Chapter 2

Reuniting with Gennimaru and A New Kimono

"Tell me Arashi," Gennimaru said as he brushed the curtain to the side, as we entered the small temple, "What happened to your armor and kimono?"

My eyes drifted downwards, and I took in the sight that I didn't bother to look at before.

My kimono (that looked like Sesshomaru's), was torn, and covered in dried blood in various places. My armor was shattered, the entire breast plate missing itself.

"I had an encounter with a demon." I said simply in a hard voice, not wanting to discuss my failure.

"I see," He said stroking his long beard, using his staff to support his weight, as he slowly sat down on a nearby bench. "And WHO may I ask did you encounter?"

My clawed hand clenched into a fist at my side, and I let out an irritated growl, "Yakunan." The word hissed through my clenched teeth. Just his name sent my anger flaring from a little spark, to deathly flames.

"You shouldn't have done that…" he mumbled under his breath.

"Why not? He's just a dog demon, who prefers to act on anger rather than his own mind."

"But he's very powerful." Gennimaru cut me off, looking up into my eyes, sighing to himself, he stood up, and walked into the back of the room, and began rummaging through a trunk.

In about a minute, he found what he was looking for, and with one hand carrying the object, and one hand on his staff, he walked towards me, and handed me the object.

"A kimono?" I questioned.

"That kimono belonged to your grandmother, InuKimi. Before we met, she wore this very same kimono in battle."

Very gently, my clawed hand moved over the white silk of the fine kimono.

It looked almost like mine, except for the red fabric on top of my shoulders, it was gold instead.

"And take this." He said handing me a heavy set of armor.

"Is this Sesshomaru's? It looks just like his…"

"No, that is also your grandmother's." he replied.

I smiled to myself, and then threw my arms around Gennimaru in a tight hug.

"THANK YOU OJII-SAN!" I rejoiced in a totally ooc voice.

"You're-welcome Arashi-" he said in between gasps of air.

I chuckled slightly, and unwrapped my arms from his torso.

"Thank you…really Gennimaru. I appreciate this a lot." A small, rare smile touched my lips, and we bowed to each other in respect.

"So why did you come here Arashi?" he asked after a moment of silence.

"I just needed to get away from the stresses of life." I answered, my talons trailing over the fabric of the fine silk kimono.

"There's a room in the back of the temple. If you wish to go change you may do so.

"Thank you, grandfather." I said again, slightly curtsying and then swiftly moving to the back of the temple.

He was right, there was a small resting area, and faster than any human, I changed into the kimono and armor, and heasantly, walked out into the main room again.

Gennimaru gasped, but then smiled. "You look as beautiful as your grandmother did."

"Thank you ojii-san." I said, a light smile touching my lips. "But I best be off now."

I curtsied again, and swiftly moved past him, and outside.

"Oh! And Arashi!" he called to me, and I turned back to face him, the wind blowing my white hair across my face.

He bowed to me in respect, and then proclaimed in a loud voice: "Long live Lady Arashi; The Great Dog Demoness of the Northern Lands!"

A huge smile spread across my face, and before his very eyes, I transformed into my dog form.

For a few seconds, my large red eyes locked on his small golden ones, and then, I let my head back, and let out a long, loud howl.

Gennimaru stood up, and bowed once again.

Slowly, I lowered my head, and returned the bow.

Then, letting out a loud huff, I leapt into the air, causing dust to fly everywhere on the ground below.

Flying through the air like this…it was like you could HEAR the sun, the sky, and the wind calling your name, as you tasted the various scents of the air on your tongue.

Because when I'm flying, the only thing I feel,

Is Free...

Sorry I've been taking so long guys...but my computer crashed, and I had to start ALL over again on this. I will be updating still, but it won't be like...every day like it used to be

also my life is really stressed right now with high school homework and bullying

but i will try to finish this story soon HUGZIES! :D

Ashley