InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Past and Future ❯ Koga's Cave ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Kenshien made it back with some difficulty but he made it. It had even got harder for it started to rain. Fitting weather since the past of events was just as depressing as the rain its self. And here Kenshien thought that things couldn't get any worse. Kenshien sighed as he entered the hut he himself had been just hours ago. It was all quite but he knew that that was going to happen.
 
He walked in putting the items of his family down and found the hidden door. Kenshien bent down to open it when his hand hit a yellow barrier. He smirked knowing that Karai was the one that put this up.
 
Smart girl. he thought as he closed his eyes to concentrate. As he concentrated his hands started to glow blue but it was unstable as it flickered. Kenshien's brow started to crunch together as he concentrated harder. By the time the blue light was bright and strong Kenshien was out of breath.
 
I knew I should have listened to mother closer when she was teaching me how to control my spiritual powers. Kenshien scowled at himself for not training harder. Without a second thought he put his hands onto the yellow barrier and it went down. It was like the barrier knew it was Kenshien and allowed him to pass. The light disappeared from Kenshien's hand and he opened the door and walked down. It was dark down there.
 
Where humans would have a hard time seeing it didn't faze Kenshien because of his demon powers. As he hit bottom he had to quickly block an attack sent to him. Holding a small foot that was aimed for his chest his knew right away who it was.
 
“Calm down Karai! It's me!” he yelled at her to bring her senses back to her. Kenshien saw Karai opening her eyes and realization dawned on his little sister.
 
“Kenshien! You're alive! Guys he's alive!” Karai called out alerting everyone that Kenshien was alive and well at least that's what it looked like to them. He was alive alright but he wasn't well. After Karai called back to the others she turned her attention to her big brother.
 
“What's the matter big brother?” she asked at seeing the sorrow in his body mostly in his eyes. Karai's eye's widened. Something was wrong she just knew it and she also knew that what ever went wrong she wasn't going to like it either.
 
“Where are mom and dad? Kenshien, where are they?” Karai questioned her brother. She had a gut feeling that that was what was wrong. He suspicions where conformed when Kenshien fell to his knees and embraced her in a tight hug afraid that she would disappear if he lets go.
 
“I'm sorry Karai. I'm so sorry.” Was all he said to her and she got the jester. She returned his hug and cried on his shoulder not wanting to believe that her parents were died.
 
“Kenshien?” he looked up at the sound of his name. It was Rin. “Where is Sesshomaru?” she asked but he had a feeling that she already knew that he was gone but she was just clinging to false hope that he was alive and well. Kenshien looked down and shook his head no and heard Rin breaking down again at hearing that her love was dead.
 
“What about Suki? She left almost right after you did.” Karai told him. Kenshien almost broke down right then and there.
 
Why didn't you listen to me Suki?! If just once why didn't you listen and stay here?! Kenshien asked questions but he knew that no matter how many times he would ask he would never know.
 
“She didn't make it.” Kenshien told his sister with pain in his voice. He heard her gasp from this new information that he had given her.
 
“I'm sorry.” she told him and after a while a question came to her. “Big brother? What are we going to do now?” he heard his sister asking him against his chest. Kenshien held her tighter.
 
“I don't know.” he told her. He held her and watched Rin hug her boys as they cried all night from their lost.
 
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Karai woke up that morning feeling warm and safe. It was odd considering the news that was just handed to her that last night. She opened her eyes and saw the peaceful face of her big brother.
 
He looked so calm and peaceful like nothing bad had happened last night. Karai was happy for him that he could find peace even if it was only in his dreams. She looked down and found that he was still holding her in a death gripe and it didn't look like he was going to let go anytime soon. That was fine with Karai. She was content to just to be held.
 
She still couldn't believe that most of her family was gone all in one day. She then looked around and found that they were still in the basement in the hut. Rin was not far off with her boys; all with tear stained faces from crying so much. Karai no doubt had the same thing on her face too. A groan brought her attention back to Kenshien. He was waking up. She waited a moment and was not disappointed when his eyes fluttered open to reveal his indigo eyes.
 
“Good morning.” Karai greeted him. Kenshien smiled and said a good morning back to her. He let her go and stretched his body. They waited until Rin awoke but her boys weren't awake yet. With Rin awake they went up and out of the basement. The twins shivered slightly for the morning was a chilly one. Kenshien muttered something about firewood and left the hut. He came back soon after and started a fire to keep them all from being cold.
 
“What are we going to do now big brother?” asked Karai. She had waited until now to ask that question knowing that it would lead them to think back to yesterday's events. Kenshien closed his eyes and then reopened them.
 
“I did a lot of thinking last night and I have decided that I'm going to take you and everyone else to Koga's cave. It is the safest place I can think of.” he told them. The look on their faces was shock, especially Karai's. Rin on the other hand expected it but wasn't sure. It was the best option they have at the moment. As long as Naraku lives anywhere they go would be in danger. It was too dangerous for humans but Koga's caves could conceal them until the time comes for Naraku to die once again.
 
“When are we leaving?” asked Rin. Karai spun her glaze towards Rin. Her Aunty Rin couldn't think about considering this could she. Karai for one was fully prepared and ready to fight Naraku to her last breath. This trait was something that she was proud of for she got this from her father. Her mother would always tell her when ever she got in trouble or when she got ideas like this.
 
“You can't be serious!” Karai yelled at Rin as she stood up. “You are going to hide from Naraku? Even after killing uncle Sesshomaru? How could you do that?! I for one am fully prepared to get revenge for father and mother along with uncle Miroku, uncle Sesshomaru, aunt Sango, and Suki too!” with that Karai stomped off out of the hut before anyone could protest.
 
“Don't let her words get to you aunt Rin. She is just confused and angry is all.” Kenshien tried to comfort a tearful Rin but it wasn't working. Rin shook her head denying Kenshien.
 
“No, she is right. I am hiding but what is a weak human like me going to do if even her mate, the great Lord Sesshomaru couldn't achieve. I know that as long as I'm human I can not defeat Naraku but I know what I can do and that is to protect and guide my little boys into men, just like their father.” Rin explained while smiling a small smile and she played with her each boy's hair.
 
Kenshien nodded not wanting to argue it farther. He excused himself and went to find his little sister. He knew where she was. It was the only place in this world and his mother's that all of them would go after something like this and that was the Sacred Tree, the place that he buried their family that had lost their lives fighting against Naraku.
 
Kenshien picked up his speed and in no time he made it. Once he passed the bushes the clearing where the Sacred Tree is located came into view. He saw a figure most likely his sister on her knees in front of the graves that he gave their family. In a matter of seconds he was standing behind her but he didn't say anything, just waited until his sister acknowledged his presence.
 
“They really are gone, aren't they?” Karai's voice broke the silence around them. Kenshien didn't have to see her face to see that she was crying. Her voice said it all and her shoulders were shaking from the effort to not sod uncontrollably. “This isn't a sick joke or and a bad dream? They really are gone…” Karai's shoulders jerked more violently then before.
 
Kenshien didn't say anything. He really didn't know how to handle this himself. This wasn't supposed to happen! Kenshien knew that the tragic event hadn't sunk in yet. Just like Karai described it, it felt like it was just a terrifying dream, one that he would wake up very soon.
 
But he knows…he knows that this isn't some dream that he could wake up from. This was reality even if he didn't want to accept it. Without making a sound Kenshien walked up behind his sister and knelt down. He hugged her from behind and brought her close to his chest. Even though this is reality they were going to get through this, together.
 
Karai seeking the comfort of her brother turned around in the embrace and buried her face in his chest sobbing as he held her tighter. As Kenshien sat there hugging his sister he knew what he had to do.
 
He had to kill Naraku and Kikyo. It was the only thing he could think of that would settle his own heart that was pounding in his own chest. Karai had the liberty of crying, he didn't. He was the man of the house so to speak. He had to be strong for not only his sister but for his aunt and her pups as well. That and if he wanted to be stronger in a few short months, a year tops he had to kill this emotional weakness that he holds for he knew that Naraku would use it against him.
 
With Karai crying into his chest he couldn't help but shed a few tears that went unnoticed by Karai. Kenshien could do nothing as he sat there and let the event that had happened just 24 hours ago sink clearly into his mind.
 
He lost his parents, two uncles, an aunt, and his family he had worked so hard to get. Kenshien started to sob without realizing it. Suki his beloved mate and unborn pup, they were gone and they were never coming back. As those thoughts sunk into his head, he cried harder. What was he going to do?
 
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“Are we ready to leave?” asked Kenshien as he looked to his sister to Rin and her pups. They had just packed everything they could carry for the long trip. Rin nodded and was leading her boys outside of the hut they were in. Karai soon followed after them as Kenshien stayed behind.
 
He sighed as he looked around this old hut that was like a safe heaven for them in times of attacks or just to plainly get away from everything. It was like a second…er…third home to them if you count his mother home back in her time. Kenshien took a sudden take of breath. He had forgotten! He hadn't told his grandmother of the recent events yet. He sighed again.
 
I guess that is going to have to wait for another time. I have to get the remaining of my family to safety. Kenshien thought. With one last look around he left the hut and walked outside where the others were waiting for him.
 
“Before we go I have to give each or you something.” he told the small group. Karai looked at her big brother confused but waited for him to continue none the less.
 
“Her Karai, I'm sure Mother would want you to have this in your care. You are after all more of a priestess than I demon anyway.” he told her and he gave her the jewel of four souls. “Now that mother is gone it is up to you to guard it and to keep it safe from other demons that would want to use it for their own desire.” Karai had tears in her eyes as she looked up to her brother.
 
“But…I'm not ready for this.” she tried to explain to him but he wouldn't have it as he used his hand to close his sister's hand around the jewel.
 
“Karai you may not know a lot about fighting but you now more than any on as about using spiritual powers, even better than me. Don't worry about besides there's a spell on it to hide its' aura from low class demons. You'll be fine. ” he told her. She nodded and than he turned to Rin and her boys.
 
“Here.” he said to them as he handed Rin Kagome's bow and arrow. Rin wasn't a fighter but she had one hell of an aim compared to some. Rin started to cry a little at getting her best friends' weapon.
 
“Here you go.” Kenshien handed out two of the three swords to Sesshomaru's heirs. The oldest got Tokijin and the youngest got Bakusaiga. Immediately they started to fight over the swords saying one was better than the other when Kenshien had to break them up.
 
“Listen up you two. I gave you each a sword that I thought was best for you. Ryoko, I gave you Tokijin because even though you both are twins you are the stronger of the two. You would be able to handle Tokijin better than your brother. Just watch out. Just because you are the strongest now doesn't mean Ren won't get stronger and beat you. Ren I gave you Bakusaiga because as I said you are a little bit weaker than your brother so I gave you the stronger sword so you could one day beat him. Got it?” the two boys nodded and Kenshien smiled with relief.
 
“What about Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga, brother, and Uncle Miroku's staff and Aunty Sango's Hiraikotsu?” asked Karai. Kenshien turned his attention towards his sister.
 
“Well I was thinking about leaving Uncle Miroku' and Aunt Sango's weapons here. I myself will be taking the Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga. That battle with Naraku my sword was useless. It cannot break barriers like our father's sword can. I have to unlock the secrets this sword holds and use them to defeat Naraku. I am merely working with Tenseiga if it allows me to until I feel which one of the boys will get it. After all it is their father's sword.” Kenshien explained. Karai nodded and the others did as well accepting the terms. Kenshien was grateful for. He didn't want the boys to start fighting already trying to out best one another to get their father's sword.
 
“Alright everyone lets more out.” Kenshien told them after a quick goodbye from the villagers that still lived there with a promise that they would return someday. Off they went to the north heading for the mountains that holds Koga's pack.
 
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“There it is.” Kenshien pointed out to the rest of the crew. The others looked on in awe. They have never seen Koga's domain before. Kenshien was the only one and that was because his parents had to go to the mating ceremony being held for Koga and his new mate Ayame. Karai had still been a pup back then making him around 8 years old.
 
“It is beautiful…” Karai said awed as she looked all around her. To her this was the farthest place she had ever been to. In fact she had only seen a little of the outside world near the village.
 
“I agree.” said Rin shifting here and there. Kenshien knew that she was nervous even after all of these years about being around wolves. It was okay though and Kenshien smirked at the twins. They were holding on tight to her legs scouting the area looking for enemies, mainly wolves. They knew that their mother didn't like the wolves and that was enough for them to not like them either. They were ready to protect their mother to their last breath and everyone who knew them knew it too.
 
“Yes is it amazing. Come on we still have to get past the guards and hope that Koga is still here.” Kenshien told them as they starting walking again. He knew from stories and meeting the guy personally that he didn't like to stay in one place for too long. Always ready to run around the country but hopefully with Ayame as his mate he had calmed down some.
 
“Who are you?” asked a wolf that was on guard duty. Kenshien looked at him noticing that he had never seen this one before.
 
“Yeah, who are you?” another one came up, their weapons raised ready for an attack. Brown wolves littered around them growling at the intruders. Rin whimpered at the sight of wolves but did nothing else. Ryoko and Ren started to growl at their mother's distress. Karai clung to her brother scared as the wolves came closer.
 
“Stand down, wolves. We wish you no harm. We just need to speak to Koga.” Kenshien calmly stated not wanting to pick a fight. The two demons in front of him growled at him for speaking like that about their leader.
 
“Why should we do that?!” asked the first wolf. The second once came right next to the first one and stood his ground too.
 
“Yeah why should we?!” the second wolf repeated the first one. Kenshien sight irritated. Why couldn't they just let them pass and get one with this? Kenshien knew why though but that didn't stop him from feeling annoyed.
 
“Because I have urgent news that he must be informed of.” Kenshien told them but they didn't show signs that they were listening to him.
 
“Big brother, why don't they let us in?” Karai whispered to her brother.
 
“Because they are idiots.” Kenshien simply said. Karai breathed out an `oh' and nodded in understanding. That statement alone got the two demons in front of them angry. They charged without warning to the small group. Karai closed her eyes not wanting to see the attack happen, Rin whimpered and feel to her knees bringing her boys closer to her in order to protect them from any harm.
 
The two pups tried to get out of their mother's grip to hurt the two wolves in front of them but they couldn't get free. Kenshien on the other hand was ready and waiting. Just when he was about to make his move and commanding voice rang out to the field.
 
“What is going on here?!” the voice yelled. Everyone stopped their movement and looked up at the person who the voice belonged to.
 
“Koga?!” exclaimed the two demon wolves. Kenshien smirked at their fear as he stepped forwards.
 
“Koga long time no see.” Kenshien greeted the young wolf. “How's Ayame? The last thing I heard was that she was with pup.” Koga's men looked angry at him as he addressed their leader as such. Meanwhile Koga himself looked shocked at the half-demon.
 
“Kenshien?” asked Koga and he in return nodded yes confirming Koga's question. Koga's face light up at the nod. “Pup! Is it really you?! Haha!” Koga yelled as he jumped down in front of the small group. “Awww…The last time I saw you, you were just a pup clinging to your mothers' pant leg.” Kenshien blushed at that while his sister snickered behind him. At the sound of the snickering Koga looked down to see Karai behind her brother.
 
“She looks like the mutt but the face of her beautiful mother.” Koga stated. Karai growled at Koga for calling her father a mutt but it suddenly stopped and a blush painted her cheeks at being called beautiful.
 
“Yes, she is. This is my little sister Karai. You haven't met her yet. Karai this is Koga who I was talking about.” Kenshien introduced them as he pointed to one another. Karai shyly stepped away from her brother and bowed to Koga in respect.
 
If it was one thing that she didn't inherit from her father it was the disrespect for her elders. Koga gave a chuckle and humored the girl by giving a small bow back. When Koga came up from his small bow he looked around expecting to see the parents of the siblings. It was when he didn't had him worried. Kagome would never allow her children out this far, would she?
 
“Pup, where's Kagome? I know that she would never let you two out this far from the village.” asked Koga. He grew even more worried when their expressions change to a sad and depressed one. Something bad had happened Koga just knew it.
 
“Koga we need to talk.” he heard Kenshien state and was surprise to meet cold hard eyes that he has never seen on the pup before. What happened?
 
“Then let's get back inside the cave. You men get back to your post.” Koga ordered his men as he led the group back into his cave.
 
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“So the rumors were true?” Koga said as he put his head down letting the information that he had just gotten to sink in. Kenshien was taken back by the statement that Koga had just said.
 
“What rumors?” asked Kenshien. What are the rumors? And how come they didn't hear anything about it.
 
“Demons have been talking about a great evil coming back but they were low class so we didn't think muck of it.” stated Ayame as she embraces her mate from behind. He still had his head down in despair. “There has also been a rumor saying that jewel has a new owner but it was repeated so many times in different words that we didn't know what to believe.” Kenshien nodded at this.
 
“It's true all of it. Naraku is back. Everyone is died but us. My sister is the new protector of the jewel.” Kenshien stated bowing his head to cover his eyes. Just thinking about everyone being dead brought back horrible memories from the battle. Not being able to keep hold of him self Kenshien got up and left the cave and everyone in it. His sister Karai stared at her brother back with sadness in the depths of her eyes.
 
“I'll go talk to him.” Koga muttered to the group before getting up himself and left the cave behind the waterfall.
 
“Do you think he'll be okay Aunty Rin?” asked Karai seeking comfort that her brother would be okay.
 
“I'm sure he'll be fine Karai now why don't you get some sleep. It has been a long day for everyone. Sleep would be good for you right know.” Rin advised her. Karai nodded though she didn't fell like sleeping she would try anyway for the sake of her Aunty Rin. Once Karai left Rin turned back to Ayame. Her boys were asleep for now and it was a perfect time to talk about the castle that was her home for years.
 
“Ayame…” Rin called to her and Ayame turned to looked at a grown up Rin.
 
“Yes?” asked Ayame giving Rin her full attention.
 
“I was wondering if you could send a messenger to the western castle. I may be human be I am still the Lady of the West. I need to let them know that I'm alright and I would be coming home soon.” Rin stated knowing she had to do this ever Kenshien leaves. She has a duty to the West and its' people. She was not going to sit in a cave to wait out while Sesshomaru's lands that he worked so hard to get fall because of Naraku.
 
“Sure.” Ayame stated and she went to search for the messenger.
 
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Koga searched around his territory for Kenshien but he couldn't seem to find him any where. Koga was about to give up and call it a night when he found Kenshien sitting on a cliff glazing at the stars. Koga took small baby steps in approaching Kenshien. He knew that demons tend to lash out if they get startled. Once Koga got close enough he sat down next to the young pup.
 
No one talked for the longest time. Kenshien was to set on seeing images from the battle; mostly about his mate and his unborn pup. Koga was thinking about Kagome and how hard it most of been for the young pup next to him to face those images all alone.
 
“You know pup it wasn't your fault.” stated Koga who broke the ice. Kenshien snorted holding back the sarcastic laughs at that statement.
 
“It sure doesn't feel like that to me.” Kenshien started. “I should have been able to do something, anything! But I feel for Naraku's trap and I paid for it. If it wasn't for me and letting my emotions to get the better of me I wouldn't have charged at Naraku and worry my mother to the point where she turns her back on the enemy. If it wasn't for me Suki wouldn't have tried to follow me out and Kikyo wouldn't have found her. I feel like I killed my mother and mate that was carrying my pup. It was all my fault.” Kenshien explained to his father's rival. Koga didn't speak again after that. He knew from experience that the pup was being stubborn just like his parents. What ever he would say Kenshien would deny it anyway.
 
“Koga… I want them to stay here and out of danger. Please just grant me this one wish. Let them stay here. I will come back in about years' time with Naraku's head. If you would be so kind as to keep an eye out for Karai. She is just like my father in so many ways. I want you to teach her things and tell her how much her parents and I love her.” Kenshien asked as he got up to stand. Koga didn't know what the pup was doing but he answered Kenshien's questions.
 
“Of course I would let them stay and I would be honored to teach Karai about her demon blood.” Koga stated giving his word that he would do those things. Kenshien nodded grateful for the wolf's words.
 
“Thank you.” Kenshien thanked as he turned his back to Koga and started to walk way only to stop. “Tell Karai I will always love her and to wait for me. Tell I said goodbye.” With that Kenshien broke into a run and disappeared from Koga's sight before Koga could do anything to stop him. Kenshien left in tears at what he was doing but he had to leaving a stunned wolf behind him.