Disclaimer: sigh I don't own them.
That morning, I traveled with Toshi to Sesshoumaru's castle. The journey was pretty much silent since both of us were thinking about the choice we had made.
"So, are you going to stay with father while I'm gone?" Toshi asked, breaking the silence.
"No. I need to be at the castle with you in case something goes wrong."
"But surely he'll be able to smell your scent." Toshi replied, looking worried.
"Don't worry. As long as I wear these herbs under my clothes, it masks my scent all together." I explained, holding up the herbs.
Toshi nodded and it was quiet once we reached Sesshoumaru's castle. I stopped walking and turned to Toshi.
"I can't be there when he lets you in. Good luck."
Toshi smiled and hugged me.
"You too."
I watched her as she walked up to the door and a guard let her in.
Now let the games begin.
I ran into a nearby forest and stopped at a lake. Slowly I peered into the water and looked at my reflection. I pulled out my katana, and took a deep breath.
He can't recognize me. No one can.
I grabbed a handful of my long hair, and in one swift movement I cut my hair up to my ears. One single tear escaped as I watched my beautiful silver locks fall into the water.
I quickly changed my clothes into a simple male outfit, and placed the herbs inside my under garments.
Since it would be too suspicious to show up the same day as Toshi, I took shelter up in a tree to sleep for the night.
&&&&&
Once the sun had risen, I hurried over to Sesshoumaru's castle. I was worried about Toshi's progress. Sesshoumaru could have already killed her by now! But I couldn't think that way, not now. As soon as I reached the castle, two guards halted me.
"What is your business here?" One asked.
"I wish to speak with Lord Sesshoumaru on important affairs." I replied, lowering my voice slightly.
"What affairs?"
"That is between Lord Sesshoumaru and I." I answered.
Damn nosey guards.
"Wait here." The guard said before going inside the castle.
As I waited, the other guard began looking at me funny, so I narrowed my eyes at him and he quickly looked away.
Just then the first guard returned.
"You may enter. Follow me." He replied.
As we walked through the castle, I could see many servants running around doing their different jobs.
I wonder what Toshi is doing right about now.
We went up a grand staircase, down a long hallway until we stopped at a black door. The guard knocked twice.
"Yes?" Sesshoumaru answered.
"The boy who wished to speak with you is here, M'Lord." The guard replied.
"Bring him in."
The door opened and I entered what looked to be Sesshoumaru's stuffy. His back was to me, and I gathered all my nerves before he spoke.
"What is it you wish to discuss with me, boy?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Well M'Lord, I have traveled from many lands and I have heard that your army provides the sufficient training that I require." I replied, making sure my voice was deep.
"I see. Why do you require my training?"
"The same reason any other man does. To become strong, improve himself, and to bring honor to his family."
Wow, that was a good answer! I thought proudly.
Sesshoumaru turned around to face me, and he was about to speak until he saw my face.
"What is your name, boy?" He asked suspiciously.
Oh crap….think Kioko think!
"Is that of any importance, Lord Sesshoumaru?" I asked, trying to stall for time.
"Is that something you'd like risking your life to ask?" Sesshoumaru challenged, becoming annoyed.
I decided not to push it.
"My name is Toma my Lord. Toma Tatsuki." I answered.
Toma Tatsuki?? How lame is that? He's never going to go for it!
Sesshoumaru stared at me for a moment. I could feel his golden orbs going right through me. A trickle of sweat ran down the side of my face.
"Very well Toma. You may train to be in my army. My servants will show you to your room." He said finally.
I almost fainted from relief.
"Thank you Lord Sesshoumaru." I replied, bowing before I left.
Step one: Complete.
Broken: Sorry it took so long getting this chapter out you guys.
Kioko: Thanks to you, I had to hear Toshi's 'is it out yet?' for 48 hours straight!
Broken: -anime sweatdrop- Heh...sorry.
Sesshoumaru: It's not her fault your sister is an immature woman.
Toshi: I'm a what???
Kioko: She's a what?? -glares-
Broken: Uh...review please!
