~Disclaimer=*digs though closet* Hmm... Let's see. InuYasha, InuYasha...don't see him...a notebook, a birthday card, a guitar, a broken clock, a ripped pair of pantys...O_O*tosses out of sight* You didn't see that! *goes back to digging* A scratched CD, a bottle of Pepto, some photos, a snowglobe, a couple of boxes of stashed Ramen, something indescribably icky, OW!!! Geez!! A tack... I'm gonna have to say, he ain't in here!!
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The eight people suddenly found themselves no longer in a strange mystical chamber, trapped in a magic circle. The room was now, quite obviously, a bedroom. Suzuka sat on a bed with soft pink and cream covers and a single enormous, frilly cream colored pillow. She held a rather ratty looking, once-white, now-nearly-gray, losing-it's-fur teddy bear in her arms and hugged it to her, looking thoughtful. The one huge window was covered with heavy, deep red curtains with elegant tassels dangling from all ends. Between the curtains were rose colored sheers, embroidered with flowers. Nothing could be seen beyond them. In one corner stood a closet with a slatted wooden door and beside it was a large bookcase, containing several thick volumes of mysterious origin, most with incomprehensible titles. On the other side of the room sat a huge oak desk crammed full of thick books, paper, pens and a sleek computer. Not to mention a pack of Oreos, an empty soda bottle and a stack of CDs.
They found themselves momentarily distracted by the odd transition and only Sesshoumaru had noticed what the girl said.
"What did you say?" he asked quietly, not wanting to be bashed again, but also not wanting to disturb her thoughts for some reason.
She looked up at him with a pout and said sadly, "You heard me. I don't know the return spell. I can't send you home!" Then she turned to her little sister and said disheartened, "Better go tell mom."
Her sister nodded in agreement and left the room, glad to be away from the strange happenings for the moment. If she had known what a bad mood her sister was in earlier that morning, she never would have asked her to perform the summoning. But she knew that if she tried to do it herself, not only would she get in trouble, she would also screw it up! She had acknowledged to herself that she was nowhere near as proficient as her sister in magic.
Sesshoumaru was only half annoyed by that statement. The other half of him wanted to find out more about this girl and her strange world. And that pout just seemed to get to him. Like a puppy, her eyes just seemed to draw his attention And when she looked so sad, he felt a tug on the heart he didn't know he had, until he met Rin. So he continued to study her as she stared at the floor absently, trying to think things out.
The others, however, had already taken it upon themselves to learn more. Shippo was sitting with Rin on the soft, pale-pink carpeted floor, leafing though an interesting book they had pulled off the shelf titled "Advanced Elemental Magic for the Young Taiyoukai Mind". Kagome was sitting in the desk chair with her head in her hands, being quite familiar with the strange things in this time and actually feeling quite bored. Sango had found a whip laying in a corner and remarked, "This girl is quite the warrior." InuYasha knew better than to snoop around a teenage girls room, having found several things he had preferred NOT to find in Kagome's, and was sitting next to Kagome on the floor watching the others rummage around.
Miroku reached his hand into a drawer, riffled through it for a minute, then pulled out a pair of silky black pantys. "What are these?" he asked curiously.
Suzuka looked up with a half-interested "hmm?"
Sesshoumaru followed her gaze and smirked, recognizing them for what they were and knowing what imminent disaster was about to occur.
She leaped up from her place on the bed, tossing the stuffed bear aside. "PUT THOSE BACK!!" she shrieked wildly upon seeing what he was holding up for all the world to see.
Miroku dropped the pantys like they had bitten him back into the drawer and slammed it closed, darting to the other side of the room. He wasn't too sure what they were, but he knew he'd never touch them again! (A/N ^_^...never?)
Suzuka stood panting in slightly calming rage, quite close to the youkai lord she had previously bashed...repeatedly. Realizing his close proximity, she raised a hand to her lips and blushed slightly, shyly looking him in the eyes. She felt her heart begin to beat slightly faster and, being a thoroughly modern youkai girl, instantly recognized the feeling for what it was. A crush. Just a harmless, innocent little crush. Really! I mean, how could someone not take one look at the handsome, powerful taiyoukai and not feel an immediate attraction to him? It would pass.
Sesshoumaru was surprised to find himself enjoying the girls closeness. She radiated a strange warmth he found comforting, and he was happy to see that her rage almost vanished upon meeting his gaze. He felt a small smile tugging at his lips as he stared into the emerald green depths of her eyes, wishing to simply get lost in them and never return. He was about to speak when he heard, "What's this?"
Suzuka, terrified for whatever had found it's way into male hands, peered awkwardly around Sesshoumaru. She saw Kouga holding a bottle she had removed from her purse sometime yesterday. She sighed as relief washed over her. *At least it wasn't a bra!* she thought. Then her eyes widened.
Kouga sniffed the strange metal bottle. It didn't have any real scent. He tried to read the markings, but they were in a different language. So, he did what any confused youkai would do. He put it in his mouth and bit it!
"No! That's my...!!" was all Suzuka could get out before the wolf took a bite out of the bottle of mace.
As his fangs pierced the metal, his eyes widened in horror. Horrible, nasty, painful stuff shot out all over him. It made his eyes burn and his nose stung and his mouth was going numb! He dropped to the floor and began rolling back in forth, thrashing wildly and clawing at his face, while simultaneously howling in pain!
Suzuka stopped halfway across the room and just hung her head.
Kagome was desperately trying to stop Kouga's thrashing and was cradling his head in her lap. "Where's your bathroom!?" she cried out frantically.
Suzuka just pointed to her door and said, "Down the hall, third door on the left."
Kagome nodded and pulled Kouga to his feet, dragging him out the door toward the bathroom. InuYasha followed behind her with a questioning look, as well as a backward glance at the cookies he had somehow missed earlier.
Once the door was shut again, Shippo jumped up onto the bed and held his nose. "What is that stuff!?" he asked.
Suzuka sighed and said, "It's mace. Women use it to protect themselves from attackers. They spray the person with it and it does exactly what it did to poor Kouga. Gives them pain." She glanced at the kitsune and said, "It also causes a youkai's sensitive nose to burn if they're too close to it." She let out a sigh and said, "Why don't we all go outside and I'll get our maid to come clean it up." Without waiting for an answer she rubbed at her burning nose and headed out the door.
They all followed along behind her, or rather Shippo, Sango, Miroku and Rin walked behind her. Sesshoumaru made sure he was even with her the entire way. She assumed it was because he was used to being in charge. But still, her heart skipped a beat when he brushed against her on the stairs. Just as they were heading out the door, her mother stopped them and said, "Jodea told me what happened. So, I take it we're going to be having quite a few guests for a while?" Suzuka nodded and her mother continued, "Alright. I guess there isn't much choice, is there?"
Suzuka sighed again and said, "Not unless you know a spell to send eight people back to the Sengoku Jidai."
Her mother shook her head and said, "No, I'm not much good at spells. I'm afraid you'll have to come up with the answer on your own."
Suzuka nodded, then remembered the mace. "Mom," she said. "Uh, someone, I won't say who, maced my room."
Her mother turned up her nose and said, "That's what that is? I thought I smelled something up there." She smiled and said, "Well, since I now have to feed twelve people, I'm gonna need some help in the kitchen." She looked at Miroku and Sango and said, "Why don't you two help me with dinner?" Then she turned back to her daughter and said, "You take, uh..." She looked at Sesshoumaru in confusion and he drew himself up proudly.
"I am Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands." he said.
The woman's eyes widened slightly, then returned to her normal acceptance. "Well, Suki, why don't you take Sesshoumaru-sama and these two little ones outside while these two kind humans help me?" She turned her back on them and led Miroku and Sango back to the kitchen. As she walked she said, "And don't forget to send Nora to clean up that mess!"
Her mother's request was clearly not a request and she just stared at her mother's retreating back. Then she realized a small chuckle had escaped Sesshoumaru's lips. She turned on him and glared. "Just what is so funny?" she demanded.
He simply smirked at her and said, "Nothing, *pause* Suki."
That was it! She hated when her mother called her that! She got right up in his face and screamed, "IT ISN'T FUNNY!!" Then she got still and grinned mischievously. She reached up and tugged on his tail wrapped around his shoulder. "Don't be a bad dog, *pause* Fluffy." she simply said.
That got to him. He hated that childish nickname and had gotten rid of it as soon as he could. He would have said something about it, but then he cracked a smile. He glanced down at her feet, then back to her angry, yet sparkling eyes. "Well," he began, "If I'm not mistaken, that term could fit you as well. Or was I mistaken in assuming when I saw something long, white and fuzzy dragging the stairs, that it was a tail?"
She blanched and her eyes reflected her shock. She hadn't realized her tail shown under that long black robe. She glanced down and saw that indeed, her tail was sticking slightly out of the back of it, barely brushing the floor. She yanked it back underneath quickly and her face turned red in anger. She whirled back to the haughty youkai who was still smiling at her, intent on giving him an earful, but then she felt hands lift the back of her cloak.
"Rin wants to see!!" the little girl cried in joy.
Suzuka snatched her cloak from the girls hands and tried in vain to keep it down. However, Rin had an ally in Shippo and both of them were trying to peek under her robe!
Sesshoumaru watched in amusement as Suzuka began dancing about in circles, trying to keep her tail covered while both Rin and Shippo darted from one side to the other of her, trying to get a glimpse of the illusive appendage. He took great pleasure in watching her plight. But just as he was considering rescuing her from his young ward, Shippo crossed in front of her as she was stepped forward to escape Rin's questioning hands. She tripped over the chibi kitsune and went flying forwards, only to be caught by strong arms. She looked up into the golden eyes of Sesshoumaru and found to her surprise that he didn't let go once she righted herself. And then was even more stunned to find that her arms had moved of their own volition and were placed firmly on his chest. Golden eyes stared into green ones in an endless gaze.
Rin and Shippo however had secretly slapped hands in victory and Shippo said quietly with a huge grin, "Worked like a charm."
Rin giggled softly and said, "Rin had fun! Can we do that again?"
Shippo just smiled and said, "Oh yeah! We're not done with them yet." ^-^
-------------meanwhile, in the upstairs bathroom-------------
Kagome ran water over Kouga's face, which he did NOT appreciate! InuYasha watched on in joy. Finally that wimpy wolf was getting the torture he deserved! And at Kagome's hands!! It was just too good!
Kagome: "Just hold still!! I have to get it all off!!"
Kouga: "BUT IT BURNS!!!"
Kagome: *smacks him with a washcloth* "You're the one who bit it!"
Kouga: "I didn't know it was a weapon!"
InuYasha: "^_^"
-------------in the kitchen with Sango, Miroku, Suzuka's mom, Jodea and another girl-------------
The mother scratched a cat ear in confusion. "Did you hear that?" she asked her companions. Sango and Miroku just shook their heads.
"I did." said Jodea. "Sounded like a fight!" She could only imagine what happened to send her slightly moody sister off the deep end.
"You better go check it out and save Sesshoumaru-sama from your sister." her mother said wisely.
Jodea nodded and started for the door, but another girl's voice spoke up.
"I'll do it!" she said enthusiastically. "I wanna see the bish!" Then, before anyone could argue, she dashed out the door in a chibi blur.
---------------back at the still-standing-wide-open front door----------------
Rin and Shippo were still celebrating and Suzuka still stood with her arms firmly against Sesshoumaru's chest and his hands lingering on them, their eyes still locked on each other, not speaking.
Suddenly, a happy voice giggled, "Well, I guess it wasn't a fight! But are you sure you should be doing those kind of things in front of little kids!?"
Four sets of eyes turned to face the voice. A young girl, about twelve years old, stood there, smiling brightly at them. She had silver, shoulder-length hair, pointed ears, gold youkai eyes, sharp claws, and chibi fangs protruding over her smiling lips. Also, not quite reaching her knees, was a white fluffy tail. All in all, she looked like a mini-female-Sesshoumaru, without the marks.
Suzuka quickly dislodged herself from Sesshoumaru and, happy for a diversion, said, "Yuki-chan! You're home! Did you have fun at your friend's house?"
The little girl laughed and said, "Yeah! And you'll never guess what happened! We caught her brother and his girlfriend making out in his room!!"
Suzuka's eyes went wide. "You did what!?" she yelled. "You're too young to be seeing those kinds of things!"
Yuki waved dismissivly and said, "It's not like I don't see worse with you around." Then she giggled at her sister's flustered expression and stepped up to the confused Sesshoumaru. "So, you're Sesshoumaru, huh?" She gave him the once over, then grinned widely. "Yep!" she said. "Just as bishy as the records say!!"
Suzuka groaned and put a hand to her head. Her youngest sibling had a habit of speaking her mind, and no one could stop her.
Sesshoumaru stared at the young child in front of him. She didn't look much older than Rin, but she was clearly much different in personality. He didn't know why, but he suddenly picked the child up by the back of her shirt and held her in front of his face. He sniffed her and said, "Who are you, child?"
She was NOT happy at this point! She began kicking and scratching at him. "Put me down!" she screamed. "Oneesama!! Oneesama!!"
Suzuka immediately came to her little sister's defense. Although not in the way her sister wanted. Suzuka mearly placed a gentle hand on Sesshoumaru's arm and said, "Please put my sister down."
He looked at her for a moment, considering her request. Sesshoumaru quickly realized that, considering her immense ego and obvious pride, a polite request from this girl was a rare occurrence and set the child gently down. He was confused however. Suzuka looked nothing like the one she called her sister, and they only bore a faint similarity in their scents. "How is this child your sister?" he asked. Then pointed out the obvious. "You are quite obviously a neko-hanyou." He motioned to her ears and her decidedly non-silver hair. Then he motioned to the child. "She is a full blooded inu-youkai, am I correct?"
Suzuka sighed and turned to her sister. "Yuki-chan, why don't you go back and help mother?" she said coaxingly.
Yuki whined in a very puppyish way. It was obvious her sister was trying to get rid of her. And right when it was getting good!! "Fine!" she spat, and stalked back to the kitchen.
Suzuka turned toward the door and said, "Follow me and I'll explain."
She led the demon lord and the two giggling children out the door and closed it behind them. In all honesty, Sesshoumaru was happy to be out of the house. Even downstairs the smell from what the woman had called 'mace' had been irritating his nose. Though he'd never show it. Now that he was outside, he had to stare at what lay before him. He didn't know quite what he had been expecting, but it wasn't this! A large meticulously manicured lawn stretched out before them. A stone foot path led from the front door, through the lawn and out of his sight as tall bushes rose to obscure the view beyond. To his right was a large shrine, obviously used only by family. To his left he saw three smaller huts (A/N-servant's quarters) all linked together. With his sensitive youkai nose he could faintly discern the cool scent of water, mingled with various fragrant flowers. The stars shown brightly and a cool breeze blew across his skin.
Suzuka smiled and allowed the three to take in her family's estate. She knew it could sometimes be awe inspiring to outsiders. When she had allowed them enough time to take in their surroundings, she turned to the left, toward the servant's quarters. She heard Rin and Shippo's stumbling steps, confirming that they were following without looking where they were going. Probably still entranced by her home. *Hmm. Wait until they see the garden.* she thought to herself. She loved showing people the little piece of paradise tucked away behind their house. And watching their eyes light up as they saw it.
She led them up to a door and knocked lightly. A few seconds later a woman opened the door. She was human, with short chin-length black hair and warm brown eyes. She wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black pants. She looked only about thirty, but from her scent, Sesshoumaru guessed she was much older. Upon seeing Suzuka at her door, she bowed and said respectfully, "Yes, miss? Can I help you?"
Suzuka smiled at her and said, "Nora, I'm afraid there's been a little accident in my room involving a can of mace. Do you think you could..?"
Before she could finish, Nora grinned broadly and said, "Of course, Kurashima-sama! I'll go right away! I know how that stuff irritates youkai." Then she glanced over her mistress' shoulder to see Sesshoumaru standing there looking bored. "And I see we have a guest!" She bowed politely, then caught a glimpse of Shippo and Rin, conspiring in secret a little to the side and corrected herself. "Oh, excuse me. Guests!"
Suzuka groaned and put a hand to her head to ward off an oncoming headache. "That's not even the start!" she said in exasperation. "There's five more inside!"
Nora chuckled and said, "Then I guess I'd better get moving!" She exited the door and closed it. With a retreating bow to Suzuka, she headed up to the house.
Suzuka turned back to her companions and saw Sesshoumaru smirking, again! That was really getting on her nerves, no matter how gorgeous he may be! "What is it now?" she asked.
He mearly replied, "You have human servants."
She looked at him like he were crazy and said, "Yeah, and?"
He didn't reply and she stated forcefully, "Look! It's the only way they're allowed on the island! Alright!? Drop it!!" Then she turned on her heel and stalked off, confident that he, as well as the temporarily forgotten children, would follow.
Sesshoumaru was amused at the girls outburst. Apparently, they were on an island, though he couldn't sense the sea close by, and it was dominated by youkai. An all youkai island intrigued him. However, he quickly corrected himself. He had only seen one youkai since they had arrived in this confusing but beautiful land, and she was just a child. The rest had been hanyou. First, the strangely enticing Suzuka. Though she appeared a neko-hanyou as he had previously stated, he couldn't help but think that she was something more. Something mysterious, and alluring. He quickly shook those thoughts out of his head and followed along behind her, Rin and Shippo a bit behind him, still whispering. He had no interest in listening to their childish secrets, so he turned his attention back to his thoughts. Then, there had been the younger sister, Jodea he had heard her called. She looked nothing but human, with no youkai features at all. Not even claws. But her scent told him otherwise. She smelled strongly of magic, demon blood, and human blood. He assumed she was indeed a hanyou. And then there was the mother. Though she looked almost exactly like her daughter, she smelled only of cat and human. He came to the quick conclusion that she also was a hanyou. A neko-hanyou. Though he was beginning to doubt his ability to judge species with all the odd creatures living in that house.
Suzuka didn't know quite what he had been getting at, but she immediately went into defense mode. No one was going to insult her family! She may not be proud of her human blood, but she certainly wasn't ashamed of it! And she certainly didn't like the 'no humans unless they're servants' rule. She silently thought to herself that that would be the first thing she changed. Humans deserved an equal place beside youkai. Of that she was sure.
She led them back toward the house, Sesshoumaru for the first time not at her side, but behind her. She was about to lead them around the side, toward the back when she felt a little hand grab her cloak. At first she had the terrifying thought that they were once again trying to get a look at her tail, but then she felt a tug. She looked down to see Rin gazing up at her with pleading eyes.
"Rin is hungry." she stated simply.
Suzuka smiled at the child and bent down. "Well, Rin, my mother will have dinner done soon...I hope." She couldn't imagine how long it would take to cook for twelve. "Actually, Rin. Why don't you go ask her for a snack? I'm sure she'll be happy to give you one."
Rin's eyes lit up and she grabbed Shippo's hand, dragging him along toward the front door. "Come on, Shippo-chan! Snacks!!"
Suzuka laughed softly as she watched the two race toward the promise of snacks, then realized what she had just done. She was now alone with the youkai lord whom she knew she had a crush on. Her cheeks flushed and she thought in vain of something to say. She didn't get the chance however as Sesshoumaru broke the sudden silence.
"You said you would explain?" he said.
She nodded and turned back to face her previous destination. "Yes, follow me." she said rather reserved.
Sesshoumaru followed along behind her at first, then strode quickly to her side and continued walking. He could have sworn he saw her blush, but that just didn't fit her personality. He had seen her be happy, irritated, angry, kind and sometimes respectful. But he just couldn't see shyness in her for some reason. He knew, from the way she behaved, she was used to being in a position of power and expected others to obey her without protest. He intended to analyze her more, but his thoughts were suddenly cut off as they emerged into the most lovely stretch of earth he had ever seen.
A magnificent garden stretched out before them. Just as the front had been, the back was enclosed by high bushes. But beyond them he could see the high branches of a thick forest. Trees dotted the landscape and flowers bloomed everywhere, overflowing their beds to fill the entire area. So many wonderful colors and fragrances! And he suddenly found the source of the water he had smelled earlier. A large ivory fountain stood at the very center, spilling pristine water continuously into it's base. There were several white stone benches spread throughout, including a circular one that surrounded the fountain.
Suzuka sat down on that circular bench and motioned for him to follow. He complied and remained silent, waiting for her to begin the explanation she had promised.
"Yuki is my sister." she began. "But only by half. By our father. We had different mothers. My mother is Marjoly Higashikawa, the neko-hanyou you met inside. Her mother was an inu-youkai by the name of Tamiko Kobayshi. Tamiko mated my father after I was born, and Yuki was the result." She let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against the fountain. "My mother loved my father, but he refused to officially mate her because she's half human. But still my mother stayed with him. Then, two years after I was born, my father met Tamiko. He lavished affection on her and made her his mate. My mother was cast aside, but my father still expected her to remain. Because of me. Because I was his heir. My mother couldn't bear it and returned her to her father's estate to nurse her broken heart, taking me with her. When Yuki was just a baby, Tamiko died. Killed by a jealous female. You see, Tamiko was very beautiful, and that made her the object of many male's attention. Even if she didn't return it. After her death, my father saw no reason to keep Yuki around. She meant almost nothing to him. Even if she were his legitimate child and a full youkai, he had named me his heir and had no use for her. So he sent her to live here, with us. She's never even met the man. And I have no intention of letting her!" A growl escaped her throat and her eyes smoldered with a deep buried fire. "And after everything he's done, he has yet to apologize to my mother, or me, or even Yuki-chan! And everytime I see him I dream of ripping his treacherous throat out! Of drenching the throne in his blood. But I smile and I treat him with the respect he certainly DOES NOT deserve! And I know that one day, one day...I'll take his place and try to undo all the damage he has caused."
Sesshoumaru listened intently as she told him her story. It reminded him of his own. Of the time he had found his father, doting on the human woman. Tossing aside his own mother, for a human. "You're a princess." he said softly. She nodded sadly, still lost in her thoughts. "Who is your father?" he asked, not wanting to pry, but wondering if perhaps he knew him. (A/N-Sesshou doesn't know he's in the future.)
"Tadahide Kurashima." she said "He rules this land."
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(A/N) So, getting better? Will Suzuka's father ever apologize? What are Rin and Shippo are up to? Will they get their snacks? Will Kouga go blind from the mace? Will Kagome ever get it off him? Will InuYasha's head explode from the joy of seeing Kouga in pain? Will there be enough food!? Will Sesshoumaru kill Tadahide for making Suzuka suffer? Will we ever find out what the f*** is going on!? Well, only way to find out is R&R!! ^_^
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Reviews! Reviews! *skips merrily through the wildflowers* I love reviews! *trips over something green, ugly and unfortunately breathing* AHHHH!!!!! JAKEN!!! *runs terrified in the other direction*
bluefuzzyelf: Okay! *passes her a giant mallet* Let's play! Here, Sesshy! Here, Inu-chan! *bishys run the other way* Oh, darn! *snaps fingers* Oh, well! You don't have to threaten me!! I'm updating!! I'm updating!!
Jodea Moondreamer: O_O No you may not brand Inu-chan!! I think I'm a bad influence. If you'll remember, the only reason I branded Kurama is because he escaped. Inu-chan is willingly staying! And if you brand him, you'll mar that perfect skin of his. And who knows what revenge he may attempt with all of us under one roof!
lilhillbille: I'm not sensitive. *looks of disbelief* I'm NOT!! I SWEAR!!! What do I care if some baka youkai calls me a half-breed?! I'll just bash some sense into him! ^_^ Oh, yes, I have Miroku. And a certain someone may make a brief appearance. Wonder how he'll deal with an uber-obessive, stalker-like fangirl...and how Sango'll react!? Maybe inviting Suzuka's friends over isn't such a good idea. It could be dangerous! For the bishys!! And my hand is much better, thank you. All I have are a few scars. And I can type again!! *look of elation*
Trinity Kirara: Thank you! I'm afraid, due to developing feelings, there may not be another chance to play the super-fun game that is whack-an-inu. Maybe she'll get to play that game with her father though... (why did that just sound like the most disgustingly perverted thing I've ever heard? And I've heard some dozys!)
GinHasa: Thankies!! A new reviewer! I don't think you've ever reviewed one of my fics before! I welcome converts to the cult of Mistress Nika. And just wait, wait until Kouga-kun and Inu-chan REALLY have something to fight about! *groan* My poor house!! I think I'll keep Sess-chan far away from his brother... Now if only those two weren't so freakin' obsessed with Kagome!
Sara-Kitten: Oh yes! In fact, I'm thinking of reviving Jaken. Just to kill him again!! ^_^
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The eight people suddenly found themselves no longer in a strange mystical chamber, trapped in a magic circle. The room was now, quite obviously, a bedroom. Suzuka sat on a bed with soft pink and cream covers and a single enormous, frilly cream colored pillow. She held a rather ratty looking, once-white, now-nearly-gray, losing-it's-fur teddy bear in her arms and hugged it to her, looking thoughtful. The one huge window was covered with heavy, deep red curtains with elegant tassels dangling from all ends. Between the curtains were rose colored sheers, embroidered with flowers. Nothing could be seen beyond them. In one corner stood a closet with a slatted wooden door and beside it was a large bookcase, containing several thick volumes of mysterious origin, most with incomprehensible titles. On the other side of the room sat a huge oak desk crammed full of thick books, paper, pens and a sleek computer. Not to mention a pack of Oreos, an empty soda bottle and a stack of CDs.
They found themselves momentarily distracted by the odd transition and only Sesshoumaru had noticed what the girl said.
"What did you say?" he asked quietly, not wanting to be bashed again, but also not wanting to disturb her thoughts for some reason.
She looked up at him with a pout and said sadly, "You heard me. I don't know the return spell. I can't send you home!" Then she turned to her little sister and said disheartened, "Better go tell mom."
Her sister nodded in agreement and left the room, glad to be away from the strange happenings for the moment. If she had known what a bad mood her sister was in earlier that morning, she never would have asked her to perform the summoning. But she knew that if she tried to do it herself, not only would she get in trouble, she would also screw it up! She had acknowledged to herself that she was nowhere near as proficient as her sister in magic.
Sesshoumaru was only half annoyed by that statement. The other half of him wanted to find out more about this girl and her strange world. And that pout just seemed to get to him. Like a puppy, her eyes just seemed to draw his attention And when she looked so sad, he felt a tug on the heart he didn't know he had, until he met Rin. So he continued to study her as she stared at the floor absently, trying to think things out.
The others, however, had already taken it upon themselves to learn more. Shippo was sitting with Rin on the soft, pale-pink carpeted floor, leafing though an interesting book they had pulled off the shelf titled "Advanced Elemental Magic for the Young Taiyoukai Mind". Kagome was sitting in the desk chair with her head in her hands, being quite familiar with the strange things in this time and actually feeling quite bored. Sango had found a whip laying in a corner and remarked, "This girl is quite the warrior." InuYasha knew better than to snoop around a teenage girls room, having found several things he had preferred NOT to find in Kagome's, and was sitting next to Kagome on the floor watching the others rummage around.
Miroku reached his hand into a drawer, riffled through it for a minute, then pulled out a pair of silky black pantys. "What are these?" he asked curiously.
Suzuka looked up with a half-interested "hmm?"
Sesshoumaru followed her gaze and smirked, recognizing them for what they were and knowing what imminent disaster was about to occur.
She leaped up from her place on the bed, tossing the stuffed bear aside. "PUT THOSE BACK!!" she shrieked wildly upon seeing what he was holding up for all the world to see.
Miroku dropped the pantys like they had bitten him back into the drawer and slammed it closed, darting to the other side of the room. He wasn't too sure what they were, but he knew he'd never touch them again! (A/N ^_^...never?)
Suzuka stood panting in slightly calming rage, quite close to the youkai lord she had previously bashed...repeatedly. Realizing his close proximity, she raised a hand to her lips and blushed slightly, shyly looking him in the eyes. She felt her heart begin to beat slightly faster and, being a thoroughly modern youkai girl, instantly recognized the feeling for what it was. A crush. Just a harmless, innocent little crush. Really! I mean, how could someone not take one look at the handsome, powerful taiyoukai and not feel an immediate attraction to him? It would pass.
Sesshoumaru was surprised to find himself enjoying the girls closeness. She radiated a strange warmth he found comforting, and he was happy to see that her rage almost vanished upon meeting his gaze. He felt a small smile tugging at his lips as he stared into the emerald green depths of her eyes, wishing to simply get lost in them and never return. He was about to speak when he heard, "What's this?"
Suzuka, terrified for whatever had found it's way into male hands, peered awkwardly around Sesshoumaru. She saw Kouga holding a bottle she had removed from her purse sometime yesterday. She sighed as relief washed over her. *At least it wasn't a bra!* she thought. Then her eyes widened.
Kouga sniffed the strange metal bottle. It didn't have any real scent. He tried to read the markings, but they were in a different language. So, he did what any confused youkai would do. He put it in his mouth and bit it!
"No! That's my...!!" was all Suzuka could get out before the wolf took a bite out of the bottle of mace.
As his fangs pierced the metal, his eyes widened in horror. Horrible, nasty, painful stuff shot out all over him. It made his eyes burn and his nose stung and his mouth was going numb! He dropped to the floor and began rolling back in forth, thrashing wildly and clawing at his face, while simultaneously howling in pain!
Suzuka stopped halfway across the room and just hung her head.
Kagome was desperately trying to stop Kouga's thrashing and was cradling his head in her lap. "Where's your bathroom!?" she cried out frantically.
Suzuka just pointed to her door and said, "Down the hall, third door on the left."
Kagome nodded and pulled Kouga to his feet, dragging him out the door toward the bathroom. InuYasha followed behind her with a questioning look, as well as a backward glance at the cookies he had somehow missed earlier.
Once the door was shut again, Shippo jumped up onto the bed and held his nose. "What is that stuff!?" he asked.
Suzuka sighed and said, "It's mace. Women use it to protect themselves from attackers. They spray the person with it and it does exactly what it did to poor Kouga. Gives them pain." She glanced at the kitsune and said, "It also causes a youkai's sensitive nose to burn if they're too close to it." She let out a sigh and said, "Why don't we all go outside and I'll get our maid to come clean it up." Without waiting for an answer she rubbed at her burning nose and headed out the door.
They all followed along behind her, or rather Shippo, Sango, Miroku and Rin walked behind her. Sesshoumaru made sure he was even with her the entire way. She assumed it was because he was used to being in charge. But still, her heart skipped a beat when he brushed against her on the stairs. Just as they were heading out the door, her mother stopped them and said, "Jodea told me what happened. So, I take it we're going to be having quite a few guests for a while?" Suzuka nodded and her mother continued, "Alright. I guess there isn't much choice, is there?"
Suzuka sighed again and said, "Not unless you know a spell to send eight people back to the Sengoku Jidai."
Her mother shook her head and said, "No, I'm not much good at spells. I'm afraid you'll have to come up with the answer on your own."
Suzuka nodded, then remembered the mace. "Mom," she said. "Uh, someone, I won't say who, maced my room."
Her mother turned up her nose and said, "That's what that is? I thought I smelled something up there." She smiled and said, "Well, since I now have to feed twelve people, I'm gonna need some help in the kitchen." She looked at Miroku and Sango and said, "Why don't you two help me with dinner?" Then she turned back to her daughter and said, "You take, uh..." She looked at Sesshoumaru in confusion and he drew himself up proudly.
"I am Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands." he said.
The woman's eyes widened slightly, then returned to her normal acceptance. "Well, Suki, why don't you take Sesshoumaru-sama and these two little ones outside while these two kind humans help me?" She turned her back on them and led Miroku and Sango back to the kitchen. As she walked she said, "And don't forget to send Nora to clean up that mess!"
Her mother's request was clearly not a request and she just stared at her mother's retreating back. Then she realized a small chuckle had escaped Sesshoumaru's lips. She turned on him and glared. "Just what is so funny?" she demanded.
He simply smirked at her and said, "Nothing, *pause* Suki."
That was it! She hated when her mother called her that! She got right up in his face and screamed, "IT ISN'T FUNNY!!" Then she got still and grinned mischievously. She reached up and tugged on his tail wrapped around his shoulder. "Don't be a bad dog, *pause* Fluffy." she simply said.
That got to him. He hated that childish nickname and had gotten rid of it as soon as he could. He would have said something about it, but then he cracked a smile. He glanced down at her feet, then back to her angry, yet sparkling eyes. "Well," he began, "If I'm not mistaken, that term could fit you as well. Or was I mistaken in assuming when I saw something long, white and fuzzy dragging the stairs, that it was a tail?"
She blanched and her eyes reflected her shock. She hadn't realized her tail shown under that long black robe. She glanced down and saw that indeed, her tail was sticking slightly out of the back of it, barely brushing the floor. She yanked it back underneath quickly and her face turned red in anger. She whirled back to the haughty youkai who was still smiling at her, intent on giving him an earful, but then she felt hands lift the back of her cloak.
"Rin wants to see!!" the little girl cried in joy.
Suzuka snatched her cloak from the girls hands and tried in vain to keep it down. However, Rin had an ally in Shippo and both of them were trying to peek under her robe!
Sesshoumaru watched in amusement as Suzuka began dancing about in circles, trying to keep her tail covered while both Rin and Shippo darted from one side to the other of her, trying to get a glimpse of the illusive appendage. He took great pleasure in watching her plight. But just as he was considering rescuing her from his young ward, Shippo crossed in front of her as she was stepped forward to escape Rin's questioning hands. She tripped over the chibi kitsune and went flying forwards, only to be caught by strong arms. She looked up into the golden eyes of Sesshoumaru and found to her surprise that he didn't let go once she righted herself. And then was even more stunned to find that her arms had moved of their own volition and were placed firmly on his chest. Golden eyes stared into green ones in an endless gaze.
Rin and Shippo however had secretly slapped hands in victory and Shippo said quietly with a huge grin, "Worked like a charm."
Rin giggled softly and said, "Rin had fun! Can we do that again?"
Shippo just smiled and said, "Oh yeah! We're not done with them yet." ^-^
-------------meanwhile, in the upstairs bathroom-------------
Kagome ran water over Kouga's face, which he did NOT appreciate! InuYasha watched on in joy. Finally that wimpy wolf was getting the torture he deserved! And at Kagome's hands!! It was just too good!
Kagome: "Just hold still!! I have to get it all off!!"
Kouga: "BUT IT BURNS!!!"
Kagome: *smacks him with a washcloth* "You're the one who bit it!"
Kouga: "I didn't know it was a weapon!"
InuYasha: "^_^"
-------------in the kitchen with Sango, Miroku, Suzuka's mom, Jodea and another girl-------------
The mother scratched a cat ear in confusion. "Did you hear that?" she asked her companions. Sango and Miroku just shook their heads.
"I did." said Jodea. "Sounded like a fight!" She could only imagine what happened to send her slightly moody sister off the deep end.
"You better go check it out and save Sesshoumaru-sama from your sister." her mother said wisely.
Jodea nodded and started for the door, but another girl's voice spoke up.
"I'll do it!" she said enthusiastically. "I wanna see the bish!" Then, before anyone could argue, she dashed out the door in a chibi blur.
---------------back at the still-standing-wide-open front door----------------
Rin and Shippo were still celebrating and Suzuka still stood with her arms firmly against Sesshoumaru's chest and his hands lingering on them, their eyes still locked on each other, not speaking.
Suddenly, a happy voice giggled, "Well, I guess it wasn't a fight! But are you sure you should be doing those kind of things in front of little kids!?"
Four sets of eyes turned to face the voice. A young girl, about twelve years old, stood there, smiling brightly at them. She had silver, shoulder-length hair, pointed ears, gold youkai eyes, sharp claws, and chibi fangs protruding over her smiling lips. Also, not quite reaching her knees, was a white fluffy tail. All in all, she looked like a mini-female-Sesshoumaru, without the marks.
Suzuka quickly dislodged herself from Sesshoumaru and, happy for a diversion, said, "Yuki-chan! You're home! Did you have fun at your friend's house?"
The little girl laughed and said, "Yeah! And you'll never guess what happened! We caught her brother and his girlfriend making out in his room!!"
Suzuka's eyes went wide. "You did what!?" she yelled. "You're too young to be seeing those kinds of things!"
Yuki waved dismissivly and said, "It's not like I don't see worse with you around." Then she giggled at her sister's flustered expression and stepped up to the confused Sesshoumaru. "So, you're Sesshoumaru, huh?" She gave him the once over, then grinned widely. "Yep!" she said. "Just as bishy as the records say!!"
Suzuka groaned and put a hand to her head. Her youngest sibling had a habit of speaking her mind, and no one could stop her.
Sesshoumaru stared at the young child in front of him. She didn't look much older than Rin, but she was clearly much different in personality. He didn't know why, but he suddenly picked the child up by the back of her shirt and held her in front of his face. He sniffed her and said, "Who are you, child?"
She was NOT happy at this point! She began kicking and scratching at him. "Put me down!" she screamed. "Oneesama!! Oneesama!!"
Suzuka immediately came to her little sister's defense. Although not in the way her sister wanted. Suzuka mearly placed a gentle hand on Sesshoumaru's arm and said, "Please put my sister down."
He looked at her for a moment, considering her request. Sesshoumaru quickly realized that, considering her immense ego and obvious pride, a polite request from this girl was a rare occurrence and set the child gently down. He was confused however. Suzuka looked nothing like the one she called her sister, and they only bore a faint similarity in their scents. "How is this child your sister?" he asked. Then pointed out the obvious. "You are quite obviously a neko-hanyou." He motioned to her ears and her decidedly non-silver hair. Then he motioned to the child. "She is a full blooded inu-youkai, am I correct?"
Suzuka sighed and turned to her sister. "Yuki-chan, why don't you go back and help mother?" she said coaxingly.
Yuki whined in a very puppyish way. It was obvious her sister was trying to get rid of her. And right when it was getting good!! "Fine!" she spat, and stalked back to the kitchen.
Suzuka turned toward the door and said, "Follow me and I'll explain."
She led the demon lord and the two giggling children out the door and closed it behind them. In all honesty, Sesshoumaru was happy to be out of the house. Even downstairs the smell from what the woman had called 'mace' had been irritating his nose. Though he'd never show it. Now that he was outside, he had to stare at what lay before him. He didn't know quite what he had been expecting, but it wasn't this! A large meticulously manicured lawn stretched out before them. A stone foot path led from the front door, through the lawn and out of his sight as tall bushes rose to obscure the view beyond. To his right was a large shrine, obviously used only by family. To his left he saw three smaller huts (A/N-servant's quarters) all linked together. With his sensitive youkai nose he could faintly discern the cool scent of water, mingled with various fragrant flowers. The stars shown brightly and a cool breeze blew across his skin.
Suzuka smiled and allowed the three to take in her family's estate. She knew it could sometimes be awe inspiring to outsiders. When she had allowed them enough time to take in their surroundings, she turned to the left, toward the servant's quarters. She heard Rin and Shippo's stumbling steps, confirming that they were following without looking where they were going. Probably still entranced by her home. *Hmm. Wait until they see the garden.* she thought to herself. She loved showing people the little piece of paradise tucked away behind their house. And watching their eyes light up as they saw it.
She led them up to a door and knocked lightly. A few seconds later a woman opened the door. She was human, with short chin-length black hair and warm brown eyes. She wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black pants. She looked only about thirty, but from her scent, Sesshoumaru guessed she was much older. Upon seeing Suzuka at her door, she bowed and said respectfully, "Yes, miss? Can I help you?"
Suzuka smiled at her and said, "Nora, I'm afraid there's been a little accident in my room involving a can of mace. Do you think you could..?"
Before she could finish, Nora grinned broadly and said, "Of course, Kurashima-sama! I'll go right away! I know how that stuff irritates youkai." Then she glanced over her mistress' shoulder to see Sesshoumaru standing there looking bored. "And I see we have a guest!" She bowed politely, then caught a glimpse of Shippo and Rin, conspiring in secret a little to the side and corrected herself. "Oh, excuse me. Guests!"
Suzuka groaned and put a hand to her head to ward off an oncoming headache. "That's not even the start!" she said in exasperation. "There's five more inside!"
Nora chuckled and said, "Then I guess I'd better get moving!" She exited the door and closed it. With a retreating bow to Suzuka, she headed up to the house.
Suzuka turned back to her companions and saw Sesshoumaru smirking, again! That was really getting on her nerves, no matter how gorgeous he may be! "What is it now?" she asked.
He mearly replied, "You have human servants."
She looked at him like he were crazy and said, "Yeah, and?"
He didn't reply and she stated forcefully, "Look! It's the only way they're allowed on the island! Alright!? Drop it!!" Then she turned on her heel and stalked off, confident that he, as well as the temporarily forgotten children, would follow.
Sesshoumaru was amused at the girls outburst. Apparently, they were on an island, though he couldn't sense the sea close by, and it was dominated by youkai. An all youkai island intrigued him. However, he quickly corrected himself. He had only seen one youkai since they had arrived in this confusing but beautiful land, and she was just a child. The rest had been hanyou. First, the strangely enticing Suzuka. Though she appeared a neko-hanyou as he had previously stated, he couldn't help but think that she was something more. Something mysterious, and alluring. He quickly shook those thoughts out of his head and followed along behind her, Rin and Shippo a bit behind him, still whispering. He had no interest in listening to their childish secrets, so he turned his attention back to his thoughts. Then, there had been the younger sister, Jodea he had heard her called. She looked nothing but human, with no youkai features at all. Not even claws. But her scent told him otherwise. She smelled strongly of magic, demon blood, and human blood. He assumed she was indeed a hanyou. And then there was the mother. Though she looked almost exactly like her daughter, she smelled only of cat and human. He came to the quick conclusion that she also was a hanyou. A neko-hanyou. Though he was beginning to doubt his ability to judge species with all the odd creatures living in that house.
Suzuka didn't know quite what he had been getting at, but she immediately went into defense mode. No one was going to insult her family! She may not be proud of her human blood, but she certainly wasn't ashamed of it! And she certainly didn't like the 'no humans unless they're servants' rule. She silently thought to herself that that would be the first thing she changed. Humans deserved an equal place beside youkai. Of that she was sure.
She led them back toward the house, Sesshoumaru for the first time not at her side, but behind her. She was about to lead them around the side, toward the back when she felt a little hand grab her cloak. At first she had the terrifying thought that they were once again trying to get a look at her tail, but then she felt a tug. She looked down to see Rin gazing up at her with pleading eyes.
"Rin is hungry." she stated simply.
Suzuka smiled at the child and bent down. "Well, Rin, my mother will have dinner done soon...I hope." She couldn't imagine how long it would take to cook for twelve. "Actually, Rin. Why don't you go ask her for a snack? I'm sure she'll be happy to give you one."
Rin's eyes lit up and she grabbed Shippo's hand, dragging him along toward the front door. "Come on, Shippo-chan! Snacks!!"
Suzuka laughed softly as she watched the two race toward the promise of snacks, then realized what she had just done. She was now alone with the youkai lord whom she knew she had a crush on. Her cheeks flushed and she thought in vain of something to say. She didn't get the chance however as Sesshoumaru broke the sudden silence.
"You said you would explain?" he said.
She nodded and turned back to face her previous destination. "Yes, follow me." she said rather reserved.
Sesshoumaru followed along behind her at first, then strode quickly to her side and continued walking. He could have sworn he saw her blush, but that just didn't fit her personality. He had seen her be happy, irritated, angry, kind and sometimes respectful. But he just couldn't see shyness in her for some reason. He knew, from the way she behaved, she was used to being in a position of power and expected others to obey her without protest. He intended to analyze her more, but his thoughts were suddenly cut off as they emerged into the most lovely stretch of earth he had ever seen.
A magnificent garden stretched out before them. Just as the front had been, the back was enclosed by high bushes. But beyond them he could see the high branches of a thick forest. Trees dotted the landscape and flowers bloomed everywhere, overflowing their beds to fill the entire area. So many wonderful colors and fragrances! And he suddenly found the source of the water he had smelled earlier. A large ivory fountain stood at the very center, spilling pristine water continuously into it's base. There were several white stone benches spread throughout, including a circular one that surrounded the fountain.
Suzuka sat down on that circular bench and motioned for him to follow. He complied and remained silent, waiting for her to begin the explanation she had promised.
"Yuki is my sister." she began. "But only by half. By our father. We had different mothers. My mother is Marjoly Higashikawa, the neko-hanyou you met inside. Her mother was an inu-youkai by the name of Tamiko Kobayshi. Tamiko mated my father after I was born, and Yuki was the result." She let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against the fountain. "My mother loved my father, but he refused to officially mate her because she's half human. But still my mother stayed with him. Then, two years after I was born, my father met Tamiko. He lavished affection on her and made her his mate. My mother was cast aside, but my father still expected her to remain. Because of me. Because I was his heir. My mother couldn't bear it and returned her to her father's estate to nurse her broken heart, taking me with her. When Yuki was just a baby, Tamiko died. Killed by a jealous female. You see, Tamiko was very beautiful, and that made her the object of many male's attention. Even if she didn't return it. After her death, my father saw no reason to keep Yuki around. She meant almost nothing to him. Even if she were his legitimate child and a full youkai, he had named me his heir and had no use for her. So he sent her to live here, with us. She's never even met the man. And I have no intention of letting her!" A growl escaped her throat and her eyes smoldered with a deep buried fire. "And after everything he's done, he has yet to apologize to my mother, or me, or even Yuki-chan! And everytime I see him I dream of ripping his treacherous throat out! Of drenching the throne in his blood. But I smile and I treat him with the respect he certainly DOES NOT deserve! And I know that one day, one day...I'll take his place and try to undo all the damage he has caused."
Sesshoumaru listened intently as she told him her story. It reminded him of his own. Of the time he had found his father, doting on the human woman. Tossing aside his own mother, for a human. "You're a princess." he said softly. She nodded sadly, still lost in her thoughts. "Who is your father?" he asked, not wanting to pry, but wondering if perhaps he knew him. (A/N-Sesshou doesn't know he's in the future.)
"Tadahide Kurashima." she said "He rules this land."
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(A/N) So, getting better? Will Suzuka's father ever apologize? What are Rin and Shippo are up to? Will they get their snacks? Will Kouga go blind from the mace? Will Kagome ever get it off him? Will InuYasha's head explode from the joy of seeing Kouga in pain? Will there be enough food!? Will Sesshoumaru kill Tadahide for making Suzuka suffer? Will we ever find out what the f*** is going on!? Well, only way to find out is R&R!! ^_^
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Reviews! Reviews! *skips merrily through the wildflowers* I love reviews! *trips over something green, ugly and unfortunately breathing* AHHHH!!!!! JAKEN!!! *runs terrified in the other direction*
bluefuzzyelf: Okay! *passes her a giant mallet* Let's play! Here, Sesshy! Here, Inu-chan! *bishys run the other way* Oh, darn! *snaps fingers* Oh, well! You don't have to threaten me!! I'm updating!! I'm updating!!
Jodea Moondreamer: O_O No you may not brand Inu-chan!! I think I'm a bad influence. If you'll remember, the only reason I branded Kurama is because he escaped. Inu-chan is willingly staying! And if you brand him, you'll mar that perfect skin of his. And who knows what revenge he may attempt with all of us under one roof!
lilhillbille: I'm not sensitive. *looks of disbelief* I'm NOT!! I SWEAR!!! What do I care if some baka youkai calls me a half-breed?! I'll just bash some sense into him! ^_^ Oh, yes, I have Miroku. And a certain someone may make a brief appearance. Wonder how he'll deal with an uber-obessive, stalker-like fangirl...and how Sango'll react!? Maybe inviting Suzuka's friends over isn't such a good idea. It could be dangerous! For the bishys!! And my hand is much better, thank you. All I have are a few scars. And I can type again!! *look of elation*
Trinity Kirara: Thank you! I'm afraid, due to developing feelings, there may not be another chance to play the super-fun game that is whack-an-inu. Maybe she'll get to play that game with her father though... (why did that just sound like the most disgustingly perverted thing I've ever heard? And I've heard some dozys!)
GinHasa: Thankies!! A new reviewer! I don't think you've ever reviewed one of my fics before! I welcome converts to the cult of Mistress Nika. And just wait, wait until Kouga-kun and Inu-chan REALLY have something to fight about! *groan* My poor house!! I think I'll keep Sess-chan far away from his brother... Now if only those two weren't so freakin' obsessed with Kagome!
Sara-Kitten: Oh yes! In fact, I'm thinking of reviving Jaken. Just to kill him again!! ^_^