Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha . . . nope, not even a little bit . . .
not even a sliver of a little bit. In fact if I owned Inuyasha any less I'd
probably . . . not . . . own it . . . um . . . yeeeeeah. ^_^,
Author's Note: Hey everyone! Well I just got back from vacation so that's why it's been so long since my last update. Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope you read and enjoy this. Um, reviews are fun, but if you don't feel like sending one in, that's okay. So, with all that said, Happy Readings!
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Chapter 5:
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"Okay, question. I know it's none of my business but you seem to be um . . . minus an arm.. How uh . . . how's that work?"
Sesshoumaru eyed Cye dully. He didn't doubt that she had noticed his lacking of a certain arm when he was bathing, but since then he had clothed himself and was heading back to the cave. The girl was right beside him. He sighed and turned his attention ahead of him. "A battle," was all that he supplied her with.
Cye grimaced. "Must've been some enemy for a powerful demon like you to lose to."
Sesshoumaru stopped in his tracks and slowly turned to face her. Cye blinked as she too stopped walking. Golden eyes flashed and it was easy to tell that the youkai lord was silently fuming.
Cye took a step back. "What . . . is it?"
"Inuyasha is a half breed fool and the only reason he was able to inflict damage upon me is because of the sword that should rightfully belong to me." He said. His voice held more passion and expression than the female half-breed thought was possible. His golden glare stayed on her for a few moments longer and then he turned stiffly to start walking away.
Cye found herself standing dumbfounded once again. She sighed. "Yikes, something tells me I hit a sensitive area. Hm, Inuyasha . . . he's a half- breed too then. Oh well, not my problem I guess. Hey! Sesshoumaru wait up! I'm sorry!"
She caught up to Sesshoumaru, but words were not exchanged for the duration of the walk back to the cave. Cye did wonder about the one named Inuyasha and why his name held such a powerful effect on the seemingly emotionless and untouchable demon beside her. And what of that sword? It seemed odd that one such as he would get so upset about a sword when he was practically a weapon himself. Further more, swords weren't exactly hard to find. Stealing one, or even having one made wouldn't take much effort. She sighed. What a confusing creature he was.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!"
The young, high-pitched voice of Rin tore her from her thoughts. She looked up to the little girl who was standing next to an irritated looking Jaken and waving. She smiled. Rin was always so cheery.
Rin ran up to Sesshoumaru and stopped no more than an inch in front him. She looked at him with expecting eyes and said matter-of-factly, "Rin is hungry Sesshoumaru-sama."
Sesshoumaru nodded and shifted his gaze from Rin to Jaken. Jaken straightened his posture and expression immediately.
"Jaken."
"Yes Lord?"
"Find something for her to eat."
"Yes my Lord!"
The little imp scrambled away in search of some breakfast. Cye watched him go until she felt a tugging at her arm. She looked down and found a smiling little girl attached to her wrist. "Good morning sunshine." She greeted.
Rin squealed, this showing that she rather liked that nickname. "Rin made a deal, so now she wants to keep her promise." She said.
At first, the half- breed was confused at the child's words, but then she remembered their conversation the day before and nodded. "Very well, show me. . ." Cye stopped and looked toward Sesshoumaru who seemed to be paying attention to something else. "That is . . . if it's okay with your Sesshoumaru-sama."
It seemed as though the youkai did not hear her, as he paid her no heed. She frowned. Rin sighed. "Sesshoumaru-sama." She said, her voice slightly insistent.
Sesshoumaru gently shook his head as he heard his name and looked to Rin.
"Rin wants to show Cye how to make crowns out of flowers. She wants to know if it's okay." Rin said.
The youkai Lord seemed to hesitate. Cye took a step toward him. "I'm gunna be with her."
Sesshoumaru looked from Cye to Rin and then back to Cye, finally, he nodded in approval. Rin squealed with glee and danced away pulling Cye right along for the ride. Sesshoumaru watched them go.
He had been distracted, that was true enough, but how could he NOT be? How could he ignore that flicker of ki that caressed his senses? Not only that, but how could he disregard that familiar pull, like something beckoning him. He knew it. Inuyasha was near . . . and so was Tetsuaiga.
He cursed to himself. It was rather inopportune that Inuyasha and his companions were in the same vicinity as he was. He had no plan of attack, and Sesshoumaru was not one to go running into a battle with out something formulated. Perhaps the smartest move would be to ignore them for the time being. There would be other days to battle with his brother. If he was lucky they wouldn't cross paths, for he had no intention of fighting on this day.
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"And then just like that!" Rin exclaimed. She held up a finished crown in her small hands and beamed.
Cye smiled. "That looks easy enough."
Rin nodded. "Now you try."
"Okay, but you know I'm not very good at making decisions. Could you help me pick the flowers?"
"Rin will help!"
The cat youkai followed the child around while she selected various flowers, all of vibrant colors. She had several gathered, probably enough for three crowns. Afterwards, both sat down in the tall meadow grass and set to work. It wasn't really a strenuous process, rather enjoyable. Rin talked of many things, and like many children, she seemed to start the conversation in the middle, so Cye was having a little bit of trouble following her words, but she didn't mind. It was terribly cute!
They spent about an hour in the meadow and finally, Rin stood up from her spot. "Rin is still hungry. She wants to go back now."
Cye nodded. She was getting a little hungry too, and her legs were cramped from all of that sitting. Anyway, she'd hate for Sesshoumaru to freak out and rip her head off. That just wasn't what she would call a good day. So she took Rin's hand in her own and they began the walk back. In her free hand she held three thin flower crowns.
She spotted the cave just as she and Rin broke through the forest. She could smell the brackish, strangely exhilarating flames of a fire within the rock structure. The unmistakable smell of fish wafted outward, beckoning to her. She loved fish! "C'mon Rin, let's get some breakfast." She said.
Rin agreed and they walked into the cave. Jaken was there, tending the fire and he glanced up at them dully before going about his business. The two helped themselves and ate happily. When they were quite finished they kindly left their mess for Jaken to clean up and then went outside. Cye grinned as she saw Sesshoumaru's lean form against the tree. He glanced over at them.
"Guess what," Cye said.
The expression he wore explained that he had no intention of doing so. The cat youkai shrugged and trotted over to him. There was a certain playful bounce in her graceful steps that could not go unnoticed by the youkai Lord.
She stood right in front of him with her hand behind her back, a mischievous glint in her green eyes, and surprisingly, her ears perked up. "I have a present for you." She said.
Sesshoumaru continued to stare at her. Her smile just widened. "I think you're just going to adore it!" She brought her hand around to her front and revealed the flower crowns. She sifted through them until she found one made from yellow and white flowers. She proffered it to him. "I made this one especially for you," she grinned, "lover."
This time she did manage to force an expression out of him. She was proud of herself despite the fact that it was a deathly cold glare. She had learned long ago that you have to take what you can get and run.
Sesshoumaru averted his shrewd gaze to the flower crowns and then to Rin who smiled.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin and Cye made it just for you," She said.
The sparkle of hope in her eyes was enough to make the demon sigh in defeat. Cye was just being difficult, having a laugh at his expense, but Rin was truly sincere. She desperately wanted him to wear it. Reluctantly and hesitantly, he reached out a clawed hand and grasped the crown. Cye's grin took on a look of playful evilness as he placed it atop his head.
Rin squealed in delight, danced over to Sesshoumaru, and hugged him around the legs. "Sesshoumaru-sama looks so pretty," she exclaimed.
Cye chuckled. "Just like a homicidal angel." She held up her index finger as if she'd just made a miraculous discovery. "Ah, but what would a homicidal angel be without his friends?" She winked at him. She selected one of the crowns and plopped it on Rin's dark head. The little girl giggled. Then Cye selected another crown for herself. When she was through situating it atop her head, she sighed and put her hands on her slender hips. "See, now we're flower friends!"
Cye laughed at her own antics, and Sesshoumaru looked as though he were going rip the flesh off of every creature within a five-mile radius. However, upon hearing Rin's gleeful, young laughter, he was forced to calm down. Once again, her happiness had become a priority to him, and if it meant him sacrificing some of his pride to that insane hybrid, he supposed he would do so. He only wondered how long he'd be forced to wear the forsaken thing.
As it turned out, Sesshoumaru was still wearing it by the time noon rolled around. They had been traveling for the better half of the morning. As it were, the youkai Lord knew better than to stay in one place for very long. Jaken had somehow convinced Rin to calm down long enough to give her the lecturing of the day, and Rin had pretended to pay attention.
For Sesshoumaru it was a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary. He frowned a little. Well, there was ONE thing.
"Really, I don't know why you're so unhappy with it! It looks great on you. I mean you sort of already look like a girl, why not play it out?"
He clenched his fist at his side. He wouldn't let her get under his skin. He wouldn't allow her that satisfaction, although the prospect of letting his calm exterior go long enough to pummel her wasn't sounding particularly bad to him at the time.
He didn't think he'd ever met anyone so irritating in his entire life. No one had EVER bothered him as much as she did. The worst part was that he didn't know why. For the most part, he could tune out anyone and anything he wished and barely be bothered, but her voice had a certain quality about it that he just couldn't make himself ignore. Not to mention that her image popped into his head sometimes, and he had trouble sending it away.
He didn't understand why he kept thinking about her. Although he would admit that she fascinated him. She was kind and sarcastic, social, attractive. He shook his head a bit. No, he needed to try that thought again. She was kind and sarcastic, social, argumentative . . . yes, that was better. Kind, sarcastic, social, argumentative, intelligent, and seemed like a fair warrior. He imagined that her instincts must be good, but there were times when she proved him wrong, and then other times when she proved him right. She was confusing to say the least, a puzzle that he didn't want to ponder, but for some reason, felt compelled too. It wasn't fair.
Suddenly, a certain scent yanked him from his silent reverie. It was a scent that he recognized and despised, and then he heard noises, and he felt that energy. It was him, Inuyasha and his companions.
He cursed under his breath. He didn't want to deal with his stupid half brother at the moment. He had no plan and he wasn't prepared. He tried to sense where their exact location was. If he was lucky he'd be able to skirt around them and . . .
"Hey, you feel that?" Cye asked abruptly.
Sesshoumaru didn't look at her, but rather nodded stiffly. They all stopped walking and even Jaken ceased his droning, boring babble. Rin knew well enough to keep quiet, especially when she saw her Sesshoumaru-sama looking so uncharacteristically tense.
The half cat demon sniffed the air. "I smell . . . dog, human, oh . . . kitsune, and um . . . cat." She said. She looked at Sesshoumaru. "Why are we worried?"
His golden eyes glanced down at her before returning to look straight ahead. "We simply want to avoid them." He replied.
"But why? I'm not feeling any danger vibes."
"We want to avoid them." Was the only answer she got for her questioning.
Cye sighed. "Fine, then what do you want to do?"
The taller youkai sighed. "I'm not entirely sure of their exact location, or of which direction they're going. We will continue on our path until I receive further information."
Cye shrugged. "Whatever you say oh tight-assed one." She smirked as she motioned for him to lead the way. There was a slight tightening of the skin around his lips. It was just enough to tell her that he was annoyed with her comment.
The group continued on their path. No one spoke; it was quiet save for a few birds chirping and foliage rustling in the occasional breeze. Sesshoumaru still felt on edge, and Jaken did too just because he always was. Rin was happily picking flowers along the wayside without any care and Cye was both bored and hungry, which, to her, was the worst possible combination on the planet. However, she was singing a nice song on the in side of her head so at least she could keep herself preoccupied for a little while. Personally, she thought that Sesshoumaru was being paranoid, but for once, she chose to keep her opinion to herself.
It was during this silent traveling that Cye sensed something coming toward them. She glanced up at Sesshoumaru. His eyes were slightly glazed over which she figured meant he was distracted and deep in thought. Possibly too submerged in thought to notice that those he was trying to avoid were drawing near. She wondered if she should tell him. At the same time, she was curious. She smirked darkly. It certainly would be interesting to see what would happen if they met up.
At about that moment the sound of two bickering people broke the silence. Cye halted along with Sesshoumaru. Rin stopped too and Jaken ran into Cye. He grumbled as he ran to Sesshoumaru's side. Just then a group of people appeared. Cye watched them closely as did Sesshoumaru. Suddenly he moved away from her and started walking in the opposite direction. She rolled her green eyes. "Coward!" She whispered harshly. This seemed to stop him in his tracks. He turned to glare at her, but he did walk back to her side, only stood a little further from her. She noticed that the foliage hid him rather well.
"Well I have to go back some time!"
Cye heard one of the females speak.
"How are we supposed to find any jewel shards if you're gone Kagome?"
That was definitely a male.
"Inuyasha, if returning home is important to Kagome, I think it's only fair that we support her," chimed another male voice.
The dark haired girl who had spoken before smiled at him. "Thank you Miroku," she said.
Suddenly, another girl popped up. She had black hair as well. "How long will you be gone Kagome?"
"Um . . . would a week be too long?"
The taller raven-haired girl shook her head. "As long as you need. Don't let us stop you. I mean it must be hard to live two lives like you're doing."
The one called Kagome shrugged. "Well . . . you get used to it. I'm just glad you understand Sango unlike SOME people I know." The girl cordially looked at the silver-haired man beside her. He only scowled.
Suddenly, the one who was apparently Inuyasha stopped. He looked up and his golden eyes met Cye's green ones. She stared back at him.
"Hey Inuyasha what is it?" The one called Kagome asked. She looked to where Inuyasha was and saw Cye. "Oh," she started, "hello."
Cye blinked. "Um . . . hi."
There was an awkward silence. Suddenly, one of the other males stepped forward. He was dressed as a monk. She supposed he was Miroku since the other was Inuyasha. Inuyasha. She recognized that name. Oh yes! He was the one that Sesshoumaru had referred to as a half-breed fool!
Suddenly the monk knelt down in front of her and grabbed her hand. She stared at him. "Miss, you are very beautiful and it would greatly honor me if you would give birth to my child," he said.
Cye's eyes narrowed. "I'm going to count to three and if you're not at least five feet away from me I'm going to make it impossible for anyone to give birth to your child." She bared her claws. "Understand?"
Miroku grinned in a silly manner, nodded, and slowly backed away. He bumped into Sango who smacked him over the head.
"Ow! Sango was that necessary?"
She glared at him. "Yes."
Kagome shook her head. "I apologize for Miroku. He does that to every pretty girl he meets. Um . . . my name is Kagome." She said this and held out her hand.
Cye smiled and they shook. "You can call me Cye, it's nice to meet you Kagome."
Suddenly Inuyasha jumped between them. Kagome glared at him. "Inuyasha!"
"Don't touch her Kagome. She's with Sesshoumaru."
"What? Sesshoumaru?"
Rin peeked her head from around Cye's legs and waved. Next Jaken showed up followed by Sesshoumaru. He stood tall and proud as he glared at them.
Inuyasha grabbed Kagome and jumped backwards. "See, what'd I tell ya?" He asked.
Cye sweat dropped. "Well, isn't this nice?"
Inuyasha paid her no mind as he glared coldly at the taller youkai. "Lemme guess, you want Tetsuaiga, am I right? I dare you to . . ." Inuyasha's words trailed off as he seemed to be staring in awe at something. It started out as a few chuckles and ended up growing into full-blown laughter. He pointed at Sesshoumaru's head. "You're wearing flowers on your head!" He exclaimed, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Sesshoumaru's eye twitched and he clenched his fist. He took a deep breath and walked passed his half brother that was on his knees. Cye grinned, shrugged, and then followed after the youkai Lord. Rin and Jaken trailed after her. Jaken was grumbling and Rin was waving good-bye to all of them.
"What's wrong princess? Afraid you'll break a nail!?" They heard Inuyasha yell after them. Sesshoumaru growled deep in his throat, but continued walking, the haunting, irritating sound of his half brother's voice growing less as they went on.
Author's Note: Hey everyone! Well I just got back from vacation so that's why it's been so long since my last update. Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope you read and enjoy this. Um, reviews are fun, but if you don't feel like sending one in, that's okay. So, with all that said, Happy Readings!
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Chapter 5:
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"Okay, question. I know it's none of my business but you seem to be um . . . minus an arm.. How uh . . . how's that work?"
Sesshoumaru eyed Cye dully. He didn't doubt that she had noticed his lacking of a certain arm when he was bathing, but since then he had clothed himself and was heading back to the cave. The girl was right beside him. He sighed and turned his attention ahead of him. "A battle," was all that he supplied her with.
Cye grimaced. "Must've been some enemy for a powerful demon like you to lose to."
Sesshoumaru stopped in his tracks and slowly turned to face her. Cye blinked as she too stopped walking. Golden eyes flashed and it was easy to tell that the youkai lord was silently fuming.
Cye took a step back. "What . . . is it?"
"Inuyasha is a half breed fool and the only reason he was able to inflict damage upon me is because of the sword that should rightfully belong to me." He said. His voice held more passion and expression than the female half-breed thought was possible. His golden glare stayed on her for a few moments longer and then he turned stiffly to start walking away.
Cye found herself standing dumbfounded once again. She sighed. "Yikes, something tells me I hit a sensitive area. Hm, Inuyasha . . . he's a half- breed too then. Oh well, not my problem I guess. Hey! Sesshoumaru wait up! I'm sorry!"
She caught up to Sesshoumaru, but words were not exchanged for the duration of the walk back to the cave. Cye did wonder about the one named Inuyasha and why his name held such a powerful effect on the seemingly emotionless and untouchable demon beside her. And what of that sword? It seemed odd that one such as he would get so upset about a sword when he was practically a weapon himself. Further more, swords weren't exactly hard to find. Stealing one, or even having one made wouldn't take much effort. She sighed. What a confusing creature he was.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!"
The young, high-pitched voice of Rin tore her from her thoughts. She looked up to the little girl who was standing next to an irritated looking Jaken and waving. She smiled. Rin was always so cheery.
Rin ran up to Sesshoumaru and stopped no more than an inch in front him. She looked at him with expecting eyes and said matter-of-factly, "Rin is hungry Sesshoumaru-sama."
Sesshoumaru nodded and shifted his gaze from Rin to Jaken. Jaken straightened his posture and expression immediately.
"Jaken."
"Yes Lord?"
"Find something for her to eat."
"Yes my Lord!"
The little imp scrambled away in search of some breakfast. Cye watched him go until she felt a tugging at her arm. She looked down and found a smiling little girl attached to her wrist. "Good morning sunshine." She greeted.
Rin squealed, this showing that she rather liked that nickname. "Rin made a deal, so now she wants to keep her promise." She said.
At first, the half- breed was confused at the child's words, but then she remembered their conversation the day before and nodded. "Very well, show me. . ." Cye stopped and looked toward Sesshoumaru who seemed to be paying attention to something else. "That is . . . if it's okay with your Sesshoumaru-sama."
It seemed as though the youkai did not hear her, as he paid her no heed. She frowned. Rin sighed. "Sesshoumaru-sama." She said, her voice slightly insistent.
Sesshoumaru gently shook his head as he heard his name and looked to Rin.
"Rin wants to show Cye how to make crowns out of flowers. She wants to know if it's okay." Rin said.
The youkai Lord seemed to hesitate. Cye took a step toward him. "I'm gunna be with her."
Sesshoumaru looked from Cye to Rin and then back to Cye, finally, he nodded in approval. Rin squealed with glee and danced away pulling Cye right along for the ride. Sesshoumaru watched them go.
He had been distracted, that was true enough, but how could he NOT be? How could he ignore that flicker of ki that caressed his senses? Not only that, but how could he disregard that familiar pull, like something beckoning him. He knew it. Inuyasha was near . . . and so was Tetsuaiga.
He cursed to himself. It was rather inopportune that Inuyasha and his companions were in the same vicinity as he was. He had no plan of attack, and Sesshoumaru was not one to go running into a battle with out something formulated. Perhaps the smartest move would be to ignore them for the time being. There would be other days to battle with his brother. If he was lucky they wouldn't cross paths, for he had no intention of fighting on this day.
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"And then just like that!" Rin exclaimed. She held up a finished crown in her small hands and beamed.
Cye smiled. "That looks easy enough."
Rin nodded. "Now you try."
"Okay, but you know I'm not very good at making decisions. Could you help me pick the flowers?"
"Rin will help!"
The cat youkai followed the child around while she selected various flowers, all of vibrant colors. She had several gathered, probably enough for three crowns. Afterwards, both sat down in the tall meadow grass and set to work. It wasn't really a strenuous process, rather enjoyable. Rin talked of many things, and like many children, she seemed to start the conversation in the middle, so Cye was having a little bit of trouble following her words, but she didn't mind. It was terribly cute!
They spent about an hour in the meadow and finally, Rin stood up from her spot. "Rin is still hungry. She wants to go back now."
Cye nodded. She was getting a little hungry too, and her legs were cramped from all of that sitting. Anyway, she'd hate for Sesshoumaru to freak out and rip her head off. That just wasn't what she would call a good day. So she took Rin's hand in her own and they began the walk back. In her free hand she held three thin flower crowns.
She spotted the cave just as she and Rin broke through the forest. She could smell the brackish, strangely exhilarating flames of a fire within the rock structure. The unmistakable smell of fish wafted outward, beckoning to her. She loved fish! "C'mon Rin, let's get some breakfast." She said.
Rin agreed and they walked into the cave. Jaken was there, tending the fire and he glanced up at them dully before going about his business. The two helped themselves and ate happily. When they were quite finished they kindly left their mess for Jaken to clean up and then went outside. Cye grinned as she saw Sesshoumaru's lean form against the tree. He glanced over at them.
"Guess what," Cye said.
The expression he wore explained that he had no intention of doing so. The cat youkai shrugged and trotted over to him. There was a certain playful bounce in her graceful steps that could not go unnoticed by the youkai Lord.
She stood right in front of him with her hand behind her back, a mischievous glint in her green eyes, and surprisingly, her ears perked up. "I have a present for you." She said.
Sesshoumaru continued to stare at her. Her smile just widened. "I think you're just going to adore it!" She brought her hand around to her front and revealed the flower crowns. She sifted through them until she found one made from yellow and white flowers. She proffered it to him. "I made this one especially for you," she grinned, "lover."
This time she did manage to force an expression out of him. She was proud of herself despite the fact that it was a deathly cold glare. She had learned long ago that you have to take what you can get and run.
Sesshoumaru averted his shrewd gaze to the flower crowns and then to Rin who smiled.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin and Cye made it just for you," She said.
The sparkle of hope in her eyes was enough to make the demon sigh in defeat. Cye was just being difficult, having a laugh at his expense, but Rin was truly sincere. She desperately wanted him to wear it. Reluctantly and hesitantly, he reached out a clawed hand and grasped the crown. Cye's grin took on a look of playful evilness as he placed it atop his head.
Rin squealed in delight, danced over to Sesshoumaru, and hugged him around the legs. "Sesshoumaru-sama looks so pretty," she exclaimed.
Cye chuckled. "Just like a homicidal angel." She held up her index finger as if she'd just made a miraculous discovery. "Ah, but what would a homicidal angel be without his friends?" She winked at him. She selected one of the crowns and plopped it on Rin's dark head. The little girl giggled. Then Cye selected another crown for herself. When she was through situating it atop her head, she sighed and put her hands on her slender hips. "See, now we're flower friends!"
Cye laughed at her own antics, and Sesshoumaru looked as though he were going rip the flesh off of every creature within a five-mile radius. However, upon hearing Rin's gleeful, young laughter, he was forced to calm down. Once again, her happiness had become a priority to him, and if it meant him sacrificing some of his pride to that insane hybrid, he supposed he would do so. He only wondered how long he'd be forced to wear the forsaken thing.
As it turned out, Sesshoumaru was still wearing it by the time noon rolled around. They had been traveling for the better half of the morning. As it were, the youkai Lord knew better than to stay in one place for very long. Jaken had somehow convinced Rin to calm down long enough to give her the lecturing of the day, and Rin had pretended to pay attention.
For Sesshoumaru it was a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary. He frowned a little. Well, there was ONE thing.
"Really, I don't know why you're so unhappy with it! It looks great on you. I mean you sort of already look like a girl, why not play it out?"
He clenched his fist at his side. He wouldn't let her get under his skin. He wouldn't allow her that satisfaction, although the prospect of letting his calm exterior go long enough to pummel her wasn't sounding particularly bad to him at the time.
He didn't think he'd ever met anyone so irritating in his entire life. No one had EVER bothered him as much as she did. The worst part was that he didn't know why. For the most part, he could tune out anyone and anything he wished and barely be bothered, but her voice had a certain quality about it that he just couldn't make himself ignore. Not to mention that her image popped into his head sometimes, and he had trouble sending it away.
He didn't understand why he kept thinking about her. Although he would admit that she fascinated him. She was kind and sarcastic, social, attractive. He shook his head a bit. No, he needed to try that thought again. She was kind and sarcastic, social, argumentative . . . yes, that was better. Kind, sarcastic, social, argumentative, intelligent, and seemed like a fair warrior. He imagined that her instincts must be good, but there were times when she proved him wrong, and then other times when she proved him right. She was confusing to say the least, a puzzle that he didn't want to ponder, but for some reason, felt compelled too. It wasn't fair.
Suddenly, a certain scent yanked him from his silent reverie. It was a scent that he recognized and despised, and then he heard noises, and he felt that energy. It was him, Inuyasha and his companions.
He cursed under his breath. He didn't want to deal with his stupid half brother at the moment. He had no plan and he wasn't prepared. He tried to sense where their exact location was. If he was lucky he'd be able to skirt around them and . . .
"Hey, you feel that?" Cye asked abruptly.
Sesshoumaru didn't look at her, but rather nodded stiffly. They all stopped walking and even Jaken ceased his droning, boring babble. Rin knew well enough to keep quiet, especially when she saw her Sesshoumaru-sama looking so uncharacteristically tense.
The half cat demon sniffed the air. "I smell . . . dog, human, oh . . . kitsune, and um . . . cat." She said. She looked at Sesshoumaru. "Why are we worried?"
His golden eyes glanced down at her before returning to look straight ahead. "We simply want to avoid them." He replied.
"But why? I'm not feeling any danger vibes."
"We want to avoid them." Was the only answer she got for her questioning.
Cye sighed. "Fine, then what do you want to do?"
The taller youkai sighed. "I'm not entirely sure of their exact location, or of which direction they're going. We will continue on our path until I receive further information."
Cye shrugged. "Whatever you say oh tight-assed one." She smirked as she motioned for him to lead the way. There was a slight tightening of the skin around his lips. It was just enough to tell her that he was annoyed with her comment.
The group continued on their path. No one spoke; it was quiet save for a few birds chirping and foliage rustling in the occasional breeze. Sesshoumaru still felt on edge, and Jaken did too just because he always was. Rin was happily picking flowers along the wayside without any care and Cye was both bored and hungry, which, to her, was the worst possible combination on the planet. However, she was singing a nice song on the in side of her head so at least she could keep herself preoccupied for a little while. Personally, she thought that Sesshoumaru was being paranoid, but for once, she chose to keep her opinion to herself.
It was during this silent traveling that Cye sensed something coming toward them. She glanced up at Sesshoumaru. His eyes were slightly glazed over which she figured meant he was distracted and deep in thought. Possibly too submerged in thought to notice that those he was trying to avoid were drawing near. She wondered if she should tell him. At the same time, she was curious. She smirked darkly. It certainly would be interesting to see what would happen if they met up.
At about that moment the sound of two bickering people broke the silence. Cye halted along with Sesshoumaru. Rin stopped too and Jaken ran into Cye. He grumbled as he ran to Sesshoumaru's side. Just then a group of people appeared. Cye watched them closely as did Sesshoumaru. Suddenly he moved away from her and started walking in the opposite direction. She rolled her green eyes. "Coward!" She whispered harshly. This seemed to stop him in his tracks. He turned to glare at her, but he did walk back to her side, only stood a little further from her. She noticed that the foliage hid him rather well.
"Well I have to go back some time!"
Cye heard one of the females speak.
"How are we supposed to find any jewel shards if you're gone Kagome?"
That was definitely a male.
"Inuyasha, if returning home is important to Kagome, I think it's only fair that we support her," chimed another male voice.
The dark haired girl who had spoken before smiled at him. "Thank you Miroku," she said.
Suddenly, another girl popped up. She had black hair as well. "How long will you be gone Kagome?"
"Um . . . would a week be too long?"
The taller raven-haired girl shook her head. "As long as you need. Don't let us stop you. I mean it must be hard to live two lives like you're doing."
The one called Kagome shrugged. "Well . . . you get used to it. I'm just glad you understand Sango unlike SOME people I know." The girl cordially looked at the silver-haired man beside her. He only scowled.
Suddenly, the one who was apparently Inuyasha stopped. He looked up and his golden eyes met Cye's green ones. She stared back at him.
"Hey Inuyasha what is it?" The one called Kagome asked. She looked to where Inuyasha was and saw Cye. "Oh," she started, "hello."
Cye blinked. "Um . . . hi."
There was an awkward silence. Suddenly, one of the other males stepped forward. He was dressed as a monk. She supposed he was Miroku since the other was Inuyasha. Inuyasha. She recognized that name. Oh yes! He was the one that Sesshoumaru had referred to as a half-breed fool!
Suddenly the monk knelt down in front of her and grabbed her hand. She stared at him. "Miss, you are very beautiful and it would greatly honor me if you would give birth to my child," he said.
Cye's eyes narrowed. "I'm going to count to three and if you're not at least five feet away from me I'm going to make it impossible for anyone to give birth to your child." She bared her claws. "Understand?"
Miroku grinned in a silly manner, nodded, and slowly backed away. He bumped into Sango who smacked him over the head.
"Ow! Sango was that necessary?"
She glared at him. "Yes."
Kagome shook her head. "I apologize for Miroku. He does that to every pretty girl he meets. Um . . . my name is Kagome." She said this and held out her hand.
Cye smiled and they shook. "You can call me Cye, it's nice to meet you Kagome."
Suddenly Inuyasha jumped between them. Kagome glared at him. "Inuyasha!"
"Don't touch her Kagome. She's with Sesshoumaru."
"What? Sesshoumaru?"
Rin peeked her head from around Cye's legs and waved. Next Jaken showed up followed by Sesshoumaru. He stood tall and proud as he glared at them.
Inuyasha grabbed Kagome and jumped backwards. "See, what'd I tell ya?" He asked.
Cye sweat dropped. "Well, isn't this nice?"
Inuyasha paid her no mind as he glared coldly at the taller youkai. "Lemme guess, you want Tetsuaiga, am I right? I dare you to . . ." Inuyasha's words trailed off as he seemed to be staring in awe at something. It started out as a few chuckles and ended up growing into full-blown laughter. He pointed at Sesshoumaru's head. "You're wearing flowers on your head!" He exclaimed, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Sesshoumaru's eye twitched and he clenched his fist. He took a deep breath and walked passed his half brother that was on his knees. Cye grinned, shrugged, and then followed after the youkai Lord. Rin and Jaken trailed after her. Jaken was grumbling and Rin was waving good-bye to all of them.
"What's wrong princess? Afraid you'll break a nail!?" They heard Inuyasha yell after them. Sesshoumaru growled deep in his throat, but continued walking, the haunting, irritating sound of his half brother's voice growing less as they went on.