InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost and Found ❯ Chapter 1

 

I do not own Inuyasha or any of the settings used therein. I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. I do not profit from this story

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inuyasha looked around confused, “Damn” he thought, “where are we?” He gently eased the girl in his arms to the ground. She leaned her head against his thigh, exhausted. Glancing over his shoulder he looked worriedly at his other companions. All he had thought about was getting Kagome as far away from that demon as he could; sure that Kikyo was somehow behind the attack.

 

As Inuyasha dropped down beside Kagome he watched Miroku helped Sango down from her fire cat, Kirara. Every looked uninjured but exhausted. Inuyasha looked around again, nothing looked or smelled familiar. He had to find them some kind of shelter so they could rest. But here in this unfamiliar forest he knew not where to go.

 

“Kagome, can you walk?” he asked the girl at his side as he gently lifted his hand to brush her bangs from her eyes. She lifted her eyes to meet his, “I'll try”. He carefully helped her up and put his arm around her to steady her. “This is all my fault” he thought guiltily, “if I hadn't told Kikyo that I wouldn't go to hell with her.”

 

“Hey Miroku, did you see that” Sango whispered nudging the monk with her elbow.

 

“Yes Sango, I saw. Ever since he came back three days ago, he has been acting different, and not just with Kagome but us to. I wonder what happened.”

 

“I don't know. It was kind of weird the first day but nice too.”Sango sighed looking over at the half demon who was their friend. “He's been so gentle and considerate with Kagome these last couple of days. No running off to find Kikyo.”

 

Miroku looked thoughtful, “He hasn't snapped or snarled at any of us either. I wonder …” He didn't finish as Inuyasha looked back at them. That half demons hearing was to good and it would be unwise to get caught talking about him

 

“Are you two ok to walk? We need to find some kind of shelter so we can get some rest. Do either of you know where we are?”

 

The monk and the demon slayer were startled by this and began to look around carefully. “No Inuyasha, nothing looks familiar. That's odd; I wonder how far we came.” Miroku looked thoughtful again.

 

With nothing more to do but walk, this small band of friends set off. Walking slowly so they could get a better sense of the place, Inuyasha suddenly stiffened bringing his hand up to bring the group to a halt. “Something is happening up ahead.” Sheltered in the shadows the group looked out to see another well.

 

“Wha..” Kagome started to say but was silenced by the gentle finger that Inuyasha laid across her lips. “Just wait” Inuyasha breathed into her ear.

 

As the group watched, a slender girl with auburn hair streaked with gold, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt pulled herself out of the well.

 

“I've never seen anyone with hair that color before “ Miroku stated, slightly in shock. “Or dressed that way for that matter, and what is it she's carrying?”

 

“Her hair has always been that color even when we were little,” Kagome said in a shaky voice “and she's carrying her music, she always has it with her.”

 

As her three companions quickly looked down at her Kagome started to run towards the girl shouting as she did “Ryu!”

 

 

The young girl spun around noticing them for the first time crying out “My God, Kagome” just in time to catch her in a hug.

 

As the two embraced, Inuyasha studied the strange girl before them. It was obvious that she was from Kagome's time by the way she dressed, and by the way to girls greeted each other.

 

“My God, Ryu what are you doing here. I haven't seen you in a long time and when I do its here of all places.”

 

“Kagome I could ask you the s..s.. same thing, what are you doing here?” Ryu stuttered. But Kagome ignored the question. “let me introduce you to my friends”

 

She gestured her friends forward, Inuyasha studied the new female. Her smell wasn't all human but he sensed no malice in her.

 

Kagome grasped Sango's hand and drew her forward, “Ryu this is Sango. And this is Miroku” motioning the monk forward. “This is Inuyasha” said Kagome holding out her hand to the half demon.

 

“It is an honor to meet you Ryu” said Miroku, speaking for the group, “I hope I don't offend when I say that Ryu is an odd name for a girl”

 

“The honor is mine and no offense taken monk” she stated giving them each a smile, noticing the blush in Kogome's cheeks and the fact that Inuyasha had not let go of her hand. “Ryu is a nickname given to me when I was a child, my name is Keiko, and well, I'm here to visit my grandparents.”

 

“Your what!” Kagome squeaked. Before she could receive an answer, both Inuyasha and Ryu stiffened and looked to the sky. “Before I answer your questions and get some answers of my own, I think we all should go in now”

 

“Go into where” Inuyasha demanded, but the strange girl was making a hand sign in front of a large tree. The group gasped as a door opened in the air next to the tree. “Welcome to my home” Ryu stated simply, grinning at the four.

 

`How did you do that” Inuyasha asked, the bewilderment showing on his face. His body was still tense and he could feel that something was coming, no scent yet so he wasn't sure but he wanted to get away from it. He shook his head a little to clear it so he could concentrate on what the girl was saying.

 

“Please come in and make yourself at home. Don't think me rude but please hurry” Ryu invited anxiously. “I need to shut and reseal the door.” As everyone tumbled into a warm and inviting room, she stood to one side and made the same hand sign they had seen before. The door swung shut sealing them in. “Please make yourself at home, everything is all right now.”

 

“Ryu what's going on” Kagome started but Ryu shook her head.

 

“Not right now, ok Kagome.” She walked further into the room setting her music case on a low table. “Please make yourself comfortable” Ryu said gesturing to the cushions that surrounded a low fire pit. “I'll start some tea;” bending to the fire pit as she spoke “and I think your Inuyasha has some questions about the house.”

 

The half demon nodded his head at the girl, but he was more intent right now on making sure his friends were comfortable. Once he was sure that Sango and Miroku had all they needed he sank down on a cushion pulling Kagome between his knees her back against his chest. Now he was ready to ask his questions.

 

“I didn't sense this house at all. If we wouldn't have met you we would have just walked right by. That is by design, right?” Inuyasha asked quietly his expression thoughtful.

 

“Yes that is by design; there is nothing wrong with your senses. No demon can sense this place. No matter how strong. There is no spell or incantation that a priestess can recite that will reveal this place. Here you are perfectly safe. If someone picks up your scent it would dissipate before they could enter the little grove of trees where you were standing when we met.”

 

“Wow” exclaimed Miroku quietly. “That must have been one strong spiritual monk or priestess to pull all that off.”

 

“Nope. Was no monk or priestess. Sorry Miroku.” Ryu said gently, grinning a little at the monk's crestfallen expression. “It was only my grandparents and for reasons I don't know, even though I'm grateful to them for it.”

 

Ryu stood looking at the group, seeing their exhaustion even in the way they sipped their tea, she made a decision, `I think its clear that no one is up for a long discussion right now so I suggest that we have some supper, get to know one another and get some sleep. The rest can wait for tomorrow.”

 

“That sounds good” Inuyasha sighed. “We….

 

Before he could finish that thought, Kagome chimed in “Ryu, that ring on your left hand, is it a promise ring?”

 

Looking down at the ring she blushed but everyone could see her expression soften, and hear the pride in her voice when she said “Yes Kagome, this is from my mate to be”

 

“That is a odd way to put don't you think,” Sango whispered to Miroku

 

The monk, looking thoughtfully at the girl standing before them, whispered back, “No I think it's just right.” Then, nudging Sango gently in the ribs with his elbow he nodded towards Inuyasha and Kagome “Look at their reaction to her statement.”

 

Sango looked at the couple and giggled a little to see that both the half demon and girl in his lap were bright red. But then she brought her attention back to the monk asking “Why do you think her statement is just right?”

 

But Ryu interrupted their musings by saying “As it's not yet supper time lets sit here and relax awhile.” She settled back onto her cushion gazing out at people around her thinking “Ok how am I going to explain all this to him?” Her gaze then settled on her friend cuddled comfortably against Inuyasha. Kagome had her head against his shoulder while he absently stroked her arm, their voices quiet. She then glanced at the monk and Sango noticing their puzzled expression as they to gazed at the couple. “So this thing between them is a new development,” she thought with a warm feeling inside her. If anyone deserved to be happy it was Kagome.

 

Miroku broke into her thoughts,”Ryu may I ask you something?”

 

She looked at the monk with a wide smile, “of course, you can ask me anything.”

 

Before Miroku could formulate the question, Kagome's laughing voice broke in. “Be careful what you ask her, she doesn't embarrass easily and she will tell you what she thinks not what she thinks you want to hear.”

 

Miroku laughed “ok warning taken. I was just curious; Keiko is a beautiful name so how did you get the nickname Ryu?”

 

Inuyasha eyed the monk at the question hoping he wouldn't offend the young girl who was being so kind to them, but when Ryu laughed he relaxed. He ignored the voices swirling around him as he looked at the girl curled against him. “How could I have been so blind.” He thought. “How could I have hurt her so much when it was so simple? I love her.” He had already bared his soul to her, asking her questions she had no answers for now. She asked for time. He owed her that and so much more.

 

Kagome listened as Ryu told Miroku all about her strange name, liking the fact that her friends, past and present, were getting along so well. She loved listening to Inuyasha's heartbeat while he stroked her hair and her arm. She was still in shock over the conversation they had a few night ago. He came back from seeing Kikyo and had grabbed her in a tight embrace before she could say anything. He told her he loved her and wanted her to stay with him, here in the feudal era. She asked for time, and he had given it to her. She sighed and burrowed her head deeper into his chest looking at Ryu as she did and felt her mouth fall open. Behind Ryu was standing a slender woman with beautiful auburn hair streaked with silver.

 

.

“Granddaughter” the woman spoke gently. “Welcome home.”

 

Ryu stood turning to face the woman as she did. Bowing her head formally, “Grandmother.” Ruining the mood she stepped up and placed a loud kiss on her still unlined cheek. “Let me introduced you to my friends.”

 

“Brat” her Grandmother said affectionately. Nodding her head to each as they were introduced. “Welcome, I'm sure my granddaughter made it clear that you are absolutely safe here. So please, relax, it looks like you all could use it” She smiled and turned to walk away. Looking over her shoulder she said “Sango, I see you have a fire cat. We also have one and if she wishes she could come with me to play with one of her own kind”

 

“Well, Kirara” whispered Sango smiling, “what do you think?”

 

The fire cat stood, stretched and jumped off of Sango's lap. Standing by the grandmother's leg she turned and meowed at Sango.

 

Walking slowly towards the other room, the older woman turned “Come give me a hug Brat” she said bending to pick up the cat.

 

Laughing Ryu walked up to her, slipping both arms around her neck. Pulling her granddaughter in a tight embrace she whispers “I love you child, but isn't tonight your mating night?”

 

“No” she whispers back resting her head on grandmother's shoulder, “tomorrow night. What am I going to say to, him how am I going to explain?”

 

“He will understand.” Grandmother stated firmly. “Your heart is one of the reasons he loves you.”

 

Chuckling and shaking her head Ryu walks back to her cushion. Sinking down onto it she hears her grandmother.

 

“If your intended shows up I would like to speak to him.”

 

“Yes Grandmother, I'll let him know.”

 

“Oh and Ryu, red or silver?” Grandmother asked faintly from the back of the house.

 

Ryu shrugged “I honestly don't know.”

 

“And you don't care, this is another reason he loves you.”

 

In the silence that followed Grandmothers departure every one looked at Ryu stunned. Finally Kagome broke the silence, unknowingly speaking for the others. “Wow. She's really something.”

 

Ryu nodded, fierce love and pride shinning out of her eyes. Before anyone could say anything else she stood and stretched. “If anyone wants to clean up right now there's a pool that's fed by a hot springs. It's through there, all the way in the back” She pointed the way that Grandmother had gone when she left. “I'll going to start some supper.”

 

Kagome and Sango both stood stating “we'll help.”

 

Inuyasha also stood looking at both girls “I'd like to speak to Ryu privately first if that is ok with her.”

 

Ryu nodded, “that's fine. Meet you in there.” She pointed to the adjoining room.

 

Watching Ryu walk away, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. “I'll be right back” he said, bending to give her a gentle kiss.

 

Inuyasha walked into a room that was not unlike the kitchen he had seen in Kagome house in the future. “I need to ask you something. It's about the…whatever it was that was outside. I felt it and I know you felt it too.”

 

“I did. I've felt it before. We don't ever see anything but we also sense no malice…no evil. It feels like someone's aura maybe looking for something. I really don't know.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “I too sensed no evil just an uncomfortable presence.”

 

Ruy swallowed then said, “Inuyasha may I now ask you a few things?”

 

At his nod she continued. “When was the last time you really relaxed? Not having to protect yourself or others?”

 

The half demon looked uncomfortable but answered honestly. “I've never been off guard. If I had then I would have died.”

 

Ryu was quite a moment then spoke softly, “I was being honest when I said nothing could harm you here. Please relax.” She paused then said with a grin, “I think you'd enjoy it.”

 

Inuyasha grinned back, he couldn't help himself. He was more comfortable in this house then he could ever remember being. Sobering he looked at Ryu, “May I ask another question?”

 

Still smiling Ryu replied “sure, if I can ask another?”

 

Inuyasha smiled then asked his question. “How come there is no fear in you? Are you not a half demon too?”

 

Ryu could not hide her surprise but said “Yes, but how did you know?”

 

Inuyasha said “I'm half dog demon and I could smell that you were not full human but it wasn't until meeting your grandmother that I realized. She's a full demon yet she is your grandmother. How is this so?”

 

“Yes she's full demon as is my mother. I'll explain more in our big conversation coming tomorrow. Ok?”

 

Inuyasha looked at her closely, “How do you hide it from others so well?”

 

Laughing Ryu said “You could hide it if you wear a hat, right?” At his nod she continued, “I too have a feature that marks me but it's easier for me to hide. But leave it for tomorrow. Now may I ask my other question?”

 

Inuyasha looked nervous but nodded.

 

“Please don't think I'm being nosey but Kagome is one of my best friends. How do you really feel about her?”

 

Surprised Inuyasha took a step toward Ryu. Taking her hand he said “Please believe me when I say I have been careless with her feelings in the past because I tried to deny my own but I love her with all that I am. Do not worry.”

 

Ryu searched his eyes intently. Satisfied she nodded giving the surprised boy a kiss on the cheek saying, “Just be good to her. Nobody deserves to be happy more than Kagome.”

 

Nodding Inuyasha turned and left the room.

 

Back in the front room he noticed that both Sango and Miroku were grinning and Kagome still had a faint blush on her cheeks. He felt his heart clench “Damn she's beautiful,” he thought. Then out loud “She's ready if you still want to help. Miroku how about we visit the hot springs? Miroku nodded as the girls left the room.

 

 

LATER IN THE HOT SPRINGS

 

Sitting in the covered pool, enjoying the warm water Inuyasha couldn't help but notice the glances Miroku kept sending his way. “All right out with it monk.” He tried to sound grumpy but he was to happy.

 

Miroku sensing this change in his friend's mood said quietly, “You know I consider you and Kagome family. I would like to know what caused your change in attitude toward her.”

 

Inuyasha leaned his head back knowing that the monk was right, they were a family of sorts. The first people to really accept him after his mother died. Quietly Inuyasha said “I'll explain it the best I can. We were in camp and I was watching her sleep. The feelings that I had tried to deny welled up and I started to cry.” Inuyasha paused eyes closed wondering if the monk would laugh. Gratefully he felt the comforting hand on his shoulder. “I love her so much Miroku. Why couldn't I see it before? That was when I saw the soul collectors. I found Kikyo and told her that it was not my destiny to go to hell with her. If it had been my destiny to die with her I would have.”

 

“I take it Kikyo did not take that well.”

 

“I really don't know how she took it. I left, just wanting to be back with Kagome. When I arrived in back in camp she was awake but I could see in her eyes that she knew where I had been. I didn't want her to think like that about me again, so I grabbed her up and just let it pour out of me. I told her I loved her and wanted her to be my mate.”

 

Miroku didn't look surprised at that. “It's about time Inuyasha. Sango and I have always known that you harbored strong feelings for her. It's been obvious that Kagome loves you and had been fighting against it.

 

“Why did she feel the need to hide it from me?”

 

“Think about it Inuyasha. You've been going back and forth between her and Kikyo. You made her feel second best. She thinks you see her as a poor copy. Maybe she just didn't want to be hurt any more than she already had been.”

 

Inuyasha sighed “I've been such a fool Miroku. I said those things trying to deny my feelings for her, in the process hurting her badly.”

 

“No you're not a fool. You felt torn.” He again put his hand on his friends shoulder. “It will not be easy for you; Kagome may still feel that you're going to run off to Kikyo every chance you get. You'll have to convince her.”

 

Settling his shoulders with a determined air he said with conviction “Then I'll convince her.”

 

Suddenly a voice halted all conversation. “Boys….suppers ready!”

 

LATER THAT EVENING

 

With everyone full of good food and good conversation, Ryu stood to pour more tea noticing that the monk was looking at her in puzzlement. She turned intending, to ask him about it when he suddenly smiled and said “Shippo.”

 

While Ryu was stuttering, Kogome said “At the village Miroku, you know that.”

 

Miroku was rubbing the back of his neck and looking down at the ground embarrassed, “Sorry. It's just it dawned on me that your hair…” he said glancing at Ryu, “The color, it reminds me of Shippo.”

 

Ryu stood taller, as she was politely stared at by the three. “I see, I think. So who wants to tell me? What's a Shippo?”

 

Laughing, Kagome got up from Inuyasha lap, walked over and pulled her friend into a hug. “Shippo's not a what he's a who. He's a kit, a small fox demon that usually travels with us.”

 

 

“Oh.” Ryu chuckled. Then watching Kagome settle herself back on Inuyasha's lap, she winked at the half demon. “Makes sense I suppose.”

 

Catching the wink, Inuyasha understood. Grinning he said, “Now you'll have to explain it to them or they won't let you rest.”

 

Looking at the expectant faces around her she said “You may be right.” Taking a deep breath she said quietly, “I'm a half demon too.”

 

Kagome was the first to speak. “Ryu …how?”

 

“That's easy Kagome my mother is a demon, my father is human.”

 

“How do you hide it so easily?” Sango asked as Kagome absently stroked one of Inuyasha's ears.

 

“I also have a trait that marks me but it's easier hid.”

 

As the four began to bombard her with questions she held up her hand. She left the room, returning with a pile of blankets. “Tomorrow “she said dropping the blankets to the floor. “We have three rooms or we can all cuddle down here and talk until we sleep. Which do you prefer?”

 

“Here” everyone called out laughing. Inuyasha grabbed a blanket for him and Kagome, Miroku one for him a Sango.

 

After putting more wood on the little fire in the pit, she grabbed the last blanket. Sinking back onto her cushion, she wrapped the blanket around her and settled back to enjoy her friends, past and present.

 

 

 

 

Please read and review. Tell me what you think. Ryu is a character out of my imagination.