InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Head to the past, to save the future! ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 4 )

Head to the past, to save the future

 

This chapter will be rated T for guidance and some bad language. I don't own F all! Bah!

 

Chapter 3

 

Wearing a wrap around red skirt and a white hooded top with red flowers along the bottom Linzi sighed as she gazed at herself in the bathroom mirror, her hands stroking the long ponytail that trailed behind her and now only reached below her bottom. It was tied at the top with a strip of leather cord.

 

Well, now or never I guess.

 

You are nervous Linzi. Relax and go with the flow.

 

Now you come! It's easy for you to say Midoriko. So where's Lucrietia? Haven't heard from her in a while.

 

I do not know for sure…her mind is complicated, even to me. All she told me was that she needed to speak to someone, who I do not know. Now, go join the others, they are waiting.

 

Nodding to herself Linzi left the sanctuary of the bathroom, Midoriko's words finally sinking in and causing her to frown in deep thought.

 

Gone to speak to someone. How? She's part of my soul for crying out loud! Ug, that woman has a lot to answer to when I next talk to her.

 

Entering the kitchen she found it empty then turned and headed for the back door where she felt the others standing together. Sure enough they were all gathered outside waiting for her, her father already had her backpack in his large hands as he smiled warmly down at her.

 

“Are you finally ready Linzi?” Mamoru asked as he slipped her pack onto her shoulders.

 

“Yeah I am. I can't keep putting this off.” Turning to the others she gave them a big smile, which dimmed slightly when she saw that demon bitch Hotaru there, before looking at Grandpa, Naomi and Souta, who stood together to wave them off. “Thank you for letting me and my father stay with you. Hopefully we'll all come back soon, safe and well.”

 

“Don't mention it Linzi-Ema. You all take good care of yourselves and I pray for your victory and safe return.” Naomi replied, then along with Grandpa and Souta they bowed and saw the group off, with cheers of `Bonzai'.

 

Once they all entered the well house and slid the door shut Mamoru took Linzi's hand and stepped up to the old well. With a firm grip on his daughter and looking down into its dark depths he swiftly jumped in, letting out a sigh of relief when blue and white light burst around them.

 

Looks like it works for us then. He thought, then looked behind him when he sensed Hotaru had jumped in.

 

Landing softly on their feet on the other side Mamoru quickly jumped out, not wanting to create a pile up at the bottom of the well, and grinned in delight when he saw the little fox kit fall off of the edge of the well in fright and onto the soft grass. Landing on the grass a short distance away he and Linzi were instantly greeted by the monk and demon slayer, and a growling neko, all three of which dropped into defence mode after the surprise wore off until Inuyasha and his mate appeared behind them. Hotaru was still standing next to the well with a disgruntled look about her while the kit had recovered and was scampering behind the hanyou and miko.

 

“Its ok you lot, there with us. We've got a lot to talk about.” Inuyasha informed them before he and Kagome headed down the path that would lead them to Keade's village.

 

“Dad, stop teasing them!” Linzi growled in exasperation. Hitting him upside the head she smiled warmly at the kit, who quickly realised she was ok and perched himself on her shoulder, then sauntered off after the others.

 

Sighing Mamoru gave the remaining three an apologetic look before following his daughter, the monk and slayer quickly following him close behind. Hotaru took her sweet time taking up the rear.

 

~*~*~

 

“That would explain what myself and Miroku are sensing.” Keade finally said after a pregnant pause once the demon had finished with the long tale. “I must say we are most honoured for your help.”

 

Smiling Mamoru nodded slightly to the older miko. “The honour is all mine Keade-sama. You listened without interruptions and took us in without doubt. The only thing I ask of you is to share some of your knowledge with my daughter Linzi. The miko's in our time are few and far between. Nearly all of them don't have the depth of training as you do.”

 

“Aye, that would be quite alright Mamoru-san.” Keade replied then looked quickly out the window. “It is getting quiet late in the eve. Ye all should rest and set out in the morning. If someone will gladly catch something for supper I will have something made in a few hours.”

 

“Myself and Hotaru will go.” Mamoru volunteered, and before anyone could protest he was gone.

 

Sitting against the wall of the small hut Linzi sighed and smiled at the others, feeling glad when Inuyasha dragged Miroku outside with two water buckets in hand. Looking at the remainders she was suddenly lost for words.

 

Now what! I can't talk to Kagome about her mating with Inuyasha because they don't want the others to know yet, and I don't know what to say to Sango. That just leaves the old miko and the kit. Ug, my head!

 

“It seems that Mamoru is an honourable man, and has raised you well Linzi.” Sango cut into the silence, making a tension in the girl melt away.

 

Saved!

 

“Yeah he is. He has been my rock ever since he took me in, teaching me what he knows. I'm happy to finally meet you all. I'm sorry if I don't say much. It's difficult finding the right words to say.”

 

“You are very honest Linzi.” Sango replied with a warm smile. “I can tell we'll all get along.”

 

“Hey! How about we go for a bath at the hot springs?” Kagome asked. Seeing the nods she got up and gathered some things from her bag, and waited by the door for the others to do the same. Kilala stayed behind, deciding on taking a nap while her mistress and friends went for their bath.

 

Side by side the three women and one kit headed towards the nearby hot springs. When they reached it they all laughed at the way Shippo just stripped off and cannon balled straight in. Luckily they weren't near enough to get wet by the big splash he made.

 

Stripping off Linzi was the first to step in, as she had the less cloths to remove, and piled her long ponytail onto her head as she waded deeper into the hot water.

 

“Oh my!” Sango and Kagome gasped together when they saw the markings on the girls back.

 

“Do those represent the angelic side of you Linzi?” Sango asked, thoroughly entranced by the small golden wings that were present over her shoulder blades. As a demon slayer she'd heard of celestial beings, but not of real live angels.

 

Sinking gracefully into the water after letting them look closer at the wings and touch them too, which thankfully didn't cause her to blush and shiver like the others on her body did, Linzi smiled at them as she soaked in the hot water.

 

“Yeah, they do. But dad says I shouldn't flash them around too much. They could cause a stir amongst the demon populace.” Linzi grinned and chuckled along with Kagome and Sango, the later of which suddenly noticed the bite mark on the young girls left shoulder.

 

“Oh Kagome…I'm so happy for you!” Sango burst out, wrapping her friend in a strong hug as the tears leaked out. “It's about damn time!”

 

“Sango wha…” Kagome wheezed, as Sango hugged her a little more harder before pulling away. Realisation suddenly dawned though when she saw where her gaze was directed. “Ah! Yeah…Inuyasha claimed me as his mate a few nights ago. I think the shock of what Mamoru told us was the final push we needed.” Getting a knowing gleam in her eye Kagome grinned back at the demon slayer. “Sooo…Sango, have you and Miroku…”

 

“NO! Definitely not!” A flushed slayer replied rather loudly as she looked down into the steaming water. “I…well…all we've done is kiss and cuddle, to tell the truth. Though that's lovely as it is…” With a dreamy sigh Sango looked off into the distance with a faraway look, causing the other two females to giggle.

 

Suddenly Shippo piped up from where he sat on a submerged rock. “Don't worry Linzi, you'll get a mate soon, with it being mating season an all.”

 

“Shippo!” Kagome gasped in alarm and shock. Sometimes she wondered how old that kit really was.

 

Blushing an interesting red Linzi looked away and into the surrounding trees, where a few dozen glowing red eyes caught her utter attention. “Um…guys…I don't want to alarm you…but we're surrounded…” Damn! How'd I not sense them?

 

Getting to their feet as one they only reached the bank of the hot spring before the demons pounced. The next few seconds went by in a blur. Somehow most of the attacking demons were slaughtered in quick succession, all they could make out was a white blur as it zipped around them. When the last of the enemy had fallen the three shaken and shocked females and kit were further surprised to find none other than the lord of the western lands, Sesshoumaru, standing before them, his cold golden eyes skimming over their nakedness, lingering briefly on Kagome's mating mark which she hid with her hair before settling on Linzi.

 

Oh fuck! Dad…where the hell are you?

 

~*~*~

 

Having been patrolling through Inuyasha's forest and surrounding lands the past few days Sesshoumaru was just about to move onto somewhere else when he picked up his brothers scent, mingled in with the miko's and a few new ones he didn't recognise, though one of them smelled of power so strong that it had his senses reeling and if it wasn't for his iron like control he would have gone off in hot pursuit of the mysterious demoness's scent.

 

Damnable mating season. The fates just created it to further irritate me.

 

Staying within the shadows of the forest he kept tabs on the lot, his nose and aura easily picking up that his half brother had finally taken the miko as his mate, and silently agreed it was about damn time, and with his keen hearing he listened in on the tale that the one called `Mamoru' told, which at first he scoffed at. Him, Lord Sesshoumaru lending his powers to the miko and dying as a result, absurd! But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense, so when the three women and the young kit had left for the hot springs he had followed some distance behind, knowing that the girl called Linzi would undoubtedly attract the attention of other unmated demons that were still roaming about in the surrounding areas.

 

She is too good for the likes of them.

 

Shaking his head free of that thought when it started leading him to other dirty and depraved parts of his mind which he did not want to go to, Sesshoumaru picked a tree and waited, and listened, nearly falling out of the tree he was in when he saw all the golden markings adorning Linzi's body, the wings getting his undivided attention of course, and sure enough the human turned Inu demon goddess finally spotted the encroaching youkai that were gathered around their location. No sooner had the women and kit made a move to flee the demons had attacked, and so had he. Now here he stood, staring down at this vision of lovely nakedness that had his mind swiftly back in the gutter.

 

I will not succumb, I will not succumb.

 

(`Beasts' talking.)

 

`You are weak and stubborn Sesshoumaru. She is perfect for us. Strong, powerful, beautiful and loyal, and by the sounds of her intelligent too. Yet you hurt not me, your inner beast, but yourself too. How foolish you are.'

 

Be quiet! I have not the time nor the need for this distraction.

 

`Oh but you will, I assure you. By the end of spring you will have her.'

 

Hearing the miko Kagome addressing him brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present. Concentrating on her his senses could pick up the other men of their pack, including Inuyasha, as they raced to their position.

 

“You are mated to my brother?” He demanded coldly, though sounding as if he didn't care, which he really didn't, but remembering Inuyoukai protocol and being lord he had to ask.

 

“What of it Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha asked as he emerged from the woods behind him, causing the older Inu to turn and give the ladies and kit a chance to pull their clothes back on. Miroku quickly appeared behind Inuyasha, while Mamoru and Hotaru appeared from the left, fresh skinned rabbits dangling from their hands.

 

“You and your mate will stay, the others will leave. What I have to discuss is not for their ears.” Sesshoumaru threw back, really hoping the hanyou would not throw a fit and demand they stay. To his relief they obeyed, with Mamoru leading his daughter away by the arm.

 

Before he left entirely he asked over his shoulder. “My Lord Sesshoumaru, when your business is finished here I wish an audience with you, if you will allow it?”

 

Looking at the other demon in the eye he gave a silent nod and watched them go, literally tearing his gaze from the back of Linzi and onto his brother and his mate, who now stood beside him.

 

“So what is it you wanted to talk about Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha asked again.

 

Sighing quietly, something he rarely did and shocking both his brother and mate he continued on. “As your older brother and Lord I must witness your marks to make sure the bonding was done properly, and also…mark you in return.”

 

“WHAT!” They both exclaimed loudly together, but before Inuyasha could launch into a rave and rant about it he stopped himself dead in his tracks when he saw the blush appear on his damned brothers checks.

 

No fucking way! That cold bastard brother of mine is embarrassed? This day just keeps getting more fucked up.

 

Slumping his shoulders and knowing from experience his brother would never lie about something like this Inuyasha gave in. “What do we have to do?” Feeling his mate about to protest he took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, which seemed to do the trick, as she instantly quietened down again.

 

Sighing silently in relief that they weren't going to make a song and dance about it Sesshoumaru explained that he needed to see and examine their marks, and to test that they were truly bonded together he would bite each mark and inject a little of his poison. If they passed his mark would appear in theirs, showing that they were under his protection and true soul mates, and if they didn't pass, well you can guess what would happen.

 

Inuyasha going first he pulled his sleeves away from his left arm, showing his brother the mark Kagome gave him on the meaty part on his lower arm. Taking the offered limb Sesshoumaru raised it to his mouth and quickly bit, injecting a small amount of his poison when his fangs had sunk in and he tasted blood. Satisfied he pulled away and let Inuyasha reclaim his arm, where he wrapped it around Kagome with her back to the older Inu. Coming up behind her he pulled her hair and clothes away from her left shoulder to reveal Inuyasha's mark there and quickly repeated the process again, the hanyou distracting his mate by sealing her lips with his and engaging her in a tongue war.

 

Feeling the slight tingle of her miko blood on his tongue Sesshoumaru stepped back and watched the two mates as they continued to kiss, now oblivious to his presence as he watched their combined aura's manifest themselves and pulse strongly around them, showing the demon lord clearly that the mating had gone well. When they finally pulled away for air and their aura's disappeared did he approach again, first checking on Kagome's mark then Inuyasha's, which now sported a small crescent moon in the middle. He shocked them again when he actually smiled at them, and let them see what he was happy about.

 

“You have both passed.” Sesshoumaru stated and turned to leave.

 

“Thanks Sesshoumaru, for excepting this…and us.” Inuyasha praised his brother, who nodded once before disappearing from sight.

 

Left together the two mates smiled and embraced before picking up Kagome's bathing things and heading back to the hut.

 

~*~*~

 

With everyone settled down for the night in the hut, apart from himself and Hotaru who had wondered off again, Mamoru leant against the tree he was perched in and looked out over the land before him. After ten minutes of silent watch the demon hopped from his tree and headed further into the woods. When he was out of demon hearing range Mamoru stopped in his tracks and waited for the approaching aura that was fastly coming his way. In a matter of seconds Lord Sesshoumaru was stood before him, looking cold and detached as ever.

 

“My Lord.” Mamoru began and bowed slightly in respect. “I'm glad you came.”

 

“What is it you wished to discuss with this Sesshoumaru?”

 

“Linzi, the Inu demoness you saw today, is my adopted daughter. I know you are extremely intelligent my lord, and could tell she was not always so. But what I ask of you is this; stay away from her. She is still new to her abilities and I would not want you to frighten her and bring on a terrible wrath to yourself. She is too important to me and the mission to put at risk. Can you do this for me my lord?”

 

Giving the demon before him a critical eye Sesshoumaru could detect no trace of deceit. “Your daughter is a very tempting woman Mamoru. I heard of what you told the others in the hut earlier. I must admit I was sceptical, but on further pondering I realised you spoke truth. I will not pursue Linzi, but will offer to train her along side you. I can tell you are a wolf demon, and though you are very knowledgeable you do not know the inner workings of the Inu. Be sure to tell your daughter what transpired tonight Mamoru. I will come find you shortly.” With a slight nod of his head Sesshoumaru departed as fast as he came, leaving behind a slightly startled Mamoru.

 

Well, that went better than I thought.

 

~*~*~

 

As morning rose it came to find that the men of the Inu taichi were already up and outside, discussing where to head first, while the women inside were still sleeping soundly.

 

“I would like to head to Totosai's first Inuyasha. Linzi will need a reliable weapon to help channel most of her powers if she is to fight at her fullest.” Mamoru offered, his gaze settled on the horizon in the east.

 

“Sure. Kagome said last night that she senses jewel shards in that direction. Speaking of which its time the wenches got up.” Inuyasha replied before heading for the hut.

 

Staying where he was Mamoru was soon joined by his daughter twenty minutes later as she came to stand beside him.

 

“What did you talk about with Sesshoumaru dad?” Linzi asked quietly as she watched the sun climb higher in the sky, the surrounding clouds burning from red to orange to yellow.

 

Wrapping an arm around her waist Mamoru told her everything that was said, and was smirking in the end when he saw the very flushed features of his daughter before she looked away.

 

Oh god…how can I look Sesshoumaru in the eye if he's there training me, after the eye full he got yesterday?

 

Chuckling Mamoru gave her a quick hug before going off to find Hotaru. “You will do fine little one. Lord Sesshoumaru is a man of his word. He promised me he would keep his hands to himself and he will.”

 

“DAD!” Linzi gasped then started pelting his retreating form with rocks until he disappeared from view.

 

God, your embarrassing!

 

~*~*~

 

On the road at last the Inu taichi were mostly silent as they ambled along, Inuyasha and Kagome taking the lead then Linzi, Mamoru and Shippo with Sango, Miroku and Kilala right behind them. Of course Hotaru was taking up the rear again but keeping to herself.

 

The day passed quickly, with only a handful of attacks on the party, most of which were mate less demons wanting to claim Linzi as their own. The first two were quickly taken care of by Inuyasha and Mamoru, then after the next few attacks Hotaru sneered at him for coddling the girl and told him that Linzi should be proving her worth herself, without other males fighting for her. Mamoru told her to mind her own business if she wished to stay in one piece, and was prepared to send the next one to the afterlife when his daughter stepped in front of him.

 

“Hotaru's right dad.” Linzi cut his protest off and stepped further forward. “I can't keep hiding behind you and others. I know how to fight, maybe not as a demon would but I can do hand to hand. Besides, I need the experience.” Before Mamoru could say another word she'd launched herself at the lizard youkai in front of her, who spit a glob of paralysing goo at her in order to stop her in her tracks. Linzi had seen it coming and jumped up and over, landing silently behind the lizard as it looked frantically around for her. Before it realised where she was she reached out and snapped its neck. “See, that wasn't so hard!”

 

Sighing in relief that she was ok Mamoru just pulled her close and hugged her, whispering he was proud of her victory and glad she was unharmed, while his green eyes burned like blazing emeralds as they locked with smirking black of Hotaru's.

 

I will get you for this later bitch. I decide when she can fight, not you!

 

~*~*~

 

“Has anyone seen my dad?” Linzi asked worried as she looked around the camp they were currently resting in for the night. Supper had already been served and eaten over an hour ago, but Mamoru had yet to return.

 

“I think your father went in search of Hotaru Linzi-sama.” Miroku in formed as he pocked at the fire in front of him. “Probably for a midnight tryst…OW! Sango?”

 

“Keep your lecherous thoughts to yourself monk!” Sango growled at him after pulling Hiraikotsou away from his head.

 

Linzi couldn't help but snort with laughter at that suggestion. “Wha…oh I can assure you that's not what their doing Miroku. Dad totally hates the woman. Personally I can't blame him. She's like a snake in the grass.”

 

“Eh?” Inuyasha barked. “If she can't be trusted then why'd your old man bring her along in the first place?”

 

Sighing Linzi wrapped her blanket around herself. “Well dad's excuse is he needs all the strong, able bodies he can get. Don't ask me why, but that was his answer the last time I asked.”

 

“I think the old saying applies `keep your friends close, but your enemies closer' to that one.” Miroku added after a long silence.

 

All those around camp nodded silently in agreement then looked up as Mamoru came strolling back into camp, looking none too happy. As if knowing that he wasn't in the mood for any conversation they all turned in as the angry demon strode down to the little river they had camped near, and stayed sat there for the rest of the night.

 

~*~*~

 

Whimpering in discomfort from her burning body as she came awake Linzi felt a soothing warm hand brush the sweaty bangs from her forehead and groggily opened her eyes to see that morning had yet to break and her father was kneeling over her with a worried expression on his face.

 

“Linzi…your burning up!” Mamoru whispered as he wiped more sweat from her brow. Leaning down he sniffed her over and reeled back as if she had struck him.

 

Oh gods no…please no! She shouldn't be going into her first heat for another few years yet! Lucretia…what in gods name have you done to her?

 

As if she'd heard him the Queen of the angels used the lucid Linzi and spoke through her, her voice never rising above a whisper as she in formed him of what she'd had to do.

 

“I am at fault Mamoru. In order for her body to withstand her growing powers I not only had to change it into the form of an Inu demon, but a mature one at that. Instead of being sixteen years of age, she is now one hundred, and coming into her first heat. I have spoken to someone, who knows more about this than I, though I can not say who. They say for Linzi to have complete and utter control and have total access to all powers available, she will need a strong mate, one who is either her equal or better. But I must say Mamoru, I think that the demon Sesshoumaru will be a most suitable mate. He is everything she needs and more. Do not stand in the way of his pursuit of her if he does. Let him train her with you, let them get to know each other, then when the time comes step away. It is for the best.”

 

And as quick as she came Queen Lucretia went, retreating back into the recesses of Linzi's mind.

 

How can I fight this? In order to make sure my daughter wins and lives, I have to let her go. Can I really let go of my lifeline? The one person who has kept me sane and going since this madness started.

 

Looking down at the now peaceful face before him Mamoru let a silent lone tear escape before he wiped it away and stood, heading back to the river in hopes of catching something for his daughters breakfast.

 

You are still my daughter Linzi, and until Sesshoumaru claims you I can still look after you.

 

~*~*~