Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Where I Belong	By : Royal_Kitsune Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female Views: 3097 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or ideas from Inuyasha, manga nor anime. I also do not make a profit from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
~I Don’t Want To Go Back~
‘Damn my head hurts.’ Groaning I rose to my paws. ‘Paws?’ I thought groggily as the previous day came rushing back to me.
In just over twenty-four hours I had been tricked into staying at the eastern castle, rescued two abused workers who I thought were humans, and found out they were really Ryu-Inus.
Taking in my surroundings I noticed I was lying just outside of Kaede’s hut on a cot. I took a seat and transformed back into my more human form.
‘If I’m back at Kaede’s, then that means they finished the spell.’ I concluded as I stood and poked my head in the hut.
A wide grin formed as I took in the sight and scents of the hut.
As usual I could scent Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Kaede and Kilala, but now there were two new scents; two new Ryu-Inu scents.
We are not alone. My beast commented, contentment radiating from it.
‘It appears so.’ I responded stepping out of the hut.
‘I’ll go find Inuyasha, I’m sure the rest of them are probably worn out from yesterday.’ I thought as I picked up the half-demon scent and trailed it to the river that ran through his forest.
“You’re up.” He stated turning as I stepped up to the river.
“Yea, you know, you could have come up with a better plan than that. Kagome was really pissed about what you did; I don’t think she’s ever sat you that hard.” I joked rubbing the back of my head.
“It was that or fight you all night.” He snorted his attention going back to the river. “Wait, you were awake?!” He snapped turning to face me.
“Yea I woke up about five minutes before Kagome showed up. I was going to tell her I was fine, but watching you take the heat was so much fun.” I added with a smirk and moved out of the way as his claws swiped where I had been.
“I’ll get you.” He added half-heartedly while smirking.
“What are you doing out here? It’s not like you to leave Kagome alone when she’s weakened.” I commented taking a seat on a fallen log.
“Well you were there, and Kaede suggested getting some food for everyone. I figured you could handle it until I got back. Kaede said with rest and food they should be good by sun high.” Inuyasha said gesturing to a few fish that he had caught.
“That’s a good idea we can get some meat for a stew too. I’ll find something.” I commented, wanting to stretch my limbs after sleeping so long. We had a few hours until sun high so I had plenty of time.
“Just don’t get yourself in trouble. You have a habit of it.” Inuyasha warned and I rolled my eyes.
“Of course mother, I wouldn’t dream of it.” I walked off into the forest before Inuyasha could answer.
As I walked I transformed back into my smaller true form and took in the scents around me.
‘Smells like a herd of deer to the north.’ I thought heading north.
After a few minutes of walking, my thoughts were confirmed. There was a small herd of deer, two fawns and a buck.
‘I’ll go for a fawn.’ I thought noticing a limp in one of the fawns’ walk.
Crouching so that belly fur just brushed the ground I stalked forward. I made sure to stay upwind as I followed them. I took my time since I wasn’t in a rush to practice my stalking.
I spent about an hour lazily following the deer around. A few times they would turn if I accidentally stepped on a twig or something; but for the most part they never noticed they were being followed.
I was finally about to pounce when a figure jumped at the deer. It landed on the buck and gave a quick, though sloppy killing bite to its neck. The healthy fawn took off away from me, but the weak on limped directly towards me. I quickly jumped its back and killed it in a swift bite to the spine.
‘What the hell?’ With the fawn in my jaws, I couldn’t smell anything else.
Knowing the wild animals around would quickly take the fawn if I left it; I dragged the carcass back to where I had seen the figure.
What I saw made me drop the fawn’s body at my feet.
Standing before me was Ryo, in his true form.
Ryo was silver from head to foot. Not a single strand of fur or feather was different. His eyes were violet like mine, only they were a shade darker. He had a golden pendant identical to my silver one around his neck.
‘Ryo?’ I barked in his direction.
Ryo nodded his head and I could just make out his tail wagging slightly.
‘How are you in your true form?’ I questioned in a soft whine.
‘When the spell was broken my memories returned. My parents had taught me how to transform when I was three. My father used to take me on small hunts.’ Ryo barked back. ‘I woke up and noticed you were gone. I originally came to ask you a few questions, but figured it would be nice to catch something to eat as a thank you for the others.’
‘Well you found me and did good on catching the deer so we can head back and talk.’ I commented picking up my fawn and headed in the direction of the village. As I turned I could hear Ryo doing the same and falling in step behind me.
~Kilala~
“I wonder were Kazuko and Ryo are?” Sango commented from where she sat in Kaede’s hut.
“Maybe they left to get revenge on the east.” Miroku suggested. “If you’d been abused by someone for your whole life, and then were granted equal, or maybe even greater, power to your abuser, wouldn’t you want revenge? And Kazuko’s pack instincts might lead her to try and help.” The monk made a good point.
“But the two of them wouldn’t stand a chance against an entire castle!” Kagome gasped. “Should we go after them?”
“I’ve just discovered my clan; I don’t want to lose them.” Katina said quietly.
The group debated in silence at the idea.
I could scent that the two were not far from the village.
“What’s got you guys so quiet?” Inuyasha asked dropping a pile of fish.
“We don’t know where Kazuko and Ryo are.” Kagome mentioned.
“Kazuko went out hunting. I ran across her at the river.” Inuyasha responded.
When I could scent the two closing in on the hut I gave a loud mew and ran outside.
“What’s wrong Kilala?” I heard Sango call after me and the group following me outside.
‘They’re coming.’ I mewed. To get my point across I transformed into my battle form and focused on the forest.
“Who said that?” Katina asked looking around at each person.
“Said what?” Miroku asked, standing a bit too close to Katina.
“Someone just said ‘They’re coming’, I know I heard someone.” She responded.
“Maybe it was Kilala. Full demons can understand other demons, from what we’ve seen with Kazuko and Shippo.” Kagome suggested.
‘It was me young one.’ I responded pressing a paw against Katina’s upper arm.
“Oh wow, it was Kilala.” Katina said looking at me in shock.
“I can sense two demonic auras coming. One’s Kazuko and I think the other is Ryo.” Miroku stated.
“I think you’re right.” Kagome agreed.
Sure enough two figures came from the cover of the trees and out into the sunlight so that the group could see them fully.
The first was Kazuko, as the group was familiar with her true form.
The second was a silver winged dog, who I could scent to be Ryo. Both of them carried a deer carcass in their jaws.
“Oh look Kazuko’s found another flying mutt.” Inuyasha grumbled but a hint of humor could be heard in his voice.
Apparently Ryo didn’t pick up on Inuyasha’s joke as he growled in the half demon’s direction.
‘Relax, that’s just Inuyasha’s way of saying welcome to the group.’ Kazuko barked as she put the deer she had down.
The growling ceased but Ryo’s eyes narrowed towards the half-demon.
‘We better change back, I’m sure the group has questions.’ Kazuko said as she changed back into her usual form.
Ryo dropped his buck and followed at a slower pace, clearly unused to transforming.
“Wow, is that really you Ryo?” Katina said walking up to her pack mates.
“Yea, I could ask the same about you.” Ryu said embracing Katina.
~Kazuko~
‘Those two definitely have a thing for each other.’ I thought watching Katina and Ryu hug.
We could have that with Sesshomaru. My demon butted in.
‘Don’t get me started on him. We already have to go see him.’ I responded sourly.
“So Ryo was hunting with you, Kazuko?” Kagome asked, bringing my attention outward of my head.
“Huh? Oh yea we ran into each other in the forest.” I responded, motioning towards the deer carcass.
“I see you brought deer for stew.” Kaede said from where she was returning from the village.
“Yea I figured it would help everyone recover faster.” I said, picking up the fawn and taking it to the side of the hut.
Ryo did the same and we worked to clean and cut the meat while burying the unneeded parts.
By the time we finished the rest of the group had a fire going with the fish roasting on it, and Kaede had the rest of the stew boiling. As we dropped in the deer meat we took a seat with everyone else around the fire.
“So what’s it feel like?” Kagome asked looking at Ryo, Katina and I.
“What do you mean?” Katina asked back.
“Well for you two, how does it feel to find out you’re demons; and for Kazuko, how does it feel to know that you’re not the only one left?” Kagome clarified. She still looked a bit drained from the spell breaking, but it was clear she would recover just fine.
“It’s a little strange, but at the same time it feels right.” Katina said. “When my powers were sealed, I was too young to know any better, so it’s all new to me.” She added.
‘That’s exactly how I felt.’ I thought looking into the fire.
“I was five when my powers were sealed so I remember a little but not much. It feels good to be back to how I was born.” Ryo stated, I noticed his attitude was brighter than it had been before.
“It’s nice to know I’m not alone.” I said grinning. “I never thought I would feel so happy about anything in my life, but just knowing I’m not alone…it’s amazing.”
“Hey Kazuko, we were told about the heir, a Shogakko named Misaki. Do you know where she is?” Katina asked and I smiled.
“You’re looking at her.” I answered.
“Wow really? How?” Katina asked with wide eyes.
I told them about being found and raised by humans, and about my name change.
“Oh and while I’m thinking about it, hold this.” I said handing Katina my staff.
“Um ok, why?” She asked looking down at the staff in her hands.
“You’ll see.” I said turning my attention to the dragon at the end of the staff.
The dragon turned white and a red outline could be seen tracing it.
“You’ll have to forgive me because this is my first time doing this. I’m pretty sure this means your main element is air and with training you can learn to control fire as well.” I said, as she handed the staff back.
“Wow.” I heard the group, minus Ryo and Inuyasha, say.
“Your turn, Ryo.” I said tossing him the staff.
He caught it and the dragon turned yellow with a red outline.
“Lightning and fire for you.” I said, catching the staff when it was tossed back.
“Save your words for later, the food is ready.” Kaede interrupted as bowls of stew were passed around. “Each of you needs to eat so that you can get back to regular strength.”
For an hour or so we ate in silence, even Inuyasha was able to keep his mouth shut so long as food was being shoved into it. Once the food ran out, he of course had to say something.
“So what are you runts going to do now?” The half demon asked, earning a growl from Ryo, a gasp from Katina and an eye roll from me.
“I have to go back to the western castle to get Shippo.” I mumbled just loud enough for everyone to hear in the silence.
“Oh that sounds fun.” Kagome said grinning from ear to ear like she’d just won a million dollars.
“Yea it’s fun like swimming in a river full of knives.” I growled.
“What’s got you so pissed?” Inuyasha asked with a smirk as if he knew the answer.
“That asshole of a brother of yours.” I spat.
“Half-brother.” Inuyasha corrected.
“Whatever.” I growled.
“What do you mean? I thought you and Sesshomaru were getting along?” Kagome said her grin falling quickly as if her money had just been taken back.
“I’d rather not talk about that arrogant dog if you don’t mind.” I grumbled. “But I have to go get Shippo and meet with some council. They want proof that the Ryu-Inu clan wasn’t completely wiped out and I can’t blame them. We’ve seen the imposters out there.”
“There are demons out pretending to be Ryu-Inus?” Ryo asked with a hint of a snarl.
“Yes, and that is a story for another time.” I said rubbing my head.
“We’ll come with you then. I’m sure that once word gets out that there are three of us, they’ll want to meet us all. The council is like that.” Ryo said, putting his bowl aside.
“You’ve met them?” I asked tilting my head slightly.
“Not directly but they meet every decade, and each time in a different lord’s home. Last time they met in the eastern castle, so we were made to serve them. We picked up a few things while we worked.” Katina said rolling her eyes. “Just a bunch of old stiffs if you ask me.”
“So who exactly is on this council then?” I asked, figuring their information could be useful.
“It’s made of the four lords, their mates, their generals, the leaders of high ranking clans, and Duma.” Ryo answered.
“Who’s Duma?” Kagome asked.
“A better question is; what is Duma?” Sango said catching our attention. “We’ve heard stories of Duma before, back when I was a child in the slayer’s village. No one knows for sure what Duma is. Most believe it to be a demon since it only interacts with them. Yet those that have been close enough state that they never felt a demonic presence.”
“Aye Duma is heard of here as well. It is known as the father of all demons. It is said that he created the first demons by fusing animals with humans, but no one has ever confirmed it.” Kaede added in.
“We’re not sure what Duma is either. No one was allowed to go near his quarters, and in the meeting room he stayed hidden in a cloak so that no part of him was visible.” Ryo said with a shrug.
“Yea it’s kind of creepy.” Katina said with a shiver.
“Wait, does that mean Toro will be there too?” I asked the anger evident in my voice.
“Yes, as lord of the east he is entitled to attend a council meeting.” Ryo growled.
“Great two assholes to deal with.” I shrugged crossing my arms. “You guys sure you want to come?” I asked.
“My father’s swords are in the western castle and I’m not going to let you go alone. We’re family, and it’s my responsibility to stick with you and protect you.” Ryo said.
“Family?” I repeated in a confused tone.
“You would be too young to know this, but our fathers were brothers.” Ryo answered my unasked question.
“So that makes us cousins.” I whispered in wonder. Ryo nodded with a smirk.
“That’s so cool.” Katina said beaming. “I’ll go too.”
‘I have a feeling you’d go anywhere Ryo’s going.’ I joked mentally.
“Then when you feel good enough to travel we’ll go.” I stated, about to lie down.
“Then we can go right now, right Ryo?” Katina said standing. “I feel better than I’ve ever felt before!”
“I agree, I think I’m good enough to travel.” Ryo said standing as well.
“Well, then I guess we’re off to the western castle.” I sighed and stood.
“So how are we going to get there?” Katina asked and I smirked.
“We’re going to run, since I doubt you can fly too well right now.” I answered and transformed into my smaller true from.
“How did you do that?” Katina asked. This time instead of fainting from fear she was radiating excitement and wonder as she watched me.
‘You want to take this one Ryo?’ I barked, scratching my ear with a hind paw.
“Yea I’ll help her.” He said and went about explaining to Katina how to transform.
She picked it up a lot quicker than I did. We soon felt her aura spike and watched her form shift.
By the time she transformed, a black, winged dog was standing where Katina once stood. The dog had black fur cover its body with the exception of silver on its paws, tail tip and wing tips. Her eyes were still bright silver and her golden pendant hung from around her neck.
Once Katina was fully changed Ryo transformed into his smaller true form, and we were ready to go.
“Wow.” Kagome said looking at the three of us standing side by side. “You guys look so cool. If you need us just let us know.” She said and I heard Inuyasha grumble something about ‘not wanting to help flying mutts’.
‘We’ll see you around.’ I barked, even though I knew she couldn’t understand me. ‘Let’s go you two.’ I barked over my shoulder at Katina and Ryo before taking off into the forest.
‘Hey wait!’ I heard Katina whine, but I felt her and Ryo running just behind me keeping pace. ‘Oh wow, I’ve never run like this before! It feels so nice and having you guys with me feels so natural!’ Katina barked before giving a loud howl. Ryo joined in and I felt my instincts tug so I joined in as well.
She was right, this felt more natural than anything else I had felt before. Running through the forest, in my true form, with my pack mates, felt incredible.
~Inuyasha~
I shook my head as I heard a doggish howl echo back from the forest, knowing exactly where it was coming from.
I’d never admit it to anyone out loud but I was glad Kazuko was able to find more of her clan. She wasn’t half bad for a full demon and I would always owe her for saving Kagome.
‘Stupid mutts.’ I thought with a grin as I heard their howls growing louder.
“Alright let’s go. Those jewel shards aren’t going to find themselves.”
~Shippo~
It had been three days since Kazuko left and I was wondering what I should do. Sesshomaru said she’d return, but I got the feeling that even he wasn’t sure if she would.
Since she’d left there had been a noticeable change.
Sesshomaru was spending most of his time trying to get something ready. He wouldn’t allow anyone near his project unless they were helping directly and his temper had become shorter than before. I actually heard him yelling at a servant.
The lord Sesshomaru, Mr. Quiet and Indifferent, actually yelled at someone.
Rin tried to keep my mind off of Kazuko by taking me around the castle anytime we had free time, and by now I knew the whole place inside and out.
At the moment Rin was in one of her lessons so I had some time to myself. I usually spent this time wandering the outside of the castle.
I wasn’t allowed outside of the gates, but I didn’t mind. I was in the heart of a foreign land and staying here was the only protection I was going to get.
“It’s three of them and they’re not weak, get the general!” I heard a soldier yell as he rushed past where I was sitting.
Having nothing better to do I followed him to the front of the castle where some soldiers were already lined up.
“What is the cause of all this?” A bear demon, who I remembered to be the general of the western forces, asked coming from the castle.
“There are three demonic auras heading this way at a very fast pace.” One of the soldiers reported.
“Has anyone alerted lord Sesshomaru?” The bear demon asked.
“Not yet, we were just…” The soldier was cut off by the general.
“There is no need to waste his time with something as trivial as this. We will dispatch of the intruders ourselves.” The general said lifting his battle mace and leading a small group of soldiers out of the gate.
‘I wonder who would come charging here.’ I thought as I walked back to the castle.
Rin should be getting out of her lessons soon.
~Kazuko~
We were able to run for a day and night straight at the same high speed we had started at. Neither Katina nor Ryo had complained of fatigue so I hadn’t seen a reason to stop.
While we ran we were able to catch each other up on pretty much everything. They told me what they had seen when the spell was breaking and I recounted to them the dreams I’ve had about the clan.
I wasn’t a hundred percent where the castle was within the lands, but my instincts were guiding me and I trusted them.
‘Someone’s coming.’ Ryo growled pulling up beside me. ‘Should we stop? It smells like they’re coming straight for us.’
‘We’ll slow down, but I don’t want to stop and wait. If they’re coming to attack, I’d rather we had some sort of momentum on our side.’ I barked back as I withdrew my demon sprint to a regular run. Ryo and Katina followed my lead.
Sure enough, as Ryo said, a group of demons became visible heading directly towards us. They all bore military armor and had the crest of the western lands.
‘So they’re Sesshomaru’s soldiers.’ I thought as I came to a stop, seeing their weapons pointed straight at us.
“State your business on these lands.” The lead soldier, a bear demon, said. Based on his scars, difference in armor, and commanding tone, I could guess that he was probably a sergeant or the general. After looking us over with a suspicious look he added, “State what you are as well.”
‘We are headed to the western castle to meet with the lord of it.’ I barked. ‘My kit is there.’ I added. ‘We are of the Ryu-Inu clan.’
“Impossible, there is said to only be one survivor of that clan.” One of the soldiers blurted out but then fell silent by a glare from the bear demon.
“What he says is true, but I do recognize those pendants.” The bear demon said thoughtfully. “Very well, we will take you to our lord. I cannot promise that will take you. If this proves to be a trap you will suffer a slow and painful death.” He eyed us suspiciously, but at least he was willing to take us to the castle. “But to be escorted back I would ask that you transform.”
‘Ok, we will go by your terms.’ I barked transforming back to my human form, and Katina and Ryo did the same.
“Kazuko, you have a kit?” Katina asked looking me over with a questioning gaze.
“I’ll explain when we get there.” I responded with a smile.
“It’s not Sesshomaru’s is it?” Ryo whispered and I growled low.
“As if I’d have anything with that dog.” I replied back low enough so that the soldiers couldn’t hear.
~Sesshomaru~
A swift two knocks were heard on my office door and I looked up from a set of scrolls I had been going over.
“Enter.” I commanded before going back to the scrolls.
“My lord.” The one who walked in said and offered a low bow. I looked up to see it was my general. “There are three here claiming to be of the Ryu-Inu clan and they wish to meet with you.”
‘Three?’ I thought. “Is one a female of violet hair and eyes?” I asked. When my general nodded my eyes narrowed. I could feel my demon stirring to life at the knowledge of the Ryu-Inu female’s return, but I still skeptical about the other two. ‘That’s Kazuko, but who are the other two?’
“Should I send them away?” I heard my general speak up after my moments of silence.
“No send them in and make sure that there are no disturbances.” I ordered.
“As you wish.” The general said before leaving the room.
A few minutes later he returned leading in the three he had mentioned. The first one to enter was definitely Kazuko, as her violet hair and eyes had haunted my thoughts, both dreaming and waking. Behind her trailed a male with silver hair and dark violet eyes, and a female with black hair and silver eyes.
“I present to you Kazuko, Katina and Ryo of the Ryu-Inu clan.” My general stated before leaving with the door closing behind him.
I felt every instinct and urge push for me to go to Kazuko. Her scent gave that her heat was about to enter its challenging stage. But the glare she was shooting at me kept me in my seat, that and the other two standing behind her.
She is upset. My demon wined. At us.
‘I am aware.’ I inwardly growled.
“Lord Sesshomaru.” Kazuko began curtly, her bow barely visible. “We wish to have lodgings until the council meeting and then we shall be out of your way.” She stated, her tone was civil but the venom dripping was almost visible as she spoke.
“May I?” The male asked in Kazuko’s direction then stepped forward at her nod. “I am Ryo, son of Ryu, general of the Ryu-Inu forces.” He stated, and I thought it over. I remembered the general Ryu well; I had originally offered him position of general for my forces.
He had agreed until his brother was killed in battle. I vaguely remembered news of him having a son named Ryo.
“What is it?” I asked, guessing he had something he wished to ask or say. Whatever it was, I wished he would hurry so that I could attempt to be alone with Kazuko.
“My father’s swords are said to be kept here, and I wish to inherit them.” Ryo said, his eyes stayed level with mine earning a slight growl from me.
“You are bold for making such demands and not showing the proper respect.” I replied.
“I serve Lady Kazuko and her only, Lord Sesshomaru. When our clan was destroyed we were no longer subjects of the west.” He stated.
‘Insolent male, I should kill him where he stands.’ I thought, and as if reading my thoughts, I saw Kazuko’s claws twitch and her body seemed ready to strike.
I recalled my general had brought back a lot of things from the slaughtered clan, weapons among them.
“I will have my general take you to the weapons room, you may find them there.” I said.
Upon hearing his name my general entered the study with a bow.
“Take the Ryu-Inus to the weapons room. They will be staying here until the council meeting, so have rooms prepared for them.” I commanded.
“Of course milord.” He said leading the three out.
“Wait.” I said as they stopped. “I wish to speak with Lady Kazuko alone.”
~Kazuko~
‘Just great more alone time with him. I’ve already seen where this leads.’ I thought, as a frown made its way onto my face.
Sensing my annoyance, Ryo leaned in to whisper to me. “You want us to stay?”
“I’ll be fine, go get your heirlooms.” I responded. “I can handle myself.”
Both Ryo and Katina looked unsure but still followed the general out of the room. Once they were gone I closed the door and turned to face the western lord.
Now that no one was in the room, I had no reason to cover my emotions. I let my annoyance and anger radiate fully as I glared at Sesshomaru.
“What do you want?” I growled. I knew he didn’t like being growled at but I also didn’t like him, so it all worked out.
“I wish to extend to you an apology.” He said and I narrowed my eyes.
“Are you saying you’re sorry and that you were wrong?” I prodded.
“I am saying I apologize for previous actions.” He stated.
“No! You don’t get to just say ‘I apologize’ and think this is going to clear up just like that. It’s not as if that could just erase everything that’s happened in the past.” I snarled, stepping closer as I did. “Do you know what you did to me?! What I had to go through because of you?!” I spat.
In a way because of him we found our pack mates. My inner demon stated.
‘Shut up or so help me I will kill you.’
That would be suicide.
‘Shut up!’
…
“So no, Sesshomaru, I do not accept your bullshit apology, because it is clear that you don’t mean it. Just stay away from me until this council thing is over, and then I never want to see you again!” I growled before storming out of the room.
I picked up Shippo and Rin’s scent and followed it, knowing that seeing the two of them would help my mood.
~Sesshomaru~
‘I never want to see you again!’
My mind continued to replay her words and her storming out.
I couldn’t tell what was happening to me exactly, but I could feel literal pains in my chest each time the image replayed.
Hearing those words had sent me into another emotional state I could only vaguely remember having experienced before. It was the feeling I’d had when my mother announced she was leaving when I was a young pup.
‘Sadness or grief.’ I thought as I sat in my office.
I hadn’t moved from the spot since she’d left and as I looked out of the balcony I could see that the sun was setting.
I heard a light knock on my door and took in the scents from the other side of the door. It was my advisor, an aged fox demon named Izu.
“Enter Izu.” I said.
“Lord Sesshomaru.” The fox said giving a bow before coming over to my desk. “I have found the original mating agreement as you requested.” He said placing an old scroll on my desk. It held the mark of the Ryu-Inu clan.
I looked down at the scroll with a blank expression. I had wanted the scroll as proof to show Kazuko my claim on her, but now the thing made me sick.
“You may dispose of it.” I finally said after a few moments of silence.
“Excuse me, milord?” The fox said a bit surprised.
“I no longer have need for it.” I stated.
“But Lord Sesshomaru, you must mate by the end of the season! Your lands will be stripped from you, if you do not.” Izu seemed to be going into a panic.
“Then find a way around it!” I snapped.
“What troubles you?” The fox said calming down. “I sense a huge shift within you.”
I did not respond, but instead continued to glare at the scroll before me. The fox fell quiet before he spoke.
“It is said that one called Kazuko wishes to mate the male Ryo.” He said.
My body reacted before I could even process fully what he said. In a flash the desk I was behind was flipped across the room and I was at the door. Every instinct in my body called to find and kill the Ryu-Inu male. I could feel my eyes bleeding red, and my aura spiking.
“Calm yourself Lord Sesshomaru!” I heard the fox say with a light chuckle.
“What do you find so amusing fox?” I demanded.
“What I say is false, it was but a test.” Izu stated as I turned to face him fully.
“You dare test this Sesshomaru!” I snarled.
“You have been acting very strange as of lately. I’ve had my suspicions on the reason but I needed to confirm them.” He said talking carefully so not to anger me further. “I do believe you have bonded with the Ryu-Inu female, Kazuko.”
“Bonded.” I said softly as I returned to normal.
I remember a lesson in mating that spoke of bonding. It was an act of one’s self, both regular and beast, attaching to another. It was the demon equivalent of what humans called ‘falling in love’, but it was much more dangerous if interrupted. Those that bonded were much more possessive and would do whatever necessary to keep away anyone who wished to bring harm to the one they’d bonded to.
“Yes, milord, bonded. It is evident in your attitude and even your scent.” The fox said. “If I may offer some advice; I would not leave a female upset, for it only leads to her hatred of you growing. It may seem unwise, but I would go to her and try to make this right. Do this or you run the risk of losing her for good. Also when her challenging period hits, do you really want her to still be mad at you?” He said with a sly smile and left.
Even though everything the fox had said was right, I couldn’t bring myself to fully accept it.
We have bonded to her. My demon purred and I sighed.
The fox was right, if I was going to make this right, I should do it soon.
~Kazuko~
“We’re so glad that you’re back.” Rin was jumping with excitement as I sat in the room that had been given to me.
Ryo, Katina, Rin and Shippo were all in the room as well. We had come back to the room after eating to talk for a bit.
“Yea, I was really worried when you took off.” Shippo said from where he was sitting in my lap.
“Sorry about that. Some things came up, I promise next time I’ll take you with me.” I said with a small smile.
Seeing the two children had helped my mood, but I could still feel some anger left. Ryo and Katina sat side by side as we talked.
“It’s so cool that you found more demons like you.” Rin stated and Shippo nodded in agreement.
“You’re just the sweetest little girl I’ve ever met.” Katina said from where she was swooning over Rin.
“What’s the matter Ryo, wishing you were getting that much attention?” I teased, seeing him looking at Rin with an almost envious look.
“What?!” He blurted out before turning away to hide his blush.
I gave a wink to Katina who smiled and shook her head.
“Ok you two I think it’s time for you to go to bed.” I said to Rin and Shippo seeing that it was already dark.
“Aww, ok.” Shippo said as the two left the room to go to their own rooms.
“I’m going to turn in too. It’s not that I’m extremely tired, but we did run all night so I feel kind of compelled to sleep.” Katina said standing and following the children out.
“So what did he do?” Ryo brought up when it was only the two of us left in the room.
“Who?” I asked, though I could guess who he meant.
“Sesshomaru.” He stated with narrowed eyes.
“Oh him.” I said rolling my eyes and recounting what happened.
“I should kill him.” Ryo snarled when I’d finished.
“Yea then you’d be charged with treason and killed. I would prefer not to lose you so soon after finding you. Plus Katina would be destroyed if something happens to you.” I said with a sigh and shrug.
“You think so?” He asked sounding hopeful.
“Please, she likes you, even someone as dense as Inuyasha can see it.” I replied with a giggle.
“She’s really special isn’t she?” He said with a smile.
“You should tell her that, not me.” I said standing up. “While you go do that, I’m going to go for a walk.”
“Ok, but if you run into trouble you know where to find me.” He said as we exited the room and took off in separate directions.
Thankfully I had been able to have a change in clothing; the fall air was cool as I entered the gardens. I now wore a simple white sleeping kimono, that was, thankfully, not see-through. I left my weapon in the room, figuring if anything should happen my abilities would be fine without the staff.
I looked over the flowers trying to fight the cold and their impending deaths from fall’s arrival. Feeling bad for the poor flowers I released a small heat wave over the gardens and shifted the dirt so that the warmer dirt was on top.
“You are only prolonging what is inevitable.” I sighed as I heard the voice coming up behind me.
“What is it that you want Lord Sesshomaru?” I said turning to face the western lord.
His armor and weapons were absent from his person as he stopped forward. I tried not to notice, but his upper body was bare. He almost looked approachable in the way his indecision was clearly showing on his face.
“I have come to offer my apologies…” He started softly and I cut him off.
“I’m not going to listen to this again. I’ve already told you this.” I said turning and preparing to leave.
“What I did was wrong and I am sorry.” He said a bit louder and I felt my eyes widen before I turned to face him again.
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Where I Belong