He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Why? He was baffled by his sudden and intense attraction to this strange woman. As he watched her speak with the Master, his mind raced. It wasn't just attraction; it was a profound connection, an inexplicable need to protect her. When the demon had attacked, his heart had seized at the thought of her being dragged into the water. He had fought in countless battles, seen friends and family face terrible odds, but no one had ever evoked such a visceral reaction from him.

She began to follow the Master, her uncle, another bizarre revelation. A woman from another time. The concept was mind-boggling. Time travel had never seemed possible, let alone something he'd encountered in his village. And to think she was related to the Master, who had always seemed solitary and disconnected from familial ties.

As she moved off with the Master, Ichiro found himself captivated by her every step. Her body was different from what he was used to seeing - her hips flared more, her chest fuller, and she was taller than most women in the village. He absently rubbed his fingers together, recalling the feel of her soft, golden-brown hair. The memory of being so close to her, looking into her almond-shaped, sky-blue eyes, sent a shiver down his spine.

The urge to follow her, to stay close and protect her, was almost overwhelming. He quickly shook off the feeling, turning in the opposite direction with a determined stride.

"She is a priestess," he reminded himself sternly. "I shouldn't be entangled with a holy person. That wouldn't be right." Despite his resolve, he couldn't help it but glance over his shoulder one last time, watching her ascend the hill with the Master.

Ann was shown to the large house that overlooked the village. The interior, crafted from honey-colored wood, gave the spaces within a warm and inviting feeling. High ceilings with open rafters added to the airy atmosphere. The wood floors were spotless and gleaming. Several walls were adorned with scrolls depicting warriors battling demons.

"Parts of my clan's history," Yoshio indicated the images when he noticed Ann looking at them. "Our clan has devoted itself to the eradication of these evil creatures from this world."

"Is that even possible?" Ann asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice. Her uncle chuckled.

"No," he conceded, his eyes downcast, "but it is a nice goal to have."

He led her down a hall and, at the end, opened a door.

"This will be your room," he said, gesturing towards the simple space that held only a folded futon and an ancient looking trunk. The floors were covered with cream-colored tatami mats and three of the walls had Shoji sliding doors. Her Grandma Yoko had enjoyed using some of these items as decorations in her house, but to see it without any Americanization was beautiful. Ann quickly bowed to her uncle.

"I am so grateful for what you are doing for me," she stated.

"I am just happy to see family again," Yoshio admitted. "I have the villagers, but it is different when a person is blood. I look forward to you living here and being able to guide you on your path to managing your powers."

Ann stepped into the room. It was small, but comfortable with one of the Shoji sliding doors opening out onto an exterior wrap around porch that looked out over the village and the bay beyond. A thought crossed her mind and she turned to Yoshio.

"There is something that I should show you."

"Yes?" He took a step into the room, a questioning look on his face. Ann pulled down the collar of her t-shirt until the red blister was visible.

"My goodness, child," Yoshio stepped in closer. "What happened?"

"Naraku touched me," Ann admitted softly. Yoshio took a deep breath and a look of concern crossed his features.

"This will make guarding you harder," he admitted. "That demon will be able to find you easily, but I haven't changed my mind. We will guard you, because if that monster gains power over the entire Shikon Jewel, all life will suffer."

Ann swallowed hard. So much weight was on her shoulders. As much as she appreciated her uncle's optimism, she knew she couldn't depend on these people alone. She'd seen how powerless they were against Naraku. She must learn to defend herself.

"Uncle, I am ready to train," she declared. "I want to be able to fight when Naraku comes back."

"In time, this will come to pass," Yoshio said, taking her hand and patting it. "But first, rest. You have had a long day." His features suddenly brightened as he continued, "Should I invite Ichiro to dinner? He is one of our best warriors. You could learn a lot from him."

Ann's face immediately warmed. Her mind turned to his handsome, carefree face and his warm brown eyes. When he had sheltered her beneath his body, she could feel how solid he was, how strong he was. But at the same time he had been so gentle. She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts. He would never be interested in a plain girl like her.

"I don't know, Uncle. If you think he'd be helpful, I wouldn't mind talking to him, but I'm sure he's busy. I really don't want to be a pest."

Yoshio chuckled.

"I think there is something between the two of you that neither of you are ready to recognize yet," Yoshio said, causing Ann to avert her eyes. Again, he patted the back of her hand. "This is the problem of being older. The awkwardness falls away leaving only the truth of the situation, but I am now too old to do anything about it."

~ 1 month later ~

Ann sat on a log at the edge of the forest that bordered the village. She had tucked herself behind some bushes out of sight of anybody that might pass by so that she could have a good cry. Training with her uncle was frustrating. It wasn't him, not completely, but the training itself. They meditated, and meditated and meditated some more. She kept asking her uncle how this would help, but he would merely say "You'll see." or "It's an answer you need to discover for yourself". She was sure he knew what he was talking about, but her patience was wearing thin.

The threat of Naraku still loomed over her. He hadn't been back since the day she arrived, but it could only be a matter of time and instead of learning to fight, she was sitting around.

Occasionally, over the past month, she would reach out with her senses to see if Naraku was there, but there was nothing. For Ann, this was worse than being able to pinpoint his location. He could be anywhere and what if he figured out how to cloak his presence from her. He could pop up at any moment and take her.

Fear coursed through her body as an image of him putting his rotting hands on her again manifested itself inside her mind. She let out several sobs at the memory of his cold, purple-tinged lips on her, his hungry gaze devouring her, his promises of what he'd do to her. Tears streamed down her face, and she wrapped her arms around herself trying desperately to find some kind of comfort. Her body ached right down to her bones with her fear as she doubled over, laying her head on her knees.

"I don't want to go back to him," she whispered shakily to herself. "I don't want to die."

"Ann?"

She jerked her head up and felt shame roll through her body. Ichiro held some of the branches of the bush she hid behind back and was watching her with concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, taking a tentative step towards her. Horrified, Ann pivoted on the spot and began wiping her face.

"I'm fine," she mumbled. "I just had a bad day and needed some privacy." She said the last part pointedly, hoping he'd take the hint to go away. She felt bad doing it though. Ichiro's company was the highlight of her days. Beyond him being really nice to look at, he was kind, patient and funny. She didn't think he saw her as anybody he'd consider attractive, because he never seemed interested in anything other than training.

Hands suddenly landed on her shoulders, making her jump. She peeked at him over her shoulder.

"You really don't have to stay. I'll be fine in a moment." she said sullenly, trying to shrug her shoulders out of his grip.

"I know," Ichiro said, maintaining his grip. "But do you understand that you're not alone?"

"What?" Ann stilled.

"You're not alone," he repeated. "We're here to help you. Me and the village. We won't let you face this demon alone." Ann turned back away from Ichiro. What he said lifted her spirits, but what if they all died. Visions of the kind people she had met since she had arrived, some mutilated beyond recognition, some lying dead at Naraku's feet flashed through her mind. She shivered and blinked away the visions. Sniffling, she said,

"Maybe I should face him alone. It would be the right thing to do." Ichiro's hands on her shoulders tensed.

"Please don't do that," he said softly.

"Why not," she snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't belong here. I was dropped in everybody's lap with a world-class demon on my ass. I need to get this over with, so the villagers can get back to their normal lives."

Ichiro spun her around, his grip tightening on her shoulders as he drew her against his body. He was not carefree or teasing in this moment. His eyes bored into hers, fear etched into his features.

"Ann, if you died…," he hesitated, his face twisting with emotion. Ann had never seen him like this. She suddenly felt bad for being so morose. She brought her hands up to cover his hands on her shoulders.

"Ichiro, I'm sorry. I'm frustrated with myself. It was mean of me to take it out on you. Please don't be upset." she pleaded. "I promise that I won't face Naraku alone. Please be my smiling friend again." He watched her quietly for a moment. Ann couldn't read what was going through his mind, but then he leaned towards her and touched his forehead to hers. Ann's heart flopped and her face heated.

"We are friends," he agreed. "I am so glad for your friendship."

"I am glad for yours," Ann said shyly, though she secretly enjoying the moment. He lifted his head and allowed his casual smile to return to his face, though Ann noticed he still looked concerned.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"A little," she said. He put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her close.

"Come. Let us go get something to eat."

~ 6 months later ~

Ann held a ball of glowing, purple light in her hands. It was so warm and beautiful, a true miracle. Before this, she had never imagined she could create something so amazing. Her patience had finally paid off.

Her great uncle, Yoshio, sat in front of her, nodding.

"You have made wonderful progress," he declared. She smiled faintly at his compliment, but noticed she was beginning to sweat. It was a lot of work to hold that little ball of energy.

"Are your compliments based on favoritism, uncle?" He outright laughed.

"No. Although it has been a joy to have you here, I have not witnessed any other person try to understand their powers quite like you have. You are driven."

"I want to be helpful," Ann said while watching the energy swirl in her hands.

"I understand," her uncle nodded his head, "but my clan can defend you too. What about Ichiro? He has been asking after you. He seems to think you are avoiding him."

Ann blushed. Ever since she had met Ichiro, he was always on her mind. His smile, his confidence. There had been moments of closeness between them where it felt like their friendship could become something more, but then she'd remember herself. Naraku wanted her dead. If she was going to die, it wouldn't be fair to hurt somebody with her death. So, yes, lately she'd been avoiding him.

"Defend yourself first," she thought. She closed her eyes, allowing the energy to disperse from her hands. Slowly, she opened her eyes only to find her uncle giving her a deep look.

"Do you care for Ichiro?" he asked.

"Yes. He is a really good friend," Ann said. One of her uncle's eyebrows raised.

"Nothing more?" he probed. Ann pinched her lips together and then said,

"No." Yoshio released a heavy sigh.

"Allowing yourself to feel love would lift some of this anxiety you have been feeling." Ann shifted uneasily where she sat.

"I don't know," Ann wavered. "I like having Ichiro around, but I worry for him. At some point I will either go back to my time or die. Is that fair to him?"

"Is what you are doing to him now fair?" her uncle countered. Ann opened her mouth to respond, but then snapped it shut. He had a point. Yoshio continued,

"Ann, life is too short and too unsure not to enjoy the good moments when they are given to us. It is these good moments that create happy memories which, in turn, get us through the inevitable hard times."

"I suppose," Ann hedged, "but what if he dies? Wouldn't that be my fault?"

"Not at all," Yoshio assured her. "He will have died doing what is meaningful to him. Besides, Naraku will only be defeated by those that are willing to work together against evil."

~ 1 month later ~

"Ichiro, where are you taking me?" Ann followed him along a narrow, dirt path that wound through the thick trees just outside the village.

"There is an amazing waterfall up ahead," he turned to look over his shoulder at her and pointed down the path before them, his usual care-free smile in place. "I've wanted to show you this for a long time now."

"Okay," Ann agreed, enjoying his enthusiasm. There was some kind of connection between her and Ichiro that she couldn't explain other than "meant to be '', but she continued to try to distance herself. She had taken a little of her uncle's advice and was enjoying Ichiro's company again, but she continued to keep their relationship cool.

She still couldn't shake the guilty thoughts of the possibility of Naraku showing up. It had been almost a year now and she could manage her powers, but what if it wasn't enough? What if she had to watch Ichiro die at the hands of Naraku? It'd be her fault. Her uncle had tried to convince her otherwise, but she knew that if the worst happened, that would be how she felt.

Ann shook her head and then thought,

"I haven't sensed Naraku's presence in a while. I know he's alive, but maybe I should relax just a little. I have been granted this time to get stronger. Not to mention we know what he's capable of. We got this."

The sound of roaring water caught Ann's attention. Ichiro slowed just long enough to snatch her hand and then rushed forward.

"Come on," he exclaimed boyishly. "It is just around the corner." Ann allowed herself to be towed along and when they rounded the corner, they halted. Ichiro hadn't been lying. This waterfall was beautiful.

It had to be one hundred feet tall. The water cascaded down the cliff face, glinting like crystals in the bright sunlight, bouncing off the rocks and making new, mini waterfalls as it fell into the pool below. On the floor of the pool, beneath the clear water, were multitudes of round rocks in every natural color imaginable. It was like somebody had broken a rainbow and scattered the pieces across the water. Ann stood in awe. The scene before her was so perfect. She didn't want to do anything to ruin the effect. Ichiro squeezed her hand.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied with a dreamy sigh. "It is a work of art." She then blushed. "That sounds silly, doesn't it?"

"Not at all," Ichiro said. "I think this place is a gift from the gods. A place where we are meant to find peace."

"I like that," Ann said, looking up to the highest point of the waterfall. "I like that the gods might want us to know peace."

"Of course they do." Ichiro took her other hand and moved in closer to her. "The gods want us to know happiness. It is the demons that wish to sow chaos and make us suffer. This is why my clan decided to become demon slayers. We would destroy anything that interrupts the god's peace."

"You and your clan have chosen a noble path," Ann said admiringly. "I have been working with my uncle to get better at managing my powers. Is there a way I could help you and your warriors?"

"Just be on our side," Ichiro said. He was drawing her closer. He released her hands to slowly skim them up her arms to her shoulders. The movement sent a thrill through her body. She knew she should resist, but his warm body so near hers was making her forget why they needed to stay apart. "I think our village has known peace over the last year, because both you and the Master are present." Ann chuckled and said sarcastically,

"Glad I can help."

"Do not doubt yourself," Ichiro insisted. He lowered his face to her level. "You have given us all something new to fight for."

"Really?" Ann asked skeptically. His nearness was making her dizzy. She reached for him to find her balance, clutching onto his jacket. "I'm really not that special."

"To me you are," Ichiro leaned in and before Ann could react, his lips were firmly pressed against hers. Surprise transformed into excitement and Ann kissed him back. His arms wrapped around her back, drawing her up against him. Ann wound her arms around Ichiro's neck pulling him into a deeper kiss. The smoldering feelings that she'd been trying to tamp down erupted into a full-blown fire. Desire, need and an aching in her middle, but most of all, a need to keep this man by her side. In a blink, everything changed. She could no longer see her future without him. She would protect him until her death. If she could manage it, she would create a future with him that included a home together, children, a normal daily life and no Naraku or Shikon Jewel.