Ash: OMG I'm SO sorry I haven't updated! Please forgive me! I've had EXTREMELY bad writer's block, especially for my other story Shadow Hyrule! I will update sooner this time.
A storm raged on through the night, which kept me wide-awake and none too happy. The onna, Akako, slept peacefully at my side undisturbed. It slightly surprised me that Rin had not yet come running into the room, begging me to let her sleep in here for the night. Then again, the thunder wasn't very loud to human ears yet. Perhaps that is why.
Many thoughts were running through my head at the moment, such as why I even allowed this young demon girl to tag along with my Pack and I. Maybe my Beast had something to do with my decision. He always seems to be able to influence them. Stupid mongrel.
'Who are you calling stupid, Sesshy?'
'You, Beast, now stop calling me that and shut the hell up!'
' I'll leave you alone for now Mr. Obnoxious, but only because Rin is about to burst in here. Three, two, o-'
"-Sesshoumaru-sama!" cried Rin as she flung open the doors and launched herself onto the bed, promptly causing Akako to sit straight up in alarm. Akako looked around in a panic and calmed down when she realized there was no danger. "Phew, Rin you scared me!" she laughed as she hugged the little girl. Rin clung to her with wide fearful eyes, which closed immediately as a loud boom of thunder rolled across the sky. I could see Akako wince as the sound hurt her ears as it did mine.
"I already know the question, and yes you may sleep in here with us Rin. Now both of you, lay back down and go to sleep. I will not repeat myself either," I stated contentedly. Contentedly? I didn't even know I held such an emotion. Oh well, I can ponder that later when I have nothing better else to do than read stupid scrolls.
~Akako~
Warmth and comfort were the first two feelings I became aware of when I returned to consciousness. I was laying across something hard but soft to the touch and something warm and fuzzy was wrapped around me. As one sapphire eye peeked open, I saw flesh. I opened both eyes and looked up to see magenta stripes and a serene face covered by silver hair. I quickly stifled my laughter when I realized it was Lord Sesshoumaru.
Between us I felt something, or someone, stir. Looking down, I saw a bunch of dark hair. Oh that's right! Rin was scared last night! Oh wait, she's talking to me. "Akako-sama! Ohayo!" she greeted me with a smile. I put a finger to my lips and darted my eyes up and back, and she got the hint. Keep quiet and let the Ice King sleep.
Slowly sliding off the bed and walking to the closet, I slipped inside and quickly exchanged my sleeping yukata for a purple kimono with bright green leaves in a falling pattern. A turquoise obi accented the kimono, and I went back into the bedroom to find Rin gone, most likely to her own room, and Sesshoumaru still sleeping.
I smiled as I shut the doors to his chambers as quietly as possible. The poor demon lord never got enough sleep, so I would let him rest for now. I shuffled silently down the hall and thankfully ran into a kind servant who escorted me downstairs to the dining hall for breakfast.
~Normal~
Rin skipped into the dining hall with renewed vigor from her good night's sleep. She sat at the table as some of the servants brought out human food for her and some sort of salad for Akako. Rin sighed as she noticed some of the servant demo nesses giving Akako a look of hatred. Although Lord Sesshoumaru wasn't aware of it, Rin was perfectly capable of identifying who was friend and foe in this palace. Many demonesses hated Rin for the fact that she was a little human girl.
Akako was attentive enough to also notice the hostility of the other demons. She was not naïve enough to believe they'd actually welcome her here. She shook her head as she ate her salad and looked up periodically to check that Rin was eating all her breakfast.
As the two were almost finished eating, two other demo nesses came in. They looked to be twins. One woman had ice blue hair and a snowflake patterned night blue kimono on with a white obi. The other woman had fire red hair with flame patterns on her blazing red kimono, and orange obi keeping it held together.
"Kaji-san, Yuuki-san!" shouted Rin as she jumped up and hugged them each in turn. They both smiled warmly at the child and then turned to Akako. "Ah, Lady Akako, it is a pleasure to meet you," Kaji bowed in respect. "Indeed, we never though we'd meet you. It seems fortune favors us this day," added Yuuki as she followed suit. Akako was greatly surprised at their open greeting but quickly slipped her mask of indifference into place. She nodded slowly to show she heard them and returned the greeting silently.
"Akako-sama, will you come play with us in the garden? Onegai!: Rin pleaded as she headed toward the door. Sighing inwardly, Akako answered by following the child outside. Yuuki and Kaji came as well, and then a squawking Jaken. Rin decided she wanted to play tag and within minutes Jaken was waddling on his small legs chasing everybody.
~Sesshoumaru~
Burning. That irritating burning sensation. It wouldn't go away! I finally just gave in and opened my eyes. Too bright! I closed them again, took a deep breath, and opened them again, slowly this time. Something was missing. I just knew it. I couldn't figure out what though. That's when my memories of the day and night before flooded back into my brain.
Akako and Rin were supposed to be here! So where were they now? If either of them are gone, I'll have Jaken's head!
Storming out of my chambers I quickly descended the stairs. I watched as servants scurried around and then scattered when they felt my threatening enraged aura. One of the older servants, Majinta, quickly came forward. "Mi'lord, please calm down! Lady Akako and young Rin are safe, they have already eaten and are playing in the gardens with Jaken, Kaji, and Yuuki. You need not worry Lord Sesshoumaru."
The red that had seeped into my eyes slowly receded as I came back to my senses. So they were safe. That was the main thing. I let out a small sigh of relief and inhaled. I almost choked on the scent I picked up! That hanyou whelp was near here!
~With the InuTachi~
"Uhmm, Inuyasha? Do you really think this is such a good idea? We've already crossed into your half-brother's lands, must we really agitate him further by going to his palace?" Kagome asked nervously. Sango and Miroku quickly agreed with her. "Oh please, just shut up! So what if it agitates him? Big deal. I can take him," boasted Inuyasha as he continued toward the looming gate. Shippou gulped and cowered on Kagome's shoulder. "Yeah right, I don't think so," Miroku whispered quietly to Sango as he groped her rear. "PERVERT!" was heard as was a hard slapping sound. Let's just say that Miroku will be out of commission for a while.
They all quieted however when they felt the almost overwhelming angry aura of Inuyasha's half-brother, Sesshoumaru. He seemed pissed and it was too late to run. Kagome silently cursed Inuyasha in her head, 'Damn you Inuyasha…'
Ah: oooohhh Kagome is mad. What'll happen next? You don't know? I do :D Want to know? REVIEW! please(:
