Unexpected Places

By: Pocahontas20

folder InuYasha AU/AR › Het - Male/Female

Rating: Adult ++

Chapters: 18

Views: 5,921

Reviews: 25

Recommended: 0

Currently Reading: 0

Category: InuYasha AU/AR › Het - Male/Female

Rating: Adult ++

Chapters: 18

Views: 5,921

Reviews: 25

Recommended: 0

Currently Reading: 0

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

The Great Forest

The Great Forest

The sun broke through its restraints to rain its warmth upon the land kissing the face of Inuyasha goading him to a state of wakefulness. His brows lowered, eye lids squeezed even more closed, and nose wrinkled before finally his eyes fluttered open upon the fresh new day. Wiping the sleep from the hanyou’s eyes before twisting his upper body from where he sat to glance at who he was keeping watch over. Turning completely around to study the miko’s somewhat peaceful state of rest, he yawned to rid himself completely of his tiredness. No matter how beautiful the day felt or seemed, Neara’s face still held shadows. The dark circles aged her quite a bit, no matter how much one scrubbed their face. A frown appeared on the half demon’s face showing his concern for the woman. He tightened his grip on Tetsusaiga willing the katana to lend him the answers to their affliction. Making up his mind, today would be the day that he would finally talk some sense into her or he was going to drag her kicking and screaming back to the Great Forest.

Might as well get to the point; lips set into a thin line showing his angered consternation, “We will head back home today.”

Not even bothering to shift her position or open her eyes, she replied, “Fine. I knew this was coming for a while now. I’m just surprised you’re the first one to realize it.”

“Keh… whatever. We ain’t stopping there, but briefly.” This caused Neara to crack open her blue eyes to stare at Inuyasha intently questioning, “Oh? Please explain.”

Inuyasha readjusted his position by stretching out his legs and placing his sword across his lap. “We have been wandering over the land hoping to find answers to our biggest problem. The only place we haven’t even gotten close to is the Great Forest where the Godds reside…” he regarded her closely before continuing, “Either you are completely fucked up in the head or you are stubborn, but whatever you choose it just boils down to stupidity and I never took you for being a fucktard.”

Neara had been sitting in her meditative posture since sundown so when her hands that rested on her knees moved to fill her lap you could hear a slight popping sound come from her wrists. Her joints had settled during the night. She cocked her head to the side slightly and a small smirk graced her lips. “What has happened to you? When have you become so focused and started thinking outside the box?”

“Does it really matter? And quit trying to change the subject. We worry for you and quite frankly I think the best place to get our questions answered would be the second best place other than the source. Naraku is a Godd after all.” Neara couldn’t help but hiss slightly at hearing that name. Inuyasha chuckled faintly at this while the priestess slowly crawled her way over to her protector.

She sat before him bringing her hands up to cradle his face as she studied his bright golden eyes. Slowly they danced as if reaching out to tell her what he couldn’t say completely. They shined with concerning, fear, and friendship with a hint of something that he seemed to hide. She found what she was looking for. Moving away to hug him around the neck, Inuyasha gathered her within the confines of his lap as he slowly drew random patterns on her back ever so softly. She turned towards his neck sighing, lowering her ears to nuzzle his chin. That was his queue that she wanted some affection. He reached up to slowly caress one of her white ears between his thumb and first finger and smiled when she began to purr. It was the only way to get her to relax and she didn’t ask all the time for it. Her purring rumbled thru her chest to vibrate throughout his body, which in turn soothed him as well.

Ever since her possession their relationship had grown even closer and Inuyasha seemed to become slightly over protective of her, which in all honesty she didn’t quite mind. A few occasions she had to let him know that his loyal nature was stifling and she needed some time to herself to think and get away. She was half neko youkai after all and it was in her nature to have some space when needed. Neara turned towards his neck nuzzling him again.

Smells like fresh dew… Maple trees… Spring and Summer… He smells like the forest… I wonder… Her tongue darted out licking him and that’s when his body stiffened and his hand stopped rubbing her appendage. It took her a few seconds to realize what had happened and she blushed profusely. That was something she had never done before and mentally kicked her own ass.

“Fuck! I’m… sorry. I don’t know what came over me…” she profusely apologized leaning away from him.

He whined. “Goddammit Neara… you better leave before we both get into deep shit,” he ground out between clenched teeth. She scrambled to her feet seeing that he was carefully grinding his claws into the ground. The Guardian dashed away disappearing into the woods turning back once to lock gazes with her protector.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, she mentally continued to kick her own ass actually effectively wearing herself out with the internal berating. I should have kept myself under better control. Stupid fucking powers… stupid fucking Naraku… stupid fucking Inuyasha with his stupid emotional and warm eyes. Kami, how in the hell have I come to this. To be so attached to this male and to have him bury himself so deeply into my heart. I was not meant to have such a luxury… She turned her head away to hold back the unshed tears that threatened to overcome her. Taking deep breaths she readied herself before crossing into the clearing that housed the rest of the group.

“Good morning,” Sango replied gracing her with a smile. “How was your meditation?”

A brief smile played with her lips as she replied, “It was okay. Nothing to brag about.”

“Where’s Inuyasha?” Shippo piped up jumping onto Neara’s shoulder. To answer his question the booming of several trees crashing to the ground came to their ears. “Ah. Another fight, huh? I swear you guys fight worse than my momma and papa did.” Shippo expertly cleaned his ear with his claw flicking the gunk that came out off to the ground.

“Dear Shippo its repressed emotion that neither party wants to admit to. That is all,” Miroku just had to go and enlighten the whole group.

“Shut up, Miroku,” Neara gasped indignantly thwacking him on the head.

Both Sango and Shippo’s mouths dropped in surprise.

“My apologies Guardian, but it sure does seem as if you have taken on some of Inuyasha’s qualities this fine morning,” Miroku replied rubbing at the knot that was forming at the top of his skull.

Neara crossed her arms and turned away, “Keh… whatever.”

***

The road back to the village before the Great Forest was a quiet one. It was also a strange one. The leaders of the group seemed to have done a role reversal. Instead of the neko hanyou leading the way towards their destination, Inuyasha was walking ahead guiding them as Neara walked a little behind with her hands shoved into her sleeves grumbling incoherent jargon. The day was proving to be long with all of the silence. Inuyasha gave Neara a sidelong glance smirking. She caught his gaze and turned her head to the opposite side with her nose up in the air still giving him the silent treatment with a slight humph of a sigh to accompany it.

Quirking his eyebrow up in mock surprise, “Don’t tell me you are still pissed off about this morning?” She turned to glare at him shooting as many mental daggers as possible. Her face promised retribution.

“Fuckin’ hentai, you’re the one who snuck up on me while I was getting dressed from my bath thinking it would be funny to say ‘boo’ and shove me back into the water… Baka.” She added the last for good measure.

He leaned in towards her grinning with utmost amusement dancing in his eyes saying softly, “Quit lying to yourself cause that’s not how I remember it.”

Her ears twitched and pinned themselves to her head as a dusting of red boiled to the surface of her cheeks. Eyes widening and jaw dropping slightly before snapping her head back to look upon the road they travelled, “If the loss of my powers weren’t the consequence you would be in big trouble.”

Inuyasha laughed, but he replied apologetically, “I know, but I highly doubt me being in trouble.”

Neara visibly tensed balling her fists and grinding her teeth, “One possession, one kiss and now you can’t stop being a hentai…”

“Two,” he interrupted holding up two fingers.

“—fine… we had two incidents where we kissed and now any time we are even remotely alone you can’t stop being a hentai. I don’t want to think about it so… Get. Off. My. Fucking. Back… before I claw your eyes out,” while she cracked her knuckles; said claws lengthening for emphasis.

“Oi… don’t you put the full blame on me when you have started some of it yourself. Don’t get pissed that I got you back from yesterday’s little fiasco. Revenge is a bitch Neara so know that now we are even.”

“Oooo…” she growled out stamping her feet. “You infuriating male! I think I WILL claw out your eyes!” She pounced at Inuyasha who welcomed her onslaught with a very proud masculine grin.

“Here we go again,” Sango sighed. “Can’t we go anywhere without those two arguing? Where are we going anyway?”

“Inuyasha said that we are going home so that has to be back to Neara’s village, back to her hut that she has in the forest overlooking the people,” Shippo added.

“Isn’t the Great Forest in this direction? Isn’t she the Guardian of the forest that shrouds the Godds with its mystery?” Miroku asked. Shippo only nodded resolving the monk’s questions.

“She is their protector. It’s her self-proclaimed curse that she bears.”

“Why would anyone put a curse on themselves? That seems quite odd,” Sango stated questioning.

“Yes… I speak from experience of curses. This is not one I would have willingly given myself if I were given a choice.” Miroku seemed in great thought over the matter.

Shippo shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know. Maybe you should ask her. I’m just a kid. I know nothing of adults.” Out of the silence they heard Inuyasha cackle and Neara yell within the tree line of the forest out of their sight. Some poor unsuspecting tree was cut down and landed with a loud thud. Two blurs raced across the road back into the forest to the human’s left. Three sets of eyes followed as they disappeared behind the tree line again to cause more damage. All the while angry shouts were spat as well as goading verbiage and laughing.

“Is this some sort of foreplay for Inuyasha? If so they definitely need to spend some time alone in order to release their… frustrations.” Miroku elbowed Sango slightly waggling his eyebrows. “How about we do the same dear Sango?”

Shooting a glare full of promised pain at the monk, “You even go as far as touch me and you will get your hands ripped off.” Going as far as growling was neither above nor below her at this point.

Shippo jumped a few paces ahead just in case another brawl started between those two. Today’s events were starting to give him a headache. Massaging his temples was not alleviating the tension but only slightly. He sighed; they still had about another day’s walk before they reached their destination.

***

“So, Neara tell us about your self-proclaimed curse,” Miroku asked conversationally as they sat around the fire of their camp cooking the rabbits that both Inuyasha and Neara brought back after their epic sparring session/argument.

THWACK!

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” Shippo wailed holding the top of his head that Inuyasha effectively just pummeled.

“DON’T YOU HAVE THE COMMON DESENCY TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!” Inuyasha yelled. Neara raised a delicate eyebrow. “Maybe she wasn’t ready to tell them yet, ya idiot!”

“Inuyasha it is quite alright. Don’t be mad at him, it’s not like it’s a secret or anything. I just never had the opportunity to enlighten our friends,” Neara soothed. She tossed the inu hanyou the small satchel that contained her medicines. “Now rub that salve on that knot on his head before it gets any bigger.”

Grudgingly Inuyasha obeyed.

She turned back to their friends who were waiting on her answer. Watching the fire play with its meal she replied, “Well it actually starts back after my father’s death when I collected my things and just walked away from my previous life. What you know about me is that I am indeed a hanyou, but I never confirmed the two halves that make up the whole of me. I am certain that you’ve been speculating and questioning so I will just come out and say it… I am half neko youkai and half Godd. I possess both the powers of reiki and youki which I’m sure can be quite alarming and baffling to humans such as you.”

“I have to admit that is very surprising, but not alarming or fearful,” Sango said.

“I have to agree Neara. It is quite interesting how both naturally repelling powers live in harmony within you,” Miroku concurred brows knitting down into thoughtfulness letting the information soak in.

“Before you think any more on that information let me finish the rest of the story.” Inuyasha at this point plopped right next to her putting Shippo in her lap. The kit curled up listening intently. “I was away from my birthplace for about 50 years roaming the lands and the seas just taking in the freedom that it gave me. I found my way back, but I refused to stay near that stifling place. I had horrible memories growing up coupled with the deaths of my parents. The only person that I would be willing to see is my uncle… You have to also understand that I come from a powerful line on both sides of my family. My mother was the princess of the neko youkai clan to the east and my father was the Godd of Time and my uncle is the Godd of Knowledge.”

Miroku’s eyebrows lifted in confusion, “Please explain the power of the Godds. I am quite perplexed.”

Her face furrowed in concentration, “Well the easy way to say this is that not all Godds are born with a purpose. My father was born to be the Godd of Time and his powers reflected that as does my uncle with his Knowledge power. There are the Godds of Earth, Love, Water, and Fire as well with each pertaining to their elemental power or whatever power of the title they possess. Some will be born, but not possess a specific Godd power so they simply have the power to battle youki.”

“Ah, I see now… so monks and mikos are actually Godds and Goddesses who don’t have a specific duty, but to battle against youkai. They are not humans who were simply gifted with reiki from the Godds,” Sango clarified.

“Yes in a sense. They do on the other hand look like humans and are just as fragile; their extended life span not-withstanding. They are in charge of keeping the balance not merely to hunt down youkai, but back to the real story… Feeling a little homesick, but refusing to return home I set up my house on the outskirts of the forest that contained my people. Living alone had its advantages and at that time the village had not been built yet in the valley where it is today.

One day I smelled something upon the breeze that rocked me to my very soul… a demon from the pits of hell was in the forest laying death and destruction in its wake. I could already smell fire and demise coming from back home. Racing home as fast as I could I saw the horrific site laid out before me for any unsuspecting person to see. Homes were ruined, bodies and pieces of bodies lay everywhere. It reminded me of a chaotic war only bent on fatality not caring who got in the way. Walking through my old village just before the city I came across a man who used to torment me as a child for my mixed heritage. He pleaded for me to save his daughter. It was to my surprise that he had fathered a hanyou child as well. I still see the remorse and begging in his eyes to this day. It still haunts me…”

“I bet. The dying face of anyone will always be burned into one’s memory,” Miroku stated.

Neara only continued, gazing into the fire letting the memories wash over her, “The only thing that haunts me more is that poor girl’s face after that monster threw her lifeless body at me; her blank soulless eyes filled with fear just before her spirit left to wander with her kindred. I went into a rage and that’s when I blacked out. I remember coming to watching the vile creatures’ body turn to dust before my eyes. I do not recall what all I did to defeat the demon only that I was covered in its blood. Everything was a haze after that.

I stood before the council pledging my life for the sake of everyone’s safety because I did not want to go through that again. I pledged my life for the sole sake of that one little girl whose last thoughts were of fear before she died… So that is why it is my self-proclaimed curse. I guard and protect them because no one else has the strength or the ability to do so. I spread the rumors to keep people and youkai away. The object of fear is sometimes a great tool to have.” She smiled forlornly at her companions.

Inuyasha could see the shadows spread across her face again. He never knew the exact reason as to why she was The Guardian and now he knew a bit more of her history, albeit so did everyone else in their entourage. “It’s getting late and the earlier we get home the quicker we can continue on,” Inuyasha replied placing a hand on Neara’s shoulder to take her out of her memories.

Shippo crawled out of the neko’s lap to jump over to Sango and snuggle with her before nodding off to sleep. Neara unfolded herself from her seated position, “Good night everyone. I will see you in the morning.”

She followed Inuyasha deeper into the forest trusting his judgment as he led the way to find a spot for her to begin her meditation that she did ritually every night not by choice. Meditation was the only way for her mind and body to obtain any type of rest without the full effects of sleep that would completely replenish her starving physical and mental state. Deciding on the perfect clearing where the moonlight gathered, Inuyasha sat down leaning against a tree crossing his legs while propping Tetsusaiga upon his shoulder. He watched the woman with interest wondering why she hadn’t entered the clearing as of yet to assume her position. She looked at the inu with unshed tears about to spill over the edge. Walking over to his position, Neara knelt down pleading leaking from her eyes.

“Hold me tonight please. I am exhausted and I don’t want to dream except for peaceful nothingness,” she confessed.

His honey eyes shined with the moonlight and he said nothing except to place his katana by his side and unfurl his legs showing his acceptance of her request. Crawling up to him she leaned against his chest resting her head upon his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her laying his hands upon hers. He squeezed them slightly comforting her, placing an affectionate kiss to her temple as he released his youki to form a barrier around them protecting her unconsciousness from being invaded at least this one night.

“Thank you,” she mumbled a reply before nodding off to sleep from exhaustion.

Tomorrow they would reach the village, rest, then continue onward into the Great Forest to seek the council of the Godds in order to gain answers about their new threat.

***

“You mentioned there was a council…” Miroku stated contemplatively as they travelled the last leg of their journey to Neara’s village.

“Mm hmm,” The Guardian wordlessly answered urging him to continue.

“How many are on that council and what is its purpose?” he finished.

“Ah… well the council was established as the main body that decides the fate of the city and the surrounding area. Well on second thought they run our people much like a human emperor does except they consist of all the True Godds. Only certain ones are fated to become them. There are the Godds of Earth, Fire, Time, Knowledge, Wind, Water, and Love. These seven make up the council, but only five currently serve.”

“Why are there only five on the council when there are seven True Godds?” curiosity taking over Sango.

“Well once my father died no one was born to take his place and the Wind Goddess has been branded an outcast,” Neara simply stated looking ahead at the road. Her face was blank; no hidden secrets were there for them to see.

“Let me get this straight,” Inuyasha interjected, “There are seven Godds… not one like all of these humans seem to believe.”

The neko hanyou turned to look at him smiling, “As a matter of fact in the beginning there was the almighty Kami who happened to give a piece of himself to seven of his children in order to keep the peace and balance of the world. That is what the story says anyway. My uncle loves telling that story. Maybe he can tell it to you sometime. He is full of great stories and doesn’t hesitate to tell one.”

Cresting the hill Neara paused to overlook the valley where her village resided. Stepping off the road into the grassy field, she made a bee line to the forest where her home awaited her. “We will rest briefly before heading out again. The day is coming to a close and it is still another half a day’s walk before we reach the Kamigami no toshi.”

***

The hot spring was nice and relaxing as Sango and Neara enjoyed their bath while the men awaited their turn at the hut. Both women promised much pain if they caught either one of them peeping outside. The miko leaned against a rock that gave a direct line of sight to the threshold of her humble abode. She made sure to let the males in their party know that she had very keen eyesight; far more than Inuyasha’s, but she lacked the olfactory strength that he was superb at considering he was a half dog demon after all. Both women left their weapons in close proximity and if push came to shove they would fight naked if ambushed at the hot pool. One wasn’t concerned at their state of dress when fighting for one’s life. Once again Neara delved into the life of the girl before her asking why exactly she tagged along with their rag tag group.

“I need to make a name for myself and seeing how your rumor precedes you I figured one way for me to get experience would be to join your group although why you let that lecherous monk join is beyond me,” the slayer replied.

“It’s his curse that intrigues me. It is the one proof that I have to show before the council in order to convince them of my findings.”

“So why wait until now to present it?” Sango asked quite astonished at the elder woman’s response.

“At the time I didn’t realize how vulnerable I was to his attacks and how deeply he has compromised me. I needed to build my strength in order to fight his onslaughts on my mental wellness before I presented myself to the council where they all would be gathered. Doing that would have put them in danger.”

“I guess it’s a good and bad thing that you are hanyou,” Sango replied with a half smile, “You are stronger and not so fragile. Having demon powers can prove to be quite a weapon to control when you yourself are too weak to do your own dirty work.”

“In so many words… yes, that was exactly what I had feared and he proved it when he possessed me.” Standing in the water she waded to shore lifting herself out in one fluid motion. “We should head inside so the guys can come take a bath themselves.”

Neara proceeded to wring the excess water out of her hair and drying her ears as much as possible. Her silvery hair fell to curl around the cheeks of her backside when she was done with her ministrations. Sango saw two fine silver scar-like lines running down both shoulder blades of her back wondering what could have caused it since she had never seen them before until now and not wanting to ask for fear of being rude.

Both ladies wrapped their yukatas around their figures tying each tie along the way picking up their weapons and heading back to the hut to relax and eat before they headed out again. Not long after relieving the men did they have dinner cooking and about done when the males came back inside with stomachs growling. The dinner choice for the evening was rabbit stew courtesy of Inuyasha catching their meal prior to the women bathing and dressing the meat while they enjoyed their girl time. Relaxing around the fire while entertaining themselves with food and good company, Neara finally stood after it got quiet, a signal to the others that it was time to go. She shouldered her full quiver of arrows along with her bow and short sword within its sheath and harness. Also grabbing her satchel to store her herbs and any dried goods that they might possibly need along the way, she slipped it over her head to rest it diagonally across her body to keep her hands free.

“Do not let the fear of the Great Forest get to you. It is the spells that were put in place to deter anyone from wanting to enter, nothing more,” Neara explained.

“Don’t worry we will keep that in mind when the overwhelming fear gets too great and we scream,” Miroku said sarcastically.

“Shuddup,” Inuyasha grumbled rolling his eyes as Neara arched a delicate eyebrow at the monk.

“Joking does not suit you well Miroku. I suggest you keep to being a humble monk,” Neara stated. Sango turned and smacked him on the back of the head.

“Stupid lech,” she mumbled. Neara and Inuyasha’s ears twitched hearing the words, both smiling.

Heading out into the forest with the setting sun at their backs, the miko led the way through the eerie forest down a winding path that was created by her and several animals over the years. Inuyasha noticed how slightly tensed she was while they continued their travel to the final destination.

A slight fog rolled in a few hours into their walk just before they reached a grassy clearing and as the sun’s final rays laid upon the land signaling the beginnings of nightfall. Along the way the group picked up wood for the fire that was about to be started at their temporary camp. Laying out the pieces of dried timber, Neara pulled out a flint rock from her satchel proceeding to use her claws to light up the kindling that would soon form the warm comfort for the humans as they slept. Sango glanced passed the hanyous in the group to look at the great form of a tree that stood regally behind them gracing them with its lush canopy. “That is one majestic tree, Neara. Just looking at it invokes a certain calm and awe within me,” she said.

“That is the great Goshinboku tree… the tree of ages. My father told me once that this tree has many memories. It has been standing since the beginning of time before the great Kami divided his power amongst his children. It is said that this is the original tree where all other trees were made in its image,” replied she.

“That’s impressive,” the slayer remarked in awe truly humbled by its sheer size and age as she lay back on the grass cradling her head within her intertwined fingers.

“Yeah,” Neara agreed sighing. Several calm silent moments passed the group, neither of them uncomfortable about the absence of conversation; each in their own little world of temporary peace, void of any thoughts on their own personal battles.

“It would probably be best to get some sleep since the morning comes early and we still have a long way to go,” Inuyasha remarked while he watched the flames dance seeming in great thought. He shifted then looking at Neara as he stretched out his hand for hers silently letting her know what time it was.

Slowly she unfolded herself from her sitting position stretching briefly before Inuyasha got impatient, scooped her up with an audible gasp escaping her lips, and jumping within the high sturdy branches of the tree of ages. “I would mind if you would give me a heads up next time,” she replied.

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, “You were taking too long.” His shimmering eyes were dancing in the moonlight with amusement.

“Asshole,” she stated matter-of-factly crossing her arms.

“Besides with the way everyone’s auras are right now I’m surprised those three haven’t already fallen asleep…” Inuyasha added before looking over below, “well, I spoke too soon. Out like lights. Worthless… all of them.”

“Oh, shut it. Their help comes in handy and you can’t deny that. They aren’t as strong, but they put up a fight,” Neara retorted.

He seemed to mull that over in his head once or twice before answering, “Now… if I were to agree with you will you come here so you can get some sleep?”

“Keh”

Chuckling as he lightly grabbed her chin coaxing her to look at him, “Obviously this tree is giving us a sense of calm and I’m not going to shoot a gift horse in the mouth so I figured it would benefit you to sleep here while still away from the others, but with me so you won’t go berserk. You will need your rest for tomorrow. From what I gathered, this is a different kind of battle that you will need all of your strength for and diplomacy is not my strongest weapon.”

“You have changed,” she stated looking into his warm honey depths, “You used to be so brash that it is what I had gotten used to. Now you speak of diplomacy and I’m wondering when you changed and how I missed it.”

“Shut up woman,” he smirked before gently pressing his lips to hers and when she gasped in surprise, he took the opportunity to delve his tongue inside to taste her as she responded immediately to taste him in return grabbing the collar of his haori and pulling him closer to her. The kiss rose in passion when she skimmed his fang with her tongue briefly drawing blood.

He laced his fingers within her hair pulling her head away from him exposing her neck. Briefly he saw her quickened heartbeat pulse through the artery along her slender throat and ears swiveled to listen and memorize her panting. Male pride bubbling within, he bent his head to dart his tongue out and slowly lick a trail of fire up her neck smirking against her skin when she shivered in excitement and moaned.

Still having a handful of her hair, he began to kiss and lick his way across her jaw line and down to her collarbone. Keeping his ears trained on her to catch every moan and mewl that escaped her beautiful lips only served to fuel his passion more. He nudged the collar of her own haori with his nose as Neara silently reached up and began to rub his downy soft ears which caused him to not only close his eyes in content, but to release his hold on her hair.

His eyes opened slowly in a haze when she abruptly stopped the sweet assault on his appendages turning to look into her fiery blue eyes. This was not a blaze of anger or the swelter heat of disappointment. No this was the fire of passion and it burned hot, extremely hot. Her hands slid down his head to cup his cheeks and before he knew it she was rising up to her knees and kissing him with such ferocity that it caused him to gasp and her to dominate the kiss, dipping her tongue within the confines of his mouth to revel in his taste and memorize the way he reacted to her ministrations.

Growling his approval, he didn’t let her dominate for very long as he took over the situation forgetting about his obscure moment just minutes ago. Before long her haori was untied and the cloth was jerked apart to reveal her breasts to the world. Gently he laid her back upon the branch as her legs somehow wrapped themselves around his waist. As if having a mind of their own his hips jerked forward to grind his erection against her and she moaned in his mouth pleading for more.

Breaking off the kiss, he leaned back to look upon Neara with her closed eyes, a slight sheen of perspiration forming on her skin, chest moving up and down from her heavy breathing but most of all he lingered at her perfect, perky, sun kissed breasts slightly jiggling from her movements.

Slowly she opened her eyes and saw the leering look he was giving her. The neko hanyou’s euphoric haze was beginning to dissipate as she began to realize what he was looking at. Her breasts were hanging out there freely for all to see and she was beginning to feel self conscious about it. Apparently sensing her slight panic, he looked her in the eyes… and smirked. Before she could gain the strength the retaliate, he bent down and took one dark brown nipple into his mouth and began to suckle from it as if he were a babe. The sensation was overwhelmingly wonderful. Electricity seemed to trickle down her spine to pool between her legs. Gasping, she arched her back towards his sinfully wonderful mouth; the exact one that caused these electric flashes to course through her body. How was he doing this to her body?

The tongue flicking the hardened tip of her breast nearly caused her eyes to roll into the back of her head. Tossing her head side to side murmuring his name caused another smirk to grace her skin from his mouth as he popped the tortured nipple from between his lips to nip at the swell of her breast with his fangs.

She reacted perfectly to him as if her soul was calling out to him whispering his name. Her heavy arousal permeated his nostrils and nearly made his mouth water. He needed and wanted to be within her warm depths so bad that he ached with it knowing that they would be a perfect match. His hands shook with anticipation. A strong breeze shook him from his heady thoughts. The air seemed to come with a warning, speaking of duty and honor and the urgency of not rushing fate.

Fate? Don’t rush?

Realization hit him as he looked down at the most perfectly beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on not being able to help the slight smile that upturned his lips. He leaned down and bit the inside of her left breast drawing blood. This caused the spring that was wound so tightly to suddenly give way and her release came with such force that she seemed to convulse slightly coming back down to earth after reaching the stars with her orgasm. He licked his wounds that he created until they closed up and healed over forming four silver pin pricks.

“Inu – yasha… what the fuck was that?” she asked still slightly shaking.

“That was your first orgasm, but from the mark that I gave you,” he explained with a smirk full of male pride.

It took her a minute to gather her thoughts and comprehend what he had just told her. “Mark? What mark?” Neara asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow while raising herself up onto her elbows to better look at him.

“I gave you a courting mark… right here,” he caressed the mark eliciting another moan when electricity shot through her body. Briefly she closed her eyes then snapped them open in surprise. “Don’t worry it’s only temporary, but it will tell other youkai that you are taken and by whom.”

“What… the hell… did you do that for?” she asked struggling against him squeezing her thighs at his waist slightly. He closed his eyes letting out a long-suffering sigh. Grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head, he ground his still very hard erection against her sensitive core. She looked into his eyes.

“I would give anything to be inside you right now hearing you scream my name as you came, but there are far more important things right now like duty and honor and doing what’s right. I think we can hold off until everything is back to normal again.” He pulled her into a warm embrace whispering into her hair, “I don’t want to be the cause of you not being able to use your reiki when you absolutely need it. Believe it or not but I actually give a damn.”

As he inhaled her scent, she returned his embrace by tightening the hold. She almost wanted to cry with tears of joy. “I have never had anyone be as caring or considerate of me my whole life with the exception of my family… and you say this so humbly, without remorse. I really appreciate it Inuyasha. Thank you,” Neara trembled trying to gain control of her composure.

Leaning back, he gave her his genuine playful smile. “Women,” he sighed as if defeated, “You say something sentimental and they get all mushy on you.”

She smacked his shoulder, “And now the asshole is back. Figures.” He planted a chaste kiss to her lips as he unwrapped her legs from around his waist. Pulling back he looked at her naked chest whimpering in defeat, ears drooping slightly feeling rejected. Something so close, but so far away all at the same time. With another long-suffering sigh he rearranged her clothing back as if nothing happened at all.

“This really hurts to see you with clothes on and I trust that you won’t fall asleep before I get back, right?” Inuyasha asked. “Why?”

“Well, I need to go relieve myself. The smell of your arousal is still in my nose and this hard on isn’t going away any time soon,” he answered honestly.

“Oh,” Neara replied quirking an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry it won’t take long and I’ll be back.” A quick kiss to her forehead and he dashed into the darkness. Shivers went up and down her spine at the memories of what just took place not too long ago and the words that came out of his mouth about how duty and honor were more important and just how caring and considerate he was. He didn’t want her to lose her power at maybe the most critical time of her life and she was going to let him do it to.

That thought was the scariest.

They did say that lust clouded all forms of reason and throws it out the door. How he had any reason left was beyond her mental capabilities right now. Hell, she wanted to hunt him down and finish what they started, but of course he was right. What if something happened to her when she needed her purification powers the most and they failed because they were too stupid enough to not think things through. He was right. She needed to stay pure until after Naraku was dealt with and then powers be damned. This was going to be her happiness that she searched for all of her adult life. Far off she heard the moaning of her name escape a certain hanyou’s lips that caused those damn sparks to run through her body again. The wind carried that whispered voice to caress her cheek.

Shaking her fist, “Goddammit, Inuyasha,” her ire not fading when he finally returned and she punched him in the shoulder.

***

The day was like any other uneventful day that they had shared many times before where a comfortable silence blanketed across the group and they were content with it. None had anything to say and meaningless chit-chat was just that – meaningless. Following Neara in a single line became routine after a while and two of them were quite excited to reach their destination. Inuyasha was a little wary, but this was something that needed to be done instead of traveling aimlessly hoping to find answers. At least if they didn’t find answers here then there was no use in trying to find answers anywhere else. He thought it would be that simple. Get what they needed and get the fuck out; an easy day’s work.

The small form of a cat caught her eye further up the trail. The grey animal with white paws sat in the middle of the walking trail until the group finally reached him. “Your uncle is expecting you and asks that you meet him at his home,” the little fur ball stated.

“It’s nice to see you as well Toka,” Neara half smiled sarcastically, “I wasn’t going to bypass my uncle without saying hello first. I’m hurt that you say this.”

“Well, maybe if you came to visit more often. You come fewer and far in between. He misses you,” the small creature stated as he turned to lead the way up the trail.

“Well, if he didn’t live so deep within the city then maybe I would visit more often.”

“He moved to the outskirts near the forest to make it easier on you. He knows you do not like going into the city,” Toka eyed her.

Neara swooped to pick up the feline, “Too many smells, too many gawkers, and too many whispers. I refuse to go up there unless I absolutely have to.”

“If I’m not mistaken, you seek to talk to the Council, am I right?”

“You pain me,” she replied scratching the furry creature on the head and behind the ears not wanting to give in to his goading amusement. Taking the path least followed, the group had to dodge and weave around underbrush, branches and around trees as they continued to follow Neara to their final destination.

Just before the humans in the group spoke up wanting to rest after walking for about half an hour more once they left the main trail, the Guardian stopped dead in her tracks. Gently she put the little ball of fur back on his four legs as he finished walking ahead. Before her the tree line ended and a large field began. Because it was about dusk there was no one working to cut down the wheat, which was obviously ready for harvest. The three standing members all exchanged glances then Inuyasha moved forward to stand next to the hanyou woman. Maybe she was getting haunting flashbacks that seemed to plague her whenever she came ‘home’ to her birthplace.

Whether it was memories of her childhood or memories of the slaughter that happened before she could eliminate the threat, Inuyasha didn’t know but it was probably in her best interest if she knew they were there to support her. Both the monk and the taijiya placed a comforting hand on either shoulder. This seemed to bring her out of her thoughts as her head slumped fractionally.

“Fear not Guardian… you are not alone anymore,” Miroku stated sincerely with a smile of sympathy that reached his eyes.

“No need to live in the past when you need to think about today,” Sango replied wisely.

The neko hanyou chuckled lightly, “I guess you both are right. Time to stop being afraid of the past.” She pointed in the direction of where Toka walked off to stating that a hut was on the other side of the field. Houshi and slayer followed the feline’s trail as Inuyasha stayed back with Neara. She turned to look at him appreciatively. “I am glad that you are by my side Inuyasha. I have never had a friend quite like you. You unknowingly give me more strength that I never thought I had. I feel more at peace when I’m with you. Thank you for your friendship and devotion.”

She smiled this time as her hand sought out his. Their fingers interlaced when he brought them up to kiss the back of her hand. “You’re welcome Neara.”

Her heart swelled slightly at the sign of affection reaching to her eyes when her smile broadened. They turned to the sea of wheat as nervousness suddenly attacked her aura. She squeezed his hand for reassurance and her uneasiness ebbed slightly. “You ready to go?” he asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be… let’s get this done and over with.” Taking a deep breath she tried to release the last bit of butterflies that were fluttering in her stomach. They both stepped out in silence away, hands still entwined, from the comforts of the forest hoping that this trip would not take much time indeed, but if it did then it would be a necessary evil in order to achieve their goals.

**********

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