Unexpected Places

By: Pocahontas20

folder InuYasha AU/AR › Het - Male/Female

Rating: Adult ++

Chapters: 18

Views: 5,922

Reviews: 25

Recommended: 0

Currently Reading: 0

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

Rating: Adult ++

Chapters: 18

Views: 5,922

Reviews: 25

Recommended: 0

Currently Reading: 0

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

Sealed

Sealed

“I’m afraid something is amiss. Earth and Love have not responded to our summons to form Council yet, Guardian. Fire is out looking for them as we speak,” the pale skinned Goddess of Water replied to Neara within the waiting chambers of the great Meeting Hall. The Goddess didn’t even let the hanyou give proper respects before speaking which is something none of the True Godds ever done. This was a serious matter and right about now Neara wished it was just yesterday when they first arrived to her uncle’s and things were calmer and much more simple…

Exiting the sea of un-harvested wheat, Neara stood before her uncle’s home. It did not resemble the simple huts that riddled the area. The simple home was constructed out of stone and seemed to be quite sturdy. Instead of a reed mat to cover the opening, a large wooden piece seemed to fit snug into the entrance with the appearance of it free floating. Before she could take a step closer, this free floating large timber swung inwards with an audible creak and the form of her uncle stepped through the threshold.

His smile lifted her spirits somewhat, “Why Neara it is nice to see you again.”

Letting go of Inuyasha’s hand to rush over to the visibly aged but young in spirit man who did nothing but catch her into a warm embrace as the other four members of their group looked on with happiness. Tears sprang to the surface and rolled down her face as 6 moon cycle’s worth of stress could no longer be contained. He hugged her even tighter to provide comfort while he rode out her sobs until she could finally compose herself.

“Uncle, we are being threatened…”

“Shhh… I have already called for Council and you will be there first thing in the morning to give us what you have found. I will learn then what you know now, but first I want to catch up with you and meet your new friends. You have changed so much since the last time I saw you and it looks as if you have finally found Peace.”

“I can hardly say that I’ve been at peace or have found it not with the way things have been going lately,” she replied pulling away to look at him.

“The shadows on your face are the only proof that I need to realize how stressful things have been for you.” He looked over her head to gaze at each one of her friends. A warm smile crossed his face when Inuyasha felt as if he was looking straight into his soul. It felt a little unnerving until he moved his eyes to look at them all, “Please come inside. I have prepared a warm meal for all of us to enjoy. Make yourself at home.”

He moved out of the way to let Neara proceed inside followed by her companions. Inuyasha brought up the rear as the man stared at him again.

“Staring is rude ya know,” the inu hanyou said defensively.

Chortling slightly, “Yes, staring is rude, but there is one thing that you will need to take heed of if nothing else.”

“Which is?”

“One such as yourself will need to find Peace before you will fully awaken.”

“And you speak in riddles as well as stare at strangers.”

“You will understand my meaning once you find what you need,” the elder man replied, “You are hardly a stranger in my eyes.”

“Whatever man,” Inuyasha blew off as he entered the dwelling. Said man only smiled as he entered himself and shut the door.

“Please help yourself to some stew. You must be famished from your journey,” Neara’s uncle added as he approached the pot over the fire stirring its contents. Setting out bowls, each one of the companions took him up on his offer as he dished out a serving for each. They ate in contented silence until everyone ate their fill. The three youkai had seconds whereas the humans had their fill with the first serving.

“Must be the high levels of energy that you three have that will eat me out of house and home,” said house owner replied. Neara looked at him as if she were caught red handed trying to lick the bowl clean which she honestly contemplated doing. Instincts were hard to suppress when one was part animal youkai.

“I hate to mention this, but I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name,” Miroku stated.

“Sorry, I kinda got carried away in the moment and forgot,” Neara piped up apologetically, “Everyone this is my uncle Ken’ichi. He is the Godd of Knowledge and therefore one of the members of Council that has jurisdiction over every Goddborn.”

“Is that so? What exactly is the power of the Godd of Knowledge?” Sango asked.

Ken’ichi only laughed then answered, “Well, it’s nothing real amazing like manipulating fire or water like my elemental brethren are capable of doing. I just have the power of memory. I am in a sense the keeper of history. I see everything that goes on and I record it.”

“My, how do you keep track of it all?”

“My dear, why that is the whole point of my power of memory; I most certainly know things that you do not or should not know until years to come. Something that might not be learned until your future generations, that’s if fate deems it necessary for me to keep track of.”

“Well, since you are the keeper of history, please tell us the story of the Godds… How they came about,” Miroku asked.

“It will be my pleasure… This is a fairly short story and Neara has grown old of my tales anyway…”

In the beginning there was the almighty Kami who became quite lonely all by himself. Soon he created the Earth, moon, stars, sky, and sun. Soon after, he created creatures made in his like image. He created the air and wind to help them breathe, water to keep them nourished, fire to keep them warm, and gave them the gift of intelligence. Years later the great Kami realized how his most prized creation of all was so angry and inherently evil. Later he imparted the gift of love and hope upon them. One group accepted this emotion more than others. Another group seemed to overpower another and he gifted them with magic, but he imparted the magic upon both parties so there wouldn’t be an unfair advantage.

One of the magical groups harnessed this power so well that they imparted it upon their familiars and became like them transforming. The other magical group decided to become defensive with their power in order to keep the other group in line. This evolution spanned the course of many centuries as war after war was fought amongst them. The great Kami was tired of watching his children fight and so called seven of his most pure.

“I will not watch over you forever, but I will impart a piece of me upon you to keep order. Learn from your mistakes, find Peace, and do not be afraid of change. This constant war amongst you is senseless. You will need to find a compromise… Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Love, Time, and Knowledge are my gifts. I trust in you to find a way. Unity is the key. Stay pure, heart, mind and soul.”

Each child in turn took a gift Kami had willingly given them. They were entrusted with keeping the balance and whenever one of them died another was born to take their place and succeed them. They were charged with watching over the rest of Kami’s children until the end of time…

“Of course one could argue that we have lost sight of what we were originally put on this world to do exactly because this tale could be interpreted several different ways, but who am I to argue? I am in charge of reciting history not interpreting it,” Ken’ichi sighed. Neara gave her uncle a comforting pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry uncle. Maybe one day they will take their blinders off and see the whole picture. Maybe we all should settle down for the night. I am going to meditate. I will be back in the morning.” Neara got up bowing her respects, turning to make her way outside and to the comforts of the forest.

Ken’ichi caught the glimpse of sorrow within her companions’ eyes as Inuyasha excused and bowed his respects as well before following the neko hanyou.

“I am quite glad Neara has such compassionate friends along her side,” the Godd replied sincerely.

Said woman’s ears twitched hearing what her only family member stated. “I am glad as well uncle. Believe me.”

The rest of the night was uneventful and passed by in silence as Inuyasha took his familiar posture while he guarded over Neara as she meditated through the hours of darkness until morning only leaving his post when she finally opened her eyes letting him know that she was fine. Today was the day that the Council was getting a piece of her mind whether they liked it or not.

Giving Inuyasha an innocent kiss, she replied, “Wish me luck…”

“Do you ever need it?”

Pinching her first finger and thumb together showing the small space between, she chuckled, “Maybe just a little bit.” Shaking his head as he gave his own small laugh, “Yeah… ok.”

They exited the forest to find their friends and Neara’s uncle packed up and waiting for them outside the little cottage. Their long walk started as they headed for the Meeting Hall within Kamigami no Toshi. The street progressed from a dirt road to a more elaborate paved thoroughfare. Since it turned out to be the main street, it was wider to not only encompass pedestrians but large wagons as well. The group also walked through the marketplace where all eyes were on them. The three demon blooded personnel were the only ones who picked up the whispers that were carried by the wind passed their hyper sensitive ears. Inuyasha gritted his teeth at one particular insult thrown towards Neara. He suppressed a growl when a comforting hand was placed on his arm by the insulted woman. Her eyes told him that they knew not what they spoke of. It was how they were raised, not knowing any better but how they were taught to fear and loath youkai or anyone who associated with them. Her uncle was the only one spared the insults since everyone knew he was a True Godd. Quickly reaching the Meeting Hall, her uncle led them down to the waiting chambers. Neara let them know to stay there while she left to get ready for her formal appearance. An hour went by when she returned wearing a silk formal Hômongi kimono, auburn in color, that began to bleed into black passed her waist with the furi fading into black as well along with the sporadic maple leaves across her shoulder and within the darkness of her sleeves. Underneath she wore a formal white hiyoku. Her wide and somewhat constricting obi consisted of cobalt blue and white coloring which ended in a very stiff loop knot at her back. Her hair was left down with half of it pulled up to keep out of her eyes, which was her customary fashion. Her state of formal dress made her even more strikingly beautiful and nearly took everyone’s breath away with her eyes being more pronounced. She looked at Inuyasha with those same eyes that spoke that she was a little uncomfortable in her attire and wished for it to be over. They seemed to swirl and shimmer and the inu hanyou could easily get lost in those beautiful orbs, but that moment was easily lost with the impromptu entrance of the Water Goddess and that’s when Neara’s day turned to shit.

***

The Guardian rubbed her temples as her eyes closed willing her approaching headache to go away. Why hadn’t Earth and Love answered the call to council and why was Fire out looking for them? They hadn’t had council in about six moon cycles just before she went to check out the Northern Mountains before the appearance of Naraku. A nagging feeling began to consume her and somehow she could feel the gloating laugh of the same evil man that she was connected to. Opening her eyes, Neara looked to Inuyasha almost willing him to have the answer she was looking for.

Don’t you remember?

She racked her brain trying to come up with the answer because there was something there that she had come across, but must have dismissed it completely. A memory of sorts that didn’t seem to make sense until possibly now. That lonesome thought that was on the tip of her tongue that she could taste it. Looking down into the palms of her hands as if studying them, she made out the three silvery scars that had almost faded except her memory flooded back to her as she gripped her aching foot through her tabi sock and jerked when she heard the blood curdling scream from her memory. Vaguely she saw her companions gather around her asking if she was alright. Inuyasha entered her line of sight, but she didn’t even remotely see him. She was still shackled and hanging from Naraku’s torture device with her wrists and palms bleeding along with a stake through her foot. Hearing her enemy’s smug, evil outburst of laughter caused her to cringe away from the reverie.

Focusing into the present again, she leaned back slightly to get away from Inuyasha crowding her personal space. Looking into his honey depths she saw his concern and he saw her sadness. Turning in her seat, she pointed to her intricate obi and immediately Inuyasha knew what to do. As delicately as possible he helped her undo her clothing as she took off her geta sandals and tabi relieved to have her feet breath again.

“You dare let a man undress you?” the Water Goddess asked in fury, shocked.

“Well, I know you are not a stupid woman, but I didn’t take you for an ignorant one. If you haven’t noticed by the slight mingling of our youki, we are courting thank you,” Neara said matter-of-factly. Inuyasha was slightly in awe of her admittance, but more prideful that she had done such a thing in front of everybody. “And I know more than anyone that Godds can sense youki just like a youkai can.”

“Stupid dummy,” Shippo snorted behind a cough only enough for Inuyasha and Neara to hear.

Unfolding her outer kimono, she placed it neatly on the chair as she stood facing the goddess in her hiyoku that was held together with a smaller obi, but less restrictive. “I need you to stay here at the Meeting Hall. I will collect my uncle to accompany you and I will call for extra guards to keep both of you safe.” Turning to Shippo, Miroku and Sango, “I ask if you can stay here to guard them. You are the only ones I trust with this task.”

“What is wrong?” Sango asked.

“I believe I know what his plan is and if Inuyasha and I hurry we should be able to rescue the Godd of Fire in time,” Neara explained to everyone standing around. Expertly the Guardian used her sharp claws to tear two separate slits down the side of her attire to allow for movement. Sango threw the bottoms of her slayer outfit to the neko hanyou as the woman proceeded to pull them on.

“Why would Fire need to be rescued?” the goddess asked confusion written all over her flawless face.

“It is a hunch that I have that can be brought up later when we return, but for now stay here and do NOT leave.”

Inuyasha followed as she walked outside nearly running into her uncle.

“I see a different turn of events has occurred,” he replied.

“Uncle, I’m sorry but I need you to stay here with Water and my friends. I will call for extra guards around the Meeting Hall. I have a sinister feeling that is plaguing my conscience right now and I believe I understand what it could be. Your tale last night shined a new light onto this whole state of affair that I simply cannot ignore.”

“Ok. Just stay safe and here…” the Godd of Knowledge handed over their weapons that they had to leave in the guard shack at the main entrance. Inuyasha’s jaw dropped and Neara shook her head.

“I stopped wondering how you know certain things, but thank you,” she said taking her quiver to sling across her back along with her bow, but taking her sword repositioning it to where the short blade rested upon her forearm. Inuyasha just situated the scabbard of the Tetsusaiga through his own obi and bowed his deepest respects to the Godd.

“Don’t worry; I will make sure no one will do anything stupid… like follow you. After all I think a delicate situation like this requires a hanyou’s finesse anyway,” Ken’ichi added, “Now you two better get going.” He stepped inside the waiting room shutting the door as the two hanyous dashed down the hall in a red and white blur. Stopping only briefly to yell at the guards to double up their posts and place two of their own at the door where the two remaining True Gods were confined until their current mission was settled, they took to the sky leaping from rooftop to rooftop trying to escape the city as quickly as possible. Both warriors jumped upon the last rooftop before the expanse of the forest before them to catch their bearings and hone in to where the last remaining Godd was located.

“Now, if I were a Godd where would I be?” Inuyasha thought out loud.

Turning 360 degrees, Neara reached out with her senses searching for anything disturbing or powerful. Just on the limits of her mental reach that’s when she felt the mass of youki converging upon a spark of reiki towards the north back the way they came from her lonesome home. Inuyasha turned at that moment towards the same direction Neara had pinpointed the victim in need of rescuing.

“I’m sure these youkai are equipped with nullifying spells. I am not proficient with using my youki completely so I will provide you with over watch duties and lay down cover while you do the dirty work,” she replied smirking at him over her shoulder.

Cracking his knuckles with his own sinister smirk planted upon his features, “It will be my pleasure.”

Crouching low they both leapt from the roof into the surrounding trees blazing through the branches barely even touching the bark before bounding to the next.

***

Naraku smiled to himself as his ghastly plan was playing out just like he wanted. If he dealt his cards right maybe the Fire Godd could destroy the inu hanyou and he could sink his fingers completely into the miko and gain total control over her body and mind. Her purification powers would not work against his highly trained assassins and her youki powers were a novice at best due to her lack of training. With her guard dog out of the picture, he should have no problem crumbling the wall she had erected against him. This would be fun and maybe he could get the Fire Godd as his reward for his efforts. Kill three birds with one stone. He liked those odds. First mission, get the inu out of the picture then he would work on his precious miko. Her ability to harness both reiki and youki was extremely rare. She was unexpectedly one of a kind and she didn’t even realize it. Controlling her unique powers would work out great in his conquest for achieving the status of Kami. It also helped that the Council already trusted her. She will prove to be a great weapon since she already has his Shikon no Tama embedded within her. Harnessing that combined power would make her a force to bow before. Who would dare challenge her?

Giving a very human growl, he barked out orders, “Prepare yourselves. They will be upon you soon. Remember your first mission is to get rid of the one clad in red.”

***

“Yes, Naraku-sama”

Neara and Inuyasha were perched upon a nearby branch when two sets of ears swiveled to catch what the wolf youkai pack said in unison. The spoken words were void of any emotion; no respect, no pride, no anger, not even happiness. Looking closely their eyes seemed glazed and clouded over. No wonder they seemed void because Naraku had taken complete control over them.

“My gut feeling has gotten worse. Naraku has taken over these individuals and we have no clue whether they are innocent or not since they are all puppets,” Neara stated quietly.

“Keh… really? Any youkai would rather be dead than become someone else’s puppet. To me they are already there so let’s just help them cross over.”

Neara’s jaw dropped, but not before noticing how the second line of the advancement disappeared into the concealment of the forest and approaching fog. She had to admit that Naraku knew tactics.

“Really, Inuyasha? I’m shocked at you.”

“Now you can’t tell me that when that bastard possessed you, you wouldn’t have rather died than him take over your body like that.”

“Well… no I would have rather died…”

“So that just proves my point then,” he smiled.

“Grrr… Fuck you,” she replied grinding her teeth as she brought her bow to the ready and strung her first arrow.

“Promise?” he smirked kissing her cheek before bounding away.

“Be careful please. I don’t like this feeling.”

“Keh,” was his distant reply. Her arrow flew true lodging itself within the eye socket of her unsuspecting victim that ventured too close to the man that she came to rescue. Three more subsequent arrows followed with all of them making killing blows. Jumping down from her perch, she alighted softly next to her charge. His fiery red hair seemed to move of its own accord as if on fire. Of course he had the anger to match.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you as well, asshole”

“Still have no respect for your elders.” Using his power of fire, he threw a ball of flame towards one of his many enemies with no effect. “FUCK!”

“Spare me… these demons have a nullifying spell put in place… by their master,” Neara replied sarcastically expertly deflecting the swing of a sword from one of her many surrounding enemies. “Stay near me. A fog is rolling in.”

Her aggressors jumped back into the cover of the ground cloud cover. Anger getting the better of the Fire Godd, he raised his arms to use his power when Neara came up from behind slowly putting down his limbs. “Save your strength. There is too much fog to burn off.” Ears twitching to her right, her sword came down in a ruffle of cloth to block an attempt at a hit and run. She circled her charge bending his body and blocking blows periodically to keep not only her, but him out of harm’s way as much as possible. In the distance she heard the stampeding of feet encircle them causing a slight roar to her heightened senses. It drowned out the next attack that sliced across her bicep, then her thigh and finally the Fire Godd’s tender flesh of his cheek. He cried out in anger grabbing the throbbing flesh as the blood seeped passed his palm, dripping down to his elbow and finally falling to the earth below.

The blood on her wounds had already coagulated enough to where it wasn’t saturating her clothing anymore. The wounds still burned when she used them to defend the Godd and her. Hearing the rush of wind coming from behind her, she turned to put her body before the man as a shield to deflect another attack. Instead she stepped forward anticipating which position the attacker would assume and impaled her enemy upon her sword, swiftly yanking the blade from the youkai’s body before the wolf hit the ground unmoving. Glancing down, she sensed where exactly the nullification spell was concentrated. Around the dead one’s middle was a pelt that reeked of the magic.

This fucking bastard is toying with me. All of her attackers stayed far enough away to be out of reach and Naraku’s choice of puppets wasn’t bad. Picking wolf youkai actually made the fight worthwhile because of their agility. Her instincts were telling her that these guys were only here to distract her, but from what? The Fire Godd had to be his next target and where the fuck is Inuyasha? It shouldn’t take him that long to dispatch a few minions.

Above the stampeding wolves, Neara faintly heard a yell come from Inuyasha in the distance. Well, that answered her question as to why he hadn’t gotten back yet.

***

Inuyasha, bounding tree to tree, was under the impression that he was dividing up the forces to give Neara the fighting chance to get the Fire Godd back to the city safe and sound; as his nose told him that he was being pursued. Well that little theory was shot to shit when out of nowhere Inuyasha was knocked several feet to the forest floor below, the only warning was a whirling of wind before an iron clad fist connected with his jaw. He rose to his feet using Tetsusaiga as an impromptu cane, reaching up to pop his jaw back into place. His enemy stood before him across the clearing in all of his glory with an arrogant smirk plastered upon his face. Brown hair pulled up into a tail near the crown of his head, blue eyes faded and clouded over not matching his lips.

Inuyasha spat blood upon the ground, “Fucking Naraku… Have to use stinking wolves to fight your own battles, huh? Those are the only ones weak enough for you to take control over. What a waste of youkai.”

“Once I gain control of your miko, there would be no use for my army of wolves any longer. She will be the only weapon that I will need,” the wolf spoke channeling the voice of the evil Godd. “Hmm…Then again if I somehow acquired your particular talents then with the combined power of you and the miko, I will be invincible.”

“Keh. Greedy bastard,” Inuyasha snorted transforming Tetsusaiga wielding it over his head then sprinted towards the wolf. Said wolf widened his stance to catch Inuyasha’s blade amidst his downward swing. The hanyou growled, lashing out with a clawed bare foot missing his foe’s chest as it arced by but effectively making him release his sword. Jumping back, he eyed his enemy sizing him up trying to anticipate what move he would do next. Something didn’t sit right with Inuyasha while he still eyed the youkai before him suspiciously. Tasting the metallic tang of his own blood again, Inuyasha spit and that’s when he saw his enemy’s body flinch thinking that the hanyou took his eyes off him. The crimson clad warrior somersaulted over his attacking counterpart then preceded to roundhouse kick his ass into the grove of trees not too far away. The cloud of dirt and dust barely had time to start dissipating before the demon was back on the offense, leaping through the blur.

Just keep comin’. Let me learn your moves and wait for you to fuck up before your ass is grass.

Inuyasha’s sword turned parallel to the ground as his free hand braced against the blade to block the anticipated claw attack aimed for his face. Eyes widening, Inuyasha smelled a second opponent enter the playing field but could do nothing except accept the strike that seared five grooves within his back. Yelling out he frantically threw the wolf before him to the side and during his back swing he caught the coward who attacked him from behind in the mid section spilling his innards to the ground. Now that the creeper was fully eradicated he could concentrate on his first quarry.

***

Quickly going through battle strategies through her head none seemed to pan out due to the helpless Godd by her side. He didn’t possess the strength or the speed of a demon and she somehow had an instinctual feeling that she needed to get to her comrade in arms. Keeping the man alive was exhausting work and this little battle needed to end soon. There was no way to get around it; she had to go on the offensive. Turning to the man of fire her eyes spoke to him. Nothing was said but an unspoken notion of ‘stay here and stay safe’ passed between the two. Being a warrior, the Godd knew what needed to be done and defensive attacks were clearly not working.

He watched as Neara jumped into the welcoming arms of the fog. Looking all around him he listened for any approaching adversaries. Floating in the air came the sounds of blades clashing and the grunts of physical exertion. Whether the sounds came from the Guardian or not, he didn’t know the difference. His hearing wasn’t sensitive enough to pick up her unique sound. He tried to follow every sound he heard by turning to face it, but he lost track and soon it seemed as if it came from all around.

THUMP!

Before the Godd landed the figure of a wolf demon that had the wind knocked out of him. Struggling to upright himself, the man of fire watched him cautiously to see what he would do next. Twitching his nose the youkai turned to see his adversary looking at him. Baring his fangs the okami crouched low preparing to strike. Readying himself to defend, fire noticed something different about this youkai amongst the others. He no longer wore his fur pelt across his waist. Gathering his power he was about to lash out…

“KASAI! NO!”

Neara jumped through the blur of the fog to latch herself around the unsuspecting wolf lacing her arms under his placing her palms on either side of his head. Wrapping her legs around his torso rendered him immobile for the moment but long enough for her to pierce his head with her youki while she chanted. Mouth open in a piercing scream, the okami was experiencing a burning sensation throughout his whole body. Kasai covered his ears to the screeching sound as Neara’s appendages flattened to her skull to dull the agonizing noise.

Engulfing his mind to cleanse the poison out of his system was a painful process, but also tiring work on her part. Naraku’s control did not go as deeply so it was safe to assume that she would be able to shield his mind from any other attack. Quickly letting go, Neara safely propelled herself from the recovering man as he crumpled to the ground. Sniffing lightly she was comforted in the fact that he was still alive. His heartbeat proudly pounded in her ears as all of her senses concentrated on this one youkai. The others were not so lucky to have survived to be the first of their comrades to be freed. Naraku’s poison was too deeply rooted within them.

She knelt to the ground to be closer to the okami in case he continued their fight again, “Look at me.”

Slowly he responded by turning his head her way. His eyes were unclouded and responsive as he obeyed her.

“What is your name?” she asked of him.

“Ginta”

“How much do you remember?”

“Everything… I couldn’t control anything that I did and I fought against whatever it was but couldn’t break free.”

“You were being possessed by a man named Naraku and it looks as if his powers have gotten stronger,” Neara stated contemplatively. “Go back to your tribe and warn your kinsmen. Tell them to beware of the Godd, Naraku...”

“What of our prince?” Ginta asked suddenly, interrupting her warning.

Neara cocked her head to the side in confusion, “What about him?”

“He was with us when we were caught. I beg of you. Save Prince Kouga,” he pleaded.

A human like roar was heard in the distance with all eyes looking towards the sound. Could Inuyasha be fighting the okami prince as we speak?

“I will do what I can for him. If I can do anything at all,” Neara replied before turning to look at Ginta. “Hurry back to your pack before you get caught up again and I will do my best to return your prince. I’m not making any promises though... Save your people first.” Extending her hand she helped the wolf to his feet watching as he hesitantly walked off. Getting a few meters off his resolve and determination kicked in and he picked up the pace towards the direction of the mountains to the northeast. Turning to her comrade, she studied his eyes trying to read his thoughts before grabbing his hand and hoisting him upon her back taking off into the trees.

“What are you doing now?” he asked a little roughly.

“You are not safe yet and I need to aid Inuyasha. We were separated for a reason.”

“I would have done the same thing. It’s easier to pick you off when divided.”

A pensive scowl marred her features, “My thoughts exactly, but to what end?”

***

His wounds were healing but not fast enough. He was getting exhausted and across the battle field he could tell that the okami was as well. Inuyasha needed to pull something out of his ass in order to win this fight or he might run the risk of not getting out of here in one piece. His left arm was shredded and useless, blood dripping down his fingertips to pool on the ground below. The hanyou could slowly feel the effects of unconsciousness eating away at him. His blood loss was extreme even with his fast healing and he needed Neara here stat. Now he was forced to only defend himself and he only worried how long his strength was going to hold out for that. Inuyasha’s opponent blurred out of existence and with an audible crack the hanyou felt his jaw break launching him into the trunk of a tree meters away with a sickening thud. His vision went dark, but not without catching a glimpse of cobalt blue eyes and silver-white hair. Tetsusaiga fell from his grip and reverted back to its original state, a rusty old worthless blade. Blood still ran from the massive wound in his arm as his body fought to stay alive.

Neara caught the youkai’s foot as he leapt to finish off the unconscious hanyou before him. She swung around throwing him in the opposite direction. Crouching low she felt her powerful legs spring herself forward to follow with her sword brandished to inflict injury. Upon landing thrusting the tip of her blade into the okami’s thigh ripping flesh open, she not only inflicted massive damage but ceased his quick footedness.

“HaHaHaHaHaHaHa…”

With a growl to match Inuyasha’s, Neara jumped back when the okami swiped his claws towards her. Teeth grinding she heard the voice of Naraku laugh through the body of the okami prince once more.

“Give up and present yourself to me miko. Your precious hanyou is dead.”

Giving a small laugh herself she smirked, “With you not being youkai you wouldn’t know how to deftly use the senses of the wolf much less understand it.” He growled. “Inuyasha is not dead. Listen for yourself. His heart still beats.” It’s faint, but it still beats. He isn’t dead yet. I just need to finish this… Quickly.

Seeing the brief look of pain cross his face, it quickly disappeared for the unresponsive mask of before. The okami prince had reached the surface, but faded quickly and Neara did not fail to notice this.

“Well, if I take his head then maybe you will give up this ridiculous resistance and finally realize that you cannot be the victor against me.” He rose to feet limping slightly readying himself for what could be his final confrontation. Neara dropped her sword to her feet flexing her claws. If this worked then she would be able to exorcise the “demon” out of the wolf.

An unmistakable scent reached her nose and quickly she turned back to the inu hanyou behind her with questioning eyes. The smell was him but it seemed darker and thicker. His youki began to pulse and that’s when she noticed that he did not have Tetsusaiga within his grasp.

Oh… Fuck

Now she only had one chance to get this right and she had to do it within seconds and not minutes for Inuyasha’s youkai had taken over his body and if she were correct he wouldn’t be able to control it. Imagining her legs as springboards, she used all of her strength to launch herself at the distracted puppet wrapping herself around the man’s torso like she almost did previously. Grabbing his head, she made sure he peered within her intense gaze.

Smirking she chanted driving him out of the youkai kicking and screaming as she erected a barrier around his mind. His eyes gradually became clear and through the agonizing pain, he could still hear her voice.

Kouga, prince of the okami tribe, remember what happened this day for I will call when you and your kinsmen are needed. See that the Fire Godd makes it safely to the city. I leave you to his care.

Gasping Neara felt the sharp talons of Inuyasha pierce her clothing around her arms. Engulfing the okami prince within a bright blue sphere of light, she watched as both the Fire Godd and the youkai prince flew away from battle as Neara herself sailed into the grove of trees skipping across the dirt grooving the earth with her body. Inuyasha was upon her that second straddling her waist pinning her arms above her head. Finally opening her eyes as she awaited the dust to settle, she was in shock to see the complete change to his features. His fangs elongated, eyes red, and jagged purple stripes adorned his cheeks. He was in a feral state and she needed to calm him down somehow.

What if he never wakes up from this? You are gonna have to kill him.

But I have to at least try.

“Mate,” he growled low sniffing her. His voice had even changed to a more demonic bass. It seemed to promise pain. This one word pulled Neara out of her thoughts.

“Not yet Inuyasha. We were waiting,” she calmly replied.

He cocked his head to the side in confusion just like a dog. It was real uncanny how he resembled an inu at this precise moment. Well considering he was definitely driven by instinct in his current state; it was just a weird thought that crossed her mind.

“No mate?”

“Not yet.” This response caused him to growl. Apparently it wasn’t the answer he was looking for.

“No mate… kill,” now that reply put her on edge as she watched his deadly claws reach up preparing to strike. Acting quickly, Neara kneed his back sprawling him forward as she jumped to her feet taking off looking back to see him recover quickly. He sprang into a sprint reveling in the hunt of his prey.

So I guess once he found out we are not mated he decided to kill me – Fucking nice. How do I seem to get into these situations?

You could always kill him and get it over with. Just purify him and be done.

NO! There has to be another way.

The Guardian caught his claws across her back slicing through cloth and flesh as her life force spilled to the ground and painted his hand red. She stumbled herself upon a tree momentarily before she rolled away to avoid another swiping of claws.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Neara faltered slightly upon hearing the thought in her mind. It was enough of a mistake to cause Inuyasha to grab her hair wrapping his hand through it and yanking her to his chest. Eyes wide and mouth open in a scream; Inuyasha bit her on the shoulder.

He has POISON?! His full youkai has fucking POISON?! What. The. Fuck!

Neara, you better kill him before he kills you.

FUCK YOU! Naraku, YOU caused this.

Neara sneered gathering her energy zapping Inuyasha making him let go. Elongating her claws, she turned striking him across the chest. A deep throated laugh escaped his lips. She jumped back several feet bumping into something hard. She looked up and to her surprise it was the Goshinboku tree. They were several kilometers away from the city. Man they covered some ground. Inuyasha’s voice brought her out of her thoughts again.

“Strong. Good mate.”

She sighed rolling her eyes, “Not yet Inuyasha.”

“Soon,” he smiled. “Submit”

“Why in the fuck should I submit when you are trying to KILL me?!”

“Poison kill… Submit”

Looks like you are stuck. If you submit to him, you will lose your powers and he will make you his mate.

Neara growled.

Or you can die from his poison. I think your only option is to kill him and drink his blood. That should be the antidote, no?

“Submit,” Inuyasha replied with an evil grin cutting his wrist blood springing up from the wound. Well that definitely answered her question about his blood being the antidote.

If you submit how do you know it will change him back? You will be defenseless against him because your own youki is not even close to matching his. You know he will take you by force.

Neara sighed. She knew Naraku was right; he was going to take her by force and her youki was nowhere even close to matching his if she did lose her miko powers. Feeling the pain of his burning poison spreading throughout her left arm, she collapsed to her knees. Squeezing her eyes to concentrate on something other than the overwhelming throbbing, she didn’t even have the strength to try to purify the poison out of her system. She vaguely heard footsteps approach her and crouch down. Opening her eyes she saw his bloodied wrist in her vision.

“Submit,” he urged. Neara grabbed his wrist covering the wound with her lips sucking out a mouthful of his blood and swallowing. The metallic taste was not her cup of tea and she threw his arm away from her feeling the effects of his blood soothing her burning veins.

***

He bent over in that moment to lick the wound that he inflicted watching it heal. The Guardian gasped at the sensation and looked at him with wide eyes. He looked at her with a lust filled gaze as he watched her scoot back a few feet gaining her footing upon a large tree that she leaned against. He smelled her fear spike slightly as he slowly approached her figure, but it was replaced with determination. He smiled slightly. That was a good bitch, she was accepting him; accepting her fate. He was upon her now grabbing her hips, roughly pulling her to him. Her elbows rested upon his chest creating some space still trying to fight the inevitable. Inuyasha bent to capture her lips with his own feeling her arms drop and her legs go limp. Reaching down he grabbed her thighs hoisting her up to wrap her legs around his waist and pin her against the tree deepening the kiss by teasing her lip with his tongue. She opened her mouth granting him entrance. He fondled her tongue before she captured it between her lips and sucked. He groaned with his hips grinding against her core showing her what she was doing to him.

His excitement died somewhat when he smelled the pungent odor of salt in the air. She was crying and what for? Pulling away he looked baffled.

“Duty and honor, Inuyasha,” she reminded him. He didn’t see the glint of the blade until it was lodged within his shoulder feeling the effects of her spell pour into his body. She rolled them over switching their places. He needed it as his legs gave out and they sunk to the ground. “I had no choice. I’m sorry. Inuyasha I’m SO sorry.” Tears fell down her cheeks as she saw his eyes revert back to their honey color, his jagged stripes disappear and his fangs shorten. His eyelids seemed to droop as his hand rose up to cup her cheek.

“Not as sorry as I am,” he replied before his hand fell and his consciousness slipped into a deep sleep. Neara had no choice but to seal his youkai blood with the small dagger that she kept hidden away for emergencies. She didn’t know what the side effect would be but she had to try. She got her answer when he fell into an eternal sleep. It was a fate almost equal to death as she wailed.

**********

Ken'ichi - wise one (I think, forgot where I picked this name out from)

Homongi - a more formal kimono that translates to visiting wear. I thought this suited Neara better considering her status and her personality.

Hiyoku - a type of under kimono that historically is worn by women. White is more formal.

Furi - sleeve below the armhole of a kimono.

Kasai - fire (I thought it was a hot name, lol)

okami - wolf (of course)

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