-Wakarimasen8-
AN: I'm still dying, but due to your (few) compassionate reviews, I'm feeling slightly better. *Sniff-sniff* I didn't answer a few reviews last time, because... *whimpers* because... Gomen. Gomen, gomen, gomen!
It's so unfair we can't insert direct links here; do any of you know why? I got my own account on 'Mediaminer.org', I asked a friend of mine to use hers before. (That answers your question, Alex-chan. ^_^ ) I don't have any pix there yet, 'cause I don't know what to draw. Anyone has any ideas?
AN2: I want to include some historical things in this story, just a little, like the ancient customs, beliefs and traditions, etc, etc, I hope that you are with me. .I hope I please everyone!
AN3: I decided to turn this story into a heart-throbbing Jacken/Kagome fic! Oh, will the two, enflamed hearts be able to bear the pressure that cruel love puts them through? Just kidding.
AN4: Ha-ha... Another one. In the last chapter you probably noticed some weird stuff. Don't mind it. Just experimenting. Today's experiment.... Failed. Can anyone please tell me now to keep the things I made in italic, italic? Please! A matter of life or death. Really. I just can't express some things without that. Anyone who tells me shall be rewarded in Heaven. * Folds hands, bows head *
Well, on with the chapter!
Disclaimer: The original story and the characters belong to the Notorious Rumiko Takahashi Kami Sama. And I don't claim them to be mine.
(Little vocab, requested by Hanoi, at the bottom.)
-Chapter8-
"Sesshoumaru... To the rescue!"
Inuyasha sat in his room, twitching his leg, with his hand supporting his chin, looking into nowhere. Shippou sat on his head, grinning. "Inuyasha." He said, snapping the hanyou out of his temporary trance. "So, you're finally going to have a bath?" He giggled, tugging him on the ear. "And you're not gonna be so stinky!" Inuyasha jumped up. "Teme! Kodomo! I'm not smelly!" Shippou jumped out of hitting range, sticking out his tongue. "Wanna bet?" Inuyasha growled. "Oh yeah?" This little kid was getting on his nerves. Really. What did the girls find in this little brat anyway? He was just a little suck-up!
Always nice in front of the girls, and turned into a little, nasty monster the moment they turned away. And everybody believed the little pest! Shippou was such a devil.
Shippou watched the enraged hanyou, wondering in return what Kagome saw in him. 'He's so mean!' he sat down on the floor, remembering how the half demon always stole his treats when nobody watched. Of course, he got his payback when he got 'osuwaried'...
The rice-paper door slid open and a richly dressed girl entered, bowing deeply. "My lord, I'm to show you to the bathhouse." She said quietly, her eyes still glued to the polished floor beneath her. Inuyasha gaped at her. 'MY LORD?' "Tell her to rise, you baka!" Shippou whispered urgently, tugging on the confused hanyous' already abused to the limit ear. Inuyasha cleared his throat chastely, making his voice lower. "Rise."
The girl rose, her hands held in front of her, smiling timidly. "My lord, do you wish to bathe now, or later?" Inuyasha felt rather awkward, not knowing what to do. Shippou whispered again. "Say you wish to bathe! Baka."
"Please... I wish to bathe now." He replied, much to her comfort; she was still new to the job, and didn't wish to serve the master's brother, having heard some nasty things about the master from some more experienced court Naishi-no-Kamis. (1) She bowed slightly. "Then you might wish to follow me, my lord." And slid out of the room, followed by trembling Inuyasha and mischievously smirking Shippou.
They were met by the same silver haired guard, who led them outside, out of the wooden gates and into the dark forest, which echoed with the night's sounds. Inuyasha smelled the girls fear and looked at her. Her brown eyes darted back and forth, and she strongly reminded him of Kagome. He took a step towards her and put a hand on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly at her surprised face. She looked down on the ground, feeling safe with his strong arm on her shoulder, wondering why would someone as high be worried about her, because she felt it was concern, and nothing else. Well, perhaps a little grief... But she couldn't help feeling reassured in his touch; she hadn't felt so secure ever since she came to serve at the Taihen castle, as it was nicknamed by all those familiar with it. Serving at the castle seemed like good idea at first, but the reality proved itself to be far from her dreams, being a simple kitsune, not from a noble family, proved itself to be a fatal problem. She was given the dirtiest jobs, pushed around and ignored. She had only gotten the honorable task of serving the young lord because all others were afraid.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as his hand left her shoulder, as they approached the majestic building, steam escaping through the small cracks in the roof and through the windows.
Hiroko stopped at the doors and turned to face the hanyou. "I shall wait here until you are done... My lord." Inuyasha grinned, and went inside, he ended up in front of another pair of doors, and two guards stood in front of him, blocking the way.
Hiroko sighed, closing his eyes slowly. 'Here comes...' Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, growling slightly. "Temera..." one of the guards noticed his golden eyes and ears, and nudging his companion, bowed. "Forgive us, my lord. We didn't recognize you in the dark!" "Keh!" Inuyasha pushed the door open and walked in, looking around, amazed. The building was even bigger than it seemed from the outside, illuminated by high oil lamps, bathing the steaming waters in twilight. The bath it self was as big as a small lake, and surrounded by big, gray boulders. He gasped slightly as he felt the girl, who he had already forgotten about, slide his fire rat robe off his shoulders, and tug on his pants; he spun around. "I can do that myself, if you don't mind." He muttered gruffly. "And turn around." The girl smiled as she turned around. The lords' brother certainly was weird, with his habits and cute ears. And who would've thought he was so modest? When she heard the soft splash, she turned around, to see him sitting in the water, his eyes half closed and blushing slightly, from the hot water, or something else... "My lord?" he opened his eyes, when a loud splash interrupted them. "Yiiii!" Shippou landed in the middle of the pool, giggling frantically as he surfaced. The girl smiled, 'AND he has a little fox-brat following him around...'
"My lord, do you wish for me to bathe you?" She asked hopefully, now sure she has taken a liking on this weird youth. Inuyasha blushed, "No, thank you. I'm afraid I shall decline the offer." He answered quietly. She smiled and sat on the floor, not far from the spring, watching the little kit splash around in the water. "As you wish, my lord."
Outside, the two guards exchanged glances, sweatdropping. "Moron." Said one. The other one nodded slowly. "Or boy-lover." (2) They shrugged.
*
Finally dragging the crying kit out of the bathing house, Inuyasha was brought back to his room, and thinking that he could relax, he felt the girls' hands on his shoulders. "My lord, lay down so I can relax your tired muscles..." her soft voice said. Blushing furiously, he lay down on his stomach, putting his arms under his chin, glaring at the giggling kit in front of him.
"I'll tell Kikyou..." Shippou giggled. "I'll tell Kagome..." Inuyasha growled. "Look, cut it out already, will you!" The girl massaging his back frowned at the kits words, as steel like muscles contracted under her fingers. "My lord." Inuyasha relaxed. "Keh." And closed his eyes, enjoying the soft caresses the girl left on his back...
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Damned humans!" Jacken grumbled, pulling his old legs up the short incline towards the place where the human stumbled to on her short, clumsy legs. "Sesshoumaru! I'm scared!" He mocked in a rough approximation of the girls' falsetto. "She's scared!" He snorted. "So why is HE supposed to comfort her? Why am I supposed to go looking for her?" He asked himself loudly, already knowing the answer. Because the humans have him wrapped around their chubby fingers! That's why.
After going around a tree root, he stopped, looking at an Ai no Hito plant lying on the mossy soil. 'Hmm. Strange. The humans footprints end here.'
He squawked as a pair of strong arms grabbed him from behind, wrenching the staff out of his green hands and hitting him on the head with it. 'Sesshoumaru-sama...' thought the old toad before surrendering to unconsciousness.
*
Sesshoumarus' patience was weaning dangerously thin and tense... If he were a lower ranked youkai, he would have sworn crawling minutes ago; but unlike his lowlife sibling... He snorted, he was a lord, and didn't need the mortal need of swearing.
Half an hour passed.
"K'sou." He growled, realizing that even purebloods had a need for foul language. Where ARE his stinking servant and the scatterbrained miko?! Ever since he became the lord of the western lands, his life became filled to the brim with petty troubles. "Sesshoumaru-sama?" He groaned. AND this human whelp. "Yes. Rin." He managed through gritted teeth, not turning to face the little pest. "Sesshoumaru-sama, do you think Kagome-sama is safe?" She asked, worry plain in her high, clear voice.
Sesshoumaru was starting to get annoyed with the fact that others realized things before he did.
"Iguzo."
He followed the sweet scent that trailed off into the woods, preferring it to the swampy scent of his retainer. He frowned as his sensitive nose picked up another, slightly familiar scent... He reached the place, looking at the small weed on the ground; he bent down and picked it up, passing it to Rin. "Hold this." "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Sesshoumaru winced. "And stay quiet." "Ha-" He swung around to face the stupid human, offering her one of his best death-glares.
He frowned, looking around the forest. The attackers were long gone, for their scent was slightly old. 'Dragons.' He suppressed a sigh of annoyance. 'That's all I need.'
* Kagome opened her eyes, the vision blurred before her eyes and rubbed them. "Itaiii..." She rubbed the back of her head gingerly, wincing as her fingers came in contact with the source of her pain, feeling a huge bump. She sat up, looking around, noticing that her rear and back were frozen and felt numb with cold. She sat up and noticed a pair of yellow, round eyes staring at her. "Jacken!" She exclaimed. "Urusai! Chikoushou!" (Shuddup! B****!) * Smack!* Kagome stood up, looking around her, gaping at the huge cave she was imprisoned in, noticing a rather nasty looking table with all sorts of weird looking metallic... Sharp... She gasped. Torture chamber. Jacken got up, dusting his robe, muttering something about female dogs. Kagome turned to him. "Jacken. Where are we?" Jacken scoffed, nice. All humans ever cared about was themselves! And she had just hit him almost hard enough to crack his poor, old head open, any respect for toads?!
Another smack on the head answered his question fully. "I'm asking you!" The human towered above him.
Jacken turned away, feigning ignorance and turned his beak up at the ceiling. 'Why can't my Master find a sane human?' He thought, unaware that the girls' eyes were slowly starting to glow red. (To show that she's really p.oed.) "Jacken." Small beads of sweat broke on his face and ran down at the voice that echoed through the cave. He slowly turned around... Kagome stood above him, her hands on her hips. "What now?" He asked, trying to sound as angry as possible. Kagomes psychotic smile twitched. "Where are we?" She asked. 'Man this toad is annoying!'
Jacken scoffed, turning away. "How should I know, wench!" Kagome stiffened, and walked towards the torturing table, looking through the instruments which were laying there, in a generous disarray. Jacken turned around slowly, preparing himself for another verbal battle with the human, instead finding her standing next to the... His eyes widened in horror, shivering involuntarily, picturing her slicing him open.
Jacken took a few cautious steps away from the human.
* Kagome looked at the generous display of torturing devices, fingering their sharp points. As a smell of rancid fat filled her nostrils, she pulled her hand away, wondering how many people lost their life or sanity to those ghoulish instruments. When she heard Jacken call her... What he called her, it set off reverberations in the area she considered locked and ignored, sending tears to her eyes. She sniffed and sat on the edge of the table, slightly brown with layers of blood covering it, not really noticing it. The metal door clanged, catching her attention. She saw same red eyes she noticed yesterday, as a tall, dark frame entered the cave, looking at her. "Miko?" he asked. She jumped off the table, upsetting a few instruments in the process. She picked them up and placed them on the table, turning to the now sweatdropping intruder. "Hai, my name is Kagome. And," She eyed him suspiciously. "Might I ask where I am and who you are?" The stranger sighed. "You are a prisoner to the Dragon Hime-sama." "Oh." A soft gasp escaped her lips. The person whose face was hidden by the shadows walked up to her, until he was inches away from her, and she was able to make out his rich, red, silk robe and an exquisite sword hanging by his side. (Only describing his clothes may take a chapter, so... Imagine Sesshys' robe, red.) "Tell me, miko." A dark frown marred his brow. Upon which Kagome noticed a dark red, almost black design, thorns entwined with each other, forming something like... She sweatdropped inwardly. A heart. "Why did you say the name 'Orito'?" Kagome widened her eyes. "Why, do you know him?" She was cut short from asking any more questions by his very convincing growl. "Low lives, like you, address high ranking nobles as 'Lord.'" He growled. "Sorry, my Lord." She bowed as far as the distance between them would allow.
"Yes, I am familiar with the name." he said finally, satisfied with her clumsy excuse. Jacken narrowed his yellow eyes. He's never liked the dragon; he knew he was a traitor, he should've warned Sesshoumaru-sama! "Miko. Where is he?" Asked the noble sir thingy. Kagome blinked, "Orito, sir?" He narrowed his crimson eyes at her stupidity. "Oh, he's in Lord Sesshoumarus castle!" She explained quickly. "But why do you want to know?" "Because he's my son." Jacken closed his eyes, covering his head with his hands. 'How much more stupid can she get?' He thought, rocking back and forth. 'Maybe she should tell the dragon that he's dying, as well?' "But..." Kagome fiddled with her fingers, avoiding the dragons trying gaze. "I'm afraid he's ill." Jacken fell down flat on his stomach. Damn. The chikoushou will get them both killed... He didn't mind her getting killed; he could come up with a tragic story of her death, but not him! He still had a life to live, he did! This Jacken had to only wait until the little human grows old and dies, and then... His eyes became black, with quivering, white patches. Then... None of these stinky flower chains... And the moment it happens... Old blood and guts, just like those wonderful days in the past... 'We'll travel through the wild territories, just the two of us... To find some real excitement; vicious onii, lairs of ogres, cursed—
"He's what?!" Boomed the echoing voice of the dragon across the cavern. "He was attacked, my Lord!" Kagome leaned back, wringing her hands desperately, "but he's recovering!" He arched a brow, so much like Sesshoumarus... "Who could have attacked Orito, and injured him?" He asked suspiciously. Kagome tried desperately to remember the name. "Ionaga..." She blushed. "Something." Jacken sweatdropped.
The lords' fiery eyes widened. "Ionaga no Sugu?" He asked, visibly in shock. Kagome nodded furiously. "Yes! That's the guy!" Oritos father was still confused. "But the creature was sealed, wasn't it..." He sounded more like he was talking to himself, and seemed amused when Kagome answered him. "Yes, he was. But now he's free again, is he so awful? Hmm, he must be, even Sesshoumaru seemed scared..." Oritos father sighed, rolling his eyes slightly.
"Where are you from?" He asked, "I've never seen anyone with less knowledge than you!" Kagome spluttered. "Excuse me!" She exclaimed. "Apology accepted." He grinned. "Now, girl. Tell, me, what does Orito look like?" Kagome, unaware that he was asking her merely because he doubted her, or else she would have most likely thrown a tantrum, began describing the dark retainer she had come across, not missing any details. "But his hair was down, not like yours," she finished her description, eyeing the lords tight ponytail, and looking him in the eyes.
"What's wrong, my lord?" She asked, noticing his weird look. "You really do talk a lot, don't you? -_-'" "Well, you said I should describe him! ^_^'" (Sorry, couldn't restrain from using faces... ^_^') He sighed, "Never mind. Anything else?" He asked suspiciously. "Yes... She added slowly, remembering his weird looking scar. "He had a long scar on his left cheek." The lord seemed confused. "Yes... But I meant something else." 'What about his mark?' he thought, 'Is it possible that the boy is still a v-' "Sir, why have we been captured?" He looked down on her.
"You are a bait for Sesshoumaru." he said and left Kagome and Jacken in perfect silence, as his soft footsteps and the rustle of silk faded away in the darkness.
Jacken groped for his staff, desperate to bash the idiotic human on her empty head. "What did you think you were doing?!" He squawked, but froze as he saw her running towards him. "Wha-" but he was cut off as she kneeled down and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, Jacken!" She cried, and he felt something hot drip on his head. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, amazed. The human sniffed and put him down, wiping her eyes. "Sorry, Jacken, for getting you into all this." She sniffed pitifully, actually making Jackens' cold blood a little warmer. "So there, human!" He said, patting her jean-clad knee affectionately. "Sesshoumaru-sama will save us!" He said, proudly puffing his small chest out. The human stopped crying and looked at him, smiling.
He felt so much like comforting Rin...
"Thank you, Jacken." The girl whispered as she settled down on the stone floor next to him. Jacken watched her for a while, before walking over to where the torture table was and picking up one of the instruments she'd missed. At least, thanks to her clumsiness, he now had a weapon of some sort. He eyed it critically. 'Hmm. It looks like the strange knives my masters' slave uses to trim His nails...' He sighed. If it was the best weapon Kami could offer, he had to live it down, and troubled by his annoying thoughts, he resumed his position next to the already sleeping human, eyeing her wearily. 'Humans and their carelessness...'
*
Sesshoumaru, under watchful eyes of a so skilled dragon youkai spy, that even the Lord of the Western Lands disregarded his presence, and made his way towards the 'un scheming' Dragon Himes fortress, almost growling in frustration at the problems surrounding him.
*
"Get up!" Came an urgent whisper. "Get up, Miko!" Kagome sat up and rubbed her eyes. She had just had a nightmare; she was running to school, and could already hear the bell, but then she realized she was still wearing her extra large T-shirt that served her as pajamas and didn't have her school bag with her, and on top of that, Yasunoru, with staring, white eyes was running next to her, telling her to hurry up, but when she was out of breath and told him so, he nodded, not so much as breathing heavily and said. "Oh, yes, I forgot. Your legs are too short." Kagome punched him, and realized in horror, that her hand went through his skin and flesh, embedding itself deep inside his cold torso...
She gasped for air, staring into a pair of red eyes in front of her. "Get up, get ready to leave!" Kagome closed her eyes. "Mum... I don't want to go to school today, Yasunoru is still dead... I don't have my books... And mum, why do you have red-" She snapped her eyes open to stare at Oritos father, who had a huge sweat drop on his raven hair.
He got up and pulled her up with ease. "Wake him." He pointed to Jacken, who had fallen asleep, and was drooling all over the torturing device. A few blue, vertical lines crossed the dragons face. 'I'll save that for special criminals.' He thought, picking up the fanged scissors and throwing them on the table with a loud * clang * wincing. Kagome winced with him. "Ano... Aren't the guards going to hear you at this rate?" She inquired. "I'm your guard."
"Oh."
"And where are you taking us?"
He turned to her.
"Out."
"Why? Aren't you supposed to be guarding us?" "I want to see my son." Kagome flinched, another suicide. And this time to see his beloved.
"You are to wear this." He handed her a massive kimono, Kagome took it and oofed. "It sure is heavy." Chuckled the guard indulgently. "You shall become a dragon yudze (3) for the night." Kagome raised a brow. "I will pretend I hired one for tonight."
Kagomes face turned a curious shade of purple.
"That's the only way." He said. "But what about my aura?" Asked Kagome desperately. "And I can't see a thing in this mask!" She protested, having already put on the meddlesome robe and veiled mask. "That's what I'm here for. But I must warn you." his voice became solemn again, the harsh edge back in his voice. "On no account must you speak or try to feel others auras. In other words, keep your aura as low as possible. Just keep silent, and trust me. For if we are caught, the penalty for impersonating a dragon, even a yudze, is terrible indeed, miko."
"What is it?" Kagome asked, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.
"Roasting," Said the dragon youkai simply. "Roasting alive on the main square. Now, let's go."
*
"Steady." Whispered Oritos father, leading her and the still sleeping Jacken, whom she had hidden in her immense, left sleeve, holding her by her hand. "Its just a night walk. Nothing to worry about." But the sounds made Kagomes blood run cold. How long have they been walking? In her growing panic it seemed like hours – although it could only have been minutes; half an hour at the most. She wanted to ask the youkai who was holding her hand, but it would be madness to utter so much as a single word. Her feet were frozen and numb, and hurt as she stepped on little pebbles, not being used to walking barefoot.
Kagome was aware of the clattering of shoes on the wooden bridge they were crossing, as the lower samurai made way for the dragon general, grinning at his companion. "Have fun tonight, Hajake-sama!" Came a harsh, masculine voice. "Out of my way, you rascals." he said in a joking voice.
The voices sounded all around them. Kagomes heart was thumping like a hammer. She battled to control her churning stomach and the panic rising in her throat. "Don't get too drunk, you, low lives, or else Sesshoumaru will find the city asleep when he comes." A roar of laughter met his joke. "Keep it together, miko. Almost there. Once we cross the bridge, we'll be out through the gates." He whispered urgently out of the corner of his mouth.
Out of the corner of her eye Kagome glimpsed a tall, imposing dragon youkai bedecked in finery, leaning onto the wooden railings casually and flanked on either side by smaller, but no less gaudy companions. She shivered, her feet were sore, and her heart felt like it was about to burst.
Kagome forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. She hunched her shoulders, convinced that the piercing eyes of the dragons would unmask her at any moment. "Wait!" A raucous voice rang out. Kagome froze.
The weird, veiled mask on her face rattled dangerously, threatening to reveal her identity. "Do we stay up all night like this?" The voice behind her asked. The older dragon tightened his grasp on her hand, calming her. "Unless you fall asleep, that is, yes." He drawled. Kagome could feel the dragon behind her stiffen in shame. "Sir, why are you leaving the city?" Kagomes' heart missed a beat, her skin prickled. Here's the end of her journey. Kagome Higurashi was roasted alive for impersonating a dragon youkai yudze. She could just see the headlines. "Well," Oritos fathers' voice brought her back to the present. "If it were any other time you dared question me, I would've killed you." Kagome gulped, he sounded so... Natural. She could feel the other soldiers fear rise. "But since I'm in a good mood, and with a companion," The other dragons all fell silent, paying all their attention to the trio. "I'll be generous and let you keep your life." Kagome could just see him smirking sadistically. "And I'll answer. I don't think you'd want to hear her cry." he said quietly, menace lacing his low, clear voice.
Silence.
Someone cried out. "Go Hajake-sama! Show her what a man you are!" the cry was joined by a multitude of other crude things Kagome didn't even know could be produced by a human mouth. Well, a dragon youkai mouth, to be precise.
"Quickly now." Hajakes' voice sounded urgently in her ear. "Before they all start bugging me." They walked on in a nightmare of tension and uncertainty, Kagome catching glimpses of evil dragon faces as they made their way to the main gate, all the time in terror of her mask falling from her head. She felt Jacken wriggle in her left sleeve, indicating that he woke up, not wanting the toad to start shouting in demand that she puts him down, she clamped a hand over his slippery beak, wincing, but glad that the cumbersome robe provided enough room for her to move relatively freely.
'Ugh!'
Jacken had just woken up from a nice dream of him and Sesshoumaru Sama. (He, he. Jacken sometimes DOES act rather weird towards his master, making one wonder...) The old toad instead found himself dangling upside down in a massive sleeve, but before he could so much as squawk, a clammy hand was pressed to his mouth, choking him. He tried to free himself, wriggling, but only ended up more tangled in the soft, under-robe, leaving him motionless.
Kagome felt that the toad was not struggling anymore and let go, feeling him go limp. 'Oh, my. I choked Jacken. But at least he's still breathing.' She sighed. 'I don't want to answer to Sesshoumaru for killing his retainer. I'll apologize later.'
Hajake guided her through the gates, and Kagome could feel her muscles relax a little as a cool, night breeze washed over her.
After a bit of walking, Hajake let go of her hand and turned to her, taking off her mask. Her heavy mass of hair fell on her shoulders, and a deep sigh escaped her dark pink lips. Hajake smiled at the pretty sight. She did look like both his second and first wife, only younger. The massive, red kimono trailed behind her on the ground slightly, due to her height.
Kagome widened her eyes as his began to glow, his jaki raising. The piece of string holding his hair in a tight ponytail ripped and his ebony black mane cascaded down his wide shoulders and back. He cast his fiery glance to the sky, and with one, slight growl, his body lengthened and he became a black, sleek dragon. He had a slightly doggish face, sleek, black fur and his feet were like those of a bird of prey. Kagomes full lips parted slightly in awe.
No matter how many times she saw the transformations, they never ceased to amaze her. Without giving her time to even notice what was going on, he darted forwards and under her, picking her up on his back and flew upwards. Kagome barely had time to grab onto his long mane to prevent herself from losing balance.
"Hajake-sama!" She cried in mock anger, tugging him slightly on the long hair, causing him to turn around, with a twinkle in his ruby eye, his black lips forming something that could be called a grin, revealing a row of perfectly white, razor sharp teeth. Kagome gulped. "Hajake-sama, don't look at me that way!" He snorted slightly, turning away, and went forward so fast that Kagome lost her grip and started falling down into the gaping darkness below...
*
Sesshoumaru growled slightly as he flew towards the fortress, his form a blurry, white spot appearing here and there. Ah-Un was already at his limit, and was whinnying pitifully. Sesshoumaru appeared in front of the dragons face, glaring at him. "Silence, you flea ridden grass-bag!" He growled, and sensed someone behind him. He turned around quickly, Dokatsu ready and embedded his hand in someone's chest with a soft 'squelch' The dragons' eyes widened in surprise, but he lowered the sword he was holding, slicing through Sesshoumarus left shoulder. It was of little comfort, but a least he injured the infamous Taiyoukai before slipping under the silvery surface of Sanzu River (4), not leaving so much a ripple as the cold waters of eternity closed above him. Sesshoumaru kicked the dying youkai off his arm, ripping his heart out in the process, frowning at his monotonous method of killing. He should come up with something better.
Perhaps ripping their brains out.
He looked at his bleeding shoulder, the wound was weeping painfully, but the not so much as a wince marred the cold Taiyoukais face. 'Hn. At least its not my sword arm. The bastard was good. He almost succeeded.' He thought grimly as he looked down on the now still corpse on the ground before him, the moon reflecting in his wide-open eyes. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" He turned around. 'Damn. The brat saw it.' "Sesshoumaru-sama, are you hurt?" Her high voice asked, causing him to turn around in surprise. The human wasn't afraid of him, more, she was worried about him! "Sesshoumaru-sama!" Big inquisitive, brown eyes. "Are you sure you're ok?" "I'm fine Rin." He stubbornly held onto his emotionless mask as a white-hot pain seared through his shoulder, making his nauseous. He sniffed at his wound. 'Poison.'
He looked at Ah-Un. The poor beast sighed. 'He'll now tell me to stay here with the girl. Sure enough, he looked at the human on my back, which is cue to ask what he needs.'
"Stay here and watch over the girl." He narrowed his eyes. "If anything happens to her, you'll answer with your life." And with that, he disappeared into the night. When they found a likable meadow, Rin slid off the reptiles' scaly back, followed by Ah-Uns soft grunt as he settled down on the grass, coiling around the girl to shelter her from the cold wind and dew.
*
Kagome screamed as she continued falling down, her massive clothes flapping madly in the wind. Hajake slid under her, catching her on his back and stopping her breath. She breathed heavily, her heart thumping madly. 'Perhaps I overdid it a bit.' he thought grimly as the human panted heavily on his back. He continued flying through the air, wriggling slightly, glancing at the pale girl on his back from time to time, frowning.
As the morning sun rose over the gloomy mountains slowly, the imposing, dark frame of Sesshoumarus castle came into view. Hajake smiled at the careless human who fell asleep on his back, still clutching onto his mane...
*
Sesshoumaru stood on top of the main gates of the fortress, coldly surveying the sleeping guards before taking their lives; silent as death herself. He looked down onto the wooden bridge, littered with sleeping dragon samurai and yudze. He snorted inwardly.
His knuckles cracked as the poison whip appeared. He jumped down from the gates, bending down softly to absorb some of his weight and walked over to the bridge. He melted one side of the wooden construction and went to the other, melting it as well. He stood silently, watching as a few splinters cracked, then bigger pieces, until with a silent 'crack' the wooden bridge, and all those upon it fell into the gaping emptiness below it, wondering what awaited those upon it. Sesshoumaru was aware of screams and running around him, but it all seemed blurry and distant. He dashed over the emptiness and out into the forest.
He quickly found Rin, and not wanting to lose precious minutes to wait until the massive youkai gets up, he grabbed the sleeping human and sped off in the direction of his castle, leaving the dazed reptile far behind. In a few hours, hours of labor and torture, he saw the outline of his castle, blurry, in front of him. His eyes burned, his heart was beating heavily against his chest plate, almost refusing to pump the boiling blood trough his tired body,
He was tired. So tired. But the small heartbeat next to his didn't let him slip into unconsciousness, reminding him that no matter how much he wanted to be free, there were those who depended on him, those whose lives he held in his clawed hands. An image of the smiling miko flashed through his dazed mind, the feeling of her small body next to his. His heart wrenched painfully, sending another jolt of pain through his burning body, making the Taiyoukai wince. She will die. Because of him.
Because he couldn't save her.
Sesshoumaru gently set the small human down, before collapsing on the wooden steps that led inside his castle.
*
Miroku sat on a green hill nearby Kaedes village, looking at the rising sun, his tanned skin was covered in dew and goose bumps, his throat felt like it was being ripped out, but still, the houshi refused to abandon his post. It has already been two days since Sango left, and there were still no either signs or news from her or Inuyasha. No matter how many times he told himself it was all right, inside, he was adamant.
It just didn't feel right. Ever since she told him she would marry him, he couldn't live without seeing her warm, sweet, but strong face for longer than a few hours. And now, he was feeling weak, both physically and mentally. He needed her. He tried ignoring it by spending time with the village girls, or helping Kaede, but something told him that something was wrong.
Kikyou watched the houshi, sharing his emotion.
Miroku jumped as she placed her small, pale hand on his shoulder, but didn't turn around. "Houshi-sama. Go get some rest, you look ill." She said quietly, but it was clear that it was more of a soft order than a suggestion. "Thank you, Kikyou-sama. I'll stay here." The monk replied silently. He heard the rustle of silk as she sat down beside him, forcing him to look in her face, to widen his eyes in surprise that she seemed... Worried. "Houshi-sama. Something strange is going on." She said quietly, bringing her raven eyebrows together slightly. He nodded. "I think we should both go to Sesshoumaru-samas castle." Miroku opened his mouth. "B-"
Kikyous frowned even more. "Something happened. I know you feel that too." She added, cutting off all escape ways for the houshi.
*
Miroku sighed in defeat. "Fine. Get on my back." Kikyou raised an eyebrow, and looked up into the sky. Miroku followed her gaze.
A swarm of shinidamachuu descended, dropping a few souls whish joined hers with a barely distinguishable 'whoosh'. He smiled, nodding. "Right." He felt slightly awkward in giving out orders. "L-lets go."
'If the undead miko feels worried.' He thought grimly, running under the trees, trying to keep up with her flying just above the treetops. 'Then there sure is something to worry about...'
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Well, here it is!
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Vocabulary:
Kodomo: Brat. (Sp?)
K'sou: Guys... You gotta know this one. It's what you say when you come to school and leave your school bag at home. Or the principal makes you clean the WC as a punishment for writing 'I'm looking for reinforcements. All those who consider themselves worthy undead, please come to my office, where you will sign up into my private army of The Undead. Signed: Principal' on a piece of old looking parchment and sticking it to his door...
Iguzo: Lets go. More like... Go after me, though....
Chikoushou: What Inuyasha called Kikyou when she pinned him to the tree. Or what he reluctantly calls Kagome after she sits him. Literally, a 'she dog.' ^_~'
Note 1: Naishi no Kami was a court lady, not really a geisha or a yudze, they were not officially concubines, and could stand up to samurai and other lesser faces, but had to submit to the master, usually with a natural, or a put on struggle. Customs... -_-' Their main purpose was to make the palace look better, so... I guess you could call them 'living bouquets'...
Note 2: It was common among Samurai to pleasure themselves with other samurai or boys, some liked women more, but thought that women didn't love. And that if you wanted a lover, you should look for one amongst men............... -_-' (Since they believed that only men went to heaven. I always wondered... How's a heaven a heaven, if there aren't any women there, huh? ^_^ )
Note 3: Yudzes were lowly geishas, if you prefer. If geishas mainly served at the tea house, poured tea and carried out other... Small pleasantries, yudze were the ones who actually got down to 'business'... Usually could be 'rented out' for a night, but had to walk barefoot. No idea why.
Note 4: People were believed to cross the Sanzu River after death, and I like using it like the symbol of life stuff thingy. Blah, blah, blah.
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Ah, my dear reviewers! Thank you SO much!
Mourning-kun: Here. Now. Don't worry. Begging is good! ^_~ It's good? Wau! Arigotou! Yeah, I actually planned Noru-chan to be a flat character, since he was there originally to die... (Just a sadistic way to bring Sess & Kag together.) But he turned out slightly more of a character than I expected, I guess I lost some readers there... ;_; But, oh well. I really do enjoy creating and killing characters. (Though, I wont be killing anyone else, for.... A while.) And this wasn't an exception. Glad someone's with me! I'm working on the 'moments', but keep in mind; Sesshoumaru is a heartless boulder, who cares for himself only. Sess: "Hn. You're right, human. And I don't care for Rin. And those huge, brown, quivering, cute eyes don't affect me either." * bends down so Rin can put a flower behind his ear * Taihen-sama: Ahem. I was saying, Sesshoumaru-sama is a heartless boulder, and Kagome is a damsel in distress. But I'm working on it! And can you please point out the grammar mistake?
Thank you for the review!
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Stacerue: I'm glad you're enjoying it. You think I did a good job with Sess? I'm glad. To be honest, I'm having a little bit of a hard time with portraying Kagome. I like her personality, but it's rather complex. I hope I'm doing an ok job with that! I'm glad you're with me about feudal Japan details. Some readers don't care much, I noticed, and it saddens me a lot! Japan is such a complex and interesting culture to study! I even came across one fic that had chairs, carpets, BEDS and all the rest.
Per-lease! No offence, just seemed weird... About Sess' virginity. Ahem. Most authors are girls, right? They like Fluffy, right? And don't like sharing, right? And they're jealous?
Right.
Just because they want him, the poor guy ends up as a v! Come on. His father was probably providing girls for him, and was worried about his sons 'manliness' so, sighs. And he needed to relieve himself of negative emotions towards his low-life sibling later on, and the best way to do that, except for murdering a whole army of youkai and possibly humans, is sex. Besides, come on. He was probably surrounded by the most beautiful and seductive youkai the society had to offer... So... I don't want to make it a long lecture, but it seems like whenever 'that' subject is involved, it end up as an essay. Kagome was too hooked up on school and she had nice friends before meeting Inuyasha, and liked him afterwards, so she's a v in my story. Besides, keep in mind that she's fifteen, fer crissakes! And lives in a shrine. Yeah, being sick does suck. You have a son? Sugoi! Hope he gets better soon. I know it's a bit early to plan for kids... But I don't think I want any in near (and far) future. I just want to feel secure before that. And a job as a manga-ka, though very unlikely, doesn't feel at all that secure. I'm learning Japanese v-intensively right now... Not that easy though. I know three languages already, and adding Japanese to the cocktail of languages isn't that easy, besides, I know three languages –fully- and I'm not counting all the greek, (I learnt it coz of philosophers and stuff. But its ugly.) a bit of german, a bit of jewish and latin. I was always amazed at people who know twelve, or at least seven languages and can actually TALK! I mean... I'm fine with writing, but when I talk, it sounds like... Oh here: Gomenasai! J'etais tres sleepy, et didn't finis hw. Iye! Pas the detention!" Well, something close to that.
Oh, gomen for babbling. You're probably not interested anyway... Sigh.
You'll be reading till the end? Wau! Arigotou! And you're welcome. ^_~
PS: Thanks for the idea... For the chapter title... Snicker.
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bad-girl4: Thanks! Yep Shippou' s back! How I love the little guy! Little kids are so good at scheming... (Referring to Rin-chan) Oh, btw, did you know that Shippous' seyiu is a woman? Thanks for the review!
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Waizu Yoru Ame Otome: (I finally learnt it!) Now I think that THIS is going to be long indeed... First of all, what on earth are you talking about when you say: Snake signature thingy?! Second. I'm 17. Third. Are you trying to poison me?! Fourth: Innocence and intelligence don't have anything in common. Smirk. Fifth: I'm glad you liked the chapter. Sixth: Err... Never heard (read -_-') a person call themselves mutts if they are a mix. Sheesh. You're not a mutt! Bad word to call one self! * Smacks sisty * I'm kind of a mix. Prefer keeping identity unrevealed. Seventh: Ha-ha. Eighth: Same as third. Ninth: How many languages do you know? Tenth: There is no number ten. Eleventh: Snicker. Twelfth:Sorry for snickering. Thirteenth: Ha-ha. I'm not superstitious! "Ahh! a Black Cat! Kawai!" ^-_- ^''' Fourteenth: Jaa, gotta go! Fifteenth: Really gotta go! Bai-bai! Thank you for the usual, long review! This time it was 3KB! Thank you, thank you, Jaa matte!
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Killiara- You're hooked? Kukuku! Read the rest and wait for more. ^_~ Thanks for the review!
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Shadaphilaro: Glad you like Shippou coming along, it was planned all along, don't start that 'You're the author.' thing! Pureasu! It's just that Kagome is kind of like a mother to him, and she loves the little dude, so... How could I separate them? I'm.... Not.... That... Cruel... ^_^'''' Sigh. Well, hope you like the following chappies! Thanks for the review and 'hope you get better.'!
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Hanoi: Ureshii desu ne that you like! (I'm happy....) See? I made the vocab for you!
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Spork of Foon: Oh, my hahahahahaha... Cool name! ^_^ You have my plushie? Awww... How sweet. Grin. It sure is not often that you meet a guy around here... Well, here's the update and the computer has an ax hanging above it, so I guess it'll be reasonable enough, *narrows eyes at it* and DOESN'T brake. happy you like it!
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RÑthдwen__Anger's Maiden: Oh, I see. Gomen. I later saw your name in FF and got it, but when I got the e-mail notification thingy, the letters after 'R' and 't' were Russian. -_-' So forgive moi. Sigh- I see. Poor me. Sigh. May I inquire who are the people that are taking my warm spot in your heart? ^_^ Yes. Ink and paper are mans worst enemy. Women have lately started dismissing real guys as a fleeting nuisance, in their craving for Japanese fiction men. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. But I don't blame them! Ah, well. Thank you for the review! Jaa!
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ioka: Grr. Grr. Don't tell me to hurry up! Grr. Grr. This Taihenmaru-sama will take as painfully long as he needs. Mortal. Here's the chapter! Arigotou for d review!
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SkyBlueSunShine: Thanks for the reviews! I'm sorry bout Yasunoru... Bring some flowers on his grave... Gomen. I'll probably lose some readers over this but... So be it.... If you're THAT worried, I'll only tell –you- that Kagome will later on meet his older brother. (Older siblings are the coolest, ne?) I'm sorry bout Japanese, I'll have glossary from now on. I know so much of it because I'm studying it, and planning to go to Japan after finishing college or whatever. To work either as a manga-ka or game designer or whatever. Professional artists say I have what it takes, only don't know the language.
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Liz-chanloverofAnime: Thanks for telling your friends! V-happy you like it!
^_^ I guess I'll go around happy today, grimly 'enjoying' my last day of holidays.
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Kuraii-chan: S'ok. Being sick sucks * cough-cough * so I forgive you, human. Thanks for ice-cream and pokey, too. I'm glad I'm a civilized youkai and have a fridge, so I can store the ice-cream for later. Confined to bed, huh? I was never, not even once confined! I confined myself before anyone could. ^_^ Sigh. If only there was someone nice next to me to –talk- to... I'm so bored! ^_~
AN: I'm still dying, but due to your (few) compassionate reviews, I'm feeling slightly better. *Sniff-sniff* I didn't answer a few reviews last time, because... *whimpers* because... Gomen. Gomen, gomen, gomen!
It's so unfair we can't insert direct links here; do any of you know why? I got my own account on 'Mediaminer.org', I asked a friend of mine to use hers before. (That answers your question, Alex-chan. ^_^ ) I don't have any pix there yet, 'cause I don't know what to draw. Anyone has any ideas?
AN2: I want to include some historical things in this story, just a little, like the ancient customs, beliefs and traditions, etc, etc, I hope that you are with me. .I hope I please everyone!
AN3: I decided to turn this story into a heart-throbbing Jacken/Kagome fic! Oh, will the two, enflamed hearts be able to bear the pressure that cruel love puts them through? Just kidding.
AN4: Ha-ha... Another one. In the last chapter you probably noticed some weird stuff. Don't mind it. Just experimenting. Today's experiment.... Failed. Can anyone please tell me now to keep the things I made in italic, italic? Please! A matter of life or death. Really. I just can't express some things without that. Anyone who tells me shall be rewarded in Heaven. * Folds hands, bows head *
Well, on with the chapter!
Disclaimer: The original story and the characters belong to the Notorious Rumiko Takahashi Kami Sama. And I don't claim them to be mine.
(Little vocab, requested by Hanoi, at the bottom.)
-Chapter8-
"Sesshoumaru... To the rescue!"
Inuyasha sat in his room, twitching his leg, with his hand supporting his chin, looking into nowhere. Shippou sat on his head, grinning. "Inuyasha." He said, snapping the hanyou out of his temporary trance. "So, you're finally going to have a bath?" He giggled, tugging him on the ear. "And you're not gonna be so stinky!" Inuyasha jumped up. "Teme! Kodomo! I'm not smelly!" Shippou jumped out of hitting range, sticking out his tongue. "Wanna bet?" Inuyasha growled. "Oh yeah?" This little kid was getting on his nerves. Really. What did the girls find in this little brat anyway? He was just a little suck-up!
Always nice in front of the girls, and turned into a little, nasty monster the moment they turned away. And everybody believed the little pest! Shippou was such a devil.
Shippou watched the enraged hanyou, wondering in return what Kagome saw in him. 'He's so mean!' he sat down on the floor, remembering how the half demon always stole his treats when nobody watched. Of course, he got his payback when he got 'osuwaried'...
The rice-paper door slid open and a richly dressed girl entered, bowing deeply. "My lord, I'm to show you to the bathhouse." She said quietly, her eyes still glued to the polished floor beneath her. Inuyasha gaped at her. 'MY LORD?' "Tell her to rise, you baka!" Shippou whispered urgently, tugging on the confused hanyous' already abused to the limit ear. Inuyasha cleared his throat chastely, making his voice lower. "Rise."
The girl rose, her hands held in front of her, smiling timidly. "My lord, do you wish to bathe now, or later?" Inuyasha felt rather awkward, not knowing what to do. Shippou whispered again. "Say you wish to bathe! Baka."
"Please... I wish to bathe now." He replied, much to her comfort; she was still new to the job, and didn't wish to serve the master's brother, having heard some nasty things about the master from some more experienced court Naishi-no-Kamis. (1) She bowed slightly. "Then you might wish to follow me, my lord." And slid out of the room, followed by trembling Inuyasha and mischievously smirking Shippou.
They were met by the same silver haired guard, who led them outside, out of the wooden gates and into the dark forest, which echoed with the night's sounds. Inuyasha smelled the girls fear and looked at her. Her brown eyes darted back and forth, and she strongly reminded him of Kagome. He took a step towards her and put a hand on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly at her surprised face. She looked down on the ground, feeling safe with his strong arm on her shoulder, wondering why would someone as high be worried about her, because she felt it was concern, and nothing else. Well, perhaps a little grief... But she couldn't help feeling reassured in his touch; she hadn't felt so secure ever since she came to serve at the Taihen castle, as it was nicknamed by all those familiar with it. Serving at the castle seemed like good idea at first, but the reality proved itself to be far from her dreams, being a simple kitsune, not from a noble family, proved itself to be a fatal problem. She was given the dirtiest jobs, pushed around and ignored. She had only gotten the honorable task of serving the young lord because all others were afraid.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as his hand left her shoulder, as they approached the majestic building, steam escaping through the small cracks in the roof and through the windows.
Hiroko stopped at the doors and turned to face the hanyou. "I shall wait here until you are done... My lord." Inuyasha grinned, and went inside, he ended up in front of another pair of doors, and two guards stood in front of him, blocking the way.
Hiroko sighed, closing his eyes slowly. 'Here comes...' Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, growling slightly. "Temera..." one of the guards noticed his golden eyes and ears, and nudging his companion, bowed. "Forgive us, my lord. We didn't recognize you in the dark!" "Keh!" Inuyasha pushed the door open and walked in, looking around, amazed. The building was even bigger than it seemed from the outside, illuminated by high oil lamps, bathing the steaming waters in twilight. The bath it self was as big as a small lake, and surrounded by big, gray boulders. He gasped slightly as he felt the girl, who he had already forgotten about, slide his fire rat robe off his shoulders, and tug on his pants; he spun around. "I can do that myself, if you don't mind." He muttered gruffly. "And turn around." The girl smiled as she turned around. The lords' brother certainly was weird, with his habits and cute ears. And who would've thought he was so modest? When she heard the soft splash, she turned around, to see him sitting in the water, his eyes half closed and blushing slightly, from the hot water, or something else... "My lord?" he opened his eyes, when a loud splash interrupted them. "Yiiii!" Shippou landed in the middle of the pool, giggling frantically as he surfaced. The girl smiled, 'AND he has a little fox-brat following him around...'
"My lord, do you wish for me to bathe you?" She asked hopefully, now sure she has taken a liking on this weird youth. Inuyasha blushed, "No, thank you. I'm afraid I shall decline the offer." He answered quietly. She smiled and sat on the floor, not far from the spring, watching the little kit splash around in the water. "As you wish, my lord."
Outside, the two guards exchanged glances, sweatdropping. "Moron." Said one. The other one nodded slowly. "Or boy-lover." (2) They shrugged.
*
Finally dragging the crying kit out of the bathing house, Inuyasha was brought back to his room, and thinking that he could relax, he felt the girls' hands on his shoulders. "My lord, lay down so I can relax your tired muscles..." her soft voice said. Blushing furiously, he lay down on his stomach, putting his arms under his chin, glaring at the giggling kit in front of him.
"I'll tell Kikyou..." Shippou giggled. "I'll tell Kagome..." Inuyasha growled. "Look, cut it out already, will you!" The girl massaging his back frowned at the kits words, as steel like muscles contracted under her fingers. "My lord." Inuyasha relaxed. "Keh." And closed his eyes, enjoying the soft caresses the girl left on his back...
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"Damned humans!" Jacken grumbled, pulling his old legs up the short incline towards the place where the human stumbled to on her short, clumsy legs. "Sesshoumaru! I'm scared!" He mocked in a rough approximation of the girls' falsetto. "She's scared!" He snorted. "So why is HE supposed to comfort her? Why am I supposed to go looking for her?" He asked himself loudly, already knowing the answer. Because the humans have him wrapped around their chubby fingers! That's why.
After going around a tree root, he stopped, looking at an Ai no Hito plant lying on the mossy soil. 'Hmm. Strange. The humans footprints end here.'
He squawked as a pair of strong arms grabbed him from behind, wrenching the staff out of his green hands and hitting him on the head with it. 'Sesshoumaru-sama...' thought the old toad before surrendering to unconsciousness.
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Sesshoumarus' patience was weaning dangerously thin and tense... If he were a lower ranked youkai, he would have sworn crawling minutes ago; but unlike his lowlife sibling... He snorted, he was a lord, and didn't need the mortal need of swearing.
Half an hour passed.
"K'sou." He growled, realizing that even purebloods had a need for foul language. Where ARE his stinking servant and the scatterbrained miko?! Ever since he became the lord of the western lands, his life became filled to the brim with petty troubles. "Sesshoumaru-sama?" He groaned. AND this human whelp. "Yes. Rin." He managed through gritted teeth, not turning to face the little pest. "Sesshoumaru-sama, do you think Kagome-sama is safe?" She asked, worry plain in her high, clear voice.
Sesshoumaru was starting to get annoyed with the fact that others realized things before he did.
"Iguzo."
He followed the sweet scent that trailed off into the woods, preferring it to the swampy scent of his retainer. He frowned as his sensitive nose picked up another, slightly familiar scent... He reached the place, looking at the small weed on the ground; he bent down and picked it up, passing it to Rin. "Hold this." "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Sesshoumaru winced. "And stay quiet." "Ha-" He swung around to face the stupid human, offering her one of his best death-glares.
He frowned, looking around the forest. The attackers were long gone, for their scent was slightly old. 'Dragons.' He suppressed a sigh of annoyance. 'That's all I need.'
* Kagome opened her eyes, the vision blurred before her eyes and rubbed them. "Itaiii..." She rubbed the back of her head gingerly, wincing as her fingers came in contact with the source of her pain, feeling a huge bump. She sat up, looking around, noticing that her rear and back were frozen and felt numb with cold. She sat up and noticed a pair of yellow, round eyes staring at her. "Jacken!" She exclaimed. "Urusai! Chikoushou!" (Shuddup! B****!) * Smack!* Kagome stood up, looking around her, gaping at the huge cave she was imprisoned in, noticing a rather nasty looking table with all sorts of weird looking metallic... Sharp... She gasped. Torture chamber. Jacken got up, dusting his robe, muttering something about female dogs. Kagome turned to him. "Jacken. Where are we?" Jacken scoffed, nice. All humans ever cared about was themselves! And she had just hit him almost hard enough to crack his poor, old head open, any respect for toads?!
Another smack on the head answered his question fully. "I'm asking you!" The human towered above him.
Jacken turned away, feigning ignorance and turned his beak up at the ceiling. 'Why can't my Master find a sane human?' He thought, unaware that the girls' eyes were slowly starting to glow red. (To show that she's really p.oed.) "Jacken." Small beads of sweat broke on his face and ran down at the voice that echoed through the cave. He slowly turned around... Kagome stood above him, her hands on her hips. "What now?" He asked, trying to sound as angry as possible. Kagomes psychotic smile twitched. "Where are we?" She asked. 'Man this toad is annoying!'
Jacken scoffed, turning away. "How should I know, wench!" Kagome stiffened, and walked towards the torturing table, looking through the instruments which were laying there, in a generous disarray. Jacken turned around slowly, preparing himself for another verbal battle with the human, instead finding her standing next to the... His eyes widened in horror, shivering involuntarily, picturing her slicing him open.
Jacken took a few cautious steps away from the human.
* Kagome looked at the generous display of torturing devices, fingering their sharp points. As a smell of rancid fat filled her nostrils, she pulled her hand away, wondering how many people lost their life or sanity to those ghoulish instruments. When she heard Jacken call her... What he called her, it set off reverberations in the area she considered locked and ignored, sending tears to her eyes. She sniffed and sat on the edge of the table, slightly brown with layers of blood covering it, not really noticing it. The metal door clanged, catching her attention. She saw same red eyes she noticed yesterday, as a tall, dark frame entered the cave, looking at her. "Miko?" he asked. She jumped off the table, upsetting a few instruments in the process. She picked them up and placed them on the table, turning to the now sweatdropping intruder. "Hai, my name is Kagome. And," She eyed him suspiciously. "Might I ask where I am and who you are?" The stranger sighed. "You are a prisoner to the Dragon Hime-sama." "Oh." A soft gasp escaped her lips. The person whose face was hidden by the shadows walked up to her, until he was inches away from her, and she was able to make out his rich, red, silk robe and an exquisite sword hanging by his side. (Only describing his clothes may take a chapter, so... Imagine Sesshys' robe, red.) "Tell me, miko." A dark frown marred his brow. Upon which Kagome noticed a dark red, almost black design, thorns entwined with each other, forming something like... She sweatdropped inwardly. A heart. "Why did you say the name 'Orito'?" Kagome widened her eyes. "Why, do you know him?" She was cut short from asking any more questions by his very convincing growl. "Low lives, like you, address high ranking nobles as 'Lord.'" He growled. "Sorry, my Lord." She bowed as far as the distance between them would allow.
"Yes, I am familiar with the name." he said finally, satisfied with her clumsy excuse. Jacken narrowed his yellow eyes. He's never liked the dragon; he knew he was a traitor, he should've warned Sesshoumaru-sama! "Miko. Where is he?" Asked the noble sir thingy. Kagome blinked, "Orito, sir?" He narrowed his crimson eyes at her stupidity. "Oh, he's in Lord Sesshoumarus castle!" She explained quickly. "But why do you want to know?" "Because he's my son." Jacken closed his eyes, covering his head with his hands. 'How much more stupid can she get?' He thought, rocking back and forth. 'Maybe she should tell the dragon that he's dying, as well?' "But..." Kagome fiddled with her fingers, avoiding the dragons trying gaze. "I'm afraid he's ill." Jacken fell down flat on his stomach. Damn. The chikoushou will get them both killed... He didn't mind her getting killed; he could come up with a tragic story of her death, but not him! He still had a life to live, he did! This Jacken had to only wait until the little human grows old and dies, and then... His eyes became black, with quivering, white patches. Then... None of these stinky flower chains... And the moment it happens... Old blood and guts, just like those wonderful days in the past... 'We'll travel through the wild territories, just the two of us... To find some real excitement; vicious onii, lairs of ogres, cursed—
"He's what?!" Boomed the echoing voice of the dragon across the cavern. "He was attacked, my Lord!" Kagome leaned back, wringing her hands desperately, "but he's recovering!" He arched a brow, so much like Sesshoumarus... "Who could have attacked Orito, and injured him?" He asked suspiciously. Kagome tried desperately to remember the name. "Ionaga..." She blushed. "Something." Jacken sweatdropped.
The lords' fiery eyes widened. "Ionaga no Sugu?" He asked, visibly in shock. Kagome nodded furiously. "Yes! That's the guy!" Oritos father was still confused. "But the creature was sealed, wasn't it..." He sounded more like he was talking to himself, and seemed amused when Kagome answered him. "Yes, he was. But now he's free again, is he so awful? Hmm, he must be, even Sesshoumaru seemed scared..." Oritos father sighed, rolling his eyes slightly.
"Where are you from?" He asked, "I've never seen anyone with less knowledge than you!" Kagome spluttered. "Excuse me!" She exclaimed. "Apology accepted." He grinned. "Now, girl. Tell, me, what does Orito look like?" Kagome, unaware that he was asking her merely because he doubted her, or else she would have most likely thrown a tantrum, began describing the dark retainer she had come across, not missing any details. "But his hair was down, not like yours," she finished her description, eyeing the lords tight ponytail, and looking him in the eyes.
"What's wrong, my lord?" She asked, noticing his weird look. "You really do talk a lot, don't you? -_-'" "Well, you said I should describe him! ^_^'" (Sorry, couldn't restrain from using faces... ^_^') He sighed, "Never mind. Anything else?" He asked suspiciously. "Yes... She added slowly, remembering his weird looking scar. "He had a long scar on his left cheek." The lord seemed confused. "Yes... But I meant something else." 'What about his mark?' he thought, 'Is it possible that the boy is still a v-' "Sir, why have we been captured?" He looked down on her.
"You are a bait for Sesshoumaru." he said and left Kagome and Jacken in perfect silence, as his soft footsteps and the rustle of silk faded away in the darkness.
Jacken groped for his staff, desperate to bash the idiotic human on her empty head. "What did you think you were doing?!" He squawked, but froze as he saw her running towards him. "Wha-" but he was cut off as she kneeled down and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, Jacken!" She cried, and he felt something hot drip on his head. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, amazed. The human sniffed and put him down, wiping her eyes. "Sorry, Jacken, for getting you into all this." She sniffed pitifully, actually making Jackens' cold blood a little warmer. "So there, human!" He said, patting her jean-clad knee affectionately. "Sesshoumaru-sama will save us!" He said, proudly puffing his small chest out. The human stopped crying and looked at him, smiling.
He felt so much like comforting Rin...
"Thank you, Jacken." The girl whispered as she settled down on the stone floor next to him. Jacken watched her for a while, before walking over to where the torture table was and picking up one of the instruments she'd missed. At least, thanks to her clumsiness, he now had a weapon of some sort. He eyed it critically. 'Hmm. It looks like the strange knives my masters' slave uses to trim His nails...' He sighed. If it was the best weapon Kami could offer, he had to live it down, and troubled by his annoying thoughts, he resumed his position next to the already sleeping human, eyeing her wearily. 'Humans and their carelessness...'
*
Sesshoumaru, under watchful eyes of a so skilled dragon youkai spy, that even the Lord of the Western Lands disregarded his presence, and made his way towards the 'un scheming' Dragon Himes fortress, almost growling in frustration at the problems surrounding him.
*
"Get up!" Came an urgent whisper. "Get up, Miko!" Kagome sat up and rubbed her eyes. She had just had a nightmare; she was running to school, and could already hear the bell, but then she realized she was still wearing her extra large T-shirt that served her as pajamas and didn't have her school bag with her, and on top of that, Yasunoru, with staring, white eyes was running next to her, telling her to hurry up, but when she was out of breath and told him so, he nodded, not so much as breathing heavily and said. "Oh, yes, I forgot. Your legs are too short." Kagome punched him, and realized in horror, that her hand went through his skin and flesh, embedding itself deep inside his cold torso...
She gasped for air, staring into a pair of red eyes in front of her. "Get up, get ready to leave!" Kagome closed her eyes. "Mum... I don't want to go to school today, Yasunoru is still dead... I don't have my books... And mum, why do you have red-" She snapped her eyes open to stare at Oritos father, who had a huge sweat drop on his raven hair.
He got up and pulled her up with ease. "Wake him." He pointed to Jacken, who had fallen asleep, and was drooling all over the torturing device. A few blue, vertical lines crossed the dragons face. 'I'll save that for special criminals.' He thought, picking up the fanged scissors and throwing them on the table with a loud * clang * wincing. Kagome winced with him. "Ano... Aren't the guards going to hear you at this rate?" She inquired. "I'm your guard."
"Oh."
"And where are you taking us?"
He turned to her.
"Out."
"Why? Aren't you supposed to be guarding us?" "I want to see my son." Kagome flinched, another suicide. And this time to see his beloved.
"You are to wear this." He handed her a massive kimono, Kagome took it and oofed. "It sure is heavy." Chuckled the guard indulgently. "You shall become a dragon yudze (3) for the night." Kagome raised a brow. "I will pretend I hired one for tonight."
Kagomes face turned a curious shade of purple.
"That's the only way." He said. "But what about my aura?" Asked Kagome desperately. "And I can't see a thing in this mask!" She protested, having already put on the meddlesome robe and veiled mask. "That's what I'm here for. But I must warn you." his voice became solemn again, the harsh edge back in his voice. "On no account must you speak or try to feel others auras. In other words, keep your aura as low as possible. Just keep silent, and trust me. For if we are caught, the penalty for impersonating a dragon, even a yudze, is terrible indeed, miko."
"What is it?" Kagome asked, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.
"Roasting," Said the dragon youkai simply. "Roasting alive on the main square. Now, let's go."
*
"Steady." Whispered Oritos father, leading her and the still sleeping Jacken, whom she had hidden in her immense, left sleeve, holding her by her hand. "Its just a night walk. Nothing to worry about." But the sounds made Kagomes blood run cold. How long have they been walking? In her growing panic it seemed like hours – although it could only have been minutes; half an hour at the most. She wanted to ask the youkai who was holding her hand, but it would be madness to utter so much as a single word. Her feet were frozen and numb, and hurt as she stepped on little pebbles, not being used to walking barefoot.
Kagome was aware of the clattering of shoes on the wooden bridge they were crossing, as the lower samurai made way for the dragon general, grinning at his companion. "Have fun tonight, Hajake-sama!" Came a harsh, masculine voice. "Out of my way, you rascals." he said in a joking voice.
The voices sounded all around them. Kagomes heart was thumping like a hammer. She battled to control her churning stomach and the panic rising in her throat. "Don't get too drunk, you, low lives, or else Sesshoumaru will find the city asleep when he comes." A roar of laughter met his joke. "Keep it together, miko. Almost there. Once we cross the bridge, we'll be out through the gates." He whispered urgently out of the corner of his mouth.
Out of the corner of her eye Kagome glimpsed a tall, imposing dragon youkai bedecked in finery, leaning onto the wooden railings casually and flanked on either side by smaller, but no less gaudy companions. She shivered, her feet were sore, and her heart felt like it was about to burst.
Kagome forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. She hunched her shoulders, convinced that the piercing eyes of the dragons would unmask her at any moment. "Wait!" A raucous voice rang out. Kagome froze.
The weird, veiled mask on her face rattled dangerously, threatening to reveal her identity. "Do we stay up all night like this?" The voice behind her asked. The older dragon tightened his grasp on her hand, calming her. "Unless you fall asleep, that is, yes." He drawled. Kagome could feel the dragon behind her stiffen in shame. "Sir, why are you leaving the city?" Kagomes' heart missed a beat, her skin prickled. Here's the end of her journey. Kagome Higurashi was roasted alive for impersonating a dragon youkai yudze. She could just see the headlines. "Well," Oritos fathers' voice brought her back to the present. "If it were any other time you dared question me, I would've killed you." Kagome gulped, he sounded so... Natural. She could feel the other soldiers fear rise. "But since I'm in a good mood, and with a companion," The other dragons all fell silent, paying all their attention to the trio. "I'll be generous and let you keep your life." Kagome could just see him smirking sadistically. "And I'll answer. I don't think you'd want to hear her cry." he said quietly, menace lacing his low, clear voice.
Silence.
Someone cried out. "Go Hajake-sama! Show her what a man you are!" the cry was joined by a multitude of other crude things Kagome didn't even know could be produced by a human mouth. Well, a dragon youkai mouth, to be precise.
"Quickly now." Hajakes' voice sounded urgently in her ear. "Before they all start bugging me." They walked on in a nightmare of tension and uncertainty, Kagome catching glimpses of evil dragon faces as they made their way to the main gate, all the time in terror of her mask falling from her head. She felt Jacken wriggle in her left sleeve, indicating that he woke up, not wanting the toad to start shouting in demand that she puts him down, she clamped a hand over his slippery beak, wincing, but glad that the cumbersome robe provided enough room for her to move relatively freely.
'Ugh!'
Jacken had just woken up from a nice dream of him and Sesshoumaru Sama. (He, he. Jacken sometimes DOES act rather weird towards his master, making one wonder...) The old toad instead found himself dangling upside down in a massive sleeve, but before he could so much as squawk, a clammy hand was pressed to his mouth, choking him. He tried to free himself, wriggling, but only ended up more tangled in the soft, under-robe, leaving him motionless.
Kagome felt that the toad was not struggling anymore and let go, feeling him go limp. 'Oh, my. I choked Jacken. But at least he's still breathing.' She sighed. 'I don't want to answer to Sesshoumaru for killing his retainer. I'll apologize later.'
Hajake guided her through the gates, and Kagome could feel her muscles relax a little as a cool, night breeze washed over her.
After a bit of walking, Hajake let go of her hand and turned to her, taking off her mask. Her heavy mass of hair fell on her shoulders, and a deep sigh escaped her dark pink lips. Hajake smiled at the pretty sight. She did look like both his second and first wife, only younger. The massive, red kimono trailed behind her on the ground slightly, due to her height.
Kagome widened her eyes as his began to glow, his jaki raising. The piece of string holding his hair in a tight ponytail ripped and his ebony black mane cascaded down his wide shoulders and back. He cast his fiery glance to the sky, and with one, slight growl, his body lengthened and he became a black, sleek dragon. He had a slightly doggish face, sleek, black fur and his feet were like those of a bird of prey. Kagomes full lips parted slightly in awe.
No matter how many times she saw the transformations, they never ceased to amaze her. Without giving her time to even notice what was going on, he darted forwards and under her, picking her up on his back and flew upwards. Kagome barely had time to grab onto his long mane to prevent herself from losing balance.
"Hajake-sama!" She cried in mock anger, tugging him slightly on the long hair, causing him to turn around, with a twinkle in his ruby eye, his black lips forming something that could be called a grin, revealing a row of perfectly white, razor sharp teeth. Kagome gulped. "Hajake-sama, don't look at me that way!" He snorted slightly, turning away, and went forward so fast that Kagome lost her grip and started falling down into the gaping darkness below...
*
Sesshoumaru growled slightly as he flew towards the fortress, his form a blurry, white spot appearing here and there. Ah-Un was already at his limit, and was whinnying pitifully. Sesshoumaru appeared in front of the dragons face, glaring at him. "Silence, you flea ridden grass-bag!" He growled, and sensed someone behind him. He turned around quickly, Dokatsu ready and embedded his hand in someone's chest with a soft 'squelch' The dragons' eyes widened in surprise, but he lowered the sword he was holding, slicing through Sesshoumarus left shoulder. It was of little comfort, but a least he injured the infamous Taiyoukai before slipping under the silvery surface of Sanzu River (4), not leaving so much a ripple as the cold waters of eternity closed above him. Sesshoumaru kicked the dying youkai off his arm, ripping his heart out in the process, frowning at his monotonous method of killing. He should come up with something better.
Perhaps ripping their brains out.
He looked at his bleeding shoulder, the wound was weeping painfully, but the not so much as a wince marred the cold Taiyoukais face. 'Hn. At least its not my sword arm. The bastard was good. He almost succeeded.' He thought grimly as he looked down on the now still corpse on the ground before him, the moon reflecting in his wide-open eyes. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" He turned around. 'Damn. The brat saw it.' "Sesshoumaru-sama, are you hurt?" Her high voice asked, causing him to turn around in surprise. The human wasn't afraid of him, more, she was worried about him! "Sesshoumaru-sama!" Big inquisitive, brown eyes. "Are you sure you're ok?" "I'm fine Rin." He stubbornly held onto his emotionless mask as a white-hot pain seared through his shoulder, making his nauseous. He sniffed at his wound. 'Poison.'
He looked at Ah-Un. The poor beast sighed. 'He'll now tell me to stay here with the girl. Sure enough, he looked at the human on my back, which is cue to ask what he needs.'
"Stay here and watch over the girl." He narrowed his eyes. "If anything happens to her, you'll answer with your life." And with that, he disappeared into the night. When they found a likable meadow, Rin slid off the reptiles' scaly back, followed by Ah-Uns soft grunt as he settled down on the grass, coiling around the girl to shelter her from the cold wind and dew.
*
Kagome screamed as she continued falling down, her massive clothes flapping madly in the wind. Hajake slid under her, catching her on his back and stopping her breath. She breathed heavily, her heart thumping madly. 'Perhaps I overdid it a bit.' he thought grimly as the human panted heavily on his back. He continued flying through the air, wriggling slightly, glancing at the pale girl on his back from time to time, frowning.
As the morning sun rose over the gloomy mountains slowly, the imposing, dark frame of Sesshoumarus castle came into view. Hajake smiled at the careless human who fell asleep on his back, still clutching onto his mane...
*
Sesshoumaru stood on top of the main gates of the fortress, coldly surveying the sleeping guards before taking their lives; silent as death herself. He looked down onto the wooden bridge, littered with sleeping dragon samurai and yudze. He snorted inwardly.
His knuckles cracked as the poison whip appeared. He jumped down from the gates, bending down softly to absorb some of his weight and walked over to the bridge. He melted one side of the wooden construction and went to the other, melting it as well. He stood silently, watching as a few splinters cracked, then bigger pieces, until with a silent 'crack' the wooden bridge, and all those upon it fell into the gaping emptiness below it, wondering what awaited those upon it. Sesshoumaru was aware of screams and running around him, but it all seemed blurry and distant. He dashed over the emptiness and out into the forest.
He quickly found Rin, and not wanting to lose precious minutes to wait until the massive youkai gets up, he grabbed the sleeping human and sped off in the direction of his castle, leaving the dazed reptile far behind. In a few hours, hours of labor and torture, he saw the outline of his castle, blurry, in front of him. His eyes burned, his heart was beating heavily against his chest plate, almost refusing to pump the boiling blood trough his tired body,
He was tired. So tired. But the small heartbeat next to his didn't let him slip into unconsciousness, reminding him that no matter how much he wanted to be free, there were those who depended on him, those whose lives he held in his clawed hands. An image of the smiling miko flashed through his dazed mind, the feeling of her small body next to his. His heart wrenched painfully, sending another jolt of pain through his burning body, making the Taiyoukai wince. She will die. Because of him.
Because he couldn't save her.
Sesshoumaru gently set the small human down, before collapsing on the wooden steps that led inside his castle.
*
Miroku sat on a green hill nearby Kaedes village, looking at the rising sun, his tanned skin was covered in dew and goose bumps, his throat felt like it was being ripped out, but still, the houshi refused to abandon his post. It has already been two days since Sango left, and there were still no either signs or news from her or Inuyasha. No matter how many times he told himself it was all right, inside, he was adamant.
It just didn't feel right. Ever since she told him she would marry him, he couldn't live without seeing her warm, sweet, but strong face for longer than a few hours. And now, he was feeling weak, both physically and mentally. He needed her. He tried ignoring it by spending time with the village girls, or helping Kaede, but something told him that something was wrong.
Kikyou watched the houshi, sharing his emotion.
Miroku jumped as she placed her small, pale hand on his shoulder, but didn't turn around. "Houshi-sama. Go get some rest, you look ill." She said quietly, but it was clear that it was more of a soft order than a suggestion. "Thank you, Kikyou-sama. I'll stay here." The monk replied silently. He heard the rustle of silk as she sat down beside him, forcing him to look in her face, to widen his eyes in surprise that she seemed... Worried. "Houshi-sama. Something strange is going on." She said quietly, bringing her raven eyebrows together slightly. He nodded. "I think we should both go to Sesshoumaru-samas castle." Miroku opened his mouth. "B-"
Kikyous frowned even more. "Something happened. I know you feel that too." She added, cutting off all escape ways for the houshi.
*
Miroku sighed in defeat. "Fine. Get on my back." Kikyou raised an eyebrow, and looked up into the sky. Miroku followed her gaze.
A swarm of shinidamachuu descended, dropping a few souls whish joined hers with a barely distinguishable 'whoosh'. He smiled, nodding. "Right." He felt slightly awkward in giving out orders. "L-lets go."
'If the undead miko feels worried.' He thought grimly, running under the trees, trying to keep up with her flying just above the treetops. 'Then there sure is something to worry about...'
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Well, here it is!
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Vocabulary:
Kodomo: Brat. (Sp?)
K'sou: Guys... You gotta know this one. It's what you say when you come to school and leave your school bag at home. Or the principal makes you clean the WC as a punishment for writing 'I'm looking for reinforcements. All those who consider themselves worthy undead, please come to my office, where you will sign up into my private army of The Undead. Signed: Principal' on a piece of old looking parchment and sticking it to his door...
Iguzo: Lets go. More like... Go after me, though....
Chikoushou: What Inuyasha called Kikyou when she pinned him to the tree. Or what he reluctantly calls Kagome after she sits him. Literally, a 'she dog.' ^_~'
Note 1: Naishi no Kami was a court lady, not really a geisha or a yudze, they were not officially concubines, and could stand up to samurai and other lesser faces, but had to submit to the master, usually with a natural, or a put on struggle. Customs... -_-' Their main purpose was to make the palace look better, so... I guess you could call them 'living bouquets'...
Note 2: It was common among Samurai to pleasure themselves with other samurai or boys, some liked women more, but thought that women didn't love. And that if you wanted a lover, you should look for one amongst men............... -_-' (Since they believed that only men went to heaven. I always wondered... How's a heaven a heaven, if there aren't any women there, huh? ^_^ )
Note 3: Yudzes were lowly geishas, if you prefer. If geishas mainly served at the tea house, poured tea and carried out other... Small pleasantries, yudze were the ones who actually got down to 'business'... Usually could be 'rented out' for a night, but had to walk barefoot. No idea why.
Note 4: People were believed to cross the Sanzu River after death, and I like using it like the symbol of life stuff thingy. Blah, blah, blah.
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Ah, my dear reviewers! Thank you SO much!
Mourning-kun: Here. Now. Don't worry. Begging is good! ^_~ It's good? Wau! Arigotou! Yeah, I actually planned Noru-chan to be a flat character, since he was there originally to die... (Just a sadistic way to bring Sess & Kag together.) But he turned out slightly more of a character than I expected, I guess I lost some readers there... ;_; But, oh well. I really do enjoy creating and killing characters. (Though, I wont be killing anyone else, for.... A while.) And this wasn't an exception. Glad someone's with me! I'm working on the 'moments', but keep in mind; Sesshoumaru is a heartless boulder, who cares for himself only. Sess: "Hn. You're right, human. And I don't care for Rin. And those huge, brown, quivering, cute eyes don't affect me either." * bends down so Rin can put a flower behind his ear * Taihen-sama: Ahem. I was saying, Sesshoumaru-sama is a heartless boulder, and Kagome is a damsel in distress. But I'm working on it! And can you please point out the grammar mistake?
Thank you for the review!
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Stacerue: I'm glad you're enjoying it. You think I did a good job with Sess? I'm glad. To be honest, I'm having a little bit of a hard time with portraying Kagome. I like her personality, but it's rather complex. I hope I'm doing an ok job with that! I'm glad you're with me about feudal Japan details. Some readers don't care much, I noticed, and it saddens me a lot! Japan is such a complex and interesting culture to study! I even came across one fic that had chairs, carpets, BEDS and all the rest.
Per-lease! No offence, just seemed weird... About Sess' virginity. Ahem. Most authors are girls, right? They like Fluffy, right? And don't like sharing, right? And they're jealous?
Right.
Just because they want him, the poor guy ends up as a v! Come on. His father was probably providing girls for him, and was worried about his sons 'manliness' so, sighs. And he needed to relieve himself of negative emotions towards his low-life sibling later on, and the best way to do that, except for murdering a whole army of youkai and possibly humans, is sex. Besides, come on. He was probably surrounded by the most beautiful and seductive youkai the society had to offer... So... I don't want to make it a long lecture, but it seems like whenever 'that' subject is involved, it end up as an essay. Kagome was too hooked up on school and she had nice friends before meeting Inuyasha, and liked him afterwards, so she's a v in my story. Besides, keep in mind that she's fifteen, fer crissakes! And lives in a shrine. Yeah, being sick does suck. You have a son? Sugoi! Hope he gets better soon. I know it's a bit early to plan for kids... But I don't think I want any in near (and far) future. I just want to feel secure before that. And a job as a manga-ka, though very unlikely, doesn't feel at all that secure. I'm learning Japanese v-intensively right now... Not that easy though. I know three languages already, and adding Japanese to the cocktail of languages isn't that easy, besides, I know three languages –fully- and I'm not counting all the greek, (I learnt it coz of philosophers and stuff. But its ugly.) a bit of german, a bit of jewish and latin. I was always amazed at people who know twelve, or at least seven languages and can actually TALK! I mean... I'm fine with writing, but when I talk, it sounds like... Oh here: Gomenasai! J'etais tres sleepy, et didn't finis hw. Iye! Pas the detention!" Well, something close to that.
Oh, gomen for babbling. You're probably not interested anyway... Sigh.
You'll be reading till the end? Wau! Arigotou! And you're welcome. ^_~
PS: Thanks for the idea... For the chapter title... Snicker.
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bad-girl4: Thanks! Yep Shippou' s back! How I love the little guy! Little kids are so good at scheming... (Referring to Rin-chan) Oh, btw, did you know that Shippous' seyiu is a woman? Thanks for the review!
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Waizu Yoru Ame Otome: (I finally learnt it!) Now I think that THIS is going to be long indeed... First of all, what on earth are you talking about when you say: Snake signature thingy?! Second. I'm 17. Third. Are you trying to poison me?! Fourth: Innocence and intelligence don't have anything in common. Smirk. Fifth: I'm glad you liked the chapter. Sixth: Err... Never heard (read -_-') a person call themselves mutts if they are a mix. Sheesh. You're not a mutt! Bad word to call one self! * Smacks sisty * I'm kind of a mix. Prefer keeping identity unrevealed. Seventh: Ha-ha. Eighth: Same as third. Ninth: How many languages do you know? Tenth: There is no number ten. Eleventh: Snicker. Twelfth:Sorry for snickering. Thirteenth: Ha-ha. I'm not superstitious! "Ahh! a Black Cat! Kawai!" ^-_- ^''' Fourteenth: Jaa, gotta go! Fifteenth: Really gotta go! Bai-bai! Thank you for the usual, long review! This time it was 3KB! Thank you, thank you, Jaa matte!
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Killiara- You're hooked? Kukuku! Read the rest and wait for more. ^_~ Thanks for the review!
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Shadaphilaro: Glad you like Shippou coming along, it was planned all along, don't start that 'You're the author.' thing! Pureasu! It's just that Kagome is kind of like a mother to him, and she loves the little dude, so... How could I separate them? I'm.... Not.... That... Cruel... ^_^'''' Sigh. Well, hope you like the following chappies! Thanks for the review and 'hope you get better.'!
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Hanoi: Ureshii desu ne that you like! (I'm happy....) See? I made the vocab for you!
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Spork of Foon: Oh, my hahahahahaha... Cool name! ^_^ You have my plushie? Awww... How sweet. Grin. It sure is not often that you meet a guy around here... Well, here's the update and the computer has an ax hanging above it, so I guess it'll be reasonable enough, *narrows eyes at it* and DOESN'T brake. happy you like it!
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RÑthдwen__Anger's Maiden: Oh, I see. Gomen. I later saw your name in FF and got it, but when I got the e-mail notification thingy, the letters after 'R' and 't' were Russian. -_-' So forgive moi. Sigh- I see. Poor me. Sigh. May I inquire who are the people that are taking my warm spot in your heart? ^_^ Yes. Ink and paper are mans worst enemy. Women have lately started dismissing real guys as a fleeting nuisance, in their craving for Japanese fiction men. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. But I don't blame them! Ah, well. Thank you for the review! Jaa!
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ioka: Grr. Grr. Don't tell me to hurry up! Grr. Grr. This Taihenmaru-sama will take as painfully long as he needs. Mortal. Here's the chapter! Arigotou for d review!
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SkyBlueSunShine: Thanks for the reviews! I'm sorry bout Yasunoru... Bring some flowers on his grave... Gomen. I'll probably lose some readers over this but... So be it.... If you're THAT worried, I'll only tell –you- that Kagome will later on meet his older brother. (Older siblings are the coolest, ne?) I'm sorry bout Japanese, I'll have glossary from now on. I know so much of it because I'm studying it, and planning to go to Japan after finishing college or whatever. To work either as a manga-ka or game designer or whatever. Professional artists say I have what it takes, only don't know the language.
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Liz-chanloverofAnime: Thanks for telling your friends! V-happy you like it!
^_^ I guess I'll go around happy today, grimly 'enjoying' my last day of holidays.
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Kuraii-chan: S'ok. Being sick sucks * cough-cough * so I forgive you, human. Thanks for ice-cream and pokey, too. I'm glad I'm a civilized youkai and have a fridge, so I can store the ice-cream for later. Confined to bed, huh? I was never, not even once confined! I confined myself before anyone could. ^_^ Sigh. If only there was someone nice next to me to –talk- to... I'm so bored! ^_~