• 1-Tranquility
• 2-Dreams of the Past
• 3-A Common Thread
• 4-Miroku's Vow
• 5-Miroku's Request
• 6-Life's Lessons
• 7-Sesshomaru's Wish
• 8-Baiting A Trap
• 9-The Choices of Freedom

He woke, finding himself confined by ropes and vines. Artemis tried to move, but it was impossible. He roared, straining at his restraints. Where was Rei? She was nowhere to be seen, sending him into a killing frenzy. He screamed, bit at the ropes and vines. Razor claws dug into the earth, feeding his blinding rage. A vine snapped, quickly followed by the rest.

The few wolves that had been unlucky enough to be on guard, barely dodged his powerful paws. He released another roar, the color of his eyes pure red. He set the forest floor on fire, taking another pass at the frightened pack. These wolves were small in comparison to their leader, the oldest and strongest. Koga came flying in, taking Artemis on with a explosion of claws and fangs.

Blood sprayed the circle of on lookers, leaving them trembling at the ferocity of their battle. It was like a river, there was so much blood. Both were suffering heavy blows, but the enraged Panther showed no signs of stopping. All of Artemis's mind was shrouded in a red haze of rage, his only thought death and destruction.

A heavy blow sent Koga crashing against a tree, breaking a rib. Koga was far too old to give up to the Solarian so easily. The pack could only stare in horror, too young to remember the last time Koga had battled such a powerful opponent.

Koga would not hesitate to protect his pack, remembering all to well the fury of Sesshomaru when they had killed the human child under his protection. Artemis was the same, blinded by his rage and failure to protect Rei. He had sworn to guard the sailor senshi and Princess Serenity. If they could only see their guardian at that moment. There was nothing of the old Artemis they would have recognized.

The change would have horrified the sailor senshi. He was no longer calm nor ditzy. Artemis was a true Solarian, giving back everything he was taking from Koga. He would not pretend to be what he was never meant to be. Koga would know Artemis anywhere, even if he was surprised to see him alive and in his forest.

He thought his wolf patrol had gone mad when they came speaking of a large white panther with golden stripes on his fur. They had taken the human from him, but Koga had a strong feeling that there was more to the story. He had just arrived in time to stop Artemis from slaughtering his entire pack.

Koga had often seen Artemis in battle, but never did he dream that he would be the one to face him. The only other to come out of a battle alive with the Solarian feline, was Sesshomaru's father. That battle only turned out in Inutashio favor because of Tranquility's interference. Koga doubted that Artemis could recognize him in his killing rage.

Breaking a part, the two circled, searching for a weakness. Artemis sprang for the final blow, stopped by a blinding light that glowed for thousands of leagues. All who looked at the sky, would speak of the red flame for months. Only those in the forest would know that it came from a large Phoenix, her feathers spread in a twenty foot span on both sides.

After the light faded, she landed between the two demons. Artemis hesitated, an unnatural calm surrounding his heart and mind. You mustn't fight him, Artemis. Tranquility is tied to him, as she is tied to us all. Please, do not be the cause of more pain.

Guilt cut through the rage, Artemis stepping away from Koga. His eyes were once again a deep emerald, their coats covered in blood. Slowly they changed shapes, standing in their humanoid forms. Koga's brown tail wrapped around his shoulder, wishing that he could seek the comfort of his den. He hated to admit it, but the fight with Artemis had severely drained him.

If the battle had continued, Artemis would have won. It had been several centuries since he had felt this aura, his mind connecting with the powerful creature. She was beautiful, her large wings creating a wind of warmth. The Phoenix was said to no longer exist, wiped out by the negaverse. They possessed incredible gifts, able to be reborn from the ashes of their death.

Certain that they would no longer fight, she descended, folding her light wings against her sides as she grew to stand before them. Long raven hair fell to her knees, red marks on her wrists and cheeks. Artemis understood the meaning of her transformation, his heart growing cold in shock. "Rei..."

Rei quickly went to the Solarian, wrapping him in a hug. She wasn't surprised when Artemis hesitated before he returned it. "Oh, Artemis. Stop blaming yourself for events that are beyond your control. I'll admit, I didn't understand what was happening, not until after I was re-born as the phoenix."

Koga stared at the woman in astonishment. His pack had taken him to the tent they had placed her in. He didn't understand her illness, never having seen a demon become sick before. She had no poison in her blood and he had been prepared to tell Artemis when the Solarian had broken free. "You were dead!"

She laughed, as if it were a natural and every day event. "Yes, that does tend to happen and it wouldn't be the first time. I wonder if I'm stronger than I was as Sailor Mars?"

"Now is not the time, Rei!" Artemis growled. He felt guilty for allowing her to die, whether he could have stopped it or not. Deep down he knew there was nothing he could have done. "How are you now?"

"Well enough for you to fetch Serenity. I think I'll rest until your return."

Artemis nodded, leaving Rei with Koga. If she trusted him, then he would not question her. Koga said nothing, crossing his arms in stubborn defiance. So what if Artemis would have wiped the floor of him. It would take more than one battle to break his spirit. Strange, Tranquility had made friends with three of the deadliest enemies, ignoring the lines that had kept their races at war for several centuries. Selinity had been the same way with her marriage to the Solarian King, Tranquility and Serenity tied to both worlds.

Tranquility jerked awake, drenched in sweat. The room was silent, Sesshomaru asleep beside her. Everything seemed normal, but she knew it was only an illusion. Tranquility sensed the hatred and darkness, the laughter that filled her mind. She was cold, even with Sesshomaru pressed against her.

With no choice, she battled this presence alone. He taunted the young female, promising that she would be his path towards defeating Kagome and Sesshomaru. She was Kagome's weakest link to her mission and group of friends that followed the Miko.

No! I don't believe you!

You think Sesshomaru could protect you from me. He will die in the attempt and the result will be the same!

No! Leave me! Leave him alone! she screamed in defiance, clutching at her head.

I think not. If you don't believe my power, then here is a gift. He showed her the manipulation of a young boy, how he had murdered his entire village, nearly doing the same to his sister. There were several scars on her back.

Why? He was just a child.

It matters not their age, only that he was necessary for my ultimate desire. Kagome is preventing that goal and I will destroy her through you.

Never! Tranquility snarled in pure defiance. I'm not so easily captured, nor will I give you the chance to kill them.

Do not attempt to defy my power, young one. I've killed far more powerful demons than your Sesshomaru.

Harm him, and nothing will stand in my way to destroying you!

He quickly left, but his threat will always haunt her. To stay would be the death of the one person that had given her the love she had so longed for. It tore at her heart to leave Sesshomaru, knowing he'd be angry. Tranquility couldn't bare the thought of him dying, not for her.

Without even trying, he had given her everything she had ever wanted; his love and protection. Tranquility knew that he loved her, even if he never intended to tell her. He claimed that she belonged to him, and it made her feel warm and wanted.

Gently, unable to stop herself, she touched his face. Tranquility memorized every feature. He would have remained asleep, but her unease and fear awakened him immediately. "Why do you tremble? I smell your fear." Tranquility tried to hide her growing terror, but it was impossible.

Sesshomaru sat up, his eyes scanning the room. Seeing and feeling nothing he turned back to her. Her fear was very real and he had no doubt that something had happened. Why was she afraid? Was it of him? He quickly dismissed the idea. If she had not feared him last night, she would not now.

He remembered something, his entire focus on the Solarian. Yes, she was a fighter of Solaria, but she also possessed the abilities of her mother. She could sense the emotions and feelings of another person, a true telepath. Who would cause her such fear? He tried to read her mind, also gifted with her ability. She was shielding him from it, but he didn't have to see to know who could have visited her.

"Naraku..." He snarled. He saw her flinch, knowing he was right. Pulling her close, he stroked her hair. "Tell this Sesshomaru why you tremble? Naraku will not have what is mine, Solarian."

"Did you not say that I was also Lunarian, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru had a strong feeling she blocked her painful past, only recalling the times without war and death. It didn't surprise him, her entire life was spent in one battle after another since the age of ten. Her father had visited Earth, Tranquility separated by a sudden attack.

Sesshomaru was with his father, helping him with a threat on his borders. Koga's father had become a problem. She was everything and nothing he had imagined. At fifteen, she was a little hell fire, fighting his father's soldiers as they tried to capture and kill her wolf tribe.

She bore the mark of a Solarian, yet she had acted as a wolf. He had learned later that she had been raised and guarded by this wolf tribe, Koga like an older brother. This one child defended them, even against her own.

Any other child, human or demon, would have fled in terror. She refused, standing over Koga's fallen body. The younger demon carried her scars with pride and honor. Sesshomaru circled the girl, motioning for the other demons to hold back. What remained of her wolf tribe did the same, waiting for the outcome of their battle.

Sesshomaru was over four thousand years old, and he had never lost a battle. This girl intrigued him, and he craved the battle with her. Her eyes a beautiful lavender, accepted his challenge. His father stood back, shaking his head in wonder. His son seldom showed interest in those they captured or killed; this girl was an exception.

Why was a Solarian with the wolf tribes? She attacked, throwing Sesshomaru to the ground. He flipped them over, but she managed to escape his grip before he pinned her. She swiped at him with her nails, missing him by inches. Even as a child, she was nothing to be taken lightly.

Sesshomaru found himself enjoying their little fight, knowing he could easily take her. She showed no fear and Sesshomaru found her to be everything he had heard of the Solarian race. They were vicious. What could this little feline do if she were fully trained, especially after she had come of age and made her first transformation?

He snatched her long hair, rolling on top of her as she came around to rake her nails across his chest. Sesshomaru growled, latching on to her shoulder and holding her down. The Solarian snarled and howled in fury. Sesshomaru was relentless, never breaking his hold.

For two hours she struggled to get free, but even the little feline couldn't keep fighting forever. Koga, by the time Sesshomaru had managed to subdue the girl, was trying to get up. Their eyes met, and at that moment Sesshomaru chose to spare their lives.

Koga considered her one of his own, as if she were actually his blood sister. They fiercely protected each other. He was at least a thousand, still young by demon standards. Koga had taught her everything to survive in his world. She released another growl, refusing to cry or beg for her life.

Too weak to continue the fight, Sesshomaru stood, lifting the female into his arms. By nature, the Solarian was already a warrior, but living with the wolf pack had made her more wild, feral and completely untamable. The days were never dull, Sesshomaru constantly battling against her stubborn refusal to submit.

His father admired her unbreakable spirit, but he truly believed she couldn't be tamed. Sesshomaru was the one that reached through the instinct to fight and kill. A year passed before they discovered that she was the princess of Solaria and Lunaria. Koga, permitted to live, was always by her side. Their favorite spot was the garden.

They longed to be set free. By the time her father came to retrieve her, she didn't recognize him, nor did she want to leave. She gave as violent a struggle as she had with Sesshomaru. In the end, it was Artemis and Koga that managed to calm the wild child.

He had tried to forget the sixteen year old, but it was impossible. No battle had as much meaning. It wasn't the same without battling the little hell child. When his father needed a connection between Solaria and the Western Realms, Sesshomaru took the chance.

Tranquility was nothing like he remembered. Granted, she could still fight, but she was quieter. Koga had become a guardian to the princess, still by her side. They did everything together, but even he couldn't understand the true loneliness that she was starting to feel.

Everything changed after the generals of the negaverse kidnapped her. Sesshomaru, by chance, had been walking by her chambers when he heard the snarl of pain. He broke down the door, but they sedated him, throwing him beside Tranquility's unconscious form. Listening to pieces of conversation, he knew they were going to kill them.

He wasted no time when the enemy landed, escaping with Tranquility in his arms. Trapped in the dark tunnels of the negaverse, the next several months tested both their strength and minds, forcing them to fight back-to-back. At times, they were greatly outnumbered, but Tranquility never gave up.

She still lacked the strength she would have if she were a few hundred years older, but Tranquility had the courage and heart to make up for it. It was in this dark place that she transformed, Sesshomaru her only companion to ease her through the fear and pain.

Sesshomaru cleared his mind of the memories. Staring up at him, he could still see the same girl trying to protect him. Demons feared Sesshomaru and Koga for a reason; they were ancients. Artemis was another. Gently, he nuzzled her neck, wanting and needing her to trust in his strength.

She sighed in frustration, but Sesshomaru didn't know how to explain that he would come to no harm. He had no need of her protection. "Sesshomaru..."

"Tranquility, you cannot protect myself. My enemies are far too powerful and you will only be placing yourself in unnecessary danger. What does Naraku want?"

"It's only a dream," she whispered.

Sesshomaru knew she was lying and bit down on her neck, his teeth sharp and painful. "Dammit, Sesshomaru! Stop biting me!" Tranquility snapped, gasping as his teeth sank deeper. Her mind exploded in a wave of heat and pleasure.

Again he had made his mark, his youkai becoming more and more aggressive. It roared to be released, but Sesshomaru dared not. She was still young. 'SOUL MATE!' It snarled. The youkai lord trembled, fighting not to take her. It would be so simple, but her happiness would always come first. He had proved it in the darkness of the negaverse and he would do it now. Soon... Her change was so close, and he could afford to be patient.

Tranquility squirmed, wanting to get away, but needing to move closer. He was angry with her, but it was necessary. As a result of his friendship, she would die for him. The voice had promised death, and she believed it. Her eyes flashed, her nails growing longer before she calmed and relaxed.

Sesshomaru had good reason to question her. He knew her from a life she couldn't remember. Would she be able to leave?

Sango stared at the monk in horror. No, he wouldn't! Miroku looked really angry, nothing like the gentle man she knew him as. Little did she know, he had a violent side, something his enemies or other males would often see. Sango backed away, prepared to run. Miroku dodged her next blow, kicking her feet out from under her.

He's fast, she thought, already back on her feet.

"Sango, I grow tired of this!"

The others had gone in search of fire wood and food. Sango backed against a tree. "Miroku, I'm sorry. I thought..."

"That's just the point! I wasn't trying anything! You thought the same thing with Serenity! I haven't tried anything in the past six months!" He placed a hand on both sides of her head. He was really angry.

"You were injured in that fight and I was simply trying to keep the infection down! I'm tired of being slapped by you!"

Miroku stormed away, having nothing left to say. Grabbing his staff, he barely responded to Kagome and Serenity as they re-entered the camp. Sango sank to the ground, looking at the white bandages on her arm. It had been infected, and thanks to Miroku it no longer hurt.

The way he had looked at her, she had naturally assumed that he was about to take advantage of her. His words had stung. She hadn't realized, but it had been a long while since he had tried to touch her in a sexual manner. Miroku to her knowledge, hadn't touched any other female either, nor had he tried to ask them to bare his future child.

She had to find him. Forgetting her weapon, she ran after him, but he was already out of sight. How did she find him? She searched every where, still having no luck. It began to rain, forcing her to seek shelter in the camp. "Miroku!" she shouted.

A week passed before Tranquility found her chance. Sesshomaru had left her alone in the baths, giving her the opportunity to climb out the window. She had to move quickly, knowing he could easily track her. How do I hide my scent from him?

Tranquility took an old path, heading for the woods. She remembered the creek they had played in not too long ago, knowing it was her only chance. Not only did she have to hide from Sesshomaru, but Koga and Artemis would attempt to track her down as well.

Not for the first time, she thanked all her years of martial arts training and track. It gave her the strength to keep running, even when she wanted to stop and take a breath. She still wasn't far enough. Sesshomaru could travel several miles in a matter of seconds.

She had to do this. Sesshomaru would not give her a second chance at this. Tranquility ignored the pain she knew this running would cause him, but Naraku had visited her every night, always with the same promise. If Sesshomaru hadn't been a dream, then neither was Naraku. He would keep his promise. Tranquility whimpered. She didn't want to do this alone. Why was she always the one to sacrifice her dreams and the ones she loved?

Thirty minutes later, she stumbled across the stream, her breath coming in gasps. That's when she heard him, Tranquility already heading up stream. As she continued, the water became wider and deeper, giving her the chance to move under water.

The creek soon became a river, but she battled it for hours, hiding in dark shadows and spots as she grew tired. The mark on her shoulder burned, as if angered by her betrayal. Sesshomaru, she cried, reaching out to him for but a moment.

I can't do this! She screamed in despair. Why does everyone I care about have to be taken from me? I can't even have Kagome and Rei! She wiped away the tears, shivering as the sky opened up and rained on her already numb body. You're the first to ever love me.

Tranquility! Sesshomaru roared in fury. He would never stop hunting her, and for both their sakes she had no choice but to continue. She wouldn't allow Naraku to have his way. Closing off her mind completely, Tranquility chose to hide from all of them, including Naraku.