Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, just my oc

"Shiori" said a voice. "Can it be?"

Two tennin men, standing by a river, were looking in her direction. She hadn't been there 5 minutes, and already she was attracting attention. She wondered if it was too late to go back. They raced towards her.

"It is you!" said one of the men taking her hand. "Welcome back."

"The welcoming committee, huh?"

"Yes," said the other boy. "It's good to have you back. I wish we knew you were coming today. We would've prepared."

"I don't mean to sound rude," she said, while taking her hand away. "But do I know the two of you?"

"Of course, don't you remember?" said the first boy. "I'm Seji."

"And I'm Michi," said the other one.

"We were all in the same combat training class," said Seji. "Do you remember now?"

"Please, don't force me to remember anything about this place," she said. "I only have bad memories."

Seji and Michi stared at each other. Shiori began walking away, they followed after her. She glared at them through the corner of her eye. Why were they following her?

"How interesting. A century ago, these men wouldn't even be associated with me. Oh, the sheer irony of it all,"

"Shiori, are you looking for Emi?" asked Michi.

"Why do you ask that?" she questioned.

"Well," he said. "It's just that, you haven't been here for a very long time. I figured, maybe you were coming to pay her a visit."

"I'm here because I have business to take care of," she said. "And I would like it if little people knew about my presence here."

As soon as she said that, more tennin came swarming to her. She was being noticed left and right. It seemed that she became somewhat of a celebrity after defeating Reika. Shiori was annoyed by the large group surrounding her.

"Shiori!" cried someone from the crowd. "We've missed you!"

"Lies…"

"I'm so happy you've come!"

"Wow, just look at you!"

Shiori was tired of their cries of joy. Everyone was drawn to her like moths to a flame. She couldn't even walk anymore, there were so many people surrounding her now. It was too overwhelming for her.

"Let her be," said someone beyond the crowd. Everyone parted, and the woman was revealed.

A slender elderly woman in a long kimono stepped in between the crowd. She fixed her wise eyes on Shiori.

"All of you, as you were," she ordered.

The tennin group quickly dispersed and went about their business. Shiori looked to the elderly tennin woman.

"Shiori," said the woman. "I knew you'd come back eventually."

"Old woman Oki," Shiori acknowledged. "You were anticipating my visit?"

She nodded, "yes, I have. Please come with me."

….

"Emi!" shouted Seiji. "Shiori's returned."

Seiji came running up to Emi. She was sitting under a waterfall, purifying herself when she got the news.

"What?" she exclaimed.

"It's true," he said to her. "She's here."

"Shiori's come back?" thought Emi. "Something must be wrong in order for her to come here."

"She's with Oki right now," said Seiji. "Though I don't know what they're talking about. Also, she looks different."

"Different, how?" asked Emi, standing to her feet.

"Her eyes are much darker now," he said. "And her hair is a smoky grey color."

"How strange. It sounds like she's stuck between her purified and standard form. But how can that be? She should be completely purified here," Emi thought.

"Are you going to see her?" he asked.

"I don't know," she confessed. "We aren't exactly on good terms. She was very upset with me when we last met…..it's partially my fault. I've tried to summon up the courage and go see her since then, but I just couldn't do it."

Seiji put his hand on Emi's shoulder, "but she's here now. Maybe this fate."

"Fate?" she thought.

….

"I know why you've come," said Oki. "You wish to improve your purification skills, correct?"

Oki and Shiori were now sitting in her hut. Oki was boiling up a big pot of water, while Shiori sat down on the ground watching her. She was glad to be away from all that mass chaos.

"What makes you say that?" she asked. "Maybe I just happened to be in the area."

"So you've come to visit?" Oki mused.

"No, of course not. I came here to improve my purification skills," said Shiori eying the small feline in the corner of the room. "I just think it's interesting that you came to that conclusion."

"Well you made it pretty obvious that you weren't ever coming back," said Oki, adding the tea leaves. "Though, I always hoped you'd come back. You were always my favorite student."

"How so? I was terrible as a tennin," said Shiori.

"Because you were always so entertaining to watch," said Oki. "I knew there was something different about you when you couldn't even perform the triangular beam."

"It sounds like I was nothing but a joke to you,"

"No my dear you were far from it," said Oki pouring Shiori a cup of tea.

"What am I doing here? This was a mistake," said Shiori somberly. "I'm just going to have the same issues I've always had. The sacred air limits my power."

"I beg to differ," she said. "It won't be long before the sacred air no longer limits you."

Shiori looked up, "Why do you say that?"

"I'm surprised you haven't noticed, child. You've always had such a keen eye. Take a look at yourself,"

She pulled out a mirror and held it in front of Shiori. She wasn't in her purified form. But her hair and eyes weren't their normal colors. Her eyes were a dark lilac, and her hair was blackish silver.

"What happened to me?" she asked touching the mirror. "Why do I look this way?"

"I'm going to tell you something, that you mustn't ever repeat," said Oki staring at Shiori.

"What is it?"

"The sacred air has no effect against stronger demons," said Oki stirring her tea.

Shiori's eyes widened, "excuse me?"

"It is true that the sacred air is very powerful, but not everyone feels its effects. In order to keep our lands protected, we made that up. Since you've been living on the outside, you've increased your demonic aura. That's why you look the way you do now. Only a handful of tennin know that."

"So I'm….caught in between? I'm strong enough to keep from being purified, yet not strong enough to completely beat the sacred lands."

Oki nodded, "precisely. You've almost made it."

"Everyone keeps telling I've become more powerful, but I honestly don't feel any stronger," she answered. "Besides, my abilities haven't changed. I'm still not able to fight off spirits. I can't even lay a finger on them."

"And you think that by improving your purification skills, you can accomplish this goal?"

"I was attacked by Goro, one of the lords of the underworld. And I couldn't even defend myself," she slowly said. "If it hadn't been for Lord Sesshomaru…"

"I understand," said Oki. "He came to your aid."

"He was probably just tired of watching me struggle with an invisible enemy," said Shiori looking into the corner again.

Oki's pet cat was waking up from her nap and moving around. Shiori suddenly became extremely uncomfortable. Oki took note of this, but didn't say anything right away.

"I disagree, I believe he was genuinely concerned for you," said Oki softly. "You have, after all, been together for half a century."

Shiori made a face, "you say that as though we're long time lovers."

Oki laughed as Shiori folded her arms. Her cat finally sauntered over to her. Shiori back away slightly.

"Still afraid of cats, huh?" teased Oki.

"I'm not afraid of them….I just don't like them," she replied. "There's a distinct difference."

"Right," said Oki smiling. "Now then my dear, shall we start your training?"

"You truly mean it?" asked Shiori. "You'll train me again? Even though I've proved to be inadequate in the past, you'll still agree to do it?"

Oki stood up with the cat in her hand and walked towards the door. Shiori looked after her.

"Darling, the only thing inadequate about you was your attitude," Oki said tenderly. "You never really seemed to care much about anything. Especially your studies. If you were half as determined then as you are now, I've no doubt you would've done better."

"I did care about my studies," she snapped.

"Did you really?" Oki asked stroking her chin. "Are you absolutely sure?"

Shiori looked away, "I suppose I was rather wild in my younger days. Maybe I didn't take things as seriously as I should have."

Oki nodded, "Yes, it seems you have matured…I will train you now. Come with me."

"Okay," she as she scolded the cat. "But you have to leave that thing here. I don't like the look in it's eyes."

Oki laughed as she placed her cat on the floor, "I thought you would've gotten over that fear of yours."

"I told you it's not a fear," said Shiori, scurrying past the cat. "I just don't like cats."

She followed after the old woman in order to improve her purification techniques.

…..

Kagura sat in a cave and stared out into the moonlight. She looked back to the bundle lying beside her.

"Maybe we should've taken that underworld lord's advice and gone after Shiori. This probably wouldn't have happened if we did," she thought.

Shortly after meeting with Goro, the infant chose not to accept his aid. Instead of capturing Shiori, he chose to continue searching for the border between this world and the next in the hearts of priests. He believed the evil lord was not to be trusted. The last priest he attempted to search managed to slice him in half with the last of his power. Kagura took both halves and fled the scene. Upon escaping, Kanna took the other half and instructed Kagura to watch the other one. Kagura wasn't even sure if the thing was still alive.

"Huh," she said as it started squirming beneath the blanket.

A white light emitted from the infant and it began to grow in size. It had gone from being a little infant, to a young child. He stared at her with cold eyes.

"Surely, you didn't think the feeble attacks of a mere human would destroy me?" he jeered.

"So then, you've been split into separate deities?" she asked.

"Kagura, go and fine me some clothes," he ordered. "We have much work to do if we're going to capture that girl."

"Shiori?"

"Now that things have turned out the way they did," he said with a smug. "This should be easier."

"I thought you said Goro wasn't to be trusted," she said.

"And he isn't…..now go."

"Sheesh, he's just as bossy as Naraku," she said as she flew off on her feather.

"Things have definitely turned out for the best," saidi the boy to himself. "We shall utilize the girl in our own way…..without the help of that fool. And I'm sure Naraku agrees."

….

"Shiori, remember to release yourself. Don't force it," said Oki.

They'd been training in the forest for hours now. Shiori was trying to perfect her purification beam. No matter how hard she tried, it wasn't as good as Oki's. Oki encouraged Shiori not to get frustrated and just believe in herself. But…..that just frustrated her even more!

"You must work harder than any other tennin," Oki instructed, "But at the same time, you can't over do it. You'll only exhaust yourself."

Shiori held out her hands, and fired another purification beam, but it still wasn't powerful enough to stop Oki.

"You can't defeat me with a simple purification ray," said Oki. "You must use the triangular beam. Use both hands."

"I'm not able to do it….I've tried for centuries to get it right!" shouted Shiori. "This isn't working."

"You weren't the same person then as you are now," she said.

"Nonsense," said Shiori firing blast after blast. "I'm the same person I've ever been!"

"Oh really?" said Oki avoiding all of her pursuits. "Back then, you were at the bottom of your class…..you were a juvenile delinquent…you cared about nothing. And now…..?"

"Now?" Shiori pondered.

"Yes, now. What's changed about you now?"

She thought about the evil underworld lord's plans with the Shikon Jewel. Both Kikyo and her father died for the jewel's sake. She was sure the underworld demons still had it in their sights. Shiori thought about her father lying lifeless in the bottom of hell. As of that moment, she had no idea if her father was dead or alive. She thought about Rin being attacked by Goro. Shiori was barely able to save the girl. She wouldn't have been able to save herself against him, had Sesshomaru not stepped in to aid her. She thought about Sesshomaru and his feelings of abandonment. She wanted to finish her battle and get back to him….if she could.

"So, Shiroi?" asked Oki. "What's changed about you now?"

"Everything…." She answered. "Everything changed. But most importantly….I now have something to fight for!"

Back when Shiori use to live in the sacred lands, she had no cares. Sure it frustrated her that she couldn't get anything right, but she didn't really care. She listened to no one. She ran around and did as she pleased, whenever she pleased. Shiori had no regards for anyone and anything. Life just wasn't that important to her. It wasn't until she was exiled by Reika that she began to change. Shiori had to develop skills on the outside world that weren't necessary in the sacred lands. She was exposed to things none of the other tennin had to deal with. Killing humans was illegal in the sacred lands, but it was sometimes necessary to Shiori. None of them could understand that. That's why they all believed the things she was doing were evil. They didn't have to walk the path that she did. The tennin lived in their perfect little word, where they were safe from outside threats. That was where her sudden maturity came from.

"Now show me!" Oki demanded. "Prove to me that you're just as good as any other tennin!"

Shiori put her hands in a diamond shape and channeled her energy into her hands. Her body started flickering with power.

"A diamond?"

Shiori fired her blast and it came hurling towards Oki. She didn't have much time to avoid it, so she deflected it back at Shiori with a purifying blast. Shiori took to the sky and drew Gin Tsugunai. She fused her sacred power into her sword and sliced straight down the middle of the enormous attack. Oki stared as blast dissipated around Shiori. Shiori landed down in front of Oki.

"You aren't…hurt are you?" asked Shiori. "I'd feel really bad if I hurt you…"

Oki smiled, "No, child. I'm just fine."

Shiori nodded as she looked around the forest. Much of the trees were destroyed. Had she done that?

"You've done it," she said. "You've already improved yourself. That was one of the strongest purification attacks I've ever seen. In fact…..it was. What made you decide to use a diamond shape instead of a triangle?"

"You said so yourself," answered Shiori, with a smirk. "I have to work harder than any other tennin. I couldn't settle for just a simple triangle beam. I had to go a level higher."

Oki put a hand on her shoulder, "There are things you'll never be able to do because you're not full tennin. But there are also things you will be able to do…..because you're not full tennin. In ways, you are the strongest ones of us all. Feel free to experiment with your power. You must use your shinigami abilities in the same manner."

Shiori looked away from her. Did she really mean that? Did she truly believe she was that powerful? She was sure this was what her father was trying to tell her before he was attacked. He must've wanted her to improve herself even more before facing them. He must've wanted her to improve herself just a little more.

"Especially with that crafty sword of yours," Oki continued. "It's no ordinary blade, is it? Did you get it from the outside world?"

"Yes, it was given to me by my father. He had it forged from coal rocks of hell that were purified by my mother," she said.

"So you share a special connection with that sword. Both of you have a similar origin."

Shiori nodded and looked down at the sword in her hand. It was the only thing she had of her parents. Like her, the sword had connections with the netherworld and sacred lands. But she still wasn't sure how it would stand up against a shinigami blade. She still wasn't sure how she'd stand against a demon lord.

"I've done all I can for you, my dear," said Oki. "Now the rest is up to you."

"Yes, I suppose it is," said Shiori walking away.

"One more thing, Shiori," said Oki.

Shiori turned, "What is it?"

"Let down your hair. You've earned the right to wear it down," she said.

Shiori smiled as she untied her hair, "Though I've already done it, I really appreciate the rights of passage."

…

Emi sat alone in her hut. She was stirring a pot of broth for herself when she stopped. She could sense someone coming. She looked to the window—there was no one out there. She turned around to continue her stirring. Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Just a second," said Emi, slightly startled. "I'm coming."

"There's no need," said Shiori sliding open the door. "I'll let myself in."

Emi almost dropped her spoon in the pot of soup. She hadn't sensed Shiori at her door. She stared at her sister as she slowly entered inside. Shiori was wearing the traditional lavender robes required of a higher ranking tennin. Her hair was completely down.

"Shiori," she said, stepping towards her. "So it's true. You've returned to us."

"I'm simply here completing business," replied Shiori. "I'm not here for good."

"I figured as much," said Emi sadly.

Shiori eyed the boiling pot of broth. It was starting to boil over.

"Am I interrupting?" she asked.

Emi shook her head, "No, of course not. I made it in hopes that….you'd stop by."

"My duties here wouldn't be complete if I didn't pay you a visit," she said.

Shiori sat down in the middle of the floor, while Emi continued stirring. Emi wasn't sure what to say to her. The last time they saw each other, Shiori was very upset with her. She withheld vital information about Shiori's past. Though she thought she was protecting her, she actually did the complete opposite. Shiori was so angry before, but now…now she didn't look made at all. If only Emi had Shiori's abilities. Then she could feel what Shiori was really feeling. But it was hopeless. Shiori's face was as emotionless as a mask.

"How is it that you're partially purified?" asked Emi.

"A mystery, I suppose?" she asked shrugging her shoulders. "There are so many things about this place that I don't understand."

"Is she telling me the truth?" wondered Emi. "I can't really tell with that expression of her's"

"How have things been without Reika around?" Shiori asked.

Emi smiled, "much more peaceful. Our new leader is better than any of us expected. It's true, Reika was corrupted….all of us knew it. But we were afraid to stop her…..but you weren't."

"I had no choice," she said flatly. "You put a hit out on me. And I'm not the one who killed her…."

"I know but…."

"Emi…..your soup," warned Shiori.

"Eep!" screeched Emi as the attended to the overflowing pot. "Oh no!"

"Some things just don't change," thought Shiori laughing to herself.

"She's laughing? What does that mean?" panicked Emi.

"Why are you doing that?" asked Shiori. "You know very well that you can't cook."

Emi blushed, "I….I just wanted to try..and…."

She looked down at the floor at the mess she made, then back to Shiori. She could no longer contain herself. She burst into tears.

"Shiori, I'm so sorry for everything!"

Emi dropped to her knees before her. Shiori sat motionless as she listened to her grieving sister.

"I should've just came right out and explained everything to you. I'm sorry for betraying you and….." Emi stopped.

"Hurting me?" Shiori finished.

"I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you," Emi expressed. "I care about you too much. I know you don't like to talk about feelings but….."

"I forgive you," said Shiori, cutting her off.

Emi's eyes completely widened "You….you what?"

"I forgive you….for everything."

"But….just like that?" Emi baffled. "I thought you hated me."

"I did, I felt betrayed by you," said Shiori. "But I let go of that anger a long time ago. I just didn't realize it at the time. I've forgiven my mother as well."

"So you've visited her grave then?"

Shiori nodded, "I have. It was a strange feeling, being at her grave. But I was able to release all the anger I felt for her, right before I left this place 50 years ago."

"So does this also mean you're finally admitting to your feelings?" asked Emi starry eyed.

Shiori narrowed her eyes, "If you ask me anything about Lord Sesshomaru, I'll blast your face off!"

"Oh Shiori," Emi sang. "Still as hostile as ever. Though I still think he's an interesting choice for a mate for you. I use to think he was just an evil demon lord, but I've seen the way he interacts with you and that human girl."

"Still spying on me from afar through enchanted waters, eh?"

Emi smiled sheepishly, "it's not as though there's anything going on here. You're life is so much more interesting to watch. Take it as a compliment."

"hmph," Shiori scoffed.

"But you're lucky to have such a beautifully handsome demon lord!" Emi squealed.

"Please don't talk about him in such a way," said Shiori angrily. "It upsets me."

"Is that because you're jealous?" Emi teased.

"Jealousy is a feeling of insecurity...are you saying I'm insecure!" Shiori shouted.

Emi giggled at Shiori's rage. All seriousness was now gone from the conversation. Shiori stood up to leave before she considered revoking her forgiveness. Emi walked after her.

"You're leaving already?" she asked. "But you just got here."

Shiori stopped. It seemed like Rin was always uttering that phrase. It was strange how similar Emi and Rin were to each other.

"I have a job to do on the outside," Shiori answered. "Something very important."

"Are you still searching for Naraku? I heard about your latest encounter with him….well, I watched it."

"Not surprising in the least bit," thought Shiori. "No, this separate from Naraku."

Emi looked down, "I was hoping you'd stay with us….here."

"My feelings about this place haven't changed. I don't wish to stay here…I belong on the outside."

"I understand, my dear sister…I wish you the best," said Emi sadly.

"And same to you," said Shiori before disappearing out the door.

Emi was now alone again inside her hut.

"There she goes…..she's left again. I really wanted her to stay here, but I knew she wouldn't. I know she won't admit it, but her heart belong out there….with him."

…...

Shiori quickly phased out of the sacred lands, and back to the normal ones. She felt all of her shinigami powers returning to her body. Her spirit was at ease. She walked out of the cave and into the nighttime air.

"It's night here? I hadn't even noticed that I been gone for so long. I suppose you lose track of time when you're in a land where the sun never sets," she said to herself. "In fact, I don't even know if it's the same day or not."

Shiori wasn't exactly sure on what to do next. Was she supposed to go after the war lords now? She still didn't feel ready yet. After wandering around a bit, she suddenly stopped. She felt a surge of energy coming her way. Shiori leapt out the way, just as Kagura's wind blades came lashing down.

"What?" she spat. "I don't have time to deal with the likes of you!"

She took out her sword and charged Kagura.

"Dance of the dragon!" shouted Kagura.

Shiori shielded herself with the Gin Tsugunai. Finally, she broke through the attack and attempted to directly slice at Kagura. But she evaded the pursuit.

"What interesting attire," mocked kagura. "Not something I'd expect from you, little miss hardcore. Just where have you been hiding? I've sought out Sesshomaru many times, but I never saw you around. Why is that?"

"Why do you care?" Shiori demanded. "And what's this about anyway? Naraku has many other enemies, can't he entertain himself with one of them? I have other matters to attend to."

"I've been ordered by Naraku to capture you," said Kagura.

"You? Capture me?" she said flatly. "Ridiculous, I could kill you in my sleep if I wanted to! Now step aside."

"You didn't think I'd come alone, did you?"

It was then that she sensed an enormity in the air. She turned around and found herself faced to face with a child. He had light purple hair, and evil eyes. The child barely came up to Shiori's waistline. He carried a staff in his hand that was taller than he was. It was obvious that he was the source of the enormity that she felt.

"This child is one of Naraku's incarnations," thought Shiori. "His demonic aura is terribly evil. Why on Earth does Naraku enjoy using evil children to do his bidding?"

"We've been searching for you," said the ominous looking child.

He spoke very slowly, with a voice that gave Shiori chills.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

"My name is Hakudoshi," he said. "I am the white child."

"What do you want?"

"A pathway to the border between this world and the next," he said.

"That's a rather….unusual request," she said with a confused tone.

"Yes, that is the resting place of the final shard of the shikon jewel," said Hakudoshi. "Naturally Naraku is after it. He seeks to complete the jewel."

"How did it end up there of all places?" she thought.

"You are to help us get it,"

"I'll do no such thing," she spat. "I'd never do anything to help that monster. Now get out of my way."

"Shiori…..you will help us, whether you like it or not," he said swing his staff.

She moved away from him and unsheathed her sword.

"Hell wrath!" she screamed.

Hakudoshi just smiled as the incoming energy hurled towards him. He put up a barrier around his body.

"I see you take after Naraku," she said dryly. "Both of you cower behind barriers. Typical."

Hakudoshi hackled, "But I'm much more hands on!"

He attacked her again, but she managed to escape him.

"Yes, I've noticed that," she replied. "Naraku must've remembered my ability to create a path to the netherworld from Reika. It looks like he's going to stand in the way of my mission."