Reno and Yuffie, Kagome and Sesshou
I don't own them that you know
Nor other people and the lands
but if I did that'd be grand
A World Away
Chapter 3: Observations
"Gorgeous girls are bound to meet
To talk of stars and kings and feet
Through the chromosomes of space and time
Me I'm fast like bad infection
Gasping for my ressurection
Swear to me in times of war and stress"
Telling Lies - David Bowie
Reno leaned against the door frame watching as this Sess-whatever looked around the room. The man had stepped into the room and was looking around it with his back to the Turk. Yuffie had taken Kagome to show her the bath and get her some clothes to borrow. Reno couldn't quite put his finger on it but there was something about this guy that didn't sit well with him at all. So much that he didn't want to be alone with him but wanted to keep an on him a little bit more. There was a sword strapped to his waist, a katana that looked much less menacing than the Masamune, though he was sure this man could cause a good amount of damage with it. His clothes looked like old Wutaian garments, his armor as well, but something told him his armor was not used very often. He wasn't sure if that meant that he rarely saw combat or if he was just that good. Much to his discomfort he was pretty sure it was the latter. His attire did not allow him to see how fit the man was but he would have imagined that he could easily hold his own.
What was this obviously dangerous man who looked so much like Sephiroth doing travelling with such a seemingly innocent girl on foot through monster infested woods? The Turk studied the man, the way he carried himself he either thought himself royalty of some kind or he just thought everyone else was below him.
Reno hated that.
While admitedly Reno himself could be a cocky bastard when he wasnted to be he rarely place himself above talking to others. The man's long silver hair was well kept, even though they had been traveeling for days. Was the girl his servant? Somehow that didn't seem to fit right but it made the most sense, she had been the one carrying the pack afterall. His nails, which appeared finely manicured were in the shape of claws and Reno remembered quite well that they were very functional. While the pointed ears did seem odd certain mutations have been known to occur because of mako poisoning in pregnant mothers.
His eyes trailed down the length of the white hair and stopped when he realized the boa-like thing around his arm went behind his hair just below the waist but did not seem to come out the other side, or fall straight down like it probably should have. His brow furrowed in confusion did he tuck into his pants or something? His eyes squinted in further confusion when he noticed the other end swaying back and forth almost rhythmically. But there's no wind in- Suddenly realization struck him and his eyes widened in shock. A tail!? He's got a FUCKING TAIL!?
Before he could really think much more about it said object lashed out and pushed him against the wall outside the door. It was a strange feeling to have something so fluffy holding you against the wall by the neck choking you.. While the furred appendage had acted Sesshoumaru had not moved. Slowly the cold man turned his head, showing the Turk his golden eyed profile, "Finished?" It was as much question as command. Reno glared, after swallowing hard he nodded. He watched hatefully as the tail pulled back and wrapped around it's owners arm once again.
Sesshoumaru turned back to the room there was a table in the middle with six tatami mats around it. There was a cabinet against one wall with some porcelin dolls and small pictures in frames that held amazing detail. He walked over to it ignoring the other things in the room for now including the red-head in the hall who was now rubbing his throat. One picture was of a man and a woman holding a baby, he assumend them to be his host's parents and that the baby was her. The girl undoubtedly looked like her mother. There was another longer picture sitting on the shelf below it.
It was a group of people standing infront of a large window the sky behind them. It was interesting to him that the floor they stood on looked metal. There were nine in the picture all together. One was a burly dark man with a strange metal barrel where one of his hands should be, then there was a large white thing with a cat on top of it. The burly man looked like he was about to strangle the cat. Perhaps it was similar to a kitsune? A brown haired woman who was just as scantily clad as Yuffie was on the other side of the white creature and cat. A man with extremely spikey yellow hair was next to her. Next was another blonde, this one older with a white smoking stick in his mouth, this one looked annoyed at Yuffie next to him. Infront of the last three was a red creature with markings on him and a fire on the tip of it's tail. Sesshoumaru wondered if this was a youkai and if it was intelligent. He looked at the last figure then, standing slightly off to the side a stoic expression on his face while his crimson eyes did hold some mild amusement.
That last person Sesshoumaru mused seemed like one who would have behaved similar to himself. That strange red and black clad figure he felt was not wholly human either. It was in the eyes, like the spikey haired blonde and the red head behind him, but the last was the only one with other markings, the stripes on his cheeks. He looked at the last picture, again the young ninja was in it, in this picture she clung to a slightly embarrassed older female with eyes similar to the others. She wore a pink dress, the most modest he had seen yet with the exception of Yuffie's mothers, and had long, braided, brown hair.
He could hear and smell the ninja appoaching, he heard Reno move to intercept her. Apparently they had no clue how good his hearing was.
***
Yuffie looked up at Reno as he walked up to her. "What?"
"I don't like him Yuffie, he's dangerous," the Turk whispered.
She asked skecptically in an equally hushed tone. "Because he looks like Sephiroth?"
"It's not just that..." he glanced back in the direction of the room, "I can tell about these things Yuffie. It's part of the job, that and..."
"And what?"
"I don't think he's human."
Yuffie stared at him before stiffling a giggle. "He's what!?"
"Yuffie.. the guy has a tail." He could tell by her still amused look that she didn't believe him. "You know that thing around his arm? That's his tail. Think about that a second. His. Tail."
Yuffie just blinked at him, "So he has a tail that doesn't make him any less trustworthy. Red has a tail, Red isn't human, you think that's supposed to affect me Reno?"
Reno brought a hand up to his face rubbing one of his temples. "Look Yuffie I just got a bad feeling about this. You want me to stick around while he's here."
The ninja shrugged, "If you want."
"Ok look I'm gonna step outside and call Elena and Rude to let them know where I am. I'll be back."
Yuffie shook her head and walked into the room. Sesshoumaru was standing by the window looking out over the town. She had to admit that his presence was somewhat unsettling but she assumed it was just because of his attitude and resemblance to Sephiroth. "Hey... Sesshoumaru right?" she asked making sure she got his name correct. He turned his head in her direction and nodded. "Would you like some tea or something?"
He kept his intense golden eyes on her a second or two more before turning back to the window, "It is not necessary, though it would not go unappreciated."
She cocked a brow at his answer. I guess that's a yes? "I'll be back." As she went to the kitchen and start a kettle of water she had to admit he was... cold. Just that minute in the room alone with him was enough to make her uneasy and he didn't seem to talk much. She grinned suddenly, "He kinda reminds me of Vincent."
***
Sesshoumaru pondered his current situation, they would need a guide and the girl seemed willing to help. Reno on the other hand was much more cautious. He wondered breifly on what their relationship was. They way they acted vaguely reminded him of his brother and the miko. Reno seemed to think more than his half-brother though, the type who would spend a round or two studying his foe before going in for the kill. Yes despite the relaxed way he stood he was definitely a tactical thinker and fighter. The girl was probably of some standing in this town, of the homes he had seen this one did seem a little bit better. And all of the houses here were much better than those found in villages in his time. Either this place was very prosperous or they were more developed, the youkai lord assumened it was the latter. He could here water running through pipes in the house, and while it was not a wholly familiar sound somehow he was able to recognize it as some kind of advancement.
He already knew some basic answers to questions that Kagome had asked on the way to the ninja's home. They were in a country and city by the name of Wutai on a planet called Gaia. There were three other continents, one mostly covered in snow with few residents. Sephiroth was some psycho who some five-six months ago tried to destroy the world by summoning a meteor. Who ever this Sephiroth was must have been an idiot, Sesshoumaru thought, what was the point in destroying the world? Surely this would have resulted in his own death. Then again they did say he was either crazy, controlled, or both, which made him mentally weak.
Yuffie returned a few minues after she had left and Reno not long after her. She poured some tea for the three of them and Sesshoumaru sat down at the table and took his cup with a somewhat appreciative nod. He sniffed the tea before drinking any, it case it may be poisoned, the miko may be careless with her trust but he was far more cautious. Reno took his cup, seemingly more out of habit of taking a drink than because he wanted it. "Sesshoumaru-san," Yuffie began carefully since she wasn't sure if it was a sensitve subject, "Would you mind telling me... are you human?" Reno almost choked on his tea.
He knew this question was coming, after all females, especially human ones, were always sticking their noses in other people's business. And the conversation he overheard in the hall would have been more than enough to peak her interest. He raised his chin proudly, "No. I am youkai, a dog youkai to be more specific."
"Oh...I see." She had heard the term before, from legends that were over six hundred years old. "So that's like oni right? Only with an animal base?"
He nodded, "And certain races are usually more intelligent."
"Like you?"
He nodded.
"Sooo.. that's your tail huh?" she asked gesturing to the white fluffiness around his arm.
"It is."
"That's pretty cool," the ninja responded. Once again Reno seemed to have trouble swallowing his drink so he decided it was better not to touch it again for a while. He stood an took up his previous position by the door. When he was settled he realized by the way the fabric of Sesshoumaru's sleeve fell that he was missing his left arm. He smirked, Well he must not be so superior after all. Too bad losing that arm didn't humble him any.
There was relative silence for a minute before Yuffie asked Reno about his two friends. They talked for a few more minutes (well Sesshoumaru didn't really talk) until Kagome came in wearing black knee length shorts and a white t-shirt. "Hey what's up?"
"Want some tea?" Yuffie offered brightly.
"Yeah sure," Kagome sat down next to the girl smiling, she was glad they found someone so friendly. "So where should I start?"
"How about with how you got here?" Reno suggested.
Kagome looked up at him then down at her tea thinking, Like I said... where the hell do I start?
***
"So lemme get this straight," Reno said after Kagome explained their current predicament, "On a regular basis you travel 500 years through time by jumping through a well to collect shards that make youkai more powerful. But you accidently fell through it with him, who has tried to kill you and your friend, who is his half brother, on three separate occasions and you need to find some sorta key to get back."
Kagome nodded as though it were perfectly normal, "Yeah that's about it."
"What's the big deal Reno, the Turks have fought Avalanche that many times."
Reno ignored Yufie's comment, "And you don't think you could just be stuck here?"
"Reno!" the ninja scolded.
"It's way to early to think about that. Besides I don't give up that easy."
Yuffie sighed, "I guess that means I'll have to call Cid at least if not the others."
The Turk turned to her, "You're gonna bring Avalanche into this?"
"Of course, we are probably going to need Cid's airship anyway. Why?"
"Well unlike you I don't think most of your buddies would be willing to put up with me and the other turks. So if Avalanche gets involved don't expect me to be there."
I like this idea already, Sesshoumaru thought.
Yuffie pouted at her could-be friend, "Awww... is there any other way you could help?"
Reno seemed taken aback by her reaction, "I dunno, I'll look into it with the others." Kagome giggled. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing." the schoolgirl responded, before he could ask anything else she turned to the other teenager. "So who is Avalanche?"
Yuffie pulled down the picture from the cabinet and handed it to her. "It's the name of our little group, we defeated Sephiroth together. That's Barret, Cait Sith, Tifa, Cloud, Cid, Red XIII, me and Vincent."
"What are Cait and Red XIII?" She asked.
"Cait's a robot controlled by Reeve and Red is... come to think of it I don't know what it's called but he's one of the last of his kind."
"Really?"
"Yeah, we used to think he was the last but after Sephiroth was defeated a small group came out of hiding. There are only about... fifty of them I think." They all sat there a moment before Yuffie spoke up again."Sooo... should we go get some food?"
"Oh could we?" Kagome asked cheerfully, "I'm SO tired of Ramen right now."
Yuffie laughed, Kagome was going to be a good friend she could tell. "Yeah."
"I will stay here." Sesshoumaru said quickly.
Yuffie looked at him confused, "Aren't you hungry?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head. Youkai bodies reserved their energy well, if they were inactive they did not need to eat so much or so often. For a youkai walking, even all day, was not really strenous in any sense of the word. And those short and embarassingly easy fights against the monsters he had already fought did not take much effort either. He guessed he would have to eat tomorrow though. "Do not worry, your house will be intact when you return.
Reno glared at the youkai while girls laughed. Sesshoumaru didn't know what was so funny, he hadn't meant it as a joke. Hmph, human girls. Yuffie stood looking at Reno and Kagome "You guys decide on a place for lunch while I call Cloud and the others real quick." About ten minutes later the girls and the annoyed red-head left the house.
"You know what I think I'm gonna skip out on lunch," Reno said when there were a good distance from the house.
"Mmm? Why's that?" Yuffie asked.
"Well me and the others are kinda on vacation together. So I dunno, might be a good idea to actually spend some time with them."
The ninja grinned, "You mean sober time? Wow Reno I'm impressed showing restraint and all."
"Actually I could really go for a drink too. Hanging around that Sesshoumaru guy's put my nerves on edge. Besides," he opened his now buttoned jacket, "I gotta change my shirt."
Kagome giggled, "You mean you actually care what you look like? I thought you slept in your clothes."
Yuffie burst out laughing while Reno looked at the two girls with a completely unamused deadpan expression. "Actually I think he did sleep in those pants."
Reno narrowed his eyes, "I hate girls," he muttered before turning to walk away.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kagome asked suggestively.
He turned back to them halfway clarifying with a grin, "I just don't like girls. Women though are a whole other story. Your giggle fest just reminded me that I'm wasteing my time with two girls. See ya."
"What the- Hey!" Yuffie almost started after him when Kagome grabbed onto her arm still laughing.
"Gee he really likes to push your buttons huh?"
"Yeah... 'cause he's an asshole!" She said the last word louder in the direction of his retreating form.
He raised a hand to wave before calling back, "Love you to brat."
"I hate him," Yuffie muttered.
Kagome laughed again, "Come on let's go get some grub."
***
Finally he had some peace and quiet, in the last day and a half with that girl there were times when he wondered if she would ever shut up. Come to think of it she had been quiet most of the time, but still. He wrinkled his nose slightly. Ugh that human stench was everywhere in this town. At least he was alone now. He took some time to study the home. Two bedrooms, a third that had been turned into a small study, the bathroom. He walked out back where there was a little garden with a koi pond. He caught the scent of an animal coming from a building in the back. He entered the stable expecting something akin to a horse.
He slid the door open and blinked at a big azure chicken. The chocobo stared at him looking at the stanger curiously. Is this a mount or food? He pondered. He walked in noting the greens in the trough and a saddle. Strange looking animal for a steed. Perhaps they don't have horses? The chocobo seemed to be studying him with equal intent. He made eye contact with the bird staring it down, it broke eye contact first. Sesshoumaru gave it a quick pat on the head letting it know it was in no trouble and left the stable, he strong smell within was starting to get to him.
Venturing back in the house he found some stairs down to the basement. Nearly the entire floor of the room was bare with the exception of a rug. One wall was lined with racks of weapons, the other had a wall case on it. Inside seemed to been many jewels or marbles of varying colors. The wall by the stairs had a wall scroll of some warrior figure, likely a ninja of somekind, but the one opposite it had a stranged metal contraption with a lever. Curious the demon started across the room to inspect it. He was just pass the center when a large metal cage fell around him.
He stopped. With a look of complete calm he looked up then around. The cage was of superb quality... pity. A minute later he was walking up the steps out of the basement. He decided to see what kind of books this girl had, perhaps he would find some useful information.
***
When the girls returned they found Sesshoumaru looking at some maps. "House is still intact I see," Kagome grinned.
"Actually you might want to check the trap you forgot to tell me about in the basement," He answered not looking up.
Yuffie blinked, if he set it off how did he? "How did you get out?"
Gold eyes glanced up at her a moment. Kagome took hold of Yuffie's arms, "He has his ways I'm sure. Let's go check it out."
Yuffie blinked... then blinked again. "How in the hell?" Several of the bars had been melted almost completely from top to bottom, making enough room for the demon lord to step through. There were some puddles of metal on the ground tinted green slightly sunk into the floor. "And what's that smell? It's almost... like flowers."
Kagome coughed lightly, barely feeling some of her limbs tingling. Inu Yasha had told her that Sesshoumaru's poison could cause paralysis. "We need to air it out." She said quickly finding a window to open near the ceiling.
"What happened Kagome, how could he the melt through metal like that?"
Kagome wasn't sure how to answer she knew it was Sesshoumaru's poison claw but she didn't really feel it was here place to tell. "Sesshoumaru is youkai," she answered.
"Riiight."
"Ok so he's a very powerful youkai."
***
Alone in the study Sesshoumaru shifted his eyes in the direction of the window briefly. Really if that red head and his friends wanted to keep an eye on him they'd have to do much better than they were doing. Especially if they didn't want him to know about it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well gee was that a dull and boring chapter or what? I'm sorry but well I know WHERE it's going... I just don't kow HOW to get it there ^_^'
And as much as I hate to do this I think Sephiroth-sama is going to stay dead in this, it's not definite but highly probable b/c I never planned to have him in here in the first place. If you want to suggest HOW he shows up and might fit in (I only have one idea that I don't really like) Feel free to make it. It's still early enough that I can shove him in!
I don't own them that you know
Nor other people and the lands
but if I did that'd be grand
Chapter 3: Observations
To talk of stars and kings and feet
Through the chromosomes of space and time
Me I'm fast like bad infection
Gasping for my ressurection
Swear to me in times of war and stress"
Telling Lies - David Bowie
Reno leaned against the door frame watching as this Sess-whatever looked around the room. The man had stepped into the room and was looking around it with his back to the Turk. Yuffie had taken Kagome to show her the bath and get her some clothes to borrow. Reno couldn't quite put his finger on it but there was something about this guy that didn't sit well with him at all. So much that he didn't want to be alone with him but wanted to keep an on him a little bit more. There was a sword strapped to his waist, a katana that looked much less menacing than the Masamune, though he was sure this man could cause a good amount of damage with it. His clothes looked like old Wutaian garments, his armor as well, but something told him his armor was not used very often. He wasn't sure if that meant that he rarely saw combat or if he was just that good. Much to his discomfort he was pretty sure it was the latter. His attire did not allow him to see how fit the man was but he would have imagined that he could easily hold his own.
What was this obviously dangerous man who looked so much like Sephiroth doing travelling with such a seemingly innocent girl on foot through monster infested woods? The Turk studied the man, the way he carried himself he either thought himself royalty of some kind or he just thought everyone else was below him.
Reno hated that.
While admitedly Reno himself could be a cocky bastard when he wasnted to be he rarely place himself above talking to others. The man's long silver hair was well kept, even though they had been traveeling for days. Was the girl his servant? Somehow that didn't seem to fit right but it made the most sense, she had been the one carrying the pack afterall. His nails, which appeared finely manicured were in the shape of claws and Reno remembered quite well that they were very functional. While the pointed ears did seem odd certain mutations have been known to occur because of mako poisoning in pregnant mothers.
His eyes trailed down the length of the white hair and stopped when he realized the boa-like thing around his arm went behind his hair just below the waist but did not seem to come out the other side, or fall straight down like it probably should have. His brow furrowed in confusion did he tuck into his pants or something? His eyes squinted in further confusion when he noticed the other end swaying back and forth almost rhythmically. But there's no wind in- Suddenly realization struck him and his eyes widened in shock. A tail!? He's got a FUCKING TAIL!?
Before he could really think much more about it said object lashed out and pushed him against the wall outside the door. It was a strange feeling to have something so fluffy holding you against the wall by the neck choking you.. While the furred appendage had acted Sesshoumaru had not moved. Slowly the cold man turned his head, showing the Turk his golden eyed profile, "Finished?" It was as much question as command. Reno glared, after swallowing hard he nodded. He watched hatefully as the tail pulled back and wrapped around it's owners arm once again.
Sesshoumaru turned back to the room there was a table in the middle with six tatami mats around it. There was a cabinet against one wall with some porcelin dolls and small pictures in frames that held amazing detail. He walked over to it ignoring the other things in the room for now including the red-head in the hall who was now rubbing his throat. One picture was of a man and a woman holding a baby, he assumend them to be his host's parents and that the baby was her. The girl undoubtedly looked like her mother. There was another longer picture sitting on the shelf below it.
It was a group of people standing infront of a large window the sky behind them. It was interesting to him that the floor they stood on looked metal. There were nine in the picture all together. One was a burly dark man with a strange metal barrel where one of his hands should be, then there was a large white thing with a cat on top of it. The burly man looked like he was about to strangle the cat. Perhaps it was similar to a kitsune? A brown haired woman who was just as scantily clad as Yuffie was on the other side of the white creature and cat. A man with extremely spikey yellow hair was next to her. Next was another blonde, this one older with a white smoking stick in his mouth, this one looked annoyed at Yuffie next to him. Infront of the last three was a red creature with markings on him and a fire on the tip of it's tail. Sesshoumaru wondered if this was a youkai and if it was intelligent. He looked at the last figure then, standing slightly off to the side a stoic expression on his face while his crimson eyes did hold some mild amusement.
That last person Sesshoumaru mused seemed like one who would have behaved similar to himself. That strange red and black clad figure he felt was not wholly human either. It was in the eyes, like the spikey haired blonde and the red head behind him, but the last was the only one with other markings, the stripes on his cheeks. He looked at the last picture, again the young ninja was in it, in this picture she clung to a slightly embarrassed older female with eyes similar to the others. She wore a pink dress, the most modest he had seen yet with the exception of Yuffie's mothers, and had long, braided, brown hair.
He could hear and smell the ninja appoaching, he heard Reno move to intercept her. Apparently they had no clue how good his hearing was.
***
Yuffie looked up at Reno as he walked up to her. "What?"
"I don't like him Yuffie, he's dangerous," the Turk whispered.
She asked skecptically in an equally hushed tone. "Because he looks like Sephiroth?"
"It's not just that..." he glanced back in the direction of the room, "I can tell about these things Yuffie. It's part of the job, that and..."
"And what?"
"I don't think he's human."
Yuffie stared at him before stiffling a giggle. "He's what!?"
"Yuffie.. the guy has a tail." He could tell by her still amused look that she didn't believe him. "You know that thing around his arm? That's his tail. Think about that a second. His. Tail."
Yuffie just blinked at him, "So he has a tail that doesn't make him any less trustworthy. Red has a tail, Red isn't human, you think that's supposed to affect me Reno?"
Reno brought a hand up to his face rubbing one of his temples. "Look Yuffie I just got a bad feeling about this. You want me to stick around while he's here."
The ninja shrugged, "If you want."
"Ok look I'm gonna step outside and call Elena and Rude to let them know where I am. I'll be back."
Yuffie shook her head and walked into the room. Sesshoumaru was standing by the window looking out over the town. She had to admit that his presence was somewhat unsettling but she assumed it was just because of his attitude and resemblance to Sephiroth. "Hey... Sesshoumaru right?" she asked making sure she got his name correct. He turned his head in her direction and nodded. "Would you like some tea or something?"
He kept his intense golden eyes on her a second or two more before turning back to the window, "It is not necessary, though it would not go unappreciated."
She cocked a brow at his answer. I guess that's a yes? "I'll be back." As she went to the kitchen and start a kettle of water she had to admit he was... cold. Just that minute in the room alone with him was enough to make her uneasy and he didn't seem to talk much. She grinned suddenly, "He kinda reminds me of Vincent."
***
Sesshoumaru pondered his current situation, they would need a guide and the girl seemed willing to help. Reno on the other hand was much more cautious. He wondered breifly on what their relationship was. They way they acted vaguely reminded him of his brother and the miko. Reno seemed to think more than his half-brother though, the type who would spend a round or two studying his foe before going in for the kill. Yes despite the relaxed way he stood he was definitely a tactical thinker and fighter. The girl was probably of some standing in this town, of the homes he had seen this one did seem a little bit better. And all of the houses here were much better than those found in villages in his time. Either this place was very prosperous or they were more developed, the youkai lord assumened it was the latter. He could here water running through pipes in the house, and while it was not a wholly familiar sound somehow he was able to recognize it as some kind of advancement.
He already knew some basic answers to questions that Kagome had asked on the way to the ninja's home. They were in a country and city by the name of Wutai on a planet called Gaia. There were three other continents, one mostly covered in snow with few residents. Sephiroth was some psycho who some five-six months ago tried to destroy the world by summoning a meteor. Who ever this Sephiroth was must have been an idiot, Sesshoumaru thought, what was the point in destroying the world? Surely this would have resulted in his own death. Then again they did say he was either crazy, controlled, or both, which made him mentally weak.
Yuffie returned a few minues after she had left and Reno not long after her. She poured some tea for the three of them and Sesshoumaru sat down at the table and took his cup with a somewhat appreciative nod. He sniffed the tea before drinking any, it case it may be poisoned, the miko may be careless with her trust but he was far more cautious. Reno took his cup, seemingly more out of habit of taking a drink than because he wanted it. "Sesshoumaru-san," Yuffie began carefully since she wasn't sure if it was a sensitve subject, "Would you mind telling me... are you human?" Reno almost choked on his tea.
He knew this question was coming, after all females, especially human ones, were always sticking their noses in other people's business. And the conversation he overheard in the hall would have been more than enough to peak her interest. He raised his chin proudly, "No. I am youkai, a dog youkai to be more specific."
"Oh...I see." She had heard the term before, from legends that were over six hundred years old. "So that's like oni right? Only with an animal base?"
He nodded, "And certain races are usually more intelligent."
"Like you?"
He nodded.
"Sooo.. that's your tail huh?" she asked gesturing to the white fluffiness around his arm.
"It is."
"That's pretty cool," the ninja responded. Once again Reno seemed to have trouble swallowing his drink so he decided it was better not to touch it again for a while. He stood an took up his previous position by the door. When he was settled he realized by the way the fabric of Sesshoumaru's sleeve fell that he was missing his left arm. He smirked, Well he must not be so superior after all. Too bad losing that arm didn't humble him any.
There was relative silence for a minute before Yuffie asked Reno about his two friends. They talked for a few more minutes (well Sesshoumaru didn't really talk) until Kagome came in wearing black knee length shorts and a white t-shirt. "Hey what's up?"
"Want some tea?" Yuffie offered brightly.
"Yeah sure," Kagome sat down next to the girl smiling, she was glad they found someone so friendly. "So where should I start?"
"How about with how you got here?" Reno suggested.
Kagome looked up at him then down at her tea thinking, Like I said... where the hell do I start?
***
"So lemme get this straight," Reno said after Kagome explained their current predicament, "On a regular basis you travel 500 years through time by jumping through a well to collect shards that make youkai more powerful. But you accidently fell through it with him, who has tried to kill you and your friend, who is his half brother, on three separate occasions and you need to find some sorta key to get back."
Kagome nodded as though it were perfectly normal, "Yeah that's about it."
"What's the big deal Reno, the Turks have fought Avalanche that many times."
Reno ignored Yufie's comment, "And you don't think you could just be stuck here?"
"Reno!" the ninja scolded.
"It's way to early to think about that. Besides I don't give up that easy."
Yuffie sighed, "I guess that means I'll have to call Cid at least if not the others."
The Turk turned to her, "You're gonna bring Avalanche into this?"
"Of course, we are probably going to need Cid's airship anyway. Why?"
"Well unlike you I don't think most of your buddies would be willing to put up with me and the other turks. So if Avalanche gets involved don't expect me to be there."
I like this idea already, Sesshoumaru thought.
Yuffie pouted at her could-be friend, "Awww... is there any other way you could help?"
Reno seemed taken aback by her reaction, "I dunno, I'll look into it with the others." Kagome giggled. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing." the schoolgirl responded, before he could ask anything else she turned to the other teenager. "So who is Avalanche?"
Yuffie pulled down the picture from the cabinet and handed it to her. "It's the name of our little group, we defeated Sephiroth together. That's Barret, Cait Sith, Tifa, Cloud, Cid, Red XIII, me and Vincent."
"What are Cait and Red XIII?" She asked.
"Cait's a robot controlled by Reeve and Red is... come to think of it I don't know what it's called but he's one of the last of his kind."
"Really?"
"Yeah, we used to think he was the last but after Sephiroth was defeated a small group came out of hiding. There are only about... fifty of them I think." They all sat there a moment before Yuffie spoke up again."Sooo... should we go get some food?"
"Oh could we?" Kagome asked cheerfully, "I'm SO tired of Ramen right now."
Yuffie laughed, Kagome was going to be a good friend she could tell. "Yeah."
"I will stay here." Sesshoumaru said quickly.
Yuffie looked at him confused, "Aren't you hungry?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head. Youkai bodies reserved their energy well, if they were inactive they did not need to eat so much or so often. For a youkai walking, even all day, was not really strenous in any sense of the word. And those short and embarassingly easy fights against the monsters he had already fought did not take much effort either. He guessed he would have to eat tomorrow though. "Do not worry, your house will be intact when you return.
Reno glared at the youkai while girls laughed. Sesshoumaru didn't know what was so funny, he hadn't meant it as a joke. Hmph, human girls. Yuffie stood looking at Reno and Kagome "You guys decide on a place for lunch while I call Cloud and the others real quick." About ten minutes later the girls and the annoyed red-head left the house.
"You know what I think I'm gonna skip out on lunch," Reno said when there were a good distance from the house.
"Mmm? Why's that?" Yuffie asked.
"Well me and the others are kinda on vacation together. So I dunno, might be a good idea to actually spend some time with them."
The ninja grinned, "You mean sober time? Wow Reno I'm impressed showing restraint and all."
"Actually I could really go for a drink too. Hanging around that Sesshoumaru guy's put my nerves on edge. Besides," he opened his now buttoned jacket, "I gotta change my shirt."
Kagome giggled, "You mean you actually care what you look like? I thought you slept in your clothes."
Yuffie burst out laughing while Reno looked at the two girls with a completely unamused deadpan expression. "Actually I think he did sleep in those pants."
Reno narrowed his eyes, "I hate girls," he muttered before turning to walk away.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kagome asked suggestively.
He turned back to them halfway clarifying with a grin, "I just don't like girls. Women though are a whole other story. Your giggle fest just reminded me that I'm wasteing my time with two girls. See ya."
"What the- Hey!" Yuffie almost started after him when Kagome grabbed onto her arm still laughing.
"Gee he really likes to push your buttons huh?"
"Yeah... 'cause he's an asshole!" She said the last word louder in the direction of his retreating form.
He raised a hand to wave before calling back, "Love you to brat."
"I hate him," Yuffie muttered.
Kagome laughed again, "Come on let's go get some grub."
***
Finally he had some peace and quiet, in the last day and a half with that girl there were times when he wondered if she would ever shut up. Come to think of it she had been quiet most of the time, but still. He wrinkled his nose slightly. Ugh that human stench was everywhere in this town. At least he was alone now. He took some time to study the home. Two bedrooms, a third that had been turned into a small study, the bathroom. He walked out back where there was a little garden with a koi pond. He caught the scent of an animal coming from a building in the back. He entered the stable expecting something akin to a horse.
He slid the door open and blinked at a big azure chicken. The chocobo stared at him looking at the stanger curiously. Is this a mount or food? He pondered. He walked in noting the greens in the trough and a saddle. Strange looking animal for a steed. Perhaps they don't have horses? The chocobo seemed to be studying him with equal intent. He made eye contact with the bird staring it down, it broke eye contact first. Sesshoumaru gave it a quick pat on the head letting it know it was in no trouble and left the stable, he strong smell within was starting to get to him.
Venturing back in the house he found some stairs down to the basement. Nearly the entire floor of the room was bare with the exception of a rug. One wall was lined with racks of weapons, the other had a wall case on it. Inside seemed to been many jewels or marbles of varying colors. The wall by the stairs had a wall scroll of some warrior figure, likely a ninja of somekind, but the one opposite it had a stranged metal contraption with a lever. Curious the demon started across the room to inspect it. He was just pass the center when a large metal cage fell around him.
He stopped. With a look of complete calm he looked up then around. The cage was of superb quality... pity. A minute later he was walking up the steps out of the basement. He decided to see what kind of books this girl had, perhaps he would find some useful information.
***
When the girls returned they found Sesshoumaru looking at some maps. "House is still intact I see," Kagome grinned.
"Actually you might want to check the trap you forgot to tell me about in the basement," He answered not looking up.
Yuffie blinked, if he set it off how did he? "How did you get out?"
Gold eyes glanced up at her a moment. Kagome took hold of Yuffie's arms, "He has his ways I'm sure. Let's go check it out."
Yuffie blinked... then blinked again. "How in the hell?" Several of the bars had been melted almost completely from top to bottom, making enough room for the demon lord to step through. There were some puddles of metal on the ground tinted green slightly sunk into the floor. "And what's that smell? It's almost... like flowers."
Kagome coughed lightly, barely feeling some of her limbs tingling. Inu Yasha had told her that Sesshoumaru's poison could cause paralysis. "We need to air it out." She said quickly finding a window to open near the ceiling.
"What happened Kagome, how could he the melt through metal like that?"
Kagome wasn't sure how to answer she knew it was Sesshoumaru's poison claw but she didn't really feel it was here place to tell. "Sesshoumaru is youkai," she answered.
"Riiight."
"Ok so he's a very powerful youkai."
***
Alone in the study Sesshoumaru shifted his eyes in the direction of the window briefly. Really if that red head and his friends wanted to keep an eye on him they'd have to do much better than they were doing. Especially if they didn't want him to know about it.
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Well gee was that a dull and boring chapter or what? I'm sorry but well I know WHERE it's going... I just don't kow HOW to get it there ^_^'
And as much as I hate to do this I think Sephiroth-sama is going to stay dead in this, it's not definite but highly probable b/c I never planned to have him in here in the first place. If you want to suggest HOW he shows up and might fit in (I only have one idea that I don't really like) Feel free to make it. It's still early enough that I can shove him in!