Author's Note
Okay guys…my updates will be a bit unpredictable for a while…school just getting out and all. I went to AMA this past weekend….met Greg Ayres (Voice of Son Goku) …It was awesome! Anywho…to keep you guys in the know how I will be going out of town yet again on the 4th of July…lovely. My grandma has no computer….if she did I could hook up my internet to it but oh well. I can get to the internet on my cell phone but unfortunately I can't type and I don't feel like writing a whole chappie on the thing. So I'll be leaving that Saturday and I won't be back till the 5th…and I may not get an update on until the weekend we'll just have to see. I would like to thank Kagome Lovely for the idea that will be seen in this chapter…you know what it will be when you read it. I don't know about that incarnation though….I do need more characters…but as of the last count I currently had about 50 original characters going on in the story..--;;;…anywho hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Sammy-Sama
Scene Changes from "Fields of Gold" by Sting
Chapter III: Tempora Mutantur, et Nos Mutamur in Illis
(Latin To English: Times are changing, and we are changing within them)
The middle aged shrine keeper made her way down into the kitchen of her home to prepare breakfast for the two men who lived in the house. Humming a nameless tune she entered the room, pulling her apron off of the hook by the door and tied it around her waist. Crossing over the tiled floor she opened the refrigerator; pulling out all the necessary ingredients she would need to prepare the meal.
As she placed the materials upon the counter; something caught her attention, as if something around her was missing. It was odd, she had this feeling of foreboding and it unnerved her.
The tired form of her son made his way into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he questioned, "What's going on?"
"I don't know Sota," the woman answered, "You feel it too?"
The young man nodded, coming to stand next to his mother; the teenager almost taller than the older woman, "I felt something…evil I guess is the only word for it. And I didn't hear any birds this morning and that never happens. Plus I sense kind of like a demonic aura."
Ms. Higurashi mulled over what her son had told her. She didn't have the ability to 'sense' things as her children could, she supposed that it was because of her husband's side of the family considering hers didn't possess that type of power; either that or it was just dormant.
Troubled hazel orbs looked out the window next to her, eyes widening as she took in the grounds. Covering the ground was a thin layer of purple haze, resembling a violet fog. A tall figure garbed in black sauntered towards the well house; a small bundle in his arms.
"We can't let him go in there," Sota hissed, going to chase the intruder and remove him from their property.
"No," Ms. Higurashi said, griping her son's shoulder, "Let him go there's nothing we can do."
The pair watched as he entered the small shack and walked towards the well; jumping in. What amazed them however was the fact that he was able to cross the barrier into the past.
"Get me the phone," The older woman ordered, turning to her son, "I need to call Kagome."
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
The demon smirked down at the little bundle in his arms; the small infant finally silencing. The child had been crying and screaming since the day before when the man had taken her from her parents; in fact she had only stopped when he'd used this concoction he'd learned from his short time working with Suisei.
"You're about as annoying as your father," He seethed, narrowed crimson watching the infant distastefully, "But it's worth dealing with you if I can get what I want."
Climbing the final step needed he crossed the ancient shrine grounds towards the mystical well house, spreading a thin layer of miasma as he went.
"Now, all I have to do is jump in right?" He thought to himself as he entered the old, run down shack and made his way to the well it housed.
The demon leapt the small distance needed to reach the well, landing on the lip of the ancient wooden portal. Looking once more behind him he jumped in, leaving his haze of purple behind him. He was once again back on his home turf, the place he knew the most about and had an advantage on. What he forgot to realize is that the hanyou he so much wanted to destroy was also from the past, and that would come back to bite him in the ass.
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold
"Hello this is Hana how may I help you?" greeted the young demon as she answered the phone.
"This is Ms. Higurashi," The woman replied, "Is Kagome there?"
"Just a moment please," Hana said, putting the phone down and entering the kitchen, disturbing the bickering couple.
"I don't care what you want InuYasha," The young miko shouted, beating the eggs she'd taken out of the refrigerator in the large bowl Hana had given her. After a very heated argument between the two and many comments from the young demon on how Sesshomaru would fire her if he found the young miko cooking, she had given the young woman a bowl and allowed her to do as she pleased.
"You asked me what I wanted in my omelet," The hanyou scoffed, "And I told you Ramen."
"I swear," The miko sighed, "you're going to turn into Ramen one day."
"Excuse me Lady Kagome," Hana interrupted the two, "But your mother's one the phone."
"Oh, thank you," Kagome replied, setting down the large bowl she'd been using; her mate trying to sneak towards the bowl, "Hana please watch my bowl and make sure InuYasha doesn't tamper with it."
"Yes Milady," Hana nodded, watching the young lord with an amused expression upon her face.
"Give me that bowl," InuYasha growled, lunging for the said item.
"Why don't you just avoid making Kagome mad and make some Ramen," The young hanyou questioned, stepping into the room, "I mean as much fun as it is to see you plummet to the floor Uncle Inu, I'd hate to see what that's doing to your back."
"Why didn't I think of that?" InuYasha mused, going to the cabinet and pulling out a cup of instant Ramen.
"Because you have the brain capacity of a walnut," The hanyou answered, taking a seat at the table.
"Watch it Mia," InuYasha growled.
"Hey," Mia replied, holding her hands up in defense, "Just stating the obvious."
"Whatever," InuYasha sighed, continuing on to cook his precious noodles.
So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
"Mom?" Kagome questioned, picking up the phone from the small table.
"Kagome, oh thank goodness," Ms. Higurashi replied, having gotten worried after waiting, "Something terrible has happened."
"What happened?" The young miko questioned, jumping to conclusions, "Is Sota and Grandpa okay? Are you okay?"
"We're fine honey," her mother replied, "But someone's gotten into the well house and we think they may have gone through it."
"I thought InuYasha and I were the only ones with the power to go through the well," Kagome thought aloud, "What did they look like?"
"Tall, long black hair," Ms. Higurashi described, "And he was carrying some kind of bundle I think. There's also this thin layer of purple fog over the grounds."
"Naraku," Kagome gasped, hurriedly trying to finish her conversation with her mother, "Okay, stay inside. What ever you do, do not go outside for anything until we get there."
"All right honey but what's going on?" Ms. Higurashi questioned.
"I'll explain everything once we get there okay," Kagome answered, "We'll be there as soon as we can."
"Okay," Her mother said before hanging up, "Be careful."
"We will," Kagome replied, placing the phone back on it's stand.
Picking the phone back up and hearing the dial tone she proceeded into the kitchen, seeing the young hanyou and her mate glaring at each other; the young man stuffing his face with noodles.
"Mia," The young miko said upon entering the room, "Will you call Ally and have her and Soshi meet us here while I call Artemis?"
"Sure," The young hanyou replied, "What's going on? Did someone find something about Naraku?"
Kagome nodded, "My mother called and told me that someone had come to the shrine and had gotten into the well house. He's gone back to the past."
"Damn," InuYasha cursed, "But how could he do that? Only you and I are able to go through the well right?"
"I've been thinking about that," The young miko replied, "And I have a theory. I have to ask Artemis about it though."
"All right," Mia said, finishing up her bowl of cereal, "I'll give Ally a ring."
"thank you," Kagome sighed, watching as the young hanyou headed back towards her room; the young miko then dialing the number for her friends' apartment.
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
The phone rang through the apartment, and for once both occupants were awake.
"Good morning," Came the answer from the young man, his voice modified to have a Chinese accent, "This is Ling Ling's Chinese Food House how may I help you?"
"This is no time for games Koji," Snapped the young miko, "Put Artemis on the phone."
"Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Koji muttered, going into the next room and handing off the phone to the young wolf, "Artemis, phone for you."
"Thank you," Artemis replied, taking the white cordless phone from her mate's outstretched hand, "This is Artemis."
"You and Koji need to get over here as soon as possible," came the hurried message from the young woman on the other end, "It's urgent."
"What's going on Kagome?" Artemis questioned, "And what's going on?"
"I'll explain everything once everyone gets here," Kagome answered, "You and Koji get here as fast as you can and bring anything you may need to fight Naraku. He's gone through the well."
"We'll be right there," The young wolf informed, hanging up the phone and turning towards her mate, "Naraku's back, he's gone through the well we need to get to Sesshomaru's."
Koji watched as his mate left towards the front door, grabbing her keys on the way.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Koji inquired, "Like weapons?"
"We won't need them," Artemis replied, "Come on, we'll call Kane on the way there."
"I don't understand," The wolf admitted, following his mate as she left the apartment and headed towards their car.
Among the fields of gold
"This is Kane," came the groggy voice of the young Eastern Ruler as he answered the phone.
"Sorry to wake you up Kane," The wolf apologized, "But we've found Naraku and we need everyone at Sesshomaru's A.S.A.P."
"Where's he gone?" Kane questioned, "Are we going after him Koji?"
"I don't know," Koji replied, "Artemis says we won't need any weapons. I don't know what's going on."
"Okay," The young demon sighed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he leaned over and shook his mate, "We'll round up Yumiko and Kisho and send them your way too."
"thanks," Koji added, "I got to go, see you there."
"All right," Kane replied, flipping his phone closed, "Bakari get up we got to go."
"Why?" Bakari mumbled, "They can wait a bit."
"Naraku's back," The young lord informed, "Get up and I'll call the kids."
"Okay," Bakari agreed, climbing out of bed and got dressed while her mate rounded up the cavalry.
Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
Large chestnut eyes watched as the small black object vibrated across the table; a single phrase echoing from the small item over and over again like a broken record. The small creature waited for the object to vibrate itself across the table to the edge where it then promptly fell to the floor. Fitting it in it's mouth, the small animal hurriedly took it towards the back of the apartment; tripping over the rug that had been overturned slightly on the way.
Tiny pom-poms carried the elongated fluff ball across the carpet and towards a door at the back of the apartment; the door open a crack. Nudging his nose into the opening he pushed the in open, having some trouble keeping the object in his mouth he made his way over towards the bed; after a few tries managing to climb onto the bed. Scurrying up towards the young woman sound asleep under the blanket he plopped down, dropping the small object by her head.
"I am Patrick Stewart of the U.S.S Enterprise!" The small object continued to say, "You may have seen my in the staring role on Star trek the next generation and the voice behind MGM's documentary 'When the lion roars.'"
"Not now Riker…" The young woman muttered, "I'm too tired."
The small creature growled towards the slumbering maiden, pushing his large, cold, wet nose onto her cheek; effectively waking her up.
"Damn it Fluffy," She cursed, violet orbs narrowing down at the small ball of fluff as she sighed, her expression softening, "You're just too cute to hate."
Picking up the small object she flipped it open, causing the mantra to end.
"Thought you'd never answer the phone Ally!" shrieked the voice on the other end of the line.
"I was asleep Mia," Ally informed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she stood up and headed towards the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face to keep her awake, "What's up?"
"Naraku's gone through the well," The hanyou replied, "We're going after him."
"And how do you plan on doing this per say?" Ally questioned, "I thought InuYasha and Kagome were the only ones able to go through the well."
"I don't know," Mia answered, "Uncle Inu says we'll figure that out when everyone gets here. He also said you're coming with us so dress for the occasion. We're not going to attract anymore attention than we have to."
"Okay, fine," Ally sighed, making her way back into the bedroom, trying to contain her laughter at the sight she was greeted with, "I'll get Soshi up and we'll head out of here."
"Okay I'll see you later then," The hanyou replied, about to hang up.
"Hey," The young ruler said, "Are you going to call Riku or are we going to leave him out of this?"
"We're going to need all the help we can get," Mia answered, "I'll give him a call."
"All right," Ally said, "Catch you later."
"Okay," came the response before the line went dead, the young hanyou hanging up.
Ally watched the young man before her, her mate had-in her absence-moved over to her side of the bed and had the small creature tight in his hold, hugging it close to his chest.
"Come on stop that," The young man whined as the cold nose poked at his bare chest, "That's cold."
"Soshi get up!" Ally shouted, picking up her pillow and whacking the sleeping demon with it.
Wide ginger orbs started at the young woman, the man bolting upright; pup still in his grasp, "What happened?"
"Well," The young woman answered, turning from the young man to dig through an old looking trunk on the opposite side of the room, "Excluding you trying to get 'fresh' with my dog, Naraku's shown up and we got to go."
"What are you talking about," Soshi questioned, then noticed the small dog in his arms, "Sorry bout that fluffy."
The said dog jumped form the young man, padding his way over towards the end of the bed before hopping off to join the young ruler.
"Here, put these on," Ally ordered, tossing the young man an ancient outfit, the garb a deep navy with a silver hawk insignia on the back, "We're going incognito."
"Okay.." the demon said slowly, climbing out of the bed; quickly shedding his pajama pants and slipping on the garb that had been thrown at him, "This is comfy; where'd you get it?"
"It was my father's," Ally replied, emerging from the bathroom in a matching outfit; only hers was a bit more form fitting.
"Oh," Soshi said, watching as his mate crossed the room and grabbed a good size tote-bag as well as a smaller one strap bag; the bag making it so it was easier to access the contents inside with its' strap over the opposite shoulder with a large opening.
Ally went around the room, piling clothes for both her and the young man into the larger bag before moving the said pack to the bed. Taking the smaller bag she went to the closet, pulling out an old wooden box, "Grab that stick next to the bed would you?"
"Sure," the young man replied, snatching the said object.
"I always wondered what you kept in there," Soshi admitted holding the item his mate requested, watching as she unlocked the said container and flipped the lid open.
"this is my 'only use in case of emergency' box," Ally replied, showing the young man the contents of the box before pulling out her knives and other assorted weapons.
"I'll grab the swords," Soshi offered, heading to the bottom drawer of the dresser, pulling out the blades, "Why is it you have so man throwing knives anyway?"
"Because," Ally answered, "That's my weapon of choice."
"okay then," Soshi sighed, his mate coming to stand next to him; everything finally packed and ready to go.
"Ready?" The young ruler questioned.
"I suppose," The demon answered, looking down at the small fuzz ball at his mate's feet, "You're not taking him too are you?"
"Course," Ally replied, "Why?"
"No reason," Soshi sighed, heading towards the door of the apartment
The couple weaved their way through stair wells and cars as they searched for the young ruler's car. Spotting a silver convertible at the end of the furthest row the young demon said, "Isn't that your car?"
"Don't know," Ally replied, following the young man to the said car, "Nope."
Soshi looked down the line of cars; there being at least fifteen silver convertible's in a row.
"So," Soshi began, eyeing his mate curiously, "Which ones yours?"
"The one with the Star Trek bumper sticker," Ally answered, coming to stand behind a silver convertible with a black bumper sticker adorned with white lettering that read, 'My other vehicle is a Romulan Warbird!'
"Why didn't you tell me before you were a Star Trek fanatic?" Soshi questioned.
"You never asked," Ally replied, a smile upon her face as she unlocked the car door and slid into the driver's seat; her mate following and climbing into the passenger side. With that the two exiting and headed for the young Western Lord's domain; leaving for the unknown that lay ahead.
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold
The room was filled with multiple side conversations as well as arguments all around. The occupants excluding the Northern, Eastern and Western Rulers all adorned feudal style clothing or the garb of their profession in the slayer and monk's case.
"Okay guys," the young miko tried to explain the situation at hand, yet couldn't get the room quiet.
"Let me help," Ally offered, pulling a rather large, thick stick from her bag and slamming it down against the table, causing the room to go deathly silent.
Her young hanyou friend eyed the object with amusement, reading what had been cut into the side.
"Now, I know you all are confused as I am," Kagome continued, "But it seems Naraku has gone through the well."
"How is that possible?" The young wolf questioned from his position next to his mate.
"The same way Artemis was able to pass through the well," The young miko answered, "I know we've all been trying to just shrug off the possibility of Amaya having the jewel but now it seems that it's true. Naraku has her so he is able to pass through the well. Artemis was able to because she had a jewel shard."
"So since Uncle Inu and you can pass through the well," Mia commented, "You two can take us through the well."
"That's the theory," Kagome nodded.
"But why didn't you all change and bring your weapons?" the young monk questioned, directing the comment towards the other rulers.
"Because we aren't going with you," Kane answered, turning his attention towards the monk, "We can't."
"Why not?" The young heir to the East questioned, "I mean we're going to need your help on this one."
"We didn't say that you wouldn't have our help," Artemis corrected, eyeing her daughter's mate, "We'll still help but it won't be us."
"How does that make sense?" Yumiko inquired, puzzled at the statement.
"It's because they are all ready there," Came the response as a faded figure sat upon the arm of the large sofa next to the young miko.
See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
"I don't believe it," Miroku gasped, awed at the very sight of the person at the end of the soft.
The young woman leaned over, looking questioningly towards the monk; her ebony hair falling over her shoulder. Her ancient armor and garb clearly gave away that she was from the feudal era.
"What's so hard to believe?" the young woman questioned, looking around at the speechless group, "What? It's like you've never seen a ghost before."
"Most haven't," Kagome commented; seeming unfazed by the appearance of the specter.
"True," replied the maiden, "Maybe I should introduce myself?"
"There are those here that already know of who you are," Came the young Western Lord's answer.
"But for those of us who don't," Mia added, narrowed amber locking with her father's molten gaze, "Please continue."
"My name is Midoriko," the ancient priestess introduced, "I am the creator of the Shikon no Tama, and for those of you who have yet to be told the tale of how it came to be, I'm sure Miroku would love to fill you in on it at a later time."
"It would be my honor," Miroku replied with a slight bow.
"On with the conversation," Kisho interrupted the young monk, "Why is it they can't come with us again."
"It is because they all ready are on the other side of the well," Midoriko explained, "They would compromise themselves and the very fabric of time itself if say the scenario were to arise that their past selves were to see their future selves."
"In all honesty," Artemis added, "You shouldn't go either Ally."
"What?" Ally questioned, "Why?"
"Because you all ready exist on the other side of the well," Midoriko answered, "You are but a child granted, but you are still there. If you are seen by your father then that could change history."
"I could see my father," the young ruler thought, "I could warn him about the fight."
"Which is why we must be very careful of who we send back," The miko added, her faded orbs were full of seriousness.
"We have enough problems with Naraku all ready with the hanyou's stupid sentimentality," the demon said coldly, "We don't need the future altered."
"And I've had about enough of you," Midoriko snapped, "Where do you get off in deciding who live and who dies? Especially a small infant?"
"It's just another hanyou," Sesshomaru commented lightly.
Two sets of amber orbs flared at this; the miko glaring daggers at the young ruler. The specter stood and gracefully glided over towards the young southern ruler.
"May I?" She inquired, pointing her index finger towards the thick stick.
"Be my guest," Ally answered cheerfully, watching as the faded figure picked up the item before her.
"How are you able to do that?" InuYasha questioned, eyeing the miko curiously.
"I may be dead," Midoriko replied, "But I still have my powers and for a ghost, that means we can pick things up and do with them what we want."
Crossing the room she stood a bit to the right of the young western lord, lining up her aim she turned the stick towards him so that the engraving was facing him. With the addition of a pale blue aura she swung the baton towards his head; the stick connecting with the young lord's forehead.
"There, that aught to teach you something," the ancient miko smirked, pulling the weapon away from the demon's head for the occupants of the room to see.
Despite the foreboding situation they were all in, the members erupted in a fit of hysterical laughter; the young Western Lord having been stamped in the forehead with the engraved wooden stick.
"I liked your 'shut-the-hell-up stick before' Ally," Mia admitted, both hands going to clutch her side as she rolled on the floor with laughter, her father branded with the engravings of the stick, "But now I love it!"
"I'm sorry," Midoriko apologized, "We need to settle back down."
"To add onto what Midoriko was saying earlier," Kagome added, "It was dangerous enough for me to go back. But I tried to change history and I failed. What's to say that if anyone else tried they'd succeed?"
"You didn't fail," the ancient miko corrected, making her way back to perch upon the edge of the soft, "InuYasha's a hanyou still is he not? Miroku and Sango told him not to turn into a demon and he didn't."
"But wouldn't that mean we changed history?" The young slayer questioned.
"No," Midoriko replied, "Because you would never have known about it if Kagome hadn't told you."
"But Sesshomaru told me," Kagome added.
"Let's not point fingers here," Sesshomaru growled, massaging his forehead.
"I agree," Midoriko nodded.
"Since I used the jewel though," InuYasha began, "Wouldn't that mean I changed history as well? And since I used the jewel why is it still here?"
"You did change history," the miko answered, "Naraku was sent to this time was he not? And because the jewel is still in existence is because you didn't purify it. Only a selfless wish can truly rid the world of the jewel."
"So all we have to do is defeat Naraku," Seiji commented, going over their to-do list, "get Amaya back and all the while don't do anything to change the course of history. Great! No problem, this should be a walk in the park."
"There's a lot of trees," Mia added, "It will be like a walk in the park."
"well it seems my time here is up," Midoriko sighed, her figure beginning to fade away, "Just remember what I said. And some advice for you to follow: Trust only half of what you see and none of what you hear. There will be trails ahead for all of you."
The group nodded as they watched the ancient and wise miko disappear.
"Well, are we ready to go then?" Kagome questioned, scanning around the occupants of the room.
"As ready as we will ever be to go battle evil," Soshi replied sarcastically, following his mate as she stood to leave.
"Come Robin!" Ally shouted, her small puppy following at her heels, "To the bat car!"
"Oh boy," Mia sighed, shaking her head, "I have a feeling this is going to be a hell of a lot harder than we think."
"With her on our team," Seiji commented, pointing towards the hyperactive ruler, "You better believe it."
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
As the groups piled into their cars, the young miko waved them off, ushering her group into one of the western lord's mini vans he'd allowed her to use. Her small car simply proved to be too small to carry the number of passengers and baggage required.
The last of the cars pulled out of the extensive driveway; the young wolf giving the miko a quizzical look before pulling out.
Turning around in her seat the young woman locked her hazel orbs on the chestnut ones of the woman she'd traveled with for over four years; the woman she had grown to think of as a sister. Her concerned gaze fell on the said woman's rounded stomach; clearly seen while she was in her trademark slayer's uniform.
"I know what you're going to say Kagome," The young woman stated, chestnut eyes filled with determination and appreciation at her friend's concern, "And the answer's no."
"But it's safer here Sango," Kagome argued, "You don't have to go. And neither does Shippo if truth be told."
"You're wrong Lady Kagome," Miroku interjected, coming to his wife's defense, "We are all connected to Naraku in some way, shape or form. Is it not as much our right as it is yours to go after him?"
"But you're carrying your child Sango," The young miko tried to reason, "What if something happened?"
"What if something had happened to you during the last time you fought with Naraku?" Sango countered, "I need to get revenge on that bastard for what he did to my family. He killed my brother, father and fellow villagers in cold blood and I'm going to make him pay for it."
"I need to have the satisfaction of riding myself of the curse he set upon my family," Miroku added, violet orbs locking with hazel.
"I need to get revenge on him for what he did to me all those years ago," The young hanyou said, avoiding naming names and going into the specifics; his companions understanding his meaning.
"What about avenging my father?" The small kitsune questioned, large emerald eyes looking towards his companions as the small twin tailed cat sat contently beside him.
A slight pang of guilt and hurt hit the young woman's heart at the small kitsune's statement; the young demon she'd come to care for as a son of sorts.
"Shippo," Kagome whispered softly, "I could very well be said as the cause of your father's death. I did break the jewel after all. If I hadn't then your father wouldn't have been targeted."
The young demon shook his head, why did grown-ups always try to put the whole world on their shoulders?
"If Naraku hadn't tricked InuYasha and Kikyou all those years ago then she wouldn't have died and the jewel would never have fallen into his hands in the first place," Shippo explained, "You could even go so far as to say that if the demons hadn't fought with Midoriko then she wouldn't have created the jewel. But if Naraku hadn't attacked and tricked InuYasha and Kikyou, I wouldn't have met you Kagome; or any of you probably for that matter. In a strange way he brought us all together."
"Again you prove to be completely wise beyond your years Shippo," Miroku commented with awe.
"You better just go ahead and head on over to the shrine Kagome," InuYasha suggested, "You aren't going to change their minds."
"He's right," Sango agreed, "You're stuck with us whether you like it or not."
"I guess I am," Kagome sighed, putting the vehicle into reverse and backing out of the drive way, "But if you get hurt Sango I swear I'll chew you out so bad you'll wish you'd listened to me."
"Okay Kagome," The slayer replied, "What ever you say."
With that they pulled from the drive way and sped down the street towards the road that would take them to the shrine, catching up with the rest of their entourage. In record time the whole gang had managed to make it to the old Higurashi shrine, everyone packed and ready to go.
"The only thing I have to do before we go," Kagome began as they made it halfway up the shrine steps, "Is get rid of the miasma and talk to my mother."
Pulling her bow from her shoulder and an arrow form her quiver she notched the projectile to her bow string; aiming it towards the sky like one would a clout shoot.
(Author's Note: For those of you who don't know what a clout shot is it's where you aim your bow-with arrow of course-towards the sky and aim it so that when you release the arrow it will go towards the sky and on its way back down hit the target which has been placed flat on the ground. I've tried it and it takes some practice to get it right…any who sorry for the interruption…on with the Fanficiton!)
The arrow flew true towards the sky, disappearing for a brief moment as the sun blocked their vision; however soon enough the projectile was visible again and plummeting straight towards the center of the shrine grounds; the pale pink aura of miko energy surrounding it. Embedding itself into the hard concrete of the walkway the arrow began to permeate it's pure aura; dispelling the evil of the miasma and rendering it as harmless as the air the group breathed.
"Well that was easy," Kisho commented, looking around at the grounds; no evidence remained to prove there had ever been anything out of place there.
"I knew it wouldn't be hard," Kagome added, taking a few steps towards the building she'd called home for the first 18 years of her life before calling, "Mom! We're here!"
A few moments later the shrine keeper stepped out from the home, a white box in her hands and a small bag over her shoulder.
"What happened to that fog?" Ms. Higurashi questioned.
"Kagome purified it," The hanyou answered, his amber eyes turning towards his mate's mother.
"I see," The older woman said, "I suppose you all will be leaving after that Naraku fellow I imagine."
Kagome nodded, "We have to. I think now that he's gone through the well will be open to us to so we'll be able to get everyone across to the other side."
"Well I'm sure you'll need this then," Ms. Higurashi added, handing the box off to her daughter, "It's extra bandages and medical supplies."
"Thanks mom," Kagome replied, taking the container from the older woman. Stepping the short distance needed she stood right before her, wrapping her arms around the woman who'd raised her she apologized, "I'm sorry but we really can't stay and chat, we need to go after him."
"I understand," Ms. Higurashi nodded, "I'm just glad you saw me first before you left."
Kagome smiled, "Since when have I never said good bye to you before I left?"
"Never," her mother answered, "And you always come back, let's not break that tradition."
"I hadn't planed on it," The young miko replied then turned towards her companions, "Come on you guys, lets get a move on."
They all nodded and followed the young miko towards the well house, her mate bringing up the rear.
"InuYasha," his mate's mother called, "Will you come here for a moment?"
"What's the matter?" InuYasha questioned, eyeing the woman before him curiously.
"Protect Kagome for me," Ms. Higurashi said, "please."
"You didn't' have to ask," the hanyou replied, "I always do and always will."
"I know and I thank you for that," the woman smiled, shrugging the small bag from her shoulder and handing it towards the hanyou, "I think you may want this."
"What is it?" InuYasha inquired, taking the small sack and opening it; his molten orbs lighting up, "Thank you."
"thought you might like it," Ms. Higurashi commented, watching the young man before her with amusement, "You two keep each other safe."
"InuYasha!" Came the call from the miko with in the well house, "Come on!"
"We will," InuYasha assured the young woman before heading off to his mate, "Coming!"
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
One by one the group began to file out of the well, each standing around the ancient portal to await the remainder of the group. The miko aided by her mate was the last to emerge from the well, the young woman looking around with a far away expression.
"It's so good to be back," She thought, her eyes lighting up like a small child's would. Happiness flooded her as she began to walk ahead of the others, treading down the same path she had done many times before. A smile graced her lips as the small village she'd called home while on the other side of the well came into view, the smoke rising from many of the huts as dinner was prepared.
Breaking away from the group she began to run as fast as her feet would carry her towards a hut resting beside a set of immense stairs identical to the ones that would lead passersby up to her home in the future.
"Kagome," the young hanyou called, quickening his pace to catch up with the excited young woman, "Wait up!"
"Come on!" Kagome called back, never slowing, "I'll race you InuYasha."
"But you got a head start," InuYasha complained, a smile playing across his face as he quickly caught up to the young miko, "That's an unfair advantage."
"You're half demon," Kagome pointed out, "And you're talking to me about unfair?"
"Even if I was human," InuYasha continued, "I'd still beat you."
"Sure you would," The miko replied, closing in on their destination, the young hanyou in the lead by quite a ways.
"See, I told you I was going to win," The young man smirked, enjoying the little game with his mate.
"We'll see," Kagome muttered, summoning her miko energy and projecting it before the young man, effectively stopping his movements into the hut.
InuYasha neared the hut, no more than a few feet from the dried bamboo door before he collided with something translucent pink; the barrier of miko energy preventing him from going any further.
"You were saying InuYasha?" Kagome sneered, passing the young hanyou and entering the hut; lowering the barrier as she disappeared from sight.
"Kagome, child," Came the elderly voice of the woman occupying the hut, "I thought you'd never return. InuYasha even used the jewel to get to your time."
"She knows that Kaede," The said hanyou replied, entering the hut behind his mate, "We've come back for a while."
"And we brought some friends," Kagome added, pointing towards door, the rest of the group having yet to arrive.
"Why is it you all have come?" Kaede questioned, her one good eye resting on the young miko.
"You didn't feel any surge of evil energy recently? More specifically coming from the well?" the young woman inquired.
"Now that you mention it," The elderly miko answered, "I did, what happened?"
"Naraku's back," InuYasha replied, "And he'd taken our pup."
And from there the couple proceeded to fill the older miko in on what had happened in the past four years; and introduced her to their friends.
The sun soon began to sink below the horizon as the long day came to a close; everyone with in the small hut exhausted and eager to drift off to sleep. Their dreams taking them to places they could imagine.
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold
We'll walk in the fields of gold
Hazel orbs fluttered open, restlessness flooding the young miko's body as she awoke to the new day; the drive to move about overpowering her desire to remain in the warm hut. Quietly she stood from her sleeping bag, looking around the room to make sure no one else was awake she crept out of the small building and out into the morning air.
A light breeze blew by the young woman, her hair fluttering gently behind her. Making her way up the dirt path she headed towards the fabled old dry well and the ancient tree of ages. The light drops of dew clinging to the emerald blades shone as the first rays of sun outlined the horizon.
"Ready to go home already?" Came the rough tone of her mate, the young hanyou lounging on a tree branch in the tree beside the small hut, his amber orbs watching the young woman curiously.
"I just needed to get out of there," the young miko replied, motioning for the hanyou to follow her, "Do you want to come with me InuYasha?"
"I guess," InuYasha shrugged, jumping down from his perch, "Where were you planning on going anyway Kagome?"
"Oh I don't know," Kagome admitted, "Just go for a walk around I suppose."
InuYasha watched his mate intently, saw as her normally cheerful attitude seemed to dissolve right before him. He knew she was worried, that she was eager to get out there and find their child; but he also knew she couldn't stay like that for long. She needed to be happy, despite the situation; it just wasn't healthy for her to be this way.
An idea popped into his head as a mischievous gleam entered his eyes, "Hey, Kagome."
"Yeah?" The young miko questioned, turning around to face her mate.
"Tag!" InuYasha shouted playfully, going up to the young woman and tapping her on the shoulder before darting off into the forest, "You're it!"
"Oh I'm going to get you for that InuYasha," Kagome shouted, chasing after her mate.
The young woman followed the hanyou through the forest, eventually catching up to him as he perched himself upon a low branch; looking around for his pursuer.
"Got you!" Kagome shouted, grabbing his ankle before running off in the opposite direction from the young man, "You're it!"
InuYasha smirked, she was good, he'd give her that. But no matter what his nose would sniff her out and his inhuman speed would allow him to catch her. Giving her a good distance ahead of him he took off, dodging trees and low branches as he went.
He spotted the young maiden bent over about ten feet away from the forest's edge, panting as she tried to replenish the needed air to her lungs. Creeping up to the unsuspecting woman he got almost directly behind her before she stood up, straightening her composure.
"Whose got who?" InuYasha questioned, pouncing on the young woman; the hill on the other side of his mate going unnoticed until the two were tumbling down it, dew collecting on their clothes on the descent.
The young miko broke out into a fit of laughter as they came to a stop at the bottom of the slope; her mate hovering above her.
"You meant to do that," Kagome accused, her laughter subsiding.
"And what if I did?" InuYasha smirked, lowering his head down to capture his mate's lips in a passionate kiss, "What are you going to do about it?"
"Absolutely nothing," The young miko breathed, "If that's what you're going to do to make up for it."
"Then I'll do it more often," InuYasha replied, wrapping his arms around the young woman, rolling the two over so that the young woman was resting atop him; her head laid upon his chest. A contented sigh escaped the young hanyou as he stared up at the clouds as they rolled by, happy to simply have his mate in his arms.
"Thank you," Kagome said, tilting her head up slightly, hazel locking with stunning amber.
"For what?" InuYasha questioned, puzzled.
"For being there," the young woman continued, "And for knowing just what to do to make me feel better."
"Anytime Kagome," InuYasha replied, his lips pulling upwards into a small smile, "Anytime."
Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
Short legs carried the four year old-almost five-out of the castle and through the gardens as she ran towards the front gates. The young child had seen the advancing troops from a window on the second floor; recognizing the insignia on the banners she ran through the castle and out onto the grounds in search of the one man she trusted other than her father.
"Naito!" The young girl called, her violet orbs locking with the young mans' auburn ones, "Naito is it him?"
The young guard turned his attention to the approaching child, amusement dancing in his eyes as she skidded to a stop right beside him, her violet orbs looking up at him expectantly.
"Well?" The young child implored.
"I believe it is," Naito nodded, turning his attention towards the approaching woman who was hurriedly trying to catch up with the fleeing youth.
"Maru!" The young healer scolded, coming to stand on the other side of the child so she was in between her self and the guard, "What have I told you about running off?"
"but," Maru replied, her large eyes darting from the front gate to the healer and back again.
"No, 'buts'," The young woman said, "You know you're not suppose to just take off like that."
"Calm down Chiri," The young guard commented, the gates opening to let the troops in, "Let her go this time she was just excited is all."
Maru watched as the large wooden barriers were separated, allowing the mass of her father's soldiers to enter the strong hold. Once again her feet kicked of from the ground; the young girl making a mad dash towards the leader of the group, the soldier atop the large black horse.
"Daddy!" Maru squealed, reaching the young man as he dismounted from his stallion.
"Whoa," The young lord laughed, scooping his daughter up into his waiting arms, "Missed me I take it?"
"You bet I did!" The young girl exclaimed, wrapping her small arms around her father's neck, the young man kissing his daughter's forehead gently.
"It's good to see you have returned unharmed Lord Sayo," Naito greeted, taking the horse from his lord.
"Kage kept me out of a few tight spots," Sayo replied, grateful indigo eyes turned towards the demon before looking over at the young healer, "has anything happened while I was away?"
"Just some rumors floating about," Chiri replied, her tone becoming serious, "Rumors of Naraku's return."
"We defeated him all ready," Sayo said, "He's good and dead. This can't be true."
"We're awaiting a confirmation message from Lord Sesshomaru," Naito added, "I also sent one to Lord Kane. They should respond rather quickly and inform us if the rumors are true or not."
"But until such time," Chiri replied, directing the comment towards the weary Lord, "You need to rest and recoup incase you are needed."
"I know," Sayo agreed, carrying his daughter with him as he headed towards the castle.
"You're not going away again so soon are you daddy?" Maru questioned, her bottom lip trembling slightly as her violet eyes watered, "You just got back."
"Oh come now, don't cry," Sayo cooed, a soft smile upon his face as he took his hand and wiped away the few drops that fell from his daughter's large eyes, "I'm here now aren't I?"
Maru nodded, "Will you play a game with me?"
"What kind of game?" Sayo inquired, setting the young child on the ground.
"hide and go seek?" She suggested, pleading eyes locked with soft indigo.
"Oh, all right," The young lord replied, closing his eyes, "You have till the count of thirty."
Giggling lightly she took of to find a place to hide, her father standing by the entrance to the castle counting.
"One, Two, Three," Sayo called playfully, opening his eyes to peek at where his daughter might be, " 29, 30."
"Hey that's not fair," Maru whined, popping her head from out of the tree she'd been hiding in, "You didn't count all the way to thirty."
"How many times have I told you," her father questioned, jogging up to his daughter, plucking her from the branches and falling to the ground, the small girl laying beside him as she proceeded to tickle her, "All's fair in love war and hid and go seek."
Laughter rang through the gardens and courtyard once more as the young Lord played with his daughter; the two having been separated for a fairly long time. Little did the merry couple know that their happiness would be short lived; that in the near future they'd be separated for a much longer period of time, permanently separated.
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in the fields of gold
The frigid wind swirled around the young woman, frozen white dust cloaked the emerald grass from sight, despite the season the temperature would still remain for the most part the same due to the climate and because of how far north she resided.
After the fight with Naraku was over, she had returned to the northern territories with her mate; both settling down. With the exception of the young maiden moving in with the Northern Lord, nothing drastic had really changed or happened between them; though as of late the young woman had become a tad recluse to her mate and the people with whom she now lived with and-for lack of a better term-controlled.
The young woman needed some place to go to be alone; some place she could just go to think. Ever since the day before she'd had the familiar foreboding feeling she always got when something bad was about to happen, or some big change was in the future. Until she was able to figure out the cause she pretty much stayed away from everyone; content to stay with in her own mind, dwell on her thoughts.
The young wolf emerged from the cave's entrance, his azure orbs scanning over the pure, tranquil scenery around him; looking for his mate. Taking off to leisurely stroll through the surrounding forest; he spotted the young woman sitting on a rather large root which started at the base of one of the thickest trees in the forest and traveled out over the frozen water of the lake.
A smirk graced his lips as he made his way over towards the brooding wolf, her silver tipped hair standing out drastically against the ebony of her attire, "I told you I'd find you. What's your deal been the past couple of days anyway? Are you still mad about that fight we had?"
The young woman mentally kicked her self, cursing her mate for his sensitive nose, "Just leave me alone you son of a bitch."
"Yep, still mad," The young man sighed, "You know my mother never saw the irony in calling me a son of a bitch."
"That's all very fascinating Koji," The young wolf replied, "But I just want to be left alone."
Climbing up onto the root to sit behind the young woman, he gently wrapped his arms around her small frame and pulled her towards his chest.
"Oh come on Artemis, let me make it up to you. I know how to please a woman," Koji commented, "I can tell you want me."
"You know, you're dead right," Artemis retorted, "I want you to go away!"
"Please just whisper those three little words that would make my day," Koji pleaded, burying his nose in his mate's hair as he took in her sent; which to his surprise was also mingled with his own as well as having an unfamiliar twist to it.
"Go to hell," The young maiden growled, trying to pull herself free from the young lord's grasp.
"I would go to the end of the world for you," The young man admitted, "You know that right."
"But would you stay there?" Artemis replied sarcastically, her attempts at gaining freedom proving to be futile.
After a few moments of careful deliberation, the young demon realized the cause of his mate's scent's change and a soft, loving smile spread across his face, "How do you like your eggs in the morning?"
"Unfertilized," The young woman answered, eyes narrowed ahead of her.
"Well I'm sorry," Koji replied, a light laugh to his tone, "But it's a little late for that."
Stony grey orbs widened as the young wolf whipped around to face her mate, "You mean I'm…"
"Pregnant?" Koji finished, "Yep."
"Why didn't I know? How did you know? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Artemis inquired, "Is that why you came all the way out her, to tell me that?"
"Slow down, one at a time," the young wolf said, holding his hands up towards her to emphasize his request, "Okay, one: I don't know why you didn't know; probably because you've been so worried about other things lately. Two: I just found out because I noticed your scent had changed and three: no that's not the reason why I came all the way out here."
"Then why did you?" Artemis questioned.
"Because Kane sent me a message that I received earlier," Koji explained, "It seems Naraku's back and no doubt our friends will need our help."
For the second time that day-even with in a fifteen minute time period-her eyes widened, "No, he can't! we defeated him all ready!"
"I don't know either," Koji answered her next question in advance, "I think we should head to their village and wait for them, I'm sure they can answer our questions."
The young wolf nodded, agreeing with the young man. This was not what she expected in the least; nor was she so willing to go to war with the demon a second time. But if the world was in danger, who was she not to lend a helping hand? They'd need all the help they could get to defeat him; they had in the past and will now. The only problem is the Southern Lands; still recovering and in the midst of a few battles themselves.
Author's Note
Well, you guys got to see some old friends from story 1! Yay! I'm going to have so much fun with this…hahahahaahha! Anywho…hope you all remember all your characters from then! Hope you all enjoyed the chappie! I bet you all are thinking, "What can she possibly be cooking up now?" well you'll just have to review nad find out! 5 reviews or no update!
Sammy-Sama
Responding To Reviews
KagomeLovely - Like I said before, I'm not too sure about the whole incarnation thing but if you're reading my other story with the F-15 plane and Inu in the air force then I may be able to have you in that one…I'm currently looking for a character to fill the 'on the evil side' role. Let me know okay. I'm glad you're such a big fan ((eyes get all teary)) makes me all warm and fuzzy! Well be sure to keep up reviewing okay! Hope you enjoyed it.
Cassandra - yeah, both Inu and Kags would go after her…didn't know I did that. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for reviewing! Hope you liked it!
Alison- ((massages bridge of nose)) okay so I misspelled Trekie big deal. I'm sorry okay. Man… so nit picky. Lol. Thanks for reviewing and hurry and post your next chapter okay!
TotallyLost- I will 'keep on truckin' for as long as you read this story! Lol. I'm glad you're enjoying it. And yes you should know that this story will get better…can't have you all thinking this is a depressing story now can I?
Sexy Neko Gal- when I read your review I was like…is this Alison? Are you on a different sn? But oh my got your like my bud's twin! It was too weird…yeah I know what you mean. my dad read that part over my shoulder…he came in at the beginning and then at the end…thought I was PMSing too. Lol. Men…--'''….I didn't want the chapter to have such a drastic mood change but I guess that's just how it worked out. Glad you enjoyed the chappie and I hope you enjoyed this one too!
.:.:.AnimeSpiral.:.:.
Its a Twin Thing- Don't worry; I'll keep it coming in GREAT BIG heaping amounts for you guys! You'll have to bare with me with the whole sadness bit I mean, they did have their kid taken from them you know; they're gonna be SAD. I'll make sure not to let it get too sad okay! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Stargirl3- It was sad… I was seriously tempted to just wait till this chapter to go ahead with the sad stuff but then I'd have to pump SO much filler into the end that it wouldn't be funny. But like I said in an Author's Note earlier in the story: His Heart & The Only One Who Can Save Him was a mix of mainly comedy and then there was the pinch of sadness at the end; You Are Everything To Me was for the most part a sad story; so this one will be pretty much a good blend of both. But fear not! Artemis and Koji will continue to keep you laughing your sides off with their loveable charm.
Chapter IV: The more people I meet, the more I like my dog
And so the journey begins. The gang heads out following a rumor about a demon carrying a small bundle causing chaos in a neighboring village. How many stories are they going to follow? And as old friends join the group; how will effect the members? What will they need to do to prevent any slips of identity in relation to the new allies and to prevent history itself from altering? Find out next time!
