"Ha! I knew I'd make it here before you Imp!" Myori gloated, smirking at her competition.

"Hmph! I didn't even want to race." Jaken said in a grumpy tone.

Keisha chuckled, landing next to them in her human form. "Then why did you challenge her Jaken?"

"I was boasting about how fast you were in comparison to her, not myself." He replied. Keisha shook her head.

"Next time, leave the bragging to me Jaken." Jaken bowed his head in response. She looked over to Myori with a smirk on her face. "Although, he isn't wrong."

Myori held up her hands in surrender. "You don't have to tell me." She then took in the castle behind Keisha. "Woah." It was much larger than any demon she had ever seen.

Keisha smiled warmly. "Come, let's show you the inside." The three went inside the young maiden's home and it looks much more homelier inside than it did from the outside.

"It's beautiful." Myori said, looking around.

"Thank you Cousin." Keisha replied. "Mother wanted to redecorate but Father insisted that it stay the way it is." She turned to Jaken. "Do you know where the others are by any chance?"

"When we were leaving, your mother and siblings were gathered in the main room."

"Siblings?" Keisha turned to Myori.

"Of course. You didn't assume I was an only child, did you?" Myori shrugged. "I did tell you I was the eldest."

"You did, but I thought you meant the eldest grandchild."

"I did, but I was also referring to my siblings as well." She started walking. "Come, I'll introduce you to them." Myori followed her, but to say that she was nervous was an understatement.

"Now Myori, you better watch your tongue when you speak to Lady Kagura. One wrong word out of you and I'll have your tiny head on a stake." He suddenly felt something come into contact with his skull. "Ow!" He looked up to see Myori's hand balled up into a fist.

She smirked at him. "I think I'll be just fine Imp." They walked into the room to find three people occupying it.

Keisha cleared her throat. "Mother," Kagura looked up at her daughter, "this is Myori." Her eyes shifted to the female standing next to her and her eyes widened, dropping her cup of tea in shock. Keisha looked taken aback. "She's-"

"I know who she is." Kagura said, getting up slowly. "At least, I'm pretty sure I know who her father is." She stood a few feet away from Myori. "Inuyasha, right?" Myori nodded. "In case you're wondering, I knew your father before I was with Sesshomaru."

"Were you both on good terms with one another?" Kagura chuckled.

"I wouldn't really say that. I've done things I'm not proud of in the past, but I'm sure your father doesn't hate me, in fact he even tried to help me earn back my freedom from Naraku. Is that human girl that used to tag alongside him your mother?"

"There were two." Myori said.

"No, not the demon slayer. I had a feeling she liked that monk with the wind tunnel. I'm talking about the one that could sense the Shikon jewel. The reincarnation."

"I believe you're talking about Kagome, My Lady." Jaken said.

Kagura nodded. "Staring at you now, I see more of her in you than your father, even though you resemble him."

Keisha grinned. "Now that I know my mother doesn't hate you, let me introduce you to my siblings." She gestured to her brother. "This is-"

"Hang on, would would have happened if she did?" Myori asked with a raised eyebrow.

Keisha chuckled nervously, rubbing her hand on the back of her neck. "She would've made me destroy you where you stand." She again gestured to the young male sitting in the corner. "This is Inutaisho. He was named after our grandfather and in human years, he's 15, making him only a year younger than you." He had tanned skin with long, silver hair tied into a high ponytail reaching his lower back, had a single blue streak on each cheek and bore the signature amber eyes.

"Hello." Myori said, bowing her head at him. He nodded in response.

Keisha gestured over to the other side of the room. "This is my younger sister Kanna. She was named after my mother's sister and she's the youngest out of all of us, being only 12." The young girl resembled Sesshomaru like Keisha did, but had Kagura's features. She had silky, black hair that reached down to her ankles, pale skin, two red streaks on each cheek, a red crescent moon on the center of her forehead, full red lips and crimson eyes rather than amber like her siblings. Kanna got up and ran over to Myori, embracing her tightly.

"It's nice to meet you Myori." Myori smiled and hugged her back.

"How long are you going to be staying with us?" Inutaisho asked.

"I have to head back home in the morning." Myori replied.

"I'm surprised Inuyasha actually let you stay over for the night Myori." Kagura said.

She chuckled. "Yeah, well, it took a lot of persuasion."

"It's getting pretty late. Let me show you to your room." Keisha said, dragging Myori away. "Goodnight family." Myori waved goodbye to them before Keisha had fully taken her out of the room. She was led down may room until they stopped. "This will be your room for the night. I'll let you sleep now and if you need anything, don't be afraid to ask."

Myori nodded. "Thank you Keisha." The full demon smiled and walked away. Myori went into her room and closed the door behind her.

x-x-x-x

"What is she doing here?" Sesshomaru hissed lowly.

"Calm down Sesshomaru. You're making this seem much worse than it is."

"I despise that mutt Inuyasha and now you're telling me that his offspring is breathing the same air as me?" He asked with distaste. "Who's to blame for this?"

"Keisha and Jaken found her while they were looking for your father's heirloom."

Sesshomru paused for a moment. "I can't blame Keisha since she doesn't know much about Inuyasha, but Jaken does and for that he must be punished."

"Now you know Jaken has to obey Keisha, besides Sesshomaru, he's your brother-"

"He's not my brother. If we were, we would've kept in touch all these years but as it's plain to see, we're not fond of one another."

"Well Inuyasha knows she's here and he allowed her to stay the night so maybe this hatred is only one sided, my love."

Sesshomaru growled. "One sided or not, I don't want his offspring anywhere near my children and she better be out of our lives by dawn."

Unbeknownst to them, Myori could hear every hushed word that was being said from Sesshomaru and Kagura's room since she was still up. She sat up, wiping away a tear that slipped out.

"If he wants me gone, then I shall grant him his wish. I'm not staying somewhere where I'm unwanted." She said quietly to herself. She looked over at the door and sighed. "Keisha has been so kind to me and I feel horrible leaving without saying goodbye, but that kindness alone won't be enough to make me stay." The young hanyou walked over to the window and climbed out slowly and quietly, making sure not to wake up the others sleeping. After she made it out, she ran off into the forest, making sure not to look back.

Kanna, having also been awake and overheard her parents' conversation as well, felt bad and wanted to make sure Myori hadn't heard anything. She made her way over to Myori's room and opened the door quietly, in case she was actually asleep, and let out a silent gasp when she saw that the room was empty. She noticed the open window and realized that Myori must've escaped from there. She felt a hand grab her shoulder as she was about to climb out the window and jumped in surprise.

"What are you doing?" Inutaisho whispered, catching his sister before she could fall. The young youkai had gotten up to drink some water when he saw Kanna acting strange. He looked around. "Isn't this Myori's room?" Kanna nodded. "Then where is she?"

"I think she heard Mother and Father's conversation about her in their room and she took off." Inutaisho raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"She heard them?" Kanna gave him a surprised look.

"You heard them too?" She whispered. He nodded. "I have no idea where she went. She could be anywhere." Inutaisho stuck his head out the window.

"I can follow her scent. Stay here." He was about to jump out the window when Kanna stopped him.

"I should go too. She likes me more than you."

Inutaisho rolled his eyes. "You don't know what lies beyond the palace walls. You can hold her hand when I bring her back, but I'm going alone. I can't risk you getting hurt. Besides, you can barely hold your own in a fight so you wouldn't be much of use to me out there."

"Do you think she can fight if she encounters a demon?" Kanna asked.

"Seeing how well she knows the forest and was seeking Sounga earlier, I wouldn't be surprised if she was already trained or currently is." He jumped out the window and flew after his lost cousin.

x-x-x-x

"I really hope I don't run into a demon while I'm out here." Myori muttered. "I'm barely equipped to fight." It was completely out of character for her to not want to fight a demon, but seeing as she was only wearing a kimono, she knew she wouldn't stand a chance. She stopped running and looked down at her legs. "I can't run in this." She groaned. An idea suddenly hit her and she tore the sides of her kimono until the tears reached her thighs, freeing her legs and enabling her to run much faster. She began to run again and realize her idea worked since she felt much more comfortable now. As she continued on, she felt like she was being followed and it put her on edge. She finally stopped and turned around, crossing her arms over her chest. "You can come out now. I know you're there." Right after she had said that, eleven humans came out from behind the trees. From what Myori could tell in the dark, they looked like bandits.

"You caught us." One of them said with a smirk plastered on his face.

Myori scoffed, still in a bad mood. "Look, I'm not killing a bunch of humans so you should run along."

Another one laughed. "She actually thinks we're humans." The others joined him. "Like we'd ever be associated with such weak vermin."

"Looks like our disguises worked better than we thought they would."

Myori growled, keeping her guard up. "I can't take on this many demons all at once, but I don't really have much of a choice." She got into a fighting stance. "If it's a fight you want then it's a fight you'll get."

"That won't be necessary." In an instant, every last one of the bandits were killed before Myori's eyes. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at all the lifeless bodies. She looked up to find Inutaisho walking towards her. "You're welcome."

She stared blankly at him. "What are you doing here?"

"You flee from my home at this hour and wondering why I came after you?" He crossed his arms over his chest. "I think the answer's quite obvious Myori."

"I'm not going back with you."

"I'm not going to stand here and play dumb. I know what my father said to my mother, and I also know that it was out of line. My father's never been one to bite his tongue. However, if the rest of my family has welcomed you with open arms, then why leave because of only him? It's a pain having to put up with it, yes, but remember that your father has put up with far worse his entire life."

"That's the problem right there." Myori began. "Why is it that we must put up with your father when he isn't ever going to change? Look Taisho, I know you and your family mean well, but honestly speaking, I can't stay in a toxic environment like that."

Inutaisho nodded. "I understand, but at least come and stay the rest of the night with us. We owe you that much."

Myori thought about it for a moment and sighed, giving in. "Alright, but just for the night." She began to walk back with Inutaisho beside her. She looked over at him. "You know, nobody would believe me if I told them that I was older than you."

"And why's that?"

"You're practically a tree compared to me." He chuckled.

"And about you calling me Taisho earlier, I could get used to that name." Myori grinned.

"Inutaisho is way too long of a name." He gave her a small smile as they continued on, joking with each other and chatting the entire walk back. Myori initially didn't end up going too far to begin with since her kimono slowed her down for the majority of her escape. The two demons returned to the castle to find Sesshomaru, Kagura, Keisha, Kanna and Jaken all standing there.

"Well, it seems like she's already began rubbing off on them." Sesshomaru said in a flat tone, eyeing his niece. Myori, intimidated by him, subconsciously began to back up and hid behind Inutaisho's tall stature.

"She didn't rub anything off onto me Father. She left and went to go retrieve her."

"Why did she leave?" Sesshomaru asked.

Myori scoffed, standing beside him once again. "What do you mean 'retrieve?' I'm not an object you know!" Inutaisho looked down nervously at her and held his hands up in surrender. Myori then turned to Sesshomaru. "I left because I heard what you were saying about me in your chambers. I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, but you two don't exactly know how to whisper." Kagura brought her hands up to her face, embarrassment washing over her. "I know you're not fond of my father Sesshomaru, but you don't know the first thing about me. Why should I be punished for a crime that I didn't commit?"

"Being part human is a crime and you're currently committing it." Sesshomaru replied. Myori scoffed.

"I wouldn't expect the demon who has a soft spot for a certain human attack me for being like her." Sesshomaru's eyes widened. "Yes, I know all about Rin. I've heard stories about her and how you, a demon, protected and cherished her as if she was your own flesh and blood."

"Where did you hear this?"

"She's married to Aunt Sango's brother, Kohaku, whom you've also protected as well when the occasion called for it. Although, you already know that she's married since you were the one who gave her away." She replied.

"Where are you going with this?" He asked.

"My point is, just because you despise my father doesn't mean you should despise me right away. I'm not completely like my father, even though I happen to look like him."

Sesshomaru was silent, finally sighing a few moments later. "I'm only putting up with you from now on because you happen to be much more mature than your father was at your age plus you seem to be able to control your anger better than he can." He turned around and began to walk away.

Myori smirked. "Just know that I don't plan on calling you Uncle."

Although the others couldn't see since his back was turned, Sesshomaru smirked as well. "I'll kill you if you do." He walked off back into the castle.

Kanna grinned. "So you can stay here longer then."

Myori sighed. "I wish I could but I have to get back home to my family in the morning. I've never been away from them for this long."

Keisha nodded. "We completely understand."

Inutaisho looked up at the sky and saw the sun peaking over the horizon. "Well, there's no point in going back to sleep."

"Agreed." Kagura said. "Come, let's go inside and have breakfast." The family went inside and enjoyed a civil meal together, with Sesshomaru absent of course. Afterwards, they all came back outside to give their farewells.

"It's great meeting you all." Myori said with a grin, hugging everyone one by one. The last one being Kanna, who refused to let go.

"Say hello to your parents for me." Kagura said. Myori nodded.

"Please don't leave. I'll have nobody to keep me company." Myori gave her a puzzled look.

"What about Keisha and Taisho?"

"They're boring and are always busy training or off with Father."

"Well, why don't you start training as well?" Myori asked her. "It's a lot more fun than you realize."

Kanna's eyes widened. "You really think I can do it?"

"Well, you're crushing the life out of me so I'd say you're strong enough." Kanna, after letting go of Myori, grinned and looked over at Jaken.

"Will you train me Jaken? Please?" He looked up at Kagura who nodded in approval, then turned his attention back to Kanna.

"Alright, but from this moment forth, it's Master Jaken." Kanna let out a squeal and hugged him tightly, scurrying off happily.

"Come on, Master Jaken! Let's start!"

Jaken groaned. "I'm coming." He looked over at Myori. "You did this on purpose."

Myori gave an innocent smile. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Bye Myori!" Kanna exclaimed, running off again when she saw that Jaken was finally following her.

Myori chuckled. "She has the most personality out of all of you."

"She really does." Kagura said. "She's the most innocent little demon I've ever seen."

"Well, I should be heading off." She waved at the others. "I'll be sure to visit soon and tell Sesshomaru I said goodbye." With that, she took off into the forest.

Kagura sighed then she remembered something. "Did she call you Taisho?" Inutaisho nodded, chuckling. "Huh. I like it." She watched Myori grow smaller and smaller into the distance. "I sure hope she comes back soon. Last night was the most excitement I've had in years."

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TheShadowedRose