Disclaimers: The (major) characters and universe were created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Important: Any similarities that can be found to any other fan fictions or works are COMPLETELY unintentional. Due to the enormous amount of InuYasha related fan fiction, I must put this to make sure it's clear I have not intended any cross over to any other fan work. I'm sorry for any similarities. Please enjoy my work as a seperate piece of fandom literature. :D

A/N: I'm sorry it took FOREVER! I went on vacation for a while, but here it is! Enjoy.

Chapter Six: Piercing Night

I had every reason to be afraid... I was trapped in this extravagant fortress like a bird in a well formed cage. All sides locked in place around me and my master's determination was unyielding. If I tried to slip through the bars of my elaborate cage, the master's hands would clasp around my form and return me to it without a second's hesitation. If I continued to try, he might cut off my wings, forbidding me to ever fly again... I had no choice but to be afraid. A demon, more powerful than any I had ever come to encounter, was my oppressor now. Even Oni's calming and reassuring words didn't remove that hesitation or paranoia. Having her near though did help minimize my fear. I wasn't completely alone. There was a familiarity and even though Oni was much older than me- there was a comradery I couldn't possibly duplicate. My fear was still present; I don't think I could get rid of it in a situation like this. It was only reintroduced as something more.

Blind panic was replaced by a reasonable suspicion and hesitation. Thoughts about attempting to reclaim my freedom were replaced by an inquisitive eye... Being hysteric would only cause problems. If- if I wanted to be safe from this demon... I would have to do as I had done back home... I had to be- myself. Calm, thoughtful, helpful... and above all, quiet. It might not have been my best decision but... I knew that if I let my fear take over- if I ignored all my usual tendencies, this demon could easily remove me from my flesh. Oni's words echoed in my mind as we simmered in the hot spring. "He may be a demon, powerful without a doubt, but he has a strict moral code- an understanding with himself. He will protect himself but that does not come with harming the innocent. Everyone is innocent in his eyes until proven otherwise I suppose..." If I was myself, maybe- just maybe, the demon would understand that I was not his enemy... that I didn't have anything to do with this bounty on his head. Maybe he would see- that I was an innocent...

Oni and I finished our baths and made our way back into the larger span of the house. It seemed so easy to get lost in the large labyrinth of hallways that seemed to stretch beyond my sight. As we walked through the interior court yard, I noticed a young woman, slowly washing something in a large wooden tub. She appeared to be only a child, reaching into adulthood but only managing to brush it slightly with her fingertips. She was a pretty girl, her dark black hair and dark eyes both primed for her task at hand. She was washing something and as I glanced, I noticed the kimono I had worn in her hands as she gently rubbed the fabric between her fingers. She was trying to remove the blood... I watched her, pausing for a moment as a memory flickered across my mind and distracted my vision. Takemaru- was he alright? The men had taken care of him, so at least I knew that my friend was still alive. My only wish was that I knew what was happening in his world without me. Was he attempting to retrieve me? Was he in pain from his injuries? I wanted to be there... I wanted to remove the concern he likely felt and be able to treat him as he had treated me. It would not be likely that Takemaru would be able to move with his full strength for quite some time... I could only hope someone with a gentle touch and knowledgeable mind would be able to take care of him.

"Come my lady-" Oni's voice mumbled softly into my ear. I glimpsed over at her and nodded subtly before I continued to follow her into the house. She lead me into the east side of the house and as she did I could see the already elaborate decorations were becoming even more so. Scrolls turned into silks and the woodwork became more and more refined. "Lord Taisho has told me to bring you into the nicer quarters of the house. I hope it is to your liking my lady." She said nothing more after that, even with my inquisitive glances. The demon had suggested I stay in this part of the house? It seemed to sit almost uncomfortably on my chest. Although my mind rattled off questions, I did not voice any of them. It was better than sleeping outside at night I suppose. Oni moved to one of the corner rooms which had a large pair of swans painted upon the door. She knelt and opened the door slowly, giving me a moment to examine the area. I hoped that I would be able to remember where this room was, but also that I would not have to become accustomed to finding it. "Lady Izayoi?" Oni mumbled curiously.

I breathed deeply for a moment before stepping inside, looking around the large expanse that I found myself inside. On the longest wall was an elaborate painting of the waves that seemed to add another dimension to the space. A small set of shelves had been placed long the wall, which I could only think held the bedding or clothing. There was a small table on the opposite side of the room with a teapot sitting on top of it. I thought for a moment that it was only for appearances but as I glanced at it, I noticed a small stream of steam escaping the top. The small hint of vanilla that escaped the pot was slowly wafting around the room. It was a calming and familiar scent. The back most wall, across from the door, had a large set of doors which looked out onto the court yard. The breeze seemed to rush against my face. It was a welcomed feeling. Oni closed the door behind me and made her way over to the tea pot. "Come my lady- have a cup of tea and then I shall go see about dinner."

She was so calm about it... as if we had happened to have stumbled upon each other. It was as if nothing had changed. I couldn't truly blame her... this was her life. I was safe in her eyes and so to her- there was no need to behave any differently. I moved slowly and sat down across the table from her as she poured a small cup of tea. I sipped on it slowly, allowing the warmth of it to fill me up as I looked at her. A small smile peaked on my lips. I ended up sitting there, sipping my tea for a while as Oni left me to go check on the preparation of dinner. Looking around the room, I took in the room fully as I waited for her. It seemed like a barely used room- so pristine and without blemish. I finished off the cup I had been drinking and pushed myself to stand. With a slow step, I walked over to one of the sets of drawers, gently pulling them open. Small bundles of clothes were situated inside. Some drawers had trinkets such as brushes and combs while others were filled with clothing that appeared to be for the daily wear of the servants, without much pattern or layers. I pulled open a few of the other drawers and saw kimono boxes which I assumed held more decorative patterns. Where had all these clothes come from? As I pulled out one of the boxes, I heard the door slowly slide open behind me. I turned, slipping the box back into the drawer as Oni and some of the other women entered. "Dinner is prepared my lady," Oni told me with a sweet and generous smile. "Those kimonos are borrowed from the other women. We could not leave you in those clothes you came in."

A small smile pulled at the corners of my lips as I made my way back to the table. "Thank you so much... please... give my thanks to the other women." The young girl, who I had been washing my kimono only a short time before, bowed her head and scampered out before the other women. It was only with the aroma of the food that I looked down at what was being spread upon the table. There was a plethora of food and I couldn't help but feel slightly surprised. It was- almost as if I was at home. Nothing was out of place and I was in no way ill-treated... After seeing Oni I expected to be treated with some manner of respect; I didn't think she would allow me to be abused. However, I didn't expect the sustenance and comfort I found. The other women pushed themselves up and gave a small bow in my direction before departing. Oni on the other hand sat down across the table from me and smiled. "Come sit Lady Izayoi."

I did as requested, sitting across from Oni as she poured the remainder of the tea into my cup. We passed our time with idle conversations, about how I was... She questioned my life at home- how my father was and what had occurred since she had left. I tried to keep my topics brief and with little detail. It wasn't that I didn't trust Oni but thinking of home brought a sigh to my lips. Everything was likely in a state of confusion with my abduction. Takemaru would have returned- hopefully with time to find some treatment before telling my father what had transpired. Although I understood my father would be concerned for his daughter, I could only think of how he would be worried about his deal. My father had spent many months of correspondence with the Tottoi family, attempting to merge our families and unite the western and southern regions. Although Ebisu Tottoi was now dead as well as his son Kenjiro, with Takeo still living, my father's deal could still be applicable. The strength of our two regions could provide countless opportunities and I did not expect them to leave me here with such an offer being available. I might not have been able to see it but I knew that there would be some chaos amongst the houses. Talking to Oni about the house as if it was peaceful- it seemed almost faulty.

"Do you miss your home my lady?" Oni asked with a whispered hesitation.

"Yes… the blossoms would be blooming around now…" I replied slowly.

"I'm sure no one else has noticed… not when they're trying too hard to come retrieve you."

"Why do I have to be here Oni? What- what is his plan for me?"

This seemed to silence her. She glanced down at her food, eating a few bites of her rice before once more placing her bowl on the table. A small sigh escaped her, "There are things about this situation my lady that only Lord Taisho seems to understand. I know nothing of what is going on other then what you have told me but- I'm sure he has a good reason to keep you here."

My eyes sadly glanced at hers and for a moment I could see her eyes tremble looking at me. "I just- want to return home. I - I don't want to be here- or with the Tottoi family… I just- want to go home."

She nodded, pushing herself up from her side of the table before making her way to my side. She gently embraced me. "It will be alright my lady…" she paused, "I shall remove these dishes and you should try to get some sleep. You've had a long and exhausting day I'm sure." I nodded slightly and I seemed to fade out as she cleaned up and departed. What remained of the tea's smell held me back from sobbing to myself - helped me to maintain my composure. I set up my bed, unable to bare to wait for someone else to do so, and crawled into it without hesitation. The night's breeze seemed to lull me to sleep. I slept for several hours, my mind almost swimming in the darkness of a deep and undisturbed sleep. It was only when I heard Oni's familiar voice that I was pulled from the darkness. The night was dark... the sun had not yet thought to rise... Oni's voice was not directed towards me- but rather, I could tell that she was out in the hallway. "Lord Taisho! Lord Taisho- I'm sorry to stir you…"

I sat up abruptly and looked around a bit in the dim room. How far was this demon's room if I could hear Oni's words? I heard a deep and concrete voice; one that I could only determine wasn't right next to mine but perhaps the room beside that. "What is it Oni?"

Even in his cold and solidified tone I could hear the slight muffle of sleep holding onto him. I guess demons did not wake so easily either. Although unladylike, I pushed myself slowly and as quietly as I could towards the wall, eavesdropping on the conversation nearby. "My lord," Oni began, the franticness of her voice only now seemingly beginning to hit my ears. What could be wrong? "The men- the men have been poisoned my lord. Those who had been in contact with those awful panther demons seemed to fall ill through the night. I examined the men and my best guess is that it is a slow acting poison."

My heart fell in my chest, the very idea causing me to close my eyes in confusion. The panther demons... I remembered the four leaders so clearly in my mind. The hordes of their demons which had invaded the walls of my previous host's home had been so numerous. If- if the demon's men were affected by it- what of mine? Takemaru...? Was he poisoned...? Was he being treated as he should? Did anyone in his company even know the issue? I could feel myself begin to panic myself, my heart escalating in its beat. I could hear a sigh from the demon. Even such a small gesture could be heard with the voice he had... "Go collect the woman... I can hear her heart from here and her fear is almost palpable." I paused, a quick inhale shaking me even more. He could hear me so clearly? He could hear my heartbeat from there? My mind seemed to create question after question, many which were answered by the bluntly obvious surroundings I found myself.

"You taught her herbs too am I right?" he asked, his voice muffled as I could hear the clinking of metal plates.

"Of course my lord- as I told you," Oni said with a slight confusion lingering in her tone.

"Well then collect her. If she is to be here then she will be useful..."

I could hear the heavy footsteps of Lord Taisho as he made his way down the hall. I listened to the sound seemingly fade away and Oni's footsteps began to clamour towards me. Her footsteps were much lighter and there was no metal clanking to signify the larger of the two presences. Oni pushed open my door and found me sitting up in preparation. We didn't take the time to find a fancy kimono. I followed her without hesitation and she led me through the main courtyard. We made our way through the long and narrow hallways until my eyes found the sight which nearly sucked the air from my chest. We faced the front of the house, looking out onto the main gate. Many of the men had gathered there in attempted to find some uniformity to their location. Some men were lying down, the women of the house tending to them in some form. Others were seated, coughing something that appeared to be pools of blood or other dark liquids. Lastly, in the middle of the group stood the demon who was surrounded by a handful of his followers. When Oni stepped out, I followed and as we walked, I felt a couple eyes lingering on me. With uneasiness, I stayed at Oni's side, even as she made her way to the demon. I stayed away a bit, hiding behind Oni slightly as I looked at him.

He wasn't completely adorned as he was when I first saw him but that did not make him any less menacing. Dressed in a simple yukata, he stood dominating the small circle in which he stood. The sword I recognized from the battle before, with the large orb upon its hilt, was on his back with a second sword with a blue and white diamond pattern on its hilt. The two swords made an x upon his back. I didn't doubt they were always at his side... but I couldn't help but wonder why he needed the second blade, especially with the power the larger sword had. "Oni, do you have any idea what this is?" his voice snapped me from my wandering gaze and it once more went down to the ground. I waited for a moment before looking up at Oni. She walked around, glancing at the men and gently pressing her hand against one man's forehead. He coughed loudly and once his spasm had finished, she glanced down at his sleeve which he had coughed into. Fresh blood soaked into the fabric and as I looked at him, I stepped forward. I didn't even realize I was moving until I was at his side. "His throat is very red," I mumbled to Oni, kneeling down at beside the man. I gently brushed my finger against his chin to raise his head in order to get a better view.

"What do you know about poisons?" I heard the demon say but I didn't speak or even reply, I looked up at Oni and she replied for me. "I taught her as a child since her father's enemies tended to use arrows dipped in common poisons..."

I glanced over at the man and his eyes were already on me. I gently brushed my fingers against his neck as softly as I could before looking into his eyes. "Excuse me sir... this- might hurt..." I gently pressed my fingers against his throat. A look of discomfort crossed his face and it caused him to cough more into his sleeve. "There are lumps in his throat," I mumbled softly to Oni and she made her way to the man's side.

She performed a similar test before nodding. "I would say maybe sores..."

I gently brushed my hand against the man's forehead, resting it tenderly there for a moment before patting his head. I raised my eyes back to the demon and I was almost taken aback by the fact his eyes were already locked on me. His face was completely unreadable and all I could do was stare back for a moment. His eyes were so bright that they seemed luminescent in their own right. Golden in colour, they seemed to steel my fear but I could- I could see how people found confidence and devotion in his gaze. If he was your ally, no man could stop you... It just didn't seem that he had many allies. "What do you two suggest then?" he asked, his voice once more keeping a logical and methodical tone.

I looked at Oni as she spoke "I would have to make the special brew to try and minimize the swelling of the sores and common poison remedies."

I looked over at Oni, who had stopped her words and I could see the calculations crossing her face as she thought about them, "Is there no way to know what kind of poison it is? That's where all your training started... identifying the poison."

Oni chuckled softly and for a moment I felt like I was five years old, my over eagerness to help showing on my expression. I looked up at the demon and for a moment, I pressed my lips together tightly. "Are you immune to the poisons, m-my lord?"

The words lingered and hesitated on my lips and I could see the slight curl of amusement cross his lips. I couldn't tell what his amusement would have been from, my use of his 'title' or from my ignorance. "Why?"

His voice was hard and for a moment I felt a lump hit my stomach. I pushed through it, "well- you would be affected to wouldn't you? Maybe you could try... to identify the poison?"

We held each other's gaze for a moment before he turned his head, as if to gaze over his shoulder mildly, "I do not drink blood, but I know someone who does." His voice in an instant was louder then I had heard it yet, but still so collected that it didn't sound of a yell. Rather just a loud command as opposed to a bark, "Myoga! Where are you?"

"I'm here my lord! Forgive me!"

I heard the quiet voice but found no body. It was only when I felt something land on me that I almost jumped in surprise. I looked down at my hand and almost instantly went to swipe the bug away before I noticed it was adorned and that the voice was coming from it. A flee demon? "Hello Lady Izayoi, my name is Myoga," he introduced himself, adjusting a small blue backpack on his back.

I could not possibly comprehend how they had made clothes that small, unless he had patched them together himself. "Myoga, enough," Taisho grumbled.

I gently raised my hand, looking at the small demon more closely. "Myoga, would- would you please have a sip of this man's blood, to tell us what it tastes like or consists of? It might help us identify the poison."

The small demon smiled, nodding his head as he looked over at the man and hopping towards him. The man groaned, coughing softly but that did not stop the demon. "Of course my lady. I shall do my best."

I watched as the small flee made his way over to the man's neck and gently extracted blood into his form. The man groaned a bit with the bite but I watched as the flee seemed to double in size. He audibly tasted the blood, chuckling slightly as he crossed his small arms. "I taste some metallic notes, a defined bitterness like most poisons..."

He paused and the silence was almost deafening, with the exception of a cough from the other side of the courtyard. "There's almost a- floral flavour... that's quite distinct."

I paused and as I looked at Oni and I could see her brain slowly piecing together the poisonous compound. There was only one that came to mind, "Do you think it's the dokuma plant?"

I had only seen the plant once in my life in its full form and it was truly a monstrous thing. A large plant which breathed and ate as any other living creature did. Its numerous leaves to create a poisonous fragrance which killed its prey. It was nearly as tall as the demon we stood with now, sometimes larger. I felt my words fall on Oni for as I watched her face contort as she pondered. She pushed herself up from the dirt. I was quick to follow as the wife of the man whom we were tending to came back to his side. "If they used the demon plant, then we need to get more orenji tsukiakari..."

I could see the distraught expression cross her face as she looked up at the demon. He watched her intently. It was hard to distinguish whether it was confusion or perhaps he didn't know what it was. It was hard to believe he could be ignorant but- then again he didn't seem to be a healer himself, so perhaps that ignorance could be justified. "It's a wild flower that grows throughout the regions... it's harder to detect and rare due to the climates where it thrives... we'll- we'll need a lot of it to heal all the men..."

Conversation enveloped the group but my eyes moved to the demon where they then remained. Rare... as I thought of home I knew that wasn't true- not- not so much anymore. After Oni's departure from the house, when my father attempted to expand the cultivatable territory around our home. It was then that my father found a cavern. It was full of dokuma plants, nearly a dozen or so which had laid dormant without their share of sunlight or nourishment. When the cavern was opened and they awoke once more, all their leaves opened... they created a haze so thick that we were sure that there would be death by the thousands. Luckily the haze was contained to the western sector of our homeland which remained largely undomesticated and with the limited quantity of flowers we had, we were able to save most of those who had been poisoned by the air. We were saved by a simple southern breeze which took the haze over the water- but my father would not take that chance again. The dokuma were all destroyed and the cavern was sealed... He sent out scouts to find where many of the orengi tsukikari were located before he tried to cultivate them in some way. As I thought of home, I glanced away and I remembered those beautiful flowers... The orengi were a form of lily which were white and orange at their center but were blue and white across the petals... There was a large cavern of them just south of our house- controlled by a priest who maintained the supply in case any more of the dokuma were discovered... there- there were enough to heal every man almost twice over... It would likely be where Takemaru found his salvation- but- could I send that demon so close to home for the sake of men I hardly knew? What of my men- Tottoi's men... What would they survive on if this demon stole every flower within that cavern? What if this demon went on the offensive, went for my family at the heart of our dominion? So much of it was wrong... and I knew- only I could speak up. When my eyes rose, I found Taisho's eyes piercing into mine... I could not tell if he could read my thoughts, but if he did I'm sure my consideration of hiding the fact would have been obvious to his gaze. No- he just stared, his eyes narrow. I couldn't look away, for fear he would note my reluctance... silence- my silence was also a lie- but which would save more lives... remaining silent or speaking truthfully? "What would you suggest?"

However, after only a moment his eyes shifted to Oni and I could feel the weight of the question leave my shoulders. I looked over at Oni and it was in her calm voice where she seemed to find her authority. "We should brew some medicine to minimize the swelling, remove the pain, and some mild potion antidotes but without those flowers we cannot fully cure them as of right now."

Taisho nodded as the man behind us burst into a fit of coughs. I looked over at him, feeling the weight of the decision on my mind as I made my way over to him. I gently patted his head as his wife cleaned off his mouth, which was now covered in a thick layer of blood. "I will do a quick search of the nearby regions... I will be back before nightfall tomorrow... Be prepared for my return..."

His words seemed to trail and as my eyes rose, I found his eyes already on me. The group nodded and separated but before I could speak or do anything more- the demon returned to the house, likely to finish his adornment and prepare for his journey... Oni gently pressed a hand against my back. "Please, my lady. Would you help me with the brew?"

I nodded and for an hour, I did just that. She lead me to a small room which was stocked well with many herbs. However, I couldn't say that my mind was fully on the task at hand and when I heard the demon speak again, preparing to depart- I knew my decision had been made. I quickly excused myself and I moved towards the gate. The demon pulled it open, as if it was any normal door, but he paused, hearing me approaching. He didn't speak but rather he just stepped out of the gate slightly. Hesitantly I followed, standing within the threshold of the wooden gate, facing him. The demon turned to face me and once more I stared at him, noting how his silver hair seemed to shine in the moonlight that trickled through the clouds before my eyes settled onto his own. The sun would rise soon... we didn't have much time.

"I suspect you have something to say to me," he stated.

"I have a request actually... before I tell you when you need to know..." I tried to keep my voice firm with only mild success.

"You're not in a position to make requests Lady Izayoi," he reminded me with a cold tone.

"I know I'm not... but- I still will none the less..."

He didn't speak... not even in confirmation. Rather he just stared at me expectantly. I was afraid to speak, fearful he might consider it an insult. However, I thought of that bloodied kimono that the young girl had been washing earlier, losing myself in that memory. For a moment, I couldn't extrapolate my thoughts... I couldn't think of what I wanted to say or how to say it but I knew I had to. It had to be done. "I know that men are after your head- especially since I've been... brought here," I paused for only a moment before continuing, "I have no doubt they're looking for me..." I hesitated again but he didn't even falter... this wasn't new information to him. I continued, "I know where you can find your flowers- to save your men. I don't want anyone else- especially innocent people - to die. My request follows that hope, that you will not kill innocent people if I give you this knowledge."

For a brief instance, I thought I saw confusion cross his face. Maybe it wasn't confusion; maybe it was intrigue. "Some of my men, they were simply protecting me when you arrived at Tottoi's manor. If they're alive, they'll be poisoned like your men. My family-" I hesitated, clearing my throat slightly, "we have a small cultivation of orengi near my home. I can tell you where it is and you'll be able to collect all you need for your men- even enough to have some storage in case the panthers attack again. All I ask- is that you don't take all of it. Leave enough so that those who protected me... so that they can survive as well."

There was silence after my speech and he simply stared at me. When he finally blinked, he looked around, as if examining the trees as the birds chirped around us. "Why should I spare them- they still work for your family... for your lover's family... They want me dead just like you do."

"I do not want you dead my lord," I rebutted, causing him to release one humorous grunt under his breath. However, when his eyes landed on mine once again, that faded instantly. My face was tender but determined... or at least I tried to portray myself as so. It was the truth in some regards. I didn't want him dead but in the same breath- I didn't want to be here either, which left few alternatives. I hated the idea of death- of people dying with me at the root of its cause... but he was a demon- and I had to remind myself regardless of the pit in my stomach that held onto that ideal, that I owed no allegiance to him. I was conflicted... to say the least.

"Tell me where these plants are," he demanded coldly.

"Only if I get your word my lord..." I replied, steadying my voice as much as I could.

"I will not give my word that I will not kill your men- for if they attack me I will fight back."

"I asked you to spare the innocent... avoid confrontation and leave enough medicine for my people... that- that's all I ask."

"And you trust the word of a demon?"

For a moment we stared at each other and he slowly approached me, minimizing the distance between us until I was almost entirely covered by his shadow. The strength I had gathered began to waver and I wilted slightly within that shadow. I wanted to be strong... to stand up to him and demand of him what my people deserved... but I couldn't- because I was terrified. I couldn't speak but rather I just stared at the ground. I held my hands together, attempting to hide my trembles. He stood there, looming over me for a few minutes, a deafening silence hanging over us which was only interrupted by the birds and the noises of the men inside. Finally, I was able to convince myself to look up at him and his golden eyes were only a foot away from mine. We stared into each other's eyes before his words broke that silent contact, "just tell me where they are... please my lady..." When those words left his mouth, I don't know what came over me. In that moment, I put my trust in a demon. I could only hope as I told him where to find the flowers that he would heed my words... that he knew that his desire to protect his men mirrored my own. I could only hope he and I had an understanding. Yes... I was conflicted... I was conflicted... to say the least.