InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Alone till Love ❯ Prologue: The Meeting ( Chapter 7 )

Mia: Welcome Back! Did you review?!

Cresent Moon22000: Please do and tell us what you think!

Inu-yasha: AND SAVE ME FROM THIS HELLHOLE!

Mia & Cresent: UNGRATEFUL JERK!

Inu: Not my fault I'm not even in the story yet! YOU'RE STORY SUCKS!

Mia:......Excuse me while I go beat the shit out of Inu-yasha! Enjoy the story!

Inu: NO! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE WITH THIS PYSCHO!

Mia: I'LL GIVE YOU PYSCHO!

~

Prologue: The Meeting

It is now the future. Kagome has discovered the rip in time, and has now joined the search for the sacred jewel shards. She is currently spending her days with Inu-yasha and the others, as the adventure continues.

She has no memory of her hidden past. She has no remembrance of her family or friends, or of her duty as a guardian of the sacred Shikon jewel. Kagome is unaware of what she truly is.

Now the sixteen year old girl is about to come back to her horrible past, her destiny, even now; as it haunts the very depths of her soul......

Chapter 7: The Meeting

"Inu-yasha?" Kagome managed to groan, as she threw her oversized backpack over the edge of the old, decaying well. A well that had once been, in it's youth, a holy place. The girl brushed her hair from her face, and smiled cheerfully at a scowling Inu-yasha.

"'Bout time." he said, unfolding his arms and taking the pack in his hands. He extended a hand, helping Kagome to her feet and slung the backpack over a shoulder. "Where's Shippo? And Sango and Miroku? They usually come to meet me too......" Kagome asked Inu-yasha, after a moment.

"Well, Miroku is with Kaede, while Sango is getting ready at the hot springs. Shippo went with Sango I think." Inu-yasha replied, slightly shocking Kagome as she realized how helpful he was being. She sighed. "Okay, what happened? You're being WAY to helpful." she joked with a smile, "Did you see Kikyo again or something.

Inu-yasha's expression hardened. "What I can't even say something without you getting suspicious?!" he snapped defensively. Kagome glanced at him. Surely he would've known she wasn't being serious? Unless.....

"Well I WAS joking! But I guess I have a right to be suspicious?! I can't even leave for a day without worrying, but fine. You'd rather spend your time with Kikyo, so why don't you go SIT down with her for a while. I'll go find Shippo and Sango thank you very much!" She snapped back, her eyes narrowing.

Inu-yasha slammed face first into the hard soil, and Kagome snatched her heavy bag from him. He mumbled something incoherently, but Kagome was already gone. He lifted his face and looked around, then let it fall back in the dirt with a groan. `Why's it always me......' ~

Kagome had slowed to a walk, and was no longer fuming. In fact, she found it hard to hold tears back. She had spent the previous night, at home, worrying about Inu-yasha. After all, they had just narrowly avoided another attack from Sesshomaru, and his newly foraged, intensely evil blade Toukijin.

A blade forage from the teeth of the very demon that had destroyed the great Tetsusaiga.

Kagome sighed, luckily Toto-Sai had been there. If not for him, and her single subduing word, they would've been faced with both an angered Sesshomaru and a full-demon Inu-yasha. Kagome frowned. She wasn't sure if they would've made it through such a situation unscathed, as they had with the help of Toto-Sai.

The girl continued to wander the forest, no longer interested in finding Sango or Shippo. Her thoughts were, once more, bent on Inu-yasha.

Had she jumped to conclusions? She frowned. He hadn't been acting too strange, but he had been set off by a single remark. Kagome knew she would eventually turn back, and eventually apologize. Yet she also knew that she hadn't been wrong.

Another sigh escaped her, as she turned. It was, once more, a beautiful day that had been ruined by Kikyo. It seemed she was the root for most arguments between Inu-yasha and her......Kagome continued to walk slowly, glancing up at the sky.

It was soon to be dark, and Kagome frowned. Would another sleepless dream come tonight as well? Haunted by the voices that nagged at her mind constantly? She shook her head and thought back to Inu-yasha and the problem at hand.

She reached the edge of the wood, and looked about her. Inu-yasha had headed back to the village, probably absolutely fuming and still mumbling profanities. She adjusted the overly large backpack on her shoulder and started off for the nearby village.

The wind rustled the trees, and though Kagome was quite unaware of it, the hidden form of something or someone, was watching her from within the shadows.

~

"It is her, I am sure of it." said the voice, the tone cool and calculated, though his mind was saturated with thought. Uncertainties and concerns confusing the handsome demon more than he would let on. The cave glowed with firelight, as the night had fallen. The demon stepped into the firelight, to reveal a very elegant appearance indeed.

Long, raven hair was tied back to reveal a strong, well-sculpted face with intelligent eyes that danced with inner fervor. The demon was tall, muscular yet lean. An elegance about him that seemed fitting to such a handsome, aristocratic appearance. At his hip, was a scabbard that held a sword whose true powers he had never yet called upon.

This was Riku, lord of the Guardians. Son of the great Lord Tidus, brother of Kouwyn and Kougen...... brother of Kagome. Riku, being an elemental demon, wielded the power of fire and now stood in the flickering light of the flames, features intense.

His companion also got to her feet, her face clearly relieved, though her eyes narrowed in concern.

She, too, had long, silky raven hair and her eyes were as oceans, vast and intense. Full lips and skin kissed by the sun, yet untarnished by age or otherwise. She was shorted that Riku, coming only to his chin, but she was slender and tall nonetheless. Her beauty and grace was unparalleled by any but her sister, Danieru.

Her name was Danika, and she was one of the only elves remaining on this earth. Surviving out of the times of old Earth, as many elves had not. She was also a guardian, powerful, and wielder of the blue flame. The result of a gift with wielding both water and fire.

The two that stood before the fire, eyes meeting as they remained silent, were the strongest of their kind. They were, also, the only two remaining guardians of this area. The others gone, trying to live life as if they had never run into Auron those many, many years ago......the promise of Auron's return haunting their every step, but fading as year after peaceful year passed.

Kougen and Kouwyn had grown, both tall and graceful as their brother, and both wiser and stronger in turn. Soul and Danieru had gone, both to train their powers, and otherwise. Riku frowned as he thought of the these two. It had been their fault that the guardian Akirako had fallen, and Riku had still not forgotten this.; had still not forgotten what pain Soul had caused his only sister.

Riku's thoughts switched back to his younger brothers. They had been gone for many years now, traveling the world for reasons unknown to him. His thoughts and love went with them, though he had not seen them for long years. He sighed, and Danika reached out to him.

"We should contact the others. If she is truly back, as you assure me, then Auron's promise may yet be fulfilled. You know this as well as I." she replied, tone calm, the underlying concern hidden well. Riku closed his eyes and his features fell solemn.

"No. I do not wish to bother them, not now." Riku replied after a lengthy silence, in which Danika gathered their things. The elf nodded and tightened her black cloak around her, the hood falling over her eyes and hiding her white silk kimono. Riku did the same, allowing the cloak to hide his eyes from an outside view.

The night would hide them well, Riku knew, and pulled out a small dagger, which he held at ready underneath his long sleeve. Danika glanced at him, seeing only a strong jaw line and shadowed eyes. She felt her frown deepen.

Were they to kidnap Kagome, who remembered nothing of them or her past, and force her down the well? Would they then destroy it for good? Both Danika and Riku knew that this was not the future they had condemned Kagome too. Her true era now, was far still in the future.

Evidently, Kagome had discovered the rip in time. And she must've found happiness here in this era, for why else would she return as Riku was so sure she did? Danika sighed inwardly. Here they were, once more, meddling in Kagome's life as they never should've in the beginning.

Riku noticed her frown and took her hands in his. "I know that we should not be interfering once more, but I cannot risk the return of Auron." he said, eyes still intense as he drew his hood back slightly. Danika squeezed his hands and nodded, to show her understanding.

In truth, she too knew it must be done. But did she have to enjoy it?

Riku released her hands and pulled his hood up once more as he went to the side of the cheerfully crackling fire. He raised his right hand over the fire and closed his eyes, focusing on his power for only a second before muttering a spell. The fire vanished and the cave was in total and utter darkness.

Then suddenly, a smaller, but just as powerful, flame consumed Riku's hand. Danika nodded, and began to walk into the night, Riku at her side with his right hand dancing with flames; flames which lit the way towards Kagome's scent.

Riku sighed silently. 'Forgive me Kagome......but it's for your own good.' ~

Kagome and the rest of the group camped, that night, out in the woods. This had not been by choice, but Kagome felt they should stay together---and Inu- yasha was still angry with her, and refused to leave his perch high in a large tree.

So they had camped here, around a dancing fire, blankets and sleeping bags that had been provided by Kagome laid out. Shippo was fast asleep already, as the black skies were dotted by bright stars, and a beautiful moon smiled down upon them.

Kagome sat beside the sleeping Shippo, Sango on one side and Miroku on the other. It seemed Miroku had been up to his old tricks once more, judging by Sango's face. Kagome was staring introspectively into the fire unaware of her companions.

Inu-yasha was high up in his tree, Kagome knew, though she sensed rather than saw him. Soon Sango and Miroku also fell asleep, leaving the raven- haired girl to her thoughts.

It seemed many days had been spent in thought as of recently. Dreams, or rather, nightmares haunted her nights. The same nightmare every single time she fell asleep. And each time, after the dreams, Kagome spent a restless night. Afraid to close her eyes, in fear of seeing the face that belonged to the man whose name she heard constantly.

Shouting and yelling of that single name filled her head as she slept, voices that seemed so familiar, and yet so far away......the same name sent chills down her spine and made her burn with anger; Auron. A word that cleaved her deep. She felt sick with fear, in the very pit of her stomach, as the name echoed throughout her mind.

Kagome was snapped from her thoughts as a soft thud could be heard behind her. She turned, jumping in surprise and fear, to find Inu-yasha behind her. He was on one knee as he drew the Tetsusaiga from it's scabbard. Kagome gazed at him curiously.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice unnaturally quiet. Inu-yasha climbed to his feet and stood before Kagome protectively. "Shut up." he whispered back, stepping into the shadows with Kagome and ears swiveling as he fought to listen beyond the crackle of the fire.

"Show yourselves!" Inu-yasha roared, realizing the scent was demon, and knowing it was futile to hide in the shadows. He still held Kagome protectively behind him as two hooded figures stepped into the ring of firelight.

"We've come for Kagome."

The words bit into Kagome, making her fall. The dream--the voice! She couldn't help but step away.

The girl stumbled backwards, tripping and falling to her knees as she held her head in her hands. The voice! The loudest, strongest voice from her dream! Kagome knew instantly that it must be, and she climbed to her feet, head still in hands.

Inu-yasha helped her steady herself, still watching the two warily. They didn't charge or attack, they both stood, tall and covered in hoods that seemed to melt into the night around them. Finally the tallest of the two cloaked people pulled his right hand from his sleeve.

Kagome let out a horrified gasp. His very hand was on fire, and yet he did not spread or climb up his robes. Both Inu-yasha and Kagome realized what this could only mean. This demon controlled fire.

Inu-yasha raised the Tetsusaiga. "Well I guess your screwed, cause your not getting her!" he snapped, ready to rush at the two in his usual hasty manner. Just as he lifted his foot to run at them, Kagome placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Don't." She whispered, and Inu-yasha stopped, dumbfounded. The two figures removed their hoods simultaneously , to reveal ageless faces and patient features that were painted red in the light of the fire. All but the woman's beautiful eyes, which shown neither the color of the fire or it's reflection; eyes which showed only the light emitted from the fire.

Inu-yasha realized she was an elf from the old ages, and his mouth fell open. Just who were this people? People who come looking for Kagome in such a mysterious manner? Kagome gazed at the faces. There was the same familiarity in the depths of her mind. The voice had triggered something, but Kagome's very thoughts vanished as she stared into the demon's dark, dark eyes. She gripped her head once more, feeling Inu- yasha step towards her concernedly.

"Who are you?! What are you doing to her?!" Inu-yasha roared, the cold tip of the sword pushing into the raven-haired demons neck as he lifted his head to avoid being cut deeply. In one single burst of flame, this man could kill Inu-yasha.

But in that instant, the demon admired Inu-yasha. There he stood, balancing on the immensely thin boundary between courage and stupidity, before an unknown evil. Yet he showed no fear, no apprehension. Only well concealed concern and anger.

"I am Lord Riku." The demon announced, his intelligent eyes flashing as he looked upon Inu-yasha, and extended his hand. Inu-yasha lowered his blade slowly. He warily shook Riku's hand with a formality Kagome had rarely seen Inu-yasha use.

.Danika stepped forward now. "And I am Lady Danika." She inclined her head at the hanyou and extended her hand as well. Inu-yasha too inclined his head, and shook her hand carefully. He glanced at Kagome, who hid behind him. Not wanting to touch the two that brought such confusion to her mind.

"I'm Inu-yasha. And I want to know just what the hell you want with Kagome." The girl standing behind him sighed and shook her head with a slight smile. `There goes the formality......'

"Do not fear, we wish to bring no harm. Only safety." Danika added, her voice as soft and clear as the song of waves breaking upon a shore. Inu- yasha felt instantly calmed at the tone of her voice. She was beauty beyond words, an elf from a world long forgotten to any and all but her. Her voice was wise, each word emphasized with inner passion. Kagome could here that melodic voice echoing through her mind still.

Danika smiled kindly at Kagome, and Riku was gazing at her in an indescribable way. "We do not wish to battle, nor do we wish to threaten you. We only wish to provide the assurance of safety for both you, Inu- yasha and Kagome." the demon replied quietly, his voice deep and strong; intelligent and wise, though never mocking.

"Safety?" Kagome questioned, stepping beside Inu-yasha, who brought the Tetsusaiga before her. She glanced at him and he frowned. He didn't want her nearer to them than she had to be, and Kagome hid a grateful smile. He would always protect her......

"A greater evil than any before comes. His name is Auron, and is the sworn enemy of the guardians. He comes for Kagome." Riku said to Inu-yasha, who seemed unaffected by the name. Kagome however, remembered the dream with growing clarity.

Inu-yasha took the sword and slung it over his shoulders, a familiar scowl on his face. Danika and Riku glanced at each other fleetingly.

Danika knew that Riku wanted badly to destroy this Inu-yasha, to take Kagome and make certain her safety. Danika, being an elf, used her gift of thought-speaking and warned Riku not to. `We do not kill the innocent, Riku. Obviously this half-demon has love for this girl, or he would not so blindly defend her."

Riku sighed inwardly. 'I know.' he thought back, and Danika nodded ever so slightly. They both knew that something must be done. They could not kill Inu-yasha, and they were certain he would die before letting Kagome go.

Danika carefully probed into his mind, eyes closed thoughtfully. Yes. She was certain he loved her, and even more so that he would fight to the death if the need be. She stopped as quickly as she had begun, not wanting to alert Inu-yasha of this rare ability.

A rare ability she could only use when completely calm and focused. A rare ability that was useless when she was angry, exhausted, or in a battle. Danika sighed, and all eyes turned to her. Her own ocean-like eyes opened slowly and she blinked twice before speaking.

"It is evident that to fully protect Kagome, we must take both her and Inu- yasha, as well." she replied to Riku's inquiring gaze. He nodded, though he seemed all to reluctant for Kagome's liking. "I can protect Kagome just fine!" Inu-yasha snapped defensively.

"Against this evil, none alone shall prevail." Danika recited with her calm voice. Riku nodded. "It is time for us to unite, I must agree. Though we can only take with us one more aside from Kagome. Your companions must wait for you, or I fear our party will be too conspicuous already . "he replied with a patient tone. Kagome knew he was holding something back, but she decided not to speak aloud her thoughts.

How would they explain this to Sango and Miroku? To Shippo? Inu-yasha's scowl deepened. This could be another trap, he knew, but their scent did not come from or radiate that of Naraku's. "We will come." Inu-yasha replied, scowl still in place.

Kagome glanced at Inu-yasha, shocked. He was trusting them? Or was he testing them? She turned her gaze onto Riku and Danika. They seemed both genuinely relieved. But was the relief for the right reasons? Kagome went to Sango and Miroku, shaking the two awake.

"What? Who are they?!" Sango woke up suddenly, upon seeing the two newcomers. "Kagome and me are leaving, you guys stay here and protect the village. If a man named Auron comes, run like hell and get us. We'll be back when were back." Inu-yasha said impatiently.

Riku and Danika exchanged amused smiles. `He's intelligent Riku, don't let his explanation fool you.' Danika began to converse with Riku inside of their minds. `I assumed as much.' The two were forced to end the conversation early, however, as Sango stared suspiciously at them.

"Kirara can pick up Inu-yasha's scent in two seconds. If I believe Naraku is involved I will not hesitate to come." Sango snapped, her calm demeanor gone as she saw Riku's right hand, which still hissed and crackled with flames. He was an elemental demon?!

Danika nodded. "We shall expect nothing less, Lady Sango. Lord Monk." Miroku smiled seductively at her, but she raised an eyebrow and half- smiled. "We must leave this place now, however. For we have lingered to long." Danika added, placing a hand on Riku's shoulder.

Miroku got the hint and his features grew somber. Sango rolled her eyes. "We'll be waiting." Miroku said professionally. Kagome smiled at her friends, and planted a light kiss on the still sleeping Shippo. "Take care of Shippo for me."

Inu-yasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and folded his arms. "We'll be back soon, if were not, you'd better get off your lazy asses and come!" Once more, amused smiles were exchanged. "Yeah, we'll miss you too Inu-yasha." Miroku replied, batting his eyes lashes at the hanyou.

Danika, Kagome, and Sango laughed. Riku smiled. Inu-yasha rolled his eyes and whacked the monk upside the head. Miroku laughed as well. It seemed to both Riku and Danika, that these would make grand guardians indeed.

~

Just as the sun rose over the crimson horizon, Inu-yasha and Kagome departed from Sango, Miroku, and Shippo and the camp. Riku and Danika led the way, obviously sure of where they were traveling to, and suddenly Kagome felt comforted.

In the presence of these people, and in the presence of Inu-yasha, she felt a sudden safety. A safety that Riku and Danika had spoken of. In that instant, Kagome knew that Riku and Danika could be trusted. They would protect Kagome. Inu-yasha would protect Kagome.

It was time for the past, present, and future to meet at last. And though Kagome knew it not, she was ready.

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