Within Darkness
Chapter 10
Amaya rushed through the forest after the youkai who chased Inuyasha. Amaya drew Kenkon and called upon the spiritual attack that wound not only kill the spirit but the body as well. She released the attack then chased after Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha!"
From behind a bush, the four year old appeared, clearly shaken up from the encounter. He sniffled and ran to Amaya. She went down to his level and took him into her arms. AMaya stood him him in her arms. She walked back to the palace where the survivors did the clean up. The nobles watched as Amaya emerged from the tree line with Inuyasha in her arms. One noble, whom Amaya had the deepest trust, approached her.
"Lady Amaya, we found Lady Izayoi. She's in too much shock to speak with us."
"Don't worry. I'll speak with her."
Amaya went through the palace and found Izayoi. Amaya looked at the princess then to the sleeping four year old in her arms. Amaya stretched out her right hand and laid her hand upon Izayoi's heart.
"Things are fine. There's no need to worry; I have Inuyasha."
Amaya pulled her hand away from Izayoi and sat down.
Amaya allowed her body to wake, feeling Inuyasha's sleeping weight against her. Ever since the day she saved him, Inuyasha had been Amaya's living shadow. Amaya had attempted to have Inuyasha go back to Izayoi, but could not shake him. A servant entered quietly and crossed over to the futon.
"My Lady, there is something wrong with Lady Izayoi. Come take a look, please."
Amaya sighed and sat up. She tucked the covers around Inuyasha and followed the servant to Izayoi's chamber. The servant stood by the door while Amaya sat on the futon; on leg folded under her and the other over the edge. Amaya placed her left hand on Izayoi's chest. Amaya felt no heart beat and no hum of a spirit. Amaya released the veil that separated the living and the spirit worlds. She saw the pall bearers leaving Izayoi's body. Amaya pulled away, allowing the veil to drop again.
"Lady Izayoi is no longer among the living," Amaya said.
The servant nodded and left the chamber. Amaya returned to her own where she found Inuyasha playing. AMaya did not know how to tell the six year old that his mother was dead.
"Where's Mommy, Auntie," he asked with a smile.
Amaya held her somber look and watched the bright smile fade into a look similar to hers. Amaya crossed the floor and sat on the futon, crossing her legs and took Inuyasha into her lap.
"Little Love, Mommy's not cmoing. She left in her sleep."
"Auntie?"
Amaya sighed, steadying herself. "Mommy died in her sleep."
Amaya heard a sniffle. It was never easy to lose a parent.
Amaya and Inuyasha stood over the freshly laid grave of Izayoi, the tombstone at the head and flowers on the mound of dirt. Amaya looked around and saw the spirits of those who had died in peace. That told Amaya that Izayoi was at peace. Amaya had gained a child, but it was only through Amaya's word to Togaou.
What am I going to do for all those years, Amaya asked herself.
Amaya heard Moriko come up beside her.
"I did some research and there's a small youkai village not far from here. I pulled some strings and dropped a few names and got you and Inuyasha a place," Moriko said.
Amaya looked down to Inuyasha, who had knelt at the foot of the grave. Moriko stood silently, waiting for Amaya's anser. Amaya gave a nod and Moriko left to make the final arrangements. Amaya knelt down next to Inuyasha.
"I miss Mommy, Aunt Amaya."
"I do too. Come, Moriko found a villages we can live at."
The carriage that had brought Moriko and Amaya had been laden with their belongings as well as Inuyasha's. To Amaya, it seemed like the entire court were glad they were leaving. A drive was given to take them to the village. The ride was quiet for the half day trip. Amaya looked out her window and saw that the youkai village had the appearance of a normal human village. Amaya felt all the different youkai. Finally, the carriage stopped and the doors were opened to allow the passengers out. Amaya held Inuyasha back while Moriko dealt with the belongings. The human driver was given a horse for his journey back. The carriage and its team were lead away when a male youkai approached.
"Welcome to our village, My Lady. I am Hitoshi."
"I'm Amaya; Daughter of the East and Chosen Daughter of the West. This." Amaya motioned to Inuyasha. "Is Inuyasha, Son of the West."
Hitoshi nodded, recognizing the titles. "Moriko has told me somewhat of what brought you here. We've prepared the head hut for your."
Hitoshi turned and led Amaya and Inuyasha to the largest of the huts. Amaya held onto Inuyasha's hand so he would not run off. They arrived at the hut where their belongings had been taken. Hitoshi allowed the two to look throught he small but spacious hut.
"It'll do, Hitoshi," Amaya said.