Last time: All those Sesshomaru fan girls were probably thinking, AH! No! That must be me there! when Sesshomaru kissed Kay. You heard me right. He kissed her. Yeah, very out of character.
Chapter 5: Find One, Lose Another
Kay's went to her lessons for two more days, but nothing big happened in them. Kay just couldn't look Sesshomaru in the eye for more than two seconds. OK, Kay could look him in the eye, she just didn't do it much anymore. But she was learning how to read better and better every time she opened a book. Kanji seemed to come easily for her, and he had also taught her the other ways of writing things in Japan. She did quite well, but still took a while for Kay to read things. She read many books in the library and spent a lot of time there, just sitting and reading. Though she did spend a lot of her free time with Rin too. They were almost inseparable. And Kay honed her reading skills by reading stories to Rin.
Though she did wonder where her friends were... They would probably have come here if they could, right? Maybe something happened? Though Kay tried not to dwell on such things, making sure to keep her mind occupied with reading.
One day, as she sat in the library, she heard someone come in. Kay was wearing a blue kimono similar to the one that she wore the first night she was here, though the pattern was much nicer, and it was light blue and regular blue. She continued to read and ignored who was there, like she always did. When she was reading, the only thing to break her from it was someone who spoke to her, and annoyed her to no end.
"Kay," said the voice, the person obviously looking at her.
"Go away," Kay said, not looking up.
"That's a nice way to treat a friend," said the familiar voice.
Kay looked up to see Lord Sesshomaru standing right in front of her. Kay blushed and said, "Sorry, Sesshomaru. I don't pay attention to things when I'm reading. I'm very mean if someone drags me from a book."
"Hm... Well, I suppose you should probably leave. You have learned much about reading in a short time, and you are obviously homesick. Though you don't show it, I can tell by your scent," Sesshomaru said, smirking.
"How right you are, Sesshomaru. I guess I should gather my things then... Sesshomaru?" Kay asked the demon as he started to walk away.
"Yes?" he said, stopping.
"Can I bring some books and kimonos with me? I want to continue to practice my skill, and I really like the kimonos..." Kay said, looking at the back of Sesshomaru's head.
He smiled, though Kay couldn't see that, and said, "Yes. You may have some books and kimonos."
Kay smiled and said thanks before Sesshomaru left, going down the many hallways to his study.
- - -
Kay packed a makeshift bag of books and kimonos, but not too many to weigh her down. She did her hair and lifted the bag up, ready to leave and go find her friends.
"Well, Kay, it's time for you to go," Kay said to herself as she took a last look at herself in the mirror and walked to the castle gates. She made it there fine and walked outside to be greeted by Jaken, Rin, and Sesshomaru. Ah-Un was looking at a horse, but didn't eat it, like he was given orders not to.
"Kay-chan, are you leaving?" Rin asked.
"Yes, Rin-chan. I'm going to go now. I'm sorry we couldn't have more time together," Kay said, tears coming to her eyes. Rin and her hugged before Kay turned to Jaken.
Kay's smile still played on her face, but she stepped on Jaken's head and said, "Bye, loser."
"Stupid wench," Jaken muttered under his breath, though he got a swift kick from Kay.
Next was Sesshomaru. She looked up at him and felt her heart beating in her chest, and a tear rolling down her cheek. Kay blushed and didn't know how to say goodbye, so she kissed him. Jaken was stunned, for the first time not saying anything. Rin smiled and grinned, feeling happier than before.
Kay broke away from the kiss and ran over to the horse she knew was meant for her. She got on it and waved as she kicked the horse to get him to run.
Kay couldn't believe what she had done. She was blushing furiously as her horse sped through the forest at a good speed. It was nice of Sesshomaru to lend her a horse. He didn't need it anyway.
The girl felt very alone for the first time in a long time. She had nowhere to go, so she decided to slow down. The horse slowed to a trot and Kay had to decide where to go.
- - -
When she reached a village she was still blushing, though it was only a small bit. Her blue silk kimono seemed to glitter in the sun and her hair flowed gently in the wind. Kay didn't like it. She didn't want her hair to flow in the wind and she didn't want her kimono to glitter. It seemed to attract attention when she rode through the town, looking for a nice family to stay with. Even when I'm in feudal clothes people stare... Kay said, looking around at all the children and people who seemed to watch her.
Her horse stopped in front of a person in the middle of the road, looking up at her in awe. The person was a man, looking to be in his twenties, standing in front of some younger children and two older people. Kay realized that he was standing in front of his siblings and parents. How odd that he should be almost ten years older than his siblings...
The man in front of his family wore a normal kimono, though by the elaborate designs of it you could tell that it was meant for someone of high status. His hair fell gracefully in front of his eyes and over his face, and was tied in a ponytail in the back that reached to his lower neck.
"I beg your pardon, Lady. I am wondering if you would be a goddess, seeing as you are so beautiful," the man said.
Kay giggled and said, "You flatter me so. But no, I am not a goddess. I'm not even close to being a goddess."
"Then you must be a princess, as you wear kimonos of the finest silk. Come! You must come with me to my family's castle!" The man said, pulling on Kay's horse's reigns.
"Wait, I'm not a--"
"It is fine! I insist. You should dine with us tonight, and you may leave on your journey tomorrow! If one such as you should get hurt by demons during the night, it would be a tragedy!" the man said, walking with his family following. Kay couldn't get off at all because the family surrounded her and prevented her from jumping down, or else she'd hurt them.
Kay smiled as she thought of Michelle saying, 'Who cares about them! Just jump, stupid!'
"Princess, what is your name?" the man asked.
"I'm not a--"
"Oh, I am so sorry!" the man said, stopping and bowing down to Kay. "I did not introduce myself, my lady. I am Hiromasa, lord of the nearby lands, but it is obvious that you are a princess of higher ranks than I," said the man.
"Well- uh- Hiromasa, It's a pleasure meeting you. I am Kay," she said, looking at the group of people bowing. "Please, don't bow for me... It makes me feel silly seeing as I'm NOT a--"
"Kay... What a beautiful name," interrupted Hiromasa, getting up and leading her horse again.
Can't this guy understand that I'm not a princess! Kay asked herself, glaring at the back of her horse's neck. Well, I better get used to it. I'm going to have to spend the whole night with him... Ugh...
- - -
The group ran through the forest, InuYasha leading the group to what he knew as Sesshomaru's scent. He knew that they were close to the castle, but how far they had to travel they didn't know. Charlie sped up, matching InuYasha's speed.
It's hard to believe that we've been trying to get to her for about six days? Five or six... We have to get her! Michelle thought as she glared ahead of them. Soon enough Michelle saw the castle and brightened up.
"It's Sesshomaru's castle! Hurry up!" Michelle yelled as she knelt down a little bit on Charlie, looking much like a jockey on a race horse.
The group went into the castle and almost right away they turned to see Sesshomaru walking with Rin and Jaken following him like a puppy.
"InuYasha. Why have you intruded my castle?" Sesshomaru said in his usual emotionless voice.
InuYasha growled and answered, "We're here for Kay. Where is she?"
"She left a few hours ago. She took with her one of my horses," Sesshomaru said. The others thought it odd that he was calm while talking to them.
"Why did you let her go?" Michelle asked, thinking it was very unlike him to do such a thing.
"She wanted to," Sesshomaru answered.
The lot of them were dumbstruck. They couldn't figure out what in the world he was talking about, or maybe what he was thinking. Heck, they couldn't even understand their own thoughts at that moment.
Michelle looked at Sesshomaru's face with an expression that said 'You're impossible and I can't understand what you mean'. "Well, I guess we should get going," Michelle said, turning around and walking out of the castle.
"That would be a good idea," Sesshomaru said, staring at them with a gaze that said something like: 'leave or die'.
The group left and started traveling through the forest and down a small trail. At night they made a camp in a small clearing, making a fire and getting their beds ready. InuYasha jumped up in a tree and settled himself up there, getting himself comfortable. Kagome sat by the fire, holding her backpack and looking like she was ready to take her sleeping bag out, but didn't know if she wanted to. Sango sat near the fire also and Miroku sat next to her.
Michelle moved closer to the fire, holding her hands up to warm herself. Shippo walked over to Michelle and looked up at her face, wondering what she could be thinking about. "Michelle, are you OK?" Shippo asked.
"I'm fine, runt. Now go away," Michelle growled out, glaring at him.
Shippo's eyes widened and he jumped over to Kagome, hiding behind her from Michelle's evil glare.
Michelle glared into the fire and then looked up, having heard something coming this way. InuYasha shifted to look through the forest and glared. "I smell wolf," he said, growling deep within his throat.
Then a small tornado sped through the camp, leaving everyone surprised that Kouga didn't stop.
"Michelle! She's gone!" Sango yelled as she looked at Michelle's empty spot.
Charlie shifted his head and looked over to where Michelle was, and then sniffed the air.
Charlie stood up, sniffing the air with increased interest. His tail wagged and the small dog looked around the group carefully. Then, as if he just saw something to chase, he ran, ran as fast as he could, looking straight forward and not glancing back once.
"Sango, take Miroku and Shippo on Kirara and follow Kouga. Kagome and I will follow that stupid dog," InuYasha said quickly.
The group stood up and Miroku put out the fire with the pot that was on it, warming up to cook whatever they were going to cook. Kagome put the stuff she took out back in her backpack and Miroku, Shippo, and Sango got on the large fire-cat Kirara, and Kirara started to run towards where Kouga had just gone. After Kagome got her backpack ready she got on InuYasha's back and he ran, knowing that Charlie was going as fast as he could.
- - -
"Look, I think this is nice and all, but you must know! I am n--"
"Shh... Sh... Do not worry yourself," Hiromasa said, smiling and putting a finger up to Kay's lips.
The children sat around the table, as did the parents and the Lord of this castle. It was a decent sized table, and the room was elegantly designed. The floor was yellow, like many other Japanese floors. The walls were painted in a beautiful style, and the doors were just paper. Kay always thought that was weird.
"So... uh, Kay. Why are you around here?" asked Hiromasa's father.
"Well, I'm trying to find my friends. So, I should really get going..." Kay said, moving a little bit out of her spot.
"Nonsense! Stay here! I'm sure that your friends will find you just fine," Hiromasa said, smiling widely.
Just then something black broke through the paper door, running over to Kay and knocking her down.
A guard ran into the room, holding his sword and said, "My lord! I am sorry!" He bowed down and said, "I could not stop that beast from entering the castle. I have failed y--"
"CHARLIE!" Kay yelled, hugging the black animal. Fortunately, he didn't touch her kimono with his dirty paws, so that made her happy too.
Kay sat up, hugging her dog and he licked her face affectionately. "You're here! Does that mean Michelle is here too?"
Charlie gave as close of a smile as he could, panting at the same time and said with his mind, Yes.
"Really? Where is she? And the others? Where are they?" Kay asked her dog, holding his face in her hands.
I left as soon as I smelt your scent. I am positive that they are following my own scent and yours to this very spot. I am so glad to see you. I had not spoken at all until now... Oh, and Michelle was kidnapped by Kouga. Charlie said, licking Kay's chin.
"I'm glad to see you too! Wait! I know I saw Mom as I went through the chest... How was she, last you saw? Wait... Michelle was kidnapped?" Kay asked, looking at her dog with sad eyes, ones that could rival Charlie's perfect puppy-dog eyes. With his puppy-dog eyes and puppy face he looked absolutely adorable. He looked even cuter as an anime character.
"Um... Are you talking to your dog?" Hiromasa asked, holding up a finger and looking at Kay like she was crazy.
Kay nodded and hugged her dog. She closed her eyes and buried her head deep into his fur, happy to see a familiar face. "So, about Michelle..." Kay said, still hugging Charlie.
Yeah, she was just taken a few minutes ago. Kouga just passed through camp and then she was gone... Charlie said, nuzzling Kay's shoulder and inhaling her scent. Hey... That smells familiar... That other dog demon?
Kay blushed and nodded. "Yeah..."
What did he do? Charlie asked Kay.
Kay muttered something inaudible, but Charlie heard it perfectly.
HE WHAT! Charlie backed up from Kay's embrace a little bit to look her in the eyes.
"Don't tell anyone!" Kay said in a hushed voice.
OK... OK... I won't. But you have to do something for me...
"What?" Kay asked, sounding suspicious.
Give me some ice-cream later, Charlie said with a sly voice.
"Fine. Ice cream," Kay said.
Twist. I've never had chocolate, and since you won't let me have that, I want twist.
Kay let go of her dog and sat back, looking back at her dog. Hiromasa looked at Kay, convinced that she was done 'talking with her dog' and he said, "Well, princess, I want to ask you something."
Hiromasa walked over to Kay as she thought that he was an idiot. He helped her up from the floor and held her hands tightly in his own. "Will you be my wife?" Hiromasa asked. Kay's eyes were wider than dinner plates, a blush creeping up on her face, and her mouth was hanging open slightly.
Once Kay had regained herself she became red, from anger now, not embarrassment, and yelled, "I AM NOT A PRINCESS! IF YOU WOULD HAVE LET ME SPEAK, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU THAT WHEN WE FIRST MET!"
Hiromasa's eyes widened and he looked shocked by Kay's sudden outburst. "It doesn't matter. You are beautiful, and I feel that you are the only woman for me."
"I'm only fifteen!"
"That matters not. Will you be my wife?"
"NO!"
Kay looked furious and just in the nick of time, InuYasha ran in the room, Kagome on his back. Kay yanked her hands from Hiromasa's, and she smiled at the two who had come.
"Good job, Charlie! You led us straight to Kay!" InuYasha said, letting Kagome down off of his back.
Well, yeah. Why else would I leave you all? Charlie asked them, projecting his thoughts so InuYasha and Kagome could hear too.
"Good point," InuYasha said, smirking.
Hiromasa glared at InuYasha and pulled out a sword from behind a foldable wall. He held it up at InuYasha and said, "Demon! You will leave Kay! I will not let you have her."
Charlie growled and transformed, making him tower over everyone in the room. He growled at Hiromasa and Kay walked past InuYasha and Kagome, out of the castle and waited outside for the others.
When they joined her, her carrying a bag of kimonos and Japanese books, they got on Charlie to go find Michelle.
Next time: Now that InuYasha and Kagome found Kay, the rest of them need to find Michelle. They speed off to get to Kouga's den, but before they get there, something interesting happens.
Michelle: I was kidnapped!
Kay: Yup.
Michelle: Jerk.
Kouga: Michelle! I claim you as my woman!
Michelle: Shut up!
Kay: Ha ha!
Kouga: I hope that the others don't come and save you in the next chapter, Rescue Mission!
Note: Before you review or whatever you do, I would like to know how you find out how many hits you've got on a story! Can someone tell me? I can't figure it out.