Hello, everyone! As promised, here's chapter 28, a little bit quicker than usual too. Hope you all like it. And I am sick, grrr. Hope you enjoy the chapter, toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Disclaimer: Abbey: Interview time has come again! This time, I only managed to get Naraku. ( . )
Naraku: What do you mean by only?
Abbey: I mean that you are a stupid asshole. Wait a second…as the authoress, can't I do WHATEVER I want to the characters? (evil grin)
Naraku: (shifty eyes and glare)
Abbey: Take that, Naraku, BUTTERFLY KISSES!
Naraku: (hissing)
Abbey: Feel the pain, bizitch! (Puts Naraku in pink dress with lots of ruffles) Hey look, you're a girl! But not officially yet…(gets out butcher knife) but you're about to be, muhahaha! How I love torture! Oh, sorry, how rude of me, would anyone like to join in the torture? Anyone? Oh and by the way, I don't own InuYasha.
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Thanks to all of you, I am feeling a lot better about my writing skills, or there lack of. Anyways, I'm going to thank those of you who reviewed now...
Okami no Hanyou: You were sick? I'm sorry! Being sick blows ass. Anyways, your review was so nice, Beppy! I've never been called that before. And I was worried about that chapter too, b/c of all the Kags/Bat, b/c not too many people like that pairing. But I think that overall the writing was good. Can't wait till you update ISNK! TTYL, Toodles!
Katty-kat: (in full-body cast) Glad to know that you liked it, even if I got hit. But I just love to write plot twists, damn it. I'm pretty sure I won't get hit, b/c Kags and B don't really talk alone or anything. TTY next time!
Brianna: The whole thing about what Battousi said about wanting a new reason to live, you'll see what he meant in this chapter. It's not what you think. And...about Kags being bad...I can't tell, sorry! And yup, Shippou's little girlfriend comes in this chapter, hope you like it! P.S. Yeah, I'm sorry I hurt "Big B" too, B/C HE'S SO HOT! LoL
Inuyasha'smistress: Yup, that's EXACTLY where I got that from! I'm so glad that someone caught it! I love the movie and play too! It's so creepily good! And about what Battousi said, you know, the thing about needing a new reason to live...I think you'll find that's it's not what you think. Hope you like it, though!
SPaZin-Person: Ouch, sorry, Gabby. Cramps do really suck ass, I hope you're okay. Anyways, this chapter is sooo cute! I hope you like it!
Sango Rox: Glad you like it and hopeyou like this chapter and the future ones as well. Toodles!
The Sailor Moon Freak: I know, doesn't writer's block just suck a whole lotta ass! Sorry about the hands hurting thing. Mine do sometimes too. Anyways, hope you like this chapter!
Anime-fan4444: Glad you liked the chapter. I'll try to keep the rest of the chapters up to everyone's standards. Hope you like this chapter!
Sango313: You know, I think I might take a look at your story. Thanks for your support on mine. Hope you like this chapter.
WaiKiki/AirFaerie45: Hey, hope you can get your compy fixed soon so we can talk! I'll try to update as fast as I can, but for the next chapter in AFLM, I'm thinking the writer's block is going to be pretty bad, b/c I have no idea whatsoever as to what I should write. TTYL, and say hi to everyone!
LadyRedEyes/Kagome-chan/Marisa: OMG, I've got to hurry b/c I'm cooked! Gomen that this is short, Kags, but I gots to get going! TTYL, TOODLES, TTFN, LYLAS! and all that other stuff!
Thanks to everyone who read, even if you didn't review! On with the story!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Sesshomaru's Red Eyes
Chapter 28:
Child of the South
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"Look, Kagome," Sango said, "Shippou's knocked out." Everyone was in the hospital ward of the castle. Kagome and Miroku were tending to the wounds of their injured friends….oh yeah, and Sesshomaru, LoL.
"Yeah, he's been trying to help me with all of your wounds so much that he just fell asleep." The miko smiled, "I'll let him go for awhile."
"Look at that face," Sango exclaimed, also smiling, "It looks like he's dreaming."
"Yeah, you know, it kind of does."
XOXOX Shippou's Dream XOXOX
"Eh…hello? Is anyone there?" Shippou called. He was out in the courtyard, wondering why he was there. Could this be a dream? There was only one way to find out. "Um…Miss? Are you there?"
"There is no need for you to regard me with such formality, Shippou."
"So you are here. I must be dreaming then."
"That you are," the voice said.
"What can I call you then? And…why can't I see you anywhere?"
"Gomen ne, Shippou. I cannot tell you just yet." She giggled lightly, "But I can tell you that we shall meet soon in real life. The dreams that you had before were just that, dreams. This time, I am calling out to you."
"You're…calling out to me?" he repeated. He noticed that this time, her voice sounded much younger, as though she were a child, not unlike himself.
"Hai. I have foreseen our meeting. I look forward to it…Shippou-kun."
"Shi-Shippou-kun?" he repeated shakily, and gulped.
The voice giggled again, "I have known of you since the dawn of my creation. It is your purity of heart that draws me to want to talk to you. Please always keep that heart of yours, Shippou."
"Okay, I will," he said, nodding. (A/N: (cough) this is a hint: who else is drawn to purity of heart? Okay, I'm done now.)
XOXOX End Shippou's Dream XOXOX
"Kagome, why are you still wearing that?" InuYasha asked.
The miko looked down. Her eyes widened. She was still wearing the dress that Battousi gave her and his outer kimono shirt. "I guess I just…forgot about it. I was so busy treating all of your wounds." Sesshomaru glared at Kagome angrily. Sango and Miroku were giving each other sideways glances, turning away whenever one noticed the other. "Eh…Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.
"Yes?" he answered back venomously.
"Before when I went out to go get some bandages, Rin came up to me and was crying because she was worried…you know, about you and about Sango. And you, InuYasha, Shippou was worried about you. Could you both please come so that they'll know you're okay?"
"I'll come," Sango said, "I'd hate to have Rin worry."
"Oh, Sango, you shouldn't get up, I mean, you just got over the effects of that dreadful potion, and you shouldn't move just yet."
"But I want to, Kagome. It'll be fine."
"I think not," Sesshomaru said.
"There, you see, Sesshomaru wants you to stay here too. I'll tell Rin that you're okay."
"Okay," she said suspiciously. Had Kagome seen?
"Alright then," the miko said, fake grin in place, "Let's go then. Come on, InuYasha, Sesshomaru." After they had exited the room, Kagome winked at Sango and Miroku.
'Kagome, what are you doing to me?' Sango thought. She looked at Miroku, 'I'm going to kill her for this! Baka Kagome!'
"Sango?"
"Yes?"
"Are your wounds any better?" He sat on the edge of her bed, giving her a concerned look.
"Well, I feel a lot better now that the fever that potion gave me is gone, what about you? Were you hurt at all?"
"No, I was not."
"Well, that's good to hear. I didn't get a chance to ask you with everyone waiting on me like I'm a child or something."
Miroku smiled lightly, "You should let others help you more often. After all, you can't always do everything for yourself."
"I appreciate your concern, really I do, but you of all people know how I am, Miroku."
"That I do, Sango. And…I need to know something from you."
"What's that?"
"Tell me…that you're happy."
"Miroku…I'm so sorry."
"That's not what I asked," he said, a bit roughly. Sango lowered her head. Miroku shook his head as though frustrated with himself, "Gomen-nasi, Sango. I just want to know that you are happy and well off. Then…it will be possible for me to…walk away…if that's what you want."
She smiled a little, her eyes watering, and reached for his hand. She took it, and let it rest in her own, "I am happy, Miroku. I'm happy about many things. I am especially happy that you are alive and well. Just the thought of having Toshiro and Sakura back gives me even more happiness. But I want you to be happy too. Can you do that for me, Miroku? Can you be happy?"
His eyes drilled into hers, "I will do anything that you ask of me, though it will be difficult."
Sango gasped slightly, the words he chose startling her, but she nodded, "Good, then it's settled, we'll all find a way to be happy."
"It is our friendship that will always bind us, Sango. Our friendship…and Sakura."
"And Toshiro too. You cared for him as if he was yours; for that I am grateful."
"I must say though, Sango, I never thought that you favored a life of opulence."
"You're right, I never did, and I still don't. Taijiya don't do well contained inside walls of stone. Perhaps I'll go about demon slaying again."
"You would do well, even if you were on your own. You're stronger than you know, Sango."
"Arigatou, Miroku. I just think this barrier has us all jumpy. After all, we all know that Sesshomaru used to travel all around the country with Rin and Jaken. I won't be cooped up here all the time."
Miroku nodded. Sango and Miroku got to discussing battle tactics. That engrossed them for another five minutes…
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InuYasha had gone to see Shippou. Sesshomaru, obviously not convinced with Kagome's excuse to get him out of the room, was confronting her about it.
"You are so pathetically transparent, Miko."
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about, Sesshomaru," Kagome said, straightening up in defiance.
"Do not act so innocent. Your tactics are crude, and completely indiscreet. I am commanding you now, do not try to interfere again, or…" He threw a punch just an inch away from her head. It purposely hit the wall, causing a large, gapping hole.
"You wouldn't."
"Do not test this Sesshomaru, Miko. I can assure you that I am entirely serious." Kagome threw up a hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist, "I shall go back to what is mine now, my mate." He took a few steps in the opposite direction, and turned away from her, he said, "Tell Rin she may enter the whenever she desires."
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A day or so later…
"Hey, Sango, can I borrow Kirara?"
"Sure, Kagome, but where are you going?"
"You promise not to tell?" she whispered.
"Okay, fine, I won't tell, now where are you going?" Sango stood up and walked around a bit. She was still a little sore, but a whole lot better. Her boomerang was propped against the wall, unused since the battle with Battousi.
"I'm going to see if Battousi's wounds have healed," Kagome admitted, a bit ashamed.
"Are you serious? Kagome, you shouldn't!"
"I know, but…"
Sango exhaled deeply, "Although it's against my better judgment, I'll agree to it on one condition."
The miko's face fell a little bit, "Okay, what is it?"
"Let me come with you for protection."
"Sango-chan-"
"-Kagome, that's the only way I'll let you take Kirara."
"Oh…alright."
Sango reached for her weapon and then….
…they were teleported…
"These are the southern lands," Battousi stated. "You should not have insisted on coming."
"I told you I was coming," Kagome returned.
"I came with for Kagome's own protection," Sango said, her boomerang on her shoulder.
"I blame you not, Huntress. Our last meeting was…traumatic."
"Yes, it was, and I am here to make sure there isn't a repeat."
"I told her that I only needed Kirara, but she insisted on coming."
"Without telling InuYasha as well," Sango said in an undertone.
"He shall worry for you, you should have told him."
"Yeah right, he'd never let me come if I would have asked him."
"There is a difference between asking…and telling."
"That's right, Kagome, you could've used 'sit.'"
"He would have followed."
"I must warn you now, Kagome, still other things have changed."
"I see that your guests have arrived, just as you predicted, Sensei." A little girl entered the room. Her resemblance to Battousi was startling. Her hair was the same color, only it was turned up and ran down to her knees. Her bangs were the same, and the also framed a crescent moon identical to Battousi's. She had all the same markings, and the same golden eyes with red flecks. Her clothing was also black with red trimmings. She had thick, long eyelashes. She appeared to be no older than nine or ten years old.
Kagome looked a little surprised, but she smiled and said, "KAWAII!" Running up to the child, she scooped her up into her arms and began to cuddle with her.
"Stop that, Kagome!" the little girl shrieked. She was trying to wiggle away.
"Huh? You know my name?" Kagome asked, bewildered.
Sango was looking between Battousi and the little girl, "How in the world did you…"
"An incarnation of myself, as I believe you have seen Naraku do as well," he explained, motioning towards the child.
Kagome had finally let go of the little girl. She put her down and she straightened up in a dignified way, mimicking Battousi, "You are Kagome and Sango," she said, head lowered out of respect. "It is a privilege to meet you both."
Battousi stood beside her, "This is my incarnation and daughter, Mina, the South. She is my heir to the southern lands."
"How were you able to do this if you were injured?" Kagome questioned, "Weren't you weaker than usual?"
Battousi rose an eyebrow as if to say, 'You're joking right?' Kagome glared at his arrogance. "This Battousi healed much faster than he originally expected."
'Now there are two of them?' Sango thought, 'But, that girl doesn't appear to be very dangerous. Still, she acts a lot like him, you never know…' Then Sango remembered Hakudoushi, and that confirmed her thoughts. She must keep an eye on both of them.
"Mina is created in my exact image. She has all of my abilities and powers. She just needs to perfect them."
"I shall train hard for you, Sensei," Mina said, bowing deeply to him. Then she turned to face Sango, "There is no reason for you to fear my father nor I anymore, Sango-san."
"Mind reading abilities, I forgot about those," the taijiya stated.
"But, Battousi," Kagome started, "Why did you make yourself an incarnation?"
"The answer is simple. I was in need of a new reason to live. I have found it. I do not wish to die yet, nor do I want some pathetic, lowly demon to take control of my lands."
"I hope you're not referring to Sesshomaru," Sango said dangerously.
"For once, I was not. But I do not believe that he should become gluttonous by taking them either."
"Gluttonous? You're the one that's the glutton, Battousi! You're the one who killed two lords for their lands, and I'm sure you were going to go after the east and west too, had you not gotten injured!"
"She speaks the truth, Sensei," Mina said, nodding.
Battousi nodded in response, "Not anymore. That was before…everything changed."
"Well that's good to hear," Kagome said, smiling. She kneeled down so she was level with Mina, "You know, you look like you're about Shippou's age, but you act so grown up."
The little girl blushed slightly, "Shippou?" she said awkwardly.
"Yes, he's sort of my adoptive son."
"Is that so? Well perhaps we shall meet someday." She smiled slightly. Battousi rose his eyebrows questionably. Mina lowered her head apologetically.
"Well then, I'll just have to take you to see him then. Can I, Battousi?" she asked, puppy dog face on.
"I do not believe so."
"But why!" the miko whined.
"I do not like the idea of having my only heir, stay with my enemies."
"Baka, InuYasha and Sesshomaru aren't your enemies; you even called them family before you left a few days ago!"
Sango rose an eyebrow skeptically. Yeah right, Battousi thought of them as family, and Naraku would suddenly break into song and prance through a field of flowers.
Mina giggled, "I could imagine that, Naraku dancing through flowers."
"Please don't read my mind, Mina," Sango said gently.
"Gomen-nasi."
"That's alright," Sango said, smiling.
"So can you let her come, Battousi?" Kagome asked again, "Please?"
Battousi sighed in annoyance. "Very well, but I shall keep an eye on her." He began to walk out of the room. "I shall train; my abilities, I fear are not well practiced. Daughter, I trust you to do what is best."
"Hai, Sensei," she said as she bowed to him again, "Besides, this might be just what I need to hone my powers."
"That and that alone is the only reason that I am allowing you. I shall speak with you soon."
A simple nod was the girl's response as her father left the room. "Wait a second," Kagome thought out loud, "Doesn't Battousi need to teleport us?"
"No." Quite suddenly, they were back on the castle grounds, but it was the outskirts, near the barrier that was still in place. The little girl was breathing more heavily than normal but smiled at Kagome when she put her hand on her shoulder, "I didn't think I could even make it that far," she explained, "I have never used teleportation before."
"Pretty good for a first try," Kagome stated while smiling, "I see a lot of your father in you."
Mina looked down a bit, her brow furrowing, "Is that so?"
"Did I say something wrong?"
She shook her head, "No, it's just…I don't want to be exactly like my father for…obvious reasons."
Kagome understood, "Are you talking about that curse your father has?" she asked gently, bending down to her level again. Mina was quiet, so Kagome just assumed that she had been correct, "You don't have it too, do you?"
"All that carry the blood of the Battousi in their veins will have the curse," she explained softly.
"I'm sorry, Mina. Did Battousi have any idea?"
The little girl's hands clenched into small fists, "He did."
A twig snapped in the distance and Sango flung her head around quickly to the direction of the sound. "Ah," she groaned.
"What is it, Sango?"
"My neck wound, it's opened up again."
"Oh dear, come on, let's get back then."
Sango held a hand to her neck as they walked through the forest. "We're almost out." But she never got the chance to walk too much farther, because Sesshomaru had rushed over to them and scooped Sango up bridal-style.
"Where were you?" he asked, in a slightly angry yet worried tone, "You could've been butchered out there in your condition, Sango. As your mate, I'd like to know where you go." He said it sternly, emotionlessly, but Sango knew better.
"Sesshomaru stop it," Sango said, trying to get out of his grip, "I'm a taijiya, I'm not a weakling."
"I could smell your blood as you approached."
"The wound just broke open, that's all."
"You should be in bed, resting."
"Look, I get that you were worried about me, but can I do something on my own every once in awhile?"
"Do you not understand? Numerous demons could come after you because of your connection to me."
"And I," she said, "Could've taken care of them!"
Sesshomaru wanted to shut her up, so he kissed her, plain and simple. When they pulled apart, Sango said, "You jerk." Sesshomaru smirked knowingly. He then looked at Kagome and Mina. His eyes flashed at the sight of the miko. He was still going to settle things with her later, that miko that loved that mind spirit, that Battousi. How dare she. He glared at her openly, and then looked again at the little girl. One look was all it took; he unsheathed Tokijin.
"Sesshomaru, what are you doing!" Sango yelled.
"Sesshomaru, don't!" Kagome shouted. She got in front of the little girl, shielding her.
"She comes from that bastard," he stated simply, taking a step forward. He then used demon speed. Before Kagome knew it, she was on the ground, knocked over by Sesshomaru. Sango was yelling at him and running in his direction. The taiyoukai was standing over the little girl, his sword raised above her head.
"Sesshomaru," Sango bellowed, "She's just a little girl!"
"Nice to meet you too, Uncle."
"Don't you mean, goodbye?"
"No, I mean hello." She teleported behind him, and released her red energy whip, smacking it against his back. "But I can take care of myself."
Sesshomaru turned around, a tad bit surprised. The cut was just a scratch, but it was the principle. "You must come from him, you act exactly as he does, shoujo." (A/N: that means "little girl" by the way ;)
"What the hell is this about?" InuYasha questioned as he entered the scene. He looked at Mina, his head tilting to the side a bit. "Who are you anyways?" Then his eyes widened, "There ain't no way; you look just like…"
"Battousi?" Mina finished for him.
"Yeah."
"We'll explain later," Sango said. She began to walk out of the forest, hand still pressed over her neck. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes in annoyance and picked her up from behind, carting her at demon speed to the castle. She was yelling at him the whole way.
InuYasha, Kagome, and Mina walked out of the forest as well. When Sesshomaru left to go get Sango, he commanded Jaken to stay with Rin and Shippou. So now, the toad was suckered into playing a game from Kagome's time called "duck, duck, goose." It was difficult to play with only three people, but Shippou and Rin were entertaining themselves by choosing Jaken every time, forcing him to run after them. Needless to say, Jaken always lost. Rin clapped her hands together jubilantly and Shippou had a mischievous grin on his face. Mina hid behind Kagome shyly, peering cautiously from behind the miko's legs.
"Shippou," she whispered.
The kitsune's back stiffened. He had heard that voice somewhere before. He turned around, "Oh, hi, InuYasha, hi, Kagome! We wondered where you were," he said matter-of-factly. Then he spotted the little girl from behind Kagome. His eyes widened. "Is it…you?"
Mina stepped out in the open, blushing deeply, and nodded, "Hai, Shippou-ku-" She stopped before she got the last part out. "Kagome-sama, InuYasha-sama, may I please go uh…play?"
"Sure, Mina, but you know you don't have to be so formal with us, we're family."
"That's right, Kid," InuYasha stated, "It's kinda odd, though, you're Battousi's incarnation, but I can already tell that you're not an asshole like he is."
"Although I appreciate the sentiment, InuYasha, please do not speak so of my father around me."
"Whatever, your loss." He looked at Kagome, "Come on, there's bags under your eyes, you need to sleep a little."
Kagome tapped her foot, frustrated, "InuYasha….I have not!"
"Look, I don't feel like getting…you know…"
"Sat?" Kagome answered.
(BOOM!)
"KAGOME!"
"Hehe, gomen, InuYasha." Then she took his arm and led him away as he huffed and whined.
Rin came up to Shippou and Mina, who were looking at each other shyly. "I am Rin," she said, putting a hand to her chest. Her grammar had been improving steadily now. "And this is Shippou! He's a kitsune, what kind of demon are you?"
"I'm an inu youkai." she smiled at them both, "My name is Mina."
"Mina," Shippou repeated.
Rin's smile faltered slightly. Why was Shippou looking at that girl like that? But then she sort of understood. "Oh, hehehe," she giggled, "I see, you think Shippou-chan is kawaii, don't you, Mina-chan?" She rose an eyebrow playfully. Shippou turned red and his ears twitched in anticipation of her response.
"I? …Well…" she laughed at the excited look on the kit's face, and nodded, "Hai." The little girl seemed to be glowing red.
Rin grinned a little. She did like Shippou, but she wanted him to be happy. Not only that, she was glad that she had a friend now that was a girl. Shippou wouldn't play some of the girly games she liked anymore.
'Rin-chan is very selfless,' Mina thought, 'She cares for Shippou, but all she can seem to think about is friendship.' Then Mina shook her head. This was an invasion of privacy. 'I vow never to read the minds of people that I care for again, unless it is necessary.'
Jaken was still huffing from all the running, sitting on the floor panting like a dog in the hot summer sun. All three children laughed. Does childhood always hold such innocence?
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That was chapter 28. I hope it was to all of your likings. I'll have a chapter overview up for chapter 29 on my fan fiction profile and homepage soon. Review if you can, I would like to be up to 300 reviews by the end of chapters 30? 31? 32? Well, either of those would be fine, but that's okay if I don't too. Thanks to all of you that read! Toodles!
Liebe,
Sesshomaru is Mine/Abbey
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Preview of the next chapter…
"Who are you?" Naraku asked, completely bored.
"I am Mina, the South, and daughter of Battousi."
"Is that so? Battousi created an incarnation of himself, how fitting."
"Yes, and you are Naraku, filth of the earth.'
Naraku smiled. He was going to make sure, through this girl, that Battousi would dare not think to betray him. He chuckled wickedly.
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Next Chapter:
The Rescue and the Return
TTFN!
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