| CHA PTER ONE Volume 1: Prologue. Part 1 of 3 It was dark. The moon cast shadows everywhere I moved. I stopped to check for Sesshomaru�s scent. He told me to meet him in a swamp near the mountains. I have been walking all night. I hope Yoko is not too upset about me seeing Sesshomaru, he didn�t sound all that excited when I told him. They both hate one another and constantly fight, it was always that way. I�m afraid they might kill one another if they met again. Yoko, a legendary fox demon and Sesshomaru, son of the great dog demon, and me, a stupid regular cat demon, seems to be stuck in the middle of their brawls. I never had been able to do anything about the two. The swamps in this region are huge. I hate swamps, nothing but a huge waste hole. Sesshomaru never cared that it bothered me. I always wanted to ask why here all of all places? I�ve always had the feeling Sesshomaru never cared or listened to what I had to say. He treated me as an equal, oppose to Yoko, as a high class, but he was testy. Unlike Sesshomaru, Yoko cared about me. He was my mate and lover. He was clever, but testy too sometimes. It wasn�t always like this. I just didn�t see it coming and it was probably too late for me anyway. Yoko Kurama was my first and only love, not Sesshomaru. I never was interested in him. He was sometimes rude to me and he was black-hearted. Yoko was at one time, but he would never hurt me, emotionally that is. We were always loyal to one another. I never really understood Sesshomaru or knew what he really wanted. Damn, this swamp was unbearable. How can he stand this hellhole? He could have chosen a better place, but I must care something about him, if I came. �Momo, you came, despite some events.� I turned around to see Sesshomaru, looking very delighted to see me in a suspicious way. He brought Jaken with like usual. I�m not really fond of that Jaken, he can annoy me. He was hiding behind Sesshomaru from me. I grinned at him. �Lord Sesshomaru, please don�t let her hurt me,� he whined. �Jaken, don�t whine like a child,� responded Sesshomaru. �Sorry, milord,� he said. �What do you want? Since you�ve called me out here,� I asked sharply. �I�ve only came to ask of your assistance.� �For . . . ?� �I�m looking for a new sword, one that my father made before he died.� �But you have a sword, what�s wrong with it,� I pointed at it at his waist. He placed his hand on the hilt but didn�t pull it out. �It doesn�t really fit my needs. I don�t know why my father gave me this sword instead of Tetsusaiga.� �Okay,� I strained out, �and you want me to do what?� �Come with me, strange activities are about.� �What are you? Scared?� I lightly teased. �Heh, just meet me in those mountains tonight,� He pointed behind me. I grimaced. The same ones I went around earlier to get here. The sun was peeking out from behind them. �You should get going,� he said as he walked away, �and tell that fox to stay out of my way, will you.� �And what is that suppose to mean?� �He�ll know. Jaken, let�s go,� Jaken ran to keep up with him. I started on my way out of these stupid swamps. The sun was making headway of me over the mountains. I must have been gone all night. On the other side of the range was the forest where Yoko was ready to question me probably. A field with a village was also not that far away from it. I decided to go straight though the mountain this time since it was faster. I was not all that scared bring on my own. I had a sword with me. I don�t really use it a lot, it was pretty old too. I usually kept it wrapped up. I smoothed out my kimono. It was my favorite one, a dark blue with a pearl swam outline on it. I had tied it with a gold colored obi. My eyes were a hazel color and my hair was a nice strawberry blonde, it went down past my shoulders. I had long white nails that I greatly admired too. This mountain range is extremely rocky and steep in some places. I tried to be careful the best I can. I was about half way through it when I instantly froze. My whole body had stiffened up. The heavy stench of wolf filled my nose. �Well, if it isn�t my favorite cat demon, Momo,� said someone behind me. I turn to see Koga, the wolf demon and my worst nightmare. He was the reason I went around these mountains last night. His bright blue eyes told me he was happy to see me and he sounded slightly amused. �You�re in my territory, Momo,� he said. It sounded flirtier then threatening. �Sorry, didn�t know. Honest,� I showed my hands like in defeat. �Awe, that�s okay,� he jumped down from the cliff he was on and walked over to me. He blocked my path on purpose and folded his arms. �Oh, I don�t mind if you come into my mountains,� he came closer and placed his arm around my shoulders, �as long as you show me some respect.� He then pulled me closer. �You know what; we can rule this whole mountain range and get rid of those pesky little guys. Become the new wolf demon tribe leaders and make a pack of our own.� �No thanks, I don�t want to waste my time with a tick infested wolf.� I tried to break free of his grip. �What?� He let me go and I almost tumbled backwards. �Can�t you find someone else to pester and leave me alone?� �Who says I have to? I mean, you deserve a man like me.� �Aren�t you a little too cocky for a wolf?� I pushed him aside and went past him. �I don�t need rabies either,� I joked. Koga gave me that look and stormed off. I never did like him that much. He thinks he�s hot shit or something. I can see why Sesshomaru and Yoko don�t really bother with his ass. For as long as I can remember he has always tried to trap me and gave me the same old speech about how well we can be together. I came straight into the forest. Such a spooky old forest as well. The r probably thinks its haunted or something. I glanced at the flowers blooming in the field and sighed. It was going to be a one of those days that I just want to bum around. Yoko and I had taken a temporary residence here. As well as Sesshomaru who is always near by. Koga was a little out of his place. He was on the outer lands of his wolf tribe who was usually in the western mountains not far from here. He just likes to keep a track of me. I had finally made it in to the clearing in the forest when I heard a soft mew. I knelt down and greeted Kirara, my cat familiar. �Kirara! I missed you too.� She purred loudly. �Momo,� I stood up and saw him leaning against a tree. I carried Kirara as I went to him. �What did he want?� He sounded irritated. �He wants some help with finding this sword.� �You smell awful too.� �Probably the swamp or Koga.� �So.� �So . . . what?� �You�re going with him?� �I guess.� �Well be careful, it�s dangerous out there.� �Why is that?� �I overheard some of the villagers talking about the shikon jewel earlier. They�re giving it to a priestess to look after it.� �Oh?� �I advise you not to go, but do whatever you want. I don�t care anymore.� �Um, Yoko?� I was very confused by his behavior. He walked away before I could corner him. He was generally more protective and concern about these kind of things. Something must be bothering him. He stood with his back to me by a tree. �Are you waiting for something to happen?� He asked me as he looked back. �You�re only burrowing holes into back if you keep staring.� He then smiled. �You just don�t sound really happy.� His smile faded. �It�s Sesshomaru, isn�t it? You should know better by now. I only have eyes for you and you alone. I would never love a prick like him.� �That�s good to know.� �If you�re that worried about it though, I could just stay here. You�re awful when you do worry.� �I�ll be fine. Just go and have fun.� �Oh, and Sesshomaru wanted me to tell you something about staying out of his way.� �Really.� He faced me and folded his arms. �What does he mean?� �I had a run in with him a couple days ago. It was nothing though.� �You didn�t tell me that.� �Must have slipped my mind.� �You . . . !� He smiled. �What?� �Nothing. I�m leaving now.� I turned around. �I get no goodbye kiss?� �No, you�re being bad.� He grabbed my waist from behind me and twisted me around to face him. I couldn�t help but smile at him. �Fine, you win.� �Thank you,� he said as he kissed me. I felt my heart raced. �You can go now.� He let me go leaving me breathless. �Okay.� I left him. It was still too early to meet Sesshomaru and I was still worried about Yoko Kurama as I left. I was on the dirt path that leaded to the field. I lay down in the flower bed. They always reminded me of Yoko when I looked at them. It made always remember the first time I met him. Way before Sesshomaru. Back then it was only me and Kirara. I kept to myself and only focus on getting stronger. I liked the old days when I stole spell scrolls and other weapons. I wasn�t like Yoko and only concern with treasure and that crap. I was particularly clever about it and impossible to catch, due to one exception. I can remember it clearly, he was running away, quite carelessly and in a situation I would never put myself in, after stealing some treasure. I was walking, minding my own business, when he suddenly ran into me and knocked me to the ground landing right on me. He glanced at me first and seemed very distracted. I was just clearly annoyed. �Can you please get off?!� I yelled at him. We then heard villagers from behind. He quickly stood, smirked at me and ran off. Three of them stopped right in front of me. �Woman, did you see a demon come this way?� one of them asked. They were all carrying garden tools with them. Like that was going to help them. �I don�t think so. He�s probably the type to kill a human in his way, otherwise she�ll be dead,� said another. I always passed for human, even till this day. It has always worked to my advantage so I was in no room to complain. �No! He came, he went that way!� I spoke up standing as I pointed in the direction he ran off to. �He pushed me down. You jerk! I�ll get you for this!� I yelled in his direction. Later, I was in a field playing with Kirara when he suddenly appeared from behind me. I was lying in the grass and looked up at him. �It�s you,� I said wide-eyed. �Did you want something? It sounded kinda personal back there,� he said towering me with his arms folded. �I did, did I? Well . . . um,� I was at a lost for words. I was a bit fearful; I probably wouldn�t be able to take him in a fair fight. �I was only joking.� I smiled to make it look more real. �Do I intimidate you?� he said coming closer. I got up and took a step back. �A little,� I said thinking I was dead meat about now. �Sorry?� �I can forgive you. You were so beautiful; it was enough to stop me dead in my tracks.� He tossed his hair and revealed a rose in his hand. �Your beauty is worthy of this rose, Momo.� �You know my name?� �Of course.� He held the rose out to me. �Here.� I debated in my head it I should trust him? I guess I seen worse scum then him with horrible pick up lines. I stared at him trying to figure him out. He looked at me. �Is something wrong?� He asked. I shook my head. �Then take it.� I took it. A thick smell of flowers overcame me. It made me drowsy and I passed out right into his arms. I woke several hours later in an unfamiliar place. It was dark, a cave, and I was lying on some comfy make shift bed. I looked around my surroundings and saw him. �It seems I�ve caught a kitten.� �Kitten?!� I sat up. �This qualifies as kidnapping more. I was off guard too. Now what do you want?� �I think I should get an award for catching you.� �Why don�t you go steal something nice for yourself then?� I said sarcastically. His fix ears twitched and he laughed. �What�s so funny?� �I prefer you instead; someone like you seems so defend less out there alone.� �How would you know that?!� I protested. �Wait, did you say you want me?� �You�ll be safer here. I really want to work with you too, your skills and mine, Yoko Kurama and Momo.� �Can�t it go alphabetically?� I joked not really taking him serious though. �Maybe, but that�s not the point. You can by my right hand man,� I stared at him, not really interested. �I meant woman.� �Naw, I can do better,� I decided as I stood up and collected my things. As I tried to leave he grabbed my wrists tightly. �What are you doing? Let go of me right now!� �I�ll just catch you over and over till you say yes, if you do leave.� He smiled as I tried to pull away, but damn, he was too strong. �Yoko,� said Yomi as he walked in. Yomi was an old partner in crime. In the present time he was no longer with us, he went off on his own. �Oh, I see you have a woman, where did you find this one?� �I told you about her earlier, she�s the one who wanted to pick a fight with me,� he said. �I guess she didn�t know who you were,� he said as he looks me over. It really annoyed me. �I�m sorry I ever crossed paths with you, so can you please let me go!� I yelled. �You really don�t know who I am, do you?� he asked. �Like I really care.� He release me and I stormed out of the cave past Yomi. I looked around and saw a pack of demon bandits. I looked back at him. He was right behind me giving me a stern look with Yomi right there. �You�re the legendary fox bandit!� I let it sink in. I was too mad earlier to pay attention to his name when he gave it out. �And this is�� ��my pack of bandits,� he finished. �That doesn�t change anything, I�m outta here.� I started to walk out of here. �Wait!� I stopped. He continued, �I�ll do anything for you if you join.� Is he really that desperate? I ran off as fast as I can. �Just give up on her,� said Yomi. Yoko scoffed at him. �Whatever.� The day after, I got a lead that there was some valuable spell scrolls in a temple nearby so I went to check it out. I waited in the bushes watching the people there. It was getting pretty late. �So this place has some good stuff?� �Just spell scrolls and maybe some valuables.� I turned around. Yoko and Yomi were right behind me towering over. �Look who�s here,� said Yomi smiling. �I can see, Yomi,� said Yoko. �I was here first, so bug off,� I said. �Or we could join up and raid this place together, how about it?� He quickly asked. �You planned this, didn�t you?� �Of course not.� �Whatever,� I stood up. �And I pass on your offer. Goodbye.� I walked past them. �Wait,� he said chasing me. �What about the treasure?� Yomi asked him. �I already got a treasure, Yomi,� he said as he got in front of me. I stopped and cupped my hands. �Please, I admire you. Be my beloved partner.� �You want me to be your wife?!� �Yes. I can�t stop thinking about you.� �As I said, give up on her,� said Yomi. �You can find another woman that would actually want you.� �Shut up Yomi. I�ll never find another like her. Will you please stay with me?� �Figures you would fall for the one woman that despises you,� added Yomi. I ignored Yomi and finally gave him. �Fine, I�ll stay, but this doesn�t mean I�ve agreed to anything, got it?� �Good enough, let�s go.� He grabbed my hand and leaded me away. �Wait, what about the treasure?� Asked Yomi. �It doesn�t matter anymore.� �Just because of some woman?� �There will be another time for it later, Yomi. Let�s go.� We went back to the cave which I stayed there for the night with him. He gave me permission to look through his treasures. I started to read through all of his spell scrolls. �You have so many, but you never use them.� I picked up another. He lean against me and looked over my shoulder. Yomi then came in with a bottle of sake�. �Want a drink, Yoko?� he asked. �Sure, how about you?� �I guess,� I said. �You guess? There�s no guessing. Here.� He handed me a flask. I took. The three of us formed a circle. �So Momo,� he said. �Where did you come from?� �Those garments that you wear underneath your kimono suggest that you�re some kind of demon slayer,� stated Yomi. �Well, I did grow up in the village of demon slayers,� I said. �You grew up with humans?� said Yomi sounding disgust. �No wonder,� said Yoko. �That explains why you�re so gentle at heart despite being a thief.� �But why demon slayers? That�s worse then regular humans,� said Yomi. �The village leader took me in as an infant. I was abandon and they raised me. But I left that place a long time ago,� I said as I took a gulp of sake�. �What?� They were both staring at me. �Nothing,� said Yoko. I lay down next to Yoko later. He sat next to me and talked to Yomi. The sake� made me drowsy. Yoko pulled a blanket over me. �So, how long is this one going to last?� asked Yomi. �What do you mean?� he said. �Momo.� They must have thought I was still asleep. �You usually just flirt with them; I thought I never would see you act serious with one.� I pretended to stay asleep so I can listen. �Well, excuse me but I rather have a woman that isn�t crawling to me begging. I like a little resistance.� �But she grew up with humans.� �That makes no difference. I would still care for her.� �Come to think of it, how did she end up at that village? Kinda weird. Plus some of the others in the group don�t really like her.� �Whatever, they�re probably just jealous.� �There�s your vain attitude.� �Hmph,� he smiled proudly and placed his hand on my shoulder. �So you like a little resistance?� I said to him as I stood up. �You�re awake?� He pulled his hand away. �So you don�t really care that I grew up with humans?� I asked as I glanced at Yomi. �Of course not, it�s alright with me.� �Before it wouldn�t,� said Yomi. �Yomi!� Yoko yelled at him. I stood up. �I should just leave, since I�m not really wanted.� �He didn�t mean it,� said Yoko grabbing my arm pulling me down. �Should I believe you? Someone I barely know?� �I can change,� he stood up. �I �� �I promise, I will never hurt you ether, or abandon you. I mean it.� �But we only just met.� �It feels longer to me,� he said brushing my cheek with his fingers. �I can be really loving to you too, you know. So, do you want to be my lover?� �If you ask like that, then I can�t say no.� �So that�s a yes?� �Sure.� He kissed me passionately and I kissed back. I stayed with him from then on. I met Sesshomaru only months later, but I far into my relationship with Yoko. I was on my own doing some business. That�s when I met Koga for the first time. I had just kicked him in the nuts fast breaking when I saw Sesshomaru, who was only passing by. I hid behind him and Koga ended following. �Come back here!� said Koga, he stopped and saw Sesshomaru. �Who the hell are you?� �I can say the same thing to you two,� he said, �Scram you two!� Koga ran off but I didn�t move. �What do you want?� �You just scared that wolf away for me.� �I didn�t mean to.� �Can�t I stay with you? So he doesn�t come back?� �No,� he said annoyed by me. �Now go away.� He continued walking. �You don�t have to be an asshole about it,� I said clearly not thinking. He stopped. �I didn�t mean it,� I quickly said. �Who are you? Who thinks they can speak to me like that?� �I�m Momo, the cat demon. Why? Who are you?� �Sesshomaru.� He looked at me. �Come.� He let me follow him. Yoko was waiting for me at the end of the road. They met and weren�t all that excited. Then Sesshomaru got too much involved. H offered to teach me some fighting techniques. One day, after we were done, I learned his real intentions. �Be your mate?! But Yoko, he�s my mate.� �Momo, you deserve better then that, be with me,� he pleaded as he smoothed my hair. Being the faithful person I was, I told Yoko. He never liked him anymore after that. I got up. The sun was starting to set. I went back to the mountains. Kirara followed behind me. I was almost there but then I stopped to find Koga in my path once more. �Awe, you came back to me, you must have really missed me,� he teased. �What are you? My stalker?� I said as I ignored him and kept on walking. He jumped right in front of me. �Where do you think you�re going?� He grabbed me by the arm. �I�ll forgive for all those nasty insults earlier.� �Koga, I really need to get going.� �Why? You can spare some time with me.� He pulled me closer and placed his other hand on waist. �Just let go, you bastard!� �Why should I?� He came closer and then I knee him in the groining. He let go and fell to the ground in pain. �Damn it, you bitch!� He yelled at me, �Where�re you going?� I had run already away from him. He deserved that one. He doesn�t know when to quit ether. I didn�t stop till I saw Sesshomaru. �What took you so long?� �Koga.� �We need to leave right now.� �Right now?� I followed him. He had Aun and Jaken with him. �We�re going a long way, get on.� I sat behind him on Aun with Kirara in my lap. Jaken sat in the back. �I always get seated back here,� he whined. Aun took off. I grabbed onto Sesshomaru for support. He didn�t speak much. The stars came out. But the silence was killing me. �Momo?� he said finally. �Yes?� �Who do you like better, me or that fox?� �Why do you ask?� �Just curious, but you do enjoy my company?� �It depends when you�re not being an asshole.� �We�re here.� Aun landed on a grassy plain. He got off first. �There�s a grave near here. It could be my father�s. Jaken!� �Coming!� Jaken followed him. �And what if it�s not?� I asked but I got no response. �Typical.� I got off and told Kirara to stay with Aun. I then caught up with Sesshomaru. �You think this is your father�s?� �Maybe.� The grave was at the top of the hill. I thought I heard some wolves someway off in to the distance. �Jaken,� said Sesshomaru, �station the staff.� �Yes, milord,� said Jaken climbing up the small shrine and placing the staff of two heads. One of them shrieked. �This isn�t it,� He said and turned around. �What now then?� I asked. �We�ll look in different graves.� Jaken and I followed him back. �Milord,� started Jaken. �May we ask Lord Inuyasha about your father�s tomb?� �He�s none of my concern.� �Sorry, milord. I forget you don�t like to speak of him.� �Who is this Inuyasha that I keep hearing about?� I questioned. �A worthless half-breed, he�s my half-brother and I would like to never hear of him again. So shut up or I�ll shut it for you,� he said curtly. �Well, sorry that it bothered you that much, I won�t mention it again then,� I said. �Good� He walked ahead of us. I was stuck lagging behind with Jaken. �Weren�t you lucky,� said Jaken. �So he doesn�t like half-demons?� �He thinks that they�re a waste of good blood, as I do.� �And do you always have to agree with everything that he says?� �Huh? What �. Do you mean?� �It just seems that you always have to take sides with him.� �Well, it�s my job as a lackie.� �Really? But this sword he wants. It wasn�t meant for him, was it?� �Of course not, everything went to that dirty half-breed!� We were back at the grassy plain. Aun was still there with Kirara sleeping on his back. I went over to her. Then I saw Kourone, a member of our pack. �Momo, its Yoko,� he said sounding fanatic. �What happened?� �He was in the village in his fox form stealing an artifact, a hunter shot him and he didn�t make it.� �He�s dead? Who was it? The same pursuer as before?� �Yes, I don�t know where he got a lead though, I�m real sorry, Momo.� Kourone the left and that was the last time I ever saw him. �Momo,� said Sesshomaru right behind me. �Are you going to be okay?� he pulled me in to a hug that didn�t feel right coming from him. I didn�t cry. I was stronger then that, I was in shock. �We�ll go back instead,� He said and released me. We got back on Aun. Sesshomaru made me sit within his arms. Jaken and Kirara sat behind us. Yoko�s gone. Now where do I go? Do I stay with Sesshomaru? Or go off by myself? Is He only gone cause of me? Because I made him worried and he made a foolish mistake out of it? Aun landed in the same stop where we started from. It was still night. Sesshomaru helped me off. �What are you going to do now?� He asked. �I don�t know yet.� �You�re welcome to come along with me.� Jaken didn�t look too pleased when he said that. Is Sesshomaru taking advantage of the situation? I mean, why wouldn�t he? Yoko Kurama was out of his way from now on. �No, I�ll be fine,� I said noticing Jaken releasing a deep breath of relieve. �You sure?� �Yes.� �If you change your mind, I�ll be right here.� �Whatever.� I said as I left him with Kirara trailing me. I was still in shock and Kirara could tell. I wasn�t far off when I realize I forgot something. My sword. I left it with Sesshomaru. No wonder I felt lighter. I turned around and headed back. I then heard Sesshomaru talking with Jaken and couldn�t help but stop to listen. He was talking about Yoko. I ducked behind a boulder before he could spot me. �The plan did go well, didn�t it?� I heard Jaken. �Getting rid of Yoko was the main purpose?� �Yes, now the competition is gone, I�ll be able to get my way. But I couldn�t do it alone.� �But Momo isn�t taking to you like you planned.� �She�ll come around; when she notices she�s alone. She�ll be yearning my company and then I�ll have her.� �Setting his demise was genius, but why Momo?� �She�s strong and a wise choice for me. I�m glad my father suggested her. She�ll make a good partner for me.� Well, I think she�s awful and mean.� Sesshomaru ignored him. �She�ll be back soon, she left her sword.� I sneaked away, hoping he wouldn�t see me. I started to run not aware of me destination. I was furious. I had to get away from him. He really did it, it was all a trap. He wanted me, but he�s not going to get it. I was clear into the forest when I stopped. He ruined my life. Him and some other jerk. He said he didn�t do it by himself. And his father actually suggested me to him? When did that happen? I tried to think back, trying to remember if I ever met someone like that. Someone as cruel as he is. But I couldn�t. But can I go back to living my life knowing that I have no Yoko Kurama waiting for me to come back? Of course I can�t. It�s been too long, I don�t know how to live on my own anymore, pathetic as it sounds. I said I was going to be alright, but I knew now I wasn�t. But he was a piece of shit person to think I was going to be crawling all over him. �Where have you been all night?� I turned around to see Koga. He had a couple wolves with him. Not now, Koga. �How did you know I even left?� �I had some wolves tail you.� He tried to block my path. �Are you alright?� He clearly noticed my tears. �Get the hell out of my way!� �I�m not afraid of your threats anymore, now that your fox is good and gone. About time too.� �Koga, what do you know about it?� I asked in a suspicious tone. �Not much, I just heard about it.� �Can you cut the crap, will you?� �Why? You going to beat me up or something?� �I just might in my mood.� �Where�s your sword?� He mocked. �I don�t need a weapon to kill you, you know.� �Really, I want to see you try.� I tried to punch him in the face but he caught my fist. I pushed him down and succeeded as I made off. But he was too fast for me and beat me. �You forgot how fast I was. That was pretty pathetic back there, you can�t even escape me without taking a jib at me, or kick me in �you know.� �If you come any closer, I�ll give you another kick there too.� �You need to stop acting like a bitch, I�m leaving then.� �What? You didn�t hit on me this time.� �Do you want me too?� �No! It�s just that you didn�t.� �Next time, maybe.� I collapsed on to the ground. I didn�t notice how tired I was. Taking it out on Koga just made it worse. �Momo, are you alright?� he asked helping me up. �I�m fine; you don�t have to worry about me.� �But I do, you�re my friend,� and I actually believed him the way he said it. I allowed him to pick me up. �I�m taking you to my place. You really don�t look so well.� I remember falling asleep in his arms. When I finally woke up, I was in a cave. It was past noon already, when I looked outside. I slept the night away into the morning. Kirara and the wolves were curled up together fast asleep. Koga was sitting right next to me. �Feeling better?� he asked. �A little,� I said as I sat up. �Where am I?� �One of my hideouts outside the tribe,� he scooted over to me as well. �And once we�re here I think we should get to know each other better.� �Don�t you dare touch me,� I said to in a tone that would melt ice. �Okay,� he backed away. �I can see that you�re still upset about Yoko. I guess he wasn�t as smart as people took him for, since he�s dead, you know.� �Shut up Koga, like you were ever smart as him.� �I�m not the one who got killed at least!� He shouted angrily. �Whatever, I still can�t believe though. That Sesshomaru could do this to me.� �What are you talking about?� �You mean you don�t know?� �Know what?� I took a deep breath. �That Sesshomaru staged Yoko�s demise. And he wasn't alone either.� �That bastard did what?! How did you find that out?� He was standing. �I overheard him last night gloating about it, when I went back for my sword. That when I ran into you,� I could feel hot fresh tears pouring out of my eyes. �Well, I�m glad you got away.� �He�s going to come look for me when he realizes I�m not coming back.� �Don�t worry, I�ll protect you.� �You will?� I was playing on that thread of hope. �Of course, remember, you�re my friend, right? He doesn�t even deserve you. Me though . . .� �Koga, shut up. You move too fast.� �Sorry, but you should get out of here.� �I know, but how? Where do I go? He�ll follow my scent anyway.� �The cave might confuse him if you go out the back way.� �That�s good enough for me then,� I stood up and wiped away the tears. I picked Kirara up and followed him out. �Be careful,� said Koga. �I worry about you too, you know?� �Really?� �Yeah, well, I hope we cross paths later.� �Me too,� He brought me into a tight embrace. �I really liked you too; better then most of the wolf girls I know.� �Well, thanks, I think.� I stepped into the grassy plain. �Bye Koga� �Bye Mo.� Now what? It was almost evening by now, I decided to take off in to the direction of the Shikon Jewel. It was twilight by the time I got there. The village where the priestess lived. I snaked myself around the foliage. A few times I froze hearing rustling up in the trees. Probably the wind. I tried to ignore it but it became more profound. I saw the shrine ahead of me and I felt the jewel�s aura. I was ready to leap out of the bush but at the same time, I saw the perpetrator who had caused all that noise. He didn�t notice me at all. It was some youth in a red kimono, probably a demon; I could see his ears in the moonlight. He came close to the door of the shrine when an arrow came at him attaching him to the door. �So you came back, Inuyasha. And I can see your little friend too,� said the priestess. He then noticed me. �I don�t know her,� he said as he pulled the arrow out and quickly fled. She then turned to me. �And what business do you have here? Did you come for the jewel as well?� �I guess not, a fool�s hope really,� I said and backed away. She was fierce in the way she looked at me. I ran back into the forest only to be accosted by the youth again. �Hey you!� He said putting his face into mine. �Yeah what?� �Have I seen you before?� I noticed that his scent was identical and very familiar. �You�re Inuyasha, aren�t you?� �And how do you know that?� �I know your stupid, selfish, older brother.� �Heh, that sounds like him.� �Oh, I�m Momo, by the way.� �Cat, right? I can smell it.� He walked off, deeper in to the forest. �Follow me if you want to get away from these humans.� He started running and stopped at a river to wash his face. I was able to keep up with him. �So, you want the jewel too? For what?� �What do you think?� �You wan to be a full demon don�t you?� �Yep.� �You seem fine just the way you are. I was surprise that you didn�t notice me there though. Maybe because you made all that noise.� He looked at me hard. �I guess you don�t know how it feels to be an outcast, do you?� �Try me.� I challenged. �Anyways, that priestess wasn�t so eager to finish you off.� �Kikyo? She never does. Hey, if you�re hiding from my brother, he isn�t going to come look for you, is he?� �I hope not, luckily he won�t come here. I hear he despises you. That makes you a main attraction, besides the jewel, of course.� �What do you need the jewel for?� �I really don�t�. I did say it was a fool�s hope, and maybe it is.� �I �m going to bed, you can hang I guess,� he jumped into the tree and found a comfortable branch. �Alright, I�ll just stay here then.� I sat by the river and watched the stars. The next morning I woke up before he did. I ended up taking a nap anyway. The sun was just rising. I left and ventured down the river. It flowed all the way to the village. I kept a good distance. I saw Kikyo then in the river with her younger sister? I overheard that her name was Keade. They were both doing early chores, washing the linen in the river. Kikyo seemed to have her bow and arrows not far away from her either. �Big sister, there�s a woman in the trees,� said Keade when she finally spotted me. I was already quite aware that Kikyo knew that I was here. �Yes, I know,� said Kikyo not even looking at me. �Who is she? Do you know her?� Kikyo ignored her and continued with the chores. �Keade, let�s get these done,� Keade continued to help her forgetting about me. When they were done they went back to the village. Kikyo came back and approached me. �I notice you�ve been watching me. Did Inuyasha put you up to this?� �No, he�s still asleep.� �Oh? What is your business here then, then not with him?� �I�m hiding from someone, that�s all.� �Really?� She sounded interested. �Who are you?� �Momo and this is Kirara.� �Cat demon right? You almost pass for human, you know. You certainly fooled my sister.� �So Kikyo, right? Why would you think Inuyasha sent me?� �Oh that. He�s been watching me a lot lately. And he thinks he�s sneaky about it too.� �I wonder why?� I smiled a little. �I�m not really sure, maybe it�s a ploy to get the jewel.� �He doesn�t seem that devious. Maybe he�s just curious, or maybe he�s in love.� �You make him sound like a simple boy.� �Well he probably is.� �But I think you caught me, it�s kinda the other way around. Well, I have to go. I have someone to attend to.� She headed back to the village. Why would she tell me all this? Now I knew her weakness, but I was in no condition to abuse it. Plus I wasn�t the type. I went back into the forest when Inuyasha jumped out in front of me. �Where did you go off too?� he asked �That is really none of your business.� �I saw you talking to Kikyo.� �So what?� �What did you two talk about?� �Why don�t you keep your doggy ears out of it?� �Whatever, but where did she go off to in such a hurry?� �To treat someone�s ailments.� �Do you know when she�ll be back?� �And why would you want to know? Are you in love with her?� �No! Why would you think that?� �You just sound really concern about her, that�s all.� �You know what? Shut up and get lost Momo!� �Well fine, I will then,� I smiled feeling like I won. Oh, he�s in love alright, poor kid. I headed down the river past the village. I saw Kikyo then. She was walking to an underground cavern with a huge tree on top. She was carrying a bowl of herbs with her. She stopped when she saw me. �Hello again, what is it now? I�m kinda busy.� �I was told to get lost.� �Well, you can come along if you want.� I followed her into the cave. I saw a small fire set in a bowl of oil. Something was very wrong here too. It was almost too creepy and unbearable. I noticed Kirara didn�t follow. Kikyo seem not to be bothered by it. I saw body lying on the ground wrapped from head to toe in bandages like a mummy. The only thing I saw was his eyes and mouth. Keade was near by washing a sheet in a tub of water and soap. �How are you feeling today?� Kikyo said to the man. He didn�t respond, but merely glanced at Kikyo as she used a wooden spoon to give him medicine. I watched. He then looked at me. It made me feel very uncomfortable. �I�ll return with some more herbs,� Kikyo stood up and I quickly followed her out. I could still feel the man looking at me as I left. Kikyo went through the tall grass to a section by the river. She bent down and gathered a few. I help her collect some in the bowl. �That man, who is he?� I asked her. �Oh, him. His name is Onigumo. He�s a bandit, or was. He was in a fire not long ago and suffered terrible burns and broke both his legs. I found him a month ago. I pity him, because he�ll never be able to move again.� Keade then joined us. �Are you done, Keade?� �Yes, but Onigumo is saying wicked things to me again,� she said. �Just ignore him; he can�t do anything of that sort in his condition. Now run along, I�ll finish up here.� Keade walked back to the village. I forced myself to join Kikyo back in the cave. She gave him some more medicine. And again, he watched me. �Well. You�re looking better everyday,� she said as she stood up. �I�ll return again tomorrow.� She started to leave. �Are you coming Momo?� �Yes,� I allowed Kikyo to get ahead of me. �You,� I turned around for the source of that sinister voice. It had come from Onigumo. �You�re a demon, aren�t you?� �Yeah.� �Why do you hang about the priestess as so? Are you after the jewel as well?� I stared at him hard. �I desire it was well, join me and it will be ours, fair demon.� �You want me to join you?� I sneered. �You�re only just a human. You can�t even move.� �How pitiless you are. You remind me of someone.� I ignored him and caught up with Kikyo. �There you are,� Kirara was with her. �So, have you been talking to Inuyasha today at all?� �Just once.� She sighed. �I wish to talk to him deeply; he follows me all the time, but not today.� We got to the edge of the village. �Maybe I shouldn�t come in.� I said. �I understand, but you�re welcome to come visit me anytime.� She disappeared into the village. I went back to the forest where I belonged. No sight of Inuyasha ready to jump me. I went down to the river to get a quick drink when someone grabbed me and covered my mouth. �You went far, you know?� He released me. �Koga?� I faced him. �In the flesh, you also bit me.� �Sorry, it was my only defense. Why are you here?� �For you, of course, you dummy. You were right about Sesshomaru looking for you.� �He is?� �He suspected me, but I was able to fool him.� �That�s good.� �You look better too.� I looked confuse and he noticed. �Before your eyes were really puffy from crying.� He grabbed my arm and started to drag me away. �Wait, what are you doing?� �Taking you outta here. It stinks real badly.� �But I want to stay.� �You do?� he let go. �Look, I�m fine, but I do appreciate that you came.� �Really? Then let�s just settle down somewhere for the night.� I followed him through the forest to a small clearing far away from the village as one can possibly get. His wolves were already there, picking off a dead boar. Kirara joined them. I sat down against a tree. Koga stood nearby. �So where do you think he is right now?� �Probably far away from here, I hope.� �Good.� Kirara came over to me and lay down. I couldn�t sleep. �You should relax a little bit,� said Koga lying on the ground near me. �No thanks, I�ll do that when this is over with.� �Whatever.� He quickly fell asleep. I was up before him the following morning. I quietly stalked away towards the village. I cautioned myself going in. Some of the villagers noticed that I was an outsider. But I was ignored. Where�s Kikyo? I left the village. I saw her in the clearing, talking to Inuyasha. I pranced up to them. Kikyo looked shocked to see me. �Um, Momo!� she said. �Yes?� I said quite amused. She seemed really surprised. �Talking to Inuyasha?� �Yeah, so what of it?� he said. �Well, sorry if I intruded!� �What do you want?� asked Kikyo. �Your company, you said I could talk to you whenever I wanted.� �Oh, I did?� She was getting really tense. �Well, I�m too busy right now.� She walked away. Where is she going? The village was the other way. Maybe that cavern where Onigumo was. I went back into the forest. Inuyasha followed me angrily. �So what happen between you two?� �We were talking, got a problem with that?� �No.� �Then why did you butt in?� �I said I was sorry. But Kikyo didn�t seem herself.� �What do you mean?� �Never mind, it�s probably just me. But what did you two talk about?� �She asked me if I want to be human. To use the jewel, you know. Then her duty would be done cause then the jewel would be gone.� �Are you going to do it?� �I said I�ll think it over.� He left me so I thought I should go see Koga. �Where did you go off to?� �I went for a walk,� I told him. �You were gone for such a long time though.� �Whatever.� I sat down. He came over and sat next to me. He put his arms around me too. �Koga, can you please back off a little?� �Why are you so touchy?� he folded his arms. �Because you keep coming on to me.� �Sorry if I like you.� I stood up and walked off. �Now where�re you going?� �On a walk.� �But you were just on one.� �Shut up,� I said as I left him. He can be so annoying at times. I then saw Inuyasha and Kikyo together in a clearing. They�re talking again? They were finishing up a conversation. Inuyasha was heading my way too. �What did you talk about this time?� I asked. �None of your business.� He walked past me. �Hey!� I chased after him. �So you�re going to become human right?� �Yeah, so stop being nosy!� �Where are you going?� I was still following him. He was heading to Onigumo�s cave too? Or am I just imagining it. �Why are you being so mean?� He turned around and faced me. �You don�t quit do you?� �No.� He smiled but it didn�t look like Inuyasha�s standard smile. He ran away before I could chase him again. Later, I wondered around to pass the time. Kirara must be with Koga still. Why was Inuyasha so rude to me earlier? Kikyo was acting strange too. But I shouldn�t really pry in to their affairs. I heard some kind of uproar not far away. It was in the village. It sounded like it have been attacked. I ran into Inuyasha instantly. �Move it!� he yelled at me. He had the jewel in his hand. �What are you doing?� I said. �Kikyo tricked me!� He got around me and ran. �She what?!� I saw Kikyo not far away. She was angry. She was bleeding too. She fired an arrow at him. It hit him and pinned him to the giant tree behind him. He dropped the jewel and whatever spell that was overtook him. I watched Kikyo pick up the jewel, Keade came over to her. I couldn�t hear them where I was. I saw her give it Keade. She fell over. Someone grabbed me behind covering my mouth. They pulled me away. I couldn�t tell who it was, they kept behind me. �Did you enjoy the show?� He uncovered my mouth. I recognized his voice. �Oni... Onigumo? You�re �Kikyo said you couldn�t move.� �She�s a dead fool, now that is. But nay, I�m not Onigumo. I escaped that abomination. You can call me Naraku.� �You�re not making much sense.� �Onigumo offered his body to the demons, thus I was born.� �This happened last night?� �I guess you never actually saw Kikyo for her to tell you that she found the cave burned down.� �You�re not making sense again.� �Shhhhh!� he was listening for something. �That ruins my plan.� �What plans?� �Those villagers are going to burn the jewel with Kikyo�s body. Now I�ll never be able to use it. The ordeal last night only me half demon you see.� �Well good.� He was still holding on to me so I couldn�t do anything. �Why are you telling me all this. It�s like you wanted it.� �You�re so na�ve. I was the one who tricked them. You didn�t even notice it was me who you were talking to when you were with Inuyasha and Kikyo did you?� �What! You�re a shape shifter!? Just let me go, will you?� he released me. I faced him to get a good look at my assailant. No wonder Kikyo and Inuyasha didn�t seem themselves earlier. �Your name�s Momo now isn�t it? You are more then welcome to become my assistant.� �Oh? And what if I decline your offer?� He came closer and I backed up into a tree. �You don�t want to say no now do you?� �Tell me first why you did it.� �You are nosy. I wanted the jewel to fill with malice and the best way to do was make Kikyo hold bitter anger. It made it glowed with malicious power.� I was still trapped by this freak. �What say you now? Was that all you wanted to know?� �Yeah.� He came closer, a lot closer as if he was going to kiss me. �What are you doing?� he started to kiss me and I couldn�t push him off. He placed his arms around me and slowly moved down me neck. �Stop it!� �Don�t fright, I won�t kill you unless you refuse, that is.� He placed his hands near my waist. I couldn�t feel anything down there either. �Now what do you say? Join me.� �No, I�� �You what? You wish to die, don�t you? I can tell you�re a broken woman.� Pain shot through me from where he had his hands. I kicked him off and ran like hell. I knew I lost him; he didn�t even try to follow. I slowed down when I caught Koga�s scent mangled with someone else�s. It was Sesshomaru. I stopped at the tree. Oh shit. Both of them were wearing angry expressions. �Momo,� he said calmly. �There you are. Did you think you could hide here?� He looked very pleased with himself. Bastard. �Leave Momo alone!� Said Koga intervening. �You need to keep out of this, Momo, come here now.� �Why can�t you leave me alone?� I said. I was still in pain. It felt like poison too. I was lucky I could still stand. �She doesn�t want you,� said Koga. The pain worsened and I winced. �Momo, are you injured?� asked Sesshomaru. �I think I�m fine.� He came over to me anyway ignoring Koga and dragged me away. �Hey, let her go!� he said. �Momo belongs to me, don�t interfere or I�ll kill you.� �Then kill me because I won�t let you have her!� �Koga please! Just leave it as it is,� I said. �Clearly she has more sense then you do Koga,� he said. He walked me out of the forest with a firm grip. How did he find me? How can I escape him now? He didn�t bring anyone with him. He can fly on his own and he carried me the whole way. �I�m disgusted at you, being with that wolf.� �Good,� I snapped back. I held Kirara in my hands. �Surely you know.� �Of course I do.� �He was a nuisance.� �I loved Yoko Kurama.� �Don�t say his name around me; it�s just as irritating as Inuyasha.� �What are you going to do to me?� �Pipe down. Why are you injured?� �I don�t remember.� �Stop lying to me.� He landed down in the same stop again. Aun and Jaken were there waiting. He threw me against Aun. I just stood there. �Jaken, make sure he didn�t follow us,� he said. �Yes, I�ll deal with him personally if I do find him,� he said getting off Aun and leaving. �Here�s your sword,� he said as he dropped it on the ground before me. He came closer too. �What�re you �?� I started as he grabbed me in a tight embrace. �Shut up,� he said. �You�re my lover now.� �No�� He kissed me, hard. I was in too much pain to do anything about it. He went to my neck. �Get off!� He backed away. Jaken had come back. �I didn�t see him,� he reported. �Good,� said Sesshomaru. �We�ll rest here tonight.� He looked at me. �You especially need it.� I stayed where I was. Jaken wandered off somewhere. Sesshomaru stayed awake and looked at the stars. Kirara came over to me. I thought of something then. I found the strength to stand and walked over to him to sit beside him. �Are you still in pain?� Now he�s acting concern. I didn�t say anything. The plan was still in my head. I leaned on him. �You know, Sesshomaru,� I said acting all coy. �I�m thinking that you�re a lot better then Yoko ever was.� �Is that so?� �Of course, you�re turning me on.� �What�s wrong with you?� �I just want to get to know you better.� I leaned in closer and kissed him. He accepted and embraced me. I placed my hands on his chest and moved slowly to his throat. I quickly tighten them. He stopped and looked at me. �Are you trying to back me into a corner? It�s not a really good idea.� He put his arms on my shoulder ready to push me off. He then felt my claws more sharply. �Just leave me alone.� �You�re such a fussy woman. Go and leave if you want to.� �You mean it?� I loosen his grip he pushed me away. I grabbed my sword and Kirara and I fled. He didn�t come after. I stopped by a stream and knelt down. I was still in pain. I think I was bleeding now. �Momo!� I heard Koga. He was on the other side of the stream. He quickly jumped over to join me. �You followed us?� �Of course I did! I wasn�t going to abandon you with him. Where is he?� �He let me go.� �He did? Why?� �I rather not.� �Well, come on then, let�s run before he changes his mind.� He pulled me up. �You�re only putting yourself in danger if you do.� He took me in to a hug and kissed me. �How touching,� I heard Sesshomaru with intense sarcasm. He was right behind me. Koga stopped and let me go. I bent down. I wanted to barf but I had nothing to barf up. �What�s wrong?� Koga asked me. �Two words: breath-mint!� I stood back up only to notice I was stuck between the two. A place I didn�t want to be. �Koga, why are you here?� Sesshomaru asked. �Sesshomaru, just leave him alone.� I told him. �Why are you protecting him?� he looked at me hard. �Don�t tell me that you�re in love with him.� �Of course not!� �Good, you�re coming back with me.� �No, I will not.� �Don�t argue, it�s final,� he remained calm remarkably. �She�s not your mate,� Koga spoke up. �She�s not yours either.� �Then let her decide then.� �That would be pointless; you�ll be dead if she chose you.� �Rather be so, knowing she loves me.� �I could settle that know if you�d like.� �Shut up!� I screamed. �Both of you shut the fuck up! I don�t belong to either of you two. Just because Yoko is gone doesn�t mean you two can fight over me like animals! I will decide what I�m going to do without you two making it worse.� �Momo, do you prefer the strongest?� asked Sesshomaru. I gave him the cold look. �You�re the whole damn reason why we�re arguing! What makes you think that I want you?� His expression changed and he smiled. He�s passive aggressive now, isn�t he? �I really don�t give a shit about what you just said,� he said. �Of course,� I smiled too. �Well, say goodbye then. Cause I never want to see you again.� �Don�t pretend, why don�t you?� �Okay, I won�t.� �I will hunt you down.� I punched him in the face. He fell. �Good punch,� said Koga. �Thanks,� I said as I started to run. I didn�t have a lot of time before he got up. Koga tried to follow me. He caught up. �Where�re you going?� �As far away as I can. You should too, you don�t need to get mixed up in to this anymore,� I told him as Kirara transformed and I got on. �Whatever,� he took off in a different direction. Probably back to his pack. �Kirara, go back to the pack,� she growled in response. Less then an hour later we were at the pack�s hangout. They were all drinking and looked way too happy having their party. Despicable bandits. A few noticed me. �Hey, look, it�s Momo!� said one of them. �What are you doing back?� �I have a right to be here,� I said to them as I went in to our cave. I realized that they was another party of demons I didn�t know here too before I entered. Kirara stood guard at the entrance. Someone was in here though, messing around with our stuff. �Hey!� I said to him as he threw something else. �I said �Hey!�� �You two seemed to be living quite wealthy, or used to be in this case.� I then got a better look at his face. �Yomi!� �Hello Momo,� he said. �It has been too long.� I dropped my sword. �What happen to your eyes? Are you blind?� �Yes.� �Is this why we never saw you again?� I sat next to him. He gave me a weird expression as he turned to me. �Why yes,� He said it mockery, like it was some kind of joke I didn�t get. �I thought you would be with Sesshomaru by now.� �Heh, no way. But why are you here?� �Someone has to clean up all this junk. He left a mess you know.� �Agreed, he did like to horde things. He stole everything that he fancied.� �He only wanted power. Sake�?� he offered to me and I took it. �Thanks. Your other senses seem to be enhanced.� �That�s what happens when you�re blind, only if I could catch the one who did this,� he took a swig of sake�. �So, what happen to you? I smell blood, and you pretty little heart is racing.� �It�s nothing.� �You�ve lost a lot of blood and you say it�s nothing?� �You�re one to speak, going off like that.� �So what do you think of Yoko�s death? Do you think it was an accident?� �Why do you ask?� �No reason at all.� I stood up and went to a different part of the cave. To our bed where we used to sleep together. I refuse to lie down there ever again. �So you didn�t go with Sesshomaru. Are you still grieving?� he asked. �Who needs him?� I said. �Okay, what about the wolf then? He wouldn�t be bad for you either.� �I rather be alone, thank you very much.� Even though he was blind it felt like he was watching me. I heard him get up and come over to me. �I think this is for you, I found it in his secret stash,� he said handing me a letter of some sort. He stayed by me. �A letter? From Yoko?� �I didn�t read it, seeing as I can�t.� �Then how do you know it was for me?� �Just a premonition. More sake�?� �No,� as I looked at it. �So, I heard about the Shikon Jewel, it�s gone. One thing Yoko never bothered with.� �That was just yesterday. The priestess died in battle with it. It was burned along with her body.� �Didn�t that thing come from your village?� �Yes, it did.� �I always wondered. How did you end up there?� �I don�t really know. They only took me in because they found me in Midoriko�s cave. Otherwise, I would be dead.� �I see. We have an unwanted visitor.� Yomi looked at the entrance and left me. I decided to lie down on my bed. I don�t think I cared anymore. Yomi came back with Sesshomaru? �There you are. I�m sick of chasing you.� �You�re not welcome, so why don�t you leave.� My voice became hoarse. �Sesshomaru,� said Yomi getting in between. �Maybe you should. She�s in shock and she�s lost some blood already.� He ignored him. �Momo, all I want is you.� �I don�t care what you want.� �Just get off that filth and come with me.� �Why don�t you shove it up your ass?� �I hate this sulk of yours. You can�t love a man that�s dead, so wake up!� �Nor one I despise.� �You�re putting too much stress on her,� said Yomi �You should listen to him,� I suggested. �You didn�t tell her?� Sesshomaru asked him. �Tell me what?� I said. �She doesn�t need to know,� said Yomi. �I�m still taking her,� said Sesshomaru. �Sesshomaru!� said Yomi, �I wouldn�t move her. Just let her rest.� I got anyway. �Momo! You�re putting a strain on yourself,� said Yomi. �I don�t care, as I see it, I�m dead already.� I ignored Sesshomaru and left the cave. Kirara followed me deeper into the forest. She then stopped. It was a lot darker here. She growled. �What�s wrong?� �Hello Momo,� I heard ahead of me. �Who�s there?� �Forgotten me so soon, my dear Momo?� �Naraku?� �You were sp clever back there.� �Shut up and come out where I can see you.� I saw him come out of the dark. He was wearing a baboon pelt to conceal himself. �What do you want?� �I�m not giving you up that easy.� �Just fuck off.� �And let you off knowing what I did?� He came closer. Kirara launched at him and bit him in the arm. �Kirara, no!� A gas came out and she fell. She reverted back to regular form. �Kirara!� She was poisoned. He came closer to me. He pushed me down and held me there. He pulled off back the top of his baboon pelt so I could see his face. �Now, what are you going to do? Will you join me?� �Why would I?� He grabbed me by the throat. I can feel the life sucked out of me. �Your energy is different. I should let you leave after all. I can force you into submission.� �Shut your face,� I choked out. �Are you scared?� he loomed over me still. I remained silent. He kissed me but it was different from the first time. He looked shocked as he backed away. He looked weak too. �What did you do wretch?� he said. �I will kill you. But I guess I can�t.� He left quickly. I knew I fell unconscious. I remember someone picking me up. When I woke up I found I was back in the cave, on my bed. It wasn�t a dream, was it? How did I get here? I�m still in pain, it was so agonizing. I was hot too. Sesshomaru and Yomi were near me. �Her heart beat has drastically ceased,� said Yomi. �I don�t see any hope for her.� �I think she�s awake,� said Sesshomaru. �What happened to you?� asked Yomi. �I don�t remember,� I said. I felt around and picked up something. Yoko�s letter. �What�s that?� asked Sesshomaru. �Nothing, Where�s Kirara?� �She�s fine, I gave her an antidote,� said Yomi. �You�re in worse condition then you think.� I tried to sit up. �And to think this all happened because of you,� I said as I looked at Sesshomaru. �I�m not the only one to blame,� he said glancing at Yomi. �What do you mean?� �The plan wouldn�t have gone this way if Yomi didn�t set up the hit on Yoko first.� �You did what?!� I yelled at Yomi. �I did put a hit on him. He was the reason why you never saw me again. He put a hit on me first to teach me a lesson,� he tried to explain. �Well, I could obviously know why Yomi! You were too reckless! You always leaded our people into traps, knowing better. Then Yoko will rescue as usual.� �Until this happened, the one time he didn�t.� �So it�s you to blame?� �Sesshomaru did help. I almost felt sorry for you too, but you�re such a simpleton.� �I hate you both.� �Glad you�re dying then.� �So this letter, it�s from Yoko?� I heard Sesshomaru. He had it in his hands. When did he get that? �Sesshomaru! Give that back!� I tried to grab it from him but Yomi held me back. �Let go!� �Read it, Sesshomaru. I wonder what he has to say.� He began reading it. �No!� Yomi covered my mouth. ��To my dearest companion Momo: By the time you had read this, I will probably be gone. I had all the arrangements done. I hope that you would be able to live a peaceful life when I am gone. You won�t be alone, you still have Shippo. You are both very dear to me and I love you both, love Yoko Kurama�.� Yomi released me. �Who�s Shippo?� asked Sesshomaru. �That�s none of your business,� I said. �Their child,� said the only other person who knew. �They kept it secret from you.� �A child?� Sesshomaru looked at me like he wanted to kill me. �Where is it?� �Sesshomaru, no! Don�t you dare!� He looked at Yomi. �I don�t know where it is. And you know she�s not telling you either,� said Yomi. �Well, I can�t stand it! I detest him and every part of him!� I cowered into Yomi�s arm away from him. �So do I,� said Yomi, �but just drop it. I promised Yoko that I would look out for him.� �I don�t take orders from you.� I looked at Yomi, he knew. �You don�t have really long, Momo,� he said. �I know. I�ll be glad to leave too.� I clung on to Yomi. I didn�t want to look at Sesshomaru. �Do you have anything else to say?� asked Yomi. I didn�t respond. �Enjoy your time in hell,� said Sesshomaru. �At least you won�t be there,� was the last thing I remembered saying. Thirteen years later, present time, Momo at the age of thirteen gets up from bed. Same strawberry blonde hair as she brushes it and same hazel eyes as she saw herself in the mirror. She neatly made her bed and opened the window to let Kirara in, who was out last night hunting. �Kirara, I need you today,� She told her as she came in. Kirara watched as she changed into her new school uniform, and then stalked to the kitchen looking for something to eat. Momo looked at herself in the mirror before she followed her. She had a sickening look on her face. �Humans and their weird sense of taste,� she muttered to herself as she went down the hallway. Her mother, Chichi had already cooked breakfast and her younger brother Gohan who had just woken up appeared behind her. Her father, Goku was already at the table. �Momo, you look adorable,� said Chichi �I really don�t think so,� She said rolling her eyes as she sat down. �Stop fussing,� said Goku. �I wish I could,� said Gohan messing around with Momo�s outfit. �When can I go to a real school?� �Gohan, you�ll have your chance.� �Why can�t I just train all day like Dad?� she asked. �Because your father didn�t get a scholarship by fighting freaks all the time,� said Chichi, �You�re a smart girl, so you should go to a public school.� �Don�t worry, Momo,� said Goku. �You can still train on the weekends and after school.� �Really? Well, I better get going,� she said slipping on her shoes. �Gohan, stop screwing with my uniform.� �Momo!� said Chichi. �Sorry,� she said as she walked out. Kirara followed her. Flying was the only fast way to get there to the nearest city. She got on Kirara instead and rode her. Momo was able to reborn herself in the present time of the human world. She didn�t know how she ended up here though. Kirara followed her shortly somehow. But this new life was refreshing and was a drastic change from before. But she liked it, all the technology and stuff. It was pretty fun sometimes to be normal. No one seemed to suspect her true identity. There may have been hints, everyone in her family had black hair except her, but her family wasn�t normal anyway. They probably thought it was recessive saiyan gene or something. The only person that really knew anything about her was Kami. He trained her before for some time, Mr. Popo too. Plus, Momo had become quite a different person by now. It was exactly two years before May 12th with the whole android mess was looming over them. Every one of her family friends were preparing for it. Piccolo was even training her from time to time, Gohan too. Momo remembered one time when she actually met someone her age, when she was training with Piccolo. It was somewhere not far from a camp site too. It was a boy, probably the exact age as her. This was at least three years ago. She got thrown back into a cliff and ended falling on a pathway. When she came to, she remembered a boy with red hair and green eyes there. �Are you alright?� he asked. �Um�yeah.� �You look like you�ve been beaten up>� �It�s nothing,� she said getting up. She remembered hearing Piccolo�s angry voice then. �Well, I have to go.� She quickly ran off. She knew she was too young to even think of boys but he was sorta gorgeous. To be safe, she never went back to that area. Momo and Kirara got close to the school. She stopped in a deserted area and got off Kirara. She went back to her little form. �Good, Kirara. Now, I�ll back here later, so come back around two, got it?� she told her. Kirara mew in response meaning she understood. Momo walked the block to her school. It was a normal two story school. She went into the grounds and saw all the cliques. She quickly ignored them. She found her locker, an old rusted one like all the others. She tried the combination. �Heh, piece of shit didn�t open,� she said. A boy close by heard her. �Here, let me help,� he banged on it and it cracked open. �Thanks.� �No problem, so you must be new.� �Yes.� �My name�s Kairi.� �I�m Momo,� she said finishing putting her stuff away and shut her locker. �Want to walk to class with me?� �I guess, I have English first, I think.� �Well, me too. Just across the hall.� She followed him closely. To Momo, he seemed like a flirt. She took a seat in the front row of the classroom. Kairi sat down in the empty seat behind her. A group of girls then crowded him. �Hi, Kairi.� �Who�s the new girl?� they asked him. �This is Momo,� said Kairi. Momo looked around and then spotted a girl who was flirting with a group of boys. �Excuse me, is this seat taken?� someone asked her. She moved her attention to him. �Of course not,� she said as he sat down in the seat next to her. Momo noticed he looked familiar. �Is it that same boy I met long ago?� �I believe we haven�t met, you must be new,� he asked. �Yeah, my name�s Momo,� the boy looked at her and then smiled. �I�m Shuichi,� he said calmly. The teacher then walked in and called the class to order. �Listen up class, we have a new student. Miss Adachi,� said the teacher. Some of the class glanced at her and then went back to whatever they were doing. �Who would like to volunteer to show her around?� Both Kairi and Shuichi raised their hands. �Are you serious, Mr. Okayasu? You�re most likely to not know where the library is,� some of the girls laughed. �At least I know where the lunchroom is,� he smiled. �Mr. Minamino, you can show Miss Adachi. Since you�re ahead of the class,� said the teacher. �He�s always ahead,� sneered Kairi. Shuichi stood up and Momo followed him out of the classroom. He first leaded her to the library that was just around the corner. �So, did you just move here?� he asked her. �No, I�ve just been home-schooled. We live way out in the next district.� �But there�s nothing really out that way except farmland and mountains.� Whoops, that slipped, she thought. �Yeah, my family has a farm?� she said but it came out as a question. �I see,� he said not really believing her. �Yeah, it�s kinda boring too.� �Would you like to look around the library?� �Um, okay.� Momo went to the closest bookshelf. She browsed for a while. �Do you need help picking something?� he asked her. He took a book off the shelf. �Have you read this one?� It was Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley. �Yeah,� she said remembering the cover. �I�ve read all the books by her already.� �You like fairy tales then?� �I liked the rose gardens in that one too.� She took a book off the shelf then. �I just read Wuthering Heights again.� �Not a bad choice.� He put the book back and followed her as she went to check it out. �Have you read it then?� �I read last month, it�s very dark for a love story.� �Well, that�s the way I kinda like it.� �I don�t see why, none of the two main characters have any redeeming qualities.� �Maybe you�re not looking very carefully, I think they have at least one.� �Really, and what�s that?� �Their love for one another.� �I guess so.� �You guess? There�s no guessing,� Oddly enough, this sounded familiar to Momo. �Well, I think we should get back,� he said. Momo followed him back to the classroom watching him carefully. For the rest of the morning, Shuichi sat in the desk beside her. Kairi tried to sit near her but he was always crowded by those fan girls of his. A girl named Sae sat next to her one class too. She was the flirting with all those guys earlier. She seemed very shy. At lunch, Sae sat next to her, she didn�t seem to have many friends but she knew a lot of people. �That Kairi seemed to be interested in you,� said Sae. �He�s really popular too. I know he�ll never ask me out because I�m not as pretty as you.� �But there are a lot of guys interested in you.� �Yeah, but they not that popular.� Shuichi then came over to their table and sat across from Momo. �Hello,� he said smiling. �Hi Shuichi,� said Momo. �Are you that really smart kid in class? The one with the highest scores, right?� asked Sae. �Glad you noticed,� he said sounding insulted. �Well I have some studying to do then.� He got up and left. �He likes you,� said Sae. �Sae! That was so rude!� said Momo. �But you don�t think his cute?� �I guess he is.� Kairi then came over and joined them. �Kairi, hi,� said Sae. �Hi Mo,� he said to her ignoring Sae. �Hi,� she said. �So, how�s your first day.� �It�s been great,� she lied. �I wanted to show you around, but Shuichi beat me to it and of course the teacher will pick him. But how about later I show all the cool places in town?� �I can do that!� said Sae. �I�ll show you all the cool shopping places too.� �Oh great,� said Momo with a fake smile. �Alright,� said Kairi feeling put off. �Well, the girls are calling me.� He left. After school, Sae dragged Momo around town with her to look at the stores. Momo didn�t hang out long. She hurried back to street where she left Kirara. She past by the school as she did. She bumped into Shuichi. Her bag fell and he picked it up for her. �Thanks,� she said. �No problem. But what brings you here this late? Shouldn�t you be getting home?� �You�re right, I should. I guess I�ll see you around then.� She ran as fast as she could away from him. �That was close.� She turned the corner and saw Kirara waiting for her. She didn�t notice that she was followed. �Sorry to keep you waiting, Kirara. I�ll make it up to you later.� Kirara transformed and they went home. Within the next couple of weeks, Momo got more adjusted to her new school. Sae tagged along with all the time and tried to copy her in everyway possible. Kairi was just about everywhere too, and she didn�t want to deal with another stalker. She also had the feeling that she couldn�t trust Sae. But she was one of the few girls who would talk to her. Shuichi didn�t come up to her anymore on the count of Sae. Momo got her training sessions still since Piccolo insisted to have her work harder. Her mother didn�t like it that much of course. And then Sae will insist going out to places all the time. She flirted more then Momo has ever seen one person do. Then there were a few rumors too floating about. After school one day, Shuichi caught up with her. �You want to show me something?� She said. �Yes,� he said. Sae then came up to them. �Momo, do you want to come over to my place and we can do nails and stuff?� She saw Shuichi standing there. �Oh, what do you want?� �Um, Sae, I�m sorry. I promised my mom I�ll do some errands for her.� Momo quickly made all this up. �Really?� Sae said snobbishly. �I see.� She stormed away pissed. �Now, what is it that you want to show me?� �I just couldn�t wait any longer, just follow me.� They went to a bus stop and took the bus to the local hospital. �The Hospital? I�m confused.� �As always.� �What do you mean?� she said giving him a tone as they got into an elevator. They stopped outside Room 501. �Come in, I want you to meet my mother first,� He opened the door and she followed him in. his closed the door behind them. The first thing she noticed was that his mother had terrible scars on her arms. �Shuichi, is that you?� she said in a weak voice. �Did you bring a friend?� �Yes, mother, this is Momo, my classmate.� �Nice to meet you.� �Nice to meet you too maam,� she bowed lightly. �Shuichi, the doctor�s going to come in soon, so this really isn�t a good time.� �Of course, mother. Let�s go Momo, I�ll walk you out,� said Shuichi escorting her. When they were in the hallway, Shuichi went the opposite direction. �Come this way.� They went to the roof of the building. It was nice and cool out. �Now what?� she asked. She stood by him. �Momo�� �What happen to your mother?� �You mean the scars? They�re pretty old. They happened when I was six. There was an accident when I fell off a stool while trying to get something out of the top cabinet. Some plates fell and broke and she stopped me from hitting them.� �That�s horrible.� �Then my father died when I was ten, so I couldn�t leave her.� �Leave her?� �Momo, I apologize, I�m really sorry.� �For what?� �I know who you really are.� �Okay, who the hell are you?!� she said backing away. �Calm down, it�s only me. Yoko Kurama.� �Kurama? Is that really you?� �Do you want me to explain?� �Yes, but how do I know it�s really you and not an imposter?� �The same that I know it is you and not an imposter. I assume you got my letter?� �Yeah, so it really is you.� �After I was shot and nearly killed, I assumed soul form and fled here. I was too weak to do anything, but reborn myself. Then ten years, my powers will return and I can run away as planned and leave without a trace.� �But you stayed.� �Exactly. I almost, did a few years ago.� �So that was you then, the boy I saw.� �Yes. I wasn�t really sure. But then I saw you. You look almost the same. You�re just more human.� He came closer to her. �I assume the same happen to you?� �Yeah.� �And you stayed with your family.� �I�m quite enjoying this, maybe too much.� �That�s good. But I feel so guilty, that�s the mean reason why I didn�t leave.� �Don�t blame yourself, accidents happen. And when have you ever felt responsible?� �You�re right. But while I�m here, I should keep a low profile. Don�t call me by real name.� �Why not? Can I at least call you Kurama?� �Fine, but when we�re alone like this would be better.� �People would just think it�s a nickname.� �Yours isn�t.� �Sorry, it�s on my birth certificate,� she smiled. He smiled back. �I�m so glad to have you back,� he said. Momo hugged him. �Me too.� �I won�t ever leave again.� Momo felt soothed by his words. At school, Momo spent all her time with Kurama now. She pretty much forgotten about Sae, but there were some annoying rumors about Momo being a boyfriend stealer. She quickly ignored them. It blew over by the week after. Kirara was joyed to see Kurama and they hung a lot out of school. Sae did try to ruin Momo, she tried to ask Kurama out, but he politely decline which made her more furious. It was clear enough to Momo that she wasn�t a good friend. Momo continued training when she could. It was getting really boring by now. She went to see Kami a few times. She suited training by him then from Piccolo, who was a little harsh. Kami thought it better to control her demon powers, even if they were inert still. She was able to focus all her sense. She felt it unnecessary, but she didn�t complain. Kurama came over to her house a few times to meet her family. He understood everything that was going on as well. Her mother thought it was nice that she was hanging around with a top student too. Gohan liked him and Kurama would help him on his homework. Goku liked him too. And even though Momo trained, Kurama didn�t. He didn�t fight anymore. He did regain some of his old powers, like his control over plants, but that was it. Momo went to his house to study some time too. There was usually no one there. Kurama spent more time at the hospital, and visited more often as the months went by. School was becoming a drag too. School dances were always boring. They do go on some dates, like to the amusement park, and that was fun. But Momo did notice that Kurama was changing. He decided to grow his hair out, which was alright with her. But by now a year had pass and their love flourish. Momo came form school one day running to Kurama�s house. She went around the block to pick Kirara up knowing that she will be getting home late anyway. Why didn�t he tell her sooner about this fire demon he met the other day? Instead he waited till today during last period to tell her. She wanted to see this demon. Both of them haven�t seen another demon besides themselves in like forever. Besides, Kurama had gone ahead of her to his house. She ran all four blocks there and rang the doorbell twice acting really impatience. Kurama quickly answered. �You know it�s unlocked,� he said. �I know,� she said coming in. �Tell me more and show me!� She said all eager almost jumping up. �I knew you were going to ask, he�s in my room.� �So, it�s a he?� She went ahead to his room. The door was shut. �Don�t go in yet.� He said blocking her. �I injured him pretty badly.� �How?� �Yesterday in the park, he attacked me thinking I was his enemy. He took me by surprise and naturally I defended myself. He has a temper too.� Kurama opened the door and she tailed him in. He was sitting on Kurama�s bed looking out the window. Kirara was brave enough to get closer. She jumped onto the bed and approached him, but he ignored her. He then turned to look at Kurama and Momo. �I�ve asked him his name, but he seems reluctant to reply,� said Kurama sitting at his desk. �Are you feeling any better?� he asked him. The demon only looked at Momo. Momo got a chill from looking at him, especially when he looked at her coldly. �Can you let me see?� asked Kurama. The boy held out his arm for Kurama and he examines the cuts. �It looks better.� �Who the hell is she?� the boy asked looking Momo over. He sounded bothered by her presence. �That�s Momo, I told you about her,� answered Kurama. �Momo? Then you�re really Yoko Kurama? The fox demon?� he asked all at once. �I thought you two were dead.� �Thanks, that�s assuring,� said Momo. �Well, you see we survived somehow,� said Kurama. �My name�s Hiei,� he said curtly. �You can call me Kurama,� he smiled gently. �I wasn�t really convinced when we fought, but I had my suspicions,� explained Hiei. Momo came closer and sat on the bed. �So what brings you here?� she asked. �Who said you can sit there?� he sneered. �Well, excuse me,� she said. She refused to move. �I can sit wherever I want.� Kurama sensed some tension already between the two. �So, Hiei,� interrupted Kurama, �What part of the Makai did you come from?� �What�s it to you?� he said as he started to put on his boots. �Just curious,� he said. �What about you?� she asked. �That�s really none of your business.� He got. �Are you leaving already?� asked Kurama. He didn�t respond. �Are you at least coming back?� �If need be,� he said. �And that means�?� began Momo. Hiei glared at her, she smiled. He went out the door and was gone in a flash. �That was probably the rudest person I ever met.� �He wasn�t all that bad.� �What are you going to do if he comes back?� �I�m not sure. Let�s just see what happens first.� �Well, I�m outta here,� she got and gave Kurama a peck on the cheek. �I�ll see you tomorrow.� �Alright,� he smiled. The next morning, Momo got up early to walk with Kurama to school. Kirara stayed home. Kurama was really distracted though. She finally asked him what was wrong after school after watching him all day. �It�s nothing, I�m fine,� he stopped and looked up at a nearby tree. �Look, it�s Hiei.� Hiei was sitting up in a tree. �You decided to come back?� �Yep,� He said as he jumped down to join them. �Were you waiting long for us?� asked Kurama. �I was waiting for you not her,� he said giving the evil look to her. �You�re starting to get on my nerves,� she said to him. �Tell someone who cares,� said Hiei as he turned his back to her and walked with Kurama. Momo caught up and walked by Kurama on his other side grabbing his arm. �Is there a reason why you two aren�t getting along?� �It�s her, not me,� said Hiei. �No way, you started it, butt face.� �Whatever.� �You two need to work this out,� said Kurama. They were already at his house. �And I really don�t want to invite either of two in if you�re going to fight.� �Good,� said Hiei inviting himself in. Momo stared at him. She followed him along with Kurama. �I told you,� she mouthed to him. Hiei was already in Kurama�s room. He sat in a chair this time. Momo stood and Kurama leaned against his desk. �Momo, is there any reason at why you don�t like Hiei?� �Besides him being a prick, no.� �Hiei?� He ignored him. �You�re one of the nosiest, annoying women I ever known.� �Hmph,� Momo responded. �You�re one of the most vulgar men I�ve ever met.� �I glad to allege you anytime.� �Whatever.� �I know what you�re thinking too.� �Oh and how is that?� He grinned. �He has a third eye.� Kurama explained. �He�s a jaganshi?� asked Momo. �But I thought he was a fire demon.� �I got it implanted fool,� he told her. �I�m really only half-fire really.� �You got recently too, no wonder you have fatigue,� said Kurama. Momo remained quiet and looked at his headband where his jagan eye was. �Can you stop staring?� Hiei asked. �Sure, she said. �Can�t you two find a way to get along?� butted in Kurama. �I don�t see why she can�t just leave.� �You can leave too. I don�t have time for this, I�m going home.� She left the room. Hiei and Kurama followed. Hiei was the one who beat her to the door and marched out first slamming the door in her face. �Did you see that?� she asked Kurama. �He did that on purpose!� �Don�t worry, he�ll come around eventually.� Momo kissed him on the cheek and blushed. �See you tomorrow,� she said. �Bye.� She opened the door and walked down the sidewalk. She noticed Hiei watching her from a far. �Are you spying on me?� she asked. �Why the hell would I do that?� he said. �Why don�t you leave me alone? I thought you hated me,� Hiei disappeared in the opposite direction and Momo raced the way home. Kurama was still frustrated that they wouldn�t get along. He was thinking it was quite silly by now. Momo went over to Kurama's house bright and early like she always does. It turned out that he wasn�t feeling good and decided to stay home. She went to off to school alone when Hiei all of the sudden showed up. �Where�s Kurama?� he asked. �He�s sick today,� she said. �Of you?� She ignored him. �So, now what are you going to do?� she taunted him. �Stop that.� �Well, I need to go to school.� �Why do you even bother? You don�t really need it.� �Are you telling me to ditch?� She stopped and looked at him. �You�ll have more fun that way.� �Why are you even talking to me?� �I thought we can get to know each other better.� She smiled. �I guess it couldn�t hurt, what did you have in mind?� �Whatever you want to do, I don�t care.� �But what changed your mind about me?� �I thought it over and it looked stupid, plus we got on a bad start.� Momo took a turn around the corner so they can by pass the school. �What do you do for fun around here?� �Hmmm, shopping.� �How typical.� �We can do something else.� �Good.� �We can go to a caf� if you like.� �That�s fine.� They walked uptown together. As they passed a magazine rack that was near the caf�, Sae was there reading a magazine. �Well, if it isn�t Momo, are you ditching?� Sae asked sounding really amused. �Sae! Why are you ditching?� asked Momo. She ignored her question and looked at Hiei. �Who�s this? Your new boyfriend? What happened to Shuichi?� �I�m not her boyfriend, you ugly whore,� he told her. Sae froze in shock and Momo looked at Hiei in awe. �Hiei, you�re my hero,� she said. �How dare you!� Sae didn�t know where to begin. �Come on Hiei, let�s get out of here,� She pulled him away. �Who was that?� �My worst enemy, I�m not in the mood for coffee anymore.� She walked past it. �Neither am I.� Hiei stopped. �You can let go of my hand, you know.� �Sorry,� she let go. �Wanna go to the park instead?� �Sure.� They walked in that direction. �So, Hiei, why are you here anyway?� �If you really have to know, I have a sister.� �A sister?� �Yeah.� �Is she here in the human world?� �That was what I heard, but she doesn�t really know me. We were separated at birth.� �Then are you going to tell her when you do find her? That sounds sweet.� �No,� he said forcefully. �You need to stop being nosy.� �Why no?� �You know, everyone says you practically fell apart after Kurama left you,� he said changing the subject. �And who is everyone?� �It�s just stories and rumors, that�s all.� �I wonder who came up with them in the first place though� �I don�t think she�s going to follow us.� �Well, that�s good.� Hiei went off in the park and Momo followed him. �Momo,� he said looking at her. �What?� �I never really hated you.� �Um, excuse me? What�s that suppose to mean?� �You�re dense sometimes. What I mean is this.� He stopped and moved in closer to Momo. He kissed her. She instantly froze up. He backed off. �Why did you �?� she stumbled over her words not knowing what to do. �You know better, I�m with Kurama!� she shouted at him angrily. �I don�t care,� he said. �Because I �� �Because you what?� �I can�t help it that I fell in love with you, but I see it�s not returned.� �You bet it isn�t. I�m going home,� she turned heel. �Why? It�s still early.� �I don�t care.� �Can I come at least? It�s boring out here.� �Sure, but keep away from me, alright?� Momo got home pretty quickly riding on Kirara. Hiei went on his own and Momo found him quite fast remarkably. They got to the countryside in no time. Momo spotted Piccolo in the backyard as she approached her house. Hiei was already there. Piccolo looked frustrated about something as he stood there. She then heard her mother screaming at Goku from inside. That was why, she thought. �What�s going on in there?� she asked him. �It�s your mother again. She doesn�t want Gohan to train today, something about his education,� said Piccolo. �Not again.� �I�m getting sick of this. Who�s this?� he looked at Hiei. �This is Hiei.� �Whatever, when they are done, you�re joining us in practice today.� �Why?� �Your father wants you to.� �Maybe I don�t want to.� �Shut up, you get a choice.� Momo ignored him and went inside. Hiei remained outside. �Okay, Gohan can train as long as he does his studies tomorrow,� said Chichi. �Thank you Chichi!� said Goku. �Oh Momo, you�re home. That�s great, get ready for fighting.� �Do I have to?� �Yeah, I thought you like it>� �Fine,� Momo went to her room and got into her training outfit. She then joined the others outside. �Okay, let�s get started,� said Piccolo. �Is he coming too?� he looked at Hiei. �Huh?� said Goku. �Who�s that? I didn�t even notice him.� Gohan came out in his outfit all ready. �He came home with Momo,� said Piccolo. �Hiei, are you coming with us?� she asked him. �I guess so,� he said. �Can he even fight?� Piccolo sneered. �Ha! Of course I can,� said Hiei feeling insulted. �Then let�s go,� said Goku. �We�ll train by the lake today.� They walked through the forest on a beaten path. The lake was a mile or so on the outer side of a cliff and a waterfall running off it. Gohan kept looking at Hiei every once awhile curious. They finally made it to the clearing. �Okay,� said Goku, �We now have less then a year to prepare, we need to speed up the training so listen up you two.� �Okay dad,� said Gohan. �Momo,� said Piccolo. �I�ll be training you today.� �Training from hell? What are you trying to do to me? Kill me?� she said. �Don�t you start, you have great potential and with enough training you could take those androids head on,� said Piccolo. �Whoa, Piccolo, isn�t that a little harsh?� asked Goku. �Don�t scare her.� �I think a little fear is good for her.� �But why me? What about him?� Momo pointed at Gohan. �Don�t point at me,� said Gohan. �He does too, but you�re on a higher level,� explained Piccolo. �I don�t care,� she said. �Cut the crap, now come on, we�re wasting time. We�ll training on the cliff,� said Piccolo as he flew up there. She followed and Hiei was up there in a flash. �Alright, first off, you�re not complaining either,� Piccolo said to Hiei. �Look, I don�t complain,� said Hiei. �Good,� he turned to Momo, �Momo, can you at least do special beam cannon?� �Nope.� �I didn�t think so; you�re not trying hard enough. By the way, Kami needs to see, he didn�t say why. What is he teaching you that�s such a secret?� �Nothing that important.� �Fine, we�ll do some basic stuff, you warm up.� �With Hiei?� �Yes,� said Hiei taking off his cloak. �I want to see if you fight like Kurama. He barely kept me on my feet and that was with the sword.� He threw his sword on top of his cloak on the ground. �I won�t even bother with it this time, you probably don�t have one.� �Actually, she does, but I�ve never seen her use it,� said Piccolo sitting on a boulder to observe. �Shut up Piccolo,� she said. �Are you ready?� asked Hiei. He got in to a fighting stance ready to come at her. �Been, but I have a feeling you are going to use that extra eye of yours,� she said as she Hiei then vanished. �What?� �Behind you,� said Piccolo. She turned around where she only caught an after image of Hiei. He reappeared with a punch. Momo saw it coming and caught his fist. She aimed with a right kick to his shin but he dodged it. �You caught up pretty quick,� he said, �But let�s see how strong your will is.� A strange sensation overcame her. She saw his Jagan glowing under his headband. She couldn�t move and she could only hear his voice. �How poor, you can�t even move,� he said. Momo remembered that he was a telepath. She dared him to come closer or she thought, but Hiei heard her anyway. �Fine, but you are just being foolish.� He came closer. Momo kneed him in the stomach and he fell. �Why you!� he said. �I thought you couldn�t move.� �I guess I fooled you. Your Jagan isn�t that strong, you lost control over me about half way.� �Okay, warm up is done,� said Piccolo. �But how did you resist it? No one ever does,� Hiei fussed. �Calm down,� she said. �Stop fighting you two!� yelled Piccolo, �and back to training. Momo, you can fight me now.� After a few rounds they retired for the day. Momo went down to the lake to rest and Hiei sat beside her. Gohan wandered over to them. Goku and Piccolo had already left. �What did you think of Piccolo?� she asked. �Too bossy,� he said. �Piccolo�s cool,� said Gohan. �Gohan, go home,� she told him. �You have to come home soon too or mom�s going to have a fit.� �I�ll be there in a minute.� Gohan skipped his way home. �Hiei, I was thinking. You act tough all the time, but when you are like this you�re not.� �So?� �It�s just weird� �Well, maybe I feel relaxed around you. I couldn�t do this in the demon plane.� �That makes sense. I need to go home now.� She got up. Hiei followed suit. �I�ll see you later.� She left him. When she looked back he was already gone. �There you are, Momo,� said Goku as she came in.� Practice with Piccolo went well?� �Yeah,� she sat down at the table for dinner. Gohan was already there. They had started without her. �Where�s that friend of yours?� �He went home.� �You made a new friend?� asked Chichi, �I didn�t see him.� �I didn�t like him, he�s mean. You�re not dating him, are you?� �No way.� �Why not?� said Goku in a teasing voice. �Afraid he doesn�t like you?� �Oh please, he�s not my type,� she stood up. �I�m going to bed early.� �Not hungry?� said Goku with a mouthful of noodles. �Not anymore.� The next morning Momo went down to Kurama�s at least an hour before school to see if he was feeling better. �You sure you�re feeling alright?� she asked sitting on his bed while he put on his uniform jacket. Kirara was watching the birds outside the window. �Yes, I�m sure,� he said. �Where�s Hiei? I didn�t see him yesterday or this morning.� Momo instantly thought maybe it was because Hiei couldn�t face him after yesterday, Kurama didn�t even know about it. �Well, let�s go,� he said picking up his bag. �Why do you look so depress?� �No, I was just thinking deeply,� she said as she got up and they set out to school in silence. �Kurama,� she said breaking it. �Do you like to consider us a couple anymore?� �Of course, why do you ask?� �No reason.� Kurama stopped. �Momo, I still love you as I did from the first day I set eyes on you, unless�?� �No, I still love you too.� �Then stop being silly.� He started walking again. �I guess Hiei�s not going to show up today. Did you two fight again?� �A little.� �You two need to get along.� They walked in to their first period class. Half of the class was whispering about something. Unfortunately Sae was in all her classes and was waiting to greet smiling. �What do you want Sae?� said Momo. �You haven�t heard then,� she said as she giggled. �What do you mean?� said Kurama. �Your girlfriend�s a slut.� �What!?� said Momo. A random girl came up to Sae and said: �Is it true that you saw Momo kissing another guy in the park?� �Of course,� said Sae. �She�s such a playgirl.� �Does she mean Hiei,� demanded Kurama whispering into her ear. �You don�t believe her, do you?� she asked him. �I don�t know, is it true?� �It wasn�t my fault, he came on to me!� �Who would believe such a story?� said Sae interrupting. �Sae, you�re just mad because he called you a whore,� she said. The bell then rang and everyone went to their seats. Momo and Kurama sat down next to each other at lunch. They went outside and sat under a tree. �You�re not going to eat?� she asked when she saw him pulling out a book to study with. �I need to study for the science test instead.� �Isn�t that in a couple days? You have time.� �I know. So Hiei kissed you?� �Yeah, go figured.� �But why, he said he hated you.� �I chewed him out good, so don�t worry.� �You did? I wanted to see that.� Hiei then came up behind them and joined them under the tree. �Hiei!� said Kurama surprised. �Where were you?� Hiei didn�t say anything. �Hiei, I know,� he said calmly. �You told him?� Hiei said to Momo. �I didn�t say anything; Sae saw and blabbed to whole school as usual.� �You should just beat her up, one time will do.� �And get kicked out? No way.� �But you�re not mad at me?� Hiei asked Kurama. �Hiei, you knew we�re still dating, and you went behind my back.� �So you�re back,� said Sae who came over when she saw Hiei. �You don�t go to this school.� �Why don�t you go away?� she said to her. �Are you two fighting over here?� asked Sae looking over the situation. �No, so go back to the hole you crawled out of, Sae,� said Momo standing up. Hiei then got up and left them. Sae looked happy. �Good, I didn�t like him anyway.� Sae went off feeling victorious. After school Momo walked home with Kurama about halfway. �I�m sorry; I have to go to Kami�s today.� �That�s alright, we can talk later then.� �Bye, see you tomorrow.� She went to Kami�s which was located above Kurin�s tower. When she got there, she found Mr.Popo watering the flower beds. �Momo,� he said, �it�s nice to see you again.� �Hi, where�s Kami?� �He�s on the balcony looking upon Earth.� The balcony was at the top so she made her way up there and Mr.Popo continued watering the gardens. She walked into the temple and found Kami there near the edge. �You met a friend?� He said when he heard her come in. �Yeah, how did you know?� �I see a lot of things.� �Of course you do.� �He�s a pretty strong character, this Hiei.� Momo stood beside him. �But his loyalties are indifferent, he�s a trouble one.� �You didn�t have to spear him the nice gratitude though.� �He�ll turn out good one day. You have to understand, he has a troubled past that haunts him. Just like you.� �Maybe.� �Piccolo was the same. But it�s hard to convince you of anything.� �You didn�t call me here to talk about Hiei, did you?� �No.� �Then what is it?� �Momo, my time here has shortened. I sense far terrible things than the androids, so I�ll have to reunite with Piccolo when the time comes.� �You�re leaving me then?� �In body, but I�ll be with Piccolo to guide you. I�ll try to help you as much as I can for now and the rest of the year. I won�t be able to do much after that. You�ll be on your own.� �Wait, will Piccolo know about me then? Who I am?� �Yes, but it�ll be kept a secret. But there are other more things you need to know. You�re past is going to catch up with you soon.� �What?� �You�re past was difficult. You were torn between everything because of one thing that everyone desired. You included. The Shikon Jewel will resurfaced and cause chaos once again.� �Is this the truth?� �Yes. Caution yourself, you might be in danger. Whoever it was that was after the jewel will come after it again. In a year�s time, even two from now.� �And you know for certain?� Kami ignored her for a second. �You can leave now. I�ll send a message to Piccolo to send for you when I need you.� He walked away. �And be on your guard.� �Yes sir,� she said leaving. She found Kirara following Mr.Popo around so she rode her home. When they got home it was too late to anything so she went right to dinner. Kirara stayed outside to hunt. When she went to her room later that night, she noticed her window was wide opened. �Kirara must have let herself in,� she figured. �No, I did,� she twisted around to see Hiei sitting on her bed. �What the hell are you dong in my room?� �Kurama and I had along discussion about you today.� �Just get out, and off my bed.� He got up and went to the window. �Fine, I�ll leave,� he jumped out. Momo slammed it shut and laid down. Kirara was in already and curled up next to her. Momo fell asleep with a troubled mind. Months past, Hiei was gone. He came back every three months for a short time and then e ran off again. Momo trained with Kami, She missed some school but she didn�t care. Piccolo and Goku trained her twice as hard. Both she and Gohan improved a lot. Kurama studied for his exams to go on to high school. He helped Momo as much as he could but she didn�t care much. Kami made her use her sword in training a few times. The one she had before. It still had no name but it didn�t matter much. It was a very fine sword. The sheath was from the bark of a magnolia tree. The hilt was crafted well too. Momo learned to focus her powers better. She was able to re-master old spell scrolls and sutras over time. It was getting near and everyone was getting ready for the androids. It was the day before May 12th. Momo and Kurama had both went off to their new high school together. Hiei showed up later that day and caught up with them after school. He asked them to come down town with him, to the outskirts of the city in to the wood. They followed him there to a clearing where a fierce-looking demon was, disguised as a human. �Momo, Kurama, this is Goki,� said Hiei, �he�s an ogre demon. Goki, these are the two I told you about, Yoko Kurama, the fox bandit and Momo,� Goki looked them over and laughed. �Are you expecting me to believe that this is them?� he asked. �Hiei, what is all this about?� asked Kurama. �Here�s my plan, we�re breaking in to Spirit World to get those artifacts of darkness in King Yama�s vault,� said Hiei. �Are you crazy? It�s the most guarded vault ever,� said Momo. �What�s the point anyways?� �Because we�re demons, Momo,� said Hiei. �Kurama has already agreed to help as long as he gets the forlorn hope, while I get the shadow sword. Goki gets the orb of baast.� �What do I get then?� she asked. �Hiei� broke in Goki, �How the hell do I know if they aren�t some kids playing pretend. I heard bogey stories of Yoko but this two aren�t them.� �You want proof?� said Kurama. �Yeah, get out of that skin.� �This is a merger, not a possession, so I can�t do anymore than your disguise allows you to do, but I have required most of my strengths and skills,� he pulled out a rose from behind his hair which was as long as Momo�s by now. �Are we going on a date?� joked Goki. Kurama turned the rose in to his rose whip and jumped over Goki to cut a couple of trees behind Goki. �Okay, I believe you Kurama,� said Goki sounding scared. �I�m sure it�ll be great working with you.� �What about you Momo?� asked Hiei. �I don�t know. What if we�re caught?� �King Yama�s on vacation and Spirit World will be unprepared, especially since that fool Koenma is in charge. Goki�s knocking out the guards and Kurama�s breaking the seals on the vault. So how about it?� �You don�t have to,� said Kurama. �Yeah, but what do I get?� �When we get to the vault, they�re all going to be concern to notice if you stole something else.� �Yeah, whatever, I�ll come then.� �Then that�s settled. Meet us here tomorrow morning,� said Hiei as he left. Goki went his separate path. Momo and Kurama walked back together. �When did you agree to this crap?� she asked him. �You sound angry,� he said. �I�m only doing this to help my mother.� �Is that why you want the forlorn hope?� �Exactly, even though I don�t really trust Hiei�s plan or him for that matter.� Momo woke up early the next morning, so did the rest of her family. The androids were to appear at ten a.m. exactly in a city nine miles south of the southern capital. All of the Z fighters were meeting there today. An hour before they were to set out, Momo was all ready to leave. She wore shorts and regular top feeling no need to put on her fighting outfit. Her sword she left behind since she knew she�ll never use it but she stuffed some spell sutras in her pocket before leaving. Goku was in the kitchen when she went in. �Where�re you going this early?� he said still eating breakfast. �I thought we were all going together.� �I�m just getting a head start,� she said. �Alright, be careful and see you there,� Momo went outside. She met up with Kirara. �Kirara, not today,� she told her. She went off on her own to meet Hiei and Goki. Kurama hadn�t shown up yet. �So you decided to come,� said Hiei. �What other choice did I have? I really don�t want to face androids today.� Kurama showed up quickly after. �We�re outta here,� said Hiei. �I�ve opened a portal to Spirit World. We break in and get out before we�re caught.� The four of them went deeper in to the forest where the portal was. �These artifacts will be of course to destroy humanity and nothing else,� said Hiei. They stopped at the portal. It was darker and the trees were thicker here. The portal shone bright. Goki went through first. �And what do you expect to find there Momo?� asked Hiei. �That�s not your concern; I�ll keep an extra guard for you guys if you need it.� The three of them went in together. They stood at the gate of judgment. br> |