Chapter Eight "Ill Will"
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"I take it you've heard the details about the festival this Friday." Aoshi placed a bookmark in the book he was reading and sat it down on the table in front of him. He and Sesshomaru occupied a small table near the window on the second floor of the Akabeko and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.
The two Seniors had class together earlier at noon and Aoshi wanted to treat his trusted friend to tea afterwards. Besides the usual group made up of Inuyasha and friends, the two of them would only be seen hanging out with one another, and Aoshi sometimes with Kenshin. Their mentality genuinely surpassed everyone else's and despite the yokai-human relationship, they understood one another.
"I have." Sesshomaru responded, glancing over at the table beside them as an old human and his companion finished a chess game. He stood and politely asked if he could use the board and they happily passed it along to him. "You'll be going this year?" He set up the black pieces on his side and Aoshi set up the white ones.
"Misao caught me this morning to ask if I was coming and I told her I was."
"Why didn't you ask her to go?"
"I didn't have any intentions to until she inquired." He moved a pawn and Sesshomaru quickly countered in moving one of his knights.
Sesshomaru was patient as he waited for Aoshi to think about his next move. "She seems pretty fond of you."
"And I her." He played it safe and moved another pawn. "I want to wait until the right time to ask her out."
Sesshomaru smirked and looked ahead at his friend. "I'm almost surprised."
Aoshi met the golden eyes fixed on him and then back at the chess board as Sesshomaru made a move. "I could say the same thing about you. You aren't exactly what people would peg as a 'boyfriend'."
"You're one to talk."
"And to end up with a wild one, at that." Aoshi teased.
Sesshomaru captured a white rook. "Misao isn't exactly a conserved girl herself."
"I guess opposites really do attract."
"Aoshi?"
His eyes followed the sultry voice that summoned his attention.
"I just wanted to ask if you'd want to accompany me to the festival?" Her confidence was high, but her fingers twirling in her hair displayed nervousness paired with a hand hooked in the bend of her arm across her chest.
Aoshi couldn't say he recognized this girl. It was hard to even try to with the flock of bold ones who actually did ask him out. He knew her friend wasn't interested in him, but still came for her support. "No, thank you." Aoshi simply answered.
"Sesshomaru?" The friend spoke unexpectedly. "What about you?"
Aoshi snickered and gave a small shake of his head.
"Are you asking me because you're new or because you don't know?"
The girl shared a confused look with her ego-bitten friend. "Know what?"
"About me, sweetie." Ryoko appeared out of nowhere in Sesshomaru's lap with her arms around his neck.
Aoshi sucked in a quick breath and held a hand over his heart, trying to keep his composure. He was never one to get scared or out of character and the fact that it just happened- in public- was more than embarrassing. "For God's sake, Ryoko."
"Sesshomaru isn't interested." Ryoko smiled, dismissing the girl and her friend.
Aoshi sighed deeply when they left and continued with the game.
"Something wrong?" Sesshomaru asked, sensing Ryoko's annoyed mood.
"Feh, sort of. I'll get over it, though." She shrugged and stood beside the table. "Sorry about the scare, Aoshi. I just had to come to His Highnesses rescue." She joked.
Aoshi gave a low hum. "Check." The game was already almost over.
Sesshomaru was about to make a move when his girlfriend stopped him. "Let me."
"If I lose this game, I'm punishing you severely." He warned.
She sucked her teeth. "Please, I'm a pro." She chose to move a bishop…the wrong bishop.
Aoshi didn't need to state his victory as he captured Sesshomaru's king. He finished his tea and gathered his books.
Sesshomaru glared at Ryoko, warning her to get lost before he got a hold of her. She smiled wide and kissed his purple-marked cheek and vanished with a "See ya!"
Sesshomaru followed Aoshi downstairs and waited as the younger paid Tae for their tea. On their way out of the door, pink hair caught Sesshomaru's eyes and he gave a quick look to his left at a woman with her face buried in a book. She radiated a great power and her scent was slightly familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He kept his stride and continued walking until he was stopped by a green imp at his feet with a young human girl.
"Jaken. Rin. What are you two doing here?"
"Rin insisted on finding you." Jaken was quick to say. "I tried to keep her home, Lord Sesshomaru, but you know how she is."
Sesshomaru kneeled down and picked the little girl up in his arms. It wasn't until saving Rin from some street kids that Sesshomaru grew sort of a weak spot for humans. For Rin. Caring for her made him not detest humans as much. While he was annoyed that they could so weak that they couldn't always defend themselves enough, that's what made him see that they sometimes needed protection. And he wanted to protect her.
"I understand Jaken may be a bore, Rin," The demon started, causing his green assistant to sweat drop. "But it can be dangerous out here. Don't run off from him." He said in a fatherly tone.
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. Good day, Lord Aoshi." She smiled.
Aoshi actually smiled back at her and her innocence. "That's another thing."
"What?" Sesshomaru asked.
"You as a father figure."
…
"Ahh, this is nice." Megumi leaned back on her elbows, welcoming the warm sun on her face.
Sanosuke rested his head on her lap and munched on grapes from the containers of different foods that were set out on the blanket they occupied. "I'll say."
The Summer Festival was a time for relaxation and fun. A reminder for students to take it easy at the start of a new semester and not stress too much about upcoming work. Kenshin and his friends always sat a little further from the stage than everyone else so they would have enough space to spread out their blankets and get comfortable.
The music was fun and the sun was shining, the light clouds not threatening the ground below with rain.
"Hey, Sanosuke, want a bite of sushi?" Kaoru offered, holding a black container out to him.
He sat up and looked at the food in question. "Did you make it?"
"Sure did! They turned out better than I thought!"
Sanosuke was skeptical. "Eh, I'll pass. Every time I eat your cooking I get sick. You should really start taking some lessons."
"What was that?!" Kaoru raised a fist at him in insult. "I worked hard on this, ya know!"
"It would be a shame if the taste didn't reflect that." He lied back down on Megumi's lap with a smirk.
"Now, now, Sano. Give Miss Kaoru some credit." Kenshin tried to calm the situation.
"These are actually pretty good." Miroku nodded his approval.
"Rude much?" Sango inputted. "I'll take some, Kaoru." She poked Sanosuke on the side of his head and Megumi laughed.
"At least someone appreciates hard work around here." Kaoru huffed then smiled at Sango.
"Hiya, everyone!" Misao greeted with a big smile and Aoshi standing behind her, holding a blanket to add to their makeshift quilt.
"Look what the cat drug in." Sanosuke joked, spotting Aoshi, not expecting him to come- and with Misao. Inuyasha showed up seconds later. "Ah! The puppy is loose of his leash!" He sat up, looking around as if he was searching for someone.
"Leave him alone, Sanosuke." Ayeka tuned into her friends and defended Inuyasha.
Kaoru passed her large sushi container around to anyone who wanted a taste and Tenchi plucked one for himself before he reached up to hand it to Inuyasha.
"I'm just teasing him, Princess. Calm down."
"You're always teasing someone."
"Where's Kikyo? I know she's around here somewhere." Sanosuke went on as Inuyasha took a seat.
"Hell if I know. I haven't talked to her today." Inuyasha shrugged.
"Isn't that a surprise."
"Come on, rooster head. Let him be. You don't see him talking about how Megumi has you wrapped around her finger. When she says 'jump', you ask 'how high?'"
"Says the girl who has her nose wide open for cold-hearted Aoshi himself." Sanosuke shot back at Misao.
Misao's face turned beat red. "My nose is not wide open! You are so ugly!"
"Who you calling ugly, you weasel?!"
"Isn't this supposed to be a peaceful day?" Tenchi sweat-dropped.
"They always do this." Ayeka added, pouring Aoshi some tea.
"I would be surprised if they didn't, that I would." Kenshin sipped his own tea.
"Will you two be quiet already? You're embarrassing!" Megumi finally silenced them, having them fuming with petty anger.
"Has anyone heard from Kagome?" Kaoru inquired.
Sango checked her phone on impulse. "I did this morning. I told her we'd be here and she said she was still coming."
Inuyasha checked his surroundings and picked up faint cherry blossom in the light wind. Kagome wasn't too far away and he quickly found her in the crowd of people near the stage. She was talking to someone and looked to be in a rush, but the guy she was standing with seemed to be saying all of the right things to get her smiling.
Jealousy arose from the hanyo, but he checked himself to make sure nobody noticed. He kept his eyes on Kagome. When she got moving again, the white-haired human turned to the side to watch her walk away over his small, circular-framed glasses and Inuyasha recognized him.
"Enishi." He growled.
"Inuyasha." A little shocked, Megumi turned to her left and Miroku to his right. It wasn't often she would hear him growl about anything.
"Did you just growl?" The monk asked.
Inuyasha flinched. He didn't realize he gave himself away. "Uh,"
…
Kikyo, Tomoe and Hitomiko were among the crowd of university students, taking in the music and aroma of food all around them. Hitomiko couldn't help stopping at nearly every food booth to have a sample of something and debate on if she would buy anything or not.
"Hitomiko, will you make up your mind, please?" Tomoe nearly begged her fellow food-loving priestess friend.
"It's all so good. I have to be smart about this." She considered her options as the cute boy behind the makeshift booth handed her and Kikyo a pink cookie. "I think we may have a winner here." She unexpectedly winked at him.
"Really, Hitomiko?" Kikyo rose an eyebrow, wondering what had gotten into the girl.
"I'm trying to get a discount, Kikyo. Calm down."
"You're rich! Buy something already!" Tomoe yelled out.
Kikyo laughed and shook her head, turning around to scan the campus. She looked over at Tomoe, who had suddenly grown quiet and followed her gaze. She was looking at her younger brother, Enishi.
Kikyo followed Enishi's line of sight and saw Kagome. She followed Kagome and then saw Inuyasha, who she could've sworn was looking at Kagome as if he was waiting for her.
"Your brother." Hitomiko stated. "Was he just talking to Kagome?"
Tomoe looked over to where Kagome hurried off to and saw Kenshin sitting next to Kaoru, looking very interested in what she was saying to him. "It seems that way." She quickly averted her eyes from the red-head.
"I'll be right back." Kikyo stepped away from her friends and headed over towards Inuyasha and his friends.
…
"Sorry I'm late, you guys!" Kagome apologized to everyone.
She seemed even prettier than the last time Inuyasha had seen her. She was wearing a white sundress with light-yellow flowers decorating it and some strappy goddess sandals with her hair in a pony-tail.
"No worries!" Kaoru assured her.
Kenshin offered Kagome a water bottle and repositioned himself back beside Kaoru, brushing her hand in the process. They both blushed and he grabbed her hand, holding it, making her blush even more.
"How cute, Himura." Aoshi teased from behind his teacup.
"You should take notes, Aoshi." Megumi smirked at him.
"Inuyasha."
Inuyasha didn't even feel or smell Kikyo approaching him, being that he was so occupied with openly admiring Kagome. In acknowledging her, he had to do a double-take. He frowned at the physical similarities between the two that he hadn't noticed before and stood.
"I knew this was coming." Sanosuke gloated. "Hey, Kikyo. How are you today?"
"Hello, Sanosuke. I'm fine."
"What's up?" Inuyasha asked as they stepped away to talk.
"Lose the leash, Inuyasha!" Sanosuke called to the hanyo.
"Shut up!" Inuyasha hollered back. "What's up?" He asked her again.
"Your friend can be quite obnoxious." She rolled her eyes. "But, nothing. I just haven't talked to you all day. Is everything okay?" She stole quick glances behind him and at Kagome, but he didn't seem to notice as he was preoccupied with wondering if Enishi was up to something.
"Everything is fine. I was just finishing up some assignments I have to turn in next week."
She pulled on his shirt and stepped closer. "Let's go to dinner tonight. I want to try that new beef pot place in the city."
Inuyasha looked down at her and covered her hands with his own. "Sure. You're about to leave?"
"Not right away. I'm sticking around with Tomoe and Hitomiko for a little while. You should go and enjoy your friends." She leaned up to peck his lips. "I'll call you."
"Okay."
Their fingers lingered on a hook before they finally found their space and Inuyasha returned to his friends. Sanosuke stared with piercing brown eyes, ready to crack more jokes and Inuyasha shot daggers at him.
"Punching you in the face would make me feel so much better right now." He admitted. Sanosuke just laughed.
"I have arrived!" Ryoko announced a bit over-dramatically with Sesshomaru standing behind her.
"Hi, Ryoko." Everyone greeted in a rather boring voice, teasing her.
"Anyway, I brought food. Eat up." She offered. "Ayeka, what are you doing so close to Tenchi?"
Sesshomaru pulled her down to sit with him and held her close.
"Is it a crime for me to sit with him?" Ayeka countered.
Ryoko growled. "Just give him some space, will ya?" Her face was mushed by Sesshomaru giving her playful kisses on the cheek.
Everyone was so dumbfounded by his actions that time sort of stopped for them as they tried to figure out what was going on.
"What's with Sesshomaru?" Kaoru asked.
"Yeah. I've never seen him show so much PDA before." Sango mentioned.
"Or ever." All voices but Ayeka's and Ryoko's remarked after her.
"You need to calm down." Sesshomaru said into Ryoko's ear.
She huffed and set her attention elsewhere.
"Uh, so," Kaoru started. "I heard Sensei Hiko found a TA for our class, you guys."
Inuyasha perked up. "Really? Do you know who it is?"
Kaoru gave an apologetic shake of her head. "Unfortunately, I don't."
"Damnit."
"I know who it is." Aoshi spoke.
"How so?"
"I overheard Sensei Hiko and Kagura talking about him the other day." He sipped his tea.
"Well, who is it?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
Inuyasha turned to his brother, who was still stuck to Ryoko. "Do you know, Sesshomaru?"
"Yes."
Silence followed.
Inuyasha thought he would pull his hair out from frustration because of Aoshi and Sesshomaru.
"No wonder these two are best friends. They act just alike." Miroku shook his head, sympathizing with how Inuyasha had to deal with the both of them at times when Sesshomaru alone was enough.
"Darn it." Tenchi grabbed a napkin to blot some of the grape juice that spilled onto his green shirt.
Ayeka jumped to help him. "Tenchi, you must be careful."
"I know, I know. It's no big deal."
Ryoko watched as the princess continued to help and her anger slowly arose. "He's got it, Ayeka! Let him do it himself!" She pushed away from Sesshomaru and stood.
"Ryoko, are you okay?" Kagome was concerned for her roommate.
"Yeah. What's the matter?" Tenchi worried.
"Why are you always babying him?" Kagome and Tenchi's questions went unanswered.
Ayeka stood and crossed her arms. "You're pretty touchy today, Ryoko." She pointed out. "Are you upset because I give off a very loving nature towards Tenchi?"
Miroku, Inuyasha, Aoshi and Misao all relocated to sit near Kaoru, Kenshin and Kagome, sensing danger. Sanosuke and Megumi were already a good distance away, so they just sat there watching the scene unfold like they were at the movies. Sesshomaru's PDA was offered as a distraction but failed. He noticed Ryoko's mood swings lately and this time, he had no idea what was causing them. He stood back and eventually made his way towards everyone else.
"Whereas your touch would probably be that of a mother's, since you watched him grow up?" Ayeka taunted. "Maybe a grandmother. After all, you are much, much older than he is."
"You're one to talk," Ryoko growled. "You're no spring chicken yourself with at least seven hundred plus years on you!"
"Seven hundred plus?" The girls screamed at the new information of their friend's age.
"Hm, yes, I suppose. Though, my Juraian blood keeps me youthful and beautiful and you're just an ugly mummy and always will be." Ayeka cackled.
Ryoko balled up her fists. "Damnit! I've had enough of you!"
"Uh, Ryoko, please calm down." Tenchi begged.
She shoved him aside to step closer to Ayeka. "Out of the way, Tenchi! It's time I finally taught this rotten little princess a lesson." She lifted her right arm in Ayeka's direction and the gem in her wrist created light static around it.
"What's happening?" Kenshin noticed grey clouds suddenly form in the sky.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were just as defensive as they felt an evil presence nearby.
"Himura! Do something! Save us!" Misao pulled on his arm screaming, then turned to cling onto Aoshi. "Do something, Aoshi! Don't just stand there!"
"I don't know what this is! I'm not getting involved." Kenshin let her know.
"And what do you expect me to do against a demon, Misao?" Aoshi added.
"What about you, Inuyasha?" Kagome worried, sliding closer to him without notice.
"I'm not familiar with this demeanor. And I don't have my Tessaiga. Anything else feels like it would be useless. Yo, Sesshomaru! Get your crazy girlfriend!" He hollered to no avail.
"Now that your little body guards aren't here to protect you, I'm going to show you the reason they call me Ryoko, the Devil Caller."
Ayeka had a quick flash of worry. She convinced her log-like guardians Azaka and Kamidake to leave her alone for the day and watch over her little sister Sasami while she was out. If they were here with her, their barrier would have already enclosed the princess in an attempt to shield her from Ryoko's antics and to keep her from using her own powers so she could preserve them.
"I'm not afraid of you, Ryoko!" She was on the defense.
Ryoko's gem flashed blue and a ghostly spirit rose from the ground in front of her, roaring his presence to everyone around, sending them running and screaming.
"It's-it's a ghost!" Kaoru herself screamed.
"So much for fun in the sun!" Misao was practically climbing up Aoshi's body like he was a tree while he struggled to see what was happening.
"Ryoko! What are you doing? Stop this!" Tenchi yelled.
Ryoko laughed menacingly. "What's the matter, Princess? You certainly look afraid."
Ayeka took a few steps back, positioning herself to run if she had to. "You're crazy!"
"I appreciate the compliment." Ryoko smirked. "Attack!" She commanded the demon. She was utterly confused when he didn't obey. "What's the matter with you? I said attack, demon!"
The ghostly figure slowly turned to face her and took a swipe at her. She dodged it just in time while her friends put a few more feet between them.
"What's with this thing? Don't you know what you're doing?" Ayeka insulted.
Ryoko scratched her head and her bare left wrist caught her attention. It was clear of gems. "Oh, no. I don't have the other gems I need to control this thing!" She whined. "They're back at Sesshomaru's place."
"What?! You idiot! What do we do now?"
"Run!" Ryoko took off, pulling Tenchi along with her.
Inuyasha grabbed Kagome onto his back when he saw her falling behind. "Thanks!" She panted.
"No problem! Hey, Miroku! Can't you suck this thing up in your wind tunnel?"
Miroku covered Sango as a tree branch flew over their heads. "No chance! There are too many people around!"
"Ryoko! What the hell!" Inuyasha yelled to her.
"Sorry!" She shot small energy blasts from her hands at the demon. She didn't miss, but all he did was continue to regenerate. "Oh, come on!"
"Tenchi?" Ayeka panicked. "Tenchi? Tenchi! Where is he?"
Ryoko took to the sky to get a birds eye view of the ground. Tenchi was running for his bag he bought along with him. When he reached it, he pulled out his sword and a blue lightsaber-like blade appeared.
"Of course." She realized. "The Master Key!"
The demon sensed the power of Tenchi's sword and turned to challenge him. Tenchi started to sweat, as he wasn't used to fighting such powerful demons alone- not to mention one of Ryoko's demons. With Inuyasha without Tessaiga, Sesshomaru not getting involved for reasons unknown and Miroku unable to use his wind tunnel, Tenchi had no choice but to fight alone.
The demon charged at Tenchi and Tenchi took a deep breath. He ran full speed ahead with his sword above his head and collided with the demon, swinging the Master Key down and splitting the demon in half in a clean swipe.
"He did it!" Misao exclaimed.
…
"What the hell is going on here?" Hiko walked outside of the school and into the area where the students were scattering about for shelter.
He noticed the demon in the area and stood by, trying to piece together the scene. With everyone running away, it was hard to find who was responsible, until he saw Ryoko fly into the air. Not a moment later, he saw Kenshin's unmistakable red hair and associated the two, as he had seen them together before.
"Damn kids. Always into something." He shook his head. He looked down to his right at a woman he didn't realize was standing there before.
She looked up at him with a smirk and crossed her arms. "Well, hello, tall, dark and handsome.
Hiko was amused at the pink-haired woman.
…
Sesshomaru turned behind him, sensing a great and familiar power. He approached Washu and Hiko. "You. I saw you the other day. I sensed your powers."
"I saw and sensed you as well, Sesshomaru." She let it be known.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her. "Who are you?"
They were both temporarily distracted by Ryoko returning to the ground near them. "Boy, that was close." She ran fingers through light blue hair.
"Forgot about the duplicate gems, Ryoko?" Washu got her attention.
Ryoko spun around. "What? What are you doing here?"
Washu gestured towards the building, much to her daughter's annoyance. "Well, I do work here now."
"You do?" Hiko and Sesshomaru asked.
"Go away, Washu. Let's go Sesshomaru." She tried to drag him away.
"Call me 'mom', will ya?"
Ryoko froze. "Stop saying that around people!"
"This is your mother?" Sesshomaru looked to her. "She is the reason you've been acting this way?"
"She's learning how to express herself and deal with emotions when it comes to certain things and people. Mainly me. Just give her some time." Washu smiled.
"Ryoko!" Kagura hopped out of her feather in the sky and landed gracefully on the ground. "My office, now." She demanded.
"Great." Ryoko rolled her eyes.
"I'll be waiting for you at my place." Sesshomaru told her, nodding his farewell to Washu and Hiko.
"So, what do you say we go get some coffee…"
"Hiko Seijuro. Master swordsman of the Hiten Mitsurugi style." He offered his hand to Washu.
"Hiko." She repeated. "Washu Hakubi. Creator of the universe."
Hiko tensed, wondering what he had just gotten himself into. Washu's amused smile made him relax and she lead the way to where she wanted to have coffee with him.
…
"This place is a mess." Miroku looked around as the grey clouds started to disappear and confused students cautiously came out of hiding, most of who were human.
"Let's get some supplies and try to clean up a little." Kagome suggested.
"Huh? We didn't make this mess! It's all Ryoko's fault!" Inuyasha complained.
"Don't be immature, Inuyasha. It won't kill you to do a good service to the school." Miroku stated, secretly dreading the task also.
"We wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for Ryoko and Ayeka!"
Ayeka flinched. "I agree. I apologize." She scratched the back of her head.
"Just suck everything up with your wind tunnel." Inuyasha had hopes that his suggestion wouldn't go rejected.
"No!" Everyone yelled at him as he continued to try and get out of helping.
"Geez, okay!" His hands went up in defense.
Sanosuke sighed at the sight before him and noticed Kaoru's lunch box that had her sushi in it. The cap was still sealed shut and he popped the top and dared to try one. "Huh?!"
"What is it, Sano?" Kenshin asked.
Sanosuke turned towards his friends and held up a sushi roll. "This…is the best sushi…ever…" He admitted with tears in the corner of his eyes.
Kaoru's smile almost split her face in half.