InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Disguised Destiny ❯ Never Ending Challenges ( Chapter 11 )

Konnichiwa minna! Finally, here is chapter eleven of Disguised Destiny. This is going to be a long chapter. I have many events happening in here. Check it out! Well, basically the gang is going to receive many mysterious challenges, many resembling to the ones they received in chapter ten. Well, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Okay, here we go. Even though this story was from my mind, I do not have any hold over Rumiko Takahashi's characters or storylines. Everything about the Shikon no Tama, the Tetsuaiga, the Tenseiga, and so on, is all hers. The transportation of the well, and idea of the Wolf Clan being spilt into four is all from her. However, my characters and original weapons are all thought from my mind. I did not steal it from any other anime or authors. This was written to prove that I give Rumiko all credit over her characters and imagination. I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA!

Disguised Destiny

Never Ending Challenges

By: taijiya-sango88

"It was not really a fine moment to attack!" yelled a raven colored haired girl.

"I do not care, you are to attack!" argued back an angry father.

"But father! Matsuko had just chosen his wife, I didn't think it -" she was interrupted.

"That is your problem, you do not think," the angered man yelled back.

"How could have I ruined what he just had won?" the girl asked.

"I do not care what he won, you were to attack!" he yelled again.

The tense grew and the girl kept her head down in anger, though she did not show it for she would have been punished. The man stood tall, reigning over her and all who was present in the room. He walked up to her, took his hand and lifted her chin.

"Now, why did you not attack when it was appropriate?"

The girl held anger, fear, and disappointment in her face. She had her eyes move to her mother, who was watching with sympathy, and then back to her father, who was staring down strongly. She opened her mouth, but the wrong audio was heard.

"It was my fault she did not attack Lord Naraku," alleged a smooth voice.

Naraku, still with his hand on his daughter's chin, looked to the boy. There he stood, with his hands side to side, looking at his master with blank eyes. Naraku tossed his daughter's face away and turned to the boy, now standing completely straight with his eyes on him.

"Umi, may I ask why you stopped my orders?" Naraku asked coldly.

Umi stiffened, though no one could tell. He looked around the room, to Sashira, Kikyo, Hiroku, and then back to Naraku. He had felt the tension rise when all eyes were now on him. He stared into Naraku's eyes.

"I just felt as though it was not the appropriate time to attack, too many opponents around," he managed to say.

Naraku gave another glare, "What do you mean!?"

Before Umi could argue back the large doors from behind began to open, signaling everyone to look upon it.

"Naraku, why don't you and I discuss this matter, without getting the children involved?" asked a debonair voice.

Umi smirked at the voice, for he knew who it belonged to. Naraku gave a scoff and left the room. Umi quickly turned around to see his father standing at the door. Sesshomaru gave a nod of the head and closed the doors, leaving to talk with Naraku. Umi smiled at what his father had just done. `Thank you father, you saved me from most certain death……'

Sashira gave a roll of her eyes and then a deep heavy sigh, "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru."

Umi looked at his secret devotee and smiled. Sashira sat on the velvet stool near her and rubbed her temples. Umi walked smoothly up to her back and began to rub her shoulders.

"You act as though he were going to kill you," Umi said.

Sashira relaxed at his touch, "He probably wants to."

"Dear, you know that is not true," said Kikyo bluntly.

Hiroku gave a sigh, "Yeah, you are the lucky, if anything, he wants to hurt me!"

Kikyo went up to her son and held him, "He does not want to destroy anyone of you, you are his joy," she said.

"What joy?" joked Umi as he continued to massage the stressed girl.

The teenagers gave a giggled as Kikyo slowly shook her head with a smile. She then began to brush her son's hair. Hiroku quickly moved away.

"Wow mom, what are you doing?" he asked.

Kikyo gave a smile, "Your hair is a mess, come here."

Hiroku rolled his eyes and let his mother brush his messy short hair. Sashira gave a giggle. Umi looked at her spastically.

"Do not think you are not going to get embarrassed right about now," he said.

Sashira looked up to him, still giggling, "Oh, how so?"

Umi responded by taking his hands and lifting her up bridal style. Sashira gave a squeal and held on to him tightly. Hiroku chuckles as well as Kikyo. Sashira gave Umi a pout.

"You best put me down young sir," she demanded.

"What are you going to do if I don't, Madam?" he asked her slyly.

Sashira gave a pout as Umi twirled in circles making her give small shrieks. Hiroku looked in disgust, "Ugh, stop! You two look like a couple or something!"

Kikyo gave a laugh and watched the two. Umi stopped twirling Sashira and placed her down on the bed and walked over to Hiroku. The four began conversing; talking about anything but the Prophecy.

~Yume's House-Yume's POV~

I see them. All my friends are there at the beach waiting for me. I better go. I passed by all the women, who don't hold even a candle to my girl, and guys as I made my way to the most clear part of the ocean. Sashira was sunbathing as always, although Kairi was joining her. Amura was with Katsumi, Mizu, and Tsuki, the four playing volleyball.

"Yume!"

I turned my head. Who was calling me? Everyone was in their same spots continuing their same activity. I blinked in confusion. Wait one moment, what was wrong in this picture? I know! Everyone was getting along; all were talking and playing together. And where was this place anyway? All these people, I've never seen them before. They were American! Where am I?

"Yume!"

There was my name again, who is calling me? I turned around. My friends were gone. All of them were gone. I looked up as I heard a rumble. Dark clouds came over, and I was alone. I looked back to where my friends were and, to my surprise, had appeared again. They held their weapons, and looked to the sky. What is going on? Why were we all together, fighting together?

"Yume, wake up!"

I gave a groan as the picture began to fade. It was all dark, an endless darkness. I then saw a streak of light. A blurry picture came into view and soon I saw my room. Or part of it. Before I could move a pillow hit me and I gave an unprepared grunt as I fell to my floor, my blankets still covered around me.

"Stop!" I managed to get out.

"Then get up!"

I rolled my eyes and gave a groan. Then I turned to face the ceiling but came face to face with……

"KAIRI!?!?"

I jumped up and looked over my bed. Amura, Shinjuki, and Kairi were all here in my room. I held a baffled expression as all of then stared upon me.

"It's about time, you sleep too long," Shinjuki said.

Kairi looked to me and then she changed her view. She gave a smirk and looked into my face.

"My my Yume, aren't we well built?" she said while laughing.

I flushed and looked down to see that I was wearing only my boxers. My face turned red in anger.

"Out! All of you out right NOW!!" I yelled out furiously.

Amura stood up and ran out the door followed by Kairi. Shinjuki stayed seated. I looked at him blankly, waiting for him to leave. He looked up to me.

"What? I'm a guy I don't have to leave!" he said.

"Oh yes you do!" I yelled as I grabbed his arm and pushed him out.

I heard him curse at me and then go down the stairs. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. I then went and changed, made my bed, and made my way down the stairs.

~Lounge Room-Normal POV~

"I heard someone had a temper tantrum up there," said Kagome as her son walked down the stairs.

Yume rolled his eyes and sat on the couch, "They were in my room while I was asleep, and wearing only my underwear!"

"Oh Yume, they have been your friends since birth, who cares what they see you in," Kagome said as she made ramen.

"Mom, Kairi was in there, do you know what she said?" Yume presumed.

"Do I want to know?" she asked worriedly.

"She said that I was well-"

"Okay, I'm here and hungry!" announced a silver haired hanyou.

Kagome looked to her husband and gave a smirk, "What else is new dear?"

InuYasha came up to his wife and gave her a peck on the cheek. Yume watched in disgust as they began to kiss.

"Um parents, teenager in the house!" he yelled.

InuYasha glared at his son, "Do I complain when you kiss your woman?"

Yume rolled his eyes. He then shook his head.

"That's what I thought, now go outside, your friends are waiting for you," demanded InuYasha.

"Yeah, I'm going," he mumbled as he left the two lovers.

~Outside~

As he walked close to them he heard distant talk.

"Didn't Matsuko and Mizu say there were coming?"

"Yeah, but later, they have something to do first."

"What do they need to do?"

"I don't know."

Yume knew. But he couldn't say, he gave Matsu his word. He walked closer to them. They looked back at him. Shinjuki stood up and patted him on the back.

"There he is!" he announced.

"All nice and squeaky clean there?" teased Amura.

Yume gave an annoyed glare. Amura giggled and stood up. She walked to him and held his arm. He smiled down at her and then yawned. Kairi looked to him.

"Don't tell us you are still tired?" she asked after his yawn.

Yume shook his head, "No, just getting it out of me, that's my last yawn."

"How can you tell?" asked Shinjuki.

"I usually only yawn twice and then stop," he replied.

"Okay, so we are going to the present?" asked Amura.

Yume looked to her, and nodded. Shinjuki grabbed his sweatshirt and placed it on. Kairi took hers and placed it on as well.

"Okay, let's go, we need to go shopping!" declared Kairi.

"For what?" asked Yume.

"For anything!" she replied.

The team walked off together towards the well, talking about what they should do in the present.

~Wolf Clan~

Matsuko lay in his bed, Mizu in his arms. The night was long, yes, but it was very memorable. Mizu was asleep, Matsuko awake. He knew he made plans with Yume to go to the present, and he would go, just a little later. He slowly slipped his hands away from Mizu's form as she slept silently. He took a smaller blanket and wrapped it around him like a towel. He wished they had not done anything, but it was a duty. Nothing happened, hopefully. He walked over to his personal indoor hot spring, and dipped into happily.

He had loved and cherished Mizu always, and the fact that she was his made him really pleased. But, to push her that far over a rule, it was just wrong. He didn't like it. He took some soap and washed his arms smoothly. The thought of putting her in risk, it hurt him, it really did. And what happens if something did happen inside her? He would take responsibility of course. Matsuko washed all over him and then exited the spring, wrapping a towel around him.

He walked back into his sleeping room. He paused when he noticed Mizu awake, looking blankly at the wall across from the bed. She held the sheet around her tightly, her eyes wide. Matsuko walked closer to her.

"Mizu, what's wrong?" he asked.

Mizu turned her head and looked to him. She placed her hand to her stomach.

"Matsu, if something has happened, will you…take responsibility?" she asked.

"Of course I will," he replied taking her into his arms. They stayed in the position. When released Matsuko placed his forehead to her forehead. He gave a smile.

"Now, go get ready," he demanded.

She gave a smile and nodded. She stood up, the sheet around her, and walked to the hot spring. Matsuko smiled at her figure; Yes, he was happy.

~Lair~

Sashira gave a small yawn as she walked into the empty dining area, her robe around her nightgown. She walked to the cupboard and opened it quietly, people were still asleep. Because of the guests and family asleep, she was careful with her actions. She brought out vanilla herbs and began to brew them. As the herbs became liquid, she could smell the vanilla aroma in the air, and she loved it. She took the leftover residue and dumped it out. She poured the liquid into a porcelain cup. While placing in sugar, she mixed it together. She took the cup and brought to her lips, a satisfying smile now creeping across them.

"I knew it was you when I smelt that nasty vanilla aroma," said a debonair voice.

Sashira gave a smile and sipped her tea again. She then felt two strong arms snake around her slim waist. She had expected that. She then gasped when she felt his lips beginning to kiss her neck slowly. She did not expect that. She placed down her tea and turned around in his arms.

"You should not show public affection, my father could walk in any moment," Sashira said to him.

Umi ignored her saying and stole her lips. She moved away quickly. She struggled to get out of his hold, it failed. When she almost escaped Umi pulled her back down and stole a very passionate and unexpected kiss. Sashira's eyes grew wide but soon relaxed. She gave in, he had won. She deepened the kiss he began.

"What are you two doing?" asked a dark voice.

The two immediately broke apart and looked around too see a very shocked Hiroku, still in his PJs and robe. (A/N: You thought they were busted huh?) Hiroku's mouth hung partly open and his eyes were broad and dazed. Sashira pulled out of Umi's embrace and looked away. Hiroku slowly walked up to them. He looked to Umi and then to Sashira.

"Sis, what's going on here?" he asked with a hard voice.

Sashira winced but said nothing. She kept her sight on the stoned floor, her expression serious. Hiroku could tell his sister was afraid so he looked to Umi, his best friend.

"Umi, why were you kissing my sister?" he asked with his violet eyes staring daggers at him.

Umi looked into Hiroku's eyes of question and then gave a sigh. Why was this happening? Sure Hiroku was the first to discover them, but then, would he tell? Umi knew he should stop the affectionate showings until they were completely alone. He took his arm and held Sashira to him, which caught her off guard. She moved close into him, but still avoiding eye contact with her older brother. But she did not want to be afraid of him.

"Hiroku, your sister and I, we-"

"Hiroku, we love each other!" Sashira blurted out.

Hiroku looked to Sashira, shocked she had yelled it out. Umi was shocked too. Hiroku's wide eyes transported back to normal and then he gave the couple a skeptical look.

"Does Dad know about this?" he asked cocking up an eyebrow.

Sashira shook her head from side to side very quickly, "Please, don't tell him Hiroku!"

"Well can't lie to father!" he yelled back.

Sashira was angered now, "Hiroku, if you tell him he will get really angered! Please don't!" she was trying her best to hold the tears in.

She dug her head into Umi's chest. Umi knew she was trying to act brave in front of her older sibling. He resembled her father so much; it looks like he was yelling at her. It was not long before Umi felt small amounts of tears spilling through his shirt. He held her tightly and began to stroke her back softly. Hiroku looked at the two sympathetically, but changed his view to the ground so he could stop the guilt coming through him.

"Please Hiroku," said Umi's voice.

Hiroku quickly shot a glare, "Why should I protect you? You didn't even tell me!"

"Hiroku, listen I-"

"No!" he shot back, "You are my best friend yet you refused to tell me about this!"

"I'm sorry, we made a promise!"

"That shouldn't matter!"

"The fact is that you know now; please don't ruin what we have over a silly misconception!" Umi yelled to him strongly.

Hiroku stared at his friend's expression.

~Hiroku's POV~

He was determined, and I could see that clearly. He wanted to keep the bond between him and my sister; he wanted to keep it sealed within them. I could see their love, and no matter how much I despised the fact of them being together, it couldn't be stopped. But I worried for Umi. Did he not know the danger that would come over him if my father were to find out? He would be slaughtered!

"Do you know what will happen if my father discovers this?" I asked slowly.

Serious as ever, he nodded, "I do."

"And you are willing to risk that?" I asked quickly.

Yet again, my brave friend nodded in agreement. It hit me right then. He really did love my sister, and he would do practically anything to be with her. No matter how much the pair bugged me, I couldn't stop their love, their unity. I was their last hope. Besides, Umi had protected me from so many punishments that I almost received many times. It was now my turn to protect him. I gave an uneasy smirk and nodded my head.

"Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut," I said coolly.

Umi's eyes brightened and he gave a smirk. My sister slowly escaped from her shelter and looked to me. Her eyes were happy even though they held one tear, and she gave a small smile. She loved him too, her face showed it well. I went towards the door, about to exit the room, when I felt two delicate arms wrap around my waist from behind.

"Arigatou, Onii-chan," I heard her voice say softly.

My eyes softened, "Doustashimashite nee-chan."

I felt her hands slips and away and her sleek footsteps walked to Umi. I slowly turned my heads to them to see them embraced together. I gave the two a smirk and walked out of the room, to leave them together, in no harms way.

~Normal POV~

"I'm so glad that had been cleared," said Umi thankfully.

"Yes, I am too," replied Sashira happily.

The two went back to making their breakfast and ate. As soon as they sat down, four familiar adults walked in. Sashira looked over and stood up. She slowly made her way to one of them.

"Good Morning Father," she greeted as she hugged him.

Naraku replied by holding her back. He was still mad at her for the report about the Wolf Clan, but his daughter was too precious to stay angered with. He gently patted her back and then released her from the hold. Sashira went to sit back down and talked with Umi some more. Naraku watched the two from a far as they talked together deeply; laughing, pouting, teasing, all the movements a couple would do…

Kikyo noticed the look on her husband's face and took a glance to Kagura who nodded. She had noticed it too. Sesshomaru walked to his son and gave him a pat on the back. He then bent down and whispered something in Umi's ear which made him freeze. He looked to his father and gave a slow nod and then stood up and walked towards his room, not saying a word. Sashira stared at Sesshomaru in wonder and then followed Umi's example.

Naraku walked to the seating area, as did Kagura and Kikyo. The four sat and talked.

"What was that Sesshomaru?" asked Naraku.

"That was me getting our seats," he replied.

"You know what I mean, what did you say to them?" Naraku asked with fury.

"Nothing much," Sesshomaru replied coolly.

"How could it have been nothing, Umi's face was filled with terror," Naraku claimed.

"Let's just say it's a father and son promise that can not be told to anyone," said Sesshomaru.

"Not even a mate?" joked Kagura.

Sesshomaru smiled to Kagura, "No dear, not even you."

"Well, the boys don't need to have training today," said Kikyo.

"Why in the world not?" asked Naraku demandly.

"Because they trained for eight hours straight this whole week, I believe they need a break," replied Kikyo.

Sesshomaru nodded his head, "Yes, they should have rest."

"Well, alright, but tomorrow they start up again, I will not have weaklings in this house," Naraku said as he sipped his tea.

~Umi's Room~

Umi walked into his room and locked the door tight. He then turned around to face Sashira who sat on his bed. He smiled at her.

"You really love the bed don't you?" he implied.

Sashira gave a radiant smile, "I have already told you my thoughts on this bed."

Umi sat next to her and motioned for her to come closer. She did, cuddling in his arms. He then stood up off the bed bringing her along with him. He held her hand as he unfolded the blankets of his bed with the other. He then picked her up and placed inside the covers. He scooted in along with her. He held her close as she dipped her head in the base of his neck.

Sashira gazed around the room as she lay in his arms. She took her vision outside of the window opening and smiled at the beauty of the moon. The stars were so lovely as they danced around the huge sphere. Sashira's eyes became wide. A full moon. Um looked down and noticed her expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"Umi, look at the moon," she said.

Umi looked to the moon and back to her, "What about it dear?"

"It's full!" she yelled back.

Umi's eyes grew serious as he looked back at the moon and realized it was full. He quickly got out of the bed and went to his wardrobe cupboard. Sashira took her time to release herself from the bed. She then walked to Umi who was now placing on a black cloak. Sashira took her robe and wrapped it around her.

"Where are you going?" she asked as she walked towards him.

Umi turned to look into her eyes, "I'm going to witness this event," he said plainly.

"Let me go with you," she said quickly.

"No!" his response was quick and firm.

Sashira gave an upset pout. Umi smiled at her cuteness, "You're too cute when you are angry."

He brought her into a hold and kissed her forehead. He looked into her eyes, "I'll be back."

She gave a nod.

"I must go," he said as he hugged her again and left the room.

~Yume's House~

"What an awesome day!" cheered Yume as he gave a stretch.

Amura smiled at her boyfriend and walked to him. She took a seat on his lap, which was unexpected for him. He held her hand and looked into her eyes. She smiled.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing, just thought I saw a bug in your hair," he said as he looked away.

"WHAT!?" she yelled as she began to run her hands quickly through her hair.

Yume began to laugh. Amura sneered at him and placed a playful punch on his shoulder. As a reflex, he caught her hand before it touched him. She gasped and looked into his chocolate, becoming mesmerized at each second. He then moved closer to her, his breath against her lips. Amura was blushing as she felt his breath. She closed her eyes preparing for the kiss.

"Ahh!"

Yume laughed as he looked at Amura laying flat on the bed and now glaring instantly at him. He sat on his bed, his back again the dashboard. Amura rolled herself off the bed and stood up. She then walked to the bags on Yume's beanbag chair.

"What did you get?" he asked.

"Many things; a sweater, a watch, a calendar, and a new diary, because you ruined my other one," she said.

Yume sweat dropped, "Uh…sorry about that."

Amura gave a laugh, "It's alright."

Amura walked over to Yume and motioned for him to hold her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her down to his lap. She laid her head down on his chest and enjoyed her warmth.

"Can you believe that Umi and Sashira are together?" Amura said reluctantly.

Yume gave a roll of his eyes, "Why are you even mentioning them?"

Amura gave a smirk, "Does it bother you?"

"Yes! It's my old girlfriend and my cousin we are talking about here!" he yelled out.

Amura gave a giggle and placed her head back on his shoulder, "I'm sorry."

It became quiet as the two rested with each other. Amura took this chance to look outside at the beautiful stars and full circled moon. She loved when it was a full moon so much, all the time she would gawk at it, as if it was coming closer and closer. She gave a pleasant sigh.

"Isn't the full moon beautiful Yume?" she asked with a smile.

There was no response. Amura rolled her eyes, thinking that he had fallen asleep, and do forth, did not hear her. He never paid attention. She called out to him again.

"Yume!" she voice in a loud tone.

Silence again. Now she was worried. She was about to lift her head upward when she heard a low growl. Amura slowly lifted her head to him. Yume's head was bent down and his body shook once in awhile. Amura stared at him dumbfounded.

"Yume, are you alright?" she asked.

He responded with a louder growl, which activated Amura to jump back and lie spread out on the bed. She tilted her head up to look at him. He began to lift his head. Amura watched to see what was wrong with him. Then terror struck. Amura gave a gasp and was about to run when two hands pinned her down to the bed. Sharp nails dug deep into her skin, which caused her to yelp in pain, eyes now closed. After two seconds, Amura opened her eyes.

Scarlet blood eyes of evil met cerulean ice eyes of innocence. She saw the anger in his face and became very frightened. Dark blue streaks splashed across his cheeks, one on each cheek. His teeth were sharp and bare and his growl was loud and fierce. The more Amura tried to escape, the more intense his snarls became. Amura began to struggle in his hold, wanting to flee from him badly.

She stilled when he brought his face to hers; eye to eye, nose to nose. Amura stayed still as she possibly could, not wanting to signal any harm to her. The once kind boy brought he mouth down to her neck, sniffing it softly. His mouth partly opened, causing Amura to gulp the knot in her throat. She could feel the tip of his fangs as they journeyed her now white skin. She wanted away, in one swift movement, and all of her strength, she pushed her feet against his chest and hauled him off.

It worked. Yume flew across the room and banged into the wall on the other side of her. Amura took the opportunity to dash to the door and run down the stairs. She took each step carefully, but as quick as possible. When at the bottom she heard something being trampled down the stairs so she quickly dodged out of the way. She then turned to see that Yume's drawers, that used to be in his room, were now splattered all over the floor. She slowly brought her eyes up to the top of the stairs. There he stood, his teeth bare and his eyes red. She could read determination of kill in his expression, and she knew it was meant for her. He took one step down, she backed away.

~Amura's POV~

What is happening? Did I offend him somehow to make him become like this? He acts as if he has no emotions whatsoever. He slowly dragged down the stairs, alerting me to move back again. He took another step forward, I took another step backward, then another and another. It continued this way, I made sure to watch him with alarmed eyes. He stopped two steps away from the bottom. I paused my movements as well.

He lifted his hunched head. His eyes remained blood red as they were earlier. He brought up his hand the palm facing him. My expression became petrified when I noticed how much longer his nails have grown. My breath quickened, so fast that it was beyond speed measurement. He took another step towards me.

I became stiff. Fear took had taken over me. I drained myself of knowledge, of movement, and of sense. I was unable to move. He left the base of the steps and came to me. I heard his growling, it came closer, and closer. There he stood; we were eye to eye, face to face. Could anything bring him back?

"Yume, it's me! Amura!" I shouted, trying to break him of his prison.

It failed. He continued the death glare and his growling. I wanted to try again, but before I could yell at him, he took his hands and dug the nails into my shoulders. I screamed in pain and my eyes widened. I could feel the salty tears beginning to swell up in my eyes, as I winced at the pain he had given me. I did not want to cry. I did not want to show that I held fear over him, though the truth, as of now, was that I did.

Pain struck my back when I discovered I was thrown against a wall. I yelped and then forced myself to look back up at him. We were face to face again. He hunched over me, staring deep into my terrified eyes, he smirked. I could tell he was enjoying giving me pain, I couldn't blame him, and he was not himself at all. I close my eyes, waiting for him to hit slash me again. However, it did not come. I opened my eyes to see that he was not there.

~Normal P.O.V.~

Amura jumped in alert when she heard a growl. She stood up slowly, holding her injuries. She walked towards the kitchen opening. No one was there.

"Argh!"

Amura turned her head towards the loud growl, which was followed by a huge thump. She walked through the kitchen and brought herself to witness the entrance of the lounge room. There she noticed Yume fighting with another. His back was to her, so she could not see who it was. When Yume noticed Amura he made his way towards her but was stopped by the stranger. He grabbed Yume by the wrist and threw him into a wall. He now laid unconscious. The stranger quickly looked to Amura.

"Umi! What are you doing here!?"

Umi walked up to Amura and grabbed her arm. He pulled her through the kitchen and to the front room, ignoring her outburst of pain. He opened the door and hauled her outside. Amura looked to him with confusion.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

Umi gave her a hard stare, "Do you know what's happening?"

Amura shook her head, "No, I've never seen him like this!"

"Okay, here is what you are going to do," Umi began, "Go to the Lair, and tell Sashira I sent you there."

"But your family hates humans!" Amura argued.

"Just tell them I sent you!" Umi yelled back.

Amura stayed quiet. She could see he was nervous for some reason. She didn't want to deal with it now, so she obeyed. She gave a nod and ran towards the Lair. Umi watched her leaving, making sure no one caught her. He then heard a growl from inside.

"He's awake already, huh?" he said to himself.

He unhooked his cape and brought out his weapon. A long sword that shone metallic silver, with a red hold at the end was previewed before. He slowly walked to the kitchen opening where he witnessed nothing but a few broken plates and dinner wear.

Cautiously, he made his way through the shattered floor, being in an alert stance at all times. As he came up to the lounge opening, he spotted feet, then legs, the soon, a whole body. The boy was still knockout, but he seemed to be fighting in his mind. Still cautious, Umi walked to his moving body. Umi took the sheath of his blade and poked it at Yume softly. In a flash, the sheath was taken hold of.

Umi pulled away hard, which made it slip out of the youkai's hands quickly. The now youkai Yume shot his red, deadly, blood red eyes at Umi. He began limping towards him, still giving his threat of snarl. Umi charged at Yume and punched him in the gut which caused him to cough out blood. He took hold of his mouth and coughed out more blood, he then fell to the ground and held his stomach in pain. Umi smirked at the weak demon in front of him.

"Just as I thought, this is your first time, and you are not aware," claimed Umi.

Yume pulled himself to look up at his relative. He strained to grab him, bringing his hands towards Umi's form, as though he were reaching for life. Umi scoffed at his hopeless cousin. He then knelt down and looked into the demon's red eyes. Yume stared back in pain and confusion. Umi gave another smirk and grabbed his knapsack from behind. He brought out what seemed to be a bottle. He looked to Yume.

"You are in danger cousin, though you do not know it. You strive for help, though you do not show it. What are the people who love you suppose to think? If she were to see you now, do you think she'd turn away, or would she remain by your side? Hear this coming from a family member, not a rival…." Umi took a sip of the liquid he held and then looked back to cousin, "I'm going to regret this, but I need to help you right now, or else no one else will."

Umi brought his hand to Yume's cheek and caressed it softly. He then took another sip of the liquid and brought Yume's lips to his. Yume's eyes became shock, but then closed as the potion was put into his body. Their lips disconnected and Yume fell into Umi's lap. Umi brought his hands to caress his back as he thought about what his cousin was going through. Umi began to rub the side of Yume's temples softly which triggered Yume to stir in his "sleep". His eyes opened and he lifted his body, his head still down. He slowly began to lift his banged head.

Chocolate innocent eyes met the calm, yet worried, gold eyes. Umi stood up and kept his view down on his cousin. Yume looked around and then stood up only after Umi did. He stared at his house shock and confusion. He could not believe all the damage in his home…did he cause it all? He slowly walked past Umi and walked into the kitchen, which was in destruction as well. He knew he had to. He has become afraid of himself.

Umi watched in concern, though he did not want to show it, `He does not know the true him, he does not know what he can cause, he is afraid of himself.'

As they made their way through the last kitchen opening, Yume turned around to face Umi.

"I have two questions," he said.

Umi gave a sigh and sat at the base of the stairs, "What do you need to know?"

"Where is Amura?" asked Yume.

"I sent her to the Lair, that was the only place I knew she could be safe…from you," he said hesitantly.

Yume gave a sigh of relief and anguish. He looked back to Umi, "Did I cause this? What happened to me?"

Umi stared at him with a blank face, yet it was stern, "I see you have more then one question."

"I have too many but I wanted to narrow it down," Yume said as he lowered his head.

Umi stood up and walked to Yume. He stopped in front of him, "Don't! If you have questions, ask them! If you don't, you'll fill yourself with too many questionable answers!"

Yume looked to him, "Why do you care what happens to me?"

Umi raised his eyebrows, "Let's go to the Lair, I guarantee you your questions, all of them, and will be answered there."

Yume looked to his cousin and then gave a nod. Umi smirked and walked out of the destructed house. Yume looked around his home and then followed.

~Wolf Clan~

"So tell me, what happened?" asked a man mischievously.

"Koga, he does not need to tell!" agued back Ayame.

"What? I want to know if…"

Matsuko smirked at his parents bickering. He then walked over to his father's desk and scrambled through some parchments. He smiled at one he had found and picked it up. He walked over to his parents.

"…if he did something to regret?" he heard his mother say.

"He probably did what's in the rules, after all, we did," said Koga.

"Um, what are you two talking about?" Matsuko asked with a cocked eyebrow.

Koga looked to his son with an evil smile, "Wondering if you really followed those rules my boy!"

Matsuko flushed in embarrassment and gave a cough. He then turned his back on his parents and walked towards the den opening. Ayame and Koga looked to each other with smiles.

"Did you?" asked Ayame, though she knew the answer.

Matsuko stopped in his tracks and gave a sigh, "Mom….Dad…it's me, the one who follows all rules, no matter what," he then walked out.

Koga gave a smirk while Ayame gave a chuckle. They knew their son had achieve what he wanted as they did.

~The Lair~

"What is the meaning of this!?" questioned Naraku furiously.

Almost the whole Lair crew was there in the Adult Lounge. Sashira sat on the couch with Amura and Yume, their heads bent down. Kiyo and Neko sat in a loveseat (no they are not a couple) watching the punishment as Hiroku and Tsuki stood by the fireplace in the back of the room. Umi stayed knelt on one knee, below Naraku, his anger shadowed over him. The other three adults sat on another couch across from Sashira's spot. It stayed quiet as the tense atmosphere rolled into the room. Eyes were all now on Umi, watching him bend down upon their master. The boy's head move up, he looked straight into Naraku's eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I had to bring him here," Umi said with his soft, yet stern, voice.

Naraku stared deep into the golden eyes of bravery. He then looked to Yume who held an expression of guilt for his cousin, but he held it strong. Naraku looked to Umi again, his gaze strong.

"This is the only time I'll except them in this house, Naraku said sternly, "But, if I see them here again, I will have no choice but to punish you with harsher training."

Umi gave a nod. Naraku turned away and left the room. The room was quiet as the door slammed and his footsteps faded away. Umi then sighed with relief and stood up. Kikyo gave a sigh of annoyance and looked to Kagura.

"He seems angered again," she said.

"Maybe you should check on him before he decides to kill himself," Kagura said.

Kikyo shook her head, "No, he can cool his own head."

Sesshomaru stood up, "He may not be my brother, but he is his heir, I'm going to our room," he claimed.

Kagura gave a sigh, "Will you ever get over that? You're boring."

"Then why did you choose me as your mate?" he asked.

"I have no idea in Hell," she replied as she walked towards her son.

To his word, Sesshomaru left the room. Kagura made her way to Umi, who now sat next to Yume on the couch. She touched his shoulder, which triggered him to jump in alert.

"Relax dear, it's me," Kagura said.

Umi gave a sigh of relief, "I thought Lord Naraku came back to punish me."

Kagura gave a smirk, "Why don't you get to sleep? Show the others their room," she said.

"Yes mother," he replied.

Kagura gave Umi a peck on his forehead (where the moon is ^^) and walked to where she was. She mumbled a few words to Kikyo and they left for bed. Soon, everyone was out of the Lounge, except for Sashira, Umi, Yume, and Amura. Umi then stood and looked to Yume.

"Come, there is a room over here," he said.

Yume and Amura followed Umi and Sashira. They walked out of the Adult Lounge and up the stairs where new rooms had recently been added. Amura was talking with Sashira (without fighting! 0_0).

"Where is your room?" Amura asked.

"We'll be right across from you, the rooms were just added there," Sashira said plainly.

"I see," Amura replied.

Yume, however, was having a serious conversation with Umi.

"I thought you said I could have my questions answered tonight," Yume said.

Umi looked to him with a smirk," I thought you have forgotten about that, don't worry, I'll have us go into my room and you may ask away," he said as he stopped.

"Well, here we are," said Sashira.

"Um yes, Sashira, I'm going to have a talk with Yume, Amura, go ahead into your room, Yume will be there shortly," he said with a wink.

Amura gave a blush and walked into the room. Yume rolled his eyes, " What was that suppose to mean?"

"I know you two were planning on something tonight," he said.

"Are you joking me!? After what happened tonight?!" Yume shouted.

Umi gave a chuckle, "Sometimes the worst events result in happiness."

With that Umi gave Sashira a peck on the cheek and walked into his room. Sashira looked to Yume. She gave him a hug from behind, which caused his eyes to widen.

"Oyasumi nasi, Yume-kun," with that she let him go and walked into his room.

Yume looked to where she entered and then walked over to Umi's room. He entered the room, closing the door behind him. He looked around. The room was neat, no objects on the floor and there was hardly any furniture. Just a bookshelf and his bed, with a small desk. The silk bed was made neatly and the lighting was dim. Umi was sitting at his desk chair, watching Yume curiously. He pointed to the bed. Yume walked over to the bed and sat.

"So Yume Higurashi," began Umi, "What are these questions you want answered?"

~Wolf Clan-Kai's Den~

Kai sat at his desk while writing down a few parchments. He had a memorable night, one to remember for the rest of his life. Katsumi was his, they were each other's. Speaking of Katsumi, the girl was still asleep. Could she be having a dream? Kai wanted to force wake her, but the girl was too peaceful-looking to distract. So, since sleeping beauty was in dreamland, Kai decided to get some of his work done, since he did not complete it last night.

"Let's see…this one goes in the late document, and this one has been stamped, so it's completed…" he went on and on.

He then stopped his hands that were in motion, when he heard stirring from his bed. He looked up and viewed Katsumi's bare back. She seemed to confused, but then she looked down and grabbed a blanket, wrapping herself quickly. The memories had returned to her.

"Good morning, sunshine," said Kai.

Katsumi turned around, which caused Kai to start bursting aloud. Her was a total mess and her lip gloss was smeared all over her face. She looked at him in question and then moved off the bed, wrapping the blanket even more around her.

"What's so funny?" she asked with on hand on her waist.

"You have make up all over your beautiful face," he said while chuckling.

Katsumi quickly took her hand and wiped what she could off her face. She then walked over to Kai, blushing in embarrassment. She sat slightly on his desk and looked down to read the parchments.

"What are these?" she asked.

"Paperwork I wish I did not have," Kai replied with a sigh.

Katsumi gave a giggle, "Do you have a Personal Hot Spring?"

Kai nodded, "It's that way," he said as he pointed in an opposite direction.

Katsumi stood off the desk and made her way to the hot spring.

~Katsumi's POV~

As I walked into the other section of the den, I spotted the hot spring, which had steam arising from it. Good wolf boy kept it warm for me. I slipped off the blanket, letting it fall to the ground. I placed one foot into the steamed water. Yes, it definitely was hot! When my foot got used to the temperature, I slowly made my way in. I noticed the cloth near the side and grabbed it. I began to wash myself; my thoughts strayed to another topic. What a passionate night I had. Me and my long time crush are now one.

I paused when I finally realized another memory. I brought my hand up and touched the spot where he claimed his love for me. I smiled as my fingers went over the two bumps that represented his feeling for me. I am his, and he is mine. Nothing could make me happier.

"Are you almost done?" I jumped at his voice.

I turned to see him. He was fully dressed in a red shirt and black pants. His hair was messy as always and he wore his daily headband around his forehead. I looked to him fully with blush on my cheeks.

"Just about," I answered, "May you pass me a cloth?"

He picked up a large cloth hanging beside him and passed it to me. As I stood, I quickly wrapped the plush fabric around me. I gave him a "brush away" look. He gave a smirk and left the room.

~The Lair-Front Entrance~

"Are you sure you want to leave this early?" asked Umi.

"Yes, I need to clean up before our parents get home a freak out on us," replied Yume.

"I see, well, take this potion and drink it before six on every full moon," said Umi as he gave Yume a bottle of potion.

"Why are you helping me?" Yume asked as he took the bottle.

"As I said when you were still demon, I am helping as a family member, not a rival," Umi replied with his arms now crossed.

Yume stared at him hesitantly, "Okay, I trust you for now, but not in battle."

Umi opened one eye, "As do I."

"Okay, boys, enough talk, you need to go Yume," Sashira said.

"Ah! Yes, we do," Yume grabbed Amura's hand, "Come on, let's go."

"Okay, thanks for the stay," Amura said to Umi and Sashira.

"You're welcome," said Umi as he held Sashira now.

Yume and Amura walked off. Umi watched them until their figures were gone, `Beware cousin…danger seeks your life, but remember, you have a family partner here to help.'

~Wolf Clan~

After her bath, Katsumi had finally dressed. The two met outside of his den and walked hand in hand. At this time, not many wolves were out, so there was a small amount of stares. The two were heading to Matsuko's den, but met with someone on the way.

"Kai! Katsumi!" yelled a voice.

The couple turned to see Mizu running towards them. The ookami hime took her breath, her hands to her stomach. She looked up and noticed the connected hands of her friend's.

"Ohh, what goes on here?" Mizu asked slyly.

Katsumi blushed and stole a glance at Kai who just smirked.

"Oi minna!" called out another voice.

Kai and Katsumi turned to see their prince waving at them. Kai waved back.

"Ohayo!" Matsuko called, "What are you two doing out this early?"

"Well, we were coming to see you," said Kai.

"We huh?" Matsuko questioned with a smirk.

Katsumi gave another blush as Kai asserted his gaze. Matsuko gave a chuckle and pecked his "wife" on the check, "Ohayo."

"Ohayo Matsu-kun," she answered with a smile.

Matsuko looked at Kai and Katsumi's locked hands. He looked to his friend with an evil smirk.

"So, what is this all about?" he asked with his smirk still noticeable.

Katsumi blushed even more and Kai just rolled his eyes. He then let go of Katsumi's hand and averted his gaze with crossed arms. Mizu giggled.

"I think someone's a little shy," Mizu said with a smile.

Kai turned to them, "Okay, so we are together! Is there something wrong with that!?"

Mizu laughed, "No, no, not at all!"

Matsuko took hold of Mizu's hand, "Okay, well, let's go to the River and join Yume."

"Do we have to?" sighed Kai.

Katsumi gave a giggled, "Oh stop being so dramatic!"

"I am not being dramatic!" yelled Kai as they began to walk.

"You're acting as though the world is going to collapse if we go!"

"No, not that dramatic, Katsumi-chan."

"Okay, well, then, as though you are going to die!"

"Well, may it will-"

*BOOM*

The ground soon shook and stopped the four teens in their tracks. Matsuko cocked an eyebrow and looked to Kai in question.

"What was THAT!?" Kai yelled.

"I don't know!" Matsuko yelled back.

Soon, screaming started to come from the forest. They looked in the forest's direction and noticed a flock of birds erupting from the back of the forest trees. Matsuko looked to Katsumi.

"You and Mizu go find my mother, Kai, come with me, we are going to go look for my father," he ordered.

Katsumi gave a mod and ran off with Mizu to find Ayame.

"Come on, let's go find my dad!" said Matsuko.

Kai gave a nod. Soon, both began to run towards the forest. Kai caught up with Matsuko.

"How do you know he is there already?" Kai shouted.

"It's my father we are talking about! Where danger is, he is!" replied Matsuko.

And the two ookami ran off towards the forest, ready for the danger that awaited them there.

~Yume's House~

Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes! Just sit there and be still!," he replied.

"I'm almost sure I did," she said as she sat back down on a rock.

"Well I didn't, now we just finished fixing the house, can we get to what I want to do?" replied the eager dog boy.

Amura gave her boyfriend a glare sat back down on the rock. Yume continued to sketch her image and then paused. He looked up and faced her.

"Out of curiosity, why do you ask?" asked Yume.

"I'm mentioning it because the explosion came from the forest next to the Wolf Clan," Amura said while still in her pose.

"Ahh I see, well maybe Hiroku dropped by there," said Yume as he continued to paint.

"Who is Hiroku?" asked Amura.

"It's Sashira's brother," said Yume while he still continued to paint.

"Hiroku Aitsu, why does that name sound familiar?" Amura asked with a thoughtful expression.

"I don't know, maybe he goes to our school," Yume said as he painted some more.

"Yes, I guess you are right," Amura said as she went back to normal.

"HELLO!" said a happy voice from behind Yume.

Yume's ears gave an annoyed tweak and groan. Amura gave a sweat drop and a sigh. Yume paused his sketching and turned to see Kairi hand in hand with Shinjuki.

"Oh…look who it is," said Yume with sarcasm.

"Was that sarcasm?" said Kairi as she gave him a bonk on the head.

"What? Sarcasm…no not me," said Yume while scratching the bump on his head.

Shinjuki walked to the large canvas Yume was painting on. He examined it as well as Amura and gave a smile.

"Excellent as always!" he said with a smile.

"Thanks," said Yume as he continued his work.

Shinjuki put the large bag he was carrying down and opened it up. He pulled out what seemed to be his flute. He walked over to Yume.

"Want some music?" he asked.

"Sure," Yume said; keeping all his concentration on the painting.

Kairi looked at Amura, "How long have you been there?"

Amura stayed in her pose, "About half an hour."

"Wow," said Kairi, :I would never be able to stay still that long."

"Don't need to tell us that twice," said Yume, earning him another bonk on the head from Kairi.

Shinjuki gave a chuckle and began to play his flute. The melody was soft and breathtaking; it could cure any problem. After the entrancing, quiet, angelic tune it became fast and extreme. It made it seem as though adrenaline was starting to run through your body. Soon the music stopped, same on cue with Yume's finished painting.

"Great music Shin, well I'm done!" cheered Yume.

Amura gave a sigh, "Thank God, I can move again…"

*BOOM*

The ground shook and Amura lost her balance. Luckily, she grabbed hold of the rock she sat on before she fell into the river. Amura stood and looked to the forest near the wolf clan. More and more birds were flocking up.

"You see, I knew it!' she yelled to Yume.

"Okay, well let's go over there and see what it is!" he shouted.

Before they left, Shinjuki gave a wide-eyed expression, "Um…I don't think that's going to happen."

"Why the hell not?"

"Because THAT won't let us," he said as he pointed towards the other side of the rover. Yume turned around to view a giant water snake who seemed to have it's sleek eyes on Amura.

"Amura look out!" Yume shouted.

Amura dodged the water snake's attack and ran to Yume. By this time, everyone had called out their weapons and was ready for a battle. Yume stared the demon in the eye, as it stared back.

`First me turning demon last night, causing me to complete destroy our house, we fix it, and now a demon comes by the next day and ruins it again!' though Yume to himself, `Oh it's on now!'

The snake made its move, snatching at Yume who blacked the snake's fangs with his Tetsuaiga. Kairi went to the left, bringing her kunai in a blocking pose. Shinjuki went to the right, holding his pike out towards the demon. Amura stood with Yume, her bow and arrows in hand.

~Wolf Clan~

"DAD!" shouted Matsuko as he spotted Koga.

Koga looked to Matsuko, "There you are, are you going to come with me to fight?" he asked.

"Yea, but, what is it?" asked Kai.

"A giant forest snake, it is feasting on wolves, we have to stop it!" yelled Koga.

"A snake? Are those un common around now?" asked Kai.

"No time to explain, let's go!" yelled Koga.

"Oh, yeah!" shouted Kai.

Without word the wolf boys ran to the scene where the snake was. On the way, many wolf demons were retreating shouting remarks such as "It's too dangerous!" or "Run, run away!"

That did no stop the three ookami's from running to their enemy. Koga soon slowed down, signaling Matsuko and Kai to stop as well. When they stopped, they became dead silent. Koga knelt down behind a bush, as well as the boys. He then pointed across from him for the boys to see.

Matsuko and Kai followed his finger and saw the forest snake. As of now, it was suffocating a wolf, who's whimpers could be heard; softly, softer, and then soon, gone. When dead, the snake unraveled it self and opened its wide jaws. It devoured the wolf in an instant. Matsuko looked in disgust as the wolf was eaten.

"I say we kill it now," whispered Kai angrily.

"No, we need to wait for the perfect moment!" Koga whispered back, though it was hard.

"That was the perfect moment, he killed one of our wolves!" said Kai in a soft, yet, hard tone.

"Well, father, it did just eat, so maybe it will have a harder time fighting if we attack it now," suggested Matsuko.

"You have the brains my boy," said Koga.

"Okay, but we should split up," Matsuko said as he watched their prey.

~Lair-Training Grounds~

"Okay boys, time to train!" Naraku shouted.

"Whoa, what? What about those double earthquakes?!" shouted Hiroku.

"Yes sir, should we look into them?" Umi asked.

"It is not of our concern, now get into fighting position, Umi and Kiyo first," he said harshly.

Umi gave a nod of his head and went to his position on the North quadrant of the battlefield. Kiyo gave a bow and went to the South quadrant of the battlefield and summoned out his weapon, now going into his fight stance. Both boys looked into each other's eyes as if calculating their actions. Naraku looked to each of them and gave a nod to Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru looked to the students on the training grounds, "Ready…begin."

The boys began their usual training and had their usual spectators. From the library window was Sashira, Tsuki, and Neko. They always would watch the training from the library window since "women are at risk" when at the training grounds. Or so, Sashira's father would say that. They loved watching the boys train, plus, Tsuki needed to be near by in case the boys were to get injured.

"Same old thing, something new should happen," complained Tsuki.

"Hai," said Neko with a bore sigh.

Sashira looked to them, "Not everything is the same, remember when my brother beat Kiyo?"

"That's true!" said Tsuki thoughtfully.

"I didn't like when he beat Kiyo," Neko said with closed eyes.

"Why not? It was a big honor for my brother," Sashira said.

Neko gave a scoff, "Well, I guess, but he hurt Kiyo too much."

Sashira and Tsuki looked to each other and gave smirks. Sashira turned away and looked back to the boys fighting; once again Umi had won, and he was now resting his body as the other were getting prepared to fight. Kiyo seemed fine after his battle with Umi. He did; however, have a huge gash in his side, but he was resting it up.

Sashira looked to Umi again. She was sp happy they were together, sure they were in a forbidden love, but it was better then not being together. She gave a smile when Umi had noticed her soft eyes on him. He returned a smile to her. Their longing stare was interrupted.

*BOOM*

Suddenly, a large creature boomed out from underground causing the Lair and training grounds to shake hard. Sashira's eyes widened at the creature that erupted from the grounds. Tsuki and Neko stood up from their seats and ran to the window to see what had happened. They too gasped at the snakelike creature that had emerged from the grounds, who was now staring at Kiyo, Hiroku, and Umi.

Soon after, Kikyo barged into the room the girls were in.

"Are you alright!?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm fine mother," Sashira answered as she looked down to the boys.

The snakelike creature stared at the boys, slowly slithering the end of its body. In no time the boys uncovered their weapons and stood in a battle position. The snake was first to make its move; it snatched at Kiyo, who blocked it easily.

At the first sign, Sashira transformed into her battle costume and ran down the stairs. Tsuki turned at her departing figure.

"Sashira!" she called out as transformed as well.

Tsuki then looked back out the window, her eyes waiting for Sashira to appear down below.

~Sashira's POV~

I made my way down the long stairs and into the empty dining room. I stopped and slowly walked through the kitchen, towards the exit for the training grounds. I turned slightly, pressing my back to the wall and creeping slowly at the open door.

I could hear what battle was being fought. Bombs exploding causing the ground to shake, swords being unsheathed and slashing against another one's skin. I made my move again, very softly. I knew that even the slightest movement and I would be detected. I have to try my hardest, to not get recognized. I moved my head close to the opened door and looked out. The boys were still fighting, which was good for me.

`Gives me enough time to call out my weapon and make my attack,' I said to myself.

I reached behind me and an arrow appeared in my hold. I kneeled down, my whole body facing out to the battle. I took the arrow and traced a circle around my, while watching the enemy cautiously. I then placed the arrow in front of me, the beast still not detecting me. I took my now free hands and made them into a spell pose. I began to chat softly.

~Normal POV~

"Madzu shi motemo shishi so kannawo, madzu shi motemo shishi kannado, madzu shi motemo shishi so…" the incantation continued.

As she chanted, a series of designs and sparks surrounded her and soon engulfed her. She could not be seen, only a white circle in her place. The light of the circle soon dimmed. The boys were too distracted to see what she had done, which in a way, was good, for they were keeping the beast from seeing her.

The light was now a sheer bulb around her figure. There she sat, still calm in her same position. She opened her eyes slowly and gave a satisfied smirk. She took her left hand and reached behind her, the smirk still visible and her eyes still full of confidence. Her palm latched to a solid object. She brought in front of her a bow. The bow was no ordinary one; it was white, decorated with paint made from a dragon's scales. Sashira smiled at her weapon.

"Celestial Dragon, it's been awhile since I have used you, how about you awaken?" she spoke to the bow.

The bow reacted with shining its aura even brighter than it was. Sashira smiled and grabbed an arrow; it became the shape of a dragon's fang once she placed it in the firing position. Sashira put the bow and arrow into firing stance and aimed to the sky.

~To Umi~

Umi dodged the water snake yet again and gave it a slash with his sword. Before he gave it another blow, he spotted Sashira, ready to fire her arrow. He looked to see that Hiroku and Kiyo had noticed to. He landed and noticed that Hiroku and Kiyo had already left the battlefield.

`They must have noticed her too,' Umi thought to himself.

Umi ran towards the snake and gave it one last hit of his sword, he then moved off the training ground. Sashira, who was now ready to fire, and she did.

~Wolf Clan-Forest~

"Take that!" shouted Kai as he threw his pike at the forest snake.

A hiss of pain escaped from the snake as the clash hit it. Kai jumped back down and gave a questionable glare. The snake slithered back up into its fight position.

"Why won't it die!?" Kai yelled furiously.

"He is right, we have attacked it all over, but it won't even show any signs of injury!" said Matsuko.

They were right. They had given the creature all of their attacks, yet nothing happened to the snake, neither did it back away. What was happening?

"Maybe we should attack it all together!" Kai suggested.

"No, that won't work," said Koga.

"Then what do we do!?" Kai replied loudly.

Matsuko looked up at the creature. It began to twirl in its spot, watching them. Matsuko glared at it, how much he wanted to destroy this monster for hurting defenseless wolves.

*BOOM*

The ground shook again, causing the wolves to almost loose balance. Kai; however, fell over onto Matsuko, who fell along with him. Koga walked to them and bent down to their level.

"Are you two alright?" asked Koga.

"Yes, just fine…" said Kai.

"Easy for you to say, you're not the one with a person on your back!" shouted Matsuko from under Kai.

Kai looked down to see Matsuko, "Whoa, sorry!" he apologized as he stood quickly.

"Okay, let's try and attack at the same time, better then nothing," Matsuko said as he stood.

"It's too late for that," said Koga sternly.

"Why?" asked Matsuko with confusion.

Koga brought his hand out and pointed, "It's gone."

"WHAT!?!?" yelled Kai.

They looked to see the creature gone and a trail of fallen trees as its escape path. Kai gave a growl, "I say we go after it!"

Matsuko gave a nod. He then looked to his father, "Dad, let me and Kai go, we can handle it on our own."

"Sure son, I'll go check on your mother and help clean up the clan," Koga said as he patted his son on the head.

"Okay, bye!" Matsuko said as he and Kai sped off towards the Field.

~Lair~

The sky became clouded and dark. Sashira aimed her arrow up towards the sky and soon released her hold. At that moment, her arrow flew into the clouds like lighting. Sashira gave a smirk when the arrow disappeared.

Arrows, not one or two, but the whole sky filled with arrows. They started shooting down towards the snake, and hit him. The snake hissed in pain as the arrows bashed into its long and scaly skin. It was dart practice for this attack, nothing could be better. After what seemed like a lifetime, the arrows stopped their storm. Dust that had erupted around the snake began to clear. Sashira watched, with her bow still in hand and a confident smile. She stood up and her faced then paled.

The snake was still alive, and now lifting its long body up. There was; however, proof the creature had been hit with those arrows. Holes were found all over its skin, yet it stilled moved as though it was completely healthy. Sashira's expression became terrified.

`Why didn't it die?' she thought to herself.

Umi glared hard at the unhurt creature, as Hiroku gawked in shock. The snake looked down upon them, its eyes moving from Umi to Sashira, to Hiroku, and then back to Umi. The snake kept its gaze on them, slithering backwards. Sashira noticed this.

`Why is it retreating? He seems fine……' she thought to herself.

Umi soon noticed the snake was making its escape as well. He looked to Sashira. Sashira looked to him. She stood up and walked to him.

:Umi, should we follow it?" she asked.

Hiroku stood up in an instant, "Whoa, wait a minute! You saw that thing, it's immortal!"

Sashira shot a glare towards her brother, "No demon is immortal, no matter what they say!" she shouted to him.

Hiroku gave a wince, "That's right, but your attack should have killed it! It's going to take a lot more then just us to kill it!"

"He is right Sashira," claimed Umi.

"I am?" questioned Hiroku.

Umi gave a nod, "Yes, you are."

Hiroku stood quiet and then gave a smile, "Yeah! Of course I am!"

Sashira rolled her eyes and then looked at the path the snake had left behind. She then turned her head back to Umi.

"It seems our "immortal" friend is heading for the Field," she claimed.

Umi gave a nod, "I noticed that as well, but for what reason I wonder. Shall we follow it?"

Hiroku gave a nod, "I say we do!"

"But if Sashira's attack, even with ours, did not work, how do you expect to kill it?" questioned Kiyo.

"Wakaranai. But we need to act fast if we want to save a few village lives," claimed Umi.

:Ah yes, let's follow it!" agreed Sashira.

With the nods of their heads the warriors were off towards the Field.

"Where are they going?" asked Tsuki from the window view.

"Probably following the snake," said Kikyo.

"Should we follow them, Lady Kikyo?" asked Tsuki.

"No, leave it to them, they can handle it," she said.

~The Field~

His breathing was heavy as he kneeled down besides a rock. Sweat dripped down his face, his skin was red from all the combat that had just deceased. He gave a growl and lifted his blade again.

"Yume! That's enough, you'll kill yourself!" Amura shouted.

Yume gave a scoff, "I can kill it, I just need to beat it down a bit."

"Yume, we all have tried and it still wont' die!" Shinjuki claimed.

"Yes, something is absolutely wrong here!" Kairi said with a huge sigh.

Yume placed his blade down and turned to look at his enemy. The water snake, at that moment, slithered in its place, waiting for prey. Yume could hear its hunger, it hunger for blood. He then turned to view the sky, panting less and less.

"Oh my God, look!"

Yume followed Kairi's pointed finger and then jumped up. Two more snakes, and they were slithering this way. They were slithering towards the third snake, which was coiled up. The two snakes then came to the third one who was coiled.

"What are they doing?" asked Amura.

"I don't know……" said Yume as he watched the scaled beasts.

The water snake began to slither around into a complete coil. The forest snake then made a coil around the water snake, tightening itself hard up to the water snake. The forest snake then opened its jaws and bit into the water snake's skin, which gave no reaction. The third snake slithered around the two and then bit its fangs into the forest snake.

A bright light erupted from the three coiled snakes, causing Yume and the others to shield their eyes.

~Elsewhere~

"What the hell is that!?!" yelled Kai as he fell over from the intense brightness.

"I don't know, but it's coming form the Field," claimed Matsuko as he stood.

"Well, we are almost there, let's hurry!"

"Hai!"

The wolf boys ran off.

~Elsewhere (again ^^')~

"Umi, was that light-" Sashira began.

"Yes, it seems to be coming from the Field," he concluded for her.

"Do you think it's the snake?" she asked.

"Come on! Let's just go find out for ourselves!" shouted Hiroku, as they all began running towards the Field.

~The Field~

"Oh……"

"My........."

"Gosh…….."

"Did it do what I think it just did?" questioned Amura.

"No, it did worse………" claimed Shinjuki with a wide opened mouth.

The gang looked to the now single snake. Only now, it was five times bigger, uglier, and undoubtedly stronger. Yume gave a growl as the snake kept its red and wet eyes on him, as if it was saying "I won".

Yume shook his head in response, as saying "It hasn't even begun."

In one quick swift moment Yume grabbed his sword and attacked, causing the snake to be blown into the ground. Yume landed on his feet easily. He looked around.

`It's not dead, I can smell him!' he told himself.

Amura watched Yume as he walked in the grass cautiously. She knew that meant the battle was not over, yet, he still tried to finish it on his own. She watched as his ears tweaked, meaning he heard something. He jumped, the snake now emerging from where he stood, its jaws opened.

Yume's eyes became wide as the snake's jaws came close to him. In a quick flash, the snake was knocked away from his target. Yume's eyes now gave the expression of confusion. He landed onto the ground, his head bent.

"So……" Yume's ears tweaked at the voice, "you can't kill either cousin?"

Yume turned his head to see none other then Umi with his whole crew. Yume stood, bringing his blade over his shoulder. He looked at his cousin and his "team" and gave a smirk.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked.

"I can't have you killed by some demon," Umi said as he placed his weapon in front of him," That's my job."

Yume gave a smirk, "You sound so confident."

"Humph, we'll see in time if my confidence protects me," Umi responded.

The boys stared to each other long and hard. They both wore smirks. Sashira and company watched in amusement; however, they were distracted.

"Yume!" shouted Amura's voice.

Yume looked over to see Amura, Kairi, and Shinjuki running towards him. Amura walked up out of breath.

"Are you alright?" she asked while taking her breath.

"I'm fine," he replied.

"Why worry about him, the mutt face says he can handle himself," said a deep sarcastic voice.

Yume's expression became dull and he gave a scoff while crossing his arms. Kai walked behind Amura.

"Good Morning!" he greeted.

Amura turned with surprise, "Kai? Matsuko? What are you two doing here?"

Kai gave a smile, "Yo!"

Matsuko started his explanation of them following the snake. Everyone gave shocked eyes.

"…….and so we followed it over here," he concluded.

"That's exactly what happened to us," said Kiyo.

"I wonder why we got attacked by the same type of creature at the same time, well almost," Umi questioned.

"Well, it's obviously the same villain sending his or her minions at us," Sashira stated.

Yume gave a roll of his eyes, "So what are we going to do? Fight together?"

"No way! We are against each other aren't we?" claimed Kai.

"Oh Kai, we need to work together for this!" shouted Matsuko.

"Why? We can take him!" Kai boasted.

"What? You mean like you did back at the clan?" yelled back Matsuko.

"He's right then, they won't get injured will they?" said Hiroku.

"No, it seems they are almost immortal," said Shinjuki.

They all stayed quiet, thinking on how to beat this creature. Yume looked to the ground having the same debate in his head as everyone else. He turned around and started scanning the Field. Umi realized this too and looked up.

"Umi……" Yume began.

"Yes, I know……." Concluded Umi.

"Why has it not been around?" he asked.

"I don't know," replied Umi.

The two continued their conversation as the others stood confused. Kairi bent towards Shinjuki.

"What are they talking about?" she whispered.

Shinjuki shook his head, "I have no idea."

Yume turned to Shinjuki, "You know, I can hear you."

Kairi gave a sweat drop, "Right, are you going to tell us what you and Umi are worrying about?"

Yume gave a scoff, "Can't you tell?"

"Sorry, we are not as skilled as you with the radar ears and all," replied Sashira sarcastically.

"The enemy has not come to attack nor is it detected," said Umi as his eyes watched out to the field.

Everyone looked to the Field with sharp eyes. The enemy was no where to be seen. The wind blew lightly, blowing the tall grass gracefully. Umi looked to Yume who was staring back. Yume's ears began to tweak as he sensed motion. He jumped away, grabbing Amura with him.

The ground shook as a long-scaled creature came out from under the ground. Everyone on the ground took hold of someone or something near then to hold their ground. Yume landed to the ground and looked up.

There was the missing creature, watching them as though they were its next meal. Its now green eyes looked down upon them, his tongue slithering in and out of its mouth. Yume walked over to Umi, dragging Amura along with him.

"What do you say? We fight together?" Yume questioned.

"I don't know what to say to that!" Umi yelled.

"Well say something, or we all become snake food!" Yume argued back.

The snake gave a snap and Yume looked to see Shinjuki and Kai in the air. They brought out their weapons while in mid-air. The snake lifted its head and took a snap at Kai who dodges it thanks to Shinjuki, who attacked the snake's head. The boys landed near each other. Kai looked to Shinjuki.

"Thanks," he said.

"You're welcome," Shinjuki replied.

Soon the groups gathered and Yume looked up to look at the snake.

"It seems as though Shinjuki's attack did some damage…….it's blind," Yume said.

"That's what I thought when I saw it from afar," claimed Kiyo.

The snake did indeed seem blind. It began to slither and could not see where it was going. Sashira looked to the group.

"Eyes are not the only senses, it will eventually find us," she said.

"Very true," said Hiroku.

"It's settled then, we fight together," said Yume.

"Okay……..and I say we split up, get it confused!" shouted Kairi.

"I never thought of that, good job Kairi!" cheered Kai.

Kairi chuckled, "Thank you!

"Okay, who is going where?" questioned Amura.

They all thought for a moment. Suddenly, they heard a hiss. They turned to see the snake coming slowly towards them.

"No time to figure that out, just run!!" shouted Hiroku as they went separate ways.

All ten began to scatter all over the field and at the same time, surrounded the snake completely. They all hid down into the tall grass; however, they kept their eyes on their enemy. The snake stopped its slithering. It stayed still but its hissing could still be heard by everyone. The attacking began.

Yume ran towards the snake, sweat falling down his face. He soon felt someone beside and turned to see Umi running besides him. They both ran head on towards the creature. They suddenly jumped in mid-air, raising their weapons over heads and shouted out their attacks.

"Kaze no Naguru!"

"Tsukikuroi!"

The blast combined and hit the snake, which caused it to squirm, yet it was still alive.

"Yume, move!" shouted Amura.

Yume turned towards her voice to see her and Sashira with their arrows aimed. The boys moved and the girls released their attacks.

"Ryu no Ha!"

"Tenshi no Ya!"

The arrows shot and struck the beast's body. It hissed in pain again. Everyone soon started attacking; Kairi wrapped the snake with her chained kunais, Kai took his double sided pike and attacked the beast as much as he could-same with Matsuko and Shinjuki. After all the damage inflicted Yume and Umi raised their weapons again, Amura and Sashira aimed theirs arrows.

"Kaze no Nagaru!"

"Tsukikuroi!"

"Ryu no Ha!"

Tenchi no Ya!"

The arrows were shot and the blasts were given. All watched as the flashing beam grew and the hissing of pain left. As the light died down there was no snake; however, a piece of parchment fell from the sky. Once it landed, Yume picked it up and unrolled it.

Everyone gathered around him.

"Read it!"

Yume looked up and then down to the parchment, he began to read;

"The test of courage, the test of fight

After taking the test, you have the right

Now one step closer, it is up to you all

Who is the chooser? Decide soon

For you shall soon see; Together Everyone Achieves More."

~End Chapter 11~

Disguised Destiny

By: Taijiya-Sango

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