Hey everyone! I am so sorry about the late update, but I have a very good reason. I started typing this chapter Saturday, but then Microsoft Word froze up so I had to get my brother-in-law to put a different version of it on my computer. Anyway I am so glad to be back. As always I have to thank my patient reviewers. Special welcome back to chica blanca who knows what I mean about how busy things can get. Kagome357 is very perceptive about my OC, perhaps a little TOO perceptive…just kidding. Of course there is stuff going on with Healo, but it may not be what you are thinking. You all know that he is troubled by many things and can you really blame the guy for being a little 'dark' at times? But you'll just have to wait and see what's going to happen with him. By the way, I'm happy right now because some of the details for the ending have been worked through; I knew a year ago how the story would end, but some of the ways I was going to get there were a little weak. For example, I had a very tricky reasoning behind why Naraku needed Kagome alive, but inspiration has brought me a wonderful fix for a weak point in the story. Also I will tell you now before I get some flames later, which I would still graciously accept, that at least four characters will die, and possibly one other. One of the brothers is going to die, someone needs to die for the story to end, and two others will die what may seem sudden deaths. Again I apologize in advance, but there is simply no way these characters can survive though I am considering sparing one of the unnecessary deaths. So on with the story, this chapter will show this 'hidden sanctuary' and reveal a character that will give important info for the progression of this story, and some not obvious but EXTREMELY important info for the sequel. Please review.
CHAPTER XLIV
THE FORGOTTEN CHILD
Healo's POV
The sun had climbed high into the heavens by the time the group finally passed through a winding, narrow trail and gazed in amazement at the sight before them. The blinding blue sky was dotted here and there with puffs of lazy clouds that loafed quietly past the serene utopia. The valley itself was filled with various shades of emerald green, and in the distance they could see the silver line of a winding river. Still, the greatest sight of all was to be seen directly west of them where a tall city that seemed to be carved out of the bones of the earth stood proudly over the landscape.
Elan was the first to speak and her voice was strong as she said, "Welcome to the home of the Western Wolves." Her arm moved to encompass, figuratively, the paradise in the distance. Magus commented wryly, "No wonder you protect your borders so diligently; such a place should not be spoiled." Healo agreed with his brother's sentiment, but he asked gravely, "I assume that that city is our destination?" The wolf demoness frowned slightly, whether at the lord's impatience or the seriousness of the situation, and answered, "Yes, our lady rules her city of stone."
A moment passed before the miko asked hesitantly, "Her city?" Elan smiled and explained, "The Empire built that city to house imperial records and we agreed to serve and protect our lady, who was appointed to rule over it." Sesshomaru's eyes flashed for a second and he asked stoically, "What is your lady's name?" The wolf grinned wolfishly (haha…not) and replied, "We are forbidden to speak his name for the Empire's sake." The Northern Lord frowned slightly at the statement; why would her name be a matter of secrecy for the empire?
Elan seemed to since the confusion among the group so she smiled and said confidently, "Come once you have spoken with her all will become clear." Most of the others, especially a surprisingly quiet Inuyasha, didn't seem to be convinced, but they dutifully allowed themselves to be escorted through the rolling hills towards the strong shelter. They passed along a road marked by smooth white stones and they passed a small village or so whose occupants, in contrast to those of, seemed almost happy to see new visitors. Many of them, who were working diligently in the field, waved in greeting at what they obviously thought were travelers who had finally escaped from the horrors of the outside world.
Healo smiled warmly and nodded at the peaceful humans and demons, but he almost laughed when he realized that he and Kagome were the only ones acknowledging them. His dark blue eyes glinted with humor as he chided softly, "How improper the sons of Inutaisho have become." The Western Lord did not deign to respond, but the demon saw Inuyasha's mouth twitch slightly and was sure that he heard a small, "Feh." Magus responded more positively by glancing out over the populace who continued to greet them as they finally arrived in the city itself.
Elan led them boldly through the wide streets of the city and it was not long before they found themselves being led into a large building that was guarded by troops arrayed in silver and purple; the imperial colors. Once inside the wolf said calmly, "You must remain here and I will go ask our lady to come speak with you." Healo responded quietly, "There is no need for your lady to come out here; we are willing to go further in." She trampled this idea with a firm statement, "No one who plans to ever leave this realm is ever allowed further into the sanctum. It holds many secrets." On this note the wolf went through a wide arch and disappeared from sight.
As soon as she left Inuyasha said in an irritated tone, "I hope that this woman can tell us what we need to know." The Northern Lord heard Kagome sigh and reply, "I'm sure that Elan wouldn't have brought us here if she didn't think that her lady would help us." Healo smiled and his eyes flashed as he commented, "It certainly is a good sign. I am curious to find out who she is." The Western Lord's statement cut through there comments like a sharp knife, "Whoever is ruling this land we need to stay on our guard; we cannot underestimate the guile of Naraku." The Northern Lord nodded in agreement to his younger brother's statement, but he smiled reassuringly at the young miko to show that he agreed with her.
They waited in relative silence for several minutes before Elan re-entered the room with a triumphant look in her steely eyes. Following behind her was a tall demoness who looked painfully similar to Magus. The same exotic appearance was found in this strange woman, and the only noticeable difference wa.s the lack of a silvery snowflake on her forehead. However, the Northern Lord did not have time to consider anything else before he felt a strange presence sweep over his mind. It was not very different from how others would describe the feeling of his mental abilities but these were coming from the demoness.
The woman's face paled as she realized that he could sense her abilities, but after several moments of silence she finally spoke in a soft tone, "I am Ariana (R-E-Anna); a sister of the Emperor Maleus." Healo froze at the statement; how could that be? Everyone agreed that the great chieftain had had only five children and they had all been sons. The Northern Lord asked in a confused voice, "My lady?" The demoness blinked as her eyes darkened, and she said coolly, "Maleus, Magus, and I all had the same mother, but only Maleus and I inherited her strange abilities. Still, my brother and his line have always been more adapt at using them effectively."
She was silent for a moment before continuing neutrally, "After my father realized what my mother truly was and…dealt with her…I was never viewed the same by him. I think that he was afraid I would follow in her footsteps." The Northern Lord was overwhelmed by what she was suggesting so he asked passionately, "Who was she? What had she done?" Ariana paused and stared at the demon lord who waited with a strange forbodeing for the answers he knew he may regret. However, the response that he was giving was very cryptic, "Better questions are what was she, and what was she planning to do? These questions would take time to answer and I even I do not know the whole story."
While Healo pondered this response Magus asked diplomatically, "So how did you end up ruling this area?" Ariana seemed to awaken from her darker thought as she answered carefully, "Once my brother became Emperor he wanted to ensure that the imperial records and artifacts would remain safe. Maleus had always disagreed with our father's attitude towards me so he asked me if I would care for this territory for him. I begged him to come live here after he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, but he refused and perished along with Magus and Molech in the Eastern Uprising."
The Northern Lord asked quickly, "Does that mean that Yamikura is here?" The lady stared coldly at the demon lord before answering, "I know that you are my brother's heir, but even if I had the sword in my possession I would not relinquish it to you. You may know all about its seductive power, but that is nothing compared to the destruction it has wrecked upon our lands. Nor do you realize its true potential; if used incorrectly you could doom our whole world." The Western Lord was the first to respond as he said icily, "We have already heard these warnings before, but some risks must be taken if we are to defeat Naraku; the hanyou is also searching for the sword."
Ariana's voice was hard as she replied, "I know all of this. It strikes me as shameful that your son has no part in your thinking." A stunned silence followed this statement before the Northern Lord asked painfully, "What does Sulam have to do with this?" The demoness paled and her purple eyes contracted as she asked rigidly, "You do not know what has happened to him, but surely you have sensed something?" Healo felt a cold wave of fear wash over him as he whispered hoarsely, "What do you mean?" Ariana's eyes filled with remorse as she said softly, "Naraku has taken him into the North. He now only needs you and the cursed sword and our world will end."
The Northern Lord felt overwhelming grief and guilt at her words. What did it matter how it had happened, there was no one to blame but himself; he had failed his son, he had failed his mate, and he had failed himself.
Yay! I finally updated. So what did you think of it? Sorry about the sad ending, but it worked perfectly. Did it surprise you all to learn about Ariana and to have your attention brought, yet again, to the unknown mother of the imperial line? HINT!!! She is extremely important to both this story (even though she isn't actually in it) and the sequel, but she also has a large influence on the prequel (which she also isn't in). I will reveal the big point behind the swords main purpose in the next chapter which will hopefully appear by next weekend; depending on my schedule and your reviews. Probably will have a chapter that has a piece from Naraku's POV very soon; once you learn what he probably wants Yamikura for. Next chapter will really spill the beans as far as Yamikura and the great secret of the imperial family goes, but you won't understand all of it until part of the way through the sequel. Sorry about the long author's notes, but hey I like to let you all know what's going on. So the next chapter should be up by next weekend. REVIEW!!!