Disclaimer: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Critique Partners: Ladyfairy and Natalia

Contigo 101

Keep going and you will get there

Sesshomaru sat in an old japanese styled house. There was an older woman sitting next to him. She was a human with grey hair, wrinkled hands and a serene smile upon her lips. She was not scared, in fact there was a comfortable silence between them, a kinship even. They had known each other for the entirety of the human woman's life and although years could pass without them seeing each other, it never affected their relationship. It was one of those where time never seemed to pass.

The inuyoukai's nose twitched as a familiar scent enveloped him. The woman besides him smiled knowingly. This was the same tea she had served him since she learned to make tea as a child. Once its smell bothered him some because it was strong and fresh, but not now. Age had molded the woman before him and the same could be told about her mint tea.

"I know you like this tea," said the woman gently, "My senses tell me you become more at ease after smelling it."

Sesshomaru eyed the offered tea for a moment and then accepted the cup. He tasted the flavor for a few moments before drinking it. "It is not the taste or scent but the memories of you," he said simply, "It brings me back fifty years ago and it helps me be aware and grateful of your continued presence." His golden eyes narrowed slightly at the corners as a small smile adorned his lips.

The woman huffed softly. "You are troubled." Then she placed her hands on her lap and patiently gazed at him. Time had taught her that he will speak only when ready and no rushing or pleading will speed up the process.

"Mun," Sesshomaru called softly, "I want you to take care of Kagome." Troubled, golden eyes watched the cup of tea for a few moments, "She carries my heir."

Mun's lips parted and her eyes moved to his in alarm. Then their softness returned and she placed her hand atop his. "The reasons matter little when regarding you, Sesshomaru-sama. We will all care for her not matter who she is or who she carries. She is our family and she's your chosen."

A smile lit Sesshomaru's lips. "Your loyalty knows no bounds," he chuckled, "Forgive me, I knew I could count on you."

"It's an honor!" the woman laughed, eyes wrinkling. "We have always strived to please you. I'll make sure everyone knows about this and will even summon our monks and miko so they can take care of Kagome. I am sure they will all agree."

Sesshomaru nodded and then he blinked in thought, "Summon Tasha as well please. I am sure she will want to meet Kagome."

"You are very kind," said Mun as she filled the cup again, "She's still young but oh so eager to help. She will be happy. Thanks for letting her join. I heard she's much better now at controlling her instincts."

"Hn," was all he was able to say before footsteps began to close in, quickly followed by a tornado of children.

xxoOoxx

"I said I am not going," growled Souten as she circled around her opponent. Little by little Souten moved closer to the forest, her only hope was trying to outrun Sembo. She had Raikou on her back with his arms around her neck. The young demon knew they were in trouble and stayed silent. Gone was the bubbly child that had been playing around the pond a few minutes ago.

Sembo's eyes narrowed in anger, "I said I need you little demoness," he said impatiently and he started towards her. His robes floated with the wind. "I am not leaving without you." Then he dashed against the pair.

Souten startled but quickly dodged to the side and a lightning ball formed into her hand which she promptly threw towards Sembo. The dragon hissed in alarm and dodged. Souten took this opening to bolt into the forest. Raikou grabbed onto his mother tightly as they sped down the mountain and whimpered when trees seemed dangerously close to him.

"We will be alright," whispered Souten nervously, "We know this forest," she said to calm herself down. She couldn't think she was defenseless or else she would really be captured. There were always options, she just needed to find them.

"Demoness!" ragged Sembo in an animalistic tone of voice. He was transforming. "I wanted you to come willingly but I don't care anymore!" Then the demon transformed into a white, snake-like dragon and with a roar the forest was swept away by harsh winds.

"Mamma!" cried Raikou as they were pushed by the winds. His legs tried to circle his mother so he didn't fall down for he feared that his trembling arms alone wouldn't be able to hold him.

Souten screamed as she was pushed forward but instincts kicked in and she was able to roll sideways and go back to her feet without hitting her son. She didn't stop for a moment. She kept running down and when the forest became dense she jumped into a tree. "Hold on Raikou!" She climbed and jumped from tree branch to tree branch until she reached the bottom of the mountain where she finally jumped back to the ground. She gasped as the enraged roars from Sembo approached but kept on running. She needed to hide somewhere, she needed to go to where Sembo couldn't find her. "Help," she whispered and she met with the river, "Someone help me," she finally cried as she ran as far as she could from the dragon.

Fear finally gripped at her heart and a terrible coldness seemed to take over. She was going to be captured. The thought made her feel heavy and overwhelmed. How could she be such a bad mother to her child? Tears pricked at her eyes as she pulled her son closer to her and made use of her momentarily adrenaline in order to push some more. She knew she couldn't escape on her own. He was so big and so angry. He wouldn't give up on her.

What should she do? She needed to protect Raikou, but how? She only trusted Shippo and she had sent him away. She didn't know where to find him. How could she protect Raikou? Should she hide him? Will Raikou be alright by himself?

The dragon finally came out of the forest and roared in anger. His movement were faster now that his path was unhindered. "I told you that I don't plan to hurt you," his animalistic voice growled, "Stop running away from me."

Souten cried in fear when he slithered towards her and she once again escaped by dodging to the side. Raikou screamed in alarm when he saw the dragon pass them by and clung to his mother fiercely. "Mamma!"

Souten once again ran towards the trees but as she did she felt herself get slightly dizzy. Her eyes swarm a moment but she tried her best to keep running. Her hand closed around her son's wrist, to ensure he was there with her. As the dizziness and the bright colors confused her she was forced to run at a slower pace, less she risked colliding with a tree. The air smelled sweet and cloggy and after a few moments she fell down to her knees. "What... what's going on?" whispered Souten anxiously, crawling towards the denser trees.

"Woman!" yelled the dragon, "What tricks are you playing?! Where are you?!"

But his voice sounded far away and Souten was thankful. She felt she like weighted as much as a mountain of stones but she forced herself to keep crawling. He lost sight of her. She needed to take this chance to escape.

"Mom...what's happening to us? What's this smell?" asked the young demon as he clung to his mother nervously. His grip on her was weaker with every moment that passed. He too was being affected by whatever this dizziness was.

"I...I don't know," whispered Souten, red eyes trying to remain open, "but let's keep quiet or the dragon will find us." The young demon nodded his head in reply. Each time her hand moved, Souten felt like she was going to faint. The effort was too much. She had never encountered anything like this.

"Damn you foxes!" yelled and enraged Sembo, "Don't get in my way! I need that demoness! I will not allow you to take her! Break these illusions now and I'll forgive you!" The dragon had returned to his human form and was moving from one side to the other, huge eyes looking everywhere.

Tears began to fall down Souten's cheeks but she kept crawling. Breathing became difficult. She didn't know if it was the fox illusions or her own fearful heart but she knew she was going to need to stop soon. Her body would tax her for this effort against the magic. "Please, don't," cried Souten, "Don't," she begged. Fear for her and Raikou's safety allowed her to move for a few moments more.

Then a tall, dark silhouette began to walk closer to her. Souten's body turned cold with fear but she was defenseless. She could barely breathe, she could barely move. Soon she identified the blur coming close as a demon. He seemed young, and had dark hair.

"Please," she begged as she sat down and took Raikou in her arms and shielded him, "please."

"Easy little one," said the fox demon, "Shh, we are here to help." He quickly knelt down and took her in his arms, "We know you, Shippo is courting you," he explained softly, "It was a difficult decision for the clan since helping you meant being in bad terms with the Youkai Council, but we cast our vote and we decided to help you. Rest, we will hide the both of you. Sembo cannot win against the combined illusions of the entire fox clan." Then he hugged her close, "My daughters will keep you company and we will contact Shippo to let him know what happened."

The tears fell down faster and a sob escaped her lips. "Th-thank you!" she cried as she clung to the fox demon, "Thank you."

xxoOoxx

Shiori walked through the long road that led to Kogane's house. She could go much faster with her youkai abilities, yes, but she was... stalling. There were things a woman had to do, to confront, but although she had lived longer than most she still found it difficult. Her feet, at first she tried to make them move faster, but the more she pushed the more they dragged. It felt as if she was walking over a deep river... slow and cold.

Inuyasha. Yes, her mate. He had been in the house for a few days now with Kagome. He had decided to face his past and make peace with it in order to move forward. However, she knew her mate was dense, foolish and odd. She wasn't entirely sure what his thoughts were on 'facing his past' and 'moving forward'. He did have some strange ideas in his head most of the time and with how volatile his personality and emotions were, few could figure out what his actions would be.

Shiori sighed and spotted a tall tree. With slumped shoulders she moved to it and sat in its root in order to cool down some. The sun was hot and it was further aggravating her mood.

Kagome. It was hard to think of her. She was, even if it was hard to accept, her role model. As a lonely child it had been Kagome and Inuyasha who had come to her aid. The miko's kindness, courage and generous soul had been a beacon of hope for her back then. She clearly remembered wanting to be like her when she grew older, to be as strong and as kind. It came as a sour surprise when her rival in love became the woman she admired. It was impossible not to feel inferior when she had practically worshipped the woman for so many years, it was impossible to believe that Inuyasha would not leave her to return to his former lover, after all, she was... perfect.

A shiver ran through Shiori as she finally sat and fought the thoughts darkening her soul, pushing outwards her fears. Kagome was... special. But she was too! She was a strong woman, she was beautiful too! Why was she always comparing herself to Kagome? She needed to stop... she did not desire to hate the miko. She wanted peace! She wanted... friendship.

She was never able to engage Kagome in a formal friendship since they lived far from one another, had a large age difference and their fates were simply different back then... but... could they have become friends? Could they have been compatible back then?

Could they be now?

Shiori's eyes fell on her hands for long moments. She opened and closed her fists, felt the strength in her fingers. She could do anything if she desired, if she tried. Did she want to? After all... Kagome could be very angry at her after everything that had happened. She had mated Inuyasha, had taken over her role as Shippo's mother, had attacked her when she came back.

"Is it even possible?" she whispered to herself, purple eyes narrowing in worry. "Can I be stronger than these fears that cloud me?"

Shiori exhaled and hugged her legs close to her chest. She needed to. She needed to try. It was the only way. Kagome was back and she was pregnant with Inuyasha's child. That child... is the only child in their pack after Hion, this was a huge blessing. She... wanted to be there, to be part of this... to join a family again. She needed to try.

She needed to try... or she would never accomplish anything.

"Kagome," she whispered and allowed a soft smile, "Kagome... would you receive me in your pack? In your family?"

xxoOoxx

To be continued...

xxoOoxx

JeniNeji's Note: Thanks for your support! Mun appears for the first time in chapter 88.