A/N: Hi all :) Thank you for your comments, and messages. In this chapter, there's a different language. You don't have to read all the weird bits, the translation is in parenthesis beside the words. No it's not a real language, but it does make sense, and can be decoded, (Because I'm weird like that, and will spend time replacing letters with other letters and making a language.) Yeah. So- I hope you enjoy! And keep in mind, all feedback is appreciated :)
After gathering information, Sesshomaru returned to the group. Everybody was awake, and Rin was eating. As always, the girl greeted him cheerfully, not asking a single question about why he had disappeared. Most likely Nazoki had made something up. The lord waited for Rin to finish her meal, and when she did, they continued about their way. They had a new direction now. At current they were north, they would need to go southeast.
Dew moistened the grass beneath their feet, and the sun continued to rise. Birds could be heard, chirping in the distance, and squirrels, scavenging, and playing games. The fresh morning air held a cool chill, providing comfort for the on-coming travels.
"Nazoki, why don't you travel as a fox anymore?"
Peering at Rin, Nazoki tilted her head. She held a finger up as if to think about it before offering a light shrug.
"I must be comfortable... Honestly I have not even thought about it!" Chuckling lightly the woman lifted a leaf from the ground. She formed a few blades of grass and offered half of them to Rin.
"Make what you wish." The offer earned a bright smile, and the girl nodded, accepting the grass. With time to pass, Rin focused on the bracelet she was weaving. The girl was sitting on A-Un, so she could fully immerse herself in her crafts. Silence fell over the group, as they entered a wide-open plain. It was surrounded by various trees, and a small pond sat off to the side.
"Rin, do you need water?" Sesshomaru glanced at the girl, noting her content smile.
"Rin has water!" The girl grinned.
At least she was entertained. Good job Nazoki, well done. The vixen was walking opposite of Sesshomaru, beside Rin. She was intently staring at the grass in her hands, and Sesshomaru averted his gaze. So she was comfortable, huh? That was probably a good sign.
"Lord Sesshomaru, wait! Please slow down!"
Jaken's voice interrupted the lord's thoughts, and he sighed. Little legs; how annoying.
"Jaken, get on A-Un."
After a short pause, the command was followed, and the group continued.
Heat had started to pierce the cool day, as Sesshomaru led his companions to Zouo's hut. It was a stretch, but they could make it there in less than a week. Most likely, they would fly soon; just to cut the distance down. The only reason they did not fly the whole way was Rin. It was not good for her body; extended periods of flight would make her sick at times. The girl had given him an odd bracelet made of grass, and draped it around his Mokomoko. Sesshomaru was not aware that bracelet were for tails as well. So now, the man had grass in his fur. Splendid.
Nazoki placed a small wreath on Rin's head, after making flowers bloom before the girl's eyes. Astounded, Rin happily wore he freshly bloomed crown. All was peaceful until ridiculously fast footsteps interrupted them. Sesshomaru and Nazoki stopped, and turned to examine their surroundings. Nothing was in sight. They could hear the footsteps approaching, yet could see nobody.
To the lord's surprise, Nazoki was tackled. Rin was about to panic, until the woman started to laugh.
"Stop! EIJI! Cut it out! Get off of me!"
"Thuru wie auru!" (There you are) A man's voice could be heard, as Sesshomaru walked around A-Un to assess the situation. He stared at Nazoki on the ground laughing and slapping at what seemed to be thin air. What was that language? It was melodic, and beautiful, but the lord had never heard it before. He blankly stared down at Nazoki, wondering what was happening.
"Yes! Here I am! Now get off! Gus iff!"
Hmm. Nazoki was speaking the language as well. Sesshomaru could smell another Kitsune, but he had not expected this. Rin and Jaken were watching as well, as the woman playfully wrestled the invisible man. She was laughing uncontrollably, and despite her confusion, Rin started to laugh as well.
"Nazoki, you look crazy!"
"You hear that, Eiji? You're making me look crazy- Get off! I can see you, pervert!" With a single thrust of her palm, Nazoki knocked the brunette man off herself, and he fell to the side. Sitting up, she grinned at Rin. Right before their eyes, the invisible man became a regular man, who was holding his nose. He had keen features, and light brown hair. The man was clothed in a deep red kimono, and smiling like there was no tomorrow.
"Oww! Wie kokn's hauzu si lu si riejh! Arun's wie jinnau onsrikecu mu?" (Ow, you didn't have to be so rough! Aren't you gonna introduce me?) He was still speaking that language, what a bother. Sesshomaru glared down at the man, as he stood up, and offered Nazoki his hand. A small bag was draped across his shoulder, and he beamed a smile at everyone. That annoyed Sesshomaru.
"Oh, of course!" The vixen exclaimed. The moment she got on her feet, she turned towards Sesshomaru and bowed.
"M'lord, this is Eiji, he's an old friend."
The lord remained silent, studying the new kitsune. Eiji was curiously eying Nazoki as she bowed.
"Whw auru wie kionj shaus?" (Why are you doing that?) The vixen eyed her friend, and straightened herself.
"Mind your business. And Rin, this is Eiji." The woman announced, grinning. Likewise, she told Eiji who Rin was and did the same for Jaken. Finally, she turned back to Sesshomaru who had been watching the entire time. Then man was silently willing himself not to act as he had before. Apparently, Nazoki thought he attacked every man she met. He would prove her wrong. Because he did not. The lord simply pointed out the obvious, and refused to wait on her.
"And this is Lord Sesshomaru, he-" Before she could finish her sentence the man turned and started away, pulling A-Un as well as his other companions with him. Frowning, Nazoki peered after the group.
"Lord Sesshomaru, you're leaving Nazoki!" Rin exclaimed.
"Am I?" He asked, not bothering to look, or stop. All Nazoki could do was sigh. He was doing it again. Sort of. In a different, more discreet manner, but he was definitely doing it again. Shaking her head, the vixen grasped Eiji's hand and pulled him along behind Sesshomaru.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, smiling at Eiji over her shoulder. The man gripped the string of his bag, and allowed her to drag him along.
"Liironj fir wie, if ciersu!" (Looking for you, of course!)
Nodding, Nazoki turned to glanced at Sesshomaru.
"Pluausu, sphuaur nirmaullw." (Please, speak normally.)
Eiji frowned at her request, and pulled his hand away from hers.
"Why?" He asked, and Nazoki peered at the group.
"Is os nis philosu si sphuaur loru shos aurienk shu lirk..." (It is not polite to speak like this around the lord.) From the expression Sesshomaru had made, Nazoki assumed he didn't speak Evicus. His total silence was more unnerving than when he outright embarrassed her in front of men. Eiji eyed the lord for a moment before snickering. He ran a hand through his hair, and his ears twitched.
"Oih, si wie'ru swuus in hom, eh?" (Ohh, so you're sweet on him, eh?)
Needless to say, Nazoki combusted. The way Eiji said things was odd. There was always an underlying meaning, which he implied through his words. Maybe not in this case, but still, for an old childhood friend to think something. Her spontaneous reaction caught the attention of all, and she murmured an apology. Sesshomaru watched as she tried to cover her blush. That kitsune man was saying something in the background, making her more uncomfortable.
"Wie auru!" (You are!)
"No- No! It's nothing like that. Speak normally!" Smacking the man's shoulder, Nazoki crossed her arms, and stormed ahead of him.
"Erm... Lord Sesshomaru... Are you okay?" A concerned voice sounded behind the lord, and he gazed at Rin over his shoulder. With a slight nod, he returned his gaze to the area ahead of him. Keeping calm. Ignoring the fact that the ring on his finger was pulsing like crazy, and further agitating him. He was not paying attention to Nazoki. No. He was thinking about the Staff of Death. Yes. Staff of Death. It drained power from everything, and he wanted it. What the hell was that language Nazoki and Eiji were speaking? Why would they continue to use it, as if they were keeping secrets? And the vixen just smiled and grinned, like her face was stuck that way. Sesshomaru could make her face stay like that. He would illusion all over her head until it became reality. The next voice startled everybody.
"Nazoki, ssiph sphuauronj Evicus, aunk monk wier maunnurs! Lord Sesshomaru os jriwonj orrosausuk!" (Nazoki, mind your manners and stop speaking Evicus, Lord Sesshomaru is getting irritated!)
Gaping at Jaken, Nazoki's flames grew larger. He could understand her? Them? After that awkward bit about liking Sesshomaru? The vixen's jaw dropped, and she froze in place. Eiji was coolly walking with the group as it passed.
"Jaken..." Glaring down at the toad, Sesshomaru shoved him off of A-Un. So he knew this odd language as well? Unforgivable. As the toad was left behind, silence fell over the group. Nazoki caught up to them, passing the dazed Jaken. Poor little guy, that was a long fall for him. A woman's voice interrupted the mute air, and all but Sesshomaru turned to face it.
"Hey boys, I need a hand. Can someone help me?"
On the edge of the forest stood a woman with black hair and kitsune ears. She wore a white robe, and waved at the group. After a second of contemplation Eiji turned to Nazoki.
"Uh, I'll be right back. You know me- Damsel in distress..." As the man raced away, Nazoki called behind him.
"Phurzurs!" (Pervert)
Rolling her eyes, the vixen turned back towards the group. Rin was staring at her, and Jaken was finally catching up.
"I grew up with him. He was a friend's brother." She informed, and Rin frowned.
"Was?"
Nodding, Nazoki strided to the girl's side. She offered a wide grin, and shifted her gaze to the sky. Not even five minutes later, Eiji was running from the forest screaming.
"It was a trap! Trap!" Behind him, a large dragon was breathing a breath of flames. The image disintegrated and the male kitsune fell to the ground. Frowning, Nazoki gazed at Sesshomaru. He was watching the scene, slight amusement playing on his features. Guilty. He had done that. Sighing, Nazoki placed a hand to her head