Beautiful Souls

The kingdom beneath the surface of Senja-ga-Ike Pond(1) was just as Kuroseirei remembered it. To those who did not know its secret, the mountain lake appeared to be no more than ten feet deep at it’s lowest point. However, in the very center of the pond was a hole, six feet in diameter, which led down into the depths of the long dormant volcano. The water poured into an underground pool, and rising out of it was the castle, suspended between the worlds of air and water. It was here that the Snake Queen and her people returned after more than nine hundred years of exile.

Opulent in its design, the palace within the body of the mountain had been built by their earliest ancestors. The power flowing through its rooms surged over Kuroseirei as she wandered the abandoned chambers, absorbing the long forgotten energy. Since her return, the hebi(2) youkai had begun to resume the lives that had been torn from them by the old monk. The difference was that the new Snake Queen was not content with simply terrorizing the villages that nestled in her mountain’s shadow.

The Hakusan Mountains(3) were holy, and said to be home to a multitude of Kami. When Kuroseirei’s mother had been in charge, these gods and goddesses had been dormant, allowing her people to do as they pleased. The power of the deities had returned with the imprisonment of the hebi youkai, and it was the new Queen’s intention to regain control of the Mountain. Once Mt. Hakusan was hers again, she would extend her power over the region, until her people covered all the land and supreme dominion was hers.

Kuroseirei lay on a bed of blue satin cushions, well preserved despite the humidity from the volcano’s sulfurous core heating the water that spilled elegantly into and out of the palace in graceful waterfalls. She stretched languidly as her manservant bowed low.

“My Queen, tell me how we may serve thee,” he inquired.

Kuroseirei admired the tall youkai as he waited for her orders. His hair was the same shade of yellow found in field flowers, and the color was echoed in the jagged markings on his face and the bands circling his forearms. As were all her servants, he was bare-chested and bare-footed, and the white hakama were tied with an iridescent green obi at the waist.

“You are Yaichiro(4), are you not?” The Snake Queen asked with a hungry smile.

The servant bowed again, “At your service, my lady.”

“ A great evil disappeared from the surface not long ago,” Kuroseirei began, “I need to know who could have defeated such an enormous power. Send out a troop to search the land for answers. Tell them to travel fast, but keep an eye out for anything that could be useful.”

With a final bow, Yaichiro opened the chamber door to carry out her orders.

“And Yaichiro?” As he faced her once more, Kuroseirei grinned, baring her sharp incisors, “When your task is complete, return to me. I have a special… position in mind for you.”

After he’d gone, Kuroseirei ran a hand over her body, letting it rest absently on her stomach. If her aspirations were to succeed, all threats must be dealt with immediately. Whatever had vanquished the black miasma she had sensed before rising could be a threat to her as well. Anticipating that danger would be her first priority in her conquest of the world.

******************

Kagome opened her eyes as the morning sun swept across her face. The enormous feather bed on which she lay was so comfortable that she felt as though she had slept on a cloud. Trying to move, Kagome realized two things that made her giggle. The first was that she had actually woken up before Inuyasha, whose soft breathing echoed in her ear. The second was that for once, Inuyasha was on her back, instead of the other way around.

After arriving at the inn two nights before, the newlyweds had barely slid the doors to their room closed before falling upon each other. The couple had spent the entire night and the following day within the four walls of their room, never allowing the slightest bit of distance to come between them unless absolutely necessary. It had been late in the wee hours of that second morning when the couple had finally collapsed in exhaustion, falling asleep where they landed.

Body warming in response to their position, Kagome strained to roll over and dump the hanyou off her. Without warning, Inuyasha clutched her to him and rolled onto his back, carrying her with him. Kagome shrieked with laughter as his claws tickled her sides and started wiggling to get away from the sudden attack.

Inuyasha groaned huskily and wrapped his arms around her waist as her backside brushed against his stiffening member, “Careful, bitch,” he murmured softly in her ear.

With a grin, Kagome gingerly slid off her husband’s body and knelt beside him, bending to kiss him. “Good morning,” she said brightly before climbing off of the bed.

“Oi!” Inuyasha grabbed Kagome’s arm before she could walk away. Pulling her back against him, he scowled at her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he teased.

“To take a shower!” Kagome laughed at the hanyou’s pout.

Inuyasha buried his nose in her hair, sniffing closely. “You smell fine to me,” he remarked, beginning to kiss his way down her neck.

Kagome’s eyes fluttered closed, “Keep that up and you won’t get me out of bed all day!”

“That’s my plan,” Inuyasha acknowledged as his kisses led him back up to her lips.

Kagome whimpered against his mouth, “Fresh air... sunshine...”

“Uh-uh, I’ve got everything I need right here.” Inuyasha lightly traced his nails over her shoulder blades, making her shiver.

“Food....” Kagome offered weakly, feeling herself weakening.

Inuyasha’s ears twitched, but he smirked at her with a cocky expression, “You think your legs can still move after all of that?”

With a laugh, Kagome kissed her mate’s nose and quickly pulled away from his grasp, “Let’s find out!” Dodging as he lunged for her, she managed to make it to the bathroom and slam the door shut before Inuyasha could catch her. “I’ll find us some breakfast after I’m through showering,” she called through the door before turning on the water.

The Houshi Ryokan was a traditional Japanese style hotel, and normally the rooms were very simple. It was only because they had been booked in the more modern honeymoon suite that such amenities as a real bed and an attached bath were available, much to Kagome’s delight. The water lacked the sulfurous smell carried by water from a hot spring, so the girl could tell that a special effort had been made to provide piped water to just the one room.

In spite of the long hours spent in physical activity, Kagome felt full of energy. She had been unable to see much of the view on the limo ride from Tokyo to Awazu, but their driver had described the area as they passed through in the dark. Eager to see the vast gardens(5) and ancient village(6) that nestled at the foot of the mountain, Kagome quickly shampooed her hair. With any luck, she might even be able to convince Inuyasha to climb Mt. Hakusan with her.

Humming softly to herself, Kagome did not hear the bathroom door slide open, nor did she hear the soft click of the shower door as it was pulled shut behind a sneaky hanyou. She gasped as Inuyasha spun her around and pressed her against the wall with a clever grin.

“Let’s compromise,” He muttered before crushing her already swollen mouth with his. Inuyasha moaned as her arms twisted around his neck. Cupping her bottom with his hands, he lifted Kagome so that her legs wrapped around his waist. Nipping the side of her neck, he chuckled as she groaned softly.

Kagome’s breathing began to increase as Inuyasha captured one of her nipples in his mouth, sucking gently. She tried to say his name, but her tongue felt heavy in her mouth and thought was made difficult by the scrape of his fang against her skin. A tiny bite sent a flood of liquid heat shooting through her, and a groan rose in her throat, urging him on.

Inuyasha growled deeply. He was drunk on Kagome. The taste of the sweat rising on her skin, the scent of her arousal, the soft press of her body against his... all of it called to him like a whisper on the wind, creating in him an unquenchable thirst. He ached for her, and his ache could only be soothed by its cause. Her whimpers grew louder as his hands explored her body, searching for ways to further stoke the raging fire that had already begun to climb within her.

The delicious rasp of his tongue against the cleft of her breasts was alternated with increasingly frantic nips at her flesh, making Kagome cry aloud at the exquisite tension it created. Urgently pressing her hips closer to Inuyasha’s body, she whined a little, unable to express her need to him, frustrated by the teasing caress of his claws on her skin.

A surge of pride swept over Inuyasha as Kagome scent spiked. That he could arouse in her the same excitement she created in him filled the hanyou with a different kind of pleasure than he had ever known before. The rumbling vibrato in his chest rose with each gasp from Kagome. The water from the shower pounded against him, making him feel as though he were melting against her.

With a loving smirk at the flush that gave a pink tint to her skin, Inuyasha chuckled as his fingers slowly slid down to graze Kagome’s thighs, “Tell me again what you want, Kagome,” he spoke softly, tracing circles on the delicate flesh of her inner thigh. Kagome whimpered at the nearness of his hand to the source of her heat.

“You were in such a hurry to go outside... I’ll stop if you want me to,” he murmured, stilling the motion of his fingers on her leg.

“N~no...” Kagome managed, shaking her head violently.

Arousal twisted tighter in his gut as he lightly brushed a finger over the soft nub of flesh at her core, “Tell me what you want, Kagome,” he whispered, sliding two fingers inside of her.

Kagome swallowed hard, letting her head fall sideways as her eyes shut against the wave of desire caused by the steady pulse of his claws within her.

Inuyasha increased the speed of his hand at Kagome’s center as he pressed his forehead against hers. “Tell me,” he urged, closing his eyes in an effort to ignore the rigid ache of his own need.

“You,” Kagome whispered, praying it was enough, “please!” She whimpered softly.

Unable to restrain himself much longer, Inuyasha removed his fingers from Kagome, putting both hands to her waist to raise her slightly, “Look at me Koishii(7)...” he whispered.

With great effort, Kagome met his gaze, trembling with the urge to drown in the amber depths of his eyes. The moment the connection was made, Inuyasha thrust her body down onto his erection, making her cry out at the sweet friction of his body rocking against hers.

“ Eyes open, Kagome,” he commanded breathlessly, increasing the tempo of their joining to echo the frenetic beating of his heart.

Kagome braced herself on the shower wall, using her arms to support herself. She was desperate to have him closer, deeper, harder within her. Straining against the tiled enclosure she moaned as her body stretched to accommodate her lover’s girth. Her lips worked wordlessly, forming his name over and over though she was incapable of making anything but the most meaningless of sounds.

Inuyasha pressed his face to Kagome, lovingly biting at her chest as the pressure within him became nearly unbearable in its intensity. Tossing his head back with a groan, he took in the sight of his mate as she rode him. Her wet hair clung to her face and shoulders. Her skin was flushed and slippery from the shower’s spray. Her eyes were still on him, but were heavy-lidded with languid passion. Her delicate nostrils flared with each forceful breath and her bruised lips moved silently.

Inuyasha realized that she was mouthing his name, and he placed one hand against the wall behind her, levering himself into her body harder and faster, “Say it, Koishii... say my name.”

Kagome arched her back as sensation overwhelmed her brain. For a moment, all was lost except for the feeling of Inuyasha inside of her, coiling her desire tighter and tighter with every stroke. She realized he was speaking to her, commanding her attention. Whimpering frantically now, she let her head fall forward until it drooped over his shoulder.

Her hot breath against his skin made Inuyasha shudder... he couldn’t contain himself much longer. “Say my name, Kagome,” he whispered into her ear, nibbling at the fragile lobe.

The tension within Kagome snapped, turning every muscle in her body into liquid. “Inu~yasha!” she shattered his name upon the hilt of her orgasm, tightening her grip on him.

Again, the exhalation of his name on Kagome’s lips sent Inuyasha reeling over the brink. With a final thrust, he gasped her name in reply and clung to her tightly as he throbbed through his climax, deeply breathing in the now familiar combination of their scents. Lifting her chin with a shaky finger, Inuyasha gave her a tired smirk before kissing his wife deeply.

“That’s the way our mornings begin... got it?” he murmured against her lips.

*********************

Enshrined atop one of Mt. Hakusan’s peaks were three Kami. The first two were Izanagi no Mikoto(8) and his sister-bride Izanami no Mikoto(8), who created the Japanese islands through their divine acts of sexual reproduction. The first husband and wife also gave birth to the Sun Goddess and the Moon God, setting them as rulers over their new realm.

The third deity was known as Kukurihime no kami(9), the dragon goddess who had intervened between Izanami and Izanagi after they had argued. All three Kami were worshiped together at alters throughout Japan, but their predominate shrine rested high upon the snowy peak of the white-mountain.

Other Kami dwelt among the mountain range, but Kuroseirei was not concerned with them. These lesser gods had long been silent, and the Snake Queen focused her interest on these three deities whose power was stronger than hers. Those who had created these islands out of the coagulation of salt-water foam were her greatest threat, and once they were dealt with, no other gods could fight her.

Standing before the wooden torii gate(10), Kuroseirei viewed the shrine, searching for signs of life. Although the sleeping energy of the Kami flowed down and throughout the mountain into the village below emanated from this very spot, no worshipers were near at the moment. The hebi youkai felt mild disappointment at this. She would not have minded taking home a mortal pet to do with as she pleased… but there would be time for such things later. Business came first.

Eyes closed, hands raised to waist height with palms facing downward, Kuroseirei whispered a strange chant in the language of her people – a combination of sibilant hisses and harsh utterances. The quiet breeze that wafted through the mountain roared to life in response to her command, whipping fiercely through the trees and taking the flotsam and jetsam of the field with it.

The slate blue sky above the icy crag darkened ominously, sending a chill through every living thing. Around her, Kuroseirei sensed the birds fleeing their lofty nests, tasted the spoor of warm-blooded mammals racing from their burrows in search of safer havens, and smelled the cold blood of her fellow reptiles tensing in anticipation.

A crack of thunder resounded as she lifted her arms to the heavens, bending the forces of nature to her will. A tear rent the sky, hurling torrents of rain against the earth. Kuroseirei grinned, sending the temperature plummeting until the water became prickles of ice against her skin.

Chanting more loudly now, the Snake Queen pointed at the ground beneath the shrine and the earth shuddered. A fissure split the rock at her feet, sending a jagged fracture racing towards the temple. As the gap opened wider, a red-hot glow issued up from the mountain’s core and lava bubbled up towards the surface.

The wind voiced the gods outrage with shrieks of anger, but was unable to resist the command of she who called it. With a creak of anguish, the shrine tilted into the crevice below, sinking slightly as molten rock oozed in through the door and windows.

The snow hissed as it met with the volcanic secretion. Laughter erupted from Kuroseirei, causing the storms force to match her intensity. Before long, a solid block of ice had imprisoned the shrine, encasing it in delicate crystal above, while below churned a roiling inferno. Fire and ice worked together to render the enshrined deities powerless, suspended between worlds.

Walking barefoot through the gale of frost, Kuroseirei was satisfied that the Kami would not be able to stop her.

With only one threat left to dispose of, the Snake Queen found herself feeling increasingly cheerful. (11)

********************

When hunger finally won them over the following day, Inuyasha and Kagome ventured beyond the confines of the honeymoon suite in search of nourishment. The Houshi Ryokan (12) had been in business for thirteen hundred years; it was the oldest running hotel in the world. Built to accommodate the five natural hot springs in the vicinity, the one hundred-room inn was considered a haven where health could be restored and life enriched by the rejuvenating powers of the spas.

A dining room on the premises offered a surprisingly wide variety of meal options, and it was here that the couple intended to eat, when they were stopped by one of the hotel’s employees. The short man bowed formally to Kagome and Inuyasha.

“Please follow me,” he asked before turning to lead them towards the front of the hotel.

Exchanging puzzled glances, the newlyweds followed the man through the main lobby where they had checked in, and through a sliding door to the right of the front desk. At first, Kagome couldn’t see beyond their guide to what lay within. As Inuyasha followed her into the room, the man bowed to someone, providing the girl with her first glimpse of their mysterious host.

Sitting at a private dining table was a man of indeterminate age. Dressed regally in a solid black kimono, he nodded his thanks to the man who had led the couple here before rising to greet the couple. “Good afternoon,” he welcomed. “I am pleased to meet our distinguished guests.”

Inuyasha frowned, “Distinguished?”

The man’s smile was surprisingly wide, filling his entire face with merriment, “Our newlyweds, of course. Forgive me; allow me to introduce myself. I am Zengoro Houshi(13), owner of this establishment. My mate, Chizuko(13) and I would be honored to have you join us for lunch.”

Kagome nodded, catching the Aruji’s(14) terminology, “Youkai,” she commented to Inuyasha. She had noticed right away that beneath the human image he presented, their host’s real identity was that of an elk youkai.

Inuyasha stared at the man, unable to see the youkai within the human shell. Remembering before, when focusing on Kagome had brought his veiled ears into vision, the hanyou took his mate’s hand, concentrating as he looked again. Slowly, the mortal impression began to fade, revealing a magnificently regal elk.

Masked as a human, the aruji’s age could have been anywhere from fifty to eighty years old, but now that his true form was apparent, Inuyasha could tell that the youkai was older than many of the demons he’d encountered. Maple colored eyes shone with wisdom over an indulgent smile as he patiently withstood his guest’s inspection. The man’s waist length light-brown hair reminded Inuyasha of the pelts of other elk he’d seen in the forest, and the hanyou imagined that the youkai would adopt the same color in his full form.

With a nod to acknowledge the truth of Kagome’s statement, Zengoro looked to Inuyasha, “You are an inu youkai, yet it is your mate who is concealing your ears,” he glanced at the girl with admiration. “You have chosen your mate wisely; though she is human, she has immeasurable power.”

Inuyasha looked surprised that such a compliment had come from the ancient youki. Normally, the old ones were the least accepting of hanyou’s and humans, and the aruji’s ability to see the extent of Kagome’s power with such ease proved that he was among their numbers.

Another elk youkai entered from what had to be the host’s own quarters. A pink kimono tied with a lighter pink obi brought out the incredible beauty in the woman as she bowed to the guests with an inviting smile. “Welcome. Please be seated; lunch is on it’s way.”

Following Chizuko and Zengoro’s example, Inuyasha and Kagome knelt at the low table opposite their hosts. The short man who had led the couple to the aruji reentered with two others, and each of the three placed a tray in the center of the table. Inuyasha examined the fare as Chizuko explained that each dish had been prepared from products of the local village. The bowl of buckwheat noodles with a bean curd tofu, topped with Nameko mushrooms and soybean paste was emitting a mouth-watering fragrance that made his stomach grumble. Another tray contained rice cakes with ground Japanese horse chestnut and the third held fresh, whole, lobsters.(15)

Kagome watched with amusement as Inuyasha tried to break into the lobster using only his claws, ignoring the provided shell crackers entirely. However, when his method proved to be more effective than her own, she sheepishly asked if he’d open her’s as well. With a cocky grin in reply, he had her shell removed in seconds, exposing the tender meat to the cool air, causing steam to rise.

“So what are your plans while you’re with us,” Zengoro asked. “Will you be exploring the area?”

Swallowing, Kagome nodded, “I want to see the village and the gardens today. I’d hoped to climb the mountain but we’re getting a late start, so we may have to wait until tomorrow for that.”

Chizuko smiled at her, “Afterwards you should take a long soak in one of the hot springs. The water feels especially good after all that hiking.”

Inuyasha frowned, until he remembered that he now had the right to bath with Kagome. Grinning, he nodded, “That does sound good... don’t you think so, Kagome?”

Kagome blushed, “How long have you been the Aruji here, Houshi-sama?” she asked, changing the subject.

The host raised a hand, “Please, call me Zengoro. Chizuko and I have lived in these mountains for over four thousand years. We were the original Aruji when the Houshi Ryokan opened in the year 719. Since then, we’ve stayed through forty-six generations, using the same spell as you’re using for your husband. Tell me, Mrs. Ichirei, how did a human come to learn such a powerful spell?”

“It’s Kagome, please.” she hesitated, not sure how to answer her host’s question. “I learned it from a youkai friend of ours.” She finally commented.

“Do you know many youkai? Forgive my curiosity, but it doesn’t often happen that a human is aware of our kind, especially enough to be married to one.” Zengoro leaned forward, politely eager to learn about his guest.

“She’s a Miko,” Inuyasha interjected. He wasn’t sure why, but the youkai couple gave him a strange feeling... as though he’d known them for many years - which was enough to set the hanyou on edge. That they were interested in Kagome made him slightly tense as well. Then again, he wasn’t exactly used to being welcomed by strange demons. He could be overreacting.

Zengoro nodded. “Ah, I see.” The old man’s eyes filled with mischief as he laughed, “What an interesting mating... take care not to anger her, Mr. Ichirei, she may purify you during a disagreement.”

Inuyasha snorted, “Keh, she can’t purify me anymore. The last time, it didn’t work!”

Kagome caught the glances exchanged between the elk youkai, “Does that surprise you?” She asked. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being tested for something.

Chizuko looked thoughtful, “In all honesty, yes... and no. You see, my mate and I are quite old. We have seen many things, and many youkai, however we are interested in you and your mate for the simple fact that the two of you are unlike anything we’ve ever encountered. Please forgive our intrusion... but you both possess a power that is strange to us. We were hoping to understand.”

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha before asking, “What sort of strange power?”

“Mr. Ichirei has an almost... spiritual quality to his aura that is most unnatural to find in youkai. Your own power is quite strong... even for a Miko. It is not yet within your control. What is most curious though, is that an aura surrounds the both of you... separate from your individual auras. It is as if the two of you make one soul in your unity.” Zengoro seemed at a loss to explain what he sensed.

Inuyasha felt uneasy again. “There’s a reason... but it’s not exactly something we’re free to talk about.”

“I’m sorry,” Kagome added to soften the brusk tone of her mate’s answer.


Zengoro sighed, “ I suppose that something so mysterious would not have a solution so easily told.” Smiling at Kagome, he added, “Do not be sorry, my dear. Certain knowledge should be guarded carefully in this world. Curiosity abated or not, it has indeed been an honor to meet you both. We so very seldom receive visitors we can so comfortably entertain.”

Standing, Chizuko opened a drawer on the sideboard behind them, returning to the table with a map. “When you are ready to climb Mt. Hakusan, you should take this path. It is one that the tourists do not know about, and will offer you a more enjoyable experience of our mountain’s treasures.”

Kagome took the map with a smile, “Thank you, and for lunch also. Everything was wonderful.”

Showing their guests to the door, Zengoro seemed to want to say something more. The look disappeared as quickly as it had come. “Thank-you for indulging us... you are welcome here any time. Just ask for us personally... we shall always remember you.”

Exiting the hotel with Kagome, Inuyasha tried to shake the uneasiness that still clung to him. How was it that he and Kagome had only been there for three nights, yet the aruji had been able to sense so much about them without ever seeing the couple?

******************

Kagome tried to be frustrated, but couldn’t manage it. Though Inuyasha had promised last night that they could make an early start on Mt. Hakusan, that morning he had refused to let her out of their bed until noon. Now, as they walked towards the trail marked on the map Chizuko had given them, Kagome couldn’t find it in her heart to be upset with him. He was too adorable to stay mad at.

Both were dressed warmly against the snow that still covered the upper peaks of the mountain. Not yet summer, the temperature at the top would remain below freezing for a few more months. Wearing the knit cap and hiking boots that Kagome had bought him in the village yesterday, Inuyasha grumbled in discomfort, eliciting a laugh from his mate.

“What’s so funny?” Inuyasha muttered with a raised eyebrow.

Kagome grinned, “You’re cute.” She answered, quickly kissing his cheek.

Not sure he appreciated being ‘cute,’ Inuyasha scowled, but wrapped an arm around Kagome. “Remind me why we’re mountain climbing when we could be spending our time more... efficiently?” He teased.

Playfully, Kagome hit him in the stomach, “It’s supposed to be a beautiful climb, and I want to see it. Besides, if we’re not careful, you’re going to get as bad as Miroku.”

Inuyasha pulled her close, making her catch her breath,” Too late. I’m already worse than that hentai... my wife’s better than his.” He grinned as Kagome melted into his arms, allowing him full access to her lips.

With a sigh, Kagome ended their kiss and smiled up at her husband. “I don’t think Miroku would agree with you.”

“About what?” Inuyasha mumbled distractedly, moving to nibble on her earlobe.

“That I’m better than Sango.” Kagome was beginning to have trouble focusing again.

“Keh,” he grunted. “That’s a good thing... otherwise, I’d have to kill him.” Sighing, he turned Kagome away from him, facing the trail entrance. “Let’s go before I get impatient and take you right here.”

Kagome blushed, “Inuyasha!” She said with a laugh, “It really is too late! I’ve never seen this side of you before!”

“Woman, you have no idea,” he muttered in her ear as they began their climb.

The day was warm at the base of the mountain, but as Inuyasha and Kagome proceeded hiking, the air began to fill with moisture. Mist swirled down from the snow caps, and dew hung from every blade of grass. The couple was completely alone on the unmarked path, and neither minded the isolation. The aruji had been right in calling the sites along this route ‘treasures.’ Waterfalls cascaded around them in endless streams, contributing to the condensation in the air. The lush greenery that surrounded them thrived in the midst of this environment, looking for all the world like a tropical jungle.

Kagome knew little about the legends of Mt. Hakusan, but this did not deter her from enjoyment of the experience. Everything she saw was breathtaking, and she had never felt further removed from the world; not even five hundred years in the past. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became, and soon snow began to blanket the ground, lightly covering their path.

The pace set by Kagome allowed them to reach the mountain top in four hours. Knowing that the trip back would take far less time, the girl decided they should stop and rest before returning. Staring out over the vistas laid before them, she could not help but feel as though she was a god, viewing all she had created. Inuyasha stood beside her, quietly taking in the beauty of their surroundings. Kagome took his hand in hers.

Not far from where they stood, a shrine rested silently on its lofty perch at the top of the world. A stone monument had been erected in front of it, and Kagome went to read the inscription. “Enshrined here are the deities of Mt. Hakusan: Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, and Kukurihime no Kami. Long may they remain in peace. This shrine was restored to its rightful state by Kami in the year 1499.”

“1499... that’s the year it is in your time, Inuyasha.” Getting no response, Kagome looked up. “Inuyasha?”

“Down here!”

Kagome followed his voice to the edge of a cliff. Ten feet below, Inuyasha was examining the ground, pushing piles of snow out of the way as he followed a set of deep furrows that appeared to have fanned out from the foot of the rise on which she stood. It looked like the pattern made by Inuyasha’s Kaza no Kizu attack.

“What is it?” Kagome called to him, carefully making her way down to him.

“ I’m not sure,” Inuyasha admitted, standing up straight again. “I thought it looked like the path of the Wind Scar, but it’s not... the smell is different.” He led Kagome back towards the cliff. “It starts right about here though.” The wall of rock was solid, all except for one crack that appeared at the level of his chest. Kagome seemed to notice it at the same time, for she leaned in to take a closer look.

“Something’s stuck in there,” She told him. With a finger nail, Kagome carefully tried to pry whatever it was out of the rock. With a sudden jerk of her arm, she had it. Raising her hand triumphantly, it was only then that she realized what it was... an arrowhead.

Inuyasha’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the tiny object. How odd was it that a reminder of both of their weapons would appear in the same place? Seeing the look of concern on Kagome’s face, he shook his head. “This isn’t yours either. I made your arrowheads with my own claws. The sides on this one are too smooth, see?” He showed her the edges. “This one was sharpened with metal.”

Kagome didn’t seem convinced, “Maybe it’s an omen that we should go back home. Maybe our friends are in trouble.”

Before Inuyasha could answer, snow began to fall again. “Come on,” he urged her. “The trail will be covered if we don’t hurry.”

The two relocated the trail at the side of a pond and headed downward once again. Kagome knew that the snow would stop as soon as they got below the storm, but they were unable to move fast enough over the now icy ground.

After an hour, Inuyasha could no longer see the trail. Since few people knew about this path, he was unable to locate the scent of anyone who might have passed this way recently, providing a clue as to what direction they should take. The snow continued to fall, though more slowly. To make matters worse, they were now at the base of an enormous waterfall, and the clouds rising from it surrounded them, making vision nearly impossible for another hundred feet.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome shouted above the water’s roar, pointing to the right. “A cave!”


Without hesitation, Inuyasha swept his mate into his arms and ran in that direction. The opening in the rock was just beyond the waterfall, providing a brief respite from the blinding haze. Sniffing to make sure nothing was already within, Inuyasha realized that their only choice was to wait out the snowfall until he could relocate their path down the mountain. He stepped inside and was immediately thankful for the warmth the blanket of snow had provided this sheltered spot.

The air inside the chamber was noticeably warmer than outside, and Kagome was relieved that Inuyasha had decided to stop. Snuggling closer to him as he placed her on her feet, she couldn’t stop shivering for a moment, until he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close.

“You okay?” Inuyasha asked, lifting Kagome’s chin so he could see into her eyes.

Kagome smiled, “Much better now.” Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her lips to his, warming them both immediately.

Unzipping their coats, Inuyasha lay both on the ground before placing his mate on top of them. Leaning over her, he whispered, “As long as were stuck here for a while....”

**********************

Kuroseirei rolled off of her lover with a contented sigh. Yaichiro struggled to calm his breathing as his queen turned on to her stomach and began tracing circles on his chest. “You bring me news?” she asked him. “I see that time has not been wasted.”

Yaichiro shook his head as his heartbeat finally settled into a more normal rhythm. “No, my Lady. I saw to it that your servants made great haste in finding the information you sought. This morning one of the men returned with news from the province of Musashi, on the other side of the island.”

Sitting up, Kuroseirei reached for her kimono, “Do not keep me waiting, Yaichiro.”

Nodding, Yaichiro continued, “The man, one Rafu(16) by name, told me that he’d heard word of a group of traveling demon slayers who had been roaming the country for several years now, in search of shards of the Shikon no Tama... a jewel that would bring immense power to any youkai who possessed.”

“Such a thing was broken?” Kuroseirei asked.

“It seems so, for these people were not the only ones looking for the fragments. Many youkai had been searching as well, including one very powerful half-youkai called Naraku. I was told that this Naraku had been said to possess most of the fragments, and was being hunted by the demon slayers for them. Rafu followed rumors of the demon slayers to a little village several hours outside of Edo. He discovered that this was the home of that group.” Yaichiro paused, allowing his mistress to digest what he’d told her so far.


“From the snakes who dwelt among the rice paddies there, Rafu learned that a great battle had taken place nearby between the demon slayers and the half-youkai Naraku. Naraku was defeated, and it seemed that the demon slayers had died as well. However, not long after, the demon slayers reappeared in the village, and are now venerated as gods by the locals.” Yaichiro concluded.

“Are they gods, then?” Kuroseirei inquired.

“Rafu was led to the place where they dwell, which is a great shrine. He saw three mortals, one adult male, one adolescent male, and one female, as well as a kitsune youkai cub, and a nekomata. An old Miko spent time there as well, but did not live with them. He was also able to learn that two others of their group were away... an inu-hanyou and his human mate.”

Kuroseirei seemed surprised, “Am I to believe that three humans, a hanyou, a youkai pup and a nekomata were responsible for the banishment of such vast power? Surely Rafu heard wrong.”

Yaichiro shook his head, “No, my Lady. Though they are not gods, Rafu says that each of them possesses a great power. He heard tell of the immense spiritual power of the inu-hanyou’s mate, and the hanyou himself is immensely strong for a half-youkai. Rafu personally witnessed one of the human males, a Monk, open a wind tunnel in the palm of his hand in order to defeat a swarm of moth youkai who attacked the village.”

Rising from the bed, Kuroseirei began to pace, “Was Rafu able to discern any weaknesses among them?”

Sitting up, Yaichiro nodded, “He says that their greatest weakness is for one another. A great unity lies between these demon slayers. The Monk is recently married to the woman Rafu saw with him, and the adolescent appears to be her brother. The kitsune spoke often about the inu-hanyou and his mate, as though they were his parents. They were mated only days ago, and are due to return in a few days more.”

“Anything else?” Kuroseirei asked.

Yaichiro thought, “Every day one of their group journey’s around the village, patrolling. They have always gone alone.”

Kuroseirei grinned.

********************

Inuyasha awoke to find that Kagome was no longer beside him. Looking around, he saw her standing at the entrance to the cavern, staring at something near the ground. Pulling on his jeans and sweater, he joined her outside. The snow had stopped falling, and the mist from the water seemed less dense as a result.

“What are you doing?” Inuyasha questioned her.

“Look there,” Kagome pointed down at a place near the falls, about ten feet from where they were. A small bronze statue of a dog stood half covered in snow.

Going over to it, Inuyasha brushed the frost from its body to have a closer look. “What about it?”

Kagome shrugged, “It’s odd, isn’t it? What is a statue of a dog doing on a sacred mountain? There aren’t any Dog Kami that I know of... so what does it represent?”

“It’s probably some local legend. We can ask when we get back to the hotel.” Inuyasha looked at Kagome, “We’d better get back... I think the storm’s made you nervous.”

Kagome frowned as Inuyasha quickly located their path again and they headed down the mountain. Maybe she was being silly, but ever since yesterday she’d had the bizarre feeling that everything was far more significant than they realized.

Inuyasha set the pace for the way back down. The two quickly passed by several more waterfalls and a few lesser shrines to the other protecting deities of the mountain. Finally, they crossed a rope bridge and were let out less than a mile from where they’d started the climb earlier that afternoon.

The sun had set long ago, and were it not for Inuyasha, Kagome knew she would have been lost in the dark beech forest that surrounded them. When they finally made it back to their room, she was so tired, that she hadn’t even managed to undress before collapsing on the bed, fast asleep.

Inuyasha chuckled at the site of his mate and he slowly undressed her, careful not to rouse her from sleep. Lifting her body gently, he pulled back the covers and slid Kagome under, tucking her in securely. Quickly undressing himself, Inuyasha crawled in on the other side, pulling his wife close against him.

As he tenderly kissed her goodnight, he took a deep, comforting breath, taking in her scent, which could always instantly relax him. Frowning, Inuyasha realized that there was something odd about the familiar aroma. Leaning over her, Inuyasha pulled back the covers, sniffing more intently. At first, he couldn’t place his finger on what was bothering him, until he suddenly caught a whiff of it again.

“Holy shit!”

******************************************************************************
Chapter Glossary:

1.) Senja-ga-Ike - A Thousand Snakes Lake. This is a real lake and I used the actual information about where it is. Interestingly, I cannot find it listed on any of the trail maps. The legend behind this name is fairly accurate. I’ve seen two or three different versions of it but the basic details that I used in the story are lifted directly from historical accounts.

2.) Hebi - Japanese for snake.

3.) The Hakusan Mountains - One of the three holiest mountains in Japan (with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama). I really tried to stick with the facts in this accounting. There is a shrine on top of the mountains, though I’ve never been there so I took out my ‘artistic license’ once or twice. Climbing this mountain is considered a form of Shinto worship and thousands do it each year, traveling from all over the world.

4.) Yaichiro - Okay, I stole this name from a Japanese legend. Snakes play a big role in Japanese mythology, and are believed to be closely related to women. Many tales are of women turning into snakes, both evil and good. Other’s tell of men turning into snakes because of a woman. The story of Yaichiro tells of a man who fell in love with a beautiful woman, and died of a broken heart when she became betrothed to another. On the morning after the wedding, the bride and groom didn’t come down to breakfast. When the mother of the bride went to their room, she found them both dead, and a serpent was slithering out of the brides eye socket.... I thought this might be an appropriate role for him!

5.) The gardens - The gardens are real, and the pictures are beautiful. They truly create the kind of environment you’d want, if you were trying to find some peace. The garden is huge and everything is covered in moss. Miniature shrines, crane and tortoise shaped rocks and a carp pond all live here in this amazing place.

6.) The ancient village - Probably one of the most interesting things I’ve discovered for this story. This village is one of the original settlements at the base of Mt. Hakusan, and to this day, it still looks the same. The huts have thatched roofs and everything. The inhabitants are farmers, and have a very interesting farming system called slash-and-burn agriculture. Their life style is unique too, and an interesting study to those who are interested! Here’s the link! http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/shirayama/english/data/index.html

7.) Koishii - Japanese for dear, wanted, beloved, darling. A term of endearment.

8.) Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto - The gods I’ve used are the three main deities of Mt. Hakusan, although they are by no means the only ones. The Shinto religion has thousands of Kami, and a lot of them seem to be related to this place, so I had a heck of a time choosing the ones to use! I decided on these two because they are essentially the ‘creators’ of everything. I had to study their legend in my college English class along with other creation myths, and this one was the most interesting. To read one version of it, go here: http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/CREAT3.HTM

9.) Kukurihime no kami - I decided to include this kami because of her close association with the other two and Mt. Hakusan. The three are enshrined together. Her story is vague and hard to find. So hard in fact, that I can’t give you a link!


10.) Torii gate - These gates are commonly found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, and consist of two uprights and two crossbars. They symbolize a separation of the common world, and the world the kami live in. They are mostly painted vermillion red.

11.) Weather Control - In Japan, snakes (and dragons) are believed to be able to control the weather. Kuroseirei uses this to her advantage.

12.) Houshi Ryokan - This is an actual hotel, but I have made some slight alterations for the purpose of my story and selfish ways. It is a small inn, and likely doesn’t have a honeymoon suite, any actual beds, or in-room bathrooms. I humbly thank the kami for allowing me my alterations for the purposes of good lemon. Incidentally, it is 1,300 years old and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest hotel in the world.

13.) Zengoro and Chizuko Houshi - The actual host and hostess of the Houshi Ryokan. I took great liberty in using them in my story, and making them youkai. (Hey, you never know!) I thank them for unknowingly joining my cast, and I hope I did them justice.

14.) Aruji - Japanese for ‘head of the house’, or ‘host’.

15.)The food - If you can’t tell by now how big of a geek I am, this should do it. The foods listed here are all the regional products of the Mt. Hakusan area. Sometimes, attention to detail can be a scary thing!

16.) Rafu - Name meaning, ‘a net’.


A/N - Almost all of the characters in this story were brought to you by the genius of Rumiko Takahashi and the letters R, E and V. I do not own the characters, they own me.


Hi all! Special thanks to everyone who voted on the Kohaku issue. I wanted to clear a couple things up about it. Mind you, I haven’t made a decision. I’ve had good comments from both sides, and I’m thinking it over. First though, if I made Kohaku gay, I wouldn’t pair him up with another main character, so no Souta or Shippou. In fact, even if I didn’t make him gay, he wouldn’t get paired up with a main character. Maybe a minor one, but I’d have to find her. Also, it wouldn’t happen in this story, it would be in a one-shot, and it wouldn’t be a lemon.


Update on the artwork! I just saw a draft of some of Diane’s work, and I’m getting more and more excited about it. She’s really great! Our dear friend Stuey had kindly offered to create a website for us, so we’re on our way! Stay tuned for more information on both!

Last thing before reviews. A CONTEST! Yes my friends, a contest! I’m looking for baby names for... ...something. FOR IY/KAG and MIR/SAN’S KIDS! Excuse me. Well, now that that’s out of the bag, please submit any ideas you have for baby names with their meaning/significance to my e-mail: BrethlessM@aol.com If I use yours, you’ll get a prize. I’m not sure what, but it’ll be something more than a shiny new penny. Just kidding. Looking forward to your ideas! - Kimberlee


Inuzands - Trust me, I had a hard time remembering that Kagome was in that scene. My best friend read the first draft and asked, “Uh... why is this only from Inuyasha’s point of view?” I had to go back and add her in some more places! So... yeah. I’m with you! Thanks for the compliment on my attention to detail. I love reading stories and being able to see it in my mind. Till next time!

BakaInuGirl - Yay for schmoopie feelings! That’s exactly what I was going for. ;) Glad you liked the wedding info! It was fun to research. Sometimes I get an idea and start going with it and then I realize... hmmm... how historically accurate is this? So then my inner nerd has to go do the research! That’s why it’s taking me so long to write this. Ooh, and I’m so excited you got the Kaede and Jii-Chan thing! I’ve never seen it either and I thought it would be cute! They are definitely going to be a one-shot! I’m sorry to say that as much as I agree that Kohaku and Rin are cute together, they won’t end up a couple in this story. Rin’s headed somewhere else. As for the rest of your questions (especially about Sesshy,) you’ll have to wait and see! Sessh is definitely coming back... he’s too gorgeous to leave out.

Diane - I feel so honored that you’re reading instead of watching the episodes! I’m waiting for the new ones myself, so I’m trying to write when it’s on. We are definitely stronger together and I’m looking forward to... all of it! You keep up the good work too. Seeing your draft today really helped inspire me in the writing department. I’m going back to writing after I post this!

PJ - You’re totally inspiring me with ideas for the end of this story, the one-shots and the sequel! I love it! I’ll definitely keep your questions in mind while I’m writing. I really loved writing their “future” selves into that scene. It just made it feel complete. It’s the only reference to them I’ll make in here, but it’ll probably come back in the sequel! I just have to do it as simply as possible so as not to confuse everyone and myself too! As for Kouga being around after 500 years... let’s just say he’s in the sequel! I promise, definitely no Shippou or Souta... I have separate plans for each of them!

~like it matters~ - For the record, it does matter! Thanks for the love!

Vikki - Oh yeah... LOTS of research. Spent more time on the research than I did on the chapter. I hope you like this chapter... I’m a little concerned about it, so let me know what you think. It’s hard to go from something like the last chapter, then get back to more mundane stuff. There is a scene in here I particularly think you’ll like.... I was so excited about the lemon in the last chapter that I did another one... just a little different! Yes, I know what you mean. If you haven’t, read my reply to Inuzands - it’s the first one. Ohhhh - you cried at my wedding! I’m so touched! Tell your boyfriend (or if he’s reading, I will) that I said hello and that he better treat you nice or else... no more lemon for him! Talk to you soon and by the way... BREATHE!

Stuey - Yeah! I’m glad you like the ending! I did too. Hooray for surprise citrus! I love it when you know it’s coming, but you don’t know when. Then all of a sudden... CITRUS! I was hoping people would be waiting for after the wedding. I was sneaky. I couldn’t figure out anything else for Houjou either.... I tried but, That’s about it for him. Thanks again for helping with the website! Talk to you soon!

Crossbow Trueshot - Thanks for the glomp! I’d glomp back but Plus, you’re catching my foreshadowing! Woo-hoo! Thanks for the compliments and for calling my head kawaii! Aaahhh! Um... gotta go! Talk to you soon!

Juice - Aww, you caught me! It just worked out so nicely though, didn’t it? I’m glad you approve. Hope you enjoy the honeymoon!