InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind ❯ Sacrifice ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer All characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi as well as all manga plots and ideas. The only character I own is Aimee, so far.

I have had an idea for this story floating around in my head for the longest time. In the anime I never thought that the relationship of Inuyasha and Shippo got very much attention, so here I am writing out what I think there relationship would be like as a father/son. You know that they butt heads at each other, but deep down I believe each holds a fierce protectiveness for the other. It will take a few chapters to set everyone up, so bear with me and I hope you truly enjoy this.

 

Chapter 1-Sacrifice

Ominous rain clouds swirled in a vortex of electric static, announcing the presence of the impending storm as its presence hovered over the countryside. An eerie wind rattled the tall oaks branches, causing a shower of leaves to float down to the swaying grass below. Some of the foliage landed on a darkly cloaked figure pressed tightly against a large tree. Soft jade eyes snapped sharply up as the black robed figure whirled around, searching the darkening woods that she hid in. Pointed ears flicked towards the shadowed trees, waiting for some other sound.

Neither seeing nor hearing nothing, she breathed a short sigh of relief before resuming her gaze to the precious bundle she clutched tightly in her arms. He hadn't stirred, that was good. It would make this that much easier. She didn't know if she could stand looking into his eyes one last time, it would shatter her already breaking heart. She would just have to make do with the few short memories she had with him. So what if her heart never healed? She could deal with that. So long as he remained safe.

Aimee pulled peeled back the blanket, revealing a soft cherub like face. Rosy cheeks complemented his creamy skin. She reached a finger, delicately stroking his soft cheeks, being careful not to wake him. His skin was like silk, smooth and flawless. She laughed softly to herself, before she felt her throat catch, a feeling she was very familiar with. Right after this, the flood of tears would come. She bit her lip as her eyes welled up.

No. Not this time. She would not let her emotions get the best of her. There would be no more tears this night. She had to be strong for him, even if she would never see him again. Hell, who knew if he would even remember her? Aimee reached into the folds of her cloak and felt for the worn piece of paper. Feeling its crinkled texture beneath her fingertips she nodded in assurance. It would not do well to lose that now, not when she was so close. Such a tiny, careless mishap would only bring her more trouble.

Letting her knees fold out from under her, she slid into a graceful kneel, keeping the infant tightly swaddled. The thick branches of the trees gave her a crude shelter from the fierce wind. Glancing at the digital watch strapped to her wrist she noted the time. It wouldn't be long now, just a few more moments.

A twig snapped and Aimee stiffened. She pulled the bundle closer to her chest. Her expert eyes scanned the trees in a sharpened focus.

“It's no use hiding you gluttonous buffoon, I know you are there.” Her voice spoke in sharp tones.

The trees seemed to bend and move out of the way as a massive beast made its way from behind the spindly saplings. Pale skinned with black eyes that glittered, he stood towering over her lithe form. He was completely bald except for a few black hairs sprouting from his scalp and the thin, tight braid that ran down the back of his head. His enormous girth put a strain on his clothing; the fabric seemed to be stretched to its maximum as it was pulled tightly over his stout middle.

“Dearest Aimee, how nice to see you again.” His voice rumbled. Dark eyes glittered with amusement.

“Cut to the chase fool. What are you doing here?” She growled at him.

He chuckled. “I just wanted to make sure you lived up to your part of the agreement.”

“And what makes you think I wouldn't?!” She snarled her fangs barred.

“Big brother has his doubts. He thinks you were planning on running away with the brat. As you very well know, that is not what we discussed, and so he sent me here to remind you of the plan.”

“I know very well what the plan is Manten! You do not have to remind me like some belligerent pup!”

Manten smiled, mocking her. “You have some mouth on you, considering the situation you're in. I'd watch your tongue if I were you or it might get you and that whelp into trouble.”

Aimee hissed, baring her fangs. “Is that a threat?!”

“Call it what you will, but perhaps to be on the safe side, I ought to take the brat the rest of the way.” He took a giant step towards her.

Aimee's eyes burned in an emerald fire. “You won't lay a hand on him.” She growled venomously.

He stopped abruptly, startled by her sudden hostility. He quickly regained his composure. “You're only making this harder on yourself Aimee. If I have to I will take him by force I will. I pray it won't come to such necessary actions.”

“Hiten said I could take him!” A note of hysteria made itself known in her voice. She quickly realized her mistake and immediately composed herself.

“It's better this way.” He tried to sound consoling.

“Ha! Tell me how it's better to take a pup from his mother?!” She snapped. Her jade colored orbs pierced him with an anguished gaze.

“You know you aren't capable of raising him on your own. What with your mate already slain.” He left the sentence trailing off.

A flicker of the deepest pain flashed through her eyes, before they returned to hardened emeralds once more. “How do you know what I'm capable of?”

Manten was silent for a moment. His black orbs surveyed her carefully, sensing for any hint of attack. Seeing none, he gave her a look of pity before heaving a sigh.

“I know that it's not natural for you to be raising him on your own. You won't be able to handle his constant need for supervision. Foxes can be quite mischievous; they are tricksters and enjoy fooling others. Without your mate, you wouldn't be able to….

“Do not speak of him again!” Aimee cut him off in a fierce rebuke.

“You know that's not what I was intending Aimee. It was a great tragedy what happened to Yuuta.”

In one swift bound, she had crossed the distance between them, and pinned him to a tree. Her delicate hand enclosed around his throat in a vice like grip.

“Say his name again.” She said in a low and dangerous voice. Her fangs jutted out from her mouth and hung over her lips in a furious snarl.

Manten was quickly beginning to turn purple due to lack of oxygen. He sputtered and gasped, his eyes bulging from their sockets as he tried desperately to breathe. His hands lunged for her lithe form, but she dodged him, and he crumbled to his knees, gasping for air.

“Big mistake wench!” He growled, his voice turning menacing as he turned his glittering eyes upon her, a smirk adorning his wide mouth.

He sprung for her, his hands reaching out to grab at her clothing, but Aimee was one step ahead. She ducked quickly, avoiding his hulking hands. Her quick and nimble feet flew beneath her as she dashed along the forest's edge. Her traveling cloak streamed behind her as she ran for her life, for their lives.

Her ears pricked at the crackling sound. It wouldn't be long now. She urged her body to run faster as she sprinted through the trees. She could feel it in the air, the static as it was drawn to a single source. And then she heard it, the distinct roar. She had just enough time to dive to the ground and cover her head when the explosion ripped through the forest in a static ball of uncontrollably energy, burning everything in its path.

It tore through the forest, shattering the trees and ripping them from their roots. A shower of burning wood fell to the ground in disfigured lumps of smoking black.

So he had done it. Manten had released his lightning attack in order to flush her out. Aimee smirked from her crouch on the ground. It would take a lot more than that for her to give up. Sensing the attack was over; she slowly got up from the ground. The pungent smell of burning wood assaulted her nose.

The once green and lush forest had been reduced to a cluster of dead, smoldering trunks, stripped of their bark and leaves and left to rot.

Several acres of blackened, scorched trees stretched out as far as the eye could see. Bursts of bright orange flame flickered on the burnt and dead branches. Smoke hung thick and choking in the air.

Aimee crouched low in the smoke behind a large blackened trunk, keeping her cloak over her mouth to avoid breathing in the toxins. She pulled back the blanket, peering at the pup. He slept soundly in his sling. It was a wonder he could sleep throughout all the noise.

Soft chuckling drifted through the smoke. “Aimee, my little fox where did you disappear to?”

His voice sounded close. Too close. She stood perfectly still, trying to control her breathing. She prayed the wind was on her side, and her sent would not give her away.

Fate was not with her today. The splintering of wood shattered the silence as Manten came smashing through the trunk she hid behind.

Aimee dodged him by a mere inch and turned and fled east, weaving through the maze of scorched trees, trying to lose him. Her cloak caught on a branch, but she paid no mind to it and kept running. The dark fabric ripped from her body and was left flapping in the wind.

Without her cloak she was further exposed to the elements, and felt the cold wind whip at her face, with the promise of a heavy downpour. Cradling the pup close to her chest, so as to shield him from the harsh wind, she urged her legs to run faster. Her long, russet colored hair flowed freely in the wind.

“You're only making this harder on yourself and your pup.” His voice echoed, taunting her as she kept her rigorous pace.

Aimee kept running, a blur among the trees to the naked eye. She ducked under smoldering branches, dodged flaming debris that fell from the orange inferno above.

Her keen nose told her that she would come to the edge of the forest soon. And sure enough, several yards ahead she spotted the trees thinning.

With a burst of speed she charged through the tree line and was out in the open. Rolling green hills dotted the landscape. She stood perched on the tallest hill, scanning the land with a practiced eye. In the distance she spotted the faint outline of a large brick building, several stories high, nestled among the hills.

“We're almost there little one.” She whispered to the bundle.

She should have heard him coming. But her brief moment of relief had distracted her. So she was taken completely off guard when Manten barreled into her from behind, catching her off balance and sending them tumbling down the hill.

Instinct took over Aimee and she immediately shielded the pup with her body, as they hurtled down the steep incline.

She felt her body crash to the ground. Her bundle went flying out of her arms upon impact. Aimee ignored the rocks digging into her stomach and focused on getting to her pup, which had landed several feet away. His desperate wailing pierced the air and cut through her heart like a knife.

Her hands clawed against the rough earth, pulling her body forward, inch by inch. Aimee gritted her teeth in determination. Just a few more feet…. Her arm reached out slowly, trying to grasp the squirming bundle that screeched its discontent to the skies.

She was close now; she could feel the blanket, inches from her fingertips, almost in her grasp. Her efforts were squandered when she felt herself being yanked back. Aimee turned and hissed at her attacker.

Manten's claws held a fist full of her kimono. The crimson material clutched in his fat fist as he held her there, preventing her from moving any closer to the pup. With a tug, he pulled her back and pinned her delicate frame beneath his massive weight.

“Running was your first mistake.” He replied in a silky voice, his eyes dark as midnight.

“You should have let me take the pup, and then you wouldn't be in this predicament.” He ground out as she squirmed futilely beneath him.

“I would give my life, before ever handing over my child to you!” She spat before lashing out, her claws slicing through his clothing and leaving a gash on his stomach.

Manten howled in pain and abruptly let go of her. Aimee tore away from him and dashed forward toward her screaming pup.

“Bitch!” He screamed at her, holding a hand to his wound as it leaked blood.

Aimee ignored him. She took a flying leap towards the bundle, intent on snatching it up and making a run for it. She never got there, as she was blindsided by a forceful blow.

She felt the breath leave her lungs as she was knocked to the ground. Her chest heaved as she coughed, dragging in haggard, rattled breaths.

Looking around, still gasping, she spotted Manten, crouching before her bundle.

“No!” She cried out in anguish and anger alike.

She darted forward, digging her claws into his back just as he bent to pick up the bundle.

Manten hissed in pain as he felt her needle point claws pierce his flesh. He quickly dropped the squalling bundle. Aimee's hair swung in wild waves as the wind picked up and the dark sky flashed with the beginnings of lightning.

Manten reached behind him, seeing a furry appendage waving in the wind he grabbed it. Aimee stiffened immediately as she felt him grab her tail. He ripped her from his back and threw her forcefully across the clearing.

The ground crashed into her and Aimee felt pain shatter her conscious. A shadow swam across her flickering vision and she thought she would fade into the blackness. But instead of fading away into the welcoming dark, a voice penetrated her hazy world.

“It's a pity you have so little strength to protect your pup. One such as you deserves the title of unfit mother. You should count yourself lucky that I'm taking him, otherwise he would surly die in your care.”

Manten stood towering over her. Aimee could do nothing but lie there, pinned to the earth, her body heavy with pain. Her emerald orbs stared straight ahead, dark and empty. His voice cut into her, leaving a new kind of pain, deep in her soul. Her skin felt as if it were on fire, the invisible flames engulfed her, holding her in its searing embrace as she burned alive.

The hot blood flowed thick in her veins, and straight to her heart in a steady, constant rhythm. A high pitched ringing pounded in her sensitive ears. She could feel it growing inside of her, the power, it wouldn't stop. It was like an unstoppable force, much like the approaching storm.

The youkai blood churned and frothed, sending her heart into a wild, beating frenzy. Her hold on its power was slipping inch by inch through her fragile fingertips. Aimee felt her limbs go numb as a new strength took over, more powerful, more frightening and dominate then her own.

And then just when she thought she could take no more, she felt it, the sweet release. Her hold slipped and the raw power raged within her without reigns to control it.

A feral, animal like snarl tore from Aimee's curled lips. Her whole body seemed to tremble. In a blinding light her clothes fell away as her body morphed, folding within itself, changing shape. Her tail grew longer; arms became long, sleek, powerful front legs. Her face transformed ivory skin into russet fur, a long snout protruded from her face, complete with whiskers. A full set of pearly fangs jutted over her lips. Black claws grew from her paws. In Aimee's former place stood her fully transformed youkai form, that in the shape of a large fox.

Instead of emerald eyes, Aimee now had brilliant crimson orbs, due to her transformation.

Manten stood there his dark, eyes squinting with anger. His body quivered and he clenched his meaty fists in an effort to withhold his rage.

“So, He seethed. You think that this little shape shifting act will help you? You sealed your fate the moment you struck me.”

Aimee snarled, her eyes flaring with a new power. Quick as lightning she lunged at him, her steely claws catching his arm.

Manten cursed, and stumbled back in an effort to avoid her attacks. Gathering his strength he launched a thunder bolt from his mouth. But Aimee was faster in her youkai form and bounded out of the way of the massive thunder sphere. The mass if lighting energy collided with the hill, burning through it and leaving a trail of dead, blackened land behind.

Aimee's eyes narrowed. Murderer. With a howl she pounced upon him her jaws wide ready to tear him to shreds.

Manten managed to grab hold of her before she could make contact. With a heave he shoved her off, sending her tumbling.

Aimee rolled to a stop in a cloud of dust. She lay there stunned for a few seconds. Then from out of the dust, a fist appeared and slammed into her stomach, knocking the breath out her. She began to pant, her long pink tongue lolling out of her mouth. Before she could recover the fist came again, and this time Aimee gasped as the pain swarmed over her body. Again and again Manten's fist struck, leaving her battered and bruised.

Before he could hit her again, Aimee rolled to the side and leapt to her paws. By now the dark clouds hovered over them. With a tremendous crash of thunder, they released their hold. Rain fell in cold sheets, soaking them to the bone. Aimee's fur was sopping wet and hung in wet clumps. But still she stood, panting in the rain as she faced Manten.

As a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, Aimee seized her opportunity. With one swift bound she barreled into Manten, sending both of them flying to the slick, muddy ground.

Aimee slid several feet through the mud before coming to a stop. She quickly got up, despite her body's need for a rest. What she saw made her blood run cold.

Manten had made his way over to the soaked bundle and had plucked it from the ground and was now holding it.

No! Aimee broke into a sprint, her paws pounding the ground in a frantic effort to reach her pup. Her powerful hind legs propelled her forward through the rain. She didn't care at this point if she was hurt. All that mattered was her pup and getting him to safety. With that thought it mind, she urged herself forward.

“Not this time wench!” Roared Manten.” And his hand darted out, stopping Aimee in her tracks. With a low growl Aimee's fangs clamped down on his hand.

With a howl of agony Manten tried to wrench his hand out of her powerful jaws. But no matter how hard he shook, she would not release him. Finally as a last resort Manten flung the bundle from his arms.

Her crimson eyes darted wide and Aimee immediately let go of her captive. Her eyes followed the bundle as it soared through the air, the inhabitant screaming all the while. Aimee launched herself into the air and quickly caught the bundle in her mouth, careful to keep a gentle hold on the folds of the blanket, so as to not hurt the pup.

Spotting a fallen tree close by, she quickly trotted over to it. The tree's brambles provided a crude shelter from the weather. It wasn't much but it would have to do for now. Bending her head down Aimee gently lowered her bundle into the thicket of branches, until it was hidden from sight. The pup sensed his mother's presence and immediately stopped his squabble and quieted down.

Nosing the bundle for a moment, Aimee swiped her tongue gently over the pups face. My pup. The pup gurgled and a grin spread over Aimee's snout. Burrowing her snout into the bundle, she felt his soft hands stroke her fur. A content sigh escaped his small body as he settled back into his blankets, as if to wait.

Satisfied that he would be safe, at least for now, Aimee turned away from the thicket. Manten stood there, blood oozing from his wounded hand. He was breathing heavily. Rage flashed behind his small, dark eyes.

Aimee growled low in her throat, the noise vibrating within her entire body. She stood in a stance in front of the tangle of branches, trying to protect the precious gift she had hidden there.

“You're trapped, nowhere to run.” Manten said between heavy breaths as he clutched his hand to his chest. He advanced toward her, his heavy footsteps made slick slapping noises against the wet ground.

Aimee didn't give him a chance to come any closer before charging. She rammed into his chest, knocking the both of them backwards and into the muck. They wrestled in the pouring rain, each one trying to best the other. Aimee attacked with tooth and claw, while Manten pounded her with meaty fists.

As her heart hammered in her chest, Aimee drew a rattled breath. She knew that she could not last much longer under these conditions, and neither could the pup.

She was so distracted she never saw it coming. Manten's fist connected with her head, sending her spiraling to the ground with a wet splash. She lay there in the muck, trying to ignore the burning wave of pain that smothered her like a blanket.

Then, out of the constant fire that licked at her wounds, she felt a different feeling. A kind of tingly, numb sensation rolled over her body, temporarily dousing the fire. With a strangled gasp, Aimee realized at once what was happening. Her body was transforming again, changing back. To her more human looking form. This current form could no longer with stand the many injuries that she had sustained. With a stab of fear, Aimee realized that once she returned to her original form, she would be completely useless. Her body had taken on too many injuries to be able to adequately defend herself anymore.

The wave washed over her and she felt her body shifting once more. She shrank until she once again resumed her normal form. Her kimono was now plastered to her skin, due to the rain that had saturated it. She noticed several dark stains throughout the material. She didn't have to touch it to know what it was. Her nose knew right away by the metallic scent.

Trying her best to ignore the pain, Aimee gritted her teeth and stood up. Her stance was slumped, and it took all her strength not to collapse on the spot.

Manten just stood there, watching her infinite struggle. “Useless!” He spat.

Useless?! Aimee steeled herself against the relentless pain and tensed her already aching muscles. Her body was screaming at her to stop. But she wouldn't. Not until Manten was dead or she died trying. Death was very probable for her at this moment. But she had her pup to think about. He was helpless without her. In a world where most humans either feared or scorned demons, where was he to fit? In this modern day and age, demons walked among the humans as regular citizens. But that still did not mean that every human accepted their existence. Which is why she had to stay alive, to protect him. Useless? She scoffed silently. I think not.

With the last of her strength she sprinted toward Manten. When she was a few feet from her target she sprang from the ground in a nimble leap. Arms outstretched, she wrapped them around Manten's thick throat. She maintained a vice like grip around is sarcophagus and began to squeeze. She was rewarded with Manten's eyes bulging from their sockets and his frantic coughing as he tried to breathe.

His hands flailed in the air before trying to push her off. Aimee hung on with all her strength, wrapping her legs around his wide middle and crossing her ankles.

Manten jumped and danced, all the while clawing at her body that clung to him like a leech. Aimee was surprised when he rammed the both of them into a nearby tree. She felt the bark dig into her back, and clenched her teeth. But Manten didn't stop. His efforts became frantic. With more power, he crashed into the tree again. This time his efforts worked. Aimee gasped with surprise as a leg came loose from her careful hold. That was all it took.

His hand caught her ankle and flung her from him. Aimee slammed into the ground for the countless time. But she couldn't stay down, not when he could attack her at her weak moment.

She scrambled to her feet, almost slipping in the slick grass. Her breathing hitched in her side and she longed to rest. Her whole body was trembling on the verge of exhaustion. She bit her lip as another wave of pain graded over her, lingering as it clung to her muscles, her tendons, seeped into her head, her stomach, her head, everywhere. There was no escape.

“You…..will….not…. defeat me!” Aimee shrieked in hoarse gasps.

Something was off. Manten had a strange smirk plastered on his face. His eyes gleamed with a look of victory. He seemed to be looking beyond where Aimee stood.

“I already have Aimee.” His voice was smooth with a layer of smugness behind it.

She slowly turned to see what he was staring at. The motion seemed to take her an eternity. By the time her body had wheeled around to see what was there it was too late. She heard the whistle through the rain as it came slicing through the air. A solid thump followed by an odd wet sound. Something had splashed onto the rocks in a heavy splatter. And then she realized. The initial shock must have prolonged the pain for a few brief seconds. But then it was if a gate had opened, letting a flood of pain wash over her. It drowned her in its choking hold, as its battering force smothered her, suffocating all thought and sense.

She looked down with shock and horror to see a, shining blade protruding through her chest. Blood was flowing much too fast. Her vision was fading. Through the pain Aimee searched her memories until she found the one she had been searching for. Her and her pup. She grimaced and placed a hand to her chest, where the blade was, sticking out from her chest. It had ripped through muscle, tendons, leaving a gaping hole. She stumbled to the ground and laid painting on her back.

The letter! With a gasp she realized that she had left it behind, when her cloak was torn off. He needed that letter. He needed to know! Without it he would have no truth about his heritage or any part of his origins. He wouldn't know that what she had done she had done out of love. Given him up. So that he could live a better life then she could provide for him. Gods she loved him, more than her own life. Scrolling through her memories she searched to find the letter, to remember its words and pray that it would be found and given to him when he was ready.

There! Her eyes glassed over as she found it among her quickly clouding thoughts. She gripped the rain covered grass in her fists as she fought to keep her hold for just a few precious minutes.

A shadow blocked her vision, and she realized that someone was standing over her. She could not tell who it was for the darkness blended everything together in the same inky black.

“I told you to make it quick Manten!” A male voice growled with impatience.

Aimee strained her hears to hear over the pouring rain. The pain began to seep into every crevice of her mind and soul, drowning out any sound.

“Forgive me, brother.” Manten's arrogant tone had vanished and he sounded timid and submissive as he addressed the man.

“Your incompetence is trying my patience very thin. You're very fortunate that I was in the area to come to your rescue and clean up your little accident. Otherwise the plan might have failed and you left to bear the consequences of your actions.

“I promise it shall not happen again.” Manten stumbled over his words now, in a hurried effort to appease his brother.

“Very well, you'd best see to it that it doesn't.” The voice directed in silky tones, the anger having been diminished.

Aimee was panting very heavily now. Her lips trembled before she attempted to speak through the burning pain.

“Who are you?” She choked out.

 

The tall shadow bent down to reveal a dark skinned man. His jet black hair was woven in a tight braid that hung down his back. Crimson eyes filled with malice stared at her. The man was dressed in deep navy hakama pants, platted armor covered his chest. Sashes of light blue hung down from his attire and flapped in the wind. In his hands he held the Raigekijin, his weapon of choice. Aimee noted that the blade was covered in her blood.

Aimee gasped with horror and realization at her sudden recognition of the man.

“Hiten?” She choked out.

The said man's eyes flicked toward her. He smirked. Hiten leaned in closer until he was hovering right above Aimee. The sickening metallic smell overwhelmed him and Aimee tried not to gag.

“You deviated from our plan Aimee.” His smirk widened. “And now you must suffer the consequences.”

He reached a hand down and stroked her blood soaked hair. The once soft, wavy tresses were now crusty and matted with blood.

Aimee hissed at the contact. She gritted her teeth and snapped at his calloused hand.

But the pain had made her slow and clumsy. Hiten pulled his hand away and she missed her target.

“Ah, so I see you still have a little fight left in you.” He began to walk around her in a circle. Aimee was powerless to move and could only watch with bated breath as he slowly circled her much like a predator does its prey. And indeed it did look that way. Hiten paced around her, his eyes alight with the heat of the moment, waiting to strike. Aimee was the helpless prey, trapped and awaiting her fate.

Suddenly Manten barged in, stepping in front of his brother.

“Big brother let me take care of this bitch. Surely she is of no real threat to you. Please let me kill this lowly fox for you.” Manten began to approach Aimee. Her heart went into overdrive as his hulking form came closer.

But Hiten's irritated growl stopped him. “Enough. You had your chance, and you failed. You will do nothing and let me handle the fox.”

Manten's entire body drooped in shame and he slunk back muttering fevered apologies.

Hiten took Aimee's battered and bruised face in his hands. She could do nothing but stare into his blood lust eyes. What he did next took her completely by surprise.

Tilting his head his lips found hers in a stolen kiss. The initial heat of his mouth shocked Aimee before the initial rage settled in. She tried desperately to break away from him, but his hands gripped her face much too tightly and she could not move. Something wet pried its way through her lips and Aimee realized at once what it was.

Her mind went numb and she could only sit there and endure it. The intense pain kept her from being able to defend herself. She went rigid against his battling lips. They continued to bombard her for several minutes before Hiten pulled sharply away, leaving her lips stinging.

“Whore.” He spat. His mouth pressed into a hard line and his crimson eyes seemed to burn a second hole through her.

A blinding rage tore through Aimee. How dare he. She had trusted him. She had believed in him to be the honest man with good intentions that he so easily fabricated to her that he was. He told her that her son would be taken care of, and she would have nothing to worry about. He had lied.

Aimee felt incredibly stupid. She had fell for his seemingly charming and suave personality only to find out in the end that it had all been a trap. He had deceived her in such a way so as to make her give up her child, her pup.

Her throat began to close. She felt the onslaught of tears coming. She tried to will her eyes to take back the tears, but it was to no avail. They came pouring down her gritty cheeks and mixed with the cold rain.

“I didn't believe you to be so weak. I thought you were stronger than this, strong enough to handle me.” Hiten whispered.

Aimee had given up on trying speaking. Her throat was so clogged with blood that she could only gurgle feebly. The tunnel vision was beginning to set in. Aimee knew she had only moments now.

Better make them worth it. The croaky thoughts swam through her head. She closed her eyes and let the memories consume her.

Yuuta was with her. They stood in a sun bathed clearing in the depth of spring. His enormous brown eyes filled with warmth and love. A proud smile graced his handsome face. In his arms he cradled their beautiful son. A small bundle wrapped in soft cloth. Yuuta held him with such care and tenderness it made Aimee's heart swell.

He came close to her, placing a large hand on her cheek. She could feel the warmth from his hand and leaned into his touch.

“How I have missed you.” She breathed.

His deep laughter boomed throughout the clearing, leaving a warm tingle in Aimee's chest.

“And I you, my mate.” He said softly, his beautiful eyes brimming with tears.

“We will be together again very soon.” He said.

Aimee felt her heart leap. But as soon as it did, her stomach plummeted.

“What about our pup?”

Yuuta looked at the tiny, fragile bundle. “He will survive. He shall live on, and with those whose love for him know no bounds just like yours and mine.”

Aimee breathed a sigh of relief. But that didn't make the pain any better. She felt it seeping through the memory. Her vision flickered. Yuuta began to fade.

“No!” She gasped, reaching out for him. “Come back!” Her voice hitched.

“We will be together again.” He promised.

Aimee felt cold. Opening her eyes she saw the dark looming sky as the rain pelted her with angry droplets. She was still in the same spot as she was before, paralyzed on the soaking ground. Heten stood crouched over her.

“So you have returned.” He said softly. His eyes were dark and empty and Aimee knew that the time had come. Gratefully she had no last regrets, except maybe not being with her child. But she had done all she could and fought hard for his life.

She was ready. The pain was even gone. She felt strangely light and weightless. She smiled in a hollow victory. The dark film slipped away from her eyes and a familiar light danced behind the burning emeralds.

“What are you smiling about wench?! I have won!” Hiten roared. He snatched her by the shoulders and shook her like a rag doll.

Aimee flopped uselessly in his arms, the smile never leaving her face.

“You're wrong.” Her voice was a mere whisper much to Heten's immense shock. His eyes blazed with fury.

“I have won. It is you who has lost.” She stared at him with a burning determination in her eyes. But her mind drifted elsewhere, to her pup. She knew that he would be all right. Yuuta's promise would be fulfilled. He would live on and be loved. That was all she could have ever asked for. And with that last though she smiled in triumph and let the darkness wash over her.

Aimee's body went limp in Heten's arms and she knew no more.

Hiten stared at her body in shock. Manten galloped up to him and slapped him on the back.

“Well done brother! You have killed the fox demoness! Everything is going according to plan!”

Heten was quiet for a moment. Slowly, he gently laid down the body.

“Yes.” He said softly. “We have succeeded in killing her; this is a big step in our work. And now for the pup.”

Hiten stepped gingerly around Aimee's body and walked briskly toward the thicket where he knew she had hid the whelp.

Stooping down he plucked the bundle from the wet branches, noticing the layer of water that had seeped through the blankets.

“Manten. Take the brat. Warm him. We don't want him dying before we even get started.” He thrust the babe into Manten's massive arms.

The giant demon looked utterly confused for a second, holding the shivering babe. Hiten glared at him darkly, before Manten snapped out of his daze. Opening his mouth slightly, he allowed a small sphere of energy to form, letting the statics heat warm the pup.

Slowly, the pup stopped quaking and lay still in the now warm blankets. Heten nodded curtly and Manten let the energy dissipate.

Without a word Heten took off, bounding through the darkness, leaving Manten to struggle to keep up as he jostled the pup in his arms.

“Brother! What are we looking for?” Manten called out to the darkness.

Hiten's reply was faint and came from within the depths of the forest.

“Something of great importance. Something our little friend Aimee did not want us to find.”

Manten plodded through the rain, searching for his brother. He found him a ways back crouched amongst the trees. He thrust his hand into something on the ground.

Manten squinted as he got closer. It was Aimee's cloak, plastered to the ground by the rain. He saw Heten withdraw something white from it and quickly stuff it into the folds of his kimono.

“What is that?” He asked.

Hiten turned to him, his eyes piercing.

“Can I trust you to keep a secret?” He asked.

Manten nodded vigorously, wanting his brother to have faith in him.

“Very well then.” Heten withdrew the white something from his kimono and Manten saw that it was a roll of paper. He quickly unrolled it and Manten craned his neck to try and read it. Beautiful, elegant script ran along the page.

 

My Son,

I, your mother Aimee am most aggrieved for having to write these own words to my dearest child. If you are reading this, it means that I am gone. I regret this decision most deeply and hope that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me. I was forced against my better judgment to give you up. Your father, Yuuta and my mate was the leader of a great fox clan. Just a few days after your birth, he went to patrol our territory. He never returned.

I later learned that he was slain by an unknown demon. I was told to take you and flee. I was deemed an unsuitable mother by many and was told to let another raise you, one deemed more capable than I. And so against my heart's will and for your best interest I decided to go along with it. I was told that you would be put in a fitting home with demons like yourself, so that you would feel at home. I hope that you are happy wherever you may be, and with those that will cherish and love you just as I have and always will.

You have made me so proud my brave little warrior. Never forget who you are and where you come from. Hold your head up high and walk with pride. My heart swells with pride for you, my angel. Treat others with kindness, although they may not always return it. Look at the world with an open mind. Be curious, explore, and do not be afraid to open your heart to others. Respect your elders. And above all, remember to smile. Know that I love you with all my heart. You my beloved Shippo are my greatest joy.

Love, your mother Aimee.

When Manten was finished reading it, he looked up to his brother. Heten was smirking.

“It's a good thing we found this, or else it fall into others hands.” Heten murmured darkly.

“Yes.” Agreed Manten. “That and I am grateful she did not discover the one responsible for her precious Yuuta's undoing.” He let out a heartless laugh.

“Silence yourself Manten!” He admonished.

Manten immediately sobered up.

“That's better. You had best be more careful with your raids next time. You could have been caught and then this would have all been for nothing.”

Manten looked subdued.

“Nest time take greater caution not to be so careless. The murder of Yuuta was seen as an accident, but only you and I know the truth. And that is the way it will stay. Understood?”

Manten nodded. Suddenly his eyes sparked with renewed hope.

“Brother, can I still wear the pelt once we return to the villa?”

Hiten chuckled. “Yes you may parade him around all you like. But see to it that you keep your mouth closed about how you got it.”

Manten broke out into a toothy grin. “My many thanks brother.” He eagerly jabbered to the handsome man.

Hiten nodded. “Good. Now hand me the whelp, you're bound to drop him.”

Manten did as he was asked and handed the bundle over.

Hiten peeled back the blankets, revealing a brilliant tuft of orange hair.

“Little Shippo.” He whispered darkly to the swaddled pup. “Our new addition to the Ikazuchi family.

He threw the wet cloak at Manten, who caught it with a fumble before tucking it under his arm.

“Come, let us go home.”

The two brothers took off through the pouring rain, their shadows quickly melting into the frigid night. The only sound was the rain and the howling wind as it ripped through the countryside in tragic mourning for one lost soul.

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All right, down with the first chapter! I found myself pouring over the dialogue, and details of the characters and what not. Anyway, comments are greatly welcomed as well as very much appreciated!