InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Rescue ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: Well, GuardianAmy has a point. This is a very long story. In my own defense I am planning on throwing Kags and Sesshy right into the middle, and I have thought up something fun to do, but yes it is the same universe and some of the OCs are going to be stage center. As with any long story, it is difficult to avoid being repetitive and I may have bowed to a plot bunny or two. I'm going to let you guys decide. I'll post what I have, and if the reviews say stop with Matchmaker, I'll stop. I apologize if this chapter is a bit pokey, I'm still setting up the characters and such.

 

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“Father is going to see this coming.”

 

“Nonsense, Ki-chan. Just act like nothing is going on. You're good at that.” Katsuro paced a bit, looking for any sign of Sesshomaru.

 

Mizuki folded her legs underneath her, sitting on the ground. Her eyes were closed, and she almost looked as though she had fallen asleep while waiting. Katsuro's constant foot steps were the only sound as they waited. “Stop that.”

 

“I can't help it. I'm nervous.”

 

“As if I could not smell that.”

 

“Arigato, Ki-chan.”

 

----

 

`If that were not Mizuki, I would suspect a trap.' Sesshomaru watched his son pace back and forth, his tension obvious. There was no doubt that his son had put something together, and there was also no doubt that it would not be honorable or straightforward. `Still, what is she doing?'

 

“Katsuro.”

 

Both pairs of ears swiveled at the sound of their father's voice. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, watching his son.

 

“Hello, father. How're you feeling today?” The bravado was paired with one of Katsuro's famous smiles, even as his knuckles went white around the hilt of his still sheathed sword.

 

“Mizuki.” The amber eyes locked onto his daughter, looking for a weapon or other sign that this was a threat.

 

“Father.”

 

“Well?”

 

“Amusement.”

 

“Hn.” `There are no weapons, and while she is not telling the whole truth she is not lying. `Perhaps she truly is here simply to be amused.' Sesshomaru refocused on his son. “Are you prepared?”

 

“Of course. When have I ever not been prepared?” There was a hiss as Katsuro pulled his sword.

 

The ignored female tried to keep her body calm, and tried to keep her eyes off of the naginata hidden above her head.

 

Without warning Sesshomaru attacked, making Katsuro fall back and defend himself desperately. He was not interested in waiting around to see what Katsuro had planned, and would finish this as quickly as possible.

 

Her mind slipping into the gear she used in battle, Mizuki watched for her opportunity.

 

Katsuro had been forced to one knee and the taiyoukai was looking to quickly finish this exercise when he heard a whistling sound. A quick twist got him out of the way of the thrown dagger, but made it even more difficult to dodge the oncoming naginata. His new attacker followed him as he tried to leap clear, keeping her weapon in motion.

 

“Treachery, daughter?”

 

“Secret weapon.” Mizuki felt the corner of her mouth quirk in answer to her father's smirk as she exchanged blows with him.

 

It was actually a surprise for Sesshomaru to be attacked by his daughter. He could scarcely remember the last time he had seen her practice, since she had usually worked with the Captain while he had concentrated on Katsuro. Now he could hear his son coming up behind him, trying to trap him between the two siblings. `If they wish to play this way.'

 

Katsuro nearly knocked his sister's head off when their father turned into a ball of light and streaked away. Blinking in confusion, he looked around while Mizuki went rigid. She moved so that they were back to back, looking for the threat.

 

“Ki-chan?”

 

The soft whisper almost made Mizuki jump in the tension. “Hai?”

 

“Where'd he go?”

 

“I do not know.”

 

Silence stretched out as the two hanyou scanned the area for Sesshomaru.

 

“Ki-chan?”

 

“Hai?”

 

“We're in trouble, aren't we?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“This is going to hurt, isn't it?”

 

“Hai.”

 

Evidently Katsuro could not deal with the silence.

 

“Ki-chan.”

 

“Shh.”

 

There was movement in the distant trees, and Mizuki tried to focus on it. `What would father be doing that far away from us?'

 

`If they wish to use all available resources, so shall I.' Sesshomaru leapt.

 

The sound of snapping wood gave them a fraction of second's warning before a gigantic white dog leapt from the trees to land nearby. Both hanyous' eyes slowly traveled from the paw that was at their height all the way up to the huge fangs that were dripping poison.

 

They had the same thought, and voiced it in unison. “Retreat!”

 

`An interesting choice for me. Do I pursue my original target, or the interloper? This will prove to be amusing.' Sesshomaru felt his muscles bunch as his prey bolted.

 

Mizuki whistled for Shou as the siblings ran in opposite directions. Sesshomaru had decided to target his somewhat treacherous daughter first, and was right on her heels. When the blue dragon appeared, he seemed somewhat reluctant to come down.

 

“Do not dare or I will never bring snacks again!” The naginata was put to good use in deflecting the sharp teeth aimed for her.

 

Shou shot down from the sky, slamming into Sesshomaru's side. The dog was thrown several lengths by the impact of the full sized dragon, buying Mizuki enough time to swing on. She snagged Katsuro by the collar and hauled him on as she whipped by.

 

“Now what, Ki-chan?” Katsuro hung on to his sister as they tried to get clear of an annoyed Sesshomaru.

 

“Why must I do all of the planning?” Mizuki's stomach flipped over as Shou dove hard to avoid a leap from Sesshomaru.

 

“Because you don't like my ideas.” Swinging his leg over, Katsuro dropped from the dragon.

 

“Baka!” Shou echoed Mizuki's yell with a roar as Katsuro dropped towards the white dog with his sword still secured at his side. “You are going to get stuck again!”

 

When Katsuro hit the ground it was not on two feet, but four. The fur over his shoulders was up as he growled at his father. He was about half the size of his opponent and lacked the poison, but he held his ground. `You better be ready to back me up, Ki-chan.'

 

Surprised by his offspring once again, Sesshomaru had to rethink his plan. He had already known that Katsuro could transform, but he had only seen it once. His son usually avoided it, because he would get very sick and sometimes he would get stuck in this form. The last time he had changed it had taken two days to get him back to his usual form, and after he changed back he had collapsed and slept for a full day and night. The question on how it was possible still bothered everyone. Some said it was because of his potent bloodlines, while others said it was because of the miko. The simple fact was that no one knew, and that Katsuro was unique in this respect.

 

The smaller, black dog charged, keeping one ear on Shou while keeping the rest of his attention on the massive taiyoukai in front of him. He dodged the sharp teeth that were trying to close around him, slamming his shoulder into his father's ribs. Behind him Mizuki was charging in, her naginata at the ready. She leaned over Shou's shoulder, hanging on with one hand while the other swung low to score a hit that ran from her father's cheek up to above his ear.

 

Snarling, Sesshomaru ignored Katsuro in favor of knocking Mizuki off of Shou and taking away her advantage. She landed in a tumble, rolling away from her attacker. A glancing blow from his claws left a cut across her arm and back. The black dog latched onto one of Sesshomaru's legs and shook hard, making the larger dog roar and try to bat him away.

 

Mizuki sat up and looked back over her shoulder, watching as Katsuro tangled up with Sesshomaru. She still had her naginata, but there was no time to reorganize with Shou. Tightening her grip, she felt her heart race with the unfamiliar surge of adrenaline. `Well, he will certainly not see this coming.'

 

There was a loud yelp as Katsuro was bitten on the leg, forcing him to let go. He slashed out with his own claws to keep Sesshomaru away before he could lock on and really cause some damage. From behind Sesshomaru came that whistling sound again, and he turned to find his daughter standing alone and smiling at him. “Come and get me, father.”

 

`Foolish.' Sesshomaru leapt for her, not even bothering to dodge the relatively tiny weapon. Mizuki stood her ground, waiting. At the last minute she dropped to the ground, letting him pass by without even attempting to fight. Keeping an eye on her brother, she leapt so that she could drive the naginata into Sesshomaru's hip. Katsuro landed on his father's shoulders, sinking his claws in and throwing him even further off balance, while Shou dove in to slam into the taiyoukai's side once again.

 

With a furious roar, Sesshomaru went down.

 

----

 

“What happened?” Kagome almost upset her table in her haste to get to her family. “Who attacked?”

 

“Technically, I think the first swing was from father.” The famous smile was still in place, even as Katsuro was dragged into the room by his sister. “But I think Ki-chan might have been the reason it escalated.”

 

The amber eyes glanced over at Katsuro. “And you are not to blame?”

 

“I did a lot of running away. I certainly didn't try to makes this into an all out dog fight.”

 

Mizuki nearly dropped her brother for his comment. “You are at least half to blame, since it was originally supposed to be you and father.”

 

“No one attacked? You guys did this to each other?” The miko had her mouth hanging open as she took in the group. Katsuro was very pale and being held up by his sister, who sported a long cut that crossed from her arm to her back. There was blood in Sesshomaru's beautiful hair from a cut that ran from his cheek past his hairline, and there was more blood on his kimono. All three looked quite content. “I can't leave the three of you alone for a minute!”

 

“It was just some sparring, Mama.” Katsuro was lowered to sit on a cushion by his sister. “Ki-chan, could you get some of that really strong tea from the kitchens?”

 

`I hate those eyes.' Mizuki nodded sharply before leaving the room.

 

“Just some sparing? Looks more like all out war to me. You transformed again, didn't you Katsuro.” Kagome tipped her son's chin up with her hand and looked at his bleached out complexion. “At least you were able to change back this time, and with your sister home she'll make sure you don't do anything else stupid for a couple of days.”

 

“Hai, Mama.”

 

“He is fine, Kagome.” Sesshomaru examined his own bloodied clothing. “This one was from him, actually.”

 

“Well, aren't you the proud Papa.” The annoyed miko shoved his sleeve up, revealing a cut that was already half healed. “Nice work, Katsuro-kun. Where did the one on your face come from?”

 

“Mizuki's naginata.”

 

“How did you ever get her to fight?”

 

“We figured it out last night, Mama. Two hanyou equals one taiyoukai. Toss in Shou and we stand a chance against anyone.” Katsuro looked quite proud, even as his complexion shifted a shade of green. “I hope Ki-chan hurries, or I'm going to lose my lunch.”

 

“I like that. Not the losing the lunch part, but the two hanyou part.” Kagome smiled at her mate. Of course he looked the same as ever, but Kagome knew he was quite proud of his offspring. `They must have put in a good showing.'

 

Mizuki came back in with a teapot and a cup. “It is still steeping, foolish one. You will need to wait. You were lucky that there was already water on for dinner.”

 

“And how's your arm, Mizuki-chan?” The worried mother in Kagome tried to catch her daughter's sleeve, but she was too slow.

 

“It is fine, mother. I inherited father's poison, so it does not bother me. Katsuro, on the other hand. . . “

 

“You poisoned Katsuro?” Sesshomaru's mate was right in front of him in a heartbeat, her hands on her hips. “How many times do I have to tell the both of you to stop doing that?”

 

“It was a small injury.” The youkai lord tipped his head to the side at his mate. “Considering that they were both attacking me, and with assistance, it was justifiable.”

 

“Justifiable? Katsuro, where is this `small injury'?”

 

“Mama . . .” The whine was ignored as Kagome looked her son over, finding a puncture in his leg that obviously came from one of Sesshomaru's fangs. “Its fine, Mama. I got away before he could get a real grip on me.”

 

“No more sparing until I say so! That goes for all three of you! You know, most families would think it was very concerning when the father and children go out and make complete messes of each other.”

 

The tirade only got Kagome a blank stare from everyone in the room.

 

“Fine! Keep on beating each other up! It's all fun and games until someone loses an arm!”

 

Sesshomaru crossed his two arms over his chest. “Not amusing, miko.”

 

Choking on his scalding hot tea, Katsuro tried to keep his laughter back. “Nice one, Mama.”

 

“Up, shetai. You need to return to your room.” Mizuki pulled her brother to his feet.

 

“Easy, Ki-chan, or I'm going to end up with my lunch on the front of your kimono.”

 

“There is no need to be so revolting.”

 

The siblings moved slowly across the room and out the door. Their voices echoed back to their parents. “No, really, Ki-chan. I think I'm going to be sick. I don't know if it's the poison or the transforming, but things just aren't sitting well.”

 

“If you do I will make sure that you remain in bed for several days.”

 

“I'll try to hold it.”

 

“Well?” Kagome looked back to her mate. “What happened? You're just as proud as you were when Katsuro and Mizuki had their first successfully hunt.”

 

“They were able to get me down.” Nodding his head towards the door, Sesshomaru invited Kagome to join him as he walked to their room. “They had a plan, and it worked.”

 

“What kind of a plan?”

 

“Mizuki was Katsuro's `secret weapon', and was quite effective. They make a formidable pair.”

 

“So Mizuki jumped in and turned the tables. I kind of wish I had seen it.” His mate slid the door to their room open, letting Sesshomaru go in ahead of her. “I probably would have stopped it, of course, but it would have been interesting to see them take you down.”

 

“It was most interesting.” The white silk was dropped to the ground as Sesshomaru pulled out new clothing.

 

“So, you think they can hold the lands after you step down?”

 

“Together, it would be very difficult for anyone to stop them.”

 

“Not even you?”

 

“That would be an interesting challenge.”

 

----

 

`I promised Mama to not kill unless it was completely necessary, and as annoying as he is I do not believe he qualifies. But it is a very close thing.'

 

“I don't care whose daughter you are, Commander. I'm still not going to give up the only member of my unit that has any potential.” The older male crossed his arms and glared.

 

“It is not a request, it is an order. The Lady wants Juro, and she will have him.” Mizuki did not even look up, but kept her eyes on her list.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, I can't lose him. The rest are hopeless!”

 

`Two dogs squabbling over a bone.' The inu-youkai lord had been ignoring the fighting Commanders, but found his reading interrupted. “Who are you replacing Juro with?”

 

“I am letting the Commander take his pick from the reserve list for the Lady's Guard.” The sapphire eyes lifted to the surprised expression on her fellow Commander's face. `Oh yes, I have seen your unit. I pity you. After the last exercise where they charged the wrong way and into their allies, I would not leave you completely alone.'

 

“Why didn't you just say this before?”

 

“You did not ask.”

 

“If that is all, Ken.” Sesshomaru was already pulling out the latest list of issues for Mizuki to attend to.

 

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama. Commander.” With a quick bow Ken left.

 

“They seem to be accepting your promotion.”

 

“Hai. Killing that Captain in front of everyone probably helped.” Mizuki took the offered list. “Mother is relieved I did not kill anyone on my last assignment.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“Mizuki-sama?”

 

`What fool would interrupt me while I am meeting with father?' Mizuki snapped her head around to tell the idiot off, but that is not what came out. Instead she held out her hand for the message bearing a familiar seal.

 

The servant had barely disappeared through the door before Mizuki had the note open and was scanning over it. Her father was watching her closely, well aware that her posture had changed.

 

“Well?”

 

Mizuki snapped her head up, suddenly realizing where she was. “It is Cho. I must leave. I can be back in two or three days.”

 

`She said `I', so it is not an attack. That female just lost her mate, so she may need to go for personal reasons. It is Mizuki, so I can assume it is critical if she must leave immediately.' Sesshomaru nodded, sending his daughter flying from the room.

 

Her first stop was her mother's study. “Cho needs me. I will be back in two or three days.”

 

“Is it an attack?” Kagome started to stand up, but her daughter waved her back down.

 

“No, Mama. She just needs me.”

 

“Okay, Mizuki-chan. Have fun.” Without another thought Kagome returned to her argument with Kumo. “I will not go to court today, and you can't make me!”

 

Shaking her head, Mizuki continued through the palace. Normally she would watch her mother's assistant so effortlessly manipulate her lady, but not today. Instead she stopped by her room to pick up her naginata and her still packed bag before going outside and whistling for Shou. He was in a middle size, about as tall as she was when he landed and tried to pounce on her.

 

The mock attacks were fended off with some difficulty and a small amount of laughter. “Well, I hope you enjoyed your night off. Cho needs us.”

 

Shou nodded and changed to his full size so that he could carry Mizuki easily.

 

“Ki-chan, where are you going now? You just got back three days ago!” Katsuro jogged over to the dragon.

 

“I need to go to the Northern Court and pick up Cho. I will be back in a couple of days.”

 

“With Cho?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Do you have to?”

 

“Hai. Can you tend to the new recruits?”

 

“Feh. Fine, and just go right ahead and bring your annoying friend. I'll just avoid both of you.”

 

“You have not seen her in over a century. Maybe you will get along now that she is an adult and you look like one.”

 

The creative insults that Katsuro hurled at them faded as Shou took to the air, aiming for the mountains to the north where Hideaki's fortress stood.

 

Mizuki pulled the note from her sleeve and reread it as Shou soared through the clear sky.

 

Mizuki,

 

I have returned to my home, and it is a relief. I was only with that bastard for thirty years, but it felt like an eternity. Father does not seem to be interested in much of a mourning period. I can already see him looking for a new match, and I am rather worried. After the last one I have no interest in a new mate. Please, Mizuki, I need your help. I could use some support when I ask Father to give me some time before sending me away again. I need to do this before he finds someone new for me, and I can't deal with that right now. Can you help me? Arigato.

 

Cho

 

`Damn it, Hideaki! She is your daughter.' Mizuki tucked the note back into her sleeve. `It was bad enough that he was so much older, or that he hated me so much that we could not send messages except through Mayu. But Mayu told me about the injury that she tried to keep hidden. I will take her back to my home until she is ready to deal with whatever alliance she is needed for.'

 

----

 

“Where did Mizuki go?” Shippou tried to sneak in a hit, but Katsuro was paying too much attention for that sort of thing. All the kitsune got for his trouble was a rap on the head. He was still shorter then Katsuro, and just about every other youkai he knew, and it put him at a bit of a disadvantage.

 

“She went to pick up a friend. Have you met Hideaki-sama's daughter Cho?”

 

“Nope. That's the one that Mizuki's friends with, right?”

 

“Hai.” Katsuro ducked away as Shippou tried to close the distance between them. “And the most annoying hime in all of Japan. Always whining about something not being right.”

 

“How can Mizuki stand her?”

 

There was a ring of steel as Katsuro exchanged some blows with his friend before whirling away again. “I have no idea. Most people that annoying would get an up close view of Ki-chan's claws, but not Cho. Together they are nothing but trouble.”

 

With a puff of smoke Shippou transformed into a perfect Sesshomaru, making Katsuro yelp and fall back. He even had the voice. “Die.”

 

“Stop that! It creeps me out every single time!”

 

The fake Sesshomaru giggled in Shippou's voice. “Is that any way to talk to the great and mighty Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

“Hello, father.” Katsuro eyes were focused behind Shippou while he wore a smug grin.

 

“Eep!” With a pop Shippou returned to his usual self and was promptly flattened by Katsuro.

 

“I can't believe you fell for that! You know I wouldn't even have a chance to say hello before he knocked you across the gardens.”

 

“Ow.” The protest was muffled by the ground, since his best friend was pressing him face first into the dirt.

 

“What did you expect? It was a dirty trick, and I responded in kind. Now say it.”

 

“And what if I don't?” Shippou groaned a bit as Katsuro pushed his face into the dirt again. “Fine, fine, I give.”

 

“I don't know what Ki-chan's talking about. You're lots of fun.” Katsuro helped Shippou to his feet, laughing as the kitsune spit out dirt and grass. The red hair that usually just looked unruly was now a disaster, escaping from the tie that kept it out of Shippou's face.

 

“Well, you already said she has lousy taste in friends.”

 

“Oh, yes. Cho.” The blade was slammed into its sheath as Katsuro tucked his hands into his sleeves. He raised his voice to a high, grating pitch. “Oh, Katsuro-san, stop that. Everyone will see you, and they already have a hard time thinking of a hanyou as the heir. Can you not behave yourself?”

 

The kitsune's clapped his hands over his ears. “Ugh. So you take the most annoying hime in Japan and combine her with the most ruthless and they create trouble? I would think that they'd ignore each other. Or kill each other, depending on their moods.”

 

“Ki-chan is not the most ruthless hime in Japan.” Katsuro gave Shippou a sharp glare. “I told you to quit saying things like that.”

 

“She may be your sister, but she is every bit as much of a cold, ruthless killer as your father.”

 

The inu-hanyou stared off into the distance. “You don't understand either of them.”

 

“What's to understand? You've never been on the receiving end of Sesshomaru's attacks, but I have. They get what they want, and anyone in the way is removed.”

 

“Is that truly how everyone sees her?”

 

“Um, Katsuro? She killed a general within a candle mark of her promotion. Then there was that Captain she spent most of a morning killing with all of Kagome-chan's guard watching. What do you think people will say?”

 

They are afraid because I made that choice.

 

I will stand with you, little brother. No one will be able to bring you down with me behind you.

 

`She wants them to see her that way. I know she's not ruthless, but I guess I'm the only one who is supposed to know.' A change of topic seemed to be in order. “After Cho gets here you can decide if Ki-chan's ruthless. But we can bet on Cho being annoying.”

 

“She's a snow leopard, right?”

 

“Hai, with that weird spotted hair and pale eyes. She's littler then Ki-chan. She always wears the fanciest kimonos and thinks she's very proper. Unless, of course, she's dropping mud bombs on me from Shou.”

 

“Well, maybe I will like her after all.”

 

----