Hope you all have had happy holidays! ONWARD TO THE STORY

Kaori stretched as the sun shone in her eyes. She groaned before rubbing her forehead. She could've sworn she heard screaming last night but she ignored it. Ryo was always up to his weird tricks. She finally stepped out of her bed and started to brush her hair with her fingers.

The last five years had been rather uneventful for the young witch. After the battle with Kimi, she grabbed Ryo and hightailed it back to their hideout before Ryo got it good. Kaori nursed him back to health. Though, it was rather odd. Usually, Ryo healed on his own within the day with no scar left behind. Something about his demon powers she never understood. But the energy in Kimi's punch did a big number on Ryo's face. It took him two months to feel better and it left half his face darkened.

Ryo then obsessed over Kimi more so than ever, as if her beating him proved something. He made her watch Kimi's every movement, to the point it got annoying. She started to distance herself from Ryo. She even visited her parents in hopes of rekindling their relationship... until Ryo ruined that by dragging her back to the hideout. But Ryo's mysterious side grew and grew with each passing day. Soon he stopped telling Kaori to do certain things and that he would take care of it himself. Last night he even told her to relax! It was not like Ryo at all.

After Kaori finished dressing, she left her room and entered the kitchen. She quickly grabbed an apple before she heard crying. Who in their right mind would be crying? Was it Ryo!? Boy would that be something to see. She quietly tip-toed toward the weeping. If it was Ryo, she didn't want to be caught.

She entered a room that was almost never used. Only her, Ryo and a couple of servants lived in the well house and there were simply too many rooms. Her eyes widened when she noticed a blonde ball sitting in the corner sobbing. She raised a brow. It wasn't Ryo but it definitely was an interesting find. She slowly walked behind the sobbing and softly poked it.

A shriek escaped from the small blonde ball who jumped and raced away to the other side of the room. Kaori slowly turned to see a little girl no more than the age of five or six. Blonde waves cascaded down her body. Her large golden eyes showed intense fear. Tears stained her pale face. Kaori quickly realized who it was and felt sorry for the young child. She always had a soft spot for children.

"Your name is Mizuki isn't it?" Kaori softly asked with a smile. The child took a step back, startled. Kaori had practically watched this girl grow up because of Ryo. How did this child get into the well house... Kaori's blue eyes softened even more. "You don't have to be afraid of me... I won't hurt you."

A crash caused both Kaori and Mizuki to jump. A painfully shrill shout quickly followed. Mizuki quickly hid under a nearby table. Kaori tip-toed closer to the table just when a red-haired woman stomped into the room. Kaori stared in shock as the woman searched the room. Finally the woman made eye contact with Kaori.

"Where's the girl?" She demanded. Kaori blinked twice before she could answer.

"A-Akiho... what... how?" Kaori stammered. Akiho rolled her eyes. She didn't know who the fool was but she hated the hideout Ryo had. It was dark and grimy and was terrible for her complexion.

"Don't stare at me like an idiot. Where is the girl? Her scent ends here." Akiho demanded once more. Kaori felt a soft tug on her leg. Mizuki wanted nothing to do with Akiho and Kaori's annoyance was rising. She quietly snapped her fingers, masking Mizuki's scent.

"I don't know who you're talking about." Kaori shrugged. She watched as Akiho gritted her teeth.

"Don't play dumb. I know she is in here. Ryo! What is wrong with your slaves?"

"Slave!?" Kaori shouted clenching her fists. "I'll have you know I am one of his best assets!"

"Excuse you," Akiho cackled. "But if I recall, I am Ryo's best asset. Now move along child."

"You're the child! You bit-"

"Now, now. Play nice Kaori. Children shouldn't hear such fowl language." A deep silky voice interrupted. Kaori looked towards the door to see Ryo leaning on the frame. Kaori rolled her blue eyes. Sometimes, more recently anyways, she couldn't stand the smug look that was always on his face. Akiho linked arms with Ryo and pouted. Kaori almost made a fake gagging sound.

"Ryo, your slave was mistreating me! You should teach her manners at once!" Akiho demanded.

"I'm not his slave! Are you deaf or just plain stupid!" Kaori yelled. Akiho glared daggers.

"Say that one more time and I'll slaughter you." Akiho turned her attention back to Ryo. "Is this any way to treat your honoured guest?"

Kaori let out a sigh as she leaned onto the table. Ryo only shook his head before he started to lead Akiho out of the room.

"I see why Sesshoumaru dumped you. I'll have nothing to do with your petty arguments. As for the brat we know she's in here somewhere. She has no where to go so I'm not worried." Ryo explained. He almost left the room before he turned back and stared at Kaori. "Oh yes, here."

He tossed her an object. She nearly missed catching it. When she took a look she realized it was her crystal ball. When did he take it from her?! What did he use it for? Before she could ask herself another question she felt a tug on her leg again. She nearly forgot about the girl.

Kaori bent over and looked through her legs to see Mizuki staring at her with wide golden eyes. They were identical to her fathers... which terrified Kaori. "Ok pipsqueak. Let's hide out in my room before that psychopath goes on the loose again."

With that, she took Mizuki's hand into her own and led her out from under the table and toward her room.

Kimi ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Since she left Sesshoumaru behind, she had not stopped for a rest. The adrenaline caused her blood the pump and flow throughout her body. She would not rest until her daughter was safe.

She had to stop to fight three lesser demons on three different occasions. She put all her frustration into slaughtering them. She was pretty sure that Ryo had sent them to detour her. When she got her hands on him... the things she would do...

Suddenly Kimi slid to a halt for the first time in three hours. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked around. Her bracelet blazed with fire for the first time in years. She had completely forgot about the silver piece of jewelry until this very moment. She had no time to think about it though. A loud crash startled her. Kimi swirled around to see a well house with it's door wide open. How had she not seen it before? The blonde dog demon cautiously took a few steps toward the opening when two giant spider demons approached her.

"Lord Ryo has been expecting you." One of the demons spoke. Kimi crossed her arms.

"Tell me something I don't know." She scoffed, glaring at the two demons before her. She just couldn't understand how any creature could follow the likes of Ryo. It was twisted and wrong on all levels. "Lead me to the bastard."

"Do not speak of our lord in that manner!" The other spider demon shouted jolting it's large leg into her face. Kimi growled.

"I could care less about that monster." Kimi grabbed the spider demon's leg and twisted it sharply to the left. The demon howled in pain, not wanting his prominent leg broken. "Threaten me again, and you'll lose a leg. Now where is Ryo?" Kimi calmly asked. It took all she had not to snap. Her patience had drained. The first spider demon motioned for her to follow. Kimi roughly let go of the leg and followed.

She was led down a small, dark tunnel. It made her wonder how the big spider demons fit through and not get their flesh ripped out by the jagged rocks on the sides. Soon, they exited into what seemed to be a living room. Old, dark couches were all around the room. It smelt like musk. Kimi crinkled her nose in disgusted.

"Well, I'm glad you could join us, Kimi." A voice sung. Kimi slowly turned her head to see Ryo entering the room with Akiho holding his arm. His smug smirk made Kimi want to pound his face in. She clenched her fists to contain her anger.

"Where is my daughter, Ryo." Kimi demanded. Ryo's smirk only got wider.

"My dear, Kimi. We have much to discuss."

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth. He wanted to rip Ryo to shreds once he set his eyes on him. He was almost to where Ryo had sent Kimi. Kimi... He couldn't believe she had left him behind...

InuYasha had woken up from his shouts. Not even InuYasha could break her barrier. They had to wait until it disappeared.

Kagome then pointed out that it was a holy barrier. InuYasha quickly bashed her thoughts causing the two to argue. Natsuko had been quiet until that moment. She took charge which surprised even Sesshoumaru. Kagome was ordered back to the castle. She was to take care of herself and Rin.

So there they were; Natsuko on Sesshoumaru's back and InuYasha in tow. They had been travelling for about three hours. Sesshoumaru knew they were on the right track because of Kimi's sweet scent. They passed bloodied corpses. Kimi had to be in a rage to do what she did to the demons that dared cross her.

Finally the trio stopped when they came to a well house with an eerie aura. Natsuko slipped off of Sesshoumaru's back as he started towards the well house. As he reached for the door it disappeared. Sesshoumaru cursed under his breath.

"What the hell just happened?" InuYasha barked. Natsuko rolled her chocolate eyes.

"Obviously, Ryo doesn't want us to get in."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes where the well house was. He held his hand out and let a low growl erupt from his throat.

"I am growing tired of these petty barriers." He murmured. InuYasha wasted no time to unsheathe his sword and swipe - allowing shards of diamonds to pierce the barrier, effectively shattering it. The barrier revealed a cave-like castle. Dark and old. An ominous aura filled the air.

I don't think it would be wise to barge into the front entrance, m'Lord." Natsuko advised as she started to look for alternate entrances. InuYasha's nose crinkled.

"What are you, his advisor?" Natsuko rolled her eyes.

"InuYasha, sometimes you're so dense." InuYasha was about to cut her off but she continued. "No, I'm not. But I am Kimi's. And she is in danger. I'll do my damned best that she doesn't die before my eyes."

InuYasha instantly shut up. His eyes softened. He didn't mean to upset anyone. And just like Natsuko, he would protect Kimi no matter the cost. Not just because she was his brother's mate or Kagome's best friend. He really truly did grow to like her over the years. Though he would never admit that to her face.

The trio went around the entrance in attempt to find a back way. Natsuko led the way, careful not to trip on any of the jagged rocks. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru grabbed her arm to stop her. She looked up at him in confusion. InuYasha held out his sword, ready to fight. And then Natsuko heard it.

"Papa!"

Natsuko looked up to see Mizuki's smiling, albeit dirty, face. Natsuko nearly jumped for joy until she realized both InuYasha and Sesshoumaru were growling murderously. The more she observed them the more she realized how similar the two were.

"What are you doing with my pup?" Sesshoumaru commanded. Natsuko then noticed who was holding onto Mizuki... the witch who worked with Ryo the day Kouji was killed...

"I mean no harm! I was bringing her to safety!" The witch answered back.

"Lies! I'll end you" InuYasha shouted as he swung his sword allowing it's energy to escape. Kaori made no move which InuYasha found odd.

"No Uncle Yaya!" Mizuki shrieked as she raced to stand in front of Kaori. She held her arms out and closed her eyes knowing the strike would hit her. InuYasha's eyes widened in horror. He hadn't expected for his niece to do something so stupid. Before Sesshoumaru could act he watched as the witch wrapped her arms around Mizuki and created a barrier that protected to them. She then jumped down with Mizuki in her arms to meet the trio.

"Like I said, I mean no harm." She glared at InuYasha. InuYasha glared back. Kaori let got of Mizuki who ran to her father and embraced him.

"Papa!" She cried as tears rolled down her pale face. Sesshoumaru comforted his pup by nuzzling her head while wiping her tears away. He slowly stood up with Mizuki clinging to his leg.

"I am grateful that you protected my pup but by no mean do I trust you." Sesshoumaru stated calmly. Kaori nodded in understanding. InuYasha raised a brow at this.

"Miss Kaori helped me in that scary place too. She made sure Lady Akiho wouldn't tie me up again once I freed myself, Papa." Mizuki announced, smiling up to the snowy haired witch. Sesshoumaru was quite shocked at this.

"Why would you help your enemy? Especially after you tried to help Ryo so many years ago. Why double cross him all of a sudden?" InuYasha demanded. Natsuko silently observed from the sidelines. Equally as curious but not wanting to get invovled.

"Are you done interrogating me now?" Kaori mumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest. InuYasha was about to chew her head off before Sesshoumaru stopped him.

"Explain yourself." He commanded. Kaori rolled her blue eyes.

"Geez, what is with ordering around in this family? Anyways... after Kimiko defeated Ryo, he became obsessed with observing her every movement. He had me doing this until he wasn't satisfied with my work... I grew bored of it rather fast.

I started to distance myself from him. Not that he told me much of his plans to begin with but he started to leave and come without telling me a word. He kept me out of his plans completely. I knew nothing of his plans to attack the children or use Mizuki as a hostage. When I saw her there... in the corner, hiding from that stupid idiot Akiho... and Ryo did nothing to stop her... I couldn't bare it anymore. He did this all behind my back."

Sesshoumaru listened to all the witch had said. He was unsure he could trust her, it could've been a ploy. But he knew that she knew he could kill her in a millisecond. So why would she risk her life for this man? The way she clenched her fists told him the story had to be true...

"What do you know of Ryo?" Sesshoumaru questioned. Kaori let out a sigh.

"I don't know much about him to be honest... He won't tell me anything about his past. I am only loyal to him as he saved me and raised me. He taught me everything I know. But that is all. The only thing is that he's had this infatuation for Kimiko for a long time. I don't even know how he knows her... Oh! He's also a ram demon." Kaori confessed.

InuYasha gave Sesshoumaru a look. So his mate had this stalker for a long time. What a creep. Then he raised a brow.

"Ram demon? I didn't sense any demonic aura on him..." InuYasha blurted. Sesshoumaru grunted at the information. Something was off with Ryo.

"What do you know of his plans?" Sesshoumaru finally asked after much thought. Kaori pouted.

"Like I said before. He wouldn't tell me anything. All I know is that Kimiko is somehow the key to is plans coming to fruition..." Kaori stopped speaking before she remembered something. "But... now that I think about it... I think it had to do with this book he has."

"Book?" InuYasha asked.

"Yes. Ryo was always looking for ways to become more powerful. And then he came across this book. I was never allowed to touch it and he could never open it... I only touched it once when he threw it at me. I tried to catch it but it shocked me... it never did that with Ryo."

Sesshoumaru nodded as he took in the information. Ryo seemed to be a weaker version of Naraku. He would do anything in his power to become stronger. Destroying anyone in his path. This book concerned him... and now that Kimi was in there somewhere with this monster...

"Natsuko. Stay here with Mizuki. Kaori, lead us to Ryo." Sesshoumaru ordered. Everyone agreed when a loud crash was heard. The group witnessed a body being tossed out of the castle. A menacing aura filled the air. Mizuki held onto Sesshoumaru's leg tightly. A blinding light shot into the air causing the once bright sky to turn dark and sinister.

Sesshoumaru took Mizuki into his arms and placed her next to Natsuko. He barely registered she said his name before he raced off to see what had happened to the person. He dreaded the answer.

Hope you enjoyed!
Let me know what you thought!
Please R&R~
Love, Snowy B~