A/N: Here it is! The long-awaited moment! Wow...we have loads of people for 'K'...hmm...who comes first? (Pulls out list of names) Kaede is first...then Kagome, Kagura, Kanna, Kikyo, Kohaku, Kouga, and finally Kyo...so, Kaede, if you would...you know what? There's so many for 'K', that if we do it individually, all the final chapters of this story will be taken up by all of them...because the plan is a 45 chapter story...(so yes, chapters will be hella longer just to get in all the cool stuff...) So to make it fair, everyone who wants to may read the disclaimer...
Kaede, Kagome, Kikyo (wow they're like, 'related'), Kohaku, Kouga, & Kyo: (All together) Aki does not own Inuyasha. You should all know that. As much as she wishes she did, she does not. You may all enjoy Chapter 37, and we shall leave it to Aki to answer her reviewers...
Me: (Bows) Arigatou, Kaede-bachan and all the rest of you. Angie, yes, I know you want to know her reaction...who doesn't? Dragon Man 180, when I was supposed to be sleeping, I actually wrote out, in the dark, how Kagome, Mei, and Sango would bring Sesshy and Hana together...it was very amusing when I picked it up this morning...and yes, I did send you that email, but there wasn't an attachment when I sent it. I did an online virus scan, a spyware scan, and an adware scan. It only found 1 thing, and it was adware...so maybe that was the problem...Sanosa, I'm glad you like it! Here's some more! Riku-of-Darkness, yay! You caught up! And yes, you did fufill your promise! Well, now you don't have to be in suspense anymore! Your review wasn't a bad one! It was good! And my brain deserts me all the time...I have to run around and catch it...it's so annoying...lol...Anyway, I hope you enjoy this nice, long, chapter! Oh, one more thing...if you see quotation marks around parentheses with speech in it, it means that the one who's speaking is talking in Inuyoukai. (More fluff too! Heehee!!!) One more thing!!! This doesn't apply to the readers, so you can just skip ahead to the chapter...unless you want to read about my stupidity then you can read this too...anyway, To the people, I apologize for posting my "Inuyasha Driven Into Insanity" fanfic. I didn't realize that scripts weren't allowed on ...I read through the terms and rules and all that, but sometimes I read stuff so fast my brain can't catch up. So that ends up with me reading the same sentence about 5 times, just to get it in my head. I guess I read the entire thing on terms & rules and I had another 'my brain is too slow and can't keep up with how I read' moments. And to readers like Angie, whom I know for sure are reading this, "Inuyasha Driven to Insanity" will continue...I'll be moving it to my message board later. When it's been successfully moved, I'll send links via email, or just ask Angie since she practically lives there now...and if you don't have an email address I'll just put it in an author's note in a future chapter...(I've got Ch. 38 almost done at this point...) Anyway, I'll shut up and quit rambling...
Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Taiyoukai, The Royal, and The Mark
Mei Lhi's heart pounded in her chest.
'Did he just...?' She wondered.
Her body felt numb with shock. Kyo's eyes followed her every movement.
"Kyoshi-kun..." She choked out.
The numbness subsided and from her heart, she felt warmth. A single tear of joy slid down her face.
"Kyoshi-kun!" She exclaimed, pouncing on him.
Kyo was taken aback by the hanyou girl's sudden reaction and was knocked over by the force of the impact. The two smiled at one another, their moment perfect, until it was rudely interrupted.
The front door slid open revealing a very disgruntled and annoyed Inuyasha.
"Am I interrupting anything?" He asked loudly, his tone venomous.
The two jumped off one another.
"No, Nii-chan. You didn't miss anything...you've got such perfect timing too..." Mei Lhi replied sarcastically.
"Uh huh...right...why were you all over him like that?"
"I was NOT all over him...I tripped and I was going to fall, so I grabbed him and he fell with me."
"Whatever...Kagome wants your help with something..."
Mei Lhi sighed and walked into the house, Inuyasha approaching Kyo.
"Stay away from her." He said warningly.
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Mei Lhi found Kagome in the kitchen.
"Oh good! Inuyasha sent you in..." She said.
"What do you need help with?" The hanyou girl asked.
"Well, I want to make dinner for the entire family. I want to surprise them when they come home...I just remembered that it's Souta's birthday. So I need you to help me make some gyoza..."
"Gyoza?"
"Un...gyoza..."
"Um...ok?"
Mei Lhi washed her hands and set to work...
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About an hour and a half later, Higurashi-san, Souta, and Higurashi-jichan arrived home to see the table laden with food. Inuyasha came in soon after, the smell of good food making his mouth water. Kyo arrived last, entering silently, then being forced into a seat by Souta, Mei Lhi taking the empty seat on his side. This caused Inuyasha to look up from his plate and let out a low growl from his throat.
"What's your problem?" Mei Lhi snapped at him.
"Woof. (You're sitting next to him.)" He replied.
Mei Lhi's eyes narrowed.
"And? Your point is?"
"(I don't like him.)"
"(And why's that?)"
"(Because...)"
"(Because why?)"
"(Because you two are getting too close and you're too young for mating!)"
"WHAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Mei Lhi was on her feet in a flash, and bared her fangs threateningly.
"(I haven't even given that a single thought! And what are you doing thinking about mating, huh?! And who says you can make rules for me?! Who said that you could tell me what I can and can't do with my life?! It's my life, you insensitive bastard!)"
"(I say so, because you're my Imouto-san!)"
"(Yeah so what? You've hardly been in my life, so you wouldn't know a damn thing about it!)"
"(Can you two quit it, already?)" Kyo's voice interrupted.
Both Inuyasha and Mei Lhi sweat dropped, both turning to face him (A/N: Think of the comical kind of anime where the character turns to face someone but their neck moves in a robotic sort of motion...so it takes several turns for them to face whoever is on their side instead of just one turn).
"You can understand...?" Mei Lhi asked.
"And speak...?" Inuyasha continued.
"A little...I'm still trying to learn."
"Why you little-you've been listening the whole time and you didn't say anything?! And why the hell do you know Inuyoukai anyway?!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Because I'm a Ryuuyoukai, I have to know lots of different youkai languages...because sometimes the order has meetings and we invite other youkai, and we've got to be able to converse with them. I'm still studying Inuyoukai it's the last language I need to know..."
"And why would you need to speak Inuyoukai in the first place?"
"I don't know really...the reason was for me to speak to Sesshoumaru, but he understands Japanese perfectly...I guess they wanted me to know it..."
"Um...we are having dinner, you know?" Kagome said. "And it is Souta's birthday..."
The three all laughed nervously, and abruptly ended their discussion. From that point, the night went on without a hitch.
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The following morning Kagome wanted to go back to the Feudal Era to give Shippou some of Souta's birthday cake before her jichan ate it all. So after a quick breakfast, Kagome, Mei Lhi, Inuyasha, and Kyo were out the door and in the well house in seconds.
"I've never gone through the well...I think I'll try it this time..." Kyo thought aloud.
The four hopped into the well and arrived on the other side.
Kyo had changed back to how he looked in the Sengoku Jidai. His white hair was a little longer now.
"Awww, why'd you change back, Kyoshi-kun?" Mei Lhi asked.
"Well...this is my form here...I mean, I could easily change back, if you want..." Kyo replied.
"I liked the other one...you look kawaii with long hair..."
"Yeah...well...so?"
"It's just so cute!!!"
A small ball of fur came running at them.
"KAGOMEEE-CHAAAAN!!! MEI-CHAAAAAN!!!" Shippou yelled.
Shippou pounced on Kagome and sniffed her backpack excitedly.
"Kagome-chan what smells so good?" He asked.
"It's a surprise, Shippou-chan." Kagome replied hugging the kitsune.
Shippou turned to Mei Lhi.
"Mei-chan!"
"Hi Shippou-chan!"
After Inuyasha peeled the little fox off Kagome, they walked on, reaching the village.
"Welcome back, Inuyasha!" A villager said.
"Good to see you, Kagome-sama!" Said another.
Soon they reached Kaede's hut, where Hana, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and the elderly miko sat and drank tea.
"Hi there, Hana-chan! Did you miss us?" Mei Lhi asked cheerfully.
Hana smiled.
"It's good to see you again." She replied.
"Kagome-chan! Can I have my surprise now?" Shippou whined.
Kagome nodded and sat on the hut floor, opening her pack and pulled out a piece of chocolate cake with sky blue icing.
"Yesterday was my little brother, Souta's birthday. So we had a party for him. And I decided to bring you some cake."
She set the cake down in front of the little fox, whose fluffy tail was wagging. Shippou licked at the icing, and then started wolfing down the rest of the cake. All of the others looked on amused.
"Don't worry. I brought some for everyone..." Kagome said, seeing a few sad faces in the room.
Kagome pulled out more cake slices identical to Shippou's and gave them each a slice.
Everyone finished eating.
"Thank you. That was very delicious, Kagome-sama..." Miroku said patting his stomach.
By now, everyone had sat down, resting, listening to the peaceful sounds around the village. Mei Lhi's ears twitched and she smelled the air, sensing another inuyoukai nearby.
"Huh?" She wondered aloud.
She stood and walked outside.
"Where are you going?" Inuyasha asked suspiciously.
"For a walk." Mei Lhi replied curtly.
She went outside the door and walked through the village, the scent of the inuyoukai becoming stronger.
'Sesshoumaru...' She thought.
She continued walking until she reached the Goshinboku Tree, and saw Sesshoumaru.
"Hey you! What the hell are you here for?" She asked.
Jaken appeared out of nowhere and went into an angry tirade.
"WAH! You do not address Sesshoumaru-sama 'Hey you'! Show your superiors respect, half-breed!" He yelled.
Mei Lhi's eyes flashed angrily and a few seconds later Jaken found himself with five throbbing bumps on his head.
"Anyway...what do you want?" She asked, slightly more polite.
"This Sesshoumaru has come to see Hanajima-san..." The taiyoukai replied.
"Why do you want to see Hana-chan?"
"Aun..."
The small two-headed dragon youkai walked forward, a small girl on its back, shivering and pale.
"Oh Kami! What's wrong with her?"
"That is why this Sesshoumaru has come..."
"Hey, I'll take you to her. Come on..."
Mei Lhi took off, Sesshoumaru keeping up, dragging a now-unconscious Jaken behind him, Aun keeping his lord's pace. Villagers looked up as they saw the taiyoukai, but said nothing. Mei Lhi stopped abruptly outside of Kaede's hut. Inuyasha stepped out a smirk on his face.
"Look what the dog dragged in!" He teased.
"Shut up you!" Mei Lhi snapped at him, pushing him aside so she could walk into the hut.
She walked in and caught her breath for a second.
"Hana-chan...Sesshoumaru is outside. He came to see you. He has a little human girl with him and she's really sick. He said that he came for you to help her." She explained.
Hana stood up quickly and met the inuyoukai outside.
"Sesshoumaru-sama..." She said in greeting, bowing slightly.
"Hanajima-san..." He replied, nodding his head in acknowledgement.
"What's happened to Rin?"
"Feh. Who cares?" Inuyasha interrupted.
Hana took her sheathed sword and briskly knocked Inuyasha over the head with it.
"Go back inside." She said firmly, placing her sword back at her waist.
Inuyasha shot her a dirty look, which the miko ignored, then walked back inside nursing his head.
"My apologies, Sesshoumaru-sama..." Hana said. "Now...can you tell me where Rin has been lately?"
"Rin had come across some ningen who were ill. She helped them, and soon after they were well again...this Sesshoumaru believes that Rin has gotten their illness..."
Hana looked thoughtful, and then walked over to Rin, feeling the young girl's forehead.
"She's burning up with a high fever...and she's so thin...her skin pale..." She muttered.
Hana looked back towards the hut.
"Kagome-chan, Kaede-bachan, Mei Lhi, Sango-chan!" She called.
The four walked out.
"Kagome-chan, Kaede-bachan...do you recognize this?" Hana asked, motioning towards Rin.
Kaede shook her head.
"Hana-chan...I think it's the flu..." Kagome answered. "Yes...it is...this isn't very good, Hana-chan...Rin is very sick..."
"Hana-sama, have ye heard of this sickness?" Kaede asked.
Hana nodded.
"I'm familiar with it, yes. I have treated a few people with the illness. But not very many have gotten it..." She replied.
"Hana-sama...what shall we do?" Sango asked.
"We will take Rin to the lake and give her a bath. We must break this terrible fever. Kagome, make some broth or tea...anything...Kaede-bachan, get some blankets and an empty basin. Mei Lhi, keep Inuyasha occupied so he doesn't try to kill Sesshoumaru-sama..."
The girls nodded. Hana took Rin into her arms, Sango called for Kirara who transformed. Hana placed Rin on Kirara's back. The miko, taijiya, and nekometa youkai headed towards the lake. Kagome went inside the hut and started making tea. Kaede gathering blankets. Mei Lhi stood her back leaning against the outer hut wall, staring off to the side.
She glanced up at the taiyoukai, seeing a flicker of concern in his eyes.
"Hey...don't worry about Rin...she's in good hands...Hana-chan told us all earlier that she's Midoriko's granddaughter..." She said reassuringly.
Sesshoumaru's eyebrow rose a little.
"Exactly...so that's why I'm not worried a bit." Mei Lhi added, seeing Sesshoumaru's reaction.
There was a brief silence between the two.
"You know...Inuyasha complains about how much you annoy him...but...you're not that bad...it's Inuyasha himself who's got the problem..." She said, breaking the silence.
"What was that, mesuinu?!" Inuyasha yelled from inside the hut.
Mei Lhi's ears flattened to her head, Inuyasha coming outside.
"I told you not to call me that." Mei Lhi said in a soft dangerous voice.
"Well look at you! You're talking shit about me to my equally shitty brother!"
"The only shit I see around here is what's coming out of your mouth."
"Why you-!"
"Baka Inuyasha..." Sesshoumaru said quietly.
Inuyasha turned toward the demon lord.
"You wanna run that by me again, Sesshoumaru?" He asked, gripping Tetsusaiga's handle.
Mei Lhi rolled her eyes.
'That idiot!' She thought angrily. 'I hope Sesshoumaru bashes your head in...'
Sesshoumaru began to draw Toukijin. Inuyasha slowly drew Tetsusaiga. The two demons went in for an attack, only to find it deflected by a third sword. Mei Lhi stood holding Tetsusage's handle, the blade stopping Tetsusaiga and Toukijin. The two brothers looked at her.
"I promised Hana-chan I wouldn't let you two fight, and I'm ensuring that." She said, taking the sheath off her back, slipping the blade into it and fastening the sword to her waist.
"Keh. You're not worth my time..." Inuyasha scoffed, sheathing Tetsusaiga as it untransformed.
Sesshoumaru sheathed Toukijin.
"The Third Fang..." He said.
Mei Lhi looked up at him.
"What?"
"The sword more powerful, yet weaker than the previous two...Toutousai's perfected masterpiece..."
"What kind of bullshit are you babbling about now?!" Inuyasha demanded.
"Her sword, little brother is more powerful than Tetsusaiga or Tenseiga...but yet, it is not as powerful...because you see...the Third Fang is Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga combined..." Sesshoumaru answered.
"Um...Sesshoumaru-sama...Kagome was wondering if you'd like some tea..." Kyo said from the doorway.
Sesshoumaru nodded, and walked into the hut, sensing stares from everyone except Kyo. Mei Lhi and Inuyasha walked in shortly after, seeing the taiyoukai silently sipping at the china cup in his hand.
Approaching footsteps alerted them that Hana had returned with Sango, Rin, and Kirara. Hana came in, Rin in her arms, wrapped in a yukata that was obviously too big for her.
"Sango, wash Rin's clothes in the river. Then bathe at the hot spring with Kirara...I don't want you getting sick as well...in fact, how about all of you go...I will stay and care for Rin."
"But Hana-chan! What about you? Aren't you going to get sick?" Mei Lhi asked.
"Better me than any of you..." She replied. "Now go..."
Everyone left, all except for Sesshoumaru.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...you should go with the others...you might catch Rin's illness..." Hana said quietly, as she laid a sleeping Rin onto a futon.
"This Sesshoumaru will not catch some human illness..." He replied.
"If you insist on not going with them, then I must ask you to wait outside...I don't want to risk anyone getting sick..."
Sesshoumaru left the hut and waited, standing next Aun and an unconscious Jaken.
Hana silently pulled the covers up to Rin's chin and placed a cool, damp cloth on her forehead. Rin stirred and started flailing her small limbs.
'She's delirious...' Hana thought.
"Okaa-san! Okaa-san!" Rin cried.
The miko carefully scooped up the girl, cradling her in her arms.
"Okaa-san...am I...dying?" Rin asked.
"Iie, Rin-chan...you are not dying. You have a long time ahead of you before you do...and you will live a long, glorious life..." Hana replied soothingly.
Hana felt her forehead. She was still burning up.
'I have no other choice...' She thought.
The miko sighed and concentrated her powers on her hand that was still on Rin's forehead. A blue glow surrounded her hand and she closed her eyes.
Rin's fever went away, and Hana opened her eyes and after placing the girl back on the futon, she collapsed.
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Back at the hot spring, the girls and Shippou were on one side of the wall, the boys on the other. It was at that moment that a certain monk decided to interrupt the serene calm.
Miroku quietly snuck over to the wall and peeked around it, getting an eyeful.
Inuyasha opened one of his gold eyes, seeing Miroku at the wall peeping.
"Monk!" The dog demon barked. "What the hell are you doing?!"
Miroku was so surprised that he jumped out his skin, leapt into the air from fright and landed in the girl's side of the spring.
SPLASH!
Kagome, Sango, Mei Lhi, Kirara, and Shippou looked up and saw the monk resurface for air. The three girls waded over to him, their eyes gleaming maliciously.
"You..." Kagome began.
"Baka Hentai Houshi..." Mei Lhi continued.
"Get..." Sango went on.
"OUT!!!" The three girls screamed in unison, smacking him.
Sango and Mei Lhi threw him over the wall and back into the men's side of the spring. Kyo and Inuyasha laughed at the poor monk's misfortune. When Miroku resurfaced, he had three angry red handprints on his face and a bump on top of his head where he hit it on the ground in the depths of the hot spring when the taijiya and hanyou girl had sent him over the wall.
"So...see anything good?" Inuyasha asked.
The monk responded by sending a wave of water at the half-demon, but missed. The wave hit Kyo in the face. The ryuu youkai casually waved his hand and used his wind to create a giant wave that splashed down right over Miroku. Inuyasha was howling with laughter.
Miroku resurfaced for a third time and deemed that the water wasn't safe and got out. He dressed and left as quickly as possible, practically running back to the village. All of the others got the same idea and got out. A few minutes later, they were all dressed and walking to Kaede's hut. When they arrived, Sesshoumaru still stood outside the hut.
"Hey! Why the hell are you still here?!" Inuyasha asked growling.
Sesshoumaru ignored him.
"Sesshoumaru...where's Hana-chan?" Mei Lhi asked, pushing her brother aside, being more polite.
Sesshoumaru turned to look at her and then pointed inside the hut.
"Thanks..."
The youkai lord nodded his head in acknowledgement.
Mei Lhi went inside, followed by Kagome, Inuyasha, Shippou, Sango, Kirara, and Kyo. Miroku sat inside with Kaede. Sesshoumaru decided to come inside after everyone had settled in.
For a while, it was silent. Hana and Rin were both asleep on futons, and no one dared to say anything. But Inuyasha decided to break the awkward silence by loudly complaining about Sesshoumaru.
"...and he's a total pansy, can't fight for shit, even if it would save his own life..." The half-demon went on.
"Kagome-chan...the word, if you please..." Hana's voice said irritably.
"Inuyasha, osuwari..." Kagome said sounding almost bored.
Inuyasha crashed into the floor, angrily yelling curses between the floorboards. Sesshoumaru watched with mild interest.
Hana was obviously awake, and now everyone focused their attention on her, where she sat upright on the futon.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...I thank you for your kindness..." The miko said warmly.
All eyes were on the Inuyoukai...all except Kyo.
"Hey...don't stare at him like that...it's not nice..." Kyo said quietly.
"And what the hell would you know about what's nice and not?!" Inuyasha demanded.
"He's a lord of the Western Lands...you should treat him that way..."
"I don't give a damn if he's the emperor! I'll treat him the way I want! Besides, what the hell do you know about being a lord?! You're just a stubborn kid!"
"Inuyasha!" Sesshoumaru interrupted, speaking rather loudly and sounding angry.
The hanyou turned toward his half-brother. As did all eyes in the room.
"What now?!" He asked.
"You are a fool, my dear brother..."
"Who're you calling a fool, bastard?!"
"Inuyasha...are you blind? That 'stubborn kid' as you say should be treated with great respect. This Sesshoumaru is surprised to see that he has not punished you for your rudeness...he is a Ryuuyoukai, dear brother...the highest possible class of youkai...he has great power...even...over me...yes, Inuyasha, he is of much higher rank and class than this Sesshoumaru..." The Inuyoukai turned to Kyo. "Kaze no ryuu..." He bowed his head respectfully, looking at Kyo.
"Kudasai, Sesshoumaru...you don't have to address me that way...just call me 'Kyo'..." Kyo said, slightly embarrassed.
"If he's so high class then where are his youkai markings like yours?" Shippou asked.
Kyo sighed.
"Damn...I was afraid of this..." He muttered. "I have many forms...this just happens to be one of them...but not my true human form..."
"Just how many forms do you have anyway?!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Inuyasha, shut up..." Mei Lhi said, annoyed.
Kyo put a hand to his face and wind surrounded him. The entire hut was filled with the wind's power. All the youkai in the room felt Kyo's youki increase. When the wind finally settled Kyo stood before them, his white hair now reached past his elbows, he wore clothes similar to Sesshoumaru's yet it still seemed like his own. On his face, he had two violet circles side by side where Sesshoumaru's crescent moon would be. His eyes were gray and just below them he had the markings of a noble youkai, but only his were the same color of the circles and they seemed to have a touch of royalty to them. Propped against his left shoulder was his double-ended sickle blade weapon.
Mei Lhi had remembered something Hana had told her about royal youkai, and nearly fainted when she saw Kyo's true form.
'Great...I'm dating the prince of dragons...this'll be just great...oh wait until everyone finds out...Inuyasha's going to have a field day...' She thought nervously.
Sango looked on stunned.
"Kyo...you are..." She began, at a loss for words.
Without thinking, the taijiya bowed and pulled Miroku and Kagome down with her, forcing the houshi and miko into reluctant bows. Kaede, Hana, Shippou, and Kirara bowed, Sesshoumaru giving a short bow, Inuyasha looked on confused, Mei Lhi starting to bow.
"What the hell is going on?!" Inuyasha asked sounding confused and frustrated.
"Baka! Didn't you learn anything about youkai markings?!" Mei Lhi snapped at him.
"I would've if somebody hadn't chosen to kick me out of my own house..." The hanyou replied darkly, shooting Sesshoumaru a glare.
"Baka...if they have two on either side of their face, they're noble. However, if they've got two or more on the forehead they're part of a royal family. One means a lord or taiyoukai, like Sesshoumaru, two...is a prince...three...is a king...any more than that and you're pretty much a god..." Mei Lhi explained quickly.
"WHAT?! You mean to tell me that Kyo is a prince?!!!"
"Yes...the Prince of Ryuuyoukai. A very honorable title..." Sango replied.
"Um...you can stop that now..." Kyo said, feeling his face growing warmer.
The others didn't seem to quite understand what he meant. Kyo sighed again.
"Rise..." He said, sounding somewhat annoyed, a hint of tiredness in his voice.
Finally, everyone rose from his or her bows, and Kyo now focused his attention on sleeping Rin.
"Kaede-bachan, Hana-chan, Kagome-chan, Sango-chan...Rin is getting better...you might want to get her some tea or something to eat when she wakes up..." He said, and then turned to Sesshoumaru. "You don't have to worry about her anymore...she'll be fine..."
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Rin was awake and Hana, Sango, Kagome, and Kaede were busy caring for her. Miroku and Shippou were off walking around the village, or better known as 'girl watching'. Jaken was finally gaining consciousness; Aun had been given the task to keep his lord's advisor occupied. Sesshoumaru found a place that overlooked the entire village and watched as the villagers and his half brother's companions busied themselves.
Morning was dawning in hues of pink and gold, yet another perfect day for yet another perfect moment to be shared between a certain hanyou and Ryuuyoukai.
Sesshoumaru could see them by the Goshinboku Tree. He watched and listened in silence.
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Kyo took Mei Lhi's hand into his own.
"Mei...knowing who I truly am...will you still care about me the same as before...?"
Mei Lhi shook her head.
"I don't know anymore...I mean, you're a prince...and what am I? Nothing important, to be honest..."
"Mei, it never was my choice to become a prince to begin with...when I was first born, the title was bestowed upon me..."
He paused, seemingly closing his eyes in thought. He looked to the hanyou girl before him and continued.
"Don't say that you're nothing...you're the daughter of Inutaisho...and that should be something to be proud of..."
"But...I just don't really think so...I feel so inferior to you now...like, I don't deserve this..."
"Don't ever think that...you will never be inferior to anyone..."
He pulled her into a soft embrace, his arms making her feel safe and relaxed. It was just the thing Mei Lhi needed...a last bit of reassurance...
"You always know what to say..."
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Sesshoumaru smirked and saw Inuyasha walking closer to where he stood. When the hanyou was just centimeters away, the youkai lord took the chance to voice one of his many thoughts.
"It seems...the ryuu has chosen his mate..." He said quietly.
"Hm?" Inuyasha asked, looking confused.
Sesshoumaru pointed down at the Goshinboku Tree where Kyo and Mei Lhi stood, still in one another's arms. Inuyasha looked and quickly turned away.
"Will you do nothing?"
"Keh. Why should I give a damn about them?!"
"Then...you don't care...?"
"It's not like I can have a choice anymore, now is it?! After your stupid speech on 'lords' and 'royalty' and all the other shit you've been saying..."
Sesshoumaru was silent then focused his attention back to the couple.
Inuyasha watched his brother suspiciously.
Sesshoumaru's eyebrow rose a little and he smirked again. Inuyasha glared at him.
"What?!" The hanyou demanded.
"Look for yourself..."
Inuyasha looked, a puzzled expression on his face.
"What the hell is he doing?!"
"Watch..."
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"Um...Kyoshi-kun...what're you doing?" Mei Lhi asked a little nervously.
She became more nervous as he moved closer to her neck. She started to squirm, but then felt Kyo's arm instinctively wrap around her waist.
"Don't move..." He whispered.
She obeyed and stood as still as she could. A moment later she felt his fangs against her skin, and bit her lightly, sensing her own blood. He pulled away, embracing her more tightly.
"You will be mine someday..." He breathed in her ear.
Mei Lhi's face flushed crimson, realization hitting her full force.
"Was that..." She began nervously. "...a mark...?"
Kyo nodded.
"But it's only a temporary one...the real one will be later..." He replied mischievously.
Mei Lhi blushed darker and playfully hit him.
"Yeah, in about 50 years!" She joked.
"Ok, deal."
"What?! You weren't joking, were you?"
"Iie...I wasn't..."
"Alright, then for that, you have to keep your kawaii long hair and I get to play with it...maybe I'll braid it and put little ribbons and flowers in it? I think that'll look really nice, don't you?"
"Sure...but here's the condition...you can play with my hair, you can braid it...anything BUT putting ribbons and flowers, ok? Maybe when no one's around..."
"Deal!"
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"What the hell is going on down there?!" Inuyasha exclaimed irritably.
Sesshoumaru smirked again.
"So...you do not realize what he just did?"
"No...and I don't care either..."
"It was a mark, dear brother..."
"NANI?!!!!"
Inuyasha was about to take off, when he felt someone holding him back from behind.
"Why so angry, Inuyasha? I believe you just said to this Sesshoumaru that you didn't care..."
"I care now!" The half-demon snarled.
"Inuyasha-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama!" A small voice said from the grass.
The two stopped and saw Myouga the flea hopping up and down in panic.
"What do you want, Myouga-jijii?" Inuyasha asked annoyed.
"Inuyasha-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, this concerns your father's lands...I just received an important message from some other fleas and they say that the fire dragon, Hakaru-sama is attacking the Western Lands as we speak! Sesshoumaru-sama, your armies are doing their best to keep his forces at bay while you're not there. I advise that you return as soon as possible. Hakaru-sama is trying to take the lands from you, Sesshoumaru-sama. You can't let that happen...you cannot fail your father." The flea said quickly.
"Hmph...and why should this Sesshoumaru believe you, Myouga?"
Myouga didn't respond. Jaken came running towards his lord.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! Your lands are under attack! The fire dragon is there with the miko! Naraku has sent them with an army of youkai! There are other dragons too! We must leave at once!" Jaken said, still running.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...do you believe me now?" Myouga asked.
Sesshoumaru said nothing.
"Jaken...check on Rin, get Aun ready to travel..." He said finally.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! You will need help! Take Inuyasha-sama and his companions with you!"
"Feh...what can two half-breeds, a kitsune whelp, a ryuu, and four humans accomplish?"
"The two hanyous you speak of have the same noble blood as you running through their veins! That little fox has immense power and skill when he calls upon it properly! The Ryuuyoukai is the legendary wind dragon of the spirits and prince of all dragons! There's a taijiya with incredible skill, a houshi with good will and power, two mikos, one a reincarnation of the enemy, and the other the direct descendant of Midoriko-sama herself! With such a group there is much that can be done with all of that talent combined."
Sesshoumaru stared at the flea for a while.
"...So be it...Inuyasha, gather your companions...we are going on a little trip..."
Inuyasha took off, Jaken remembering his lord's orders ran off.
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Inuyasha ran back to Kaede's hut, finding everyone with the exception of Mei Lhi and Kyo much to his relief.
"Oi...Sesshoumaru's got himself a problem..." He said.
Hana looked up from spooning some broth into Rin's mouth.
"Myouga-jijii and Jaken said that Hakaru is attacking the Western Lands...and he's got some other dragons with him...Kikyo is there too...and from what those two said, Naraku sent them."
"So...what's that got to do with us?" Shippou asked.
"Sesshoumaru's such a wuss, so he needs our help."
Hana turned to Kaede.
"Kaede-bachan...I'll need you to look after Rin." Hana said.
"Hai, Hana-sama..." Kaede replied.
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In a few minutes time, everyone was ready to go. Mei Lhi and Kyo included, both receiving mean glares from Inuyasha.
Sesshoumaru waited for them, leading the way.
"Walk faster!" Jaken yelled at them. "We have to get to Sesshoumaru-sama's lands at once!"
"SHUT UP!" Kagome, Inuyasha, Mei Lhi, and Shippou yelled back.
"You little worm...who do you think you are to order us around?!" Kagome asked him angrily.
Silently everyone was thinking the same thought as the words came out of the young miko's mouth.
'Yep...she's definitely back to normal...'
"You little witch! How dare you talk to me like that!" Jaken replied.
His response only earned him a bump on his head from Inuyasha. Jaken didn't say a word after that. The group quickened their pace, Shippou, Sango, and Miroku riding on Kirara, Kagome on Inuyasha's back, Kyo flying with Mei Lhi on his back, Hana and Jaken on Aun, Sesshoumaru in a speeding glowing orb. (A/N: There's an episode where Rin is trying to help Jaken by getting a plant, and she grabs it and she's about to get attacked, and she's alone by the way, Sesshy comes to the rescue kind of flying I guess, but he's like in a sphere or something that's glowing...so yeah...just to clarify...)
Miles and miles of terrain flew by them.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...how much further is it?" Hana asked.
"We will arrive soon..." He replied.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed as he recognized the familiar surroundings. His grip on Kagome tightened.
The group skidded to a halt, seeing the scene before them. Hakaru had what was left of his samurai army with him, a few other Ryuuyoukai flew through the sky, and Kikyo was nowhere to be found.
The ground was badly burned, a few buildings were on fire, and blood covered the earth.
"A-Are we...too late...?"
A/N: Like, OMG, finally...I'm so sorry it took 5 years...lol...wow, it's going to be August 1st in less than ½ an ! Anyway, the next chapter, I SWEAR is less fluffy...but there are finally the first signs of Hana/Sesshy! So that's a plus! I'm still working out if I can squeeze in some Inu/Kag...but the next chapter will be the second major battle in this story...anyway...Please review! I hope you liked this chapter! It was nice and long!!!
Our Little Dictionary with my crappy translations:
Gyoza – dumplings...
-Kun – Suffix used when addressing people younger than yourself or colleagues.
Nii-chan – Older/Big Brother
Imouto-san – Little/Younger Sister
Ryuuyoukai – Dragon Demon
Inuyoukai – Dog Demon
Kawaii – Adorable, cute
Kitsune – Err...fox? Little fox...? Aghh...this is embarrassing...I'm ½ Japanese and I don't even know what the hell 'kitsune' means...(grabs Japanese-English/English-Japanese Dictionary) let's see...umm...oh, here it is...kitsune – noun Fox. Oh...I'm smarter than I thought! lol...
-Chan – Suffix used to (checks dictionary) Ok...um...used after a person's given name to express intimacy and affection. Also used as a diminutive for children and pets...
-Sama – Formal suffix of Mr. or Mrs. (takes the place of '-san' which is informal) can also mean Lady or Lord. Ex: Sesshoumaru-sama = Lord Sesshoumaru
Goshinboku Tree – God Tree
Sengoku Jidai – Warring States Era...Feudal Era
-San – See '-sama'
Kami – God, deity
-Bachan – Grandmother
-Jichan – Grandfather
Miko – shrine maiden, priestess
Taijiya – Demon Exterminator
Houshi – monk
Nekometa youkai – Err...Cat demon? (looks for 'meta' in dictionary) Damn not in there...Oi! Lend me your hands Japanese people! (Yes, a "Naruto" rip-off...)
Mesuinu – female dog. Literally means bitch.
Yukata – Shirt that goes underneath a haori or kimono, also an informal summer kimono.
Okaa-san – Mother
Iie – No
Osuwari (one of my favorite words!) – Now everyone say it with me! SIT!
Kudasai – Please
Hanyou – Half demon
Youkai – Demon
Baka – Idiot, stupid, fool. (Yet another one of my favorite words...)
Nani – what
Jijii – Old man, old fart (it's pretty rude...but of course all of us weren't born yesterday so we know this...)
Baba – Old hag, old lady (see my above comment...)
Ryuu – dragon
Oi – Hey
Hai – yes
Midoriko – Powerful miko who fought in a war against youkai. The Shikon no Tama was created from her heart when it fell out after she sealed the youkai in it.
Un – Yes (used by girls under 18)
Please review! I hope this chapter was good! Ch. 38 is almost done!!! So it'll go up soon! Yay! I apologize for my brain's retarded-ness...stupid thing can't keep up with what I read! Anyway, yeah...I'll shut up...