InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Disguised Destiny ❯ Confessions & Conspiracies ( Chapter 9 )

Konnichiwa minna! I'm back with chapter nine of Disguised Destiny. Many BIG parts of the story are going to happen in this chapter so that means it's going to be LOOONG! Anyway, I'm sure that makes you even more happy. Let me say that there IS going to be a sequel to this when I'm completely done, which won't be for awhile. It's kind of like a real anime series….this is series one and the sequel will be series two. Anyway, enjoy chapter nine!

Disclaimer: I do not own the InuYasha characters….sadly.

Disguised Destiny

Confessions & Conspiracies

By: taijiya_sango88

She turned the page, her eyes locked onto the words. Even though she had read this book many times she was still drawn in with everything. She began to hold the book closer as the excitment was to come. It was almost to the best part in the book when all of a sudden……..

"Boo!"

"Ahhhh!"

Sashira looked around her to see her brother smiling at her with his tongue sticking out. She gave an annoyed groan.

"Hiroku, don't you ever do that again!" she sneered.

Hiroku gave a smirk, "Ah sis, you are just too easy," he exclaimed as he walked out of the Library.

Sashira just rolled her eyes and went back to her book. Before she even found her missing spot, she was interrupted again. She gave an annoyed expression. She then looked over and her expression changed. She gave a smile when she saw Umi walking in with a tray that held tea. She gave him a smile.

"Ohayo Umi," she greeted.

"Ohayo Sashira," he began, "Here is your tea."

Sashira took one of the cups and brought it to her lips. When the hot liquid touch her soft lips she began to cough roughly. She then placed the cup down and looked up at Umi whose face held a smug look.

"May I point out that this," he said pointing to the un-sipped cup, "is yours, and this," pointing to the other one now, "is mine."

"I should have known when that cinnamon taste came to my mouth," she said.

Umi laughed and then grabbed his tea. Sashira grabbed hers and they both began to drink. Little did they know that they were being watched. Naraku was behind one of the bookshelves, listening, watching, and starting to get very angry.

~The Next Day---The Lair~

She walked down with a cheerful smile, her long black hair swaying gracefully. She walked into the kitchen to see her father, mother, Kagura, and Sesshomaru, all of them talking quietly.

"Ohayo minna," she said politely with a bow.

Their attention was caught, all eyes now on her. Naraku gave a light smile.

"Good Morning Sashira," he began, "and a very happy-"

At that moment Umi came up from behind Sashira and began tickling her at her sides. Sashira started laughing hysterically when he finally stopped. Sashira stopped her laughing and gave Umi a small hit on the shoulder.

"That is the third year in a row that I have accomplished the `Tickle Fest'" he said.

Sashira gave a pout, "You are too quick!"

"That has never stopped you before," he said, "I think you have lost your touch."

Sashira put her hands on her hips, "Lost my touch at what?"

"Well I don't know at---"

And so they continued arguing. The adults all glanced at each other, all smirking except for Naraku, who just held an angered face. Umi then walked up to the table and greeted his parents and gave a bow to Naraku and Kikyo.

Sashira greeted her parents as well when all of a sudden girls (well two) came running into the kitchen. Neko and Tsuki ran over to Sashira shrieking happily.

"Happy Birthday Sashira!!!" they cheered.

The girls began talking all at once when Hiroku and Kiyo walked in with their hands clasped over their ears. Hiroku yelled across the room.

"Mother how can you stand them, they are right next to you and I'M the one plugging my ears," he yelled.

Kikyo smiled, "Well that just proves you have sensitive ears."

A loud shrill came from Tsuki, which made Kikyo wince at the loudness, "Okay girls, calm down a little."

The noise stopped with many apologies;

"Sorry ma'am."

"Gomen ne."

"Sorry about that mother."

"It's all right girls, but if we are going to have a celebration, I suggest you all to leave and get ready." Kikyo said with a smile on her face.

The girls smiled back and started running to their rooms, all of them excited. Hiroku shook his head and walked over to the counter to get some tea.

"Mother, why must you let them act like that?" he asked.

Umi gave Hiroku a pat on the back, "You should be used to it by now!"

"Yea, they only do it everyday!" claimed Kiyo.

"I know, but why?" Hiroku questioned.

Umi gave a sigh, "Because girls…will be girls."

"Always an enigma," replied Kiyo.

The adults gave a laugh at their comments. Kikyo looked at them, smiling, "Boys, go get ready."

"Okay Lady Kikyo," said Umi.

The boys left. Kikyo turned back to the adults. Naraku just sat, while Sesshomaru and Kagura silently sipped their tea.

"The children are really growing up," claimed Kikyo.

Kagura gave a nod, "It seems only yesterday that Umi was a toddler."

Sesshomaru cocked up an eyebrow, "What? He isn't anymore?" he questioned sarcastically.

Laughter filled the room.

"Oh no, Umi has really grown into a man," claimed Kikyo.

"He has," second Naraku.

"He seems to be very close to Sashira, as if they were……" Kagura stopped.

Silence was now there. Naraku's face was dull but you could tell he wanted to scream. Kikyo's face held sadness and fright at the same time. The room stayed quiet, no noise but the crashing from outside.

~Sashira's Room~

"Try this one!"

"No this!"

"She will look better in this one!"

"Nu-uh! This one!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"GIRLS!"

Tsuki and Neko stopped their arguing and looked over to see a much stressed Sashira. She rubbed her temples slowly and then looked at the two of the girls.

"Okay first, I do not want either of those, and second stop yelling," she said.

Tsuki and Neko gave a nod. Sashira gave a sigh and grabbed a short black dress near her. It was sleeveless and had a Chinese style on it. Sashira observed it on her for a moment.

"I like it," she said.

~Yume's House~

"Amura, where are you?" shouted the excited young hanyou.

He ran through his house searching everywhere; the kitchen, the living, the backyard, and even the bathrooms! She was nowhere to be found. He then, disappointedly, walked back into his room. He flopped onto his bed, his eyes now staring at the ceiling. There was then a knock at the door.

"Come in," he said plainly.

"Hey sweetie," Amura said as she walked in his room.

Yume's ears and head popped up at the sound of her voice, "Where have you been?"

She gave him a smile, "I was with Kairi at the Field."

"What were you doing there?" asked a dumbfounded Yume.

Amura sat on the bed next to Yume, "Well she found out from someone that today is Sashira's birthday."

Yume's ears fletched at what she had said. He looked up at her; she was staring at him. He gave a sigh.

"If you want to know if I knew then it is going to be a `yes'," he said plainly.

Amura stood up quickly, "Then why didn't you tell me?"

"Hmm……..let's see, maybe because I thought you wouldn't care seeing as you two hate each other," Yume said sarcastically.

Amura rolled her eyes and sat down. Yume scooted closer to her and placed his arm around her waist.

"Besides, isn't Matsu's ceremony tonight?" Yume asked.

"No, tomorrow," she corrected him.

"Oh that's right," he said.

"Trying to come up with excuses dear?" Amura teased.

Yume gave a scoff and looked away. Amura giggled. Yume then gave a grin and turned to her, "Hey how about you and I go to present Tokyo?"

Amura stared dumbfounded, "Hmm? What for?"

"Just to hang, I'll take you shopping and maybe we can go see Mizu!" he pointed out.

Amura gave a smile, "Alright!"

With that she stood and ran to her room to go get changed. Yume gave a smile and then ran down the hall to tell his parents.

~Wolf Clan~

Matsuko walked proudly as all of his comrades greeted him. Tomorrow was the day everyone, mostly every girl, was waiting for. He was going to choose his wife, the one who would be with him forever.

His parents had sent for him to tell him something `exciting'. How he wished to know before seeing them. When he arrived at his parents den he walked in. He walked in only to see his mother, father, and….who was that?

It is a girl. She had short white hair and heavenly blue eyes. She was a beautiful sight indeed. Her wolf wardrobe was all white as well, even her ears and tail. Matsuko guessed her wolf form must be a snow wolf. Before he could say anything his father spoke.

"Son, how are you this morning?" asked Koga.

"I'm fine Dad," replied Matsuko.

Ayame then stood and brought over the girl. She had a small and shy smile on her face.

"Son, this is Sei, she is the daughter or your father's good friend, Ginta," Ayame told her.

Sei looked at Matsuko with a smile, he smiled back. She then brought out her hand for a greeting. Matsuko stared at her hand for a moment and then brought out his.

Koga walked up to Ayame, "Should we leave them alone?" asked Koga as he held her in his arms.

Ayame smiled at her husband, "Sure, let's go wander the clan."

As they left, Matsuko and Sei sat down and began a long, never ending conversation.

~Present Tokyo~

The girl tied up her light brown hair as she ran down the crowded street. So many people. Good thing she was born and raised here or else she would have never survived. She knew all the roads, short cuts, allies, and ways of Tokyo, Japan. She stopped dead in her tracks when she found what she was looking for; Higurashi Shrine.

She slowly walked up the never ending steps. When she reached the top of the stairs she scanned the area quietly. The whole place was silent, too quiet. The silence kind of freaked her out.

As she wandered she found a shed. The shed that held a passage to an adventure, though 99 percent of the people who lived knew nothing about it. A trip to the past, that is what Mizu desired right about now. Her parents were arguing again, and her brother was not helping by bugging her.

She needed to escape. So, she thought that maybe a trip to go see Matsuko wouldn't be a bad idea. Sure she would be lost trying to find him, but he did mention living in the mountains and so that made it a little easier. Besides, she felt like exploring, anything to be away from this life. She stepped in the darkened room, took a deep breath and jumped in the endless abyss.

~Wolf Clan~

"When is your birthday?" he asked.

"I was born on the ninth day of the second month," she said plainly.

Matsuko laughed, "Or in other words February ninth."

Sei gave an enormous smile that made Matsuko blush to death. His insides turned into mush and he was shaking with nervousness. Had he fallen for her? Not like it would be bad, he did have to marry a wolf. Unlike Mizu, his clan would approve of her. Maybe it would be alright; maybe he should just stay friends with Mizu and together with Sei forever. He slowly leaned towards her; she was closing her eyes, prepared for the kiss.

Their lips then met in a soft kiss. The fragile bliss became furious and wild. Matsuko then deepened it even more, his tongue now wanting to join their seductive fun.

The two stayed this way for a long time. But no one could ever hold something that long. They broke the connection and stared at each other passionately. Matsuko was about to kiss her again when they were interrupted.

"Excuse me Prince Matsuko!"

Matsuko and Sei stopped their movements and looked over to see the guard.

"Yes?" asked Matsuko.

"Sorry for the intrusion, but there is a human girl who says she knows you," exclaimed the guard.

Matsuko stood up and gave Sei an apologetic look. She knew he wanted her to stay so she did.

~Matsuko's P.O.V~

I walked out of my cave to go see who needed me. There was a crowd, which I did expect. I anxiously pushed my way through the crowd. When I arrived in the middle, I saw my mom and dad talking to someone. I couldn't see her face though. When my mom spotted me, I got a better view of the girl. It was Mizu!

"Matsuko!" she cheered happily.

"Do NOT call to my son as if he is yours!" snapped my mother.

"It's okay mom, I know her," I said.

Murmurs of shock then surrounded me. So I was friends with a human? My dad seemed as though he didn't care, but my mom looked as though she was ready to kill someone.

"How do you know her dear?" she asked pretending to be calm.

"She goes to my school, and she is one of the guardians," I replied slowly.

The murmurs were now replaced with loud conversations. My dad gave Mizu a shocked stare and my mom looked very tempered. Mizu sat quietly, but she looked terrified. My mother waved her hand and the conversations stopped. She then turned her gaze to Mizu. She bent down to her level and grabbed her chin with one hand.

"So you are a chosen one are you?" my mother asked her.

Mizu gave a nervous gulp, "I believe so ma'am."

My mother stood back up while still staring at Mizu, "How is it that a human girl from the present was chosen to be a guardian?" my mother asked again.

Mizu stayed silent which was very smart. My mother then looked at me, "Everyone leave, and go about yourselves as if this girl were not here."

My father gave me a pat on the head as he followed my mother back to their walk. I sighed at everyone's departure and then turned to look at Mizu. She has stood up and was dusting her skirt. She then came towards me with a small smile.

"Sorry, maybe I should leave," she said.

"No, it's alright, the wolves just get too excited when prey comes walking right in," I told her.

"I see, well I came to see you because it has become Hell back home," she told me.

I looked at her curiously, "How so?"

Her expression gave me a very curious mind, "Well, can you show me around first and then I'll tell you tonight?"

I gave her a smile. She obviously didn't want to talk about it, "Okay, but promise me one thing."

"Yes?"

"Do NOT give long eye contact with the wolves, especially the men."

She now a nervous expression, "Er……okay."

~Normal P.O.V~

Matsuko took Mizu by the hand and pulled her softly towards the waterfall. Mizu gasped at the beauty of his home. He then took her to the Northern Wing. After they went all over; Southern, Western, and even the eastern wing. After seeing all of them they sat by the lake and talked.

"Your home is so beautiful Matsuko, you must love it," Mizu exclaimed.

Matsuko gave an embarrassed sigh, "Well I have to admit it is better then that crowded city you live in."

Mizu giggled, "The only way to survive in Tokyo is to be raised their like me!" she cheered.

Mastuko began to laugh with her now. When the laughing ceased a loud BANG was heard from a distance. Matsuko and Mizu looked towards the noise and saw wolves (real ones) starting to run away. Yelling was now being heard from comrades and families. Mizu began to panic.

"What's going on?!" she yelled.

"I don't know……" he paused.

In God like speed he grabbed Mizu and ran towards his den. As he ran, wolves and comrades were running the opposite way with weapons. That's what made Matsuko run even faster. When he reached his den he spotted his father. He placed Mizu down.

"Dad, what's going on!?!?" he yelled furiously.

Koga looked at Mizu and then back at his son, "Humans have teamed up with some demons and now they are at war with us."

"WHAT?!"

"Listen, Sei is still in your den, take her and Mizu somewhere safe to hide," ordered his father as he ran off to battle.

"Yes sir!" he grabbed Mizu and walked into the den.

When Matsuko and Mizu arrived in another reacted by looking towards them. Sei then gave Matsuko a smile and ran towards him.

"Prince Matsuko!" she yelled worriedly while hugging him.

Mizu stared dumbfounded at the two when Matsuko hugged her back, "Sorry to worry you Sei."

Sei then looked at Mizu with a smile, "Konnichiwa!"

Mizu returned the smile, "Konnichiwa…."

"Okay girls we have to hide," Matsuko said quickly.

"Where?" they asked in unison.

Matsuko sweat dropped, "Er……under here."

Sei and Mizu looked at Matsuko as he bent down by his carpet and lifted it. There, where the carpet was laid, was a door that led under the ground. Matsuko quickly opened the underground door and held out his hand to Mizu.

"Come on get in," he said.

Mizu took his hand and jumped in followed by Sei. Once the two girls were in, Matsuko grabbed the carpet. But how was he going to going to put it over the door if he needed to put it in? He threw the carpet aside and just slid back down to the hidden room.

~The Lair~

"WOW!" Tsuki and Neko cheered as they stared in awe.

The ballroom was wonderfully decorated. Everything in the room represented Sashira. There were lilies, movie posters, books, and a whole bunch of other items. Her bow and arrow set was hung by her favorite kimono. The long window curtains were decorated with lilies instead of roses, there were paintings of her favorite artist, and even the chandelier was different.

"How long did it take to do this?" asked Tsuki.

"About four hours," replied Naraku.

"Father, you didn't have to make it this extravagant!" claimed Sashira.

Naraku stared at her sternly and gave a smirk, "This is your day."

Sashira smiled and hugged her father. He stood still for a moment and then slowly returned the embrace. Kikyo smiled at the image before her and then walked towards the exit of the room.

Naraku freed himself from his daughter's embrace, "Let me go see what is wrong with your mother."

Sashira gave a nod, "Yes father."

When Naraku walked out, Umi walked in. He bowed at Naraku and then walked to Sashira.

"Well if it isn't the birthday girl witnessing her fantasia." He said.

Sashira gave a smile, "My father told me the lilies were your idea."

Umi crossed his arms and smirked, "Well it is your favorite blossom ne?"

"Yes, they are," she answered.

"And they match your beauty nonetheless," Umi said while smiling at her.

Sashira blushed and looked away, "Thank you for the compliment."

Umi gave a bow, "Doutashimashite," he said, "May I pose a question?"

Sashira turned back at him, "Yes?"

He stood straight up and gently took her hand. She blushed and looked up at his charming face.

"I wanted to ask if I could be your escort tonight."

Sashira's face was now as red as a rose, "Um……well….I wouldn't mind."

Umi smiled. Then he did something much unexpected. He gave Sashira's hand a soft kiss (which made her become as red as an apple) and let go of her hand.

"Arigatou, I'll see you later Sashira," he said as he walked out of the ballroom.

Sashira stared at his departing figure and did not make one inch of movement. Neko and Tsuki were giggling at the expression held on her face as they walked up to her.

"Meeeoow, I think he is in love!" cheered Neko.

"Hai hai," second Tsuki.

It was then Sashira was released from her trance, "What are you talking about?"

Tsuki's face softened but her smile stayed, "Sashira, can't you tell he is in love with you?"

Sashira gave a small gasp and her eyes widened, "There can't be any reason for him to love me."

"Yes there is! He loves the way you walk, talk, act, write, and not to mention your beauty!" busted out Tsuki.

"Meow meow," said Neko with a nod of her head.

Sashira gave an uneasy smile and moved slowly away from Neko and Tsuki. She then stopped and turned around.

"I think I'll make my move tonight," she exclaimed.

"Meow? What move?" asked Neko.

"Well not really a `move' just to find out if he really loves me," she said.

"Ooh sneaky girl ne?" giggled Tsuki.

Sashira smiled and hugged her two `sisters'. She then left the room to get ready for her party and plans tonight.

~One Hour Later~

Umi walked slowly up the twisted stairs. Once at the top he lifted his hand and began to knock the ancient styled doors. As he waited, he was having a small debate in his head. `Should I tell her tonight? No I can't I'm forbidden to love her……'

The door before him rattled and soon opened. Sashira was now before in her up most beauty. Umi was blushing from neck to forehead. Her outfit was short and black with the Chinese style buttons near the neck. The back was opened to right above her waist. The front was fairly low but low enough to make Umi tempted to stare.

Sashira gave his expression a smile, "May you please wait one moment?"

Umi trance was broken, "Um yes."

Sashira walked slowly back into her room and sprayed some lily scented perfume on her angelic neck. When she finished she turned to Umi and smiled sweetly at him. He brought out his hand which Sashira took. They both gave each other smiles and walked to the ballroom.

~Ballroom~

When Sashira and Umi stepped inside the room crowds surrounded them. Many people went around Sashira wishing her a happy birthday. Kikyo smiled at the excitement and moved through the crowd.

"Okay everyone my daughter needs to breathe," she said.

In an instant the crowds diminished. Umi took hand of Sashira and continued walking on, searching for their close friends. All night was a celebration of Sashira. There was dancing, singing, presents, games, cake, and so much more. Sashira did blush when she slow danced with Umi. After all the action, Naraku took the stage. Everyone fell silent.

"Welcome everyone," he began, "We are now allowing anyone to come up and say any plesentful words about my daughter, any volunteers?" he asked.

"I will!" said Neko.

Neko, Tsuki, Kiyo and even Hiroku gave their opinions of Sashira. Kagura and Sesshomaru gave a wonderful toast and maybe even embarrassed her. Other friends from the lair also shared. After all became quiet and Naraku was ready to tell everyone the night was over when;

"Matte, I'll go next."

All heads now turned to Umi who was now taking stage. As he walked up to Naraku, he and Sashira locked gazes. He then centered himself and began to speak.

"I have many stories to tell about Lady Sashira, but considering the time….I can't share them all," he said sadly.

Sashira and everyone else gave a chuckle. Sashira wondered what he was going to tell everyone about her. Something embarrassing? Probably. But surprisingly he didn't.

"When I was young I never talked to anyone at the Lair besides my parents. I was quiet, unsociable, and stubborn. I probably am still stubborn," he joked earning him a few laughs.

"I am one year older then Sashira so I knew how to talk before her of course. So when I was four and little Sashira was three she did the best thing in the world……she annoyed me," he introduced.

Some kept their eyes on Umi while some looked at Sashira. Then he continued.

"You all know how stone hearted I used to be in the past; I never talked or showed any emotion. I was rude to almost everyone when I did talk and I never smiled," he looked at his mother who held an uneasy face while watching him.

"One day I'm sitting in the training ground when Sashira comes right up to me with a huge sweet smile and greets me. She stayed there while I just held a dull expression. She then asked me why I never smiled or played with her like Hiroku, Tsuki, and Neko did. I gave her the most evil glare I could and told her to leave as I walked away from her," he told.

He and Sashira kept their eyes locked.

"We all know one thing about her, she never listens unless told more then once, but only when it is her parents," he said as the crowd laughed and Sashira pouted.

"Everyday since then she would always come and greet me with the same cheery, adorable, and sweet smile. After a few years, I opened up. It was only a few days ago that I realized, if she had not bugged all those days, I would still be my stubborn, selfish, cold hearted self. So I'm so proud that she did. So proud for everything; she is my one and only friend that I treasure and always will. I will always remember her smile, attitude, and most of all, her love. Thank you Sashira, for being the greatest person to offer me your love. I will forever keep it, right here in my heart," he concluded.

Shouts and applause filled the room. Sashira kept her now glazed eyes on Umi. Even though the room was dead loud, she was oblivious to it. She only could see Umi and right now that is all she wanted to see. No one has ever said anything as wonderful for her as he just did. She would thank him, of course, but not until tonight. For now she slowly made her way to the stage where he stood.

She did not even ask people to move since she did not even notice they were there. Her eyes stayed on him. She walked up the steps, with her eyes still locked to him. She then stopped about five feet away from where he stood. Silence filled the room, although for her it was always there. She then ran into his arms without warning embracing him fully, her eyes creating a waterfall of tears. Once again the room erupted with applause.

Kagura and Kikyo smiled with a hint of glaze in their eyes as well. Sesshomaru gave a smirk at the two soul mates, happy his son finally made a sign he loved her. Naraku stared with unhappiness hoping that Umi would not get any sense of ideas about being with Sashira. After, the crowds were gone, except for two.

Umi and Sashira stayed behind sitting together on the stage. Sashira looked over to Umi, "Ano….did I really change your life so much?"

"More than you'll ever know," he answered.

She smiled sweetly, "Thank you so much for your wonderful speech."

"Every word of it was true, there is no need to call it a speech, it came from the heart," he replied.

Sashira gave a small smile and put her hand over her mouth. She gave a gasp and then the tears began to flow again.

"Please don't!" he said while taking her other hand.

Sashira stopped in an instant. He took his other hand and grabbed her free one. He now held both of her hands in his while looking deep into her eyes. He stood up bringing her with him.

"Come on, let's go to our rooms," he said while dragging her out of the ballroom.

~By Their Rooms~

Sashira and Umi stood before their rooms saying their goodnights. Umi opened his door but was not allowed in.

"Matte!"

Umi turned his attention to her, "Yes? What did you…"

His lips were being touched by her fingertips. He gave a confused expression while lightly blushing. They kept staring as if it were their way to communicate. She then moved her finger tips to his cheeks and began stroking them softly. Umi was confused but enjoyed her soft touch. He then took his hand and placed behind her neck.

She gave a small move of hesitation as Umi pulled her face up towards his. The gap in between him and her began to close as their lips grew more and more near each other. It soon closed. Their lips touched with a mystical feeling that was as light as a feather. But it bloomed; from the bud to the blossom, as he deepened the kiss to become passionate and filled with fury.

They then stopped for air. Umi looked as Sashira's face. Her eyes were closed and she was on cloud nine. She slowly opened her eyes and touched her lips softly while still in a daze. Umi gave a smile and began to caress the back of her neck with his thumb.

Sashira relaxed to his touch and sighed happily. She then moved to him, as if she were hypnotized, and ended up in his chest. Umi moved his arms around her and held her close to him. They stood in this embrace, creating memory after memory with each other. Umi's now closed eyes were content and he gave a satisfied sigh.

"Aishiteru Sashira," he whispered.

Sashira dug deeper into him, "Aishiteru."

Umi's smile was now forever. He was happy before, but now he was joyful. The girl he had loved since childhood is now his. Faster then lighting he opened his eyes in horror. Or was she?

`The rule, I can't fall in love with her.'

Umi quickly pushed Sashira away making he wince at his strength. She gave him a bewildered expression. Umi's face was in terror as he looked at the floor panting heavily.

"Umi, what's wrong?" she asked.

His head slowly lifted up. You could tell he was saddened, "Gomen ne, we can't be together……" he said in a whisper.

"What do you mean of course we can," she argued.

Umi shot her a glare, "No we can't!"

Sashira was a taken back by the volume of his voice. Umi clenched his teeth in depression and turned his back to her. He was sweating in dissatisfaction. He then looked back at her and grabbed her by the shoulders.

"Listen to me Sashira," he started, "Before you were revived your father assigned me a duty."

Sashira looked at him suspiciously.

"That duty was to watch over you and let no harm come hear you," he explained.

Sashira's eyes widened, `He has been my guardian this whole time?'

"Atop of that duty he gave me one rule that I must obey," he was now shaking.

Sashira stared in anguish. `What is it Umi?'

He stared at her with a sympathetic expression. His face was sweating and her heart was beating. Every second the silence lasted the more she wanted to scream. He then parted his lips and gave audio.

"I can not fall in love with you."

~Wolf Clan~

Four hours. That is how long the battle has been going on for. Screams and deaths could still be heard from outside though. He waned to help; he wanted to see what was going on. This was really agitating him. He looked over by the candle light where Mizu was standing, and then by the bed where Sei sat quietly.

This put even more weight on his stress. The two girls he had deep feelings for were in this room with him. He was surprised he lasted four hours. He sighed and was about to talk when a loud scream echoed above them. Matsuko, Mizu, and Sei all looked above them as some dirt powdered their faces.

"That's it," Matsuko said while getting up and grabbing his double bladed pike.

Mizu stood as well, "Wait1 Just where do you think you are going?"

"To go help them! What if that is us losing?" he exclaimed.

"Be careful," said Sei from a distance.

Matsuko gave a smile, "I'll be fine!"

Mizu and Sei both gave unsure expressions. Matsuko gave a sigh and walked up to the two girls as grabbing one of each of their hands.

"Listen you two, I will be fine. I'm just going to go help them out, if there is no need for me I'll leave," he said.

Both girls looked at each other and then gave him nods of approval. Matsuko gave a relieved sigh and headed towards the exit. He then looked at Sei straight in the eye.

"Take care of her for me," he said now jumping out of their sight.

The two girls stared bewildered. Sei looked at Mizu and smiled, "I think he likes you."

~Mizu's P.O.V~

She said it with a proud face, but you could tell she was crying on the inside. She loved him, I could tell. But does he really love me more than her? He did look happy when he embraced her. I walked slowly towards her Sei's shrugged figure. Just by looking at her stance you could tell she was disappointed.

I pulled up my hand and gently tapped her shoulder. She gave an alert jump and turned to face me. She had been crying, not outside, but on the inside. Even though her eyes were not red, she was showing emotional pain in her clear expression.

"Ano….gomen ne…." I said.

She gave me a confused look, "For what?"

"You love him, don't you?" I questioned.

She blushed and turned her head away quickly. I gave a half smirk and a half frown. Yes I loved Matsuko, but I don't truly know him, and plus. They would not allow me. They hated humans, and since Sei was wolf, she would fit him perfectly.

"I think it would be cruel of me to take him from the one he truly wants to be with," I heard her say.

I gave her a smile and was about to thank her when all of a sudden a loud burst came. The ground shook furiously and debris began to fall from above us. I held on to Sei as we leaned against the wall, holding for dear life. The shaking soon emerged and we coughed in unison.

"What was that?" I asked in a frantic tone.

"I don't know, but I'm going to check it out," she said as she headed for the exit.

"What?! Matte!" I called out.

She ignored me as she climbed into Matsuko's room. Should I follow her? Wouldn't hurt. After the small debate in my head, I followed Sei into Matsuko's room. When I ran to the opening she was their waiting for me as if she knew I was going to come.

"You know we might be in serious danger ne?" I told her.

She gave a nod, "But I promised him I would protect you."

~Normal P.O.V~

The two girls subsided from the den and stepped into the starry, but dusty night. They gasped at the sight in front of them. Blood……wolf and human blood. Bodies were everywhere and the air smelt of death. Mizu felt a knot in her stomach and goose bumps on her arms. She could not believe how these people fought and how disgustingly they left their enemies. Did they always do this? It was her first time seeing death of almost anything. She was so shock stricken.

She was so scared her body became cold and pale. She began to feel sick and pained. Her head was feeling heavy and her vision began to spin. She began to walk lop-sided and then stopped. She stayed still for a moment and then darkness took over her sight.

"Mizu!" Sei shouted as she fell.

Sei ran to Mizu's fallen body. She pulled the frail, numb body up on her lap, "Mizu! Wake up!"

She wouldn't wake up. Sei carefully placed the body down and stood up.

"I need to go find help."

As she took her first step a pain struck her back and she gasped with wide eyes. She moved towards Mizu while coughing, blood spilling out of her stomach and then fell on top of Mizu's body.

~The Lair-Sashira's Room~

Sashira sat in front of her vanity, recalling what Umi had just told her.

*Flashback*

"Sashira, I can't fall in love with you!"

*End Flashback (I know short -_-)*

`How can that be? Father, why did you break us apart?'

Sashira stood from her position and walked to her set of drawers. She opened the top one and carefully took out a velvet book. It had the word `Memories' engraved on it. She took the book back with her to the vanity. She then opened it.

There were many pictures of her and everyone else in the Lair. One picture she found was of her and Hiroku as children being held by their mother and father. The next picture was a baby Umi being held by his mother with his father having his arm around his wife. She turned the picture to see her, Umi, Hiroku, Neko, Kiyo, and Tsuki all in their bathing suits at age ten and eleven. The picture shown below was Umi and Sashira back to back with their weapons for the very first time.

The whole album held sweet memories. Her favorite ones were the ones from her birthday. Almost every year there was a picture of her and Umi blowing out the candles. Why he would join her in her wish, she would never know. She loved him with all her heart. She wishes to have him be there and create new memories with her. Right now she didn't care about any rules; she just wants to be with him.

She needed him; his scent, his smile, his kindness, and….his everything. She longed for all of him. She clutched the comforter of her bed tightly as she thought about what her father had placed upon her.

`Blast him sometimes! If only I had the nerve to stand up to him.'

She didn't care. Not now not ever. She has made up her mind. She turned around and made her way to the door that leads to his room. She turned the knob but it was locked. She then made a fist and banged on the wooden door, she then heard movements, his movements as he grew closer and closer. It then opened to reveal him in a pair of cotton pants and a bare chest.

`So much for grabbing him the moment he showed his face,' thought Sashira as she blushed from head to toe.

Umi smiled as her cuteness, "Did you need something Lady Sashira?"

She quickly stopped her gawking and began to stutter, "Um……I…..I…just….wanted to say….."

He gave a laugh, "Why don't you come in?"

She nodded and walked into his always clean room. She quickly ran to his silk bed and lied on it comfortably. She always went straight for his bed when walking into his room. He gave a chuckle as he watched her sink into the smooth paradise

"My God I need this bed!" she yelled out.

"Yeah, too bad it is mine," he teased.

She gave a pout, "It is just not fair I yell you."

"Well maybe one of these days you will get one," he said.

"With the way my father is acting, I'd say no," she said as she sat up while holding one of the silk pillows.

Umi gave a small smile, "Yeah."

Both were now quiet. Sashira looked away form him and then looked back with a hint of glaze, but she was still smiling. Umi noticed this and began to frown. Sashira then moved to him staring deep in his eyes.

"Umi," she began.

"Yes?" he answered with a bewildered expression.

She went from whispering to a frightened yell, "Umi! Aishiteru! I love you so much! I can never stop thinking, you are my one and only! I want to be with you for all eternity!" she yelled out while she dug her head into his chest.

Umi held a blank and unsure expression as he felt her tears soaking his shirt he had placed on. He then gave a small smirk and pulled her away. Sashira stopped her crying, but her eyes still were tear-stained. They stared again until Umi gave a smile.

"Do you really love me enough, that you would risk everything?" he asked.

She took no time to answer, "Yes! I could care less if I was punished as long as I get to be with you!"

Umi sat still for a moment. She must really love him to be saying this. He then gave a huge sigh. He looked into Sashira's glazed eyes. He then smiled at her, while putting his hand behind her neck.

"Okay, you win," he said.

Sashira smiled with joy and placed her arms around his neck. They both moved towards each other and sealed their happiness with a long and passionate kiss.

~Wolf Clan~

Matsuko ran down the now cleared battlefield. It was finally over. Now he had to go find Sei and Mizu. When he arrived at his den he walked inside and down the secret door. When he planted his feet to the ground he looked around to see no one in the room.

"Hm? Where are those two?" he asked himself as we wandered searching for them.

He looked all over the room but there was no sign of them. He slowly walked back to his room where he found his father standing by his bed.

"Dad? What are you doing here?" Matsuko questioned.

Koga turned to face his son. He held a saddened and apologetic expression. Matsuko looked at his father curiously.

"Father? What's wrong?" Matsuko questioned again.

"Matsuko, I have news for you that may hurt," he said.

"What is it?" asked Matsuko.

"Matsuko….Sei and Mizu….they are…..dead," he told him.

Matsuko's eyes were wide and his face paled in an instant when the word `death' was said. The word echoed through his ear for about five minutes.

"No, they can't be….." he murmured to himself as he flopped on his bed.

Koga went to his son and patted him softly on the shoulder. The two men stood there, one is a daze, the other quiet as a cemetery.

"Master Koga, Prince Matsuko, come here and see!" shouted a voice.

Koga and Matsuko gave each other weird stares and then followed the excited guard. They ran until they reached the court where there was, of course, a crowd waiting for them. Matsuko pushed his way through and found two girls in the middle; Mizu and Sei. They were in the air, with a transparent light surrounding them. Their eyes were both closed and they seemed as white as snow.

They began to move like puppets as Mizu took her arms and encircled them around Sei's neck. Sei's head then moved and her mouth slightly opened, where you could now see fresh blood being drawn from the very tip of her fangs. She then took her hands and grabbed Mizu's head, moving it towards her mouth. She moved downward now, aiming for the neck. She sank the fangs into the white and smooth skin, as a bright light now encircled both girls, making it impossible for them to be seen. When the light diminished, a girl with light brown hair and white wolf ears softly floated down before the crowd.

Matsuko stared at the sleeping girl carefully. Koga ordered two female wolves to take her to the medical den. Matsuko quickly followed pursuit and ran to the medical den.

"Matsuko, wait!" called out a familiar voice.

Matsuko looked behind him to see Kai.

"Matsuko, who is that?" he asked.

"How the hell am I supposed to know?" Matsuko yelled back.

"Calm down, I was just wondering," reassured Kai.

Matsuko responded by turning his back and walking towards the medical den. Kai was about to follow when he was called.

"Kai, we need to help us clean the West wing battlefield!" shouted Koga.

"Yes sir! I'm coming," he shouted back. He gave one last look at his departing friend and then ran to Koga.

~Medical Den~

Matsuko sat impatiently outside as he waited for any news about this new girl.

`Who is she?' he wondered to himself.

"Excuse me, Prince Matsuko?"

Matsuko looked over to see a female wolf. HE stood up and walked close to her, "Is she awake?"

The woman gave a smile and then a nod.

Matsuko quickly walked into the room. The girl was sitting up having her arm tended to. The girl looked at him with a smile and curiosity. She had the clearest clue eyes imaginable.

"Matsuko?" rang her voice.

His eyes blinked quickly, "Yes?"

She gave him a smile, "You act as if you don't know me silly!"

"But I don't," he said with a dumbfounded expression.

"Yes you do silly! It's me, Mizu," she said with a wide smile.

Matsuko's eyes widened and he back away, "That's impossible, she died!"

The girl slowly took her hand away from the healer wolf and walked up to Matsuko. She lifted her uninjured hand and caressed his face.

"Matsuko, it is me," she now put her hand on her heart, "and Sei is here inside me."

~End Chapter 9~

A/N: Wow! That only took me what? Anyway, since I'm in High School these will be taking a MUCH longer time then they usually take. I know homework will envade my life but I will try my best to update. I'm sure many people have given up on my story….oh well I'll still post them for those who DON'T give up on me. Okay….just to tell you, chapter ten will be called `Matsuko's Ceremony and……the Prophecy?' Okay? Well, until next time! Itagoi!