InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Seasons of Change ❯ Familiarites and Suspicions ( Chapter 3 )

 

***Hi its eternalromantic again, I hope you guys are enjoying Seasons of Change. This is the revision of this Chapter and the last revision I will make. Chapter Four will be coming out in a matter of days so watch for it! It's a crazy Chapter! I just started working so getting chapters out are going to be a hassle! Well here's Chapter 3 *Revised* ENJOY! Please review and tell me what you think.

 

 

 

 

 

** Kudos goes out to Emmi_hotie for the really nice review! I appreciated it a lot and I will try to get the Fourth Chapter out as soon as I can, just for you! =) Thanks for reading!

 

 

*Oh and by the way I still DO NOT own Inuyasha.

 

 

 

Seasons of Change

Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale

 

 

Chapter 3: Familiarities and Suspicions

 

 

 

"SIT!" Kagome's voice echoed through the forest as Inuyasha plummeted face first into the dirt, narrowly missing Megumi's spiked tail as it tried to strike Inuyasha's head. Kagome sighed in relief that her hanyou was not hurt even as Inuyasha let loose a string of curses into the dirt. Kagome rolled her eyes at him in annoyance. She was only trying to help him. Kagome turned her attention back to the fight and frantically searched the area for Megumi as he disappeared again. This fight was going downhill fast. Megumi, was a chameleon demon and even though it seemed liked he just vanishing into thin air, he really was blending into the background which made it incredibly hard for the group to track him. Kagome tried to focus her power and sense the jewel fragment that was imbedded in Megumi's neck but it was hard. He was moving so fast it seemed like the jewel was every where at once. She noticed Inuyasha's sub-doing spell had finally worn off and he was slowly pulling himself out of the crater she had put him in. Kagome felt a pang of guilt for using the command on him but she only did it save him. Inuyasha whipped around pointing an accusing finger at her. He was definitely angry.

 

 

 

"What the hell was that for, Kagome?! I'm trying to kill that demon and you SIT me?! Wha-" Inuyasha was cut off by a furious Kagome, who marched right up to him so incredibly tempted to say sit him into the next century.

 

 

 

"You ungrateful jerk! I just saved you from getting your head taken off and you're yelling at me?! Next time your almost about to be decapitated, I will look the other way, BAKA!!" Kagome shouted loudly into his face, clenching her small fists into tight little balls. She was so angry she could hardly think straight and when Inuyasha opened his mouth to retaliate, Kagome narrowed her eyes and came so close to sending the hanyou back into the dirt, but a perturbed Miroku silenced her before the words came out.

 

 

 

"Could you please finish this AFTER we destroy the demon who's trying to kill us?!" Miroku shouted angrily at the bickering pair, who blushed at their foolishness. Miroku was right this was no time to fight with Inuyasha. Kagome focused her attention back to sensing Megumi, who had seemed to completely disappear. The six warriors stood silently within the forest waiting for Megumi to reappear and attack again. Kagome was getting nervous that Megumi hadn't reappeared yet and wondered what the demon was up too. She looked at Inuyasha, who was clearly getting irritated as he clenched the hilt of the Tessaiga a little tighter. Suddenly, Megumi reappeared behind Sango, who was completely oblivious to the demon right behind her. Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

 

 

 

"SANGO GET DOWN!!!" Kagome shouted with all her might and shot a purifying arrow at the Megumi as Sango headed Kagome's warning, dropped to the ground and rolled to the side. The bright purple miko powered arrow soared through the air like a bullet and struck Megumi's right arm taking it and parts of his flesh off in fluid motion. Megumi howled in pain, grabbed the nub that was his right arm and disappeared cursing Kagome. Sango quickly stood, brushed herself off and thanked Kagome. Kagome sighed in relief. That was close. She quickly glanced around looking for Megumi again. This was getting tiresome. None of them could attack until he appeared and yet they couldn't really get a clean shot since he was so fast. Kagome took a step towards Inuyasha, whose ears were twitching in different directions.

 

 

 

"HIRAIKOTSU!!" Sango screamed as she flung the massive boomerang towards Miroku, who had already sensed Megumi and flung his body to the side to escape the demon's wrath. The Hiraikotsu ripped through the air towards Megumi, who was not fast enough to dodge it as it took off his deadly spiked tail. The boomerang whipped around and flew back into Sango's hand, as she rushed towards Miroku to make sure he was alright. Inuyasha pointed the Tessaiga at Megumi about ready to use the Wind Scar but stopped when the demon, smirked and disappeared again.

 

 

 

"Dammit! I can't use the Wind Scar if he keeps disappearing!" Inuyasha growled angrily. He wasn't used to feeling so damn useless and he definitely didn't like it either. The situation was getting dangerous and it scared him to think that at any moment Megumi could appear behind Kagome and kill her. Inuyasha shuddered at the horrifying thought. No...He would never let that happen to her. He would not know how to go on if Kagome was killed. Inuyasha stole a glance at Kagome, who had an arrow drawn and was frantically searching for Megumi. Inuyasha could tell she was concentrating very hard for her brows were knit tightly and she biting her lip. His heart sped up at the sight of her. She was so brave....so courageous. He knew that she was probably scared to death that something was going to happen to any of them. Yes, even though it angered Inuyasha to no ends, when Kagome thought of everyone expect herself, but it warmed his heart to know such a caring and loving person as her. Kagome was his angel. The girl who had tamed his wild heart, taught him how to trust, and showed him how to love, unconditionally. Yes, he loved Kikyo, but loving Kagome was so incredibly different. She loved him for him. A worthless hanyou. Kagome didn't spend her time trying to change him like Kikyo did. He wished he could tell Kagome how he felt and every time he tried, the fear of losing her or of her rejection stopped him in his tracks and usually out of frustration he ended picking a fight with her. Inuyasha sighed heavily as his ears laid back. He hated it when he was mean to her but he didn't know how to express his feelings very well. In his mind, Kagome was too good for him. She was a beautiful, charming, kind, selfless and brave miko from the future. Kagome deserved the best which wasn't him but no matter what he would always be her friend and protect her from anything that tried to hurt his precious Kagome. Inuyasha's ears twitched as he heard a noise come from behind him. He quickly turned around to investigate the noise he had heard, Tessaiga clutched tightly between his hands. His golden eyes scanned the forest behind him as he looked for origin of the noise. It was quiet. Too quiet. The silence was unnerving him. Where was Megumi? Inuyasha thought to himself. If only he could have a little more time, the Wind Scar would work. He slowly stepped forward concentrating all his keen senses looking for some clue of Megumi's whereabouts. Suddenly, Inuyasha heard Miroku's voice cut through the silence as he shouted the words that made his heart stop.

 

 

 

"KAGOME, BEHIND YOU!!" Inuyasha spun around quickly and his golden eyes widened in fear at the sight. Megumi stood right behind Kagome his razor sharp claws ready to strike her in the back as Kagome slowly spun around arrow drawn. Inuyasha realized immediately that he could not reach Kagome in time as he sprinted towards her. From behind him, Inuyasha could hear the distant shouts of Sango, Miroku and Shippo, screaming at Kagome to get away. Inuyasha growled menacingly to himself as he saw Megumi smirk widely to himself as he knocked Kagome's bow and arrow out of her hands and raised his claws above his head ready to make the lethal blow. Kagome, horrified, took a step back and stumbled on a rock. She yelped and fell to the forest floor scuffing her elbows. She was completely defenseless now.

 

Inuyasha ran faster than he ever had before, Tessaiga drawn as Megumi took a step towards Kagome ready to take her life away. Just when Inuyasha thought all hope was lost and that his beloved Kagome was going to be taken away from him, out of the forest came a bright pink light that shot through the air crackling with spiritual energy as it flew by Inuyasha's head making his silver hair whip around him. The spiritual arrow soared through the sky and struck Megumi in the neck. It exploded in a bright flash of pink light that sent Kagome and Inuyasha flying a few feet away and Megumi's body burst into many pieces. Sango, Shippo and Miroku stopped quickly awe-struck by the arrow's power and wondering from where it came. Kikyo's spiritual arrows were always blue and this one was pink. Miroku looked around for the miko that had saved Kagome's life. Inuyasha quickly try to regain his breath as it was knocked out of him from in by the explosion. He looked at Kagome as she slowly tried to get up, his heart swelling with happiness that she was not killed or hurt. Inuyasha looked up quickly as his nose caught the scent of another demon nearby. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw a young girl with silver hair and ears jump from a tree nearby and land gracefully next to Megumi's remains. She pulled out her katana that was sheathed around her hip and quickly cut off Megumi's head in one swift motion which sent the jewel shard flying from the flesh. It landed a few feet away from the dead demon. Kagome stood slowly, shocked at what she was seeing. Inuyasha also stood and quickly made his way over to Kagome and stood protectively in front of her, his hand never leaving the hilt of the Tessaiga. He had no idea who this mysterious girl was much less if he could trust her.

 

 

 

"Who...is that girl, Inuyasha?" Sango whispered softly as the rest of their group stood faithfully behind their leader. Inuyasha shook his head and watched as the young girl sheathed her sword and picked up the black jewel shard instantly purifying it. Inuyasha heard Miroku gasp in surprise.

 

 

 

"She..she purified that shard!" Miroku stated the obvious. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the girl as she turned around and met the questioning stares of the others. She was definitely demonic but he could smell her human blood. The girl was a hanyou and by her looks, she was an inu-youkai....just like him but seeing her spiritual powers, Inuyasha also knew that she was a miko. He was baffled. Inuyasha had never met a miko who was hanyou and thought that she had to be the first one in existence since a miko's job was to kill and purify demons. Just who the hell was she? Inuyasha thought annoyingly.

 

 

 

Mineko tried desperately to control her emotions but the sight of seeing her parents alive, well....and young was too much. She fought the tears with all the will power she could muster. Her emotions were wrought after watching her mother's almost near death experience just moments before. She had already lost her mother in the future and when she was witnessing the battle with the demon Megumi, her heart almost stopped a few times out of shear fear for her parent's well being. Mineko could tell that the demon was only toying with them as she watched the scene from a nearby tree and she waited to help out for Mineko wanted to see the younger versions of her parents in action. It was so odd to see her mother in such a weak form compared to that of her future self. Her mother from the future could have wasted that demon in a mere seconds but her past self was having great difficulty as well as her father. When Megumi appeared behind Kagome, Mineko knew she had to do something, and fired her all powerful spiritual arrow at the demon. Her aim was true and stuck the demon right were she wanted. Her parents were safe. Mineko sighed heavily as she looked at them. They were both so young and she wondered at what point of time Midoriko sent her. Both her parents looked around her age maybe even a little bit older. Mineko looked at the jewel fragment that lay in the palm of her hand as it glowed; a whitish purple color from the purification. She could tell from her father's expression that he was very annoyed and confused by her sudden appearance. Mineko smiled at them softly and walked slowly up to her mother, her hand outstretched. Kagome looked at the shard and the back at Mineko's face.

 

 

 

"Here you go...I believe this belongs to you." Mineko said trying to contain the emotion in her voice. She could see Kagome's hesitation in her eyes but then the young woman smiled widely, nodded and took the fragment from her hand. Mineko with drew her hand and looked at her father who was blatantly annoyed with her presence. Inuyasha clenched his teeth and stood in front of Kagome, who looked a little perturbed at his behavior.

 

 

 

"Just who the hell are you?!" Inuyasha spat out at Mineko, who was taken back by her father's rudeness. Not that her father was not rude in the future but it was so strange for her to see him act like this towards his own daughter. A wave of emotions rocked Mineko and she bit her lip to keep from crying. It was all too much. Not even 2 hours ago was she saying goodbye to her brother and sister and promising her dead mother that she would find a way to bring her back and now here she was in front of her alive and well. Mineko sighed softly trying to relieve herself of all her sad memories and looked Inuyasha square in the face.

 

 

 

"A friend...." Mineko stated simply and then looked away sadly. Kagome noticed the girl's sad expression and became enraged at Inuyasha. She stepped out from behind him and shot daggers at him with her eyes for his rude behavior.

 

 

 

"Inuyasha quit being a jerk. This girl saved our lives and purified the jewel fragment....she's not an enemy." Kagome turned and smiled at Mineko which in turn lifted her spirits. She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes as she heard Inuyasha "keh" from behind her. "Please, don't pay attention to him. He's always like this....I would like to thank you for saving my life. My name is Kagome." Kagome bowed out of respect towards Mineko, who warmly returned her smile and softly said your welcome. Kagome was taken back when she noticed Mineko's resemblance to Inuyasha. She looked back and forth from Inuyasha and Mineko sizing them both up. Kagome was about to ask Mineko a question when Miroku beat her to it. He stepped forward from behind the group grasping his staff tightly.

 

 

 

"You say you are a friend yet you give us no name or any information about yourself. You are clearly at least part demon by your looks and your resemblance to Inuyasha is quite remarkable but I would like to know how you can purify the jewel shards and summon purifying arrows." The entire group looked at Mineko waiting for her answer. Mineko looked baffled by his question. Wasn't it obvious that she was part demon and a miko? Mineko looked at Inuyasha quickly, who was glaring menacingly at Miroku.

 

 

 

"We look nothing alike, Miroku!" Inuyasha huffed as he crossed his arms and looked away in annoyance. Kagome sighed heavily shaking her head at his immaturity.

 

 

 

"Whatever you say Inuyasha...." Sango said exasperated at the hanyou. Sometimes Inuyasha was just too much. Kagome looked back to Mineko who was trying her best not to laugh at the group.

 

 

 

"Are you an inu-youkai like Inuyasha?" Kagome asked innocently as Mineko regained her composure and smiled at Kagome. Mineko could not believe her father. It was so completely obvious that they were related to each other and yet he wanted to disregard that fact and pick a fight with Miroku. Mineko giggled and wondered how her mother had ever falling in love with Inuyasha. Mineko clasped her hands and bowed slightly at her mother and the rest of the group.

 

 

 

"How rude of me, if my mother had witnessed my lack of manners I would definitely be in trouble - gomenasai." Hearing her apology Inuyasha stopped muttering under his breath instantly and looked at the curious girl who looked so much like him. Inuyasha sighed as he admitted to himself that they did look alike - a lot alike. He also knew that she was no enemy telling by her composure with the rest of the group but she still had a lot of explaining to do. She was young and had such good manners, definitely not a youkai trait.

 

 

 

"My name is Mineko. I have traveled a long way from a distant village looking for the fabled group who hunts the demon Naraku." Mineko's voice hardened as Naraku's name slipped out of her mouth. What she was telling them wasn't the whole truth but it was good enough. “I am after him as well." She looked over at her mother and grinned at her widely. "Yes, you are right Kagome. I am part Inu-youkai but as you witnessed I am gifted with the miko powers thanks to my human mother, who was also a great miko. I humbly as that I may travel with you. I wish to help you destroy Naraku. Please....let me join in your fight to destroy that monster." Inuyasha's ears twitch at her heart felt plea and he crossed his arms contemplating her situation. He was so sick of picking up people all the time especially if they slowed down the hunt for Naraku. But this girl....whoever she was....he felt a connection with her maybe because she was also a lonely hanyou that resembled him so. For some unknown reason apart of him wanted to protect this girl.

 

 

 

"We can handle it. What's your business with Naraku anyways?" Inuyasha questioned eagerly which brought a scowl from Kagome. Did he have to be rude all the time?

 

 

 

"Inuyasha quit being so mean and nosy!! It's not any of your business why she is after Naraku." Kagome huffed and then took a step towards Mineko, grabbing her hands within her own and smiling broadly at the confused hanyou. "Of course you can join us, Mineko. We could use your help." Mineko is taken back from Kagome's complete disregard for Inuyasha's orders. She looked over at Inuyasha who was throwing daggers with his eyes at Kagome. Mineko sighed heavily knowing that if she wanted Inuyasha's approval she would have to tell him why she wanted to kill Naraku, which meant reliving her horribly memories. Mineko looked away sadly from her mother's familiar face as she fought the urge to throw her arms around her neck and cry into her mother's shoulders just like she had done so many times.

 

 

 

"Inuyasha, Naraku attacked our village without warning. My mother was killed right in front of my father as she tried to fight him off. My father is a very powerful demon but Naraku was just too much...he is badly injured and near death. When I left to go after Naraku he still had not awaken since it happened. I fear that....seeing my mother being killed in front of him....has taken away his will to live." Mineko's eyes watered up as the fresh memories replayed in her mind. It hurt so much and Mineko did not know if she had the strength to get through the day without coming clean to her very much alive parents that were standing only a few feet away from her. She balled her fists and clenched her teeth out of frustration. She hated showing weakness but she wanted so much to just have her dad hug her and tell her everything would be alright. That she was only having a nightmare. Mineko looked at Inuyasha whose facial features softened from hearing her tragic story. He may be a rude and stubborn hanyou but he had a heart and it hurt to hear her relive such a painful experience. “I want revenge, Inuyasha. He can't be allowed to live and terrorize anymore innocent people. I will not allow it. So whether you let me help you or I got after Naraku by myself and he will die." Mineko ground out angrily as she waited for Inuyasha's answer. Anger was seething from and Mineko fought hard to contain her strong youkai blood. She could feel Kagome place a hand on her shoulder which clamed her instantly. Mineko snapped out of her angry thoughts and looked back at the girl that would be her mother. She had a reassuring smile on her face.

 

 

Inuyasha sighed heavily. There was no way he could turn her away. She definitely had the strength and the power to help them in their quest but he still couldn't shake the feeling that he should know this girl. Inuyasha looked over her features again. Mineko had long silver hair and silver ears just like him, as well as claws and small little fangs but the feature they didn't share were her eyes. Mineko's eyes were a pretty hazel color while his were a golden yellow. She had a bow and a quiver of arrows sitting on her back as well as a large katana sword sitting around her hip. He could sense that it was probably a demonic sword that held some kind of power. Inuyasha looked back at her sad face. Yes, her heritage was a confusing one. They were so much alike and yet so different. Inuyasha could tell that she had the same fighter's spirit and thirst to prove her self that he had. Inuyasha sniffed the air and closed his eyes taking in the scent. He crossed his arms again and looked curiously at her.

 

 

 

"We smell alike. Are we related by any chance?" Mineko instantly blushed at the question. Her heart sped up and she was sure that Inuyasha was going to sense it going a million miles per hour. She didn't want to lie but she felt it was still too early to tell her parents the truth. Mineko shifted uneasily under his gaze. She knew if she lied her father would catch it like he had done so many times in the future. She was never a good liar. Mineko looked down at her feet uncomfortably and answered.

 

 

 

"All Inu-youkai are related some way. It's a small gene pool. We are probably cousins." Mineko looked up at him to see if he had picked up on her small little half lie that she had just told. Thankfully Inuyasha only "keh"ed, turned and started to walk away. Mineko could feel Kagome's hand tense on her shoulder.

 

 

 

"Inuyasha..." Kagome urged him to make up his mind and answer Mineko's question. Mineko silently thanked Kagome for being such a kind person. Inuyasha stopped and looked over his shoulder.

 

 

 

"You can stay, Mineko. Just don't slow me down...." And with that Inuyasha leapt into the trees and away from the group. Mineko couldn't contain her happiness of Inuyasha's acceptance. She whipped around and grabbed Kagome, and crushed her in a friendly hug whispering thank you over and over again. Even though she had fought hard against them, a few tears escaped and fell down her cheek. Mineko sighed into Kagome's shoulder as she wrapped her arms around Mineko. Mineko inhaled her mother's scent and grinned widely at herself. She felt so safe. So protected. She never wanted to leave her mother's arms ever again. Reluctantly, Mineko pulled away and wiped away her tears as Kagome smiled down at her. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed for showing such a big display of affection to a woman who barely knew her. Mineko quickly looked at the ground and away from Kagome's face, blushing.

 

 

 

"I...I'm sorry. I am just so happy....it feels like I have been alone forever....it's nice to feel safe." Mineko's apology broke Kagome's heart. The girl, who looked a little younger than herself, was orphaned because of Naraku and she could tell it was taking its toll on Mineko. She was all alone in the world now. Kagome had no idea how she must have felt losing her both her parents at the same time. The world was not a nice place to hanyou's which Inuyasha knew first hand. Kagome put a reassuring hand on Mineko's small shoulder which caused the girl to look up quickly. Kagome smiled softly at her. Mineko had such pretty hazel eyes which contrasted beautifully to her silver hair. She had no idea why, but Kagome suddenly had the strong urge to wrap her arms around the girl again and tell her that everything was going to be alright and that she was safe. Kagome was bewildered by the fact that she suddenly wanted to protect Mineko from the harshness of the world.

 

 

"It's alright Mineko. You don't have to apologize. I'm glad you feel safe. I'm sorry that this happened to you....but I promise you...we will destroy Naraku." Mineko sniffled a little and nodded at Kagome. Kagome placed a hand around her shoulder and turned Mineko in the direction of the others. "Now that we have all the settled....it's time that you meet the group. First we have Miroku. He's a monk that was cursed by Naraku with the wind tunnel, which is a hole in his hand that has strong winds that can suck anything into them. If we don't destroy Naraku first, his wind tunnel will kill him." Kagome stated a matter-of-factly. Mineko was shocked and gasped loudly at what she had heard. She never knew that Miroku had been cursed by Naraku when he was younger. He did not have the wind tunnel in her time. Mineko's eyes softened at his covered hand. What a horrible thing....Mineko thought sadly.

 

 

 

"I'm...I'm sorry about your hand Miroku. Gomen....don't give up....we will destroy Naraku and release you from his curse!" Mineko promised as she balled her fist in frustration. Naraku had done so much to everyone she loved. The bastard was going to pay dearly, Mineko thought bitterly. Miroku stepped forward and looked into Mineko's eyes, thinking of how beautiful they were. He took her hands gently in his. Mineko was a little confused.

 

 

 

"I thank you....Mineko. Does this fate of my mind bother you that much?" Miroku asked touched by her words. Mineko nodded quickly thinking that his question was stupid. Of course it bothered her. She loved Miroku like an uncle.

 

 

 

"Of course it bothers me! It's horrible what Naraku has done to you!" Mineko exclaimed vigorously. Miroku closed his eyes, took a deep breath and brought Mineko's hands to his chest. Mineko froze in place from his blatantly outward sign of affection. What is he doing? Mineko thought frantically, her mind reeling.

 

 

 

"Then....would you do me the honor of bearing my ch-" Miroku was cut off suddenly by a fuming Sango who was suddenly right next to them, rage seething from every inch of her. Mineko felt like she was the size of an ant. From behind her Mineko could hear Kagome's soft sigh of annoyance. She tried to pull her hands back but Miroku's grip was a little too tight, her heart slammed in her chest. What was he doing?! He was staring at Sango with a terrified expression plastered on his face. Mineko was a tad bit worried that Sango was going to kill him.

 

 

 

"Finish that sentence and I will beat you to death." Sango spat out murderously, making Mineko very nervous as she grabbed her Hiraikotsu threateningly and continued to glare at Miroku evilly.

 

 

 

"My dear Sango....I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about. I was just welcoming Mineko into the group." Miroku stuttered out sheepishly and then laughed nervously as Sango continued to shoot daggers at him with her pretty wine colored eyes. Sango still did not look amused nor did she put her Hiraikotsu down. She was clearly ticked off. "Sango...." Miroku started to speak but again Sango cut him off.

 

 

 

"Let go of her hands you lecher." Sango's voice dripped with malice. Miroku instantly dropped Mineko's hands and Mineko withdrew her hands and slowly backed away from the couple and stopped next to Kagome who was acting nonchalantly as if Miroku hitting on women happened all the time. Mineko was scared out of her mind from the terrifying looks Sango was giving Miroku. She had seen Sango's temper before and it usually rivaled her mothers but this....was scary even for her. Mineko looked at Kagome confused about what was going on. Kagome smiled at the girl and just shrugged her shoulders, shaking her head.

 

 

 

"He will never learn. Every time he meets a pretty girl, Miroku always asks if she will bear his child....even though he's engaged to Sango. What a pervert..." Kagome explained as she angrily set her hands on her hips in annoyance. Mineko eyes widened in shock at what Kagome had told her. Was Miroku seriously that demented to incur Sango's wrath like that was pure suicide.

 

 

 

"He was going to ask me to bear his child?!" Mineko shrieked aloud. Kagome nodded at her calmly. Mineko huffed loudly at Miroku's perversion and crossed her arms.

 

 

 

"I hope Sango pummels him." Mineko said icily making Kagome laugh with delight. The girls then turned their attention back to Miroku who was lying on the ground in a daze with baseball size lump forming on his head. Apparently, Sango gave in to temptation and clunked Miroku over the head with her Hiraikotsu. Sango huffed loudly and then stomped over to the girls, shaking her head. Mineko's heart sped up as the demon slayer got closer. She didn't want to be blamed for Miroku's actions. Mineko looked at Miroku who was still lying on the forest floor and wondered if he was going to be alright. Kagome lightly touched her arm to get Mineko's attention as Sango stood in front of them.

 

 

 

"And this is Sango. Sango is a demon slayer and is also engaged to Miroku, like I already said. She has a cat demon Kilala who fights along side her." Sango's mood instantly took a 180 and she smiled widely at Mineko then bent down to pick up Kilala who was mewing at her down beside Sango's feet. Mineko was still a little nervous about the whole situation with Sango and wondered if the demon slayer blamed her for any of it. Sango looked back at Mineko while holding Kilala.

 

 

 

"It's nice to meet you Mineko. This is Kilala." Sango introduced the cat demon who mewed back at her. Mineko grinned broadly at the feline. She was still just as cute as ever. "Please don't worry about Miroku. He gets a clunk on the head almost every day. He's used to it and so am I. I want to thank you for saving us this afternoon, Mineko. That demon was kicking our butts.... plus you saved my best friend. Domo arigato." Sango bowed slightly out of respect to Mineko. Mineko shook her head lightly out of protest.

 

 

 

"Thank you....but you don't have to thank me for anything. I'm glad that I could help out....that's all." Kagome and Sango both smiled affectionately at the girl. Kagome felt a strong surge of pride for Mineko. She was so humble even though she was a part demon. Kagome's experience with demons is that they held themselves in such high regards because of their demonic powers yet despite all of Mineko's power she will still very modest about it. She was definitely a strange girl. Kagome felt something touch her leg and she looked down at a very annoyed Shippo, who stood with his arms crossed angrily.

 

 

 

"Kagome you forgot about me!" Shippo whined loudly making Sango and Mineko look down at Kagome's feet as well. Mineko's heart soared at the sight of her eldest brother. He might have been adopted by her parents but she thought of him as blood anyways. In the future, Mineko hadn't seen him for quite a few months since he took a mate and decided to travel the world with his new bride, Sayuri. Mineko grinned ear to ear as Kagome gently picked Shippo up and apologized numerous times to the kitsune, who was blabbing about how he was forgotten. Mineko had never known what Shippo looked like when he was younger since he was a teenager when she was born. Shippo was so adorable at this age! Mineko gushed. She just wanted to squeeze him.

 

 

 

"And this is Shippo. He's a baby fox demon who can do all kinds of magic. He was orphaned as well so I take care of him. Shippo is like my adopted son.....or at least I think of him that way." Kagome smiled lovingly at the kitsune who squirmed in her arms grinning broadly. Mineko blinked back tears at the sight. Shippo had no idea that their mother was dead.....

 

 

 

"Hi...I'm Shippo!" Shippo exclaimed loudly making Kagome and Sango giggle at him in response. Mineko looked . Thinking of all the memories she shared with her big brother. Mineko bowed slightly out of respect.

 

 

 

"Hi, Shippo....it's very nice to meet you. I'm Mineko." Shippo looked at her apparently confused at her sign of respect. Nobody ever treated him like an adult. He was already starting to like this girl. Shippo thought happily as a smirk grew on his face. Mineko looked at each individual smiling widely.

 

 

 

 

 

“It's nice to meet all of you and again I would like to thank you for letting me join your group.” Kagome casually waved her hand through the air silencing the young girl.

 

 

 

 

 

“It's alright Mineko. We are happy that you could join us.” Kagome explained cheerfully and then softly set the kitsune back on to the forest floor. She looked up quickly when she heard a soft grumbling noise in front of her. Mineko blushed quickly and looked away in embarrassment. Kagome, Sango and Shippo laughed a little at her bodily noises. `Well then I guess we should start a fire and fix us something to eat.” Mineko looked at the ground, avoiding every one's amused eyes. She had forgotten how late it was getting and how hungry she was. Sango and Kagome started walking back towards Miroku to help the still dazed monk off the floor when Shippo gently poked at Mineko's leg. She bent down to his eye level curious as to what he had to say. Shippo clasped his hands together in front of him and looked into Mineko's pretty hazel eyes with his most innocent expression he could muster.

 

 

 

 

 

“Mineko…could you please pick me up?” His plea melted Mineko's heart. He was so adorable that Mineko was sure she could probably never deny him anything. She lightly patted his head and gently picked his small body up, hugging him close to her heart as they walked towards the fire the others were building. Mineko sighed softly as Shippo's familiar scent filled her nose and awoke age old memories of when the two use to play together when she was younger. She missed her brother and silently wished that he was here with her now. He always had the ability to cheer her up when she was down. Shippo squirmed in her arms instantly tearing Mineko from her thoughts. She looked down at him questioningly.

 

 

 

 

 

“You sure do look and smell like Inuyasha, Mineko.” Shippo stated innocently enough but the comment had Mineko's head reeling. Her heart started to pound in her chest. What if Shippo figured it out? He was a full demon and could probably smell Inuyasha's blood in her as well as Kagome's. No! I want to get to know them first before I tell them who I really am. Mineko thought frantically. She looked away from Shippo's accusing eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

“Shippo…it's true I am an Inu-youkai but I have no idea if I am related to Inuyasha. I have never met him before in my life….so like I said we are probably distant cousins.” Mineko looked at Shippo from the corner of her eye to see if the curious kitsune accepted what she had told him. She felt bad about lying to such an innocent child. Shippo crossed his arms and huffed at her.

 

 

 

 

 

“Your hiding something, I can smell it. You don't have to keep any secrets from us Mineko. We are your friends...” Shippo's declaration of friendship stopped Mineko in her tracks. She looked at the kitsune lovingly as she let his statement warm her heart. He was certainly right - she was hiding something but she was not ready to let her big secret come out just yet. Mineko let out a small sigh.

 

 

 

 

 

“Shippo…thank you. It's not that I don't trust you guys…..its just I don't think I am ready to come to terms with what happened. It's still too fresh in my memory and when I am ready to tell you everything I most certainly will.” Shippo seemed to agree with what she said as he nodded.

 

 

 

 

 

“Promise?” Mineko couldn't help but chuckle at his childishness.

 

 

 

 

 

“Promise.” She hugged him lightly and the continued to walk towards the campfire. Kagome looked up as Mineko approached and patted the log next to her beckoning Mineko to take a seat. Mineko shot a glance towards Miroku who was sitting next to Sango, holding a damp cloth over his head. She took a seat next to Kagome and set Shippo down on her lap. Kagome was cooking some sort of stew in a large pot over the fire. It smelled delicious and she let the aromas fill her nostrils which made her stomach growl again. The smell of her mother's cooking suddenly saddened her. Mineko looked up into the sky as the stars started to come out and twinkle. It was getting dark already. She berated herself for letting every smell or memory of her family to upset her. Mineko could not afford to get emotional every time somebody did something that reminded her of the family she was losing in the future. She didn't have to time to wallow in those emotions.

 

Mineko had a job to do, a mission to save her family and bring about the end of Naraku. Unconsciously, Mineko grabbed the hilt of Musashi as she stared into the night sky. Yes, she knew only she had the power to get rid of him. Only she could summon the final blow which would in turn take her life. It was the pact she had made with Midoriko. Mineko would destroy Naraku and purify the Shikon no Tama and in return Midoriko would save her family. The price was her very life but it was a price she was willing to accept. Mineko sighed heavily as she thought of Shinto and Asami, and wondered if they were alright. She was doing this for them. They both deserved to grow up with their parents alive and well. She was going to have to break her promise to her siblings. Mineko was not going to be able to return home…..not this time.

 

 

 

 

 

“Are you alright Mineko?” Sango's voice snapped Mineko out of her thoughts and she quickly whipped her head in the direction of the demon slayer. She smiled meekly at her and nodded. Sango frowned at the girl. She knew she was lying. “What are you thinking about Mineko?” Mineko stopped smiling and morosely stared into the fire, letting the flames entice her into an almost hypnotic trance.

 

 

 

 

 

“My family….and the mission I must complete….” Mineko whispered softly as she brought her arms tighter around Shippo's warm body. Yes, her mission. She could not falter…not now. Sango shot Kagome a pleading expression who then laid a comforting hand on Mineko's shoulder. Mineko looked at Kagome quickly who was giving her a warm and loving smile.

 

 

 

 

 

“If you don't mind….could you tell us about your parents?” Mineko's heart slammed within her chest and she quickly looked back into the fire looking for a way to answer Kagome's question. She smiled weakly as she looked up into the night sky and wondered if her mother could see her.

 

 

 

 

 

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen……long black hair with big brown eyes. She was so kind and friendly towards everybody she met and always put others before herself. She was everything I wanted to be. My mother was a miko….strong and powerful. She looked after the village and taught me how to harness my own spiritual powers. She wanted me to be able to defend myself….so when I was very young I started training. When she was killed I felt apart of myself leave with her….and yet even know I feel her presence…and I know she is watching me…helping me succeed. Silently whispering in my to not give up…..I feel her even now and I hope I can make her proud.” Mineko closed her eyes and let a single tear fall down her cheek. It was true. She could feel her mother all around her and not just because her younger version of herself sat next to her. It was like she was giving Mineko the strength to keep fighting. Mineko opened her eyes and looked at the teary eyed Kagome and smiled lightly at the girl. “My father was a great demon. He helped the villagers fight off demons and bad men all the time. He was very brave and courageous but sometimes he could be quite the handful. He to also trained me since I was very young.” Mineko gave Shippo to Kagome and unsheathed Musashi. “When I was born, I was gifted with the demonic sword Musashi. It is sharp enough to cut through adamant and I have the ability to channel my miko powers through the sword, if I need to. My father and I used to spar all the time much to mama's dismay.” Mineko sheathed the sword again and continued to stare into the fire. “After my mother died, Naraku attacked my father and badly wounded him. I not if he lives…..they were both great people who deserved a much better fate.” Mineko looked back into Kagome who was holding Shippo very tightly. “They loved each other very much….if my father does manage to survive I don't know how he will be able to keep living without my mother….”

 

 

 

 

 

“I am very sorry that you had to go through such a terrible experience Mineko. I want you to know that we will avenge your parents and I pray after that their spirits can rest in peace.” Miroku reassured her. Mineko wiped the fresh tears from her eyes and nodded whispering thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

Inuyasha silently leapt from tree to tree back towards the campfire that the group had made. He gracefully landed on a tree couple hundred feet away and listened intently to what they were all saying. His golden eyes narrowed in on Mineko's form as she woefully retold the story of her parents. His heart ached for the girl. He knew what it felt like being orphaned in the world as well as being a hanyou. It wasn't easy. Inuyasha also wondered who her parents were and why Naraku would randomly go after them. Something in her story didn't fit right. Naraku only personally went after people if he wanted something from them or had a grudge. What did Naraku possibly want from Mineko's parents? A demon and a miko. Did Naraku lust after the miko like he did Kikyo? Inuyasha tried to suppress a growl at the thought. Inuyasha continued to stare at Mineko's profile. She looked exactly like Kagome from his point of view. The same nose, lips, cheek bones and the size of the eyes were identical to Kagome yet she had the hazel eyes and silver ears and hair. What did it all mean? How could this girl he just met look so much like Kagome as well as him? Was she somehow related to Kikyo who Kagome and Mineko also greatly resembled?

 

 

This was just too confusing. Inuyasha did not know what to think about the girl and yet he had such a profound urge to protect her from harm, which confused him even more. Why did he have such a strong urge to protect somebody he just met?

 

 

“Who are you, Mineko?” Inuyasha growled out to himself. From the distance, he could see Mineko's left ear twitch in his direction and she slowly turned her head and looked straight in his direction. Inuyasha was taken back as he had forgotten she was part demon and had a great sense of hearing, like he did. Inuyasha was unnerved as he looked directly into Mineko's sad, hazel eyes. She looked like she was trying to tell him something…her eyes silently pleading with him to understand. Inuyasha shook his head quickly trying to break free of the spell Mineko's eyes had put on him. She looked so much like Kagome it was starting to freak him out. Mineko smiled at him and then turned her attention back to her bowl of Kagome's spicy stew.

 

 

 

 

Suddenly, a thought sprang into his mind. Inuyasha's ears laid flat on his head out of sheer frustration. He wondered why he didn't see it before. What if…No. She couldn't be. Inuyasha thought to himself. He stood quickly, turned and silently bounded from tree to tree towards the Bone Eater's well. Too many things didn't add up with that girl. Inuyasha could smell his blood run through her veins. Yes, there was a possibility that she was distantly related to him but it was a small chance unless Sesshomaru decided to mate with a human, which was highly unlikely. Inuyasha thought bitterly. He sped up as the Bone Eater's well came into view. There was only one way he could confirm his suspicions. The Bone Eater's well. Inuyasha leapt off a tree and landed a few feet away from the well. He slowly stalked up towards the ancient well and peered into the dark abyss. Inuyasha sniffed around the well and right as the smell he was looking for hit him, he stepped back in surprise.

 

 

Mineko's sent was all over the well and the surrounding area. Inuyasha's golden eyes widened in shock as the truth finally start to click. Mineko had come from the well. He was positive…her scent covered the place which only meant she had traveled through time just like Kagome. It was too much of a coincidence how much Kagome and Mineko looked alike even if the others refused to see it. The looks, her spiritual powers and the time travel only added up to one thing. Mineko was Kagome's daughter. It was the only explanation. Mineko's story of her mother fit Kagome's description perfectly. Inuyasha ran a hand through his hair shakily. One more piece of the story also added up perfectly but Inuyasha was reluctant to admit it. Was it even possible?

 

 

Mineko also looked very much like Inuyasha and it did not suffice that his blood ran through her veins. There was no way in hell Kagome would ever become Sesshomaru's mate so that would only mean one thing….Inuyasha thought as the realization of Mineko's mysterious parentage dawned on him instantly. He was her father. There was no other explanation. Mineko was part Inu-youkai with the exact same features as Inuyasha; she was his and Kagome's daughter from the future. Inuyasha did not know what to think about any of it. His strong urge to protect her know clearly made sense. Inuyasha looked up into the sky searching for answers. Was it possible?

 

 

 

 

Inuyasha knew the only way he would ever know is if he blatantly came out and asked Mineko the truth. It was the only way all his suspicions were going to be 100% confirmed. Inuyasha spun around and leapt back into the forest. This was crazy, him and Kagome together with a daughter from the future? What was next? Apparently, he and Kagome needed to talk about a few things if they were going to have a daughter in the near future. A daughter….Inuyasha smiled to himself. He never thought of himself in that kind of a role….a father. True, he had always wanted to have kids some day but the life that he lead always made him think that, that dream would never come true but to have a daughter with Kagome. His Kagome brought him such profound happiness he didn't know he could keep himself from shouting it to the world. Inuyasha landed back on the tree limb that he was sitting on before and looked at the group who had already fallen asleep. The smoke from the smoldering campfire burned his nose. He quietly leapt from the tree and landed a few feet away from Mineko who was sleeping right next to Kagome, on an extra pad with Shippo curled between the two girls snoring softly. He knelt down beside Mineko and quietly gazed at her face. Yes, she looked so much like Kagome. This was his daughter. Inuyasha could not contain his smile at the thought. She was beautiful, just like her mother. Inuyasha glanced at Kagome who had a light smile on her lips. She must have been dreaming about something nice. Inuyasha suddenly felt a huge swell of pride. These were his girls and nothing would ever hurt either of them again. Inuyasha stole one last glance at Mineko and then turned to sit against a nearby tree. He snuggled himself into a comfortable position and looked back the girls. Was this all possible? Inuyasha was worried to think that he was only sleeping and the he would wake up at any moment to find this whole situation….nothing more than a perfect dream. Tomorrow he would get some answers from both Mineko and Kagome. Soon he would find out the truth about the girl who so resembled him and Kagome and with that thought Inuyasha let him self drift into a peaceful slumber dreaming about how his future started to look a bit more happy and bright.

 

 

 

*** Ok what did you think? Last revision!! Woo hoo! The next chapter: Come What May will be up by the end of the week. I promise!! It's a doozy and I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks! And keep the reviews coming. They help a lot! Thanks again.