Enjoy

I dodge another attack by Jewel before tripping her. She stumbles forward and lands on her elbows.

The crowd laughs.

"Fight back!" She snarls standing.

"I will not. I've already explained the situation to you and apologized. There's no further need to continue this skirmish."

A wicked smile spreads across Jewel's face, "So you're not going to fight me then?"

"No."

"Fine, leave."

I sigh in relief happy that I've finally gotten through to her, but my limbs would not obey me.

Jewel begins to calmly walk towards me, "Well…go then…..what are you waiting on?"

I feel the muscles under my skin contract as if wanting to move, but for some reason they are incapable. It was as if an invisible restraint found its way around my body, freezing me in my current position.

Jewel circles me like a shark, chuckling.

"What's the matter, England? You were talking that good shit a minute ago about not wanting to fight, but now that I'm giving you an out… what…you don't want to take it?"

My lips tremble, but do not open. My voice remains hidden deep within my throat, incapable of coming forth.

"So, I take your silence as an agreement to keep going, right." Jewel stops in front of me and smiles.

Her punch connects with far more force than I originally anticipated and I fall back in to the crowd. I feel someone shove me forward, and I collapse to my hands and knees.

Once again, I feel myself immobilized by the accursed restraint. Jewel grabs my hair and yanks me upwards, "You're not the only one with abilities, England." Fear grips my heart as her whispered comment brought back the memory of the fingerprint markings on my neck.

I knew they were from Jewel, but I could not figure out how she managed to do so across the room, until now.

She tugs on my hair harder and chuckles, "Wanna know how I'm doing this? It's quite simple really. I come from a long line of-"

"Witches"

"Biiingo. Good guess."

"It was no guess. My mother warned me of the likes of you; beings who were once human, but surrendered their souls for power."

"It was only done because of filthy creatures like you. It was either defend ourselves or be at the mercy of monsters."

"But that was ages ago…there is no need for your existence now."

She snatches me to the side like a rag doll, laughing. She then pulls me back the other way and lets me fall to the ground.

"Lizzy!"

To my surprise I lift my hand up to stop Inuyasha from getting any closer.

"I am fine, Inuyasha."

I stand cautiously waiting to see if my body would freeze once more.

"I am very necessary, dear England. I mean look at our world today…I can't walk three steps without running into running into some beast."

"Shut-up and fight!" a voice yells out and the crowd cheers in unison. Jewel's eyes scan the group and an ugly sneer spreads on her face, "You know what, this has officially become a private matter. You all need to leave."

Boos and moans of disapproval sound from the crowd and Jewel's hands clench in to tight fists.

"I SAID LEAVE!"

A powerful wave runs through me and the sudden urge to run over comes me. I take a shaky step back and Jewel's eyes flicker over to me, "Not you."

My body tightens, and I could do nothing but watch as the confused crowd disperses. Some kids complain about wanting to stay, but continue to walk away having no control of their legs.

My eyes land on Iggy who appeared to be trying to turn back and walk towards me but every time she did, a look as if she had just remember something important would spread across her face and she would turn around only to stop, turn back around, and try to approach me.

She did this about three times before giving me an apologetic look and walking away.

I look back over to Jewel who was examining her nails, "You know England, I've thought long and hard about this day."

"I know not why. I've done nothing to you."

"The fact that you were born is offensive to me, not to mention the fact that you snatched my beloved Bankotsu from me."

"Is that what this is about?! After all that we have overcome as a gender, you would think we would have matured past fighting over one man. I stole no one from you! Bankotsu left of his own free will!"

"Bankotsu had no free will until you showed up!"

I blinked baffled by the truth, "Your whole relationship….was a lie?"

"It was real at first! He loved me, but then….he stopped. So I helped him realized how much he loved me."

"You cursed him."

"HELPED….helped him. There were too many girls, and he would get distracted so easily that he NEEDED guidance."

"So you took it upon yourself to strip him of his free will?"

"Don't you dare judge me when you did the exact same thing."

"I did no such thing!"

"LIAR!"

I flew backwards landing hard on my back. My vision was blurry, and I struggled to collect the air that was violently forced out of my lungs.

"Why else would he waste his time with a creature like you? You stole him from me."

I roll to my side, struggling to get up. "Did…..did it ever…..ever occur to you that….that he…simply CHOSE me…..over you." My body slammed itself to the ground before lifting me up in to the air by my hair.

"Even if he did, once you are out of the picture, Bankotsu's attention will fall back to me, and that's all I care about. I have big plans for Bankotsu and this city, but I can't do anything with the mayor if his son is interested in a filthy little demon such as yourself."

I grunt trying not to cause more pain by moving, "What does the mayor have anything to do with this."

"You really shouldn't worry about that right now." Jewel says casually making me swing back and forth.

Despite myself, I cry out in pain. "You really should be more concerned on what I am going to do to you."

She drops me to the ground, I could hear her approach, "Let's see, I could crush your insides." Suddenly a great weight was applied to my body and I scream out, "Or I could make you head explode,"

The weight disappears and in its place a tight pressure fill my mind causing my ears to ring and my head to throb, "Or…..and this I think I like the best, I could make you my familiar."

I exhale from relief as the pressure vanishes, and Jewel flips me on to my back. She stands over me and leans down so that I could see her smile clearly, "Yeah, that's what I'll do. An eternity of enslavement; my own little errand demon, and you know what, because I'm such a nice person, I'll throw in that dork brother of yours for free. That way you won't get lonely. All I need is a single strand of hair from each of you."

She reaches out to me.

My vision becomes tinted red as I grab her hand and slam my head into the bridge of her nose.

Jewel screams falling back as blood gushes from her nose. A violent snarl escapes my lips as I stand and a dark blue aura begins to surround me, "I apologize for assuming you to be nothing more than a stupid human."

I could feel my body beginning to shed its human form and my vision becomes entirely red, "However, it seems you did not heed my warning about underestimating my manners for weakness."

The bones within my body snap and crack as I give in to the transformation, "I acknowledge your powers; therefore I will not stand idly by as you threaten enslavement upon my family. If it is a fight you want," I slam a massive white paw on to the ground, "than I shall appease you."

Jewel slides back on the ground unsure of what to do, and I lean my face down to her small form, "Come now, witch….the battle has begun."

She raises a shaky hand at me as if to send my back with her powers, but nothing happens.

I chuckle, "You and I both know your telekinesis does not affect me in my true form…..or perhaps you did not know that, hmm? Have you even read your ancestors books on how to battle demons? Surely, you are not dumb enough to enter in to this without some knowledge on battle tactics."

I nudge her gently with my paw, and she screams before crawling away from me on her hands and knees.

I nudge her again. I bring my other paw down, cutting her off and she screams again.

"My, this is quite dissatisfying." I lie down encasing Jewel between my two paws, "Do you really not know any offensive spells?"

Jewel shakes her head and I snort blowing a large puff of air at her.

"If I may borrow a previous phrase from you, you were talking all that good shit just a few moments ago. Pathetic."

I gently grab her by the clothes and toss her in to the air. She screams, and I catch her on her way down. I do this a few times taking enjoyment from her crying before I grow tired and drop her back to the ground. I stand and transform back in to my human state. I approach the shaking Jewel and strike her hard across the face leaving four deep claw marks across her face.

"Threaten my family again, and I will eat you."

Jewel did not show up to school the next day, or the following day, or even the next several weeks; however, to say that I had officially rid of myself of the red head would be only wishful thinking. Despite what rumors may say, I knew that would not be the last time I would encounter Miss Witch, and I fear that at our next meeting, she will be far more versed in her craft.

But until then, I grew rather comfortable with my now quiet life. Bankotsu and I are still 'secretly' dating; however, he has gotten bolder when it comes to breaking our rules at school. So much so, that Inuyasha has begun to suspect something once more.

"What are you doing?!" I whisper harshly to him as I pretend to search for something hidden deep within my locker.

Bankotsu makes no effort to hide the fact that he was talking to me, "What are you doing tonight?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because I want you to come over."

I frown slightly, "Are you telling me or asking me."

"Whichever one gets you to me faster."

"And why on earth would I go all the way over there just to see you?"

"Because I'm your boyfriend."

I quickly look around to ensure that no one heard that before I turned my death gaze towards him, "SHHHHHHHHH! And you are not my….boyfriend."

"Then what am I to you."

"A friend…..who I may like…..but only a little bit."

"Who is a boy, so a boyfriend."A small laugh escapes me and he leans in closer.

I swat him away, "No! Stop!"

"So is that a yes?"

"I can't…..what with Inuyasha getting suspicious again and Taco molting….I feel it would be safer to stay home."

The first warning bell rings, and I begin to head to my class.

"Come on, Elizabeth." Bankotsu says softly as he keeps his eyes forward, but remains in perfect step with me, "It's just one night. I'll even shell out cash for dinner."

"Oh how romantic." I say flatly as I round the corner, "but, I grow tired of the diner."

"Then no diner. I'll take you somewhere else; maybe even some where nice."

"My you have a certain knack for making a girl feel special."

He pulls me behind the stairs as the second warning bell sounds, "Come on, Elizabeth." He kisses my forehead, "It'll be fun."

Then my cheeks.

"We'll make a night of it."

Then my lips.

My gut screamed 'No, stay home.' But as his kisses trailed to my neck, my lips and voice decided—in that moment—to secede from my brain.

"Oh, alright."

I sink lower in to the tub letting the warm water soothe my body. I shut my eyes and embrace the healing waters rushing over my scalp and I exhale watching the rapid movement of bubble from my mouth. Unwittingly, my mind drifted back to my fight with Jewel—a common occurrence whenever I get a free moment to think. What was Jewel planning to do with the mayor? Perhaps she didn't even love Bankotsu; maybe she just loved the fact that he was so close to someone so powerful. My mind then travels to all the knowledge it has of the mayor of this city. I've never seen him do any public appearances or speeches. Honestly all I know about the man is that he is a demon, and his name is Naraku.

I consider asking Bankotsu, but a chill runs down my spine when I remember how dark his tone gets whenever I bring up his 'family'. Perhaps Sesshomaru may know something.

I climb out of the tub and quickly dry off and change before heading to Sesshomaru's room. I knock softly and wait.

Since there was no response, I slowly turn the knob and slip in to the room. The orange light of the setting sun spilled across the bed highlighting the hidden mound of my brother and providing some light in the darkening room.

"Sesshomaru…..Are you sleeping?"

He doesn't move, and I walk closer, "Sesshomaru? I need to speak with you."

He still doesn't move.

I take a few steps back and then leap on to the bed causing the mound to shake slightly, but no other movement comes from it.

I poke it lightly with my nail trying to figure out if it was the front or back of my brother.

"You better be decent under there." I poke him again a little harder, "I know you're awake."

He still refuses to move, so I rest my weight on top of the mound and begin to shake it, "Wake up! I need to talk to you." I sit back on my calves and sigh. "You know I hate to be ignored. Sesshy…SESSSHY!"

He continues to ignore me.

I slide off the bed and lift the comforter and sheet up just enough to peek in. A pair of annoyed golden eyes stare back at me and I smile.

"Ah, you're awake. Did you have a good nap?"

His eyes narrow in to a glare and my smile widens. "I love you too."

I step back as he sits up and pulls the sheets off his head. I climb back on to the bed and his sleepy eyes continue to glare at me.

"What do you know about the Mayor?"

Sesshomaru stares at me for a minute before turning his back to me and pulling the covers over his head again.

"He's a fool."

I wait for further explanation, but nothing more comes from him. "Ok…..anything else?"

"No."

I frown and poke his back, "You're not being very helpful. What if I told you that the mayor could be in potential danger?"

"Good."

I blink not expecting that answer, "So you don't care that the head of this great city could be in life threatening danger."

"No."

"Are you just saying that to get me to go away?"

"No."

"So you truly just do not like the mayor?"

"Yes."

I drape my body over his and sigh, "Fine, then tell me about witches."

"No."

"Please!"

"Call mother."

"I don't want to talk to her. You know everything she knows anyway, so just tell me."

"You've lived with her just as I have. You know everything I know."

"Not everything."

"You know enough."

I puff out my cheeks and blow a raspberry as I remain draped over him for a minute trying to think of different ways to annoy him for not being of any use.

"Do you remember a man named Jun?"

I frown trying to remember, "He was the dragon man; a friend of fathers, I think."

"More or less."

"Yes, I remember he was very loud and use to pinch my cheeks whenever he came over."

"Do you remember anything else from those visits?"

"I don't know. I was three. I just remember always having to put ice on my cheeks after his visits."

"Hn."

"Why?"

"He recently contacted me. He would like to meet for dinner to discuss some business matters. I simply wondered if you knew anything about him."

"And yet, you tell me nothing about the mayor. How fair is that?!"

He looks over at me and sighs, "The mayor is a coward. He is underhanded and corrupt. That is all there is to it. As far as witches go, they despise all demons, and they can turn you in to their familiars. Even a foolish half-blood like Inuyasha is at risk."

"I know all that." I mutter, and he rocks me off him.

"Then go away."

I laugh as I try to push him away, "Stop, I'm trying to watch this."

Bankotsu moves my hands and begin to kiss my neck again, "He dies, she dies, and Hannah has been possessed by one of the leeches." He says softly in my ear before trail back down to neck.

I push him away, "Really?!" I click the TV off and slam the remote down.

He chuckles and pulls me to him pressing his lips on mine. "We'll watch it later." He says against my lips.

I pull away, "I don't want to watch it now that you ruined it."

"It's not ruined; I didn't even tell you the best part."

One arm slides around my waist and the other pulls me back to him. We make out for a minute, and I pull away again. "I'm going home."

"You can't."

"I need to."

"But you're having dinner with me."

"We can do it some other time."

"You agreed, and I already made the reservations."

I raise an eyebrow, "Reservations?"

"I told you it would be some were nice."

"Then where are you taking me?"

"It's a surprise."

I hit him with a throw pillow, and he laughs before leaning closer to me, "It's somewhere nice, I promise."

"How nice?"

"I have freakin' reservations. Honestly, it's so nice that I deserve a thank you gift afterwards."

"Do you always do things for a reward?"

"Yes." He kisses me again, but this time I don't push him away.

He cups the side of my face with his hands and lifts it up some to deepen the kiss. He slides closer to me, and his free hand finds its way to my chest.

I quickly swat his hand away, and he growls in slight frustration. The front door shuts, and I quickly shove him off me and turn.

"Hello, Kana. How was the park? Did you have fun?" The small expressionless albino girl approaches us looking between me and her brother before her eyes land back to me,

"I made a friend at the park."

"Did you now?" I say cheerfully, but I see Bankotsu shake his head.

"Wait for it."

"His name is Charlie, and he is homeless. I gave him one of my crackers, then he stabbed a man and bought me an ice cream with the dead man's money as a thank you."

"See, even a crazy homeless guy knows when to say thank you."

I elbow his side, and he winces.

"I promised Charlie I would give him a bottle of wine from Kagura's cabinet."

Bankotsu rubs his tender side and sighs, "Hmmm, I don't know Kana, you really shouldn't be enabling Charlie's habit."

"I was not asking for your opinion. I was simply answering your question." She turns and head towards the kitchen.

I stare dumbfounded at Bankotsu as he watches Kana take a wine bottle from the liquor cabinet and head upstairs to her room. "I've never seen her so happy before."

"I can't believe this."

"What?"

"What do you mean 'what'?! Your little sister just encountered a crazy violent homeless man AND has plans to meet him again. How are you not concerned?!"

"She's alive isn't she?" He leans in to kiss me, and I swat him away.

"Don't touch me!"

I step out of the bathroom in a white with black floral print Cheongsam dress. My hair was placed in a tight bun with two thick curled strands hanging on either side of my face. A silver necklace with a black orb in the center hung around my neck and two matching black orb earrings were in my ears.

Bankotsu lets out a low whistle as he walks up to me, apprising me. He wore a pair of ironed black slacks and a white shirt and a…a silver tie.

"You actually own a tie?!" I say fixing it for him.

"You don't have to sound so surprised. Sometimes I'm dragged to mayor meetings or whatever and we have to act like an actual family for three hours or so. Kana and I usually bet on how long Kagura can last without a drink. I keep giving that bitch the benefit of the doubt, but she never makes it past one and a half hours."

He pulls me into a deep kiss and I wrap my arms around his neck, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. Now tell me where we're going."

"You'll see."

We make our way out in to the cool night air, and I stop at the end of the steps eyeing the sleek black Corvette before me. "Another stolen car?"

"Only the best for you, baby."

Bankotsu opens the door for me and I slip in. He climbs into the driver's side and peels off in to the empty streets.

I glance around the lofty dining area as we follow the hostess to our table. My mind was numb at how Bankotsu could get reservations at a place like this on short notice and—as if he read my mind—he leans down and gently whispers, "Being the mayor's son has some perks to it."

We settle in to our seats giving our drink orders to the waitress, and I watch as Bankotsu examines the menu. Even though he was dressed the part and despite how many formal gatherings he had to attend with his 'family', I could tell Bankotsu was extremely uncomfortable with all of this luxury.

A feeling of guilt washes over me as I suddenly wished I had just gone to the diner like we usually do, that way at least I could see him smile.

I grab his hand, "I'm sorry."

He looks up confused, "Why?"

"You look so uncomfortable."

He chuckles, "Its whatever. You like this sort of crap so, I don't really care doing it."

"But you don't enjoy it."

"You don't enjoy the things I do, but you still deal with it. So, it's only fair."

I continue to watch him for a moment before skimming over the menu myself, "I never grew up with all this, so I don't really have the self-entitled privileged air most of the snobs around us have. I hate these people and everything they stand for. So really, it's more annoyance and disgust rather than discomfort; if that makes you feel any better."

Our waitress sets our drink down and takes our orders. We chat for a while about senseless stuff, but for some reason, I could not shake the feeling of someone watching me.

They bore in to my spine, and I shift uncomfortably struggling to listen to Bankotsu as he tells me about something or another that Jakotsu had done.

When it became more than I could bear, I excused myself to the restroom hoping to get some reprieve, but as I moved so did the eyes. I glance behind me seeing no one familiar, and I quicken my pace so much so that I practically burst through the bathroom door startling an elderly woman at the mirror.

I nod an apology, but she glares at me and waddles her way past trying to avoid direct contact as though I were mere trash.

I exhale trying to steady my racing heart and pace the bathroom. A part of me did not want to go back out there, but it would be cruel to leave Bankotsu surrounded by that which he despises the most, especially after all the trouble he went through to get me here.

If I just tell him what is happening, I know he will leap at the chance to leave, unfortunately, getting to Bankotsu would mean I would have to face the mystery starer. I stare in to the mirror and work on my 'Sesshy face' with a hit of 'mess with me if you dare' before I turn and snatch the bathroom door open. The breeze way to the dining hall was clear, and I quickly begin my journey back to Bankotsu.

"Excuse me! Miss?" I feel someone grab my arm, and I unleash a fierce slap as I turn around.

The man catches it with ease, and his red eyes glide from my hand to my golden ones. They held a slight look of annoyance. My demeanor shatters as I stare at the man before me.

His blue hair was pulled back in to a long braid behind him, and he wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit with a white undershirt and a deep blue tie.

He stepped closer to me to the point where he seemed to tower over me as his red eyes continue to bore in to mine. His entire aura seemed to ooze the word dominance as his overpowering demeanor demanded submission.

I was overwhelmed, but by what I do not know.

Fear….anger…arousal.

Although I could not get my body to obey, luckily, my voice found a way to be free.

"Unhand me, now!"

To my surprise he does, and I take a few—honestly a good many—steps back.

"My apologies. I didn't me to frighten you."

"Are you the one who has been watching me all night?"

He gives what appears to be a bashful laugh, "Yes, I know it's very rude, but I just couldn't help myself."

"Well stop."

A dark look flashes over his face, but quickly disappears, and he holds up his hands as if to surrender, "I'm sorry. It's just, I couldn't help but wonder why such a beautiful woman like you would tarnish her reputation by socializing with a human."

I stiffen and glare at him, "Whom I socialize with is my business and my business alone…..uh…"

He bows lowly, "Ryura."

"Right! Ryura, and I would greatly appreciate you minding your own business and keeping your eyes to yourself! It's no concern of yours who I choose to spend my time with!"

Ryura steps up to me and effortlessly frees my hair from my bun allowing it to fall in his hand and between his fingers. He brings his face next to mine and inhales my scent as his lips lightly brush my jaw line.

"Not yet anyway." He says softly and a terrified shiver runs down my back, "For some reason you seem to think that human and demon males are similar, so when you grow weary of your human boy, feel free to call me. I will be more than happy to show you the difference between us."

I feel him press something against the palm of my hand, and then he disappears.

It takes my body a minute to recover, and I look down at the paper with Ryura's name and number on there before I rip it into pieces that were as small as I could make them. I unceremoniously toss the tiny scraps in a nearby bin and stomp my way over to Bankotsu.

"Geez, for a minute there I thought you ran out on me…..why did you let your hair down?"

"I want to leave."

He blinks at me a confused look forming over his face, "Ok, why?"

"I….I…..I just want to go." My voice trails off at the end, and Bankotsu immediately stands.

"Alright."

He pulls me in to him, and I had to stop myself from shrinking away.

I did not want to be touched, and this embrace was uncomfortable, but I forced myself to remember that this was Bankotsu, not Ryura.

"We'll go get a burger instead and chill at my place."

I nod and Bankotsu lifts my face up and kisses me gently.

We break apart and he smiles, "Hell, you can even spend the night if you want."

I laugh, "Right now, I just might."

My smile—along with my heart and blood pressure— falls as I turn to meet the enraged golden eyes of my brother.