Its not very long I know, but this is all I could come up with. This is my Christmas present to you all!

 

Disclaimer: Its Christmas! I don't want to disappoint you with that fact that I don't own any characters in here! ::BLUSHES DEEPLY:: Ooops....

 

                Inu-Yasha couldn't bring himself to eat lunch when it came. He tried to politely excuse himself, but when all else failed, he mentioned the little dog demon's room and they quickly shooed him out. He stepped out onto the porch and sighed forlonly as he gripped the railing and gazed out at the sight around him. The winds had died down and everything was covered in a thick carpet of sand. He pulled his Shikon Shard out of his pocket and looked at it. Just looking at it reminded him of Kagome. He put it away as the tears formed in his eyes. I know I haven't always been nice to her, he thought miserably as he sat down. But I never imagined there would come a day where I would never see her again...He buried his face in his hands and let the tears come. It didn't matter who saw him because there was no one there right?

                Wrong.

                Qui-Gon now stepped out of the shadows and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Inu-Yasha jumped and quickly tried to wipe away the evidence.

                "You really do miss your friend, don't you?" Qui-Gon asked softly, sensing the dogdemon's pain.

                "More than you can possibly imagine," Inu-Yasha said miserably.

                There was a twinkle of amusement in Qui-Gon's eye. "Do I sense more than friendship?"

                Inu-Yasha turned a deep crimson, but didn't say a word.

                Qui-Gon took a seat beside him. "I believe that you must go back to the ship."

                "What?' Inu-Yasha asked in surprise. "But why? What about the mission? What about me killing Obi-Wan?"

                "I think it is best that you return because back at the ship are supplies and tools that could help you find your friend, even through time..."

                "What?" Inu-Yasha paled. "How did you know---"

                Qui-Gon pulled out a small book that was rather thick. It was a red leather bound book with the title A Jedi's Guide to Weird and Mysterious Creatures written in silver letters. "I've tried to look up your species, Dog Demon was it?"

                Inu-Yasha nodded. "I'm half though, the other half is human."

                "Anyway, I couldn't find it, so I figured that you must have come from another dimension."

                "You mean, that you have books on that type of stuff?"

                Qui-Gon nodded. "Its a standard issue, all Jedi have them." He frowned as he looked Inu-Yasha over. "Strange though, because you sort of resemble the last one I saw of your kind."

                "What did he look like?!" Inu-Yasha demanded.

                "Well, its rather fuzzy since I haven't seen him in over a week," Qui-Gon admitted. "But he was a little taller than you, a scar or stripe on his face, intense ornage eyes and a strange fluffy thing around him. Do you know him?"

                Inu-Yasha had plaed once again. "He's my half brother...and he's the one responsible for sending me here and capturing Kagome. Why? What did he do?"

                Qui-Gon quickly arose. "This could be worse than I thought, you have to return to the ship immediately!"

               

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Needless to say Obi-Wan wasn't all too happy to work with Inu-Yasha, but once Qui-Gon whispered in his ear, he was too astonished and was eager to help. Inu-Yasha found it all rather suspious and everytime he asked what was going on, Qui-Gon said Obi-Wan would explain everything. It was close to evening when Qui-Gon returned back to Mos Espa.

                "First things first," Inu-Yasha growled once Obi-Wan led him into the tech room. "WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!"

                "Its a rather complicated story," Obi-Wan admitted. He pulled up a chair in front of a data screen and offered one to Inu-Yasha. He activated the screen and typed in a sequence. "Are you aware of the Tatooine Legend about the Guardian of the Shikon Shards?"

                Inu-Yasha nodded, "By some boy why?"

                "So you basically know that you are that Guardian?"

                Inu-Yasha again nodded.

                An image of Sessho-maru appeared on the screen. "Does he look familiar?"

                Inu-Yasha nodded. "But what---"

                Obi-Wan sighed. "I'm sorry, but this means you'll forever be stuck in this time..."

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Kagome was kneeling on the stone floor of her cell, staring at nothing. There were two scars on the left side of her face where Sessho-maru had lost patience. She gingerly touched then and flinched. What am I supposed to do? She thought. I don't know how I stopped the sword from transforming...I really don't know...She looked out at the moon. It was glowing as white as Inu-Yasha's hair. Tears formed in her eyes and escaped, crawling down her face, burning her scars. She didn't bother brushing them aside. They were no where near as painful as the scar inside. I miss you Inu-Yasha...I really do...

                "Are you ready to talk?" Sessho-maru asked, coming up to her cell.

                She turned away. "There is nothing to tell."

                "If you did, I would let you see your one true love again..."

                Kagome blushed, grateful that she had her back to him. "You said he'll never come back."

                "I give you my honor as a Dog Demon."

                She scowled. "You have no honor."

                She heard the cell open and yet did not bother to stand up. She just didn 't have the strenght. She felt Sessho-maru yank her to her feet and turn her around. He held his poisoness claws under her chin and carressed it.          

                "I grow weary from her insolence. Tell me now."

                She decided to lie. "I can sense Shikon Shards."

                "I am aware of that little fact."

                "That's because I am one."

                Sessho-maru frowned. "Since when did a Shikon Shard ever take the form of a human?"

                "Ah...well...because..."

                He smirked. "You lie poorly, even for a human..."

                She blushed and looked away.

                He eyed her strangely. "You really don't know, do you?"

                She gave a small nod.

                "And if you did...would you tell me?"

                She nodded once again. He forced her to look into his eyes. For a moment, he just stared at her. "You are telling the truth..."

                He released and turned away as he drew out his sword. She took a step back and paled. "What are you doing?"

                He faced her again. "I promised you that you would see your one true love remember?"

                "Well, yes but---"

                He suddenly struck her in the head and she fell to the ground unconscious.

                He smirked as he put the sword back into its scabbard. "Unfortunately, you won't remember him when you see him..."

               

                                                                *                *                *             

                Inu Yasha sat on his sleep couch resting his head in his hands. Things looked impossible. There's no way I'll ever be able to get home and save Kagome, he thought bitterly. How will I ever find two more Shikon Shards and then find one that doesn't exist? Its impossible, totally and utterly impossible. He felt tears trickle down his cheek as he began to realize he would never see her again. He just couldn't cope with that thought. For the next day, he stayed in his chamber and cried and when he didn't, he plotted revenge against his brother.

                He planned on spending the second day in the same fashion when his hunger overcame him. He opened his door and walked down the corridor intent on raiding the fridge. As he walked down, he heard some noise going on in the cockpit. As curious as he was his stomach overruled it by a mile. He walked into a small room with a large fridge. He opened the door and peered inside. He sighed in exasperation. No Raman Noodles. How's a DogDemon expected to live under such harse conditions?! He thought bitterly. But still, he was hungry and since a Croissant looked promsing, he reached of for it when he felt a hand rest gently on his. He was so startled he jumped and hit his head on the roof of the fridge.

                "OOOWWWW!!!" He snarled as he dropped the Croissant and grabbed the back of his head to stop the pressure of pain. He slammed the door shut in anger. "That really hurt! What kinda nerve do you ha---" He paused, surprised to see Anakin standing in front of him. Anakin looked sympathetic as he handed the Croissant  Inu-Yasha had dropped.

                "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay?"

                Inu-Yasha was at a loss for words. Before, he would have killed the little tyke for that, but now...he couldn't bring himself to do so. Besides, he could help me, he figured. After all her found the first Shikon Shard why couldn't he find three Shikon Shards?

                "Yeah," He kinda drawled. "I'm fine. Why are you here anyway?"

                "Qui-Gon freed me from slavery and I'm going to Coruscant to become a Jedi," Anakin said proudly. "Are you doing that too?"

                Inu-Yasha shook his head as he took a bit out of his Croissant. "Nope, the old Jedi wants to help me find my friend."

                "Lady Kagome right?"

                Inu-Yasha nodded. "Do you by any chance know the rest of the legend? I'm gonna need all the help I can get."

 

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                Inu-Yasha and Anakin stayed up most of the night talking about the legend. He couldn't believe how much the little tyke knew about Shikon Shards. Also, it amazed him that this little boy was so willing to help him even when this wasn't his battle. That morning, Inu-Yasha was called up to the cockpit. They were about to land on Coruscant and Qui-Gon wanted to speak with him there. When he arrived, the old Jedi hadn't arrived yet so he looked at his notes from the night before.

 

Main Points of the Legend

 

1. The two Shikon Shards are scattered on planets covered with grass or metal

2. The third one cannot be revealed until I discovered my true self (?)

3. I have to trust my instincts

4. There will be trials and traps along the way

5. Gotta get Raman Noodles

 

                He paused as he read the last line of his list. I must have been REALLY hungry last night! He thought. He looked out the window. Coruscant was basically a planet of metal. Perhaps here I will find a Shikon Shard...Just then he heard Qui-Gon enter the room. He quickly put the list away as the Jedi approached him. "I wanted to give you an update," Qui-Gon explained. "The Queen will go before the Senate and plead her case. I'm taking Anakin to the Jedi Temple to enlist him as a student there. I'm leaving you on your own...under Obi-Wan's protection. I suggest you go with the Queen to the Senate. Does this suit you?"

                "Do I have to be with the Obi guy?" Inu-Yasha groaned.

                Qui-Gon nodded firmly. "He wanted to help you. He actaully asked me to allow it."

                Inu-Yasha was surprised to hear this little bit of news.

                "There's our landing pad," Ric Olie said aloud as he started landing coordinates.

                Qui-Gon held out a loose travel robe. "I suggest you wear this and the hood too. We wouldn't want you to be spotted by any enemies. Or have anyone touch your precious ears!" He added sarcastically.

                Inu-Yasha growled a comment as he donned the robe and hood. As the ship landed, the rampway extended and they left. Inu-Yasha noticed the Qui-Gon was sincere of Obi-Wan's proposal. Obi-Wan looked quite content at his side and also determined. The group approached another group which consisted of two old men and their loyal bodyguards. One introduced himself as Senator Palpatine (who Obi-Wan said was the Senator of Naboo) and the other as Supreme Chancellor Valorum. Brief chit-chat was exchanged which he paid little attention to and looked around him. All this political junk is a waste of time! I need to look for clues...As he slowly took in the huge city around him, he felt very small. A sweat droplet grew on his face.

                "Don't worry," Obi-Wan assured him. "We'll just follow the Queen and her party."

                Inu-Yasha scowled. "Why would Iwant to follow some pale-faced Queen around?"

                "I have a feeling you'll find something you're looking for."

                He was shocked. "You mean you can sense the Shikon Shards?!"

                Obi-Wan looked a little confused and shook his head. "No, not really. Its just Jedi instinct that's all."

                "Shikon Shards!" Anakin said gleefully as he held Inu-Yasha's hand. "I want to help you find 'em! If I helped you find one, I can find another!"

                Inu-Yasha just stared down at him. The young boy smiled at him. The twinkle in his eyes reminded him of Kagome. "Sure thing kid."

                Obi-Wan lightly touched his shoulder. "Come, the Queen's about to leave."

                Inu-Yasha and Anakin followed him onto an air taxi. Inu-Yasha was not usually afraid of heights, but being millions of miles above the ground (...if there even was one!) kinda of made him queasy. Anakin was excited and look over the railing and pointed at some starship models he knew and marveled audibly at those he didn't. Obi-Wan kept his hands within the folds of his robe and remained impassive, merely glancing around him from time to time.

                Once the ship landed at a large exravagent building, Inu-Yasha was all too eager to leave. The old man of the group, some senator guy led them up to his apartment and showed them inside. Except for Inu-Yasha and Anakin, he left them in the foyer. Inu-Yasha was grateful since he wasn't too keen on listening to politics. Anakin, on the other hand, was depressed. He sat with his elbows on his knees and his hands supported his head. "Its not fair! How come Obi-Wan was allowed in and we weren't?"

                Inu-Yasha shrugged. "Beats me."

                "Inu-Yasha?" Anakin asked after a strange moment of silence. "Do you know anyone here?"

                He frowned. "No, I'm from another world!" he paused for a moment. "Why do you ask?"

                The boy pointed out the door. "Because I saw some lady walking by a second ago and she just looked at you. She looked familiar. I think she had medium black hair..."

                Inu-Yasha figured Anakin didn't know what he was talking about, but something was eating away from his insides, something telling him he might as well check it out. He got up and opened the door. Looking down the hallway, he saw a slender figure clothed in skyblue simmersilk robes, those of which Obi-Wan had pointed out as a senator's aid. She was speaking to a strange creature and handed an envelope to him. As he shut the door, she started off.

                "Wait!" Inu-Yasha called out.

                The figure paused and turned to face him. She was indeed a young woman and her hair was pulled back into intricate designs. But no matter how different her hair was, Inu-Yasha was surprised to see it was really Kagome!

                "Kagome!" He exclaimed. She didn't move as he enveloped her in a hug. "I missed you so much! How did you get here? How did you find me?"

                He pulled away to notice that there was a glossy look to her usually keen brown eyes. "Can I help you good sir?"

                *                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

Inu-Yasha paced in front of the Jedi Council. Once he had informed Obi-Wan on the current situation, Kagome was brought before the Council to determine her present state. He could no longer stand just sitting and watching the door. It was too unbearable. He longed to be with Kagome, but it broke his heart to see her like this. He got up and stood on a closed in balcony for it was too dangerous to have an open one. Also, he didn’t completely trust the manic drivers that whizzed by at lightspeed. He sighed in frustration and rested his head in his hands as he placed his elbows on the railing. He felt a tear coming on. Earlier, he had wished with all his heart that he could see her beautiful face, but now he wasn’t so sure. He hadn’t expected her to forget everything. He felt someone take his hand, the person had a small hand so he didn’t have to look down to know it was Anakin. 

“Is Lady Kagome going to be alright?” He asked with sad eyes. He looked just as distressed as he did.

“I hope so,” Inu-Yasha said. “She’s the one who helps me find Shikon Shards.”

“I can help in the meantime,” Anakin promised with a small smile. “Can’t I?”

Inu-Yasha didn’t answer as he heard the Council door open. They both looked up to see Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan approaching them. Qui-Gon nodded to Anakin. “Your turn is coming up soon. I’m sure you’re eager to say goodbye to Padme. Why don’t you come with me?”

Obi-Wan shared a quick nod with his Master and waited at Inu-Yasha’s side until they left. He knew what was going on. The two Jedi didn’t want Anakin to hear the news. “How bad is it?”

“Very, I’m afraid,” Obi-Wan with a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. “Her memory has basicly been erased. The Council has done everything they can to find a weakness in her memory lapse, but none could be found.”

“No…” Inu-Yasha turned away quickly to hide the tears the threatened to emerge.

Obi-Wan placed a hand on his shoulder. “However, there was a little something. At one point, she started to cry and called out your name.”

Inu-Yasha growled at him as he grabbed the collar of his tunic and pulled him close. “Why didn’t you tell me before?!”

“The spell ended before we could get you,” Obi-Wan explained and waited for the dog demon to release him before he continued. “The Council’s theory is that with every Shikon Shard, her memory slowly returns for a moment. If you collect them all, her memory should return.”

Inu-Yasha glanced at him over his shoulder. “How do we find the others? The kid said he had a feeling there was another one here in the city. “ He looked out the window at the many skyscrapers and ships. “How can I possibly find it in this huge city? It could be anywhere…”

“True, it is easy to hide on this planet,” Obi-Wan agreed. “But I have an idea as to where we ought to look first.” He pulled out a handsize gadget and started to activate it. Inu-Yasha looked at what he was doing. Soon, he held it out so Inu-Yasha could see. A tiny 3-D model of the city appeared in mid air. One place was red and seemed to radiate electronic heat waves. “This is an energy analyzer device,” Obi-Wan explained. “I just plugged in to find any strange energy currents here in the city. I have a feeling that this could be the Shikon Shard we’re looking for.”

Inu-Yasha looked surprised at this technology. “And you figured this all out yourself?”

Obi-Wan paused and blushed deeply. “Well, Anakin helped me out a little bit. Anyway, the reading is coming from the bottom of the city, the ground level.” He motioned for Inu-Yasha to follow him. The two quickly used a turbo lift to get to the bottom level of the Jedi Temple and walked out.

“What about Kagome?” Inu-Yasha asked as he looked up at the building which towered before him.

“She’s going to be fine,” Obi-Wan assured him. “They will keep an eye on her until we leave the planet.”

“For what?”

Obi-Wan looked at him in puzzlement, then wore a small smile. “Oh! You didn’t hear? The Queen tried to get the Senate to side with her on the trade federation blockade. Sadly, she didn’t get any results and now has decided to return to Naboo.” He now became sober and looked around to find a transport. “It’s a sad thing that the Senate is more caught up in their own affairs and not in the common good. There will be dark days ahead…”

Inu-Yasha was about to ask what he really meant when Obi-Wan pointed ahead to a loading ship just up ahead. He followed the Jedi on board. The ship’s captain collected the credits from them. He didn’t look surprised to see a Jedi, but looked at Inu-Yasha like he was wearing a bikini. Obi-Wan explained that they were travel companions, and finally the captain let him board. As Inu-Yasha took a seat, he could almost swear he heard the captain say, “That temple produces the strangest kinds of beings year after year after year…” 

“Don’t worry about a thing,” Obi-Wan said as he sat next to him.  “This trip will only take a few minutes.”

Inu-Yasha nodded and braced himself as the ship took off and entered into the busy traffic. He glanced out his window and looked at all the ships and shuttles whizzing by him. Suddenly, he felt someone gently pull on his ear. He jerked away to see a small girl only around 5 years old. She looked at him with wide blue eyes. She appeared human to him. She wore simple clothing, but clean enough to show her middle-class position. She wore her frizzy red hair pulled back into three strange buns. She was sucked on one finger and looked at him curiously. He frowned at her. Usually he would flip out, but didn’t feel it was necessary to behave so now. Before he could react to this, the platform landed and Obi-Wan gently touched his arm. “It’s time.”

Inu-Yasha got up and followed him amongst the other passengers out onto the grimy streets. The site of the city appalled him. There were homeless people sleeping in the streets, there were dark shadows and alleyways, and several cantinas were in sight. He looked up to see the towering skyscrapers. He couldn’t believe how much more sophisticated the upper city was and how it didn’t affect the lower city. Obi-Wan smiled at his surprise. “Strange isn’t it?”

Inu-Yasha nodded and followed him down the street. Here, he didn’t get so many strange looks, but looks that made him feel as though everyone that walked by him was suspicious that he would pull something. They appeared to be a very cautious and nervous race. Obi-Wan noticed this too. “I didn’t think you’d attract so much attention.”

He pulled off his robe and handed it to him. Inu-Yasha pulled it on and donned the hood. He was relieved to see that the dirty looks ended. “Where are we headed exactly?”

Obi-Wan consulted his analyzer. “It’s an old boarded up apartment building that’s been abandoned for years. It’s the perfect place.”

“For what?” Inu-Yasha asked.

Obi-Wan turned into an alleyway. There was a brick wall coming up, but he still continued on. “For gangsters and smugglers to trade or sell goods. It should be beyond this wall.” He took his lightsaber out and carved himself an entrance through the tough material. It would never cease to amaze him what these tiny beams of light could do. Obi-Wan stuck his head in and looked around to check if the coast was clear. When it was, he motioned for Inu-Yasha to follow him. He pointed to a tall apartment building at their left. There was only one light on inside. “Its got to be in that room.”

Obi-Wan cautiously opened the front door and crept inside. Inu-Yasha did the same. Obi-Wan tiptoed down the main hall until he found what he was looking for: an abandoned elevator shaft. Obi-Wan entered and with Inu-Yasha, making things a little crowded. Obi-Wan took out a blaster type thing and fired it up at the ceiling high above them. He called it a cable launcher.  He started to climb up first, then Inu-Yasha last. At one point they reached what must have been the 4th floor when Obi-Wan stopped climbing. He peered through a grate and looked down at Inu-Yasha and put a finger to his lips. Inu-Yasha nodded, knowing that Obi-Wan had found the lit room.

Inu-Yasha could hear some of the conversation, but not all. Every now and then he heard a, “Wheat’s taking the boss so long?” and “Do you think he’s doubled crossed us?” All this talk of disloyalty commenced for a while as the gangsters began to fidget.

“For a Dog demon, he sure ain’t reliable,” one crook said which made Inu-Yasha and Obi-Wan stiffen. “I can’t see what he see’s in this piece of glass.”

Obi-Wan looked confident as he surveyed the scene that it was the Shikon Shard. He motioned for Inu-Yasha to climb down a little ways and followed him. Just when Inu-Yasha thought he was escaping, the young Jedi took his light saber and cut through the wall. Climbing out, he looked back at Inu-Yasha. “Do you bear a resemblance to your half brother?”

Inu-Yasha shrugged. “I never thought about it. Why?”

Obi-Wan grinned at him as he cut through the ceiling. “You’re going to pretend to be him!”

Inu-Yasha had no time to argue as the piece of metal dropped at his feet. Upstairs, he heard silence. He climbed up and out onto the floor in front of the Gangsters. Two were sitting at a crude table playing Sarbac and one stood above to survey the game. Each had a nearby blaster. The watching and one playing to his left was human and the other looked like Watto from Tatooine. Both stared at him, then remembered their protocol and stood up with a quick bow. “Lord Sessho-maru!”

                Inu-Yasha pretended to be impatient. “I have no time for pleasantries. Just give me what I want. Now.”

                The human who was playing cards looked at his companions and slowly licked his lips in thought. “Well,” he said as he held the Shikon Shard in his hands. “It sure took us an awful time to get this baby and we sure don’t like working so hard for free so…” he looked at Inu-Yasha with a wicked grin. “Give us 5,000 credits first. It’s a fair price for something I’ve never seen or heard of and I’ve been stealing rare artifacts for a long time.”

                Inu-Yasha paused for a moment. He hadn’t remembered hearing about a price. He didn’t like the situation at all and his blood boiled inside at this delay, after this one, he had one more Shikon Shard to find before the invisible one and he was getting tired of these distractions. He felt his anger reach a dangerous level. The gangster could see this and started to tremble. Inu-Yasha glared at him with red eyes. “I will give you a better price for it…your life…”

                The gangster looked back at his companions, who too were shaken. “Well…its sounds fair enough.” He quickly gave Inu-Yasha the Shikon Shard. He grinned at him evilly, showing his long fangs. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you gentlemen.” And with that, he slipped down the hole. After the footsteps melted away, the three gangsters seemed to relax and two commenced playing Sarbac once again. The human player took a rag out and wiped his forehead, which glistened with sweat. “I never knew how dangerous it was when it came to dealing with Dog Demons…”

                “But that is only when you don’t fulfill the requirements…”

                The three jumped from their seats when the real Sessho-maru appeared from the shadows. He looked at them each in turn. “Well…where is it?”

                “Where is what?” The Toydarian asked in confusion.

                “The Shikon Shard you fools!”

                The human card player started wringing his cap in his hands. “Some other Dog demon who we thought was you were came and took it. It’s the honest truth o great one!”

                “He had strange orange-red robes and long white hair and dog-like ears,” the other human equipped. All three paused for a moment.

Sessho-maru frowned and looked out the window to see a long shuttle lift into the air and enter the upper city. He hands shook in anger. He knew who the other Dog Demon was. You will pay for this Inu-Yasha! He looked back at the other three with a glare as he drew the Tetsusaiga sword from its scabbard. “Now you will pay for your insolence!”

 

 

*                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

Inu-Yasha didn’t feel safe until the Queen’s ship took off into hyper space. Here, he finally relaxed in the cockpit while Obi-Wan informed his Master on their little exursion. He found it odd how the apprentice was expected to inform his Master on any little detail. Obi-Wan explained that it meant they shared a bond, they were a team. If one left out a little detail, it could have been vital to the mission or assignment. Inu-Yasha certainly wasn’t going to argue. The Jedi had their own ways of doing things and he wasn’t interesting in changing the system. He was thinking about Kagome who was in the room beside him. With the other Shikon Shard, she recognized him as a school friend. It wasn’t much, but at least she recognized him on sight. Still, he was convinced she thought he was a girlfriend of her’s because sometimes, she’d talk and giggle silly and ask if he ever thought of painting his fingernails since they were perfect for doing just that. He wondered if she ever would…or better yet, if he would ever let her! She was sleeping now and it made him feel a little better that she was safe from his brother. For not the first time, he wondered why he had bothered to capture Kagome. He remembered what he had said, “You see, I consider her a hindrance in my obtaining the Tetsusaiga sword. And once I get her out of the way---"

He frowned in deep thought. Could it be that he feels Kagome was a threat to his gaining power?

A soft hand gently touched his shoulder. It wasn’t Anakin’s, this hand was longer and more slender. He looked up to see a handmaiden that looked like Padme, but wasn’t. She smiled gently at him. “May the Queen see you for a moment?”

He nodded and followed her down the corridor and into the ship’s throne room. The Queen sat on her throne in regal robes and bowed her head slightly to recognize him as Captain Panaka continued talking. She smiled slyly at him and paid attention to Panaka’s question. Inu-Yasha could have sworn he had seen that smile before. As he stood at Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s  side, he finally placed that smile. He had seen it coming from Padme! He frowned in his observation. How could Padme be the Queen of Naboo? It just wasn’t practical. Or perhaps she could be a decoy. He didn’t know which was right. All he knew was that Padme was wearing the Queen’s robes this time.

“We have called you hear Inu-Yasha so you may know what to expect when we land on Naboo,” the Queen said to him in a soft, yet diplomatic tone. “Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn informs me that you are a stranger to this world…or even our galaxy. And he informs me of your present mission. Since I do not wish to invlove you in a war that you have no part in, I wish to ask what you will decide. You can hide out in the country side until it is all over. But that is your decision."

He was at a loss for words as he gazed into Padme's eyes. They were such a deep brown color, just like Kagome's...only he could see a longing look in Padme's that he rarely saw in Kagome's. Padme really cared for him, that much he knew, but he sensed that her only interest in him was friendship. Before he could speak, Qui-Gon spoke for him. "With all due respect, your highness, Inu-Yasha and my padawan learner are on a mission of their own. Wherever they go will be the will of the Force."

Inu-Yasha thought it made sense so he nodded along with Obi-Wan. Padme seemed to wonder for a moment if Qui-Gon was just putting words into his mouth, but soon came over it and told Inu-Yasha he had permission to leave if he wanted to. As he left the room, she continued the discussion about taking back her planet.

He walked slowly down the corridor for a while, because he didn't know what he was supposed to do. He had no one to talk to. Anakin was taking some lessons with Ric Olie and Kagome was sleeping now. He went back to his quarters and sat at a desk, holding the two Shikon Shards in his hands. I have two more left to find and after that I'm all set...I hope. He was grateful for all the assistance he'd received from Anakin and Obi-Wan. Both were a great help to him. As he pondered on his next move, Obi-Wan swiftly strode in without a knock on the door. Inu-Yasha was a little irritated at this, but the eager look on the padawan's face made him forget his earlier feelings.

"I think I might know where the third Shikon Shard is!" Obi-Wan said as he placed a map entitled: The Gungan Swamp on the desk. "After finding the last one, I'm sure that Sessho-maru is hiding the Shikon Shards in places where no one would ever think to look. Since the Naboo are heavily into discovering rare and ancient artifacts from their ancestors, I believe that if it was within Naboo territory, they would have found it by now."

"What makes you think they haven't found it already?" Inu-Yasha pointed out.

"Because I asked the Queen, she's in charge of sponsoring such expeditions," Obi-Wan explained. "Since the Naboo are afraid of the Gungans, they never bother to explore there. I sincerely believe that we will find it there."

"When do we start?"

"The ship will be within the Naboo atmosphere within the hour," Obi-Wan said as he rolled his map up. "In the meantime, get some rest. You'll need it when we reach the planet."

 

*                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *                I do not see the reason why my Master trusts this strange being, Darth Maul thought as he glanced at Sessho-maru who was at his side. He didn't want to be jealous because his Master would disapprove, but when he thought more on it, he realized he didn't entirely trust the Dogdemon. Sessho-maru had sensed the apprentice's uneasiness, and ignored the urge to step closer just to see him squirm, but he had no time. Darth Sidious was talking to him.

"Lord Sessho-maru, there is only so much I can do for you," Darth Sidious said honestly. "Already my time is consumed with planning to overthrow the government and then taking over the entire galaxy. Still, I am willing to help you find what you need."

 Sessho-maru bowed his head to show his gratitude. "I am still searching for my half brother. And I am still willing to pay greatly for the information I need."

Darth Sidious looked through his paperwork. "Ah, yes. Your half brother left Coruscant 2 standard hours ago with Queen Amidala who planned to return to Naboo." He paused and looked up. "Are you interested in Lady Kagome?"

 Sessho-maru paused. He was greatly interested in still discovering her concealed powers, but his temper had gotten the better of him. "Only if she is nearby. My first objective is to take Inu-Yasha out."

Darth Sidious looked back at his papers. "You should be pleased to find that she is in the company of this Inu-Yasha. I assume she is now entrusted into his care."

This makes things easier, Sessho-maru thought to himself. "I thank you for the information, all I ask for now is that you give me the proper coordinates to Naboo and---"

"No need," Darth Sidious interrupted. "My apprentice Darth Maul is going there as well to take the Jedi out. You might as well travel with him. It would save on gas."

Sessho-maru saw Darth Maul stiffen slightly to hear this and he grinned, just thinking of all the things he could do to the poor little apprentice...

 

*                              *                              *                              *                              *                              *

As the ship was leaving hyperspace, everyone was in the cockpit, eager to see what had become of the blockade. Was it still there? And if so, were their more? Kagome was standing by Inu-Yasha’s side, holding onto his arm in excitement. He tried not to look down at her. If he did, he knew he would cry. It hurts me even more to have you by my side in this state and not truly recognize me. I wish things were as they used to…

“Where’s the blockade?” He heard the pilot say and he looked up to see the planet’s atmosphere completely empty. He too frowned…where was it?

“What’s that?” Anakin asked as he pointed up ahead.

“A droid control ship,” Obi-Wan answered grimly. “That must mean they have complete control over the planet.”

“They may have spotted us by now,” the pilot said worriedly.

“We haven’t much time,” Obi-Wan agreed. “We’d better land in the swamplands. It’d be harder for the to track us down there.”

Ric Olie did as he was told and soon the royal spacecraft was hiding among the murky swamp, which Inu-Yasha remembered too well. Before they left, Qui-Gon gave Inu-Yasha one of his tunics and robes. “Your color of your robes might be easily spotted. You better wear this.”

Inu-Yasha put them on and looked just like Qui-Gon, only without the boots. Being the last to leave the ship, Inu-Yasha walked into the group of the queen and her escorts, her security, the Jedi, and Anakin who was talking to Kagome. He was surprised to see her dressed as one of the queen’s escorts, but then thought it was a really good idea.

                Obi-Wan approached him. “We’ll have to stay with the group for now, its not safe to be wandering at this time. The Queen has decided to negotiate with the Gungans. The two societies have never been together and now she hopes to unite them in her cause to save the planet from the grasp of the Trade Federation. But we will look for the Shikon Shard, I promise.”

                Although Inu-Yasha was eager to get Kagome back, he nodded. I can’t keep thinking about myself. The Queen is busy and I shouldn’t be getting in the way of that. He was horrified to even be thinking about that. What’s happening to me?! I’m…I’m…being…NICE!!! But after he thought more on it, he smiled ruefully. This experience had certainly changed him…maybe even for the better. As the group marched ahead, Padme came up to his side.

                “How is Lady Kagome doing?”

                “She’s okay, but she still doesn’t recognize me fully.”

                “I am sorry to hear that,” Padme said honestly. “Truly, I am.” By looking at his face, she could see that he wasn’t really comfortable about the subject so she changed it. “What will you do after you retrieve the final Shikon Shard? Will you return to your world?”

                He nodded. “I have to, it’s my home.”

                “Oh…” Padme said softly, almost sadly. “Of course…Naboo has always been my home, I would live no other place.”

                The silence between them stretched on as the group walked closer and closer to their destination. Inu-Yasha couldn’t help but want to leave now, he had to get home, but he felt such an attachment to his new friends. He couldn’t imagine leaving.

Suddenly, Qui-Gon tapped him. Inu-Yasha quickly snapped back to attention. They were now facing what appeared to be ancient ruins and a group of important looking creatures were standing before them on a large head of a broken statue…a very large and broken statue! The Queen knelt before them and started to explain why she had sought him out. The head creature (or Gungan as Qui-Gon called it) wasn’t in a big hurry to listen. He blamed her for the invasion. Inu-Yasha couldn’t help but roll his eyes. What a waste of time! The only way someone can make another do what they want is to defeat them in battle!

He remembered the mind-reading ability the Jedi possessed and quickly glanced over at Qui-Gon. He glanced at him too, then turned his attention back to the Queen’s speech. Inu-Yasha couldn’t help but wonder if he had read his thoughts. If he had, the old Jedi surely wasn’t giving any signs. He then noticed Qui-Gon frown. He followed his gaze and frowned as well. Padme now stood before Boss Nass and in front of the Queen! His brow furrowed. What does she think she’s doing?!

Apparently Boss Nass wondered the same thing. “Whosa dis?” He inquired, but not out of interest. He seemed to be rather annoyed.

“I am Queen Amidala,” She said firmly.

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED....

 

The next chapter will be the conclusion of the delightful new Saga. Thanks for being patient and being nice to me! -_-; I never expected to have this much schoolwork! Have a great day!