Angelic: Hello readers and welcome to chapter fourteen of My True Identity. I'm your host Angelic as usual to continue the story of Hitomi. Who is determined to find out the truth about her parent and herself. Last chapter had our little heroine being saved from Isaac grasp by the lord of the west Sesshomaru, and after receiving some valuable information from the Dai Yokai. Hitomi decide to head to a village northeast to find the truth, but unfortunately she once again in a pinch as she is being chased by a hungry yokai. How will our girl be able to get herself out this situation?
Clues from a Nomad
"Argh would you two slowpokes hurry up already!" yelled a young fiery man who was patiently waiting for his traveling companions to catch up.
"We can't help it Koga your way too fast," whined a voice as two men came into the field vision of the one named Koga. He lets out a small sigh as his two traveling buddies stood next to him completely out of breath.
"Jeez if you two would just train harder we wouldn't have this problem now would we!" shouted Koga as he climbs into a nearby tree to determine their location. The other two just let out a sigh as they sit back to back exhausted.
"Hey Ginta where do you think we'll be going to next?" asked the worn out boy while looking up at the blue sky above. His friend also looks up at the sky as well knowing that their little break would come to an end soon.
"I really don't know anymore Hakkaku. Ever since Koga heard about that incident we been traveling around the country nonstop." sigh Ginta remembering the reaction of their leader. After hearing about the passing of a certain friend in an attack on her village.
"Hey Koga can't we take a break! We don't have any clues about who these yokais are or where their from!" shouted Ginta as Koga hopped from his perch in the tree landing next to his companions who still seemed tired.
"Are you guys saying that we should give up, and leave things as they are?" questioned Koga with rage slightly leaking in his words. Hearing it Ginta and Hakkaku quickly back away not wanting to be caught in their leader's wrath.
"No we're not applying that it just that we don't have any ideas about where to start," uttered Hakkaku who was frighten that Koga would explode any moment. While Koga himself clasp his hand into a fist and slamming it into a nearby tree.
"Damn it all! Twelve years of searching, and we've haven't found a clue about who her attackers were yet… Kagome what happened on that day?" thought Koga as he looked at the dent he had put in the tree.
The three friends suddenly tense up as they suddenly hear the light pattering of bare feet against the soft grass. A bush rustles lightly with Koga preparing to attack whoever was coming towards them, but just as he's about to pounce their uninvited guest. Koga instantly freezes in his spot as Ginta and Hakkaku simply stare with their mouths hanging wide open. Standing there in front of them was a slightly battered girl with raven colored hair, and mismatched colored eyes devoid of any conscious. Koga who was the most shocked approaches the girl carefully scared that she would vanish at any moment. The girl slowly begins to fall over as he catches her instantly before she could hit the ground. Ginta and Hakkaku were completely baffled at what they were seeing, but Koga on the other hand believed that he was holding a phantom in arms. Stroking a strand of hair out of the girl's face. He slowly gets back up on his feet making sure that the girl was safely secured in his arms.
"Let get moving guys," whispered Koga walking pass Ginta and Hakkaku with a worried look on his face. Not questioning their leader's action the two get on their feet once more and quietly follow Koga deeper into the woods.
Elsewhere in another region of the forest not too far from Koga group. A giant Larva yokai shivers in pain as a long deep diagonal claw mark is seen on it forehead. Angrily the yokai knocks over a tree with its large tail as its eyes searches the surround area for something. It franticly begins to knock down more trees searching for the one responsible for its pain. Standing a few yards from the rage stricken beast is a person in a black cloak. Her face was hidden well within her dark hood as she watches the angry larva yokai search for the cause of its injury. A devious smile appears on her face as she approaches the enraged demon in a nonchalant way. Hearing something behind it the yokai swings its massive tail in hopes of crushing its intruder, but that is denied as she simply vanish and reappears in front of it. The larva yokai simply gazes down at her while she simply returns it gaze with a smile.
"Who in the world are you pitiful fool!" shouted the yokai with the cloaked figure's smile never leaving her face. Slowly she reaches into her cloak and pulls out a dark colored jewel shard. It radiate with an ominous power which calls the larva yokai towards it.
"Do you want revenge on the one responsible for causing you pain?" asked the hooded person holding the jewel shard toward the larva yokai. However, cautious about the mysterious figure before her. She slowly dips her head toward the shard which radiated with power.
"What would you know of it?" questioned the yokai while the cloaked figured lowered her hood revealing the face of an innocent child. Her green emerald eyes pierces into yokai's blue beaded eyes that were clued to the jewel shard in her hand.
"If you take this you'll have your revenge dear friend," replied the child with her mischievous voice echoing in the yokai's ear. Lusting for revenge the larva yokai scoops of the jewel with her tongue and proceeds to devour the tiny shard whole.
A wicked smile appears on the girl's face as she pricks her finger with a bigger purple gem. Her blood slowly begins to seep inside the dark gem as it begins to glows a soft purple. The larva yokai's body begins to quake as it mutates under the influence of the jewel shard within her body. Two terrible horns spikes out from the top of her head while her claws grow bigger and more sickle like. The pale skin of her face sheds off completely leaving nothing but red muscle fiber visible to the eyes. Her eyes finally takes on a catlike appears instead being a solid beadlike color. The cloaked child slowly place the glowing gem around her neck as the now mutated larva yokai kneel before her. Hopping on top of her head the two set out into the vast forest with one goal in mind.
"This is really creepy isn't it," whispered Ginta as he looked at the girl laying on the grass a few feet away from them. Hakkaku was just as disturbed as Ginta was about the girl who's resemblance to their leader's friend was absolutely flawless.
"She looks just like Kagome-chan doesn't she," whispered Hakkaku as they watched the girl from a safe distant. Koga himself had went out to gather food and had thus ordered Hakkaku and Ginta to look after the girl if she should wake up.
"Yeah talk about sudden nostalgia," replied Ginta as the two watch the unconscious girl's nonmoving form. A small pack of wolves were huddled around the girl curious as to what their leader intended to do with her.
"Alright you lazy pack of buffoons getaway from her right now," clapped Hakkaku shooing the wolves away from their sleeping guess. The wolves themselves give Hakkaku a confused look while the young man lets out a simple sigh.
"Hey Hakkaku didn't Miroku and Sango say that Kagome-chan had a daughter?" questioned Ginta who was now taking a closer look at unconscious girl. Hakkaku knowing what his friend was getting at put a hand to his chin as he contemplate on the thought.
"That true but they said that she too died in the incident along with her parents," muttered Hakkaku who was confused about what to think. Taking a look at the girl once more he began to wonder about the possibility of Ginta's theory.
While the two continued to contemplate on their own thoughts. The motionless girl slowly starts to stir as her eyes flutters open revealing the different colored irises underneath. Looking around her surrounding she see that Ginta and Hakkaku were currently caught up in their own thoughts, but notice on the other hand that a small pack of wolves were staring at her with curious faces. Not liking the situation she was in the girl slowly tries to move from her place in the grass. However, the wolves let out a low growl freezing the girl in her place, but not alerting the two men a few inches away from her. Unsettling looks were plaster on wolves faces as they continued to let out a low growl. The young lass herself was quite frighten of the canines in front of her wondering if they were contemplating on eating her. Trying to find her voice the girl get ready to call toward the two men nearby, but stops upon hearing them discussing something that concerned her.
"Do you really think that girl is Kagome-chan daughter?" asked Hakkaku who was trying to wrap his head around Ginta's theory. Ginta himself was convinced that she was indeed their friend's child, but something still bothered him about the whole thing.
"Come on Hakkaku you have to admit that her face is a mirror image of Kagome chan's," said Ginta as he looks over and notice that their guest was finally awake. The girl slightly shivers in fear as the two boys finally take notice of her.
"I see that your awake little miss," whispered a voice as the girl looks behind her to come face to face with Koga himself. The girl was quite shocked with his sudden appearance as she literally scurries back a few inches away from him.
The wolves instantly run up to Koga upon seeing him carrying a decent size boar behind his back. Knowing actually what they were after Koga shoo them away; saying that they would have hunt their own food if they wanted to eat. Letting out a few pouts the small pack of wolves vanish into the thickness of the forest leaving the four people alone. Dropping his bounty on the ground Ginta begins to prepare a fireplace while Hakkaku goes off to find wood for the fire. With the two currently busy preparing the fire for the meal. Koga takes his time to walk over to the girl who was still quite unsure about her current situation. Fearing that he might harm her the girl shivers away from Koga hand which had tried to touch her shoulder.
"Heh your quite scared and confused aren't you? I don't blame you for being scared, but I assure you that I mean you no harm. Now can you tell me your name little miss?" asked Koga in a polite voice reassuring the girl just a tiny bit.
"Um my name is Hitomi sir," replied Hitomi in a meek voice as Koga placed a hand on the her shoulder. Sensing no hostile intention from Koga Hitomi scoots a little closer to him causing the wolf leader to crack a small smile.
"Well it a pleasure to meet you Hitomi. I'm Koga and the two idiots over there are Ginta and Hakkaku," said Koga earning a few word of complaints from his two traveling companions.
"It a pleasure to meet you Koga-san," whispered Hitomi as Ginta and Hakkaku get the fire started. Burning lightly Koga casually picks up the dead boar, and hands it over to Hakkaku and Ginta to cook.
"There no need to sit over there Hitomi come over hear near the fire," suggested Koga while Hitomi look at him with curious eyes. She could tell that Koga and the other were Yokais but didn't understand why they weren't hostile towards her.
Being a little warily about her mysterious host Hitomi cautiously walks over towards Koga and his companion, and upon sitting at the campfire Hitomi could sense that the three yokais were watching her closely. The fire now fully ablaze Ginta and Hakkaku began to prepare the boar for roasting. While Koga watches Hitomi carefully as images of a quest long over flashes through his mind. He could tell that she was nervous just as she was the first time they had met. Not sure about what to say the two simply gaze at each other waiting for the other to make the first move. Knowing that she was getting nowhere with waiting; Hitomi desperately tries to find the courage inside of her to speak up. Koga himself couldn't say nothing as Hitomi's appearance simply brought up nostalgic memories from his past. Ginta and Hakkaku simply watch the two wondering actually what was going through their leader's head.
"Um if you don't mind I'll simply be on my way," whispered Hitomi getting up from her spot from the campfire, but before she could even move anywhere Koga grabs onto her arm determined not to let her go anywhere.
"It far too dangerous for someone like you to be traveling in there alone," warned Koga as Hitomi tries to break his grip on her arm. Tugging even harder Koga literally yanks the girl back on the ground with one hard tug of his own.
"What do you want from me!" screamed Hitomi who was now becoming worried and frantic about the yokais intentions for her. A sad expression appears on Koga's face completely catching Hitomi off guard.
"I know I'm probably just scaring you, but would you please stay with us for now? There some things I want to ask you," uttered Koga his eyes hidden by his black bangs. Hearing the sorrow within his voice Hitomi takes her place near the fire once more wondering what he wanted to ask.
"Um lunch will be ready in a few minutes. So please stay and eat with us!" begged Hakkaku knowing what his leader wanted to ask her. Hitomi didn't understand what these yokais wanted from her, but she was certain that they meant her no harm. It was all confusing for her seeing as Ojii-san had taught her that Yokais were deceitful creature, and yet she could tell that these guys weren't trying to deceive her at all.
A small grumble is heard as the three men look at Hitomi who cheeks have turned completely red. The three then soon burst out laughing as Hitomi hide her face in her palms out of embarrassment. Finishing his laughing fit Koga puts a palm on Hitomi's shoulder assuring her that they meant no harm. Hitomi let out a small sigh smelling the tempting fragrance coming from the cooking boar. Deciding that there was no harm in staying. She asks Ginta and Hakkaku if there was anything she could to help prepare lunch, but the two assure that they had everything under control. Seeing there was nothing to do Hitomi decides to meditate for the time being until the food was ready. Koga silently watches Hitomi as she mediates, but is suddenly shocked to see a barrier forming around her. Surprised by this sudden predicament Koga quietly takes a step towards her. Hitomi however, still remains in her trace as the shimmering gold light continues to glow around her sitting area. A lone squirrel soon emerges from the wood completely hypnotized by the enchanting light. Sensing the peaceful tranquility coming from the golden light. Koga takes a seat in front of her wondering just how she was forming this barrier. After a few minutes of sitting Hitomi opens her eyes once again as the bright yellow barrier vanishes without a trace.
"What was that barrier you erected around yourself?" asked Koga who was completely baffled by the sudden event. Hitomi thus explain how she has spiritual energy within her alongside her yoki power.
"That a pretty interesting thing Hitomi," replied Koga being more sure about his suspicions of Hitomi. Unable to read Koga current expression Hitomi wonders just what the yokai leader was thinking about.
"Hey come on guys lunch is ready!" shouted Ginta as the two go over to their place by the fire. Hakkaku cut one of the legs off the boar and hands to Hitomi being careful as not to burn the girl's delicate hands.
"Thank you Ginta-san," said Hitomi taking a surprisingly large bite out of the piece of meat. Ginta and the other just giggle as a little blush appearing on the girl's cheeks. Paying them no attention she continues to eat her meat as Ginta serve the rest of the boar to his two friends.
"So Hitomi why are you traveling through these woods all alone?" began Hakkaku causing her to look up at the three warily. Koga could see the glitter of loneliness gleaming in her mismatched eyes making him want to comfort the girl in anyway possible.
"I'm heading for a village in the land northeast of here. I've only recently be on my own," answered Hitomi remembering all the suffering she gone through so far, but the truth continues beckon her to it. Thus she was determined to get to Kaede village no matter what.
"Where are your parents? Why are you alone?" asked Koga wanting to hear her answers more than ever. He was anxious to know about this girl past and why she was alone by herself. A girl who's face is actually like the one he had cherished more than anyone else.
"I don't know where my parents are… I'm was an orphan since I was a baby," replied Hitomi as she explains the troubles and hardships that she was going through.
"The only thing I have that connects me to my parents is this scabbard," said Hitomi in a low voice as she reveals her keepsake to the three men. Koga instantly recognizes the scent on the scabbard belonging to his rival, and his friend's most important one. He could also smell small traces of her scent on the item causing him to look at the girl once more.
"It the Tessaiga sheath!" shouted Hakkaku who was astonished upon seeing the item in Hitomi's possession. He was now quite convinced that Hitomi was connected to their friends.
"Do you guys know something about this!" asked Hitomi with urgency seeping in every word. The three simply look at her wondering if it was best to tell her everything they knew.
Knowing that her journey might be for nothing sadden Koga as he looks a Hitomi frantic face. Would it truly be in the girl's best interest to know the truth, or would it leave her sad and empty on the inside? Hitomi looks at the three with pleading eyes knowing that the three knew something about her family.
"Please tell me what you know about this scabbard please," begged Hitomi causing Koga to let out a sigh. Knowing full well that he might end up regretting his decision in the future.
"That item your holding belongs to my rival," answered Koga as Hitomi looks on with much anticipation in her eyes. Hakkaku and Ginta merely watch their leader knowing well that there encounter with Hitomi might not end well.
"Rival?" repeated Hitomi trying to figure out what Koga meant. Was he possibly talking about her father, and if he was just exactly how was he rivals with Koga? Seeing her think hard Koga also contemplated on where to begin his explanation.
Yeah the owner of that sheath was a rival of mine for the heart of a very special woman. Her name is Kagome who I believe to be your mother," answered Koga with Hitomi taking in the meaning of his words.
"My mother," whispered Hitomi unsure about how to react to such information. She had finally found someone who might know her parents, and yet she didn't know what to say or think.
"I don't know if she your mother or not, but your resemblance to her is amazing," said Koga while Hitomi say nothing as she continue to think about a mother she didn't know a thing about.
"I agree with Koga your appearance to your mother is stunning!" added Hakkaku while Hitomi said nothing in return.
"What she like?" meekly asked Hitomi wanting learn more about the person that could be her mother.
"She was a very kind person who always put her friends before herself. She also felt the need to help other when they were in trouble," replied Ginta noticing that the girl was bothered by something he had said.
"You said she was all these things right? What does that mean? Has she changed or are you guys simply not friends anymore," commented Hitomi as she saw that Hakkaku and Ginta were becoming very nervous for some reason.
"No it not because she changed or because we aren't friends anymore. No it because she been dead for quite some time," answered Koga bluntly with Hitomi gasping in horror. She couldn't believe that it was possible, but it was something that Ojii-san had always believed to be the truth.
"She died?" parroted Hitomi in more of a question hoping that it was a lie, but then again he had said that she couldn't be Kagome daughter which was also puzzling for her.
"Yeah it happen twelve years ago. Her village was besieged by massive horde of yokais, and apparently she and her husband along with their daughter died in the attack, but the strange thing is that neither hers or her families remains were never found," explained Koga causing Hitomi to grow even more confused and worried about these strange turn of events.
"Their bodies were never found? Ok but how am I connected to all of this; you even said that I could possibly not be her daughter. Exactly what is that suppose to mean?" cried Hitomi who was hoping for this to be a lie, but seeing Koga expression makes her realize that even he wasn't quite sure about his own explanation.
"The reason I'm saying that your not possibly Kagome daughter is because, I never got the chance to see her. Apparently she was only six months old when the village was raided. However, I can't help but think you're her daughter because your appearance to her is flawless," explained Koga hoping that she wouldn't think that he was lying or trying to hurt her.
"You said that this sheath belonged to your rival that was competing for my mom heart. What is he like?" questioned Hitomi wanting to know more about the other guy who was in love with her mother and possibly her birth father.
"Well Inuyasha wasn't the kindest of people. He quite rude and never considered the consequence of his action, and the effect it would have on Kagome and her friends!" said Koga who seem quite irritated to be talking about this person named Inuyasha.
"Well that exaggerating a little. Even though he was rude and frightening sometime. He was always reliable when it counted most," commented Ginta while Koga gave a not to friendly look.
"Sometimes I wonder what she ever saw in that mutt," uttered Koga obviously annoyed with this whole conversation. Hitomi let out a small giggle at Koga immaturity as her mind tried to paint a mental picture of the two fighting.
"So I guess that you two weren't the best of friends huh?" giggled Hitomi as Koga turned his head away in annoyance. Here he was remembering stories of the past with a girl who was possibly that mongrel daughter; yet he found it relaxing to remember such silly endeavors with her laughing at such pitiful stories.
"Heh I wanted that bastard dead on more than one occasion, but in the end every time he had a run in with death Kagome would become sad," muttered Koga with Hitomi wanting to know more about Kagome. She didn't know why but somehow she felt close to her even though she had no idea who Kagome was.
"Well in the end Kagome-chan ended up picking Inuyasha who in turn cared for her a lot," finished Hakkaku while Hitomi tried to paint a mental picture of two together, but nothing came to mind frustrating her just a bit.
While thinking about Inuyasha and Kagome Hitomi sudden grow tense as she hears something lurking in the woods. The wolves must of sensed it too as they were next to her letting out low growls. Smelling an ominous scent coming from the woods Koga jumps in front of Hitomi preparing for whatever may come out to attack them. The two glance into the woods knowing that hostility was lurking within the vast trees waiting for its chance to strike. A small girl emerges from the woods with a mischievous smile on her face. Hitomi sigh in relief thinking that an enemy upon them; however Koga and the other didn't share her enthusiasm as they cautiously examined the girl from their position. The small child slowly turn her glance towards Hitomi with her smile never leaving her face.
"Konnichiwa onee-chan," greeted the girl her smile as mischievous as ever. Hitomi just glares at the young child. Wondering what she was doing here in the woods by herself.
"Um Konnichiwa. Um are you lost?" asked Hitomi politely while Koga and his companions looked on with suspicious glare. Koga himself was quite worried knowing that there was something more to the girl than mere looks. The wolves themselves were on edge wanting to pounce on their unwanted guest at any moment.
"You been causing otou-sama a lot of grief by surviving up to this point. However, your luck has run out onee-chan," whispered the girl in a voice that sent chills down Hitomi's spine. Her mind then instantly went to memories of the two yokais that killed Ojii-san.
"I see so your no ordinary child huh," entered Koga who was still in front of Hitomi scooting the girl a little bit away from the mysterious child. The small lady however, didn't mind Koga's action at all; rather that it interested her quite a bit giving an even more unsettling smile.
"Ha ha ha ha. Hey Nii-san are you afraid to die?" giggled the girl making Koga wonder just what she was planning. The child then reaches into her cloak pulling out a large purple gem. There was a small trickle of blood floating inside the crystal giving it misty red appearance in the middle.
"I'm sorry onee-chan but for otou-sama sake I need you to die," chimed the girl as a grotesque larva yokai came springing froth from the woods. Everyone is instantly scattered around the small clearing as the yokai slams its massive tail in the center of the field.
Getting to her feet Hitomi recognize the yokai as the one that had attacked her last night. However, it was completely different from yesterday with its yoki being a lot stronger and warped. Koga was also surprised at the yokai's strength knowing that it was the one that him and the other were trying to avoid since entering this wooden domain. The yokai cast her gaze on everyone but stops upon seeing Hitomi among them. She then proceeds to let out a sickening cry scaring the birds from the trees. Koga save Hitomi in a flash as the yokai's sharp tongue shoot from her mouth; piercing the ground where Hitomi was just a second ago. The tongue then proceed to attack the two like a slithering snake with Koga avoiding every strike. After the tenth strike the tongue retreats into the yokai's mouth. Her glance never leaving Hitomi's frighten face. The yokai charge forward trying to cut the two with one of her giant sickle hands. Koga is unfortunately too quick as she hit nothing but air with Koga landing a few feet away. Leaving Hitomi by his two companions Koga rushes towards the yokai bent on defeating it. The yokai once again shoot her tongue at him once more, but Koga dodges once again landing a power jump kick into its massive face. The yokai go stumbling back a little smashing into a tree nearby. Recovering quickly from the attack the yokai manage to wrap it tongue around Koga ankle, and like a sling slam him into a nearby tree.
"Arghh! Cursed wretch I'll kill you!" screamed the yokai as she turn her attack on Hitomi. Before she even had time to react Hitomi is instantly struck to the ground by the yokai's long tongue. The impact also send the Tessaiga sheath flying from her grip landing a few feet away from her.
"You better hurry miss larva-san before the power of my jewel wares off," chimed the little girl as the larva yokai went charging straight at Hitomi. However, her attack is denied as Koga connect with a powerful punch to her right cheek.
The yokai howls in pain as she tries to whip Koga with her powerful tail. It a miss though as a few trees behind Koga are knocked over in the process. She once again tries attacking Koga with her tongue, but the wolf is merely too fast dodging every hit while landing a powerful kick to the eye. Enraged by Koga's assault on her the yokai shoots the feelers around her mouth like pins hitting Koga in various places on his body. Landing roughly on his feet he puts a hand to his side as blood leak profusely from his wound. Hitomi could also see blood dripping from his left knee and right arm.
"Well looks like your finished Nii-san," chimed the girl as the larva yokai charges the weaken wolf. However, her attack is block as Hitomi jumps in front of Koga while thrusting the Tessaiga scabbard in front of her. Powerful spiritual energy springs forth from the scabbard bouncing the yokai's attack off of it.
"Damn you cursed girl!" yelled the larva yokai slamming her sickle like hand on Hitomi's shield, but the energy ricochet the attack off of it sending the yokai stumbling back a little bit.
"What was that energy? The sheath didn't originally have that kind of ability… Is she using it as a medium for her spiritual power?"thought Koga as the yokai's attack bounces of the spiritual barrier in front of Hitomi and himself.
"Are you alright Koga-san?" asked Hitomi causing Koga to stare at her for a minute. Not knowing what was going through his head Hitomi blushes a little as Koga's eyes remain glued to her, but because she had drop her guard the yokai rams her tail into Hitomi's side sending the girl bouncing across the ground like a ball.
"Hitomi are you ok!" yelled Koga heading towards her when Ginta tackles him to the ground. This safe him from death as the yokai's tongue would've pierced him through the chest.
Getting back on her feet again Hitomi squint her eyes a little as she see a red light illuminating from within the yokai's stomach. Not only was the light red but it also gave off an ominous feeling. The yokai shoot it tongue out at Hitomi once more, but she is easily able to dodging the consecutive attacks one after another. This end however, as the yokai shoot off it pin like feelers around it mouth. Hitomi manage to dodge all the pin, but the impact of the last one near her foot causes her to loose her footing. She thus stumbles and fall to the ground just as the sharp tongue dart towards her. Blood is splatter all over Hitomi's face as Koga is impaled through the stomach upon jumping in front of her. He instantly fall to his knees vomiting a large quantity of blood. Hitomi in stricken with horror as the yokai knocks Koga aside with the flat of its sickle like hand. Staring down at the helpless girl in front of her the yokai prepares to kill Hitomi on the spot, but this chance is denied at the pack of wolves pounce upon the large yokai biting all over it body.
"Arggh! Get off me you infernal beasts!" screamed the yokai as it shakes it body franticly trying to get the wolves off of her. The ones that are shaken off are diced to piece by the yokai's sickle like claws.
Hitomi was completely helpless as she watches the yokai easily dice the poor wolves to pieces. Ginta and Hakkaku had tried to hack the monster from behind with their swords, but the attempt failed as they are hit by the yokai's massive tail. The strike send the two flying to the ground with the yokai shooting out its sharp tongue towards Hakkaku. However it stopped in it track by Hitomi who had grabbed hold of it completely. Her eyes were hidden by her bangs which hid her enraged look as she literally rips the yokai's tongue in half. The yokai screams in pain as blood leeks from the stump where the tip of her tongue use to be. Ginta and Hakkaku had used the chance that they were given to find their leader while the yokai flail around uncontrollably. Hitomi had then had then jumped up into the air impaling her claw in the yokai's right eye. The yokai screams out in rage as blood squirt out from the wound in her eye. Her task complete the group quickly retreats into the woods leaving the yokai, and the mysterious girl in the clearing by themselves.
"Well it looks like you failed to get your revenge," sighed the girl as she put her hood over her head hiding her disappointed expression. The larva yokai continues to flail in pain as the blood leeks profusely from her eye.
"Damn you wretched girl I swear I'll kill you! Come back and fight you cursed hanyo," yelled the yokai holding the flat of her sickle claw to her eye. Suddenly the yokai howl in pain as the bright red shard in it body glows a dark jet black color.
"It look like your time up sorry for your loss," whispered the girl as she disappears into the thickness of the forest. The yokai howls in pain as it vaporize into nothing but bones leaving only the black glowing shard behind. It soon then burst into a corrosive acid that causing everything in clearing including the ground to die.
Elsewhere Hitomi and the other are currently by a stream attending to the injured Koga. The wound was small but very bad considering that it went right through him. Hitomi herself was at a loss of what to do currently as she rips the right side of her hadagi completely off; wrapping it tightly around Koga stomach. The wolf leader let out a groan upon feeling the fabric being wrapped securely around his stomach. Ginta carefully lays Koga back on the ground while Hitomi contemplates on what to do next. There were probably plenty of herbal plants that she could use to make a salve to help Koga wounds. However, she didn't have a materials or knowledge of how to make such things which frustrated her a lot. Knowing that it wasn't safe in the forest the group continues onward. Hitomi herself was traveling through the trees a little ways ahead of the others looking for someplace to rest. She knew that they couldn't move Koga for too long less they make his wounds even worse. She however, soon spot at small temples a little off to the side hidden by the thickness of the trees. It look abandoned and out of shape as if no one had lived in it for years. Deciding it to be the best place to rest. Hitomi tell Ginta and the other to stay hidden while she go in to take a look around.
The inside of the temple is filled to the brim with dust, and there are occasional holes on the floor, walls, and ceiling. The temple itself was pretty small with only the main hall and a storage area in the back. Taking a look in the back Hitomi find tools that are used for making medicine. Along with a few dusty notes on how to brew the different type of plants into the desired remedy. She then conclude that this place use to be a medical station. It was probably build as a rest stop for traveler who were traveling through the vast forest. Hitomi exit the small temple and soon return with Ginta and the others. The two boy gently lay their leader on the floor while Hitomi searches the back for materials. She then come back to the main hall carrying a pot, grinding wheel, and thin bowl. Placing the tools on the ground Hitomi send Hakkaku out to feel the pot with water. She then ask Ginta to start up a fire in the fire place which he complies to immediately. Going to the back once more she quickly grabs an old sack of the back shelf, and with that leave the temple to look for the required herbs to treat Koga. Returning to the river they had been at earlier. Hitomi carefully looks around the general area for the necessary herbs to treat Koga. Although she doesn't find the one she looking for in particular. She does manage to find a bundle of herbs used to cure poison ailment. Judging that there was a possibly that Koga was poisoned from yokai's attack. Hitomi picks two of the plants growing in a buddle throwing the ones she had picked into her sack.
Searching deeper into the forest near the river Hitomi stumble across the plant that she was looking for. Quickly picking a small bundle Hitomi head back to the temple. Hoping that Koga wound hadn't gotten any worse while she was out. Upon arriving in the main hall she see that Hakkaku and Ginta had prepared everything that she had asked for. Hitomi pour the plants that she had gathered on the floor, and begins to grind the one of them in the small bowl with the grinding wheel. While doing this she had asked Ginta to go to the back to find bandages for her. While Hitomi continues to prepare the remedy Hakkaku leads the rest of the wolves outside. Ginta then returns to the main hall haven't found and bandages in the storage area. Letting a sigh escape her lips. Hitomi pour as small amount of boiling water into the bowl. The mixture slowly begin to change into a gooey like substance. Shethen continues to smoothes it out into a smooth ointment. Leaving the girl to her work Ginta goes to join Hakkaku outside with the wolves leaving Hitomi and Koga inside. The wolf leader slowly begins to gain conscious seeing that he was inside a small temple. He slowly sit up but grunts do to the pain of his wound.
"Ah Koga your awake! Please lay back down it not good for you to be moving around," explained Hitomi as she continue to smooth out the paste like substance. Koga slowly looks around the room trying his best to locate the wolves and his two companions.
"Where are Ginta, Hakkaku, and the wolves?" asked Koga laying back on the floor staring at the rundown ceiling. Hitomi leave the ointment that she making on the ground as she goes to back to look for something. She then returns with a brush and a wider bowl placing the said objects on the ground.
"The others are outside the temple standing guard. We were fortunate to get away from that yokai otherwise we probably be dead right now," answered Hitomi as she finish the salve for Koga wound. However, she wasn't quite sure how she was going to apply it since there was no bandage in the storage area.
"Koga you shouldn't get up you need to rest!" shouted Hitomi as Koga struggled to get on his feet, but he soon collapse with Hitomi catching him just before he could hit the floor. Gently laying him back on the ground. Hitomi could see the mass amount of blood seeping through; the makeshift dressing she had made with a piece of her hadagi.
"There no need to worry about me Hitomi. I'm perfectly fine this is nothing for me!" boasted Koga as he tries to get to his feet once more, but is knocked back down by Hitomi who wasn't at least convinced.
"It important that you lay down and rest! You may be a demon and way stronger than humans, but that a serious injury you got there!" argued Hitomi as she contemplated on how to apply the salve without fresh bandages.
Knowing that she hadn't any other choice Hitomi ask Koga to sit up. She then proceeds to unwrap the bloody cloth she had wrapped around him. After that she ask him to remove his armor; for she could get a concept on how serious the injury was. Complying to the girl's wish he slowly takes off his armor revealing his bare chest to her. Hitomi could she that fist like hole in his stomach had become purple around the rim. Judging it as a side effect of poisoning. Hitomi begin to use the brush to apply the salve to his injury. Koga twitches in pain a little as the salve causing a burning sensation. This however, doesn't stop Hitomi from doing her job and in no time the salve is apply to both sides of the wound. Soaking the bloody dressing in the boiling water. Hitomi rings the water out of the cloth, and rewraps it around Koga's stomach. Done with her task Koga lays back on the ground. while Hitomi picks up the tools off the floor. Ginta and Hakkaku soon come back into the temple hall relieved to see their leader doing alright. Hitomi let a smile cross her lips as the two hug their leader glad that he was ok. Leaving the three by themselves Hitomi makes her way back towards the river, and proceeds to fill an empty kettle with cool water. She soon enough returns to the temple to see that even the wolves gathered around their injured leader. Hitomi quietly set the kettle on the fire as she begin to grind another herb in the thin bowl. After that done she goes to the back pulling a container of tea leaves from the shelf. Even though they were a little old it was necessary for the antidote she was brewing.
"So we lost seven of the wolves to that yokai huh," said Koga in an irritated voice while Ginta and Hakkaku simply nodded their heads.
"We would've been done for had not Hitomi injured the yokai enough for us to get way," explained Hakkaku with Ginta nodding his head in agreement. The three then look over seeing Hitomi who was preparing tea.
"Hey Hitomi what are you doing? Is that tea your making?" asked Ginta who sat next to her while the water in the kettle bowls. Hitomi simply nods her head staring into the crackling flames.
"What wrong you seem like you're worrying about something?" questioned Hakkaku who had come to sit near her as well. Hitomi makes no response as she continues to look at the mystic flames burning in the fire place.
"I'm sorry about what happen… If you guys hadn't met me none of you wouldn't have gotten into this situation in the first place," whispered Hitomi as tears started to wale up in her mismatched eyes.
"There no need to apologize to us idiot! Like I told you this injury is nothing, and it not your fault that we ended up the way we did. It was our choice to help you and that all there is to it," chastised Koga surprising Hitomi a little.
"Yeah beside you helped treat Koga's injury. So everything ok," commented Ginta causing Hitomi to look at the three. Even one of the wolves come up her and rest its head in her lap causing tears to fall from her eyes.
"Thank you everyone," sobbed Hitomi with tears falling from her eyes at a faster pace. Hakkaku put a hand on Hitomi shoulder as the girl finally burst into a river of tears. Koga just smile to himself glad that she was ok.
The day soon turns to dusk as everyone sleeping peacefully in the temple hall. However, Hitomi is outside in a tree looking at the half moon high in the sky. A lot of things had happen today and she was tired from the excitement. Gazing up at the shining stars brought peace to her weary mind. She had often done this a lot with Ojii-san when she was young, but now she was alone with nowhere to go. Kaede's village was her destination but would they accept someone like her? Would she truly be able to find an answer to her questions? The only way to find out was to go there and see for herself. Hitomi gaze go towards the ground as she see Koga sitting underneath the tree branch she was on. She was a little worried that he would reopen his wound with his constant movement, but decided not to lecture him since it was obvious that he wouldn't listen.
"Can't sleep Hitomi?" asked Koga while Hitomi turns her sight towards the night sky once more. She was worried about what she would find when she reached her destination, but she didn't want to bother the wolf leader with her problems.
"No I was just thinking about everything that Ojii-san had taught me about the world," lied Hitomi while looking at the stars and moon in the sky. Koga also turns his gaze towards the sky wondering what the girl was worried about.
"Ojii-san had always taught me that yokais were evil and caused nothing but suffering for humans. However after meeting you guys I'm not quite sure anymore," said Hitomi thinking that Koga would find her inconsiderate.
"Well that not too far from the truth… Most yokai are like that and its rare to find yokais who would care about humans. I used to be no different, but meeting Kagome changed my way of thinking," explained Koga while staring at the shining half moon.
"Although I don't hunt or eat humans anymore. I wouldn't say that I could honestly get along with them," stated Koga while Hitomi tried to picture Koga back in the past attacking and killing humans.
"I can't picture you doing something like that at all Koga-san," replied Hitomi softly jumping from the tree branch and land next to Koga. The two just gaze at each other for a moment before Hitomi give the wolf leader a light hug.
"Thank for hearing me out I feel much better now. I hope your right about Kagome-san being my mother," whispered Hitomi as she heads back inside leaving Koga outside by himself.
The night soon turns to dawn as the group after getting a goodnights rest; head out into the forest once more. Navigating their way through the large wooden domain. It take them three days and two night to safely find their way through the forest. Now on the northern side of the forest Hitomi takes her time to look at it. Knowing that her former home was on the other side of it vast wooden domain. Koga although not fully heal was in high spirits as he was glad to be out of the forest. Hitomi turns her sight north knowing that her destination was out there somewhere, and with more determination than ever she wanted to go there and find the answers to her questions. Koga and the other were a little sad now that they would be saying goodbye to their new companion, they knew that it would be in Hitomi's best interest to go to the place of her birth. Koga although sad to see her go was relieved that she would find her place with Kagome's friends. Beside that there was something he wanted to investigate that would possibly lead to his death. Stretching her arms into the air Hitomi was ready to move forwards toward her destine future.
Angelic: Well that all for chapter 14 possibly my longest chapter ever, but to tell the truth this is probably my least favorite. You reviewers decide if this chapter good enough or not. The end is upon us my friends; only three more chapter before the completion of My True Identity. I really appreciate all you reviewers sticking around until know, and I hope you enjoyed Hitomi's story. However all good things must come to an end and Hitomi's story will be ending soon. Anyway until the next chapter R&R.