Chapter 11

Aftermath

There is no worse pain than a betrayal of trust…

Few would believe dragons were once the peace keepers of the realm. Originally, they stood above most Daiyoukai. Before the birth of the mortals, the heralds to their downfall, the gods favored the dragons over all earthly beings. Dragons were Legends in every sense of the word.

Then, they were patient, frighteningly cunning, powerful, and observant, so much so that they could anticipate the reactions of their opponents well enough to manipulate them into their own demise. Brute force was not needed even though they had the muscle for physical combat. The most fearful of weapons, after all, is a sharp mind. But, as with all who become complacent in their supposed invincibility, the inevitable virus of arrogance festered and overcame their intelligence. The dragons tried to best their makers. Their failure stripped all but a depressing few of the great mental gifts the gods had granted them, but that was history, and nothing could be done about the actions of the ancestors.

"What say you, my lord?" The first demon, a horse of some kind, repeated, hands placed on either knee in his crossed leg sitting position. Ryuseko inwardly sighed as yet another of that thing's messengers disrupted his home's peace.

His comrade scowled minutely and added, "The master wishes for an answer, soon." A low growl echoed from his left and the Lord of the North flicked his gaze to the discontented clansman. The noise died down abruptly. Eyes the color of dried blood leveled on the unwanted house guest.

"Why should I associate myself with an entity that does not belong in this world? My lands are stable, our clans are healthy, and war is such a tedious matter."

"You have much to gain by joining our masters. Lend me your ear for but a few more moments."

If only the boy was impatient and irritating like his comrade- Bo was it?- he could end him and dismiss the matter entirely, but it sent someone useful, someone who knew how to play the crowd. Damn him for being reasonable.

A hushed anticipation swept through his shifting clansmen. Knowing that ignoring his offer outright was now out of reach, Ryuseko willed his people to stay objective. Hunting for blood to cover their past failures benefited no one of the Dragon heritage. The Northern Lord adopted a patronizing smile and fanned his hand out in invitation as the servants slipped into the room to remove the unwanted trays from their meal. "Entice me."

"My master promises full disclosure of your army and offers a platoon of men to dispose of as you will. The benefits are many, my Lord: Wealth, a break from this toil of politics," He paused, auburn eyes taking in the uninterested gaze of the Lord and shifted to look at the men beside the Ryu powerhouse. The horse smiled pleasantly before saying, "Vengeance? I do believe the Inu Lord has something of yours."

Ryuseko almost stiffened at the mention of that wretch, conscious of the ripple of malignant youki pulsating from his clansmen, and reigned in the fleeting urge to splatter the boy's innards across the floor. Vengeance was his clan's weakness. He should have taken them in his study instead of the dining hall. It would have minimized the ears present. Ryuseko felt the messenger's youki shift in triumph, making the dragon's hand itch with the need for retribution.

Knowing that he had their attention, the horse pressed his advantage. "You will be able to reestablish the prestige of the Northern lands if you ally with us. The East has already agreed and a two front assault would further assure our victory.

"There is nothing to lose." The second messenger, Bo, added.

Only the lives of my men, the dragon thought wryly. The boy was young, hardly four centuries and he had such a thirst for blood. It was saddening but expected with the way that thing's been leading from the shadows. He would have to be very careful in responding lest his men think him soft. "As if I need the assistance of your hellish artifact," Ryuseko murmured with a near sibilant tone as he stood. "We will deal with the Inutaisho when I will it."

Bo arched a brow. "Now is the best of times while the dog is preoccupied with personal matters. You would allow such a fortunate occasion to pass, my lord?" The near mocking tint to the title caused his son to bristle just as the horse shot Bo a poisonous look.

"Bo-"

"Watch your mouth wretch!" Ryuseko raised a hand, silencing his agitated son immediately.

A claw tipped index and pointer finger extended towards the ceiling, while the others curled down and the Lord's eyes lazily regarding the one that spoke. "I will bow to no blade. That is my answer." He smiled easily before he flicked his wrist, turned smartly, and walked towards the door.

Red burst from Bo's split abdomen, his intestines bulging out from the upward slash splitting his middle, and the dining area filled with the foul smell of iron and waste. Bo's scream choked off in the blood spraying from the wound that separated him from his belly, arching across the carotid artery. He'd be dead in a few seconds if they didn't staunch the flow.

The dragon allowed himself a sigh once he heard the messenger's attendants scramble to action. Why did he have to assert his dominance? Why couldn't the wretch just keep his mouth shut or take cues from his companion?

Ryuseko was not an evil man. Despite being one of the most feared demons in the Eastern hemisphere, people knew very little about him. He hated the smell of blood and took no joy in torture or death. Terrified screams made him cringe almost as much as the scent of woman ravaged. He absolutely despised violence. In truth, he'd rather talk out his problems than take a sword to his enemy's gut but the people in his council rarely allowed him his less than demonic habits. They are demons of old with a dragon's rage and hair trigger tempers, born of those who did not escape Judgment. Ryuseko's ancestors were one of those few who did which explained his lack of bestial instincts.

The dragon shifted to enter a small, near hidden room a ways off from the hall. He did not want to touch the boy but he had an image to uphold and disrespect of any kind would be met ruthlessly. Besides, the last time he killed someone had been over a year. The clansmen were beginning to grow bold. He supposed the whimsical act of violence would taper down their courage.

Now… where did he put his pipe?

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Breath in. Step. Step. Turn.

Don't think. Step. Turn. Step.

Just breath. Block. Turn. Block.

Breath. Step. Step. Step. Block.

Don't thin-

Do not touch me.

Tsuki held back a broken keen, her arm wavering in her strike, but she pushed on.

Block it out. Focus. Don't think on what you don't have. A rational voice reasoned. Worry about what you need.

What I need….

Golden eyes with silver hair….

No!

I need….

Desperate laughter, subtle scowls, Sesshomaru….

NO! Tsuki knew what she needed! She didn't need him. She needed something that wouldn't fade away, or lie, or betray her, or fucking die!-

Her steps faltered, making the strike veer, forcing a harsh collision with the wooden dummy. It sent a jarring pain up her wrist and Tsuki hissed, knees buckling beneath her in frustration. Her bokken gave a hollow clatter against the floor as the comment resounded in her brain.

Half-breed

"God DAMNIT!"

Kami she missed Daikok-sensei. He helped her make sense of her life and gave her a focus. She couldn't do anything right now! Couldn't think, couldn't train, couldn't fucking EAT! because each thought led back to him and the rejection sat heavy, immobile and unavoidable in her consciousness.

Do not touch me. Even now it made her flinch.

This was ridiculous! She'd never formed an attachment like this since Daikok-sensei and that was initially because he saved her in a brawl. That- That boy did nothing to deserve this level of devotion. Her thoughts should be her own!

Tsuki shivered, violently, and brushed a hand against her sweaty forehead. She'd been attempting to numb her mind with repetitive and strenuous training but her mental distraction was becoming annoyingly obvious. First Papa-Raiza, then Sesshomaru, then- Her mind jumped to her father again when the bokken rolled to her foot and she grimaced. She didn't want to think about him. Everything about their discussion yesterday challenged the very basis of their relationship.

She believed that talking with him wouldn't improve their standing- What could one conversation do to revamp centuries' worth of neglect?- so she pushed it off until the sun had set, stewing in the aftermath of Sesshomaru's departure. Anger and bitterness had clouded her thoughts and dealing with Pap- Raiza! was almost beyond her masochistic tolerance. Still, she had promised- given her word- and she wasn't going to go back on that. Already the feeling settled that this would be nothing more than a painful trip down memory lane. But she was very, very wrong.

And he hadn't eased into it at all.

Raiza was never one to dance around an issue. As soon as she sat down, he'd told her he didn't care if she called Kiraiya a bitch. They were siblings and siblings fought. Tsuki just couldn't go around saying that in front of the southern castle staff, drawing a scoff. He didn't want her to pretend, but she wasn't allowed to express her thoughts.

Raiza shook his head as if anticipating the comment. It was politics. She had been taught to handle such a thing. It didn't mean she was going to accept it with a smile. Still, she understood that. He was protecting his heir. Until Kouga grew up, Kiraiya would be running the lands when Raiza abdicated. She hadn't let her anger affect her when he said that. It was when he asked her to trust him, to give him a chance.

What chance did he deserve? What chance had he given her? He didn't understand shit about what her life has been and she didn't need him now!

"Look, just… just give me a chance to get to know you. I know… I haven't exactly be the best sire for you," Understatement of the fucking decade, "But I'm trying, Tsuki, I am. Kiraiya always got the cuddly shit from Mai. I never thought you needed it. And if you did, Yuka did it. I mean it ain't my job to spout praise. Aren't mot-" Here a very cold look had settled on his daughter's face and Raiza let out a frustrated hiss."Fuck! See this is why I don't do this shit. It's not… natural for me to… to comfort. When Kiraiya was born I could only think 'Shit! I don't know how to handle a girl!' and then Tsu had you-"

"Tsu?- He had started as if the slip of a name hadn't come from him. "My mother's name was Tsu?"A pained look flashed across his eyes.

"Tsuki, -"

She had cut him off, some part of her knowing he was just going to redirect her from the discovery, and her voice was stiff with anger. "The worst thing you could do right now, as you ask for my trust, is push aside my question. I- I need answers. The least you could tell me is her name seeing as I know nothing of my mother but that she was a whore and a thief."

She winced as lightning danced along closed fists to singe the fabric on his knees, heat crackling off his aura in slaps of light. Storm grey eyes, almost black in their ire, narrowed sharply on her and his voice, as he answered, raised her hackles in an instant.

"Who said that?"

For one long, terrifying moment, she feared him.

And then she forced her heart to hardened, filing away the violent shift in personality for later contemplation, and focused on the answers she needed.

"I care more if it were true."

"Of course it isn't- She," he growled before correcting himself. "Tsunade was not a whore. Your mother hadn't been touched until I came into the picture. Now tell me, who?"

That news had affected her more than she let on.

~Whore's bastard! Worthless. Everything was fine before your slut mother tainted out lord!~

She would not let him see the fear he had erased by disavowing that rumor. Before she had reacted with Yuka in mind but now that she realized the woman who helped care for her was far from kin, she felt en even stronger need to defend the demoness who birthed her from all slights- dead to her or not.

"Many," was her answer, "but the most vocal were Chiako and Ren." Raiza blinked, the black ire draining out of him. Eyes torn between pride and guilt.

"Why would you not tell me the reason you killed them before? I wouldn't have punished you for it. No," He had shaken his head, halting her probable scathing retort. "You thought I would not have approved. I can see it in your face. Kami, what you must think of me."

He was quiet then, looking at her –I'm sorry. Please- with regret and determination and so much emotion that her mind couldn't process the varying flashes. He sighed. The inhalation he took after seemed to fortify him as he asked the question which must have stayed on his conscious like a weight. "Be open with me, cub. Do you resent me for my choices?"

It caught her so off guard that Tsuki couldn't help it.

She laughed.

Laughed hard.

It was ugly and harsh, borderline hysterical, and she laughed until her belly hurt and her lungs screamed in protest. She laughed until tears streamed down her face. She laughed until she couldn't tell whether the tears were from laughing so hard or because she hated him, viciously, in that moment.

How Dare You!

Crumpled on the floor, she gasped for breath, well aware of the attention the Southern Lord was giving her. Attention she had to endure years to attain. Finally the blue eyed girl hiccupped into semi normality, still giggling on and off. She couldn't drag her eyes up to his face because she feared she would break into more laughter and she knew that if she laughed anymore the tears wouldn't be from cruel humor. "D- Do you… do you. Have any idea…" The giggles assaulted her again. "Any idea of what it was like… to be the bastard child?" Tsuki made a visible effort to contain her chuckles and smiled darkly. "Not Tsuki. Never Tsuki to the ones you deemed my protectors: Just Bastard. The Bastard. A Bastard. The whore's bastard. I don't know how I remembered my name at all. God forbid they think of me as your daughter. Such blasphemy would surely taint their precious lord and family."

"And I doubt…(giggle).. I doubt your sister… (snort) hates you for reasons you never understood."

Raiza swallowed. "Kiraiya doesn't-"

"Don't SAY she doesn't hate me!" Tsuki bit out, the terrible humor vanishing behind her disgust. "She blistered my face open with boiling water as you now know even though it took Mai's tantrum for you to learn the truth-"

"You never told me."

"You never let me! You wanted a yes or no answer. Not how! How would her alienation benefit me? Did you ever ask yourself why I would lie when you accused me of falsehood?"

"Yes" he hissed, throwing her tirade off center. "But I did not think my trust was misplaced in Kiraiya's guard."

The bitter smile returned. "No" Tsuki agreed, "just in me."

Storm grey eyes shut in resignation.

"But I don't care anymore." She whispered back. "I no longer need your trust. She can hate me. The whole castle can hate me. After living with that shit for as long as I did, I'm surprised the possession didn't finish destroying my mind." Raiza flinched, and Tsuki strengthened her voice to a mocking lit, burying the hot burn of betrayal and longing beneath a barrier of deep rage.

"But that isn't your question is it? This isn't about my pains. This isn't about how my blood relatives would sooner feed me to our wolves than see me reach maturity. This is about your decisions and my feelings on them. Do I resent your choices? I suppose I shouldn't seeing as I breathe on this day, but I do. You failed me. As a father, as a lord, you didn't do shit to look out for my wellbeing. You didn't do shit for the honor of my mother! Even if she was a whore-"

Slamming his fist on the ground, Raiza snarled, "Tsunade was not a whore!"

"Be silent!" He snapped when she opened her mouth again. "Sit there and listen. I have tolerated your mouth when we are alone but you will give me the respect of a lord if not of a father." Tsuki stiffened, but bowed her head in submission, trembling slightly under the weight of his fiery anger.

"Look at me." Reluctant sapphire eyes rose to his face. "I doubt you have an inkling of what I have sacrificed to keep you alive, child. And you shouldn't. If I have my way you will never know the extent of my actions." His voice softened to a dangerous caress. "I have done many, many things I am not proud of to keep you as safe as I could. Were I to give you any sign of favoritism, Mai would have had you assassinated, damn the consequences. Of that I have no doubt. Every time I disciplined you harshly it was so no other would. For them, my methods were sound enough to deal with you. Is that right? Fuck no. I never claimed our people as fair beings." She had turned from him then, the self-disgust in his face unbearable to look at, but he would have none of it. Large, tan hands, warmer from the undercurrent of lightning, grasped her face and he was before her faster than her mind registered. "And yes they are your people," Raiza hissed pressing his forehead against hers. "Even if they hate you or you hate them. Blood is absolute. Regardless," A clawed thumb slid along her cheek. "Had I done nothing you would have died before you were born. Your wellbeing, Tsuki, whether you accept it in your bitterness or not, is always," He shook her. "Always, my priority."

What could she say to that?

A knock sounded on Raiza's shoji screen saving her from having to respond. Raiza's curt acknowledgement scared off one of the two people hovering by the door. The second slid the door open and a tall daiyoukai, draped in youki drenched furs, poked his head through the gap. Raiza pulled away from Tsuki enough to place a hard kiss on her forehead that the girl- at this moment -could still feel branded on her skin. Then, he released her and glared at the newcomer.

"Now's really not a good time, mutt."

"I know." The man's face was grave. "I would not have intruded were it not important."

Raiza's movements were graceful as he stood, his walk a glide. He paused as he passed Tsuki and heaved another world-weary sigh.

"Sleep, Tsuki. I doubt I will be back in time to finish this conversation at a reasonable hour."

"Raiza-sama-"

He let his hand ruffle her hair, shutting her up immediately. "Yes I mean you may sleep in here. Ano," Raiza smirked lightly at the rebellious look on her face, "it is not a suggestion. You asked for answers. I will give you what I feel you can handle. I will tell you what I know I can bear." Then he was gone, leaving her to ponder the meaning of that last statement.

She may have obeyed him and slept in the room but she was out at dawn before he returned- she wasn't running away. She wasn't-! Tsuki sighed dragging the bokken from the floor and got into position.

The first place she went to was a room filled with scrolls and leather bound book, signifying the purpose of a library. It was empty save a pair of elder Inu, one who smiled at her, the other scowled. Echoes of conversations trailed in her ears at the sight of them. Unnerved, she left and headed for the dojo. Perhaps she was wrong but everything about this place felt familiar. The people seemed to know her and the smells triggered snippets of memory that contained flashes of silver and blue. Sesshomaru's face hovered in the back of her mind, his frowns, his semi-smirks, the amusing quirk of his eyebrow, and the annoyed narrowing of the eyes that she knew existed but couldn't recall how she was recalling them. Why was her memory missing? The possession had not been malicious in its intent so she should have regained her memories by now. It was as if something was blocking them. She sighed and decided to put off the contemplation for a time. Wondering about her time in the West just made her head hurt.

Despite the suspicious guards posted at the doors, the dojo had been her sanctuary from her father, but not from the boy.

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"I need you back before the new moon."

"I'll make it."

"Make sure the old codger knows that his presence would be appreciated, but say no more on Sesshomaru's reasons for his attendance."

"I'm wounded you have so little faith in my discretion."

"He has a way with women."

"I've met him. Multiple times. I think I can restrain my inevitable lust." She replied as she shouldering her bag, knowing he wasn't done yet but wishing for it anyway.

"I'm only making sure you remain alert."

"Noted, but his curiosity will do the work for me, I'm sure."

There was a pause. "Don't travel along the borders again; the horse clans are itching for an opportunity to exploit you."

"I will, Fujin-kun."

"And bring Genma, Hitari and Toshibo as well. I don't want-"

Yanabi spun around with a tight smile on her face forcing the dog general's sentence to trail off. "Need I remind you who the elder among us is, pup? I have traveled to far more distant lands without your advice and the concern, while appreciated in small doses, grates my senses, Otouto." The Inu no Taisho Tch'ed and looked away, completing the image by folding his arms against his chest.

She sighed, irritated with her outburst. Now he was going to sulk. Perhaps he was being a little… overbearing, but she needn't dress him down for it.

"Fujin-kun," Yanabi began, leaning on her nickname for her kid brother pull him from the brink of brooding. "I apologize. Her return affects me more each year." He continued to look away so she added, with a light laugh. "Maybe I should take Tynichi up on that offer of distraction. I could use a stress reliever." The leading tilt to the words left no doubt as to her meaning, but he still said nothing.

Hmmm… No response to the self-depreciation, lewd comment, or admission of fault. Was something wrong?

"Fujin-kun, you seem… on edge…" She trailed off, green eyes imploring.

"I-" turning his head back to her, he stopped and amber held emerald. "It is nothing."

Yanabi frowned. He was worried, enough for it to be visible. Unconsciously, her mind brushed against his to glean the surface thoughts and her unease deepened when she felt the solid mental shield in place.

"Simple anxiety I suppose," He continued, breaking her from her thoughts, "since your years are beginning to show." Her brow ticked.

"You may be stronger than me but I can turn your mind into soup. Do not tempt me."

Yanabi had to reel in a smile when a pout settled on his face. "But I only worry for my elderly sibling."

The pair walked out of the room and headed through the maze of hallways to the gate as she replied dryly, "Ha ha. You're acting amazes me, Otouto. Perhaps you should sharpen it on your darling mate when she returns."

He laughed, ruining the deceptively innocent expression. "Ah you try and send me to my death."

She grinned. "Oh you think too little of yourself. I'm sure you can take her."

"Insolence does not become you, sister."

"That comment," the woman sniffed, "would best be directed at the brat when he decides to be cheeky."

It was the general's turn to grin. "Cheekiness is only fostered by bravery so forgive me if I do not reprimand him for both calling you old and escaping punishment."

"Be thankful I'm leaving or you wouldn't either." She muttered back and the ensuing argument did well to draw her unease away. Her kid brother continued to poke at the woman's age and the purple haired demon couldn't really blame him seeing as she brought up. Irritation made her do stupid things. Yanabi finally escaped his pestering when the guard closed ranks in front of her and announced their readiness. It wasn't until the gates cranked shut behind them that she realized he avoided her question.

Damn, she must be getting on in years to have fallen for the simplest diversion ever. She promised herself she'd wring it out of him at her return. Speaking of wringing out, she hadn't been able to straighten the pup out either. Sesshomaru reconnected with Tsuki and they apparently had a conflict of some kind. That was all she could swipe from the boy's untalkative lips.

She huffed.

Children! They simply must find something to fight about or all is not well in the world. Tsuki only spoke for a day, if that, before they came to a head.

Yanabi blew out an undignified breath to ruffle her bangs. It was frustrating that she couldn't get a hold of Tsuki before she left – the castle had been in absolute pandemonium preparing for the Lady's arrival- and that worried her. If looking into Tsuki's mind had told her anything, it was that her trust was given sparingly and it was ridiculously easy to say something the girl could misunderstand. Although to be fair, many of the comments others made to her in the past left little room for misinterpretation.

Oh she couldn't wait for the domain presentations. The hell she could return there! It made her giddy. But she should really focus on her mission. Shidan, for all his greatness, was a womanizing lecher and being unfocused or unprepared in anyway made his charm all the more obnoxiously effective.

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A door slid open and her head snapped up, irrational hope energizing her before it vanished, replaced with intense dislike. The person walking through the door was not Sesshomaru. She was disgusted with herself for the momentary weakness. How could anyone have such a hold on her mood? Tsuki swept the dark thoughts aside to focus on the copper headed (neko)- her mind supplied- that strode into her pain. The intruder was almost as tall as the giant of a man she glimpsed from the cracked shoji in Raiza's room yesterday but with cropped red brown hair. The man's eyebrow length bang flared slightly as he took another step forward and twin gold lights gazed back at her, pleased, with a mixture of curiosity and attentiveness. The green and white clothing he wore reminded her of Sesshomaru's attire except it was more appropriate for sparring and the haroi was tied but his arms were free letting the garment drape over his waist, exposing corded arms and a muscled chest covered only with tight black fabric.

"Tsuki-chan." The cat purred. Slipping his boots off, he glided towards her. "To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"

The girl stared at him, slowly rising to her feet, bokken forgotten on the floor. "Forgive me," She cleared her throat, and missed the shocked look that skittered across his face. "My memories are… lacking at the moment. I am unaware…" Her voice faded as he waved his hand. The speculative look in his eyes made them glow.

"Ah yes." The cat murmured speaking to himself. "Shefu did mention that. I'm not surprised that he didn't." She knew, somehow, who he was referring to. Tynichi tilted his head at the defensive hunch to the girl's shoulders. "Had a falling out already?"

His words were unknowingly cruel and Tsuki no longer questioned why the dislike she felt earlier had occurred. Instead of answering him she bent stiffly, scooping up her weapon in death grip, and stalked over to the rack.

"Sore spot is it?" he asked with a bob of his head. "I suggest you learn to hide your emotions better. Scowling during a council meeting is a sure way to draw attention." The cat trailed a hand along the racks until he found a bokken with white cloth wrapped around the base. "So what happened?"

A snarl as her only warning to drop it. She would not yell out 'I did nothing but exist' to this person who even on a subconscious level she sneered at. Tsuki needed to leave, now, or risk making a fool out of herself.

Tynichi only looked amused. "You did that when we first met."

Curiosity gnawed at her but her reservations about this man kept her from letting it show. Tsuki let her face drain of emotion and bowed to the elder demon. "I'm afraid I must be going. Excuse me." Spinning on a heel, she made for the exit as quickly as she could without it seeming like she was running away. The cat was odd and intrusive. She didn't know which part she disliked more.

Tynichi made a noise of disapproval from her back.

"You didn't run away last time, though." That comment effectively drew her to a halt. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that bottling up all that feeling is a sure way to break something?"

Her gaze was positively glacial when she turned around. "I didn't ask for your advice."

"Good," He answered with a smile. "I withhold advice from people who ask for it. It tends to stick to the mind more when it's sprung when least expected."

That gave her pause and Tynichi took that moment to toss her the white clothed bokken in his grasp. She caught it reflexively, but did nothing more. Her blue eyes stared at the bokken like it was an anomaly in her hand.

"Well?" He flipped around his own newly acquired weapon and gestured for her to come at him.

"I… I don't understand."

Tynichi made a show of rolling his eyes and pointed at her. "You. Fight." He pointed at himself. "Me. Now. Simple, yes?"

The purposeful snark was ignored by the small girl. Deep pools of azure focused on him and she shook her head. "Why would you-?"

Tynichi didn't let the small tug of sympathy change his voice at all. "Because I am bored."

She glared at him, the anger and confusion swelling to a tumult. "I don't need pity."

His eyes were patient thought his tone was annoyed. "I do not have pity for you."

Tsuki blinked in surprise but quickly rallied herself. "I'm not pathetic enough to lay there and be your punching bag. Fuck off."

Tynichi laughed heartily. The shock of her statement making it sound full and warm, turning her surge of distaste into a baffled swirl of uncertainty. "Had I known you had such a mouth I'd have irritated you sooner, little one." He had the nerve to wink at her! "The Inu clansmen are too refined to swear in such an… uncouth manner."

"I- Wha- …." His indifference to her hostility confused her greatly. If cold politeness didn't force them to get away from her, her foul mouth did the trick. But he was standing there, laughing! as if she were a cute child fumbling in her attempts to learn how to walk. Why was he trying to speak with her? Why wasn't he spitting at her or sneering or instituting the policy of the majority of her castle: indifference? She took a breath, dropping the harshness and settling for her true feelings. With nothing but honest befuddlement coloring her words she asked, "You know what I am- anyone with a nose worth its name can smell it- why are you wasting your time interacting with me?"

His first hostile sign in their interaction entered his face and he sneered. "I never waste my time. Do not insult me." The cat's face smoothed. "But, I believe I answered you already. I am bored little cub, and have been told that you are a worthwhile opponent by your lord." Tynichi smirked on the inside as he recalled the exact words of Raiza. Hell of an archer but could kick your ass with a blade if she had to.

Her eyes widened comically but she did not question him, though he could tell that she wanted to. "Now," He took a step forward. "If you are quite done wallowing in self-pity, I would like to test Raiza-sama's word. Try not to disappoint."

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Thoughts?

~Yasha's Sis

(Updated 2015)