Kaya's Story (An InuYasha Fanfic)

Chapter 11: The Village of Half-Demons: Enter, Ryu!

I turned around, only to be greeted by a scared looking boy about my age, holding a broken tree branch in his hands. "What is everyone's deal? That's twice today." I stated rather annoyed, while rubbing my head where the branch had hit. The boy dropped the stick and stated, "You're the girl from the square. The one Akito and Yasuo were being mean to." I nodded. "I'm sorry. Those guys can be real jerks. And I'm sorry for hitting you. My name is Ryu." He said, sheepishly. "Alright Ryu, I'm Kaya. And it's not the first time that's happened to me. I told Hiroshi that, as well." I said with a smile. Ryu smiled back and we both sat down in front of a small fire pit facing each other. Hiroshi walked through the door shortly after. "I see you've met my son, then. Ryu, Kaya is a half-demon as well." Ryu's eyes lit up with excitement and I giggled. This was the village Hiroshi had told me about, the village of half-demons.

The three of us talked for a long time. It was nice to be able to sit down and talk to someone for a change. Soon, Hiro and Ryu went to bed leaving me in the main room of the hut. It gave me a chance to process all I had learned during our conversation. First, apparently Hiro is the headman of this village and Ryu is his mischievous half-demon son who will take over someday. Second, I learned that this place is invisible except to those living in the village or those who are invited by a villager. Third, Akito and Yasuo are Hiro's right-hand men and Akito is a half wolf demon while Yasuo is a ningyo. Fourth, Hiroshi informed me the barrier was starting to fade because the original Priestess who placed it died about a year ago. I offered to strengthen it in the morning and he immediately agreed. With the last of my thoughts in order, I fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning was busy. I had help strengthening the barrier from some of the human villagers. It was harder than I realized, but I still managed to do it without collapsing. When I was finished, Ryu and I ran to the river and played with the other children until the sun set. That night, Hiro and Ryu convinced me to stay a couple more days before continuing my journey. I agreed with a smile. I was looking forward to spending time with my friends. Yes, that's what I finally had, friends.