The Prophecy of the Ninja. by iamsesshomarusfluff
Aki
The day started off normally. The group had gotten up from camp, ate breakfast, and started back on their journey through Japan to find the missing link mentioned in the prophecy that the seer Sesshomaru brought them to, gave them. The only direction she could give them to find said missing person, was west along the rocky shores of the western coast. Today was the day they crossed out of Sesshomaru’s borders into lands unknown. When they finally did cross the border, Inuyasha immediately felt his brother’s discomfort. He didn’t mention anything at first, believing that it would pass quickly, but as the afternoon grew late, and his brother’s discomfort only increased, he finally slowed his pace until he was in step with his brother.
“What’s wrong?” He whispered.
“We need to be careful. There are beings here that would make Naraku quake in his boots.” He said evenly.
That made Inuyasha raise a brow at that, but said nothing further. He resumed his place at the head of the group. As they left the open flat field by the sea to follow the path was wove its way into the forest that lined the cliff edge of the western shore, Sesshomaru visually tensed. Everyone noticed and immediately went on guard. They walked a couple more miles when Sesshomaru stated they were being followed.
“Yeah, I can feel them too. But they’re not a demon, so what’s got you so tense?” Inuyasha asked.
“You don’t have to be a demon to invoke fear into one,” A voice stated from somewhere above them. Everyone clutched their weapons tighter and looked around, trying to pinpoint where the voice came from. It laughed at them before saying, “If I truly wished you harm, you all would be dead by now.”
“Easy for you to say while you’re hidden up in those trees. Why don’t you come down and face us? Ow!” Inuyasha yelled, as Sesshomaru smacked his head with the handle of his sword.
“Silence, before you get us killed.”
“… Are you afraid?” He asked, completely shocked. Sesshomaru was afraid of nothing. Not even Naraku, the most evil, vile and powerful being bent of ruining the lives of the world, and destroying said world after ruining all of said lives.
“No. Just smarter than you.”
“You should be afraid, oh mighty Lord Sesshomaru.”
Sesshomaru scoffed. “We need your help.” He offered.
“After you scoffed at advice I so wisely gave you? Why should I?”
“Because the world will end if you don’t. And if the world ends, then so do you.”
“Hm… that would appeal to me, if I cared about life, or my life.”
“Would you come down?”
“Say the magic word,” the voice sang out.
“Please?” The group turned sharp looks at Sesshomaru as he uttered the one word he never, ever used. For anything.
There was no sound, the only indication that the person had come down from the tree tops was the voice now sounded right behind them.
“Much better,” it, or rather, she said.
Before them stood a rather tall, slender, and well built woman dressed in dark grays and blacks. Her face was covered, except for a small slit for her eyes. Said eyes were as dark as the clothes she wore, and completely empty.
“Oh you have got to be kidding me!” Exclaimed Kagome.
“Excuse me?” The woman asked, turning her dark eyes toward her.
“A ninja? That’s who we’ve crossed all of Japan to find? A freakin Ninja?” Kagome ranted.
“Silence Human. They are considered myth for a reason,” Sesshomaru commanded, before the fool got them all killed.
“I am now less inclined to help you, if I am only to be mocked. You better make a good case Lord Sesshomaru.”
“We have come from the seer Ayumu, who has prophesied that we need you to complete this group to defeat the hanyou Naraku from destroying the world with a spiritual artifact.”
“Ayumu?” She said sharply.
“Yes, she did say you would know her.”
Aki studied the group before her. It was an odd group, which had prompted her to follow them when they crossed into her domain. She had never come across three full blooded demons, four humans, and a half-demon all together without killing each other. She had also heard rumors of this evil demon plaguing the land and of a small group trying to stop him. She didn’t think much of it because if it was as serious as the rumors claimed, then her higher powers would have sent someone to stop it. But there was a chance, if this half-demon was as powerful as the rumors claimed, then it could be possible, small as it was, that her higher powers have sent someone, and they have failed. If these demons and humans couldn’t defeat this evil half-demon, then a lone ninja might not have either. It could also be possible that her higher powers have been paid to remain neutral, or could possibly have been paid to be on the half-demon’s side. If that was the case, then she would join this group. The whole of idea of the Ninja’s may be amoral to most, but they had their own honor code. Death before dishonor. To most of the Ninja’s that have survived to their 20th birthday, their honor was all they had. And if Ayumu had said she was needed….
“What all did Ayumu tell you?” She finally responded.
“For the greatest evil to be defeated,
There needs to be a gathering.
A gathering between all spectrums of humanity,
A spiritualist, a healer, a survivor, a fighter, an innocent, a killer, and an immortal.
With combined might,
The final blow will be met.”
“Thank you, though I meant what did she tell you for me?”
“She said that you most likely will refuse, even with payment because you claimed you were retired. So she is calling on a favor.”
Aki narrowed her eyes, though at no one in particular. She hated to be indebted to anyone. However, she did however owe Ayumu.
“Alright, I will help fulfill this prophecy. But I have rules. One, don’t touch me, or my possessions. Two, don’t ask anything about myself. Three, don’t mock me,” She said the last while giving Kagome a pointed look. “Four, don’t expect me to be friendly. I am only doing this because of Ayumu, and five, don’t make me be indebted to you. I hate that above all and I would most likely kill you for it. Oh, that brings me to six; don’t underestimate me and or my skills. I can kill you faster than you can breathe.”
“Consider it done.” Sesshomaru said before anyone objected and got them killed.
“Alright. Now, where is this Naraku?” She asked, and then raised an eyebrow, even though no one could see it, when the humans shuffled their feet, the hanyou looked away, and Sesshomaru seemed to grow uncomfortable. Again.
“You mean to tell me you sought out my help without knowing where said target would be?”
“You were…” Miroku started but stopped at the glare Sesshomaru shot him.
“We figured with your help we could find him quicker.”
Aki nearly smiled. She would have so much fun with this group. With a sigh she responded, “Stay here. Don’t move from this spot and I will be right back.” And she disappeared. The group let out little breaths of relief, but didn’t move.
“Are we certain about this? She could kill us in our sleep for looking at her wrong.” Inuyasha said.
“We need her. And give her some credit. Ninja’s have their own honor code. She wouldn’t kill you for something so minor.”
“You are acting really weird.”
“No. I’m just more educated on the matter.”
“You should listen to the dog. He might just save your lives.” The woman said, suddenly in front of them again. This time, however, her clothes were more travel worn. They were still dark gray and black, but she added a small bag that hung across her torso, and a black wool cloak. She also didn’t have her mask on. Her face was littered with small scars, and her hair was so black it seemed to absorb the light around her head. Her full lips were pressed together, and her expression gave Sesshomaru’s a run for his money.
“Everybody ready?”
“Yeah, but where are we going?” Inuyasha asked. He figured it was a safe question because he was asking anything personal.
“South. To a small island. I have connections there.” Was all she said before she turned around and started out of the forest.