Anika

Chapter 37

"Would you relax! You're making me jittery with all of your excitement" Touga put a steady hand on Anika's shoulder as they stood at the front gates ready to go border patrolling.

"But papa I'm so excited! This is my first time truly leaving the castle grounds! I can't wait to see what is out there!" Anika bounced on the balls of her heels as her father looked down at her in amusement.

"I know pup, when i was about your age my father took me partolling with him for the first time and I was practically leaping with joy, on the inside." Touga quickly added.

An hour into the walk Anika noticed that there were some rain clouds on the way and pointed them out to her father. Finding a perfect place in a local cave Anika and her father waited for the storm to pass through.

"I hope Saber and Fang aren't too lonely back at home." Anika missed her guardian animals.

"With a bustling bundle of energy that is Inuyasha and Izayoi, I'm sure they have a busy schedule." Touga chuckled at his daughter.

Suddenly there was a rustle in a nearby bush and both Touga and Anika held their breath. A little girl stumbled out of the bushes, wet and bedraggled she looked no more than 4 years old. Anika stepped out of the cave and looked as non-threatening as possible.

"What is wrong? Are you lost? What happened?" Anika asked in a soft voice as she led the little girl to the cave to get out of the rain.

"I got lost from my daddy. Can you help me? He needs to get rid of a bad youkai in a village and I got separated." The little girl responded.

"What village are you from?" Touga asked in a soft voice as he bent down and draped his mokomoko over the little girl helping to stop her shivering.

"The demon slaying village." The little girl was near tears now.

"I know where that is, come with me little one i shall take you home." Touga scooped up the little girl and gave specific instructions for Anika to stay in the cave no matter what until he returned.

Anika didn't like being left behind on what she considered a great adventure for her; but she knew better than to argue with her father. She had really protested at a decision of his and had been punished; something she was determined to avoid in the future. So she watched as Touga and the young girl ventured out in the rain and disappeared.

Lifting his nose, Touga quickly found the scents of a group of humans. More than likely the members of her demon slayer village. He turned slightly to the right and soon came to a large group of humans in black uniforms with varying colors. As Touga and the little girl approached, the head slayer noticed them approach and turned in his direction as he touched a female slayer's arm. The woman gasped and wanted to run to Touga when she saw her daughter in the powerful youkai's arms.

"It's alright dear, I know of this daiyoukai. He is the lord of these lands." the man reassured her. They waited as Touga approached carefully but with a self assured air. Touga looked down and noticed the smile appearing on the young girl's face. He knew instinctively that these people were her parents and fellow villagers.

"I take it from your scents that you are this little one's family and friends?" Touga asked, as he revealed the little girl wrapped in his boa, and nestled comfortably in his arms.

"Yes she is. How did you happen upon her? I thought she was with us!" the head slayer asked, taking his daughter from Touga.

"I saw a cute butterfly and chased it. I got lost lost when it flew away. This demon and a smaller one found me." the little girl announced looking down; expecting a scolding.

"Well at least you are safe little one. Please do not wonder off again." the headman said.

"I won't daddy." the little girl turned to the tall youkai. "Who is that younger youkai that is staying in the cave?"

"That is my adopted daughter, Anika little one. I can state with certainty that none of you need to fear her, even in her demonic state. She is friendly towards humans.

"Now, I understand from this littleone that you have a strong youkai who is causing your village a lot trouble for you. Since he is on my lands, I will assist you in dealing with him." Touga stated as he sniffed at the air once again.

Just as Anika was about to sigh with boredom a nearby bush rustled drawing her attention.

"Papa? Is that you?" Anika tried sniffing the air for scents but the rain was proving that difficult.

"My you look like a tasty meal left just for me!" A crazed bear demon leaped out of the bushes blocking Anika's escape route.

"I'm not scared of you! My father will rip you to shreds when he gets back!" Anika snarled at the bear demon.

"Where is the human child? I smell that she was just here!" The bear demon took a deep inhale.

Anika getting rather irritated with the demons uncouth ways and transformed getting ready to fight.

"You want to play little girl? I see how it is just wait til-" The bear demons eyes went wide as a clawed hand appeared from his chest.

"Papa! I missed you!" Anika threw herself into her father's arms not giving a glance at the dead bear demon next to him.

"You are not hurt are you?" Touga held Anika at arms length as he checked her or injuries.

"No papa that bear didn't get chance to fight me." Anika beamed up at her father.

Touga was just glad that he was able to follow the demons scent so quickly as he hugged his daughter.

"Did that little girl get back to her parents?" Anika asked her dad.

"Yes she did. Good thing they were close by." Touga ruffled Anika's wet hair causing her to snarl playfully and escape his grip. When the rain had stopped they continued on their patrol.

AN: Hope you enjoyed this chapter, a collaboration between grace of three days and myself please go to her homepage and review/favor as well. I'm sure she would love to hear them too.