is no need to worry. He is quite friendly."

Hikari gulps but nods her head with determination. Avalon reaches out to pet one of the heads and the other tries to get a pet as well. Avalon laughs, Hikari's eyes light up as she sees how friendly the dragon is. Hikari stands on her good leg and reaches out her left hand to pet the heads. Each one nuzzles into her open palm. Hikari laughs at the feel of the scaled noses. "See, I told you they were friendly." Avalon helps Hikari up onto the saddle. Grabbing the reins Avalon calls, "Hey Kaede you ready to go?"

"Hai, child follow me." Kaede makes her way out of the hut leading to the forested area they would go to train her in meditation. Once they get there Avalon helps Hikari off the dragon into the shade. Kaede has Avalon take her position and starts with a prayer followed by learning the hand sign for Kai and the mantra, 'On nōmaku sanmanda basaradan kan.' For several hours the meditation continues. Kaede guides her along. "It's enough Avalon go help Hikari. I need to tend the villagers."

Avalon slowly opens her eyes and nods her head as Keade begins to walk back to the village leaving Avalon, Hikari and Jaken behind. Avalon gets up walking over to Hikari, "So how you doing?"

"I'm alright."

"You mind if I have a look at your ankle?"

"Of course."

Avalon nods her head and holds Hikari's ankle starting to unwrap the bandages and loosening the vines to pull the brace off. Hikari starts whimpering. "I'm so sorry Hikari but I really need to have a look." Avalon gently prods the ankle checking the mobility. Avalon smiles when she sees that it moves within a normal range. "This looks good Hikari, it's moving normally." Avalon re-bandages the ankle replacing the brace. "I'm sorry that it hurt so much but it looks good. The swelling will go down and then we can start working on you walking on it. But how about I teach you some self defence?"

"Yeah that would be great."

"Alright we will start with weak spots. Eyes, nose throat and groin." Hikari nods. "Hitting those areas will give you time to escape. You can use your palm in an upward strike hitting the nose like this." Avalon demonstrates the move. "Hmm it would help if I had someone to do it on." Hikari laughs, "I didn't mean I wanted to hurt them. It just would be easier to show how it works."

"You could use Jaken." Hikari offers

"What? No way. I refuse to help in this silly charade," Jaken says.

Avalon interjects, "I wouldn't want your help anyway. You are too weak."

"What!?"

Avalon nods. "You're weak."

Jaken waves his arms around. "I am not!"

"Sure, whatever anyway let's see you try Hikari."

"Okay." Hikari tries to mimic what Avalon showed her. Avalon demonstrates a few other techniques for her having her mimic them. As the sun crosses the sky sloping towards the horizon Avalon helps Hikari get on the dragon and walks her back to Kaede's hut. As Avalon lowers Hikari, Kaede peaks her head out. "Soups ready." Avalon gets down so Hikari can wrap her left arm around her shoulder as Avalon wraps her right arm around the girls waist. Lifting her off the ground. It seemed to be the best way to move about for short distances. They gather for the evening and Avalon watches Hikari for the night once again while Jaken and Kaede sleep.

Avalon would fall asleep but would keep her ear open if Hikari started to complain and a new routine was born. For the rest of the week Keade taught Avalon the rest of Kuji and Avalon taught Hikari self-defence techniques. The dragon came in handy, since he could carry Hikari. In the evening Avalon would examine and flex Hikari's ankle. She could tell it was about time for her to start putting pressure on it.

Morning comes and after everyone is ready to go Avalon says, "Hikari, I need you to walk to the dragon." The dragon has taken up residence right outside the hut so it wasn't far.

"But Avalon, my foot!" Hikari eyes are huge.

"I know and it will hurt but it's time to walk on it for brief periods but don't worry I'm right here and I won't let you fall."

Hikari nods as Avalon helps her stand. She steps on her left foot gingerly and hisses in pain. "Avalon it hurts." A tear trails down her scar.

"You can do this Hikari. I have faith in you."

Hikari makes her way out to the dragon with Avalon right by her side with her hands out ready to catch her if she were to stumble but Hikari makes it to the dragon and leans heavily into his side panting.

"You did it Hikari, I'm so proud of you." Hikari gives Avalon a bright smile

"I did it!"

"Yup you did. Now let's get you up on the dragon so we can go."

"Alright." Avalon helps lift Hikari onto the dragon as Jaken watches still upset that Sesshomaru-sama's dragon is being used like a common horse.

Kaede becomes frustrated with meditation not working even as she has had Avalon use all nine signs the previous day so she asks, "Do ye know how to use a bow and arrow."

Avalon considers, she knew how to and she had some training in it but she felt more comfortable with a sword. "I have used one before."

"We will train with a bow today."

"Okay."

Kaede leads Avalon and the rest of the group to a new area with a bow and arrow strapped to her back. She hands the bow to Avalon and hands her an arrow. "I want ye to draw the bow." Avalon nods as she notches the arrow in place and draws the bow back. "Now concentrate and aim for the knot in the tree."

Avalon nods aiming the arrow while concentrating. Kaede observes her stance and is pleased to see at least that was not something that would need work. Once she is ready she fires the arrow hitting the tree but misses the knot by about 3 inches to the left. Kaede watches with a keen eye. There was no spiritual energy released. She hands Avalon another arrow

"Again, concentrate harder, think of destroying a yokai with your arrow."

Avalon gives her a confused look but does as she asks. She draws the bow suddenly quirking a brow she thinks with amusement, 'concentrate on destroying a youkai?' Quickly she turns on Jaken, releasing the arrow, aiming to strike at his feet. The arrow penetrates the ground centimeters from Jaken's feet. He screeches, "Are you insane wench? You could have killed me?"

"Lady Kaede told me to concentrate on destroying a yokai." Avalon shrugs her shoulders, "You're a yokai master Jaken are you not?"

Kaede and Hikari laugh while Jaken fumes,"Sesshomaru-sama will hear of this!"

Using a dismissive tone Avalon says, "Like I care." She turns her back and puts her hand out for another arrow, Kaede hands her one. This time Avalon actually concentrates thinking of destroying Yōgan. She releases the the arrow hitting the tree. Kaede watches as the arrow flies striking the tree sinking deeply into the wood but still no spiritual power. "Again." Avalon takes the offered arrow and tries again. After an hour of this, her shoulder really starts to bother her. "Lady Kaede, I can't do anymore today. My shoulder is hurting too much."

"Aye child, I agree. It is time to make my rounds with the village anyway. Ye head back with the girl."

They head back towards the village. Kaede heads off to treat the sick. Hikari and Avalon head off to Kaede's hut. Once finished Keade retires to her hut to prepare for the night. This time Avalon waits till Hikari and Kaede fall asleep noticing Jaken has slipped out. 'Hmmm I wonder, has he gone to report to Sesshomaru?' Avalon slips out quietly. She silently slinks through the night feeling for the faint pulls of Jaken's aura. Finally sensing it she lays down and closes her eyes focusing on sound hoping to hear something. She hears whispers. The wind is blowing in Avalon's direction carrying Jaken's and Sesshomaru's voice to her.

"Sesshomaru-sama I am so sorry I could not stop Avalon."

"From what?"

"She uses the dragon as a horse to carry her deshi."

Sesshomaru feels like rolling his eyes, "I care not about it. Tell me of their progress."

"Oh hai master. Avalon has been training the girl to strike at the eyes, nose, throat and groin."

Sesshomaru nods. 'good' "And the girl's foot."

"Oh Avalon seems most cruel she made the girl walk today from the hut to the dragon."

Sesshomaru nods again, 'a necessity.' "Is that all?"

"Hai, but when will you come from me master? Avalon shot an arrow at me today."

Sesshomaru's eyes dance with amusement, "You seem to be standing, is the girl such a poor shot?"

"Ie master, she was just aiming by my feet. I feel she was only teasing me for she could strike a tree 100 yards away."

"If there is nothing else." Sesshomaru turns to leave Jaken behind.

"Farewell master."

Avalon listens intently only catching bits and pieces, mostly Jaken's whines but she could her bits of Sesshomaru speaking. Her heart leaps in her chest, part of her wants to run out and greet him but she stays where she is at. She knows now Sesshomaru is checking on things. She was right. Avalon gets up and slips away climbing her tree once again to ponder what it means that Sesshomaru was checking up on things. 'Should I confront Jaken or should I try to trap Sesshomaru? Jaken would fess up under pressure but I wouldn't gain anything. But if I could corner Sesshomaru, he would still lie and say some bullshit. He cares, I guess that will just have to be enough.'

Once Avalon comes back the next morning, Kaede decides to ask her about it, "Avalon where do ye go at night sometimes?"

"Gomen Kaede-sama, I can't sleep in the hut. So I go to sleep in a tree at night."

"Naze?"

"I feel too confined at times."

"I see."

The morning ritual begins again once everything is cleaned Avalon confesses that she can't draw a bow again today, her shoulder is still hurting too much. Kaede understands so Keade go to tend the village instead while Avalon cares for Hikari. It turns out there's a wedding today. Avalon watches the ceremony in the back trying to stay unnoticed as Hikari sits with the other children she lives with. Once the ceremony is over a party is held. The whole village is to attend so Avalon is forced into the celebration. Hariki is enjoying her time with her pseudo-siblings. Hikari hasn't really seen them much but it was fun to be at a celebration.

Avalon was sitting with them when one of the young men approaches her. Avalon looks at him. He isn't bad looking but she isn't interested. "Such a beautiful lady, will you join me for a dance?" Hikari pushes Avalon to join him and gives her a wink. Avalon rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

Avalon doesn't want to be rude but she doesn't like being touched by men though Sesshomaru was different. Her cheeks flush thinking of him and the way he would touch her at times.

The young man thinks the blush is for him.

"I will dance with you."

"Yeah go Avalon!"

The man pulls her up from her seat into himself and starts to dance with her. Avalon feels herself beginning to panic with the close contact. She concentrates on keeping the panic under control. When his hand slips down to her backside, she gets angry. She pushes against the man's chest hissing at him, "Let me go."

The man pulls her closer against him. "Don't worry, I will make a fine husband for you."

"I don't want you as a husband."

He has led her away from the crowd with their dancing and there is no one around.

Avalon hadn't realized it because she was too focused on avoiding panicking while they danced.

"Would you prefer that yokai?" he says in an evil tone.

"That isn't your concern." She still tries to push him away from her when her back is slammed into a tree.

"I don't care that you were his whore. I will make you into my wife."

"I wasn't his whore and I won't be your wife."

His hands starts pulling at her robes exposing her collar bone. "Come on. I can please you just like he has."

"You don't know what you are talking about and you really don't want to continue if you know what's good for you," she threatens.

He buries his head into the side of her neck as he forces his knee between her legs. He pushes her robes apart below her waist pushing his hand in trying to reach her opening. He bites down on her neck. Avalon screams in pain. She has had enough. She uses her knee to hit him in the balls. He releases her to cup his injured genitalia in his hands. Avalon takes the opportunity to grab his head between her hands and brings her knee up into his nose breaking it. He gasps in pain. She roundhouse kicks him to knock him down. She escapes him and heads back to the party. Her hair is a mess, her clothing is in disarray and the side of her neck is bleeding.

Kaede seeing her in such a state, cries in dismay, "Avalon, what has happened?"

Avalon looks at Kaede as tears start falling from her eyes she turns and runs away. She heads to the tree that she would normally climb. She doesn't want to talk to anyone. Avalon brings her hand to her neck and pulls away seeing blood. "Shit!" Avalon climbs down and heads to Keade's hut. She needs to rinse the wound thoroughly since there is so much bacteria in a human mouth. She washes and washes again and prays it doesn't get infected. She grabs the herbs that are used for fighting infections and crushes them into a paste and begins to bandage her neck.

Meanwhile, Kaede backtracks Avalon's path finding an unconscious young man. Kaede rushes to check on him and finds he is alive but has a broken nose. 'What has happened here?' She doesn't recognize the man he must be from the bride's side. She was not from the village. The man starts to stir while Kaede looks down at him, "What has happened?" she asks the man.

"I was going to make the yokai's whore my wife. But now she can rot," he spits bitterly.

Kaede shakes her head. 'Avalon would never want this man at least not right now. She seems set on traveling with the yokai.' "Ye would be wise to avoid her and leave the village as soon as ye are able."

Kaede turns around and leaves the man to his own devices it became all too obvious what had happened. 'I hope the yokai does not consider this, not keeping her safe.' Kaede heads to her hut in search of Avalon and finds her in the back corner bandaging her neck. "Child let me see."

Avalon looks over at her with tears still in her eyes but drops the cloth to allow her to see. Kaede lights a candle as the sun had set long ago. She tilts Avalons head to the side as she hisses. Keade's eye goes wide seeing the deep bite mark on her neck. There was no doubt now. Kaede shakes her head and continues to bandage the wound. Once done she looks at Avalon, "Do ye wish to talk about this?"

Avalon closes her eyes and shakes her head no.

Jaken comes back into the hut wondering where Avalon had gone. Finding her with a bandage on her neck, he wonders at what had happened. "Onna why is your neck bandaged?"

Avalon looks over at Jaken then closes her eyes and retreats to the corner, ignoring his question. "The young man will leave the village soon. Ye need not worry."

Avalon nods and shuffles to the side of the hut to retrieve her katana that she had left for the party. She will not be left vulnerable again. She heads back to the celebration to get Hikari. She will not leave her alone with a creep around. Finding her sitting with her pseudo-siblings she reaches out her hand. "We are leaving."

Hikari looks up and sees the bandage on Avalons neck, "What happened?"

"The young man was not nice. Now let's go."

Hikari nods taking Avalon's hand. Avalon carries her bridal style to the dragon and sets her on him. She takes the reins and leads them back to Kaede's hut. The nighttime routine goes as normal however she remains in the hut for the night, not wanting to risk running into the young man again or any other that might think they could take advantage of her. She falls asleep, eventually laying in her futon.

The next day is dedicated to her training with the bow again but no result other than an improvement with her aim. Kaede is becoming frustrated by the lack of miko power surfacing.

The week progresses in much the same way, practicing with the bow, treating villagers and returning to the hut at night. However Hikari needed to return to caring for the other children. She is able to walk with the crutch Avalon made for her and Avalon gave her exercises for her ankle to strengthen it.

Keade wonders if a purification ritual might help so she leads Avalon to a waterfall and instructed her to sit under the flow. "Lady Kaede how will this help me train?"

Kaede groans. "Just go, I will let ye know when ye can leave. The little yokai will remain and watch ye while I tend to the villagers."

"I...what?" Jaken squacked.

"Ye will stay and watch her. Keep her safe." Kaede says in a serious tone.

"Fine" Jaken gripes but he will watch her.

Though Avalon has her doubts, she strips to her nagajuban and steps below the falls allowing the water to flow over her body. "Lady Kaede the water is freezing!"

"Concentrate Avalon ye can do this. Sit get comfortable. Then I need ye to meditate."

"If I get sick I'm blaming you, besides how is this supposed to help me fight? I get training with the bow but this." Avalon motions at the water flowing over her body.

Kaede sighs this the 2nd time today she has asked. She had hoped Avalon's spiritual powers would surface before she had to tell her, "This will toughen ye up child, endurance."

Avalon presses her lips together and has a scowl on her face but she remains under the water. Avalon allows herself to go into a meditative state ignoring the cold seeping into her flesh. Kaede heads to the village to tend them.

Jaken watches her for the day until Kaede returns.

"Avalon ye can get out of the water now. "

Avalon's eyes slowly open as she looks over at Kaede. She moves to get up but she is stiff from the cold and staying still for so long but she makes her way back to the shore. Kaede hands her a blanket and allows her to dry off. Avalon shivers as her body tries to warm itself.

Once she is dry enough she dresses again with minimal help from Keade. She had learned from Kaede how to do it but she was so stiff it was hard to move. Avalon follows Kaede back to the village as the sun starts to set with Jaken trailing behind. When Avalon enters the hut she moves to the back of the room and pulls a futon out and sets it up to sleep. She lays down and cuddles into the mat and uses the blankets available to warm herself.

Kaede says nothing as she makes food for everyone. She goes to hand Avalon a bowl but realizes she is asleep. Shaking her head, she pours it back into the pot. Kaede and Jaken settle for the night and fall asleep.

Another week passes with no reiki making itself known to Avalon or Kaede. Kaede just can't understand. She knew the rock had reiki but she just couldn't get it to surface. Kaede decides today would be about taking care of the villagers. The morning is the same, eat, clean and head out but as they exit the hut a disturbance is heard.

Kaede looks to see what is going on and sees a platoon of men and an enclosed palanquin. Kaede realizes a Lord is visiting the village and goes to meet them while Avalon follows behind wondering who is visiting. The men stop their march, setting the palanquin down and out steps a handsome man with brown eyes, long black hair and pale skin. Avalon stops in her tracks and turns slowly attempting to blend in with the people around her. Keade greets the man, "My Lord, how can I be of service?"

The man's eyes scan over the crowd looking for a specific person when he sees a woman with her back turned and slinking into the crowd. "You, young lass, halt!"

Avalon continues her retreat hoping it isn't her that the man is shouting at. "I said halt!" She stops knowing he was speaking to her. "Come here."

Avalon turns but keeps her head down and makes her way back. "My Lord what do ye wish of the young woman?"

The man regards Kaede. "I only wish to look upon her and speak to her. I have heard of a foreigner with unparalleled beauty."

Avalon's heart is beating a million miles an hour. She is now in front of the Lord. "Look at me." Avalon slowly lifts her eyes to meet his gaze. "I see I was not lied to. What is your name young lass?"

Avalon gulps. "Ava."

"What a beautiful name. I am Lord Kagewaki." Kagewaki reaches to grasp Avalon's face and bring it closer to his. "Your eyes are stunning, green and blue with streaks of silver magnificent," he says in reverence.

"Thank you Lord Kagewaki."

He caresses her face causing Avalon's stomach to twist. Avalon doesn't want him touching her. Kagewaki leans down to speak into her ear. "Where is your husband?"

"I never married."

Kagewaki smiles. "I want you to accompany me to my castle and join me." Kagewaki can feel the darkness within Avalon along with the hidden power residing there. 'I will have use for her. She is unattached and darkness clouds her heart. I need only charm her and she will do my bidding. '

Avalon's heart sinks. 'He is a Lord, how can I refuse?' she quickly thinks and replies, "I must decline. I am to remain here and I am happy here within this village."

"Ava, I feel you are not telling the whole truth."

"I do not know what to tell you Lord Kagewaki."

"Walk with me." Kagewaki's hand drops to grab hers, bringing it up to wrap it around his elbow. He guides them to the outskirts of the village away from prying eyes and ears. Avalon follows but has her left hand on her katana. She does not trust this Lord Kagewaki. "Tell me Ava, you do not seem like a simple village girl. Why stay? I can help you escape if you are a prisoner here."

"I am here by choice Lord Kagewaki."

"I still must insist you join me. Tonight my man will come and rescue you from here and you will come join me at my castle."

"Lord Kagewaki, I must protest."

"Nonsense, you do not belong in such a place. Now come along and act as if nothing will happen."

Avalon nods her head. Kagewaki leads her back while Avalon is considering her options once Kagewaki releases his hold on her hand she slips it off his arm and returns to Keade's side and Lord Kagewaki steps to his palanquin announcing, "We return home." Hopping back into it he looks over at Avalon giving her a charming smile and disappears behind the curtain. His men lift the palanquin and make their way out of the village.

Kaede watches the men leave and turns to Avalon. "Lord Kagewaki seemed most interested in ye."

"Hai, he did." Avalon turns and heads back to the hut. She knows she can't escape the town and leave the village to suffer the wrath of a Lord. She sits in the back of the hut pondering what to do. Sighing she says aloud, "I have no choice." She packs her little pack around her waist. She will wait and leave without incident but Jaken will need to know that she is to be kidnapped.

That night she drugs Kaede to make her sleep soundly while the kidnapping will happen. She doesn't want anything to happen to her and she set herself close to Jaken to wake him when whoever will come and take her. As she lays waiting a man dressed in a baboon pelt enters the hut silently.

Avalon instantly screams recognizing him, she thinks 'Naraku!' She kicks Jaken to wake him. Jaken wakes complaining about being kicked when he looks over at Avalon and watches as she is being dragged out of the hut with her mouth covered. Jaken says, "I will save you." He rushes out after her and tries to stop the strange man but the man produces a miasma spraying it in Jaken's face causing him to pass out. The man easily jumps up with Avalon and makes his way out of the village without further incident.

A\N This is my first fanfic. I would love some feedback. Elohiniar has been my beta and has helped co-author this chapter. Please leave a review or leave me a message letting me know what you think. Us authors thrive on it knowing people are enjoying what they read. I am also happy to answer questions if you send me a message. Thank you!

Alym1672- Thanks for the review. I try to be detailed and keep things in order. One thing I found frustration with some fanfics is when a weapon is left somewhere and all of a sudden the protagonist has it again. So I try to keep all details in order.

ASJS- Thanks for the love. I have every intention to finish this fanfic.

Lolitaloverlemon- Thanks for the review and the love.

Freshlymintedsenshi212711- Thanks for the review and the love. I will try my best to keep pleasing my readers. P.S. you were right.