Chapter Three

Taka

Taka stood, taking Leena's hand and giving it a quick squeeze before letting go. They all headed back to the camp in silence. This world's Sesshomaru and Inu Yasha met them once again. "The food has been kept warm for you," Sesshomaru said. He motioned them into the tents and followed after them. Taka's stomach growled as the food was placed before them.

Sesshomaru

Sesshomaru took a place beside his mate, again struck by the oddity of being in the same place with his twin. When the meal was over they waited for their host to speak. The Sesshomaru of this world's calm gaze traveled over each of them in turn. "My brother has told me of you. Word of your victory over Naraku has already spread," his eyes turned to Leena and Taka, "You came to me many months ago. Explain." With that he sat and waited. Sesshomaru too waited for Leena to begin their tale.

Leena

She thought briefly of how best to explain everything that had happened. "I can only tell my side. I had recieved word that a friend had died. I went to pay my final respects and offer his mate and son my protection, then I was pulled into this world. Taka," she indicated the pup, "and I met. We came here first, to find out the fate of the Shikon No Tama. You see in all of our worlds, except Akisame's, Naraku was defeated by Inu Yasha, the miko Kagome, the demon exterminator Sango, the monk Miroku and the kitsune cub Shippou." she paused and turned to Inu Yasha, "Did you know a priestess named Kikyou?"

Still shocked at finding that his other selves had been so influential Inu Yasha could do no more that shake his head. "No. Who is this Kikyou and Kagome?"

"That is why. You see in my world Kikyou was your first love, the two of you were misled to believe you had betrayed each other. You, Inu Yasha were sealed to a tree and Kikyou died. She was, excuse me will be reincarnated as Kagome. It becomes extremely confusing after that, but together with their friends they defeated Naraku. Since you never met Kikyou in this world, Naraku stole the jewel from her. Midoriko called each of us to fight Naraku." Pausing she thought a moment, then continued. "Before I or Taka speak further there are things that concern Sesshomaru. You see during the quest, you" she looked at this worlds Taiyoukai, "were injured in a battle with Inu Yasha over the Tetsusaiga. You were tended by a human child, her name was Rin. Later she was killed by wolves, using the Tensaiga you revived her. Years later she became your mate, in my and Taka's world. I am the daughter of my worlds Sesshomaru and Rin. Taka is the granddaughter of the Sesshomaru and Rin of her world."

Taka

The taiyoukai looked to her for approval of Leena's tale. She just nodded. There was not much more to tell. In her and Leena's world, events up to the birth of Sesshomaru's first child had been very similar. He turned to their companion Sesshomaru. "What is this Rin to you?"

Sesshomaru

When the taiyoukai turned his gaze on him, Sesshomaru met it levelly. "In my world the time has not yet reached this point. It has only been a year or so since Rin saved me...she is a daughter to me."

The taiyoukai nodded and turned back to Leena. "Continue," he said.

Leena

She thought back over what she had said. "Actually that is about it. Taka and I were the first to arrive, we came here. Then Sesshomaru showed up, then Akisame. We fought Naraku. He lost, we won. What else would you like to know?"

Sesshomaru

He waited, wanting to ask the question that prompted them to come in the first place. The taiyoukai cocked his head to one side. "It seems my brother spoke true," he turned to Sesshomaru again, "It is also true that Inu Yasha was the reason you lost your arm?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "Yes...In the heat of the moment, I...I went further than expected and he retailiated," he paused looking at his companions. Was it the time to ask? Deciding it was he cleared his throat. "We...I have a request of you Sesshomaru-sama. As said, we all come from different times. In my time, my mate was killed. I did not know by who at first but Leena has helped me determine who her murderer was. In our time here, I have taken a new mate," he reached beside him and took Akisame's hand. "I wish to stay with her but I also wish vengence." He stopped, unsure how to phrase his questions.

Taka

Taka held her breath again. Waiting for Sesshomaru to ask the question. He paused, obviously trying to decide how to proceed. Finally it was this worlds taiyoukai that spoke. "You are uncertain as to whether the power that brought you here will send your...mate with you." It was a statement more than a question but it seemed the taiyoukai knew what Sesshomaru intended to ask. He stood. "It is late. You and I will discuss this matter in the morning."

She couldnt help but feel a little angry. She wanted to stand up and yell at him for being so callous so cold but she stayed put, her hands balling into fists.

Inu Yasha watched the group as his brother had sidestepped the question. His brother's twin holding his mates hand. The girl with no scent looked angry. But it was the one called Leena that held his attention. She claimed to be Sesshomaru's daughter but there was much of himself in her. He watched as she fought back the anger within herself. He watched as her eyes momentarily flashed silver before returning to their normal emerald green. Finally he spoke, pulling the groups attention from the door. "If I can help in any way..." He still remembered the touch of Akisame and all she had shown him.

Akisame

She smiled gently at her one time attacker, "I know that." Turning to her mate she began to feel tired. "Let us find a place to rest, husband."

Leena

Her anger controlled once again, into the cold rage that usually burned with in her. She left the tent, heading back to the hillside they had left hours ago.

Sesshomaru

He felt a little annoyed that the taiyoukai had avoided his question but decided to let it go until the morning. He stood and looked down at Akisame, giving her a grin. Sesshomaru swept her off her feet, supporting her back in one arm, his new one hooked under her knees. He sighed, in relief. "Do you know how hard it was to carry you with one arm?" he joked, as he left the tent to find some place to sleep.

Taka

Taka watched her companions leave, then looked to Inu Yasha. She cocked her head to the side, never having known her grandsire's brother, she didnt know what to expect of him. Her anger was boiling just below the surface. She looked up at him with pleading golden eyes. "Can you talk to him? Can you tell him how much Akisame means to Sesshomaru...do you know what he was like when he first came here? Now that he's found her...please can you talk to him?"

Akisame

As they exited the tent she giggled, "No, husband, but hurry and find us a place to rest. For I am curious as what else this new arm can do." She whispered as she nuzzled his neck.

Inu Yasha

He looked at the youngster before him. "He doesn't listen to me. He barely believed the truth of you. I will try but.... I can promise nothing." Bowing he left to try and convince his brother of the importance of helping.

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