Forbidden

Chapter Two: Ally to One, Enemy to Another

A tall, silver haired demon with golden eyes walked into the meadow. He had pointed ears, a cold expression and a commanding aura. He looked like an unbeatable warrior and his eyes pierced the air and glared at the unfamiliar demon woman. Rin jumped out of Kagome's arms and sprinted toward the handsome man. The demon woman was awestruck. -What is she doing?-Rin clutched Sesshoumaru's hand. She held on to him like he was her father, but by his appearance, he was only about two or three years older than the twenty year old woman. The clouds that were hiding the moon floated away and shed light in all directions. The woman stared at the demon. He was strangely familiar to her. Then it hit her. She remembered seeing him, through the smoke in the burning village just two nights ago, at the head of the savage army that destroyed her home. Her blood boiled with anger, and she hit Kagura so forcefully that the demon fell unconscious, streaming blood out of her mouth and nose.

"You vile monster! Cowardly scoundrel! What on earth did they do to you to deserve such suffering?" The young woman snarled at Sesshoumaru. The man frowned, having no clue of what he was being accused of, and began to walk away. The woman, blinded by her rage, quickly paced toward the demon with the razored blade clutched in her hand.

Kagome shouted. "Stop! He'll tear you apart!"

"Like hell he will..." The woman snarled, her voice cold as ice, and pointed the sword at Sesshoumaru's back. "You have not answered. Why did you kill them?"

The man stood silent. Rin looked at the demon girl and in fear and held on to Sesshoumaru's hand. He turned his head and glared at the young woman threatening him. His amber eyes inspected her face. He could sense that she was in a weakened state and covered in injuries. There was a fresh claw mark across her collar bone, her knuckles were bruised and she was having trouble with her left leg. She was a mysterious woman, nothing like Sesshoumaru had ever seen: The gentle breeze blew, making her silky, golden hair to dance in the wind and her sweet scent of roses and cherry blossoms spread through the air. Her skin seemed to glow in the moonlight and her blue-gray eyes revealed years of pain, sorrow, struggle, and anger. Her eyes looked down at Rin.

"Do you know how many innocent children like her you slaughtered with your goddamn army? And for what? Money? Treasure?" The woman demanded. "Thirst for blood?!" The edge of her blade was pushed slightly into Sesshoumaru's back and blood seeped out of the wound. Sesshoumaru's eyes turned red, he bared his fangs, snatched the sword out of her hands and grabbed her by the neck. Rin shreiked and Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's arm.

"Do something, don't just stand there!"

"Why? If he kills her, Naraku won't be able to get her and achieve his stupid power." Inuyasha replied carelessly. Apparently his statement caught Sesshoumaru's attention.

"What does Naraku want with this woman?" His deep voice echoed through the night. The demon in his grasp desperately tried to escape and almost did until Sesshoumaru tightened his grip.

"He wants her strength and knowledge... supposably, she has more power than the jewel shards."

The woman realized it was useless to struggle because he will not let her go until she is unconscious or even dead, and, to make the situation even better, she was losing her strength and could barely breathe. The girl let her hands relax and her long, slender fingers to slip off the man's powerful arm. She closed her eyes, letting a sigh escape her lips and her body fell limp. Sesshoumaru glanced back at the young woman, unconscious in his hand. Her soft curls brushed his arm as the gentle wind blew. He let her body fall with a quiet thud on the grass.

Kagome gasped and cried. "What kind of man are you? A real man would never hurt a girl, especially if she is already injured!"

"This just goes to prove how 'great' her strength and power is..." Inuyasha announced sarcastically.

At the same time, Kagura regained consciousness and saw the woman on the ground at Sesshoumaru's feet. She started cursing at her and rambling on about how none of them are going to protect her from Naraku.

-Fools... I seriously cannot be that good that I fooled all of them. Or are they all so gullible?- The demon woman thought. She opened one eye slightly and seeing that they were all off guard, she seized a dagger from her boot. In a fast, fluid motion, she stood up, pierced and cut off Sesshomaru's chest plate. But before her hand could pierce his heart, he stopped her hand in midair and twisted her wrist until she dropped the blade. Despite the pain, The woman did not scream or make any sound. She kept her savage gaze fixed on Sesshoumaru. For the first time, she realized that she might have been wrong about who he really was. -He is too fast to be that demon from the village. And my sword almost chopped his face off, yet there is no scar.- Her hand was now bleeding, yet she still made no sound.

Rin grabbed his sleeve and said "Don't hurt her, Lord Sesshoumaru! She saved me from Kanna and Kagura, I would have been dead if it wasn't for ... uh... What's your name?"

-Is this girl serious? I'm choking to death and she asks me my name?- The demon stared awestruck at the child. Rin tugged on Sesshoumaru's sleeve even harder, begging him to let go.

The man looked at the young woman before him, staring daggers at him. He could easily kill her right here and right now. Once again, he saw what pathetic state she was in, hungry, thirsty and wounded. -It's a waste of my time fighting someone who is barely alive. I'll let you live... this time.-

"Do not even think of attacking me again. You are too weak to harm me." He warned and let go of the girl. She rubbed her neck and scoffed.

"Is that why you are bleeding? "

A low, irritated growl came from Sesshoumaru. Then he continued. "Rin's debt has been paid. You saved her life, she saved yours."

"You're despicable. She's just a child, for God's sake, she can't be in debt for her life to me. And I do not expect her to do anything in return. Saving a life is not a service, it's a choice. And you made a choice..." The woman spoke, her voice calm and harmonious. The it became like fire, beautiful and dangerous. "Do not worry, if I see you again, I'll make sure I leave you a souvenir as a reminder of my 'weakness'."

Kagome and Inuyasha looked at the young woman like she was insane.

"She just bought herself a death warrant." Inuyasha mumbled.

The young woman was right in front of Sesshoumaru. He was about a foot taller than her, yet she seemed to be looking down on him. They were only about 10 inches away from each other and the atmosphere around them was so tense that Rin backed away a few feet. Finally, the woman pulled her dagger out of his armor and snatched the sword that was next to Sesshoumaru's left arm. She began to walk away when Rin stopped her.

"Will I ever see you again?" She asked, holding her hand and looking at the woman with eyes like an angel.

"Only time will tell." She answered, rubbing Rin's tiny hand with her thumb and smiling sweetly.

"If you get in my way again, I will not be so merciful." Sesshoumaru threatened as he began to walk back into the forest.

-What, regretting your decision already?- The young woman looked up at him and replied. "Likewise, Lord Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru glanced back at the woman, then resumed walking, with Rin and Ah un behind him.

The young woman looked on at Sesshoumaru with hatred, blood streaming down her arm and barely enough energy to stand much longer. Kagura and Kanna disappeared and the rest stood silently, not knowing what to do. After a few moments, the stranger finally sighed and let her tense body relax. She backed up to a tree trunk and slid down to the ground. She whispered something angrily and closed her eyes. A tear slid down her bruised cheek. Kagome came up to her and got a small, white box out of her large backpack. The demon glanced at the girl through teary eyes and frowned. -What does she think she's doing?- She wiped the tears from her eyes and turned away.

"Don't be afraid." Kagome said gently. The woman just scoffed and smiled sadly. -Yes, with all the wars I've been through, I would be afraid of you and that half dog of yours...-

"It's medicine, it will heal your wounds faster." Kagome took a gentle hold of the woman's injured arm. "What is your name?"

The woman looked into Kagome's brown eyes and tried to decide wether she should tell her or not. -What difference will it make? They already know something about me, somehow..- The woman reasoned.

"Nanami." She pronounced quietly. -As far as you will know.-

"Yes, you have nothing to be afraid of." Miroku came up to her and tried to comfort her. "None of us will do you any harm." He said in a smooth voice and his hand slipped down her back to her bottom. She looked at him with murderous eyes and grabbed his hand, twisting it until he squealed like a baby.

"Touch me again, and I will break both your arms." Nanami hissed.

"I like her already." Sango mentioned, glaring at Miroku.

The demon called her stallion and stood up. Kagome stopped her and sat her back down. The demon didn't resist, she didn't have enough strength.

"Stay here, under our protection, at least for tonight. Miroku, please start a fire." Kagome asked politely. The monk obeyed, and still cradling his wrist, began to gather firewood.

"Why are you helping me?" Nanami questioned.

"We help a lot of people. And, how could we not if you are injured and Naraku is searching for you? Kaede told us about you. We are Naraku's enemies as well, he has hurt us and killed us all in some way. " Kagome explained as everyone else set up camp. Inuyasha sat down on the grass behind the fire across from Kagome and Nanami.

"You're pretty damn gutsy to stand up to Sesshoumaru. Most people are terrified of that sleazy bastard." He announced.

"And for a good reason, he is virtually undefeatable." Sango added. Inuyasha was about to protest when Kagome cut him off.

"Don't be so quick to judge him. You never know what he will do. Today he spares you, tomorrow he kills you." The girl responded to Nanami's doubtful look to Inuyasha's comment. "What were you thinking, attacking him after you fainted? He could have ripped you apart."

"I never fainted. None of you noticed it was an act so that monster would let me go." The woman answered. The wind blew, sending cinders of the campfire into the night. She looked up and inspected her other hosts. Her eyes lingered on Inuyasha.

"What are you starin' at?" Inuyasha barked rudely.

"You look like him... Like Sesshoumaru." She replied indifferently. Kagome handed Nanami a pail of water.

"Of course they look somewhat alike. They're brothers." Kagome explained. Nanami choked on the water she was drinking and coughed. She stared at Inuyasha with astonishment. -Yes, now that you mention it, there was some brotherly love between the two.- She thought sarcastically.

"Well, then why do you hate him so much?"

Inuyasha ignored Nanami and lounged on his side, his back to her. Out of nowhere, a flea jumped on Kagome's knee.

"It's a family dispute my dear. Both Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha are sons of the great dog demon." It spoke to Nanami. The woman's eyes grew even wider with memories and she straightened up. "You're his younger son?"

"Are you, by any chance, Nanami?" Myoga questioned. The group looked at the two in confusion. The woman nodded.

"Nanami?! Is that really you?! You have grown so much! Beyond recognition! My late master was right about you being-" Myoga bursted out, but Inuyasha interrupted him by jumping over the fire and landing right in front of the woman.

"You knew my old man?"

"No, I knew your honorable and good father, but no old man." Nanami answered. Inuyasha was obviously not satisfied with the answer, so he sat in place, waiting for her to talk.

"He was my father's best friend and my guardian when my father was away in battle. He was so kind and protective, and he taught me many things... Our fathers became allies when yours saved mine. They aided each other in battle, spent time feasting, drinking sake and discussing anything that came into mind. Then when my father had to leave home on urgent matters, I stayed in your father's castle. He taught me Bushido and Kendo, told me about the different demons that roam these lands and how to defeat them." She spoke.

"Didn't your father teach you anything?" Inuyasha growled, obviously jealous.

"I think you are forgetting that I am not native to these lands. I knew nothing of them except how to speak the language. My parents taught me all that I needed to know and more about my people, their past, present and the history of other civilizations of the world, including three other languages besides my own and yours. I was trained and fought alongside the best warriors of my people, including my father. Satisfied?"

Inuyasha grunted, yet he was willing to listen to her story. "What else did he tell ya?"

"One night in spring, we sat outside by a fire behind the mansion I lived in, and he was telling me about a battle of his with a formidable foe in which he used his three swords. But then he looked at me for a while and said quietly; 'Some time, when my swords belong to my sons, when you will be a strong, beautiful young woman, you will come across them again. I warn you now, that each may take you as an enemy or an ally. But you cannot be one to both. Ally to one, enemy to another. Because they would most likely hate each other, my first son is furious already for expecting a son with Izayoi. But when you are in need, go to either one and ask for aid. If he refuses, remind him of his promise.' He said his eldest son had sworn the oath. That son, as it turns out, is Sesshoumaru." Nanami finished.

"So you picked Inuyasha as your ally? Good, Sesshoumaru has a mind to think on his own, but Inuyasha..." Myoga stopped before he said anything else. He knew Inuyasha was gonna squash him. The half demon growled and swung his hand up in the air, but changed his mind.

"I did not ally myself with anyone. The choice is yet before me." Nanami threatened, her voice calm and cold.

"I think we all should rest, the night is half over." Sango suggested.

" Yeah, we all had a long day, it would be good to relax a bit." Kagome let out a nervous chuckle and took out her sleeping bag. Miroku, Sango and the rest of the group got assituated, but Inuyasha sat across from Nanami, where he did in the first place.

"Don't get any ideas, 'cause you ain't gonna get past me." Inuyasha threatened once everyone else was asleep. Nanami was resting against the side of her stallion. She turned her head toward the half demon and let out a short laugh.

"Yes, you and Sesshoumaru are without a doubt brothers." She turned and looked at Inuyasha. "Proud and with lofty egos. Not to mention the attitude. Yet you are completely different and not like your father." She whispered the last sentence, staring up at the lonely stars. All of a sudden, she felt like she was alone in the world, with no one to reach out to her when she needed help. Nanami fled from the menacing demons in her home into the hands of countless demons in this land. Everywhere she turned, someone was there and anxious to kill her. She did not know who she could and who she should trust. Nanami wanted so much to flee, to escape the grasp of ever growing danger, hate, misunderstanding and loss; to escape to a place without pain and sorrow, a place of harmony and peace. But such place does not exist in this world...

"I guess we're not." Inuyasha broke the silence. "Where were you going to go if we hadn't stopped you?"

"Nowhere." The woman answered, being completely honest. She had no place to go.

Inuyasha felt pity toward the girl. -It must be hard living your life, afraid of every passing moment. Her list of allies grows thin, and her enemies are growing and gaining on her. She lost my old man as an ally and today earned another man, his own son, Sesshoumaru, as an enemy. He won't hold back next time. He will kill her.-

"Why don't you stay with us?" Kagome's voice echoed. Inuyasha's eye and mouth twitched and he turned to Kagome. "No friggin' way in hell! We don't need anyone else to tag along!"

"I am thankful for your hospitality, but I would rather be unaccompanied. I bring too much pain and danger." Nanami quickly replied.

"But you are better off with us than on your own, the more allies you have, the better. Besides, you would be safer from Naraku with us around you. You should think about it tonight and let us know tomorrow. Goodnight." Kagome suggested and returned to her sleep. Inuyasha grumbled something, leaned against a tree and closed his eyes.

Nanami stared at the fire for a while, trying to decide what to do. -I do not have much choice. My injuries are serious and I cannot protect myself well enough. I'll have to stay until I am healed, but no longer.- Then she remembered the words of Inuyasha's father. -Ally to one, enemy to another. So Inuyasha is my ally from the two. That means Sesshoumaru is my enemy.- She felt her neck where his powerful arm had held her up in the air without the slightest struggle. Sesshoumaru's eyes were just like his father's and he was just as strong. The woman took a deep breath and closed her eyes. -Could not have picked a worse person as an enemy...-