Alrighty everyone. I was a little disappointed with the response for the last chapter, but since it wasn't that great I'll let it go. Thanks to Kaihaku No Iroke for reviewing. Something I forgot last chapter is that if you are reading this and you weren't reading in the beginning I still want to hear from you. I think its funny because I have three people on my alert list who haven't even reviewed yet. So Blackstrawberry, InuDragon, and CelestialDragon219 you can review. I would love to hear from anyone. So this chapter is going to finally show something with Healo's parentage and his search. Should be better than the last chapter, but let me know what you think.

CHAPTER XV

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Kagome was annoyed by the fact that Healo hadn't introduced her or her other friends but she supposed that it must have had something to do with demon society. The leader of the wolf company had the fiery red hair and shining emerald eyes of the Northern Wolves. The miko noticed that he seemed a little young to be in command of a group of others. However, he radiated a kind of quiet confidence that was similar to what many experienced warriors took with them into battle.

Her patience paid off when the wolf demon turned to her with an inquisitive glance and asked ", And what is this lady's name?" Kagome smiled warmly despite the atmosphere of the cave itself and replied pleasantly ", Kagome Higurashi. Thanks for rescuing us from those goons." The wolf smiled and responded ", You are quite welcome, my lady. We accept refugees, but we do not aid those who plan rebellion against the four great houses or their emperor."

The wolf paused as he sighed and continued ", Even if there is no longer an emperor. I seem to be forgetting myself. My name is Manin, I am Captain of the Eastern Shores of the hidden island enclave of Tresen. Since you are members of the great families, or their guests, I am commanded to provide you with an escort deeper into the island to see our lord." Kagome was somewhat amused by his sudden change from friendly to formal, but she knew better than to draw attention to the fact.

Sesshomaru response was somber as he said ", You have our thanks. We will be ready to leave within a few minutes." The miko noticed that Healo struggled not to frown at his brother, while Inuyasha actually did. Kagome smiled as she thought teasingly ', So prideful. No wonder you all are always fighting.' The Northern Lord eyes flicked to her for only a moment before he turned away and a voice said ", It is not pride. I am the older brother. I should have been the one to address the Captain."

Kagome rolled her eyes as she began to help the others gather up what possessions the panther demons had stolen from them. After only a short time everyone was ready to leave as the four brothers moved to the front of the cave. The miko had to hold back a laugh as it seemed as if the four brothers had jostled for position. When Manin noticed this, he turned a puzzled glance to the young woman who only shook her head and answered ", Brothers."

The captain smiled and said in a loud voice ", Company march!" So the miko found herself quickly moving over unfamiliar terrain, surrounded by her friends, and a group of strange wolves. Still, no matter how unusual it was, she found that excitement and anticipation kept welling up inside of her. 'Adventures aren't all bad,' she thought as they entered into a forest of tall evergreen trees. She was glad to hear a reflective response ", Yes. The few moments between certain death and new mysteries are always exciting. That is what makes an adventure so deadly. Each time you survive you gain a higher opinion of your own invincibility. Be sure that this doesn't happen to you."

Kagome laughed as she thought ', Believe me. I have had more than enough reminders of my own weakness.' She paused as she remembered some of the things Inuyasha, and others, had said about her. Her thoughts elicited a stern response ", I said nothing about weakness. You are not weak Kagome. It's just that some cannot see your strength." The miko smiled at the comforting statement and began to watch the area around her.

Throughout the next few hours they passed through several villages. Kagome was pleased to see that while there were not many humans, they were not treated as inferior by the demons. Healo made a mental comment about this as he thought in excitement ", It must be because they have to rely on each other. This is exactly what I wanted the North to be like. But then Naraku became my advisor. It is a strange truth that those who are neither human nor demon seem to harbor anger against both. Of course there are some good reasons for this since many times both sides will disown the child."

As they passed through the villages she noticed that many of the demons in the minority, kitsune, panther, and inu from all of the lands, seemed to act a little colder towards the group. Kagome thought carefully ', Why do they seem so afraid of us?' The Northern Lord whispered a response since they were now in an open field ", You have to understand that many of them are refugees. I am sure they have had to deal with groups of raiders and troublemakers coming into their haven. Plus they can sense that you are a miko and I haven't sensed any other miko on this island yet."

Kagome nodded in understanding as a comfortable silence pervaded over the band. Soon the miko could see a lofty tower that seemed to be carved out of solid granite in the distance. Beyond it was a crystal clear lake with a bustling little city clustered around the rich area. Before she could ask, Manin said loudly ", In the distance you can see the fabled Tower of the Moon. As I am sure you are aware when the empire was newly formed, the Prime Minister Triellen received a mysterious vision in which he saw the possible end to the government ordained by heaven. This was one area that was founded to hide and protect any that sought refuge from the evil times that were to come."

Here the wolf paused for dramatic effect before he continued ", This kingdom originally began with our lord, the second son of Magus the first Lord of the North, and a large population of Northern Wolves who swore to never leave this place and to protect it from detection. However, only a few decades after its creation the unthinkable occurred. As the rebellions and wars grew so did our population of refugees from all of the various lands. We even began to receive humans who were trying to flee from their homeland altogether. When the Lord of the Western Lands, Inutaisho, began to construct large fleets for the advancement and safe-keeping of his lands he happened upon our sanctuary, but no other demon has ever been allowed to set foot on this island and leave."

Inuyasha said in derision ", What did you all think those panthers were doing? Setting up a peaceful little colony of pirates. Didn't the fast ship with no insignia give you a hint?" Healo's eyes widened as he said sternly ", Inuyasha." However Manin replied courteously ", We did not realize that they were coming and going from the island until recently. Of course this presents a rather difficult problem for us." Kagome asked hesitantly ", What kind of problem?"

The wolf resumed his pace as he said softly ", First you will not be allowed to leave." He was interrupted by Sesshomaru's icy voice ", What do you mean?" Manin did not blanch as he said ", All those who arrive on the island are not allowed to leave, this is done to prevent—" Again he was interrupted by the Western Lord who said ", Under what authority could you hold us?" The wolf paused now as he turned to regard the irritated demon with a wise glance and said ", The law of this land, which you agreed to when you stepped upon its' shores."

Kagome was afraid that her thought would only escalate the argument, but she asked politely ", But we were forced here. Doesn't that make us exempt?" Manin hesitated before answering ", The law is meant to protect this land from discovery. However, our master can grant you permission to leave, but that is not up to me. For know, protocol demands that I take you to see him." Healo intervened before the argument could grow ", That is what we want anyway. Lead on."

The miko was glad that the argument was over and gazed up in wonder at the slowly approaching tower. Kagome heard a strong horn blow as they began to approach the base of the ancient structure. She wasn't surprised to find that another company of guards, mixed races, came towards them. Manin hailed the human who appeared to be in command of the company and the miko saw them exchange several words quietly while they remained behind with the troops. She asked ", What do you think's going on?"

Healo answered softly ", Protocol. I believe that the human is in charge of protecting the tower itself. Manin is probably telling him our names and ranks." The miko was satisfied with the precise answer and was not surprised when Manin commanded his troops to about face. She asked another question quietly ", Where is he going." The Northern Lord did not turn but said ", Probably he is heading back to report to his immediate supervisor. Besides, the district he watches over is the Eastern Coast, so perhaps he is heading back."

Kagome nodded in understanding and turned to the older man who was quickly approaching. He had a stern face with expressive grey eyes and iron grey hair. The man seemed to exude an aura of harshness, but the miko was surprised to see that far from being daunted Inuyasha was smirking and the other three brothers were staring neutrally. The man seemed to realize this and said ", Greetings from the master of the tower. I am Undel, I have been commanded to bring you into our lords presence. Take heed," he paused as he glanced in disdain at the half-demon who moved his hand to the swords hilt ", weapons are not to be drawn in the tower. The penalty for such a misdemeanor is death. Come."

Without another word the grim man turned as his troops incircled the group and their own guards. Kagome hesitated wondering if her friend would respond verbally to this cold welcome, but he didn't even blink as he allowed himself to be led into the tower. The miko heard a mental reply ", Be prepared for anything. It seems that what started out as a warm welcome is rapidly cooling. Let's hope that my relative will be a little more understanding."

The miko nodded in agreement as they entered the immense structure. She noted the huge number of guards and that they were carefully watched, despite the fact that they were being formally escorted. Kagome was glad when they entered what appeared to be the throne room. It was lined with columns and on a small throne at the far end sat a demon who looked a great deal like Healo's brother Magus. The only real difference seemed to be a slightly fearful look in his eyes and a streak of white in his otherwise purple hair.

Undel spoke in a booming voice ", My lord. Captain Manin, of the Eastern Coast, captured these fugitives in a cave that was occupied by a band of panther pirates. They then claimed that they were members of your uncle's Lord Inutaisho and Lord Magus I family. As the law demands, I have brought them to you and ask that swift judgment be brought upon these pretenders." Before the lord could respond Kagome was surprised as Healo asked coldly ", Why do you say that we are lieing?"

The human turned a hard glance towards the Northern Lord and said ", No lord would be taking down by such weak demons. You are only pirates yourselves; maybe even slavers come to steal away our people." The miko tensed at the words as she glanced around at the guards who stared back at them coldly. ' I hope we haven't escaped Naraku just to be killed by our possible allies,' the miko thought with wide eyes.

Yay! Another, and I think, better chapter. As my Creative Writing teacher might say, I think I did a better job at "showing" rather than "telling" in this chapter. Alright so remember to review. I love to hear what you all think about this chapter and even the story in general. Any advice for my writing is also greatly appreciated. I hope to hear from some of you all. Update will be Saturday depending on reviews and my schedule. Remember—REVIEW!!!