Author's Note
I hope you all had a good 4th of July! As you can tell I'm back from my grandmas and happy at that. Oh my god! It was so horrible! I had no computer and NO cable…only having 5 channels really grates on your nerves sometimes. And the average temperature down there was 100...boy was I happy to be in the 80's when I got home! Did it seem like I rushed the whole gang meeting up again just a bit? Or was that just me? Anyway here's the next chappie!
I wanted to remind you all also that-incase you forgot-Maru and Ally are essentially the same person…Maru is simply…for this story….the younger version of Ally…before she went to America. I just didn't want you guys to be TOTALLY confused….anywho….on with the story!
Sammy-Sama
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of the characters associated with the series. However Artemis, Koji, Kane, Bakari, Shiizu, Taru, Kita-(you all will meet her later), Ally/Maru, Soshi, Mia, Seiji, Riku, Sayo, Naito, Chiri, Shiro, Maeko, Makoto, Yumiko, Kisho, Amaya, Kage ((takes in deep breath after being deprived oxygen while saying all the names in one breath)) and Fluffy are my own creations.
Omnia Vincit Amour: Love Conquers All
Written by: Sammy-Sama
Chapter V: Welcome To Shit Creek – Sorry, We're Out Of Paddles
The young lord rode his horse at great speeds, trying to match those of his mate's companion.
"You know, I think I know how you've managed to beat me in every race I've challenged you to." Sayo said jokingly.
"Oh and why do you think so." Tori said, her voice heavy with fatigue.
"Because Kage there is part demon." Sayo said, "If I ran I'd have a better chance in catching up to him."
"I doubt you could still catch up to him, even if you did run." Tori said, clearly her body had been exhausted, as well as her metal state.
"Are you all right?" Sayo asked, concerned.
"Fine." Tori lied, edging Kage to go faster. "Stress is just getting to me is all."
For a moment, Sayo thought he saw his mate's appearance change, like she flickered, her sent seemed to change also, if only for the briefest of seconds.
"I'll be right back." Sayo said, turning his horse around and making his way back toward his main troops, searching for his commanding officer.
Finding him, he moved his horse over so he was able to talk to the man privately.
"Can you do something for me?" He asked.
"Anything my lord." The man responded, bowing his head slightly, "It would be my honor to serve you in anyway that I'm able to do so."
Smiling slightly, Sayo said, "I need you to keep an eye on Tori for me. I'm going to do most of the fighting against this Naraku person and I may need some help protecting her, she doesn't look up to it in my opinion, can you do that for me?"
"Certainly my lord." The officer said, "Anything I can do to protect my Lady will be done."
"Thank you." Sayo said, returning to his position next to Tori.
'I have a very bad feeling about this, like something's not going to go well, like one of us won't make it out of this.'
Shaking his head to clear those kind of thoughts out of his mind he whispered, "That's nonsense. We'll both make it out of here all right, you'll see."
"We're here." Tori said, trying to make herself sound as strong as she could.
The scene of the battle before him shifted; his blood went cold as the scenery shimmering to be replaced with the image of his mate.
A scream penetrated the battle field as weapons stopped flying, attacks stopped all together.
"Tori!" Sayo screamed, horror filled his eyes as he ran towards his fallen mate, dropping his sword on the ground and pulling her into his lap.
"Sayo.." Tori said weakly, "I'm sorry…"
"Shhh, don't talk, you have nothing to be sorry about." Sayo said, tears building in his eyes.
"I'm not going to make it Sayo." Tori whispered, the light beginning to dim from her eyes as blood seeped out of her mouth.
"No you cant." Sayo choked, "You can't leave me… you can't leave me alone not after everything that's happened."
"You won't be alone Sayo." Tori said, her breathing becoming labored, "Trust me."
With that, the light flickered out from her eyes, her body going limp.
Sayo sat there, crying for the loss of his mate.
"Pull it together." Sesshomaru said, his calm face showing no sign of sympathy for the man who'd just lost the woman he loved.
"Go away Sesshomaru." Sayo said, "Just leave me be."
"Don't you want to avenge your mates death?" he questioned, sheathing his sword and picking up Sayo's discarded one.
"Kill the bastard who has slain your mate." Sesshomaru said, tossing the young Lord's sword next to him.
"I will Sesshomaru," Sayo said angrily, gently laying the body of his fallen love on the ground, picking up his sword and rising to his feet, "I'll make that bastard pay or what he's done."
o.O.o
The young lord awoke with a start; bolting upright. He brought his knees to his chest; resting his elbows atop them to support his head which he now held in his hands. Cold sweat covered his body, causing his night time attire to cling to him as if it was a second skin.
"Daddy?" Came the soft voice from the door; the small figure watching her father with concerned; violet orbs, "Are you okay?"
Sayo raised his head; a pained expression upon his face as he opened his arms to the small child, becoming her to come to him.
Tears welled up in the small child's eyes; she knew something was wrong and had knew she was powerless to help. Her father was in pain; that much was clear, and it pained her as well to see him in such a state. Her short legs carried her from the door and to her father's awaiting arms as she climbed upon the bed and sat before him; circling his arms around her.
"What's the matter Daddy?" the young girl questioned, her voice muffled as she buried her face into her father's cloth covered chest, "Why are you so sad?"
Sayo shook his head, "I just had a bad dream is all. Why are you up so late Maru?"
"I had a bad dream too…and when I got up I felt something," Maru answered, "And I came to find out what it was…I felt pain and I wanted to know who was hurting."
The young lord sighed, moving so his back rested against the head board of his bed he repositioned his daughter so that he cradled her small form in his arms; "Well I'm glad you came; you made me feel a great deal better."
Maru smiled up at her father; happiness flooding her at having been able to help the young man.
"So, what was your dream about?" Sayo inquired, curious as to what had been so bad that his daughter would have awoken and ventured to his room in the middle of the night.
Her smile fell; her troubled violet orbs turned from her father, "I don't want to talk about it."
The young man tightened his hold on the young girl, hugging her gently, "Sometimes talking about it makes you feel better."
Tears began to form in her large, innocent eyes once more as she replayed the nightmare in her mind.
"There was a large group of people and they were all standing around in this empty field," Maru began, once again burying her face in her father's chest; seeking the warmth and comfort only he could provide, "They were fighting someone; I don't know who but he was winning. You showed up and helped them fight, something you did caused him to weaken but then…then you died…I don't know how but you just did."
Sayo rocked his daughter gently back and forth, comforting her; "It was only a dream Maru. Just remember it was only a dream."
The two sat there in silence; the young lord whispering gently to his daughter while she sobbed and cried herself to sleep. He had the sickening feeling however that what she'd seen was not just a dream; but in fact a vision. She was too young to understand her gift so he had not been too keen on teaching her how to control it. But now that he saw how much pain it
Naraku sat with his back leaning against the stone wall; his crimson gaze going over the wound on his arm; the light silver glow had yet to disappear.
"What am I going to do about this?" He thought, this was just something he definitely didn't need to deal with. Loud, piercing screams ripped though his head once again as the small infant began to cry.
"You are getting on my last nerve," The demon growled, pulling the flask from his sleeve, making his way towards the screaming child and holding it towards her mouth.
Molten orbs blazed with fury as the small infant watched the demon come near her; knowing full well by now that anything he gave her wasn't good. On reflex; wanting to keep the man away she summoned what power she had and released it. Now keep in mind she's but a baby and can't control her power.
Naraku hissed in pain as he collided with a bright pink wall; his hands singed from the purifying barrier the infant had put up.
Seeing the demon before her in pain Amaya giggled; proud at having defended herself so well.
"You think this is funny?" Naraku snarled, trying once again to get near the baby only to collide once again with the barrier. It truly was InuYasha and Kagome's child; it had such power and determination. The marks on the demon's arm began to glow and burn; causing him great pain as well.
"I guess I'll have to go see someone about this," He sighed, pushing the pain from his mind. He'd have to go himself, he could no longer send one of his minions or incarnations for he simply didn't possess enough power to create one. However, one didn't need to create someone to get them to help him; just persuade them with the right things.
Turning from the infant who just laid in the small cradle and mocked him he made his way through the castle and out into the tundra; Heading for the nearest village with a healer who knew of curses and how to rid him of the one he currently possessed.
They had set out right after breakfast; packing up their camp and tidying up the huts they'd taken shelter in. After saying good bye to the elderly couple they'd met the day prier; the large traveling party continued on their way; the six newcomers joining in.
Soon after the village was behind them; the members of the group had separated into groups amongst themselves, each in conversations about this that and the other. Nothing too direly important. Ally sighed, looking around for someone who wasn't in a conversation to talk to. Nope, no one.
Pulling the small, one strapped bag she carried at her side around in front of her she opened it and dug through it; looking for something to entertain her.
"Cards…no," She thought, going through the assorted items she packed, "hmmm…what can I…"
Her hand grazed the thin spin of a magazine she'd yet to read. Pulling it out she scanned through the pages; finding one of the many personality quizzes the piece of text contained. Going back into her bag she retrieved a pen; then folding the thin magazine over she set out to take the quiz.
"Hmm, lets see," She said aloud, scanning over the instructions; landing on the title, "What Planet Are You From?"
"Mars," Came the stifled and muffled answer from the young maiden's mate.
"Very funny Soshi," Ally snapped, shaking her head at the young man's comment, "Okay, number one; What word most appeals to you?"
Looking over the answers she marked off the third choice, "Mystery"
She did that through the whole quiz; marking her answers and answering them as honestly as she could.
2. What do you fear most? Being out of touch with the world
3. At the mall, you head straight for: A fantasy / sci-fi specialty shop
4. Your idea of a fun date is: Dinner, then dancing at an upscale club
5. You gravitate toward people who are: Exotic
6. What's your astrological sign? Leo
"You Are From Neptune," Ally read, counting up her total points and scanning over the rubric, "You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability. You love music, poetry, dance, and (most of all) the open sea. Your soul is filled with possibilities, and your heart overflows with compassion. You can be in a room full of friendly people and feel all alone. If you don't get carried away with one idea, your spiritual nature will see you through anything."
"You don't really believe that do you?" The young hanyou questioned, eyeing the young woman curiously.
"Why wouldn't I?" Ally replied.
"It's just strange in my opinion," Mia answered, "That you'd need a test to tell you what your personality is."
"You know what's strange in my opinion," The young demon mused, his jade orbs turning towards the young would-be southern ruler who walked beside the Western heir; their mates following behind them in a deep conversation with the Northern and Eastern rulers.
"What Riku?" The young woman inquired, her violet gaze turning towards the young demon. He seemed to be the only one in the group that was fascinated with the feudal era and all it's wonders. She supposed he would be; having been born way after the time period had come to a end and technology began to arise.
"All this stuff people believed about in this time," Riku explained, thinking over all he'd read on the ancient myths and legends, "I mean reincarnations and magic? How believable is that? Sure there have been magicians that have been able to pull of flawless acts and make it appear to be magic but…does it truly exist?"
The young hanyou shook hear head; the silver tresses framing her face glimmer in the midday sun, "Magic is about as real as demons are. I remember my father telling me about ancient curses and spell people would cast. Magic itself is as ancient as we are and just as real."
"It's true," The young miko commented, overhearing the small group's conversation, "I would know. Along our travels I was cursed by a dark miko named Tsubaki; and let me tell you that is not something I wish to do twice."
"You could also say that it could have been a demon who did that to you," Riku countered, "I mean I know some attacks can be inflicted upon an opponent that give them the feeling of being cursed; how do you know that wasn't the cause Kagome?"
Kagome thought for a moment. It was true that Tsubaki could…in some aspects…be considered a demon. She did house many with in her and she herself had a curse inflicted up on her a long time ago…a curse she tried to put upon Kikyou was reflected back at her.
"We're not saying that witches or wizards or even people who study the craft go around cursing people," Ally stated, her hand coming to rub the bridge of her nose in frustration, "They don't throw magic spells into the air like confetti or anything. You do have a point about the demon powers though. I blew up the toaster at Sesshomaru's house trying to aid Soshi in believing in magic."
"You're the one who blew up the toaster?" Kagome mused, amusement written all over her face.
"Anyway…there is such things as reincarnations," Ally added, pointing an index finger in the young miko's direction, "Kagome's living proof of that."
"Kagome's a special case though," the demon argued, pointedly.
"How so?" Mia implored, perplexed amber orbs locking with determined jade.
"Well," Riku explained, "She's the protector of the Shikon no Tama right? It makes sense that the power needed to purify it remain in a set line so that the barer doesn't become evil."
"I guess you have a point there," Kagome agreed with a nod.
Ally sighed, before commenting, "Am I the only one who thinks Hojo is Koga's reincarnation?"
Three pairs of curious and puzzled eyes turned towards the young maiden.
"Why do you think he is Ally?" the young hanyou questioned.
"Well, he's just as stubborn…or clueless. I think stubborn is putting it nicely," Ally continued, "And he's always after Kagome, no matter what she does to try and get rid of him."
"She does have a point," Kagome agreed, "And in all honesty it wouldn't surprise me."
The other three nodded.
"Hey you guys we're going to stop for lunch now!" Shouted the young northern lord as they began to set up their camp to prepare the mid day meal.
He'd had to travel far away from the northern castle he'd taken refuge in; every village turning him away, saying they knew nothing of the curse laid upon him. The demon came upon a small village, the headman telling him about a couple residing in a small hut at the edge of the village who knew much about curses, saying they might know about he predicament the man was in.
The small dwelling came into view; crossing the small field he knocked on the door frame before entering, "Hello?"
"Are you looking for someone?" a young girl questioned, eyeing the man curiously.
"I'm looking or the residence of this hut," Naraku replied, his crimson orbs regarding the child warily, "The headman told me of a healer who'd be able to aid me."
"That'd be my brother," she informed brightly, turning towards the direction in which she'd come from, "Makoto! Someone here to see you!"
"You mean you two are the healers of the village?" Naraku questioned in disbelief.
"That'd be us," Makoto answered, emerging from the forest with a hand full of logs, "No one else around here knows more about curses than me and Maeko."
"Right," The demon sighed, pulling up his sleeve, "Can you tell me how to get rid if this?"
Makoto took a look at the man's arm; noticing the bite mark was glowing a bright silver, "Looks like a wolf bite, what kind was it?"
"I'm not sure," Naraku admitted, pulling down his sleeve, "I think it was like a ghost or some demon resembling one."
"Well, I don't think it's life threatening, just will make you weak for a while," Makoto commented, entering the hut followed by his sister; both placing their collected wood in a pile in a far corner of their home, "I'll prepare a potion for you but I think it just needs to run it's course. Come back in about three weeks and if it's still causing you problems I'll have a cure for you."
Naraku nodded, taking his leave of the two children. He wanted to get back to his shelter before running into the hanyou; after all, what fun would it be to have to fight him before he worked out his plan?
The young lord strolled through the courtyard, the spring flowers dotted the emerald blades of grass bordering the walkway as he made his way towards he large blooming cherry tree. He stood before the elegant tree, kneeling before the wooden marker at the base of it's trunk; the name upon it engraved in decorative scarlet Kanji.
"You know Tori, I just don't know what to do anymore," Sayo said softly, gazing down at the marker, "It's been so hard since you left."
The memory of the said day flashed before the young lord's mind, causing gentle tears to run silently down his tanned cheeks.
.:.:. Flash Back .:.:.
With a heavy heart, Sayo made his way back to the castle gates, the body of his mate in his arms. They were going to give her a proper burial the moment the reached the castle grounds.
"Lord Sayo has returned!" came shouts from the castle walls as the guards had spotted the remaining members of his army.
The large gates opened, Sayo and the remnants of his troops entered the castle, many people were joyous and happy, happy that is until their lord entered the castle.
It was like a dark cloud, one that suffocated everyone and sucked the joy and happiness of wining a battle from everyone with in the gates.
"Lord Sayo." Naito said, his tone serious with yet a thick trace of sadness, "Is Lady Tori…"
"Yes Naito." Sayo said, he was tired, and at the moment just wanted to curl into a ball and die. His mate was gone, he thought he had nothing to live for now.
"I shall make the preparations." Naito said, turning to head off towards the gardens.
"Naito." Sayo said.
"Yes my lord?" He questioned.
"Will you take her?" Naito questioned, deep sadness in his eyes.
"Yes, my lord." Naito said walking over toward Sayo who sat mounted upon Kage. "It would be my honor." Then with that, he headed toward the gardens, to the cherry tree that Lord Sayo loved so much, the place for his mate's grave.
"Lord Sayo, you have returned." Chiri said, her eyes full with such sadness. "Will you come with me please, I have something to show you."
"Alright." Sayo said, his tone defeated.
A few people came up next to him, helping him to dismount and then took the demon horse off to the stables.
The two walked down the corridors of the castle, heading toward the west wing where the healers were stationed.
"I feel fine Chiri." Sayo said.
"I'm sure you do my lord." Chiri said, "Aside from your emotional and mental state that is."
Sayo paid no mind to the young demon's comment, even tough in his mind it had seemed disrespectful of her to do so.
They entered the room where the young healer occupied.
Shutting the door behind her, Chiri made her way over towards a small cradle off to a far corner of the room below the window.
Picking up a small bundle, Chiri brought it over to her lord, gently placing the infant in his arms.
Sayo carefully wrapped his arms around the baby. It stirred and looked up at him, it's deep violet eyes locking with his own.
"Lady Tori wished for me to tell you of the baby upon your return." Chiri explained, noticing his confused expression.
"You mean to tell me that she was…" Sayo stuttered.
"Yes." Chiri answered.
"Why didn't she tell me?" Sayo asked, feeling hurt and betrayed. Had she confided in him that she was with his child he wouldn't have let her go with them into battle, then maybe she'd still be alive.
"She felt it was her duty to protect her people and that if you knew you would try to prevent her from going." Chiri guessed, "She must have felt it would be harder on both of you if you were told before the battle was over."
"So this is my child?" Sayo asked, looking down at the infant lovingly.
Chiri smiled, "Yes, this is your baby daughter Maru."
"Maru," Sayo whispered.
Sayo walked over toward the window and looked up into the sky as he thought, 'You were right, I won't be alone will I? you made sure of that.'
.:.:. End of Flash Back .:.:.
The young lord rubbed his deep indigo eyes furiously; dispelling the offending liquid from his sight.
"I wish you could see her Tori, she's grown up so much," Sayo whispered, a small smile spreading across his face, "She's becoming more and more like you everyday; it's amazing. She came to me last night because of a bad dream she had but I get the feeling it's much more that just a simple dream. I so desperately need your guidance."
A light; warm spring breeze blew around the young man; comforting his stressed body. Pink petals fell down like rain around the man; a faded figure sitting before him.
"I think it was Sayo," The young woman admitted, her clouded blue orbs watching her mate intently.
"Tori," Sayo gasped, his eyes going wide, "But how?"
Tori smiled, her pale blonde tresses falling over her shoulder as she tilted her head to the side, "You need my help, do you not?"
The young man nodded dumbly, "I do, it's just so good to see you again."
The young ruler continued to smile, "I agree, it's good to be seen again. But I have little time Sayo and much to explain."
"By all means," Sayo urged his mate to continue, "Go right ahead."
"Maru's powers are growing, and I fear they will soon surpass my own. She will get stronger visions; maybe not right away but as she gets older," Tori explained, "As I'm sure you are aware she is getting glimpses into the future; what she saw last night as in deed one of them. She needs training, and needs to start soon."
Sayo nodded, "I know, but there is trouble stirring off to the north Tori, trouble that we've faced before."
"Naraku has returned yes, and InuYasha and our allies have already left to do battle with him," The young woman continued, "You must go soon as well, they will need your help."
"I understand," the young lord replied, his indigo orbs never leaving his mate's face.
"You will have to explain things to Maru however," Tori added, her spectral form fading.
"I know," Sayo answered, "Thank you very much for your guidance Tori."
Tori smiled at her mate, "I will be there when ever you need my help Sayo, all you have to do is call."
"Thank you," Sayo replied, "I love you."
"I love you too Sayo," Tori said, her form completely disappearing.
The young lord sighed; standing up form his previous position he brushed the dirt from his pants, giving one final; loving glance towards the marker before him.
"Lady Maru! Come back here!" Came the shout from the young healer he knew all too well.
Turning around; he was instantly knocked to the ground; the wind leaving his chest as the small form of his daughter collided with him.
"Found him!" The young girl cheered excitedly, her small fists gripping the front of his robes tightly.
"Were you looking for me Chiri?" Sayo questioned, indigo locking with emerald as he turned his attention to the young healer.
Bowing respectfully she replied, "Yes Lord Sayo, we've gotten word that your allies have joined together and have headed North. If you leave soon you should be able to reach them in no more than five days."
Sayo nodded, moving his daughter from atop his chest so he could stand, "Thank you Chiri. I have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it my lord?" The young healer inquired.
"You trained with Tori and taught her about controlling her visions, correct?" The young lord added.
"Yes," Chiri answered, "Why do you ask?"
"I need you to train Maru for me while I'm gone," Sayo answered, "I will be leaving as soon as I get everything in order."
"Understood sir," Chiri replied, bowing, "It would be an honor. I shall take my leave now if that is all you require of me."
"That is all," Sayo said, watching as the young healer made her way back towards the castle.
A gentle tug of the edge of his sleeve caught his attention, "Do you really have to go Daddy? You just got back."
Sayo sighed, kneeling down before the small child he placed his hands upon her shoulders, "I know you want me to stay Maru, I want to too. But I must go take care of things okay? I'll be back as soon as I can."
Tears began to well up in the young girl's eyes as she launched her self towards her father, circling her arms around his neck, "But what if my dream was true? I don't want you to leave! I want you to stay here."
"I can't Maru," The young lord stated, "I love you so much, and that's why I need to go; to protect you."
"If you go then I can't protect you," Maru sobbed, "If you go how will I know you're okay? I'm going with you!"
"No," Sayo said sternly, gently pushing his daughter away from him so he could look her into her face; brining a hand up to whip away her tears, "You will be in danger if you go. You're going to stay here and wait for me okay. You have training to do with Chiri so you can get stronger; then maybe next time you can come with me okay, when you're stronger."
Maru knew she was fighting a loosing battle, every time she pleaded with her father to stay he never did. He had to protect his people and she respected that; she was more aware of what when on around her than most kids her age.
"You need to be strong for me Maru," Sayo added softly, "Will you wait for me to return?"
Maru nodded, "You've got to promise to come back though."
"I promise," Sayo assure her, straightening his composure before turning to complete his preparations, "Do you want to help me get ready?"
With a heavy heart Maru agreed, following her father towards the stables.
They both knew her father's promise would be broken, but it was the only comfort he could give his daughter. He knew she would be strong, and make it with out him. He just wished he could be there for her, watch and help raise her as he grew up.
The only thing he truly wished of his daughter was that she'd forgive him; forgive him for breaking his promise-the only one he couldn't keep.
They picked up their search after finishing their meal, heading off along the warn dirt trail. By now the sun had made it's way into the late afternoon position, night creeping up on the travelers very soon.
"We've been walking for almost the whole day," Mia complained, turning towards her uncle, "When are we going to stop for the night?"
"When the sun goes down," InuYasha answered, "Or when we pick up Naraku's trail, which ever comes first."
"It's not like Naraku's going to have a big sign out front that says, 'here I am come and get me," Ally commented, "What makes you think we'll even be able to find him?"
"I thought we already had this discussion," The hanyou snapped, "We have to find him; all we have to do is wait for him to screw up, then once he's made a mistake we've…"
A light spring breeze blew casually past the traveling party, causing all the demons to stop and take in the scents with in the breeze.
"Got him," InuYasha smirked, taking off in the direction the scent lead him.
Naraku had made a big mistake; not having put his barrier up when he went to visit the healers had allowed his scent to leak and be carried off by the wind; alerting the group to his whereabouts and giving them a new trail to follow.
"Well looks like we're stopping for the night," Kagome commented, following her mate's retreating form.
Mia nodded, "Thank god."
InuYasha followed the fresh trail, coming upon a small hut; the dwelling also containing two other scents as well. Barging into the hut he spotted two wide eyed children; each shocked to have the enraged hanyou come into their home.
"Where is he," InuYasha growled, eying the two intently.
"Who?" The young boy inquired, taking caution against the angered man.
"Naraku," The hanyou barked, lifting the young boy into the air by the collar of his robes, "I know he was here so don't even try to lie. His scent is all over this place."
"InuYasha put the poor boy down," Kagome ordered, catching up to the hanyou and pulling his arm down, "There's no need to get violent with him."
Still growling, InuYasha lowered the boy to the ground, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Now what's your name?" The young miko questioned, turning her attention to the young boy before her.
"My name is Makoto," He answered, then pointed towards his sister, "That is my sister Maeko. We're the village healers. The man you're searching for is no longer here, he left quite a while ago."
Molten amber orbs narrowed towards the boy's calm crimson ones, "You mean to tell me that we just missed him?"
"More importantly InuYasha," Kagome added, "He needed a healer."
"What was wrong with him?" The hanyou questioned.
"He apparently has been cursed by something," Makoto answered, "I told him to return in three weeks if it hadn't disappeared by then."
"Would you mind if we stayed around for the night?" Kagome asked sweetly, "I have a few questions for you and we need a place to stay for the night. We'd gladly camp outside."
Makoto nodded, "Go right ahead, I'll finish up in here and head on out."
"Thank you," The young miko replied, pulling her mate out of the hut so they could help set up camp.
The couple exited the hut; Maeko, curiosity getting the better of her she followed them; carrying the small tray of herbs she'd been working with. She sat down by the stone fire pit one of the other travelers had made; a young woman before her trying to light the logs placed in the center. By the time Makoto had left the hut the sun had begun to set; they sky had become alit with fire.
Frustrated chestnut orbs closed as she sighed, opening her eyes only to glare at the unlit logs, "Why won't you light?"
"Some of the logs around here aren't good for lighting fires," Maeko stated, gaining the young woman's attention, "You need ones that are dried out; most of them look dry but have been soaked in dew for so long it's seeped through the wood."
Leaning over the young girl tapped the top log, testing to see if it was indeed soaked through. With a nod she concentrated, tapping the item twice before it ignited.
"That was amazing," Sango said with a smile, "Thank you."
"No problem," Maeko replied with a shake of her head, turning her attention to watching the hustle and bustle of the preparations taking place to set up the groups camp for the night.
"So, what kind of healing do you do?" Ally asked curiously, having seen the display minutes before.
"Magic," The small girl answered simply, waving her hand and lifting a small pile of a herb that had been crushed into a power, sprinkling over the flame to turn it a pale the stronger blue, "Though we base our healing off the conventional way of course."
Ally jabbed the man beside her in the ribs, "See I told you there is such thing as magic."
"Oh no," Riku replied, waving his hands in front of him franticly, "We're not going to start this up again."
Mia sighed, her amber gaze lifted towards the stars as the sun began to set. Her eyes landed on the moon and her blood instantly ran cold as a pulse ran through her body, "Oh shit."
"What's the matter?" Kagome questioned, pausing her cooking; concerned hazel orbs landing on the young hanyou, the sun disappearing below the horizon.
No sooner had she asked the question was it answered. The young hanyou closed her eyes, allowing the event to run it's course. It was so familiar to the young miko, to watch the hanyou before her change; of course she'd seen InuYasha do it many times so she knew what was happening.
Mia just sat there; her long ebony hair remaining the same; only the silver tresses that framed her face dulled into the exact shade of ebony as the rest of her hair. Her pointed, elf-like ears rounded to normal shape of a humans as her claws retracted to regular nail length. Blazing auburn orbs opened to gaze at the young miko warily.
"I forgot," was all she could think to say.
Kagome smiled, it was funny how she could say it like it was nothing at all; not embarrassed that it happened to her every month, "At least it didn't happen while we were in the middle of a fight huh?"
A low, warning growl could be heard from the hanyou next to her. Turning around Kagome watched as InuYasha turned to face the forest edge behind him; a clawed hand instantly gripping his sword protectively as he moved in front of her.
"What's going on InuYasha?" The young miko questioned, noticing the whole group had gone deathly silent at the hanyou's growls.
"This is just what we needed," Mia sighed, flopping back against the grass, her mate sending her confused glances, "My father's come to pay us a little visit."
The young Western lord made his way though the dense underbrush of the forest. He'd picked up Naraku and his brother's sent a while back and decided that this was the best lead if any in finding the hanyou's whereabouts.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Came the gentle tone of the young woman riding atop a large two headed dragon as she traveled with the young demon lord, "I see smoke up ahead, is that where we're going?"
Sesshomaru nodded, "Yes Rin, that is indeed where we're going."
"But I don't understand my lord," stated the small imp as he walked behind the demon, the large staff he carried clearly showing how small he truly was, "Why do we need the half breed's help anyway? You are more than strong enough to take care of Naraku on your own."
"As much as I hate to admit it Jaken," Sesshomaru replied, the sent of his brother and the traveling party accompanying him reaching his nose, "If we have any hope in defeating Naraku then we will need the Tetsusaiga and InuYasha's help; as well as the other lords from the territories."
Upon entering hearing range of his brother's growls he quickened his pace, entering the clearing first. He saw his brother, the young miko and their other companions all gathered around the fire; however, there was one of the members of their group that caught his attention. She was sitting right next to the miko; there was just something familiar about her. The young woman in question resembled Rin a great deal when he thought about it…though in some ways; just a few; she resembled himself also. Shrugging it off for the moment he turned his attention to the problem at hand.
"Stand down InuYasha," Sesshomaru ordered, closing the space between him and his brother, "I'm not here for a fight; well, not with you at least."
"I see that InuYasha's playing along," Ally commented, leaning closer towards her mate beside her so she only had to whisper for him to be able to hear her, "he's really acting like he hates him; I think this will be easy to keep our cover with him at least."
"Uh…Ally," Soshi replied, leaning closer towards the young maiden as well, "I don't think he's acting."
"Huh, I guess you're right," Ally agreed, "Well never mind then."
"Have you come to join the good fight Lord Sesshomaru?" Koji questioned, motioning for the young lord to take a seat beside him by the fire.
Sesshomaru shook his head at the lord's offer, "I will not be bedding down with you, my party and I will camp close by however. Yes we've come to join up with you in search of Naraku."
"Feh," InuYasha snorted, turning around and taking his seat next to his mate; his back faced to his brother, "Who said we needed your help."
"You insolent little…" Jaken began, only to be interrupted by his lord.
"That's enough Jaken, take Rin and prepare camp for the night," Sesshomaru stated, cold amber narrowing down at the small imp.
Mia's auburn eyes widened as she peered around the young lord, catching sight of the young woman atop the large dragon. Even though she seemed younger than herself; she had no doubt that the woman atop the creature was indeed her mother. A small smile spread across her lips; her mother looked just as she'd pictured she'd look.
"I simply request to know as to when you all intend to set out," The demon lord stated, directing his comment toward the young northern ruler.
"I think we were going to set out after breakfast," Koji answered, "Is that about right?"
The group nodded.
"Well then I'll take my leave of you then," Sesshomaru informed, turning from the group and heading towards where his vassals had gone.
"Cocky bastard," InuYasha mumbled, "No good jackass."
"He is your brother after all," Kagome commented, tired of the hanyou's constant ranting about his brother; "You know you all share more traits in common then you think."
"What do you mean by that?" InuYasha snapped, narrowed amber locking with amused hazel.
"Oh nothing InuYasha," Kagome waved off his response, looking around at the surrounding occupants around the fire, "Well I think I'll go and take a walk for a bit."
"You know that's not a bad idea Kagome," Sango agreed, looking towards the monk beside her, "You want to come with me Miroku?"
"It would be my honor Lady Sango," Miroku answered, standing and lending his hand down towards his wife; helping to pull her onto her feet.
The young miko stood and ventured off into the woods; the young hanyou following. The slayer and monk also journeyed into the woods, heading in the opposite of their friends however so that they both may have some time alone.
"Well I say we go find a hot spring," Artemis stated, standing up and looking towards the remaining people, "Who's with me?"
"Not me," Ally admitted, hiding a yawn behind her hand, "I'm hitting the hay, I'm beat."
"I'll go with you," Koji replied, standing beside his mate.
"We will too," Kane added, Bakari and himself standing to follow the couple towards the nearest hot spring.
"Any other takers?" Artemis inquired, earning shakes of heads from the remaining few, "All right then, we're off."
It was much like that for most of their group, they'd all gone their separate ways; either for a walk or to bathe. The only ones who were left were Mia and Ally; but even so it seemed that they wouldn't be the ones to miss some action.
The young hanyou-turned-human sat propped up against a thick tree, her auburn orbs trailing skyward to gaze upon the stars and constellations. For once a month she didn't have to worry about demonic scenes; being able to sniff out your enemy is a good attribute but when the said enemy hasn't bathed since god knows when it makes you wish couldn't smell a thing. It was strange but every month she'd look forward to the night when she'd become human; for one night she'd be normal. She wouldn't be the being her father despised so much; the tainted and impure creature that is a half breed.
Though, as she watched her father today; she noticed the seriousness in his tone when it came to his charges, to the young woman he'd latter take as his mate. He was protective of her, she could tell; or maybe that was just wishful thinking she wasn't sure. His eyes though, still remained their cold amber as they always would. What had happened to cause him to be so cold towards others? What could have caused him to hate those around him so much that he'd withdraw from any kind of contact with them? More importantly, what had caused him to despise humans so much…or hanyous for that matter?
Could it truly have been like her Uncle had explained to her? That her father had developed a hatred of humans because his father left his mother to be with Lady Izayoi? And because of this they had a son; her uncle; a half demon? Is that truly why he hated hanyous so much? Or was it something deeper than that?
She'd make it her mission to get to the bottom of all her unanswered questions; to solve the riddles and puzzles that plagued her mind. Her father was much like a brain teaser; only no one could figure out the answer. Maybe this could give her a chance to really get to know her father; to see what he was like before the modern era rolled around.
The tossing and turning of her friend off to the side caught her attention; causing her to tread over towards the slumbering maiden. She knelt down beside her; checking to see what was the matter with her. Tears ran down the young woman's face as she chanted, "No…no…this can't happen…no…"
The young woman placed her hands on her friend's shoulder, shaking her gently to awaken her, "Ally. Ally wake up."
After a few moments of persuading and constant shaking; tear filled violet orbs opened to stare into concerned auburn, "Are you okay Ally?"
"And this is why I told you not to spread yourselves out too thin." came the voice of the young woman, trying to stress the grave mistake the men had made, "Now I need you to stay and fend off these demons."
The men all gave out a loud war cry and headed into battle.
Tori was approached by the young Lord from the east and greeted him.
"Good day Kane, lovely day isn't it?" Tori said jokingly.
Giving a small laugh, Kane replied, "Sure Tori."
Kane knew that she must be tired and warn from her ordeal so he spoke his mind to the female ruler, "Why are you here? I'd think you would stay in your lands."
Tori gave the young man a serious look then gave a slight nod towards Sayo.
"I would never leave my men to fend for them selves, I've come to lead my soldiers into battle like any ruler would," Tori said, then moved her lips to form a silent sentence, "He doesn't know."
Understanding dawned on him as he looked back to the group behind him, the slayer's two tail had transformed into her giant cat form stood protectively at her companion's side.
"Everyone," Kane began quickly, "This is Tori, Ruler of the Southern Lands."
Everyone in turn introduced them selves rather hurriedly, there being time to introduce themselves properly.
"We need to hurry after the wolves." Sesshomaru said, walking towards the clearing, "We have no time to waste."
"Agreed." Miroku said, following the demon.
"Kirara lets go." Sango said, giving the fire cat a gentle reassuring pet on the head and followed the monk.
"Kage, I want you to stay hidden unless I need you, all right." Tori said, dismounting her companion, Sayo doing the same.
Giving a gentle whinny, he nudged the woman on the cheek.
Smiling softly, she stroked the large demon's long face, "Take care of Maru and Sayo for me." then patted the demon away to hide in the brush.
The group now headed for the clearing, drawing their weapons.
o.O.o
The dreamscape shifted; the images before her replaced with different ones.
o.O.o
Tori was slowing down considerably, her body just couldn't take the pressure, she just didn't have the energy.
One moment, one mistake, that's all it takes. She let her guard down for one moment and it all ended.
Naraku shot a spike off, it flew through the air, heading for Sayo. Sayo jumped out of the path of the speeding projectile, not knowing by doing so he'd condemned his mate to death.
Tori could only watch as the spike headed towards her, she saw the look of horror on her mates face and so desperately wished she had not been the cause.
It penetrated through her stomach, piercing all the way though her.
A scream penetrated the battle field as weapons stopped flying, attacks stopped all together.
"Tori!" Sayo screamed, horror filled his eyes as he ran towards his fallen mate, dropping his sword on the ground and pulling her into his lap.
"Sayo.." Tori said weakly, "I'm sorry…"
"Shhh, don't talk, you have nothing to be sorry about." Sayo said, tears building in his eyes.
"I'm not going to make it Sayo." Tori whispered, the light beginning to dim from her eyes as blood seeped out of her mouth.
"No you cant." Sayo choked, "You can't leave me… you can't leave me alone not after everything that's happened."
"You won't be alone Sayo." Tori said, her breathing becoming labored, "Trust me."
With that, the light flickered out from her eyes, her body going limp.
Sayo sat there, crying for the loss of his mate.
"Pull it together." Sesshomaru said, his calm face showing no sign of sympathy for the man who'd just lost the woman he loved.
"Go away Sesshomaru." Sayo said, "Just leave me be."
"Don't you want to avenge your mates death?" he questioned, sheathing his sword and picking up Sayo's discarded one.
"Kill the bastard who has slain your mate." Sesshomaru said, tossing the young Lord's sword next to him.
"I will Sesshomaru," Sayo said angrily, gently laying the body of his fallen love on the ground, picking up his sword and rising to his feet, "I'll make that bastard pay or what he's done."
o.O.o
With a flash of silver the terrifying images of her mother's death was replaced; the forest surrounding her. She stood still as she seemed to follow this one person; she couldn't move, couldn't speak; all she could do was watch as the images changed before her.
o.O.o
The young lord ran through the forest, the sent of blood heavily hanging in the night air, fear permeating the dense forest. His amber eyes darted around his surroundings, trying to catch any sight of the one he was searching for.
"Sesshomaru-Sama…help."
The demon lord heard it loud and clear due to his heightened senses, though he was sure that the original volume of the plea was no more than a whisper.
"I'm coming, just hold on," The demon whispered into the wind as he ran towards where the plea had come from.
He burst through the line of foliage and into a clearing surrounded by majestic oak trees. There lying in the center was the fallen form of a young woman, no more than eighteen with her raven hair fanned out around her; blood seeping from her abdomen as she clutched a tiny bundle wrapped in what looked to be part of her shredded kimono.
"I'm sorry Sesshomaru-Sama, I couldn't stop myself…I…" the young woman tried to apologize, the purple marks that had, not moments ago blazed on her cheeks, were now merely faded lines serving as only a reminder of the transformation that had occurred.
"Be quiet Rin," Sesshomaru said softly, bringing the young woman to rest in his lap, supporting her upper body with his only good arm, "Everything will be all right, just rest."
"I'm sorry Sesshomaru-Sama…if I had been stronger…maybe.." Rin said weakly as a fit of strong coughs racked her wounded body, blood leaking from the corner of her mouth, "Take her…please…"
The demon lord looked down to the bundle in the young woman's arms and then to the hole in her abdomen.
"No, Rin, why did you do that?" The demon questioned, horrified that his mate had removed her own pup.
"The demon blood was too strong and wouldn't let me have the baby.." Rin whispered, her eyes growing dull, "I had to take it out before we were both gone…"
"Don't say such things Rin," Sesshomaru ordered, though his tone betrayed the seriousness he tried to convey, "You're not going to die on me."
"I'm sorry Sesshomaru-Sama," Rin gasped as a strong pain griped at her stomach, "I love you."
"I love you too Rin," Sesshomaru said softly as his mate smiled up at him, the light in her eyes dying.
The small bundle in her arms began to wail, the small infant's arms thrashing about, their small claws trying to slash anyone who dare come near their mother.
Sesshomaru laid his mate down gently on the damp grass, picking the infant from her arms.
"Shhhh little one, it's all right," Sesshomaru said softly, " your father's here."
o.O.o
The images shimmered and cleared; the last of the terrible scene presenting themselves.
o.O.o
The young woman watch her two children play around their hut, her twin boys wrestling each other to see who was stronger.
"Come on you two," She called, a light laugh in her tone as she watched the eldest of the two tackle the other, "That's enough for today. Come on inside and eat dinner."
"Can we just finish this, please?" The smallest pleaded, his short ebony hair tussled from the fight; his ginger orbs locking with his mother's clear emerald gaze, silently continuing his plea.
"Yes, please?" The small boy's elder brother questioned, looking towards the young woman with pleading, jade eyes.
"Oh, I suppose," Their mother sighed. One she could handle, but when they both pleaded together, they were just too cute to say no.
"Kohana!" the young man called as he sprinted over the hill and ran down towards his mate and children, "Get the boys inside!"
"What's the matter Hiroshi?" Kohana questioned, watching as her mate ran towards them.
"They're coming," Hiroshi replied, his russet orbs full of panic, "Get away from here."
The young woman had no time to react as the sky above them was filled with bright orange lights, giving the clouds an unearthly glow. Fire began to rain down upon them as sharp projectiles falling from the ball of fire above them.
"Toshi!" Kohana called, fear lacing her voice, "Soshi! Run! Get away from here now!"
The two children looked at each other, startled and unsure of whether to obey their mother or not. Suddenly the two were lifted from the ground, their small bodies gently dropped behind some low shrubbery at the edge of the meadow their hut was centered in.
"Yow two need to run to the nearest village and hide out there," Their father ordered, his expression grave as he faced his two sons, "We'll come and get you when it's safe."
The two reluctantly nodded, turning around and ran for their lives towards the nearest village about a mile away; never once looking back.
"Do you think we should have really left," Soshi questioned, his small legs beginning to wear out as they continued to run.
"We do as were told," Toshi replied, the village coming into sight, "We're almost there."
The small boys entered the village, looking around for the headman or someone who might take them in. They reached the center of town, both scared and unsure of the people around them.
"Demon!" The two heard, the frightened young maiden having spotted the young boy's brother's ears, their pointed tips poking out from beneath his ebony hair.
"Go find the headman Soshi," Toshi ordered urgently, trying to aid his brother as two large men came towards them, "Ask him to stay in the village for a bit. You'll be safe here."
"What about you?" Soshi questioned, his small ginger orbs welling with tears as he watched his big brother flee from the village.
"I'll come and get you when it's safe," Toshi replied, repeating what his father had told the both of them, "Don't worry about me I can take care of myself."
The small child watched as his brother ran from the village, leaping into the surrounding forest and out of sight.
He never saw his parents again; after about a month of waiting for their return he ventured out from the safe confines of the village in search of them. When he'd made it to the hut he'd grown up in horror and sorrow flooded him.
The hut had been completely burned to the ground, the sent of blood still lacing the air as the wind blew by, the crimson from the said liquid staining the blades of grass that would be cleansed with the next rain. His parents had died protecting him and his brother, they wouldn't return to him.
o.O.o
The last of the dreadful images cleared, passing to allow the young sear to seek comfort in the warming black void.
"What does it all mean!" She shouted, her tone giving away she was on the verge of hysterics, "Why do you insist on torturing me! Isn't it bad enough I had to witness my father's death even before it happened! Why can't you just leave me alone!"
"Because Ally, those who don't know of the past are doomed to repeat it," Came her answer, the translucent form of the southern ruler replied, her clouded cerulean orbs softened towards the young woman, "You have seen things that need to be seen; to understand those around you and to understand that your gift is getting stronger."
"But I don't understand," Ally shouted, her eyes closing in frustration as her hands balled into fists at her side, "Why me? Why does it have to be me?"
"Because you are my daughter," Tori stated gently, "And you are the only one strong enough to contain such information without using it improperly."
"The last time you or father entered my dream you told me NOT to interfere!" The young woman growled, "Why don't you make up your minds already!"
"I know this is hard for you to understand," the young ruler sympathized, "But you must be ready for whatever comes your way."
"I am," Ally argued, "I will take anything Naraku dishes out! Anything at all I can take it!"
"That's what I wanted to hear," Tori smiled, her spectral form fading; the light she provided disappearing with her.
A voice called out through the darkness, echoing around her.
"Ally. Ally wake up."
With a shaking sigh she closed her eyes, allowing her mind to awake and return to reality where she was sure a mental brake down awaited her.
The young woman shot up from her sleeping bag; silver ribbons flowing freely down her face; her cheeks raw with the constant flow of tears. Trembling hands came up and rubbed at her eyes; the violet orbs opening to come face to face with concern filled amber eyes.
"Are you okay Ally?" The young woman questioned, her head cocking the side slightly; long ebony hair falling over her shoulder.
Ally flung herself at the young woman; the person she'd grown so attacked to, her sister. She wrapped her arms around the woman and sobbed into her shoulder, "Mia it was awful…I saw my father…my mother…Sesshomaru and your mom…and Soshi and his parents and brother…and then my mother appeared again…"
Mia had a hard time understanding her distraught friend, thought she knew something big must have happened to cause her to act this way. She wrapped her arms around the sobbing maiden; patting gently on her back comfortingly, "What happened exactly?"
"I had dreams about when my mother and father fought Naraku for the first time," The young woman answered, pulling away slightly, "Then it changed to when she died…then to when your mother died…then to Soshi and his parents…and then my mother appeared again and explained that I needed to know about all this so it wouldn't repeat itself but I just don't get it."
Puzzled amber looked into horrified violet; "How could you have seen that? I don't understand."
"I don't either," Ally admitted, shaking her head violently to try to dispel the images; "They were more like memories…but they weren't my memories."
"Could it be that your powers are getting stronger?" Mia questioned.
"It wouldn't have taken me 500 years to get them to strengthen," She replied, shaking her head; thinking the physical action could clear away her thoughts, "I need to go find Soshi."
Mia nodded, pointing in the direction in which she'd last seen him go, "He went that away a little bit ago. I think your dog followed him too, don't know why though."
"He seems to be quite taken with him," Ally shrugged, her mood lightening just a fraction as she recalled the incident a few days ago, "Soshi even snuggled with him; it was rather comical actually."
Pushing back the flap to her sleeping back she pulled her self together; and then to her feet, heading off in the direction her mate had gone to. Turning around she gave her friend a grateful look, "Thanks Mia."
"Anytime," Mia smiled; shrugging her shoulders, "After all that's what friends are for right?"
"Right," Ally agreed, continuing her journey into the woods and disappearing behind the wall of shrubbery.
The young slayer's chestnut orbs fell to her rounded stomach, a hand going to rest atop it gently, "Do you think we'll ever get to just be happy?"
"What do you mean Sango?" the young man beside her questioned, turning violet orbs towards the young woman sitting next to him, "Aren't you happy?"
Sango sighed, "I am happy; we're going to have a baby and we can finally get rid of Naraku and avenge all the people who fought against him."
"But," Miroku urged her to continue.
"But who or what will be next?" The slayer inquired, her small twin tail fire cat brushing against her arm; large crimson eyes watched her intently, "I mean, after we defeat Naraku, who will come after us next? Can't we just find some place with out demons, with out evil? Some place where we can just live and raise our child with our fear of being attacked?"
Miroku sighed, he knew what the young woman was asking, he'd been thinking over the exact same subject for a while now; "I think we've all ready found a place where we can live in peace; granted it's not with out demons but they posed us no trouble."
"What are you talking about?" Sango questioned, unsure of what the young monk was saying.
"With the exception of Naraku we were never attacked by any demon in Kagome's time," Miroku explained, "in the four years we were there we were never in any harm…except when InuYasha decided to drive that one time."
The young slayer laughed at the memory, "You're right. When this is all over I'm sure Kagome will want to go home too."
"Yes," Miroku agreed, "that's the way it looks."
A small smile spread across the young woman's lips, "We could all live together in peace, finally what we deserve."
"The only problem that remains however is Naraku," The monk stated, "And how we're going to find him."
"We could wait the couple weeks Makoto said it would take to make the cure for his curse," Sango offered, "But I think that it would be too long of a wait for InuYasha."
"I agree," Miroku replied, "Since InuYasha was able to pick up his scent though can't we just follow that?"
"The only reason he could was because Naraku lowered his barrier, once we follow the scent to a spot where he had his barrier up then it will do us no good," Sango added with a sigh, "It would be a hell of a lot easier if he had jewel shards; then we could just track him down that way."
"We'll figure something out," violet orbs lifted skyward; gazing up at the millions of stars above, "One way or another."
The small stone skipped over the placid surface of the water a few times before loosing it's momentum and sinking into the dark water.
"So," Kisho stated, turning his florescent orbs towards his mate; watching as she picked up what seemed like the thousandth stone and tossed it across the water.
"'So', what?" Yumiko replied, her stone grey eyes turning towards the young man.
"You're parents seem to have the right idea," The man answered, trying to keep his tone as innocent as possible.
"Are you implying something Kisho?" The young woman questioned, eyeing her mate curiously.
"Maybe," Kisho shrugged, falling back against the grass; watching the young woman out of the corner of his eye.
"I think you are," Yumiko stated matter of factly, "You're suggesting we get busy aren't you?"
"Well, this isn't really the most appropriate time," Kisho countered, "But sometime soon would be nice."
The young demon shook her head, "You're so perverted."
"Am not," Kisho argued, "I just think it's time we settled down and started family, I mean we've been together for almost 300 years and all."
Yumiko sighed, "Well I'd talked to you about having kids before and you seemed to have no interest in the conversation."
"You asked me during the football game!" Kisho exclaimed defensively, "You can't ask a guy a question during the game! It's just plain stupid!"
"Is it?" She replied, her eye brow raised, "or maybe it's just that you're stupid."
"Oh," The young man narrowed his eyes towards the young woman, "That was low Yumiko."
"This is no time for us to be going through marriage counseling," Yumiko stated, "We have more important things to worry about right now."
"This is true," Kisho agreed with a sigh, "Do you think our parents always got along?"
"What," Yumiko replied, "Like we do?"
"No," The young man continued, "Like they do back home, I mean do your and my dad always get into trouble. Does my mom still worry about your mom shooting your dad in this time; things like that."
"I don't know," The young woman admitted, "I guess we'll find out soon."
"I guess we will," Kisho agreed, watching as his mate once again picked up a small stone and threw it across the water's surface, the 1,075th she'd thrown sinking to the bottom of the lake.
Koji and Artemis accompanied Kane and Bakari along with their troops back to the Eastern Lands. Koga had gone ahead up North with Koji's forces and Koji and Artemis had gone with the Eastern Rulers to make sure their journey was a safe one.
"I hope InuYasha finds away to get through the well." Bakari said sadly.
"I know, the only good thing that came out of the battle was the death of Naraku." Kane said, wrapping an arm around his mate.
"And I hope that will be the only death for a while." Koji said, looking ahead of him as the valley came into view.
"Well it was good to get to see you again and I hope we'll see each other again soon." Koji said, shaking his friends hand as they reached the edge to the valley.
"Under different circumstances I hope." Kane said, laughing slightly.
"Yes, defiantly." Artemis agreed.
They waved good-bye and The two wolves made their way North.
"You know what." Koji said, looking over to Artemis.
"What?" Artemis questioned.
"We won the battle." Koji responded.
Whacking the young Lord in the back of the head, Artemis said, "No, really? Are you sure there wasn't any brain damage done?"
Grabbing her wrist, Koji turned Artemis around so she was facing him.
"That's not what I meant." Koji said, looking into her shocked grey eyes. "You promised that if we made it out alive, we'd finally be mates."
Artemis looked into the azure eyes she loved so much. She leaned up to capture his lips. After a moment she broke apart and said, slightly out of breath, "I guess that's one promise I'm going to keep after all."
With a smile on both of their faces, Artemis and Koji made their way towards the Northern Lands, towards their home.
o.O.o
"I can't help but feel as though we've done something wrong," the young wolf admitted, her stormy grey eyes closing as she leaned back against the smooth surface of the stone edge of the hot spring; the warm liquid washing over her tense muscles, "Like what we did was a mistake."
Bemused, the young wolf questioned, leaning around the rock divider slightly, "What are you talking about Artemis?"
Hearing her mate's voice from behind her she sighed, "Do you remember what happened after we returned to the Northern territories after defeating Naraku?"
"Do I?" Koji exclaimed sarcastically, catching the young Eastern lord chuckling off to the side of him, "How could I forget."
There was a brief silence before the young lord added, "Do you…regret what we did Artemis?"
The young hanyou glared at the wolf beside her with serious orange orbs, brazen red tipped fox ears flat against her damp hair, "I can't believe you! I knew you could be cold…but not that cold."
"Shut up Bakari," Artemis growled, her right hand tenderly floating down towards her lower abdomen; towards the life now growing with in her. They had tried to have children that night; in fact that was the night the young lord had taken her as his mate; only recently were they able to conceive a pup of their own, "No Koji I don't, and that's not what I mean."
"Then what is it?" he inquired.
"It's just that, InuYasha and Kagome had their child stolen from them. Why are we the fortunate ones? Why wasn't it us? Haven't they been through enough?" Artemis explained, not wanting to argue with the young lord.
The Eastern lord nodded in agreement; the gesture however going unnoticed by the two women behind him, "I agree that they've been through enough. However this is just another bump on the path of life for the two of them."
"Kane the great philosopher," Artemis muttered.
"It's true though," Koji agreed, "If they can over come this last battle; defeat Naraku twice and get their child back they can do anything."
The young wolf sighed, maybe he was right. She had no doubt in her mind the two wouldn't beat him; they'd done it before. However trial after trail seemed a bit unnecessary. First the well was sealed, and apparently InuYasha had somehow managed to cross the time barrier and reach the young miko. Then they had a run in with Naraku in the future and now somehow he'd managed to come back.
That's what didn't add up, the only way to cross the well is by the use of a…
"Hey Koji," Artemis called, pulling out of her thoughts, "Did they ever say what happened to the jewel?"
"I don't think so," Her mate replied, "Why?"
"Well, the only way to pass through the well is to use a jewel shard or with InuYasha's help," the wolf explained, "And I seriously doubt InuYasha helped Naraku through the well so how else would he have gotten through?"
"I don't know," Koji admitted, scratching the back of his neck, "We'll have to ask them about it I suppose."
Artemis nodded, that they would indeed.
Seiji returned to camp; his navy gaze landing on the sitting form of his mate; the young maiden lounging against the trunk of a large tree, the small kitsune curled up in her lap. Worry radiated off of her in waves; distress accompanying the worry as well.
"Is everything okay Mia?" The young demon questioned, concerned and curious at what had caused the young woman to fall into the mood she was in.
Mia looked up, her brazen auburn orbs locking with the man's navy ones; the gentle strokes of the young fox demon's tail ceased, "Yes; it's all right now."
"What happened?" Seiji inquired, rounding the fire and taking a seat beside the young hanyou-turned-human.
"Ally had a nightmare and it concerned me," the young woman admitted, "And all this stress is getting to me."
Seiji nodded, his short jet black tresses shifting ever so slightly with the motion; the light from the fire causing his navy tinting to show more vividly, "I can understand that. This has been a bit much for me as well."
"Why did he have to join up with us anyway?" Mia questioned, asking more to herself than the man beside her.
"Who?" Seiji questioned, "Sesshomaru?"
Mia sighed, "And more so why did my father have to bring my mother with him?"
"Well, remember he did tell you that she was his charge for many years," the demon stated, "She didn't look more than around 14 or 15 to me."
"I know," The young woman replied, "but taking her to face off against Naraku seems like a definite mistake to me."
"I agree," Seiji agreed, "however you have to remember that he cares for her; just like your uncle cares for Kagome; he won't let anything happen to her."
"I've been thinking," Mia admitted, "I realized that this may be my only chance to get to know my mother; and then I think about it and I realize that I can't get to know her."
"Why not," The young demon questioned, snaking his arm around the young maiden; pulling her closer towards him.
Leaning her head upon the man's shoulder she answered, "Because we can't alter history, can't change the future. I'm afraid that I'll spill something I shouldn't and I can't allow that to happen."
Seiji shook his head, "Well, maybe you'll never get a chance anyway. The way InuYasha is he won't let Sesshomaru with in a five mile radius of you; even though he is your father. He has his old attitude in this time; he still hates hanyous."
"And as much as I'd like to hope," Mia commented, "That's something he'll never get over, even though his own child is a hanyou."
A noise caught the demon's attention; the sound of wood colliding with wood, followed by a hiss of some sort, though the man couldn't understand what was said. A flash of silver shimmered through the thick edge of the forest before disappearing.
"Did you see that or was it just me?" Seiji questioned, looking down at his mate; his question answered even before she could speak.
Mia's eyes grew as large as dinner plates as she started at the direction the intruder had escaped to, "Do…do you think he heard us?"
The demon's expression grew grim as he nodded, "Unfortunately I think he did."
"He knows," The woman gasped, closing her eyes, "Great, we're up shit creek with out a paddle now."
"Not necessarily," Seiji commented, "Let's just see how this pans out."
The young demon lord ventured through the trees; concealing his form in the shadows. He wanted to know exactly who that woman was; why she looked so familiar. Nearing the camp site, he scanned the area; hoping to speak with her alone. He spotted her sitting against a large tree trunk and was about to approach her when the young maiden who'd previously been sleeping awoke with a start and the young maiden he'd been perusing went to her aid.
Over hearing the conversation and exchange between the two he thought, "So, her mother died? Why is she traveling with my half breed brother? Was Naraku the one who killed her?"
The western lord watched as the young woman who'd awoken left off in the opposite direction; the one he was to approach returned to her tree, the small kitsune going to curl into her lap.
No sooner had he made sure everything was clear; he caught the scent of another person nearing the camp; watching as he crossed the area to sit next to the young woman. The scent the man carried clearly signified he was a demon; and the distinct mix of the young woman's with his own set an alarm off in the demon lord's head. The woman he perused was taken, mated to this demon beside her.
He stuck around; watching the two intently, allowing their conversation to float around him; taking in bits and pieces of what they said.
"Who? Sesshomaru?"
At that the demon lord locked his gaze upon the two more clearly; curious as to why they were talking about him; and wishing to know why.
The young woman sighed, "And more so why did my father have to bring my mother with him?"
Who was her father? He was pretty sure the northern and eastern lords hand not produced an heir yet; and the woman's scent seemed familiar, but not connected to any of the members of her traveling party.
"Well, remember he did tell you that she was his charge for many years," the demon stated, "She didn't look more than around 14 or 15 to me."
Were they talking about Rin? How would they know that she had been traveling with him? His brother could have told them; but he didn't know for sure how long she'd been under his care.
"I know," The young woman replied, "but taking her to face off against Naraku seems like a definite mistake to me."
He had his reasons as to why he brought Rin along with him. He couldn't just leave her with Jaken or leave the two alone to fend for themselves.
"I agree," the man agreed, "however you have to remember that he cares for her; just like your uncle cares for Kagome; he won't let anything happen to her."
The miko? I noticed the half breed mated with the miko but for him to be her uncle that would mean that she was the child of his brother. As far as he knew InuYasha didn't have any other siblings other than himself. For this child to be his was just impossible; she was human after all.
"I've been thinking," the young maiden admitted, "I realized that this may be my only chance to get to know my mother; and then I think about it and I realize that I can't get to know her."
How could she get to know her mother if before she said she was dead?
"Why not?" The young demon questioned.
She answered, "Because we can't alter history, can't change the future. I'm afraid that I'll spill something I shouldn't and I can't allow that to happen."
Alter history? Does she know what will happen in the future? Is she a sear of some sort? And if she was talking about getting to know her mother-who was dead-she'd have to be able to bring her back to life right? Were they sent to change some outcome in history?
The demon shook his head, "Well, maybe you'll never get a chance anyway. The way InuYasha is he won't let Sesshomaru with in a five mile radius of you; even though he is your father. He has his old attitude in this time; he still hates hanyous."
So he wouldn't be able to talk to her. The demon was right in that his brother would be extremely protective of his pack. But how did they know so much about him? And, why had the demon said that he was her father? That was impossible!
"And as much as I'd like to hope," the woman commented, "That's something he'll never get over, even though his own child is a hanyou."
The young lord was confused, both of them had claimed she was his pup but that made no sense to the demon. Taking a deep breath he caught the young maiden's scent and sifted through the different layers it contained.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened, he knew why the woman looked familiar; why her scent had familiar qualities as well. She was a hanyou; tonight was her night of weakness and the reason why her demon blood was sealed; her normal scent as well. With his heightened senses he was able to detect the exact combination of smells within her unique scent; able to figure out who her parents had been.
What they said was true, his nose never failed him. He was her father; however how that was possible confused him.
The young lord was about to emerge from his spot in the shadows and confront the two when the annoying voice of the imp rang through his head, turning he saw the small creature almost next to him, "Lord Sesshomaru there you are."
"Shut up Jaken," Sesshomaru hissed, putting his two fingers together to form his whip, aiming it at the imp; the demon flying back and almost colliding with a tree; his staff bouncing off against the trunk instead.
The young lord turned back towards the couple by the fire; both gazes locked in his direction.
He was away from there in a flash; he had been seen and there was nothing he could do about it. The demon lord would get the answers to his questions; but they'd have to wait till another time when his half breed brother wasn't around and the woman's mate was away.
The couple walked along the warn trails through the forest; for the most part in silence. The small trail led them out of the safe confides of the trees and into a small field; lightning bugs hovering over the grass and dotting the scenery. The young miko pulled the hanyou by the sleeve; guiding him to a soft spot in the grass to sit down.
"I know you're on edge InuYasha," The young woman stated gently, "And I know you want to go after Naraku more than anyone but you can't act like you did earlier."
"What do you mean Kagome?" InuYasha inquired, eyes narrowing, "Act like my pup's been taken? Act like the one who was in contact with the bastard last would know his whereabouts."
"He was just a little boy though," Kagome argued, "And you didn't have to get so violent with him. I want to find Amaya just as much as you do but you have to understand who we're dealing with."
"I know who we're dealing with!" He shouted, "And sometimes it seems I'm the only one who cares!"
Kagome turned her gaze towards the young hanyou, hurt hazel orbs watching her mate intently, "You're not the only one InuYasha."
InuYasha sighed, he was taking his anger and frustration out on the wrong person, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."
The young miko nodded, leaning over she rested her head upon the man's shoulder, "I know."
The hanyou encircled his arms around the miko's waist, pulling her into his lap. The young woman turned and laid her head upon his chest, tucking her head under the man's chin.
"We've got a lead now InuYasha," Kagome whispered tiredly, "We're that much closer."
"It's just not close enough," InuYasha admitted, closing his eyes; breathing in the comforting sent of the young woman in his arms.
The two sat there in a comfortable silence; enjoying the peace they had together. Who knows what could be lurking around the corner, what awaits for them further along the path.
Ally made her way through the underbrush and foliage that consisted of the forest in search of her mate and puppy. Coming out into a small clearing she spotted the two by the bank of a small stream; the young man sprawled out on the grass on his back with the ball of fluff lounging atop his chest.
"I've become a dog pillow," Soshi commented, sensing the young woman's presence near by, "You spoil him too much."
"No," Ally corrected, let out a soft whistle to call the small dog over towards her; the tiny creature doing as instructed, "I spoil him just enough."
The young demon sat up as the young woman crossed the clearing and took a seat next to him; his ginger orbs locking with her violets ones, "All right, what's wrong?"
"Am I that transparent?" Ally laughed half heartedly, "I saw something that I could have lived with out seeing."
"Like what?" Soshi inquired, curious as to what had caused the young woman distress.
"Well for starters I saw my mother and Mia's mother's deaths," The young would be ruler explained, lifting the small puppy into her lap and stroking him affectionately, "Then I saw how you and your brother were separated and then my mother reappeared and told me that I needed to know these things so history wouldn't repeat itself. But I don't understand…for example the only way I can see Mia's mother surviving is if she never mated with Sesshomaru. But then Mia wouldn't be here."
The young man sighed, snaking his arm around the young woman's waist, "I've never been the best one to go to about time travel advice or what to do about changing the future."
"Who is?" Ally replied sarcastically, moving slightly so that she could rest her head on the young demon's shoulder.
"There are so many 'what ifs' that you can't really say that if Rin never mated with Sesshomaru that there wouldn't be a Mia;" Soshi thought aloud, "She'd just be from a different family…but I think you should talk to Kagome about this in the morning. She'll know more about this than I do."
"I know," Ally agreed, closing her eyes, "this whole thing is just stressing me out."
"I can imagine," Soshi nodded, squeezing the young woman's shoulder in a comforting manor, "I think you just need to get some sleep. We'll talk about this tomorrow; because tomorrow is after all…"
"Another day," Ally muttered, moments later hiding a yawn behind her hand once again. Snuggling closer towards the young man she made herself comfortable and allowed a dreamless sleep to come over her. She'd deal with the visions of people dying and the end of the world tomorrow; right now she was too strained to even think about it.
Author's Note
Okay I have something to tell you all before I get TOO into the story and forget to tell you…later on InuYasha will use his 'ultimate' attack…it's spelled like Koginyousha or something like that…can't spell it to save my life…I'll look it up later and fix it but if u've seen the 4th movie it's in that…well I recently got my hands on volumes 40-43 of inu! So happy! Anywho there's an attack he learns after the one in the 4th movie…I just wanted to let you know he does know that one…we'll also see it soon on Adult Swim but I didn't have time to explain how he gets the attack..I may put it in a Flash back but I dunno…I know that this chapter seemed like a filler ish type thing and it was kinda slow… I apologize for that but some stuff needed to be taken care of and well…no better time like the present right? okay u guys you know the drill! 5 Reviews or no update!
Sammy-Sama
I would also like to apologize that this chapter was SO late…I've simply had too much to do l8tly…thank you.
P.S: Personality Quiz (that Ally took) from
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Responding To Reviews
AnimeSpiral
PrincessAnime-now you know…can u wait to see what happens next chapter? Probably not right?
inuobsessed-that would be funny…but that' d blow their cover too…oh well… the plot begins to thicken…and all that jazz. Hope you enjoyed it!
its a twin thing-I had a safe weekend...I didn't' drink and drive…didn't drink at all. I did however only light 7 fireworks year…and this time I was legal! I got a permit for the 4th…apparently South Carolina has different laws about stuff like that…I dun no. I enjoy writing FanFics so it's not that much of a hassle for me and I have enjoyed these three the most. They're my little babies and I love them so. Lol. just don't be too on the edge that you fall off okay! Yes, more on the edge of your seat action to come too!
Cassandra-I don't know if it's changed or not but it use to be that you had to be an author to be able to review under Spiral…I don't' know if it's changed though. I haven't really spent all that much time on there since they got their new layout. You could have always e-mailed me though. I would have posted it for you.
Bedard- yes…the new thriller of the FanFiction world! SammySama brings a chapter to ever computer…and a cliffy to every home! Lol…oh really…7 long, grueling weeks! Well I hope you have fun and I promise there will be a few good chappies waiting for you when you get back.
Chapter VI: In Every Life a Little Rain Must Fall
Now that little Amaya has learned a few new tricks…what will Naraku do to keep her under control? Will having Sesshomaru join the team prove to be more trouble than he's worth? And now that he knows Mia's true identity…what will happen? Will he get his questions answered? What will happen when Artemis is visited by her guardian and is told of what happened at her castle? Will the Inu Gang find out where Naraku's hiding? Will they be able to get to where Naraku's hiding? And what trouble awaits them as they journey further and further north? Find out next time!
