Song of the Caged Blackbird

Abby Ebon

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Harry Potter' or 'Naruto'. Or 'InuYasha'.

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Mark of the Changing Seasons

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"You've not done very well in protecting him, Itachi." The words came from out of the fire and smoke, as he stood waiting, sure enough, someone he had thought he had only glimpsed out of the corner of his eyes appeared; very solid – much too real. Itachi curled his lip then, knowing that this being had no more right to lecture him then any other.

"He needs little protecting. He is powerful enough." Itachi argued, he had come forward to stand in front of Harry who sat, still, beside where the body of Kagome that had been the temporary vessel of Kikyo had laid. With her death, Houkou- and two others who watched this confrontation even now with wide eyes –had been freed.

"You came here to make me whole, so I might free him from bindings. He is caught in a tangled web. You are lucky he breaths." Blame was laid thick in his words, but Itachi would have none of it. He tensed even so wondering if the demon might demand his life – as it had killed Naraku so easily. He would not die so easily. As if the thought had been plucked from his mind, Houkou smiled slowly; there was nothing friendly in that look.

Itachi thought he understood then, in that moment, that he was a rival, somehow – to the demon. It did not yet make sense.

"Stop speaking of me as if I do not sit before you both." Harry spoke then, green eyes glinting gold as he looked up at them. Itachi bit his lips so he did not speak. He had not started this, but he had every intention of finishing it if Houkou provoked him further.

"As you will, little host…" The words rumbled out of Houkou, almost in a growl. Itachi heard the little startled gasp that the demon slayer had made. He tensed as Houkou turned his attention to her. Itachi had grown to like Sango, somewhat, they were similar, Houkou chuckled seeing her surprise, as it amused him.

"W-what are you?" She demanded, seeing now that she had his attention and knowing she might as well get an answer while she had it. Sango knew, all the same, that if this demon – which had killed with ease the one they had hunted and tracked for nearly a year – turned against them, they would not likely survive.

"Is it not obvious?" Sesshomaru asked of them, his voice soft in the stillness of the air, there were no other noises save breathing. It had grown quite – as if all life had fled in the face of this gathering of demons.

"He is something like Sesshomaru and I." InuYasha spoke then, obviously tired, for they could hear that in his tone. He was also very burdened with the death of the one he had hoped to take as his mate. Hearing him, not even Sesshomaru stirred, though the demon seemed to look wary, if only for InuYasha's sake as Houkou turned his attention to them.

"Silly little pups…call me what you will. There is something of the truth in it." Houkou muttered, even he would not deny the likeness between himself and the brothers, his hair was just as silver like, and his eyes as gold. There was something that was strangely devoid between the three; that likeness had ended after physical resemblance. Somehow Houkou was raw, not as sculpted as Sesshomaru or as human as InuYasha. He was more; something of the elements was within him, as Harry knew from experience.

"Cease you teasing, Houkou." Harry warned Houkou, who seemed to pout, though he nodded his head to Harry's whim obediently. There was something of their relationship that openly puzzled the others. Houkou seemed to delight in the secret of it, even as he spoke subserviently to the little human.

"Of course…." Houkou yawned then, showing off his teeth for any who cared to look. It was a warning to anyone else who thought to ask such things as Harry could get away with saying. It was heeded.

"There is something I would like to know, none the less – who were you two…and why did you try to make me cease to be, little priestess?" Houkou's attention had strayed to the two others who had been trapped along side him. Itachi knew it had been a dozen years or more for them, but he wondered how long it seemed to Houkou that he had endured caged inside the little jewel.

"Forgive me, Houkou no Gobi – I did not…know." The young woman pleaded, she had dark hair though her eyes were a soft brown, her skin was pale, though that was understandable if she had been trapped within the jewel since it's making. There was only one person who she could be.

"We could not have known, Lord Houkou, we had been isolated from what is and what was that we were confused." The male stepped forward, as if preparing to ask the blame be taken upon him. The woman reached for his hand, he took it, hesitating only a moment to look to Houkou, who did not seem either pleased or angered with their unity.

"He knows you two?" Harry spoke up then, demanding, even as he frowned to Houkou, who smirked only a little, proving he still had his secrets.

"Yes, do you not remember us, Lord?" The woman asked, seemingly more worried for Houkou then worried, her eyes met his own demonic ones – something like warmth passed between them, reassuring the woman.

"Yes, I remember, though I worried that you would have forgotten." Houkou confessed then, choosing the moment well to speak. He still had something of his tendency for suspense, which Harry thought was just as well. He might as well let Houkou have his fun while he could.

"It is a relief to see you among strangers…" The man confessed then, though his words hinted at a deeper meaning. It was clear the couple did not belong where they had found themselves. For the first time, Houkou ceased his antics, instead he looked almost saddened.

"I do not have the power to pull you into your right times, but I think this place will settle to you. It is without a priestess now and you Midoriko, had talent for such things." It was not the answer hoped for, that much was obvious. Both looked about themselves, not quite displeased – but assuredly not content.

"I am honored, Lord." It was nearly a whisper, but those where the woman's words. That much could not be denied.

"W-wait, what? I thought priestesses and priests were enemies of the demon kin!" Miroku exclaimed, even as he stepped forward as if to defend the two. He was quickly put in his place, as the young woman made a gesture, and Miroku seemed to walk into a barrier. Her intent was clear, to defend Houkou – though it was something he seemed amused by. It did not matter. At least not to her, aware now of possible dangers, the young man tensed, his eyes skimming over everyone.

"Perhaps it is so now, it was not so before Nekomata changed my Magatsuhi…" The woman told him, eyes narrowed, Houkou seemed to snicker at his shocked look; Harry and Itachi were not so very amused.

"Midoriko…you…forgive me?" The young man – obviously Magatsuhi, spoke then, something demonic seemed to crawl beneath his skin, though it was seemingly controlled. It was a mark of the demon Nekomata – lasting scar, though now it did not let demons control his movements or change his shape.

"Yes, how could I not?" Midoriko asked of him, blinking her eyes clear with a trembling smile.

"As much as I would hate to interrupt this…you need to collect your younglings, least they stray." Miroku and Sango – as well as Midoriku and Magatsuhi seemed to realize then that for whatever reasons, Houkou wanted them to go, so he could speak with those remaining.

"Sango…Miroku, could you?" InuYasha seemed to know they would not go unless he said something, and he had no wish to see his remaining humans harmed. Miroku seemed to understand that, there was understanding in him, though his distrusted Houkou plainly enough.

"Of course, InuYasha…just, come to see us once it's over …" Sango asked of him, knowing that what was likely to be said wasn't meant or needed to be overheard. There was little choice – either way, she would not be allowed to overhear.

"You will always have a place beside us, InuYasha, we would not lose you simply because our task is done." Miroku more reluctantly, but no one could deny the truth of his words. The two left together, lagging only a little as they walked away, toward where Kirara had fled before the battle had begun.

"Sesshomaru, I remember your father well, we will do you the favor of collecting the two headed dragon, your toad, and the girl." Magatsuhi spoke up then, catching the young demons attention. Midoriku tensed only a little as Sesshomaru's attention fell upon them.

"As you will…" Sesshomaru allowed, with a tilt of his head. He watched, somewhat wary, even as they followed after the other two humans. He looked to InuYasha then for a long moment; he had not seen his younger brother so filled with remorse in many years. It was an uncomfortable thing. He wanted to say something reassuring, though he disliked admitting that he had not known the things he had perhaps most needed to understand.

"It seems your mortal friends are perhaps…worthy as one such as you, little brother." Sesshomaru spoke then, a small admittance on his part. Kouga, who had laid low until that moment, unwilling to come into conflict with something as demonically ancient as Houkou did not remain silent with InuYasha being so addressed.

"Where the hell do you get off telling him what he does and who he can interact with? Huh?" Kouga came between the brothers, snarling and his furred tail ruffled with his irritation. He had only known Sesshomaru for a few moments after a battle with Naraku, already he did not like this "brother". Hs dislike clear, though InuYasha did not speak, he seemed instead to find the whole conflict baffling. His brother had always treated him coldly, and Kouga had never defended him – only acting the part of a rival and alley in battle.

"This Sesshomaru is Lord of the Western Lands, little wolf." Sesshomaru answered his words and posture chilling with a threat. Kouga snorted, getting in Sesshomaru's personal space, as if he would not back down with that claim. Titles changed, Kouga had learned that as he had fought to become the Leader of his pack. He did not – could not – understand the hereditary title of the dog demons.

"That means shit to me." Sesshomaru made a low sound, at first InuYasha and Kouga were both baffled – InuYasha because he had never heard his brother become so threatened as to growl – and Kouga because it echoed in his blood, this warning, seeming unnatural with its very intent. InuYasha moved then, to defend Kouga, understanding his danger – though Kouga did not.

Harry looked to Houkou, his demon did not seem interested in interfering with this – whatever this was. He didn't want any more blood spilt.

"Perhaps you should be mindful of those more powerful…" InuYasha hissed at Kouga, taunting the wolf demon, if only to get him to back down to face InuYasha. Sesshomaru was aware of it, but his golden eyes bled red – it seemed his little brother was betraying him – their very heritage – for the sake for a mangy wolf…

"No dog is…" Kouga, distracted in truth, lent in close to InuYasha – so close that their breath and scents mingled. Sesshomaru inhaled; confused with his brother's relationship with the wolf demon – until he caught a scent – the wolf was aroused. His brother had stirred with some life, if only to defend Kouga – that meant he was worth something. Sesshomaru interrupted Kouga before the life that had flared in his brothers eyes at a threat to the wolf faded with whatever words would be uttered.

"I would advise you to guard you tongue." It was a snarl, despite his instinct, Sesshomaru felt still as if his brother was being threatened – though he understood now why InuYasha did not want to see the wolf come to harm. For his brother he would attempt not to kill the wolf demon – though he was reckless – overconfident in a way that InuYasha only pretended.

"Sesshomaru….that is not necessary." InuYasha murmured, almost submissive, for he had recognized what Sesshomaru was attempting to give him. Kouga was confused, looking between the two half siblings, as if he did not believe his other senses.

"Though it is quite amusing…." Houkou spoke then, before Kouga could figure it all out. He should not have spoken, for it seemed that Kouga picked up some clue with his words, his eyes widened – he swallowed, and stepped down. InuYasha was grateful, while Sesshomaru warned him with bloody tinted eyes not to move away or run.

"Houkou…" Harry sensed the tension, and swallowed, for Itachi was looking toward Sesshomaru as if to kill him – Sesshomaru had been kind, had taken him in – Harry had no wish to see Itachi fling himself into this fray.

"Yes, yes…" Houkou, having been apparently entertained, grumbled only a little as he spoke. Itachi caught on, narrowing his eyes at Houkou – not in the least threatened by the five tailed demon. Houkou, rather then be annoyed was somewhat pleased – almost smug at being so dismissed from being a threat.

"Enough. You three may settle your disagreements elsewhere. If you continue, I will kill you." His words – backed by the gapping grin of Houkou – were enough to bring the three feuding to heel. At least for a moment….

"Eloquent as always, young Itachi." Houkou murmured the compliment, though Itachi was clearly confused by it – he seemed determined to see that they dealt with one thing before another. His concern was for Harry – and the words of Houkou which still haunted him.

"Silence. You claim I am causing him harm – yet you do nothing while he sickens." Itachi snarled tensed, as if ready to spring into an attack. Houkou lifted his lip with a warning, teeth glistening.

"Do you imply that I would see him die and do nothing?" Houkou asked, coming closer to Itachi, who narrowed his eyes, not backing away. He would not submit, even with Houkou standing close enough for him to smell the dog demons breath.

"Is that not what you are doing?" Itachi hissed the words, softly Houkou chuckled, and noticing Itachi shiver. He was not as inhuman as he pretended, something of that passed between them then. They both had a goal to protect Harry – though they both knew it was Harry who protected them from becoming what others feared them as. That was a sort of strength that needed no fists or blood to be showed for what it was.

"Perhaps you are a mate worthy of my other half…be wary, I will not see him suffer any more harm." Houkou had tilted his lips to Itachi's ear, lips brushing and touching sensitive flesh. Itachi's eyes widened at the strangely intimate gesture.

"Understood…" The word came out, almost choked off. Houkou grinned, a little bloodthirsty, a little more filled with lust then Itachi was comfortable with. It was what Houkou was in truth, raw force – natural law unto himself. Harry harnessed that sheer force of will – and had made a companion of it.

Houkou, as if to prove his thoughts true, moved away from Itachi – settling on his haunches to regard Harry. Who looked only then to the bloody ground – all that was left of flesh and soul that had freed Houkou; only then did it sink in what it was that Harry must be thinking. Houkou had been within the jewel – he had gotten stronger then he had ever been, Harry knew that his scar marked him as Houkou's host – it bound them together even now.

If Houkou wanted to, Itachi did not doubt Houkou could kill Harry, rather then being trapped once more.

"Houkou…she died…" Harry murmured, Houkou's hands rested on either side of Harry's face – he pressed his forehead against Harry's own. It seemed they stayed like that, as if thoughts passed between them, though Itachi did not know that to be truth and only suspected it to be so.

"I will not let the same happen to you, little one." Houkou seemed to burn up with an inner light, until they had to look away or close their eyes. He was gone when they looked back; the lightning bolt of a scar seemed too bold on his pale skin. Harry blinked blurry eyes, and Itachi knew that he had not looked away – and closing his eyes would have done little good. With blurred vision, Harry blinked, head tilted to the side as he did not panic relying on his other senses even with his near bout of blindness.

Itachi knelt down to touch Harry's shoulder reassuringly, recognizing something familiar in his touch, Harry spoke, unsure of what had happened.

"Itachi…am I…alone?" Harry asked, uncertain, Itachi glimpsed Miyabita Shi which Houkou had held the whole time, though it had seemed somehow the sword was less significant then the demon. Itachi let Miyabita Shi touch Harry, who grasped the sword in old familiarly, somehow reassured.

"No." Itachi's answer was firm, without a doubt. Harry would not be alone, even though Houkou terrified Itachi in a way that Itachi would never admit.

"Thank you." It was almost a whisper, but Itachi heard it.

"Now that Houkou is within you, this world – this time – is changing; you must leave before the Bone Eater Well can no longer take you from now to then." It was Sesshomaru that spoke, no one else had dared to interrupt. Itachi found his lips tilting in amusement – it was like Sesshomaru to do what was necessary – as it was for Itachi. They were more alike then Itachi had realized.

"And just how do you know that, Sesshomaru?" InuYasha asked, looking strangely to his brother, as if he wasn't sure if it was, indeed, who it looked to be. Kouga frowned, unsure of what either was talking about. Itachi was sure it would be explained to him. Eventually.

"You do not disappear with subtlety, little brother." Sesshomaru stated softly, there was a certain fond amusement in his tone. Kouga heard it – though InuYasha seemed obvious. He boldly rolled his eyes heavenward, as if he had suspected as much.

"Huh…" InuYasha mumbled, Kouga looked to him with a raised eyebrow, wondering if InuYasha was acting, though it was clear he was not.

"We must leave now." Itachi interrupted, as interesting as the lives of his ancestors were – as intriguing of a concept that this point of time was proving to be with humans having a working knowledge of the dangers of the demons that lived among them was proving to be; he had no desire to remain in this time longer then absolutely necessary.

"Agreed." Harry murmured, standing on his own though he seemed to gain some strength from Miyabita Shi. Itachi knew he would for a long time yet remain wary of the sword that had forced him to couple with demons and morals, even if it was to keep Harry alive – it had never told him – not that he would have understood.

Sesshomaru seemed to move, flicker of a shape superimposing the mortal form –dwarfing it – things seemed to settle into what had been imposed. Itachi thought he might have done without the blatant show of power – though perhaps it was good for Kouga to learn just what he was meddling with. Kouga swallowed, nervous as he looked between Sesshomaru's giant dog like shape and InuYasha who he had never seen in a second form save that of a half demon and human. The implication was none the less obvious. Of course InuYasha could transform so.

"This shape will carry you swiftly." Somehow Sesshomaru being smug traversed naturally from the giant canine. Itachi felt Harry touch his back, knowing that though he could not yet see, he knew that they needed to move swiftly. Itachi had little doubt that Harry would be able to keep up with his movements – they had worked well together since Itachi had first started sparring with Harry.

That did not mean that Itachi trusted Sesshomaru in the least, as he leapt upward, pretending that what he climbed was not covered with fur and was breathing beneath his feet even as he hissed words he knew Sesshomaru would hear.

"Just so you know Sesshomaru, Harry may trust you – but if you try to eat either of us, I will kill you." It was snarled past clenched teeth. There was no other answer then the leaping run that ate up distance and soon they had passed over fields and were within a thick forest. It was then that Itachi thought that perhaps thoughts had better been saved for after they had gotten to where they needed to go. It was too late now.

All the same, Sesshomaru showed some respect – seeming to understand Itachi in the same way that Itachi had understood him. He left them at the Bone Eater Well, golden eyes that glinted from shadows in the trees were the last thing that Itachi saw before a swelling light and soft music took Harry and himself away.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Note; I just want to sincerely thank everyone who has reviewed (and stuck with me) since I blended my Harry/Naruto story with InuYasha in one go, I know it was a risky move not everyone was thrilled with, but, I hope you may never be disappointed with it!

All of you have stuck with me since chapter twenty-nine and beyond, you have no idea how thankful I am for your loyalty – nor how much your comments mean to me, because of you this story is approaching the point where I will blend it back into something resembling its original point (that is, the challenge I'm –uh – supposed to be following …); though it won't be too long before the magical world interferes (and someone we loath dies, as well as someone who I'm going to cry about…-sniffles at the thought-). So, thank you – because of you, I'll see this to an end I think I will relish with every bit of giddy delight I took in killing Naraku and bringing back my Houkou.

PS – don't panic, the 'end' won't be for, say, another fifteen chapters or so...-dies- I never though this story would be so bloody long! My longest story yet!

PSS – I'm saving the "Yu Yu Hakusho" idea for possible sequel…-evil giggles- if there is a sequel! Note the whole "Deathly Gods" and that little bit of info concerning the origin of Miyabita Shi…"Graceful Death, a true…Reaper of the Deathly Gods"…so I have a way if I ever need it.

Having said all that, I have but one itty-bitty question... how well do you remember chapter five?

….-Giggles-…