InuYasha doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Rumiko Takahashi (lucky
her). Ryoko is MY character and, no, she isn't the Ryoko from Tenchi Muyo.
SO DON'T USE RYOKO!!! Enjoy the fanfiction and remember to review!
Sesshoumaru: When do we read the story???
Ryoko: Hold on, Fluffy-sama!
Sesshoumaru: *cringes* Don't call me that. *growls*
Me: Be nice you two, no fighting!
Sesshoumaru: *growls*
Ryoko: *growls*
Me: *sweatdrop* Ok, ok, here's the story!!!
***
Ryoko walked along a path in the InuYasha Forest. She sighed as she looked at her clawed hands, both covered in Human blood. Her extremely long brown hair was in a braid down her back and she could hear the squeaks of leather as she walked along in her red body suit.
She found a stream nearby and looked into it to see her reflection as she washed her hands of the Human blood. She was beautiful for her age of 1200 years. Her fangs were still sharp as were her claws and her senses.
She had golden eyes which she thought gave her a look of intelligence and her blue moon crescent on her forehead and red stripes on her cheeks gave her a graceful touch. She was also thankful that she had been born the Ancient breed of Dog Demon. She had also been gifted with agility and nine long brown tails, each tipped with a small ring of darker brown.
Her eyes followed two large salmon swimming nearby and in an instant the two fish were squiggling around in her grasp. She smiled with pleasure at her skills. Suddenly Ryoko's elf like ears flicked backwards as she heard a twig snap and a group of three humans, one half breed, and a small kitsune wandering close by.
The stench of the Humans hurt her delicate nose. She stood and turned to the group as they entered the clearing she was in. Ryoko smirked and slit the stomachs of the salmon in her hands.
"Who are you?" She heard the gruff voice of the hanyou. He was as tall as she was and had long silver hair and golden eyes that showed bravery. "I am Lady Ryoko and you?" she replied to him as she arched a brow.
But before he could answer, the male Human rushed forward to kneel in front of Ryoko and grasp her hand and asked, "Will you bare my child?" Ryoko chuckled, "I see you are so desperate, Houshi, that you go around asking every woman that you see." The monk was taken a back and replied, "My lady, you are not just any woman, but a beautiful one with gorgeous eyes." "Oh, brother, give it a rest, Miroku," The half breed muttered as he went and dragged Miroku back.
The female Human in the green and white uniform took a few steps forward. "I'm sorry, Ryoko. I am Kagome and that is InuYasha and that is Miroku," she said in a sincere tone explaining that the hanyou was InuYasha and the Houshi was Miroku. The other female Human with the boomerang spoke, "I am Sango the Demon Exterminator and this is Kirara and Shippo."
Kirara was the small cat on her shoulder and Shippo was the small kitsune that was standing next to Kagome. Ryoko noticed a small crystal on a chain around Kagome's neck. "The shards of the Shikon Jewel," Ryoko breathed as she grasped the small ball between two of her clawed fingers.
Kagome gulped at the claws being so close to her skin. InuYasha immediately rushed forward and gripped Ryoko's arm and growled, "Leave Kagome alone." Ryoko glanced at him then back at the jewel and backed away some. "InuYasha, she was just examining the Shikon Shards! You always have to be so rude," the girl hissed at him.
"Well, it seemed she was going to cut you!" InuYasha exclaimed. "You are a fool to underestimate my hearing abilities, InuYasha. You should listen to the girl and shut your mouth," Ryoko said coldly.
InuYasha opened his mouth to reply, but closed it once more at second thought and crossed his arms, "Humph." Kagome glared at him then turned back to Ryoko and said, "Please travel with us. We would love your company, Miss Ryoko!" Miroku added, "Yes, we would." Sango, Shippo, and even Kirara nodded happily. "Then I will, thank you," Ryoko replied with a smile and joined her new companions.
***
Later that night a fire was made by the Houshi and Ryoko's two salmon, and a few others she had caught later on, were cooked and eaten heartily. The small kitsune sat back and licked his lips and complimented Ryoko on her cooking, "That was really good, Ryoko-chan!"
Ryoko bowed her head towards Shippo, "Thank you, Shippo. Would you like to sit with me?" Shippo nodded eagerly and sat in Ryoko's lap. He looked up at her and smiled and Ryoko smiled back. Miroku stared at her, well, not exactly. Sango saw at what he was looking at and hit him over the head with her boomerang, "Houshi-sama, keep your eyes to yourself," as Miroku smiled slyly, Sango added in, "and your hands."
InuYasha sat in a shady tree next to the fire. He stared up at the moon. It was a crescent that night, very pretty with stars surrounding it. Ryoko looked up at him and gracefully leaped into the tree. He turned slightly and looked at her as he felt the branch move underneath him.
InuYasha stared for a moment and asked in a cold voice, "What do you want?" Ryoko ignored his question and commented on the moon, "The crescent moon is my favorite one during each month." "Just like Sesshoumaru." InuYasha muttered, but Ryoko heard him. "I have heard of the Lord of the Western Lands," Ryoko changed the subject. "Haven't we all heard of the bastard?" he asked no one in particular. "I grew up in the Northern Lands. I think your father was in rule then." "Probably," InuYasha replied as his hand wandered over the hilt of the Tetsaiga.
"Could I see you sword?" Ryoko asked. InuYasha looked at her like she was crazy, but finally gave into her pleading puppy eyes. "Fine," he mumbled and drew it for her to hold. She gripped the blade's hilt and suddenly before their two sets of golden eyes, the Tetsaiga transformed.
"The Fang Sword is real," Ryoko said in amazement as she sensed the sword's power. "What the..? It transformed for you!" InuYasha looked from the blade to Ryoko and back again. Suddenly the Tetsaiga jumped from her hands and her own sword rushed out of its sheath and the swords floated above their heads, then a bright white light surrounded the blades, but both demons didn't look away.
When the flash was gone, one sword floated back into Ryoko's clawed hand. "They fused!" Ryoko exclaimed. "What did you do!?" InuYasha roared as he grabbed the now one sword, but he was thrown out of the tree and the sword went back to Ryoko. She jumped down to InuYasha and smirked, "It likes me." "It is not real so how could it like you?" "InuYasha, all swords have a mind of their own," Ryoko replied simply. Just then Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo looked their way.
"What is wrong, InuYasha?" Kagome asked then noticed the gleaming blade. Before she could say anything, Miroku came up behind Ryoko and asked, "Is InuYasha bothering you, Lady Ryoko?"
Then the Houshi rubbed his hand over Ryoko's butt and received and bash on the head by Sango and from Ryoko. "Ryoko made the blades fuse together," InuYasha grumbled. "No I didn't you half breed! The swords did it by themselves. You're just mad because you can no longer touch the Tetsaiga. Wait..."
Ryoko said and closed her eyes and a huge gust of wind blew at her, but she stood perfectly still. The wind died down suddenly and Ryoko opened her eyes and whispered, "The blade was fused together out of will and two Shikon Shards." Kagome reached out to touch the blade in order to purify it, her senses booming of shards nearby.
The sword flashed brightly and Kagome was thrown back against a rock. She yelped and sat up while rubbing her head, "I can't purify it. Oh no, InuYasha they're gone...my powers are gone! I can't sense the Shikon Shards anymore!"
Kagome screamed as she could no longer feel the booming sensation. Ryoko smirked and turned to her, just then Shippo cried out, "The two shards are in her forehead!" It was true; the Shikon Shards were now sparkling in Ryoko's forehead, one on each side of her blue moon crescent.
"But how could this be?" Sango asked. Ryoko just stood there as they stared at her forehead in awe. "I have no clue. Let's just say that our two swords have mated and become one, InuYasha," Ryoko said and chuckled. InuYasha rolled his eyes then jumped back into the tree to think, 'I just lost my sword....how could this happen?'
Then Shippo suggested, "Why don't we go and ask Kaede about this?" "What a great idea, Shippo!" Kagome exclaimed with a small smile. She was obviously still devastated about losing her powers. Now she would be worthless to InuYasha. "So I'm guessing Lady Ryoko will be staying with us for a while?" Miroku asked no one in particular.
"I'm sorry, but I can only stay for a short while. I have business to talk about with the Lord of the Western Lands," Ryoko said. InuYasha narrowed his eyes and asked, "What business do you have with Sesshoumaru?"
"I don't have to tell you! It is business between my father and him. They are trying to discuss a peace treaty between the Northern and the Western Lands," she explained. "Feh," InuYasha growled then added in, "How come you are seeing him instead of your father?" "My father is dying."
Miroku and Sango's eyes widened and Sango put a hand on Ryoko's shoulder and whispered, "I am very sorry, Ryoko." Miroku did the same and Ryoko nodded in regard to their kindness, "Thank you, Sango, Miroku." Kagome sighed and curled up next to the fire as she yawned, "I'm going to bed, good night."
Miroku and Sango took a spot next to the fire and also went to sleep. Ryoko walked a ways away then nestled up against a tree.
As she closed her golden eyes, she felt something crawl onto her lap and knew immediately it was Shippo, but when she looked down she saw Shippo and Kirara. She smiled and, with one of her nine tails, covered them and herself and slowly drifted into sleep.
***
Ryoko woke up early that morning to bathe in the hot springs she had smelled nearby the day before. She needed to get clean before Miroku woke up. She gently picked up the small kitsune and cat out of her lap and set them against the tree and wrapped them in Shippo's tail.
Ryoko stood and quietly leapt into a tree and made a jump into the air. She soared with the clouds for a moment before landing next to the heated stream. The warm mist of the water washed over her face when she neared it. She smiled and quickly stripped of her clothes and winced then sighed as she sank into the water.
She put each hand on a side of the shore of the springs and leaned back to relax more. The tops of her breasts were seen but she knew she was safe for an hour or so. She closed her eyes and placed her head on the shore where her arms were. She smiled slightly then opened her now purple eyes, which meant she was relaxed, to find a short, green, toad-like creature peering at her with wide-eyed gaze.
She stared back at it in shock for a moment or so then grabbed the small toad and plunged it into the steaming water. She sat there with a satisfied look as it struggled to breathe under the water. Then she heard soft footsteps come up behind her and she looked up to find a tall demon standing there.
She turned to get a better view and realized how handsome he was. He had golden eyes like her though she doubted greatly that they changed colors. He had long silver hair and pale skin. He was obviously the Ancient Dog Demon breed by the look of him. His outfit was very elegant, a white kimono with dark red flowers on them, the cloth was silk and was costly nowadays.
His sash, a group of vibrant colors, bits of red, gold, green, yellow, and orange. He had a blue moon crescent on his forehead and two red stripes on each of his cheeks. "Lord Sesshoumaru," Ryoko whispered absently and released the little toad thing. Sesshoumaru arched a brow at the woman that sat below him. He glanced at her unclothed breasts then at her features and recognized the markings on her forehead and cheeks to be a replica of his own.
The green youkai swam up to the surface of the water and began to splash around trying to find the shore. He grasped the dirt in his small green claws, pulling himself out of the water. He sat on the edge panting as droplets of heated water flowed down his face. Ryoko glared at him then back at Sesshoumaru who finally spoke.
He asked Ryoko, "Who are you?" "My lord, I would be glad to tell you everything I know about myself if you would pass me my clothes and towel so that I might be dressed properly in your presence," Ryoko replied knowing he would ask that question. Sesshoumaru looked at the ugly green creature and said, "Jaken bring the woman her clothes."
Jaken bowed slightly and sprinted over to her clothing, examining them. Ryoko took notice of what he was doing, scowled, then shouted, "Hey, stop that! Just bring me my clothes." Jaken jumped at her voice and quickly brought the red body suit, red thigh-high boots, and red underwear to her.
As Ryoko gathered the clothing in her arms she looked at Sesshoumaru and muttered, "M'lord, if you would be kind enough as to look away?" He nodded and walked a few steps away from the hot springs and put his back to Ryoko, motioning for Jaken to do the same. Ryoko stepped out of the heated water and dried herself off with her tails and slid on her under garment, body suit, and then boots.
Sesshoumaru heard the zipper of her body suit and turned to find her properly dressed. He then asked once more, "Who are you?" "I am the Lady Ryoko of the Northern Lands here to make negotiations of peace between the Western and Northern Plains, sire," Ryoko replied.
Sesshoumaru walked towards her until their faces were just inches apart. "How come you are here instead of Lord Bashino?" Sesshoumaru asked with an arched brow. "My father is dying and could not make the journey."
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms and whispered, "Give my regards next you see him." "Thank you, m'lord. When shall the negotiations be made?" Ryoko asked him. "You travel with me until I return to my palace or you can forget about the negotiations, your choice."
The tone of Sesshoumaru's voice was a statement not decision a Ryoko could choose about. Ryoko nodded and respected his wishes, "I will stay with you, then, m'lord."
***
A small rustle in the bushes made Ryoko glance at a small tree nearby and a small girl burst out of the brush with a big grin and a giggle. Ryoko eyed the girl and noticed the messy half up half down ponytail that Jaken probably did to her. She had shoulder length black hair and big, excited brown eyes.
She was very cute and looked to be around the age of eight. What Ryoko didn't get was why Sesshoumaru, who was known to hate Humans, was traveling with an eight year old Human female child. Ryoko arched a brow at Sesshoumaru and asked, "What is her name?"
"Her name is Rin. I found her five months ago. She had been killed by a pack of wolves. Before that she had tried to help me when I was wounded badly by my brother InuYasha. To thank her for her kindness, though she is Human, I used the Tensaiga to resurrect her and allowed her to stay with me." "I see," Ryoko replied as the girl wandered over to her and stared up at her. Ryoko bent down and picked the girl up in her arms.
She was surprised when Rin didn't object to being held but liked it probably because she got to be taller than she normally was. "Aren't you a cutie?" Ryoko asked Rin in a special voice she used for little children.
Rin beamed and nodded her head happily at the compliment. Ryoko hugged Rin then put her down on the ground once more, but kept her hand on the little girl's head. "Lady Ryoko, are you alright?" Miroku asked as he walked backwards into the area where she, Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Jaken were.
"Miroku, I'm fine, but don't turn around because I'm not dressed," Ryoko lied and looked from Miroku back to Sesshoumaru nervously. She knew that where ever Miroku was InuYasha would be nearby also and Ryoko didn't need the two brothers at each others throats. Miroku smiled and turned around on purpose.
"I hope you're dressed Ryoko.Sesshoumaru!" Miroku exclaimed and raised his staff. "Miroku, it's ok. Sesshoumaru isn't here for InuYasha," Ryoko tried to explain. Sesshoumaru arched a brow with a look of interest and walked a bit forward and said, "Actually, I would like to pay my brother a visit if you don't mind."
Then as if on key, Kagome, InuYasha, Shippo, Sango, and Kirara emerged from the bushes. They had been looking for Ryoko and came after her when Miroku didn't come back right away also because they didn't know what the Houshi would try on the female Dog Demon.
InuYasha looked at Sesshoumaru in shock and growled, "What are you doing here?" Ryoko took a few steps forward and placed herself in between the two brothers and explained to InuYasha, "I was bathing in the hot springs and Sesshoumaru appeared behind me. I'm going to travel with him until he returns to his palace so we can get the negotiations started."
InuYasha glared at Sesshoumaru and snarled, "But you have to come with us to Kaede to see if we can figure out how we can get your sword and the Tetsaiga to infuse." Sango stood a bit away from InuYasha making a sign with her hand to stop, Kagome put her head in her hands, and Shippo rolled his eyes.
Sesshoumaru began to chuckle, "So the two swords fused and became one. Let me guess only Ryoko can wield the blade now?" Ryoko turned to him and nodded. "Let me see the sword," he commanded Ryoko and reluctantly she handed it over. InuYasha was amazed that his brother could hold the blade. Miroku spoke as he realized why InuYasha couldn't touch the fused weapon, "InuYasha cannot touch the sword because he is not of pure Ancient Dog Demon blood. Ryoko and Sesshoumaru can because they aren't part Human like he is and they both have true bloodlines." "Damn," InuYasha said under his breath.
Now at anytime Sesshoumaru could come and kill him and all of his friends because InuYasha was now defenseless. He never should have let Ryoko touch the Tetsaiga! "Lady Ryoko is coming with me and when she takes her leave, InuYasha, I will be coming back for you," Sesshoumaru said coldly.
He threw Ryoko the blade and she sheathed it. Then the Lord turned and walked back into the forest with Jaken at his heels. Rin stayed with Ryoko who was staring at the people in front of her.
"I'm sorry, but I must go now," Ryoko said picking up Rin and followed Sesshoumaru through the forest.
***
Sesshoumaru: When do we read the story???
Ryoko: Hold on, Fluffy-sama!
Sesshoumaru: *cringes* Don't call me that. *growls*
Me: Be nice you two, no fighting!
Sesshoumaru: *growls*
Ryoko: *growls*
Me: *sweatdrop* Ok, ok, here's the story!!!
***
Ryoko walked along a path in the InuYasha Forest. She sighed as she looked at her clawed hands, both covered in Human blood. Her extremely long brown hair was in a braid down her back and she could hear the squeaks of leather as she walked along in her red body suit.
She found a stream nearby and looked into it to see her reflection as she washed her hands of the Human blood. She was beautiful for her age of 1200 years. Her fangs were still sharp as were her claws and her senses.
She had golden eyes which she thought gave her a look of intelligence and her blue moon crescent on her forehead and red stripes on her cheeks gave her a graceful touch. She was also thankful that she had been born the Ancient breed of Dog Demon. She had also been gifted with agility and nine long brown tails, each tipped with a small ring of darker brown.
Her eyes followed two large salmon swimming nearby and in an instant the two fish were squiggling around in her grasp. She smiled with pleasure at her skills. Suddenly Ryoko's elf like ears flicked backwards as she heard a twig snap and a group of three humans, one half breed, and a small kitsune wandering close by.
The stench of the Humans hurt her delicate nose. She stood and turned to the group as they entered the clearing she was in. Ryoko smirked and slit the stomachs of the salmon in her hands.
"Who are you?" She heard the gruff voice of the hanyou. He was as tall as she was and had long silver hair and golden eyes that showed bravery. "I am Lady Ryoko and you?" she replied to him as she arched a brow.
But before he could answer, the male Human rushed forward to kneel in front of Ryoko and grasp her hand and asked, "Will you bare my child?" Ryoko chuckled, "I see you are so desperate, Houshi, that you go around asking every woman that you see." The monk was taken a back and replied, "My lady, you are not just any woman, but a beautiful one with gorgeous eyes." "Oh, brother, give it a rest, Miroku," The half breed muttered as he went and dragged Miroku back.
The female Human in the green and white uniform took a few steps forward. "I'm sorry, Ryoko. I am Kagome and that is InuYasha and that is Miroku," she said in a sincere tone explaining that the hanyou was InuYasha and the Houshi was Miroku. The other female Human with the boomerang spoke, "I am Sango the Demon Exterminator and this is Kirara and Shippo."
Kirara was the small cat on her shoulder and Shippo was the small kitsune that was standing next to Kagome. Ryoko noticed a small crystal on a chain around Kagome's neck. "The shards of the Shikon Jewel," Ryoko breathed as she grasped the small ball between two of her clawed fingers.
Kagome gulped at the claws being so close to her skin. InuYasha immediately rushed forward and gripped Ryoko's arm and growled, "Leave Kagome alone." Ryoko glanced at him then back at the jewel and backed away some. "InuYasha, she was just examining the Shikon Shards! You always have to be so rude," the girl hissed at him.
"Well, it seemed she was going to cut you!" InuYasha exclaimed. "You are a fool to underestimate my hearing abilities, InuYasha. You should listen to the girl and shut your mouth," Ryoko said coldly.
InuYasha opened his mouth to reply, but closed it once more at second thought and crossed his arms, "Humph." Kagome glared at him then turned back to Ryoko and said, "Please travel with us. We would love your company, Miss Ryoko!" Miroku added, "Yes, we would." Sango, Shippo, and even Kirara nodded happily. "Then I will, thank you," Ryoko replied with a smile and joined her new companions.
***
Later that night a fire was made by the Houshi and Ryoko's two salmon, and a few others she had caught later on, were cooked and eaten heartily. The small kitsune sat back and licked his lips and complimented Ryoko on her cooking, "That was really good, Ryoko-chan!"
Ryoko bowed her head towards Shippo, "Thank you, Shippo. Would you like to sit with me?" Shippo nodded eagerly and sat in Ryoko's lap. He looked up at her and smiled and Ryoko smiled back. Miroku stared at her, well, not exactly. Sango saw at what he was looking at and hit him over the head with her boomerang, "Houshi-sama, keep your eyes to yourself," as Miroku smiled slyly, Sango added in, "and your hands."
InuYasha sat in a shady tree next to the fire. He stared up at the moon. It was a crescent that night, very pretty with stars surrounding it. Ryoko looked up at him and gracefully leaped into the tree. He turned slightly and looked at her as he felt the branch move underneath him.
InuYasha stared for a moment and asked in a cold voice, "What do you want?" Ryoko ignored his question and commented on the moon, "The crescent moon is my favorite one during each month." "Just like Sesshoumaru." InuYasha muttered, but Ryoko heard him. "I have heard of the Lord of the Western Lands," Ryoko changed the subject. "Haven't we all heard of the bastard?" he asked no one in particular. "I grew up in the Northern Lands. I think your father was in rule then." "Probably," InuYasha replied as his hand wandered over the hilt of the Tetsaiga.
"Could I see you sword?" Ryoko asked. InuYasha looked at her like she was crazy, but finally gave into her pleading puppy eyes. "Fine," he mumbled and drew it for her to hold. She gripped the blade's hilt and suddenly before their two sets of golden eyes, the Tetsaiga transformed.
"The Fang Sword is real," Ryoko said in amazement as she sensed the sword's power. "What the..? It transformed for you!" InuYasha looked from the blade to Ryoko and back again. Suddenly the Tetsaiga jumped from her hands and her own sword rushed out of its sheath and the swords floated above their heads, then a bright white light surrounded the blades, but both demons didn't look away.
When the flash was gone, one sword floated back into Ryoko's clawed hand. "They fused!" Ryoko exclaimed. "What did you do!?" InuYasha roared as he grabbed the now one sword, but he was thrown out of the tree and the sword went back to Ryoko. She jumped down to InuYasha and smirked, "It likes me." "It is not real so how could it like you?" "InuYasha, all swords have a mind of their own," Ryoko replied simply. Just then Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo looked their way.
"What is wrong, InuYasha?" Kagome asked then noticed the gleaming blade. Before she could say anything, Miroku came up behind Ryoko and asked, "Is InuYasha bothering you, Lady Ryoko?"
Then the Houshi rubbed his hand over Ryoko's butt and received and bash on the head by Sango and from Ryoko. "Ryoko made the blades fuse together," InuYasha grumbled. "No I didn't you half breed! The swords did it by themselves. You're just mad because you can no longer touch the Tetsaiga. Wait..."
Ryoko said and closed her eyes and a huge gust of wind blew at her, but she stood perfectly still. The wind died down suddenly and Ryoko opened her eyes and whispered, "The blade was fused together out of will and two Shikon Shards." Kagome reached out to touch the blade in order to purify it, her senses booming of shards nearby.
The sword flashed brightly and Kagome was thrown back against a rock. She yelped and sat up while rubbing her head, "I can't purify it. Oh no, InuYasha they're gone...my powers are gone! I can't sense the Shikon Shards anymore!"
Kagome screamed as she could no longer feel the booming sensation. Ryoko smirked and turned to her, just then Shippo cried out, "The two shards are in her forehead!" It was true; the Shikon Shards were now sparkling in Ryoko's forehead, one on each side of her blue moon crescent.
"But how could this be?" Sango asked. Ryoko just stood there as they stared at her forehead in awe. "I have no clue. Let's just say that our two swords have mated and become one, InuYasha," Ryoko said and chuckled. InuYasha rolled his eyes then jumped back into the tree to think, 'I just lost my sword....how could this happen?'
Then Shippo suggested, "Why don't we go and ask Kaede about this?" "What a great idea, Shippo!" Kagome exclaimed with a small smile. She was obviously still devastated about losing her powers. Now she would be worthless to InuYasha. "So I'm guessing Lady Ryoko will be staying with us for a while?" Miroku asked no one in particular.
"I'm sorry, but I can only stay for a short while. I have business to talk about with the Lord of the Western Lands," Ryoko said. InuYasha narrowed his eyes and asked, "What business do you have with Sesshoumaru?"
"I don't have to tell you! It is business between my father and him. They are trying to discuss a peace treaty between the Northern and the Western Lands," she explained. "Feh," InuYasha growled then added in, "How come you are seeing him instead of your father?" "My father is dying."
Miroku and Sango's eyes widened and Sango put a hand on Ryoko's shoulder and whispered, "I am very sorry, Ryoko." Miroku did the same and Ryoko nodded in regard to their kindness, "Thank you, Sango, Miroku." Kagome sighed and curled up next to the fire as she yawned, "I'm going to bed, good night."
Miroku and Sango took a spot next to the fire and also went to sleep. Ryoko walked a ways away then nestled up against a tree.
As she closed her golden eyes, she felt something crawl onto her lap and knew immediately it was Shippo, but when she looked down she saw Shippo and Kirara. She smiled and, with one of her nine tails, covered them and herself and slowly drifted into sleep.
***
Ryoko woke up early that morning to bathe in the hot springs she had smelled nearby the day before. She needed to get clean before Miroku woke up. She gently picked up the small kitsune and cat out of her lap and set them against the tree and wrapped them in Shippo's tail.
Ryoko stood and quietly leapt into a tree and made a jump into the air. She soared with the clouds for a moment before landing next to the heated stream. The warm mist of the water washed over her face when she neared it. She smiled and quickly stripped of her clothes and winced then sighed as she sank into the water.
She put each hand on a side of the shore of the springs and leaned back to relax more. The tops of her breasts were seen but she knew she was safe for an hour or so. She closed her eyes and placed her head on the shore where her arms were. She smiled slightly then opened her now purple eyes, which meant she was relaxed, to find a short, green, toad-like creature peering at her with wide-eyed gaze.
She stared back at it in shock for a moment or so then grabbed the small toad and plunged it into the steaming water. She sat there with a satisfied look as it struggled to breathe under the water. Then she heard soft footsteps come up behind her and she looked up to find a tall demon standing there.
She turned to get a better view and realized how handsome he was. He had golden eyes like her though she doubted greatly that they changed colors. He had long silver hair and pale skin. He was obviously the Ancient Dog Demon breed by the look of him. His outfit was very elegant, a white kimono with dark red flowers on them, the cloth was silk and was costly nowadays.
His sash, a group of vibrant colors, bits of red, gold, green, yellow, and orange. He had a blue moon crescent on his forehead and two red stripes on each of his cheeks. "Lord Sesshoumaru," Ryoko whispered absently and released the little toad thing. Sesshoumaru arched a brow at the woman that sat below him. He glanced at her unclothed breasts then at her features and recognized the markings on her forehead and cheeks to be a replica of his own.
The green youkai swam up to the surface of the water and began to splash around trying to find the shore. He grasped the dirt in his small green claws, pulling himself out of the water. He sat on the edge panting as droplets of heated water flowed down his face. Ryoko glared at him then back at Sesshoumaru who finally spoke.
He asked Ryoko, "Who are you?" "My lord, I would be glad to tell you everything I know about myself if you would pass me my clothes and towel so that I might be dressed properly in your presence," Ryoko replied knowing he would ask that question. Sesshoumaru looked at the ugly green creature and said, "Jaken bring the woman her clothes."
Jaken bowed slightly and sprinted over to her clothing, examining them. Ryoko took notice of what he was doing, scowled, then shouted, "Hey, stop that! Just bring me my clothes." Jaken jumped at her voice and quickly brought the red body suit, red thigh-high boots, and red underwear to her.
As Ryoko gathered the clothing in her arms she looked at Sesshoumaru and muttered, "M'lord, if you would be kind enough as to look away?" He nodded and walked a few steps away from the hot springs and put his back to Ryoko, motioning for Jaken to do the same. Ryoko stepped out of the heated water and dried herself off with her tails and slid on her under garment, body suit, and then boots.
Sesshoumaru heard the zipper of her body suit and turned to find her properly dressed. He then asked once more, "Who are you?" "I am the Lady Ryoko of the Northern Lands here to make negotiations of peace between the Western and Northern Plains, sire," Ryoko replied.
Sesshoumaru walked towards her until their faces were just inches apart. "How come you are here instead of Lord Bashino?" Sesshoumaru asked with an arched brow. "My father is dying and could not make the journey."
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms and whispered, "Give my regards next you see him." "Thank you, m'lord. When shall the negotiations be made?" Ryoko asked him. "You travel with me until I return to my palace or you can forget about the negotiations, your choice."
The tone of Sesshoumaru's voice was a statement not decision a Ryoko could choose about. Ryoko nodded and respected his wishes, "I will stay with you, then, m'lord."
***
A small rustle in the bushes made Ryoko glance at a small tree nearby and a small girl burst out of the brush with a big grin and a giggle. Ryoko eyed the girl and noticed the messy half up half down ponytail that Jaken probably did to her. She had shoulder length black hair and big, excited brown eyes.
She was very cute and looked to be around the age of eight. What Ryoko didn't get was why Sesshoumaru, who was known to hate Humans, was traveling with an eight year old Human female child. Ryoko arched a brow at Sesshoumaru and asked, "What is her name?"
"Her name is Rin. I found her five months ago. She had been killed by a pack of wolves. Before that she had tried to help me when I was wounded badly by my brother InuYasha. To thank her for her kindness, though she is Human, I used the Tensaiga to resurrect her and allowed her to stay with me." "I see," Ryoko replied as the girl wandered over to her and stared up at her. Ryoko bent down and picked the girl up in her arms.
She was surprised when Rin didn't object to being held but liked it probably because she got to be taller than she normally was. "Aren't you a cutie?" Ryoko asked Rin in a special voice she used for little children.
Rin beamed and nodded her head happily at the compliment. Ryoko hugged Rin then put her down on the ground once more, but kept her hand on the little girl's head. "Lady Ryoko, are you alright?" Miroku asked as he walked backwards into the area where she, Sesshoumaru, Rin, and Jaken were.
"Miroku, I'm fine, but don't turn around because I'm not dressed," Ryoko lied and looked from Miroku back to Sesshoumaru nervously. She knew that where ever Miroku was InuYasha would be nearby also and Ryoko didn't need the two brothers at each others throats. Miroku smiled and turned around on purpose.
"I hope you're dressed Ryoko.Sesshoumaru!" Miroku exclaimed and raised his staff. "Miroku, it's ok. Sesshoumaru isn't here for InuYasha," Ryoko tried to explain. Sesshoumaru arched a brow with a look of interest and walked a bit forward and said, "Actually, I would like to pay my brother a visit if you don't mind."
Then as if on key, Kagome, InuYasha, Shippo, Sango, and Kirara emerged from the bushes. They had been looking for Ryoko and came after her when Miroku didn't come back right away also because they didn't know what the Houshi would try on the female Dog Demon.
InuYasha looked at Sesshoumaru in shock and growled, "What are you doing here?" Ryoko took a few steps forward and placed herself in between the two brothers and explained to InuYasha, "I was bathing in the hot springs and Sesshoumaru appeared behind me. I'm going to travel with him until he returns to his palace so we can get the negotiations started."
InuYasha glared at Sesshoumaru and snarled, "But you have to come with us to Kaede to see if we can figure out how we can get your sword and the Tetsaiga to infuse." Sango stood a bit away from InuYasha making a sign with her hand to stop, Kagome put her head in her hands, and Shippo rolled his eyes.
Sesshoumaru began to chuckle, "So the two swords fused and became one. Let me guess only Ryoko can wield the blade now?" Ryoko turned to him and nodded. "Let me see the sword," he commanded Ryoko and reluctantly she handed it over. InuYasha was amazed that his brother could hold the blade. Miroku spoke as he realized why InuYasha couldn't touch the fused weapon, "InuYasha cannot touch the sword because he is not of pure Ancient Dog Demon blood. Ryoko and Sesshoumaru can because they aren't part Human like he is and they both have true bloodlines." "Damn," InuYasha said under his breath.
Now at anytime Sesshoumaru could come and kill him and all of his friends because InuYasha was now defenseless. He never should have let Ryoko touch the Tetsaiga! "Lady Ryoko is coming with me and when she takes her leave, InuYasha, I will be coming back for you," Sesshoumaru said coldly.
He threw Ryoko the blade and she sheathed it. Then the Lord turned and walked back into the forest with Jaken at his heels. Rin stayed with Ryoko who was staring at the people in front of her.
"I'm sorry, but I must go now," Ryoko said picking up Rin and followed Sesshoumaru through the forest.
***