Thanks to everyone who reviewed my story.

This chapter will be all Hi'Iki and Hana. Don't worry, the next chapter will have Sessh and Rin!

Chapter 9 Hi'Iki's Trip

Sun sparkled on the great iridescent white dragon as he soared loftily through the wispy clouds. The two rows of rainbow scales shined brightly when the sun hit them just right. The two smaller dragons that accompanied the white dragon flitted around him, sometimes perching on the great white dragon's neck to save energy. They were like black and white dots flitting around the huge dragon.

The dragon went into a sudden dive, causing the small black dragon to squawk, surprised, at the larger dragon. The white dragon hissed in laughter. He sent an image of landing to the two smaller dragons. The little black dragon went into a spiraling dive, following the larger white dragon down. The second smaller dragon, also white, was already on the ground.

Hi'Iki wanted to stop off at the Tibetan Monk's place to have a little chat about his background. He was also tired from his journey of following the last of the Northern Horned Mountain Dragons.

Hi'Iki had found a nest of eggs and destroyed them. The female had come after him and they had fought. He had been hard pressed to kill the dragon. She was an angry mother. The fight had lasted several days in the mountains of Europe, high up in the snow covered peaks. Hi'Iki used all of his skills to separate and kill each dragon individually. The mother dragon was the last of all the European clans. Hi'Iki felt bad about killing them, but he didn't want a repeat of what had already happened in Japan.

So now he was stopping for some much needed rest and information. He had been intrigued by what the Dragon King had said about his family and had decided to find out more.

The two dragons landed on an icy ledge overlooking a small valley below. Podo was waiting and scolded them for taking too long.

Hi'Iki laughed at her once he was in human form. "Cold little one?" he asked with a smile. "Come then, we shall impose upon the monks and warm up." Hi'Iki looked down the valley to where the temple stood. He could just make out several monks sitting outside, performing their afternoon ritual chant.

He carefully followed the almost hidden path that led down to the valley and made his way to the temple.

He was greeted by Shanshita, an extremely old monk, who also happened to be a Tibetan Dragon youkai.

"Ah, Hi'Iki you have returned. Come, let us have some tea and tell me what brings you here." The Monk led the way into the temple. The other Monks ignored them, going about their daily business. They were accustomed to the unusual, so Hi'Iki's presence, or that of the little dragonets, didn't faze them.

As Hi'Iki and the Monk got settled with their tea and talked, Kodo and Podo found a quiet corner to rest in. They chirped and twittered to each other before settling down. The two little dragonets had been upset by Hana's refusal to become Hi'Iki's mate. So they took the initiative to do something about it.

"So you met the Dragon King. What do you think of him?" Shanshita was curious about the fight with the dragons and the out come.

"Intelligent, thoughtful and seemed very knowledgeable about spirituality. He told me things I hadn't expected."

"Yes. The Oriental dragon clan is very spiritually oriented. They prefer Harmony over conquest. So the European dragons are no more?"

"Sadly, yes. Those that didn't migrate were wiped out by the Northern Mountain Horned Dragon Clan. Other than the White Dragon clan, I don't know of any others."

"That is too bad. They tried to take over here once, but the resident clan chased them out. Mountains here are too high and the air hard to breath. The dragons left. Some of the resident clan migrated to the islands. They took their philosophy with them." He looked at Hi'Iki speculatively. "What did he tell you?"

Hi'Iki leaned back in his chair. "What do you know about the Spirit Dragon?"

"It is thought that the Spirit Dragon's ancestors were taught by the Great Ashta here in Tibet." Shanshita smiled at the surprised look on Hi'Iki's face. "Your great grandfather and I were allowed to sit in on his teachings. We learned much." He watched as Hi'Iki thought about this information.

"It's a lot to take in," Hi'Iki said thoughtfully. He looked over to where Kodo and Podo had settled in. They were gone again.

"There is more," Shanshita explained how Hi'Iki became the spirit dragon because he is pure of spirit and has a compassionate heart. In the fight with the dragons, he killed to protect others, not himself. His spirit and heart react when others are in danger. "This is why you were the chosen one."

Hi'Iki shook his head. "I did what I did because it needed doing." He yawned and stretched. The two of them had been talking for several hours. "It's been a long night, I could use a rest."

"Certainly." Shanshita showed him to a room. "Your Hana is a descendant of Tibetan dragon youkai lines."

Startled, Hi'Iki stopped and looked at the monk. "She's human!"

"So she is. Her family line married into human families many centuries ago. The line is diluted; she has little or no youkai powers at all."

Suspicious, Hi'Iki asked, "How do you know this?"

Smiling, Shanshita answered "We know much. You must go back to Hana's village and talk to her family."

"Her family was killed by the dragons."

"Not all. One survived. You must speak with him."

Sighing Hi'Iki said "It doesn't make much difference. She refused me anyway."

"Don't worry about it. Just go do what I have told you. Your Uncle will be pleased."

Hi'Iki shook his head again. "Things just aren't what they seem."

"They never are. Sleep well my friend. I will see you before you leave."

Hi'Iki stretched out on the pallet that was in one corner of the room. His mind was spinning over the things he had learned. But his last thought before falling asleep was of Hana.

"Where are those two?" Hi'Iki had looked everywhere for the two dragonets. They had been behaving oddly ever since leaving Hana. They had disappeared several times on this trip, once for several days. They refused to show him what they were up to.

"I'm sure they will show up when they are ready," Shanshita said when Hi'Iki informed him of the missing dragonets.

Hi'Iki was worried about them though. "Their behavior has been very odd lately."

"I'm sure they know what they are doing. You'd best be going."

"Yes. I have some thinking to do."

"Go with Luck my friend."

Hi'Iki bowed and left. In deference to the other monks, he walked back to the ledge he had come in on before taking flight as a dragon.

Sure enough, the two wayward little dragonets showed up just as Hi'Iki left the valley. He continued his journey back to Japan.

The villagers were getting water at the river when the huge white dragon arrived.

They yelled and screamed as they saw the huge white dragon. Most ran and hid. A few grabbed any type of weapon they could find and faced the huge beast. The village headman was called and he came, his sword drawn. When he saw the dragon, he faced it with the sword at ready. He was scared but determined.

The dragon was actually beautiful. An iridescent white, with a row of rainbow colored scales on each side of the body. A bright blue crest ran from the back of the head to the shoulders. Flames flickered on either side of the tail. The dragon held the flaming tail up; the flames flickered in the air but didn't touch anything.

Before anyone could do anything, the dragon spoke.

"I have news of Hana," the dragon's voice was soft and whispery.

Startled by the announcement, the headman stepped forward.

"What do you know of my sister?"

"She is fine. The dragons she sought have been destroyed."

"Why should we believe what a dragon says?" Other villagers came out with more weapons to back the headman.

"I also hunted the dragons. Hana helped me."

"Not likely. She hates dragons."

"Yes, I know." There was laughter in the sibilant voice.

Frowning, the man said "What do you know of Hana?"

"Permit me." The dragon said. There was a flash of blue light, and a man stood where the dragon had been.

"I am Hi'Iki," the man said, smiling.

"You're a youkai." The headman said. It was disconcerting to hear a talking dragon one minute and a man the next.

"Yes. Hana had trouble with that at first. It took some getting used to working with me, but she did."

"What do you mean, work with you?"

"We hunted the dragons together. They were from a different country, invading here. They killed anyone who got in their way."

"Why would you fight them?"

"They killed my parents. They wanted to take over my clan's territory."

Hi'Iki was now surrounded by villagers, but chose to ignore them. He kept his attention on the headman.

"Hana told me about how her village was attacked by the dragons. She mentioned most of her village was killed, but she didn't mention any family survivors."

"I am Susaki, her brother."

Hi'Iki nodded. "I have come to tell you she is fine, staying with friends, and to ask permission to marry her." Hi'Iki knew this was going to be a big shock. These people were youkai slayers and considered youkai evil.

"You want to what?" Susaki couldn't believe what he just heard. "Do you know what we do?"

Grinning Hi'Iki said, "Yes, Hana mentioned the youkai slaying. She was able to get past the 'youkai are evil' thought." Hi'Iki's natural charm tended to win over most people.

Susaki thought a moment. "You could just as easily wipe us out and take Hana as slave."

"Apart from the fact that I don't go around killing innocent villagers, it would upset Hana. I don't want her unhappy. She's been through enough already." His voice softened when he spoke the last words.

Susaki was still suspicious of Hi'Iki. But he was beginning to have doubts. Youkai take what they want, they don't try to befriend humans. It's more their nature to take, at least that was what they had always believed. Yet here was a youkai who had appeared in their midst to talk, not take. Not only did this youkai actually ask permission to marry Hana, the emotion in his voice showed he cared about how Hana felt. It wasn't what he was used to.

"Why should we trust you?"

"You have no reason to, yet." Hi'Iki understood the reluctance in believing. Hana had had the same problem. Circumstances had changed her opinion. "If you permit me to stay, even under guard," he nodded at the villagers surrounding him, "you'll find not all youkai are evil."

Susaki looked at him, surprised. There were murmurs from the other villagers. This was unprecedented.

"You would be willing to be held captive just to prove we can trust you?"

"For Hana, yes." Hi'Iki had no qualms about being a captive. His own personality would win out, he knew.

Susaki was curious about this youkai. He really seemed friendly. 'I only Hana were here to support his claim,' he thought. "So where is Hana staying?"

Hi'Iki smiled. "Friends. A monk and his youkai slaying wife."

More surprises. This youkai was just full of surprises. "Is there anything else you can do that isn't expected?"

Hi'Iki smiled at Susaki. "I can send for Hana."

Susaki wasn't surprised this time. He put his sword away. "Very well, you are now our "guest". He nodded at the other villagers. They relaxed their guard. "So how will you send for Hana?"

Hi'Iki whistled and Kodo and Podo came, landing on his shoulders. He gave them an image of Hana walking into the village. "Now go get her." The two dragonets flew off. "It will take them a few days to fly there. And longer for Hana to get here."

Susaki didn't say anything. He just gestured for Hi'Iki to follow. They apparently had time for Hi'Iki to explain much.

By the end of summer, Crystal, the little white dragonet had doubled her size. She wasn't full grown but she was growing rapidly. She was also very popular. The children loved to play with her. She would hide things, then fetch them again when asked. The children turned this into a game.

The little dragonet took much of Hana's time. She needed training, feeding and bathing. Hana was kept busy by Crystal's antics. But Crystal reminded Hana of Kodo and Podo, as well as Hi'Iki. Hana was beginning to worry something happened to him. She was afraid he wasn't coming back.

As she watched Crystal play "fetch" with the children one cool morning, she came to the realization that Crystal was a lot like Hi'Iki. Charming and friendly. There was nothing evil about her. She didn't know if she was completely over her fear of dragons, but she knew she loved the little dragon. If she could have a charming dragonet as a companion, why not a youkai for a mate? The more she thought about it, the more she wished Hi'Iki would come back. She missed him.

On a chilly fall morning, Hana decided it was time for her to go home. Everything here reminded her of Hi'Iki and she felt she needed a change of scenery.

"Sango, I'm going back to my village. I need to let them know what happened."

Sango heard the sadness in her voice and knew she missed Hi'Iki. She gave Hana a hug. "Take care of yourself. You are always welcome here."

"Thanks. Tell everyone I said good-bye." Hana knew it would be too hard. Calling to Crystal, she waved at Sango and headed home.

The trip back to the village took less time than her trip out. She wasn't alone hunting dragons this time and had a companion on the journey to her village. Crystal's presence helped to keep her from getting lonely. Less than a day from home, while she and Crystal were resting, two dragonets burst in on them, chirping and twittering loudly and excitedly.

Crystal flew up, chirping with excitement, and greeted the other two. They flew in circles around each other happily.

Hana got up, checking out what all the commotion was. She was surprised to see the two little dragonets. They could only be Kodo and Podo. And Crystal was obviously their offspring. Gathering up her traveling pack, Hana called the Crystal. "Come on, we need to get home."

Kodo and Podo flew off, heading in the direction of the village. Crystal stayed with Hana as she hurried home.

When Hana walked into the village, it was eerily quiet. No one seemed to be around. The stillness frightened Hana, and she jumped when she heard the voice behind her.

"You're late," Susaki said when he saw Hana. He was grinning as he went to greet her and gave her a hug.

"Late for what? And where is everyone?" Hana had no idea what he was talking about.

"We moved the village several months ago, closer to the river."

Hana looked at her brother. What was going on? He was up to something, but she didn't know what. And she was concerned about Hi'Iki. She knew the two dragonets had been Kodo and Podo, so where was Hi'Iki?

"Why move the village?" She looked around. Everything did indeed look abandoned.

"We discussed it and felt it would be safer by the river. There's more protection there, and we don't have as far to go to get water." Susaki and the villagers had decided the move was in their best interest.

Hana wanted to ask about Hi'Iki but was afraid to. She hadn't seen Kodo or Podo since she got here, so wasn't sure if Hi'Iki was even around.

As they made their way to the new village, Susaki noticed the little dragon for the first time. "Where'd you get that?" He sounded a bit unhappy.

"Oh, she was given to me by a king. I couldn't very well refuse her." Well, it was the truth.

"A king? You met a king?" Susaki sounded astonished.

"Well yes. He asked for our help with the dragons."

"So you found them?" He put his arm around his sister, knowing how frightened she had been.

"Yes. We destroyed them too."

Susaki looked at his sister. He was proud of her. "I have to say, I'm proud of your accomplishments," he said as the reached the village.

Hana blushed at the compliment.

Crystal flew off Hana's shoulder, chirping. She then took off. 'I wonder what's gotten into her' Hana thought.

Several people were busy with chores and greeted them as they walked to the headman's house.

"So, what am I late for?" Hana asked, remembering that was the first thing Susaki had said.

"Your wedding my dear."

Hana spun at the sound of the laughing voice. She stared at him, not believing he was really there. "Hi'Iki?"

"The one and only." He walked over to her, and took both her hands in his. He held them gently and looked at Hana. "Have you thought about what I said?"

Hana saw the concern in his eyes, and the hope. It tugged at her heart. She had missed him. She knew now she wanted to be with him. "Yes, I have thought about it." She pulled her hands away from his. From the crestfallen look on his face, she knew he thought she was going to refuse him. But she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to kiss him. Surprised for a second, Hi'Iki quickly responded, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. He returned her kiss, tenderly. He pulled back and looked at Hana, grinning. "I'll take that as a yes."

Hana leaned against him, resting her head on his chest. "I love you."

"I love you Hana, my little dragon slayer." He chuckled at the thought.

Hana looked up at him, smiling. "That is funny isn't it?" She looked around. Everyone had discretely left them alone. "How did you manage to convince everyone to accept you?"

"He nearly talked us to death." Susaki came back, grinning. "So is there to be a wedding here?"

"Yes!" Hi'Iki and Hana said in unison.

"How is it you accept Hi'Iki?" Hana asked of her brother.

"He spent a few days with us, talking. He told us everything. I guess we all came to the same conclusion you did."

"He isn't evil." Hana smiled at Hi'Iki.

The next couple of days were spent preparing for the traditional Japanese wedding. Hana was given a shiro-maku, the traditional white wedding kimono, and Hi'Iki was given the traditional men's black kimono. The ceremony was quiet, performed at the Shinto shrine at the edge of the village. Most of the village turned out to see the couple exchange vows. The reception afterwards was a bit livelier, with lots of sake being served.

The three little dragonets had watched from a perch in the trees. They had been very excited, but stayed quiet, as the ceremony was a solemn affair.

After everyone had congratulated the couple and went home, Hi'Iki, Susaki and Hana went back to Susaki's house. He had things to give Hana before the couple left for Hi'Iki's clan.

"I had these made for you." Susaki handed Hana a package. "Wait until you get there to open it." Then he turned to Hi'Iki. "Take good care of my sister."

"That is my priority." The two men clasped arms in friendship.

Hi'Iki looked at Hana. "The fastest way home is by flying. Can you manage?"

"Flying? As in dragon flying?" Hana's eyes were wide.

Hi'Iki nodded.

Hana squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. "I can do it."

Hi'Iki thought a moment. "It might be a good idea to have straps or a harness of some kind. And warm clothes."

"We can make something, but we'll need to know size." Susaki looked at Hi'Iki.

Hi'Iki nodded and looked at Hana. In a flash of blue light, Hi'Iki was replaced by the white dragon.

Hana stepped back, at first afraid. The large head came down; muzzle gently touching Hana's cheek. "I will not hurt you," the sibilant voice whispered. Hana reached up and stroked the muzzle. She was awed by the dragon, his beauty and size. He felt smooth and warm, not what she expected. "You're beautiful," she whispered back.

Susaki had gone and got some straps. Looking at Hi'Iki, he figured the best place for Hana to sit; on the shoulders, just in front of the wings. It wasn't easy attaching the straps to something so large, but he managed with some help. One strap had loops to hold the feet and one for Hana to hold onto with her hands. She was given warm clothing and covers for her hands, to help keep her warm. She had a pack on her back, carrying extras and the package Susaki gave her.

Susaki helped Hana up. "Have a safe trip." He slapped the dragon's side.

Hi'Iki waited for Susaki to get out of harm's way and then spread his wings. He leapt up and with one wing stroke, was air born.

Chirping and twittering, the three dragonets happily joined them in the air.

Hana gripped the strap with all her strength and kept her eyes closed. It was frightening to be soaring in the sky. When she realized she wasn't going to fall off, she opened her eyes for a quick look.

The sight was amazing. Wisps of clouds drifted past below them, more above them. They were following a river. She could see the silver thread of it below. On either side, it was all dark green, trees.

Wind blew past her face as the great wings beat slow, steady strokes taking them higher. Occasionally they just soared, allowing the wind to carry them in the direction they needed to go.

The tiny silver thread of a river eventually ran into the ocean. There, Hi'Iki turned northeast and followed the coast. He flew tirelessly for several hours, occasionally glancing back to see how Hana was doing. Every now and then, he would make course corrections, still heading basically north.

Hana was now enjoying the view. She would lean one way, then the other, trying to see everything. The land and sea seemed to flow by slowly from so high up. It was a magnificent sight.

Hi'Iki flew over a stretch of water, then land. Here, he started a slow downward spiral; being extra careful not to dislodge Hana.

Hana again tightly gripped the straps. It was a little dizzying going down, watching the land come into focus. The closer they got to the ground, the more details Hana could see. She first made out the mountains, then the cliffs and trees, then a beach and a cove. Hi'Iki was headed for that cove. Hana could see there was a village in the grassy meadow that was backed by the cliffs. It was a beautiful sight. She noted several people standing on the beach.

Hi'Iki came down slowly, back winging as he landed gently on the sand of the beach.

The people on the beach waved and called to Hi'Iki, welcoming him home.

Hana sat for a few moments, unsure what to do at first. She realized she needed to undo the straps before Hi'Iki could change back to human form. Hi'Iki stood still until Hana undid the straps, then he lowered himself to the ground so she could slide off. She backed up a little to give him room to transform.

"Hi'Iki!"

"You're back, Hi'Iki!"

"Nice to see you back in one piece."

"About time you came back."

Everyone crowded around and spoke at once.

"Give them space," a deep voice demanded.

Everyone backed up so Hana could see a tall man approach. This was Hi'Iki's uncle. There was no mistaking the resemblance.

"So my wayward nephew, you are back at last."

Hi'Iki grinned. "Sorry I'm late. This is my mate, Hana."

Hi'Iki's uncle looked at Hana. "I am Hishiro." He took Hana's hands. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Hana."

The others also greeted Hana. Hana had been worried about this meeting, but like Hi'Iki, these people were friendly and quickly accepted Hana as part of the family.

"So, what trouble did you get yourself into?" Hishiro asked, knowing his nephew.

"Trouble? Me?" Hi'Iki looked innocent. "I just went to visit Sesshoumaru, that's all."

"Tell us about it over dinner." Hishiro knew better than to believe Hi'Iki went for "just a visit".

So during the evening meal Hi'Iki and Hana recounted what had happened.

There were exclamations at the dragon attacks, and cheering when the battle was over. The White Dragon Clan could now live in peace.

"Leave it to Hi'Iki to pick a youkai slayer as his mate." Hishiro shook his head. "We're glad you are here, Hana. I hope you'll like it here." He smiled at Hana.

"I know I will." Hana looked at Hi'Iki and smiled. He smiled back and kissed her.

Notes:

From what information I could gather, Ashita is the Monk responsible for reintroducing Buddhism into Tibet. I changed the name to Ashta for the story.

Shiro-maku or shiromuku, I also saw it spelled that way, means pure white.

I am using my Dragonology and Pern books as a sort of guide for the dragons. Kodo and Podo were inspired by the little ferrets in "The Beastmaster" movie and with the fire-lizards in the Pern books.