Chapter 13: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Avalon rides with Jaken in front of her on the horse, while the dragon flies by her side with Hikari on his back. Avalon and Hikari make small talk while Jaken pipes in here and there.

When the sun starts getting low, Avalon brings her horse to a stop. The dragon lands and Hikari jumps down to stretch her legs. Avalon gets off her horse, getting Jaken down as well, setting him down on his feet. "Hey Jaken, you think you can find us wood for a fire tonight?"

"Yeah of course I can."

"Arigato." Avalon turns to Hikari who is stretching and stomping her feet on the ground. "How would you like to learn some more moves now that you can walk and jump Hikari?"

"You mean it, Avalon-Onēsan?" Hikari's eyes light up.

"Of course. We can work on it till it's too dark to see."

"Yeah!"

"Alright, I want you to stand like this." Avalon squares her feet and shoulders to give herself a lower center of gravity and better balance. Hikari moves to mimic Avalon's stance. "Good. Now I want you to make a fist like I showed you, but with your right hand now."

"Okay Avalon." Hikari makes a fist.

"Alright. Now pull back and punch with all your weight, not just your fist and move your body with the punch like this." Avalon shows her how to punch using her whole body.

Hikari tries mimicking it but loses her balance and ends up flailing her arms to keep from falling. "It's no good," Hikari says dejectedly.

"It's okay Hikari, you're not going to be perfect the first time you try something. So it just means you try again. Now watch me again closely." Avalon demonstrates the move more slowly. "Now you try."

Hikari nods her head and throws the punch but ends up losing her balance again.

"Try again."

Hikari tries a few more times and finally gets it. "I did it."

Avalon smiles. "I knew you could do it. Now do it again."

Hikari punches again and Avalon nods her head. "Alright now we are going do some self-defence moves."

"Okay."

"I am going to pretend I'm a man and I'm trying to do bad things to you and I am going to talk you through what to do to stop me okay?"

"Uh…" Hikari hesitates. She isn't sure she likes the sound of what Avalon is suggesting.

"Don't worry Hikari, you are safe and this is the best way to teach you. Are you ready?"

"I guess."

"Alright I am going to push you back against a tree." Avalon grabs Hikari gently and pushes her back against a large tree.

Jaken makes his way back to camp just at that moment with his bundle of wood. "Am I interrupting something?"

Avalon looks over her shoulder and smiles. "Nope, just go ahead and start the fire. Alright Hikari, you feel trapped right?"

"Uh huh." She feels some fear but knows she is safe with Avalon.

"I need you to realize you are in a very good position to injure the person attacking you right now."

"I am?"

"Yup. Your first move is going to be bringing your knee into the person's crotch. If I was really attacking you, you would hit me as hard as you can. So bring your knee up, hitting me between my legs but please don't hurt me. This is just for demonstration."

Hikari hesitantly brings her knee up striking Avalon between her legs.

"Good, now this will likely cause your attacker to release you and cup their injured genitals. Like this." Avalon grabs at her crotch, showing Hikari how her hands no longer hold Hikari. "Now if you can get away then do, but since I am still pressing my shoulder against you." Avalon takes one hand holding Hikari, while using her other hand to cup her crotch. "It's time for your next move."

"My next move?"

Avalon looks up at Hikari with a smile "Yup." Avalon puts her head down like she is still in pain from the hit. "You see how my head is down? I want you to grab both sides of my head."

Hikari grabs both sides of Avalon's head.

"Good. Now bring your knee up striking my nose. Gently," Avalon cups her hand over her nose to protect herself and give some space for the eventual collision. It was still a little sore from when Hikari punched it yesterday.

Hikari brings her knee up and strikes Avalon's nose gently.

Avalon falls backwards, holding her nose, "This will stun your attacker. If they are still in your way you can either try to push them or kick them out of your way. Then you run."

"Avalon are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Avalon gets up smoothly and smiles at Hikari. "Pretty cool, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Just remember, when you are actually facing off with them, you don't hold back. You strike without mercy and you strike quickly. You don't want them to get ahold of you again. They will try to stop you from hitting them that way."

"I understand."

"Alright let's get some more training done before the sun sets."

"Right!"

Avalon demonstrates a shuto strike, showing her how to make her hand ridgid and chop at the throat, nose and groin. She reverses the movement to show her how to chop using the inside of her hand, so if the opponent blocks, you can continue to strike because your elbow will bend around the block. She shows Hikari how to use a palm heel strike, rotating her hand as she strikes. She goes over a high kick, a round house and a leg sweep. She shows HIkari how to use her elbow to strike, if her opponent is behind her and how to use her attackers' momentum against them. Eventually, the sun setting and darkness stops the training. The fire provides some light but not enough to train by.

"I guess it's time to eat huh?"

Hikari's stomach growls. "Yeah."

Avalon grabs dried meat from the pack the monks gave her, passing out food for Hikari and Jaken. Each eats the portion. The fire crackles giving a gentle flicker of light on all of them and the night sky opens up before them. The stars are shining down, not a cloud in the sky. Avalon and Hikari make more small talk but soon Hikari starts nodding off. "Hey Hikari, I think it's time to sleep."

"I don't want to, Avalon."

"Well, let's set up the bedding and if we fall asleep, we fall asleep."

"Alright."

Avalon gets up and grabs the bundle off the horse and lays it out in front of the fire as the dragon rests behind them. Hikari snuggles into the fabric, while Avalon watches over them. Jaken leans against the dragon and falls asleep. Hikari soon follows Jaken into oblivion. Avalon gets up and walks over to her horse. "Hey buddy, I guess you're my horse now, huh?" She pets the horse as it nuzzles into her side. "You like me huh? I guess I should give you a name hmmm." Avalon looks at the horse. "How about, Aibō (相棒 Partner)?"

The horse snorts and shakes his head.

"You don't like that one, huh? Okay, how about Tayoru (頼る rely)?"

The horse shakes his head again.

"Okay, okay, hmmm how about, Ten'un (天運 Will of Heaven)?"

The horse looks in Avalon's eyes and nods its head.

"Okay, Ten'un it is. I hope I can be a good caretaker for you."

The horse butts his head into Avalon's shoulder.

"Hey, what does that mean? Are you sending me off? Do you want me to sleep or something?" Avalon shakes her head, petting the side of Ten'un's head. "Alright, I'll go to sleep but you better wake me if anything comes."

The horse nays at her.

"Yeah, yeah, good night Ten'un."

Avalon walks over to the dragon. "Hey you guys, I know you will keep an eye out for us right?"

The dragon looks at Avalon with intelligence and nods their heads.

"Arigato, good night." Avalon cuddles next to Hikari in the fabric and soon falls asleep.

The lightning of the sky wakes Avalon. Blinking a few times, she sees Hikari and smiles at her. Hikari had snuggled into Avalon's side last night. Avalon moves slowly to dislodge herself and avoid waking Hikari. Once she is free of Hikari and the cloth, she walks a little ways away from the group.

Summoning her sword, she pulls her samurai blade from her side. Using the two swords she starts to perform the exercises her sensei had taught her, long ago. Losing herself in concentration, each move is precise, practiced and exemplified. She starts to sweat as she pushes herself to move faster. Every muscle is lent to give strength and power in striking. She becomes frustrated thinking, 'Sesshomaru is right. I know this well but it is not like an actual battle. I need someone to train me.' With that thought she pushes her katana into its sheath and allows Murasaki no Raikō to fade away, walking back to camp.
"Hey Hikari, Jaken it's time to get up."

Hikari's eye peek open and she moans, "Really?"

Jaken gets up looking around. "Oh, it's just you."

"Yeah it's just me. Come on you two." Avalon grabs some more dried meat out of the pack, handing a portion to each of her group. Hikari and Jaken take it and start eating. Avalon sits next to Hikari, eating the portion she grabbed for herself.

After Hikari and Avalon finish the food Avalon grabs at the bedding but Hikari stubbornly sits on it. "Alright, get up Hikari. I have to pack this up." Hikari grumbles but gets up. Avalon wraps the fabric up and then stands up and straps it to Ten'un. Jaken stomps out the remains of the fire. All this takes less than an hour. Avalon looks over at Hikari and sees the glumness in her face. "Hey we still have the ride to Keade's."

"I don't care, I don't want you to leave."

"I know, I know." Avalon wraps her arms around Hikari. Hikari grips Avalon tightly and squeezes with all her might., "If you keep that up, you will break my back."

"Then you can't leave."

Avalon leans her head down and kisses Hikari's head. "I have to."

"I know." Hikari says dejectedly and lets her arms drop.

"Come, it's time to go." Hikari nods her head and gets on the dragon as Avalon mounts Ten'un. She reaches her hand down for Jaken. Jaken grabs it. Avalon pulls him up to sit in front of her. They set out heading towards Keade's village.

The ride is silent. Avalon doesn't know what will make Hikari feel better about her leaving. Hikari knows that if she says anything to Avalon, she might break down crying.

They arrive in the village hours later. Avalon keeps riding until she is in front of Keade's hut and the dragon touches down next to her. Avalon hops off of Ten'un holding Jaken and placing him on the ground.

"You there Kaede-sama?"

"Avalon?" comes Keade's weathered voice

"Hai."

Kaede comes out of the hut seeing Avalon standing with Jaken and Hikari. Kaede smiles

"Ye all are safe."

"Hai, but I will not be lingering and do not worry about Sesshomaru's wrath. He has allowed me free range."

"Tis' this true?"

Hikari nods her head and Jaken shrugs. He wasn't there for the conversation.

"Ye do not intend to stay? Where do ye intend to go?"

"I plan to seek out Hitomiko. Can you point me in the right direction?"

"Ye know of Hitomiko?"

Avalon nods her head. "She is the most powerful Miko I know of. I have gained a new weapon and have learned I am a Miko myself. I seek her to train me."

"A new weapon ye say?" Keade's eye roams over Avalon's body looking for it but only finds the Katana she came with.

"Hai." Avalon brings her hand forward calling Murasaki no Raikō.

Kaede's eye widens as she sees the weapon form in Avalon's outstretched hand. "Murasaki no Raikō?"

"Ah you know of it?"

"Hai, all well versed Mikos do. Ye must have been through hell to obtain it."

"I don't know about hell but it was bad." Avalon averts her eyes, she really could do without reliving those memories. "It doesn't matter. it is mine now for as long as I live."

"That it is. Hitomiko is to the Northeast along the coast. Do ye intend to leave today?"

"It isn't a good idea for me to linger. I plan to leave now."

"AVALON, ie please stay with me a little longer?" Hikari screams flinging herself against Avalon. Avalon moves to catch the girl and avoid the weapon injuring anyone. Avalon drops the sword and brings Hikari around to her front. "You knew I couldn't stay Hikari."

"But I thought you would at least stay for the day. Just stay the night please?" Hikari cries holding tightly to Avalon

Avalon closes her eyes thinking about it. 'I can't risk putting you in any further danger. The longer I linger, the more likely Naraku is to find me with you.' Tears slip down Avalon's face. She can't risk Hikari's life. Her one and only redo was used. She steadies herself. "I am sorry Hikari. I can not risk it. You mean too much to me."

"But Avalon…"

"Hikari if I had another option I would, but I don't." Avalon extracts herself from Hikari's grip.

"Fine, I don't want you here anyway." Hikari runs off into the village towards the hut she shares with the children.

Avalon looks over at the dragon walking over to her and she pets their heads. "Can you keep an eye on her?" The dragons huff and follow in the path of Hikari. Avalon wipes the tears from her face. "I really do have to go."

"So it would seem. Here, I want to give ye something for ye trip."

"Oh?"

Kaede ducks into the hut, coming back a few moments later with a bow and a quiver of arrows. "It will help ye hunt and can be used against youkai, if ye have unlocked your miko powers. It was what I was trying to get from ye while I trained ye. When ye threw the stone at Sesshomaru, it sparked with purple reiki."

"IS THAT WHY MY FOOT BURNED?!"

"What are you talking about Jaken?" Avalon queried.

"Nevermind." Jaken folds his arms in his sleeves looking away.

"Nevermind him child, ye unlocked ye power in rage but since ye acquired this blade ye should be able to use ye powers at will. Hitomiko shall be able to train ye well."

"I hope you are right Kaede-sama." Kaede holds the bow and quiver out to Avalon. Avalon takes the quiver slinging it on her back and then the bow as well. "Arigato."

Avalon gets on her horse Ten'un. "You coming Jaken?" Avalon reaches her hand down to the little imp. Jaken takes it. Avalon pulls him up, setting him in front of her. "Sayōnara Kaede-sama." With a heavy heart she leaves behind Hikari. She urges Ten'un on without looking back. She knows she has to make it to Hitomiko before the first snow.

The air is already cold and the leaves are falling from the trees. It's only a matter of time. After an hour of hard riding, Avalon notices everything is silent but the rhythmic beating of the horses hooves. Avalon starts to feel something is off. The birds are silent and her hair is standing on end. She glances to the left and right, scanning the area for any threats. "Jaken do you sense anything?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Haven't you noticed the birds are silent."

"So they are scared of the horse's hooves."

Avalon shakes her head. 'What an idiot.' After a few more hours, the sun starts to set. Avalon slows the horse and makes her way to a protected part, of a wooded area. Trees would shelter them from wind and they were slightly hidden from the worn path they were on. "Jaken you think you can find some wood?"

"Hai."

Avalon summons her sword still not liking how quiet it was. 'This isn't right.'

Jaken soon returns with logs and starts the fire. Avalon pulls some of the food out of her pack and hands Jaken a portion. "I don't want you wandering off very far. Something isn't right here."

"You're crazy, onna."

"Just stay here alright?"

"Whatever, I wasn't planning on going anywhere anyway."

Avalon nods her head. Jaken soon finishes his food and falls asleep by the fire. Avalon keeps her eyes open. She is tired but wide awake. Something wasn't right and she knew it and she wasn't going to be caught sleeping. She had stopped for the horse to rest.

As the moon crosses the sky, Avalon hears rustling in the trees to her right. She stands with her sword drawn ready to attack. Out steps a man dressed in a baboon pelt.

"Naraku." Dread wells within her.

"Ah Ava, I am so pleased you are unharmed. I was worried."

"I'm sure. What do you want?" She keeps her cool even as she just wants to run.

"Lord Kagewaki sent me to look for you. We returned to the temple but you were already gone."

Avalon hums considering her options.

"Please come with me so we can return to Lord Kagewaki. He is most concerned for you."

'So he still wants to play this game. I'm not a match for him and Jaken would be of no use.' "Let me get my horse and we can depart."

Naraku nods his head, "I see you have Murasaki no Raikō."

"I do." Avalon allows her sword to fade away. She packs her things and leaves Jaken by the fire following Naraku. 'Please forgive me Jaken.' Avalon grabs Ten'un and follows Naraku in silence.

Sesshomaru wanders for a bit considering what has transpired. He now knew where the gateway was. He nearly killed a woman he vowed to protect and Hikari died because of his temper. He resurrected her with the sword he thought was useless, only to learn it can only save someone once. He needs answers. He scents the air looking for the being Avalon called Naraku but the scent has gone stall. He resolves to visit Bokusenō for answers.

Sesshomaru traverses a path he knows well. Heading into the forest and pushing deeper, a booming voice can be heard. "Welcome, to what do I owe this pleasure Sesshomaru? Perhaps you are curious about your sword."

"Bokusenō." Sesshomaru stops in front of a large tree. Soon an old wrinkled face swirls into view. "I have come to ask about the power of resurrection."

"Resurrection, Tenseiga's ability." Bokusenō nods. "What do you wish to know about it?"

"I have come by a piece of information I wish for you to confirm," Sesshomaru's voice pitches with slight desperation. "Can the sword only bring someone back once?"

"Ah, that is the truth. Once a soul is called back from the netherworld by Tenseiga it cannot be recalled again."

"Is there a way to change that?"

Bokusenō closes his eyes as if considering what to say. "Life is not meant to be infinite Sesshomaru. Everything that lives, must die."

"I see." Sesshomaru closes his eyes. 'Unfortunate.' "Do you know anything about a sword called Bakusaiga?"

"Bakusaiga? I am unfamiliar with such a blade." Bokusenō eyes narrow. "Why do you ask?"

"There is a ningen that has been telling me many things. Her name is Avalon. Do you know anything about her?"

"Ah," Bokusenō's face relaxes. "You speak of the onna that was accompanying you for a little while. She is not of this world. What she tells you may be true or may be false, but I would not doubt she knows what she speaks of."

"She has said, I must give up on my pursuit of Tetsusaiga."

Bokusenō hums then says, "Tetsusaiga you say? The sword is not meant for you to wield Sesshomaru."

"Ridiculous." Sesshomaru huffs and turns stalking away.

Sesshomaru lifts his nose to search for a few demons to take out his frustration. He catches a scent and follows it, finding two demons that are triple the size of Sesshomaru. One is blue and the other is green. They have humanoid bodies but their faces look like oxes. Their hands have 3 fingers with claws and their feet are hooves. Sesshomaru leaps up and brings his whip forward and slashes them not to kill but to harm. He doesn't want to kill them yet. He revels in the anguished cries of his prey. He whips them bloody, raw and after striking them until not an inch of their bodies aren't bloody, he finally ends their lives.

After he is finished he sighs. "Tetsusaiga will be mine."

Sesshomaru allows himself to calm down, as he does, the image of Hikari flashes before his eyes. He needs to talk to her. Sesshomaru leaps into the air creating his yoki cloud and flies to the outskirts of her village. Landing, he masks his aura and scents the air finding her. He leaps along the top of the huts and trees silently making his way to Hikari. He finds her on the other side of the village picking herbs.

Hikari turns hearing something landing behind her. Her eyes widen then turn hard seeing him. "Sesshomaru!" She quickly makes a fist and tries to punch him in the face.

His cheeks tighten, if only to stop himself from smirking at the child, who barely reaches his shoulder in height trying to punch him. He catches her fist, pushing it aside and says, "too slow."

Hikari then uses her right leg to kick out trying to hit his groin, while spinning and using her left elbow to hit at his abdomen.

He can't help it, this time he snorts while dodging the kick to his groin and then grabs her left elbow, spinning her out to land on her face in the dirt. "Is that the extent of your training little one?" Surely Avalon had taught the child better than this. He decides to entertain this fight. He tosses his armor off and throws Tenseiga by her face, then waits for Hikari to get up again.

Hikari growls, "I'm just getting started." Seeing the sword by her face, she rolls over grabbing it and then springs up using her back and legs, she spins to face him. 'I wish Avalon could have taught me more.' She sets her sight on him and steps forward squaring her stance then slashes the sword in a wide arc, arming for his stomach

"Impulsive." He jumps behind her, straightening her shoulders and kicking her feet into the proper position with his toes. "A stomach wound would not fell this Sesshomaru. Your grip is too wide." He takes her hands, bringing them closer together to properly hold the blade. "Attack."

"You would give tips to an enemy? Foolish." Hikari drops her right arm from the sword to elbow him hitting him. She grips the sword again and spins around to slash at his neck

Sesshomaru catches the blade in his hand. "Was that elbow supposed to hurt?" He rips the katana out of her hand throwing it aside and holds one hand up and points at his sternum with the other. "If you wanted to cause this Sesshomaru pain, you would hit here," he points at the hyaline where the ribs join together. "Just beneath where the skin becomes soft." He takes a step forward, hands held up. "Hit."

"I'll kill you for what you did to Avalon!" Hikari pulls her right hand back, making a fist, then swings, putting all her weight into hitting him where he showed her.

He makes no show of pain. "Harder. Hit."

"Bastard!" Hikari tries again she twists her body and focuses all her anger into the punch and pushes her body to hit as hard as she can. She changes her target to his face.

He allows the blow to fall against his chin but it does nothing more than make the child clutch her wrist in pain. "Again," he encourages her pointing again to the point in his sternum. "If you were to hit a human male there with the right force, it would kill them. Hikari," he calls her name gently. "Again."

"Why are you allowing me to hit you? You're not even trying to stop me." Hikari shakes her right hand out, trying to relieve the sting.

"You are angry. Use it. Again," he says, cocking his eyebrows at her and pointing at the flesh beneath his sternum.

Hikari screams, "AHHHHHH!" She cocks her fist and twists her body and hits with all her might at the point he showed her.

He grunts at the impact of her fist not because it hurts but to allow her to vent her frustration at him. He knew he deserved it. But then he noticed that she was moving freely on her ankle and the arm that had been lame before no longer hung limp by her side. 'Did Tenseiga do this?' There were too many unanswered questions. "Better," he says smugly. "Sit." He lowers himself on the ground just as Jaken Jr. comes running into his lap, licking his chin.

Hikari sees an opportunity, she walks over to Sesshomaru. "Jaken come here," she cooes. The dog rushes over to her and when she gets in range she uses a roundhouse kick aiming for his face.

He catches her ankle, tossing her on the ground. "I said sit." Jaken Jr. sits to Sesshomaru's chagrin. 'I wasn't speaking to you.'

"I'm not yours to command!" Hikari says bitterly.

He takes her by the wrist and forces her down. "Sit."

Hikari goes to head butt Sesshomaru as she struggles to free her wrist

He lets her struggle in place intent on wearing her out. Eventually she'll tire out and have no other option but to sit.

"LET ME GO!" Hikari screams

"When you stop struggling like a child."

"Let me go and I'll stop struggling."

He remains quiet, with a bored expression waiting for her to stop struggling.

Hikari continues to struggle but her wrist is starting to hurt. "Sesshomaru, you're hurting me."

"Then cease your efforts to escape."

Hikari stills herself but her breathing becomes labored and her mind begins to race.

"I have no intention to cause you harm," he can hear her racing heart. He releases her wrist. "You have no need to fear me."

Hikari cradles her wrist when he releases her and her head snaps up to look at him when he tells her that she doesn't need to fear him. "I don't fear you!"

"Your heart tells a different story." He points at one of his ears. "If you learn to fight properly, you won't need to fear the men of this time either."

Hikari doesn't want to hear about this. "I don't care. All I know is I don't trust you. You promised to keep Avalon safe and you tried to kill her."

That was also true but he wasn't going to admit that to the child in front of him. There is no sword more powerful than Tetsusaiga. "She will be safe." 'Safe away from this Sesshomaru.' "And so will you." He removes a tanto knife from inside his sleeve handing it to her. "Learn to use that and I will bring you a sword." He stands, walking away, picking up his armor and sword, then soars into the sky, leaving HIkari confused.

"SESSHOMARU, HOW CAN YOU BE SURE SHE IS SAFE IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE IS?" she screams at his flying form.

He doesn't respond. 'Time will tell if she is telling the truth.' He knew the sword was entombed in the underworld and that the entrance was hidden by the black pearl in Inuyasha's eye. He couldn't get to it until the seal was broken, which she said he would know by pink streaks across the sky. He would wait until then to test the veracity of Avalon's words. Until then, with her new sword, she was safe on her own.

Avalon follows Naraku in silence on Ten'un considering if she can escape and what plans Naraku has for her. Can she use it to her advantage? Can she get Naraku on her side? What part of her humanity will he take from her? The deadening of hope weighs heavily on her. They travel for a few hours until they come upon a castle. Naraku calls , "Open the gate, I must speak to Lord Kagewaki."

The guards open the gate, recognizing Kagewaki's adviser. One guard rushes to rouse Kagewaki. "Come along Ava, Lord Kagewaki will be most pleased to see you."

Avalon nods her head. 'I bet.' Avalon thinks bitterly

Naraku leads her into the courtyard as Kagewaki appears in his nightwear on the porch. Kagewaki's eyes widen and he smiles, "Ava, I am so glad to see you!" He rushes from the porch to greet Avalon.

"Kagewaki." Avalon says in an even tone as her lips press together.

Kagewaki grabs Avalon around the waist to lift her for the horse.

"Please, please come. I must show you around. Naraku Arigato for finding her."

Naraku nods his head. "It was your wish. I am only too happy to help."

Avalon allows Kagewaki to lead her into the castle as her heart drops. 'I'm doomed'.

A/N Thank you everyone for reading my work! Elohiniar is my co-author, my editor and a guiding hand. I can not thank her enough. Please read and review. This is my first fanfic and it brings me great pleasure getting review. Thank you all.

ASJS- I am so happy you loved the previous chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. Thank you so much for reading my work and taking the time to review.

Itzatakahashi- Thank you for the kind review. I assure you and all my readers I intend to complete this work of fiction.