~Disclaimer= InuYasha, do I own him? Well, that's right up there with the more famous questions. Such as; Why did the chicken cross the road? If a tree falls in a forest and no one's around to hear it, does it squash any little animals? Which came first the CD or the CD case? How do they make marshmallows so poofy? Why does my alarm clock go off when I'm awake, but never when I'm asleep? Why do I feel the urge to kick the table I just stubbed my toe on? And finally, why does popping your back sound painful when it actually feels good? To all these questions I answer with this single statement. I AM A TURNIP!!!
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Suzuka led the way down the street to the docks. Sesshoumaru remained ever silent but Hakura had become chatty and was quizzing Suzuka on everything.
"So, who were your friends? Was that really Kouga? How long have you known Sesshoumaru-sama? Where'd you meet him? How close are you two? Are you going to be his mate?"
O_O Suzuka nearly stopped mid-stride! "Hakura!" she cried. "That's enough!"
Suzuka glared at her hanyou friend, but Hakura took her shocked expression as an affirmative. Oooohhhhh, she was definitely gonna love this! She never passed up an oppertunity to embarass her friend. She clapped her hands together and, oblivious to the death-glares she was currently recieving by way of one youkai hime, said, "Oh, that's simply wonderful! You absolutely MUST let me know when your first pup is born! I want to be there at the presentation!"
Hakura continued on this way while Suzuka's face grew redder and redder, half in embarassment and half in anger. If she had taken her eyes off the ground in front of her and looked up at Sesshoumaru, she would have seen his cheeks sporting a tinge of pink themselves. Of course, he would never admit to such.
Finally Hakura seemed to grow bored with their non-responsiveness and said, "So, who were your friends? They weren't really servants, were they?" Suddenly growing serious, she lowered her voice and asked, "Were they....'help'?"
Suzuka lost all trace of color and said softly, "No. They're just visiting...but it wouldn't be good if my father found out."
Turning off the main street once again, they emerged into a small dock lit only by the full moon above. It was completely devoid of life and the only sound was the water lapping at the single tiny boat moored at the landing. Hakura went to the boat, but didn't get in. She looked back at the two and with a quick, slightly suspicious, glance to Sesshoumaru she said almost under her breath, "They looked like warriors to me."
Suzuka managed to remove her arm from Sesshoumaru's, or more like he let her, and went to her friend's side. She glanced nervously around and took Hakura's arm again, looking like nothing more than a friend bidding another farewell to any eyes that were watching. "I don't know if they'll help." she said hushed. "It's only by accident that they're here. But if I can't get them back to where they came from in time, they may end up caught in between." She glanced around again then said, "They have their own battles to fight. I don't want to pull them into mine."
Hakura quickly stated in reply, "But if they are warriors, we need them. We are presently no match for...the enemy." She sighed and said, "Who are they, really?"
Suzuka made another glance around her surroundings, looking very much like a nervous cat, and said, "Alright. I'll tell you. But you must keep it a secret!"
Hakura nodded, wondering who these people were to warrant such secrecy.
"One was Sango, the taijiya. One was Kagome, the legendary miko and Shikon Maiden. The man was Miroku, the cursed houshi."
Hakura's eyes went as wide as they had been when she first set eyes on Sesshoumaru. "How is that possible!?" she hissed.
Suzuka shushed her and said, "I cast a spell. That's all I can tell you for now."
Hakura wasn't giving up now that she knew just how formidable those three were! "If that's true then with them at our side we'd be invincible!"
"No," Suzuka said, "They are still very young and have yet to realize their potential. Especially Kagome." She pushed her friend lightly in the direction of the boat and said, "Now go. I'll send for you when the time is right."
Hakura complied and stepped into the boat. Suzuka released the rope and tossed it to her before pushing the boat with her foot, sending it away from the dock.
Hakura stood motionless, staring at her close friend and comrade as the boat took her away from the island and back to the human world. She never ceased to be amazed at how carefree and lighthearted Suzuka could be one moment and the next seem to be not only be a powerful and wise woman, but also a cold and calculating killer. She, unlike most others, had seen the young woman for what she really was. She had seen her in battle. She had seen the rage flood her eyes with crimson. She had seen her slaughter men and youkai alike. And she would never forget it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small hanyou child with silver hair and dog ears stood in a crowded youkai bar. Such places were scattered thoughout the human world, hidden from prying eyes by magic. They were places for youkai to gather without fear of human discovery and intervention.
"Move!" shouted a large green-scaled demon as he bumbled past in a drunken stupor, knocking her to the floor in the process.
Empty glasses flew from the tray in her hands and crashed to the floor. The girl scampered to pick up the broken glass before it was discovered by her master. Darting quickly from one piece to another, she collected them in her hands, ignoring the sharp pain as several shards pierced her tender flesh.
"BRAT!!" shouted an angry male voice. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?"
The child looked up in time to see a boot coming her way. It collided with her midsection, knocking the wind out of her. But it didn't stop there. The man continued to kick her repeatedly while yelling about broken dishes coming out of her hide. In one last kick he sent her flying backwards across the room, right into customer. However, the customer who had been sitting at a table alone reached out and caught the girl with cat-like reflexes. As the girl scrambled to get off their lap, the hood to the cloak they had been wearing slipped back a bit, giving her a glimpse of warm green eyes underneath. A feminine mouth twisted into a comforting smile. But that was all she saw, as the youkai slid the now still girl off her lap and stood up. However, she kept a hand on the girl's shoulder, preventing her from leaving her side.
Her face hidden in shadow, the woman looked at the large red-faced man. In a quiet voice she said, "Don't you know you shouldn't hurt little children? It might come back to haunt you."
The man obviously missed the deadly tone in the woman's voice and he said haughtly, "Hmph! What'd you care? It's just a half-breed! Not even yours! She's an orphan and she belongs to me."
The woman raised her head slightly and light glinted off a protruding fang. Her eyes narrowed and seemed to smolder with deep-seeded hatred. She growled deep in her chest and said, "I'm taking the girl with me." She reached into her cloak and withdrew a money pouch. Tossing it to the man she said, "Here. There's enough in there to buy ten slaves. Take it." Then she turned the girl toward the door and said, "Come. We'll get you new things later. You don't want anything from here."
The girl looked up and said innocently, "I don't have anything."
At first all the man could do was stare as the cloaked woman walked away with his slave. He was debating whether or not to take the money. But he eventually decided that he would just have to keep both the money AND the girl...and kill the interloper. He reached forward to grab the woman by the neck, but only succeded in swiping at air where her head should have been. In one fluid move the woman dropped to one knee thereby avoiding the blow, spun around and put a hand through the man's stomach.
All sound in the bar ceased as the patrons took in the scene of the strange woman with her hand sticking out the back of the owner.
She withdrew her hand with agonizing slowness, allowing the man to feel every minute of the pain. Standing up she held her bloodied hand in front of her face. Wiping her claw off on her cloak she realized the stares she was currenly recieving. Or, more to the point, the stares that were directed to the top of her head. That was when she noticed that her hood had been thown back, revealing to all her bright red hair and black cat ears.
Frightened whispers flooded the tense bar.
"Look! She's a hanyou!"
"She can't be! It's impossible!"
"Someone stop her."
"No way! She's dangerous!"
"Look! Is that a royal mark?!"
Her hand flew to her forehead, frantically trying to hide the silver mark there. She quickly pulled her hood back over her head and grabbed the young girl by the hand, dashing out the front door.
Once outside, the woman picked the girl up by the waist and leapt onto a rooftop. Continuing on she ascended into the night sky, putting as much distance between them and the bar as possible. Only when she felt they were safe did she land in an isolated patch of forest. Sitting the girl down she knelt and looked into her golden eyes.
"Now, what's your name?" she asked gently.
The girl looked confused for a moment, then said, "I don't have one. They just call me brat."
The woman shook her head and said, "Well, that won't do. How about we find you a nice name?"
The girl's eyes lit up and she nodded happily. She knew she had a name once, she just couldn't remember it. And now she would have one again!
"Ummm..." The woman tapped her bottom lip with a claw as she thought. "How about...Rhia? Or maybe, Hakura? I've always loved that name."
"Hakura!!" the girl shouted suddenly. "Hakura! I like that name!"
The woman smiled brightly and said, "Well then, Hakura. My name is Suzuka. It's very nice to meet you."
That night they stayed in the forest. Since it was so late, Suzuka decided they should get some rest and continue on tomorrow. And in the forest there would be less distractions and her senses would be better able to detect danger. So they bedded down at the base of a tree, Hakura wrapped in Suzuka's cloak for warmth. She didn't plan on going to sleep, not with the danger so great. But she had been traveling for nearly a week without rest and was sorely deprived of it. So, as her eyelids drifted closed, she thought to herself, only a moment. Only a moment's sleep and she would be back on full alert. That was her last thought before sleep took her.
Suzuka woke to Hakura's pained cry and a heavy blow to the head. She felt herself fall forward, landing on her face. Struggling to right herself she noticed her hands were bound with thick chains. Men laughed hartily at her thrashing and she shifted her head, pushing her cloake back enough to be able to see them. Eight large men stood over her with haughty expressions. One, she noticed, looked a great deal like the man she had killed back at the bar.
Said man stepped forward and said, "Little bitch! You killed my brother! Now you and that brat are gonna pay!"
Suzuka was unconcerned for her safety, but one glance to the right made her blood boil.
One of the men had Hakura chained in much the same manner and pressed face-down into the ground, his foot on the small of her back holding her down as she squirmed.
"Hakura!" the small girl screamed. "Hakura! My name's Hakura!!"
The man removed his foot only long enough to kick the girl in the side, sending her back into agonized silence.
"So," one of the other men questioned. "Should we keep them, kill them, or sell them?"
The leader chuckled sinisterly and said, "Sell them. The brat may not bring much, but imagine the price we could get for a lord's bastard daughter!"
That was it. Suzuka had seen too many people she loved suffer at the hands of others, and the mere mention of her father drove her into a rage. She let out an ominous growl and began laughing quietly.
The men all became silent, aware of the great power this hanyou possessed.
"Are you sure her chains are strong enough?" one asked.
The leader nodded, but decided to check anyway. He reached down to jiggle them, but in a flash his head was firmly between the upstreatched feet of Suzuka. With one twist and a crack of bones his head was renched to the side and nearly ripped clean off. She let his body fall to the ground as the others began to back up. She raised herself to one knee, head bowed slightly, cloak hiding her expression. Pushing up she rose to her feet. A loud snap rang out as the chains binding her hands were snapped in two, falling to the grass. It was then that she looked up, her cloak falling completely open. Her eyes were blood red. Her hair was no longer red, but silver and two green stripes marked each cheek. Her fangs had elongated and protruded wickedly over her grin. She raised a claw and flexed it, looking for her next victim.
"Ah! AHHH!!!" The men all broke loose and ran terrified through the woods, trying to escape their impending deaths.
The transformed hanyou made chase, her cloak flaring out behind her like devil wings. One by one she hunted each man down and tore him limb from limb as he screamed in agony, ripping into their flesh and feeling their blood bathe her in it's twisted glory. When each one was dead, she still felt driven to kill. So she raised her nose to the air and sniffed. The smell of many humans mixed with a few demons met her nose. Laughing maniacally she made her way in the direction of the scent, in the direction of the city.
Once there she went on a rampage, destroying every life she came across. When she finally returned to her senses it was standing before a crying child and the lifeless bodies of his parents. She quickly made her way back to the place she had last been, in her rational mind. There sat Hakura, cowering behind a tree, still chained. She broke the small girl's chains and picked her up without a word. She couldn't stay with her. She knew it. She knew that she couldn't possibly trust herself around the child with all the rage she felt inside at the time.
Suzuka took Hakura to a trusted friend's, leaving her in her custody. She made her friend promise that she would care for her and teach her everything she would need to know. Her friend had been a dancer earlier in life and had incorporated the art of dance and fans into her battle style. Jade, that was her name. It was said of her that the only thing deadlier than her razor sharp fans was her razor sharp wit. Suzuka knew that Hakura would grow into a fine and powerful woman under Jade's care.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The humans had attributed the attacks to a tiger. But Hakura had seen the devestation her friend could cause with such little effort. She had indeed become both smart and powerful with Jade's tutorlage. Even going so far as to master the deadly steel fans she now carried with her. She had been confused when Suzuka had left her with Jade, but her sensei had explained to her. She had told her of the great hate Suzuka bore for many people and that this hate burned within her like an ember just waiting to ignite. She understood eventually why she had to go, and was overjoyed when she finally returned many years later. At first she hadn't even recognized her. She seemed so calm and at peace. Lighthearted and free. But she had come to love her like a sister and would willingly lay down her life for the woman who had saved hers, though taken so many in return. That was why she supported her wholeheartedly in the plans that had been made. She would fight by her side and they would emerge victorious together.
With a small smile, she watched her savior fade into the distance as she made her way back to the mortal world, back to her sensei's home, and back to the warrior's awaiting her there.
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"So," Suzuka said after the boat had disappeared from sight. "I suppose we should go meet the others now."
Sesshoumaru's eyes locked on hers, refusing to move. The strangest thing had happened to him just now. He had heard words, spoken in his mind. "I am the soul of imagination. I see what the eyes cannot see. I hear what the ears cannot hear. I feel what the mortal heart cannot feel." they had said. Then he had seen a vision of Suzuka. He had seen her rescue the hanyou pup then go on to masacre an entire city. It was odd, but he knew what he had seen was a vision of the past. As he stared into her smiling eyes he thought to himself, such pain. Such anger. How does she hide it?
Suzuka was getting more than a little uncomfortable as he continued his relentless stare. She couldn't for the life of her figure out what he was doing. So, she did the only thing she could think of. She waved a hand in front of his face. "Hello? Anyone in there?" she asked, waving her hand back and forth.
Suddenly he caught her hand and held if firmly in his. "How do you do it?" he asked emotionlessly.
She blinked once, twice, not sure if she had caught his words correctly and said confused, "How do I do what?"
He maintained both his hold on her hand and her eyes. "How do you maintain such a carefree facade while in so much inner tormoil?"
Her eyes clouded over and after a brief pause she tore her hand away and turned to leave. "I don't know what you're talking about." she stated firmly.
He grabbed her by the arm and spun her around, gripping her upper arms tightly. He wasn't about to let her get away. He wanted to know, and what he wanted he always got. He delved into the depths of her golden eyes again and for once wished they were green. He didn't know how but her eyes always seemed to reflect more emotion when they were green. But perhaps, it was because she was used to having to hide her form while at the same time having to hide her feelings too.
Staring up into Sesshoumaru's eyes, Suzuka felt she could get lost in them and never return. She knew what he was asking her, but she didn't know how he knew. She didn't know how he could see the pain hidden behind her own emotionless eyes. But remembering the pain was like reliving it, and she wouldn't allow herself to lose the control she had fought to obtain. Still, she could feel tears begin to well up in her eyes. "I...I don't know what you mean." she repeated, though with less conviction this time. Against her wish the tears began to overflow and spill down her face. She couldn't belive she was crying. What reason was there to cry!? Things that were in the past! Nothing more. She shouldn't cry over the past!
Suddenly she felt Sesshoumaru's hands pull her close and his arms wrapped around her waist. She tensed for a minute, then relaxed into his embrace. Clutching to his chest she allowed herself to sob out all her pent up emotions.
Sesshoumaru stared in wonder at the beautiful creature he held in his arms. He didn't know what had come over him, but when he saw her begin to cry he felt an overwhelming need to protect her from whatever pain she had experienced in life. So he held her and he didn't let go. Eventually he felt her sobs cease and expected her to pull away. But instead he heard a single sentence, barely above a whisper.
"He killed them." she said softly.
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(A/N) okay, now I'm gonna try to explain a bit about people's past. This chapter was obviously about Hakura. And if you're wondering, the reason Sesshoumaru saw that little flashback is because of the spell Suzuka cast. She was still very young when she cast it and didn't know it would work both ways. She saw his life and now he'll see hers.
I can't believe how much this story reflects my life! I'm really putting a lot of myself into Suzuka. And my father in here very much reflects how I see my own father. Deep, ne? (goes off to grope unsuspecting bishys)
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Reviews! Reviews! (skips merrily through the wildflowers) I love reviews! (trips over something incredibly bishy, radiantly silver, and luckily breathing) O_O SESSHOUMARU!! (fade to black as things quickly get X-rated)
bluefuzzyelf: O_O Wow! Someone had too much pocky! What have you been eating, girl!? I take it you were happy with my portrayal of you? How about this chapter? Angsty enough past for you?
lilhillbillie: LOL!!!! You have no idea how long I laughed at your review! I was trying to go to sleep and STILL laughing! I will never forget that line; "Oh my dear, sweet kami, are all monks this blessed?" If Miroku weren't already taken in this fic, I'd give him to you! ^_^
Jodea Moondreamer: Hey! I'm updating. Please don't kill me! I know I told you this would be your chapter, but things just kinda developed this way. But next chapter is yours for sure! (softly so she won't notice) ...maybe not the way you wanted, but...
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Suzuka led the way down the street to the docks. Sesshoumaru remained ever silent but Hakura had become chatty and was quizzing Suzuka on everything.
"So, who were your friends? Was that really Kouga? How long have you known Sesshoumaru-sama? Where'd you meet him? How close are you two? Are you going to be his mate?"
O_O Suzuka nearly stopped mid-stride! "Hakura!" she cried. "That's enough!"
Suzuka glared at her hanyou friend, but Hakura took her shocked expression as an affirmative. Oooohhhhh, she was definitely gonna love this! She never passed up an oppertunity to embarass her friend. She clapped her hands together and, oblivious to the death-glares she was currently recieving by way of one youkai hime, said, "Oh, that's simply wonderful! You absolutely MUST let me know when your first pup is born! I want to be there at the presentation!"
Hakura continued on this way while Suzuka's face grew redder and redder, half in embarassment and half in anger. If she had taken her eyes off the ground in front of her and looked up at Sesshoumaru, she would have seen his cheeks sporting a tinge of pink themselves. Of course, he would never admit to such.
Finally Hakura seemed to grow bored with their non-responsiveness and said, "So, who were your friends? They weren't really servants, were they?" Suddenly growing serious, she lowered her voice and asked, "Were they....'help'?"
Suzuka lost all trace of color and said softly, "No. They're just visiting...but it wouldn't be good if my father found out."
Turning off the main street once again, they emerged into a small dock lit only by the full moon above. It was completely devoid of life and the only sound was the water lapping at the single tiny boat moored at the landing. Hakura went to the boat, but didn't get in. She looked back at the two and with a quick, slightly suspicious, glance to Sesshoumaru she said almost under her breath, "They looked like warriors to me."
Suzuka managed to remove her arm from Sesshoumaru's, or more like he let her, and went to her friend's side. She glanced nervously around and took Hakura's arm again, looking like nothing more than a friend bidding another farewell to any eyes that were watching. "I don't know if they'll help." she said hushed. "It's only by accident that they're here. But if I can't get them back to where they came from in time, they may end up caught in between." She glanced around again then said, "They have their own battles to fight. I don't want to pull them into mine."
Hakura quickly stated in reply, "But if they are warriors, we need them. We are presently no match for...the enemy." She sighed and said, "Who are they, really?"
Suzuka made another glance around her surroundings, looking very much like a nervous cat, and said, "Alright. I'll tell you. But you must keep it a secret!"
Hakura nodded, wondering who these people were to warrant such secrecy.
"One was Sango, the taijiya. One was Kagome, the legendary miko and Shikon Maiden. The man was Miroku, the cursed houshi."
Hakura's eyes went as wide as they had been when she first set eyes on Sesshoumaru. "How is that possible!?" she hissed.
Suzuka shushed her and said, "I cast a spell. That's all I can tell you for now."
Hakura wasn't giving up now that she knew just how formidable those three were! "If that's true then with them at our side we'd be invincible!"
"No," Suzuka said, "They are still very young and have yet to realize their potential. Especially Kagome." She pushed her friend lightly in the direction of the boat and said, "Now go. I'll send for you when the time is right."
Hakura complied and stepped into the boat. Suzuka released the rope and tossed it to her before pushing the boat with her foot, sending it away from the dock.
Hakura stood motionless, staring at her close friend and comrade as the boat took her away from the island and back to the human world. She never ceased to be amazed at how carefree and lighthearted Suzuka could be one moment and the next seem to be not only be a powerful and wise woman, but also a cold and calculating killer. She, unlike most others, had seen the young woman for what she really was. She had seen her in battle. She had seen the rage flood her eyes with crimson. She had seen her slaughter men and youkai alike. And she would never forget it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small hanyou child with silver hair and dog ears stood in a crowded youkai bar. Such places were scattered thoughout the human world, hidden from prying eyes by magic. They were places for youkai to gather without fear of human discovery and intervention.
"Move!" shouted a large green-scaled demon as he bumbled past in a drunken stupor, knocking her to the floor in the process.
Empty glasses flew from the tray in her hands and crashed to the floor. The girl scampered to pick up the broken glass before it was discovered by her master. Darting quickly from one piece to another, she collected them in her hands, ignoring the sharp pain as several shards pierced her tender flesh.
"BRAT!!" shouted an angry male voice. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?"
The child looked up in time to see a boot coming her way. It collided with her midsection, knocking the wind out of her. But it didn't stop there. The man continued to kick her repeatedly while yelling about broken dishes coming out of her hide. In one last kick he sent her flying backwards across the room, right into customer. However, the customer who had been sitting at a table alone reached out and caught the girl with cat-like reflexes. As the girl scrambled to get off their lap, the hood to the cloak they had been wearing slipped back a bit, giving her a glimpse of warm green eyes underneath. A feminine mouth twisted into a comforting smile. But that was all she saw, as the youkai slid the now still girl off her lap and stood up. However, she kept a hand on the girl's shoulder, preventing her from leaving her side.
Her face hidden in shadow, the woman looked at the large red-faced man. In a quiet voice she said, "Don't you know you shouldn't hurt little children? It might come back to haunt you."
The man obviously missed the deadly tone in the woman's voice and he said haughtly, "Hmph! What'd you care? It's just a half-breed! Not even yours! She's an orphan and she belongs to me."
The woman raised her head slightly and light glinted off a protruding fang. Her eyes narrowed and seemed to smolder with deep-seeded hatred. She growled deep in her chest and said, "I'm taking the girl with me." She reached into her cloak and withdrew a money pouch. Tossing it to the man she said, "Here. There's enough in there to buy ten slaves. Take it." Then she turned the girl toward the door and said, "Come. We'll get you new things later. You don't want anything from here."
The girl looked up and said innocently, "I don't have anything."
At first all the man could do was stare as the cloaked woman walked away with his slave. He was debating whether or not to take the money. But he eventually decided that he would just have to keep both the money AND the girl...and kill the interloper. He reached forward to grab the woman by the neck, but only succeded in swiping at air where her head should have been. In one fluid move the woman dropped to one knee thereby avoiding the blow, spun around and put a hand through the man's stomach.
All sound in the bar ceased as the patrons took in the scene of the strange woman with her hand sticking out the back of the owner.
She withdrew her hand with agonizing slowness, allowing the man to feel every minute of the pain. Standing up she held her bloodied hand in front of her face. Wiping her claw off on her cloak she realized the stares she was currenly recieving. Or, more to the point, the stares that were directed to the top of her head. That was when she noticed that her hood had been thown back, revealing to all her bright red hair and black cat ears.
Frightened whispers flooded the tense bar.
"Look! She's a hanyou!"
"She can't be! It's impossible!"
"Someone stop her."
"No way! She's dangerous!"
"Look! Is that a royal mark?!"
Her hand flew to her forehead, frantically trying to hide the silver mark there. She quickly pulled her hood back over her head and grabbed the young girl by the hand, dashing out the front door.
Once outside, the woman picked the girl up by the waist and leapt onto a rooftop. Continuing on she ascended into the night sky, putting as much distance between them and the bar as possible. Only when she felt they were safe did she land in an isolated patch of forest. Sitting the girl down she knelt and looked into her golden eyes.
"Now, what's your name?" she asked gently.
The girl looked confused for a moment, then said, "I don't have one. They just call me brat."
The woman shook her head and said, "Well, that won't do. How about we find you a nice name?"
The girl's eyes lit up and she nodded happily. She knew she had a name once, she just couldn't remember it. And now she would have one again!
"Ummm..." The woman tapped her bottom lip with a claw as she thought. "How about...Rhia? Or maybe, Hakura? I've always loved that name."
"Hakura!!" the girl shouted suddenly. "Hakura! I like that name!"
The woman smiled brightly and said, "Well then, Hakura. My name is Suzuka. It's very nice to meet you."
That night they stayed in the forest. Since it was so late, Suzuka decided they should get some rest and continue on tomorrow. And in the forest there would be less distractions and her senses would be better able to detect danger. So they bedded down at the base of a tree, Hakura wrapped in Suzuka's cloak for warmth. She didn't plan on going to sleep, not with the danger so great. But she had been traveling for nearly a week without rest and was sorely deprived of it. So, as her eyelids drifted closed, she thought to herself, only a moment. Only a moment's sleep and she would be back on full alert. That was her last thought before sleep took her.
Suzuka woke to Hakura's pained cry and a heavy blow to the head. She felt herself fall forward, landing on her face. Struggling to right herself she noticed her hands were bound with thick chains. Men laughed hartily at her thrashing and she shifted her head, pushing her cloake back enough to be able to see them. Eight large men stood over her with haughty expressions. One, she noticed, looked a great deal like the man she had killed back at the bar.
Said man stepped forward and said, "Little bitch! You killed my brother! Now you and that brat are gonna pay!"
Suzuka was unconcerned for her safety, but one glance to the right made her blood boil.
One of the men had Hakura chained in much the same manner and pressed face-down into the ground, his foot on the small of her back holding her down as she squirmed.
"Hakura!" the small girl screamed. "Hakura! My name's Hakura!!"
The man removed his foot only long enough to kick the girl in the side, sending her back into agonized silence.
"So," one of the other men questioned. "Should we keep them, kill them, or sell them?"
The leader chuckled sinisterly and said, "Sell them. The brat may not bring much, but imagine the price we could get for a lord's bastard daughter!"
That was it. Suzuka had seen too many people she loved suffer at the hands of others, and the mere mention of her father drove her into a rage. She let out an ominous growl and began laughing quietly.
The men all became silent, aware of the great power this hanyou possessed.
"Are you sure her chains are strong enough?" one asked.
The leader nodded, but decided to check anyway. He reached down to jiggle them, but in a flash his head was firmly between the upstreatched feet of Suzuka. With one twist and a crack of bones his head was renched to the side and nearly ripped clean off. She let his body fall to the ground as the others began to back up. She raised herself to one knee, head bowed slightly, cloak hiding her expression. Pushing up she rose to her feet. A loud snap rang out as the chains binding her hands were snapped in two, falling to the grass. It was then that she looked up, her cloak falling completely open. Her eyes were blood red. Her hair was no longer red, but silver and two green stripes marked each cheek. Her fangs had elongated and protruded wickedly over her grin. She raised a claw and flexed it, looking for her next victim.
"Ah! AHHH!!!" The men all broke loose and ran terrified through the woods, trying to escape their impending deaths.
The transformed hanyou made chase, her cloak flaring out behind her like devil wings. One by one she hunted each man down and tore him limb from limb as he screamed in agony, ripping into their flesh and feeling their blood bathe her in it's twisted glory. When each one was dead, she still felt driven to kill. So she raised her nose to the air and sniffed. The smell of many humans mixed with a few demons met her nose. Laughing maniacally she made her way in the direction of the scent, in the direction of the city.
Once there she went on a rampage, destroying every life she came across. When she finally returned to her senses it was standing before a crying child and the lifeless bodies of his parents. She quickly made her way back to the place she had last been, in her rational mind. There sat Hakura, cowering behind a tree, still chained. She broke the small girl's chains and picked her up without a word. She couldn't stay with her. She knew it. She knew that she couldn't possibly trust herself around the child with all the rage she felt inside at the time.
Suzuka took Hakura to a trusted friend's, leaving her in her custody. She made her friend promise that she would care for her and teach her everything she would need to know. Her friend had been a dancer earlier in life and had incorporated the art of dance and fans into her battle style. Jade, that was her name. It was said of her that the only thing deadlier than her razor sharp fans was her razor sharp wit. Suzuka knew that Hakura would grow into a fine and powerful woman under Jade's care.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The humans had attributed the attacks to a tiger. But Hakura had seen the devestation her friend could cause with such little effort. She had indeed become both smart and powerful with Jade's tutorlage. Even going so far as to master the deadly steel fans she now carried with her. She had been confused when Suzuka had left her with Jade, but her sensei had explained to her. She had told her of the great hate Suzuka bore for many people and that this hate burned within her like an ember just waiting to ignite. She understood eventually why she had to go, and was overjoyed when she finally returned many years later. At first she hadn't even recognized her. She seemed so calm and at peace. Lighthearted and free. But she had come to love her like a sister and would willingly lay down her life for the woman who had saved hers, though taken so many in return. That was why she supported her wholeheartedly in the plans that had been made. She would fight by her side and they would emerge victorious together.
With a small smile, she watched her savior fade into the distance as she made her way back to the mortal world, back to her sensei's home, and back to the warrior's awaiting her there.
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"So," Suzuka said after the boat had disappeared from sight. "I suppose we should go meet the others now."
Sesshoumaru's eyes locked on hers, refusing to move. The strangest thing had happened to him just now. He had heard words, spoken in his mind. "I am the soul of imagination. I see what the eyes cannot see. I hear what the ears cannot hear. I feel what the mortal heart cannot feel." they had said. Then he had seen a vision of Suzuka. He had seen her rescue the hanyou pup then go on to masacre an entire city. It was odd, but he knew what he had seen was a vision of the past. As he stared into her smiling eyes he thought to himself, such pain. Such anger. How does she hide it?
Suzuka was getting more than a little uncomfortable as he continued his relentless stare. She couldn't for the life of her figure out what he was doing. So, she did the only thing she could think of. She waved a hand in front of his face. "Hello? Anyone in there?" she asked, waving her hand back and forth.
Suddenly he caught her hand and held if firmly in his. "How do you do it?" he asked emotionlessly.
She blinked once, twice, not sure if she had caught his words correctly and said confused, "How do I do what?"
He maintained both his hold on her hand and her eyes. "How do you maintain such a carefree facade while in so much inner tormoil?"
Her eyes clouded over and after a brief pause she tore her hand away and turned to leave. "I don't know what you're talking about." she stated firmly.
He grabbed her by the arm and spun her around, gripping her upper arms tightly. He wasn't about to let her get away. He wanted to know, and what he wanted he always got. He delved into the depths of her golden eyes again and for once wished they were green. He didn't know how but her eyes always seemed to reflect more emotion when they were green. But perhaps, it was because she was used to having to hide her form while at the same time having to hide her feelings too.
Staring up into Sesshoumaru's eyes, Suzuka felt she could get lost in them and never return. She knew what he was asking her, but she didn't know how he knew. She didn't know how he could see the pain hidden behind her own emotionless eyes. But remembering the pain was like reliving it, and she wouldn't allow herself to lose the control she had fought to obtain. Still, she could feel tears begin to well up in her eyes. "I...I don't know what you mean." she repeated, though with less conviction this time. Against her wish the tears began to overflow and spill down her face. She couldn't belive she was crying. What reason was there to cry!? Things that were in the past! Nothing more. She shouldn't cry over the past!
Suddenly she felt Sesshoumaru's hands pull her close and his arms wrapped around her waist. She tensed for a minute, then relaxed into his embrace. Clutching to his chest she allowed herself to sob out all her pent up emotions.
Sesshoumaru stared in wonder at the beautiful creature he held in his arms. He didn't know what had come over him, but when he saw her begin to cry he felt an overwhelming need to protect her from whatever pain she had experienced in life. So he held her and he didn't let go. Eventually he felt her sobs cease and expected her to pull away. But instead he heard a single sentence, barely above a whisper.
"He killed them." she said softly.
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(A/N) okay, now I'm gonna try to explain a bit about people's past. This chapter was obviously about Hakura. And if you're wondering, the reason Sesshoumaru saw that little flashback is because of the spell Suzuka cast. She was still very young when she cast it and didn't know it would work both ways. She saw his life and now he'll see hers.
I can't believe how much this story reflects my life! I'm really putting a lot of myself into Suzuka. And my father in here very much reflects how I see my own father. Deep, ne? (goes off to grope unsuspecting bishys)
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Reviews! Reviews! (skips merrily through the wildflowers) I love reviews! (trips over something incredibly bishy, radiantly silver, and luckily breathing) O_O SESSHOUMARU!! (fade to black as things quickly get X-rated)
bluefuzzyelf: O_O Wow! Someone had too much pocky! What have you been eating, girl!? I take it you were happy with my portrayal of you? How about this chapter? Angsty enough past for you?
lilhillbillie: LOL!!!! You have no idea how long I laughed at your review! I was trying to go to sleep and STILL laughing! I will never forget that line; "Oh my dear, sweet kami, are all monks this blessed?" If Miroku weren't already taken in this fic, I'd give him to you! ^_^
Jodea Moondreamer: Hey! I'm updating. Please don't kill me! I know I told you this would be your chapter, but things just kinda developed this way. But next chapter is yours for sure! (softly so she won't notice) ...maybe not the way you wanted, but...