a/n- Sorry again for taking so long.
Chapter 5- Meetings
Kagome and Kilala had been on the move since last night. It was approaching midday. Kagome was exhausted but there was no time for that. They had to keep going. 'I know I'm in the western lands, but how do I find Sesshoumaru? Inuyasha said once the mansion is hidden to human eyes. Then again…I'm not human….I never was.'
"Kilala, if you know how to track Sesshoumaru, find him. It's probably a scent similar to Inuyasha."
Kilala made a slight growling noise but turned to the left a little. 'Even if I make it to Sesshoumaru…will I live long enough to be heard?'
-x-
"How are you old friend?" Lord Saiki asked.
"I am fine. I have many questions to ask you." Sesshoumaru stated coldly.
"Oh drop the tone boy; I've known you since you were a pup."
Sesshoumaru let the slightest hint of a smile form on his lips. The older demon had a glint to his eyes that was impossibly contagious.
"I apologize, Saiki. It is not often I meet with old friends."
"I too must apologize."
"For what?"
"I am afraid the time has come for you to fulfill your requirements as a lord."
"I see."
"By law, if you have not chosen an intended mate by the council meeting you must relinquish your rule of the western lands. So, you have been warned of the consequences. Do you have an intended?"
"I do not."
The old demon sighed. He had expected this from Sesshoumaru. It was a pity really. If he could just open up again. Trust in destiny to right itself. He was truly a great leader. Saiki was so wrapped up in his thoughts of the past he almost missed Sesshoumaru's question.
"Tell me something. In your letter you wrote to watch for the lunar eclipse which is half a cycle away now. What have you got up your sleeve? Souretsu was killed was he not? Leaving only his wife, Mikomi?"
"Not exactly. I look forward t0 seeing how this all plays out myself. The girl I found here most definitely had a faint trace of Souretsu's blood. My blood. There was a child. However Mikomi was against naming her as heir. I dropped the matter so as not to upset her further. I knew I would be the end of our line, but what could I do? I did not wish to harm what my late son loved so much. Mikomi sealed her powers wishing her daughter to lead a normal life. What intrigues me is how she is here now."
"You're not telling me something." Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.
"Let's just say I got a tip from Lord Ginkouzetsu that you know this girl already." Saiki said with a wink.
"How is that possible? As part of the Crescents it is my duty to protect. How is it I have never detected the faintest scent of her?"
"Her mother's seal has only recently begun to weaken would be my guess. The eclipse is nearing. Every day she grows stronger. Her mother will send her your direction."
"I suppose she will. It is a pity she will have no familiarity with her demon heritage. That makes it significantly more difficult."
"It is a pity, Sesshoumaru; you have come to hate humans so. Mikomi enjoyed your company long ago. Do not pretend you didn't also enjoy her company." Saiki spat.
Sesshoumaru fell silent. 'The annoying thing about father figures? They have to go and act like your father!' He thought irritated.
"Was there anything else?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Just think about it. There is just one thing. I had a rather troubling visit with Lord Koumori."
"How so?"
"He seems to be preparing for something. He concerned himself with questions of your impending trial at our meeting. I felt I should warn you. Watch your back. I can't place it, but something is not right."
"I understand. I too have one last thing. Upon receiving your letter I searched for history in my library. I almost gave up, when I found this. Does it mean anything to you?"
Saiki took the scroll reading carefully.
"Where did you find this? This is old. Far older than anything I even possess."
"There was a box hidden in the oldest archive room."
"This is a prophecy. I am sure of it. I must finish my visits quickly. I need to study this. There may not be much time. Sesshoumaru, before I go, when the girl arrives…well be…..civilized."
Sesshoumaru cracked a huge smile that showed his fangs. Saiki shivered a little moving towards the front entrance.
"Never mind…" He muttered. Then he was gone.
-x-
Inuyasha walked at a quick pace with the others in tow. He was brooding, paying no mind to which direction they went. Kagome had been gone three days now. It had taken Kaede, Miroku, and Sango to restrain and calm Inuyasha enough to not go after Kagome. Right now everyone waited knowing the next person to set Inuyasha off….
And that's when he appeared.
"Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha looked up into the eyes of two demons. The older was male. He was tall and thin and had long black hair, and brown eyes that were huge. He felt very strong. The girl was of average height. Silvery blue hair fell to her waist. She had striking amethyst eyes and dark skin. Inuyasha sniffed the air. 'Wait…that's Shiori!'
"Shi-Shiori?! Hey!"
Inuyasha moved forward when the male spoke up.
"I wouldn't."
"Who are you?!"
"Me? My name is Koumori."
Inuyasha paused trying to think. He acted as if who he was should be obvious.
"Who?" Inuyasha had to ask again.
"I am the leader of the bat demons. A lord of the council."
"So the bat demons are causing trouble again huh? So be it. Don't worry Shiori; I'll take care of this."
Inuyasha smiled pulling out Tetsusaiga.
"Very well. " Koumori put Shiori down while his wings extended. Inuyasha waited.
"What's the matter? Are you afraid?" Koumori taunted.
"Afraid? Of what? I defeated Taigokumaru didn't I?"
"And I am not him. Brace yourself Inuyasha!" Koumori flew at Inuyasha, but stopped short inches from him.
"What are you doing? Are you afraid? Let's go!" Inuyasha yelled.
Koumori remained silent. Inuyasha swung out at him impatiently, but Koumori dodged easily. Inuyasha backed away, and quickly spun around.
"Windscar!"
At that very second Koumori charged from behind Inuyasha lifting him into the air. His claws dug into Inuyasha's shoulders. Then, without warning Koumori dropped him. Inuyasha fell through the air. He pointed Tetsusaiga down hoping when it hit the ground it would take some pressure off him. It would have worked had he been closer to the ground when he fell. As his feet hit, he heard a cracking sound followed by a burning sensation in his left leg, then total numbness.
"You bastard!" He screamed.
Sango and Miroku watched on with Shiori.
"Are you alright Shiori?" Sango asked.
"Yes, but Inuyasha….he's hurt."
"He's not out yet." Miroku said.
Koumori repeated his antics with flying close then simply waiting. Depending on Inuyasha's impatience. Inuyasha was breathing hard. The blood dripping down his arms was a nuisance but not life threatening.
"It's like he is toying with Inuyasha." Miroku said finally.
"Do you think he has another motive?"
"He is succeeding. He wants to wear Inuyasha down."
Inuyasha struck out again, almost stumbling over because of his broken leg.
"Inuyasha! You have to calm down! This is exactly what Koumori wants! Think things through!" Sango yelled.
Koumori sent a ball of energy towards Inuyasha. Inuyasha dodged and used his windscar again. This time a bright pink light engulfed Koumori.
"A barrier? I thought I destroyed your precious barrier! So what's it this time? A jewel shard?"
"And if it is?"
"Hand it over!"
Koumori chuckled and sent a huge ball of energy out.
"Backlash wave!"
The hit managed to land giving Koumori a gash across his face and torso.
"That's some barrier, Koumori. Sango, I'm managing fine! Just protect Shiori!"
"Die Inuyasha!" Koumori screamed releasing a third energy ball.
Inuyasha knew he didn't have time to escape this one. He dug his sword into the ground again. Gashes were all over his body. He was silent. A pulsing sensation went through his body, but still he did not move.
"This is not good." Miroku said.
Jagged magenta markings appeared on Inuyasha's cheek bones. His claws were elongating. Out of nowhere an arrow went through Koumori's wing. It singed and smoked as if he had been burned. He screamed in agony.
"This isn't over Inuyasha." He said flying away.
Kikyou appeared out of the woods.
"I do not expect a thank you. I only interfered because of my love for Inuyasha. If you would only put up with me for a short time, I will help carry him back to Kaede's village." She said to the cold faces.
Sango and Miroku looked at each other. They both knew they would need help. They each nodded their consent.
"Sango stay back until we are sure his transformation has stopped." Miroku said.
Kikyou was the first to reach Inuyasha. He growled warningly.
"Inuyasha. It's alright. You're safe. Let me help you my love."
He didn't respond for a minute, but suddenly he collapsed.
-x-
Three days had passed since Kagome went in search of Sesshoumaru, and things were starting to get strange. Every time she tried to sleep dreams filled her mind. Her eyesight seemed to be increasing and she now felt a pull somewhere. To what she wasn't sure. On the sixth day she finally came to a gate, which a ways back had only seemed to be more forest. Tentatively she touched the gate and it mysteriously opened for her.
-x-
Inuyasha had been unconscious for three days after the fight. Just before dawn on the fourth morning, Lord Saiki himself arrived in Kaede's village.
"Lord Saiki, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Kaede asked.
"It has been a very long time Kaede. I have been told I may find Inuyasha here."
"Hai. Ye will. He is however unconscious I am afraid."
"What happened?" Saiki feared the worst. He should have been there!
"I do not know the details but if ye follow me ye can ask his companions."
Saiki entered the hut after the old woman but stopped short. His breath caught in his throat and his temper began to burn. Inuyasha lay on a mat with his still healing leg in a splint. The gashes on his shoulders had become light scars. There was another deeper near his abdomen. Little bruises were everywhere. Then his eyes found Shiori.
"Tell me Koumori isn't behind this."
Shiori looked down unable to meet his penetrating eyes.
"Tell me!" Lord Saiki seethed.
"I'm…afraid so." Shiori said quietly.
"I understand now. Damn it how could I have been so blind? Give this to Inuyasha when he awakes. I want you to stay here Shiori. I must go."
'Koumori I will personally rip you to shreds…'