Author's Note
First off I would like to convey how extremely sorry I am for such a late update. I had planed on getting another chapter of EVERYTHING out during my x-mas break but due to unavoidable events I had to move. With this came the task of finding a new house-which was kinda hard during the holidays when no one's home and the four week limit we had to find a new place-that took all my time. We have two cats and a dog so an apartment was out of the question unless we wanted to get rid of a cat so I was totally against the whole "split up the family" bit. And of course we had to pack and unpack and get back into the swing of school after the break. I'm not trying to make excuses this is what happened and the reason I was unable to update. I just thought you all would like to know. FanFiction writing is my hobby; granted one I love, but still a hobby. Thus my life, school and anything else that comes up has priority over this. It has killed me every time I look at my computer and haven't had time to even open a file. But now I have a day to finish this chapter. I want to thank all of you who have stuck with me thus far and will continue as my unpredictable life takes me for a wild ride. Thank you and I hope this was well worth the wait.
Sammy-Sama
P.S: I had originally planed on finishing this chapter on Monday but was preoccupied with calling my friends who I knew had brothers and sisters at VT (Virginia Tech) and make sure every thing was okay. And a major SCA group of ours is centered on that campus but a good note is that every one was all right. My friend's brother's friend -funny story- went to a concert that weekend and was too tired to go to school so he stayed home and luckily missed all that happened. I told her that she should tell him to send a letter to the band saying, "Thanks you saved my life." well I know you all are tired of listening to me so I just wanted to get you all to think about all the kids down here and wish them the best.
Responding to AlisonHere's your god damn chapter you happy? J/k just messing with ya bud. Hope you like It …after all you get a little more incite on well…yourself I guess you could say. Remember one and all to read and review!
DisclaimerI do not own InuYasha or any of the characters associated with the series. However Artemis, Koji, Kane, Bakari, Shiizu, Taru, Kita, Ally/Maru, Soshi, Mia, Seiji, Riku, Sayo, Naito, Chiri, Shiro, Maeko, Makoto, Yumiko, Kita, Kisho, Akio, Yukio, Amaya, Kage and Fluffy are my own creations.
Scene Changes from "Don Juan Canto II" By Lord Byron
Chapter VII: What's Gone and What's Past Help; Should Be Past Grief.
They are right; for man, to man so oft unjust,
Is always so to women; one sole bond
Awaits them, treachery is all their trust;
Taught to conceal, their bursting hearts despond
Over their idol, till some wealthier lust
Buys them in marriage - and what rests beyond?
A thankless husband, next a faithless lover,
Then dressing, nursing, praying, and all 's over.
Cloudy violet orbs fluttered open, the small strands of smoke swirling towards the ceiling meeting the young maidens gaze; the fire having gone out some time during the night. Carefully stretching her arms high above her head the young woman looked down to the young man slumbering upon her lap. The small figure of her younger self curled against his chest, safe and protected. A smile spread across her soft features as she gently brushed a few locks of her mate's ebony tresses that had fallen into his face.
The young lord stirred under the maiden's attention, ginger opening to meet violet.
"Good morning," Soshi greeted softly, smiling warmly up at the woman above him, "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Ally replied, watching as the young man carefully sat up, taking the child in his arms as he did so, "She isn't doing so good however."
Soshi nodded, "She tossed most of the night after you went to sleep, I think that vision she had might have scared her."
"What do you expect?" the young maiden exclaimed, "She just saw her caretaker attacked! Then she had a vision where we all died! Wouldn't you be upset?"
"You know I would," the demon answered, his gaze hardening, "I was just adding onto your previous statement. I figured she'd be scared after such a traumatic event."
A deep sigh escaped the would-be-ruler, apologetic amethyst spheres softening towards ginger ones, "I'm sorry I bit your head off; I'm just a little stressed I suppose."
"A little?" Soshi bantered, snaking an arm around his mate, "To tell you the truth, this whole thing kind of freaks me out."
"How so?" Ally replied quizzically.
A sheepish grin spread across the young man's features as he pointed towards the small bundle curled in his lap, "Technically I'm in love with her too right? So would that make me a pedophile?"
A light laugh bubbled out of the young woman, her expression lightening as well, giving her mate a gentle punch in the shoulder, "You're a riot Soshi, you know that."
"I was serious."
At the pure honesty in his tone Ally's light laughter erupted into full blown hysterics. The young demon watched his mate fall onto her back, her slender arms wrapping around her middle as she rolled from side to side in her fit of laughter.
Watery violet orbs lightened to amethyst as she managed to get herself under control; opening her eyes to meet her mate's gaze and apologize nearly sent her into another fit of giggles.
There sat her strong, proud, fearless mate; always armed with a sharp comeback or dagger of wit with his lip protruding slightly, his forehead creased in the makings of a frown. Righting herself, Ally returned to her sitting position, leaning over the short distance to come nose to nose with the pouting lord.
"I'm sorry I laughed at you," She apologized, placing a feather light kiss upon his lips.
A smile snaked across his face as he watched his mate receded, "You're forgiven."
The small figure below the couple stirred, her violet orbs alit with terror as she sprung up and looked around the room hurriedly, "Where's Chiri?"
Sadness seeped into the older woman's twin gaze as she extended her arms towards the young child, bringing her into a safe and comforting embrace, "She's back at the castle I imagine; don't you remember you joined up with us some time yesterday?"
Tears began to leak from the young one's eyes as she buried herself into the ruler's tunic, "I'm just so scared for her…I don't even know if she's all right."
"What if I promise you that she'll be just fine," Ally replied gently, stroking the child's hair in a soothing manner, "Trust me."
The little one nodded, hesitantly pulling away from the stranger to return to the comforting embrace of the older man, "okay…"
A small creature-in question of actually being a dog-padded across the hard wood floor to settle between the past and present version of his mistress.
"Well good morning Fluffy," Ally greeted cheerfully, picking the small dog up and placing him in her lap, earning a small affectionate lick in response, "What have you been up to?"
The small dog simply cocked his head to the side, giving the woman a curious glance before turning his attention to the small girl.
"He's so cute, what's his name?" inquired Maru as she watched the corgi curiously.
"His name is Fluffy," Ally replied, "would you like to pet him?"
"Yes please," Maru answered, extending her small arms over to gently rub the small creature's head, the dog licking the child's fingers in response, "he's so soft."
The young ruler laughed, "I know. How about this, why don't you watch him for me for a while, okay? He'll protect you and I see you two have hit it off quite well."
The once mournful orbs of the young child lit up like a Christmas tree at the young woman's offer, "Really? You'd let me watch him?"
"Sure why not," Ally replied, gently handing the small puppy over to the child, setting him down in her lap, "I think you two will get along great."
"Thank you so much!" Maru exclaimed, beaming as she took the small dog into her arms and sprung from the young lord's lap, "We're going to go and see if everyone's up yet."
"You two do that," Ally nodded as she watched the two skip out of the small room.
"Do you think that's wise?" Soshi spoke, gaining his mate's attention.
"Why wouldn't it be?" The young woman inquired, her head falling slightly to the side.
"I mean honestly," the young demon stated skeptically, pointing in the vague direction the duo had gone off in, "how can that little thing protect her? It's just a puppy."
"My poor naïve Soshi," Ally chided, rolling her eyes as she stood up and languidly stretched, "Haven't you ever heard the expression, 'good things come in small packages'?"
"Of course I have," he replied, "But never from you in anything other than a sexual innuendo."
The young ruler laughed as she left the room followed closely by her mate, "You'll see in due time Soshi, you'll see."
Some take a lover, some take drams or prayers,
Some mind their household, others dissipation,
Some run away, and but exchange their cares,
Losing the advantage of a virtuous station;
Few changes e'er can better their affairs,
Theirs being an unnatural situation,
From the dull palace to the dirty hovel:
Some play the devil, and then write a novel.
The couple padded into the large room of the main hut; noticing for once they weren't the last ones to get up. This morning it was once again-much like back in their own time-the young wolf couple who had yet to emerge from their sleeping quarters.
As Ally took her seat across from her friend a loud thud was heard form the adjoining room off to their left as the young stone eyed demon stormed through the door way.
"I swear he will never learn…" sighed the steel grey eyed wolf as she treaded into the room, her head shaking as she plopped down next to the Eastern rulers.
Taking a tentative sniff of the air the young ruler turned to his comrade's mate, "You actually shot him this time?!"
"Damn straight I did," Artemis answered, her voice unwavering, "He's such a lazy ass and if I've told him once, I've told him time and time again that when I say it's time to get up you need to get up."
"He's the perfect example of the male gender," The honey orbs of the young western heir glinted with mirth, "Lazy, never puts the seat down, his brain's controlled by testosterone and just plain stupid."
"He's not stupid Mia," Ally voiced from across the fire and over the soup pot as she gave it an idle stir, "he's merely possessed by a retarded ghost."
A few moments and hushed curses later the young lord stumbled out to join the rest of their comrades, a strip of cloth tied around his left arm while his right gripped it tightly to subdue the bleeding, "Damn Artemis, you seriously need to get a handle on those hormones of yours."
"Don't blame your stupidity on my hormones," the wolf retorted, "I can't believe that out of 10,000 sperm, you were the quickest. "
"What's going on in here?" inquired the young miko upon her return into the hut, accompanied by the young slayer. Each carrying buckets; both filled with water.
"Same as always lady Kagome," Miroku replied, assisting his wife with the bucket and its contents.
Attention was momentarily shifted from the sheathing couple to the young miko.
"Where's InuYasha this morning?" Yumiko questioned, scanning the hut for the missing hanyou, "Come to think of it Sesshomaru's not here either."
"InuYasha said something about finding breakfast," Kagome answered, "He and Sesshomaru were arguing early this morning about how he couldn't hunt and how Sesshomaru was amazed that our group had survived so long with his skills in such a state."
"Well that was rude," Kisho commented, idly twirling a chopstick in between his fingers, "Even though-to my understanding-you were the one to bring food for everyone on your journey."
"Yes but when we ran out he made sure we were never hungry," Sango added, placing a few more logs in the fire while Miroku emptied the bucket of water into the large basin they would use to wash dishes in after the meal.
"So they both went out to hunt?" Mia inquired, a small laugh to her tone.
"I guess so," the miko confirmed with a shake of her head.
"Well you know what that means right?" came the southern heir, "We're going to have a very big breakfast today."
And sure enough not ten minutes later the two came staggering in; both weighed down with as much meat as they could carry.
"I can't believe you did that you two," Rin commented, glancing towards her lord as he entered the room.
"What?" InuYasha replied causally dropping the pile he'd gathered before the slayer, who in turn promptly made a mad dash to the hut's door, hastily bumping the young Western Lord as she proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach into a bush along side the wooden structure.
"Luckily there's only a few more weeks of that," Kagome said sympathetically, morning sickness was definitely a bitch, "and what Rin was commenting on was how you two so immaturely slaughtered all those poor animals just to prove a point. What would the members of P.E.T.A do?"
"People Eating Tasty Animals?" Ally answered, reaching for a dropped rabbit and proceeded to skin it into the now empty water bucket, "Probably join him in eating it."
"I got breakfast didn't I?" the hanyou barked, his fuse short.
"Yes you did dear," Kagome nodded, "But we can't possibly eat all of this in one sitting."
"We could dry it out and package it as jerky," Riku suggested.
"Not a bad idea," Yumiko agreed, picking up a small deer and dividing the good meat from the bad and began to slice it into thin strips.
After a few moments a slightly green Sango reentered the hut, bravely taking her spot in front of the cooking pot and began to prepare the groups breakfast. In almost no time at all the group's bowls had been filled and they began conversing among themselves, sharing strategic plans or just listening and adding in tid bits where they felt necessary.
"So what are we going to do about Naraku?" Koji opened with the topic of discussion, "We know where he is now how do we get to him?"
"Where is he?" Ally inquired, pulling a small plastic wrapped object from her bag, the young flame streaked haired ruler proceeded to open it and much quietly on it's contents, "Did I miss the memo?"
"Apparently he's holding himself up in Artemis' old castle," Yumiko answered, "Which unfortunately is about three weeks in the opposite direction."
"It will be very difficult to infiltrate the compound at this stage," Riku voiced from his position next to the young would-be southern ruler.
"We have to at least try," Yumiko argued, " The faster we can get Amaya back, the better."
"What's the point though," the former agent retorted, "If we try now with out a solid plan or even strategy we'll be cut down, we probably wouldn't even make it to the castle's walls let alone get inside."
"You may be disappointed if you fail," Ally commented, swallowing her mouthful of food, "but you are doomed if you don't try."
Golden orbs turned towards her friend, "Wow Ally, that's deep. Where'd you hear that?"
A smirk snaked across the young woman's features as she casually waved the small slip of paper back and forth, "Fortune cookie."
Ginger orbs rolled, "Figures."
Haidee was Nature's bride, and knew not this;
Haidee was Passion's child, born where the sun
Showers triple light, and scorches even the kiss
Of his gazelle -eyed daughters; she was one
Made but to love, to feel that she was his
Who was her chosen: what was said or done
Elsewhere was nothing. She had naught to fear,
Hope, care, nor love, beyond, her heart beat here.
The stone walls echoed with the frantic steps of the young castle guard, his voice calling desperately out to the darkness for the one he was searching for.
"Chiri!" the young sentry called, his russet orbs darting along the winding corridors for some sign of his missing comrade.
Slumped along the far wall no more than twenty feet from him lay the injured form of the young healer; blood pooling around her from a wound to her right shoulder and abdomen.
"Chiri," spoke the voice softly as the sentinel gently shook the fallen maiden, "Chiri please wake up."
Emerald orbs fluttered open at the distraught voice above her, greeted by the sight of a slightly relieved man as he carefully but quickly scooped her up into his arms; being wary of her injuries.
"Thank god you're alive," was all that was said for a few moments, the guard's tone no more than a whisper.
A soft smile spread across Chiri's features as she slowly wrapped her good arm around her companion, his shoulders shaking slightly as quiet, dry sobs wracked his body.
"It's all right Naito," She spoke soothingly, rubbing comforting circles on the now armor-less back of her love.
The young healer sighed, she knew that the once strong and unwavering man before her wouldn't crumble like this normally and it touched her heart. He wasn't by any means a baby or pansy but he had a heart; a rare trait among demons. Naito knew his position and upheld his job and rank as was expected of him and with honor. Though those lucky enough to know him as well as she did got to see the other side of the castle's finest warrior; the soft compassionate side of him.
"We need to get you to the healers," Naito commented softly, pulling away from the young maiden slightly.
"Who's going to help me?" Chiri laughed gently, her head falling to the side quizzically, "There's only one healer in this whole compound."
Naito sighed in frustration, fangs bared, "You've got to be kidding me! You need help and there's no one here that can do anything about it?"
"I'll be fine," assured the young maiden, struggling to sit up, "The bleedings stopped. I just need to get my wounds wrapped and put some healing agent on them and I'll be good a new."
"Are you sure?" inquired the sentry.
"Yes," nodded Chiri, "Now lets get going to I can help everyone else."
And oh! that quickening of the heart, that beat!
How much it costs us! yet each rising throb
Is in its cause as its effect so sweet,
That Wisdom, ever on the watch to rob
Joy of its alchemy, and to repeat
Fine truths; even Conscience, too, has a tough job
To make us understand each good old maxim,
So good - I wonder Castlereagh don't tax 'em.
"Could it be possible that I mate with Rin in the future?" The western lord pondered as he and the rest of the traveling party continued on their way from the slayer's village, "That just doesn't make any sense, but her sent is proof of it."
Honey orbs traveled over to where his ward walked along side the mysterious hanyou, picking up bits of their conversation.
"So," Mia began, her hands folding behind her back while she walked, "What do you think of Sesshomaru?"
Turning slightly to watch the young woman's response she laughed, the maiden's features tinged with pink, "That bad huh?"
Curiously Rin asked, "Why? What do you think of him?"
The hanyou scoffed, "I think he's a pompous ass."
"He does have his rough sides," agreed the mortal, "But he also has his soft sides."
"That's hard to believe."
"It's true," Rin argued, "There was once when I was younger and Jaken had gotten stung by one of Naraku's insects. I went to get this medicine for him and I had fallen from this really high cliff. It was Lord Sesshomaru who saved me."
"I suppose that he has to have some redeeming qualities," Mia sighed.
"Tell me," whispered the young maiden, "You're from the future right?"
"Yeah," the hanyou replied slowly, an eyebrow raised as the woman inquiry.
"Do you know Lord Sesshomaru in your time?" she asked hurriedly, "Is he any different?"
Mia thought hard about her future mother's question. Was he any different? Based on what she' d seen so far no. But then again, she did remember a time when the Lord showed a side of himself he refused to let others see.
.:.:.Flashback .:.:.
"It's my priority to find my friend and make sure she's safe. She's been the only family I've truly had. She's been like my sister, like a mother to me." Mia commented, sitting all the way up and staring her father in the face, "If you think that finding her is so unimportant then why did you come? Why couldn't you have left us all alone and gone back to work?"
"Because I need to make sure Naraku's dead once and for all." Sesshomaru said, "I need to uphold my honor as well, I've said I'd help and backing out would prove I'm weak."
"Is that all that matters to you?" Mia questioned, tears falling down her cheeks once more, "Does honor matter more than me…or mom? Is that why you cast us aside and when she died you shed no tears? Because your ashamed of us? Because she was a human and I'm a half breed?"
Sesshomaru showed emotion for the first time in a good long while, his golden eyes darkened with hurt as he pulled the sobbing woman to his chest, rubbing circles on her back, trying to sooth her.
Mia clutched a hold of her father's shirt, crying into the demon's chest.
"I'm not ashamed of you or your mother." Sesshomaru said, his voice shaky, "I'm hurt that you would even say something like that. I do what I do to protect you, I care for you and it would kill me if something happened to you. I loved your mother more than I ever thought I could love someone. She taught me that showing emotion wasn't bad, and she cared for me. I saved her life when she was but a child and she continued to follow me afterwards. Soon after, I realized that I cared for the small child and once she reached of age, I asked her to become my mate and she accepted."
By now the lord was crying softly, burying his nose in the young woman's ebony hair, seeking comfort in the sent of wildflowers that she produced.
"I care for you Mia." Sesshomaru choked, "More than you will ever know. I'm sorry I haven't always been there for you, but know it was to protect you."
Mia sniffled, releasing the hold she had on the shirt and snaked her arms around the demon, hugging the man who now embraced her.
"I understand now." Mia said softly, resting her head on the man's chest over his heart, seeking comfort in his heart beat, "And I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"I'm sorry for not thinking about the reasons you do what you do." Mia said, "I based my assumptions on what I'd heard, what Uncle Inu had told me and I thought that you hated me because I was a hanyou."
The first rays of light began to filter through the window of the ruler's room, casting a faded light over the two currently sitting on the bed. A soft white glow surrounded the young woman as her night of weakness came to a close.
Once again she sat there before her father as a hanyou, her silver bangs and streaks framing her face once more contrasting with the ebony of the rest of her hair. Claws now adorned her hands once more as her senses became enhanced, far more superior than a mortals'.
Mia raised her head to look into her father's face and said, her tone serious, "I want you to find her, and bring her back safely."
Sesshomaru composed himself and nodded.
"And if you don't, be sure that you know upon your return I will kill you." Mia threatened, pulling herself from her father's grasp and making her way to the door, grasping the handle.
Stopping she said, "Father?"
"What is it?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Be careful." Mia replied, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
.:.:. End of Flashback .:.:.
A small, gentle smile spread across the hanyou's features at the memory. The only time she'd seen her father show any emotion other than rage or annoyance; the only time she ever felt truly loved by the young man.
"I think he does change," Mia replied, watching the young woman's face contort into an expression of curiosity once more, "But for the better."
"That's good to hear," Rin agreed, a slight giggle to her tone.
It was funny really, how infectious ones mood could be on others. In no time at all the duo had erupted in a fit of uncontrollable laughter resulting from their deepening conversations. Maybe it wasn't just the mood being infectious but the real reason being it was Rin who started it. The young woman could brighten a darkened room with just her presence.
Their laughter was cut off when a thundering sound reached the hanyou's ears, honey orbs turning to meet nervous violet at the moment the hanyou had caught onto the sent of the one approaching them.
"Ally," Mia warned, concern lacing her voice.
"I know," the said maiden replied, "I felt the energy signature."
Not a moment later did a large ebony horse come charging onto the wood path the caravan was traveling on.
The master of the beast looked around at the startled group before him, "I'm sorry for startling you all, I don't know what got into him."
And now 't was done - on the lone shore were plighted
Their hearts; the stars, their nuptial torches, shed
Beauty upon the beautiful they lighted:
Ocean their witness, and the cave their bed,
By their own feelings hallow'd and united,
Their priest was Solitude, and they were wed:
And they were happy, for to their young eyes
Each was an angel, and earth paradise.
Ally watched as the small form beside her stopped, her matching violet orbs widened to an unconceivable size as a bright smile appeared upon her features.
"Daddy!" Maru exclaimed happily, gently placing the small dog she'd been carrying onto the ground before running towards the young lord.
The man atop the large horse watched as his daughter ran towards him, dismounting his steed he scooped the small girl into his embrace.
"What are you doing all the way out here?" He inquired, looking curiously into his daughters beaming face, watching as a sorrowful expression plagued her features.
"The castle was attacked," Maru replied, heavy heartedly, "Chiri told me to run and find you, that's when I met up with everyone."
"You traveled all the way out here by yourself?" Sayo questioned, amazed at his daughter's bravery.
"Yep," the small child answered with a nod, "My new fried Akio and I were rescued by these nice people."
Sayo turned towards the other lords, noticing their presence as he treaded towards them, bowing low, "Thank you for looking after my daughter in my absence."
"It was no trouble," Koji assured with a wave of his hand.
"We were glad to see her again," Artemis added, "Though I wish it was under different circumstances."
While the lords conversed and discussed about what was happening, the rest of the group broke off in their respective pairs and simply took some down time.
"The two of them look so…well right," Soshi whispered into the young maiden's ear, an arm going around her shoulders, "Being together I mean."
Ally smiled at the scene before them, "They do don't they."
Warmth flooded the young woman as she was gently lead into her mate's embrace, "I'm sorry about all that's happened to you Ally, no one deserved that."
"You shouldn't apologize for something you had no control over," came the woman's reply as she leaned into the man's chest, "What's gone and what's past help; Should be past grief. Besides, if all this hadn't happened I never would have met Mia and look at us now, we're practically sisters."
"You two have to be the closest friends I've ever seen," Soshi remarked, "And probably will ever meet."
"We practically grew up together," his mate replied, "Have I ever told you how we met?"
"No I don't think so," the demon answered, his face scrunching slightly in thought.
"Well then I think it's story time then," Ally stated with a smile, "It was on one of the trips Sesshomaru took regularly into the other territories. He made it a habit; don't ask me why; of coming to the Southern fortress every three months. I guess it was just his way of thanking father for fighting and protecting us after Naraku was defeated the first time; you know as a way of thanking mother."
.:.:. Flash Back .:.:.
Small steps echoed off the stone walls of the massive castle, the small heir dashing through the corridors towards a heavy wooden door.
"Maru!" shouted the stern, feminine voice behind the young child. The healer watched with amusement as the child froze, one foot in the air and a hand extended towards the door knob. Softening her tone she continued, "What have I told you about running so fast through the castle? Need I remind you what happened last time? How you tripped five maids carrying the porcelain dishes to be washed. "
Putting her foot down and arm to her side, Maru flinched. Remembering that very day and what a mess she'd caused.
"Now what's such an emergency that you felt the need to run so quickly?" Chiri inquired curiously.
"It's not an emergency per se," the young heir replied, turning around and proceeded to bounce up and down, "Lord Sesshomaru was spotted about a mile from here. I went to get father so we could greet them."
"You've never wanted to greet him before," the healer countered, her brow raised.
"But Naito said that he brought his daughter with him this time!" Maru exclaimed excitedly, anticipation glittering in her childish eyes.
With a heavy sigh Chiri smiled down at her charge, "All right then, tell your father and go greet them. I'm sure the poor child would be happy to meet you; I doubt she has anyone to play with back in the Western castle."
"Why is that?" inquired the child quizzically.
"Silly reasons my dear," The young maiden answered solemnly, "The stupid fact that she's a hanyou for one. Most of the world just can't get the opinion out of their heads that impure blood is inferior."
This confused the little one, "But, father and I aren't full blooded either. Why do people treat us the same as Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Because luckily you look normal," Chiri replied softly, a slight laugh creeping into her tone, "What ever that means. Now go get your father."
Maru nodded, turning around and pulling the heavy door open and calling to her father. Soon the two stood before the castle gates, watching as the small group approached the fortress from the dense forest.
"Now you be nice this time Maru," Sayo stated sternly, though his eyes failed to hide his amusement, "No putting ink in his drink this time or levitating things over his head."
"Yes sir," the lord's daughter replied with a roll of her deep violet orbs.
Her attention was turned towards the trees as her father waved towards the approaching lord, the small child running towards the Tai-youkai.
Sesshomaru watched skeptically as the young heir ran towards him, then bowed low, "Greetings Lord Sesshomaru."
The lord nodded towards the child, watching her quick movements.
"I'll leave you all then," The young sentry stated, bowing towards the Western Lord as he proceeded to return behind the walls of his home, bowing towards his own lord as he passed.
"Thank you Naito," Sayo said as the guard approached him.
"My honor my Lord," Naito smiled, retreating inside the castle.
"So, Lord Sesshomaru," Maru began, her hyperactive nature resurfacing, "Naito said you brought your daughter with you, can I meet her?"
"Mia," Sesshomaru stated calmly, looking behind him where he felt the tight grip of the small girl as she clung to the back of his hakama leg.
A strange emotion seeped into the lord's gaze, one the young southern heir had never seen before. Pausing her childish bouncing she noticed the little bit of black behind the Western Lord; a bit of black hair to be precise.
"Go on Mia, it's all right," The young lord assured as he watched with amusement as his daughter poked her face around his leg, taking one look at the child before them before returning to the safety of his back side, catching her small mumble of "She scares me."
Curiously Maru went around the opposite side of the Western Lord, coming to stand next to the Western heir. She looked like her father that was for sure; with some differences. She wore a set of plan white haori and hakama, her black hair standing out against the garb. She had the same golden gaze as her father and silver tresses framed her small childish face.
"What-cha hiding from?" Maru inquired, causing the hanyou to jump at her sudden presence.
"You," the hanyou stated shyly.
"Why?" inquired the small girl, confused.
"You're scary," squeaked the child as she darted around her father, proceeding to run form the young daughter of the Southern Lord. The chase continued for a few moments until the hanyou darted behind the Southern ruler, the man carefully picking her up.
"There's nothing to be afraid of Mia," Sayo stated comfortingly, "My daughter wouldn't hurt a fly. Why don't you two go ahead inside and get a snack while we talk."
Mia nodded, turning to follow the young lord's daughter as he set her down on the ground.
"Come on," Maru laughed, running past the girl as she entered the castle, "Race you to the kitchen."
Looking towards her father for permission and earning a nod, the young hanyou darted after the small girl. The warm feeling seeping into her heart; the feeling one only gets when you know you've just met your best friend.
.:.:. End of Flash Back .:.:.
"You scared the poor girl," Soshi laughed, shaking uncontrollably.
"Well I was young," Ally replied defensively, "I wasn't scary, just hyper."
"Like you're not now?" The demon quipped, "You scared my the first time I met you too."
"You know you really shouldn't piss your mate off, Soshi," The young maiden stated calmly, removing her self from her mate's embrace, "Bad things could happen."
"It's all fun and games Ally," Soshi jested, "Lighten up."
"All fun and games until some on gets hurt," came the woman's retort, "And it's looking like you're getting there."
"Oh don't be a baby Ally," Soshi joked, his laughter escalating at the sight of his mate's annoyed face; figuring she was playing along with the game. He found it hilarious, up to a point; and that point was when he started to feel a slight wetness seep through his pant leg.
"The more I get to know guys," Ally taunted, smiling at her small furry companion, watching as the dog's leg lowered from her mate's leg, "The more I like my dog."
The demon watched as the poor excuse for a dog scampered away from him and into the safety of his master's arms. Shaking the assaulted leg, the smell wafting to his nose his gaze narrowed towards the creature, "I'm going to kill you one of these days, just wait."
Oh, Love! of whom great Caesar was the suitor,
Titus the master, Antony the slave,
Horace, Catullus, scholars, Ovid tutor,
Sappho the sage blue -stocking, in whose grave
All those may leap who rather would be neuter
(Leucadia's rock still overlooks the wave)-
Oh, Love! thou art the very god of evil,
For, after all, we cannot call thee devil.
After a short break the group began to move once more, conversations springing up and strategies planed.
"Kagome, can I talk to you about something?" Ally inquired, approaching the miko who'd previously been in a deep conversation with her niece and her mate.
"Sure," the said miko smiled, "What about?"
"Soshi and I were talking last night and something came to my attention," the young woman began, looking to see where the young Northern ruler was and making sure she was well out of range to pick up their conversation, "Well, you know how one person can't be in two places at once?"
"Yeah," Kagome replied slowly, "Where are you going with this?"
"Artemis' baby, you know how everyone thinks its Yumiko?" continued the young maiden, "It can't be can it? I mean, if Yumiko was able to come through the well and is still the same then that would mean…"
"That the baby Artemis is carrying now is not Yumiko," Mia interjected, her eyes widening.
"But I've never heard her say anything about having a sister, or Artemis saying she's had more than one kid," Kagome countered.
"That's because she did only have one," confirmed the voice behind them, the four turning around to meet the stony gaze of the young wolf.
"Yumiko," the young miko said softly, not knowing what exactly to say to the young demon.
"I've been thinking about that too," Yumiko replied, "The only logical explanation I can come up with is that she looses it in the up coming battle."
"If that's the case then we're in for a rough ride," Seiji commented, looking sympathetically over at the Lunar wolf.
"When was it ever not," Kagome inquired, her chestnut gaze landing at the hanyou at the forefront of their group, "It's been nothing but a rough ride for the last seven years."
An uneasy air settled between the five as they walked along with the others.
"But," The miko said, breaking the silence, "I wouldn't change anything about it."
"Why not?" the hanyou inquired, turning face the young maiden beside her, "If you knew what you know now; if you knew that your life would be so rough would you honestly put yourself in this position?"
"Yes," replied the young woman with out hesitation, "Every time."
"Why?" Ally questioned, curiously, "I would think that if you could avoid being hurt so bad you'd avoid it. I would."
Kagome shook her head, a small smile working its way onto her face, the first true smile they'd seen in a while.
"It's true I've been put through heart ache after heart ache," Kagome agreed, "But had I not gone into the well house after my cat on my 15th birthday then I would never have been pulled into the well. True I would never have met Kikyou, been injured so many times, been almost killed, and had my heart crushed time after time. But then again I wouldn't have met Sango, Miroku or Shippo. I would never have met InuYasha and have fallen in love and have a beautiful baby girl with the man of my heart."
"There's got to be a reason all this is happening," Seiji commented, "I mean the fates wouldn't send you back in time just to ruin your life afterwards. You completed your journey the first time and were rewarded with InuYasha in the future and a baby. Why send you back again and have your enemy take your child?"
"Because InuYasha used the jewel," Ally answered knowingly.
"And it brings us back full circle to the number one known fact about all things magical," Kagome sighed, "nothing good can ever come from its use. So yes they all made it to my time, but then again they had to be punished for their "selfish" wish and thus where Naraku comes into play."
"The powers that be are so screwed up in the head," the young violet eyed woman scoffed, "They have a strange sense of humor."
"Not everyone an have a happy ever after," thought the young demon, staying off to the side and observing the group, his ice blue gaze landing on the miko and her small group, "You must prove yourself worthy of a Fairy Tale ending."
Watching them, Akio mentally laughed as he thought, "But yes I agree, the higher powers are screwed up in the head. However, unfortunately there's not much the Fates can do about it."
The young demon sighed, whispering to himself, "Only time will tell."
Thou mak'st the chaste connubial state precarious,
And jestest with the brows of mightiest men:
Caesar and Pompey, Mahomet, Belisarius,
Have much employ'd the muse of history's pen;
Their lives and fortunes were extremely various,
Such worthies Time will never see again;
Yet to these four in three things the same luck holds,
They all were heroes, conquerors, and cuckolds.
It had been one week of continuous travel; the large group awoke at the brink of dawn and traveled till the last rays of light vanished from the sky. Their hard work had not been for nothing however; their fatigue was rewarded by how much ground they had traveled. What would have normally taken three weeks now looked only to take roughly around two.
"Are we there yet?" Ally questioned, stifling a yawn as she walked beside her mate.
Most of the group were asleep, the midday sun warming their bodies as the cold threatened to chill them. The young miko had taken up her usual spot upon the hanyou's back, lightly snoozing as they ventured further north. The monk was atop the fire cat, supporting the slayer as she slept; and the younger version of the southern heir slept atop the giant demon horse.
"No," Soshi replied, sending constant glares at the small fluff ball nestled in his mate's arms. He'd been doing that quite frequently for the past week.
"Well are we almost there yet?" the young maiden countered, trying to hide another yawn, "I'm tired, it's getting colder, and in case anybody else hasn't noticed the growing demonic aura up ahead, there is one and I figure if there's a demonic aura that strong it will lead us to one of two things."
"And what would that be?" Riku inquired.
"One: A village being ransacked by a demon," Ally answered, ticking off the possible outcomes on her fingers, "Or two: Naraku."
"Either way it's worth a look," The young miko commented, quickening her pace to the front of the mob, "Hey InuYasha…"
"We're not stopping," the hanyou stated before his mate could finish.
"Why not?" Kagome argued, "You never know it might be connected."
"And how many times in the past have we thought events were connected and they ended up not being," InuYasha snapped, "And then we'd have wasted more time in helping them. And besides, it doesn't have Naraku's sent to it's not him."
"You're right, what's the point," The miko argued hotly, "We'd just be saving innocent lives; maybe even children's lives and possibly gain a nice warm hut to sleep safely out of the cold air tonight. Hell if we'd played our cards right maybe even a nice warm bath. But you're right, what's the point in stopping."
"Fine," the hanyou sighed, tired honey orbs locking with fiery auburn, "We'll check it out."
"Thank you," Kagome whispered gently, leaning in for a chaste kiss before returning to the center of their traveling party.
It wasn't long before they reached the suspected village, village men and women hurriedly running about; trying to gather up the contents of their fields before night fall.
"What's going on here?" The young Southern heir inquired, approaching one young woman in particular who was pulling up premature potatoes.
"We need to gather up our crops before the next demon attacks," replied the woman with out looking up, "The next snow will wipe out our whole harvest for sure."
"What's going on here Ally?" Soshi questioned, going to stand next to his mate, "Something about a demon attack and their crops being destroyed…looks like I was right."
The young woman looked up, finally noticing how large a group had come across their humble village. Looking towards the young maiden who had questioned her, she noticed the young man standing beside her. At one glance the woman froze, eyes wide as she took in the ginger-unnatural-eyes of the young man.
"What's wrong with her?" Mia asked, catching up with her friend and looking the woman over curiously.
"No idea," Ally answered, suddenly very nervous about what the woman would do next, "I see the wheel is spinning, but the hamster looks dead. "
With out another thought the young field hand turned on her heel and ran for the village, screaming for all she was worth, "Demons! They've come back to finish us off!"
"This is so not what we need right now," Mia sighed watching as the villagers emerged from their huts, armed and dangerous.
Thou mak'st philosophers; there 's Epicurus
And Aristippus, a material crew!
Who to immoral courses would allure us
By theories quite practicable too;
If only from the devil they would insure us,
How pleasant were the maxim (not quite new),
'Eat, drink, and love, what can the rest avail us?'
So said the royal sage Sardanapalus.
The young miko watched as the whole village came alive, the headman seeming to be a the forefront and the first to take into account what was going on at his borders.
"Maybe I should go talk to him," Kagome thought aloud, taking a few steps towards the angry mob.
"Are you insane?" InuYasha questioned, turning the young woman to face him, "I'm coming with you if you are."
"No you stay with Sesshomaru and the others," the miko replied, "you saw them, they have no desire to confront demons. Let me handle this."
"Feh," The hanyou scoffed, pulling off his haori and draping it around her shoulders, "If they so much as try and attack you I'm coming after you and they'll be lucky if I don't kill them."
"Agreed," the miko nodded, making her way through the mass of travelers to confront the headman, Ally, Soshi and Mia having quickly scurried back to the safety of their group.
The old head man watched warily as the young miko approached him and his people, "What business do you lot have with our village?"
"We simply came here to help you with your demon problem," Kagome answered, "We sensed the large aura and wanted to eliminate the threat. We've been across the land and have slain many demons before."
"You say you go about slaying demons," the wise man spoke, "Yet you travel with the same kind."
"My companions are kind souls," The miko assured, "We are traveling to deal with a greater threat and have stumbled across your unfortunate predicament. Will you accept our offer to help?"
"You should listen to the girl Hiro," came the old voice of the village healer, "She speaks with a pure heart and her companions as well. Their intentions are just."
"Your opinion is appreciated Lady Kita," nodded Hiro as he regarded the group before him, "We shall except your help but please forgive us for our cautious nature."
Kagome smiled and nodded, bowing before the man and turned to return to her friends.
One farmer amongst the mob spoke out, "Why should we trust what a demon's whore and an old bat have to say? Just look at what their kind have done to us all ready. Who ever heard of a demon slaying another for the sake of a human?"
Murmurs erupted from the group, the air getting thick with tension.
"I say we kill them all!" replied another as he stepped before the group, aimed his spear and launched it towards the retreating miko.
With lightning fast movements the silver haired hanyou was behind the young maiden, blocking her from the attack.
The old healer watched in horror as he kinsman launched their weapon at the young lass, "Don't you see what you've done! Not only have you gone back on this village's word but you have attacked a miko for heaven's sake."
Kagome spun around, collapsing to her knees before the hanyou who now lay face down in the dirt; the weapon embedded in his back, "Oh my god…"
"I'm fine," InuYasha replied, flinching a the slight pain in his back, "Would have preferred a sit though."
Gently the young maiden pulled the pointed poll from her mate's back, aiding him on getting up and moving towards their group, sending one last sorrow filled glance behind her.
She knew the men's intentions were good, but isn't also said that the road to hell is paved in them? With out their help these men and women wouldn't survive another attack from the demon.
"Yay! Kuro' s a hero!" shouted a few as they rejoiced at having at least injured the demon.
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles," Ally shouted, trying to break free from her mate's iron grip as he held fast to her, preventing her from approaching the horde of humans, "You bastards on the other hand would rather attack a defenseless human with their back turned than fight like real men! You cowards!"
"That's quite enough," Sayo said from his position next to Sesshomaru, "We're clearly not welcome here; and it's a pity for them that they can't see our intentions."
Maru went from her father's side to stand next to the older version of herself, pulling gently on her pants leg, "It's okay Miss Ally. Lets just go."
Ally looked down at the young girl and with a sigh, slumped against her mate's chest, "Lets go get that idiot taken care of and find someplace to stay."
Regretfully the group turned their back on the village, continuing on their journey. That was one village they couldn't save. You can't change a person's mind over night and make them see the way you do. Sometimes they have to learn the hard way or never at all; then they die without knowing the truth behind what they fight for and how wrong their views truly are.
The group ventured away from the village, now wishing they hadn't been so against the group helping. The winds had picked up and not soon after did the sky open up and snow begin to fall towards the earth.
"Why don't we split up and look for shelter?" The miko suggested, looking around at the growing storm.
"Sounds like a plan to me," replied the monk as they all proceeded to break up into small factions. Little did they know that there was greater safety in numbers than in groups.
But Juan! had he quite forgotten Julia?
And should he have forgotten her so soon?
I can't but say it seems to me most truly
Perplexing question; but, no doubt, the moon
Does these things for us, and whenever newly
Strong palpitation rises, 't is her boon,
Else how the devil is it that fresh features
Have such a charm for us poor human creatures?
In a forest far off to the east the young siblings worked diligently to prepare their evening meal, having forgotten about their visitor who was ordered to return that very day. A shiver ran up the youngest of the two's spines, crimson orbs turning towards the darkening sky outside their small hut.
"Makoto," the young woman whispered, her voice shaking, "Do you feel that?"
"What Maeko?" Makoto inquired, turning towards his sister, "Oh shit."
A dark figure stepped into their door way, his form slightly slumped and an expression of true pain seemed plastered onto his features, "I have come to collect the antidote you were commissioned to produce."
"Right," Makoto nodded, turning around behind him and digging through a small box, "Here take this and if you still aren't better with in three days, come back and we'll give you some more. I wasn't sure how strong to make it…we've never encountered any type of poltergeist bite before. "
The figure nodded and started his retreat, "Know that if this doesn't work, there won't be a next time for you."
The siblings watched as the demon left their hut, staggered into the center of their meadow and vanished.
"We've got to tell Kagome and the others," The young boy stated, hurriedly rummaging around the small hut, shoving the desired contents into a large bag.
"Can we at least wait till after dinner?" Maeko inquired, watching her brother dash around the hut like a chicken whose head's been cut off.
"No we have to leave now," Makoto answered sternly, "That potion won't work and we promised to tell them when Naraku returned. He'll be back and when he does he'll kill us."
At that Maeko joined in in gathering their supplies, putting them in a smaller bag that she'd carry.
A smile spread across the young boys face as he and his sister left their hut and journeyed north, "At least we can tell them he's in extreme pain. They should be happy about that."
"Why would someone be happy at another's pain?" questioned the younger, her crimson orbs curiously watching her brother.
"Because he's pure evil," Makoto replied smugly, "And when pure evil's in pain you know you've done something right."
I hate inconstancy - I loathe, detest,
Abhor, condemn, abjure the mortal made
Of such quicksilver clay that in his breast
No permanent foundation can be laid;
Love, constant love, has been my constant guest,
And yet last night, being at a masquerade,
I saw the prettiest creature, fresh from Milan,
Which gave me some sensations like a villain.
The storm had hit worse than anticipated and many of the groups were scattered all over. Many of the small parties had lost their members and were now in serious danger.
"InuYasha!" called the young monk as part of his group met up with the young hanyou's party.
"Miroku," the hanyou shouted over the storm, "Are you all right?"
"We're fine," Miroku replied, reaching the group, "Did Kagome find you all?"
"No why?" InuYasha growled.
"She was separated from us, " the monk answered, "I only assumed that she found you all."
"She didn't," InuYasha answered, turning and running in the direction the small group had come from.
"Where are you going?" shouted the young man as he watched the half demon's retreating form.
"To find Kagome," came the soft reply as the wind played with the warrior's words, carrying them off as the harsh currents passed.
But soon Philosophy came to my aid,
And whisper'd, 'Think of every sacred tie!'
'I will, my dear Philosophy!' I said,
'But then her teeth, and then, oh, Heaven! her eye!
I'll just inquire if she be wife or maid,
Or neither - out of curiosity.'
'Stop!' cried Philosophy, with air so Grecian
(Though she was masqued then as a fair Venetian);
The young hanyou trudged through the snow; the height of the compacted substance proving to be a great hassle to walk through. Artic wind whipped around him; causing his silver tresses to whip around wildly and blend into his surroundings. His silver canine ears atop his head flattened themselves against his skull; the wind causing them to become slightly red and raw; the chill sending a stinging pain though him.
Though, as the thought about it; it as nothing compared to the stabbing throb of guilt that clutched his heart. Why had he agreed to split up? Why had he let the stupid monk talk him into leaving Kagome alone with the other group? Why didn't he just stay with her? Why couldn't he just have forced her to come with him; or convinced her to let him go with her party?
"Her eyes," the young man thought; the forlorn expression on his face seemed to be frozen in place as he thought; his molten orbs franticly searching around for the young miko, "The look in her eyes when she told me she'd be all right, that she could handle it."
He stopped, taking a few tentative sniffs of the air; trying to catch any sign of the young maiden.
"Kagome!" He called out to the empty artic tundra, "Kagome where are you?"
The sun was not that far from the horizon; the temperatures already beginning to drop. He was a hanyou which was an advantage over mortals because he could withstand the cold for longer periods of time. However even he-even in the condition he was in-would not be able to cope with the temperatures for much longer. He'd lost too much blood already and the wound to his back had yet to stop bleeding. The young man couldn't think about that right know… Kagome would be in extreme danger if he didn't find her before night fall.
"Kagome!" The young man called out again; his tone desperate, "Come on where are you Kagome?"
"Inu…Yasha?" It was as faint as the wind but he knew he'd heard it.
"Kagome?" InuYasha questioned, turning around and looking all around him, "Kagome say it again? I need to find you."
"InuYasha," Kagome repeated; her voice a bit louder over the raging winds.
The hanyou could tell she was tired, and cold by the tone of her voice. Looking around he spotted a thin form through the swirling white winds; the black garb of the prone figure standing out drastically against the pure color of the ground.
"Kagome," InuYasha sighed, running over towards the fallen woman and gently lifting her up and cradled her against his chest, "Kagome can you hear me?"
'Stop!' so I stopp'd.- But to return: that which
Men call inconstancy is nothing more
Than admiration due where nature's rich
Profusion with young beauty covers o'er
Some favour'd object; and as in the niche
A lovely statue we almost adore,
This sort of adoration of the real
Is but a heightening of the 'beau ideal.'
The young Western Lord lead his charges into a small cave on the outskirts of the village. The entrance was roughly sheltered by large boulders and would limit the amount of wind getting into their shelter. Ushering them inside he then proceeded to gather up enough wood to last them through the night. With the aid of Jaken's staff, the half frozen group was soon huddled around a warm fire.
Seiji looked toward his shivering mate and scooted closer towards her, "Are you cold?"
"No," she replied stubbornly, not wanting to appear weak before her father.
"So you're shivering with excitement then Mia?" the young man continued skeptically,
"Yes I'm cold," the hanyou answered in defeat.
"Well then why didn't you just say so," replied the sword's smith as he positioned himself behind his mate, pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her, "Better?"
"Much," Mia nodded, relaxing back into the young demon's chest.
"Thank you for starting the fire Lord Jaken," Rin thanked, teeth chattering, "And thank you Lord Sesshomaru for finding the wood."
The young lord simply nodded where as the small imp ignored her totally.
"You look cold Rin," Mia stated worriedly, "Why don't you come over here with us."
The young mortal exuberantly shook her head, "No I'll be all right."
Honey orbs looked down at the frozen human that sat so dedicatedly beside him. Moving over slightly he wrapped his good arm around her and gently and slowly pulled her into his lap; so as not to frighten her.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" she questioned, confused.
"No sense in you getting sick because you were too cold," Came his emotionless reply.
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru," Rin replied, a smile creeping upon her face as she relaxed into the lord's strong chest.
The young hanyou smirked across the flames at the Western Lord and her future mother, "Phase one, complete."
'T is the perception of the beautiful,
A fine extension of the faculties,
Platonic, universal, wonderful,
Drawn from the stars, and filter'd through the skies,
Without which life would be extremely dull;
In short, it is the use of our own eyes,
With one or two small senses added, just
To hint that flesh is form'd of fiery dust.
"Kagome! Come on where are you Kagome?"
She heard someone calling her name; his voice sounded desperate yet familiar.
"Inu…Yasha?" she whispered, her lips frozen and her mind numb. She had little strength left and simply trying to move caused her pain.
"Kagome?" Came her mate's desperate voice, "Kagome say it again? I need to find you."
"InuYasha," Kagome repeated; using what little strength she had left to make her tone louder.
"Kagome," she heard InuYasha sigh as he gently lifting her up and cradled her against his chest, "Kagome can you hear me?"
It took her a moment to reply but she finally did, "Yes…InuYasha…"
"What is it Kagome?" The hanyou inquired, looking over the young maiden's body. She was so pale, god was she pale. It was obvious she'd been out in the harsh winder weather for too long; her skin had long since lost the warm feel and glow it normally had, replaced with the bone-chilling feel of someone who'd been buried under the snow for hours.
"It hurts…so cold…" The young miko whimpered, unable to open her eyes and gaze up at the man holding her; she snuggled closer towards him for the warmth she desperately needed.
Ignoring the blood that had seeped through the back of his haori from his wound; InuYasha shrugged off the outer layer of his attire and wrapped it around the young woman. Kagome grasped the red cloth tightly; absorbing the warmth from the fibers.
InuYasha clutched her as tight as he could to his body; making his way through the storm to the village they'd been a little while ago, "I'm taking you to get some help Kagome, just hang on."
Weakly she nodded, resting her head against his firm, tone chest; allowing the rhythmic beat of the young man's heart to lull her to sleep.
Carefully he moved in the shadows of the huts; not willing to risk being seen by the villagers again. He needed to get Kagome to the healer and then he'd head out and hide somewhere until the storm calmed down before setting out to find their friends.
The strong sent of medicinal herbs wafted to his nose and he headed towards where the sent was the strongest. Reaching the hut he slipped inside only to come face to face with a very shocked elderly woman.
"Please," InuYasha pleaded quickly, "Don't let anyone know I'm here."
"You're the young man from earlier aren't you?" The old woman questioned, eyeing him curiously.
InuYasha nodded, "Can you help me?"
"What's the matter young lad?" She inquired, her clouded gaze landing on the young woman nestled in his strong arms.
"She's been out in the cold too long," InuYasha answered, the blood loss finally catching up with him as the adrenaline wore off as he swayed slightly, "She need's help."
"Lay her down upon the matt over by the fire," The woman instructed, pointing a wrinkled finger towards the mat laid out by the small source of warmth.
"Thank you," the hanyou said, crossing the small distance to the designated mat and gently placed the ailing maiden down, "I'll return before morning to check on her."
The elderly woman watched as the young man began to make his way to the door and started to leave, seeing the blood that soaked and continued to seep through the back of his under shirt, "Wait you need to be tended to as well."
InuYasha shook his head, "the villagers have made it clear they do not wish me here and I will not compromise Kagome's safety because of it."
"Be careful," She woman called after him as he left.
The hanyou disappeared from the hut and into the storm; making his way as far from the village as he could. A small cave caught his eye as he neared the side of the mountain; it was just about twenty feet away. He never made it to the safety of the enclosure however.
His body screamed for him to stop; his vision blurred as the wind chilled him to the bones. InuYasha's knees went weak, buckling and sending him towards the ground. He simply had no strength left to move; his body having been pushed to it's limit.
With a shaking hand he grasped the hilt of his sword tightly before his vision completely blacked out; digging deep into his mind for a comforting image to keep his demon subdued. A smiling Kagome holding his new born daughter came to the forefront of his mind and a small smile graced his lips; the warmth of darkness too much to resist.
Yet 't is a painful feeling, and unwilling,
For surely if we always could perceive
In the same object graces quite as killing
As when she rose upon us like an Eve,
'T would save us many a heartache, many a shilling
(For we must get them any how or grieve),
Whereas if one sole lady pleased for ever,
How pleasant for the heart as well as liver!
The rulers and descendants of the Northern and Eastern lands trudged through the thickening snow seeking out a safe and warm place for them to wait out the storm.
"How do you think everyone is doing?" Bakari inquired from her position huddled close to her mate as they walked, "I hope Sango got out of the storm all right."
"I do too," Kane replied, "She's so close to delivering her baby I was surprised she even ventured out."
"She has an obligation to her pack," Artemis informed knowingly, "She feels responsible and wants to make sure Naraku's dead once and for all."
"Speaking from experience are you?" The young wolf's mate inquired curiously.
"As a matter of fact yes," she answered.
The wind whipped around the group as they unknowingly closed in on a small hut hidden by the snow.
"Hey look guys," Yumiko shouted over the storm, "Do you all see that smoke?"
"Yes, and where there's smoke," Kisho added, "There's fire."
They hurriedly ran towards the small hut, knocking on the door before they entered, none having the desire to frighten the inhabitants should they be human.
The heart is like the sky, a part of heaven,
But changes night and day, too, like the sky;
Now o'er it clouds and thunder must be driven,
And darkness and destruction as on high:
But when it hath been scorch'd, and pierced, and riven,
Its storms expire in water -drops; the eye
Pours forth at last the heart's blood turn'd to tears,
Which make the English climate of our years.
She felt warm; almost too much so. The young miko was faintly aware of her surroundings, straining her hearing to pick up any sounds around her. Off to her side she heard the bustling of someone as they moved around on the creaky floor of an old hut. Slowly she sat up; a damp cloth falling from her forehead to rest with a plop in her lap. A hand coming to replace where the fabric had been; resting her elbow on her knee she supported her head, trying to regain her bearings.
"It's good to see you awake young lady," Came the gentle tone of the elderly woman who'd been taking care of her charge, "I was worried that the young man would come back to find out you'd left this world."
The young miko opened her eyes; turning towards the source of the voice as she stared at the woman, "Where am I?"
"Back at the village you and your traveling companions helped earlier," the woman answered, "I've been taking care of you."
"Kagome," The young woman replied with a nod, recognition aiding her in placing a face and name together for the woman before her she'd met earlier, "Thank you for watching over me Lady Kita."
A small smile spread over Kita's lips, "It was my pleasure."
Kagome sat there for a moment before she noticed the red cloth rapped tightly around her; her hands clutching it like a lifeline; her eyes widened as she turned horrified orbs towards the fastened door and partially covered window, the storm whipping and howling around the small hut, "Where's InuYasha?"
The elderly woman's expression turned grim, her clouded grey orbs staring unseeingly towards the door, "He left shortly after leaving you in my care. I was worried for him considering his wound had yet to heal it seemed and he looked as if he was on his last leg. But what puzzled me was that he seemed extremely reluctant to stay; he said he wouldn't risk your safety; I didn't understand what he meant."
Kagome looked towards Kita, understanding dawning on her: she was blind.
"He's a hanyou," the young miko explained, "When we passed and helped this village with the demon that seemed to plague you with the constant snow storms the villagers became hostile towards my group because of some of my traveling companions being demons."
Kita nodded, "The people here live in fear of demons; I personally see nothing wrong with them. I would have never known your friend was one or half I should say if you hadn't told me. He has a good and pure aura about him."
"He does," Kagome agreed.
"It shouldn't matter if one is a demon, human or hanyou," The healer stated solemnly, "I'm blind, but not to the fact that those who are pure at heart should be trusted. Perhaps the world should be blind so that their judgments of other's looks don't cloud their judgments of their character.
"If only every one was like that," the miko sighed.
Worry set in once more; something just didn't feel right, almost as if the young hanyou was in trouble, "Did he say when he'd be back?"
"Said before dawn," the elderly woman answered, her brows furrowing, "However I fear something has happened to him."
"I need to go find him," The young maiden stated, rising to her feet and making her way towards the door.
"You're not well enough to venture out," Kita said, worry entering her gaze as well, "And the storm has yet to let up; it's too dangerous to go out now."
"If something happened to InuYasha and he's in danger and I couldn't help him, I would never be able to forgive myself," Kagome explained softly, her hand going to the juncture where her heck met her shoulder; her fingers gently pressed against the small mark the hanyou had given her, "He's saved my life countless times in the past and it's time I returned the favor."
Kita sighed, the young woman was determined, she'd giver her that.
"Take this then," She replied, pulling a medium sized bag from beside her; medical supplies contained with in a pouch; then pointed towards a far corner of the hut, "There are some small logs over there; take a few and put them in here. I think you'll need them."
Kagome nodded, "Thank you."
She did as she was told and gathered up a few logs, placing them into the bag before heading out of the hut in search of her mate.
The liver is the lazaret of bile,
But very rarely executes its function,
For the first passion stays there such a while,
That all the rest creep in and form a junction,
Life knots of vipers on a dunghill's soil,-
Rage, fear, hate, jealousy, revenge, compunction,-
So that all mischiefs spring up from this entrail,
Like earthquakes from the hidden fire call'd 'central,'
Finding an abandoned hut amongst the blinding blizzard the group quickly entered, barricading the door and windows against the fierce wind. Everyone huddled against one another, chilled to the bone from the storm outside.
"I hope the others found shelter," Sayo commented, brining his daughter into his lap to help warm her frozen body.
"I'm sure they did," Sango assured, "Kagome is a smart girl, I'm sure they were able to get everyone a safe place to bed down."
"How long to do you think this storm will go on for?" the young monk inquired, listening to the wind thrash against the wooden exterior of their shabby shelter.
"Not long I hope," Riku replied, serving as a heater for the young kitsune as he curled into the demon's lap.
"We might as well get a fire started," Ally sighed, looking around at her hut-mates, "Anyone got a lighter or a match?"
"Kagome usually has those things," Sango answered, "Kirara can transform and light the fire though."
"There's not enough room for her to do that though," Sayo countered.
"We have to do something," the young slayer replied, the group continuing to stare at the pile of logs, trying by some means to light the pile with their will.
The small puppy; seeking warmer places to sleep, ventured across the hut and padded towards his mistress. The tired creature came to a stand still before the fire pit, trying to figure out how to get over the small mountain. Suddenly a cold draft crept into the hut, causing it's inhabitants to shiver and the young pup to sneeze, a small flame erupting into the pit.
"Did you see that?!" Soshi exclaimed looking aghast as the small dog padded around the pit and towards his mate, astonished at what the small creature had just done.
"I told you good things come in small packages," Ally sneered, petting the small creature.
In no time at all the small hut was warming up and the occupants were saved from a serious case of hypothermia.
"Dad," came the sleepy voice of the young child curled in the lord's lap, "Why didn't they trust us?"
Sayo looked solemnly down at his daughter and sighed, "Some people just can't except the fact that not every demon is bad. You'll understand when you're older."
"That's what Chiri said too," Maru argued, "But I want to know now."
"Let me put it to you this way Maru," Ally began, "People simply fear what they don't understand. They can't begin to understand that some demons are good because so many before us have done them harm."
"Well that's stupid," the child replied with a yawn.
"Yes it is Maru," Sayo nodded, "Yes it is."
Heads all turned towards the door as a strong knock sounded from the other side. Cautiously Soshi stood up and answered the door, promptly moving aside to let the newcomers in.
"Great just what we need," Ally joked, seeing the Northern lords and the rest of their party enter, "Another pregnant woman in here."
"Ha ha," Artemis scoffed, cramming herself into a corner next to Kane and Bakari, "Very funny."
"Well at least nothing else could possibly go wrong," the young heir commented.
Artemis turned towards the young slayer, noting her pained expression and her slightly green completion.
"Are you all right Sango?" She inquired, worry in her tone, "You don't look so good."
"I think I'm all right," the said slayer replied, "My stomach's just been hurting for awhile but I'm sure it's noth…"
Everyone watched the young woman curiously as her eyes widened and her hand went to her stomach.
"What's wrong Sango?" Miroku asked, his violet orbs trained only on her.
Shocked, the slayer answered, "I think my water just broke."
In the mean time, without proceeding more
In this anatomy, I 've finish'd now
Two hundred and odd stanzas as before,
That being about the number I 'll allow
Each canto of the twelve, or twenty -four;
And, laying down my pen, I make my bow,
Leaving Don Juan and Haidee to plead
For them and theirs with all who deign to read.
The young miko mentally kicked herself; why hadn't she grabbed something heavier to wear? Wind whipped around her and violently sent her ebony tresses into the air.
"InuYasha!" She shouted for what seemed like the millionth time, her innate miko senses told her she was going in the right direction yet she couldn't seem to find the one she was searching for.
A frustrated sigh escaped her; her head lowering as her eyes closed before opening to stare at her feet. Where could he be? She'd wandered so far away from the village she wasn't sure if she'd be able to get back now.
As she stood there; her gaze fixed on the grown below her; something caught her attention. A small splatter of red shone through the pure white of the snow coating the ground, no doubt having been there for most of the night. The dim light of the rising sun aided her in her inspection of the spot; it was blood.
Kagome's heart seemed to stop as she looked ahead of her; a trail of blood lead towards a large mound where the source of the trail now lay. Fear gripped at her, making it hard to breath as she ran towards the large pile of snow and began to dig through it.
Her hands became raw and frozen by the time she reached the prone figure concealed with in the snow; his silver tresses frozen in clomps while frost clung to the edge of his matching canine ears. What scared her the most was the young man's face; his skin was so pale-whether it was from the loss of blood or the temperature; she wasn't sure. The hanyou had been buried under the snow for so long that his lips were tinted in blue.
"InuYasha," Kagome called, hurriedly clearing the rest of the frozen liquid off of the young man's body, "InuYasha wake up!"
She got no answer.
Tears began to well in her eyes; the crystalline droplets freezing to her rosy cheeks before they had a chance to fall. Gently she lowered her head to her mate's chest; holding her breath as she waited and listened…
Bum.. Bump.
It was faint; eerily so that it was so hard for her to hear it. She needed to get him warmed up; needed to get him out of the storm. Hazel orbs landed on the entrance to the small cave as determination flooded her body.
"Come on we've got to get you out of this mess," Kagome stated gently, pulling the young man to a sitting position before pulling him to his feet; his arm going around her shoulder as she maneuvered him onto her back. When she was sure she had a good firm hold on him she began to move forward; weighed down in the snow but she managed, dragging them towards the cave's entrance and out of the weather. She got him as deep into the cave as she could; away from the howling and raging winds.
Gently laying him down beside a small dip in the stone floor she proceeded to build a fire to warm the young man. Once that was completed she moved to sit behind her mate; propping him up so she could support him while she tended to the wound on his back. With careful, light hands that only come with having treated many injured before, she wrapped his wound; clean, fresh bandages covering most of his chest and back.
Kagome lowered him back to the ground; shrugging off the fire rat haori she currently wore and folding it up until it was a rather tick mound. Tenderly she raised the young hanyou's head up ever so slightly; slipping the make shift pillow under his head. The young miko stared down at the man below her; his skin beginning to regain some of it's color.
Watery eyes never let the man's form leave her sight as she leaned down and placed her lips against his in a feather light kiss. Lowering her self down she moved his arm away from him slightly, curling up beside him with her head on his chest and an arm clinging tightly around his waist.
It seemed every time they were separated one of them ended up fatally injured or dead; where was the justice in that?
"Please InuYasha," Kagome pleaded softly; tears pouring down her cheeks once more to hand on the white fabric of her love's under shirt, "Wake up soon."
Author's Note
Okay…after much debate on my part on how I want to end this story (don't worry it's no over yet) and being unable to please myself I've come to this conclusion. Originally this story was going to end with them getting Amaya back and a short chapter on how she grew up and then the epilogue. However I got to thinking…what about all the other characters? I know you all are probably like forget them we don't care…but that wouldn't do them justice. So now this story will basically be in two parts…though under the same story. The first part will end with them getting Amaya back and a few chapters dedicated to the other characters on how they lived until the future and then will end with the original epilogue and Amaya around the same age as she was when this story originally started. The second part will be her growing up and the end of the story. Thought you all might want to know how this is going to pan out.
I will try to be quicker with the updates….I know you guys are hating me with these month span updates but I'm sorry!!! Unlike the last two years I have limited time to work on my stories unfortunately. I've got to look at colleges and make this year of school count! I'll say it again however…I will never NOT finish a story…it just may take me a while. Thank you again to all you loyal reviewers who have stuck with me through all this; thank you it means a lot.
Sammy-Sama
Chapter VIII: You laugh because I'm different I laugh because you're all the same.
Responding To
Hearii-sama:And I have spent many a sleepless nights pondering that same thought. Yes; shorter chapters would get out faster but then to me they'd seem…well not finished. It maybe hard to believe but normally each chapter starts off in my head at about 12 pages on word but then I go, "Hey that's a good idea!" and add something. I have an idea for each chapter and generally a theme and it just makes more sense to me to continue with one chapter: one theme than five to cover just one topic…seems kinda "fillerish" or "Drug-out" to me. don't' get me wrong though I appreciate the idea; really I do. I don't mean to sound like I'm shooting you down or anything by all means. Thank you for reviewing and for your opinion; it's greatly appreciated.
Strynght83- Thank you for being so understanding. And exams went very well…blew the curve in my Computer Programming class straight out of the water. I'm glad you like the story…its' been my baby for the last four years and it's sad to think that it's almost over…::cries:: but because of reviews like yours it makes writing and updating much more bearable. Hope you liked the chapter!
Alison: yes you are a dork…I'm sorry I thought it was a clone. My apologies to the cast and creator of start treck and to Riker himself for making the mistake. Did you like the chapter? I hope it was worth your wait.
Riyuto-san- I'm sorry it was so dark man…hope you weren't too fightened! I was going to send you a care package but couldn't seem to find the address! Lol…hope you like this chapter though. I agree aobut the interesting part…I mean what would you do if you were pretty much influencing yourself? Haha…more fun to look forward to is all.
AnimeSpiral
cowgirlgoneanime - well I hope you liked it… I know how busy ppl can get so I'm just happy you got around to reading it at all! lol
PrincessAnime- Yeah man! Girl Power! Well what do you expect? She IS InuYasha and Kagome's kid after all…::looks around for any peeking eyes:: between you, me and anyone else who reads the responding to reviews section…she's going to be a real bad ass; just you wait and see! I hope it was well worth your wait.
