Casa's eyes fluttered open. Jaken's face was peering down at her, blinking twice. Remembering what had happened, she jumped up, grabbing the sheets to cover herself. She was stark naked and Jaken was looking at her.
"What are you doing here?" She said and looked around. "And where's Sesshomaru?"
"Sesshomaru has left on important business and I have come in to wake you," Jaken told her.
"I could have woken on my own," she snapped.
"Well, get dressed. My lord most likely want to see you," Jaken told her, hoping of the bed.
"Just wait a sec," Casa told him. He stopped in his tracks and turned to her. "SESSHOMARU!"
Sesshomaru came running in at Casa's voice and found Jaken standing there. He looked up at Casa to find her covering herself with the sheets and he growled down at Jaken. He thought he taught the imp his lesson earlier that morning. Something then caught his attention.
"Jaken, out. I'll show you what happens when you see my friend naked!" Sesshomaru said, kicking the imp out and slamming the door. He ran over to Casa and held a strand of hair in his hands.
"What's the matter?" Casa asked, looking at the worried expression on his face.
"Your hair..." Sesshomaru told her, showing her hair to her. It was still blond, the pink highlights still visible.
"Yeah, so?" Casa asked. "I guess I didn't explain myself last night."
She rubbed her head, releasing the sheets that covered her body. Realizing it, she grabbed them again.
"Ya think?" Sesshomaru told her. "Is this normal?"
"Yes, it's perfectly normal. It lasts the night before the full moon and the day of the full moon. I'll be back to my half-demon-self at night... Tonight," Casa said.
"Well, we are going to have to tell everyone about this. They're keep it a secret. They've kept Inuyasha's transformation a secret," Sesshomaru said, scratching his head.
"Well, you started the lie, so you're explaining," Casa told him.
"You continued it, so you're joining me," Sesshomaru told her.
"Fine, but you'll tell them you did lie to them and I'll explain why, ok?" Casa suggested. Sesshomaru shrugged.
"Just get dressed and we'll deal with this as soon as possible," Sesshomaru said walking out. Jaken was heard behind the door running away and Sesshomaru chased after him yelling, "don't think you can get away that easily!"
Casa looked over the bedside and found that Sesshomaru hadn't shreaded this dress like the last one. She dressed in it quickly, pulled her boots on and looked over at the mirror. She never saw herself in a mirror in this state since she was a kid and here she was a grown woman. She remarked to herself that she looked beautiful just like Sesshomaru had told her and pulled her hair into a ponytail. The blond hair bounced with every step, unlike her black hair that just blew in the wind. She left the room only to be encountered by Sesshomaru.
"I've called everyone into the dining room. Come on," he told her, taking her arm.
"You don't have to be so rough," Casa said, pulling away from his grasp. She walked down the steps holding onto the banister so she wouldn't fall in her boots. She got to the landing and entered the dining room. She sat down and Sesshomaru followed.
Everyone was still in their sleepwear, the guys shirtless. Sango leaned on Inuyasha's shoulder thinking it was Miroku's, still sleepy. Kagome also leaned on Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha yawned as Sesshomaru came in. Jaken limped in with Rin and Shippo behind them and they all awaited the news. When Inuyasha saw Casa sit down in her 'Cassandra' form, he growled and Casa growled back. Sesshomaru broke it up, replying he was going to explain to everyone why he woke them and demanded them to be downstairs.
"You woke them up?" Casa asked. Her voice was back to normal and Inuyasha noticed it.
"Is that Casa?" Inuyasha asked, rubbing his eyes. Upon seeing 'Cassandra,' he shrugged, sending both girls yelling at him for moving his shoulders.
"Well, I've brought you down here to explain something. Miroku, wake up!" Sesshomaru demanded, sending Miroku into a dazed saying of "I'm awake, I'm awake."
"We have a confession to make," Casa told them.
"This isn't really Cassandra," Sesshomaru told them. Everyone was wide awake at that confession they all rubbed their eyes.
"Huh? I don't understand," Sango confessed.
"This is Casa," Sesshomaru told them.
"It can't be. She doesn't smell like her and no one can changed their scent," Inuyasha said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
"Well, what is Casa? What specises?" Sesshomaru asked, trying to be calm.
"She is a half-demon," Miroku stated.
"So is Inuyasha," Kagome stated.
"And what happens to every half-demon?" Sesshomaru asked.
"They get cast away?" Sango asked.
"No," Casa said.
"They lose their demon ablities at one time," Miroku told them.
"Yes," Sesshomaru said.
"So this is Casa without her demon abilities?" Inuyasha asked.
"Yes," Casa said.
"But, if you were human, your hair would be black like Inuyasha's, wouldn't it be?" Kagome asked.
"That's the thing, I'm not half human, half demon, remember? I'm half sorceress," Casa explained.
"So that explains the hair," Sango said.
"Yes, but why lie to us?" Kagome asked.
"Well, I never really liked the way I looked. I wouldn't even show it to Sesshomaru. I told him to promise not to tell anyone, so he didn't tell you. I personally just went along with the lie," Casa said, smiling sweetly up at Sesshomaru. He growled before shrugging and walking off.
"Is this true?" Inuyasha asked, interested now.
"Yes. Now, if you don't mind, I need to go," Sesshomaru said and was gone in a flash.
"I knew you were Casa!" Rin cheered. "My lord wouldn't get close to anyone other than you. He's loyal."
Everyone laughed as Casa blushed at the compliment for her husband.
Days went by and eventually Inutaisho had to leave. They said their farewells and he left for the Underworld. The palace wasn't that empty until many days afterwards when Inuyasha and the gang had to leave to collect the last remanding jewel shards. Casa gave them a teary farewell and Sesshomaru wished them good luck and to visit soon. Rin was even teary at the lost of Shippo as her playmate. She skipped off to find something to do since Jaken was still too injured to play with her yet.
Casa and Sesshomaru sat in the study, bored to do nothing but paperwork. No wars were going on and no political problems. They sighed and hoped for something to happen, anything at all. Rin walked in, her cheeriness gone away. She didn't smile or sing anymore. She would be happy on travels, exploring new places, but inside the palace was boring. Casa went out into the garden that day, under supervision of Sesshomaru, and played with Rin.
She hadn't played that much since she was a kid herself. They played catch with a ball, picked flowers in the garden and Casa even braided Rin's hair. Sesshomaru just stood at the door, watching all the fun unravel. He wasn't one to play especially in girly stuff and just watched. Casa oftened looked over at Sesshomaru to see if he wanted to join, but he would just shake his head no. A servant showed up wanted to speak with Casa and Sesshomaru. Casa had just finished teaching Rin how to make a crown out of flowers and told her she would return to see how Rin did. Rin was happy that she wasn't bored anymore and worked on her crown. At the door stood Kouga, slightly bruised and a cut on his leg. Casa offered him tea but he refused. They went to the study to discuss the problem he was having.
Recently, a tribe of snake demons had been attacking all the wolf tribes, demanding their land. Many had already died and no one could defeat them. Kouga came to Sesshomaru now because Zuka was demanding Kouga to give up his land. When Kouga refused, he threatened he would return with an army and kill them all, taking their land by force. Kouga only had two demons with him as his tribe and his wolves rarely were good in battle with demons. He was in assistance of Sesshomaru and maybe Casa if they would. He offered them this chance to get their revenge on Zuka for making their life miserible. Sesshomaru turned to Casa to find her at the window. She was watching Rin while she also listened to the conversation. She nodded, acknowledging she would join and Sesshomaru made it official stating they would help. Casa then screamed and ran out the door, Sesshomaru and Kouga closely behind her. She led them to the garden were a snake was coiled around Rin, who transformed into a snake demon.
"Sessssshomaru and Cassssa. A pleassssure to sssssee you here," the snake demon hissed.
"Let go of her!" Casa screamed.
"Sssshe issss needed with ussss. I can not do that," the sanke demon hissed at Casa and she stepped forward.
"GIVE HER BACK OR ELSE!" Casa screamed.
"Lady Cassssa, I don't wissssh to harm her, but if you continue, I may," the snake demon hissed. Sesshomaru pulled Casa back and told Kouga to keep gaurd over her.
"What do you want?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Do not join thisssss battle between ussss ssssnake demonsssss and I will let her go," the sanke demon hissed.
"What makes you think we will do this?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I guesssss thissss girl doessssn't mean much to you, doesss it? Lady Cassssa over there might find differently," he hissed, looking over at Casa. A snake was slithering her way, Sesshomaru saw and whipped her with his Poison Whip. The snake transformed into her human state and hissed angrily at the male snake demon.
"I thought you ssssaid that would be easssy," the female snake hissed.
"I didn't think he would sssssee it!" The male snapped.
Kouga pushed Casa behind him and kicked the female snake away. "Take that!" He yelled.
"This girl will be our hossstage until you reconssssider. Until then, Lord Sesssssshomaru and Lady Cassssa, good day to you," the snake demon hissed, and disappearing with Rin.
Casa ran ahead to grab Rin but she was too late. She nearly collapsed but Sesshomaru caught her before she hit the ground. A light rain began to fall and they headed back inside to the warmth. Casa refused to speak to anyone as she ran up the stairs and to the bedroom, slamming the door.
"Is she going to be all right?" Kouga asked.
"I hope so. I think she believes it's her fault Rin got kidnapted," Sesshomaru said, walking into the dining room. Casa could use some time to herself and this would be a great time. Sesshomaru offered Kouga some tea and discussed how this would work. If they didn't show up, Rin could still be harmed, but if they did, it was a greater chance Rin would be harmed. A slam and argument was heard outside the door and Sesshomaru stood to investigate. Casa was having an argument with a servant.
"Let me go!" Casa screamed, pushing her way passed the servant.
"I am not permitted to allow you to do that," the servant remarked, holding Casa back. Sesshomaru nodded and the servant released Casa, sending her falling forward. She caught herself before she fell and headed towards the door. Tears ran down her face as she ran, but Sesshomaru blocked her way outside.
"Let me go!" Casa screamed again.
"It's raining outside. You'll get sick," Sesshomaru told her.
"Rather sick than let Rin get harmed," Casa yelled.
"If you want to go find Rin, where will you start? Her scent is lost in the rain and we have no leads to where she could be," Sesshomaru told her, pushing her back.
"Well it's better than sitting in here doing nothing!" Casa yelled and doubled over. She held her stomach, still trying to get through. "Just let me go."
"We will wait until the rain passes," Sesshomaru told her.
"It'll be too late by then!" Casa screamed, turning around and running to the bedroom. The lock was heard turning and then locked with a click. Kouga strolled out calmly and smirked.
"Still having problems with her?" Kouga mocked.
"She hasn't acted this way in a while. We were getting along just fine," Sesshomaru told him, scratching his head.
"Well, usually females in my pack would act this way when something dramatic happened or... something else. But I don't want to jump to conclusions. Just, watch out and tell me if she has another outburst. I might be able to help," Kouga said, winking and heading out. "Ginta's not felling so well after Zuka's visit and I need to head back. See ya!"
He disappeared in the rain, a cyclone swirling around him. Sesshomaru could smell the tears from inside the room and decided to stay away for a while. Casa might have calmed down by then. A note came in, wet but still legible.
We're coming, TODAY, to see how Casa's doing. Perhaps around noon, see you then!
Kagome and Inuyasha.
He sighed and looked out the window. It was useless to find out what time it was because of the rain clouds but he guessed they would arrive any minute. He walked to the hall to await their arrival.
A loud knock was heard throughout the palace and Sesshomaru answered it. Standing there was a wet Inuyasha, his bangs sticking to his face. His eyes were barely seen and Kagome stood there with her umbrella in hand. Shippo smiled up at Sesshomaru and looked around. Rin usually came bounding down the stairs if she knew Shippo was there. It was one of the reasons they sent the note. Sesshomaru invited them inside and Inuyasha shook off like a dog.
"Sorry we're slightly late. The rain delayed us," Kagome confessed.
"It doesn't matter. We can't find the time because of the clouds, so you could have arrived hours late and we wouldn't know," Sesshomaru told her, placing her backpack down off Inuyasha's shoulders.
"Did you have to pack so damn much?" Inuyasha snapped at Kagome.
"I didn't know how long we were staying..." Kagome stated, scratching her head.
"Well, this isn't a great time," Sesshomaru told them.
"Where's Casa? I didn't think her transformation happened until night," Kagome asked, looking around.
"Transformation? Is that tonight? Oh shit..." Sesshomaru said, hitting his head.
"Why? What's going on? Where's Rin?" Shippo asked.
"Let's sit down and have a cup of tea over this," Sesshomaru offered, leading them to the dining room. He explained about Rin, Kouga's war with Zuka, Casa outburst and then admitted he had completely forgot her transformation.
"Well, you guys tended to get into fights..." Inuyasha told him.
"What does that mean?" Sesshomaru snapped.
"Well, have you been fighting recently?" Kagome asked. She usually was good in finding out why people were angry or upset unless they were Inuyasha.
"Not at all," Sesshomaru told her, still glaring at Inuyasha.
"Well, maybe she just needed to voice her opinion," Kagome guessed scratching her head. "Or something else."
"You and Kouga said almost the exact same thing!" Sesshomaru exclaimed.
A door opened upstairs and Casa yelled, "Keep it down, Sesshomaru! Can't you keep your voice down for two minutes!"
"Oh, you really got her mad," Inuyasha told him. "I even know when to draw the line in making Kagome mad."
"Half the time," Kagome mummbled. The door slammed again as Casa closed her door, not wanting to speak with anyone. She knew Inuyasha and Kagome had arrived, but she still didn't want to speak with anyone. She just wanted time to herself.
"Maybe I should talk to her, when you guys are out?" Kagome asked.
"Why when we're out? Why can't we be around?" Inuyasha asked.
"Girls and women tend to talk to girls a lot to each other for some odd reason," Sesshomaru stated remembering the times with Sango and Rin and they calmed her down. "But why went we are out?"
"She'll be calmer and not as worried that you'll be listening outside of the room," Kagome said. "She usually opened up to us when we got dressed for a wedding, because she knew you guys were busy getting dressed yourself and not evasdropping."
"Evasdropping?" Sesshomaru and Inuyasha asked.
"It's when you overhear on someone's conversation," Kagome sighed. This era needed some new words.
"Fine. Inuyasha and I will go find Rin and you calm Casa down, all right?" Sesshoamru told her. Kagome didn't look happy about that suggestion.
"Casa already mad at you for not letting her go out and get Rin as soon as possible. She'll be worst if you go out and get Rin and save her without her," Kagome told him.
"Well too bad for her," Inuyasha said and stood up. "Let's go already."
Sesshomaru sighed and stood up. His swords were already with him since he was doing work earlier today and patrolling and they set out immediatly. Kagome started her way up the steps and to a very upset Casa.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha returned with Rin after a gruesome battle with Zuka. Everyone died on his side because they refused to give up even after their leader had been killed. They found them when they went to Kouga's area and found they were ready to attack. Rin was in hand and they rescued her first. Heading back, Sesshomaru had to clean off his claws because the blood was freaking Rin out. She did enjoy tugging on Inuyasha's ears as he carried her back to the palace, but Inuyasha hated it. It was the only that Rin would do other than cheer or compliment Sesshomaru or sing; all things Inuyasha detested. He gave up and allowed her to tug on his ears until they got to the palace.
They walked in and saw Kagome sitting on the steps with a cup of tea awating their return. She had talked to Casa and found out what the problem was, but allowed Casa to tell Sesshomaru.
"Where is she? Did you speak to her?" Sesshomaru asked in a demanding tone.
"Sesshomaru, you need to drop that tone before you go speak to her or she'll just cry. I have found out what is her problem, but she wants to tell you herself," Kagome said, and Inuyasha walked behind him, Rin still tugging on his ears playfully.
"We are NEVER getting kids, understood?" Inuyasha told her. She giggled and looked back up at Sesshomaru.
"She's waiting for you," she told him and saw him ascend up the stairs. She helped Rin release Inuyasha's ear after a long battle, while meanwhile Casa and Sesshomaru talked.
He entered the room, tears hitting his nose. Another dicusting smell hit his nose and had to refuse to gag. Casa sat on the bed facing him, but the room was dark. The sun didn't pour in because of the rain and nothing was lit to light the room up.
"Casa, are you all right?" Sesshomaru asked, closing the door. Casa was still too upset to talk and just patted the bed indicating him to sit down. He did and turned to her.
"Now, please don't pressure this out of me, all right? Just let me do this on my own," Casa asked in a whisper, her face lowering. Sesshomaru looked at her comforting and got her message. He often was all sweet to her to get it out, complimenting her and telling her sweet words of love.
"I won't, I promise," he told her and saw her lift her head. Her eyes were still brown but a tint of pink was slightly shown.
"I need to tell you before the night begins, so don't interupt me," she said. He nodded and she sniffed. Fresh tears began to fell as she wished Kagome would have done this for her.
"Will you begin?" Sesshomaru asked, leaning slightly back on his hands.
"Kagome found out why I've been so moody and why I was having stomach aches," she said and sighed. She tried her best not to cry but she didn't really concentrate on it. She was more worried about getting this out.
"Yes and?" Sesshomaru asked. He was being patient and waiting until Casa was ready to tell him.
"She did this 'test' thing on me and it turned out possitive," she told him lowering her gaze to the bed.
"Is that good?" Sesshomaru asked, wondering what a 'test' was.
"For me, maybe. I don't know how you feel about..." Casa start and stuttered. She leaned over the bed and vomitted. Sesshomaru rubbed her back and remembered how much his father would come home and complain about Izayoi would be moddy and complain while she was pregnant with Inuyasha. The thought hit him hard as he looked at Casa wipe her mouth.
"Are you-" Sesshomaru started.
"Yes, I'm pregnant," Casa told him. He nearly fell off the bed.
His Casa was pregnant! He was more shocked than happy. He just sat there and stared, too shocked to believe it.
"Are... Are you sure?" Sesshoamru asked.
"She said the 'test' was almost always accurate," Casa told him.
"Oh my... Oh my..." Sesshomaru said and a knock was heard at the door.
By how light and scared it was, it sounded like Kagome was checking to see if Casa had told him or not. Casa allowed the person in and it turned out to be who she guess; Kagome. Inuyasha's ears had been attacked by Rin again, this time Shippo joined her. Kagome came in, too tired to get the kids off and see how Casa was doing. She hoped it hadn't taken them too long and hoped she didn't interrupt her when she was about to spill.
"Umm, did I interupt anything?" Kagome asked, slightly scared.
"Come look," Casa said, motioning Kagome to come to see Sesshomaru.
"He looks like he's frozen," Kagome laughed. "So you told him?"
"Yep. Hasn't said anything about how he feels about it yet," Casa said.
"You wanted me to?" Sesshomaru asked in a light whispered, worried his voice might crack if he talk normal.
"Yes. I didn't know if you wanted to have one. We never really talked about it," Casa told him.
"KAGOME! HELP ME!" Inuyasha was heard from behind the door and a few giggles and a thud. Everyone laughed, even Sesshomaru. Casa walked out and laughed. Rin and Shippo had pinned Inuyasha down and he looked like Kagome had said "sit." Rin sat on his head tweaking his ears while Shippo held his hands down with some of his stones. He stood there teasing Inuyasha who couldn't move without hurting Rin. If he did, he knew Sesshomaru would kill him.
"Inuyasha what is going on here?" Sesshomaru asked trying to surpress laughter.
"It's not what is seems," Inuyasha said, it half mummbled because he was face first in the rug. Kagome and Casa couldn't stop laughing and Sesshomaru just chuckled.
A thought then hit him. "Inuyasha, how would you feel if another child joined us?" Sesshomaru asked. Casa looked up at him and saw he had his taunting smile on. Of course, Inuyasha couldn't see it.
"I would die," he sighed, Rin pulling on his ears slightly harder. "OW! Let go!"
Rin just laughed and turned to Lord Sesshomaru. "Look, he's like a puppy," she cheered.
"I'm not a puppy!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Are you sure Inuyasha?" Kagome asked.
"For you, maybe. But not for this twirps!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Inuyasha, we have some bad news for you, I guess," Casa told him, smiling slightly evily.
"Don't tell me. You found an orphan and want to bring them in," Inuyasha moaned.
"No," Kagome told him.
"Then what?" Inuyasha asked, his head above the carpet now with how hard Rin was pulling on his ears.
"I'm pregnant!" Casa cheered.
Inuyasha's jaw dropped and he stood up, the stones flying and hitting some glass plates. Rin was holding onto Inuyasha's ears and when he stood up, she dangled off his head, only holding onto his ears. She cried and Casa moved to carry her.
"Be more careful," Casa snapped.
"Oh shit..." Inuyasha complained. Casa hadn't noticed, nor anyone else, but Casa had transformed in the time they were laughing at Inuyasha.
"What? Oh, this," Casa said looking at her dress and gloves. Rin laughed and jumped out of Casa's arms and ran after Shippo. Casa looked up at Inuyasha and saw him slightly angry at Sesshomaru.
"Are you just trying to make my life miserible?" Inuyasha asked.
"It's not all my fault," Sesshomaru told him, pointing to Casa. "She's the one who's pregnant."
"I can't exactly get mad at her in that state. She's so fragile," Inuyasha told her.
"Fragile, huh? If my memory serves me correctly, you got nearly knocked out with my powers," Casa taunted. He "keh"-ed and walked off, Kagome close behind.
"He'll always be the annoying puppy he's always been," Sesshomaru told her. Inuyasha was heard down the hall, "I heard that!"
Both laughed and entered the room. The next nine months would be odd. With Casa's symtomes still happening, she and Sesshomaru would have a lot on their hands. Sesshomaru was just happy Zuka was gone, but Melina was still out there, most likely planning revenge.
Casa had the urge to vomit again and rushed to her bucket. Sesshomaru watched her vomit and wiped with a rag nearby.
"Who brought you that? Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked.
"She ordered it up. She said we need it for a secret surprize," Casa told him and laid down on the bed.
"Will you be all right? I mean I've never handled-" Sesshoamru said.
"It'll all be over tomorrow," Casa said, half believing it herself.
"I don't think so," Sesshomaru told her.
"Me neither. All this pain..." Casa said, holding her stomach.
"Relax," Sesshomaru said, pulling her into his lap. He placed a hand on her stomach and laid his head on her shoulder. He breathed on her neck and felt her shiver. She was still tense, worried she might have the urge to vomit again. He whispered in her ear to relax and she sighed before slightly relaxing. He heard her mummble something or another. He smiled and pulled her closer to him. She flinched and pushed his arms away as she crawled away from him. She still held her stomach.
"Why did do that?" Casa asked, doubling over in pain.
"I didn't mean to," Sesshomaru told her, realizing her must have hurt her by pulling on her stomach. "Sorry."
"It's all right. Can we go to bed? I'm tried," Casa asked, and before he would answer, she had laid her head on a pillow and relaxed. Sesshomaru didn't follow but left her to sleep. It was still early and he wasn't tired. He found Inuyasha and Kagome walking down the stairs chatting merily. Inuyasha caught Sesshomaru's eye and saw it twinkled with some hatred.
"Inuyasha, he didn't mean to get Casa pregnant, right?" Kagome asked, looking over at Sesshomaru.
"No, I didn't mean to, but it just happened," Sesshomaru told her.
"Well, Kagome wants to live here while we settle down. We found the jewel shards and put the Sacred Jewel together and Miroku and Sango decided to keep it safe in Kaeda's village. They've settled down there," Kagome told him.
"Oh, I'm glad. We have one pervert in the palace is enough," Sesshomaru growling.
"Don't you believe Jaken was doing that stuff by accident?" Kagome asked.
"He never does things by accident. It's always for his lord," Inuyasha told her and heard Sesshomaru sigh. He didn't like the conversation lingering on Jaken.
"How about we go check on the kids?" Sesshomaru asked, just trying his best to change the subject.
"They're in a room playing with some things Kagome brought them,"Inuyasha told him.
"Oh," Sesshomaru said.
"Casa all right in the room?" Kagome asked.
"She's sleeping, I believe. Must be tired," Sesshomaru told her.
"Will she be joining us for supper?" Inuyasha asked.
"If she wakes by then. I will not be rude to waken her if she's tired," Sesshomaru told him.
"Understood," Kagome told him, walking out to the garden.
The stars shined above them, the moon shown clearly in front of them. Inuyasha held Kagome in his arms and they enjoyed the beautiful sight. Guess everyone was falling in love.