InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Seasons of Change ❯ Down the Rabbit Hole....Again (Part 1) ( Chapter 1 )

[ A - All Readers ]

***Hi, this is Eternalromantic here! This is my first story ever and it took me a long long long time to write it. Lots of effort...I can't even to begin to stress how much effort. With that said I really do hope everybody enjoys reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. )

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inuyasha or anything remotely related so don't sue me. I'm just a fan. Thanks.

Seasons of Change
Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy-tale

Chapter One: Down the Rabbit Hole...Again. Part One

Familiar scents filled Mineko's nose as she stood on top of her favorite hill overlooking the village. A large willow tree sat proudly behind her and Mineko could hear its long, flimsy branches swaying in the wind. It was a beautiful day, bright and sunny. Mineko's silver ears twitched about as they picked up various sounds from around her. She frowned slightly when she heard her little brother and sister arguing over food. They could fight over anything, Mineko thought annoyingly. At the tender ages of nine and six, her siblings were more than a handful. They were complete terrors. Mineko had stated to her parents on many occasions that's she would rather battle a youkai then watch them. How her mother puts up with them all day, day after day was anybody's guess. Mineko looked down at the village and scanned for her father. He was late. They were supposed to be sparring today. Mineko continuing looking for her father until another familiar scent hit her nose and made her stomach growl in protest. It was lunchtime. Mineko frowned again as she saw no sign of her wayward father and the noises in her stomach were urging her to eat, finally she gave up.

"Dammit, Dad." Mineko ground out as she leapt from her place on the hill and sprinted towards the village. Her father had stood her up again and it usually was always the same old excuse, he had better things to do. People in the village smiled and waved at her as she ran by them. The villagers were very kind to her family, despite being part demon. Her mother, Kagome, was the miko of the village and guarded the Shikon no Tama from youkai and evil men. People came to her for everything much to Inuyasha's dismay, which usually ended in him getting sit for being rude to the 'whiny villagers'. Mineko had to grin at the memory. Even though it caused her father pain and embarrassment Mineko always thought it was the funniest thing she'd ever seen every time it happened. Granted she loved her dad very much, but he was hard to handle at times, just like her brother Shinto. Inuyasha and Shinto were practically twins in looks and personality which was not a good thing for anybody. Mineko sighed again at the disappointment her father had caused her. She was really looking forward to fighting with him. Mineko slowed down as she rounded the corner of her hut and smashed into her mother who fell to the ground.

"Ieee! Mother, I'm sorry...I didn't see you there." Mineko quickly apologized as she helped her mother up.

"That's obvious Mineko..." Kagome ground out as she dusted herself off and then turned to her daughter anger seething from every inch of her. "Where is you father, young lady?" Mineko winced at her mother and felt a pain of sympathy for her father who was in for it. Mineko shrugged her shoulders and prayed that she wouldn't incur her mother's wrath. Mineko was having a great day and she wanted to keep it that way.

"Uhhh...actually I don't know. I was out looking for him too since we were supposed to go train today...so no haven't seen him. Wow...food smells delicious!" Mineko said as she hurried into the hut and grabbed some food. She was trying her hardest to avoid being in the line of fire with her mother, who's temper was something nobody wanted to mess with. Kagome huffed and walked away angrily as she watched her daughter load her bowl full of food. Mineko eats just as much a Inuyasha and still remains to be so thin. It's not right. Kagome thought bitterly. It just wasn't right.

Mineko sighed heavily as she watched her mother leave and sat down next to Shinto who was devouring his food. She took a bite of bread and savored the taste. Mineko loved her mother's cooking. She noticed that Asami was picking at her vegetables and put down her bread.

"What's wrong Asami?" Mineko asked and then took a bite out of her fish. Asami did not answer and only looked away solemnly. Something was defiantly wrong with the child. Usually nobody could get the young girl to shut up especially around dinnertime. It always seemed like she had some story to tell and Mineko found herself missing all the noise that usually came with the meals. Asami sighed heavily and continued to look out the window. Mineko looked at Shinto for an answer but he only shrugged and kept eating his food. Mineko frowned. He was never any help.

“OK, Asami, what is wrong?" Mineko asked again her voice betraying the worry that she felt. She hated seeing her adorable little sister in such a mood. It wasn't right. Asami was always such a bright and cheerful little girl. Asami looked back at her older sister, on the verge of tears and started picking at her vegetables again. Mineko's brows furrowed at the sight.

"Daddy promised me he would play with me today. He's not here..." She barely got out as a few tears fell down her cheek. So that's what was bothering her. Mineko figured as much. Asami worshipped her father and always wanted to be with. A daddy's girl. A hundred percent. Mineko found her temper rising as she watched Asami try to control her tears. Her father defiantly had some explaining to do. Mineko smiled at the little girl lovingly and placed her hand on top of her little one.

“It's ok Asami. Don't cry. I will take you to that pond you like so much and we will go swimming. How does that sound?" At the mere mentioning of her favorite pond, Asami's head shot up and she nodded it fervently while squeaking out 'YES' in her little high pitched scream. Mineko laughed at her. She was to damn cute.

"OK, good...but eat all your food up OK and then go get ready." Asami nodded again and started ravishing her vegetables. "And CHEW your food Asami...don't worry the pond will be there when you finish." Mineko chuckled as she stood and went to the bucket of water to clean her dishes. Kagome hated dirty dishes more than anything and at the present time she didn't want to make her angrier than she already was. While she was cleaning her dishes, Kagome walked back into the hut angrier than she had left it. She stomped over to the fire and sat down staring at it morosely. Mineko sighed again thinking of all the people her father was pissing off at the moment. Where was he? She thought sadly and then walked over to her mother.

“Mom I'm taking Asami to the pond because our father is being a jack ass and ditched her to do god knows what." Mineko spat out with a little more attitude than she should have and watched as her mother quickly rose and whipped around pointing a finger in her face. She could hear Shinto stifling a chuckle behind her and her ear twitched annoyingly.

“Mineko! What did I tell you about using that kind of language, especially when your younger siblings are around! You are becoming as bad as your father!" Kagome shouted and then sat back down in a huff. Mineko's ear flattened. She hated being yelled at. Shinto burst out laughing behind her and Mineko whipped around glared at him evilly as if saying you will get yours. Shinto shut up quickly and turned his attention back to his food. Mineko turned back to Kagome who was staring at the fire again.

“Gomen...mama...its just daddy's being real mean to everybody right now. He ditched me...ditched Asami and you're angry at him too." Mineko started to explain when her brother rudely interrupted her.

"Not everybody Mineko!" Shinto stated and looked away quickly as Mineko whipped around again getting seriously ticked off at her little brother.

“BAKA...you are really beginning to press your luck with me today." Mineko warned icily which caused Shinto to stick his tongue out. Asami remained quiet as she finished her rice ball. She never liked it when her family would fight. Seeing Asami so pensive, Mineko dropped her argument with her brother and turned her attention back to her mother. She looked so sad and she wondered what was going on between her parents. Where they fighting? Mineko's ears flattened again at the thought. She always thought her parents were perfect together and seeing them bicker was just sometimes too much for her. Mineko sat down next to her mother and leaned her head on Kagome's shoulder. "It'll be OK mama..." Kagome nodded and then smiled down at her daughter.

"I'm sorry that I have been crazy all day..." Kagome's voice trailed off and Mineko shook her head in defiance. She defiantly understood the affect her father could have on somebody.

"It's alright." Mineko thought of her dad. He was royal pain in the ass most of the time. It was usually his way or the highway and his arrogant attitude was enough to make anybody hurl but at times he was the best father anybody could ask for even if he rarely showed that side of him. She always wondered what her sweet, gentle, caring mother could see in such a pig headed boy. Mineko looked up at her mother and studied her features as Kagome stared into the fire. Mineko had always thought her mother was the most beautiful woman in the world and her father seemed to think so too. Asami looked just like their mother, with the same jet-black hair and deep brown eyes. She looked back at Asami who was almost done eating her fish and smiled warmly at her. She was swinging her little feet back in forth and her little black ears were twitching about. Asami was adorable. Mineko's attention to her sister was interrupted when Shinto released a large belch. Asami giggled and Mineko frowned at her brother's apparent lack of table manners.

Yes, Shinto was exactly like Inuyasha. Her father rarely used his table manners as well much to Kagome's disappointment. They both were egotistical, selfish, stubborn and bullies but like Inuyasha, Shinto had his good qualities as well. He was extremely protective of Asami and loved to make her laugh. Shinto could be sweet too, Mineko thought affectionately. Yes, both children were defiantly products of their parents.

Mineko thought about her own looks and personality as she thought about the rest of her family. True, she had Inuyasha's silver hair and ears but her eyes were what were different. Mineko had a light hazel color, almost a combination of both her father's gold eyes and her mother's brown. Her mother always told her how pretty her eyes contrasted with her silver hair. She was a perfect mixture between both parents in looks and in personality. Mineko knew that she had obtained her father's attitude, arrogance, and rashness. Because of her demonic and priestess abilities Kagome was convinced that it was the reason for Mineko's growing ego. Her father had trained her since she was little with her faithful katana, Musashi. By the time she was 10, Mineko was a master swordsman and archer. Her mother had sought to her miko training when she was old enough. Mineko didn't care, ego or not, she was just grateful her parents encouraged her abilities. A small, sweet voice snapped Mineko back from her daze and she stood quietly.

"I'm ready, onee-chan." Asami flashed one of her megawatt smiles and held out her hand. Mineko gladly accepted her hand, turned and looked at a now standing Kagome, her hands folded neatly in front of her. She was smiling lovingly at the too.

“You two be careful and be back before dark, please." Kagome asked seriously and then turned to Shinto who was leaning against the wall looking pensive. "Shinto, why don't you go with them? It could be fun." Kagome offered trying to get her only boy out of the house so she could rest in peace and mull over what to do with Inuyasha when he finally came home. Shinto looked disgusted, turned and stuck his nose in the air.

"Please...hang out with girls all day. No thanks. I will go see if Mamoru wants to go do something fun." Shinto explained with an evil gleam in his eye. Mineko rolled her eyes at him, if he was trying to get a rise out of her it wasn't working. She was way more mature than that.

"As if Asami and I wanted a dirty little boy to com-" Mineko stopped mid sentence and her head whipped in the direction of where the well was. Something was coming. Something sinister. Something she had never felt before. Mineko grasped Asami's hand tighter out of instinct and glanced at her mom who was also looking in the same direction and standing as rigid as a pole. She felt it too. Mineko slowly led Asami behind her and grabbed the hilt of Musashi. Her instincts were telling her to be ready to fight and she wasn't going to take any chances. With her father gone, she had to protect the family. Her mother, the powerful miko that she is, was still only human. Mineko glanced over at her mother who was now holding her bow and arrows and had Shinto behind her, looking very scared. No doubt he could feel the demonic aura coming towards them.

"Mother, what's going on? What is that?" Mineko asked as she could her own heart start to pound in her chest. No! She could not show fear. Mineko knew she had to be strong but something deep down in her gut told her that something very bad was about to happen and she could not shake the feeling. "Mother...?" She heard her voice trail off as she began to sense her mother's fear oozing out of her. It was nauseating. Kagome couldn't move or think clearly. She knew this aura. Knew it very well but could not remember who. She had fought and killed many demons over the years but this one felt different. It sent cold chills up her spine and made her mouth go dry. Only one aura ever made her feel like that but there was no way that he could be here. After almost 20 years? What was the possibility he was still alive? Kagome shook her head in despair. This could not be happening and as the aura came closer and it dawned on her who and what he was after. Kagome looked down at the Shikon no Tama sitting around her neck and then looked at her children in fear. Kagome knew she had to get them out of here. She could not him and protect her kids at the same time, not without Inuyasha. Oh, Inuyasha where are you? Kagome thought desperately.

"Mother! What's going on?!" Mineko shouted trying to get her mother's attention. Asami latched on to her leg in fear and started whimpering. They could all feel the evil aura coming and it was scaring them all. Mineko bit her lip in frustration. She wished she knew where her father was. Kagome finally turned to her eyes threatening to fall.

"Mineko you need to take Asami and Shinto and get as far away from here as you can. Please...go!" Mineko could not believe what she just heard. Her mother had told her to leave her here alone, defiantly not going to happen. Mineko growled.

"Are you crazy?! I'm not going to leave you here! You need me...if this demon is as strong as I am sensing then you are going to need my help!" Mineko ground out angrily and sheathed her sword. “Come on! We are getting out of here. We gotta find dad. I'm not about to stay here and wait for this bastard to come to us." With that said Mineko picked up Asami as Kagome nodded and grabbed Shinto's hand. Mineko followed Kagome out the door but before they could get any farther Inuyasha leapt from a tree and landed in front of his family, holding Tessaiga. His fire-rat kimono was torn in different places and he was bleeding. He slammed Tessaiga into the ground, grunted and fell to one knee. Mineko could smell the blood and knew he was wounded.

"Daddy!!" Asami screamed and ran to him embracing him in a tight hug. Inuyasha picked her up quickly and Kagome went to him, wrapping her thin arms around him and burying her face in his beautiful silver hair. Shinto reached out and took Mineko's free hand and she gave it a tight squeeze. Kagome released him and took his face in her hands, her face shrouded in worry and confusion.

"What happened to you, Inuyasha?! We were all looking for you all day...and now..." Kagome's voice trailed off as Inuyasha gave her another comforting hug.She had to know he was alright and alive. Inuyasha looked at Mineko and she bit her lip to keep from trembling under his gaze.

"Mineko...I need you to take Asami and Shinto and go to Miroku's. Tell him that Naraku is back for the jewel. He will know what to do. Stay there and protect Asami and Shinto. Now go!" Inuyasha barked then walked over to Mineko and handed her a weeping Asami who was fighting to stay with her father. Mineko reluctantly took her. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't leave her parents to fight alone but she couldn't leave Asami and Shinto either. Besides the way her father had ordered her to leave made her think that she was never going to see either of them again. It was the way he said it...and the look in his eyes. Mineko couldn't shake the feeling there was something that he wasn't telling her. She didn't want to admit it but she was scared to leave."But Daddy...I..." Mineko stuttered out but Inuyasha held up a hand and stopped her. He pointed at the younger children. Asami reached out for Inuyasha again but her ignored her. Shinto squeezed his sister's hand as he watched the scene unfold before him. He had no idea what was going on.

"You have to protect them Mineko. Promise me that you will. We don't have much time. Do as I say and go!" Inuyasha growled and pulled Tessaiga out of the ground. He started walking away back towards the well and Mineko was trying her hardest not to cry but a few tears managed to fall as she looked at her mother who was crying as well. She smiled through her tears and whispered go. Mineko nodded, turned around and sped towards Miroku's house with Asami in her arms and Shinto following her closely. The feeling of doubt was killing her. It was like her parents were saying goodbye. She could see it in both their eyes. They were scared. No...nobody was stronger than her father. They will be fine, she reassured herself. They had to be. Villagers were stopping and whispering as the three made their way up river towards Miroku and Sango's hut which was at the other entrance of the village. Despite the short distance Mineko felt herself getting tired and being drained of energy. The emotional turmoil about her parent's safety was taking its toll on her body but she had her orders from her parents. Protect her siblings if it was the last thing she did. Mineko looked at Asami who was still crying in her shoulder and back at Shinto, who even had a few dirty tear stains running down his face. She couldn't believe this was happening. An hour earlier she was on top of her hill thinking how perfect the day was and now she was running for her life from a demon she had never even heard of. Mineko sighed happily when they finally reached Miroku's hut. It looked just like theirs. Mamoru, Sango and Miroku's eldest was playing outside with Taisho. Mamoru looked up from his little brother at the incoming trio of hanyo's. Both brothers dropped their sticks and ran towards them, smiles plastered on their faces. Mineko stopped, set Asami on the ground and told Shinto to look after her. Mineko ran ahead and stopped Mamoru in his tracks. Immediately Mamoru could tell something was wrong.

"Where are your father and mother at Mamoru? Are they in the house?" Mineko asked quickly, looking around for any sign of the adults. She absentmindedly grasped his shoulders and she looked at Taisho quickly. Taisho pointed to the hut and Mineko sped off inside followed closely by the four children. "Sango! Miroku!" Mineko bellowed as she ran through the hut looking for them. She heard voices coming from behind the hut and sprinted to the back where she found them hanging clothes on a rope connected by two large trees. They both stopped what they were doing and looked at Mineko surprised.

"Hello Mineko...what's going on...?” Sango's voice trailed off as she saw the tear stains on all of Kagome's children. Something happened and she was instantly worried. Sango flashed her husband a concerned look and stepped towards the out of breath teenager. Mineko tried to catch her breath and stood up looking at them with despair written all over her face. She had never felt so powerless in her life and she hated it. Mineko knew she should have been fighting side by side with her parents but instead was told to be a messenger

" Miroku...Sango...we need your help. Please…Mom and Dad are fighting some demon named Naraku who's after the Shikon no Tama! Dad told me to take the kids and come to you for help. He said you would know what to do!" Mineko blurted out what she was told to say and some part of her instantly feeling better knowing that her parents were about to receive help from the monk and demon slayer. Mineko watched their faces closely and her heart stopped at what she saw. Her face fell at the pair's horrified expression that they both shared. They knew who Naraku was. Mineko gritted her teeth. She was starting to get really annoyed. It seemed everybody knew about this Naraku demon and by the way everyone was acting, he was a particular nasty demon. She just wished that they would treat her like the capable adult she was and tell her what was going on. Maybe she could help? After all she was trained by her father and mother and knew how to handle herself quite nicely in skirmishes. Seeing their hesitation, Mineko balled her fists in anger letting her tears and frustration pour out of her.

"What...what is it? Please...go help them!" Mineko pleaded desperately. They were wasting time talking about this. Her parents needed help and they needed it now. Miroku and Sango looked at each other again and nodded. Miroku grasped Mineko's shoulders tightly and looked her straight in her eyes.

"We will go Mineko don't worry but please look after our kids for us. You are more than capable of protecting them, I have faith in you. I don't have time to explain...we will be back soon. Please...be careful. If you must create a barrier like I taught you." Miroku said as calmly as she could given the current situation. Naraku, who was presumed dead after 20 years, was back and now after the Shikon no Tama. Miroku breathed in deeply. They all knew that Naraku was dead. Mineko nodded assuring him that she would do what he asked. The smiled at her and told her not worry. Mineko tried to smile back at them, wanting to believe that everything would be alright. She watched Sango and Miroku as they ran into the house getting their respective weapons, Miroku's staff and Sango's, Hiraikotsu. Mineko's ear picked up the faint sound of Kilala transforming and she assumed Miroku and Sango were on the way. Mineko sat down on a tool that was sitting nearby and wiped her brow, sighing heavily. She was sweating profusely and stared at the ground lost in her own thoughts. Asami walked up to her and motioned to sit in Mineko's lap, of course she let Asami hop on. She enclosed the frightened little girl with her arms and kissed her head. Asami looked up at her sister with red, puffy eyes.

"What's going to happen to us, Onee-chan?" She asked innocently and it made Mineko choke up at the simple question. She didn't know how to answer. Shinto sat down next to Mineko's legs and leaned against them sighing as he looked up at his sister waiting for her answer. Mineko hugged Asami again and touched Shinto's shoulder smiling. The truth was she had no idea what was happening, if her parents were alright, or who Naraku even was. She was as clueless and as helpless as they were and it unnerved her greatly but Mineko had to say something, something she found apart of her self believing in.” We are going to be just fine Asami. I promise you. I will not let anything happened to either of you...and mom and dad will be back before you know it. I will protect you guys with my life." Asami nodded, smiled a little and then snuggled in closer to Mineko's chest. Shinto smiled up at her as well and leaned against her leg once again whispering thank you.

Mamoru and Taisho sat across from them both with confused looks on their faces as they watched the scene unfold in front of them. Their parents had just entrusted them into Mineko's care and left to go fight a demon. They too, didn't know what to think. Mineko noticed them fidgeting across from her and knew that they were just as scared. She motioned for them to come sit down next to her and then looked up into the bright blue sky once again and found herself praying that she was right. Right, that everything would be OK and that her parents were coming home soon. They had too.

***OK so that is the first chapter of Seasons of Change. I know it was a little short but if I didn't cut this chapter into two parts it would be longer than I wanted it to be; besides there is a nice little cliffhanger at the end. Keep ya on your toes. Well I hoped you like the first chapter. I will post the second chapter in a day or two once I get it all revised and ready for posting. I greatly appreciate reviews. Please tell me what you think, good or bad. Thanks again! -Eternalromantic