"That's very strange…so are you sure Kagome helped the kids and not some other random priestess who looks like Kagome? It was very dark you know."

"I think Shippo and Shiori would know if they seen the princess or not. They both are demons and so they go by other stuff than just sight. Kate you should know that."

The demoness rolled her eyes at her older cousin. Her golden eyes glared at his amber ones while she tried to keep her long silver mane from blowing in her face because of the wind.

"I do know that Inuyasha I just can't understand why Kagome would even think of lending a hand to your children. She isn't exactly one to be helpful towards her enemies. I don't really think its something to worry about either. After all…don't you have someone…"

"…waiting on him in his room? Why yes he does!"

"Damn it Miroku, don't do that you stupid Monk!" Inuyasha jumped up from his spot on the rock while his young friend laughed in his expense. Kate looked on with mild amusement at the two immature men.

"I'm just stating that your future wife has arrived and has been waiting for you for a while. Do you wish to still keep her waiting?"

"Crap…When did Tsuki get here? Why wasn't I informed until now?"

"Probably because you are to busy staying away from the clan and hunting down useless enemies. Go to the girl before she gets impatient."

"Get off my back Kate. I do as I please." Inuyasha glared one more time at his companions before slowly taking his leave and disappearing through the trees. Miroku grinned as took his friend's old seat and stared up at the female inu-youkia with curious eyes.

"Tsuki is a fine young demon and what looks to possess great abilities for power. I really do think she could do the kingdom justice as a queen, but why does your cousin seem so reluctant to take her? He doesn't seem to truly care that she is his chosen. I just don't understand that man. Tsuki's beauty is out of this world! Any man would love to have her as his bride."

Kate scoffed at Miroku's views on why he believed Inuyasha was an idiot in relationships, while she had very different ideas on the topic. She believed her cousin was a moron, just not the same reasons as the monk implied.

"Has he ever told you of a young child he once played with when he was little?"

Miroku took his long gaze off his friend and instead found more interest in staring at the sky, watching the movements of the clouds. His eyes became unreadable to Kate, telling her the answer she was waiting to hear.

"Yes. She was the first person to accept him as what he was. Unlike all the other humans of her race, she was different and enjoyed the company Inuyasha gave her. The two created an instantaneous bond that very few had and our young hanyou had cherished it…You don't think that is why Inuyasha can't seem to form a good bond with Tsuki, do you? That was so long ago…"

"Yes it was a very long time ago, but very few people forget things that have such an impact in their life. It could have been a short period of time for Inuyasha, but I don't think it would have made a bit of difference. He will never forget the woman who gave him the hope to live, even if now, she may be dead." Kate stretched out on the ground as she too took up watching the clouds. It seemed the area around them grew in silence as the two drifted into their own thoughts, Miroku being the last to speak his out loud.

"Perhaps…I wonder though…Just what kind of a woman would she be now? If she had lived…Would she still be with Inuyasha or would the war that divides their kind eventually tear them apart? Maybe its best that we never know that answer."

OOOO

"I still don't understand why you can't just stay here at camp. I have been waiting for at least an hour! If Miroku wouldn't have…"

"Yeah, yeah I'm here now aren't I? Why do you have to make such a big deal out of it? I didn't even know you were going to be here."

"I am your fiancé Inuyasha. Of course I am going to be here!"

The woman smiled, showing her brilliant white fangs at the irritated half-demon. Inuyasha wasn't phased by her proclamation. He scoffed as he continued to stare out the tall window of the castle-like hut.

"I didn't ask for you to come here. I have stuff to do Tsuki and it might be easier to get stuff done if you were not here."

The dog demon pouted as she flipped her yellow hair to the side. Tsuki, unlike most inu-youkia, had long light yellow hair rather then the usual silver or white. She also carried the rare ice blue eyes rather than the honey yellow that her dad bore. She was a rare demon with rare beauty and so everyone believed she was a perfect candidate for their young and powerful prince. However, Tsuki was never tricked like the other demons of their land, knowing Inuyasha would not be taken in by her looks alone. The man was stubborn and wild and very few could even attempt to tame him. She was either brave or stupid to even think she could be capable of making him see her as his equal.

"Inuyasha…I just don't understand why you can't give us a shot? What in the world could make you defy me so much?"

"You don't get it Tsuki and you never will. Do you really think that you could be truly happy with a marriage made by force? I understand its common and is accepted in a lot of places, but I can't agree with it. I can't marry a woman I barely even know."

Feeling a sting of betrayal, Tsuki lost all ability to think before she spoke. Her crystal eyes nearly bled red as she processed Inuyasha's words over in her mind. Barely know? They have been courting for almost four years! How dare he to think…

"I think I get it, though I don't understand why, its her correct? That wretch of a dead wom…"

"Finish that sentence and I promise it will be the last words that fall from those pretty lips."

In an instant, Inuyasha had Tsuki pinned up on a wall with her whimpering under his gaze. His claws was fixed dangerously near her neck while his legs held her form in place. The soft amber that was always the color of Inuyasha orbs was flashing red while a threatening growl left his throat. Tsuki was frozen in her spot.

"She really means that much to you doesn't she? So even if she isn't here…I really can't find away into your life?…I guess it doesn't matter than how hard I try…I can't compete with the dead."

Inuyasha finally regained consciousness as he let his captor slide down from her place on the wall and crumble to the floor below him. Her gaze would not meet his as hot tears threatened to fall. Realizing the state he caused her to go in, guilt etched into his mind.

"It's not the fact that I want you to compete with the dead, it's the fact that I can't except that she is dead. Her body was never found and her death was never told. It was as if she just vanished off this world and every trace of her was erased. I can't except what I can't see Tsuki. I'm sorry, but that door of my past will never be closed until the person that created it finally closes it for me."

"So that's what it will take for you to give this woman a chance? Some proof that the girl you met as a kid is truly dead? Well that won't be hard at all."

The couple turned their heads at the new couple walking into their direction. Inuyasha turned his eyes away as the woman accompanying the man helped Tsuki to her feet.

"Dad do you really think it will be that simple? Mom, when did you guys get back?"

"We just got back dear and your dad wasn't lying. There is an old woman in this village with an ability to have glimpses of the past. She won't be able to see the whole scene, but she will be able to see a good portion of it. Is that what you wish my son?"

There was no hesitation in his voice and Tsuki almost felt sick with the way his eyes lit up to a different hue. He bore into his dads eyes with such determination she knew that he could wish for nothing else.

"Yes. When can we do it?"

OOO

"So you ran into a demon warthog who came at you in surprise and ripped your dress for you? Also, he ate the piece he ripped off so you couldn't get the fabric back and then you destroyed him in the last few seconds of the encounter? Is that right?"

Kagome was trying to balance on a tipped rock while listening to the questions her loyal friend shot at her. Sango walked around Kagome with accusing eyes, never breaking eye contact with her form. It was beginning to make her nervous.

"Hai. That would be exactly what happened. After the battle, if you want to call it a battle, I went and continued on my walk through the woods. That would also be why I didn't come back until late."

"Righttt. That is the reason why. Your going to…"

"OUCH!"

"Fall."

Helping up her friend, Sango lent Kagome her hand. Brushing herself off, she glared daggers into Sango's brown eyes.

"What?"

"You distracted me! Next time instead of over analyzing everything I do, just accept my reasons and leave it be."

Kagome twirled around and stared at the scenery that surrounded them. Kagome wanted to find a nice secluded area to concentrate her miko powers without interruptions, but she never considered the idea that her friend would want to accompany her as she done so. The area, however, was perfect in Kagome's eyes. They were in a small field surrounded by beautiful lilies and lilacs. It was a circular mini garden that was seemingly guarded by the forest trees. Kagome found the lake the most beautiful of all since it was so crystal clear and calm. If she needed any alone time, the place they now stood in would be her first choice.

"I can't not ask questions when there is clearly missing information that should be told. I am the one who is suppose to be making sure you stay out of trouble. What if you were attacked by Naraku when you were out? We can't have that now can we?"

"As if Naraku would be going around that late of night. You forget he has a million years of beauty sleep to catch up on and I am the least of his worries. Come on now, I think we should be heading back."

Kagome took one last look at her tiny wonderland before picking up her bow and arrows and walking straight for the path that brought them there. Sango rolled her eyes while staying close behind, holding her Hiraikotsu on her back.

"Kagome…You really do need to be more careful though. Not everyone is friendly and sweet and you can be really vulnerable sometimes. I just worry about you."

Kagome stopped in mid step to turn to her long time best friend. She could see the concern written on her face and immediately felt a small tinge of guilt. If Sango really knew what happened then she would…

"Don't worry about it Sango. I promise that everything will be fine and so will I. I'm not your average Miko you know." Kagome shone with one of her winning smiles that had always been contagious. Sango lowered her gaze and nodded, trying to act supportive. Kagome took that as a reassurance and turned back to continue on their way. Sango's smile dropped and worry etched right back onto her features.

'I know you are not an ordinary Miko, Kagome. That is exactly what I worry about.'

OO

"Just tell me what you see and stop messing around! I don't have time for you stupid dam…"

"Inuyasha! Forgive me Lady Kako, my son apparently forgotten that he has manners. He really is a very mature young man, he just doesn't know how to show patience."

Izayoi scorned her son some more before she turned to look back at the old priestess who sat in a meditation position on the hut floor. Her grey hair stayed in a loose tie while her eyes glared daggers at the young half-demon prince. Inu-no Tasho almost grinned at the scene before him while Tsuki watched will little amusement.

"Whatever. Just tell me what you can see about my past ten years ago. I was age ten and trying to find a young girl about the age of eight. Can you at least see that?"

Izayoi glared more at the rudeness Inuyasha displayed while the priestess just rubbed her head from the annoyance that started to envelope her. She stared at the tiny clothe that was wrapped around her wrinkled hand. She could feel that the fabric was not that of a regular common girl since it seemed soft to the touch.

'Almost like that of royal silk. However, not of the same caliber. Perhaps a look-a-like? I wonder…'

"Hey, are you listening to me? You crazy ol…"

"Give me silence and I will tell you what I see."

The whole room seemed to be sucked dry of any sounds while Inuyasha immediately shut his lips. Lady Kako put her free hand over the fabric that sat in the other and closed her eyes tight. She soon reopened her eyes in another day and time. The room around her disappeared and a new scene took shape before her. She could hear screams and shouts from frightened humans and angry remarks from troubled demons. It was as if she was brought in the middle of a war.

'Kill them! Kill them all and get that brat of a child. The one who befriended the half-breed."

The ugly red beast charged more hoards of demons towards the small human village. Soon fires surrounded the people and the demons grew with laughter.

'You pathetic excuse for mortals, do you really think you can run from us?'

'Hail to Naraku! We'll kill the child in his name!'

'Surrender or die a miserable death.'

Kako shielded her eyes from the blood that was being shed. She could see mothers being killed in front of their own children and homes being destroyed. She couldn't understand what caused such a chaotic battle. Walking slowly, unseen by the turmoil that surrounded her, she heard a small girl's scream mixed in with a cackle of laughter. Soon the white fabric that was stuck in her palm began to glow a fiery blue. She knew the girl must have been the child Inuyasha wished to see.

'Stay away from me! Why do you wish to hurt me? I have nothing that you could want.'

She watched with curious eyes as a small raven haired girl ran through the trees and hid within an abandoned building. Terror filled her brown eyes while she tried with little accomplishment of catching her breath. A tiny blue mark was shining on the child's collar bone and startled the old woman.

'She's the legendary Miko? The woman who was talked of in the prophecy…'

'I got you now you little brat! We had orders of retrieving you for the head demon, but I believe he wouldn't mind if I just finished you off here. If your dead how can you be a threat to us?'

The child squeezed her eyes shut, repeating what looked to be a chant. A small barrier formed while her mark began to glow with an even brighter sheen. Kako looked on in wonder while the evil coyote demon laughed with pure malice.

'A barrier? That may work if I was a weak demon, but I know my way around barriers and around you. Soon your power will grow even weaker until you break and pass out. By then, you will be woken up from the flames that will soon engulf your entire body. Have fun, young Miko.'

'No! Please someone, help me!'

Lady Kako reached out her hand, but it was no good. Her eyes became heavy while pits of fire soon found its way around the tiny hut. It was at that point that the scene started to get hazy and the child's screams became faint. The last images flashed and Kako could see a swarm of wind encircle the entire village. Screams died down while a small ribbon danced before Kakos eyes, falling down from the sky. Looking up, she could only make out moving shadows before everything went black.

"Oh my!"

A strong jerk brought Kako back into the present day. Her green eyes opened lazily while she searched around the room for the one who awaited her visions. Standing up with help from the inu-king, Lady Kako made her way for Inuyasha.

"She was surrounded by an angry fire caused from minions brought there by Naraku. She was in a village not known to me and was hiding in an abandoned hut. A big coyote demon whose name went unsaid had caused the fire while she became entrapped in the flames. The girl put up a barrier, but I'm afraid it wasn't strong enough to hold."

Her face softened as she witnessed Inuyasha's orbs suddenly lose their sheen and turn into a dull amber. His face was unreadable, but the woman could only imagine the thoughts that ran through the young mans head.

"However, even though she was in a tight situation that seemed hopeless, your childhood friend may very well be still alive."

Gasps were heard from the people around her. Inuyasha's eyes widened while Tsuki could promise her heart was going to jump out of her chest. She looked over to her soon-to-be with a breaking heart.

'Alive? If she was alive then….I truly do not have a chance…'

"Lady Kako, I do not understand. How can Sakura be alive?"

Kako turned towards the human queen who stared at her with uncertainty. Her brown eyes tried to pierce Kako's green ones, searching for her answer.

"Sakura? Is that the child's name?"

"Yes…well it was her nickname. The girl had always loved that name and never really knew her own. She said that she was given a temporary name for purposes she didn't even know. So that is how we know of her. The girl's name was Sakura."

Inuyasha clinched his fists as he listened to the two women talk. The name echoed through his mind and he could almost picture her running in a field they used to play in. It was aggravating.

"I see. I'm guessing it was because she was the Miko of the legend. The one who was going to destroy the Shikon no Tama and put an end to this petty war."

Kako walked over to her wooden chair and sat down. She closed her eyes as she felt Inuyasha draw nearer to her. She didn't even have to look to see what question he would ask next.

"Legendary Miko? How did you know she bore the mark?"

His pack members just stared at him with amazed eyes. His dad couldn't believe his ears.

"The mark? Are you telling me that child you were with was that Miko? Why didn't you tell us this!"

"Dad, if I would have blabbed it out then everyone would have known and then she would have been put into greater danger. Now answer my question you old hag, how did you know?"

"Calm down you insolent dog I just seen it. In my vision of that scene, when she was captured her mark glowed blue. It was as plain as day."

Shaking her head of negative thoughts Kako walked away from the group and leaned up against the woodened wall. She stared straight into the growling half-demon's eyes.

"The mark was shining when the fire was engulfing her. Afterwards, the scene got hazy and a great wind began to blow. I didn't hear her screams any longer but the ribbon she had worn in her hair was falling down from the sky. It wasn't burnt or even smelt of something that was burning. I looked up and two figures were up there. Perhaps one of those figures was her? I really can't say, but I do not believe she is dead. Her power wasn't at its peak, but it was something to marvel at. No, I believe she is still living and is hiding somewhere that no one can reach her. If you have the strength than look for her. I do not believe a woman born from prophecy would be that easy to kill either way."

"Thank you Lady Kako. This is most helpful." Izayoi bowed low for the wise priestess as the group began to make their way out of the hut. However, Kako wouldn't let them leave without one last message. Inuyasha's dog ears tweaked at the advice.

"If you do find her, protect her. Naraku will more than likely be after this girl over anyone else. She is the one who people believe will finally stop this mayhem. Naraku wants the jewel, but not the person holding it. He will be very interested to sink his claws into the girl who will destroy any chances of him winning this war or his so wanted wish. Naraku will reenact what he tried to do ten years ago. This time, the girl may not be as lucky."

Inuyasha stared hard at the ground taking in the old woman's words. He walked ahead of his clan, ignoring every eye that looked his way. Tsuki clenched her fists as she walked along side his mother.

'The one who was said to bare the mark was the girl Inuyasha befriended. She also may still be alive. I don't think we're going to be married anytime soon…'

OOOO

I hope you enjoyed it!

Ja ne