InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 39 ( Chapter 39 )

Year: 1536
Month: May

Kagome whirled as the sound of a familiar pair of footsteps reached her ears. In the time she had been here, only one of Naraku's children had fallen victim to her group. Byakuya had been arrogant and foolish. She snorted. She had never liked him to begin with honestly. He had made it a point from day one of her arrival to get on her nerves.

Turning, she glanced behind her and watched the pregnant form of InuKimi moving along the hall with Naraku next to her. She had never once thought that she could like the two of them and yet once they had revealed the truth to her, she had been able to somewhat get past her initial hatred. She and Miroku had managed to make things work here for the time being. InuKimi was the one that surprised her the most though if she had to think about it. The woman had kidnapped her and then sought her forgiveness and cared for her as a mother would for their daughter. She had informed Kagome of many things, including the new circumstances surrounding Kagura, Kanna and a few of Naraku's other children.

A chuckle made its way past her lips at the thought. If Sesshomaru ever found out that his mother had done a blood adoption with them, he would most likely throw a fit and since they were all now marked as pack, he couldn't kill them. He would have to protect them. She watched InuKimi smile at her. “Little one, how often must you laugh at the expense of my son?” InuKimi knew her so well now.

Kagome gave a small shrug. “Mother, I find it entertaining that he cannot kill one whom used to be his most hated enemy.” InuKimi chuckled softly. Naraku's eyes glimmered in humor as well.

Kagome suddenly looked chagrined and shifted on her feet. She and Naraku were not exactly the best of friends as she definitely did not approve of everything, he had done to the people she cared about most, but she no longer hated him with a vengeance. As if sensing her thoughts, he held up a hand. “No Kagome. I made those choices and thus must take the punishment. I welcome it.”

Kagome gave him an awkward smile. “Um, I suppose I should go. I promised Miroku and Kohaku to go to the gardens today.” InuKimi nodded. “Go along little one.”

Kaede shifted lightly as she watched. Already the kitsune had proceeded to create homes for their village. These were unlike the usual ones though. The youkai had split in half. The kitsunes had veered off to create homes for the villagers and the other youkai that weren't proficient with nature had begun to clear the trees for the shrine. It would extend to encompass both Goshinboku and the Bone Eaters Well. Already, the land was cleared, and they had begun to build the shrine itself. Many of the humans and children had either stuck around to help with the building or go into the forest to gather food. Some of the humans had started an area in the back of where the shrine would be for growing crops.

Smiling, she found her way to the edge of where the old village used to be. She gazed sadly down into the now wild area. Here and there, huts could barely be seen, broken and torn apart. In the center, a group of stones stood. Monoliths to those that died in the destruction of the village. Flaring her aura, she moved to them and kneeled by them. Her hands clenched her pants as she dropped her head. Her two shadows, the female kitsunes, manifested next to her, each placing a hand on her shoulder. “They died with honor Kaede-Sama.” “Do not feel sad. They died to protect what they loved.”

Kaede nodded. “Yes…”

Dorian stared up at his father in speculation. His father was standing with Lady Ayano as they spoke with the Elders. Lady Ayano had taken to the task of one of the council members. At least she would become heir to one of the council members. Already the others had taken in their heirs to their position. She had been introduced as Dorian's right-hand person on the council.

He suddenly found her gaze on him, humor showing in her eyes. He grinned, a light blush on his face. Focusing back on the events before him, he studied the group of people before them. A large group of youkais had appeared from the south. There were many with dark skin. Some looked almost completely black. He tilted his head in wonder. There were so many. Now they would really have a problem. The ones standing close by appeared to be the leaders. There were three of them.

Ayano studied the three before her. One was a female that stood tall and commanding. On her left was a young youkai that resembled her in appearance. On her right stood a man that looked somewhat odd. He looked extremely brown. His hair was pitch black and cut short. He had a small mustache on his upper lip. He was extremely tall. He stood about 6'5”. He was muscular and yet lithe. She watched the woman step forward and speak in a heavy accent in English. “I am Amunet, leader of the Egyptians. This is my brother Amun, leader of the African people. This is Nagarjuna, chosen representative of the Indian people. We have come to join your march.”

The Indian man stepped forward. “You may call me Juna.”

Ayano glanced at Richard and saw him studying the trio. Finally, Richard spoke. “We have trouble keeping what grouping we have fed as well as secretive. We cannot possibly bring more.” A couple of new arrivals let out angry noises. The woman Amunet raised her hand, causing the anger to subside.

“Enough.” She focused on Richard. “It will not matter soon. A war is being called on. The humans have set their focus on youkai and will set out to destroy them all. A time is coming that will see us all struggling. This last leg will draw out the strength of all.”

Nagarjuna eyed the group behind the council. “You should leave the humans.” His voice was harsh and cold, disdainful. There was anger evident in his tone.

Richard growled. “They are our people as well. We will do no such thing. How can you know of the future witch?”

Amunet gave a small shrug. She was eyeing Nagarjuna warily though. Suddenly, she tensed her hand going to the dagger on her hip. Instantly Richard and Ayano tensed up, waiting. They were surprised when suddenly Amunet lunged by them for Nagarjuna. He was already moving toward them, his fangs bared and poison dripping from them. She instantly swiped his side and threw him into the ground, creating a crater.

Amun watched his sister carefully. He really didn't like this youkai. The snake youkai had been nothing but trouble since he had joined them. He was nothing more than a nuisance. His eyes narrowed angrily. He had been a simple Hunter. Because his extreme mood swings, his sister had taken to having him around her almost all the time. Crossing his arms, a growl slipped past his lips.

Amunet looked up, hearing her brother growl. A grin appeared on her face instantly. Once again, her brother was jealous. She could scent it on him. Her gaze turned serious as they dropped back to Juna. Her lips pulled down into a frown. The damn snake was a great warrior and extremely loyal, but these mood swings were ridiculous. She'd had to keep him close just so no one else would be hurt. In fact, he had threatened the humans often enough. The youkai just seemed to avidly hate humans' period. Yet at the random times, he could be found playing with the human children in their group. He was perplexing and yet infuriating.

Ayano turned to Richard. “Sir, if I may say a word.” She watched him nod while his gaze remained on the foreigners. “It might be wise to allow them to join us. We can split into smaller groups to travel on ahead.”

Suddenly she was clapped on her back. She stumbled, coughing a bit. “Very good Lady Ayano. Come, we will speak within my tent.”

Amunet shook her head minutely. “I am sorry, but I cannot leave him here. My brother shall go with you to sort out the details.” Richard gave a surprised look but then motioned for Amun.

Moving forward, Amun sent his sister a weak glare. She merely grinned at him conspiratorially before reaching down and lifting Juna's body to take him back to their tent. Stupid snake. His gaze landed on the boy standing nearby and his eyes lit up. Perhaps he would be able to find a friend. They didn't know what being a priest truly meant to the Egyptian people.