Twist of time

I don't own the story.. but I do own Istra


Istra found herself sitting against the wall of Miroku’s small hut, the monk directly in front of her the demon slayer and priestess on each side. Pinching the bridge of her nose Istra squeezed her eyes shut a moment before opening them again.
“How much do you know of Greek mythology?” she asked the group.
Kagome immediately brightened. “I just took a course last semester.”
Istra caught the worried glances that Sango and Miroku threw at the younger girl as she realized her mistake.
“I see.” Istra sighed. “That will make things easier I hope.”
Worry turned to shock as the trio looked back at Istra. “You mean you…” Kagome started.
Istra held up a hand for silence. “I’ll get to that don’t worry. First, let me explain who I am. “My given name is Istra Trueblood and I was born in 1447 in what is now Scotland. I am going to be very honest with you because I need your trust and the only way to gain that is to give you all of mine.” She paused to look each person in the eye receiving nods of understanding. “I am not human.” She started again softly. “I am a dragon, a creature similar to what you call a demon only different. We are immortal through our hearts and when a dragon dies it is possible for the heart to be removed and thus used to gain immortality for mortals.”
“You look human and have no demon aura.” Sango spoke skeptically.
Nodding, Istra continued. “That is very true Sango, I have no demon aura, but one that is different and if you were from my country I would imagine that you would feel it as you feel your demons. As for looking human, I have three forms. The one you see here, a dragon form, and a third as a half dragon half woman that is only possible for ancients and royalty.”
Flashing her eyes red then back to green she gauged their expressions.
“Alright now we believe you, but what do you have to do with my mother?”
Smiling, Istra looked directly in the monk’s eyes. “I have been a friend of your mother’s for hundreds of years, yet I never knew she had a son. She told no one and so when she finally let the secret out it was imperative we get to you before something could happen.”
“Something like what?”
“There is a creature in Greek mythology called the Golden Hind. They are a creature of extreme power and their blood can take the life of any immortal. Hind’s are very dangerous for many races such as Sirens, Fairies and even my own, the Dragons. I would imagine that your demons could be killed by the same blood.”
Getting to her knees Istra leaned forward. “Your mother is a Hind, Miroku and on your twenty-fifth birthday you will become one also. I am here to protect you until you are safely a Hind and thus, are immortal. If any threat shall befall you however, I, or one of my people will come to aid you. It is the duty of the Dragons to protect the Hind’s.”
Silence greeted her as she finished. Looking at each shocked face she leaned back.
“What does a hind look like?” Miroku asked.
“A deer basically, a golden deer but only on select times of the year, for the rest of that time you will be as you are now.”
Miroku looked at his friends then back to Istra, “I turn twenty five in three days.”
Istra nodded. “I know.”
“I’m afraid that is not a lot of time to think about this.”
“That is true, but there is nothing you can do about it. You will be a Hind and that is all. Now, before I leave you for the night I need to ask a favor of you.”
She held her wrist dagger out. “If you would, I need a tiny bit of your blood in order to create a bond with you. This way I can always sense danger and even bad intentions that others have toward you. Being that your blood will become deadly to me in three days I can place the bond on this weapon, that way you will be able to summon me through it.”
Miroku frowned thoughtfully. “I see no problem with that.” He held out his once cursed hand turning it palm up for Istra.
Surprised at his gesture of trust Istra cradled his wrapped hand in hers. “You’re a very brave man monk, very trusting.” She commented as she turned her dagger inward, plunging it deep into her side. Just as swiftly she removed it. Catching the monk’s eye she smiled. “Now this may sting.”
Using her the edge of her thumb she scratched the side of his wrist bring forth a line of blood. Releasing his hand she wiped her fingers across the scratch bring forth a smear of blood, which she mingled with her that coated the dagger.
Leaning back , she turned away letting white hot flames burn deep into the blade.
When she turned back she looked into the horrified faces of the monk and the two women. “Wha- are you hurt?” Kagome gasped.
Istra shook her head leaning to the side to show only a fading scratch.
“The blade is enchanted it heals almost immediately after removed.” She explained looking back to the monk. “Now I can sense you monk.” She replaced the dagger making sure it rested against the bare skin of her wrist.
“But why did you use so much of your own blood Lady Istra?” Sango frowned as she watched her put away the blade.
“I’m a magical creature, thus the spell is in my blood, but if the monk here had already changed then I would of needed an equal amount of each blood.”
When Sango nodded Istra pushed to her feet. “I think it would be best for me to set a barrier out side of your huts to allow you time to think things over.”
“I smell blood. What’s going on here?” Inuyasha bellowed as he stormed into the hut.
Sniffing, he made his way over and examined Miroku before ending up at Istra. “What happened?” he demanded.
Immediately, Kagome jumped up, taking her husbands arm and half dragging him out . “I’ll explain later Inuyasha, come on now it’s time for bed.”
Inuyasha scoffed. “Hn, I’m not Shippo, you can’t tell me when to go to bed.”
Without missing a beat Kagome ran a hand down his chest . “Bed time” she whispered.
Inuyasha silenced immediately, his ears standing up on point. “Mkay Kags.”
Kagome winked at the group over her husbands shoulder before turning away a very attentive half demon following closely.
Once they were gone Istra curtseyed to the remaining couple. “I won’t be too far.”
“Lady Istra.” Sango called rising to stand before her. “May we speak privately?”
Istra nodded, slightly wary. This woman could either be a great ally or formidable enemy. “As you wish. “ She turned and led the way out of the monk’s hut.
She stepped to the side waiting for that slayer to lead. Soon they were sitting in Sango’s hut where the fox demon and a split tail where curled up.
“I was wondering.” Sango fidgeted.
Istra reached out to still her hands. “Do not fear me. I am no threat to your monk.”
Sango looked up in surprise. “I wasn’t…”
“You were, but don’t worry its natural for a woman in love.”
Yeah, even more so for a woman in love with a pervert.”
Istra laughed. “That bad?”
Sango shook her head. “It’s horrible.”
“Well as I said I am of no threat, besides he’d kill me if he got a bloody nose. So what’s on your mind?”
Smiling slightly Sango glanced at the door to her hut. “Honestly? I’m wondering what happens to us when he becomes immortal? I mean I have enough trouble keeping him with me I can’t imagine what it would be like when I get old.”
Istra leaned back in surprise. “Well, if he loves you I don’t see that being a problem.”
Sango sighed sadly. “I know it’s selfish, but my first thought was that he wouldn’t love me if he stayed young while I aged.
Istra nodded sympathetically. “I’m not sure Sango, but I believe that there could be a way. So don’t worry yet. I’ll talk to Rose, his mother. Then we’ll figure this out.”
Sango smiled. “We have hope then?”
Istra took the woman’s hand. “Yes my dear, we always have hope. Now I should leave you for the night. Do you think that maybe you should comfort Miroku. I’m sure he has a lot on his mind.”
Sango nodded rising to her feet. “Don’t worry Istra, we don’t let anything happen to one of our own. He will be safe.”
Istra followed the Slayer watching as she made her way into the monk’s hut. “I truly hope so Sango.”

Rin quietly crept down the trail past the well. She just had to make sure Istra was alright, then she could get back before Ah-Uhn woke or Lord Sesshomaru returned.
Sliding down part of the path Rin winced as she skinned her keen.
“Who goes there?” a deep voice commanded as a man stepped out of the woods. “Ah, a pretty little girl.” The man cooed moving closer. From his disheveled appearance and the desperate look in his eye, Rin was frightened as he reminded her of the men who used to beat her when she lived in the village.
“Leave me alone.” She cried backing up towards the town.
“Aw, I’m not going to hurt you pretty. I just want to talk for a while.”
“No!” Rin screamed tying to run. The man lunged forward catching her by her hair.
“Now now pretty girly don’t run from me.” He laughed as he pulled her closer.
Rin screamed as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
Suddenly, he dropped her his head tilting back as if caught. “See, you don’t like it either.” Istra scorned as she yanked the man roughly against her.
“Did he hurt you Rin?” She asked her burgundy eyes shifting form the man to the little girl crying on the ground.
“N-no.” she sobbed rubbing her head.
Istra growled pulling the man back sharply surprised when he pulled out a knife from his tattered pants.
“Leave him.” Sesshomaru demanded as he appeared between Rin and the man.
“No.” Istra growled grabbing the man’s chin as her distraction cost her a slash on her arm.
“Istra.” Sesshomaru growled his voice full of threat. “He’s mine. Take care of Rin.”
“I obey no one Sesshomaru, not even my king. So know this I only give him up on Rin’s behalf.” She threw the vile man down at the demon’s feet.
“When you’re finished we’ll be at the springs.”
Sesshomaru growled as she passed. Growling back she scooped up Rin carrying the crying child down toward the hot springs.
Once they were out of sight Sesshomaru smiled as he turned back toward the man.
“Thank you my lord. I will be your humble servant for eternity.” The vile creature begged kneeling before the demon.
Grinning, Sesshomaru unsheathed his claws advancing on the man. “You should have begged her to kill you.”

Istra entered the spring fully clothed when it seemed Rin would not be pried from her body.
Sinking down in the warm waters she gently rubbed the little girls shaking back.
“It’s alright now Rin. Don’t worry I’m here.” Istra cooed dipping her hand in the warm water and gently washing the girls hair.
“I-I’m sorry Istra.” Rin stuttered
Dipping her fingers again Istra gently wiped the tears off the girls face. “Don’t be sorry. You did the right thing. Sometimes we just need to call for help.” She smiled as she thought of all the times Brand lectured her on just that.
Rubbing her hands together she quickly conjured shampoo to clean the girl’s hair before massaging it through the long locks.

Feeling the long fingers stroke through her hair, Rin slowly relaxed into Istra’s arms and began breathing deeply. Scooting back against the rocks at the edge of the pool, Istra pulled the small girl deep into her chest and closed her eyes as she rubbed Rin’s back in circles.
Rin sniffled lightly and played distractedly with Istra’s robe until she stopped all movement completely. Quieting her breathing, she leaned into Istra's bosom and her eyes went wide. A thunderous drumming met her ears, rolling at a steady pace without stopping. Pulling her face back up, she frowned at Istra in confusion who returned it with an equally baffled expression.
“What’s the matter little one?”
Rin did not answer immediately, but put her ear to Istra’s chest again. Letting her frown deepen as she looked at Istra again, she cocked her head to one side curiously. “What’s that?”
Istra shook her head. “I don’t understand. What’s what?”
Rin nodded to Istra’s chest. “That sound. What is it?”
Istra continued to frown silently until realization dawned on her. Smiling, she stroked Rin’s hair affectionately. “That’s my heartbeat precious one.”
When Rin’s confused expression did not fade, Istra drew her ear gently back to her breast to hear the sound again. Closing her eyes, Istra focused her energy until the erratic drumming faded into a strong single beat. Rin gasped and drew back again.
“How did you do that?”
A moment more passed before Istra opened her eyes that were now pulsing with a purple light. Within a blink, they had returned to a rich green. She laughed lightly at the young girl’s fascinated expression. Extracting herself and the child from the water, she walked them over to the woodpile and kneeling down to place Rin on the ground. Shooting the child a mischievous glance in the moonlight, she blew gently on the wood where flames jumped to life.
Rin’s eyes twinkled with excitement as a delighted smile spread across her small face. “Wow!” She whispered in amazement.
Istra rolled her eyes and moved her hands to untie the child’s kimono. Rin’s eyes never left the fire as Istra drew the kimono over her head and laid it out on the ground. Running her fingers over the material, a light began to emit from her fingertips and within moments, the soaked clothing was dry. Fortunately for her, Rin was still focused on the fire cocking her head curiously as she tried to determine its origins and did not see what Istra had done. Before Rin could turn around, Istra had slipped the kimono back over her head and tilted the child back to lean against her. Humming softly, she stroked Rin’s wet hair gently before resting her palm against the side of her head. Yawning deeply, Rin fought the pull of sleep to sate her curiosity. “You didn’t tell me yet…how…you….” As her eyes drifted to a close, her words slowed to a halt. Istra cocked her eyebrow knowingly and gently laid the child back against the ground near the fire. Looking down at her own tattered clothes, she ripped a strip of cloth from her skirt and held it out in front of her. As she ran her fingers along the side, the fabric elongated and grew until it was the size of a large blanket. Laying the material over the sleeping girl, she stood and walked in the direction of the hotsprings. Tending to her own wounds would require more of her powers and she did not want to risk Rin asking even more questions. She chuckled and shook her head. The child was nothing if not curious, and though she could never be bothered by the natural trait, there were many things about herself that she would not wish to explain especially to one as innocent as Rin.

She sighed as she reached the hotsprings and removed her outer robe. Closing her eyes, she prepared to channel her energy into healing the wounds when her legs faltered beneath her. She fell to her knees as the air escaped her lungs leaving her weakened to the point of fainting. Focusing her strength into remaining conscious, she cursed aloud.
“Dammit!”
Reaching a shaking hand out to a rock to steady herself she pulled her body up to a standing position. She had exhausted her abilities for that day. Actually, her abilities were wearing thin in general. Within the last few days, she had used an excessive amount of magic. Now at last, the exhaustion had caught up with her and she would be able to do nothing but rest.

She sighed as she placed a hand to her bleeding arm. “I guess it will have to wait then.” She looked over to the fire where Rin still laid sleeping and smiled. Having to keep a scratch in her arm was a small price to pay to have the child safe and warm.
“So then, I see you are not so expedient a healer as I thought.”
Istra’s back straightened proudly as the smooth voice drifted to her ears. Without turning, she responded. “There are many things about me that I am sure you do not understand my Lord.”

A scoff from behind her was the only reply she was to receive. Fully expecting him to return to the fire, she was caught off guard when his tall form appeared behind her. Turning on him swiftly, her breath caught in her throat as his golden eyes burned into her curiously. Suddenly feeling as if there was not enough air around her to breath, she prepared to step back when the demon before her spoke.

“Why are your clothes soaked woman?”

Istra frowned at him strangely. Of all the questions he could have asked, he chose the most irrelevant. Looking down at her Kimono, she rolled her eyes. “I felt like a swim. Why should it concern you?”

Sesshomaru felt no need to respond. Studying her form curiously, a growl escaped his throat when his eyes skimmed the curves of her body brought to his attention by the wet material that clung to her. Turning his gaze from her, he looked over to the fire. Istra took the opportunity to step back from him and change the subject. “The girl will be fine. The human may have frightened her but she’s strong enough not to let her fears control her.”

Her gaze slid to the side where Sesshomaru stood. “I suppose she learned that from you my Lord.”
Sesshomaru glanced over at her briefly before letting his eyes return to the fire. “The human is no more. I disposed of him.”
Istra cocked an eyebrow at him. “I see. You have my thanks for executing the brigand.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder as she walked past him. Leaning into him, she let her eyes burn with a fierce light.

“But I trust that next time you will not interfere with my prey.”

Sesshomaru bit back a growl and watched her walk away. Feeling the tension of rage creeping into his body, he narrowed his gaze at her. Before even he knew what was happening, he had seized her arm and drew her back. He frowned curiously as she grunted in pain and turned on him with eyes red and furious. Glancing down at his hand, he realized it was stained with her blood. Looking back at Istra, he scoffed coldly.

“Why do you not heal yourself? Are you truly so weak that you cannot tend to a mere scratch on your own?”
Istra’s breathing picked up tempo as something savage raged inside of her. “I have never experienced any form of weakness demon.” She glided forward until her face was merely a breath from his and let her fiery gaze burn into him. “You would do well to remember that.”
Even with the fury that would have shaken any mortal man leveled solely at him, Sesshomaru remained unintimidated. His voice was low and calm as he responded to her threat. “And you, dragon, would do well not to test strength you do not understand.” To accent his meaning, he wrapped his hand around her wound once more and drew her into his body.
“If you can bleed, you can be killed is that not true?”
Istra refused to respond as she bit back a groan of pain. This man, demon, whatever he was, was like no being she had ever encountered. It was as if he could see through her like she was nothing more than a pool of glacier water.

As his eyes delved into her, Sesshomaru felt a strong force pulling at him from within. Unconsciously, his grip on her upper arm released and his claws trailed back down her skin causing the woman before him to shiver slightly.

A feral type of passion passed through them. Each waited for the other to relent but neither would falter for the sake of their pride. Sesshomaru watched her intently, somewhat angry that she refused to submit to him and fascinated by her unusual strength all at the same time. The effect she was having on him frustrated him to no end making him even more eager to force her into submission.

Istra managed to remain standing by force of will alone. Her weakened body cried out for rest but she would not heed it’s call. A stronger, more primitive desire beckoned her. She panted lightly as fury mixed with passion clouded her mind. What was this demon that he could make her feel something so powerful?

Sesshomaru looked down to the soft body that was lined up against his and growled softly. Just as he reached a clawed hand to her waist, a small voice caught his attention.
“Lord Sesshomaru?”

Istra jumped at the sound and stepped away quickly. As both of them turned back to the fire, they saw Rin sitting up rubbing her sleepy eyes and then squinting in their direction. “Is that you my Lord?”

Sesshomaru allowed his usually cold air to return and nodded. “Go back to sleep Rin.”

Rin obediently laid back and snuggled into the blanket Istra had given her. Within seconds, she was fast asleep once more. Sesshomaru looked back to Istra and scoffed. Gliding past her, he went to the fire and sat down on the side opposite of Rin.

Istra watched him leave and frowned. Taking a moment to quiet her body, she gave a long sigh. She walked back to the fire and without so much as glancing at Sesshomaru, laid down beside Rin. A moment later, the demon lord rose from his place and left the camp. Istra watched him leave and groaned in relief. The farther away he was, the better. She scolded herself for what she knew had almost happened and yet it remained on her thoughts. She had never imagined her body would respond to anyone that way. As she looked over to Sesshomaru who was fading into the forest, she resolved that she should never let it happen again.

Alright I have a bit more but that I'll post later, midterms and all, but please Reviews!!!! I really want them!