Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was dark as if he was in space but he could breathe, he recognized soon. “I thought I wouldn’t be seeing you anytime soon. God of death.” he could see a man with silver hair and tanned skin, “Yet your recklessness led you back here my child” Cale huffed, “And yet I don’t remember!” he was annoyed and didn’t want to talk with this bastard of all people. “Of course you don’t, Cale I am sorry but you won’t be able to go back of your own volition.” Cale’s eyes widened, “Couldn’t you just bring me back!? You’re a god!”  irritation seeped through his words, “My child even I can’t go break the balance. However… I think I can help you get back in another way…” Cale bit his lip at the tone of the god. 

He would likely have to give something up, “What is it…” Cale was nervous, “Become my saint and I can send you to another world where you will complete a task for me and I can send you back, what do you say?” Cale’s eyes twitched, “Your what.” the god of death couldn’t help but sweat, “It is the only way I promise!” Cale crossed his arms and glared at him. “Fine. If anything goes wrong I’m blaming you.” the god of death sighed, “Well then let’s get on with it!” the god of death raised his hands as Cale’s vision started to blur and the last thing he heard was the god of death’s voice saying, “I will explain everything to you later I promise” and then he could see anything. 

___

When he opened his eyes he was welcomed to a familiar ceiling, it was unnervingly quiet in his mind.  “Where…?” he was going to ask where he was but his throat was too dry for anything more, he looked around to see a woman near a stove and soon turned to him and quickly gave him a cup of tea to parch his throat, “Child your parents are gone, child they have abandoned you my dear child. I’m sorry.” the woman wore a face of worry and hesitance.

 She only glanced up at him, “Ma’am where am I?” she flinched as she made eye contact with him, “You are in the village of the south. I will take my leave, you should be fully recovered” she bowed quickly as she hurried off leaving Cale. He was so confused but he should get to some temple so he can contact the god of death, so he got up on shaky legs almost falling to his knees but catching himself. He breathed heavily as he looked at his clothes, they were plain and small, he must have become younger in this life. 

He walked out of the small house and saw the stares of the villagers but besides that he went up to one, “Is there a temple… or shrine nearby?” the villager flinched and nodded. “Where?” hesitantly he spoke and pointed toward a distant stone staircase with stone sculptures that sat on both sides of the staircase, “Up the mountain a shrine sits at the top, you will find a monk who is the keeper of that shrine. I warn you the monk is said to host demons in the shrine, be mindful of that fact.” Cale nodded and turned away as he headed towards the stairs. Eyes lingered on him and he was getting pretty annoyed, he turned back suddenly to look at them directly to see them all with wide eyes of fear and disgust. What the hell did he do to them? 

He was really tired and didn’t have time for some village drama so he sighed as he turned back, continuing forward. Unknowingly to Cale his flat sigh was interpreted as a sign of anger and irritation by the villagers and they shook, they thought him to be a demon but he looked too human and assumed he was a lucky half-demon. They were scared. 

Cale scaled the stairs that seemed to go on forever until the sunset and when he did reach the peak the hues of the beautiful sunset sky were being covered by a moonless night where stars scattered the black sky. He was so tired, he should have taken a break but he did not for was desperate to smack that god of death in the back and get his ancient powers back. He wouldn’t admit it but it was too quiet for his liking. 

Once he reached the end of the stairs he took a rest as he looked down the mountain, through the trees he could see the village that swiftly got rid of him when the chance came. Not that he minded. 

He passed through the red arch that reached an impressive height and once he could feel his feet he walked towards the shrine only to be hit with the foul smell of concentrated rust or copper, no… blood. It was crimson blood that was similar to his own hair. 

He quickly put his clothed hand over his nose and mouth as he looked at the scene, a man in what looked to be the monk that the villager was talking about. On top of him was a monster devouring his flesh as the crunching noises of the bones came to his ears, he didn’t want to listen anymore. It reminded him too much of his past as Rok Soo. 

However, he wasn’t the only one to come to a stop. The monster also stopped and turned to Cale, both at a stalemate, both frozen. Cale couldn’t bring himself to move his legs, to run, to do anything all he could do was stare at this ugly thing that reminded him of the sculptures that were gifted to him at a certain festival. 

The thing starts to move towards him slowly as if sneaking up on prey, it then jumps towards Cale aiming for his neck. Cale tried to step away but it was only a few feet and he knew he couldn’t get away that easily so he raised his arm to have the least amount of damage somewhere he can’t get a prosthetic like his torso or neck. He shut his eyes as he waited for the strike or the pain of fierce fangs but it didn’t come, he slowly opened his eyes and peaked through his arms to see the monster laying down in its own blood but it was unnaturally dark as if it was mixed with ink. Then he noticed the black light on his hands, at first he thought it was dead mana and he jerked as if to get it off but then he realized it didn’t hurt and he couldn’t feel it. 

At least dead mana had some weight to it and was kinda like a liquid but this didn’t have any at all it was intangible, the black light surrounded the monster that only twitched slightly and soon stopped breathing. Cale sighed in relief as he stepped over the body and stepped towards the shrine that was draped in a black veil but then he heard a voice, a very familiar voice that made him want to sigh in irritation just by their voice. “ My child you are here! Good, now as I promised I will explain how to get back to your world, take a seat! ” 

Cale only huffed as he sat down waiting for the god of death to continue, “ In this world demons run wild but they vary in species, which makes them very dangerous. ” his words had an air of seriousness that made Cale flinch and he cursed under his breath, “God damn demons… damn it all.” the god flinched and paused for a moment before continuing.

 “ There is a jewel that holds imaginable power that demons can exploit to become powerful demons that cause carnage not because of their will but the evil that resides inside the jewel, you need to purify it and you will be able to make a wish once you find it! ” Cale almost rolled his eyes. 

It sounded like a fairy tale but so did dragons and prophecies but here he was having a young dragon. Well once upon a time he did, “How will I find this jewel?” Cale didn’t let his unimpressed face show too much, “ It is famous, it's known as the Shikon jewel and is currently being held by a village where a priestess had died protecting it by a half-demon who tried to steal it. It has been 45 years since the half-demon has been sealed to the tree and the Shikon jewel will be discovered in 5 years .” Cale is finding this to be too easy.

He is suspicious, “You are telling me the future because you know something will happen that will stop me from purifying the jewel. Right?” the god gave a little gasp which confirmed his suspicions, “What happens?” the god quickly responds, “ A girl from the 21st century will come through a well where she, in fact, is the reincarnation of the priestess that sealed the half-demon and accidentally shatters the Shikon jewel into pieces all around Japan- ” Cale was exasperated, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

The god of death nervously chuckles, “ Yes, and the sealed half-demon is released and helps the reincarnation that was also his past lover… ” Cale couldn’t keep it in, “This is such a cliche. What the f*ck. Are you going to tell me the priestess comes back alive too?” the god didn’t respond. <You are kidding me… and it's overrun with demons? How am I going to survive in this f*cked up world.> Cale looks down and cradles his head as if trying to think of a solution for this problem as his irritation comes out with the slip of his mother tongue, Korean under his breath. 

The god of death then said as if remembering something, “ Ah! Since you are my saint you are able to use my power and I can bless objects to help you! And-and I can unseal your ancient powers and that whip! ” Cale took a deep breath, “Okay let’s get this over with, can you start?” 

Cale was really tired and hungry, “ Yes of course! ” Cale was suddenly hit with an ache spreading all around his body. He groans in pain as he drops to the ground and curls on himself, “W-what- UGH” black blood violently rushed out of his mouth as he slowly turned his head down to not choke on the blood. Soon he heard familiar voices that comforted his soul.

Cale! You weren’t talking to us, we thought you were ignoring us!

Wah Cale you’re there! You can hear us now thank goodness waah!

You’re okay, that's good I’m so glad

Finally! Let’s get this jewel! We can probably sell it at least once before you make that wish!

Thank **** you’re back! Let’s get this ****show on the road!

Wait, you are the god of death’s saint now!?

Wait what-

You should eat… I’m hungry

Oh shush you glutton

‘I’m so glad you are all here, thank you all for being here’

The crybaby, the cheapskate, the crazy kid, the scary cobblestone, the thief, and the gluttonous priestess. They were all there, at least but something felt missing… someone- some of them were missing. “Where- where they- COUGH” he coughed at the blood that still came but it calmed after hearing all their voices and it was only when he felt an object under his palm that seemed to come out of nowhere and he heard the voices that he came to favor along with their usefulness. He also noticed something around his neck hanging loosely, he decided to ignore it for now and focused on the voices. 

Destruction, chaos, Cale you finally have the whip! You can hear us!

Ah it's good to know you can hear us now, you are okay… that’s good

Oh Cale! We thought we were sealed back up again thank goodness!

We haven’t strayed from your side

He couldn’t help but smile a soft smile as he heard a familiar voice that never seemed to leave him even in death, wouldn’t that mean they are connected to his soul? He didn’t care at the moment and just soaked in their voices and words that let him reminisce even if he didn’t speak a word. Their liveliness instead of draining him, they comforted him like a blanket of warmth that draped over him or warm waves of the ocean that washed over him. 

His loneliness may not have been cured and the longing for his companions was great, he still had some reminisce of his past still there with him. He finally passed out due to exhaustion and the relief, he fell asleep. But not without hearing that damned voice of the god of death before he passed out, “ By the way you are around 9-10 years old so I’m going to give you a guardian, don’t worry they will help you! ” he really wanted to curse him before he passed out but unfortunately he wasn’t fast enough.

Chapter Text

His eyes slowly fluttered open and instead of the hard wooden floor he was on the soft plush bedding and seemed to still be in the shrine but deeper inside, who moved him? He turned his head to find someone that looked more like a puppet or a marionette with invisible strings just staring down at him. Of course not literal but she stood there like a doll or a mannequin. 

She looked to be around 13 or maybe older, “What?” Cale didn’t expect an answer but he got one surprisingly, “Good morning young master, this Saya is the one who moved you further into the shrine.” her tone was monotone which was similar to the innocent Mary’s tone but he flinched at the “young master” part but quickly calmed himself.

Her eyes lingered on his hair and he reflexively stared at his own hair too, “Are you-” Cale was suspicious and had a little idea of why she called him young master, “This Saya is a humble servant of the Lord of Eternal slumber, he visited Saya’s dreams and gave I power. For the power the Lord granted I, he tasked Saya with tending and protecting the young master.” Cale couldn’t help but sigh and attempt to get up only to trip. “Ah-” he was caught by Saya who even though he was holding him seemed nervous under her stoic mask. 

“Young master-” Cale may have liked the nostalgia but he would rather not be referred to as that, “Please my name is Cale Henituse just call me Cale” Saya’s eyes widened as her mouth twitched, “Yes young master Cale” he couldn’t help but sigh. Once he got used to standing he looked around the room that he was currently in to see a few sitting arrangements so he walked over to one and sat down, “I assume you are aware of my mission then Miss Saya” she flinched slightly but her face did not differ. She shook her head, “No young master Cale, this servant is unaware. Saya was simply told to assist and protect you” Cale hummed.

“Well, then I should tell you that “Lord” of eternal slumber is a god and I am his saint, and has sent me here to purify the Shikon jewel and make a wish for my own desires. Will you still help me?” Cale was hoping his selfish desire will steer her away so he could do this alone, he could tell she definitely wasn’t normal. 

Not that he minded her presence, “Yes. This Saya will follow young master Cale through his travels.” a twinkle in her eyes concerned him, why did she seem determined? He was just trying to get her to leave, what Cale didn’t know was that Saya was amazed by his honesty and felt honored to have a master such as him even if she was a demon. 

She couldn’t help but be grateful, “I, Saya Okabe fox demon of the northern clan. Pledge my loyalty to young master Cale, first born of The Lord of Eternal Sleep. This Saya will put my life on the line to protect the young master. For that I give the rest of my life until young master Cale’s mission is complete.” she bowed down to the floor and cupped her hands as her head reached the floor, Cale panicked. “Hey, hey! Don’t bow please, get up!” Cale was never one for the bowing thing but he isn’t royalty! 

She raised her head and sat up, “Young master Cale, this servant may be very young but Saya will be of use for you. I, Saya has earned her 3rd tail 97 years ago and is as powerful as a normal fox demon though I am still young I can be useful.” Cale didn’t know what she was but he didn’t think she was a demon. And she’s older than him, “How old are you Saya…?” her gaze turned to Cale quickly, “This Saya is 397 years old but I resemble that of a 14 year old child, young master Cale.” 

Cale’s face didn’t differ from before even if he was surprised and panicked. “Ah you are older than me then, could I call you Noona?” Cale was well aware that this scary child could kill him and wanted to give her some respect so when she wanted her freedom she wouldn’t go for the kill after. Also he wanted to reminisce and use his native language. 

Saya’s eyes sparkled in wonder, “That is different, not native… is young master Cale’s motherland not Japan?” Saya tilted her head in inquiry as Cale thought of a response and not screwed it up. Even so, Cale’s face remained calm as if in thought and he was but was really running through responses so she wouldn’t question him any more, “You’re right, my motherland is S- Korea, I was originally born in Korea and then my parents went to Japan, I was raised in Japan”

Cale gave a small smile but inside he was panicking at the slight slip up. It’s feudal Japan which means South and North Korea have not divided by this time, there is only Korea, they should have at least a neutral relationship with each other for now. 

Saya’s eyes didn’t differ and she only closed her eyes as she bowed her head, “I see, this Saya is thankful for young master Cale’s willingness to answer, I, Saya’s question.” Cale’s eyes softened, he didn’t like how she thanked him for answering a simple question. What did the god of death do to this child to be so complacent? 

Even if she was older than him a child should have the right to be a kid and not serve some random person a god told to serve, “Of course I answered, you asked Saya-noona” Cale took her hands and cupped them in his own hands dropping to the floor to look at her in the eyes without her looking up at him. “I am grateful that you are even here Saya-noona, I should be thanking you. Thank you Saya” Cale let go of her hands and bowed the same as she did before as Saya panicked. 

“N-no young master Cale please-please don’t bow to this servant, Saya is not worthy of your thanks- please rise- please” even in her monotone voice he could hear her panic in her voice and only raised when he thought her voice cracked, he hated seeing children cry. He raised his head to see small tears threatening to leak, he pulled on his sleeve covering his hand as he cupped her face and wiped her tears. 

“Now come on, Saya-noona is a strong girl right? Don’t cry, you’re okay. Could you take a deep breath for me?” Cale whispered to her as her stoic expression slowly cracked as she followed his instructions, her breath staggering slightly but soon she calmed down. 

“Good, now could you show me around? This place is too big for someone like me to navigate” Cale stood up and offered her his hand, “Yes… young master Cale, I shall…” she bowed her head and grabbed his hand carefully and gently. Saya led the way as Cale had a sudden thought, “Saya-noona if you are a fox demon where are your ears and tail?” 

Cale was curious, she said she was a fox demon so why did she not have any fox features? Saya looked over at Cale looking down on him because of their height difference, “Ah yes, this Saya has fox features but disguised myself. I apologize, would you like to see them?” Saya blankly asked innocently, “Yes if you wouldn’t mind” Saya seemed to straighten up and a spark in her eyes and nodded. 

Saya took a breath and soon smoke erupted around her like popping a bubble full of smoke, soon the smoke subsided and two big fluffy ears of cider orange which matched her hair and 3 long tails that whipped behind her with the same cider orange coat. Her colored face now turned pale as beautiful porcelain, only her round face colored with the slightest rosy red, as if she was a painting. Saya finally opened her eyes with an innocent expression and tilted her head, Cale’s head then exploded in voices that he couldn’t decide to ignore or tell to shut up. 

Oh my god she is beautiful! 

Are all fox demons this cute!?

I wonder if she cooks…

I will trust Cale in her care, she seems capable

Holy **** it's like she’s a ghost!

Don’t say that it's rude.

Does this mean we will be living in the shrine?

I don't want to be in a shrine, too much like a temple…

I forgot about that…

I’m hungry…

I could burn it to cinders if you want

‘Please. She didn’t even change that much.’

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to signal to the voices of the ancient powers that it was time to shut up, they quickly turned it down to a tolerable level and then looked back at Saya. “Young master Cale, are you disgusted by Saya…?” she avoided his gaze, ‘Where the hell did she get that idea!?’ Cale let out a confused noise.

He realized how she interpreted his reaction and quickly said as she tried to take away her hand and squeezed it tight, “Of course not, where did you get that idea?” Cale recognized the flat sort of tone in his voice and he thought it sounded kind of unhonest and rude. Cale hoped she wouldn’t be offended, “Ah! I apologize I, Saya didn’t mean to doubt you young master Cale!” her hand tightened around his and he sighed internally. 

She wasn’t sad, “No I’m sorry I made you feel uncomfortable, I’m really sorry Saya-noona” Cale looked up at her with guilty eyes and she quickly shook her head, “Please young master Cale don’t apologize to this Saya” Cale smiled still with guilty eyes that made her heart hurt, “No, you say you are a servant and that I am your master, meaning I take care of you as much as you take care of me. And I say as your master that I will give you as much respect as you deserve and if I need to bow to you I will, you are my people and I take care of my people.” Cale hated that she couldn’t see her own worth. 

He needed to convince her that she deserved the minimum of respect, that made his stomach turn at the possibilities that could have happened to her. If he was her master then she was one of his people, that was one of the only lessons he would teach her. She was not a tool, she is my guardian if the god of death’s words were anything to go off of at all. Her eyes widened in shock and something in her eyes glowed and swelled in adoration.

 She gave a small smile as she took a knee, “Saya’s master, Cale Henituse is under my care and so am I under his care. I, Saya will never forget” Cale stuck his hand out and she took it, he wondered what horrors and wonders would he encounter in this hellish world. But for now he would stay out of sight.

___

The scent of pure nature was hit like a huge wall, it was overwhelming and made him slightly dizzy and he quickly found the scent was slowly disappearing. He tracked it back to Rin, she smiled at him once he got there then looked at the ribbon in her hair that had still had the scent of nature, “What’s that?” he pointed to her hair and she quickly touched her hair to see what he was talking about. “Ah the ribbon? It was a gift the pretty Cale. He did my hair and even gave me a ribbon, he’s so nice and so was his maid!” Sesshomaru hummed, “Was the maid a demon?” 

Rin nodded her head, “Yes, She had big fluffy ears and 4 tails!” he huffed in amusement, “Well then, was the master human?” Rin thought for a moment, “I think since he didn’t look different but, his hair was the color of the sunset! It was pretty red!” now Sesshomaru was entirely interested. No human can have unnatural hair unless they are a demon or half-demon, he has a hunch that the man is a demon of some sort and a powerful one but the scent of nature does not come normally from demons. He can only guess what that means, even so he will check it out for himself.

Chapter Text

The Crimson Priest, a rumor that had been going around for 2 years. Whether he was an omen of prosperity or misfortune, he claims to be a priest that serves the god of death but never harmed a soul. The priest is known to banish demons that had harmed humans he comes across despite traveling with a servant demon that is completely loyal to him, some say he converted her, some say she devoted herself to him, and some say that she is simply using him to her advantage. But there is one fact that stays the same in each story, the beautiful boy with crimson hair smells of nature which calms the senses of anyone who smells it whether they are human or not. 

___

“So you are the Crimson Priest that has been going around.” the silver-haired man said as he watched the younger demon girl whip around to face him with a snarl, “You! Who are you, state your name!” she growled at him as she reached for her blade that held a few charms dangling from the hilt, “Saya calm down, it's fine,” the boy with mesmerizing red hair said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Her shoulders buckled loose and she sighed as she put down her sword, “Yes, young master Cale.” both their eyes meet, reddish brown and blinding yellow. The redhead smiled politely as his eyes curled high giving an air of nobility and a mask of calm and laxness.   

The man stepped closer as the overwhelming scent seemed to radiate off of him, even when the demon got closer the redhead did not flinch or seemed bothered by the demon getting so close. “You wench! How dare you not answer Lord Sesshomaru’s question! Answer him now!” a tiny green demon that seemed more like a goblin than a demon with an odd staff yelled as Sesshomaru got closer and a young girl hung in the back not saying a word but waving at the redhead. 

Only when Sesshomaru was a foot in between them did he stop, “Only till now have I found the scent of human, and even so, it is so very faint. What are you?” Sesshomaru couldn’t decide whether he was amused or annoyed by this challenge. Even now he could only smell that strong scent of nature that seemed to want to cover up the human scent and smoother his nose, how did his scent get like that anyway? 

There was a growing aura that had started to rise in the redhead that seemed to be defending him, growing the closer Sesshomaru got closer. A defense mechanism? Or was this odd human warning him, the aura was strong and could be compared to a high demon’s aura. How did this human get something close to a high demon’s aura? Was it that this human was protected by a high demon?

Redhead smiled his holiest smile, he did not wish for this conversation to go any longer than it needed to be especially with a demon that gives off such an aura. It reminded him of deadly ocean currents that swept up everything it came across, “Well to answer your first question yes I am the Crimson Priest, and for your second it has something to do with my capabilities. That's all” the priest huffed in satisfaction, he held himself with the air of nobility. He just had to wonder if this human gave up on a legacy to be a simple priest or was there more? 

Before Sesshomaru could even rationalize answers Cale was tackled by Rin, “Pretty Cale! Can you do my hair again please!” the two were sent to the ground but instead of being angry with the girl he simply laughed, a laugh that was carefree and made his eyes soften and smile at Rin. In reality that huff of satisfaction was actually letting out a sigh of relief when Sesshomaru didn’t come for his throat at his answer, he was glad that the girl interrupted the tension that made it hard for Cale to breathe. 

“Of course Rin” her eyes light up as she drags him and Saya away from Sesshomaru, “You too Miss Maid demon!” Saya smiles and Rin leads them to their clearing not too far away, “Ah! How dare he walk away from you! Rin stop-!” Jaken was about to berate them both before he saw Sesshomaru follow after them without a second thought and quickly caught up. 

Rin sat down in front of Cale as he sat down behind her taking her hair out slowly to make sure he doesn’t tug on anything, Saya comes to sit next to Cale as he continues to take out the ribbon in Rin’s hair. “How have you been Rin?” Cale asked as he started to braid her hair and she happily said, “I’ve been good! How about you Pretty Cale!” Cale gave a serene smile, “I’ve been well” Rin didn’t really find any other topics to talk about in the short time that Cale had finished her hair. 

“Thank you!” Rin twirled around showing off her hair and came back to Cale giving him a big hug naturally, he gave her a hug back. “Your welcome Rin” he smiled kindly at her as he rose from his seat on the floor and looked over to Saya, “Master Cale, this Saya thinks we should continue back”  Cale hummed in agreement, he didn't want to be too close to this demon that looked at him so intensely. 

Cale was ready to go, “That sounds great Saya, well then Sesshomaru it's been interesting meeting you but it seems our paths will now be parting” Cale smiled as he turned to Sesshomaru who was uncomfortably close to him and almost gave him a heart attack once he looked over to him. “How unfortunate for you to be leaving so soon.” though his face did not change he truly thought it was a pity that this odd specimen will be leaving. 

Cale smile cracked slightly when he shuddered at the thought of staying any longer, unfortunately, Sesshomaru interpreted this as him sharing his sentiments. Cale quickly composed himself, “Yes truly a pity but that’s what the fates have settled on maybe in the future we’ll meet” Cale reached into his pocket to grab the whip, and the wind elementals came to him immediately. 

Is the path clear?

Cale! It seems that there are only a few weak demons roaming around

Destruction, chaos! Cale there is nothing with hostile intent!

There are a few humans roaming around in a group but they seem to be traveling from the village nearby

Cale hummed as the wind elementals soft breeze greeted Cale, he couldn’t help but smile at their voices. Sesshomaru watched as Cale turned away, “Bye pretty Cale!” Rin called out as Cale was now at a distance from them and he waved elegantly as they disappeared in the distance. 

“What do you think Jaken” he was surprised at the sudden question, “Wa-what? Pardon me but what do you mean Lord Sesshomaru?” Jaken nervously asked trying not to anger the powerful demon. “I mean what do you think of the Crimsom Priest. What do you think he is hiding.” Jaken nodded quickly and thought for a moment before answering, “I believe that the crimson priest human has a deal with some demon, and a powerful one at that Lord Sesshomaru” Sesshomaru hummed. 

Something about a demon helping that human irritated him, maybe it was the fact that a demon is lowering itself to befriend a mere human. He couldn’t decide, he will need to find the clues to this mystery even if the main subject was a weak human. He needs to keep a careful eye on the Crimson Priest human.

___

Winds whipped and demon soldiers fell, the bird of paridise colored the battlefield with crimson blood that matches the outsider’s hair. The outsider watched as the half demon saved the human with modern clothing as the half demon slashed the bird with the shikon jewel shard. When the bird was slashed by the half demon and the shikon jewel shard was falling something strange happened. 

The winds turned and whipped abnormally where it moved the shard away from the group and into the Crimson Priest’s hand who had stepped out. There stood a beautiful man with long bright blood red hair that blew in the strong breeze that surrounded him and the strong scent of nature that radiated from him. The scent turned noses from the wolf tribe that had their sensitive noses were assaulted with such a wonderful and intoxicating scent. 

Some could only stare as the shards was slipped into his kimono and once he turned away did they acknowledge what the beautiful redhead was doing. “H-Hey!” suddenly a girl that looked a bit younger than the redhead stood next to him and raised her sword and snarled at the wolf demon who spoke. She was looked vicious with the odd lingering scent of death. 

The half demon was not having any of it even if his nose was being assalted by such as alluring scent that made him want to get even closer, “Hey you! What the hell do you think your doing!?” the half demon couldn’t tell if the redhead was a demon or not, “Collecting, what else would I be doing?” the small what seemed to be a fox demon was able to catch of whiff of the girl and shouted to be heard by his group. 

“They girl is a fox demon like me!” the group around him murmured, “He’s a fox like you Saya?” the girl lowered her guard slightly, “Yes, this Saya is sure that he is but is much younger than this Saya.” the redhead hummed and smiled, “They seem to already have some jewel shards themselves too” he said with a grin. It was loud enough for everyone to hear and to comprehend, someone other than the modern clothed girl could sense jewel shards.

One of the wolf demons finally recognized the redhead, “Wait- is that the Crimson Priest!?” the redhead slightly flinched at the name but his composure was quickly built swiftly as he thought came to him. He decided he liked this plan, “Saya I’m going to head down to meet up with the group” he said nonchalantly to her quietly she gave a confused look but resigned herself to her task and gave the rest of the shards to him. 

He made his way over as some backed away by the strong smell that he exuted, “I’m guessing you are the reincarnation of that priestess way back when who can also sense the jewel shards?” he approached the girl who had an injured wolf demon in her grip, “And who are you…?” she warily asked, “Hmm… I’m the crimson priest though you probably already know that.” she could smell a sense of comfort wash over her as she smelled it. Just who was he? Why was a boy around her age this comforting?

The redhead smiled, “Then can I get your name Miss?” the girl warily looked over her shoulder to her companions who just looked as uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time, it must because of the redhead. “If I do you need to give me your name.” she said frimly and he could only chuckle softly like a father would do to his amusing children, “Of course Miss reincarnation” she was getting tired of him using “Miss” with her.

“My name is Kagome and don’t call me Miss!” the red head only smiled, “Alright then Kagome, Cale Henituse” Kagome looked confused, “My name is Cale Henituse, surprising hearing such a name here right?” she nodded her head soundly. “But anyways I will intrust these to you” he took out a 21 jewel shards out of his kimono and took out his hand, the girl just stared in confusion and shook with her eyes blown wide, “HUH!?” everyone’s eyes were blown wide as they stared at the jewel shards. 

Kagome slowly reached out and took them, “Why are you giving them to me?” Cale shrugged, “Carrying these are such a hassle I might as well give them to people who are actively finding them, and why not keep in touch with them since you do owe me for them okay?” she looked at him with widened eyes, “But-” Cale put his finger on her lip and she immediately halted her words. It was as if her father was reprimanding her or an older brother, “No buts Kagome, think of it as an investment!” 

Kagome could only think of the whys but decided to just nod until she heard him drop something alarming, “Besides I don’t think handing them to Sesshomaru would do any good since he’s a demon even if he has a human girl hanging around him” before Kagome could say a word the half demon Inuyasha finally snapped out of his daze when he heard his older brother’s name. “YOU KNOW SESSHOMARU!?” he yelled right into Cale’s ear which prompted him wave his arm to have sound of the wind take care of it.