Hello! Once again it is me, back with yet another chapter! This one will be shorter then normal so you can all rejoice. Well, I've only got two more things to say . . .

I Don't own Eva or Inu Yasha!

Please review after you read! Thanks!

Chapter 15: The Plan

I finally got a chance to ask Sesshomaru about Naraku's threat a few hours later. His face became dark when I told him what Naraku said. Sesshomaru muttered something I couldn't hear and rose sharply to his feet. He began to pace furiously back and forth across the room. "What's wrong?" I asked.

Sesshomaru's reaction to the news served only to increase my anxiety. Something must have happened that I didn't know about. "The priests are dead." Sesshomaru stated.

Even though I didn't know what they meant those words sounded like a heavy fearful burden. "What do you mean?"

I came to stand beside him preventing him from continuing his rapid pacing. Sesshomaru seemed to regain his composure and control over himself. "There was a pair of priests whose spiritual energy was tied to the barrier. Their power served to strengthen the barrier and keep it stable when Haruka was sick or injured. With them gone the barrier is much more vulnerable. Naraku must have planed for this."

"What is the plan?"

"We need to replace the priests and prepare for war against Naraku."

"Is there anything I can do?"

I saw Sesshomaru's face lighten slightly as if he had been waiting for me to ask but was too afraid to bring the subject up himself. "Yes, if you are willing to do it."

"I will do it, Sesshomaru."

"You remember those mountains along the eastern boarder of the western lands?"

"Yes, I do. You told me it would be best if I not to go near them."

"Well, now I need you to go there now."

"Why?"

"If we're going to declare war on Naraku we'll need powerful allies. In those mountains lives a tribe of such demons, the Panther Demon Tribe. They're not bad but can be temperamental and finicky. So I wasn't sure how they'd react to you so that's why I suggested that you did not go there."

"So who should I go to speak to?"

"You should seek their leader, the ice demoness, Koura."

Sesshomaru pulled out a necklace from his sleeve; it was a large clear stone hanging on a silver chain. He held it out to me and I took it and put it around my neck. The necklace was freezing cold almost like ice. "You will present this to her and ask her for assistance. I would be surprised if she refuses you. She's in my debt for a great service I did her."

"Is there anything else I can do?"

"We need a replacement for one of the priests."

"Only one?"

"Yes, we have a replacement for one but she is young an inexperienced. I was hoping you would fill the second position and help her out."

I agreed to take the responsibility. We decided to arrange the details for this after I returned from visiting the Panther demons.

Early the next morning I was on my way off to the mountains. I was on my own because Sesshomaru expected this to be a simple and danger free mission. It was highly important to our success so I was to be careful and hurry. I didn't mind however. I had been looking for a good excuse to see more of Sesshomaru's land. I was going to try to enjoy the sights along the way. The first part of my journey took me across a large grassy field then on a gradual ascent into the mountains. The snow was thick and deep, slowing my process but I felt no need to hurry.

It took me two days to get there but there was one complication, I had no idea where to find them. Sesshomaru had only told me the general location so it was up to me to find it. So ended up wandering around looking for signs of life for about half day. I was looking in all the places I thought were the most secluded and hard to reach but I wasn't having any luck.

I was making my way through a narrow mountain pass when the path was covered with fire. I jump back in time to avoid being roasted in the flames. I looked around and quickly spotted the cause, a young female demon was crouching on a ledge above me. "You've got good reflexes for someone who looks so pale and sickly." She said.

"My appearance can be deceiving. I am not as helpless as I seem." I replied.

"You're awfully brave for walking in these mountains all alone. What's your business?"

"I come seeking Koura of the Panther Demons."

I took the necklace off and lifted it high so she could see it. She jumped down and landed in front of me in perfect cat like fashion. She stood up and snatched it from my hand. After staring at it for a minute she handed the necklace back to me with an almost careless flick. "Follow me. I'll take you to their palace."

"Thank-you."

She grinned devilishly at me. "You welcome. Just make sure you can keep up."

She led me high up into the mountains into the permanently snow-covered area. It took almost the entire afternoon for us to get there but finally as the sun was sinking below the horizon we arrived at a secluded ice field. Glittering like a thousand stars was an ornate palace made of glass. I stood inn awe of its splendor. I had never seen anything like this. "Like it?" My guide asked.

"Yes, it's amazing." I told her.

"We like it to." She told me.

She led me across the clearing towards the palace. As I approach I realized this magnificent structure was not made of glass. It was made of something totally different and even more impressive than glass, ice. It was made of solid ice. I stood there for a moment in shock and surprise. Then I followed her inside the gates.

The cold rolled off the walls chilling everything inside. Several times I rubbed my arms try to keep myself warm. There was a strange eeriness about it. The ice made it so silent. We glided soundlessly down the long corridors on a path that seemed to be leading to the heart of the palace. She slid a final door open and we entered the center room.

Seated before us on a throne of ice was an older woman. She had ice blue hair that was a couple of shades darker then mine that was slicked back away from her face. Her eyes were narrow but wise and she was dressed in a modified kimono. In her hand was a two-headed spear with a twist-braided center. She had a commanding presence that one couldn't help but be drawn to and envy all at once. Indeed even I did. I wanted to have the poise and control that she possessed. "Let me introduce you to Koura, leader of the panther demons." Said my guide.

"Hello and welcome." Koura said.

"I am honored to meet you."

"You know, I've heard a strange rumor from the Westernland. Lord Sesshomaru has taken a liking for a human woman and may soon make her his wife. She's supposed to be an albino with strange powers that can match demons."

"Really, that is a strange piece of information indeed."

"I thought so as well. Yet, here she is before me."

"Yes, I am here. I came for Lord Sesshomaru to request your help."

I lifted the necklace from my neck and held it out to her. She reached out and took it from me. She held it calmly in her hand in an easy way that suggested that she owned it. After a few moments of silent contemplation she suddenly raised her arm and threw her spear at me. I raised my AT field and caught it easily. I grabbed it and tossed it back to her. "Satisfied?" I asked.

"I'm impressed. You're as good as I thought."

"I'm glad I gave you a satisfactory performance."

You can tell Sesshomaru that I will be happy to help him in this war."

"He'll be glad to hear that. How many of your men can he expect to join him?"

"My four best men that is all I can spare."

"Why so few?"

"Because that's all I have to offer. You're familiar with the wolf demon tribe. We panther demons are much like them except that our numbers are much smaller we only have four leaders and the rest are lackeys."

"I see. How did your numbers get to be so few?"

She sat silently for a minute as if in thought. "Well, I guess it's a story worth telling. Many eons ago we panther demons shared this area with the inu youkai but then the humans showed up. We chose to leave and go east. However the inu youkai leader drove the humans eastward and we soon clashed. They began to attack us and our numbers lessoned. We tried to return westward but the inu youkai said no. So we did the only thing we could do, find a small patch of land and try to make do there."

"Many generations past and our numbers became few. Our leader decided It was time to force the inu youkai to let us have our land back so we began a war. This was the time when Sesshomaru's father, the great dog general, was the inu youkai leader. Sesshomaru himself was still a young man barely out of his teens at this time so he did not participate. The war was a disaster we lost almost everyone, including our leader. Only the four remaining panther demons survived."

She paused and I thought I saw an almost pained expression cross her face. "Fifty years ago I decide to try again. Sesshomaru was inu youkai lord since his father had died recently. Once again we were soundly defeated. About a year ago I learned of an ancient spell that could bring our leader back. Seven months ago we returned once again and tried to instigate it. However we screwed up. There was supposed to be human sacrifices for our master so he could have the required souls to return but Inu Yasha wouldn't let them. We couldn't catch them again because Inu Yasha and Sesshomaru we're keeping us busy. Our master got desperate so he took his souls from the only source the other three panther demons Shurran, Karren, and Shuuran. Sesshomaru however was merciful enough to restore them to life and let Inu Yasha finish our master. I promised him that I we would return to the east but he insisted we take up residence here."

"I understand now why your numbers have dwindled. A sad fate for you."

"Indeed. We are resourceful bunch and we make do. I assume you will stay here for the night."

"Yes. What are you going to do once I leave?"

"I was thinking of laving with you and going to the palace of the inu youkai to prepare the battle strategy."

"A wise strategy. I will be happy to take you there when it is time."

"Come then. You must be tired. We will all need rest if we are leaving in the morning."

To my surprise I was given a proper bed made of cloth to sleep in that night. Despite the ice all around me I was not cold at all and slept peacefully. In the morning we ate breakfast, which was prepared by Shurran. Then it was time to leave for the Inu Youkai palace. I lead the way through the snow down the mountains. Koura was next in line behind me. She seemed unaffected by the bitter cold around us. Shurran, Karren, and Shuuran walked close together behind us. Shurran was producing as much fire as she could to keep them warm. As for me I had my A.T. field to keep me warm. I had learned during my journey here that as long as I concentrated on something that was warm the air around me was significantly warmer.

We arrived at the Inu Youkai palace two days later to find everything in an uproar. The Wolf Demon's had come from their location to the palace along with numerous other demon warriors. As I made my way trough the corridors I spotted one of their leaders Kouga arguing with Inu Yasha outside. I knew it was him because he carried himself with an air of reckless authority and had three jewel shards, one in each leg and another in his right arm.

Farther on we passed Lady Ririko supervising the preparation of demon battle armor. This did not bode well. Did Sesshomaru fear a war with Naraku? Clearly he did. We found Sesshomaru and Haruka talking battle strategy with the aging Wolf Demon leader. There was a go board set out in front of them but no one looked to be playing. Rin was with them but was thoroughly distracted by looking at the go board.

Koura walked into the room calmly and took at seat with the others leaders. Sesshomaru nodded evenly to her as if he'd known she'd arrive then to me. "Come and join us, Rei."

I nodded and sat down as well. Rin came over and sat beside me smiling happily. "You've returned Miss Rei. Rin is happy to see you."

"I'm glad to see you too Rin."

"Rin has been a good girl while Miss Rei was away."

"I know that. I would be surprised if you had not been good."

Rin smiled at the compliment. I sat back and listen to the talk so I could pick up on the plan. It wasn't all that complicated. I was to make my way to the shrine to take my place; at the same the other priestess would come from the shrine where she was currently housed. Sesshomaru meanwhile would lead his band of warriors to the south side of the Westernland where Naraku was mounting his own forces. He was to distract Naraku from us while we got safely to the shrine.

It sounded good on paper and for once I had no bad omen about it. I should have known not to trust that feeling but of course I didn't.

I spent the next several days among the priests and priestesses at the palace watching and learning about what it meant to be one of them. During this time, my friends from the laundry Misha, Nedelko and Akaya showed up with several new priestesses robes for me to wear while I was there. I put one on just to see what I looked like. I felt weird and foolish from the minute I saw myself in the mirror. My blue hair and red eyes clashed strangely with my new garb. Still something seemed right with my pale skin. I just needed different eyes and hair.

That I figured wouldn't be a problem. I had been experimenting with changing my appearance for a while now. I figured that I should be able to change my image to look more appropriate. So it appeared I would have to work harder at changing my appearance.

For the next several days I practiced in front of the mirror in my room. I was able to change the way I looked easily. The problem was when I saw myself in the mirror I lost my hold and returned to normal.

After yet another failed attempt I sat in front of my mirror frowning in frustration. There had to be a better way to do this. I had to concentrate harder to hold my form once I changed. Maybe I should try something simpler. I starred deep into the mirror and tried to change the color of my skin slightly.

I managed to darken my skin color slightly and keep it that way. So I finally had one small victory. I continued to make small progress every day. After another week at this I was finally able to change my form and hold it that way. I still had to be careful when I first saw my reflection.

During this time I was able to talk with Kaworu again. We hadn't spoken much lately so I was anxious to learn what was going on.

Hello Kaworu. How have you been cousin?

Kaworu smiled back in his usual easygoing manner. It's a pleasure to see you as well Rei.

How have things been since we last spoke? Is the second being shunned for looking like me?

Kaworu nodded with a frown on his face. I afraid there are those who have because they believe she is responsible for third impact. We have tried to protect her from them but I fear she will be hated as long as some feel she is a fault for what happened.

It is my mistake that has led her to be accused for my crime. Don't let her take too much of the blame okay? I'll explain what happened to everyone and take full responsibility when I return.

Of course. Speaking of that, Armisael has come up with a way to bring you back that works. Do you want to come home?

Sorry Kaworu. As much as I want to now is not the time. We are in the middle of a war and I cannot leave my friends to fight it alone. I must stay here. Later when things have quieted down I will return.

As you wish. Shinji will be sad, he's been anxious to have you return home.

Tell me about the others. How have they been?

Everyone's doing well although not much new has happened. Touji and Hikari are having trouble though.

Unit 3?

You guessed correctly. Dr Akagi has approved Unit Three to be used. Touji wants to become it's Pilot once more. However Hikari refuses to let him go near Unit Three under any circumstances. She's threatening to leave if he gets in.

Touji is torn, isn't he?

Exactly. The call of the Eva is strong to one who's been in contact with it. He like all us former children greatly desires to return to Eva again.

It will be interesting to hear how this turns out.

Kaworu agreed with that statement. With that our conversation was over. I went to see Sesshomaru next because I had some questions.

"Sesshomaru tell me about priestess who I'll be working with." I asked him.

"She's young. Barely 13 years old. From what I've heard she's strong and smart for her age."

"Do you think she'll mind me? I'm not exactly well, normal . . ."

"I'm sure you'll be fine."

I smiled back at him and tired to make his confidence my own. There would be no room for doubt in my mind. Uncertainty could be lethal.

Two days later Sesshomaru said it was time to go. I wasn't happy to receive the news. The dread of leaving Sesshomaru and the others had been slowly building and now it had reached a climax. With all my heart I longed to stay right here at Sesshomaru's side. I knew that I had made a promise that I must keep so I would leave. My only consolation was the hope that we would meet again soon in this world.

So I went to collect all my priestess things and then I went to my room to change. Sesshomaru and Rin came in once I was dressed carrying a bow and quiver full of arrows. He sat down and set them beside him. "Now what?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I need to change myself so I look more like a human and less like me."

Sesshomaru smiled and nodded. I turned back to the mirror and focused on my reflection. "I can't wait to see what you look like when you're done."

I smiled back and closed my eyes, going deep inside myself. Down in my core I found her, my mirror reflection. In my mind I tried to picture myself with long black hair and dark brown eyes. I held that image in my mind and opened my eyes. In front of me stood what I had created. The transformation was a success. I returned to consciousness and I was staring at my reflection in the mirror. Behind me Sesshomaru stood up. "Looks good." He said.

"You think so?"

"I know so. You look totally different."

He picked up my bows and arrows off the seat and handed them to me. I took them in my arms and set them down beside me. There was one thing left to do. I picked up the comb and brushed out my new hair and tied it back with a ribbon the way priestess' did. Now I was ready.

Sesshomaru pulled me to him and I sighed happily. "Would you rather have me or the priestess?"

"You of course."

"You know it's always me either way."

I let my disguise fall for a moment and we kissed. For those few moments everything was gone, but Sesshomaru and me. I barely even heard Rin squeal. Then we let go and the moment was over. "I'll miss you so much."

"So will I."

"Promise me you'll be careful and tell me if you get in trouble."

"You know I will."

Sesshomaru smiled. He embraced me tightly one more time and then I had to go. Rin ran to me and put her arms around me. I hugged Rin and she clung tightly to my priestess robes. "Don't go Miss Rei. Rin wants you to stay."

"I'm sorry Rin. I have to go. I'll come back soon. I promise."

I gently disentangled Rin from my clothes. I felt horrible when I saw the look of betrayal in her eyes. Somehow I managed to force myself to go towards the door. I placed my hand on the door as I prepared to leave. "Miss Rei?" Rin's broken voice pleaded.

I turned to see both Rin and Sesshomaru watching me. I could feel tears well up in my eyes as my heart broke under a wave of pain. I ran back and embraced them both as tightly as I could one with each arm. "I'll miss you both." I said.

"Be strong it won't be long before we meet again."

I swallowed hard and nodded. Right I had to be brave and hold onto hope. Sesshomaru placed his lips over mine and we kissed with a furious passion. Then I was released from their grips. I smiled and made my way from the room fighting hard to smile instead of cry. Haruka and our demon warrior escorts waiting for me near the front gates.

We went smoothly into formation and began to walk through the gates. I was in the middle with Haruka and the demon warriors walked in a circle around us. Of course we all knew that I had a large source of power but we had to create an illusion that I was a normal human priestess.

The first two days of travel went well. We had chosen to take a slightly more round about path to confuse and distract anyone following us. It was cold and wet during the day with the deep snowdrifts that were beginning to pile up on the ground. It was bitterly freezing at night when the sun went down. Still I felt relatively comfortable with the plan and I never felt the cold because I was able to use my A.T. field to warm the air up around me.

About midday on the third day something very strange happened. I felt the barrier guarding the Westernland fluctuate in power. It was only momentarily but it left me feeling disturbed. If the barrier was behaving oddly Naraku would notice and there was every likelihood he would do something to exploit that. The question became what and when? I shuttered at the possibilities.

Well how was that? Not too terrible I hope . . .

One last ting, teaser for Chapter 16

I saw blood. Blood and LCL smeared my vision. I must be in unit zero. Berserk. That's right, she went berserk on me. I blinked trying to clear my eyes but it didn't work. I knew I was hurt, bad. I couldn't feel the pain though, not good.