Chapter Eight: Asuka's Secret
Authors Note: Did you guys that little surprise twist at the end of the last chapter? I bet y'all are wondering who it was that the villagers found. Well, you'll just have to wait and see! I want your opinion on something: I'm considering doing a story for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles but instead of Sakura being the princess of Cloud country, should I make Syaoran the prince, instead? Asuka's parents will be making an appearance!
Normal P.O.V.
The young woman stirred, her injuries, which she had sustained from the fall, had already begun to heal. At least neither of them saw my transformation before I fell. I guess it's a good thing the full moon was tonight otherwise the miamsa would've caused me to disintegrate immediately, she thought. She didn't want to keep this hidden from them but there was no other choice. If he found out, they would all be killed. This was why she would never leave her house in the present of her ancestors, she inherited this fate, or as she called it, this curse.
Kanae P.O.V.
After setting the table for dinner, I looked up at the clock and realized that my husband will be home soon. I untied my apron and hung it back on the hook before going upstairs. I was about to knock on Asuka's door until I remembered that she wasn't here. One of the doors opened and my youngest son, Minoru, poked his head out. Like his older siblings, he had the same black hair and green eyes that they inherited from me and their father. Unfortunately, his sister and oldest brother change during the full moon.
"Dinners almost ready," I said, smiling at him. "We just have to wait for your father."
Minoru nodded and came out. For some odd reason, he didn't inherit the same fate as his siblings. I followed him downstairs and we sat down at the table just as my husband walked in. Hayato Masashi was a monk as well as the direct descendent of one of the oldest families. His ancestor was a priestess who fell in love with a half-demon over two thousand years ago. It was because of that their children were three-quarters demon but their traits varied. For some unknown reason, only the eldest children inherited this. Since Sora and Asuka are the oldest children, every month on the full moon they lose their human forms and their demon sides emerge.
The three of ate dinner in silence and Minoru went to bed after we finished. I cleared the table and was washing the dishes when my conversation with Kagome echoed in my memory.
"Your family's been keeping this secret for years, haven't they?"
I looked at Kagome and nodded. It was a matter of time until she found out. "How did you know?" I asked her.
"I noticed on a certain of the month Asuka doesn't come over. Even Kumori noticed but he doesn't know." She was right. Our children never left the house during the full moon because of this. Kagome smiled. "Don't worry, Kanae. I'll keep your family's secret."
"Kanae?"
I turned to my husband and saw he looked worried. "Yes, honey?"
Hayato pressed his forehead against mine. "Asuka's a smart girl. She won't let anyone find out. We have to trust her."
I smiled and closed my eyes. "I do trust her. I'm just worried about she's handling being in the fuedal era. Remember, Kagome told us about her time there."
He chuckled. "I remember. Asuka can handle herself against demons. She is a priestess and a demon herself, after all."
That's what has me worried more than anything.
Kumori P.O.V.
We were all gathered in Kaede's hut, the full moon shining over the village. It was strange not having my fangs and claws along with my dog ears sticking out from the top of my head. Dad and Koga left earlier to try and find Asuka but it's been hours since they left. I couldn't help but pace around the hut. Mom, Kaede, Ayame and Sango were chattering amongst each other in hushed voices until the door rustled and dad and Koga came in.
I stopped pacing and turned to them. "Did you find her?"
Koga shook his head. Dad was clutching something in his hand and he held it out to me. I recognized it right away. It was a purple ribbon that she always wore in her hair to tie it back. I knew that because I was the one to give it to her when we were kids. "This was the only thing we found. It has her scent but the stench of a demon as well."
"A demon?" I asked.
Dad nodded. "Yeah. It smells familiar but I don't know from where. All I can tell you is that it's not a full blooded demon."
That was strange. Taking the ribbon in my hand, I closed my fingers around it tightly.