Chap 24 Tibet or what Suzy thought she saw.

Date: 2 Dec 2299 Saturday

Ryuu liked his nomadic style of life. Wandering from sanctuary to sanctuary, sleeping outdoors, eating off the land, this was his idea of a perfect life. He was in no hurry and chatted happily with all his animal friends. Would Suzy like this lifestyle? Would he give it up for her?

After his last visit to Canada Ryuu had realized that he was in love with his little sister Suzy. He couldn't concentrate. He couldn't sleep. He found himself daydreaming of her dandelion yellow eyes, her bouncy curls, and her amazing smile. He drifted from sanctuary to sanctuary checking on his charges and talking to them about the love of his life. The hippogriff found the whole thing hilarious and offered to fly Ryuu to Suzy's side to ask her hand.

It was at that point Ryuu started looking at engagement bands. Once he found the perfect one he put it in his pocket and carried it with him waiting for the right time to ask Suzy for her hand. Ryuu was nervous about the whole "being in love—getting mated" thing and frequently pulled the ring out to look at it. Sometimes he asked himself what he should say. Other time he would wonder when was the right time.

He was on his way to Japan to spend time with A-Un when he had stopped at the Tibetan sanctuary to check the dragons. Tibetan hunters had trapped a young dragoness and were about to slay her. Ryuu rushed in and frightened the hunters and rescued the demoness. He rushed her to the hidden clinic and treated her wounds. She was so thrilled and enamored with her hero she threw herself at Ryuu and was covering his face in kisses. The power she used as threw herself at Ryuu knocked him on his butt and Suzy's ring fell out of his pocket.

Ryuu tried to extricate himself from her arms but end up just giving her a hug as he tried to explain to her that he loved another.

Unfortunately for Ryuu that's when Suzy walked into the clinic.

Suzy saw the love of her life hugging another and an engagement ring open in a box next to them. Ryuu looked up just in time to see the saddest expression in the world before massive tears poured down Suzy's cheeks. Suzy turned and ran as fast as she could straight to Castletown.

Ryuu quickly rose and yelled after her.

"Wait Suzy! It's not what it looks like!" But his words didn't reach. Suzy was gone.

Ryuu called Suzy's phone only for it to go to voice mail. He then saw that he had missed a dozen calls from family. Reviewing his email he deliberated. Suzy or Yuki? Yuki was downed just out of Greece. Maybe his friend Lernean Hydra could help. Then he realized he had to help in the search for Yuki. He prayed Suzy would understand. Making one more call which automatically went to voice mail Ryuu pleaded with Suzy to give him a chance to explain and then he orbed to Greece attempting to contact Sesshomaru on the way.

-#-

Upon arrival to Castletown the first person Suzy saw was Rin. Rin saw the puffy eyes, tear streaked cheeks, and opened her arms. Suzy glomped on to her and started bawling again. It was quite a time later before Suzy could tell Rin what had happened. Once she calmed down enough to talk she TALKED. How dare he? I thought he loved me. Does he love her? I love him. I've loved him all my life. That was followed by yelling, and then more crying. As time passed Suzy fell asleep and Rin returned to the control center. Keiko had been feeding the children and Uncle Jaken had been manning the phones.

"Uncle Jaken?"

"Yes, Princess Rin."

"Father has always asked us to keep an open mind until we hear both sides of a story. I know I should but I can't help but be angry, sad and disappointed at Ryuu. Am I wrong?"

The old imp looked with star filled eyes to the heavens and then bowed his head. "Fate has blessed me today," Jaken smiled. "Did your Father ever tell you how he learned to look at both sides of a problem?"

"No, Uncle Jaken. I never asked."

"You taught him that—almost 700 years ago. You were a very smart human. You taught Lord Sesshomaru to not jump to conclusions but to look at both sides of a story before making a decision, a lesson you never got through to your dad." Jaken smiled knowingly. "But something tells me you will this time. Why don't you call your Father for an update and apprise him of the situation? He should be able to hear Ryuu's side soon if he hasn't already."

"You are the best, Uncle Jaken." Rin hugged the old imp. "I'll get on it right now."

While Rin talked to Sesshomaru, Suzy woke from her nap and called Inuyasha. Inuyasha was in the ICU with Kyo. He stepped out to take the call. When he heard the details he offered as much comfort as possible to Suzy. He heard Kyo's heart monitor started beeping irregularly.

"Suzy, Kyo needs me right now. Are you near Rin or Keiko? Please go to them. I need to know you are being cared for."

"Yes Daddy. I'm okay. Rin is here. Take care of Kyo. Tell him we luv him."

At that Inuyasha hung up and returned to Kyo's side.

Kyo's monitor sounded worse and Inuyasha turned his focus on Kyo telling him that all would be okay he just needed some faith. Inuyasha held his son's hand and squeezed it. "Please Kyo. Please." The puppy-eared parent leaned his head on the bed and allowed the tears to flow unchecked.

When Kyo's heart rate stabilized, Inuyasha asked the nurse to watch his son while he sent a text.

Can't believe how thoughtless and rude you were to your little sister. You know how much she adores you! I told you not to hurt her and now she has a broken heart. I can't talk to you. Don't bother to contact me. I need to focus on your brother Kyo.

When Ryuu received the text he fell to his knees and cried.