Broken

“Broken”

By: Beloved Shadow


Inuyasha sighed and looked at his stomach. Normally the half demon wasn’t vain and didn’t care what he looked (or for that matter smelled) like as long as he could fight. But right now he felt… fat. He growled but pulled his shirt close. He was over three months into the pregnancy but from compared to human women he looked like he was five months along. His appetite increased but Lotus kept a very sharp eye on what he ate. Kouga made sure he got exercise to keep up energy but assigned some of his most trusted pack members to guard his mate when he wanted to go into the forest. Heikou also did daily checks on the cubs to make sure they were healthy.

Rubbing his hand over his stomach he sighed and lay back on the grass. It was another clear day and the hanyou was in a clearing in the woods located near the caves. His escorts were watching but from a distance. Far away to give him room but close enough to help him should anything happen.

He sighed heavily, folding one arm behind his head as the other moved to gently rub his stomach. He was lonely and wished he had someone to talk to. Sure the pack was great and accepted him but it didn’t the same; Lotus was busy with tending to patients; and Kouga was hunting. Something was missing.

He missed his friends.

It didn’t help matters much when he remembered that he hadn’t spoken or heard from Kagome and the others for a while.

“Damn them all,” he mumbled half-heartedly. His ears began twitching like crazy, causing him to sit up. He heard something like flapping but looking up in the air he didn’t see anything. It could have just been a bird taking off but the sound something like something much larger. A demon bird? Golden eyes squinted when something passed over the sun and grew. He was ready to attack but relaxed when the bird landed. “You finally came back.”

Heikou smiled, wings folding back so the feathers glided against one another softly. She wore a kind of sheet that wrapped around her body, over her chest, and then tied around her neck. True it looked unusual and it revealed more skin but it was comfortable to work and fly in. The color was a smoky blue-gray color with the pattern of wispy clouds. She also preferred it to her old outfit as her tail was allowed to flow free and this one didn’t get tangled in her wings in flight or when she folded them back. “I just finished my errands. How have you been feeling?” she asked.

“One word: bored.”

She laughed and carefully, knelt next to him, leaning on her hand for balance and let her tail feathers curl around her legs. Both said nothing as they let the gentle sunlight beam down upon them. Inuyasha yawned, rubbing his eyes but looked up as the demi-goddess moved to sit closer so he rested his head on her lap. Heikou just smiled and stroked his hair. He returned the smile and let her.

“When is Kouga coming back?” he asked softly.

“Soon I imagine,” she answered as she combed his hair with her fingers. “You miss your friends.”

A golden eye cracked open to gaze at her. “It’s that obvious?”

“Somewhat. I understand your concern, but know that during your pregnancy you must stay within the caves. Your friends cannot visit until after the birth.”

“I know I know. A pregnancy leaves me weaker than usual and the fact that I’m considered a breeding stock means any demon can use me for that reason.”

“Sad yet true.”

“Heikou?”

“Hmm.”

“When that monk asked if you could bear his kids, you said you couldn’t. What did you mean by that?”

Her hand stilled but began braiding a lock of his hair. “You heard my story, of how I had been used, yes?” He slowly nodded. “Before my mother attacked I had been very ill. I would sleep for long hours of the day, would not eat, but if I did eat I would lose whatever entered my stomach. My former master had thought I had been poisoned or had brought a plague but the healers proved that theory wrong. When they called in a mid-wife, they soon realized I was with child. He was furious but the thought of another demi-god or goddess made him happy. He found another use for me as ‘breeding stock’.” Her hands shook but she took a deep breathe and closed her eyes.

“My body had been through so much in such a short amount of time I lost the child at birth. My master blamed me and saw fit to punish me. He did everything to make sure I would carry his seed and I did… but again I lost the child. Repeatedly I would be with child then lose them after three moon passes but one child survived for nine moons… I gave birth to a daughter… she was beautiful with golden hair and eyes the color of the sky the mid-wife said… but she was weak. I held her as she died in my arms.” Again her hands shook and tears rolled down from her closed eyes.

Inuyasha looked up at her and reaching up, held her hands tightly. He was surprised at the powerful grip of her hands. He wanted her to stop if it caused so much pain but she seemed bent on getting through the pain.

“He… He was furious… he claimed I was a curse… I remember shouting at him… blaming him for letting my children die in such a manner… he was so enraged he attacked me… I was so weak from the birth I couldn’t fight… then he took his sword, and made sure I would never bear another child as long as I lived, then… then…” her shoulders shook as the past resurfaced in her mind, “he ‘gave’ me to his soldiers to serve as their reward and to further my punishment… I wasn’t allowed to heal even for a moment… I was so weak and I knew nothing on how to control my spiritual energies… I remember screaming for my mother to please just kill me and allow me to join my father in the afterlife…”

Inuyasha sat up quickly and pulled her into his arms. She clung to him tightly, crying into his shoulder. “Your okaasan couldn’t stand it and killed everyone, right?” She nodded, her body shaking. “It’s okay I’m here, no one’s gonna hurt you, okay?” he whispered, holding her tightly. To think she went through so much suffering and continue living showed an inner strength she possessed. He knew only a fraction of the pain but that was enough for him. The two hanyous ended up staying that for a while, comforting and being comforted as the escorts watched from a distance.

--

Kikyou watched as the villagers went on with their daily life. She had been staying at her sister’s village since she had saved Kagome from getting eaten from that demon some time ago. When she had first arrived, the villagers were terrified. They knew that she had died over fifty years ago and here she was, looking young and lovely as a maiden. They had heard the stories of how her ashes had been stolen by the old herb witch and how she had made her into a clay doll. They had also heard the rumors of how she stole the souls of the dead so she could continue to live. Needless to say no one trusted her and men did everything in their power to make sure their families never went near her. A village that once held her in the highest respect now feared and despised her. Some even went as far as to claim she was no better than Naraku himself

‘Am I truly so evil to be compared to him?’ she asked herself.

“Kikyou?”

She turned, looking at her reborn-

No. This woman was not her and would never be her. She had slowly begun to accept the truth.

“Hai?”

“Are you alright?”

“…”

“… You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“Why are you being so kind to me?”

“??”

She looked away from her. “I have tried to kill Inuyasha, I have taken the souls of dead women, I have stolen the shards of the shikon jewel from you, I have aided Naraku even after realizing what it was he truly desired. I am no longer human, I have no life of my own, I do not even have my own soul… still you are being kind to me, why is that?”

Kagome thought about it for a moment before walking up to stand before her, their eyes meeting and locking. “I have every reason to hate you but I can’t bring myself to hold a grudge. Inuyasha still cares about you and always will,” she explained.

“So you do not hate me because I still hold claims to Inuyasha’s heart?” Kikyou asked.

“Iie it’s not that. After learning the truth of what really happened fifty years ago, I realize that the real person to blame is Naraku. He prays on the doubts the two of you had. I don’t mean to sound mean or like I’m rubbing it in, but if you two really loved each other, you wouldn’t have fallen for his tricks.”

The clay-bodied miko was taken back. The girl spoke a ring of truth. She had wanted Inuyasha to become human so she could live a life of a normal woman. But, she never thought past that or what their future would hold. Inuyasha had no trade and didn’t even have a home of his own; all he owned were the clothes on his back. She wanted to lead a normal life but the more she watched the women of the village go on with their lives the more she saw how lucky she was.

She was allowed to rest and smell the flowers, meals were given to her as a token of thanks, and she also taught children what she knew. But the women had children to raise, homes to keep clean, cook meals, shop for supplies, mend clothing, could barely read and write themselves, and many other things. From dawn to dusk they were constantly working. Men had their own duties but they had more freedom than women. Even women from noble families were not granted so much freedom.

‘Have I been so selfish all these years for nothing?’ she asked herself.

“Kikyou? Are you alright?” Kagome asked with some mild concern.

She mentally shook herself from her thoughts and smiled, nodding. “Hai y arigato.”

The high-school girl blinked in confusion. “Nani?”

“For making me see the light. I craved the simplicity of a normal life, thinking I had no freedom but I was wrong. Compared to the women in the village, I have more freedom than any woman, noble or peasant. You have also made me realized that I never truly loved Inuyasha… I may have at one point but I was selfish and saw in him a way to rid myself of this life.”

“… He still cares about you no matter what.”

“And I care for him, but not as a lover. The next time I see him, I will apologize for my selfish actions.” She sighed and then noticed the massive yellow pack she was holding over her shoulders. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah. I haven’t been back home in a long time and I know my family’s worried, not to mention I’m really behind in school work. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone for but I already told the others.”

“I understand.”

The teenager smiled and turned to head out but stopped and looked at the former miko. “Kikyou, when I come back… can you teach me to be a better fighter?” The woman looked at her surprised but didn’t say anything. “I can’t depend on the others to always protect me. There’s no telling what could happen when we get the last jewel shard and I may have to leave forever, but during our journey we may get split up and I’ll have to fight on my own. You’re the best archer around and you can control your powers. Can you help me?”

Kikyou thought about what she said. Part of her didn’t want to help, didn’t want to this woman to learn to control her abilities, didn’t want her to become more powerful. She smiled and nodded. “I would be happy to help.”

“… Arigato.” It clear to see that the two women, once rivals after the same man, were slowly becoming friends.

--

Mrs. Higurashi hummed softly under her breathe as she chopped up the vegetables. The house felt so quiet with her daughter gone but she had grown accustomed to the silencer. Her young son was staying after school having gone to try out for the soccer team with his friends and her father was outside sweeping (and reading the paper). The knife stopped chopping and she sighed heavily, looking out the small window of the kitchen.

“It’s so quiet,” she said to herself softly but that changed when she heard her daughter’s voice.

“I’m home!” Kagome said as she came in, shrugging the book bag off her shoulders. She removed her shoes and dragged the yellow pack down the hall with her. “Mom, you home?” she called out.

Kioko smiled and quickly washing her hands, went to greet her daughter with a bright and happy smile on her face. “Kagome dear, you’re home! How was your day?” she asked. Yes she thought it strange with all the events happening with her daughter but she trusted her to make the right decision. But she still worried about her like any mother.

The teenager smiled, feeling the warmth and love from her mother the moment she saw her. “It was great! We found another shard but still no clues to where Naraku’s hiding,” she explained. To any other family this would not seem like an everyday topic one would talk about but with the Higurashi family this was… normal.

“I’m sorry to hear that dear, but I know something will come up. Dinner will be ready shortly, would you like me to draw you a bath?”

“Sounds good but I need to do some serious studying. I have a lot of tests to make-up tomorrow not to mention all the work I’m behind in.” She glared at her heavy book bag which was loaded with her school books and such. ‘At this rate I may as well drop out and take the same classes again next year.’

Kioko looked at her daughter, noting the stressed look on her face. Walking up to her she slowly pulled her into a loving embrace, petting her long dark hair. “Go take a nap. I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready. You’ll be able to study better after some food and rest,” she said softly but sternly giving no room for an argument.

The young girl looked at her mother but smiled and hugged her back. “Arigato mom.” Leaving her bag there she headed upstairs to get some rest. Kioko smiled and going into the foyer picked up the phone. She dialed the school’s number and asked to speak with the principal.

“This is Mrs. Kioko Higurashi, Kagome’s mother… she’s doing fine and will be returning to school… I understand she’s been missing a lot of days but that’s what I wanted to talk to you about… is there any possible way that you could send her school work home with my son, Souta? … I understand but if you could ask the teachers to please send all the lesson plans, assignments and tests that would be very helpful… Yes home-schooled… myself… I assure you my daughter would never cheat but I would not want for her to be held back because of certain conditions. Then tomorrow I will come and make arrangements… First thing in the morning then. Arigato.” Hanging up the phone she sighed and went back to preparing dinner

About 30 minutes later Souta came home, excited that he had been able to make the school’s soccer team. Kioko couldn’t be happier for her son but Mr. Higurashi kept saying how his only grandson should join the priesthood. Asking them to please set the table she went to get her daughter. Opening the door silently she smiled.

The teenager had been so tired she didn’t bother to change out of her uniform or even crawl under the blankets. She hated to disturb her since she looked so peaceful but she knew she had studying to. Going to her side she gently shook her shoulders. “Kagome, dinner is ready,” she said softly.

The girl moaned and stirred ever so slightly. “5 more minutes…” she muttered softly.

A warm smile graced her face but she shook her a bit more. “Kagome.”

Slowly a sleepy brown opened and looked up at the older woman. “Mom? What time is it?” she asked softly as she rolled onto her side.

“Its 6:30, dinner is ready. Would you like to bath now or later?”

“I’ll take a shower in the morning.” Sitting up she yawned and stretched. Nodding she watched as her mother left and sighed. Oh she wanted to go back to sleep but she couldn’t. She had a lot of homework to do and studying so even if she had to stay up all night she would get it done. Heading downstairs she greeted her brother and grandfather and told them about her adventures in the feudal era.

“Have you heard from Inuyasha yet?” Souta asked.

“No… But I’m sure he’s fine. Heikou-sama comes sometimes to let us know what’s going on so according to Lotus-sama he’s halfway through his term.” It had been strange to explain to her brother what had happened to her brother and why the half-demon wouldn’t be coming around for a while but luckily her mother knew what to say and explained it to him. He still seemed confused but accepted it all into stride.

“Hmm I still say it’s impossible for him to be able to become pregnant!” the old man said.

“Try telling them that,” she said with some bitter in her voice. He looked hurt but she caught the look and sighed. “Sorry grandpa it’s just… I’m kinda stressed right now.”

“So right my girl, it just seems impossible but legend has it demons could do many great things humans are unable to.”

“Kagome, I spoke with your principal. Tomorrow will be your last day of class.” She silently ate a piece of fish and rice as her family stared at her.

“Nani??” came the chorused cry.

“You’ve missed a lot of classes and I thought this would be better for you,” she began to explain; “think of it as being home-schooled. Tomorrow the principal will be sending a letter to all your professors to have lesson plans, assignments, and tests made so they can be sent home with Souta. You can take the assignments with you when you go over and when you came back you can study and then take the tests. I should have asked if you wanted to do this but I know how much school is important to you but so are your friends-” she wasn’t able to finish her sentence as she was nearly tackled by her first born child, making her nearly drop her plate.

“Mom you’re the best!! Now I don’t have to worry about all those exams and everyone can help!!” Kagome said happily, hugging her tightly. This was the answer to her problem! Be home-schooled! And if the search for the shards took longer she could just be home-school next year!

Tomeo smiled at his daughter and granddaughter. He was so proud of his family right now. Besides, it sure beat having to make up such ridiculous stories about why his granddaughter couldn’t come to school. Though he would miss those delightful gifts that boy Hojo brought over… ‘Such a thoughtful boy that one,’ he thought to himself, already picturing Hojo and Kagome as a happily married couple to carry on the Higurashi family name and shrine.

--

Kioko Higurashi waved to her children as they headed for their classes and bowed to the principal as she was led into his office. Going to her first class Kagome sighed, setting her books on her desk. To think today would be her last day here… she was actually quite happy about that but she would miss this in a way.

‘But we need to defeat Naraku. If he gets all the shards, there won’t be a future for any of us,’ she thought to herself bitterly.

“Kagome!!”

She looked up and found herself surrounded by her friends: Yuka, Tanak, and Kumi. She smiled but inside she felt like groaning. She did like her friends a lot but past arguments of them trying to get her to go out with Hojo and trash talked about Inuyasha were beginning to wear down on her nerves. Right now, she didn’t want to hear about it.

“You’re back! Did you get the lab results back yet?” Yuka asked.

“Are you still having those fainting spells?” Tanak asked.

“Why is your mom here?” Kumi asked.

“Oh I’m fine I’m doing better but today is my last day.” She explained that for the rest of the year she would be home-schooled so she could not only get caught up with the last assignments but most importantly she wouldn’t have to drop out and start over next year.

“Wow wish my parents would let me be home-schooled,” one of them muttered.

Luckily the teacher came in and told the class to settle down. The rest of the day went on as usual except when the principal stopped by with Kagome’s mother to talk to the instructor. Kioko looked at her daughter and smiling, waved to her. Kagome smiled and waved back. There was some whispering as why a parent was here with the principal but no one said anything out loud. Soon it was gym class and Kagome was still feeling tired. She had stayed up most of the night to finish her work and her mother, being the kind-hearted woman she was, stay up with her to help and even check some of the assignments. She just wanted to go home but the thought of this being her last day ran through her mind.

“Hi Kagome.”

“Oh hi Hojo.”

Hojo was a handsome boy who was in a grade higher than Kagome and in the beginning never gave notice to the younger girl until her mysterious illnesses forced her to miss school. He was also bringing her gifts to help her with her aliments but truth be told the boy wasn’t exactly the brightest crayon in the box.

“I see you’re well enough to come to school. Does that mean we’ll be seeing you more often?”

“Afraid not. Today is my last day here, I’m going to be home-schooled from now on.”

“Oh. Well at least you aren’t dropping out completely.”

“Yeah.” ‘Wait, was he actually disappointed about me not coming back?’

“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in going out on a date then, maybe to the movies? That way you’ll be off your feet and can relax.”

‘Oh no not again.’ Sighing she tried to think of something nice to say. “Hojo, I-”

“She’d love to!” Yuka said suddenly, scaring the poor girl.

“What??”

“Pick her up around 3, alright?” Tanak said.

“Wait a minute! I didn’t say yes!” Kagome yelled at her friends then hit her forehead. ‘I didn’t mean it like that!’

“Does this mean you don’t want to go out?” the boy asked dejectedly.

“Excuse us.” Without even asking the two girls with short hair dragged their friend away and confronted her. “Kagome, are you crazy? Hojo is the cutest guy in school!” Yuka hissed.

“This better not be about that other guy!” Tanak glared.

“You said so yourself he’s nothing but trouble!”

“He never let you do anything!”

“He dumped you for someone else!”

“He doesn’t even visit when you’re home sick!”

Back and forth they threw insults at the half-demon that Kagome felt her anger rise. Sure the hanyou wasn’t exactly the best guy around but she knew him better than anyone else. How dare they talk about him like that! Without realizing it, she exploded in their faces.

“Shut up both of you, just shut up!!!” she yelled at them as loud as she could. “You don’t know Inuyasha like I do so don’t call him names!! He’s the best friend I ever had and he’s also been like a brother to me!! Yes he can be insensitive and mean and pig-headed but he’s also strong, brave, and risked his life to save mine countless times!!” she yelled, unaware that she was drawing a crowd and turned to storm away but turned and pointed a finger at them angrily.

“Another thing, I am sick of you two trying to hook me up on a date with Hojo!! I have a mind of my own you know and I do have a life that doesn’t revolve around dating!! If you two like Hojo so much then you go out with him!! Also, a real friend doesn’t try to force a friend into doing something they didn’t want to do in the first place or bad talk a guy when they don’t know him!! So do me a favor and butt outta my life and get one of your own!!!!!” Ending it in a scream she marched away from them, fuming so angrily the students that had stared to watch the fight quickly got out of her way.

Yuka and Tanak just stared at her clinging to each other as if they were afraid to see the girl that just screamed at them. Kumi had watched (and heard) everything and to be truthful, she was very happy with Kagome. It was about time someone told them off but looking at Hojo she noticed that he had a distant/blank look on his face. She was about to ask if he was alright when he opened his mouth and said the stupidest thing ever.

“I guess her illness is making her a bit cranky.”

‘No wonder Kagome is always ditching him. He may be cute but he has no common sense!’ she thought to herself and walked away.

After school it didn’t go so well. At the end of the day everyone (and I mean everyone) knew about Kagome’s outburst during gym so rumors were flying around like crazy. The girl was so upset she didn’t care. Repeatedly her supposed friends tried to talk to her she actually threaten to leave her alone or she’d show them how mean she could really be. She hadn’t seen Hojo but she didn’t care. She slammed her foot locker close as hard as she could, storming out of the school.

‘I can’t believe the nerve of them! Sure I insult Inuyasha behind his back but I was just mad and stupid! I didn’t know any better! And I don’t like Hojo, before this he never noticed me! They should go on a date with him if they’re so desperate!’ she fumed silently, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for the crosswalk to change to green.

“Kagome!” a voice called out.

Cringing she slowly tuned but the anger fled quickly. Kumi was a quiet girl and very smart but she was also very shy. She had dark brown eyes and wavy black hair cut to her shoulders but she was a good friend and unlike the other too never tried to force or con the other girl into dating Hojo. She smiled at her.

“Hi Kumi, what’s up?”

“I know today’s your last day, but if you ever need help with the assignments or someone to study with you can call me.”

“Thanks Kumi I really appreciate that.”

“Are you heading home?”

“Yeah. Wanna come over?”

“Okay! I just have to call my parents when we get there.”

“Deal. Oh the light’s green, let’s go!” The two girls hurried to the Higurashi Shrine, laughing and talking about their day. To the people walking by they just saw two good friends enjoying each other’s company.

--

Time seemed to fly by relatively fast for everyone. Kagome fell into the swing of home-schooling really well and with Kumi’s help she was able to grasp everything she had missed. Kioko was happy that her daughter was doing well and she liked Kumi very much. Tanak and Yuka visited but Kagome refused to talk with them. This resulted in a fight where her daughter had actually slapped them as hard as she could. Since then they never returned. Hojo also stopped by but when it was apparently that Kagome only though of him only a friend and nothing more he stopped coming by, stopping sending gifts. They say only true friends would stand by your side through thick and thin. Kumi was proof of that.

In the warring states time was moving fast as well. Inuyasha was going into his final month of pregnancy. He grew tired easily and he ate a bit more than usual but Lotus made sure he was active. If he wanted healthy babies then he needed to keep moving. Everything seemed alright but Heikou seemed depressed.

Inuyasha’s ears flickered when he caught the very soft sigh. He didn’t dare move his head until Heikou was done braiding his hair. He liked wearing it loose but what with it getting tangled he decided to keep it tied back for now. However, he did draw the line at putting bows or ribbons. His fire-rat clothing were stored until after labor so he wore a pair of hakamas that Kaede had given him and a shirt as well. It was uncomfortable at first but it gave him freedom of movement. He felt her pat his shoulder.

“All done,” she smiled.

He ran his hand one the braid, amazed to find it to be so thick and long. Bringing the end over his shoulder he smiled. She had tied it off with a leather tie, the same Kouga used. It wasn’t too tight and it wasn’t too loose. Brushing it back he turned and nodded.

“Thanks. Now you wanna tell me what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing’s wrong, Inuyasha. I like brushing your hair out. Kouga won’t let me after Lotus said how cute he would look with a blue ribbon.”

“Heikou.”

She sighed and fingered the feathers of one of her wings silently. “The village I grew up in… they hold a festival called the “wish upon a star” in the hope of getting their heart’s desire and also bring gifts to honor the gods with. Tomorrow the festival will begin and I would like to stay and enjoy it even just for a moment… but I know I won’t make it in time.”

He was silent for a moment but all this time he spent with her he grew to love her as an older sister. “Do you really wanna go?” he asked softly.

She slowly nodded her head. “When I was a slave they won’t allow me… when Midoriko cared for me she went with me and we stayed for a fortnight… but when she died I was unable to go. I was hoping one day I would be able to go once again and say my wish…” she said softly and blinked when she felt his clawed hands rest over hers.

“Do you want some company?”

“Nani?”

“Since Kagome came here, we haven’t exactly had time to enjoy, pretty much anything. I guess you can call this a vacation for them.”

“Oh Inuyasha… but don’t you want to come?”

“I want to but…” he trailed off as he rubbed his swollen stomach.

The demi-goddess smiled and rested her hand over his. “Next year then.”

“Great so let’s go find Kouga.” Still holding onto her hands he slowly stood and went in search of his mate. Technically the leader of the wolf pack wasn’t his mate nor he his. They hadn’t completed the bond but the wolf prince promised once the pups were born and the hanyou healed, then they could finally mark one another. Going through the caves they found Kouga calling the meeting to an end. As the council members filled out of the large cave they gave the demi-goddess ‘looks’ that she felt even without her sight. She said nothing but moved closer to the half-demon and tried to hide behind him. Inuyasha knew this and glared at them silently. Until he was mated, he could do nothing. Kouga was the leader not him.

Said wolf demon yawned as he stood, stretching his back. It never failed the meetings were getting no where. The council finally accepted the half-demon to carrying the next leader of the pack but they were still pressing him to make the demi-goddess force to mate with one of their greatest and unmated warriors. He argued that he would not be so cruel and that she was only a guest here. This started a fight that he called the meeting to a close. He smiled when he watched his so-to-be-mate and the spirit healer entered.

“A welcomed surprise,” he grinned and nodded to them. It was hard not to pull the hanyou to his chest and claim him but he didn’t want to hurt their children and he knew Inuyasha wouldn’t hesitate to hit him where it hurts. Just because he was pregnant didn’t mean he had to accept the public displays of attention like a woman. He blinked and knew there was something going on. “What’s wrong?”

“Not me but Heikou has something she wants to ask you,” he said, gently pushing the healer before him but didn’t remove his hands from her shoulders.

Kouga smiled at the young woman. Sure he thought Heikou was a lovely creature but he also admired her skills and the fact that she stayed with a pack of wolf demons just to help a half-demon out. “What can I do for you?”

She nervously stroked one of her white braids, letting it run through her fingers as she lifted her head up. Though sightless, her eyes were directed into his general direction. “I was wondering if I could go to festival located in my home village. The problem is my home lies to the West and the festival begins tomorrow; I’m afraid I won’t make it in time. But perhaps if someone gave me directions to Inuyasha’s village I could ask his friends to come with me,” she said as quickly as she could.

The prince thought about it and nodding to his mate stepped forward and gently took her hands in his own. “Heikou, you have done so much for not only my pack that this is the least I can do for you. You have been taking care of everyone around you without a second thought, even though most wanted to mate with you without your consent. So if this will make you happy then go just, try to return as soon as possible.” The look of pure surprise made he smile and gave her hands a squeeze. “Ginta and Hakkaku can show you the way.”

“Ginta and Hakkaku… are those the two that are constantly fighting among each other and Lotus threaten to knock some sense into their skulls?” she asked with a slight tilt of her head.

Kouga gave a nervous laugh and his tail twitched. “Yeah… but they’re my best friends since we were pups. I trust them with my life-”

“Then I shall trust them with mine.” Smiling she stepped forward and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, as one would kiss a beloved friend or relative. “You are indeed a great leader, just like your father before you. I have to tell Lotus-san!” Bowing to them she dashed out, her feet memorized the paths and soon she found herself at the pack’s healer’s den. Once she told the old demoness the news there came a happy and girlish squeal the resonated within the cave’s walls. It was annoying at best but inside the two women couldn’t be happier.

Several moments later the small party waved as they headed into the forest. Heikou opted to walk to conserve her energy for the long flight ahead of them. Ginta and Hakkaku would return back to the caves once the demi-goddess was safely with their clan-sister and her friends. Coming along were several wolves for added protection. Inuyasha, Kouga, and Lotus watched them leave, happy to see such joy in the girl’s face. The two demons looked at each other before looking forward but slowly reaching out, took one another’s hands in their own, linking their fingers together. Lotus noticed this but just smiled and let them be.

‘They can mate after the pups are born… for a short while anyway,’ she thought to herself with a smirk.

--

“Lady Kaede! Demons are approaching our village!” the watch-man said as he barged into the miko’s hut.

The old woman stood and followed him outside. “Are ye certain they be demons?”

“Yes lady, two men and a small pack of wolves.”

“That sounds like Kouga but why is he coming?” Sango asked, having heard the man’s warning.

Ginta and Hakkaku entered the entrance of the village, the wolves following closely. Heikou had a cloak around her form to try and blend in with the wolf demons. She hated to confined her wings and the fear of being closed in made her nervous but with the bright colors and her feathers made her stand out and would draw unwanted attention to her. Looking around the noticed the group and went over.

The villagers relaxed when they saw the old miko showed no fear before them but they were still wary. Kaede nodded at them when they were close enough to speak. “Ye be part of Kouga’s pack, be that true?” she asked.

“Uhh yeah?” Ginta asked.

“What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” Sango asked them.

“They escorted me,” Heikou said and removed the cloak, folding it over her arms as her wings stretched. “Where is Kagome?”

“She had to go back home and study for some tests.”

“Oh. I wanted to invite you all to a festival my home village has every year. The problem is it begins tomorrow and I won’t make it. I was wondering, if Kirara wouldn’t mind and if you would like to come, that we could go together,” she said but her sightless eyes were looking at their feet, her fingers pulling at a loose thread restlessly.

Miroku stepped forward and took her hand in his own. “My dear lady, we would be honored to go with you and see this festival of yours,” he said with gallantry.

Shippo, who had been quiet, walked up to the demi-goddess and tugged at her outfit. “Can I come to?” he asked.

She smiled and knelt to his level, reaching out and ruffling his hair. “Of course. The festival is for all people young and old.”

“We’d love to go but I don’t know if Kirara can fly to your village from here in one night. But we can try,” Sango smiled.

“I think I can call in a favor. Please excuse me,” the monk said and walked off. “Be sure to be ready and packed in ten minutes.” Heikou looked confused but everyone else just smiled.

Ten minutes later the group were packed. The villagers gave them some food to take and Kaede wished them a well journey. Ginta and Hakkaku decided to head back to let Kouga know that the healer had arrived safely. As the group waited Miroku appeared with the shape-shifting raccoon-dog, Hachi. And he had several knots on his head.

“Ladies, I found a solution to our problem!” he said with a smile. “Hachi has decided to graciously take us to Heikou’s village. I believe if we leave now we may be able to be there by dawn.”

Sango chose not to say anything and Shippo shook his head but Heikou stepped forward and bowed before him. “Domo arigato, Hachi-chan. I promise to reward you once we arrive at my home village.”

The raccoon-dog blushed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “N-No thanks my lady, it would be nice to see a festival for once. Now stand back!” Putting some distance between them he placed a leaf on his head and transformed into a kinda of beige and black stripped balloon. “All aboard!”

The ladies got on first followed by Shippo then Miroku. After getting many well wishes and safe journeys from the villagers they flew towards the west. Miroku had hoped to charm the young demi-goddess but she was more interested in chatting with the shape-shifter. He sat be himself when he gave the demon slayer’s rear end a stroke. Why did women have to be so difficult?

“So what is the festival about?” Hachi asked.

“It dates back to the time when there were two star-gods who were exceptionally beautiful and wise. The “Princess Weaver”, Shokujo, was the king’s daughter who was a beautiful, accomplished weaver who was responsible for the royal cloth. The divine Cowherd, Kengyu, was tending his flocks in the hills next to the palace one day when the Princess happened to gaze out the window. Their eyes locked and it was love at first sight. They immediately ran to each other and after a brief courtship, approached the king for his blessing, which he granted easily.”

“Sounds like a happily ever after tale to me,” he said.

“It does but there’s more. The two were so madly in love that the weaving and the herds were both neglected; neither of them cared about anything except each other. The king put his foot down and ordered the two to be separated by the “river of stars” but he wasn’t so cruel to forbid his daughter’s love. So one day out of the year they can visit one another. A bridge is formed over the stars created by a flock of loyal sparrows.”

“And every year your village throws a festival in their honor.”

“My father said it was because Kengyu was from our village. I don’t know how old the legend is but ever year we hold a festival in memory of the two lovers. Men, women, and children dress in their best robes, everyone brings a dish for all to enjoy, some even open their homes as shrines for the gods where gifts/offerings are left. Most of the time the people wish for wealth or a long life but they say the gods grant wishes of those who’s deepest desires are true. Other than feasting and offering gifts and prayers people also tie tanzakus to sacred lengths of bamboo.”

“Tanzakus?” Shippo asked, carefully walking over to her. “What are those?”

“They’re strips of paper filled with poems but some also write down their wishes. At dusk the priestess or priestess of the village takes the branches and saying a prayer tosses them into the river. It’s believed the poems and wishes are sent to the gods.”

“Wow that sounds great! But do you think they’ll allow demons in the village?”

Heikou smiled and holding her arms out, held him in his lap. “I see no reason why not. I can see none of you mean any harm and to be truthful, I would not want to be alone.”

Sango leaned over and rested her hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. It’ll be a new experience for all of us and will actually be fun.”

“Sango is right. You are our friend and we will let nothing happen to you,” Miroku added with a charming smile. The blind girl smiled back at them happily.

--

They finally at Heikou’s home village where she was born except the village had grown to resemble a small town. A few homes made of stone were scattered over the area, people dressed in fine robes walked through the streets, men dressed in armor stood guard at their posts but they walked in once they showed they were merely here for the celebrations.

Heikou took in the sounds and smells, then frowned. “I’ve forgotten how long I’ve been gone… this is not the same place I grew up in,” she said tensely, her hand gripping at the cloak she wore tightly.

“If only there was someone you remembered… but chances are they may have moved or passed on,” Miroku said as he looked around.

They walked through the streets, finding that stalls were already opening and preparing for the festival. Women that looked of noble birth walked the streets with armored escorts, giggling and saying what they would wear. One of them laughed loudly and ran into Heikou but instead of apologizing she whirled upon her and lifted her nose in the air.

“Out of my way, peasant!” she yelled.

The girl blinked and bowed. “Gomen,” she said softly and moved pass her and her friends. She ignored the way they insulted her, laughed and walked away. She could feel the anger of her friends but silently shook her head. They continued walking.

An old woman had watched it all and scowled. She was the oldest member of the town and did not approve when a noble family made their home here but no one listened to her. He claimed that he would protect them from the demons of the land but she say past his petty lies. His children were spoiled brats but the soldiers did keep bandits and rogues out. She watched as the group of strangers made their way through the streets but something about the girl in the cloth seemed familiar. She slowly stood, using her cane for support and watched as they moved but her eyes widen when she caught a glimmer of colors. ‘Could it be?’ She decided to go see them. Her granddaughter would mind the shop for a few moments.

The group were still fuming but did nothing. They didn’t know the customs of the small town and would not risk endangering their friend. Sango stopped before a shop selling flowers and smiled, inhaling their delicate scents. “These are beautiful,” she said with a smile. “I’ve never seen so many colors before.”

The merchant beamed with pride. “Would a lady as beautiful as you care for a bouquet?” he asked. “This time of year young people such as yourself buy flowers to give to their loved ones or to offer to the gods so that they may find their true love.” He looked at the flowers and began putting them into a bouquet of assorted colored and wrapped them in delicate rice paper then tied it all together with a few ribbons. With a smile and slight bow he presented them to the young woman. “For you, lovely lady.”

Sango blushed and took them but before she could pay Miroku reached into his pocket and dropped several coins into the merchant’s hand. She looked up at him questioning.

“I thank you my good man but even all your flowers together could not match Sango’s fair beauty,” he said giving her a charming smile.

Once more Sango found herself blushing. “Miroku…”

The merchant bowed to Miroku, thanking him and looked at Heikou. “You lady, would you care for a bouquet as well?” he asked.

“I… Yes I would please. But if I may.” She smiled and taking in the scent of each flower she picked several different kind but the colors were a blend of golden yellows, red-oranges, a few pinks and lavender. It looked like the flowers were the colors of the sun during dawn and dusk. The aroma was breath-taking.

“Ah you have a great sense of beauty, dear lady.” He smiled and tied the flowers in delicate rice paper and tied them with several ribbons before handing them to her.

Heikou smiled and took them and gave him several coins but dropped several more in the shallow bowl that was nearly hidden by the flowers. “May the gods grant your good fortune.” The merchant seemed to beam even more and bowed to her deeply, thanking her for her generosity. The demi-goddess took in the scent of the flowers and hoped her parents would enjoy them but she stiffened and turned when her name was called.

The old woman was looking at her with wide eyes. her hair had long since turned to gray and she used a cane to help her ease her walking but her robe but made of fine cotton, delicate cranes gracing her robes in gentle colors of blue and white. She stepped forward and smiled warmly at the blind girl. “My child, it has been so long… and you are still as lovely as when you left…”

Slowly recognition took over her surprise. A shaking hand reached out and slowly, carefully, traced over her weathered and wrinkled skin. A warm smile graced her lips as she bowed to her deeply. “Kohana-san… it is so good to see you.” Though the woman was shorter Heikou leaned over and being careful with the flowers, embraced her. The old woman hugged her back as well, like a grandmother greeting her grandchild whom she hadn’t seen in years. When they parted the old woman smiled and nodded to the others. “Come with me and I shall spin my tale.”

--

“So you are a descendant of Kengyu and Shokujo?” Miroku asked.

Kohana invited them all into her home and offered them all some tea. She introduced them to her granddaughter Cho who was quite pretty with reddish-brown hair and kind hazel eyes with freckles sprinkled over his nose and cheeks. Miroku nearly asked the young woman to bear his children but she was pregnant with a child of her own. Her kimono was a pale green with pale oranges butterflies flittering across the fabrics. She was kind and her fingers were lightly scarred that showed she was no stranger to sewing or knitting. The same could be said for her grandmother.

The old woman nodded. “The women in our family have always have the gift of weaving fabric and so used our talents to make kimonos of great beauty though the royal cloth was never sold not even to the emperor himself. That is only made to those who would respect our talents. The men were the greatest herders ever but their herds were always the best in the lands but we mostly raised sheep to supply the women with wool to spin.”

“But not everyone born into the family wanted such a life,” Cho sighed and carefully, eased herself down. My father became a soldier and married my mother, a lady but when I was born they wanted me to marry a soldier. I didn’t and wished to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps. My husband is a herder and we fell in love so here I am.” She smiled and rubbed her swollen belly.

“How come your husband isn’t here?” Shippo asked.

“He took the herd to the capital to sell. In the summer and autumn he raises cows but when winter comes we sell/trade the cows for sheep so in early summer we can shear the sheep and spend the time spinning the wool. We also keep a few lambs ourselves but just a few.”

“It looks like your family is doing very well,” Sango smiled. “But why don’t you buy a larger home?”

“We prefer simple things in life and it’s best to have money saved for the future. I want all my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have a future before them.”

Cho looked at Heikou and smiled, heaving taken the time and permission to admire her wings and feathers. “Heikou-san, you’re here for the festival I take it?” She nodded which only made Cho smile. “But you or your friend do not have any kimonos.”

“Uh no-”

“Perfect! Follow me!” With barely any warning she took a hold of their hands and pulled them into the back of the house. The others blinked and looked at the old woman who sighed and shook her head.

“Cho is an exceptional weaver and has created several kimonos but does not believe the women of the village here are worthy enough. As you can see the young maidens here think themselves higher than everyone else. The lord does protect us but his children roam free doing whatever they please.”

“Why doesn’t the lord say anything?” Hachi asked, having stayed quiet most of the time.

“He is too busy with political affairs and the lady is just as spoiled as her children. She hates that they live in a ‘disgusting peasant village instead of a grand-city’. But rumor has it the lord made a pact with a demon who resides in the lands.”

Now this caught their interest. “What kind of pact?” Miroku asked.

Kohana looked at him and closed her eyes as she sipped her tea and refilled everyone’s cups. “Not that kind of pact, young monk. We do not overstep the boundaries set nor try to invade the demon’s home. He in turn does not attack our village or kill those within our boundaries. Occasionally some of the youngsters dare to sneak further into the lands but even the lord brings punishment upon them, even his own children. When strangers pass through we give warning but when bodies are found dead we give no grief.”

“Who is this lord then? He’s gotten be powerful,” Shippo asked. Kirara mewed cutely.

“No one has ever seen him though the lord claims to have seen him once.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Does not matter to me.”

“You seem sure of yourself, Kohana-sama.”

“Not true. I fear humans more than demons.”

Cho finally came out of the backroom, smiling to herself and looking immensely proud. “They’re ready!” she said and gestured for the ladies to come out. Sango was the first and Miroku felt his jaw just drop open.

The demon slayer wore an elegantly done beige kimono with the pattern of dull gold and dark amber leaves falling to represent the middle of fall. It hugged her body but not too much, leaving some to the imagination. The deep brown obi was wrapped around her waist firmly and her hair was kept in it’s tie but it was tied with a beige ribbon and a leaf or two were tied in so it added more to her appearance. She was blushing brightly at the attention she was receiving.

Kohana smiled and nodded her head. “I’d say she looked good in--what did you call it?”.

“Autumn Leaf Kimono. The print symbolizes the melancholy experienced at the end of a season of fruitfulness,” she smiled proudly. “I almost gave her the green one but Sango best represents the golds and browns.”

“Sango…” Miroku stood and stood before her. “You look… so beautiful…” he breathed before he began blushing himself. No one said anything but it was kinda of amusing in a cute sort of way. The two were blushing like a pair of young lovers.

Heikou slowly came out and everyone seemed to hold their breaths. She wore a white sarong as the first layer as it tied around her neck but atop of that was a heavier kimono of rich violet with the pattern of wild orchids of a pale white-pink color. Splashes of red and gold are on the bottom hem lined the hem and the obi was a matching pale white-pink color with red and gold stripes. The only difference between the one she wore and the one Sango wore was the sleeves were slightly longer and it trailed around her feet, like a robe a lady of higher birth wore. Her wings were in full view with the kimono resting under the wings. Her hair was done up in a formal style with one of gold and silver feathers hanging down. She was blushing so brightly her face looked like it was sunburned.

Everyone looked at her, hardly believing their eyes but it was Shippo who said what was on their minds. “You look like a princess!!” he exclaimed. That only made her blush brighter.

“I chose this print since it reminded me of the uncontained beauty of wild orchids,” Cho said proudly. Everyone looked towards the door when they heard music begin to play. Kohana got up and peering out her door nodded.

“The festival is about to begin. Cho, why don’t you show our guests around while I look after the shop. Get to know them better,” she nodded to her granddaughter.

The young woman smiled brightly. “Arigato!” Hugging her and promising to be back soon they were off.

The festival was alive with color as people wore their most elaborate kimonos but none could match the beauties of the two women that just came to the town today. The demi-goddess felt uncomfortable with showing off her wings but people thought she was wearing a costume. In fact, there was a vendor selling masks of animals and even demons. Sango bought one of a cat, Shippo of a fox, Hachi of a laughing human, and even Cho bought one that looked like a butterfly. Miroku still flirted with the ladies but they taught him only to be teasing and continued their way. Sango seemed hurt but didn’t say anything. The food was spread out on a long table and it was free so everyone helped themselves to the delicious food and drinks. As music played parents watched children dance some even invited Shippo to join. He was clearly having fun and that didn’t point at his tail or ask questions about it.

The women who rudely bumped into the group glared angrily. How dare these new comers show her up! She was the eldest daughter of the lord in this two-bit town! She should have all the attention focused on her! She watched as men tried to ask the women to dance but they refused. When one of them grew too daring the woman in the leaf-patterned kimono didn’t hesitate to slap him hard enough to send him to the ground.

“I didn’t give you permission to touch me and I don’t want to dance with you!” she said angrily. “Try that once more and I’ll break your arm!”

“You little slut!” the man insulted and made to lunge at her but once more fell to the ground but was clutching his broken nose. He looked up at the monk who had struck him with the golden tip of his staff.

“I am asking you to leave this lady alone. She does not wish to dance with you and by your manners I can see why not,” he said coolly, his eyes betraying the anger he felt at this moment. Apparently the man has some brains as he left but was cursing under his breathe. The area was quiet but the music began to play and everything was back in the swing of things. No one gave the man another thought and soon the strangers were enjoying themselves as well.

Halfway during the festivities people began taking slips of paper and writing on them as neatly as possible. Those that didn’t know how to read or write asks others to help them and sure enough Miroku found himself writing poems down from several of the young women. Heikou helped some of the children write wishes down, promising she would not tell them to anyone else, and then tied the wishes to the bamboo. It was going so well by the time dusk settled people were beginning to get tired. The priest and several of his associates began to take the tree to a local river where they would be sent to the gods. Heikou decided to take the time to go see her father’s grave.

“I promise I’ll be back later, but I want to pay my respects to my parents,” she told them. Making sure she had the flowers she headed into the forest.

The eldest daughter of the lord called Nanami with soft, light colored hair and dark colored eyes. She was pretty but in her mind she thought she was the most beautiful woman alive. When the strangers arrived she grew jealous of all the attention they were gaining. Even their kimonos were the most stunning kimonos ever. Her own golden yellow robes with the pale pink flowers. She watched Heikou leave leaving her satisfied but most of the people in the village who watched her leave sighed sadly. Her anger grew ten-folds.

‘Who does this think she is? I am the lord’s daughter yet everyone treats her like the Empress!’ she asked herself in a fit of anger and jealously; she blinked when her brother stood at her side. Her brother was a tall and very handsome young man with his long hair tied set loose around his shoulders, his strong features and dark colored eyes. Today he wore a blood red yukata with their father’s symbol on the back and a sword in his belt. She smiled prettily and slipped her arms around her brother’s arm. She adored her brother and thought him to be the perfect man around. But what wasn’t know was that she loved her brother dearly but should any of the village girls catch his attention she ordered soldiers to hunt the girl down and kill her.

“Touga-kun!” she said happily but he didn’t even look at her. His attention was focused on that girl with the fake wings so her pretty face turned into an angry looking scowl.

Touga was the eldest child and son of the lord’s holding but he was one of the best swordsmen around. He was handsome but he was also cunning and somewhat manipulative. Once he set his eyes on something or someone, he got it. He glanced down at his sister then back up. “I’ve never seen those people here before.”

“They’re just passing through, here for the festival like everyone else.”

“Is that so?” He grew silent but there was something about that girl with the wings. She was not like the women of the village. The other young woman was beautiful but he did not liked women with so much spirit. They were such a nuisance really. He pulled his arm free of his sister’s and nodded to her. “Tell mother not to wait up.” And with that he left followed by two of his friends who were just as corrupt as the young lord.

Nanami huffed, her face turning an interesting red before storming home, her escorts rushing to keep up with her.

--

Heikou hadn’t been here in years but she knew the path by heart. She let her feet take her deeper in the wood, farther in until finally, she stopped. Had she the sight she would have seen the ruins of a cottage home long since gone. There was barely anything left but slowly tears fell. This had been her home once. Her feet took her past to a spot where sunlight was allowed to drift through the thick branches up above. It was here where she carefully knelt where a crudely made stone marker was placed. She carefully placed the flowers upon the grave and closed her eyes, bringing her hands together in a prayer.

When Midoriko had saved her, she had asked her if they could come here to see her father. The villager had seen the fire but only a few came and buried her father. She had cried for so long but at least his body wasn’t left out for scavengers to eat. How she wished he was alive, how she wished she could see her mother but she would never forget them. Ending her prayer she stood and turned her face to the light. She could tell the day was beginning to end but she didn’t mind. She loved the feel of the light against her skin she arched her wings to feel more but she left herself open for a sudden attack…

--

Sesshomaru walked silently through the lands. It felt good to be home but he had his reasons for returning. There were rumors that some human was trying to take away his home. He knew of only one lord in the area and decided to see if the rumors were true yet he was going alone. His vassal, Jaken, had no idea where he had gone but why should he have to tell him anything? The toad demon would be fine until he returned. He paused and lifted his head, feeling a breeze blow by. Had it really been that long since he was last here? ‘Too long,’ he thought to himself. He had nearly forgotten the scent of his land and the feel of the western winds passing over. But his moment of peace and solitude were interrupted.

Frantic footsteps were heard but it was followed by shouting. Normally he wouldn’t have given this another thought but the sounds were getting closer. He took a few steps and hidden by a tight seclusion of trees, watched. A young woman was on the ground, slowly pulling herself up. She seemed like any other human woman wearing a silken violet kimono but what drew his attention were the gold and silver wings from her back. One was bend at an odd angel and when it was shifted her face became a mask of pain which could only mean it was broken.

The icy-hearted lord had never seen anything like her before and when his saw her face, his felt his breathe hitch. He didn’t want to admit it even to himself but this was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Part of him wanted to help her but he stayed rooted to his spot. Even when he heard more footsteps but his golden eyes narrowed to almost dangerous slits.

Touga walked into the clearing, watching as his two men ran forward and grabbed Heikou’s arms. She struggled but their grips were too tight. He walked before them and gave her his most charming smile. “Why do you keep running from me?” he asked in a silken tone.

“Because I do not wish to be in your presence,” she said in a quiet tone that spoke such anger. Her head snapped to the side when one of the men holding her down slapped her.

“Watch your tongue!” he said angrily.

Sesshomaru found himself growling deeply, his claws digging into the bark of the tree but he either didn’t notice or care as the poison seeped into the wood, burning it slowly yet steadily. He wanted to go out and tear their throats out, bury his poison claws into his chest, make him suffer but why? Just to protect that girl? What was she though? She has human that much he could sense but the other half was not that of a demon but something higher.

Touya knelt before her, smiling kindly. “Such a glorious creature… pity about your wing,” he sighed, reaching out to run his hand over the injured limp but pulled his hand back when she jerked away from his touch. “You shouldn’t have run away from me.”

“You left me no choice. I asked you kindly to leave yet you ignored my request. Your men broke my wing when I tried to fly away. You attacked me when I did nothing.”

“You turned away from my advances.”

“I do know accept anything from a rapist.”

His eyes turned cold and he lost that charming smile. “A rapist am I? If that is what you think.” He looked at his men who smirked and pulled her to the ground, ripping her kimono away but Heikou would not go down fighting. Though her wing was broken and she held no weapons of her own she knew how to fight a bit. She screamed despite being alone, lashed out with her nails, kicked and stuck when she felt someone near enough but they didn’t stop. A fist struck her stomach that she could barely gasp for air. Even so she continued to fight as the lovely robe was torn away but her eyes widen when she felt a weight settle over his body. “No… please, leave me alone…” she whispered, telling herself she would not cry.

The young man smirked and leaned down, his lips barely away from hers. “Even if you survive who would believe a blind freak of nature over the lord’s son?” he asked and was prepared to steal a kiss but looked up when he heard a gurgle.

The man holding the girl’s arms down slowly fell back, blood pooling from his lips as the same crimson liquid fell from a deep gash that came from his throat. It happened so quickly but the girl didn’t seem to notice as she was able to sit up and slapped the young lord’s son as hard as she could. This physical attack came him completely off guard that he fell off her. The other man that held her legs down was surprised and released his grip but he was kicked in the face. Heikou turned onto her hands and knees, hoping to get away but she cried out in pain as her lovely tail feathers were pulled.

“So the rumors were true,” Touya said with amusement as he pulled her back by the glittering feathers, ignoring her cries of pain and her futile attempts at escaping. Straddling her legs he tore the kimono down and roughly, pulled her wings back. When she screamed his smirk grew. “You are the daughter of the sun-goddess.”

Heikou said nothing but what could she saw? The way he was handling her wings it felt like he was trying to break them off. Like other birds their wings were perhaps the most fragile parts of their bodies and she was no exception. Feathers hurt when forcefully pulled off but broken bones were another matter entirely. Tears fell but she would not give in to this bastard. ‘Father, mother! Please help me!’ she prayed as hard as she could but it came in the most unexpected form.

She felt the presence of some powerful being, definitely not human but the weight that had been keeping her pinned was gone. She was in pain but she swallowed it back and crawled away until she felt a large tree in her way. She huddled against it, pulling the remains of her robe over herself. As she concentrated on healing her wing she heard the familiar sound of a sword being used. Was someone fighting the lord’s son? Who would do that? Who would bother to rescue her?

Sesshomaru watched as the acidic poison ate away at the man, watching as he withered on the ground. He felt a surge of delight as he watched him slowly die before his eyes but he couldn’t enjoy all of it. He turned and looked at the blade being held by the human boy who thought he was a man. For once he was glad he didn’t have the Tetsusaiga. He didn’t need a sword to deal with him but he had questions.

“Why are you tormenting this girl?” he asked coolly.

“Why is it any of your concern?” he asked himself.

Why did he care? Why was he willing to kill these men just to save a woman whom he knew nothing about. “These are my lands.”

Touya narrowed his eyes. “My father owns these lands and I am his eldest son.”

“Your father resides here because I deemed it so. I am the Lord of the Western Lands.”

“Ridiculous. The lord disappeared years ago.”

“Who told you this.”

“Everyone knows this. The lord left his manor and his lands and had never been seen again but that doesn’t matter.” He smirked as he drew himself into an attack position. “Soon all the land shall be mine.”

Sesshomaru was silent but faster than the boy could blink he had him pinned to a tree, claws wrapped around his throat and holding him there as the claws began to pierce the fragile skin. “You are a fool. And now you will die.” His hand began to glow a sickly green color, the poison building as he tightened his grip. Once this boy was dead he would go and kill the lord for daring to invade his manor and steal the rest of his land.

“Stop!”

A single word was all that saved Touya from being killed. Sesshomaru turned and watched as the young woman approached him. Her hair fell loose about her shoulders, her wings gently folded over her shoulders and her tail was seen through the torn fabric. Her sightless eyes rose up to his golden gaze and it was then he remembered where he had seen her before.

“You were with my brother those months ago,” he said in slight awe. How could he have not recognized her beauty in the beginning? Why was he helping her thought? He detected no sense of his brother anyway around these parts and the scent of wolves was slowly fading from her being.

Heikou nodded as he hangs clung to her ruined kimono. “My lord, I beg you… do not kill this man,” she said softly.

“Why should I not? He has caused you harm and wishes to take over my land for his own selfish needs.”

“I understand but should you kill him his father will want revenge. This may bring a battle in which many innocent lives will be lost.” She paused, closing her eyes then opened them and continued.

“You are a full demon and I can sense an immense power from you… and I have not lived in this village in year, those that I once knew are now gone save for a few… if to save them from a useless battle means that my attacker should live… then so be it.” Slowly, she rested her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading with him to release the lord’s son.

By all means he should have ignored this woman and killed this wretched being but he found himself releasing him, watching as he fell to the ground, gasping for breathe and bringing his hands to his bruised throat. Saying nothing he turned and began to walk away but a strange sound made him turn.

Touya had tried to attack the demon lord from behind so he would take his land but heikou wouldn’t let such a dishonorable act happen. She imposed herself between them and the sword pierced her side. She gasped at the pain but her hand glowed with power. It looked as if she gave the lord a shove but the power behind it was enough to send him flying back where he connected with a tree. He crumbled to the ground in a dazed fashion.

“Only a fool and coward would dare to attack someone from behind… then die on his feet with honor like a man,” she said and stumbled back into Sesshomaru who caught her in his arm. She smiled as blood began to die the violet a sickening maroon. “A-Arigato, my lord…”

“…” He said nothing but, why did he not kill this human? Why did he save her? What was happening to him. He was ready to pull out his sword his father had left him but watched as her hands began glowing. ‘What is this power?’ he asked as he watched the blood stop flowing. It felt like the sun beating down on them but after a while it stopped. Her body went still in his embrace but with his keen sense of hearing he knew she was alive by the beat of her heart and rise of fall of her chest as she slept. He looked at the young lord but he was gone and he knew he could not leave this woman here like this. Sooner or later the scent of blood would attract scavengers or demons. The other two men he would not dirty his hand by digging even a pit for their corpses. Holding the girl to his chest his extremely long and soft tail silently wrapped around them, holding most of her weight (she seemed light, like a bird) and walked off.


Author’s Notes: Hey everyone I am alive! In case you haven’t read the AN before this I moved, have my own place, am starting school this Friday (weird ne?), and am sitting in a crappy spider-breeding shit chair and my poor computer is sitting on empty boxes. I don’t even have a table!

Now I wanted to ask you all, should Sessy have his left arm granted back to him or should it stay a stump? And if he seems OOC I’m sorry. I’m trying but with the new eps of Inu it hard since they don’t show him a lot and I’m trying very hard not to mix them up ^^

Laterz and plz, don’t forget to tell me if you arm back or not. I need a total odd number, I don’t want to have a tie breaker, ‘kay?